14 More days till Christmas

 This has been a nice week of tending to the tasks that drew the heart in.

The mantle scarf once spread from one end to the other gave issue to opening the media doors. In the sewing stash were these pearls that were 60% off and stored some years till just the right use presented itself. It seems quite extravagant to use on decor but they really spoke to me. It had to be done and it is so lovey. Sorta a-symmetrical yet now the doors to the media can be open on the other side easily without risk to the creche. It still needs to be put up just so. 

 Dash wanted for the hens to have their own Christmas stockings too.
So sweet. Now the dead hen Prissy also for

" I believe that her gift can reach up to heaven mom"...said he.

 I found this plastic brick sheet in the old Christmas stuff thought it would be a cute 'fireplace'.  Those cute stockings were made by MILove Steve's mom. They are works of  art. The names folded under, are embroidered. Steve and my stockings were gifted by my dearly departed Sister Midge. This year I have noticed how many Christmas gifts she made for me. They are treasures to me now real treasures.

 Father Santa found this PERFECT spot! See the little bird up on the ledge. I found humor in placing it there. The kids did a great job on the tree.

 The house got a good cleaning yesterday. Mopped floors. This little motion detection snowmen set says "I Love Christmastime, Its my favorite time of year".

 Happy children if you could hear the pleasure in the air. They are playing on the wii.

 Yesterday with a good mopping the fun began. I got a feather in my bonnet and decided to scrub the baseboards, table, chairs, cabinetry, bar stools, oven, microwave and the dishwasher. Refrigerator was detailed and all the stuff removed off of it. OH IT FELT SO GOOD!  I got down on the floor and scrubbed the footing of the appliances where the mop can not reach. IT IS MINE AGAIN> I used to keep my kitchen and home VERY clean. Again my home feels more like it should to please me.

This week along with the bread center the drawers were tended. Clearing out things and making order.

This is a project that has been in process. All of the cutting mats and tools are being gathered to be at hand. On a cooking show I saw something in the background that set this into motion. It is yet being fine tuned but it is awesome. Having these tools at hand both protects me from getting a cut reaching into a drawer for them, or bending to get a cutting board. It also protects the blades.

The other night a broken string on the guitar set into motion my husbands fingers on fret. Oh I got so excited! Soon this was the seen. What joy it gave me to see them.

Today is a day full of childrens laughter and the peace of a guest resting in her safe haven . My little soul daughter is here today. Several years ago I was asking God about doing some additional foster care. Dove was begging for a sister.  The conclusion was a willingness to open my heart to another child to help them as long as it would not harm or hinder my two kids. Then this little kid came in our lives. My daughters best friend. One of those rare life long friends.She is so good for Dove.They moved away some time ago and this fine day she rest here while her dear mom goes to the second job. Scraping by penny by penny. This sweet kid is too grown up in the ways of a caregiver.

They all just made a buffet breakfast. Very cute.  Love that independence. Wonder what the state of the kitchen is?

A day of sewing and preperations are at hand.
Thank you all for your comments of late. I need to find a way to respond timely. Perhaps I will try what others have done and just respond on the comment section itself. I really want to acknowledge yet time escapes me. As well as the energies at the end of each day.

The last three days or so it has been an extra early morning to have a few moments in the scriptures. Really wonderful times. Sitting by the Christmas tree before dawn reading by the lights. Cozy.

Daddy man got a little raise that actually met zero balance budget to the dollar it was so cool! It was a little but just enough to catch it to the dollar. We are keeping tight to goal. I am hearing the kids asking eash other

"are you looking more forward to the presents or the family time?" Asked Dash to the others...The little girl here said "FAMILY"!
She only sees her mom very little her having two jobs.
my kids replied "Ya...me too."

Gotta love it!

Thankful Thrusday ( Best Friends)

Hello
After yesterdays adventure with anaphylaxis.
I was able to get up to make Steve's lunch and get the kids fed and off. Then went back and slept till 12:30!
Had a hard start with the kids and feel like a big ol ogre. Lost patience for the first morning in ages. Lots of crow for supper tonight. :(
Thank you for your prayers.


