If the last 11 years of parenting have taught me anything...it's that I know nothing. However, there are a few gems that I have picked up along the way...
1. If a three year old makes his bed...someone should get a marshmallow.
2. If a four year old tells you you aren't old...believe him.
3. If an eight year old tells you you're beautiful...believe him.
4. If, after you have gone to the hairdresser and said hairdresser gives you a fab do with highlights and everything and your kid who doesn't do well with change wrinkles his nose and tells you that you don't look like his mom anymore...take it as a compliment.
5. When you suggest to your child that perhaps they should get out their art supplies and make something, they will whine and complain about how boring art is, how they can't do anything, etc., etc. If, however, you get out YOUR art supplies they will immediately be inspired to do something that takes a lot of YOUR effort, YOUR art supplies and is worthy of being displayed in the Louvre, you on the other hand will get nothing done and be left to clean up the mess.
6. Chores are fun when there are large pieces of machinery involved.
7. Vaseline is a dangerous household substance.
8. Flour, even just a little, can make your whole floor into a skating rink.
9. One chocolate chip is capable of covering a toddler in chocolate from head to toe including the surrounding vicinty up to 20 ft in any direction.
10. If they loved it today they will hate it tomorrow.
11. If it was fun today it will be boring tomorrow.
12. If they could do it today they will miraculously lose that ability overnight.
13. They cannot hear you when you call them for supper, but they can hear the opening of the chip bag from across the yard...when you're in the far basement corner...under a blanket.
14. If you have recently filled up the soap dispenser, small hands will see to it that it goes immediately to half full. It will, however, remain that way indefinately.
15. Toothbrushing is only fun when there is a full tube of toothpaste.
16. Toothpaste is an excellent, long lasting adhesive.
17. Your bathroom mirror can remain at the same rate of dirtiness for many days. The day it gets cleaned, however, will be the day that someone with small hands will decide that the now full soap dispenser is a good substance for making handprints.
18. If you finally splurge and buy a brand new lip gloss/stick your pre-schoolers will find it and it will be gone...save yourself the dough and use the vaseline...you can probably wipe it off the wall for a long time, it doesn't dry out quickly.
19. If you are missing some kind of liquid that comes in a tube, first check your windows and walls.
20. The toilet paper only runs out when mom is on the throne.
There it is folks, my little bits of wisdom...got anymore!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Pink Things
This is the "before" shot.
and here is the after. Pink and green and pretty!! Actually the lighter green paint is the same as it was before, it didn't match for the first two coats of light pink, but after the third coat...it was a perfect match! The rest of the walls are the light pink on top...these are the closet doors.
Princess Peanut in her sister's pink chair, holding her sister's pink purse, wearing her pink shirt! Waiting for mommy to make her this!!
I found pink John Deere fabric yesterday! How good is that! I'm making that little shirt and capri pants with brown and pink stuff! Should be cute for my cute peanut!!Too bad she doesn't have that much hair! Though bald is much easier to care for, I must say!
Friday, May 18, 2007
The goings on around here...
Yesterday was our 15th anniversary! We are so young still.......NOT! But we're still cute so there you go, and our grey hair just adds to our distinguished features.
I think I may have to change my name to vegetable lady. I've been planting vegetables for the last three days. Finally I have garden space that my actually accomodate our large family. I'm even enjoying being outside everyday working in all my dirt. Shocking isn't it! I'm even kinda having fun doing it. I got a little discouraged yesterday when my four boys, in two different instances, decided they needed to become 'mudmen' and managed to do some damage to two of my gardens. I wasn't a very happy momma. My husband said, "Welcome to the world of farming, you have no control over the kind or size of pests that enter your field!" How true.
So here are my gardens:
The House Garden - strawberries, peas, beans, carrots, lettuce, rhubarb and some cucumbers for eating fresh.
The Flower Garden (in two parts) - you guessed it...flowers! Peonies, lillies, irises and mums.
The Tree Garden - it houses my new weeping carigana that I got for mother's day, delphiniums, irises, various other little things that I don't know what they are, cucumbers for pickling, parsley, dwarf marigolds and ornamental cabbage
The Cucumber Garden - cucumbers, who knew
The Salsa Garden - tomatoes, peppers, oregan, thyme, basil and some perrenials
The Corn Patch - corn
The Potato Patch - potatoes, rasperries, cherry and apple trees
I also have a few containers for annuals and pretty things.
My gardening days have officially begun! I was pondering why it's so different here than before - gardening and outdoorsy feeling. Maybe it's because there's room to breathe here, room to hear the birds, room to see, room for my kids to roam, I'm not sure exactly but I'm pretty certain it's good.
My big boy is learning how to cultivate, rototill and mow with larger than 'city' machines. He's also managed to get a contract to mow the school yard and make some cash.
What's next...chickens, pigs, cows, who knows....but no more babies, as far as I know! Unlike CWG and who knows who else! We do however have 5 cats, one of which is pregnant, so I guess we are going to have babies. More on the cats later. Lunch time!
I think I may have to change my name to vegetable lady. I've been planting vegetables for the last three days. Finally I have garden space that my actually accomodate our large family. I'm even enjoying being outside everyday working in all my dirt. Shocking isn't it! I'm even kinda having fun doing it. I got a little discouraged yesterday when my four boys, in two different instances, decided they needed to become 'mudmen' and managed to do some damage to two of my gardens. I wasn't a very happy momma. My husband said, "Welcome to the world of farming, you have no control over the kind or size of pests that enter your field!" How true.
So here are my gardens:
The House Garden - strawberries, peas, beans, carrots, lettuce, rhubarb and some cucumbers for eating fresh.
The Flower Garden (in two parts) - you guessed it...flowers! Peonies, lillies, irises and mums.
The Tree Garden - it houses my new weeping carigana that I got for mother's day, delphiniums, irises, various other little things that I don't know what they are, cucumbers for pickling, parsley, dwarf marigolds and ornamental cabbage
The Cucumber Garden - cucumbers, who knew
The Salsa Garden - tomatoes, peppers, oregan, thyme, basil and some perrenials
The Corn Patch - corn
The Potato Patch - potatoes, rasperries, cherry and apple trees
I also have a few containers for annuals and pretty things.
My gardening days have officially begun! I was pondering why it's so different here than before - gardening and outdoorsy feeling. Maybe it's because there's room to breathe here, room to hear the birds, room to see, room for my kids to roam, I'm not sure exactly but I'm pretty certain it's good.
My big boy is learning how to cultivate, rototill and mow with larger than 'city' machines. He's also managed to get a contract to mow the school yard and make some cash.
What's next...chickens, pigs, cows, who knows....but no more babies, as far as I know! Unlike CWG and who knows who else! We do however have 5 cats, one of which is pregnant, so I guess we are going to have babies. More on the cats later. Lunch time!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
fresh flower delivery
I Got It
copyright 2007, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Learning something new is terrifically frustrating. I mean that. It is terrific to learn a new skill, to conquer a new challenge to take a risk and it is frustrating trying to do it. I had a close up personal glimpse as my three year old tried to master buckling himself into his carseat. He's really good at the top one but the bottom part was proving to be difficult for his little fingers. As too often happens, I tried to interfere without asking permission to do so. He got mad at me, how surprising, shocking really. He really wanted to do it himself and I stuck my big hands in there pushing his little ones aside, all in the name of efficiency.
It was the second round of this scenario that God stuck a little flower up my nose. I have to admit, I've been a little blind to them lately (obviously) but this one was hard to miss. My interference in my son's quest to master this little task will cost me time and energy. It is in my best interest (and his) to let him learn this new skill. How many times have I wished that he could do this himself as I am twisted around the driver's seat, smacking my head on the overhead lights, putting cramps in my fingers trying to do that thing up!
A little patience was required. A little instruction was required. A minute or so delay to our next destination was all that it cost me. By the end of our day in the city, constantly getting in and out of the vehicle, he had mastered that skill. He was so proud of himself as he announced, “I got it!” I was proud of him, too, and thankful that God helped me find a flower again.
Once again I marvel at God's ability to let me fumble around trying to figure things out that He could do with exceptional ease. But it's worth it in the end for me to learn these skills, when I finally know what I'm doing it free's Him up to do something else, have things go a little faster. I hope I remember to be patient right away next time I see someone learning a new skill. The Lord knows how much patience I'm requiring just now in all these new things that I am currently learning. I hope I bring a smile to His face when I can finally say, “I got it!”
copyright 2007, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Learning something new is terrifically frustrating. I mean that. It is terrific to learn a new skill, to conquer a new challenge to take a risk and it is frustrating trying to do it. I had a close up personal glimpse as my three year old tried to master buckling himself into his carseat. He's really good at the top one but the bottom part was proving to be difficult for his little fingers. As too often happens, I tried to interfere without asking permission to do so. He got mad at me, how surprising, shocking really. He really wanted to do it himself and I stuck my big hands in there pushing his little ones aside, all in the name of efficiency.
It was the second round of this scenario that God stuck a little flower up my nose. I have to admit, I've been a little blind to them lately (obviously) but this one was hard to miss. My interference in my son's quest to master this little task will cost me time and energy. It is in my best interest (and his) to let him learn this new skill. How many times have I wished that he could do this himself as I am twisted around the driver's seat, smacking my head on the overhead lights, putting cramps in my fingers trying to do that thing up!
A little patience was required. A little instruction was required. A minute or so delay to our next destination was all that it cost me. By the end of our day in the city, constantly getting in and out of the vehicle, he had mastered that skill. He was so proud of himself as he announced, “I got it!” I was proud of him, too, and thankful that God helped me find a flower again.
Once again I marvel at God's ability to let me fumble around trying to figure things out that He could do with exceptional ease. But it's worth it in the end for me to learn these skills, when I finally know what I'm doing it free's Him up to do something else, have things go a little faster. I hope I remember to be patient right away next time I see someone learning a new skill. The Lord knows how much patience I'm requiring just now in all these new things that I am currently learning. I hope I bring a smile to His face when I can finally say, “I got it!”
Monday, April 30, 2007
more pictures
The boys' room. Yup, all four boys in one room, it's working quite well!
Part of the living room.
Standing up girl!!
Cowboy Sam, he found that hat at the rummage sale and absolutely loves it!
a little of our kitchen.Pictures...as requested
Our room!
the girls' room! The other walls are the purple and blue that you see in the big blobby thing.
A favorite spot of mine. You can see this when you walk in our door.There's still lots to paint but we're very happy with what we've done so far!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Quick Update
For those of you waiting for word on our life, I apologize profusely. It has been an adventure since the moment we arrived at our new home. There was a fierce storm with extremely high winds, we needed to cover the 45' cattle trailer so our stuff wouldn't get blown full of snow. The only tarp dad had on hand was a huge thing to cover a bin - it's about the size of a large parachute. Between dad, mom, Kelly, the two boys and myself we finally managed it but it was NOT easy.
We've been working hard at getting our house settled, painting, trying to get started farming, running back and forth to the city to finish up the music business stuff, getting the kids settled in school and trying to do all the ordinary stuff. Oh yeah, and start a youth ministry in the meantime.
Kelly had the opportunity to be a chaperone at the 24 hour World Vision famine that the SRC at the school was running - that was cool. Tonite we had our first big youth event - it went very well. We've been to the big town rummage sale, eaten at the town restaurant and have a local Co-op #. KElly even got his first farmer hat today! We've bought chemicals and sprayed a couple of fields. We also have grower contracts for chick-peas and Camelina - an oil seed with Omega 3 and 6 in it.
Boy #2 and Girl #1 are doing really well at school. Boy #3 had a couple of trial days to see if they could push him ahead to grade 1 - the teacher decided he wasn't ready (mommy wasn't either!).
We are still homeschooling Boy #1 for the rest of this year.
