Fresh Muffins - Day 121

We have recently discovered how delightful muffins can be! They are super quick and easy to make, the way we make them they are pretty healthy, and they usually taste pretty good too! Love that moment when you pull them out of the oven, and everyone comes to hover and smell, and try to burn their fingers in an effort to get a taste of them!

“You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands: you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.”   Psalm 128:2

Family Room - Day 120

The house we live in now has something that none of our other houses had - and I LOVE! A family room, in addition to a living room. It is right off the kitchen, which makes it an ideal space I think - since anyone who has family get togethers probably knows you spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else. So, this give us an overflow area! I love how much time we spend in this room, and all the memories that are made here...

“So live that your memories will be part of your happiness.”   Unknown

Finishing what you start - Day 119

There is nothing like a goal, and completing something you start! My oldest is very goal oriented, so she struggles with leaving something undone. Whether that is a book, a craft, a job, or even her schoolwork! So, needless to say - books don't last long for her! Sometimes I need that reminder though!

“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M’s and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.”   Dave Barry

Dirty Dishes - Day 118

Doing dishes is one of those chores that I sometimes love, and sometimes hate. When it is cold outside, it is kind of nice to put your hands in the warm water, and it is one of those jobs that really doesn't take a long time to make a big difference on how your house looks. But really...it seems like you no sooner finish, when you find  you need to start over again! But when we were growing up, my mom had a little somethings she always used to say to remind us to be thankful, so whenever I am tempted to complain about having to do the dishes, I remember the poem my mom always used to quote! It is listed below the picture:

“Thank God for dirty dishes;

They have a tale to tell.

While others may go hungry,

We’re eating very well.

With home, health, and happiness,

I shouldn’t want to fuss;

By the stack of evidence,

God’s been very good to us.”

Unknown

Stolen Moments - Day 117

In the crazy busyness of life, it is nice to step back from the to do list sometimes, and just BE. I love remembering (and watching my kids experience) the simple childhood moments...when walking toward the sunshine was about as good as it gets. Especially with a good friend by your side...

“The sun lay like a friendly arm across her shoulder.”  Margorie Kinnan Rawlings

Little Brothers All Grown Up - Day 116

I remember being a kid, and as much as I loved my little brother, he could be such a pest...just like anyone with a little brother might know. We were both the hardheaded ones, that got into fist fights with each other in time out, and mom gritted her teeth and tried to ignore us until we got tired of hitting each other and ended up hugging and being friends again. (And just for the record...we were too little to really hurt each other!) Now...while he can still occasionally be a nuisance! - he is all grown up! With a beautiful wife, and three darling daughters...I am so proud of him!

“A friend is a brother who was once a bother.”   Author Unknown

Beautiful Blossoms - Day 115

Ahhhh...I don't think anything can be prettier! Our neighbor has a flowering tree that hangs over into our yard - and it is SOOOO beautiful when spring arrives! The ground under it is covered with white blossoms for weeks - and my girls are frequently caught jumping to grab handfuls of flowers from it's branches. Yes...I love spring!

 “Flowers whisper ‘Beauty!’ to the world, even as they fade, wilt, fall.”   Dr. SunWolf

A Godly Heritage - Day 114

This is my Grandma...I feel so blessed to still have my Grandma around when I have reached the ripe old age of nearly 32! And for every single year of my life, I have known beyond any shadow of doubt that my Grandma loves the Lord more than anything else. And there was nothing she wanted her kids and grandkids to know and understand more either. Now that I have my own kids...I think I understand just a little more how she feels...

“To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom.”   Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bright Sunshine - Day 113

Nothing like sunshine to make the earth - and humankind - come alive! I love watching cats or dogs lay and soak up a sunbeam...or leaves and flowers and trees! The sun definitely draws forth life!