I'll need to think on thankfulness for a while and get up out of this hole called guilt and shame. Got me by the heals. Sad too when behavior is not what hoped to be. Should not have even tried the morning. As a mom/wife we do not have choice though most mornings. We push up our eye glasses clear a fog to see through to the bread on the counter. Package kiss and set aside to the next lot of duty and love.

Choice now lies in simple crow, the eating of the humility that shows my kids yep...mom can bomb but she is willing to return to triage and reconstruct the sanctuary.

Our mistakes are a way to show the way God loves I suppose.
Sitting there waiting for us to sheepishly return and hand over the mantle of shame and remorse. Then He shakes it out and covers our cold shoulders and pats us on the bum in the right direction. It is sure that when we glace back over shoulder to see if He is still watching...He is.
He IS...waiting for us to come back and report how much better we feel afterward.

Join us over here...

Enjoy your wonderful day dear ones.

Prayers please

Hay folks
Dash and I had our allergy shots today.
He did great. This time it was me . I went into anaphylaxis  shock   :(
It was at the office and they quickly had me on oxigyn and injections and pills as well.
sorta wiped out. Steve came for me and we had to leave the truck there. Resting was well very easy to do tonight har har....dang i was doped out
My darlings need a fresh me in or on the marrow. It will also be under observation during the night and in the morning due to the waring off of the drug.
Thank you.

God is so good many awesome things are happening around here. So also smile at the future yours and ours.
Sleep well.

Tackle it Tuesday Organizing the kitchen

The shape of our inside freezer was hurting so it was given a cleaning ans a good redo. After adjusting the shelf and adding the nice clear ice tray the folks gave us this is what was left.  So much more usable.
This is my baking freezer meant to keep all the extra grains and nuts in for any use to create baked goods.

 It is even more in order now in the door

 All the jars now are together on the bottom shelf. Here are grains and nuts.

 All the china sets were set way over above the bread mill. Now the space above me is for what it used daily. There is a bit more tweaking to do.

 Dash wanted to be seen. Often he does not want his image on blog. That is why the kids are less often seen here. Respecting that is important to me. So it is that they have voice in the appearance of their own images here.

So in the process all clear glass and blue is now arranged in the hutch.
Drawers were also done as well as a corner for all cutting supplies. That will be another post. Tired girl
We just returned from Dash orchestra performance and ice cream.

Marriage Monday

My own personal tradition is to have a roasted leg of lamb in the oven and the pungent smell of lamb is a focal aroma of what we are doing. We are remembering the birth of a life that changed all time. 

The Lamb of God. 

No more is the Lamb a sacrifice it is a sweet fragrance. As it goes into the second phase of roasting when the rosemary and the curry meld into the pungency turned intoxicating and the joy begins. We often just nibble on the lamb informally with other raw veggies, salads and mint jelly. Relaxed and the kids run freely and gleefully unabashed in an utter abandoned child like freedom. Chattering getting all the props set. Steve tends to the camera.

We will often drive to go see the lights. Candy canes and treats with drinks in car.

Warm coats too.

On Christmas eve we all do a play every year we have done the Bethlehem journey. We watched them all year by year as the kids grow and develop into  members of the cast.

The Story is narrated by the Daddy Man and silliness and joy abound. He errors in telling it on purpose and the kids with glee correct him. They knew every word.

The children traditionally have one gift to open, we thank the Lord together for the greatest gift.  We serve cocoa and watch the play on the television.

He reads them to sleep as I decorate the birthday cake (Jesus bday). They know it is not the exact day yet do we acknowledge his birth. We will have cake for breakfast on Christmas morning then we are all off to search out the child. Hidden the babe from the creche. I am told not to hide it in the chicken coop this year ")

 Once the kids are asleep it is our time.

My Love is a love that is centered in our mutual bond that is three fold. On Christmas Eve after the children are in bed and the gifts under the tree. A pot of tea and a few moments of getting all set for the early dawn. Showers taken we then meet up for our tradition of some 28 years. 

Steve prepares the bread. I the cup and together we come and sit awhile in prayer. Quietly each and then as one we go before our maker. It is the gift of humility to begin the best of gifts of all. We clear the slate with God. He is so good to forgive us. We forgive all we have ought against as well. Clean hands pure heart.

