The Spencers

Spring Gardening

2011-04-20T10:57:00.006-06:00

We've been busy this spring trying to get our garden in order. We don't have much in the way of natural soil here so we have to make our soil. We've been using contained raised beds for years but several years ago the system we had gave out. For the next few years we made "lasagna beds" but found that we lost a lot of square footage at the top of each bed so this year we are making a return to wooden raised beds. Chris and the boys generously made me four of 4'x6' beds. One is for Marissa's strawberries, one we have in spring crops, one has row cover over it for tomatoes (it is still 4 weeks early for our growing season), one is still in process, and they are making a 3'x6' one for rhubarb and what ever else might fit with that. The other beds will continue to be uncontained for another year. Those will be home to pole beans, peas, dry beans (black and red), and onions. Here are some pictures of the garden as it is today.

Scott is updating our orchard, making the wells bigger for the growing needs of the trees and doing the annual fix on the trenches that allow water to flow from one tree well to the next.

I've still got a lot of work to do. I'm determined to get my raspberries moved to where I want them but have yet to improve the soil where they are going. I also need to get a fence system up to contain the raspberries. They get really tall and then lean, making it difficult to get in to harvest. My blackberries have been neglected for years and it is time to tend them a bit.

All said we are having a great spring (minus the wind) and enjoying spending so much time outdoors.

Sorry there is no rhyme or reason for the order of the pictures. I have no idea how to do this blog thing, which is why I don't post (well, that and time). :-)

Happy Spring and happy gardening.

Leaves Change, Snow Falls, Flowers Bud, and People Move

2011-02-14T22:22:00.002-07:00

I'm moving folks! Ok, don't have a heart attack. I haven't decided to move up to Moscow or anything, I'm just moving over a couple blocks to my own blog. Click here to head on over and check it out!

Hope to see you there!

Adventures in Moscow, Idaho!

2011-02-08T16:34:00.006-07:00

I aways have great ambitions to keep up our blog better, but as many of you have probably noticed it hasn't been working so well. I know there are many people eager to hear about my trip to Moscow, Idaho. All this could end up being more than one post, stay tuned. Ok now, let me see, where does this start? I'll start with Christmas break.

Curtis and Caity were home for three weeks for Christmas. We all loved having them home for more than a week! We spent lots of time together playing games, talking, relaxing, watching movies, shopping, etc. Dad, and us olders drove down to Ruidoso, NM to visit our grandma and some cousins. On Christmas day we spent the morning as a family celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, and there were joined by our pastors family for Christmas dinner and an evening of fellowship and continued celebration. New Years, though not spent in Ruidoso as usual, was fabulous. We had a week filled with dear friends, games, great conversations, lots of laughter, cooking and eating delicious foods, late nights, puzzles, and wonderful fellowship.

Early morning of January 10th found Curtis, Caity, and I loading the car and beginning our journey northward; Curtis and Caity for the purpose of returning to college, and me, well, I just went to tag along in Moscow for a while, experience the "college life" as well as a non-college student can do, and just spend time with my siblings. We split the 21 hour drive into two days, stopping the night on the north end of Salt Lake City, Utah. The long, cold, snowy miles were passes listening to lots of music, talking and laughing, listening to audio dramas, and a bit of sleeping here and there.

I was in Moscow, staying with Caity, for three and a half weeks; the longest I've ever been away from my home and family. I won't go into the detail about every single day, I'd lose your attention after day 3 (if I haven't already), not because the first three days were boring, but because 1) a lot of day-to-day things were the same, and 2) because lots of the details have all meshed together and I can't differentiate between all 24 days. =) So in stead, here are some of the highlights.

I attended classes with Curtis and Caity (music theory and choir being my favorite), heard both Pastor Doug Wilson and Pastor Toby Sumpter preach, met many wonderful friends, sang at a nursing home each week with a group of students, studied in Bucers Coffee shop (got a couple coffee drinks too, of course), One World Café, and the Tyndale Library (NSA library), went swimming with Caity twice, played soccer and frisbee, went to a swing dance =), had pinkeye for about 48 hours, passed out once, spent time with friends, stayed up with my own studies, went to a couple Bible studies, played games, watched a few movies, cooked in Caity's kitchen (mostly making cookies for Curtis), walked around downtown Moscow, and talked Caity's ear off every chance I got. =) It was an incredible trip, a highlight of my year for sure (yes, I am aware the year has just started), one that I will always have great memories of.

Even though I had such a wonderful time and so thoroughly enjoyed my time in Moscow, I am glad to be back home. I missed my parents and brothers, my church family, and the structure of a normal routine. As per request, I'll be writing another post shortly about what I love about being home which I will tie into my post-high school plans, which many people have asked me about.

God is so good!

2011-01-13T10:02:00.003-07:00

11. for God's faithful provision long before it was needed

12. daughters whose hearts long to be at home

13. the joy and blessing of being a keeper at home

14. beautiful blue skies

15. the promise of spring

16. scented candles (don't they just look happy too!)

17. labrador retrievers

18. a bag of just cinnamon and spearmint gum drops (thank you dear daughter!)

19. industrious sons

20. children who love to learn, even when life is hard

Tonight's Menu

2011-01-10T18:03:00.003-07:00

Tonight we had spicy meatballs with BBQ sauce, egg noodles, peas, and home made applesauce. You'll notice I used the meatballs from one recipe and the BBQ sauce from another. It all went together anyway and everyone really enjoyed it.

Now for a Civil War video. I love family time.

Maning Up

2011-01-10T16:44:00.003-07:00

For a month now all six kids have been home. When everyone is home life is smooth and easy. Many hands working together to make light work. Today the three oldest kids headed north. Curtis and Caity return to college and Marissa went with them just to experience their world a bit. Today we have six fewer hands.

The little boys have really "manned up" though. On this, their first day back to school, they worked diligently, completing all their work in the allotted time. They cheerfully loaded up all their stuff to head to piano, only to realize that we are all sick with something that is clearly contagious and we couldn't expose the teacher and her family (what was mom thinking?) so we just headed back to more school. New subjects added, no problem. Take down the trash for early am pickup, "let me". Extra chores to cover for those older siblings, "I'd be glad to!" What a blessing these sweet boys have been, making happy an otherwise sad heart.

We've been reading "Boyhood and Beyond", if you have aspiring young men in your family ( in the 8-15 age range), I'd highly recommend this book. You, too, may be amazed at how your little guys start "manning up". :-)

Gratitude

2011-01-10T09:33:00.004-07:00

Yikes, it's been a long time since we posted. We'll try to get better at that.

In my daily Bible study time I use TableTalk by Ligonier Ministries (I highly recommend it!) Anyway, today there was this quote from The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton (pg 463, just in case you have that book):

" I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought: and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."

For quite sometime I've been trying to be more aware of the many ways God blesses me and my family. We write down blessings on a white board in our laundry room to make note of them. If you read Caity's blog then you know she is keeping a record of her thankfulness there. I thought we should start recording them here too. I know some people post these on a certain day of the week, and perhaps we'll get to that as well. For now, I'll just be happy that we are posting them at all and hope that they are an encouragement to you to see God blessing you in many ways as well.

Here we go:

1. A wonderful Christmas break with all 8 of us together at home.

2. Children who love each other.

3. Older siblings who take the time to teach, train, instruct, and nurture their younger siblings.

4. A faithful and dependable husband!

5. A great start to our 2011 school year.

6. A dishwasher that cleans well.

7. Earl Grey tea from Mountain Rose Herbs (really, it's better than any others I know of)

8. A wonderful church family.

9. A warm fire in our wood burning stove on a cold day.

10. Godly parents who taught me to love the Lord.

the way she likes it

2010-10-22T16:32:00.003-06:00

Yesterday morning as I was reading my Bible in the recliner, Mandy, who had been laying near me, got up and came over to be petted. Nothing unusual there, she does that frequently, but this time, she decided that my cozy blanket and open lap were just too much to resist. Before I could do anything, up she hopped into my lap. Even though she's a 70 pound lab, she secretly wishes she were a lap dog. =)

'course she brought her bone, which she hadn't chewed on since I gave it to her, laid down, and began to chew. I just had to laugh and called Mom who took the pictures.

"Leadership: Tyranny or Humility?

2010-10-20T15:39:00.004-06:00

Titus Livius, or Livy as he is more commonly known, was a great historian who lived from around 60 BC till about 17 AD. His works included over 140 volumes of Roman History, 35 of which are still in existence today. In his first book, starting with the foundation of Rome, Livy very wisely says, "The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see, and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings, fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid" (pg 30). Livy's goal in writing these accounts is not only for the purpose of knowing the history of Rome, but also that we may identify and separate the good from the bad and learn from the victories and mistakes of our ancestors.

