Joyful Living

{ ILLSA KATHERINE}

2011-11-16T16:12:00.001-05:00

This sweet baby girl

joined our family on

10.16.11

7:34am

9.9

21"

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:14

So hard to believe she is already one month old!

Illsa is growing & doing quite well... loving the little squeaks

A, O & T love her dearly. Each need their "hold baby" time every morning

We are adjusting to four little ones ... a day at a time (:

Thank you LORD for this beautiful life you have given us to shape for YOU.

My big helper who thinks she is a " mini mama"

Much to her brothers dismay (:

beautiful pictures by Havilah

IT STARTS TODAY..

2011-09-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

A BRICK FARMHOUSE EVENT

Head on over and enjoy the day

Here is a few peeks at what could be there!

McMaster & Storm

{Above 4 Pictures when I helped them in 2009 @ Country Living Fair }

Authentic Mexican cuisine from my dear sis-n-law

When your stomach starts the rumble...

pic via m.

The most adorable hair clips & accessories.. Marcy from M.blooms

pics via Jill

The talented seamstress.. Jill

And SO many talented others

Here is where the full vendor list is

If you need Directions

Come! Come!

A scattered account...

2011-07-16T07:42:00.003-04:00

....of our last few weeks

(all pics from phone....fuzzy much....hopefully can get my camera back soon )

Our festive breakfast

on the fourth morning in July

We, err more like I was in slow-mo most of the day

....since all the dear little & big feet had left the day before,

from our delightful weekend with a side of T's extended family.

(was almost 300 feet!! :)

That night way past bed time, we headed to watch the always impressive light display in the sky

the littles jumped

as each one boomed..all ricocheting inside of us

I showed them how to oooooh and ahhhhhh over each one (:

we pretended like the display was celebrating Thane's life too

Thirty two years!!

We went ahead and celebrated again the next eve too

with his style of meal...

bowls full of Popcorn

& generous portions of Strawberry Shortcake & Vanilla bean Ice cream

Quite interesting....all the plates were cleaned right up (:

Orrin asks most nights to go camping...

hopefully soon he'll be pleased as punch

--Thane & kiddos washed & cleaned out our vintage Shasta last night

Time to take it for another spin

Thank you Lord for each day you give us with this Man

How we love him and need to show him more

Next up ...Fever came for 3 days...

& then brought

the bumps & grumps

(the Roseola rash)

bumps have left ....hopefully the grumps will follow suit

I kinda forget this stage...well the older two don't really help to discourage the shrill screams, the loud No's & the pounding on anyone/ anything too close...

redirect..redirect...redirect....

then just at the last

the Grin comes out

whew!!

we'll make it through (:

Other going on's ...

-It worked out for me to take a day off out to Tipton and a few other stops with sweet friends

I'll let 2 of them show their perspective and finds as I didn't have my camera

Here & Here

-Now working on getting the next Joyful Mother issue ready for press..hopefully soon

-Office work comes around weekly..

And always mixed in is typical summer life..

-fresh garden abundance.. mmmm! Thank you to T's Dad & Mom

-late evenings working outside

-golf cart rides around the property & down to the river

-water play

..got a great idea from a cousin at the reunion ...Water slide down our hill with a tarp & hose!! How easy is that!

Better get busy today as we are looking forward to friends coming to dinner tonight...

Hope your summers are/have been full of seeking Jesus

and applying what HE is teaching you through each experience.

Go ahead and share ....

i would love to hear how you are praising Him today

..through the good and the hard...

Blessings , b

Now don't fall off your seat....

2011-06-29T07:36:00.001-04:00

because last week...

I made a little something.....

with my sewing machine and all!!

Fly dust , fly.

ok so

it was just straight lines

& it only took a short amount of time..

well a little longer than just short, A & O helped (:

A little gift for my sis-in-law

sending her a little love & whimsy by

a simple table runner & mini bowls

--fabric & ribbon from my stash--

{Mini Latte bowls from here}

Happy Birthday dear Amanda!

Wish we could spend the day with you!

--------------------------------------------

Now that I stuck my toe in the sewing pool...I'm ready to dive back in

{ Patterns from Oliver + s}

What I want to be sewing.... hopefully soon

..I've never used an official printed pattern on my own...

...could be interesting

don't mind us ..if Arabella looks a little askew.

AND THIS IS WHAT..

... I NEED to be finishing...today!

along with much more checks down the list

Thaddeus's big boy duvet cover to match Orrin's

{My mama helped with the main part... so all I need to do is button holes & applique the "No.3"}

Company's coming!... so while lil' T isn't using the bed...

it could be nice for our guest to have an actual made up bed (:

Enjoy your week in each little moment!

....we've got to keep moving & moving to prepare for the many, many feet coming this weekend ... (:

Philippians 3:10-14

This is where I have been seeking CHRIST today...

in the Power of his Resurrection

and here.

A few days away in June..

2011-06-20T16:32:00.006-04:00

You are beautiful beyond description.

Too marvelous for words.

Too wonderful of comprehension.

Like nothing ever seen or heard

Who can grasp you infinite wisdom.

Who can fathom the depth of your love.

You are beautiful beyond description..

Majesty enthroned above

And I stand,

I stand in awe of you

Jesus...

I stand, I stand in awe of you

Holy God to whom all praise is due

I stand in awe of you.

("I Stand in Awe," Mark Altrogge, 1987)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24JgbmbkTvg

A delightful family weekend away

showing our precious packages we carried... Thane's.... was for the day...mine til October :)

Old Man's Cave

Hocking Hills ,Ohio

*

early June

{intriguing ferns growing out of the side of the rocks}

HIS Renewing Mercies

2011-05-27T23:15:00.003-04:00

Arabella~4.5 Orrin~3.5 Thaddeus~17 months

Note-Orrin

Younger brother..spotted

hands in position

Wham!!!

Thaddeus thought to be hilarious...Mama ,not so sure (:

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Praising Jesus for his Grace and Mercy today

( a side note... my children used to pray... "Thank you Jesus for Grace & Marcy you've shown to us" , a dear friend of ours...cracked me up every time:)

Most of my days could feel like complete failures...

I was selfish, had anger, yelled, was impatient ...

the list goes ON and ON....

...whew I could get down

Father..forgive me & help me

but Today I am choosing to Focus on HIS Renewing MERCY...

Hallelujah!!

In the midst of December he turned ONE....

2011-01-07T11:00:00.006-05:00

the 10th....came and went

besides his many,many hugs,kisses and happy birthday serenades

a candle was all he got...

we celebrated a couple of weeks later with just cake & ice cream "drive thru" style

my made up term for:: come when you want leave, when you want-- due to all the busy schedules

Caramel & frosty..oh wow

now don't look to close...

but my new quick icing trick...dip the top of cupcake into the bowl of frosting and give it a twirl..easy-peasy

Quick re-packaging of fruites

Little treats for cousins to take home...

really?.....its for me

everybody wanted to help

and he dove in...

you wanted to see that closer...right.

Oh my !!

PURE SUGAR

Sweet sweet boy you are pure sugar to us

Thank you Father God for this third blessing.

He is YOURS..help us.. to teach him.... to walk in Your ways

---maybe I'll be brave soon and tell you a little story of how GOD brought this sweet little one into the world.....

Christmas Time Reflections

2010-12-26T22:19:00.003-05:00

We read HIS word...

We baked to bless....

We added some "Christmas feeling"....

We wrapped....

we stressed a little to get everything ready....

We gathered with family....

and we gathered again with more family....

We gathered with friends.....

minus one

We enjoyed our little family.....

We played.....

We are learning to hide GOD's word in our heart.....

* Isaiah 9:6....

oops...we taught our kiddos the wrong reference and there is no going back in their minds (:

through it all we

CELEBRATED JESUS!