As we sit together he breaks the bread and with the Bible in hand reads the passage we together take the bread in communion. Together..we gather together and do this thing, then he pours the cup. Reading the passage we sip in our remembrance of whose we are and the forgiveness offered to us.

We start afresh.

We hold each other and in the stillness of the lit tree and the taste of the grape upon our lip we kiss and look into each others eyes. Sitting there we just rest awhile in the stillness. 

As the sleep draws us to pillow we turn off the tree and retire.

We are sure to need no clock to awaken.

Coffee is just a push of a button, and the day is off!

We have a party! 

Cake and the hunt. Then after the babe is in his manger we sit down to have our gift exchange. Soon the Grandparents come and I run in from the kitchen not to miss the opening of the packages. The kids play and the others visit while I finish the meal to serve. With the table set the eve before. 

As Much as I love to serve and go all out for a wonderful meal and all slowing is in order. 

This year with the meal I must pace myself for it is now that my health will slow this bird a bit. My wings have been clipped. Not so big a splash of food. It will be more simple as to not miss out on anymore of our childrens youth while going overboard cooking, cleaning and fretting over every detail.  If it is relaxed it will be done. Or it will not be stressed out over.  It will be peaceful like Thanksgiving.

We will celebrate as we are as much as reasonably able to do without running our-self ragged. It is a new year for us. Thanksgiving taught us so well to make it about the living. Not the food, and pretense. Too many a woman smiles through those exhausting mornings missing out on Christmas day and the reward of offering all they do.

After sup the old folk sit around and the kids play. Day gets done and the house grows quiet. We will go drive to see the lights. The kids play with the new toys. 

There are the friends welcome to stop by, the neighbors who drop off cookies. 

The dogs chew on the big bones they get every year.

Normally I just about pass out tired, this year we intend to keep our Christmas relaxed and centered around family friends and all things living.


Join us over here

Seeking Your Submission

Fa la la la la, la la la la. ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

Dear Sister,

With Thanksgiving behind us, and the Christmas holidays still ahead, let’s take a few minutes to gather once again for our monthly fellowship. Hot spiced cider is simmering on my stove, and I’m wondering what's cooking in your kitchen …

Romantically, that is!

Joy for Two at Christmas
This month our topic is “Joy for Two at Christmas.” Please join us for Marriage Monday on Dec. 6, 2010. This topic should be fun and easy. We will break for January and resume our fellowship on Monday Feb. 7, 2011. I'll have some brand new topics for 2011 to share with you then!
So how do you do it? How do you keep romance alive during one of the busiest times of year? The following title options give you the opportunity to share your wisdom and advice with us, dear sister. (Note: Number four is a wild card; feel free to make up your own.)
Select one title, and let the Spirit lead you where He wants you to go.

1. Our Private Christmas Traditions
2. Advent Scriptures to Savor Together
3. 12 Gifts Men Love that Don’t Cost a Cent
4. Your-Title-Goes-Here

twas' 21 days till Christmas

 All through the house sounds of the 'Polar Express' movie were thrilling the kids.

Dad relaxed think of it.

:)

brings me joy to see it.

 Dove very lovingly pulled her brother back into decorating the tree while I was listening from the other room. "what were you so sad last night?" she asked him...it was so sweet.

 On Thursday Evening I was invited to a thank you evening at the sewing store. It was for Guild members. We made these 10 minute table runners. No joke 10 minute project. I'll try to get over to ' A Place to Create' Blog to show you how.  The Santa and boy was a gift that my dear friend Julie gave me when Dash came home from Russia. We were all watching videos of all the Christmas past plays we have done. Dash and we got home on 12-11-2001. We watched as the kids played together for the first time. Dash had never only had a diaper without clothing. It was a very strange thing for him.

 This was my show and tell for Guild meeting this Morning. We all exchanged gifts via a story read while we all sat round table. Every time the words right, left were read so went the package. To the story 'twas the night before Christmas. It was fun. Mine was a 4 inch quilt square rule and a pair of embroidery scissors.

 This while the train was careening out of control in the movie.

