Well, I was actually looking forward to a little 8 week break or so, from Jack, Ardyn & Sonny...but as summer approaches, it looks like I might not get as much of a break as I thought. And I don't mind, of course :-) Whatever would I do with myself otherwise?!
*A single mom friend of mine has 2 little girls (I used to babysit them 2/3 years ago), she recently asked for my help, in that she is noticing some negative attitudes and character in her children, and she wants to "work on it", however, since she has to work, she's having a hard time keeping up with it. So we talked about it, and I'll be putting together Character Classes, once a week, for them, and for my kids too (who doesn't need help in that area! I'm putting myself through this!). I will be putting together lessons and projects for them, all based around Respect (the preciousness of others, thinking of others as better than yourselves), Kindness, Joyful Obedience, etc. It will be fun, I'm really looking forward to it!!
**I recently accepted a more "full time" part time position with Sturdevant Construction (where I used to work a few years ago, bookkeeping). I will have probably 20 hours a month or so. We'll see about that, this is my first month back.
***I will be watching another little boy on a part time basis all summer, to give his grandparents a little break. That one is not 100% yet, but it seems like it will work out. His name is Rocco.
****Kenna will be starting piano lessons this summer. Wow. Can't believe we are "there" already!!
*****We have two long distance weddings this summer (my brother Logan in June, Brian's sister Ann in Aug). We are still working out the travel details on both, but it seems that only I will be attending Logan's and only Brian will be attending Ann's. All subject to change of course, but travel these days ain't cheap for a family of 5, let me tell you!! Flights, hotels, rental cars. Wow. It adds up faster than you can say Roaming Gnome!
I also have some goals for my time off this summer, getting Kenna's room done, and our room too (hers takes priority). Also, we need to hit up that beach often! Hoo boy. This will be fun!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mothers Day
"To my Proverbs 31 wife"...
That was how Brian started out the card he gave me today. So sweet. (And such a stretch too, I am no where near a Proverbs 31 wife anyway, but I do like to give it a go). He knows how to get on my good side:-)
It's such a strong passage, and something to ardently strive for. Such good encouragement! Here's the amplified version...someday I'd love to be able to say in clear conscience that this describes me (seriously doubting that day will ever come!:-). So to all the wives out there, whether you are a mother or not, this is for you today! Be encouraged to love the Lord, honour your husband, and seek to do well for your household, with wisdom. Wouldn't it be the ultimate joy to get to heaven and have Jesus say that "Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well, but you excel them all." Just reading this again gives me a new vigor for all the things I could better!
Proverbs 31:10-30
10A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
15She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.
16She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.
18She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
21She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
23Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
25Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
26She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
27She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],
29Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
30Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
That was how Brian started out the card he gave me today. So sweet. (And such a stretch too, I am no where near a Proverbs 31 wife anyway, but I do like to give it a go). He knows how to get on my good side:-)
It's such a strong passage, and something to ardently strive for. Such good encouragement! Here's the amplified version...someday I'd love to be able to say in clear conscience that this describes me (seriously doubting that day will ever come!:-). So to all the wives out there, whether you are a mother or not, this is for you today! Be encouraged to love the Lord, honour your husband, and seek to do well for your household, with wisdom. Wouldn't it be the ultimate joy to get to heaven and have Jesus say that "Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well, but you excel them all." Just reading this again gives me a new vigor for all the things I could better!
Proverbs 31:10-30
10A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
15She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.
16She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.
18She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
21She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
23Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
25Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
26She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
27She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],
29Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
30Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Short Story
A Godly Woman
by Emily Barnes, The Spirit of Loveliness
A godly woman is one who possesses inner peace and tranquility; she doesn’t have to prove herself to anyone. She is strong and yet she doesn’t use her strength to control or dominate people; neither does she depend on recognition from others.
Hers is an inner contentment and satisfaction based not on accomplishments, position, or authority, but on a deep awareness of God’s eternal and personal love for her. That kind of inner peace, strength, confidence and tranquility comes from depending on God, obeying Him, drawing on His strength and wisdom, learning to be like Him.
When this happens in our lives, we gradually grow free of anxious competitiveness and aggressiveness. We have no need to prove our worth and value because we know how much we are worth in God’s sight. And then we are free to reach out in love to others.
by Emily Barnes, The Spirit of Loveliness
A godly woman is one who possesses inner peace and tranquility; she doesn’t have to prove herself to anyone. She is strong and yet she doesn’t use her strength to control or dominate people; neither does she depend on recognition from others.
Hers is an inner contentment and satisfaction based not on accomplishments, position, or authority, but on a deep awareness of God’s eternal and personal love for her. That kind of inner peace, strength, confidence and tranquility comes from depending on God, obeying Him, drawing on His strength and wisdom, learning to be like Him.