DID you?

counting

2010-11-03T22:49:00.006-04:00

tip.

tip. toe

tip.

ahem....

hello?

Oh! hello dear ones it has been awhile

I'm stopping in for a spot where I can't misplace my scrap of paper of God's blessings to me

I've started counting them.

like her.

We are in the thankful season but I want to continue on and on and on in the big things and little things ,to the good & the hard times, to where the gratitude overflows my heart to glorify God again and again and again. Here goes....

No. 1 Jesus Christ- My Savior, Wonderful counselor - He knows all of me and loves me still

No.2 "Grace ,Grace God's Grace"..the more I see of my sin, the more precious is HIS Grace

No.3 My beloved husband- so much better than what I deserve

No.4 Our three active blessings - A, O , T

No.5 Intercessory Prayer

No.6 Answered Prayers

No.7 family

No.8 Sisters in Christ

No.9 work even when it take T away for the week

No.10 Little's who keep me company in my big cold bed

No.11 My middle's busted pumpkin---- to Pie!

No.12 the pure delight of my oldest as she got to help

No.13 finding those fall cutters in the drawer from last years clearance

No. 14 the convenience of a store bought crust

No.15 the memory of my Mama's yummy homemade crust

No.16 Just enough whip cream in the fridge left for 4 dollops

Now I know it's not Monday ....Mondays and I were having a hard time cooperating ...So I'll just pretend I'm early.

Faces of Little Thad

2010-06-15T07:00:00.004-04:00

Hello my name is Thaddeus.

I am 6 months old and

these are my many faces....

Silly boy

Deep Belly Laugh Boy

Distracted by my siblings boy

yo I can drool

and I am a suck my lip boy

I am even a "turn up my nose- boy"

pure sweetness boy

two or one hand chew....

...boy

I can even be a show you my tongue boy

yes I am a raise my arms kind of boy

Oh here a up close boy

Lastly I make sure my mama knows(quite often) I am a mess up my clothes kind of boy (:

Dear Little Thaddeus, We drink in each expression you give to us. We thank our Lord for sharing you with us. Most of all we want you to become a boy of God. Your face now shines expressions that could only be made from HIM. May your face as you get older Shine from KNOWing HIM, Jesus, our Savior.

Love, your Mama

* hope this is enough to please you dear aunties for awhile(:

Mrs Spontaneous..I have missed you...

2010-05-10T07:00:00.005-04:00

Lately it seems with our 3 little darlings I have to plan every detail just get through the day or to walk out the door with out falling flat on my face.

It is good for me to learn how to plan... I know but Saturdays like this last one was like eating a bowl of warm soup on a chilly day or reading 1 Peter 5:7 when your feeling like no one cares .. Just warms you up inside.

So here's the details.

Saturday plan was:

sleep in ...just a little...

Go to open house at greenhouse to buy flowers for pots.

kiddos outside with their Papa(Thane)

Grocery. -on a Saturday !! I know bad idea anyway (:

Finish Cleaning house.

Finish Laundry.

Make cake for our Mother's day get together.

Plant flowers.

so on and so on

until Thane mentioned the auction at his old school.....

we talked..oh we'll just stop by for few..........

Fly dear plans that make my life tick. fly.

We headed out to the auction..

It was like a reunion for Thane.

Seeing old friends and teachers.

We eyed all the goods.

Loving all the industrial lines of the old school furniture.

Watched the Auctioneers with wonder as their voices carry on..

"Who will start me off...

one dollar bid now here..who will give me two......"

I was too scared to join in or make a sudden movement thinking I would accidentally buy the whole lot of 25 desks

Finally we decided to make the leap and got our own number

# 294.

We still casually observed.

Watching the beautiful doors and transoms sell for a few buck here and there

Seeing the excitement over the delightfully RED lockers

and the first grade teacher getting the winning bid on the amazing vintage pharmacy cabinet.

And then we came across these wardrobes in each of the classrooms...

the watching stopped and the head nods started

the simple door...

the storage.....

SOLD # 294 !!

Soon the hours flew by,

Thaddeus and I wandered

through each room that my hubby had roamed many years before. I was looking for the kitchen to see a large cabinet Kara had mentioned.

It was LARGE, very LARGE ... but that is what we needed with our tall ceilings and long dining room wall for our china dishes . Then I started thinking about how many dollars we would be nodding our head at. Something this big... it surly would be way out of our price range.

I mentioned it to Thane and the wandering continued.

I found myself in the science lab.

Meekly put my bid in on a few metal card file drawers and later some glass beakers that nice dealer "let" me have them.

Chatted with Shannon as we watched in amazement of what sold for HIGH dollar and what was just a few. Love that we are all made differently and all have different interests.

After taking care of my littlest, I decided to go check to see if the other auctioneer had made it to the kitchen.

I peered in to see people removing items!

Asking the closest lady excitedly, "Have they sold in here already?"

What !....Missed it! Oh well.

I went on to find Thane to share the news.

And I found him with his big smirk of a grin.

!!!

casually filled until I get the boxes of dishes out.

Here is a few more of our finds

Vintage locker baskets, we got for a few dollars from shop class!

the earlier mentioned beakers

A fun surprise,

the auctioneer added on this cigar box to one of the loots

And the card files

one is to be filled with my recipes

At the end we found some stools, 4 tall and 4 short

and perfect for children.

Our few minutes of spontaneity turn into an all day outing of wonderful memories.

Old and New

Lastly came home to find this beautiful topiary that Arabella & Grandma had picked out for me for Mothers day...

Ahh what a warm and fuzzy feeling day.

six years...only one actual day....

2010-03-01T18:56:00.005-05:00

02.29.04

O MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME, AND LET US EXHALT HIS NAME TOGETHER

PSALM 34:3

more details to come......

Storage finds.....

2010-01-27T08:05:00.002-05:00

We have been wondering what to put in my craft/sewing/laundry room for STORAGE

Thane had gotten some (free) counter tops off of a job a few years ago that when we remodeled we put up over the washer & dryer and then along the wall to sew and create on.

But we needed something to store all of my many "littles" in.

Yesterday my dear hubby found the perfect organizers on Craig's list!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vintage Pharmacy Cabinets, complete with ......

drawers that are numbered and....

.............labeled!

--- in case our allergies rage out of control we should be covered with our anti histamines.....

oops no longer in stock...

just ribbon...buttons.....and more

30 drawers to fill with all my little supplies!

The drawers actually pull out upright and swing out( by a hinge) flush with the cabinet but being as I don't have cute medicine bottles to store everything in we decided to turn the cabinet on their sides to make the drawers more usable.

Next find.....
----------------------------------------

A couple of weeks ago it was a little warmer.....upper 40s...

So we took a walk around the property

The kiddos loved being outside!

BTW we do have a son under that hat... he'll emerge again come summer...

I was a baby-wearing mama...

Thaddeus loved it!

And yes he is growing...

my coat that I wore up until the last with him inside, did not button with him on the outside (:

....Now back to our walk, we went on around to the barn

And I saw this....!!!

Now this....

I "found" it alright but I wasn't able to claim it!

I thought I could just set up a card table for electrical deliveries... hubby thought different (:

We went inside to get warm & dream a little(future office) and I found these in the metal scrap pile!

Old transformer boxes...

We removed the transformers and....

Viola!

Storage!!!!

So now my project for today(while my babies are napping) is to fill all of these organizers(fun)....and to straighten my house(not fun). After yesterday of me basically just holding my head and a box of tissues for most of the day, it needs some serious attention.

What are you doing today?

* Just added this to Finding Fabulous' Fugalicious Friday head on over to see more!

progress......

2010-01-20T17:35:00.001-05:00

Looking Back.....

2010-01-02T08:40:00.005-05:00

Goodbye little cottage

many memories....
many firsts.....

we will always hold you dear......

love

t.b.a.o

{A Joyous Christmas to You}

2009-12-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

Nesting Christmas Decor....