In the early days of Rome, a man named Tarquinius Superbus elected himself to the throne as king and literally threw Servius, the previous king, out of the Senate and down the steps. Some of Tarquinius’ supporters then assassinated Servius. Neither the people nor the Senate had approved of his accession to the throne and thus Tarquin’s strategy to obtain compliance was to rule by instilling fear in the people. He began as Livy says, “To punish with death, exile, or confiscation of property not only such men as he happened to suspect or dislike, but also innocent people from whose conviction he had nothing to gain but their money.” Superbus took it upon himself to decide what treaties and alliances should be made without consulting either the commons or the Senate and by doing so broke long-held tradition. Rome’s self-elected king daily lived up to his well suited nickname of Tarquin the Proud. Though quite competent in the realm of war, Tarquin’s lack of character and love of cruelty, hurt the whole empire of Rome.

Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a stark contrast to Tarquinius Superbus, was a just man of honor and highly respected by the people. One of his sons, Caeso, acted rashly and committed homicide. The night before his trial date, Caeso fled from Rome. Though the people rejoiced they no longer had this rash man in their town, his departure consequently forced Cincinnatus to sell all that he owned to pay his son’s sureties. After relinquishing his savings on his son’s behalf, he moved outside of town to a small plot of farmland where he contentedly worked to support his wife. Cincinnatus had made a name for himself in regards to his character and was known throughout the land as an honest man of virtue. His prestigious character had left a mark on the people and when the invasion in 458 BC came, military leaders flocked to him seeking his prowess as Dictator. His foresight, judgment, and military skill all made him suitable for the mission. He arranged his troops and led them with such excellence that within days of assuming his position, they had defeated their enemy and were rejoicing in their victory. Cincinnatus is famous for his next move; instead of continuing in his position as ruler and dictator, which he could have held for six months, he resigned after 15 days and humbly went back to his farm. This action made Cincinnatus even more heroic in the eyes of the people; they had become accustom to ruthless, power-hungry dictators.

Though Tarquin had little character to recommend him, he revealed many shortcomings from which we can learn and, as Livy suggests, avoid. Tarquin’s unmerited hatred for the innocent, passion for violence, and unrestrained love of tyrannical power are prime examples of character flaws to evade in our lives, avoid in friends, and steer clear of when voting for political leaders. Cincinnatus on the other hand portrays many estimable qualities. He is a loving and patient father, a hard and honest worker, a strong and humble leader -- all qualities worthy of respect and admiration. These two men set before us, through their contrasting traits, great examples of what to strive for or what to avoid. Not only should we strive to be men and women of character, but we want to do as Livy suggests and learn from the mistakes in history, training up a generation of Cincinnatus’ and not Tarquins.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is a paper I wrote for my Great Books history/lit class. I'd love feed back and comments. You know you have something to say about it.... =D

Flower "happy"

2010-09-28T12:28:00.002-06:00

Sunday some new friends came over for dinner and fellowship. They brought some beautiful flowers. Yesterday, after a difficult day, one of my sweet sons was setting the table as he is supposed to do for dinner each day. This day he decided to make the table beautiful. The result, and the heart behind it, brought tears to my eyes.

(Caity, when you come home I really need a blog posting tutorial!)

the best way to study

2010-09-28T12:19:00.002-06:00

I'm a bit late with this but a couple of weeks ago Marissa and I had the blessing of caring for one of our favorite little girls. We had a great time with her spent much of the day cuddling. Here is Marissa "studying".

River of Providence

2010-09-13T08:11:00.001-06:00

How often do we got through trials and difficulties and question why things happen the way they do? We ask God why He puts us through certain circumstances and frequently complain about what life brings our way. At least I know I do. I've actually been thinking over the past couple days about a couple things in life right now and wondering why God has brought these trials into my life and what He is going to accomplish through them, though I may not understand why, other than for His glory, I do know that all things happen for a reason. Well, today, as I was still pondering some things in my mind, I found myself at Church hearing the exact answers to my questions. Hearing God's reassurances of love and comfort, knowing that He holds everything in His hands. The text was Philippians 2:13-16 which says:

"(13)for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (14)Do all things without complaining and disputing, (15)that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (16)holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in cain or labored in vain."

Pastor Brainerd did a fabulous job of describing God's "river of providence" and I'm sure I can't explain it like he did, but the whole idea that through all of life we are swimming, so to speak, in a river. I think we would all agree that God is in control of life. Do we really stop to think exactly what that means though? To realize that every situation, every person that crosses our path, every pleasure, every season of life, yes, even every trial, is part of God's sovereign plan. Every one of those things is placed in our life for a reason, as we see in verse 13. We may be able to see the reason, but more often than not, I find, we don't understand it all. We may never know, this side of heaven, why certain rocks in the river are where they are, but we can rest in the knowledge that He has a plan. God directs everything and He is in control of every twist and turn, every spot of white water, every rock. He places them there, what seems maybe randomly to us, but there is nothing random about it in God's eyes.

The human tendency, when we are tossed back in forth in the white water, never seeming to get out of the rapids, is to complain, to be discontent, to wish we were somewhere else. Verse 14 of Philippians chapter 2, however, says to do "all things without complaining or disputing," not just do the thing we enjoy without complaining. Just like submission is not just being cheerful when you have to do things that you enjoy, it's being joyful to do the things you don't particularly want to do.To complain and say we wish things in life were different than they are, is to shake our fist in God's face and tell Him He doesn't know what He's doing. I don't know about you, but I never want to be caught doing that. I don't enjoy telling people their wrong, I don't really have a lot of occasions when that is necessary, but if I ever do, it's extremely hard to do so and I'd much rather avoid it. So to think about the fact that with my complaining or ingratitude for the situations I am placed in, I'm telling God He's wrong! that my friends, is eye opening! May I never be caught complaining again! (I don't think that will happen, but I'm trying). =)

God doesn't just put us through difficulties just for the fun of it or sit back and watch us drown in the water. God is doing a great work in our lives and often we don't, or cannot, fully understand why, like I said earlier. James 1:2-4 talks about this very thing:

"(2)My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (3)knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (4)But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Also Romans 5:3-4 which says:

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (4)and perseverance, character; and character hope."

The purpose of the river of providence is all for God's glory and to make us more like Christ. It is all a part of the sanctification process; becoming more like Christ. My pastor used a really neat analogy, one that I could really relate to, to illustrate how we identify with Christ. Just like adopted children do not usually physically look like their family, the are often unmistakably identified as a part of their family. They are alike because they have been through the same experiences, and situations, have a similar sense of humor, etc., so we should resemble Christ. Though we do not physically look like Christ, we ought to be unmistakably identified as children of our Father.

Are you contentedly swimming in the river of God's providence, or you wishing you could get out, dry off, and find a different river?

Sublime Sunrise

2010-09-09T08:45:00.003-06:00

This morning at the end of family Bible study the sun began to peek over the mountains and illuminate the sky and clouds. A sunrise like this is bound to set your day off to a great start! I grabbed my camera so I could share this moment of God's glory and love with you.

Flowers for Caity

2010-09-08T14:44:00.004-06:00

Caity I thought you might want to see some of your roses. The last two is one that is growing on the bush that looks terrible. The flower, however, is beautiful! The others are just from various bushes in your rose garden. Enjoy.

Neat Experience

2010-09-08T14:19:00.006-06:00

Mark had a neat experience today. He was headed outside and came across a hummingbird which had apparently exhausted itself trying to escape from a skylight (they only fly up in fear and therefore can't get out). Anyway, he picked it up so one of the dogs wouldn't get it and found that it was still alive. He took it to a feeder and it took some drinks. Soon it was perking up. Over a 10 minute time he continued to hold it and give it access to the feeder. We got these pictures just before it flew to a butterfly bush and then on to another feeder. It joined in the play/chase with the other birds and was lost from sight. What a neat experience for all of us.

(Sorry about the sideways pictures. I've rotated them in my folder but they are still importing in weird).

Processing Peaches

2010-09-06T18:44:00.007-06:00

For years, as long as I can remember really, we have had a tradition of processing peaches every fall. Years ago Mommy, and the three of us kids would go down to Las Cruces where my grandparents and cousins lived. We'd spend several days together, picking, cooking, peeling, slicing, and canning peaches. I remember how the peeling was the coveted job for most of the kids, at least I thought so. Well, that tradition has continued on through the years, there may have been a year or two in there that we didn't put up peaches, but most years we've put up at least some. This year, though half of our crew is absent, tradition carries on. This afternoon, Mommy and I juggled all the jobs and in less than two hours had two boxes of peaches skinned, sliced, and in bags ready for the freezer to enjoy over the winter and next summer. Here are some pictures from the process.

Ready to go

rinse

boiling

skinned and ready to cut (pits and peals off to the side)

juicy goodness ready to be bagged =D

Sewing Project

2010-08-30T12:07:00.003-06:00

Surprisingly over the summer I was able to start and finish a sewing project. I think Mom was worried I'd never get it done after I started it, but it is now complete and in use. What is it? It's a laundry basket.

We have had one of for several years that we have really like. It consists of a metal frame with a large rectangular fabric lining with two dividers. Over time and lots of wear and tear, the old one finally gave out, so I decided to try my hand at designing a new one. Here are the pictures.

