tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81275482012-02-11T01:57:49.347-08:00I hope what you read here will tickle your nose and you'll find the scent of the Father as you walk through this garden.Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.comBlogger5591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-9236213745341782472012-02-10T11:30:00.000-08:002012-02-10T11:30:27.421-08:00

I am feeling the need to write.  There have been a few things percolating in my spirit and I think I need to set them down so that perhaps they'll make sense and I'll see what God is trying to teach me and perhaps, dear readers, you'll learn something, too. Yesterday a dear friend posted an interesting status on her facebook account.  She asked us to seriously and honestly consider whether we

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-90424775036685642052012-02-07T14:27:00.000-08:002012-02-07T14:27:25.117-08:00

I've had a few people ask me for my laundry soap recipe, because, yes, I do make my own.  Why do I do this? Am I an over-the-top need to get rid of all the toxins in my house kind of person?  No, though I do like to reduce the number of chemicals my family is exposed to.  Do I like to inflict extra work on myself?  No, the process is a lot easier than most things I do. bottom line_______________

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-16415697405760154522012-01-13T09:33:00.000-08:002012-01-13T09:46:42.267-08:00

As I was doing my laundry this morning I thought about some of the things that I've learned in my many years of doing laundry.  I don't want to contemplate the number of loads that I've put through...it's a very big number.  Anyways, here's what I know for sure: Checking pockets and shaking things is a REALLY important part of laundry.  In doing so you may avoid washing some of the following

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-68688400452476375472012-01-09T07:01:00.000-08:002012-01-09T07:01:54.549-08:00

All of my Christmas events are now officially over.  Unfortunately, I have a cold and so am feeling a little under the weather as well as exhausted from all the late nights!  These minor discomforts are far outweighed by the blessing it has been to spend time with the family and friends that have graced our home these last few weeks. I have to count the highlights so I can remember all the

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-21234951036423627792012-01-05T12:14:00.000-08:002012-01-05T12:14:53.008-08:00

My first post of the year!  I hope it will encourage you to take time this year to count the things that bring you CLOSER to the Creator.  Every year the Lord gives me a word to signify what this year will be about.  This year the word He whispered to my heart was CLOSER. Closer to HimCloser to my husbandCloser to my childrenCloser to myselfCloser in my relationshipsCloser to my goals and dreams

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-8707840972670959282011-12-27T08:18:00.000-08:002011-12-27T08:18:42.222-08:00

8 years ago at 8:08 in the evening I gave birth to an 8lb8oz baby boy.  The first few weeks with him were a little intense...okay, actually all 8 years have been a little intense because he is an intense kind of kid!  On the other hand he is the sweetest little boy with no teeth that I could ask for.  The following are 8 things I love about my 8 year old boy. 1.  He has the most generous spirit

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-14442875955889034362011-12-25T19:37:00.000-08:002011-12-25T19:37:52.798-08:00

It's Christmas day in the evening.  Yesterday I was feeling pretty stressed.  Our #2 boy was really down in the dumps and that made everyone a little testy.  I finally figured out why though.  The day before yesterday (the 23rd) was the day we brought him home for good 11 years ago.  We celebrated really big (thanks to some generous folks in our congregation) and told him the story of how he came

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-45984076461529168282011-12-02T07:54:00.000-08:002011-12-02T07:54:48.894-08:00

This morning I woke up to the chaos of yesterday's shopping trip in the kitchen along with the baskets of laundry I was going to fold the day before and the remains of breakfast also from the day before that wasn't cleaned up by the people who remained behind after I left in the morning. I went to light our advent candle and move Mary one more spot along the way to manger when I saw it.  Christ

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-59464504742623987372011-11-22T07:02:00.000-08:002011-11-22T07:02:45.460-08:00

My but I'm tired and uninspired today.  I've had a lot of trouble sleeping lately.  Yesterday I spent most of the day at the computer doing something I loathe.  Combine the two and I've got a headache!  But today I get to go get my hair done and I'm pretty excited about that, it's in great need of some TLC.  Maybe I am, too.  These last two and half months have been quite a ride.  Going here and

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-16740232637331733062011-10-20T22:36:00.000-07:002011-10-20T22:36:42.826-07:00

I have to sit and be thankful for something because right now I'm a little down and overwhelmed once again with the tidal wave of mess that is my house.  I was humbled by reading anothers' blog who has been touched by Ann and her 1000 Gifts.  I had to be reminded, apparently, that we are not the one to judge whether a circumstance is good or bad because we don't see the end result just now. What

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-38273357824988802912011-10-18T21:42:00.000-07:002011-10-18T21:42:08.724-07:00

I loved being in Lancaster County.  I've read alot of Beverly Lewis books and hoped to do a few things while we were there.  Mostly, I just wanted to drink it all in.  Stopping at a roadside stand for homemade rootbeer was high on my list of things to do and that's what we did on our first morning there!  It was so good.  We brought some home with us but it didn't taste as good as it did in

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-67266709444961732272011-10-18T14:11:00.000-07:002011-10-18T14:11:29.222-07:00

Today is my sister's birthday.  I am in the process of making her salsa...which is going to be really hot!  I like my sister she is a wonderful woman.  Sometimes she drives me nuts, as sisters sometimes do, but on the whole she is one amazing woman.  I'd like to tell you some of the things that make her so special to me. 1.  She's a great big sister. 2.  She's only a little bossy. 3.  She is a

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-20033944219333076462011-10-07T06:54:00.000-07:002011-10-07T06:54:01.124-07:00

I am only hours away from Lancaster County!!!!!!!!  Can't begin to describe how excited I am to be going there.  This has been a dream of mine for ever so long.  Probably since I picked up my first Beverly Lewis book over a decade ago!  I'm going to drink rootbeer from a stand and go to quilt shops and enjoy the view.  I CAN HARDLY STAND IT!! In the meantime we are going to pick up our new van.