2009-12-23T13:25:00.003-05:00

Here was my thoughts this year on Christmas decor... the less I put up the less I have to take down with 3 small chillins..... but I had to put up at least a little something to have some Christmas feeling around the house.

So here is my before baby-nesting project...

branches & curly willow + white spray paint =

a place to hang all the pictures & cards from Family & friends & a "tree" to put the gifts around.

My Father-in- law looked at me very strangely as I was walking, no more like waddling around the farm picking up branches and cutting evergreen trimmings one COLD day before Thaddeus was born.

A little birdie and nest found here a couple of weeks ago

Wrapping gifts is something I have always really enjoyed. It seems though in the past few years that I am running so behind that I am throwing gifts in boxes & bags and grimacing at the sight, wishing I would have planned better to enjoy wrapping each gift for each special person that is to receive it.

This year ......I had to think AHEAD ....

with baby coming!!!

I had all my shopping DONE before Thanksgiving!!!

So instead of shopping I got started on wrapping.....

and finished the night before Baby joined our family!

Funny how your body just knows baby was soon to come ... I went a little crazy the night before and couldn't leave a single thing out. I HAD to put it all away as my Hubby, Dad & Mom watched from afar... not wanting to interfere with my crazy mission

Added some boyish touches for a dear nephew

I put out Arabella & Orrin stockings

and My Mama helped me by whipping this one out for Baby Thaddeus

Thank you Rachel for the sweater...Reuse...Repurpose...

All the beautiful faces of friends & family hanging on the branches

A beautiful orchid from a dear friend!

The rest is a few more Christmas touches I put out here & there

Of course the beloved manger scene is out and in daily use

Little moments with Thaddeus

2009-12-19T16:09:00.004-05:00

First bath shows all his roly poly areas

All clean

Meeting Friends

Haley Jade

Playing "train" with my sister & brother

Arabella & Papa playing babies!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Outtakes from Christmas/birth announcements

We are simply home enjoying these little moments.

{We somehow managed to be completely ready for the Christmas activities before Thad's arrival!!!}

Enjoy your little moments this week as you prepare for the festivities and Remember what Christmas is really about---God's Gift , His Son -Jesus.

He grew from the manger and went on to save you & me!

Praise His Holy Name!

God's newest gift

2009-12-11T09:34:00.003-05:00

Thaddeus James

12.10.09

6:20am

9lbs 6oz

21.25"

Praising God for this sweet boy

Papa, Mama & Baby are tired but doing well

2009-11-25T15:01:00.002-05:00

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I am not a multitasker!

2009-11-24T16:21:00.005-05:00

....yes that's what I found out in these past few months, along with all of you who checked this little space or e-mailed or called..... an apology seems not enough but here it is...

I am so sorry.

{A peek into our new entrance}

[ I couldn't even keep up with a little water on the evergreens...]

Now I would typically say more to come or something of that sort...

but.. with my past record lately it wouldn't be of any meaning...

sooo.... Hope to share soon.

I am trying to decide how to share pictures of our house since I really didn't share any of the progress... let me know what you think.

before & after pics together on one big post.
One post of before, One of after
Room by room with before & after

-----------------------------------------------------------

And by the way yes we did move in, have been for about 3 weeks now.

Most boxes are put away... Yay!

Just waiting on Baby to make an appearance

...next week....or the next...or the next...

IN OUR GREAT GOD"S TIME!

Please pray that God will provide us with His strength to labor & for a safe delivery.

2009-10-24T10:15:00.002-04:00

An Autumn Saturday Sale today & a little bit of press news! -- head over here to see for yourself!

Update & a pillow project

2009-09-30T05:51:00.001-04:00

Hello, hello long lost friends....

I am still around... just trying to catch my breath and find some of our belongings....

the current list of MIA items are:

my cell phone

and the camera data cord...

hence the no-show of posts with the promised honeymoon cottage goodbye tour and Arabella's pocket skirt. I also have Country Living fair pictures on my camera to share....

Hopefully the items show up Soon!

While I am searching through more boxes I thought would leave you with a little project I did one night before this house frenzy started. Our couch needed some freshening up so...

I went to my fabric stash and worked up this little pillow

added an extra touch with this sweet tape measure ribbon

Zipper hidden behind flap

and ta-da!

done in less than an hour!

Play date in California and what we came home to!!

2009-09-17T07:45:00.003-04:00

On our last day we had a relaxing day with some of my best friends that I grew up with... and our babies... wow this crowd is growing!!!

Andre enjoyed his cupcake

water fun

dear Grady's head is turned & I missed getting a picture of you, Mel

but is was a special treat to spend the morning with you!! love you!

loving on sweet baby emma before we have to say goodbye

my dear besties

me.heather.kelley.bev

we were back in one spot!!

It was so fun to just BE together! Seeing all the places our Lord has brought us to in each of our lives. I pray for each one of you as you continue to grow in Christ. Girls, Continue be in His word daily. Bless and reverence your dear hubbies and teach & love on those sweet children.

especially if auntie barb is not around everyday to give lots of kisses & hugs

And this is what we came home to ... Framing!! I can actually visualize rather than imagine and now zoom to current day. The dry wall is getting put up as I type this!! yay!....except for that means I need to finalize on paint colors... let me say that I always thought I would know exactly what I wanted in a house...umm I don't.... I know what I don't want but can't decide which style I do want. It's obviously an old farmhouse so we don't want to make it look completely out of place but yet be what we like at the same time.

It is just different decisions than with our first house

{ our honeymoon cottage as my dad called it, I will put up a post soon to say "goodbye" to our little town house}

It seems more finale with this house. Intimidating to think that is what we could be looking at for the next 20 or so years ....

and then when I calm down

and really think.....

i realize

no one else is really going to notice.....

{ or at least be as big of a deal as what I'm making in my mind}

which tile/carpet/paint color we went with...

that we weren't able to use the old wide plank floors due to termite damage

that we used new replacement doors instead of the charming old doors for cost & efficiency reasons

{ i really had to let this last one go, I cried...lots of tears... poor Thane}

instead may our home come through as a haven of rest for our family and friends,

a place where we teach our children about Christ and his desire for our lives

a place that shows how grateful we are for the HUGE blessing of this house that

God is providing for us.

* Sorry for all the rambling. I am not a writer. I am a rambler...

**sigh... it sometimes feels good just to let the scambled thoughts come out even if nobody reading can really understand!!

{Arabella posing in her new pocket skirt from Grandma- post coming soon}

Her Kindergarten Class

2009-09-15T08:31:00.001-04:00

School had just started the week we were in California. So we got to go see A. Leah's class room.(the cutest kindergarten class room I have ever seen) This is her third year teaching and my personal opinion is that those children has one great teacher who has all the little fun details down!(a little bias I know)The children were at music so we missed visiting them but Arabella got to see a glimpse of what you do in kindergarten.

.....Orrin just ran around....

(Sorry -blurry pictures)

{A lovely morning with precious friends}

2009-09-11T08:00:00.007-04:00

Instead of meeting at a cozy Coffee house or a restaurant, *(benefit-no children crawling over all the walls...) I invited a few dear long time friends over to my Mom's patio for brunch. Her flowers & the surrounding areas are always beautiful. (unfortunately I didn't receive her green thumb)

The table was set with lovely items

--all out of my Mom's supplies

the coffee was brewed

We made the lavender sachets before hand out of old little quilt squares

I added a verse to remind us to go to our Lord to be renewed

We even made a special plate for Kate

My mom still has a few small sachets available here

I added a sash to a bunch of dried hydrangeas hanging on the swing

We fluffed up the outside pillows

....Arabella helped de-fluff for us....

picked a single hydrangea to put in this delightful metal flower frog of my mom's

Whipped up the spinach souffle'

and some Peach & Mango Parfaits

Peaches fresh from my parents trees-mmm

Menu

Spinach Souffle'

Moist Banana Bread

Peach & Mango Parfaits

Coffee & Berry Juice

Yay our guests arrived!!!