Before:

It might be a little hard to see, but the corners were ripping off, and the sides were tearing and it wasn't holding up very well.
After:

Time to update? Prepare yourself for a short novel

2010-08-30T10:47:00.002-06:00

Apparently life has been keeping us all on our toes and none of us have had time to update our blog. With Caity now up at college, and Mom always very busy, looks like I'll be the main one posting on the blog. We'll see how frequently it happens though. =)

Without further ado, let me go back and briefly recap the summer months in the Spencer family for those of you who don't know what we've been up to lately.

Week days through out May, June, and July found Caity at the pool for an early morning workout with our coach followed by coaching my swim practice and then finishing off with the boys' practice. Tuesday thru Friday either Caity or I could be found surrounded by four little boys who we each babysat two days a week. Curtis spent most of his summer interning at the IT (information technology) department at Dad's bank.

In June we celebrated Russell's 9th birthday, my 18th, and Mom and Dad went on an early anniversary trip to Chicago for 5 days.

The Fourth of July weekend Dad and all of us kids went on our annual backpacking trip with our dear friends the Skeens. Click here to see Curtis' album of pictures from the trip. We were blessed with beautiful weather and wonderful fellowship. The 4th was also Mom and Dad's 25 wedding anniversary. We are so blessed to have parents that are setting such a wonderful example to their children, and other people, in their faithful, loving marriage. In July we also celebrated Curtis 22nd birthday, he went on a backpacking/camping trip in Arizona with several different friends, I staffed Teenpact Survival camp in Glorieta, NM, and Scott and Russell made it to swimming finals in a couple relays and other events.

The last two days of July we were in Farmington, NM at the Skeens house for a brief visit before heading up to Moab, Utah. While in Moab for 5 days we went rafting down the Colorado River, experienced the amazing abilities of a Hummer H1 on a 62 degree incline of slick rock (aka a really fun hummer tour) =D, drove and walked around part of Canyonlands Nation Park, went mountain biking, cliff jumping, and just enjoyed family time and making memories together. From Moab we drove up to McCall, Idaho for one night and then continued up to Moscow, Idaho. Curtis got moved into his new house, which is much nicer than his old apartment, and Caity got all her things settled into the basement of the house where she is living with four other NSA students. Other than doing shopping for her kitchen and such, we play a little soccer, had a belated birthday celebration dinner for Curtis with some of his friends, spent an afternoon with the family Caity is staying with, got to meet several other NSA students and professors, and attended Christ Church. Monday morning found all of us except our college students piled in the car headed to Orem, Utah where we stayed the night and continued on our way home the following day. It was a wonderful trip and I think we all enjoyed it a lot and made a lot of memories together that will last a life time.

The following two days the boys and I spent at home together while Mom had some meetings at the boys' school. Amongst some school, chores, laundry, cleaning, unpacking, and cooking, we managed to have a bit of fun together. I made a scavenger hunt for the boys, we watched some Andy Griffith shows over lunch, made sandwiches grilled with an iron, and read some books together too. Tuesday the 17th the boys began their first day back to school, which of course means Mom is now even more busy than she was before.

Sunday the 22nd, Mom and I met Aunt Jan and Riley in town and I drove back with them up to Farmington, NM where I am currently. We spent a couple days here at their house, just visiting, cooking, shopping, cleaning, packing, playing frisbee, and staying up late. =) Five o' clock Wednesday morning found us all in a car packed to the top and on our way to Denver, Colorado. We made pretty good time and arrived at 12:30 in time to meet with Aunt Jan's uncle who we got to visit with for a couple hours. We then grabbed some lunch and headed to Cherry Creek State Park where were set up our 10 man tent which would be our house for the next 4 days. We met new friends, visited with old ones, played sports, were encouraged by the talks given by the elders of Reformation Church in CO, participated in some family activities, talked and sang late at night around the camp fires, and then finally said our good byes and headed back to the Skeens house on Saturday. Since then we have been recovering from lack of sleep, reading in preparation for school to start, fellowshipping with friends, and playing a bit of ultimate. Tomorrow I'll be packed up again and ready to head home to see my dear family again and begin my senior year of high school!

That was a very long, but relatively thorough glimpse of our family's summer. I'll try to stay up with posting better in the future so I don't have to write such long narratives next time. =)

maybe this will make up?

2010-07-23T14:37:00.007-06:00

Today is the day--I leave for college this afternoon! (O my goodness, my summer has flown by with a whoosh and now it's gone)

100% rayon dress:

and a velveteen winter coat:

(of course, there is a fun lining!!)

I also altered a formal gown that I wore the swimteam banquet, serged cloth napkins, made multitude of small cases and bags, mended a pile.

Now that's why I haven't been posting much =). Hopefully Marissa and Mother Dear will keep this blog up and running while I am at school. *wink, wink* If you want to check out what I'm up to, here's the link to my blog:

http://theartsysophisticate.blogspot.com/

Sour Cherry Crumb Pie

2010-07-07T09:29:00.002-06:00

...and the best of it is--the cherries were all from our orchard =D

for the perfect, flaky, buttery crust:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 tablespoons powdered milk

1/4 cup shortening

10 tablespoons cold butter

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

7-10 tablespoons ice cold water

Whisk together the dry ingredients. Add the shortening, working it in till the mixture is evenly crumbly. Cut the butter into small cubes. Add the butter to the flour mixture and work it in--don't be too thorough; the mixture should be very uneven, with big chunks of butter in among the smaller ones. Add the tablespoon of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of water. Mix in more additional water to make the dough chunky but cohesive.

this makes two crusts, so either skip the crumb topping, or save the rest of the dough to make another pie or some other delicious treat.

for the filling:

4 cups pitted cherries

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients together and pour into crust.

for the topping:

1 stick (1/2 cup) slightly softened butter

1/2 cup white sugar

3 tablespoons brown sugar

3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup pecans, broken

Mix together, leaving the pecans to be added at the very end. Crumble on top of the pie. Bake the pie at 425 for 10 minutes and then reduce the temperature to 350 and finish for 30 minutes. Take the pie out of the oven and let stand at least 15 minutes. ENJOY!

summer métier

2010-06-24T20:04:00.004-06:00

Life here at 6 La Canada is non-stop serendipity, 100% verve, completely diverting, and as flexible as we can be--hence the infrequent posting attempts. Here's a quick sketch of what is keeping the 8 of us hopping:

Daddy- work, of course, and an up-coming backpacking trip to plan

Mama- staying caught up with us, reading biographies, gardening flowers and veggies, and keeping our family running so smoothly

Curtis- working in the computers/security department of the bank

Me- swimming at O-dark-thirty, coaching for all of the morning, being a mother's helper 2 days a week, sewing, trying to finish projects in my "never-ending" stack, and spending time with my family and friends before I leave for school (just over a month away!)

Marissa- practicing with the swim team, reading Jane Austen novels, learning to cut hair, and babysitting 4 boys, 2 days a week.

the three buccaneers- playing educational games, reading, reviewing some school memory work, swimming, and jumping on the trampoline/playing basketball

ahoy me harties!

2010-06-16T14:11:00.005-06:00

the Swashbucklers

Tuzoo, 1st Mate, and the Captian

Hawaiian Haystacks and Coconut Lime Cooler on the mess-deck

for all those concerned: we are managing to have fun and eat well while it's just the 6 of us at home

carnival glass and roses

2010-06-06T17:05:00.002-06:00

Aristotle's Views on Friendship

2010-05-24T07:36:00.002-06:00

Our last book in Great Books 1 by Mr. Wesley Callihan, was The Basic Works of Aristotle. The last few books of the Ethics were Aristotle's thoughts on friendship and the different types and levels within friendship. This is the last paper I wrote for the class. I'd love to hear your thoughts/comments.

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In his book Nicomachean Ethics, book eight, Aristotle lays out his idea of the varying degrees of friendship. Though it is not believed Aristotle feared God, there is a remarkable correlation between his three ideas of friendship and the different types of friendship seen in Proverbs. The word friend is used throughout Proverbs more than 15 times, but revealed through a closer look, the meaning behind the word differs. Even a quick inspection through a list of friends on facebook, will even shockingly agree with both Aristotle and Scripture. Everyone has friends of contrasting purposes. There are three kinds of friendship; that of utility, pleasure, and perfection.

The first tie between people, Aristotle calls the friendship of utility. Utilitarian friends are described by Aristotle when he says "those who love each other for their utility do not love each other for themselves but in virtue of some good which they get from each other." This relationship forms because of needs met by the other party. Business partners demonstrate this association well. Two business men may not have an existing camaraderie with each other, but they are useful to one another for the express reason that one or both individuals benefit from the acquaintance. Aristotle, Plato's student, saw clearly into the reason all men have such relation with another person and expressed it in saying, "do men love, then, the good, or what is good for them?" Sometimes this alliance is formed for necessity, but also out of love for oneself and what he may receive from the relationship. The mutual friendship can be beneficial in some cases, but there is also the danger of falling into a trap or be taken advantage of. The Bible shows that this level of friendship can often be harmful. Proverbs 19:4 warns us that, "wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend." And then in 19:6 we are told that, "many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts." It is natural for people to befriend those from whom they will gain something, and it is not all wrong, but it is a relationship to be cautious of and enter into with discretion.