 After a nice cup of 

"HOT CHOCOLATE!"

Oh the sugar rush!

 The kids were pretending to have train tickets like the movie so I slipped out of the room and came back with two whole punchers. They were so tickled and delighted.

Well tomorrow is another day on the count of anticipation. Steve only has a few more days to work. We are very fortunate that he gets two weeks mandatory vacation. He has way too many banked holiday hours. The kids have 14 more days till school is out.

It has been so fun and uplifting to decorate this week. It really lifted my spirit. Even finding myself humming hymns. Feels real good. The kids joy felt so good too.

Steve took the kids 'shopping', poor thing. Gone a few :?four hours while two kids struggled with the concept they were shopping for someone other than them self. He said to me "hun...Dash does not stop! he just goes on and on...I'm thirsty dad" said boy
Dad "hold on we will get a drink"
Boy panicked! "Dad I am thirsty!!!!!!!!!!" now you know he was just dieing right...? :)  Poor man could not find a drink for him fast enough. Dash is really acting out in other ways with the attachment stuff.
I think this time of year is triggering his adoption stuff. I know after 9 years it might sound strange to you. I think he is really coming to terms and feeling some feelings about it all. Seeing his sweet infant self so thin sick and with the sores on his back. I think it got him feeling a lack of security.

Gingerbread Scones with Lemon Glaze

 


Prep Time: 13 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 scone)

Ingredients

• 2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1/4  cup  granulated sugar
• 2  teaspoons  baking powder
• 1  teaspoon  ground ginger
• 1  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  ground nutmeg
• 1/3  cup  chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4  cup  sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/3  cup  1% low-fat milk
• 3  tablespoons  molasses
• Cooking spray
• 1/3  cup  powdered sugar
• 1  tablespoon  fresh lemon juice

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°.
. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in cranberries. Add milk and molasses, stirring with a fork (mixture will be very crumbly).
. Turn dough out onto an unfloured surface, and knead until dry ingredients are moist. Pat dough into a 7-inch circle; cut into 8 wedges. Place wedges on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
. While scones bake, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl; stir well. Drizzle glaze over warm scones. Serve warm.
Note: Cut scones with a sharp chef 's knife coated with cooking spray.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

265 (27% from fat)

Fat:

8.0g (sat 3.9g)

Protein:

3.7g

Carbohydrate:

45.3g

Fiber:

1.2g

Cholesterol:

20mg

Iron:

2.0mg

Sodium:

258mg

Calcium:

106mg

 

 

 God Morning!

So the day begins with the attic fodder down on the table and into day three of the count down till Christmas. This girl has a date in the attic today. I really must try to get some decorating done.

 We refilled the large 25 and 40 pound buckets of flour and there was a bowl of left over on the counter. I saw myself making scones in my sleep and did so this morning. This to have with my coffee. Strange to make something that I like just for me to have one for coffee this morning. Boy are they good. The recipe altered a bit. Cherries for Cranberries, and Cranberry concentrate for lemon in the frosting. WOW that frosting has a wonderful tart punch it is so good!

 Sewing today and cutting down of Turkeys. I'll post on that later. Have a wonderful Friday.

enjoy the day

Today there is a blanket wrapped around my feet. A sweater on my shoulders. Warmth within my heart.

I read of inspiration. To have a cup of tea. :)  Then over to another post on apology. It is to be to live to see all the beauty around me. Reflections in the lives of others reminding us of who we are. Where we stand and how we gained the stand we own.

Flowers growing in the yards and children blooming into days.

The new cpcp mask came and it is a nose mask. Slept much better but my mouth opens in my sleep and wakes up my hubby. Thought I would die of thirst. It is so much better than the other one. Just got to learn how to keep my mouth shut. I sound like I have sucked helium when I try to speak with it on. Made us all laugh to hear it. Sleep what an amazing force.I might try using one of Doves head bands around my head to hold my jaw shut. Oh life and the goofy battles to face.

I am so glad to have this new nasal mask! How blessed I am to be able to get it.

The dogs get another walk today, so do I:)  For three weeks now I have been detoxing off an anti-depressant. The lower levels  are hopefully enough to get me through. Getting off of the medication is a real desire of mine. It is thrilling to think of being on the homestretch of it.