Ruth & Tara with Kate

We missed you Connie!

These sweet ladies actually started out as employers....(dear oh dear they better not dig to deep to remember my growing up stage!)

my sister & I started helping Ruthie when I was 13 or 14. I remember many hours of ironing french monogrammed coverlets, rearranging the back room and helping with her boys then eventually working in her shop, Fleur De Lis off and on until I moved to Ohio 5 years ago. Then with Tara's family I started helping them when I was around 15 and babysat many, many delightful times. The same with Connie's family. God made these families into people that I worked for to wonderful Lifetime friends! We may not be in each others everyday lives now but I know that they are always there and I am always here for them.

Enjoying our time together-

my mom was with us also, just no pics! sorry mama

Kate helping with my babies.

was so sweet especially being as I used to help with Kate all the time

Wagon Rides

A lovely morning with precious friends

*and a simple inexpensive one as I only purchased a few groceries for the food and for everything else we used what my mom had around her house.

** Just added this to Beautiful Life Fridays! head on over here to see more

California Family Dinners

2009-09-09T22:25:00.001-04:00

I love a table spread out and set

especially when loved ones are near by to share the bounty with. Here is a few of our dinners that we were able to enjoy and spend some time with family in California. A BIG Thank you to each of you who opened your home and greatly blessed us with yummy food, fellowship and lots of laughs!

Pacific Coast Day Trip

2009-09-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning in California we decided to head to the ocean for a quick trip while everyone(my immediate family) was off work. Leah & I packed a light lunch and then we were off...

We stopped at a favorite little town San Juan Bautista and enjoyed our picnic lunch among the chickens ( across the street from the mission). Orrin couldn't hardly concentrate on eating when there was chickens to go see.

so colorful

a bit too chilly to swim

we stuck our toes in

missing papa

U. V gives great piggy back rides!

We kept finding beautiful mossy rocks....

and these adorable mossy patches.

- wouldn't they look great planted in a little pot

The best shot of my attempt(s) to get a nice picture of the two together.....

a pebble beach

On our way to one of the beaches I found out we were right by an...... Anthro!!!!! It so happened that I needed to stop it! ( really I did--i told my niece if I got near one I would grab her a mr & mrs mugs for a bridal shower she was going to.) So my dear brother & Dad let us girls run in while they went ahead and took the children down to the beach. Thank you V I really didn't know it was there.... i really didn't have a secret agenda !!! love you V.

Beautiful visual displays- of course

{amanda.me. leah}

my sis-n-law & my youngest sis

loved the natural cotton sticks(? what are they called?) especially against the aqua

.....hmm maybe Thane would let me use a little in our new bedroom......
..... I'm wanting to have some blue.....

....hmm we shall see....

We had a wonderful day just enjoying God's amazing natural beauty all around us and simply being together. Our last stop before home was to grab some yummy-warm clam chowder, of course in a bread bowl -on the Wharf.

Meeting Baby Emma Faye

2009-09-05T16:45:00.002-04:00

We flew in to California early in the morning. After going to Grandma's and getting re-situated our next Stop was to go see ....

............Miss Emma Faye [3wks old]

Soo sweet

Praising God for your little life.

May He bless you & keep you close to Him always

She is my dear friend Kelley's first baby!

Emma looks a tad worried about meeting these girls...

...And she had every right to be as they were wild..... after being cooped up in an airplane they had to let go......

{Arabella & Maebrianna}

---Orrin was happily playing @ Grandma's s--

My friend Heather & I braved flying with out our hubbies....

we made it ...................2 mamas & 3 toddlers

Finally a still moment!

Now to the present moment... we are home & it looks like this....

We are planning on moving next week into Thane's parents. They are so sweet to be letting us use their little apartment in their walkout basement. So if everything goes well we will be in there until our house is done.

I have managed to schedule a few more posts of the rest of our California trip while I am busy packing! Enjoy & Blessings on your week

Tiny Party:: Part Two

2009-09-05T16:30:00.001-04:00

We had another party for Arabella with her cousin Annie. Here are a few pictures.... I didn't do as well with taking pictures. I had been canning tomatoes and getting ready to leave early the next morning for California all day. So I was still scrambling to finish everything for the party when everyone arrived but we still enjoyed our time together and homemade ice cream!! Yum!

Cake made by Betsy & Annie

Arabella-3 Annie -4

Beautiful cousins

CAlifornia bound!

2009-08-26T13:40:00.003-04:00

( Found vintage postcard- look closely it's even Modesto!)

We didn't forget and the kiddos & I headed to California last week !

Be back soon!

Her actual day & house news

2009-08-18T16:14:00.004-04:00

Arabella's request for breakfast-- "green" smoothies.

hmm...is there such a thing as a natural green smoothie---So instead I pulled out my green sorbet glasses and blended up my fav, Peach & Mango.

She was satisfied.... can you tell!!

One of her favorite things to do

Our little house---Sale pending ....tears....

I really have been enjoying my little house with little maintenance

Oh well time to grow up I guess

Hello yard work

We finally( warm sunshine) were able to go to the community pool for a few hours on Bella's birthday. It even worked for some cousins to be there at the same time! Fun! Fun!

Last of all I thought I would share.....

We are planning on moving to the farm house close to Thane's Dad & Mom.

It has room to roam outside for the kiddos, Thane's shop is right behind it and more room inside for our growing family. Our house now would have been great for me, no biggie to have 3 children in one room, right R? but it seems God has a different plan being as this keeps falling into our lap.

So with no further delay i share our new home ,Lord willing.....

Beautiful huh!!

OK so it's a work in progress.... You'll have to wait for a few more months

We could have moved in as is...We told our great God, we were willing to... The house was livable, not beautiful, not cozy but livable( Thane's brothers family lived here for 3 years while they completely redid their house) but once again things we didn't expect( our house selling in a few weeks) happened and it seem things kept working out. So now we are going ahead (have to being as we have a gaping hole in the side of the house) and redoing and adding an addition to the downstairs of the house. Please pray for us & our home that God be in every decision and that we may make this a Godly home to serve him out of. ( and stay on budget!!)

A Tiny Party :: Part One

2009-08-17T17:30:00.002-04:00

A tiny cake

Tiny cousins

Menu:

Mini Chicken bacon pizza

Mini meatballs

tomato-basil-fresh mozzarella-artichoke stack

Herb cream cheese cucumbers,

smoked Swiss & bacon deviled eggs,

mini cupcakes

Fresh peach slices & ice cream

tiny party hats

Treat box: Wooden yo-yo stamped with initial, punch balloon, button candy

enjoying her balloon.

Party Planning

2009-08-17T17:00:00.003-04:00

Arabella's 3rd birthday party snuck up on me. I had thought about it a few times but pushed to the back of my mind Now her first birthday, I think I planned out for months... you know first child... first birthday! Big celebrations when you have the time and they don't even remember.... Pictures are great if you back them up!!

So back to last week.... in between normal life, putting a few things up from the garden for our family to eat this winter, going over plans to remodel our new/old house, keeping our current house constantly clean to be ready for a "showing" at moments notice.... I decided I at least better get some inspiration for the party.

I came across these colors Watermelon red, Coral-ly pink, and Aqua in a display of candy. mmm looked yummy and summery. Then I found this post from Jackaroo Love.

Ohh vintage buttons I could do that. ( mind whirling with all sorts of fun ideas)

My plan was to just make the decor from my craft room supplies( I have never shared my craft room because it is normally a disaster... creative minds are not organized minds... right.... oh wait, It has been forever since i have actually created something... so no excuse for the mess but I do have plenty of supplies to throw a party.)