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-7103302513862624272011-09-26T13:19:00.000-07:002011-09-26T13:19:33.771-07:00

September has been hard on us.  Two rounds of hail, two fires, the destruction of our main vehicle, a return of the inner destruction and the return of school schedules and driving ...it's been hard.  Hard to find the thanksgiving, hard to find the blessing, hard to live the Job's wife experience that I preached about for a week this summer.  Hard to let myself feel the grief of the losses when

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-19026270806827270372011-09-08T10:31:00.000-07:002011-09-08T10:31:20.385-07:00

Things have not at all been what I expected over the last two weeks. #1 - All my little chick-lets off to school.  Expecting to be overjoyed with all the time to myself. What really happened - I walked up the hill and fell asleep on the couch exhausted on day 1, day 2 of no kids home, I went out with some girlfriends to do some card-making, very fun.  Day 3 of no kids, I got a bunch of stuff

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-55984441390466834002011-09-03T08:47:00.000-07:002011-09-03T08:47:06.649-07:00

1132.  an abundance of apples1133.  a great cup of chai tea1134.  laughing and telling jokes with a couple of girls who dropped in for supper1135.  finding a great day planner1136.  an amazing group of young people whom I love that I have the privilege of ministering to and with1137  dear friends who gathered with me to celebrate1138.  making cards, I love paper and ribbons and buttons and

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-51779730094921337652011-09-02T11:05:00.000-07:002011-09-02T11:05:00.227-07:00

How I am enjoying the peace of this day.  Listening to David Nevue's piano music at the moment.  It fills my soul with light as I listen.  I'm getting lunch ready for just the three of us (it's not a kindergarten day).  My kitchen is getting cleaner, the laundry piles are diminishing and apples are sending a happy smell through my house.  My heart is feeling lighter about our crop disaster after

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-75088461172833392522011-08-30T14:01:00.000-07:002011-08-30T14:01:56.791-07:00

Today marks the start of a new regime for me.  This morning I put all six of my children on the bus to head to public school.  I mosied over and greeted my new cows and goat and then headed inside to my very quiet house.  It was a little weird, the happy dance was somewhat constrained because I pulled something in my abdomen and it hurts to twist and shout!  I love my children and I love having

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-37782558140032756332011-08-20T11:19:00.000-07:002011-08-20T11:19:22.909-07:00

All my sewing for the wedding is officially done as far as I know.  The dress turned out better than I hoped it would and looks great, I think.  So here are some pictures of the projects! Abby's skirt that we decided to make yesterday!  She loves it, which is the real accomplishment, I hope she actually wears it! It's all in the details.  Since the fabric is matte, it needed a little

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-9549730383376028082011-08-19T20:58:00.000-07:002011-08-19T20:58:51.387-07:00

Don't have a picture yet but today was certainly productive on the dress front...and back...and sides..hee hee.  The boys' shirts are finished and they look great although my plaids did not match and I managed to pick up very dark green buttons rather than black ones, but they went on anyways because I don't think anyone will be looking quite that closely! Then after I made the lovely black and

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-48289080707703155712011-08-18T11:10:00.000-07:002011-08-18T11:10:13.992-07:00

I'm going to attempt to sew this dress for myself for my niece's wedding.  I have not done anything quite this 'fancy' ever, so we'll see how it goes.  I've also never documented a project from start to finish, so I thought I might have some fun with this.  I don't know if you can really see the color very well but it is olive green and I love it.  I got an excellent deal on it.  It was buy one

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-68304450872132326972011-08-17T16:43:00.000-07:002011-08-17T16:43:57.973-07:00

1.  bread dough 2.  cookie dough 3.  cupcake 4.  pizza dough 5.  meatballs 6.  chopping and grating stuff for pizza 7.  french fries 8.  hamburgers 9.  buns 10.  muffins 11.  loaves 12.  smoothies Yes, I love my Bosch, not sure how I would live and cook without it!

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-53940521935414327592011-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:002011-08-15T10:50:08.713-07:00

Dear Christopher, Today you turn 13 years old, leaving childhood behind and entering the uncertain years of hormones and high school.  So much will be changing for you in the next while as you grow and develop.  Your life hasn't been an easy one.  My prayer for you is that your difficulties will not define you but rather the moments of break-through and success. You did not enter our family

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-52367578536907416122011-08-14T17:46:00.000-07:002011-08-14T17:46:28.144-07:00

I must apologize to anyone who actually checks here regularly.  I've been away for the last few weeks doing various things and this has been rather low on the priority list!  I have lots of things to be thankful for even though I am battling a nasty head cold...in August...that sucks! 1080.  We started harvest this week. 1081.  There is the potential for one very amazing canola crop 1082.  My

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-943121733663450722011-07-28T09:18:00.000-07:002011-07-28T09:18:29.822-07:00