Secondly, Aristotle says, is the friendship of pleasure. This friendship is not wholly unconnected with the first for as Aristotle says, "therefore those who love for the sake of utility love for the sake of what is good for themselves, and those who love for the sake of pleasure do so for the sake of what is pleasant to themselves." He expressed it very clearly. Such friendships are obviously not going to last forever. People change and once a person does not find pleasure in the acquaintance, then the friendship is likely to end. Proverbs 17:9 seems to give an example of people who are friends for the sake of enjoyment, but when there is strife or trouble caused, they are separated. There is no consistency in a relationship that is based on momentary satisfaction or amusement.

The final and most meaningful friendship, is that of the perfect friendship. By perfect, Aristotle in no way implies flawless people, but rather a friendship in which the two people love the other person with pure love for who they are with no thoughts as to how they might benefit. In fact their goal, rather than focusing on themselves is centered completely on the well being of the friend. This selfless relationship often lasts for years or even a life time. These friends are the ones that will stick by each other in good times and bad. They are the ones who are there to share their troubles, tears, and joys. Everyone has heard the proverb that says, "a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This is the kind of friend everyone wants to have. Families should model this type of friendship. Though there is the tie of relation, there ought to be a strong, yes even the strongest, tie of friendship.

Without fail everyone has friends, and as Aristotle says, "Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods; even rich men and those in possession of office and of dominating power are thought to need friends most of all." Some friends are here for a moment and others for day, but it's the friends that stay for years that will mean the most and have proved their true friendship in the end. Speaking of friendship Aristotle says, "it helps the young to keep from error; it aids older people by ministering to their needs; and those in the prime of life it stimulates to noble actions." Aristotle also says of friendship that "it helps the young to keep from error; it aids older people by ministering to their needs; and those in the prime of life it stimulates to noble actions." Proverbs says "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Not only should we look for the right friends with which to spend time, share thoughts, tell stories, speak confidentially, and eat meals, we ought to aspire to become better friends ourselves. Strive for virtue and excellence, for it is the virtuous and principled people that make the best of friends.

the value of feminine domesticity

2010-05-12T15:54:00.004-06:00

In the modern world of people worried about being politically correct and socially acceptable, a woman living as best she can in light of Proverbs 31 is truly a diamond in the rough--quite a shock to the mediocratic populace. This is such an exceptional concept that a lady often has to endure a long bout of criticism and grueling, loaded questions when she mentions her future plans and goals. A woman who focuses her energies looking after the ways of her household should be commended; her “job” is one of the most important and noble responsibilities given to the daughters of Eve.

“Homemaking—being a full-time wife and mother—is not a destructive drought of usefulness but an overflowing oasis of opportunity; it is not a dreary cell to contain one’s talents and skills but a brilliant catalyst to channel creativity and energies into meaningful work; it is not a rope for binding one’s productivity in the marketplace, but reins for guiding one’s posterity in the home; it is not oppressive restraint of intellectual prowess for the community, but a release of wise instruction to your own household; it is not the bitter assignment of inferiority to your person, but the bright assurance of the ingenuity of God’s plan for the complementarity of the sexes, especially as worked out in God’s plan for marriage; it is neither limitation of gifts available nor stinginess in distributing the benefits of those gifts, but rather the multiplication of a mother’s legacy to the generations to come and the generous bestowal of all God meant a mother to give to those He entrusted to her care. (Dorothy Paterson)”

Aspirations to be a keeper-at-home can be quickly dashed when a young lady tells someone that what she wants to be when she grows up is a wife and mommy instead of a prestigious career woman in the workplace. Eyebrows raise, a smirk might flicker, and a barrage of questions follow. “What about your education? You’re smart and have such potential, why waste it at home? What will you do all day if you don’t have a job?” Because of the contrary opinions that she is bound to come in contact with, a future homemaker would be wise to formulate answers to these dubious arguments. A lady used to be considered accomplished if she was well versed in all the arts. Mr. Darcey says that a girl must have a working knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and modern languages, and she must learn to improve her mind through useful studies and extensive reading and she also should apply proper deportment in all situations. It takes a great woman intentional in her pursuits and broad of mind to fulfill these expectations. Though Austen’s fictional hero lived centuries ago and his list of qualifications are a bit out-dated, the modern, liberally educated woman is better prepared to fulfill her biblical calling if she has spent time preparing herself.

There are many profitable ways for a woman to occupy her time at home. Some ladies have families and that, obviously, would take up the majority of her time; mentoring, cleaning, training, baking, repairing, nurturing, teaching, sewing, guiding, befriending. Others are older and empty-nesters or have not been blest with children of their own. Their role in a Christian community would involve the Titus 2 model of helping with duties and imparting wisdom to younger or overwhelmed wives. A girl who is not married has the opulent freedom to delve into any area of study that interests her and learn all there is to know. As G.K. Chesterton says, a lady choosing to stay home opens up vast numbers of educational pursuits--the world is her oyster.

“Woman must be a cook, but not a competitive cook; a school mistress, but not a competitive schoolmistress; a house-decorator but not a competitive house-decorator; a dressmaker, but not a competitive dressmaker. She should have not one trade but twenty hobbies; she, unlike the man, may develop all her second bests. This is what has been really aimed at from the first in what is called the seclusion, or even the oppression, of women. Women were not kept at home in order to keep them narrow; on the contrary, they were kept at home in order to keep them broad.”

In the pursuit of knowledge a woman need not become an authority on all points in a given subject or live under the shadow of constant comparison. Rather than extensively studying one topic, she has the opportunity to customize and explore different fields of her education, learning what would specifically be profitable to her.

Being home-centered has more to do with the heart of a lady, than the fact that she works in, and sometimes from, the home instead of an office job, or that she logs a certain number of hours in a house each week, applies her quota of band-aids, and washes all the dishes in the sink. A woman who has a vision to be a keeper at home, a devoted mother, and a self-less wife desires to work to the best of her ability where she is needed. If the house is not tidy and laundry unfolded, but she has the heart strings of her children tied to her own and her husband is content, she has found the essence of her biblical role. Proverbs and 1 Timothy exhorts women to serve, submit, and encourage their husbands as well as care for their families. “A godly woman is one who sees her life as a mission of service. What others view as a burden, she views as a blessing and opportunity. (Christine Russell)” Ordinary tasks may seem to be repetitious or even tiresome, but when seen in the light of eternity, it is the unremarkable chores that shape the lives of others--thus making routine responsibilities extra-ordinary.

“Thank God, O women, for the quietude of your home, and that you are the queen in it. Men come at eventide to the home, but all day long you are there, beautifying it, sanctifying it, adorning it, blessing it. Better be there than wearing a queen’s coronet. Better be there than carrying the purse of a princess. It may be a very humble home. There may be no carpet no the floor. There may be no pictures on the wall. There may be no silks in the wardrobe, but, by your faith in God, and you cheerful demeanor, you may garniture that place with more splendor than the upholsterer’s hand ever kindled. (T. Delwitt Talmage)”

Anyone could stay home, but wrapped up in the middle of the issue is the fact that a woman desires her focus to be centered on her family and running it smoothly. Called to be a help-meet to their God-given husbands, women have a huge duty to fulfill. Often the mundane, everyday chores are looked at as menial, but in truth, a homemaker works harder than almost all other career-minded individuals; there will always be cuts, burns, and bruises to kiss and doctor; dishes never stop stacking up; dust and dirt persistently pile up no matter how often the house is cleaned; souls are ever in need of guidance and cheering. Finding joy in the daily trials that face a stay-at-home mom is the simplest, yet most difficult, role a Biblically-focused woman can do; learning to treasure domesticity in all its forms.

this was an assignment, but since it has so much to do with daily life, I decided to share it here.

For further reading:

femininagirls, cinnamonrollsandbacon

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T22:33:00.002-06:00

Today's the day we all think about our mothers, give them a gift, send flowers, write a card, or make a phone call. We thank them for all they've done for us and all the ways they've sacrificed, loved, cared, and nurtured us throughout our lives. And so we should. Mother's Day is a great thing and very worthy of celebration, but why should it only be once a year? Shouldn't we express our love and gratitude every single day? Mothers can never receive too much love, too many words of encouragement, too many hugs, too many signs that we care; at least mine can't. So many moms give and give, pouring themselves into the lives of their children and families, every day of their motherhood, but is seems that too many moms go unappreciated, under valued, or unnoticed (excepting on Mother's Day when it'd be nearly sacrilegious not to send something). Moms are such an amazing blessing from the Lord and I am so thankful to have been placed in this family with this mom. She is an amazing woman and I'm blessed not only to call her Mama, but also friend, mentor, confidant, and kindred spirt. =) Here's to the best mom I could ask for. I love you Mama.

This morning Caity and Mark made breakfast for Mom. They made french toast, candied bacon, eggs, and a delicious berry smoothie. For lunch Caity and I made grilled chicken salads (our favorite grill master grilled the chicken (thanks Daddy)).