“Sunshine is a welcome thing. It brings a lot of brightness.”   Jimmie Davis

Cherry Blossoms - Day 112

I love cherry blossoms at least as much as the cherries they produce. Right now I would say more, but then this summer when I get my first juicy ripe cherry, I'm sure I would change my mind! I loved this moment when I got this picture. The sun was going down after a beautiful day...my daughters were happy and playing in the yard...life is good...

"Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful."  Jim Carrey

Weather through the window - Day 111

Yesterday, we woke up to the house feeling a bit chillier than normal. Turns out, our furnace seems to be broken again. That wouldn't be so annoying if it wasn't for the fact that we just got this new furnace a couple of years ago, and this is the 3rd time that it has been broken. But...when I stop to think about it - the last time it wasn't working there was snow on the ground and temps below zero. This time, the temps are in the 50's, and the house is actually staying relatively warm! Kind of made me look at the situation a bit differently.

Like looking out a window at the weather. Ever notice how sometimes the weather isn't nearly as bad outside as it looks from inside? Sometimes I have gone out to brave the raging torrent to go get the mail, and once I get outside I realize that it really isn't as bad as it looks! While that certainly isn't always true...and sometimes it is just as miserable as it looks, it definitely makes me pause and think a little...sometimes things just aren't as bad as they look...sometimes things aren't as hard as they look...and sometimes life isn't as horrible as it might seem from inside whatever box you are hiding in!

“Bad weather always looks worse through a window.”   Tom Lehrer

Buddies - Day 110

Just another sweet pic of my girls and their "borrowed" dog from the other day! Love how playing with her just  makes the day better and brighter for them!

“Who cares about the clouds when we’re together? Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.”   Dale Evans Rogers

Spring Flowers - Day 109

I always forget in the fall to plant flower bulbs that I can enjoy in the spring - at least, I forget until it is spring, and then wish I had done it! Fortunately, there are lots of people with better memories than me, which gives me the joy of seeing what they have growing in their yards. Maybe this year will be the year I remember...

“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.”   Bern Williams

Family - Day 108

Every year since we have gotten married, we have gotten a family picture taken, somewhere around the vicinity of our anniversary, to see how we have grown and changed over each new year together. At first, of course, it was just the two of us. Then it grew...bit by bit. One year it included our exchange student from Germany, Melanie - every bit as much a part of our family at the time. We still miss her! And even though at the moment I am behind a couple of years in framing them, we have a wall in our upstairs hallway that we all frequently visit, that has them all hung in order. It still amazes me to see where we have come from, and to dream of where we are going. 

Until a couple of years ago, we always went to Sears. Then we had them taken by friends - who did an amazing job! This year, I had my sis-in-law snap the picture for us with my camera. I think it is one of my favorites! And the funny thing? It totally wasn't planned, so we didn't dress for the occasion- which just means I didn't stress forever in choosing the perfect outfits for all of us! It's just us...ordinary, simple, and everyday...the way I love my family!

“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.”    George Santayana

Windows - Day 107

Yesterday we spend part of the afternoon at my brother and sister-in-laws house. As we wandered around in the beautiful sunshine, the kids playing, the hubby's off talking together, we came across this amazing old barn window. We had walked past their fruit trees in bloom, and decided to take some pictures. We got so many totally fun ones (which I will probably be sharing over the next couple of days!) - but this is my favorite one of my daughters. 

I love that they are peaking through a window - and all of the symbolism of that! Windows are what allow us to see out to the world. How boring would houses be without windows? And windows also allow us a peak into a house. How many of you love seeing a Christmas tree glowing in a window at Christmas time? I'm sure I can't be the only one! 

 “I feel that it is healthier to look out at the world through a window than through a mirror. Otherwise, all you see is yourself and whatever is behind you.”   Bill Withers

Great Grandma - Day 106

I feel like it is such a blessing that my daughters have the privilege of knowing their Great-Grandma. I never met any of my great-grandparents - so I love that they have this joy! This is my Grandma on my Dad's side, and she is 98 years old. She is such a delight, and always keeps us laughing! If I live to be that old, I want to be that spunky and fun! Above all though, she loves the Lord, and that is the greatest blessing...