I had to repost this because it seemed like a good thing to do!  Beauty and the Pig copyright 2006, lani wiens a fresh flowers original While my kids are playing with frogs in the back yard and the baby is sleeping I will quickly write!! My dear friend and fellow mommy of many, Krista, brought over the most delightful book in response to my last flower. The Three Little Wolves and the Big

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-66504845049866035572011-07-15T20:31:00.000-07:002011-07-15T20:31:32.433-07:00

If you haven't read the previous post stop and do so now. Thank you. Yesterday was the antithesis of Wednesday.  Wednesday was all shrouded in glory and grace and I came home with a heart so full and managed the little mini-meltdown that occurred when the rejection button got hit and I went to bed joy-filled and content. Thursday couldn't have been more different.  The good news is that

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-5041729259882960102011-07-13T23:09:00.000-07:002011-07-13T23:11:35.121-07:00

It is late, my eyelids droop, my rear is tired from driving for the last few days...but I must write because of the day it has been all glory and joy and blessings. I got to be the blessing today and it felt amazing.  Allowing a little of the blanket to drop away and allow Him to walk and talk through me...so refreshing, mesmerizing even.  Watching myself speak words of life to this beautiful

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-81817900725089164712011-07-10T21:40:00.000-07:002011-07-11T08:02:39.080-07:00

Today I took my oldest daughter and her friend to camp.  It was a very quiet ride as they read books most of the way.  A lovely time to be alone with my thoughts.  After I got them squared away I took off by myself for awhile to read, write and pray, stopped to take some pictures on the way home and refreshed my spirit. Thankful for:(1059 - 1079) a camp director who blesses tired moms with

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-52534383575265729942011-07-09T17:39:00.000-07:002011-07-09T17:39:53.210-07:00

I can hear the weight of it in his voice as he tells me they have to keep going because of his mistake...they can't stop for supper. I see the weight of it sitting on my boy's shoulders, the guilt and shame of his exposed sin bending his shoulders over. I feel it in my chest when the counselor says, "But can you forgive yourself?" When she first told me how hard it would be to forgive myself I

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-80258293516964711732011-07-08T09:24:00.000-07:002011-07-08T09:24:04.627-07:00

It's time to get the wheels of this blog rolling again and what better way than with an amazing chicken recipe from a dear lady!  The recipe is for the oven, however, since it was so hot this week, I stuck it in a crock pot on my deck (out of reach of the dogs) and it did pretty well - the only changes I made were that I didn't pre-cook the vegetables (I used both broccoli and asparagus because I

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-59899764770177892302011-06-26T22:45:00.000-07:002011-06-26T22:45:56.382-07:00

Today did not go as we planned.  We woke up this morning and got ready to head into worship team practice.  Got the six kids out the door with everyone actually having eaten at least something before we left.  Got through practice and most of Sunday School when the word came...a little boy is missing at the lake we need searchers.  More than half the church left to join the search and the rest of

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-27050691062647676832011-06-23T23:04:00.000-07:002011-07-11T07:35:28.380-07:00

It's been quite a day today.  This morning I decided I better go plant the last flowerbed.  I had a few bedding plants left over from the containers that I couldn't put out because it started raining on me.  So I worked up that bed, pulled out all the grass and planted them.  I'm all done, I thought! So I moved on to weeding around my cucumbers and mulching them, hoed around the potatoes and

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-41931874476293862752011-06-07T11:04:00.000-07:002011-06-07T11:04:39.860-07:00

I love my big sister, I really do, but have you ever noticed that older sisters tend to be just a little on the bossy side.  I know I had to remind my older sister that she wasn't my mother on several occasions.  There was only one problem with her telling me what to do, usually it was because my mother had given her the instructions and she was the relay medium.  Then there is the smallish fact

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-8958289861202058832011-05-30T20:42:00.000-07:002011-05-30T20:42:37.571-07:00

...an endless list of gratitude continues...1001.  soup served up1002.  loss taken in stride1003.  quiet bedtime1004.  voluntary hugs1005.  cooperation on the chore front1006. obedience1007.  contrition on delayed obedience1008.  no throwing today1009.  no bullying today1010.  homework done without a fight1011.  encouragement given without badgering1012.  medication taken without reminders1013. 

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-30492204313036279922011-05-29T22:18:00.000-07:002011-05-29T22:18:47.283-07:00

Is it possible to simply break? Once your heart has been shattered by a hundred tiny instances does one's body follow suit? I sat and read about Eucharisteo today, grace in thanksgiving.  I finally bought Ann's book.  I have to admit I was scared to buy it...I'm tired of reading books that tell me I'm not doing things right.   I'm not much of a crowd-follower and the book is gaining quite a crowd

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-53728568426681784112011-05-19T18:27:00.000-07:002011-05-19T18:27:00.040-07:00

Hello, my name is Lani and I'm a project junkie.  I'm beginning to think I need someone to save me from myself.  Seriously!  We are thrifty people, DIY-ers mostly because we've had to be.  We're pretty handy and mostly we've been able to accomplish our projects with satisfaction.  We've done renno's, upholstered, changed things, planned, dreamed and made it happen.  Unfortunately there's this

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-6119959519721148002011-05-07T17:04:00.000-07:002011-05-07T17:33:38.910-07:00