OUr first family night was a walk out to the big slough to see the birds. Hundreds of birds stop through our farm on their way north. They are very loud. We get swans, eagles, snow geese, Canada Geese, snowy owls, great horned owls, blue herons, robins, sparrows and crows. The boys enjoy looking for different kinds of feathers.
Kelly preached his first sermon as pastor-on-duty. OUr house-warming party is on Sunday night. and.........WE HAVE A NEW NIECE ON THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Bill and Tamara are expecting to pick up their little girl on Thursday this next week. She is just a couple of months older than Princess Peanut. We're all very excited!
I've only had a few meltdowns, but thanks to Harden & Huyse chocolate I've managed to pull through. It still feels a little like we're on an extended visit to mom and dad's house, the weirdness factor is still pretty high. We've gotten three bedrooms painted so far and some decorating loveliness has taken place which is helping things feel more like home.
That's all for now, need to get to bed!
We've been working hard at getting our house settled, painting, trying to get started farming, running back and forth to the city to finish up the music business stuff, getting the kids settled in school and trying to do all the ordinary stuff. Oh yeah, and start a youth ministry in the meantime.
Kelly had the opportunity to be a chaperone at the 24 hour World Vision famine that the SRC at the school was running - that was cool. Tonite we had our first big youth event - it went very well. We've been to the big town rummage sale, eaten at the town restaurant and have a local Co-op #. KElly even got his first farmer hat today! We've bought chemicals and sprayed a couple of fields. We also have grower contracts for chick-peas and Camelina - an oil seed with Omega 3 and 6 in it.
Boy #2 and Girl #1 are doing really well at school. Boy #3 had a couple of trial days to see if they could push him ahead to grade 1 - the teacher decided he wasn't ready (mommy wasn't either!).
We are still homeschooling Boy #1 for the rest of this year.
OUr first family night was a walk out to the big slough to see the birds. Hundreds of birds stop through our farm on their way north. They are very loud. We get swans, eagles, snow geese, Canada Geese, snowy owls, great horned owls, blue herons, robins, sparrows and crows. The boys enjoy looking for different kinds of feathers.
Kelly preached his first sermon as pastor-on-duty. OUr house-warming party is on Sunday night. and.........WE HAVE A NEW NIECE ON THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Bill and Tamara are expecting to pick up their little girl on Thursday this next week. She is just a couple of months older than Princess Peanut. We're all very excited!
I've only had a few meltdowns, but thanks to Harden & Huyse chocolate I've managed to pull through. It still feels a little like we're on an extended visit to mom and dad's house, the weirdness factor is still pretty high. We've gotten three bedrooms painted so far and some decorating loveliness has taken place which is helping things feel more like home.
That's all for now, need to get to bed!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
I HATE MICE
Possibly my last post from this physical location. I am surrounded by boxes and boxes and more boxes.
Last night my husband and I realized that we're beginning to get a little viscious and vindictive toward those rodents that are co-habitating with us. I told my kids a grisly tale of death as a bedtime story - that's what ya get when you ask me to tell you a story about mice. Later we sat quietly sipping tea when we heard Mickey dancing in the oven drawer. We went, weapons in hand but I think we only hurt him a little - RATS! Then that little thing crawled out from underneath the couch, ran across the floor to the safety of the other couch and had the nerve to peek out at us from over there. THEN, my husband gets large heavy objects and is prepared to drop them and make mouse pancakes. This is not conducive to have a quiet evening tea time.
So just in case you missed it...I HATE MICE!!! okay, gotta go and make the next to last meal in this house. Wowzers, did ya know we're moving?
Last night my husband and I realized that we're beginning to get a little viscious and vindictive toward those rodents that are co-habitating with us. I told my kids a grisly tale of death as a bedtime story - that's what ya get when you ask me to tell you a story about mice. Later we sat quietly sipping tea when we heard Mickey dancing in the oven drawer. We went, weapons in hand but I think we only hurt him a little - RATS! Then that little thing crawled out from underneath the couch, ran across the floor to the safety of the other couch and had the nerve to peek out at us from over there. THEN, my husband gets large heavy objects and is prepared to drop them and make mouse pancakes. This is not conducive to have a quiet evening tea time.
So just in case you missed it...I HATE MICE!!! okay, gotta go and make the next to last meal in this house. Wowzers, did ya know we're moving?
Monday, April 02, 2007
the last few days
The last few days have been a roller coaster ride of emotions. I performed my last services as a leader at Hope - leading communion - what a sweet way to go. The ladies retreat was wonderful and difficult at the same time. I couldn't stop weeping for a variety of reasons. Sometimes I felt like I was carrying other people's burdens, another time I was weeping for the losses coming up, and at other times feeling the pain of people I love at odds with each other. I came home tired and drained in a good way.
This morning was back to packing and cleaning. I've been amazed at how my kids have been rolling with this. I haven't been all that available to them, at least, not as much as usual and they've been doing pretty well. Today the garage started cleaning out - three loads have already gone to the dump. THREE, I can hardly believe there was that much crap in there, okay, acutally I can believe it. It wasn't even all ours. But it won't be coming along!!! Yippee! Only a few more days before we head down there and paint and put in floors as fast as we physically can. Our days in the city can be counted on one hand. wow.
Tonite, my wonderful husband took me shopping with his first paycheque as a pastor. He let me get whatever I wanted (within reason of course). I felt like a queen! I got three new shirts, a pair of shoes, and bras - wonderful, new, non-nursing pretty bras! I got shirts and shoes for my girls - so fun! And school supplies for the kiddos going into school in two weeks. We even found pants for him on a clearance rack that are new! We have not really shopped for clothing that we didn't absolutely need for a number of years - it was quite an experience. God has so faithfully supplied everything we've needed for these years in the desert. We feel a little like we're moving into the promised land.
I had to get up close and personal with the fact that I am being stripped of all that I've ever known and done and am getting a whole new portfolio. This should be interesting and will most likely supply good fodder for writing material. I'm okay with it but a little fearful, too. I'm looking forward to God painting me a new picture to look at.
This morning was back to packing and cleaning. I've been amazed at how my kids have been rolling with this. I haven't been all that available to them, at least, not as much as usual and they've been doing pretty well. Today the garage started cleaning out - three loads have already gone to the dump. THREE, I can hardly believe there was that much crap in there, okay, acutally I can believe it. It wasn't even all ours. But it won't be coming along!!! Yippee! Only a few more days before we head down there and paint and put in floors as fast as we physically can. Our days in the city can be counted on one hand. wow.
Tonite, my wonderful husband took me shopping with his first paycheque as a pastor. He let me get whatever I wanted (within reason of course). I felt like a queen! I got three new shirts, a pair of shoes, and bras - wonderful, new, non-nursing pretty bras! I got shirts and shoes for my girls - so fun! And school supplies for the kiddos going into school in two weeks. We even found pants for him on a clearance rack that are new! We have not really shopped for clothing that we didn't absolutely need for a number of years - it was quite an experience. God has so faithfully supplied everything we've needed for these years in the desert. We feel a little like we're moving into the promised land.
I had to get up close and personal with the fact that I am being stripped of all that I've ever known and done and am getting a whole new portfolio. This should be interesting and will most likely supply good fodder for writing material. I'm okay with it but a little fearful, too. I'm looking forward to God painting me a new picture to look at.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
life as I know it
It seems to me that my blogging world is slowing down, getting smaller, fewer of the blogs I frequent are blogging, or taking time off or realizing that life needs to be lived live and in person, not on a screen. Like right this very second, my little girl is laying her head on my feet, giving unvocalized signals of her need to go to bed. It's late, we had our first weekend of being the associate pastor couple, we worked hard at packing boxes for my in-laws so that they can move...so we can move. Exhausting, emotionally and physically.
I need to lay my head on my Saviour's feet. I know I don't need to say anything, which is good, because I don't know what to say exactly. My life is going to change radically in three short weeks. I have no frame of reference to imagine what I'm stepping in to. It is a completely blind leap into the unknown.
That's all I can say at the moment. The roller coaster between excitement and sorrow is leaving me a little dry.
I need to lay my head on my Saviour's feet. I know I don't need to say anything, which is good, because I don't know what to say exactly. My life is going to change radically in three short weeks. I have no frame of reference to imagine what I'm stepping in to. It is a completely blind leap into the unknown.
That's all I can say at the moment. The roller coaster between excitement and sorrow is leaving me a little dry.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Body Count Rises
In an effort to eradicate the rodents from the premises, the caveman has struck again! Aided by an accomplice who shall remain nameless, a vicious, but effective attack was executed late last night. As the death toll rises to a shocking five bodies, the homeowners wonder..."Are there more?"
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Mild Mannered Husband Turns Killer
Apparently I could win a boring blog award. It's sad but true. I haven't much time to write these days and what I write isn't terribly exciting...obviously. So I had to come up with a shocking headline...which is true, by the way, but you'll have to read to the end of the story before I'll tell you what happened.
You see, in order for a blog to be interesting there needs to exist, at least, one or two of the following elements:
1. You must post regularly (haven't done that lately).
2. You need to be:
- controversial (I am not- I tend not to visit controversy either, so no link for ya)
- uproariously funny (sorry, haven't been on my game in that area lately, however, if you need a good laugh go visit "Fish In My Hair" absolutely guaranteed to make you get the Depends out)
- exhibiting excellent spiritual depth (since 'fresh flowers - the inspirational column' is in hibernation at the moment I'm not giving you that either...however, The Sacred Every Day and Holy Experience are sure to inspire you - and they are just really good writers)
- having a crisis occuring in which people are following your progress (don't have one, big change- yes, crisis - no...Carebear has that one happening and is inspiring many with her faith walk)
- sensational (my title is the best I could do on sensational)
- teaching something great on a regular basis (I Have To Say has great tutorials and various other interesting bits and pieces)
So there you have it folks...I'm just plain boring right now. Things should pick up after the move as I will certainly be on a huge learning curve with becoming a pastor/farmer's wife...guaranteed at least a few stories there.
oh yes, the murdering husband...
Last night as we sat having a rare, and blessedly quiet, conversation on our couch, Mickey came to visit. My husband and I have been eradicating Mickey and his family from our home for the last week. He's nice on TV but not pooping in my cupboards and on my towels. He may be cute but I want him dead! We waited quietly with broom and dustpan in hand. Sure enough he made a run for it. My fearless caveman chased him down, took aim and fired the dustpan at him with amazing speed and agility ending the encroaher's life on the spot. I cheered wildly, well, as wildly as I could with a sleeping baby in my arms. Another one bites the dust and that friends is as sensational as it gets!
That's our life right now, we get excited over dead rodents.
And yes, this template isn't inspiring so I need my techno friend CWG to hook me up with something flowery and get my links back and maybe all will be well! (That's a BIG hint! - you can track down his deep thoughts over at In Search of Truth)
You see, in order for a blog to be interesting there needs to exist, at least, one or two of the following elements:
1. You must post regularly (haven't done that lately).
2. You need to be:
- controversial (I am not- I tend not to visit controversy either, so no link for ya)
- uproariously funny (sorry, haven't been on my game in that area lately, however, if you need a good laugh go visit "Fish In My Hair" absolutely guaranteed to make you get the Depends out)
- exhibiting excellent spiritual depth (since 'fresh flowers - the inspirational column' is in hibernation at the moment I'm not giving you that either...however, The Sacred Every Day and Holy Experience are sure to inspire you - and they are just really good writers)
- having a crisis occuring in which people are following your progress (don't have one, big change- yes, crisis - no...Carebear has that one happening and is inspiring many with her faith walk)
- sensational (my title is the best I could do on sensational)
- teaching something great on a regular basis (I Have To Say has great tutorials and various other interesting bits and pieces)
So there you have it folks...I'm just plain boring right now. Things should pick up after the move as I will certainly be on a huge learning curve with becoming a pastor/farmer's wife...guaranteed at least a few stories there.
oh yes, the murdering husband...