Quotes:

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." ~Author Unknown

"A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest." ~Irish Proverb

"Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children." ~Sam Levenson

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." ~Dinah Craik

"Mom, the most important things I know about life, I understand because of you. Because you always encouraged me, even when I wanted to give up, I learned that no matter the result, the real victory was believing in myself. Because you were never too busy to listen and wanted to know more, I learned exactly what it means to be there for someone, and just how much that matters. Because you've given me one special memory after another, I trust in what the future has in store, and enjoy every present moment for the gift that it is. I have so much to be grateful for, so much to appreciate, and so many reasons to be happy. And it's because of you." Mother's Day Card

Cooking Escapades

2010-05-09T22:00:00.005-06:00

Daddy's gonna be giving Rudy's, our favorite barbecue joint, a run for their money if he keeps cooking the way he did on Saturday. =) Daddy smoked a brisket in his new smoker he got for his birthday using the recipe that came with the smoker and it was very similar to the Rudy's Rub you can buy at the store. It was delicious! Mama made beans and creamed corn which are must have sides at Rudy's. =)

Our dear friend Mrs. Simons at gracelaced told us about this fantastic bread book called Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day. The idea is that there are several basic recipes for delicious breads that can be used for for all kinds of things. A basic dough is made up and put in a bucket and stored in the fridge. When you're ready to make the bread, you just take off a chunk and make it into the desired bread. The book has all the recipes and technics you could want to make them all. It is amazing all the simple ways these simple doughs can make delicious, professional loaves! We enjoyed some of this bread along with our smoked brisket.

2010-05-08T16:33:00.003-06:00

These are all crochet projects that I've made over the past year or so.

This one is an afghan I made just before this past Christmas. It was very simple and I whipped it out in about a week. It's really soft and is the current resident on my bed. =)

Up close of the pattern
This is a blue and brown baby blanket I made started on Monday
on the outer edge, I did a scalloped shell border
I made this afghan for Caity in March.
I did a shell pattern with a border
This took first place in the state fair a year or two ago
Theses are three coordinating baby blankets. I get baby blanket yarn when it's on sale and make blankets for people I know. I also just gave a bag of them to CareNet.
Another baby blanket in the shell pattern (it's one of my favorites) =)

Hospitable Haircuts?

2010-05-06T17:09:00.002-06:00

My sister has been given an amazing ability to make everything beautiful. The ways she pulls simple things together and takes what seems to be useless and turns them into a master piece leaves us befuddled. Whether putting cheese and crackers on a platter, pulling accessories together to make an outfit, creating a unique shirt or apron for a friend, decorating the table for a meal, or giving a hair cut, Caity constantly astounds us with her creativity and ability to make everything beautiful. If you didn't notice in the list above, the majority of her time is not spent on herself or doing things to satisfy her, instead she is mastering the art of service and hospitality.

This afternoon a friend of ours was over for a hair cut and perm, in the laundry room of all places, but had it not been for the washer and dryer, it would be difficult to realize it wasn't a sitting room. A pretty cloth laid over the baskets of clothes, everything set out and ready, peaceful music playing, a cup of hot tea or glass of cold water ready to be poured, a spring scented candle freshening the air in anticipation of the toxic perm solution, a smiling face ready to talk, and a fan cooling the windowless room on this warm spring afternoon. What hair solon exudes such hospitality and beauty? Who would think to make the environment pretty while cutting hair? I wouldn't consider the garage, but I certainly wouldn't normally think to prepare the space other than pick up clutter and make sure the floor is clean. =) My sister's God-given ability is a blessing in and of itself, but even more so when she uses it to bless others. And how blessed I am to have such as sister from whom I can learn so much! =) I love you Caity. You inspire me.

ROSES anyone?

2010-05-05T09:24:00.003-06:00

well, those aren't from my garden--you will have to wait a month or so until my plants start blooming and then you're welcome to a freshly cut bunch (I don't deliver...you'll have to come over). Mother Dear took Marissa and me to Hobby Lobby and we picked out some silk flowers for bouquets (yes those amazingly real-looking, velvety petaled flowers are only fabric).

wildflowers

and Rissie's creation for our bathroom =D

A (not so little) Little Happy

2010-04-30T11:50:00.006-06:00

Recently my dear Mother gave me a gift card to Anthropology. One beautiful, sunny day Caity had time to go with me to do some shopping, just for fun, so of course Anthro was on the list. I love their dish towels, which I learned my my dear sister, Janet in MS, gave me one a while back. So when I came across these I knew they were going to be part of my "happy".

They also have some great dishes and I've been looking at a set for quite a while. I don't really "need" new dishes so I've just enjoyed looking. I do however always "need" more serving bowls of various sizes so these were just perfect.

Caity found a book she'd seen there previously and really liked so she got a "little" happy too. :-) We had a great day. Thanks Mom!!!!

reflections in a cup of coffee

2010-04-30T08:30:00.002-06:00

I'm sitting in the corner of a favorite coffee shop with my best friend in the chair next to me, a Carmel Dulcé and a Maple Scone between us. I smile as the sun warms my shoulders. My computer beeps; I receive an instant message from my sister--my heart is glad; the hub-bub of chatter forces silence between us in our little study-nook; I glance over, there is a glint in her eye; I type back and wait for her smile; esprit. As I watch the tide of community ebb and flow as coffee is brewed, bagels are toasted, scones are baked, and orders are delivered, I am impressed with the community that evidently exists between the friendly people. A neighborhood policeman stoops to talk to a young friend about the books he is reading. The boy must head out the door with his dad--they will be late for school. Four people crowd around a 2-person table. Another coffee is ordered and a fifth chair is scrounged up and squeezed into the circle. Parents and their two kids, swing by to pick up coffee and hot chocolate on their way to work/school. Newspaper pages flip; two more computers add to the already-long chain of laptops; another coffee is finished. It is snowing. The people are just going through their daily routines, they have shown me just what it is like to share a moment of time to invest in someone else--like the old man smiling right across from me. I have an assignment due. I must focus before my computer dies.

what a commentary

2010-04-27T14:57:00.006-06:00

On my Mac, I get daily comics (as anyone in my family can tell you, I don't read them often, but today I did). This one stood out to me.
Whatever happened to taking pride in making something beautiful--even with something as simple as handwriting? The days when people actually wrote letters and knew how exciting it was to open the mailbox and find hand addressed envelopes instead of rubbishy magazines. O, the joy of opening a letter covered in beautiful, dark curls and swirls of ink! Texting is useful--sometimes--but really, wouldn't most of what is said in txt messages be much more meaningful in a letter or phone call? What happened to being willing to take the time to be more personal with those you care about? It has been replaced with a false sense of familiarity with lots of people instead of with the few who really care.

Take some time to invest in those you love and share with them the joys of simple beauty.

2010-04-23T09:07:00.001-06:00

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

fashion finds

2010-04-21T21:34:00.005-06:00

...that I have added to my collection

“As to matters of dress, I would recommend one never to be first in the fashion nor the last out of it.” John Wesley

"They think him the best dresses man, whose dress is so fit for his use that you cannot notice or remember to describe it." Ralph Waldo Emerson.

adorable Anne Klein pumps: “Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” Plato

A woman's true beauty is not in her figure, in the clothes she wears, or in the way does her hair. A woman's beauty is seen in her eyes, because they are the window to her soul the place where love dwells." Audrey Hepburn

“The only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.” Paris Hilton

and a little gem from Anthropologie with all kinds of design, couture, and style tips:

"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common - this is my symphony. William Henry Channing's Symphony: some background, and its appearance in an Arthur Brisbane editorial - from the 1906 collection, "Editorials From The Hearst Newspapers"” Williiam Ellery Channing

food and fabric

2010-04-19T11:22:00.003-06:00

our Sabbath-day Feast

turkey soup, a delicious salad, french bread, and sparkling apple cider

a new apron

A Spring like this....

2010-04-15T10:50:00.003-06:00

deserves some spring cookies.

Tuesday I heard the first hummingbird of the year, so the hummingbird feeders are out! =)

fun treat

2010-04-14T20:44:00.001-06:00

It was just a little bit cool this morning and so I thought I'd make a midmorning pick me up for everyone. A friend gave me the MarieBelle cocoa and I'd not really tried it yet. I made a few cups worth and ladled it into these tiny cups I'd picked up at an estate sale (so cute!). Yummy!