I have to remind myself to post the good stuff, too.  If you go back through my archives you'll find my journey of 1000 gifts, little bits of grace given by the Father.  If you want to learn more about a life of thankfulness head over to Holy Experience and start your journey.  Today she has an amazing post on what it takes to be a mother, not perfection, just humility and the willingness to work

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-160174221112667932011-04-27T15:08:00.000-07:002011-04-27T15:08:55.072-07:00

Yesterday was re-entry day.  C had been at a friend's house for a few days and we enjoyed some blessed 'normalness'.  The friends drove him home and picked up their kids had lunch and then headed off again.  He was happy and energetic until the moment they left and then crashed...hard.  Everything was horrible, nothing was fun, he was bored, his brothers are idiots, blah, blah, blah....So my

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-90786201142299786702011-04-25T15:16:00.000-07:002011-04-25T15:16:58.063-07:00

It's Monday morning and most of the kiddos are at home on their Easter break.  We have a few extra friends around as well. So it's a little crazy with all the bodies but not stressful 'cause my most stressful kid isn't here at the moment, he's at a friends' house and we're enjoying the peace that brings. Shocking?  Well, if you lived with us every day you wouldn't be shocked.  Life in our house

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-30824826456328159832011-04-12T12:05:00.000-07:002011-04-12T12:05:40.462-07:00

Things that made me smile and give thanks today.... - a teaparty with my little girl (she set it all up) - the 14 year old brother who joined our tea party and played along - classical music playing all morning - the 14 year old boy who fond a channel and kept it going - listening to my 5 year old girl practicing Air from Haydn's surprise symphony - sewing with the 14 year old, helping him make '

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-75447347409083790602011-04-09T21:49:00.000-07:002011-04-09T21:49:43.839-07:00

Today our whole family was home together without any extras, we didn't have any meetings or appointments, just us....all together...in one place...for a whole day.  You don't realize how rarely that happens until it is suddenly upon you and it feels strange.  Yesterday we had huge expectations for today, we were going to get a ridiculous amount of work done around the yard and in the house.  We

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-26353541586648109602011-03-22T10:43:00.000-07:002011-03-22T10:43:25.183-07:00

I have felt the conviction of the Lord on this one.  When I saw the video for the song, "Friday" sung by Rebecca Black I agreed with all the nay-sayers, the song is not great lyrically and the video isn't very impressive.  However, I must say I have to repent. This little girl went about making her 13-year old dream come true - to record a song and put it on YouTube.  Her parents encouraged her,

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-37148639373856794932011-03-06T08:17:00.000-08:002011-03-06T09:32:20.074-08:00

I am at home alone this wintery Sunday morning.  I have been sick all week and didn't feel the need to spread my germs any further.  I have a dear friend that said, "Introspection is highly overrated!" but today I am looking inward...pondering. Pondering how to go forward in this life we're living, where to take the next step, searching for the next word to say.  I took a course last week that

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-80388130011284257232011-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:002011-03-04T09:16:42.917-08:00

Snow is falling outside my window today.  It's the pretty, soft, floaty kind of snow that gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling.  Particularly when you are inside your warm house in a fuzzy bathrobe!  Last week was not a warm, fuzzy week.  I took a class in addiction relapse prevention therapy.  I learned some very interesting things.  One thing that I learned is that all of us are addicted to

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-77649771623271494432011-02-18T07:46:00.000-08:002011-02-18T07:46:06.331-08:00

Alright blog friends, Today is Friday, the beginning of the winter break and time to relax!  Actually I won't be relaxing all that much I'm taking a class during the break that promises 6-8 hours of class-time/day and 2 - 3 hours of homework every night (basically one semester of course squished into 1 week).  That should test to see if my brain still works at all! Anyway, just wondering what you

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-36481216200711458142011-02-17T13:02:00.001-08:002011-02-17T13:02:30.347-08:00

Today I got to dance with a princess....

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-19160093535476312622011-02-14T11:04:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:04:18.201-08:00

I have already completed a list of 1000 gifts but on this wonderful day I think it is time to continue the journey... gifts for a Valentine's day, compiled with the help of my girls... 19 years of wedded bliss....really, I'm not kidding6 wonderful kidsa warm homeclothing to wearfood to eatplans and dreamsdifficulties to make us strongercheesecakepresentssunshinefamilyraindeep snow driftsmy little

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-19696031761343663732011-02-12T09:13:00.000-08:002011-02-12T09:17:34.565-08:00

A week or two ago we were at a friend's house for supper.  They have a lovely home and warm hospitality.  As we sat down to eat I noticed a series of pictures on the wall.  Each one had a tree in a different season.  My husband asked them which one represented where they were in their journey at the moment.  They decided that they were in the springtime season at the moment, not yet fully

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-77074932882262003642011-01-21T15:52:00.000-08:002011-01-21T15:52:15.894-08:00

A few people have been asking for this recipe, since it's probably easier to copy it from here than me sending out a dozen e-mails I'll post it here.  This isn't my recipe I got it off a newsletter that I receive on a regular basis.  I've been using it for a number of years with good success.  I have quite a few peeps with sensitive skin and none of us have trouble with this detergent.  I suppose

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-26176856117780139582011-01-15T10:29:00.000-08:002011-01-15T10:29:01.398-08:00

I've posted before that our life with our #2 son is more than a little difficult.  We have had to make difficult decisions to ensure our family's health and safety.  We find ourselves at that point again.  How do you help someone who is desperate for help but is at a place of hopelessness?  We are exploring possibilities that no parent should ever have to.  Yet when I talk to another mom who has

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-78260191481218844082011-01-09T16:46:00.000-08:002011-01-09T16:46:28.021-08:00

Have you ever reveled in your child? just stopped and stared marveled at the wonder of this creation that you are somehow just a little responsible for awed by the beauty shocked that you had a part in it at all?