I did want to get some fun napkins and a few more paper products... so I planned a quick trip shopping.

I took one of my nieces with me to help with the kiddos Thank you, Thank you!

Being as I had help with A & O, I was able to scour all the aisles and found the clearance aisle way in the back.

and....

on the bottom shelf....

way in the back.....

this is what I found....

A tiny party in a box ....

for eight children...

complete with a tiny price: $2.98!!!!

ohh how sweet!

...vintage buttons.. Your on hold for another time, This Time I'm taking the easy way out

- which was really hard..i felt like I was cheating... I know silly but back and forth my mind went: easy or original, easy or original....

FORGET ORIGINAL this time!

I couldn't hardly buy napkins (& time) for this price.

Ok so i went ahead and bought two boxes.

One for this week and one for her party with her cousin Annie!

Here is some of the first one!

Birthday girl

2009-08-11T20:30:00.001-04:00

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves, we are the people, the sheep of his pasture

Psalm 100:3

......more details of party & her day to come

Simple Monday Activities

2009-08-03T16:18:00.003-04:00

We enjoyed our quick lunch outside

---mmmm --

sorry but it's life with messy toddlers

serious talk

Peaches for the freezer

.......What I need to be finishing up

Pink or Blue?

2009-07-29T15:40:00.002-04:00

Just wait and see....

A promise of a blessing coming to our family, Lord willing in early December!

Praising God for this newest blessing!

Please pray for our family as we prepare to welcome this little one into our home.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me.

Matthew 18:5

Saturday Sale

2009-07-24T10:15:00.003-04:00

My Mama & Sis are having a sale if you in the area(California e-mail me if interested)

make sure to stop by!

Check here for a few more picture of the Milk house

Fresh Blueberries

2009-07-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

2/3rds in our tummies!!!

1/3rd put in the freezer

yummy... yum.

A Lighter fare::Cilantro Lime Salad with Grilled Chicken

2009-07-22T07:00:00.002-04:00

Hello, Hello All this recipe is per request of Joni and Rachel and was given to me by her... from her... from her.... -you get the point!

OK to start off I took this pictures in a hurry as I was making this last minute(imagine that!) for a church carry-in and I forgot all the steps to show you visually but I thought I would share anyways.

I also chose to not add the grilled Chicken this time which can make this Salad a yummy simple all in one meal-- A lighter fare for these summer days

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Cilantro lime dressing using my personal fav-- The immersion blender

oil-lime juice-red wine vinegar-sugar-cilantro-pepper-salt

all blended smoothly

*notice the tiny flecks in the dressing, that is the first batch of cilantro I put in!! amazing huh

**If you are ever interested in one of these handy little blenders my main advise is get one that comes apart to wash

Here is a little shout out to these fabulous Dorot trays. You find them at Trader Joes of course. They are the next best thing to fresh. I keep a couple in my freezer and use them when fresh isn't as readily accessible (not out my kitchen window) or sometimes just for convenience -when I'm not in a chopping mood

SALAD PART

First off you need a bowl of crisp greens, I used Romaine hearts

then...

open your can of black beans, drain and rinse

add the beans to bowl....

then add Canned Corn

...... Fresh chopped Tomatoes

....add your diced Avocados

....add Shredded Cheese- I used-Monterey Jack & Cheddar

.....Sweet Spicy Chili Chips, crushed

Mix and add dressing right before serving

--------Cilantro Lime salad with Grilled Chicken---------

Grilled Chicken(marinated in teriyaki sauce)
Romaine lettuce
Black Beans, drained & rinsed
Corn
tomatoes, diced
red onion, diced
avocados, diced
Shredded Cheese
Doritos Chips

( cool ranch, sweet spicy chili -what ever you desire)

fresh cilantro, chopped

------------Cilantro lime dressing----------

1 cup oil
1 T lime juice(if using fresh add the zest too)
6T vinegar
small bunch of cilantro
6T sugar
1t salt
1t pepper

Blend together!

Enjoy sweet friends

A Quick Photo Recap of the Fourth Weekend

2009-07-21T22:00:00.000-04:00

We headed to Pennsylvania late Friday the 3rd for a family get together weekend.

Here is a few of the pictures that we still have yay!

[Oh to bring you up to speed a couple of weeks ago our dear laptop had a mishap and somehow ended up on the floor!!! "Ouch" said the hard drive and the was the end of it's life including most of our family life and newborn baby pictures. For some reason the last couple of times I had transferred pics from our camera to the computer but kept forgetting to delete them from the camera. Now I am so glad!]

When I walked up to these girls it looked like Bella was interviewing to hang with the "big girls"!!

---------------------------------------------------------

Sunday afternoon we headed over to Thane's cousin house( now his Dad's side of the fam)
and ended up spending the evening and night with this sweet family.

Arabella.Ethan.Elisa.Orrin

Ethan & Thane got to share their birthdays again. Both on the 5th

{Sweet Things :: Fruits, Homemade Creme Fraiche & Flowers}

2009-07-02T16:10:00.002-04:00

My afternoon snack;

I was craving something healthy.....er I mean.. creamy-creamily. So out came some sliced strawberries left over from this morning and then some yellow peaches I had picked up today and....then.... I found the creme fraiche...oooh that is what hit the spot, oh and fine I also added a tad bit of brown sugar to make it even sweeter.

I sat.............

still..................................

without being interrupted............................

and slowly enjoyed my treat !

my babies were fast asleep.........

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now that bible study is on hold until fall I'm not making weekly trips right pass Trader Joe's. So I went looking and found some recipes online for "Homemade" Creme Fraiche that look easy to make here soon when my last container in the fridge is empty. Thought I would share.

Homemade Crème Fraîche # one

Makes 1c

1/2c heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized)

1/2c whole sour cream

1. In a small bowl, stir together the heavy cream and sour cream.

2. Store mixture in a non-reactive container such as a glass bowl or jar; cover and let stand in a warm place for 12 hours.

3. Stir and refrigerate for minimum of 24 hours before serving.

4. Keep leftovers refrigerated.

Homemade Crème Fraîche # two

1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup cultured buttermilk

Pour ingredients into a clean sterile jar with cover and shake to combine well. Allow to sit at room temperature overnight or until mixture begins to thicken. Shake and refrigerate. Use within one week.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My beautiful birthday flowers given by my beloved TJB last week.

Sadly they now are on their way out

-------------------------

{NOT a Sweet thing}

I had a long confession in my mind. time has run out. here is the short...

Night of my birthday. Thane came home.

I POUTED

[ie- sulked,grumped etc,etc]

because of what I thought was non specialty treatment I had received on my birthday.

[ie-nothing for me..me..me]

I walked into the kitchen to see a large beautiful array of flowers!

I was very ashamed.

I profusely apologized.

He accepted and still loves me.

Is my selfish lesson learned?

Probably not but hopefully the experience will bring me a step closer to what God is molding me into.

Thank you Lord for being so merciful and giving me such a loving & gracious husband.

A lighter fare::Mahi Mahi Tacos

2009-06-24T19:18:00.000-04:00

Summer time always brings longings of lighter(easier,quicker...) meals for our family.

I'll start out by sharing this yummy Mahi Mahi Tacos. (inspired by my Dad, he loves fish tacos)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I started out with 4 frozen mahi mahi fillets (any mild white fish works) put them in a baking dish and smothered them with a cilantro lime dressing(left over from a delish salad that I'll share later to appease Joni!!)

OK going back, so if you don't have a fresh cilantro lime dressing in your fridge

this is what you do instead....

First drizzle olive oil over fillets, then sprinkle two or more fresh crushed garlic cloves, add fresh chopped cilantro, squeeze 1-2 limes for the flavorful juice , of course add some lime zest,

and lastly salt and fresh ground pepper to taste .