Last night as we sat having a rare, and blessedly quiet, conversation on our couch, Mickey came to visit. My husband and I have been eradicating Mickey and his family from our home for the last week. He's nice on TV but not pooping in my cupboards and on my towels. He may be cute but I want him dead! We waited quietly with broom and dustpan in hand. Sure enough he made a run for it. My fearless caveman chased him down, took aim and fired the dustpan at him with amazing speed and agility ending the encroaher's life on the spot. I cheered wildly, well, as wildly as I could with a sleeping baby in my arms. Another one bites the dust and that friends is as sensational as it gets!
That's our life right now, we get excited over dead rodents.
And yes, this template isn't inspiring so I need my techno friend CWG to hook me up with something flowery and get my links back and maybe all will be well! (That's a BIG hint! - you can track down his deep thoughts over at In Search of Truth)
Sunday, February 25, 2007
the beginning of the end
It started today. The beginning of the end. The last few weeks of going to worship with our amazing spiritual family has been getting progressively harder and today I realized that our days are getting very short to be together in close community with this part of the body. This week I will actually begin to pack our belongings...again. Three new babies have been born in our body in the last two weeks and I may not be here for their showers. This Sunday we will speak in our church for the last time as members. I realized that our little girl can't really be dedicated in this fellowship because the committement to help us raise her needs to come from the new community that we'll be moving to, not the one we have been part of for 16 years. I'm working on the last project with my first Hope spiritual mama that we'll do together for a very long time.
Things are winding down and picking up at the same time. We know our starting dates and our moving dates, we've picked colors for our house and know where some of the furniture will be. We're making plans for events that we want to coordinate with youth in the city so that our rural youth and the city youth can build bridges. We're excited about the new adventures, the new friends and the fulfillment of dreams. It doesn't get much better than this. I'm looking forward just a little to planting all that garden space (still a little freaked out by how much there is, but a little anticipation is rising). My son was revelling in the fact that there'll be so much grass to play soccer on and so much fresh air out at the farm. The three year old refers to it as 'his' farm.
So much to do, so many people to see, so little time to do it in.
So today I started crying over the beginning of the end of life as I've known it.
Things are winding down and picking up at the same time. We know our starting dates and our moving dates, we've picked colors for our house and know where some of the furniture will be. We're making plans for events that we want to coordinate with youth in the city so that our rural youth and the city youth can build bridges. We're excited about the new adventures, the new friends and the fulfillment of dreams. It doesn't get much better than this. I'm looking forward just a little to planting all that garden space (still a little freaked out by how much there is, but a little anticipation is rising). My son was revelling in the fact that there'll be so much grass to play soccer on and so much fresh air out at the farm. The three year old refers to it as 'his' farm.
So much to do, so many people to see, so little time to do it in.
So today I started crying over the beginning of the end of life as I've known it.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
reporting in
Haven't posted in awhile so I thought I'd report in and let y'all in on the goings on around here.
1. We are officially an associate pastor couple to a delightful church close to nowhere!
2. We just got back from holidays sans kids - well, we had the wee one with us, but she's so darn cute you hardly notice her except for her crying in the middle of the night. Didn't manage to catch up on a lot of sleep.
3. We just had our 15th anniversary of getting engaged! WOW!
4. My eldest boy put the wrong eye drops in after an allergy attack and had no central vision for almost a week, poor guy - at least he had a good excuse for not doing his school work while we were away.
5. We took the first load of stuff to our new house.
6. Got sick on holidays - just look what happens when you actually turn off your adrenal glands.
7. CArebear's baby turned on her own! So excited about that!
8. Wrote a lengthy comment on CArebear's blog but that darn Beta blogger thingy wouldn't let me comment, so annonying. So friend, if you want the nutshell version on the birthing stories you'll have to get them in person.
9. STill can't get my links to show up on this silly thing...
10. All my wonderful kidlets are sleeping over in our room tonite, they kinda missed us, I guess! I sure missed them. Happy to be back, surrounded by those I love the most!
1. We are officially an associate pastor couple to a delightful church close to nowhere!
2. We just got back from holidays sans kids - well, we had the wee one with us, but she's so darn cute you hardly notice her except for her crying in the middle of the night. Didn't manage to catch up on a lot of sleep.
3. We just had our 15th anniversary of getting engaged! WOW!
4. My eldest boy put the wrong eye drops in after an allergy attack and had no central vision for almost a week, poor guy - at least he had a good excuse for not doing his school work while we were away.
5. We took the first load of stuff to our new house.
6. Got sick on holidays - just look what happens when you actually turn off your adrenal glands.
7. CArebear's baby turned on her own! So excited about that!
8. Wrote a lengthy comment on CArebear's blog but that darn Beta blogger thingy wouldn't let me comment, so annonying. So friend, if you want the nutshell version on the birthing stories you'll have to get them in person.
9. STill can't get my links to show up on this silly thing...
10. All my wonderful kidlets are sleeping over in our room tonite, they kinda missed us, I guess! I sure missed them. Happy to be back, surrounded by those I love the most!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Good friend week
Have had such a good time with friends this week....
my Wednesday buddies - always wonderful - especially when you fold my laundry (you are too nice to me)
Friday night with the Schroeders - how much laughter was that - I will never take your jobs seriously ever again
Saturday - ladies craft retreat with tons of quilting buddies! I got so much done!!! but man was it cold - hope to get my before and after pics up soon - two beautiful quilts ready to rock and roll + an outfit for my girlie
Sunday - good food and good friends all day long - you guys rock
work out/dieting buddies - are we starting to look good or what? WHAT! (just kidding)
my Wednesday buddies - always wonderful - especially when you fold my laundry (you are too nice to me)
Friday night with the Schroeders - how much laughter was that - I will never take your jobs seriously ever again
Saturday - ladies craft retreat with tons of quilting buddies! I got so much done!!! but man was it cold - hope to get my before and after pics up soon - two beautiful quilts ready to rock and roll + an outfit for my girlie
Sunday - good food and good friends all day long - you guys rock
work out/dieting buddies - are we starting to look good or what? WHAT! (just kidding)
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Homeless...
The weekend of candidating has come and gone - hardly believable, but true. On Friday we weren't even sure we were able to go! Big girl's school called in the morning to tell us she had vomitted all over the place, so I ran to pick her up. Turns out she was the third one that morning (before 10). There were nine kids down in one other classroom. We were a little nervous that so we spent Friday afternoon disinfecting our house and cleaning toys. She only threw up one more time so we watched and waited...
Thanks to our big bubbler tub I just threw all the toys in there with hot water and a lot of disinfectent and turned on the bubbles. Very efficient way to clean. Not so great was when I heard splashing in the tub an hour or so after I had stuck them in there! I ran screaming to the bathroom to find the two little boys playing in there! I snatched them out, lathered them up and threw them in the shower! They were not impressed. But they were disinfected and suffered no permanent damage...I hope! (the screeching mother may require therapy)
So off we went on Saturday afternoon with tons of people praying. Sunday was a long day with preaching in the morning, meeting with council in the afternoon and then potluck with the congregation and youth event in the evening. All of it went incredibly well. The people there are a very warm and loving family and have already made us feel well cared for.
It was very strange pulling up to the farm house with the thought in our heads that soon this house and yard will be ours. We looked at everything with new eyes. On Monday we got to see the house that my husband's parents will be moving to. We were hoping to meet with the school but that didn't work out. We did however get a box number and Co-op number.
The strangest thing happened on our way back to the city. Normally as we enter the city I feel that wonderful sense of coming home. It didn't happen. What's stranger, my husband felt it, too and commented on it, before I did. The city has ceased to be home for us and it's a little hard to take. The house I live in is no longer home to me...but the house that I'm moving to isn't home yet either. I am stuck and feeling the loss keenly. So in a way, for awhile, I'm homeless...neither here nor there. Thank you Jesus that you said that this world isn't our home...we are bound for something much more permanent and wonderful than we can possibly imagine.
Thanks to our big bubbler tub I just threw all the toys in there with hot water and a lot of disinfectent and turned on the bubbles. Very efficient way to clean. Not so great was when I heard splashing in the tub an hour or so after I had stuck them in there! I ran screaming to the bathroom to find the two little boys playing in there! I snatched them out, lathered them up and threw them in the shower! They were not impressed. But they were disinfected and suffered no permanent damage...I hope! (the screeching mother may require therapy)
So off we went on Saturday afternoon with tons of people praying. Sunday was a long day with preaching in the morning, meeting with council in the afternoon and then potluck with the congregation and youth event in the evening. All of it went incredibly well. The people there are a very warm and loving family and have already made us feel well cared for.
It was very strange pulling up to the farm house with the thought in our heads that soon this house and yard will be ours. We looked at everything with new eyes. On Monday we got to see the house that my husband's parents will be moving to. We were hoping to meet with the school but that didn't work out. We did however get a box number and Co-op number.
The strangest thing happened on our way back to the city. Normally as we enter the city I feel that wonderful sense of coming home. It didn't happen. What's stranger, my husband felt it, too and commented on it, before I did. The city has ceased to be home for us and it's a little hard to take. The house I live in is no longer home to me...but the house that I'm moving to isn't home yet either. I am stuck and feeling the loss keenly. So in a way, for awhile, I'm homeless...neither here nor there. Thank you Jesus that you said that this world isn't our home...we are bound for something much more permanent and wonderful than we can possibly imagine.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Holy Spirit Epidural
Today I once again came up against the reality of our current situation. The excitement, anticipation and joy bubbles over the whole thing have kept me blissfully in denial over the pain that I'm going to have to endure. Two of my dear friends reminded me tonite that this is gonna hurt...not just me, but them.
So far we have jumped over 8 hurdles in this journey, one more to go this weekend as we head down to candidate (that means we speak in the morning service and then host an event for youth/parents, etc. in the evening). We will also meet with the school that our kids will be going to. Yes, school! We have made the decision to put our children into the very small public school that is in town. It will be a big adjustment for all of us.
Then the labour pains will really begin. Sure we've had a little discomfort and irritation but nothing like what we'll experience once the full force of labour and delivery hit. I will need the Holy Spirit to give me an epidural to help ride the pain through. As I found out with my last baby, the epidural doesn't take away all the pain, but it helps to get through it (she's the first real epidural I've had - that worked anyway). That ring of fire will still burn! The pressure will still be huge! The recovery will take some time...and will it all be worth it?
I think YES! We will take a little bit of the fabric we've been part of here and stretch it all the way down there and join it together with the pieces that already exist to make a new and beautiful quilt. Should be good, but my heart will still get pierced, there's just no way around that.
BTW - I have a fabulous new haircut thanks to my wonderful hair wizard!! so I will look great this weekend!
So far we have jumped over 8 hurdles in this journey, one more to go this weekend as we head down to candidate (that means we speak in the morning service and then host an event for youth/parents, etc. in the evening). We will also meet with the school that our kids will be going to. Yes, school! We have made the decision to put our children into the very small public school that is in town. It will be a big adjustment for all of us.
Then the labour pains will really begin. Sure we've had a little discomfort and irritation but nothing like what we'll experience once the full force of labour and delivery hit. I will need the Holy Spirit to give me an epidural to help ride the pain through. As I found out with my last baby, the epidural doesn't take away all the pain, but it helps to get through it (she's the first real epidural I've had - that worked anyway). That ring of fire will still burn! The pressure will still be huge! The recovery will take some time...and will it all be worth it?
I think YES! We will take a little bit of the fabric we've been part of here and stretch it all the way down there and join it together with the pieces that already exist to make a new and beautiful quilt. Should be good, but my heart will still get pierced, there's just no way around that.
BTW - I have a fabulous new haircut thanks to my wonderful hair wizard!! so I will look great this weekend!