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-12345591734301841432011-01-07T22:01:00.000-08:002011-01-08T08:14:01.545-08:00

I've been wanting to do this for awhile now.  In 2009 at the Pastor's Retreat we focused on memorizing the word.  The speaker was a fellow who had memorized several books of the Bible and encouraged his students and others to do the same. In our church we are slowly memorizing 1John together...but I wanted to do something myself.  This post at Holy Experience encouraged me to start to do this

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-77585983838583881402011-01-02T21:56:00.000-08:002011-01-07T22:04:16.261-08:00

I was going to complete my 1000 gifts before 2010 ended, but alas, when I was near a computer, I kept forgetting to blog!  So now, it is time to finish that journey and begin a new thankful list... I got this little gift in a newsletter I just received.  These 10 predictions are definitely gifts (976-986) ENCOURAGING PREDICTIONS FOR 2011 Author unknown With all the problems the world is

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-87386967865778269612010-12-23T09:20:00.000-08:002010-12-23T09:32:22.903-08:00

a fresh flowers originalcopyright lani wiens, 2010My kids have been watching, "Horton Hears a Who" this week, we've read the book, it's kinda in my head right now. This morning as I read my devotions the line from the movie, "We are here! We are here! We are here!" popped through my head as I read this passage from the Message...Psalm 34:14-19Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-57523957081327048552010-12-20T20:02:00.000-08:002010-12-21T04:36:45.858-08:00

968. Thankful for things I can create.969. 'Sweet' gifts to give to family, teachers and such...970. For this man. 971. Little moments like these.972. For little boys listening to their daddy sing on their CD player.973. Little boys who like to play piano.974. Online calendar programs that might actually make life easier.975. Thankful that the train finally came in.976. For things

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-60034250206560907792010-12-18T10:57:00.000-08:002010-12-18T11:16:21.846-08:00

I have to admit that it doesn't look alot like Christmas in my house this year. I haven't baked a single cookie. I haven't sent a single card. I did not write a Christmas letter. We did get the tree up with minimal decorations and that is all. I've read a few Christmas-y posts and listened to Christmas music and attended some Christmas events. It's not that I don't love Christmas, I do. I

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-68229498493366954742010-11-30T08:08:00.001-08:002010-11-30T08:21:02.133-08:00

a fresh flowers originalby lani wiens, copyright 2010We have just begun going through a series called, "The Truth Project" promoted by Focus on the Family. The course is designed to wake up sleeping believers and challenge the worldview that is currently held by many. We are exploring what truth is and how it applies to every facet of life. These thoughts are challenging my foundations, the

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-34163948117335228822010-11-01T07:58:00.000-07:002010-11-01T08:20:29.256-07:00

On my list of one thousand gifts I can't forget to list some of my favorite places to stop and breathe:938. Randi at 'I have to say' is always a fun place to go and check out. She has a giveaway on this week so you might want to check it out.939. Not only that she has a fabulous shop on Etsy called Fresh Squeezed Fabrics that I frequent! (that's where I got the pattern and fabric for Lizzy's

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-20024228130639842052010-10-27T15:51:00.001-07:002010-10-27T16:02:20.823-07:00

My husband is telling me I have post traumatic harvest syndrome (PSHS). I'm trying to understand why I can't get through the day without taking a nap. My brain doesn't seem to be working properly and I can't complete a project to save my life.The day before yesterday I got out the winter coats, ski pants, boots and all in anticipation of the colder weather coming. I made sure all my little

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-77130133615521321712010-10-16T18:13:00.000-07:002010-10-16T18:40:23.118-07:00

Most days I have a plan in my head of what's going to happen before I roll out of bed. Sometimes I actually do the plan and sometimes life just gets in the way. I am thankful for my accountability sista (925) who calls every day and helps me decide if that list is too long for that day. I do the same for her. Today neither of us planned to accomplish anything much but we both did!! (926)

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-12934924670121375902010-10-14T10:42:00.000-07:002010-10-14T11:10:19.111-07:00

a fresh flower originalby Lani Wiens, copyright 2010Here by the water, I'll build an altar to praise you,Out of the stones that I found hereI'll lay them down here rough as they areKnowing that you can make them holyfrom "Here By the Water" by Steve Bell off the album Romantics and MysticsThe other day my husband and I were listening to this song because it just happens to be our fave Steve Bell

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-29266143561843459922010-09-30T08:22:00.000-07:002010-09-30T09:08:14.055-07:00

Epic Fail or Gift of Grace?a fresh flower originalby Lani Wiens, copyright September 2010When things go wrong we tend to just see the wrong and not look at the evidence that God is there with us in the midst of the nasty circumstance. This week I had the opportunity to 'see' God's hand of comfort with me in the midst of an epic fail of a day. It was so obvious I couldn't miss it, read on...