"Grandmother's are just "antique" little girls."   Unknown

Dog for a day - Day 105

Yesterday we had the fun of dog sitting for a friend. I am pretty sure my kids already think that they have own this dog, Haven, anyway! But they had SOOO much fun loving and spoiling her for the day yesterday. Katie even shed some tears at the realization that it was close to the end of her day of having a dog! 

“The dog was created specially for children.”   Henry Ward Beecher

Second Chances - Day 104

Some days, I'm just glad for forgiveness, and the chance to start over with a new day. Yesterday, at least for part of the day, was one of those days. Or it started out that way. I chose to let something small and insignificant, become way more important and irritating than it should have been. Fortunately I chose to listen to that still small whisper, and to heed the reminder of what was really important. And the day got better. Second chances...yep! Definitely a blessing!

“Life is a long lesson in humility.”   James M. Barrie

The end in sight - Day 103

Yesterday I spent many long hours planning out the remainder of the school year. And it feels good to have it done! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to teach my children...but I am also grateful for summer! And I am getting very excited for it to arrive! 

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”   Jiddu Krishnamurti

Putting my feet up - Day 102

Every now and then, I have a day I just feel lazy. Sometimes I struggle through the day, trying to be motivated, but dragging my feet horribly all day. Other days, I just allow myself to put my feet up and be lazy! I think I like those days better! Yesterday was one of those days...I went more than half of the day before I just decided to curl up and take a nap - it is amazing how much better I felt when I woke up! I actually was able to accomplish more in a couple hours than I would have in the whole day otherwise!

“Oh, Dear. I really ought to do something. But I am already in my pajamas.”  Unknown

Biggest Dandelion in the WORLD - Day 101

Yesterday my girls were playing in the living room while I did dishes in the kitchen, when I heard a huge gasp, followed by feet running as fast as they could outside. I, of course, was wondering what in the world was wrong. Turns out nothing was wrong, but my youngest had spotted through the window what she called "the biggest dandelion in the WORLD!" I have to admit...it is pretty huge! 

It seems that spring has finally arrived here in full force, as the dandelion population has suddenly exploded in the last couple of days. They multiply like rabbits it seems!

 “Give a weed an inch and it will take a yard.”    Author Unknown

You and Me - Day 100

Yesterday when we finally got home after all our Easter celebrations, as the rest of the family came inside, our youngest  threw her stuff in the house, then disappeared outside to spend some time with our kitty. They played together on the porch, her petting him and walking around with him, and singing a song she made up. I couldn't hear all the words, but I heard "You and Me" quite often. It was so sweet! Finally, they settled down like this, just sitting together. No words necessary - as it should be with good friends.

 “In the confusion we stay with each other, happy to be together, speaking without uttering a single word.”    Walt Whitman

The rising of the Son - Day 99

Yes, that was a deliberate typo! Happy Easter morning! What more can I say, than thank you to the Light of the world who has triumphed over death and darkness forevermore?!?!? Praise the Lord - He is risen, and He is alive!

“Christ has illuminated the world, not by what He did, but by what He was; His life is the Light of Men. We speak of a man’s life-work; the work of Jesus was His life itself...They tell us that Easter morning has revealed His glory; rather would I say that His glory has revealed the Easter morning. It is not resurrection that has made Christ; it is Christ that has made resurrection. To those who have seen His beauty, even Olivet can add no certainty; the light of immortality is as bright on His Cross as on His Crown. ‘I am the resurrection’ are His own words about Himself – not ‘I teach,’ not ‘I cause,’ not ‘I predict,’ but ‘I am.’”    George Matheson

Bird songs - Day 98

It is that time of year when the songs of the birds wake me up before the sun does. I love listening to their song! Does anything say spring more than that sound? 