When this happens in our lives, we gradually grow free of anxious competitiveness and aggressiveness. We have no need to prove our worth and value because we know how much we are worth in God’s sight. And then we are free to reach out in love to others.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Bouncy First
Grey's first time at a bouncy house...he's proving to have some of Brooksie's (and Mommy's) timid genes. Brooks (who has been insisting on growing his hair long, by the way. Hence the weird 'do. We need to figure out a long style that will work for him and those adorable ears:-). The princess party was at a bouncy house yesterday, and I didn't see Kenna for hours. She was in love! Brooks spent hours sitting on racing car arcade games, and "playing" them with no money, and then pestering me. Bouncy houses aren't much fun when you don't like bouncing. He loves our trampoline, but can't handle the bouncy frenzy I suppose. Grey wasn't a big fan either, but he warmed up to it, but sitting on the end of this slide. *how fun*
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| Can't wait until these two take on the world! A very sturdy, bounce-less world, if they have anything to do with it. |
Bubbles!
Don'tcha love laptops, wi-fi and outdoor playtime! This means I can supervise and give you up to the minute posts, all at the same time (all while tanning a little too:-). Today's play time...Bubbles. It is no longer fun to blow bubbles. You must blow them, chase them, re-catch them, and put them back into the bottles. With such a system perfected, we may never have to buy bubbles again. :-D.
Grey is still sleeping, so he's missing out on all the action this morning!
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| Caught! |
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| She got one too, however, Brooks was the original inventor of this game |
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| It's tricky to get it back in, without popping! |
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| "Ardee", as the kids always call her, playing outside with us! She's still in her pj's 'cause I haven't got around to changing her into her clothes yet. Such is life. It's only 10:30...I've got time, right? :-) |
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| Sonny, obsessed with climbing up the steps, unable to climb back down. This boy likes to run away (to the road), so you have watch him like a hawk. Thankfully none of the others have ever been so inclined. |
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| Jack, in a little mood after tripping. All better now, and back to riding bikes! |
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Princess Cake
A cake for Addison, turning 5. Her request is for a princess cake! Her favourite is vanilla cake, with vanilla icing (easy!).
For those interested in the process...I baked four 9in square cakes, and four 7in square cakes. I then cut a little triangle from wax paper to use as a guide for cutting the edges off (so they'd all be the same angle and stuff), making it slightly octagonal, or something like that. I did the same to the top layer, but I cut it down to 6x6 and then did the edges.
I did not make my own fondant this time, as promised, I had enough left over from the Dog Cake endeavor, that I didn't need to. I re-coloured the leftover Dog Cake pink into purple for the tops of the turrets, and then didn't have to colour the main part of the cake, since I wanted it white. Brooks' cake next week will have me making my own for the first time, promise! (...I'm all out of fondant, so I'm forced now!)
There are a lot of little details on this cake, and it requires using royal icing. There are lots of things that can be done ahead of time. I purchased the Wilton Romantic Castle set, which gives you the plastic turrets, the door, etc. Because they are plastic, and royal icing keeps forever, you can decorate them ahead of the cake. I did not do this however, due to lack of storage/counter space. The only thing I did ahead of time was make about 300 little pink flowers (out of royal icing). I kept them on wax paper, and just peeled them off and applied to the cake today.
Again, I am overall happy with the results I got. It isn't perfect, however, some of that was my fault (or, all of it is my fault...I'm the only making it, lol!). I put it all together, and that made decorating around the turrets hard to achieve. Next time I'll respect the process and not get ahead of myself, and that will make it easier. I was happy with the colours of everything, white, silver, pale pink, green and purple (with purple sugar sprinkles). It does look very romantic!
I might have to say this is the best cake I have made so far in my little cake making journey.
For those interested in the process...I baked four 9in square cakes, and four 7in square cakes. I then cut a little triangle from wax paper to use as a guide for cutting the edges off (so they'd all be the same angle and stuff), making it slightly octagonal, or something like that. I did the same to the top layer, but I cut it down to 6x6 and then did the edges.
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| Covering the bottom, the top one is in the background there, waiting for it's crumb coat, and the fondant |
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| Top tier, covered! |
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| Planning it out! |
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| It's working!! |
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| Wow. It looks pretty good! |
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| Some of the details a little closer up! |
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| Cute |
I might have to say this is the best cake I have made so far in my little cake making journey.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Heart Songs
If you know me...or knew me, growing up, you know that music plays(ed) a big part in my life! I started singing with my Dad when I was about 3 years old:-) My Dad, an extremely talented musician and songwriter, really instilled in us a love for all kinds of music. I find that a good song, a good voice, a good lyric really inspires me! So of course I like to share the inspiration...whether "oldies" or recent tunes, these are the songs that will forever be in my heart.
My heart song this month is for my big birthday boy Brooks! I love the Dixie Chicks, and unfortunately, living in the conservative southern USA, they are "banned" from the radio here, because of their political views. I miss hearing them. Since I'm totally living in the musical stone age, with a lack of ipod, pandora on my phone, etc...I really do miss them on the good old fashioned radio!
Godspeed, Little Man...
My heart song this month is for my big birthday boy Brooks! I love the Dixie Chicks, and unfortunately, living in the conservative southern USA, they are "banned" from the radio here, because of their political views. I miss hearing them. Since I'm totally living in the musical stone age, with a lack of ipod, pandora on my phone, etc...I really do miss them on the good old fashioned radio!
Godspeed, Little Man...
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