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-17601562625246186142010-09-17T06:38:00.000-07:002010-09-17T07:30:59.009-07:00

A Flower of Jesusby Lani Wiens (copyright 2010)a fresh flowers originalLast night during our family Bible reading/prayer time a flower popped up!!! It seems like I haven't had one for so long I almost didn't know what to do with it, then I remembered, WRITE IT DOWN. Share it for the encouragement of others.My six year old is still in the process of learning to read but loves trying out his

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-67991497149397116272010-09-15T19:16:00.000-07:002010-09-15T19:36:19.314-07:00

My cousin and I sewed these jackets this week for our little girls! They are so cute. Little plug for Fresh Squeezed Fabrics on Etsy where we purchased our supplies!!We love them and the girls do, too!! The pattern is the Uptown Girl reversible jacket.

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-35897838747968423872010-09-15T08:04:00.000-07:002010-09-15T08:09:10.337-07:00

881. a good night's sleep882. warbling voices singing with me this morning around the table..."You are the Everlasting God..."883. sewing with friends884. passages, stages of life that are complete885. 500+ pounds of honey harvested886. dark red tomatoes, dehydrated and stored for winter use887. assignments marked and assigned889. understanding and love in the eyes of children as we

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-16567421757753432632010-09-05T21:16:00.000-07:002010-09-05T21:24:18.173-07:00

I realized today that I am a failure. It's true and apparently it's okay. I can't do a single thing on my own. I was brought face to face with that reality as my husband preached this morning. I can't do anything unless Christ is at work in me. Unfortunately for me and all those around me I too often forget to surrender my frailty to Him. The words on the page say that He has it all under

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-54582638417398228192010-09-01T17:51:00.000-07:002010-09-01T17:57:06.079-07:00

863. Cherries864. Apricots865. Apples866. Beans867. Peaches868. Plums869. Honey870. Strawberries870.5 PeppersThese are the things we have put in our storehouse so far this year. So much work but so satisfying to see it sitting on the shelves in my cold room.I am also thankful for...871. The first painful days of school being done.872. A more organized start to this year's homeschooling.873

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-80053145497342512012010-08-26T09:52:00.000-07:002010-08-26T10:03:02.100-07:00

Things I'm thankful for as I start my 43rd year...829. hair color that goes over gray830. friends who have cabins on the lake and invite you over831. beautiful scenery while sitting on the deck832. young people talking around a fire833. older brother encouraging and cheering his little sister as she climbs the rope for the first time834. strong young limbs swinging across the bars835. cute

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-61759178739054901962010-08-13T16:31:00.000-07:002010-08-13T16:50:00.784-07:00

The rain is sighing, overflowing already saturated ground. Inside, tempers flare here and there, words exchanged at high decibels. Elsewhere children seek solitude in public places. Others look for attention from me when I just want my own space, too. The dryer runs in circles seeking to end the wetness within. It is a reflective moment. I am not surrounded by my tribe at the moment, they

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-77481465275471581252010-07-12T00:32:00.001-07:002010-07-12T00:36:34.637-07:00

DAY 7 - MORE GREENDALE!!We are still having fun in Greendale celebrating anniversaries and birthdays and generally enjoying each other's company. We eat. We visit. We play. We eat. We visit. We play.We visit the honey farm near by where a cousin works. Very cool since we have recently brought some hives to our farm and are looking forward to our first honey harvest.We take loads of pictures

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-21326908034403682562010-07-12T00:22:00.000-07:002010-07-12T00:32:00.450-07:00

DAY 6 - ON TO GREENDALE!Today is another LONG driving day. We take the morning to do a little maintenance on the van and camper to get ready for the next leg of the trip. More visiting and fellowship.We realize that we have WAY too many shoes between the lot of us. Think 8 people, each have 2 feet, therefore, shoes must come in pairs. Each of us has a pair of running shoes, a pair of sandals/

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-64464068611292393972010-07-12T00:16:00.000-07:002010-07-12T00:22:15.517-07:00

DAY 5 - DRIVING TO SALMON ARMToday is a big driving day. Gonna take the rig through the first part of the mountains. Up, up we go!We hooked up the Wii in the van an the kids play Wacky Racers for a very long time!! LOVE driving through the mountains. However, it is HOT today. The van has to work really hard to pull the camper through the high altitudes.We arrive in Salmon Arm around 5 PM to

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-33957828216225205952010-07-12T00:07:00.000-07:002010-07-12T00:16:21.519-07:00

DAY 4 - BANFF - JOHNSTON CANYONNow that we have enjoyed man's creation we are back to God's handiwork. Just a short drive into Banff National Park today to enjoy a day of hiking! The campground we want is a first-come/first-served campground so we pray that we can get a spot. This proves to be no problem and we go to check out our site. After some VERY fancy manoeuvring Kelly manages to park

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-25453405985605475892010-07-11T23:57:00.000-07:002010-07-12T00:07:01.766-07:00

July 7 - CALAWAY PARKDaddy turns 40 today! What a blessing to have a husband and father to my children such as he. We are celebrating by having a blast in the amusement park. At first we tried to stay together but that proved impossible given the heights and interests of our tribe. Divide and conquer quickly became the new strategy. Daddy took the oldest 4 and headed directly for the roller

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-6384733764826106532010-07-11T21:30:00.000-07:002010-07-11T23:57:56.381-07:00

ROYAL TYRELL MUSEUMToday started out with Mommy being a little stressed. Yesterday was a long day and everyone went to bed really late. Consequently, everyone woke up really late. Mommy is trying to get everyone to move a little faster knowing that we have to break camp, eat breakfast and get to the museum by 10:30 for the hike that she has booked. We pull into the museum and walk to the