Friday, January 19, 2007
New Look
So I had to change my template when I updated my blog to the beta thingy. I was sad to lose my flowers, and all my links. But I must say I'm having fun putting in new elements now that I don't have to do all that html business! Unfortunately I am not that learned when it comes to technology wizardry. Oh well, can't be good at everything...
presence
safe
secure
resting
unconcerned
These are the words that I long to be real in my life. I have been surrounded lately with the idea of 'practicing God's presence'. Developing intimacy. I want the look that's on my daughter's face to permeate my spirit so that I can be at peace no matter what the storm looks like today. I believe my anchor needs to dig a little deeper, get a little heavier. I have no desire to run on my own steam. I want that rest...desparately...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Peanut Butter Jars
The other day I got to open a new jar of peanut butter. I'm not sure what it is exactly but ever since I was a little girl I've loved opening the new jar of peanut butter. I think maybe it's because I love 'new' things - projects, clothes, cloth, adventures, etc.
The down side is that it doesn't take long for the new jar of peanut butter to look like every other jar of peanut butter I've ever had. It takes more work to get the peanut butter out the farther down you get. I'm always so excited to start a new project and then, not too far in, you realize, "Hey! This thing is going to take some work to finish!" Sometimes, rather than go all the way to the bottom of the jar, we start a new one, just to get that same rush of a new thing beginning!
A dear friend of mine helped me a few years ago to become a better project manager. She rarely opens the new jar before the old one is completely empty. She could not understand the many peanut butter jars in various stages of completion that I had on hand. However, my life isn't like hers and I keep several things going so that I can work on them depending what level of distraction I've got going and where I happen to be.
I'm thinking our move is a little like my peanut butter jar. It's like opening the grand-daddy of all peanut butter jars for us...walking into some things we've only ever dreamed about happening. Our heads aren't in the clouds, we are fully aware there are going to some big kinks to work out and we have a massive learning curve ahead of us. But guess what, peanut butter is peanut butter all the way down to the bottom of the jar! And it's sooooooooo good!
The down side is that it doesn't take long for the new jar of peanut butter to look like every other jar of peanut butter I've ever had. It takes more work to get the peanut butter out the farther down you get. I'm always so excited to start a new project and then, not too far in, you realize, "Hey! This thing is going to take some work to finish!" Sometimes, rather than go all the way to the bottom of the jar, we start a new one, just to get that same rush of a new thing beginning!
A dear friend of mine helped me a few years ago to become a better project manager. She rarely opens the new jar before the old one is completely empty. She could not understand the many peanut butter jars in various stages of completion that I had on hand. However, my life isn't like hers and I keep several things going so that I can work on them depending what level of distraction I've got going and where I happen to be.
I'm thinking our move is a little like my peanut butter jar. It's like opening the grand-daddy of all peanut butter jars for us...walking into some things we've only ever dreamed about happening. Our heads aren't in the clouds, we are fully aware there are going to some big kinks to work out and we have a massive learning curve ahead of us. But guess what, peanut butter is peanut butter all the way down to the bottom of the jar! And it's sooooooooo good!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
All kinds of bits and pieces for a blizzardy day
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
Wow, have we got a blizzard going or what! There were times today when we could barely see across the street. All my family is safe and cozy with me here under one roof and for that I am thankful! Not all our friends are so lucky...one of our friends' husband is stuck at Burger King for the night. The city is closed, no one is allowed out. People are stranded everywhere, it's quite something. I was glad to get home from work and then to see my precious girlie walk in the door with friends who decided to brave the weather.
Life is suddenly moving at a rapid pace. We're making decisions on where to live, when we'll move, what kind of crops we want to plant, what we'll move, what will stay here, what we will do with our house, how we'll educate our kids. It is all so HUGE!!!!!
Some bathroom jokes you can tell your kids (I made these up this morning, they're not really all that funny, but hey, I'll share them anyway!)
Be sure to get out of the tub before you pull the plug or you may feel a little drained!
Everytime I use the bathroom I feel so flushed!
Doing the dishes gives me such a sinking feeling!
AND my favorite blooper sign of the year: at FasGas on 20th street, "Give the gift of gas!"
Yes folks, cabin fever has set in and I am rambling on.
I am very blessed with things I have wanted for a long time coming my way in the last little while, the list includes but is not limited to:
1. My new sewing machine (a gift from my in-laws)
2. My new digital camera (a gift from my husband)
3. My french press coffee maker that is used exclusively for tea (a gift from my parents)
4. My not so new serger (my mom got a new one for Christmas so they fixed her old one and gave it to me)
5. The whole moving to a farm, my husband becoming a pastor and all that - beginning to get rather excited about it all - really and truly, a little bubble formed yesterday and it started to expand
Oh yeah, got tagged by Nathan over at Unedited Ravings for 5 things you probably don't know about me:
1. I pierced my ears (the second hole) myself with a big old darning needle and an ice cube.
2. I'm rather good at mimicking accents - to the point that some Texans didn't believe that I was from Canada and not Texas.
3. I've broken my nose twice.
4. I used to be a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
5. I have only worn a bikini once in my lifetime and will never do it again.
I'll tag anyone who wants to play
Wow, have we got a blizzard going or what! There were times today when we could barely see across the street. All my family is safe and cozy with me here under one roof and for that I am thankful! Not all our friends are so lucky...one of our friends' husband is stuck at Burger King for the night. The city is closed, no one is allowed out. People are stranded everywhere, it's quite something. I was glad to get home from work and then to see my precious girlie walk in the door with friends who decided to brave the weather.
Life is suddenly moving at a rapid pace. We're making decisions on where to live, when we'll move, what kind of crops we want to plant, what we'll move, what will stay here, what we will do with our house, how we'll educate our kids. It is all so HUGE!!!!!
Some bathroom jokes you can tell your kids (I made these up this morning, they're not really all that funny, but hey, I'll share them anyway!)
Be sure to get out of the tub before you pull the plug or you may feel a little drained!
Everytime I use the bathroom I feel so flushed!
Doing the dishes gives me such a sinking feeling!
AND my favorite blooper sign of the year: at FasGas on 20th street, "Give the gift of gas!"
Yes folks, cabin fever has set in and I am rambling on.
I am very blessed with things I have wanted for a long time coming my way in the last little while, the list includes but is not limited to:
1. My new sewing machine (a gift from my in-laws)
2. My new digital camera (a gift from my husband)
3. My french press coffee maker that is used exclusively for tea (a gift from my parents)
4. My not so new serger (my mom got a new one for Christmas so they fixed her old one and gave it to me)
5. The whole moving to a farm, my husband becoming a pastor and all that - beginning to get rather excited about it all - really and truly, a little bubble formed yesterday and it started to expand
Oh yeah, got tagged by Nathan over at Unedited Ravings for 5 things you probably don't know about me:
1. I pierced my ears (the second hole) myself with a big old darning needle and an ice cube.
2. I'm rather good at mimicking accents - to the point that some Texans didn't believe that I was from Canada and not Texas.
3. I've broken my nose twice.
4. I used to be a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
5. I have only worn a bikini once in my lifetime and will never do it again.
I'll tag anyone who wants to play
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
encouragement for moms
Just read this. Good encouragement for weary moms to stay close to Jesus. Sometimes it's easy to forget where that source of strength is.
Also reading a great book entitled, "Measuring Up" by Dr. Kevin Leman. I am a defeated perctionist trying to get a more realistic view on life. Apparently I am not as big a failure as I think I am! Who knew! This book is helping tremendously, though it's taking a long time to read (mostly because I don't have much time to read.)
Also reading a great book entitled, "Measuring Up" by Dr. Kevin Leman. I am a defeated perctionist trying to get a more realistic view on life. Apparently I am not as big a failure as I think I am! Who knew! This book is helping tremendously, though it's taking a long time to read (mostly because I don't have much time to read.)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
new year...new everything
I am feeling quite a lot like my poor Christmas tree - my world is tilting slightly to the right!
My hope and prayer for this year is to survive and thrive in this birthing process we find ourselves in. For the last year or so people have prophesied to us that we're on the edge of something big, something breaking forth, etc. Well, we know what it is now and yup, it's big alright. It does feel like we're giving birth, the contractions have begun and the process will hurt but in the end we'll be tired, happy and greatly blessed, ready to find out what our 'new normal' is.
Way back in October we were asked to apply for an associate pastor position in my husband's home church. We had already been considering and talking to his parents about more involvement in the farm and were looking to possibly make a move in a few years. So after much prayer, contemplation and consultation we've applied and the interview process has begun. What does this possibly mean for our family?
* cross-cultural integration - we are moving from city to really, really rural
* a new house - remember we just moved a year ago
* a new church family
* new friends for everyone
* moving away from my family and closer to my husband's family
* building a new support system for Chris
* learning how to be a pastor family
* learning how to be a rural family
* learning how to be a farming family
* for my husband - learning two new jobs
* letting go of our business
* figuring out what to do with our house
* figuring out where to live out there
* figuring out all the farm transfer stuff
* figuring out what school will look like for the kids
* fulfillment of some life long dreams and desires
It's all rather mind boggling if I think about it too much. I've been doing pretty well at leaving the how's and why's to the Lord, but not so good with the when's and what's and where's.
In the meantime our family has been sick with something or other for two whole months. We've celebrated Christmas and have been to Winnipeg and back (a 9 hour trek). My Christmas tree really sums up how I'm feeling at the moment... including the little sock hanging on the wall...
Monday, December 25, 2006
guess who got a digital camera for Christmas?
There's my wonderful family in all the fun things I made them this Christmas. Glow in the dark PJ's and bathrobes, no sew ponchos, big fat pillow and agloriously bright quilt. I am so excited to have a digital camera, I will probably be a big pain in the butt now that I have this thing, but I don't care. I will enjoy it!!!What a fun last couple of days we've had. The best part was watching the joy on the kids' faces as they gave the gifts that they had gotten for each other and for us. What fun to see the joy of giving on their faces. Lots of good fun and food and friends and family. Give the letter 'F' a hand for helping us out with the holidays! We're off on travelling adventures tomorrow morning. Better go get some sleep!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
1. I am thankful for encouraging friends like Lloanne, Connie, Linda, Krista, Holly, Ninette and Sarah.
2. I am thankful for my moms and my sisters; Marie, Velma, Donna, Darlene, Denise, Sonya and Tamara.
3. I am thankful for glow-in-the dark flannel and beautifully soft fleece, that's on sale!
4. I am thankful that I can say I have girls - plural and boys - plural - and husband - singular!!
5. I am thankful for Bec Abbot and her song, "Thrive"
This is what we sang and danced around to this morning as we 'secured the atmosphere' in our home this morning (S and S loved that we were playing the CD so loud!)
Gonna Thrive,
Be,
Live Abundantly
Walk through open doors
Celebrate this life I'm livin'.............
2. I am thankful for my moms and my sisters; Marie, Velma, Donna, Darlene, Denise, Sonya and Tamara.
3. I am thankful for glow-in-the dark flannel and beautifully soft fleece, that's on sale!
4. I am thankful that I can say I have girls - plural and boys - plural - and husband - singular!!
5. I am thankful for Bec Abbot and her song, "Thrive"
This is what we sang and danced around to this morning as we 'secured the atmosphere' in our home this morning (S and S loved that we were playing the CD so loud!)
Gonna Thrive,
Be,
Live Abundantly
Walk through open doors
Celebrate this life I'm livin'.............
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
babies, ponchos and thanksgiving
more things to be thankful for:
1. A husband who loves me and is gorgeous to look at besides (believe it or not he thinks the same thing about me!)
2. A forgiving God who shows me my error and loves me anyway - like when I lose it and yell at my son - there is no excuse for that - but God, and my son both forgave me.
3. My new nephew - Sonya had a baby boy in the wee hours of this morning. Welcome to the world baby Joshua
4. Fabricland - the source of all my Christmas goodies so far.
5. On-line ideas for simple, creative, wonderful and inexpensive gifts - like the one I'll tell you about below.
NO-SEW PONCHO - this was an idea from frugalmommy, but I have Canadianized it and added in a few more ideas and sizes to make it my own!