I baked my for 20 mins @ 350 until white and flaky

[grilling is great also just make sure to marinate at least an hour ahead of time]

then I went looking for my garnishes.....

.....and found an avocado, a lime, a tomato, radishes and of course some cilantro.

( sliced cabbage would be great also... I was out)

I put them on the cutting board and that's when I decided I needed my camera

loving all the vibrant colors

I just got started chopping and my helper quickly came....

* note if you can't tell that is a table knife, wrong side but still just a table knife
** another note- a great activity for your toddlers is to give them some veggies, a cutting board and a table knife/plastic knife and let them chop away. They love it. Then to not be wasteful just add your interesting chops to a pasta dish.
(tomatoes are probably not the best idea unless you like the red splatter look)
This is an activity from an early intervention classroom I use to work in. We would always take the opportunity to teach labeling,color, sizes etc.

avocados.....mmm...
avocado greens..... fun paint colors
*and another side note- for those who can't eat a whole avocado in one setting. Don't throw the other half away!! Either bring it to my house, I'll make avocado toast or keep the side with the pit still in it and put it in a sealed bag. It should be good until the next day.
Sorry I guess being as I can't seem to share very many posts these days I'm trying to put all the info/side notes I know in one!!

Prep for tacos all done

"Make your own" style

Mahi mahi flaking and ready

Using the comal given to me by my sis-n-law I warmed the tortillas( I prefer flour,corn is good also) then layered the fish , veggies of choice and squeezed limes over the top.

Need a closer look....

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mango and Strawberry Toss
"our dessert"

Sliced up some Mango

Added some strawberries.

The juice from both fruits made the toss so flavorful that nothing else was needed!

Our meal Complete!

When Thane came to the table he said "that looks good"!!

This is coming from a man who could eat popcorn for dinner every weeknight so I was excited to find a meal that's not to heavy but a balanced one for the rest of us.

Orrin and Arabella munched it right up.

*** If I used my camera during every meal preparation... Dinner wouldn't be served until 9pm!! Luckily this night Thane was home early and occupying the children most of the time.

Modesto Farmer's Market

2009-06-12T15:21:00.000-04:00

Strolling down 16Th street to the Farmers market in Modesto on a

Thursday or a Saturday mornings was always a favorite time of mine when I lived in California.

Often I would walk down before starting work at Fleur de Lis and pick up a pizza bagel from Word of Mouth for lunch or some fresh flowers or herbs to scatter vases around in the shop.

Highlights of the market for me are...

Fresh cut flowers
Fresh tomatoes before the garden is ready
Breads and pastries from Word of Mouth bakery
Lemon Cucumbers
White peaches & Nectarines
Chatting with old friends

Here are a few pictures from last Thursday when I convinced my family we HAD to go!

Thursdays are a little quieter than the weekend but that doesn't effect the bounty of God's fields spread across the tables

All the possibilities of what to make out of these plump ripe tomatoes were racing through my mind!

[above 3 pictures courtesy of Sciabicas.com]
It is always a treat to stop by the Sciabica's olive oil table. Chat with the sweet owner and see all the flavors . Basil, garlic, lemon, lime,rosemary are a few of my favs
{They also have gift packs which are great gifts}

{Basil and Lemon}
I picked these two to take home with me.
I'm already thinking about a creamy risotto & corn with the basil and some salmon with the lemon oil. Really so many uses
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday evening we combined some fresh slices of tomato with the basil olive oil then headed to the garden to see what we could add

We found some banana peppers ready and of course some fresh basil......
then added salt and pepper to taste and a yummy tomato platter is before us.

OH They were soo good!!

soon they will be ready in Ohio --

{R, make sure to share with your family !!! hee hee}

Little moments in California

2009-06-06T18:22:00.000-04:00

We are still in California enjoying our time with family but I thought I would still share a few of the pictures we have. Did you see those delicious ripe tomatoes?....Farmer's Market!One of my favorite places to go! More to come

Our quiet family weekend

2009-05-28T23:35:00.000-04:00

We took our new-old camper out for a spin last weekend. It ended up being just our little family . We had a relaxing and refreshing weekend of just being together.

Devotions

I can't resist a southern breakfast of Biscuits and sausage gravy

especially cooked over the campfire.

The children gobbled it up also!

Room to roam

Bella and her Papa

Fresh Grilled Asparagus !

{Last walk before we headed home}

I was starting to get antsy thinking of all I had to do before we left for Cali. Now we are all pack up and ready to go! Can't wait to see you Grandpa & Grandma!

[Be back in a couple of weeks]

Creamy Tomato Soup

2009-04-30T19:30:00.000-04:00

Today was a good day to bring out my favorite tomato soup And it was soo delicious as always. So I thought I would share. If you know me very well I might have already oohed over this soup to you so bear with me as I do that again. I use this recipe year round, of course in the colder months but it is also really good chilled in the warmer months! Try it out you might just like it especially with your fresh sun-ripened garden tomatoes! Looking forward to all the fresh garden produce! Yummy YUM

Creamy Tomato Soup

serves 4

6 T. unsalted butter

2 small onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup dry white wine(opt.)

3 lbs fresh tomatoes or canned( 4 cups chopped)

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves,loosely packed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1..Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions and garlic about 3 minutes. Add wine, tomatoes ,salt and pepper. Cook about 5 minutes. stir in basil, and remove from heat. 2. Use immersion blender(my favorite kitchen tool,great for dressings also) right in pan, blend until pureed.3. Add cream,and adjust consistency with water if necessary.

Season with salt and pepper.

* Can also use a blender, working in small batches, with a dish towel and a secure lid

** Fun to add Ravioli or a pasta at end for children.

(this recipe doesn't have to be exact it is always good whither I use fresh, canned, dried, a little more, a little less, etc. -my kind of recipe!)

(Oh by the way my month long MIA was due to new babies, family here from out of town, computer crash, helping niece w/ wedding planning etc,etc--you know all the excuses in the book. I'm back now for today at least, Jesus could come tomorrow!!! Are you ready? )

2009-04-29T15:02:00.000-04:00

"This is my Father's world, And to my lis-t'ening ears. All nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world; I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas His hands the wonders wrought."

A song out of the children's "My First Hymnal"

We found 3 baby bunnies in our yard!
New LIFE
A sight out our back window where a mama bird has built her nest!
Arabella & Orrin check on them every morning

We are wishing for SUNSHINE again but to have beautiful spring days we must have the rain like today. As in our lives Jesus brings us pain/rain for us to grow beautifully in HIM.

I'm Unplugging

2009-03-27T16:26:00.000-04:00

Well a little late but thought I would still join in!

Obviously I am not a consistent blogger here but I really like the idea behind this so I wanted to share with all of you to sometime go check out Kimba's post on turning off all distractions for a whole day and spending that time focused on things that matter?

In life in general I need to prioritize my days to spend more consistent time with the Lord and more quality time with our family& home.[then its fine to have some own time,computer time etc. just not the other way around]. God has been working on me with this.[share more later]

For now I'm turning the computer off and turning on time with God & family

A Basement Pantry Refresh

2009-03-26T15:39:00.000-04:00

Take a look at this Revived area I just wrote about here!

I called for RECIPES...

2009-03-20T11:04:00.000-04:00

{Measuring cup perfect for an espresso shot cup}

Recipes... I can sit all day and browse through cookbook after cookbook. It seems though that the recipes I use the most are from my little box sitting on my kitchen counter. They are so special to me being as each one has been shared by a friend or family member gathered

by my sister for my bridal shower.