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-70277967375662820132010-07-11T21:17:00.001-07:002010-07-11T23:51:09.316-07:00

Day 1Rain poured down as we pulled out of our yard for our family vacation. I'm wondering if we should have packed more rain gear. We drive at a snail's pace into town for fear of jack-knifing the trailer on our rain-saturated roads. On the way in I realize that the keys to the camper are not in the van. After some questioning we realize that they are indeed locked in the camper, they are the

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-40780515831106305712010-06-25T22:24:00.001-07:002010-06-25T22:32:31.169-07:00

Our family is back together again. All the pieces of the puzzle are recovered and the box seems to be shaking already. Transition is hard. I remember from birthing babies that transition was the most difficult part of the birthing process.It wasn't a quiet homecoming, it was coming home to a loud, crazy year-end party with over 30 people running around. His own coming of age as he now becomes

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-60610428731962321542010-06-04T13:58:00.000-07:002010-06-04T14:08:48.291-07:00

Things that I am thankful for from my YC adventure:806. Our great group of youth.807. Fun passengers.808. Silliness.809. Tim Hortons.810. My first ever chocolate latte.811. Speakers who inspire kids to listen and show respect.812. Crazy rock bands whom I can't understand but my son sings along with knowing every single word!813. Those same bands who stop and speak about the love of Jesus

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771. Plum blossoms caressing my neck as I walk beneath the trees.772. warmth from a small sleeping body as I carry her to her bed.773. long limbs sprawled out and I wonder how that ever fit inside me.774. tiny plants meet mother earth775. rain776. sunshine777. the maker of both778. new cats779. old dogs780. anticipation781. date night782. regal, beautiful older women783.

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-38724820419919403212010-05-14T10:47:00.000-07:002010-05-14T11:11:57.149-07:00

I Have a Dreamcopyright lani wiens, 2010a fresh flowers original"Without oxen a stable stays clean,but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." Proverbs 14:4I like clean. I like it a lot. However, with a busy household of eight people and a lifestyle of ministry and hospitality, mess is inevitable. Mess shows that there is life. Wherever there is life, you can be sure there will be a mess.

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-40163435559084414502010-05-14T07:41:00.000-07:002010-05-14T07:55:48.556-07:00

The sun/son is shining and my need to be thankful grows...731. overflowing dugouts732. water standing in ditches733. brothers playing catch while waiting for the bus734. a young boy whose voice is raised in worship carrying over the rest of the congregation735. older sister reading to younger siblings all cuddled up together on the couch736. discovered treasures in the second hand shop737.

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-29192452645659113202010-04-30T09:52:00.000-07:002010-04-30T10:16:55.726-07:00

"The pen is mightier than the sword." - Edward Bulwer-LyttonHave you ever been the focus of a nasty rumor or inaccurate gossip? Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone's angry tirade? Or worse yet, have you been the one dishing out the venom?Over the last few weeks this theme has risen in several things I've been reading. How do I use my words? Words once sent out can't be taken

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-53890818929797167172010-04-28T20:28:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:37:59.629-07:00

Today I had the privelege of going to school to read to my 6 year olds' class. Apparently he was a little concerned that I might embarass him or something. Last night he says, "I think you should wear your green sweater to school tomorrow.""Which green sweater are you talking about? I've packed away most of the winter things.""Open your drawer and I'll show you which one I'm talking about," he

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-62036523897577450812010-04-25T21:53:00.000-07:002010-04-25T21:54:57.194-07:00

This morning I had about 4 different ideas about very eloquent things to write. Spiritually uplifting things, somewhat humorous things, insightful things. Now my mind is blank.Sorry.

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-48417430107538425322010-04-11T22:24:00.000-07:002010-04-11T22:32:51.822-07:00

Do you ever wonder what your role is? I have taught many times (and been taught) that God created each of us uniquely and each of us has a particular role to play in this world - nobody else can fill our spot. Sometimes, however, I struggle with exactly what my spot is! Unfortunately I am one of those people who likes affirmation through the things that I can do. I can do lots of things but I

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-40356202462912397022010-03-31T20:45:00.000-07:002010-03-31T21:10:26.793-07:00

My little peanut turned 4 a few days ago. It seems that she was born yesterday and at the same time I cannot imagine the world without her. Three months before she was conceived I had had a miscarriage and was quite devasted by it. After the death of that child I felt like God whispered to my spirit that I would be pregnant again in three months. Prior to all of this we had seriously thought

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-60603960562071119432010-03-18T08:35:00.001-07:002010-03-18T08:41:31.544-07:00

Yup, I finally decided it was time to write another bit wit and wisdom on here and I am completely blank as I stare at the screen. I've been thinking about this role of motherhood alot lately. My baby is turning 4 in another week and my eldest is taller than me and stronger than me and will soon be heavier than me. He scares me just a little. He's a teenager and I'm caught in the grand

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-26897298706550951462010-01-01T20:01:00.000-08:002010-01-01T20:08:34.726-08:00

Happy New Year!!I am cold.The wind is blowing very hard in a blizzardy type way.Did I mention that I am cold?Hoping new things for a new year...New attitudes.New thoughts.New ways of being.Hoping to leave behind.Old attitudes.Old thoughts.Old ways of being.Looking for JOY. This word has been pursing me and I need to know why. On pillows, book jackets, inside cards, even on the television at the