“I don’t ask for the meaning of the song of a bird or the rising of the sun on a misty morning. There they are, and they are beautiful.”   Pete Hamill

Hope - Day 97

Last night, I peaked out my window to see this rainbow. I have been waiting for this moment - and quickly got off the phone with my friend to go snap some pictures. And it seems so especially appropriate today. Good Friday. A day that I always associate with sorrow and mourning - darkness and gloominess. And yet, with the most glorious hope shining in the midst of it! Because here is the joy of it...Sunday is coming! A promise that will not fail - and hope that will last forever! I say with the utmost gratitude, that I don't even kow how to adequately express: THANK YOU LORD! May I never forget the cost...

“My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.”   William Wordsworth

Learning Cursive - Day 96

I am kind of a bit old-fashioned it turns out. I am actually teaching my kids cursive! I have to be honest, that I pondered not bothering, since after all - almost everyone uses a computer these days anyway, right? But then I realized that it was something that would soon be a lost art, and I wanted them to know it. My first daughter clicked on it right away, and LOVED it! It was a struggle for her if she had to NOT write in cursive! My second however...well, let's just say it has been a bit more of a challenge to learn. But she is learning, and working hard at it, and I am proud of her! Sometimes I get impatient, but then I remember how hard it can be to master a new skill - yet how worth it in the long run!

“When a child is learning to write, it is extremely easy for it to hold the pen wrongly, and to form its letters incorrectly, but it is painfully difficult to hold the pen and to write properly; and this because of the child’s ignorance of the art of writing, which can only be dispelled by persistent effort and practice, until at last, it becomes natural and easy to hold the pen properly, and to write correctly, and difficult, as well as altogether unnecessary, to do the wrong thing. It is the same in the vital things of mind and life.”   James Allen

Dusty old doors - Day 95

I love symbolism. And this past weekend when I was out at my parents house and my daughters were feeding the lambs, I noticed this nifty old door. My mom is kind of the queen of rustic decorating - and this door led into the little animal shelter/barn that they have. It was interesting walking through that door, at the same time that I felt as if I was going back in time, watching my kids do something I grew up doing. Which made me realize all the doors of change that I have gone through, and how grateful I am for where they have led me. It is sometimes tempting to wish to go back to "the good ol' days" - and yet at the same time, I deeply cherish where the path has led me, and wouldn't give it up for a moment. All those moments are pages in my story, and I am grateful for them.

“So live that your memories will be part of your happiness.”   Unknown

Little Lambs - Day 94

Had to share one more sweet pic of the two little lambs my girls bottle fed this past weekend. They are just the cutest things! It amazes me how sheep, even when they are new like that, are utterly suspicious and afraid of the world. Don't sneeze, or they might die of a heart attack! But to watch them run and skip and jump and enjoy life - it is one of the most fun ways to spend my time! So cute!

“Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled.”   Unknown

Bottle feeding a baby animal - Day 93

Is there anything that says spring more than baby animals? And baby lambs? Oh so cute! My daughters got to have the joy of feeding bottles to couple of little orphaned lambs at my parents house this past weekend. I grew up on this farm, taking care of baby goats and lambs, and remember how common place this sometimes became - just another chore. Watching the joy and delight on their face was a priceless reminder of the blessing it was for me to grow up in this environment. You really don't know what you've got 'til it's gone I guess!

“A kindly gesture bestowed by us on an animal arouses prodigies of understanding and gratitude.”   Sidonie Gabrielle

Working in the rain - Day 92

In Washington state, when the weather report says 100% chance of rain, it really means about 200% - and when it says heavy rain at times, you can pretty much count on a deluge! So...when my husband agreed to help my parents pressure wash their house, he knew he would be getting soaked to the skin! However, he said that in the rain was the perfect time to pressure wash, 'cause you're gonna get wet anyway! I love that man!

“Some people walk in the rain, other just get wet.”   Roger Miller