Really and truly, this takes no sewing and looks fabulous. I wish I had pictures but I still don't own a digital camera (hint, hint). I made seven of these in about 1 hour!
Materials:
1 m of lovely fleece (on sale right now at Fabricland) - this will make 2 30x30 fleece ponchos
a pair of scissors
a measuring device
1. Fold the fabric in half and cut.
2. Trim to make it exactly 30" x 30" for a younger girl (K- gr 4 age or so) for toddlers - 27" x 27" for baby girl 20" x 20" is good (note: if you're making them for babies you can get more ponchos out of one meter of fabric.
3. Fold fleece diagonally.
4. Find the center by folding diagonally again (mark center with a pin)
5. Unfold one fold so that the fleece is still folded once.
6. Mark 2.5" on either side of your center pin (a little less for baby size)
7. Cut a semi-circle from outer pin to outer pin - you may want to use a small bowl or cut out a semi-circle from paper to have something to cut around.
8. Personalize your poncho:
a. cut a fringe around the edge
b. cut a fringe around the edge, slide a bead on and knot it
c. cut a fringe around the edge, knot the fringes
d. cut out a flower, heart, star or something other shape from another coordinating fabric and use fabric glue, Heat 'n' Bond, or sewing to add it to your poncho
That's it - so fun and so easy. My girls are gonna look so cute in their matching bright lime green ponchos!
Have a lovely day!
1. A husband who loves me and is gorgeous to look at besides (believe it or not he thinks the same thing about me!)
2. A forgiving God who shows me my error and loves me anyway - like when I lose it and yell at my son - there is no excuse for that - but God, and my son both forgave me.
3. My new nephew - Sonya had a baby boy in the wee hours of this morning. Welcome to the world baby Joshua
4. Fabricland - the source of all my Christmas goodies so far.
5. On-line ideas for simple, creative, wonderful and inexpensive gifts - like the one I'll tell you about below.
NO-SEW PONCHO - this was an idea from frugalmommy, but I have Canadianized it and added in a few more ideas and sizes to make it my own!
Really and truly, this takes no sewing and looks fabulous. I wish I had pictures but I still don't own a digital camera (hint, hint). I made seven of these in about 1 hour!
Materials:
1 m of lovely fleece (on sale right now at Fabricland) - this will make 2 30x30 fleece ponchos
a pair of scissors
a measuring device
1. Fold the fabric in half and cut.
2. Trim to make it exactly 30" x 30" for a younger girl (K- gr 4 age or so) for toddlers - 27" x 27" for baby girl 20" x 20" is good (note: if you're making them for babies you can get more ponchos out of one meter of fabric.
3. Fold fleece diagonally.
4. Find the center by folding diagonally again (mark center with a pin)
5. Unfold one fold so that the fleece is still folded once.
6. Mark 2.5" on either side of your center pin (a little less for baby size)
7. Cut a semi-circle from outer pin to outer pin - you may want to use a small bowl or cut out a semi-circle from paper to have something to cut around.
8. Personalize your poncho:
a. cut a fringe around the edge
b. cut a fringe around the edge, slide a bead on and knot it
c. cut a fringe around the edge, knot the fringes
d. cut out a flower, heart, star or something other shape from another coordinating fabric and use fabric glue, Heat 'n' Bond, or sewing to add it to your poncho
That's it - so fun and so easy. My girls are gonna look so cute in their matching bright lime green ponchos!
Have a lovely day!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
oh to be thankful
Maybe I should write 'unencouraged' posts more often.
While the world hasn't changed much in my four walls, I am feeling a little less down. Reading in Hebrews 12 where is states that this is the race that was marked out for us made me stop and think. God planned for me to walk the road that I'm walking on. He has arranged for me to experience all these things to make my character what it needs to be so that I will be able to fulfill the call He has placed on my life. (that's in James) He's also surrounded me with witnesses and friends to cheer me on so that I can keep on going.
Nin wrote about what happens when you quit feeding your body and how it gets used to being fed a certain way. I realized that I need to make sure my spiritual self is getting fed if I'm going to be able to endure. I don't want to be a race drop-out.
Sonya asked in the comments if I need to be encouraging...I think I do. The word of God asks me to encourage people and here at fresh flowers I want to be that. It was the original intent of this blog, and even though it isn't a widely read blog at least for those who come here, I want to think that they've read something that will at least bring a smile to their face and pick them up a little. It also forces me to think 'happy thoughts' and not dwell on the negative - which seems to be what I'm doing too much of the time lately. So maybe for the rest of December if I manage to get to the blogging world I will commit myself to writing what I'm grateful for.
Here's the beginning of my grateful Christmas list:
1. I am thankful for the people who come by and read - whether or not you leave comments!
2. I am thankful that I am living a life I've dreamed of - being a wife, mom, teacher.
3. I am thankful that I have wonderful friends and family who love me and encourage me.
4. I am thankful for the creativity God has given me and the ability to make some of my ideas come to light.
5. I am thankful for the skills I've gained from my mom to make Christmas gifts for my friends and family in a frugal, yet beautiful way.
that feels much bettter! smile
While the world hasn't changed much in my four walls, I am feeling a little less down. Reading in Hebrews 12 where is states that this is the race that was marked out for us made me stop and think. God planned for me to walk the road that I'm walking on. He has arranged for me to experience all these things to make my character what it needs to be so that I will be able to fulfill the call He has placed on my life. (that's in James) He's also surrounded me with witnesses and friends to cheer me on so that I can keep on going.
Nin wrote about what happens when you quit feeding your body and how it gets used to being fed a certain way. I realized that I need to make sure my spiritual self is getting fed if I'm going to be able to endure. I don't want to be a race drop-out.
Sonya asked in the comments if I need to be encouraging...I think I do. The word of God asks me to encourage people and here at fresh flowers I want to be that. It was the original intent of this blog, and even though it isn't a widely read blog at least for those who come here, I want to think that they've read something that will at least bring a smile to their face and pick them up a little. It also forces me to think 'happy thoughts' and not dwell on the negative - which seems to be what I'm doing too much of the time lately. So maybe for the rest of December if I manage to get to the blogging world I will commit myself to writing what I'm grateful for.
Here's the beginning of my grateful Christmas list:
1. I am thankful for the people who come by and read - whether or not you leave comments!
2. I am thankful that I am living a life I've dreamed of - being a wife, mom, teacher.
3. I am thankful that I have wonderful friends and family who love me and encourage me.
4. I am thankful for the creativity God has given me and the ability to make some of my ideas come to light.
5. I am thankful for the skills I've gained from my mom to make Christmas gifts for my friends and family in a frugal, yet beautiful way.
that feels much bettter! smile
Sunday, December 03, 2006
blathering
feel like writing something but don't have much to say...not sure anyone reads this thing anyway
been cooped up with sick kids for three weeks - haven't been to church
feel
isolated
want to get out for awhile
i'm an introvert constantly surrounded by people
way too much stress going on around here
waiting for a phone call that hasn't come yet
it will
just taking time
waiting for my entire life to change is not easy and i'm not doing well at being peaceful
would like to scream and throw things for a brief moment
crying is good, less damaging
hard to find time to do all the things that need to be done
only one of me
so many of everything else
house is quiet, tree is pretty in the dark
relative cleanness - as clean as it can be with 8 people constantly running around
without corporate worship, every day is the same
spending time with Sam was rather wonderful this morning, I will cherish those memories...doesn't happen very often
not very encouraging am i?
guess i'll go to bed
tomorrow is another day
more of the same
sigh
been cooped up with sick kids for three weeks - haven't been to church
feel
isolated
want to get out for awhile
i'm an introvert constantly surrounded by people
way too much stress going on around here
waiting for a phone call that hasn't come yet
it will
just taking time
waiting for my entire life to change is not easy and i'm not doing well at being peaceful
would like to scream and throw things for a brief moment
crying is good, less damaging
hard to find time to do all the things that need to be done
only one of me
so many of everything else
house is quiet, tree is pretty in the dark
relative cleanness - as clean as it can be with 8 people constantly running around
without corporate worship, every day is the same
spending time with Sam was rather wonderful this morning, I will cherish those memories...doesn't happen very often
not very encouraging am i?
guess i'll go to bed
tomorrow is another day
more of the same
sigh
Monday, November 20, 2006
Sabbatical
I have been reading alot about sabbatical and rest and all that. After the last year of high stress and such I'm feeling a wee bit drained. I've been writing fresh flowers for quite some time now and it seems good to my husband, the Holy Spirit and myself to take a rest. So there won't be much around here for the next three months. However, I would appreciate your prayers as I do the following:
1. Rest from writing
2. Refresh my spirit so that there is more to give
3. Ponder the process of huge life changing decision making that we are in the middle of.
Oh yeah, we have 4 gift sets of Fresh Flowers - an inspirational journal and King of All Creation CDs left. That's all they'll ever be, we aren't making anymore. So whoever yells first will get them. $25 for both - a steal of a deal!
And now, I am going to eat late night KD with my wonderful husband and begin resting...aaaahhhh
1. Rest from writing
2. Refresh my spirit so that there is more to give
3. Ponder the process of huge life changing decision making that we are in the middle of.
Oh yeah, we have 4 gift sets of Fresh Flowers - an inspirational journal and King of All Creation CDs left. That's all they'll ever be, we aren't making anymore. So whoever yells first will get them. $25 for both - a steal of a deal!
And now, I am going to eat late night KD with my wonderful husband and begin resting...aaaahhhh
Thursday, November 16, 2006
fresh flowers for Nov 15
This is an excerpt from "Heart to Heart" - a newsletter I receive. I don't think I could say this any better!
Lani
THE APPLE SERMON
Thanks to Annamarie Kresge in Virginia for this devotional!
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples.
Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"
She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister....." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world (shopping, working, reacting to others that are serving us) that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit. Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Our lives are full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful, except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives.
Make no judgements where you have no compassion.
Lani
THE APPLE SERMON
Thanks to Annamarie Kresge in Virginia for this devotional!
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples.
Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"
She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister....." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world (shopping, working, reacting to others that are serving us) that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit. Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Our lives are full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful, except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives.
Make no judgements where you have no compassion.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Yeah for Oxy-Clean! Mr. Sketch markers do come out with soaking and prayer!! My couch covers look lovely once again. My fabric therapy led towards making lovely cushion covers for my couch and my bed. My baby screamed all night so I wasn't so chipper today. More fabric therapy...family birthday party. Hangin' out.
Friday, November 10, 2006
fabric therapy time
4 of my 6 children are away at sleep-overs as ov 1:30 pm, Friday, November 10, 2006. My eldest has a friend over for a long-overdue promise to have a LOTR video marathon. Just the babe to contend with! Fabric therapy may actually happen.
Definition of fabric therapy - I go sew something pretty that I don't have to sew, just because I want to and it's fun!
The dirty bathrooms will wait, won't they?
Definition of fabric therapy - I go sew something pretty that I don't have to sew, just because I want to and it's fun!
The dirty bathrooms will wait, won't they?
Thursday, November 09, 2006
mindless posting
why am I up and blogging at this hour?
- cause the alarm system went off
- realized the dog chewed through the wire
- blogged while my multi-talented honey fixed the problem
- blogged while my very awake honey drank chai and read over my shoulder
- blogging while doggie goes out to do his business
need to get doggie in before doggie wakes up entire neighborhood - must be responsible pet owner
-really tired, long day, need to figure out how to remove purple Mr. Stinky marker from couch
ok done now
- cause the alarm system went off
- realized the dog chewed through the wire
- blogged while my multi-talented honey fixed the problem
- blogged while my very awake honey drank chai and read over my shoulder
- blogging while doggie goes out to do his business
need to get doggie in before doggie wakes up entire neighborhood - must be responsible pet owner
-really tired, long day, need to figure out how to remove purple Mr. Stinky marker from couch
ok done now
fresh flowers for Nov 10
3 for 1 event
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Fresh flowers continue to pop up regularly in my day, however, getting them to the display case seems to be a bit of a difficult thing to do since my baby showed up! So, here are a few tidbits that have been running around in my head until a fuller bouquet can be made...