For His Glory and Our Enjoyment

2010-04-14T07:13:00.002-06:00

The aspen trees are starting to leaf out

And the fruit trees are blooming
They smell wonderful too.

apple-pecan cinnamon rolls

2010-04-12T08:11:00.003-06:00

-sorry no picture-

this recipe is actually my Nana's that we use for biscuits and crescent rolls, but it makes fantastic cinnamon rolls too! It makes a lot of dough, so you have a couple options. Split it in half (works great), store the leftover dough in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!, or use it all if you're baking for a crowd. =)

Biscuit Dough

5 cups of flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup shortening (don't substitute with butter--it doesn't work)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon yeast

2 tablespoons warm water

2 cups buttermilk

mix together the dry ingredients; cut in the shortening. dissolve the yeast in the warm water and stir into the buttermilk. add the buttermilk mixture to the flour and blend well. preheat the oven to 375* turn the dough out onto a greased counter. divide in half. roll the dough out into a rectangle--make sure you don't roll too thin, as the dough will break (I'd say 1/2"). smear with melted or softened butter and cover will sugar and cinnamon. I like to include a bit of brown sugar...it just seems to make them taste even better. now slice an apple very thin and lay the pieces on the dough. sprinkle with chopped pecans and roll up. place in a greased pan. you'll want them fairly close together. when the rolls bake they will be more like a coffeecake then individual rolls (this keeps them SO moist, even you happen to over bake them a bit). now repeat with the other half of the dough if desired. let them rise in a warm place and then bake them for about 25 minutes (until they are lightly brown, or however you like them). now it's time to ice them. I like to make a cream cheese frosting, but just milk, p.sugar, and vanilla is great too. enjoy, especially when they're hot!

if you omit the apples and pecans you will have a basic cinnamon roll--they are really yummy that way too, or with carmel on the bottom =)

the end of spring break

2010-04-07T12:23:00.005-06:00

last friday Mother Dear took us kids to Art Attack to paint some pottery. what fun we all had!

the finished products

*~*~*

I did actually sew some last week too--pictures will be posted soon =)

Really? Truly?

2010-04-07T11:59:00.005-06:00

I do believe spring is finally here. The winds have come, the juniper pollen is blowing, the temperatures are swinging back and fourth between the 50's and 70's, and yes, even the flowers dare to bud. =)

A beautiful, lonely, tulip budding in the back yard.

Another sign of spring, is that Mandy is now going for a swim every day.

My old alarm clock broke and before I pitched it, I took out the batteries and opened it up to have a look inside. =) I find things like this fascinating and I'd love to know how all that works!

Some pretty house plants

Easter Lilly

Beautiful hydrangeas given to us by some friends

Daffodils

Fruit tree blossoms

HAPPY EASTER!

2010-04-04T15:51:00.005-06:00

Resurrection Sunday Morning

John Chrystostom's Easter Homily

"Are there any who are devout lovers of God?
Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!

Are there any who are grateful servants?
Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!

Are there any weary from fasting?
Let them now receive their due!

If any have toiled from the first hour,
let them receive their reward.

If any have come after the third hour,
let them with gratitude join in the feast!

To one and all the Lord gives generously.
The Lord accepts the offering of every work.
The Lord honours every deed and commends their intention...

Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!

You who have kept the fast, and you who have not,
rejoice, this day, for the table is bountifully spread!

Feast royally, for the calf is fatted.
Let no one go away hungry.
Partake, all, of the banquet of faith.
Enjoy the bounty of the Lord's goodness...

Christ is risen, and you are cast down!
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen, and life is set free!
Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead.

For Christ, having risen from the dead,
is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Christ be glory and power forever and ever. Amen!"

Our Feast

leg of lamb, mint jelly, and gravy, rice-a-roni, apple-pecan salad, crescent rolls and jam, and jello (on the table already)

and Peach Trifle for dessert

a hymn of gladness

"The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.

From death to life eternal, from this world to the sky.

Our Christ hath brought us over with hymns of victory.

Our hearts from evil, that we may see aright.

The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection-light.

And, listening to his accents, may hear, so calm and plain,

His own 'All Hail!' and hearing, may raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth her song begin;

Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is there in;

Invisible and visible, there notes let all things blend,

For Christ the Lord hath risen, our Joy that hath no end."

-John of Damascus

I wish you all a joyous day, celebrating the resurrection of our Savior and Lord!

Spring Break Sewing

2010-04-03T17:45:00.003-06:00

This week, being Caity and my's spring break, we have spent quite a bit of time in the sewing room. Here are some pictures of what I made (I did quite a bit of repairs/altering and finishing other projects as well).

Fun polka-dot skirt

April

2010-04-02T10:16:00.003-06:00

by Sara Teasdale

The roofs are shining from the rain,

The sparrows twitter as they fly,

And with a windy April grace

The little clouds go by.

Yet the back yards are bare and brown

With only one unchanging tree--

I could not be so sure of Spring

Save that it sings in me.

a song of contemplation

2010-04-01T20:45:00.006-06:00

here are the words to one of my favorite Easter hymns:

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, see him dying on the tree!

'Tis the Christ by man rejected; Yes, my soul, 'tis he, 'tis he!

'Tis the long expected Prophet, David's Son, yet David's Lord;

By his Son God now has spoken: 'Tis the true and faithful Word.

Tell me, ye who hear him groaning, was there ever grief like his?

Friends through fear his cause disowning, foes insulting his distress;

Many hands were raised to wound him, non would interpose to save;

But the deepest stroke that pierced hi was the stroke that justice gave.

Ye who think of sin but lightly nor suppose the evil great.

Here may view its nature rightly. Here its guilty may estimate.

Mark the Sacrifice appointed, see who bears the awful load;

'Tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed, Son of Man and Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation, here the refuge of the lost;

Christ's the Rock of our salvation, His the name of which we boast.

Lamb of God, for our sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt!

None shall ever be confounded who on him their hope have built.

~ amen

spring break is finally here!

2010-03-29T13:49:00.005-06:00

this week might be break, but does that mean you will find Marissa and I lounging on the couch with a novel and a glass of lemonade? Well maybe, because that just sounds fantastically relaxing (and I do need to read a bit in my newest addition: Bleak House), but we really have a lot of work cut out for us.

meet Amelia

She might look like just a hunk of plastic, paint, and thread-like hair to you, but we are good friends now. We have spent 2 weeks day-in and day-out(plus a bit here and there) together--cutting, combing, parting, curling, styling, and just messing around. Yes, I plan to spend more time with my mannequin dolls this week.

Both Rissie and I stopped by Joann on friday and picked out some fabric for our summer wardrobe additions....in fact we already have a couple things cut out =)

Saturday we had the privilege of spending the afternoon with two dear friends (to their credit, we had to run errands for most of the day and when we got home they were great sports about helping bring bags in from the car and geting dinner on the table--and they still had smiles on their beautiful faces!)

(and of course we HAD to bake something!!)

Spring!

2010-03-28T18:47:00.005-06:00

When Curtis was home on spring break a few weeks ago, Scott came in one morning and asked me to go get a picture of Curtis and Mark. I asked why, he said they were reading the Bible together. What mom can resist that, so I went. Here they are, a bit camera shy, sharing their morning quiet time. Isn't it such a blessing to have older children give of themselves to help disciple and train their younger siblings? I am so blessed! (Thank you Curtis, Caity and Marissa, you all give and keep giving in so many ways!)

Spring comes late, at least to my way of thinking, in our neck of the woods. However it appears to finally be here. Of course spring here always includes "unexpected" snows mixed in with beautiful warm days (sometimes on the same day). Over the past weeks Chris has been giving our orchard a much needed prune. Today I slipped out and gathered a few of the prunings in hopes that I can "force" them indoors. My container has pear, cherry, and apple. There are also peach, apricot, and plum out there and I may go get some of them as well.

Several weeks ago I was at Wal-Mart looking for blooming house plants (a wasted effort) but came across tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth bulbs planted to bloom soon. Here are the first of my blooms.

happy birthday Daddy!

2010-03-23T19:29:00.006-06:00

"The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God; I call him Dad!"

Toasted Angle Food Cake

and

a Fruit Tart

I found these quotes, and thought I'd share them:

"A father is a source of strength,

A teacher & a guide,

The one his family looks up to

With loving trust & pride. . .

A father is a helper

With a willing hand to lend,

A partner, an advisor,

And the finest kind of friend.

"A Father means so many things...

A understanding heart,

A source of strength and of support

Right from the very start.

A constant readiness to help

In a kind and thoughtful way.

With encouragement and forgiveness

No matter what comes your way.

A special generosity and always affection, too

A Father means so many things

When he's a man like you.."

The Measure of a Father - A man is loved not for how tall he stands but for how often he bends to help, comfort and teach. anon

Daddy
A daddy and his daughters, walking hand in hand,
Though he can't spend much time with them,
They say they understand.
When he's at work or on a trip, the memory of him lingers,
The two girls smile, they know they have him
Wrapped around their fingers.
A slight tilt of their pretty heads, a smile, a lowered glance,
A hug and kiss and, 'Daddy please?'
He doesn't stand a chance!
In later years he will recall, with tenderness and love,
Two charming girls, with hands in his,
Two blessings from above." anon

"When i was born,

You were there to catch me when i fall, whenever and wherever.

When i said my first words,

You were there for me,

to teach me the whole dictionary if need be.

When i took my first steps,

You were there to encourage me on.

When i had my first day at school,

you were there to give me advice and help me with my homework.

I still haven’t finished school,

or walked down the aisle, or had my first child.

But i know you will be there for me through all these times and more, the good and bad." -- Louisa Mansfield

Dearest Daddy, I love you SO much!

so fun!