Have a great day all!

Saved Marigold seeds

Hay girls I thought it might be fun to give as gifts to friends for Christmas.

Hay to you Annette. I need to come spend some time with you soon. I think on the morrow I might have some time to set aside. Loving you.

Susie If I left them to reseed I would loose all the earth for the crop :) but the bees and the other pollinates sure do love them. These French ones do not have that nasty marigold smell. They do however chase the nematodes (pest in the soil) away.

Dennis so glad the machine is working. It was so good to spend time with you as well today. I spoke to Shorty Bear tonight. You two made my day girls thank you.

On Christian Bullying and Apple Pie

 Good Evening
As I sit here forgive me I am having a slice of fresh out of the oven apple pie. Tart Granny Smith organic apples. Now to insult these fresh apples (at least nutritionally) one of those ready made store bought crust. It was easy. I had the crust as a free thing on the last shop. Now normally I would roll over in my grave before I'd eat it but alas...
Well the pie was made with Dove joining me.Oh it was my hearts delight too have her hands in the flour and sugar. "here mom let me do it". JOY! utter joy to have her ask to do it, to join me and be happy to be with me doing it. 

 My cup running over...two tea bags as well. Some Good Earth cinnamon in my huge mug Dash gave to me last year. Apple pie and hot cinnamon tea oh yaa..

Tonight I had a real long and lovely conversation with Denise (Shorty Bear). How she misses you all so. She told of how lovingly so many came up to help and each bill is just covered. 

Underneath the umbrella of all she holds dear. Her trust in  and love for the Lord she is still getting a deluge of trial so keep her in your prayers.

Our conversation refreshed my soul, mind and body. She is REAL it was a real conversation. 

So often now I avoid trying to have that here. 

"If you ain't got nothing good to say don't say anything at all"...

Maybe some of you grew up with that one too. Sometimes it is the things that may not seam so good to say are the best things heard. Being real with one another. 

I came to my daughter today real. Told her my heart on an issue. Found a way to compromise with her.  Funny with all the fuss she really seems to respect me for it. 

Also told my little core family my heart tonight. It was good for my soul. Rested just a spell and that is when my dear friend came on the telephone line. There for me as a friend is. Real Listening not giving advice unsolicited or judging but pure love. Acceptance of all the warts and all. Like a good freeze off of hurt she nurtured my soul. I hers as well.  We are told to be strong, courageous, grateful now if were feeling were not we at least need to act as if we are.

I have been thinking a lot about bullies. Ya know the ones who make it real hard for your kids to feel safe. The true face has to hide lest it get taken for a ride of guff. Now some bullying is clear mean. Some is unintentionally mean.

While I was in prayer the other day the Lord talked to me about Christian Bullying. The kind that if your humanity shows your faulty in doctrine or being lead astray. Do this just right now, if your not doing this just right it will show.  Now God forbid these bullies when the trials hit real hard. We have to hold one view of our trinity public. That one that is our true spiritual self. What about that true soul. what of it. What of the true emote? 

Just like on the play ground we better hide it. Or the bully will see us coming a mile away.

Vulnerability is the bullies playground. 

What of maturity where vulnerability is to be commiserated?

What of it? Well if a sister, friend come to you bemoaning the reality of the challenges faced. Do we negate the soul, the emote only to supersede it with the spirit. No. The spirit remains, Gods love never changes.

It you speak of spirit and the tea is poured to do so speak of spirit. If a cup be empty however then fill it with water and quench the thirst without pouring hot water all over the guest. 

If a soul is thirsty for a companion of the soul the emote to hear and listen to the emote...hear.  Hear emote direct the emote through the land mines but do not dump spirit where spirit remains along side standing the guard it is intended too. That's Christian bullying.  Mercy that is just plain bullying given falsely Christs name. For I would never really perceive HIM ever acting that a way.

Blessed are those who...remember. 

Not deceived, backslid-den, lack of faith, or even punished or condemned.

There will always be greater and lesser

That does not negate that there is a you.

Now I have seen this of late from the pulpit as well. 

Just thinking out loud.