When I was walking through a department store over Christmas shopping I came across
this adorable red tin recipe box. I thought it would go perfectly in our niece's kitchen that she has been planning for [getting married in May]. I went ahead and purchased it to find recipes cards later.... well I wasn't able to find any really cute ones that were not to expensive. So I decided to make some out of plain index cards. I had so much fun personalizing them for her and then receiving all of her friends & families prized recipes{i think I need to ask her for some copies, they all looked so mmm good } to organize in the box. Last night was her big shower so I finally got the gift all together for her to enjoy. Being as I had made the cards and saved on some expense, I was able to give her a couple of other items including my Favorite coffee mugs from Anthro. So sturdy, just the right size and not to girly for our men to use.

I'm off to enjoy a White Mocha in my "B" Mug and browse the recipes for supper right now.....

The LORD is our rock...

2009-03-19T21:58:00.000-04:00

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

After two weeks of really bad sickness and one week to start moving [slowly] again, I finally feel like joining the blogland again. Praise God for giving us endurance and making us stop and rest at times.

[Two simple ideas]

2009-02-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to bring a dessert just a few short hours before needing to be there! As I scrambled through my cookbooks I remembered a brownie mix in the pantry. I quickly mixed them up. I then came across the peanut butter.... yum Chocolate & peanut butter .... I went for it and melted some peanut butter, drop some dollops on the batter and then swirled the peanut butter in with a knife!

OH YUMMY This is now my new way to do brownies with some extra zing to them!

Save your old ripped books with pages you like & add to your gifts.
I attached the page with a polka dot brad I had
A Quick & simple gift wrap!

{Oh Happy Heart Day!}

2009-02-14T14:24:00.001-05:00

My sweet Thane took us to breakfast this morning

OH YUMMY

[My camera battery died right after this, so no pictures of my sweetheart TJB]

{Creamy Caramel Latte , Spinach & Artichoke Soufflé and Cinnamon Crunch bagel}

{My heart beats for you!}

am I that shallow!! yikes!

Now on to MUCH steadier heart beaters of mine

[It makes sense in my mind...]

First my Lord and Savior- I want to love you with all my heart, all my soul and all my mind. I want to show my love by obeying you Lord. May my actions in my small life glorify YOU!

My dearest Thane- May I love you, reverence you, submit to you through our Savior more each day to come in our lives as we strive to Serve HIM
Our babies- Arabella & Orrin-May I love you by showing you God's love by example and teaching you about HIM every day.

We love because God first loved us

John 4:19

Slowly ,ever so slowly

2009-02-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

Orrin is walking.... slowly!

One little step at a time

Sister takes her job seriously as she helps Orrin along!

Saturday, helping @ U Terry's new house

{Fleur De Lis}

2009-02-07T15:14:00.000-05:00

Here is another shop for you to peek at.

This is also one of those "must" stops for me when I'm in California.

This shop is dear to my heart being as I worked here for many years off and on

since I was 15 until I moved to Ohio.

I have many memories and so much love for the people who make this shop so beautiful.

Children's area

If you dig a little deeper you will find wonderful monogrammed linens

and vintage tins from France.

Beautiful Glazed Pottery from France

Christmas finery

Always love the fresh greenery and plants.

Many hours of watering in my past(=

Ruth & I at Christmas time.

Ruth has brought a lot of the furniture here from her past trips to France.

One day I'm going to get her to take me to all her old haunts in Provence

{I have been dreaming for a few years now & will be for a few years more until my babies are older !}

A lot of you have probably been in here before but if not make sure to stop in & say Hi!

Have you been to --Laura Bell's

2009-02-06T16:44:00.000-05:00

Finally I am getting to the other pictures of our trip to California in December

When ever I go "home" I always have a few musts of where I want to go...

{LAURA BELL'S}

is definitely one of them!

This sweet owner has a wonderful eye for small details and using her finds in unique ways.

This planted weathervane is one of my favorites!

Love this vintage paper. I was thrilled to add some to my paper collection

If you get the opportunity make sure to stop by both of her

booths[ one down & one upstairs] at the Antique Emporium on J Street

Happy Birthday Grandpa

2009-02-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

May your day be spent praising our Almighty Lord

Thank you for your example of loving our Lord and serving His people
We love you Grandpa{Daddy}!

[I know I 'm 26 and still call my Dad "Daddy" He just Is!]

[Snow Day]

2009-01-15T13:08:00.000-05:00

A few inches of snow to play in!

And fun cousins to play with!

I had to go out and check on my little girl

who was thinking she was so BIG playing outside with her cousins.

A 1-2-3 Baby Shower

2009-01-12T08:46:00.000-05:00

We had a baby shower for the triplets last Thursday afternoon with delish food, fellowship and lots of generous guests!
We had the shower help bring all different kinds of dips, spreads and sauces!
Yum I could of just stood by the table all afternoon!

The cream cheese spread had a secret ingredient..... of Mango!

.....Could any one tell?

The babies tired from all the activity and ready to go home

1~2~3

Thank you Lord for wonderful friends and family who helped with food ,

and gave gifts for these 3 beautiful creations from YOU!

{California Christmas}

2009-01-02T15:45:00.000-05:00

Ready to head to the Airport

Arabella was quite pleased with her new baby & back pack from Grandma & Grandpa Boone

Good as Gold...... OK, this is still in the first 5 minutes of our flight.

My dear friend Ruth in her beautiful store Fleur de Lis

I will share more pictures of her store in it's Christmas finest later along with another adorable shop called Laura Bell's soon.

We got the opportunity to spend the evening with Jeff. Tara. Casey & Kate They are like a second family to me. I started babysitting for this family before Kate was born.

WOW time flies now Casey is in High school!

My dearest friend Genesis from High School with her sweet Baby Julia

Table ready for our Christmas dinner @ my parents

Leah's many talents{beautiful wreath}

Our lively dinner table

Beautiful packages all ready to share

Cousins

Orrin & Jared

Bella & Maria

u.V & a.A.'s gift was a hit with the children

One evening A. Leah was enjoying some tea, Arabella wanted to join her...

yumm

The sun was setting just as we were getting to the bird refuge

Me,Marylis, Amanda,Leah

A. Leah is the best!

Thank you for having us allllllll over your house.

Did you get it all back together!? Hopefully!

We love you!

Beautiful Pacific Coast pictures still to come

Ohio Christmas

2009-01-02T09:39:00.000-05:00

We had Christmas @ Thane's parents early, before we left for California.

All of our stockings ready to fill
Finally after a couple of years I got around to making 2 stockings(supposed to be 4 but...) for Arabella & Orrin

The triplets of course were at Grandma's

The boxes are always seem more fun than what is inside!

Sweet Little M

So fun to be with cousins!

The night before we left for California our little family shared our gifts in the kitchen!?......

the carpet and couch were drying in the living room

(the ink came out YAY)
We just gave our children little stocking surprises this year. They receive so much around this time of year that we try not to overload them with so much more.

I was talking to a friend about this once and she shared what her family does. After they have given gifts to one another they then have each child pick out one of their new gifts to then be given to needy children. A hard thing for a child to do yet a wonderful lesson that we need to give our best to God and His people( all people are His people, He is just waiting on them to Choose HIM). I would love to implement this for our little family next year.

Thrilled with her new jump rope

our little cool man

Christmas in our home.

2008-12-11T10:05:00.000-05:00

Last year we received this beautiful card.

I loved it and had to save it to use with my Christmas decorations.

The amaryllis is starting to peek out!

A winter bouquet from none other than Trader Joe's

This year it has been especially fun to set up our naivety sets as Arabella is understanding more. One night Thane read Luke 2 and had the children help play out the story of the birth of Christ. Bella is now seeing that it means more than just a play toy.

Arabella showing you her and Orrin's Nativity set .

Orrin loves to just knock them all off the table.

The remnants of black PERMANENT marker on the food. A little girl (no names here!!) wrote on our couch, chair, coffee table, all over her Nativity set and started on the carpet before I interrupted her art work. I don't know what I was more sad about, her disobeying or my reaction of bawling then having loud anger about material things.