2010-03-10T15:29:00.001-07:00

here is a link to a blogpost that I really enjoyed reading:

theinspiredroom.com

2010-03-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

apropos- used to state a speaker's belief that someone's comments or acts are unrelated to any previous discussion or situation

sinophile- a person who demonstrates a strong interest in Chinese culture or its people

bombast- high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people

affidavit- a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court

denizen- an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place

"Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it. Submit to death, death of your ambitions and favorite wishes every day and death of your whole body in the end: submit with every fibre of your being, and you will find eternal life. Keep nothing back. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in." C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity

“Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive—it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?" -L.M.M.

"A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a big thing." Hudson Taylor

"Thank God, O women for the quietude of your home, and that you are queen in it. Men come at eventide to the home; but all day long you are there, beautifying it, sanctifying it, adorning it, blessing it. Better be there than wear a queen's coronet. Better be there than carry the purse of a princess. It may be a very humble home. There may be no carpet on the floor. There may be no pictures on the wall. There may be no silks in the wardrobe; but, by your faith in God, and your cheerful demeanor, you may garniture that place with more splendor than the upholsterer's hand ever kindled." T. DeWitt Talmage

Hydrangea Blossoms

2010-03-06T20:58:00.002-07:00

I love hydrangeas but we can't grow them in our alkaline soil. The other day I found some beautiful blossoms at Costco. They were the perfect addition to the guest bedroom we were preparing for our guest pastor and family. I thought you might enjoy them too.

Tea for new friends

2010-03-06T20:48:00.005-07:00

This weekend we have another visiting pastor and his family here from TX. Each family from our church wanted to host them for some event and even though they are staying with us we wanted to have a tea. One other family was available that day to join us so all worked together (yes, even my guest, who loves tea like I do) to put together this tea. I dearly missed my sweet daughters' fellowship and assistance in the kitchen!

The men and boys went on a long hike to the creek and came back famished. Rather than wait for the burgers they had planned to make to cook, they ate tea left overs.

I think the "tea party" was (at various levels) enjoyed by all.

(I'm sorry for the disorder of the pictures and text. I have no idea how to get them to fit where I want them so you'll have to use your mind to get them in the right order. )

Chinese at home

2010-03-06T20:41:00.005-07:00

Our dear daughters are in VA visiting some family friends and I'm out of time to cook so I picked up some prepared foods from Costco. On Monday night it was Chinese night. We had lettuce wraps, spring rolls, Kung Pao chicken on brown rice, and mango ceylon tea. By the time we remembered to take pictures the lettuce wraps were all gone so you'll have to imagine them. Here is the rest.

Decadent Treat

2010-03-06T20:34:00.002-07:00

Last Sunday we were blessed to have a visiting pastor come and preach to our church. Afterward we had a fellowship meal. As a treat I made a dessert out of "Cuisine at Home", a magazine that a dear family from church gave Caity a subscription to as a graduation gift. Not too sweet, definitely chocolate with a hint of coffee and almond. Here is a picture.

Happy 50th Anniversary!

2010-02-20T16:18:00.003-07:00

Happy 50th anniversary to my beloved parents! I am so blessed to be the daughter of these wonderful people who through thick and thin have remained faithful to God, one another, and to their family. Thank you Dad and Mom for the blessing you are to all of us.

valentines baking

2010-02-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

Purely Radiant

2010-02-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

Purity is a positive virtue for any person, man or woman, to possess. Chastity does not only pertain to physical abstinence and outward appearance, but also to steadfastness of the heart. Young people are commanded in scripture to keep their hearts, minds, and bodies pure and honorable for their future spouse. Keeping one's heart and body pure for one person is a hard commitment to make and keep, but it is essential to the Christian walk. A person with a heart and mind focused on serving God and devoting their single years to His service, is more likely to lead a life of purity, than a adolescent with no purpose or vision for their life.

Purity is not displayed by flirting, dressing immodestly, or dating numerous people. Flirting not only entails giddy behavior around other people, but also trying to sit next to the cutest person, always having to touch someone, laughing at witty comments, or talking about subjects of a more personal nature. Clothing that is worn too tightly, shirts that are too low, and skirts that are too short, are all stumbling blocks to others, especially young men. Casual dating does not allow people to get to know each others true character. It is a surface relationship, a facade.

Waiting to give one's heart away till marriage, holds a certain beauty with it that can not be out done. The beauty that shines from a pure bride who has never given herself away and has saved her first kiss for that wonderful guy on their special day, is so astounding and breath taking. Their pure love is radiant. All aspects of life are like the buds of flowers, growing and forming, waiting for the right moment to bloom. When two young lives are tied together with the vows of marriage, they blossom together forming a dazzling bouquet. Continually watered by Christ's overflowing river of grace and love, the healthy blossoms of commitment never wither.

In Psalms, David cries out to God saying, "create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirt within me." (Psalm 51:10) David, a man after God's own heart, struggled with purity and lust, but even he knew that it was sinfully wrong and asked God to renew his heart. This plea can be offered up to God from any struggling heart in a time of need and renewal. God does not give us commands, only to sit back and watch us struggle through them alone. He cares that we keep our hearts pure and that we wait to release our affection to only one person. He holds our every concern in His hands. He is listening and waiting for our cries for help, ready to assist us in our pursuit of righteousness.

A person of chastity ought to be highly praised for their strength of character and restraint. It is no easy task to keep one's self pure in heart, appearance, and character. It takes courage to face a world of opposing views. We must stand fast and not waiver.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

I must say that as I stumbled through this essay trying to determine my audience and where I was coming from, Caity gave me several tips and helped me quite a bit with this essay. You can tell from her post below, she is a gifted writer. That, among her many other talents, is something I would be blessed to be able to imitate in even the smallest way.

frosty morning sunshine

2010-02-11T20:29:00.002-07:00

friendship...do we really need it? or can we live via the computer?

2010-02-11T18:04:00.003-07:00

The art of friendship is a long-lost quality that the modern culture has completely underemphasized. It used to be highly valued; a staple of adult etiquette. People cared about those around them and paused to take the time to show it. A simple cup of tea and a cookie shared with a kindred spirit meant more then any virtual comment or email ever could. Over the years the importance of talking face to face, sharing a meal, or even hand writing a letter has “gone of out style” with the culture.

In an age where facebook and twitter epitomizes the nations’ friendship status, the selfish population is left to themselves--just what they want. That is the way it should be, right? No. Who can really enjoy spending day in and day out without being touched by anyone who truly cares? No friendly neighbor dropping in. No envelope addressed in well-known cursive. No cheery phone call. No sincere friendship. Everything is computerized and impersonal. Yes, social networking, “e-groups,” blog posts, and instant messaging allow people to exchange words in cyberspace, but that can hardly be considered camaraderie.

Communication has become so easy that people no longer have to sacrifice more than a quick minute to say “hey.” Flipping through countless ego-photos, sending any number of a electronic hugs and smiles, posting “likes,” or carrying on brief but surface conversations cannot equate a portion of time deliberately taken out of a daily schedule and devoted to spending the afternoon in the home of a friend. Talking to a friend is relaxing and stimulating. Like a steaming cup of coffee and a cozy blanket and a good book on a chilly afternoon, a friend will always be there to comfort and encourage, ready to conquer the problems of the world, smile through the tears, talk sense when needed, or simply make another mocha.

Being a friend is hard and takes a substantial amount of energy to keep up biblical gregariousness. But God’s disciples are called numerous times in Scripture to surmount this difficult task. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” Christians need to be available to support and sympathize with fellow believers; in short, extend the hand of amicable friendship. Throughout the Bible, God says to love one’s neighbor, do good to him, and have a brotherly affection for him. Friendship is not an option, but rather an obligation as a son or daughter of God the Father.

Genuine bonhomie takes time. It must be a conscious endeavor to be sympathetic to the hurting, loyal to the unloveable, merciful to the quirky, compassionate to the suffering, faithful to the fickle, sensitive to the weak, considerate to the offended. One has to live sacrificially--especially when it is inconvenient--in order to maintain healthy affable conviviality between brothers and sisters in Christ. Giving up personal plans and desires is one of the hardest but most important acts of kindness someone can demonstrate to a friend. A person trying to live this in this mindset is well on the way to being the type of person that everyone desires to befriend.

*~*~*

my inspiration:

Face to Face- Steve Wilkins

http://cinnamonrollsandbacon.blogspot.com/2010/01/digital-muse.html

and

http://cinnamonrollsandbacon.blogspot.com/2010/01/byte-thats-hard-to-swallow.html

"Still"

2010-02-10T08:32:00.001-07:00

this is one of my favorite songs:

Pizza Rolls

2010-02-09T13:26:00.002-07:00

I found this recipe on KingArtherFlour.com and tried it last friday night (every recipe I have made from there is delicious), it was a hit. I think this one is actually going to make it onto our regular pizza menu rotation!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup milk
2/3 cup hot tap water
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons Baker's Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
2 tablespoons potato flour or 1/4 cup instant potato flakes
3 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast

Filling:

1 1/2 lb. toppings (I used bacon and ground beef)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, or the pizza cheese of your choice

Topping:

1 cup pizza sauce
extra toppings (optional)
3 cups shredded mozzarella

Directions:

1) Whisk together the milk, hot water, and olive oil. The hot water should heat the milk so that the entire mixture is lukewarm. Set it aside.