Halloween - a blessed event
Yup, I think I've converted. I think that there are probably more people who act Christ-like on Halloween then any other day of the year. When else do people go out of their way to spend money on total strangers? When else do people fling open their doors and give to whoever asks? When else do we have the freedom to knock on our neighbor's doors and invite ourselves in, be it ever so briefly? When else do we have the opportunity for the world to come to our door so we can love them? Hide in my basement with all my lights off and be miserly? I think not...
Home - truly where your heart is
As we contemplate the possibility of moving again, not just across town but to a whole other life style and area we have have to make some mental adjustments. What is a house after all but four walls and a roof? Any place that is warm and dry will do in the end. When we looked at the faces of our six children and each other, my husband and I realized that we can be home wherever we are as long as we can have these that are most precious with us.
Then we contemplated moving on a far more eternal scale as we said good-bye to our friends' young son. Home is really not here at all. We truly are just passing through in these temporary shells. Home is in heaven, where we'll be all that we were created to be, finally.
Dehydration
It's amazing how exciting a pee-filled diaper can be after waiting for over 12 hours to see one happen. We had some nasty flu and cold bugs running through our house over the last two weeks which hit the girls the hardest. The process of rehydration is tedious and lengthy. We needed to feed Elizabeth every 15 minutes a tiny bit of liquid, hoping it would stay in her system long enough that eventually she would absorb enough liquid to eliminate wastes once again. Dehydration in babies can be a serious, even deadly thing. While I was going through this process I realized I was feeling a bit dry myself, but in the spiritual sense.
Re-hydrating my spiritual self wasn't that different than what I was doing with my daughter's physical body. Little bits, very often and soon the wastes start coming out. Then you can handle greater volumes and then finally back to solid food again. It isn't good for us to get spiritually dehydrated, unfortunately the symptoms present themselves far too often. I have no tears left, I'm listless and have no energy to fight against the onslaught of the enemy that is trying to take over my system. My mouth is dry, there is no praise or thanksgiving being offered, and the toxins aren't being flushed out of my system. Won't take long and I'll wither up. How's your hydration level?
LARGE FAMILY BONUSES: While it's true that in a large family it's difficult to find time to yourself, it's also easy to find someone to talk to or to get a hug from because there's always someone around.
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Fresh flowers continue to pop up regularly in my day, however, getting them to the display case seems to be a bit of a difficult thing to do since my baby showed up! So, here are a few tidbits that have been running around in my head until a fuller bouquet can be made...
Halloween - a blessed event
Yup, I think I've converted. I think that there are probably more people who act Christ-like on Halloween then any other day of the year. When else do people go out of their way to spend money on total strangers? When else do people fling open their doors and give to whoever asks? When else do we have the freedom to knock on our neighbor's doors and invite ourselves in, be it ever so briefly? When else do we have the opportunity for the world to come to our door so we can love them? Hide in my basement with all my lights off and be miserly? I think not...
Home - truly where your heart is
As we contemplate the possibility of moving again, not just across town but to a whole other life style and area we have have to make some mental adjustments. What is a house after all but four walls and a roof? Any place that is warm and dry will do in the end. When we looked at the faces of our six children and each other, my husband and I realized that we can be home wherever we are as long as we can have these that are most precious with us.
Then we contemplated moving on a far more eternal scale as we said good-bye to our friends' young son. Home is really not here at all. We truly are just passing through in these temporary shells. Home is in heaven, where we'll be all that we were created to be, finally.
Dehydration
It's amazing how exciting a pee-filled diaper can be after waiting for over 12 hours to see one happen. We had some nasty flu and cold bugs running through our house over the last two weeks which hit the girls the hardest. The process of rehydration is tedious and lengthy. We needed to feed Elizabeth every 15 minutes a tiny bit of liquid, hoping it would stay in her system long enough that eventually she would absorb enough liquid to eliminate wastes once again. Dehydration in babies can be a serious, even deadly thing. While I was going through this process I realized I was feeling a bit dry myself, but in the spiritual sense.
Re-hydrating my spiritual self wasn't that different than what I was doing with my daughter's physical body. Little bits, very often and soon the wastes start coming out. Then you can handle greater volumes and then finally back to solid food again. It isn't good for us to get spiritually dehydrated, unfortunately the symptoms present themselves far too often. I have no tears left, I'm listless and have no energy to fight against the onslaught of the enemy that is trying to take over my system. My mouth is dry, there is no praise or thanksgiving being offered, and the toxins aren't being flushed out of my system. Won't take long and I'll wither up. How's your hydration level?
LARGE FAMILY BONUSES: While it's true that in a large family it's difficult to find time to yourself, it's also easy to find someone to talk to or to get a hug from because there's always someone around.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Sad and Glad
Our dear friends Carebear and Firestarter had to say good-bye to their oldest son this morning. At 6:30 AM, Caleb got his first chance at singing, "Hallelujah", he got to run and jump and dance today. He got to test out perfectly clear lungs and taste things for the first time. Best of all, he got to run and jump around with Jesus and express his heart like never before.
We will miss you Caleb, but you've done your job, you have touched all of our hearts...
We will miss you Caleb, but you've done your job, you have touched all of our hearts...
fresh flowers for Oct 27
The Kingdom in My Garden
©2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
I should have a green thumb if it could be passed on genetically – but I don’t. In my own defence I have actually kept several house plants alive – one even has about a 5 year span in my house, it’s even moved once. No, I have never claimed to be an excellent gardener but those living green things certainly teach me a lot of lessons. Here’s what I’ve learned this summer…
The zeal of the immature does not necessarily produce a good crop. There was a very obvious demarcation line in my garden between where I seeded and where I let my kids seed. Too much of a good thing doesn’t allow the seed to grow. Too little seed doesn’t provide sufficient companionship to the struggling loner – they tend to get ripped out along with the weeds or trampled. Of course no seed produces no crop at all. The spiritual application is pretty obvious. The kingdom needs us to be wise, mature and discerning in how, when and where we seed the gospel into the soil of people’s lives.
You can’t judge a potato by its skin. We have garden soil that is overly rich in nitrogen (that Soil Science degree does come in handy sometimes). This produces very scabby potatoes. They aren’t pretty to look at, their skin is rough rather than smooth. That roughness makes them difficult to peel but once you get passed that you have a potato like any other potato. It cooks, smells and tastes like every other potato. I must confess that I was prejudiced against my scabby potatoes. When someone suggested it wasn’t worth the trouble to dig them up I did just that. A little later someone suggested I really ought to make the effort, after all they are the same on the inside. I realized that this advisor was the wiser and decided I better get them in. Still I procrastinated. My dad warned me that I had only three days to get them in or I would lose them to the frost. I lost them friends. I lost my potato harvest because of laziness and prejudice. I didn’t make it a priority and I have no idea what kind of harvest I may have had because of my own neglect. Sad isn’t it? We do this every day. We say that the color of a person’s skin determines their worth and we don’t bother to go after the good stuff inside. We wait. We procrastinate. We’re lazy. The kingdom loses a harvest because of our neglect. Rather sobering isn’t it?
We are all in need of support. I couldn’t get at my tomato cages when we transplanted so they never got caged. Those plants grew to great proportions and their fruit and branches sagged to the ground. They needed a little propping up, a little support under the laden branches, some encouragement to lift their heads. We lost a few tomatoes to ground rot because of that. Thanks to my mom’s observations she was able to prop up a few with boards, but it was a good lesson.
Lack of wisdom combined with laziness will rob you of provision. We gathered in a great many tomatoes, they were great producers (thanks to my parents who grew them from seed). We grew a little tired of picking, washing, coring and freezing tomatoes. There was a lull when the cool weather struck and so we had a break from picking since they weren’t ripening as quickly. Then the frost warnings came out. We knew we should really get the rest of the crop in or we’d lose it. We sent the boys out to pick. They were not the owners and do not like tomatoes, they had no love for the crop and did a haphazard job, not fully bringing what they picked into the house but leaving them outside. The frost hit that night and all was lost. We lacked wisdom in sending out immature harvesters. We lacked wisdom in not supervising what they had done to make sure they finished the job. We did not put a high enough value on the crop (once again) to do it properly and again, lost some of the provision that could have been ours. Those poor tomatoes, left to the elements became food for birds and weaponry for young boys who like to throw things at each other. They were utterly destroyed.
My garden misadventures stand in sharp contrast to the way in which the harvesting at the farm took place. Following his dad’s lead my husband worked from sun-up till well past sundown taking the crop off the field. They persevered through daily breakdowns because they knew that this crop was their bread and butter for the rest of the year. They did not slow or take breaks until it was done; everything in the bins or on the ground in rings and under tarps. I can’t imagine what disarray the farm would be in if my father-in-law treated his farm like I treated my garden this summer.
I didn’t do it all wrong, I got a very nice crop of beans, peas and corn. I canned many jars of applesauce, plums, apricots, cherries and peaches. While there is more that could have been mine, I have learned some valuable lessons. The old saying, “make hay while the sun shines’ can be applied here, or perhaps translated, ‘take in the harvest in its season’. Harvesting is tiring, back-breaking work, but it is only a short season. There are many souls that have not yet been harvested for the kingdom of God, let’s not lose them to do immaturity, lack of wisdom, laziness or prejudice, they are our inheritance and we don’t want to lose that!
©2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
I should have a green thumb if it could be passed on genetically – but I don’t. In my own defence I have actually kept several house plants alive – one even has about a 5 year span in my house, it’s even moved once. No, I have never claimed to be an excellent gardener but those living green things certainly teach me a lot of lessons. Here’s what I’ve learned this summer…
The zeal of the immature does not necessarily produce a good crop. There was a very obvious demarcation line in my garden between where I seeded and where I let my kids seed. Too much of a good thing doesn’t allow the seed to grow. Too little seed doesn’t provide sufficient companionship to the struggling loner – they tend to get ripped out along with the weeds or trampled. Of course no seed produces no crop at all. The spiritual application is pretty obvious. The kingdom needs us to be wise, mature and discerning in how, when and where we seed the gospel into the soil of people’s lives.
You can’t judge a potato by its skin. We have garden soil that is overly rich in nitrogen (that Soil Science degree does come in handy sometimes). This produces very scabby potatoes. They aren’t pretty to look at, their skin is rough rather than smooth. That roughness makes them difficult to peel but once you get passed that you have a potato like any other potato. It cooks, smells and tastes like every other potato. I must confess that I was prejudiced against my scabby potatoes. When someone suggested it wasn’t worth the trouble to dig them up I did just that. A little later someone suggested I really ought to make the effort, after all they are the same on the inside. I realized that this advisor was the wiser and decided I better get them in. Still I procrastinated. My dad warned me that I had only three days to get them in or I would lose them to the frost. I lost them friends. I lost my potato harvest because of laziness and prejudice. I didn’t make it a priority and I have no idea what kind of harvest I may have had because of my own neglect. Sad isn’t it? We do this every day. We say that the color of a person’s skin determines their worth and we don’t bother to go after the good stuff inside. We wait. We procrastinate. We’re lazy. The kingdom loses a harvest because of our neglect. Rather sobering isn’t it?
We are all in need of support. I couldn’t get at my tomato cages when we transplanted so they never got caged. Those plants grew to great proportions and their fruit and branches sagged to the ground. They needed a little propping up, a little support under the laden branches, some encouragement to lift their heads. We lost a few tomatoes to ground rot because of that. Thanks to my mom’s observations she was able to prop up a few with boards, but it was a good lesson.