How can we change our reactions to responses?

{By the way, Mr. Clean magic eraser works wonders and we have scheduled a carpet/couch cleaning!!}

Baby Jesus is now clean! Are you washed by HIS Blood?

Are you ringing for Christ? Crying out Joyfully!

2008-12-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

I like to read these out loud to help sink into my mind then go on read the Scripture to see exactly what the writer is telling us through the word of God!

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )

I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)

I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)

I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)

I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)

I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)

I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)

I belong to God

Do you know

Who you are?

Sorry the bell gets messed up a bit by blogger!

{Sweet Things:: Berry Pies & Babies}

2008-12-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

Who likes pie and babies? We do!!

Today the pies came first{for caroling tonight} then on to visiting the babies!{second time for me but Arabella & Orrin didn't get to meet them last night as they were still in the nursery}

The berries waiting to doused in Creme sauce

Thought I would share my chicken scratch of recipe card

My Mom & I made this recipe up to imitate the good Boysenberry Sour cream pie of the now closed Vella Farms in Modesto,CA

*** WARNING I am not a recipe follower

I just make what strikes me at the moment so if your pie doesn't look like mine do not despair

Heavy Cream, SUGAR, Creme Fraiche

When ever I get to Trader Joe's{one of my all time fav. stores} I like to pick up this delish Creme Fraiche. I put it in this pie or soups, sauces or whatever strikes me at the time...yummy,yum!

My constant little shadow helping stir

The best part being pour over the berries

I want to enjoy some now with my coffee

Good thing my pies seem to always have extra filling to "try out" some!

Don't mind the smudges on the spoon, little Bella hands and mouth had to have some also

NOW ON TO BABIES--MUCH SWEETER than PIE

For those of you who haven't heard the news

Last evening I became an auntie to not two but THREE babies!

Our God surprised Thane's family { doctors and hospital too!} We had been praying for two babies to come safely into this world but he went ahead and gave an extra blessing of another one!

Three sweet girls

Arabella is Quite pleased to be holding Julie Eileen
6lbs 7oz
2:25pm

Josie Jean

5lbs 15oz
2:16pm

Janie Irene

5lbs 13oz
2:37pm

LOTS of Babies as Bella calls them.

Betsy is the triplets oldest sister

{Opening up Shop!}

2008-11-28T15:26:00.000-05:00

Dogwood Designs

We are now open. Close to you!!!{through your screen}

Come on over!

We have a few items up, with more to come. Check back often!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Giving Thanks most of all to the Lord our Provider

O is for Orrin, O is for One

2008-11-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

We had Orrin's birthday party a couple of weeks ago when my parents were still in Ohio. Our little house was full of friends and family in every room.
This is as close as I'm going to allow on Orrin's cake.
It was a sad flop but it still tasted good

[Here is my pride coming out]
This is what the cake was suppose to look like with a few more boyish accessories.

[Cakes from Arabella's first birthday]

Cupcakes for our Guests

Treat bags for the children filled with old fashioned candy and animals

Orrin is One!Cousins waiting for some action

Birthday Boy with his cake!

Orrin is ONE... and PRAYing for our children.

2008-11-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Dear "Buddy-Buddy" as Bella calls him.

It really is so hard to believe that it has been a year!!

Our sweet baby Orrin

a few hours old.

Orrin's Birthday Breakfast

Cream of Wheat with blueberries

[poor Orrin with his diet restrictions, no french toast for him]

Figuring out ( after the fact) the blowing out the candle part!

Made me laugh!

Trying out Orrin's big boy car seat that came in the mail today.

and it seems GREEN was the color of the day.

Pictures of Orrin's party are still to come ...I have been having technical difficulties and time issues.

Hopefully soon.

ARE YOU PRAYING FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

Praying specific prayers for our children has always been something that I have felt the need and had the privilege to do. So I was thrilled when Angie @ Bring the Rain (link is also in side bar) made a great example for us as Christian parents by challenging us to pray 7 times a day for 7 days, connecting to activities to remind us to do so. Please take a look and consider joining her in this. All that we do for our children is nothing with out HIM, our LORD. Pray!

Some birthday prayers for Orrin William as he grows from 1 to 2

Father God,

May Orrin feel your presence always

The LORD replied," My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Ex 33:14

May Orrin learn to praise you with song from his mouth and have a thankful heart.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in Him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Ps 28 :7

May Orrin learn that in obeying his Papa and Mama he is obeying

and glorifying YOU our GOD.

(and may I as his mother not allow him to continue in sin even

when I think they are "little, not going to matter sins". Whining is sin.)

Orrin, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Col 3:20

Lord, May Orrin learn the value of sharing with his sister and friends

Give to everyone who asks of you, Orrin, and if anyone(Arabella, etc.) takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Luke 6:30

Father, We give Orrin back to you. Help us , mold him into the young boy you want him to be. Praising you our Heavenly Father,

your children t&b

Fall Leaves {and an end of an "era"}

2008-11-03T10:11:00.000-05:00

Our big helper

sorry a little blurry, she was working so fast!

Orrin wasn't too sure about the leaves but Arabella thought they were great

{wreath taken off of my parents door of their "home" in Ohio}
After 5.5 months my wonderful parents went to their real home in California, marking the sad "end of an era." We immensely enjoyed the time with them and are hoping to be with them again around Christmas time. Arabella and Orrin are going to miss their "in person" grandparents. I have said from the beginning of moving away, that we as adults can still maintain our relationship across the miles but with the children you miss out on the daily growth and little things.

{Which has been the whole point to this blog, for all of you to peek in our everyday lives.}

So Grandpa and Grandma check in on us anytime! We miss you already!

First & Last of 2008-- Camping

2008-10-31T08:58:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was our fifth year of camping

with this group of friends. We were married all with in a year,

now it's growing with more little ones each year

playing with beck

sweet baby graham & kim
Don't you just want to squeeze his cheeks!

This might be a tad close !!!

keeping warm

Arabella & Maebrianna romping around

a clean place to crawl

babies and camping = DIRT

fast asleep in their little cubbie beds

relaxing by the fire now that the babies are in bed

Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory

Camping Breakfast is the BEST

Biscuits and Sausage gravy

Eggs fried in Bacon Grease

Fruit

Coffee Cake

Yum! Yum!

Sitting quiet for devotions[!!!]

Arabella trying out camera skills.

I think she captured the shallow depth of field part!!!

The Girls and Graham

It was so fun to be with all of you!
We took off early to get ready for Orrin's birthday party --35 people in our little house!!!!

Our little home for the weekend

Thanks A&S for letting us use it.

Showers here we come!!!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

2008-10-17T07:53:00.000-04:00

I love this season and it doesn't stop when it comes to the eats

A couple of weeks ago[I'm way behind] I took this

Pumpkin Cheescake

over to the moms day @ Heather's

{three musketeers}

{Bella-2 ,Brooke -3 , Cole-2}

Pictures of camping ,Orrin's birthday party.... to come

{Pieces of Fall around our Home}

2008-10-14T16:20:00.000-04:00

A daily reminder on the mantle for me, that this is not only a season to give thanks but it is always a time to give of myself for the glory of God and as this verse perfectly says; cheerfully![I'm,God's still working on that part in me ]

Here is one of the little projects I have been working on lately

A place mat for Arabella and to protect our table [from marks from the spoon]

How to:

Find some cute paper[Here is where I found this paper]
Cut to a size you wish or use an existing place mat for a pattern.
If your paper is thin, cut a card stock the same size to back your paper with.
Cover front and back with clear contact paper[like a sandwich]
Trim edges of contact paper to look even but not too close to paper where it will come apart.
And Voila, let Bella beat away [okay, not really]

[It is really fun to embellish the place mat also but you have to be careful that it's not too bulky or the contact paper/laminate will come apart.]