Now I have received little bully just always been afraid of them. 

So I sorta hide on the playground.

:)

So this an attempt to come out and own the swing set a while

Bullies thrive on fear they look for it.

How do you respond to 'Christian Bullies' ?

Saving Marigold Seed

 The wonderful French Marigolds are smiling upon my garden

They were planted end of last Summer
To the left
broccoli rabb, lettuce, scallions, spinach, camomile's and what not

 There are a few carrots, cauliflower, celery and radish growing. A free tomato gave gift via the compost It is so thriving in it's given home. Be nice of the whole of the garden planted itself on it's own.

 Happy tomato loves the reflection of the shed wall.

These are the lettuce pots closer to the house for ease of harvest come that day.

 after some time of sitting there opening up each bud it will be set aside to dry

I thought a lot about the seed pods on the flower plants they don't look like much. They take all that energy from the plant. They get trimmed off so the plant can produce more flowers. With out the seed pulling, draining the plant no seeds would come about. God...just splitting the buds to get the seed out to dry.
Gets a real good harvest in due season. Cant plant it till the time is right. Sorta like the lives of humans as well

:)

I love my time in the gardens

Each dog got a walk around the block today as well. Better run Dash to the allergist for shots.

Tackle it Tuesday

Setting a goal to accomplish what YOU CAN DO is the way to go.

It is so good to see that others will delight in an attitude of gratitude.  If that goal be met within us as well as within our children, our mates; that is the wealth. Nothing is a bemoaning want when we are happy and appreciative for what we have.

With my small ones it is a bit more of a challenge. The budget set they have few gifts for the wish list was particularly expensive. One gift each it was what they desired. So budget spent. It will be an interesting year of maturity for them both I think. I love my boys attitude however. He has it right, "Spending time with family and it would be cool to get a gift" 

I have always had a bit of issue with this wish list thing. My take on it is... if I do not know you well enough that I need to ask you what you might like for Christmas...

well isn't the real gift required more to take the time to love you well enough not to have to ask.

We have our kids make out a wish list...weird to me.  We call our friends at birthdays and ask "what is the child into"?. This generation of expectation where nothing is good enough unless it is just what

'we want to get'?

That is the effect I think of the Madison Ave. advertizment.

Commercialism at its peak.

What ever happened to the maturity, the gratitude to accept with a grateful heart anything offered. The old...

"its the heart of the giver not the gift that really matters"?

It's the presentation that can give the simplified gift a wonderful moment. 

In that moment of care shown in the wrap one with character can see that you care about what you are giving them. In that moment is shown if we have raised our kids well.

If we ourselves raise our self up to a standard of acceptance, gratitude and humility.

I got a call last night to make a fast $100 for two hours consultation tonight! So now I can get a gift for hubby (a new lunch box). See this is something I know he want's or needs. Something that can make his life easier. The kids want to give each other a gift.  So I can share a bit of my earnings with each to get each other a small gift. See that is their heart, to give to each other.


 Tackles for today here at the house is sewing, cooking and an appointment to get the prescription for my hearing aides. That is what I really want and need. To be able to hear my family, friends and the fellows met along the road.

Have we all become too preoccupied with our self that we need to asked for a list of what matters to those around us. In my opinion.

The sewing machine is warming up :)

Offer up your heart no matter the 'gift' if it is not accepted than really your expensive gift will be all of what receives that accolade;

not who and what you as an individual has to give

Remember to recieve in like matter the heart of any one who might love enough to give.

I would rather have nothing than to receive pretense or perceived expectation.

What do you think?

Meal Plan Monday

http://orgjunkie.com/

click to enlarge

Well here I am!

Goodness things are caught up enough to do a post on the meal plan. 

You will have to come on over 

here at organizing jukie

to join us all.

Congratulations are in order this dear lady has made her way into a wonderful home based business. Now that is an entrepreneur for you!

We are keeping up with the way of life we call diet.

Looking forward to the balance for the holiday week played havoc on our nutritional bounty.

While back I began an herb listings I am just not able to keep it up. Posting is a bit more effort these days and now with the sewing ahead of me. It's all good. Enjoy your good eats.