Lack of wisdom combined with laziness will rob you of provision. We gathered in a great many tomatoes, they were great producers (thanks to my parents who grew them from seed). We grew a little tired of picking, washing, coring and freezing tomatoes. There was a lull when the cool weather struck and so we had a break from picking since they weren’t ripening as quickly. Then the frost warnings came out. We knew we should really get the rest of the crop in or we’d lose it. We sent the boys out to pick. They were not the owners and do not like tomatoes, they had no love for the crop and did a haphazard job, not fully bringing what they picked into the house but leaving them outside. The frost hit that night and all was lost. We lacked wisdom in sending out immature harvesters. We lacked wisdom in not supervising what they had done to make sure they finished the job. We did not put a high enough value on the crop (once again) to do it properly and again, lost some of the provision that could have been ours. Those poor tomatoes, left to the elements became food for birds and weaponry for young boys who like to throw things at each other. They were utterly destroyed.
My garden misadventures stand in sharp contrast to the way in which the harvesting at the farm took place. Following his dad’s lead my husband worked from sun-up till well past sundown taking the crop off the field. They persevered through daily breakdowns because they knew that this crop was their bread and butter for the rest of the year. They did not slow or take breaks until it was done; everything in the bins or on the ground in rings and under tarps. I can’t imagine what disarray the farm would be in if my father-in-law treated his farm like I treated my garden this summer.
I didn’t do it all wrong, I got a very nice crop of beans, peas and corn. I canned many jars of applesauce, plums, apricots, cherries and peaches. While there is more that could have been mine, I have learned some valuable lessons. The old saying, “make hay while the sun shines’ can be applied here, or perhaps translated, ‘take in the harvest in its season’. Harvesting is tiring, back-breaking work, but it is only a short season. There are many souls that have not yet been harvested for the kingdom of God, let’s not lose them to do immaturity, lack of wisdom, laziness or prejudice, they are our inheritance and we don’t want to lose that!
CONCERT OF THE HEART
Presents
Jaylene Johnson
Saturday Nov. 4th 7:30
Hope Fellowship Church
809 32nd St. W
A love offering will be taken.
Jaylene Johnson takes a deep breath and tours again.
It was two years ago that Winnipeg singer/songwriter Jaylene Johnson crossed Canada on a solo tour that took her from Campbell River to the Maritimes by car. This is the first tour Jaylene has undertaken since then due a terrifying and near fatal car crash at the end of her 2004 tour.
“The accident was a literal crash-course in what really matters in life…It’s scary to travel so extensively again…But I’m still here, and maybe part of the reason is to keep getting my songs out there.”
Jaylene’s music has moved well beyond the realm of local acclaim. Songs have found their way to several placements through SONY Pictures TV, for shows such as CBS’s Joan of Arcadia and ABC’s Beautiful People, and the DVD release of Season 6 for Dawson’s Creek. “Finding Beautiful” also took off when she registered with CD Baby and received a glowing review on their front page. More recently, her music has been used in two independent short films by new York based director Joyce Storey, and her song “Butterfly Girl” has been recorded by a new trio called “Braided”, formed by three of last year’s Canadian Idol finalists and woven together by Canadian Idol music director, Mark Lalama.
Jaylene will be performing at Hope Fellowship Church on
Saturday, November 4th at 7:30
Presents
Jaylene Johnson
Saturday Nov. 4th 7:30
Hope Fellowship Church
809 32nd St. W
A love offering will be taken.
Jaylene Johnson takes a deep breath and tours again.
It was two years ago that Winnipeg singer/songwriter Jaylene Johnson crossed Canada on a solo tour that took her from Campbell River to the Maritimes by car. This is the first tour Jaylene has undertaken since then due a terrifying and near fatal car crash at the end of her 2004 tour.
“The accident was a literal crash-course in what really matters in life…It’s scary to travel so extensively again…But I’m still here, and maybe part of the reason is to keep getting my songs out there.”
Jaylene’s music has moved well beyond the realm of local acclaim. Songs have found their way to several placements through SONY Pictures TV, for shows such as CBS’s Joan of Arcadia and ABC’s Beautiful People, and the DVD release of Season 6 for Dawson’s Creek. “Finding Beautiful” also took off when she registered with CD Baby and received a glowing review on their front page. More recently, her music has been used in two independent short films by new York based director Joyce Storey, and her song “Butterfly Girl” has been recorded by a new trio called “Braided”, formed by three of last year’s Canadian Idol finalists and woven together by Canadian Idol music director, Mark Lalama.
Jaylene will be performing at Hope Fellowship Church on
Saturday, November 4th at 7:30
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Murder and Mayhem
This is what happens when you combine the following ingredients:
2 moms
11 children
2 sewing machines
2 quilts
1 deadline
1 pot of hamburger soup
1 batch of carrots that needs to be processed
unlimited number of Thomas the Tank Engine videos
uncountable number of Mini Wheats injested
1 dog
1 trespassing cat
1 neighbourhood kid
1 computer
2 dads (they came later)
1 chicken dinner complete with dessert
3 sleep-overs
1 evening of harp and bowl worship
then take away
1 mom
2 dads
2 kids
So........WHODUNIT....who was the murderer and who got murdered?
Those of you who know the answer are not allowed to guess!
2 moms
11 children
2 sewing machines
2 quilts
1 deadline
1 pot of hamburger soup
1 batch of carrots that needs to be processed
unlimited number of Thomas the Tank Engine videos
uncountable number of Mini Wheats injested
1 dog
1 trespassing cat
1 neighbourhood kid
1 computer
2 dads (they came later)
1 chicken dinner complete with dessert
3 sleep-overs
1 evening of harp and bowl worship
then take away
1 mom
2 dads
2 kids
So........WHODUNIT....who was the murderer and who got murdered?
Those of you who know the answer are not allowed to guess!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Been Farmin' Long?
Since my big hunky husband was out a men's ministry meeting last night (was supposed to be our date night)...I had a date with my oldest son, kept him up ridiculously late playing The Farming Game - a remarkably realistic board game where you harvest various crops and can invest in diversification crops like cows and fruit.
My son cleaned up on me. Normally the winner is declared after a set period of time (who has the most net worth) or the first one to reach $250 000 in net worth. Welllllllllllllllllllll, when all was said and done my young tycoon had over 3.7 million in net worth. He just couldn't do anything wrong. It was so fun to watch him.
I did rather well myself with just over 2.7 million, my harvesting didn't pan out quite as well as his. He kept bugging me that he could buy my assets with the cash he had on hand (at one point that was almost, but not quite, true, then the market turned and I made some serious coin).
We have so much fun playing that game. Have had a few friends over lately to play, too. Might have to make a habit of that.......having friends over, playing games....way too much fun!
So anyone wanna go farmin'?
My son cleaned up on me. Normally the winner is declared after a set period of time (who has the most net worth) or the first one to reach $250 000 in net worth. Welllllllllllllllllllll, when all was said and done my young tycoon had over 3.7 million in net worth. He just couldn't do anything wrong. It was so fun to watch him.
I did rather well myself with just over 2.7 million, my harvesting didn't pan out quite as well as his. He kept bugging me that he could buy my assets with the cash he had on hand (at one point that was almost, but not quite, true, then the market turned and I made some serious coin).
We have so much fun playing that game. Have had a few friends over lately to play, too. Might have to make a habit of that.......having friends over, playing games....way too much fun!
So anyone wanna go farmin'?
Monday, October 16, 2006
things and stuff
Feeling the need to post something. Not much to say. WAs down for a whole week with a whopper headache due to locked up muscles in my shoulders and neck from nursing. Who knew my sweet girl could cause such pain after she was delivered.
We have an honest-to-goodness mystery in our house. All of our kids piano books went missing. Between bedtime on Tuesday night and 9:00 the next morning they disappeared and no one knows anything about it. We even offered the kids a reward for whoever 'found' them, but they aren't offering anything up. Maybe the dog ate them. Kinda frustrating since we just got back into the piano lesson groove.
Got curriculum for the big guy! Lovin' that. He has to set goals for himself and then try to meet them each day. He's systematically studying something. His Social studies unit is on stewardship - I love it!! He loves it. We're happy. Homeschooling as a whole is going well. There is a lot to be said for consistency in small things. With boy #2 it's simply readin' writin' and 'rithmetic every day. That's a good thing for him, he's beginning to feel more confident and less contrary.
BIG NEWS!!!!! (no I am not pregnant.........but I know a lot of people who are!)
She is such an excellent musician. And all this is because a dear young friend of mine liked her music and so she e-mailed her, she e-mailed back, etc., etc.
Anything else? hmmmmmmm...wanna go touch some fabric. Got a lovely little quilt developing on my sewing table and can't wait to cozy up under it. Lots of soft, muted colors, punched up with some rich blues and reds...yup, gotta go and sew......
We have an honest-to-goodness mystery in our house. All of our kids piano books went missing. Between bedtime on Tuesday night and 9:00 the next morning they disappeared and no one knows anything about it. We even offered the kids a reward for whoever 'found' them, but they aren't offering anything up. Maybe the dog ate them. Kinda frustrating since we just got back into the piano lesson groove.
Got curriculum for the big guy! Lovin' that. He has to set goals for himself and then try to meet them each day. He's systematically studying something. His Social studies unit is on stewardship - I love it!! He loves it. We're happy. Homeschooling as a whole is going well. There is a lot to be said for consistency in small things. With boy #2 it's simply readin' writin' and 'rithmetic every day. That's a good thing for him, he's beginning to feel more confident and less contrary.
BIG NEWS!!!!! (no I am not pregnant.........but I know a lot of people who are!)
Jaylene Johnson
is going to be in concert at our church on Nov 4 at 7:30.
Price of admission: 0$$$$$$$$$ (we'll be taking an offering for her though)She is such an excellent musician. And all this is because a dear young friend of mine liked her music and so she e-mailed her, she e-mailed back, etc., etc.
Anything else? hmmmmmmm...wanna go touch some fabric. Got a lovely little quilt developing on my sewing table and can't wait to cozy up under it. Lots of soft, muted colors, punched up with some rich blues and reds...yup, gotta go and sew......
Sunday, October 08, 2006
fresh flowers for October 8
Doors
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Thanksgiving weekend is here. I am thankful for many things today, in particular....doors. Yes, doors. How do you feel about doors? You see I've been thinking a lot about doors lately. People often talk about opportunities as doors. There is the door to your heart, to your home, closed doors, open doors and locked doors. So many different kinds it's enough to make your head spin.
Before our family is something that looks like an open door, an opportunity. We won't know for sure if it's truly an open door unless we walk through it and see what's on the other side. But should we? (We'd appreciate your prayers in this.) This is what got me thinking about these crazy doors.
Sometimes when you come upon a door it is closed, or at least appears to be. Then you feel in your pocket and remember that some time ago, a key was given to you that might just unlock that door and you should probably use it. On the other hand there are times when a door is closed because you're not supposed to go there at all. Then there's that pesky third hand that says you should test the door and see if it opens for you and if it does, to go on in. Now for the open doors....
Sure that door looks open, but wisdom will tell you that treachery and temptation can be just on the other side of that open door (take a look in Proverbs if you don't believe me). There are times when a test of our faith is underway and God is seeing what we will do in certain circumstances, ask Abraham and Isaac about their trip to Mount Moria. And, of course, there is the truly open door, the invitation of the Spirit to walk this way. This all gets a little confusing doesn't it? So what is a body to do?
Fortunately, God has given us His Spirit and His Word to guide us. He's given us the map. In Jeremiah 6:16 its says, "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for you souls." We must ask for direction. The rest of that verse says, "and you would have none of it." Ooops, that sounds a little stubborn and rebellious doesn't it? Guess if we're gonna ask, we better be prepared to obey. James also says that God will not withhold wisdom from us. He gives freely to those who ask. He also urges us to seek counsel from godly advisors, there is wisdom in it.