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-3710847173181254012009-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:002009-12-14T10:45:15.076-08:00

"It's Christmas, a time to praise the Lord,a time to lift our hearts in worship,Saviour to adore..."That's a line from the finale of the Christmas musical we performed last night. It was really a family affair for us this year. All of my kids were involved in the production (acting, dancing, singing and props), Kelly was on the keyboard and technology stuff and I was co-directing with my good

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-8377103542910840382009-12-03T19:18:00.000-08:002009-12-03T19:24:46.498-08:00

I've never actually been in a tornado, but I think I have an inkling of what it might be like. Every once in awhile a tornado in the form of my son rips through our house leaving devestation in its wake. Broken things, hurt emotions, frayed nerves. How do people survive who live in 'tornado alley'? Why do they stay there when they could move? Why do we stay here for that matter and endure

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-54366249236269530582009-09-29T07:54:00.000-07:002009-09-29T08:50:21.843-07:00

"Slow down mom, you're going too fast."This from my daughter while I'm reading Ann's post about that very thing. I am almost always too impatient, wanting things to happen. Not wanting to take the time for things to come to me. Wanting for everything to fall into place the first time. And in my hurry I rush towards anxiety, fear and disaster. Help me slow down, Lord, help me wait a little, learn

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-54788767831340715192009-09-18T08:02:00.001-07:002009-09-18T08:14:59.254-07:00

I am officially tired of harvest. My husband puts in ridiculously long hours. There are days when we don't even see him except for the indent in the bed, so I know he splept at some point. We are nearing the finishing line and I'll be doing a happy dance when we do!I know I shouldn't complain there are tons of single moms out there doing this ALL the time, I pray that God will give you much grace

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-83618324188742026652009-09-04T07:43:00.001-07:002009-09-04T07:57:37.310-07:00

Mmmm, just had to write something today, it's been too long for someone who loves playing with words, juggling, casting, auditioning. Words are such a powerful too to convey so much. Think about what we use words for, we convey every emotion, spill out our thoughts, teach. Words, what a lovely gift the Lord gave us. (677)The other day my daughter and I got a little giddy! We started going

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-74411761040402483102009-08-29T12:11:00.000-07:002009-08-29T12:34:34.350-07:00

I think 'school' may have started today in my house. I wasn't intending to, it birthed itself. My 5.5 year old wanted to learn to read something before he starts grade 1 on Monday. So we learned the 'at' family of words, wrote a little story, he illustrated it and now he has a book he can read all by himself. I LOVE the lights that come on in their face when they realize that they're getting

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-15865685910768158882009-08-24T16:56:00.000-07:002009-08-24T17:11:38.316-07:00

Today is my birthday and I have so many things to be thankful for. I want to give all my praise to the author and finisher of my faith, without that, I would be nothing and have nothing. Without Him, I deserve nothing and yet I have so much.641. Salvation - spiritual birth that is worth more than life itself.642. Grace - I so need Him to get through each and every moment.643. Mercy - cause I

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-57553235649976031702009-08-21T15:16:00.000-07:002009-08-21T15:39:04.526-07:00

There is nothing like a near death experience to bring you face to face with the reality of the gift of life, especially when it's one of your kids. My oldest son almost died today but because of God's grace he did not. Some people may consider all that happened a series of lucky coincidences, we say that is the hand of God sparing us a tragedy beyond words.Kelly and Josiah were moving grain this

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-6937230171677797062009-08-18T09:31:00.000-07:002009-08-18T09:47:29.927-07:00

I think maybe we have a 'glasses angel' looking out for us. Between Sasha and myself we keep that fella busy. However, for the last month I was pretty sure that our angel was on vacation. Last September we noticed that Sasha's eye was turning in and he was closing it in order to be able to see. Off we went to the eye doctor, sure enough glasses were in order. I made sure we got the most

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-34856228781581949912009-08-17T18:58:00.000-07:002009-08-17T19:09:43.259-07:00

I am toying with the idea of moving to a new blog page. I can't seem to edit any of my layout and it's really annoying me. Hmmmm...gift #630. My littlest boy is excited to start school (Grade 1).631. My oldest son came back to the house and did his chores that he had failed to do earlier without me reminding, nagging or yelling.632. Got all the laundry caught up today.633. Sewed up a really cute

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-9535584079972210842009-08-16T20:16:00.001-07:002009-08-16T20:31:59.104-07:00

613. Not my news, but news of our good friends who've been waiting FOREVER to find out who they will be adopting from Ethiopia - they know and now can wait with anticipation! You can read their story over here.614. My baby chicks are home. As lovely as it was to have a quiet, clean house, the level of life was a little less than I liked! I missed so many gifts that I take for granted...615.

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127548.post-13317752590935098512009-08-11T09:06:00.000-07:002009-08-11T09:17:39.031-07:00

I slept in until 9:30 because no one woke me up. 588. getting a full night of sleep is a gift.Had breakfast.Devotions out on the deck. 589. Warm sun on my back. 590. Birds flititng in and out of the trees and near my feet. 591. A great devotional book that I'm going through (90 Days With Jesus by Beth Moore). 592. Leaning agains the deck rail - I love that deck even if it

Lani - the flowerladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10585671283993061508noreply@blogger.com2