2) In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the salt, Pizza Dough Flavor, sugar, dry milk, potato flour, all-purpose flour, and yeast.

3) Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring to combine.

4) Mix and knead the mixture — by hand, using a stand mixer, or in a bread machine — to make a smooth, soft dough.

5) Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl or a large (8-cup) measuring cup, cover it, and allow it to rise till doubled, 60 to 90 minutes.

6) Gently deflate the dough, and transfer it to a lightly greased work surface.

7) Roll the dough into a 12" x 18" rectangle.

8) Spread evenly with the 1 cup cheese, and the browned sausage, gently pressing them into the dough.

9) Starting with a short end, roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 pieces.

10) Space the rounds on two parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheets, six to a sheet. Flatten each to about 1/2" thick.

11) Cover the pan, and allow the buns to rise for 60 to 90 minutes, till they're nicely puffed. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F.

12) Bake the buns for 15 minutes.

13) Remove the buns from the oven, and brush each with a generous tablespoon of sauce. Sprinkle with extra toppings and cheese.

14) Return the buns to the oven, and bake until their edges are golden brown, and the cheese is melted, about 15 to 20 minutes.

15) Remove from the oven, and serve warm. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Reheat for about 10 minutes, covered, in a 350°F oven; or very briefly in a microwave.

Yield: 12 pizza buns.

enjoy!

marginalia

2010-02-01T19:11:00.003-07:00

nefarious- wicked or criminal

pusillanimous- showing a lack of courage or determination

"He who does not lay his foundations beforehand might with great effort lay them afterward, although he would do so with inconvenience to the architect and danger to the building." -Niccolo Machiavelli The Prince

"Of course anyone can be simple if he has no facts to bother about." -C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity

"Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few month later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of." -ibid

"No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good." -ibid

"When the most important things in our life happen we quite often do not know, at the moment, what is going on." -ibid

" Sisters can do a great deal of good in their families by influencing their younger brothers and sisters. The little ones are far more free in talk and manner with them than they are with other people, and so they have opportunities with them which do not belong even to mothers. Sisters may also do much in the way of influencing their schoolboy brothers, and instilling into the reverence for womanhood." -Valine In My Father's House

"Charity offereth honey to a bee without wings." John Trapp A Puritain Golden Treasury

Crooked Strudel

2010-01-31T18:08:00.004-07:00

This past weekend I took on the adventure of making a pastry. A friend of mine had showed me the recipe and I decided to try it. It took quite some effort to prepare the dough itself, but it was so yummy. Once the dough was made, which the easy part, it had to be rolled out, buttered, folded, and refrigerated; then rolled, folded, and refrigerated again; then repeat twice more.

This is the apple, sugar, cinnamon mixture that makes the filling

The dough all rolled out with the filling on it

Braided

With the egg wash...it's a little crooked... =)

Strudel topping

Ready for the oven

Baked

and....breakfast!

It took quite a long time for all the steps, but it was quite enjoyable to make.

P.S. We are eagerly awaiting the purchase of vanilla ice cream, which we found last night we were out of, on which to sprinkle the left over strudel topping and the sauce from the apples. =)

chocolate and coffee anyone?

2010-01-29T10:19:00.003-07:00

Ever tried to find the perfect chocolate cookie recipe? Slightly crispy and still chewy-gooey? This is the recipe for you:

Tripple Chocolate Mocha Chunks

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp. baking soda*

1 tbsp instant coffe granules**

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder*

1 3/4 cup white flour

1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (use one or more: white, milk, espresso, semi-sweet)

*if you have Dutch Process Cocoa Powder, use 3/4 tsp. baking powder and 2/3 cocoa powder

**if you have espresso powder use 1 tsp.

Preheat oven to 350*. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter sugar, baking soda, coffee granules, and salt. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder and flour; the dough will be stiff. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Drop the cookies onto a baking sheet (I made the balls 1 1/2" and got just over 3 dozen). Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool.

Pour a glass of milk and enjoy!

trivia:

Do you know the difference between Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder and Dutch Process Cocoa Powder?

Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is the most common type found in the kitchen. It is processed in such a way that it is an acidic substance (it should be used with baking soda). Familiar brands are Hershey's, Nestlé, and Ghiradelli.

Dutch Process Cocoa is treated so that the result is an alkaline food (it works best with baking powder). It can be found in grocery stores, but it is less common and usually more expensive.

*~*~*

it's official...I'm a foodie.

Puppy Update

2010-01-25T20:27:00.002-07:00

It's been awhile since I've updated our blog readers on my puppy. My ball of energy is coming up on a year of life. She's been so much fun and taught me a lot of patience over the past ten months. She still loves to play frisbee and I caught a bit of her energy on video Saturday morning. =)

Beautiful Sunrise

2010-01-21T07:33:00.003-07:00

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." Psalm 19:1

This morning between our family Bible study and breakfast, God reminded us of His glory by giving us a beautiful sunrise to enjoy. I am so thankful that we serve a God who loves beauty. However, even a really nice camera cannot capture the full extent of the magnificent color.

~Marissa

marginalia

2010-01-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

diabolical- belonging to or so evil as to recall the Devil

esoteric- intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest

altruism- in belief in or practice of disinterested or selfless for the wellbeing of others

ambiguity- uncertainty or inexactness of meaning in language

demagogue- a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument

ostensibly-apperantly or purportedly, but perhaps not actually

variorum- having notes written by various editors or commentators

perspicuous- clearly expressed and easily understood

4 inches of snowflakes

2010-01-19T09:26:00.007-07:00

Mandy--the energizer puppy

the mountains were completely socked in this morning

chimichangas

2010-01-18T20:42:00.003-07:00

the filling

dinner

Scott's recommendation: 3 smiley faces

marginalia

2010-01-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

exculpate- show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing

torpor- a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy

***

"I know that most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives." -Leo Tolstoy

"Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you man 'very;' otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite." -C.S. Lewis

"The best book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echos of our hearts." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

"To live for a time close to great minds is the best kind of education." -John Buchan

marginalia

2010-01-14T10:23:00.002-07:00

acerbity- (esp. of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright

***

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27

"Stilled now be every anxious care;

See God's great goodness everywhere;

Leave all to Him in perfect rest:

He will do all things for the best."

anonymus Keep a Quiet Heart

"It is in His providence that has put us where we are. It's where we belong. It is for us to receive it--all of it--humbly, quietly, thankfully." -Elizabeth Elliot Keep a Quiet Heart

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking on another, envying one another." Galatians 5:22&23, 25&26

Psalm 19

2010-01-11T20:26:00.002-07:00

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart by acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

marginalia

2010-01-11T15:57:00.003-07:00

exculpate- to show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing

"If the prudence of reserve and decorum dictates silence in some circumstances, in others prudence of a higher order may justify us in speaking our thoughts." Edmund Burke

"The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

"I urge you to trust God. He wants to give you the best. He will help you. He has promised to guide. He knows what you need." Elisabeth Elliot

"But it is within a Christian woman's modesty and willingness to have what God wants for her, doing quietly the work God has given her to do, confident that his promise can be trusted...are you willing to be and have what He wants you to be and have, and nothing else? Will you surrender all your own hopes, dreams, and plans to Him?...if you want His way, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else, you've got to leave it to Him." ibid

"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day...the humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way."

Psalm 25:4-5, 9

sanctification

2010-01-11T07:23:00.004-07:00

Aren't you so thankful for the sanctification process? Boy I am! God has worked so much in me this last year. It would be a huge long story and I'm not so good with words as my dear daughters and some of you dear friends so I won't even try, but I'll borrow some words I found on a blog (which that blogger quoted from somewhere else but that source wasn't listed, so please forgive my lack of giving credit to the "author"). Anyway, these words provide a peek into what God has been teaching me this past year and I'm sure will continue to refine in me:

"When you judge others, you are revealing your own fears, insecurities, and prejudices..."

"...Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others..."

May each of us extend as much grace to others as we generously extend to ourselves. Have a great day friends!

Linda

NY: day 6

2010-01-07T22:13:00.015-07:00

Monday morning we went for a hike down to the San Pedro Creek

conquering the mountain

admiring God's marvelous creation

cutting up and eating a Prickly Pear Cactus

boys

they will forever and and always be...boys--aren't you glad?

lunch...er...slime

working with our hands (i.e. Manly Knitting)

*thanks to Dr. B and Curtis for some of the pictured used in the NY posts.

NY: day 5

2010-01-07T21:09:00.007-07:00

Sunday. relaxing and savoring the last moments with everyone together

family photos

Skeen

Barber

Spencer

the girls

the moms

the guys

Pit (the photographers were playing Settlers of Cataan)

snapshots

NY: day 4

2010-01-07T20:45:00.005-07:00

Saturday. more games. packing. driving. talking.

Samuel and I pretty much made a great team (our YELLOW train spanned the coastline from Miami to San Francisco and up to Vancouver)

New Mexico sunset

Catch Phrase

photographer's favorite