Ask, seek and knock. God will surely show you (and us) where the good way is. He has no desire to see us banging our heads against locked doors. He has no desire to see us get caught in temptation (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). Ask for the good way......and walk in it.
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Thanksgiving weekend is here. I am thankful for many things today, in particular....doors. Yes, doors. How do you feel about doors? You see I've been thinking a lot about doors lately. People often talk about opportunities as doors. There is the door to your heart, to your home, closed doors, open doors and locked doors. So many different kinds it's enough to make your head spin.
Before our family is something that looks like an open door, an opportunity. We won't know for sure if it's truly an open door unless we walk through it and see what's on the other side. But should we? (We'd appreciate your prayers in this.) This is what got me thinking about these crazy doors.
Sometimes when you come upon a door it is closed, or at least appears to be. Then you feel in your pocket and remember that some time ago, a key was given to you that might just unlock that door and you should probably use it. On the other hand there are times when a door is closed because you're not supposed to go there at all. Then there's that pesky third hand that says you should test the door and see if it opens for you and if it does, to go on in. Now for the open doors....
Sure that door looks open, but wisdom will tell you that treachery and temptation can be just on the other side of that open door (take a look in Proverbs if you don't believe me). There are times when a test of our faith is underway and God is seeing what we will do in certain circumstances, ask Abraham and Isaac about their trip to Mount Moria. And, of course, there is the truly open door, the invitation of the Spirit to walk this way. This all gets a little confusing doesn't it? So what is a body to do?
Fortunately, God has given us His Spirit and His Word to guide us. He's given us the map. In Jeremiah 6:16 its says, "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for you souls." We must ask for direction. The rest of that verse says, "and you would have none of it." Ooops, that sounds a little stubborn and rebellious doesn't it? Guess if we're gonna ask, we better be prepared to obey. James also says that God will not withhold wisdom from us. He gives freely to those who ask. He also urges us to seek counsel from godly advisors, there is wisdom in it.
Ask, seek and knock. God will surely show you (and us) where the good way is. He has no desire to see us banging our heads against locked doors. He has no desire to see us get caught in temptation (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). Ask for the good way......and walk in it.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Ironing Heaven
After getting past the stuff that needs ironing - dress shirts and pants, was the fabric for my next quilting project. With great delight I began pressing. Pretty creams with green vines. Corally stripes with bits of blue. Soft red checks. Lovely florals in reds and corals and creams. OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH I can hardly wait to start cutting that stuff up. This makes ironing fun and a joy. Moda fabrics are soooooooooo pretty, I love the Paris Cafe collection and have just met the April Cornell line. But Moda is pretty no matter what.
Then there's the muslin, lovely creamy muslin that is getting ready for the prettiest nativity quilt. Oh yeah, I like to iron pretty things. Call me weird, it doesn't take much to make me happy.
Now I'm off to finish watching The Count of Monte Cristo with Richard Chamberlain...
Then there's the muslin, lovely creamy muslin that is getting ready for the prettiest nativity quilt. Oh yeah, I like to iron pretty things. Call me weird, it doesn't take much to make me happy.
Now I'm off to finish watching The Count of Monte Cristo with Richard Chamberlain...
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Precious Moments
It's moments like this that make life worthwhile:
Did you know that if you blow kisses after someone you love that they'll race to catch up with them and bring them back? This bit of wisdom was passed down from my eldest boy to his two little brothers as they stood one daying sobbing their hearts out with their noses pressed to the window as their daddy drove away. It's what they reminded me of this morning as they blew kisses to their sister as she got on the bus.
Watching my ADHD/ODD son carefully peel and chop carrots for his favorite thing - homemade chicken soup. I love working beside him in the kitchen. He was so agreeable and helpful, setting the table and making sure the soup tasted good.
Big brothers taking care of baby sisters.
Sleepy boys curling up behind your back early in the morning with their little arms around your neck.
Little girls asking if you could please pick out their clothes to where the next day as they wander off to dream land.
Two big boys who often fight over silly things helping unload the van after a long trip without dad. Watching them play cards before bed, building forts together.
These are the things that warm my heart and make motherhood and all its trials worthwhile.
thank you Jesus for moments like these.
Did you know that if you blow kisses after someone you love that they'll race to catch up with them and bring them back? This bit of wisdom was passed down from my eldest boy to his two little brothers as they stood one daying sobbing their hearts out with their noses pressed to the window as their daddy drove away. It's what they reminded me of this morning as they blew kisses to their sister as she got on the bus.
Watching my ADHD/ODD son carefully peel and chop carrots for his favorite thing - homemade chicken soup. I love working beside him in the kitchen. He was so agreeable and helpful, setting the table and making sure the soup tasted good.
Big brothers taking care of baby sisters.
Sleepy boys curling up behind your back early in the morning with their little arms around your neck.
Little girls asking if you could please pick out their clothes to where the next day as they wander off to dream land.
Two big boys who often fight over silly things helping unload the van after a long trip without dad. Watching them play cards before bed, building forts together.
These are the things that warm my heart and make motherhood and all its trials worthwhile.
thank you Jesus for moments like these.
Monday, September 25, 2006
What if.........
What if ..............?(I'm not sure I like that question)
I have one boy who really likes to ask that question, it can be annonying.
I was having my own 'What ifs' today, it was causing panic and fear to arise.
I'm thinking 'What ifs' are probably not from God because they tend to stir up panic and fear.
I suppose they don't have, too, though do they........
I have one boy who really likes to ask that question, it can be annonying.
I was having my own 'What ifs' today, it was causing panic and fear to arise.
I'm thinking 'What ifs' are probably not from God because they tend to stir up panic and fear.
I suppose they don't have, too, though do they........
Sunday, September 24, 2006
country girl
Just got back from the farm again...minus one husband. It was soooooooooooo nice having him home for 10 days. It's amazing how much easier life is with two parents involved. We went to the Beechy Western Days this weekend (the Rodeo). I even worked at the concession one evening, almost feeling native. It's amazing to watch these men and women and their horses, wow, that is something I will probably never do but I sure enjoy the beauty of man and beast working together.
Got to go look at a house that we might be able to use next summer. SEVEN bedrooms, count 'em 7!! The kitchen is vintage 50's - very cool actually and HUGE, I've never seen so many cupboards in a kitchen before. We have yet to talk to the owner, just his son, so we're still waiting. It would be nice to have our own space for the next growing season. Things went really well living with Kelly's parents but we all agreed it would have been difficult for all concerned if it had gone on any longer. And that back and forth thing is nasty.
We had encouragement and release from the Lord to homeschool our french immersion girl next year and found curriculum to support that so that will make things easier, too.
I think I may learn to milk a cow next year. Yikers!!
Got to go look at a house that we might be able to use next summer. SEVEN bedrooms, count 'em 7!! The kitchen is vintage 50's - very cool actually and HUGE, I've never seen so many cupboards in a kitchen before. We have yet to talk to the owner, just his son, so we're still waiting. It would be nice to have our own space for the next growing season. Things went really well living with Kelly's parents but we all agreed it would have been difficult for all concerned if it had gone on any longer. And that back and forth thing is nasty.
We had encouragement and release from the Lord to homeschool our french immersion girl next year and found curriculum to support that so that will make things easier, too.
I think I may learn to milk a cow next year. Yikers!!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
fresh flowers for Sept 21
Forces of Energy
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
We have just finished the harvest season out on my husband's family farm. It takes a massive amount of energy to clear the fields and ready them for next year's planting. The days are long, the nights are short. Tempers soar with heat and break-downs. Worry rises with every forbidding cloud formation. We are at the mercy of the weather and work feverishly to get the work done before the fall rains and frost hit. However, at the end of it all there are bins full of grain and pulse crops, piles of golden wheat and duram form small mountains on the yard. There is a glorious feeling that accompanies the final stalks going into the front end of a combine. So much energy, so much result. A harvest.
I am nursing an almost six month old baby. We just had a check-up yesterday and she is growing well. The nurse reminded me of how much energy this little one puts into growing and developing every moment of every day. As I was bemoaning my tired state to my husband today, he gently reminding me that I am sustaining the life of another human being directly from my energy stores. That takes a lot of work. So much energy, so much result. A healthy life.
Yesterday I witnessed an exchange between two women. One had been cut off in traffic and made it her business to let the guilty party know what she thought. Even though the woman had no idea she had committed such a heinous crime she apologized but the other 'wounded' party wouldn't let it go. She carried on, blocking traffic, oblivous to the fact that she was now in the wrong. Most likely she carried that incident into the rest of her day and let it overflow on everyone around her. So much enery, so little result.
Isn't it amazing how we can use energy in a positive or negative way? God has graciously given us breath and life and the hours in our day. I am convicted about how I spend my energy. Am I encouraging, life-giving and positive or am I belittling, draining and negative? What kind of bouquet do I present to the world around me?
"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 1:12
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
We have just finished the harvest season out on my husband's family farm. It takes a massive amount of energy to clear the fields and ready them for next year's planting. The days are long, the nights are short. Tempers soar with heat and break-downs. Worry rises with every forbidding cloud formation. We are at the mercy of the weather and work feverishly to get the work done before the fall rains and frost hit. However, at the end of it all there are bins full of grain and pulse crops, piles of golden wheat and duram form small mountains on the yard. There is a glorious feeling that accompanies the final stalks going into the front end of a combine. So much energy, so much result. A harvest.
I am nursing an almost six month old baby. We just had a check-up yesterday and she is growing well. The nurse reminded me of how much energy this little one puts into growing and developing every moment of every day. As I was bemoaning my tired state to my husband today, he gently reminding me that I am sustaining the life of another human being directly from my energy stores. That takes a lot of work. So much energy, so much result. A healthy life.
Yesterday I witnessed an exchange between two women. One had been cut off in traffic and made it her business to let the guilty party know what she thought. Even though the woman had no idea she had committed such a heinous crime she apologized but the other 'wounded' party wouldn't let it go. She carried on, blocking traffic, oblivous to the fact that she was now in the wrong. Most likely she carried that incident into the rest of her day and let it overflow on everyone around her. So much enery, so little result.
Isn't it amazing how we can use energy in a positive or negative way? God has graciously given us breath and life and the hours in our day. I am convicted about how I spend my energy. Am I encouraging, life-giving and positive or am I belittling, draining and negative? What kind of bouquet do I present to the world around me?
"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 1:12
Thursday, September 07, 2006
fresh flowers for Sept 6
Clean Sweep
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
Life has taken on a feverish pace lately. Between running back and forth to the farm, driving back and forth to school because the bus schedule wasn't up and running, getting kids registered in activities, writing articles, doing research and starting our home school activities, not to mention the regular cooking, cleaning, refereeing and laundry...I'm pooped!!
My house has taken the brunt of the neglect (I'm pretty sure it can handle neglect better than my kids can). In one of our late night phone conversations I was lamenting the mess to my husband. It's rather discouraging. His answer, "Turn all the lights off and leave them off as much as possible, if you can't see it maybe it won't be so bad."
"Sounds good," says I, "except for one tiny problem."
"What's that?" says he.
"That big old sun coming in the window tends to illuminate things," says I.
"Got a point there," says he.
"Besides that, it may be dangerous to try and get around in here in the dark." says I.
"Guess ya better call for help," says he.
The conversation made me think of my own heart. When I get busy doing all those things listed above I sometimes forget to clean up the messes in my heart. Angry words, disappointment, gossip, slander, jealousy, if you look you'll probably find those things lurking about in the murky recesses. I try hard to keep the Son from shining in and illuminating my mess, thinking it might not be so bad if no one can see it.
The trouble with that is, it's like my messy house. If I don't get it cleaned up it's going to be dangerous, not only to me but anyone who happens to walk in. They might trip over my anger or slip on my envy. I'd rather not have anyone fall over my discouragement and get a face full of jealousy.
Just like my house, I need to get out a broom and start digging into the corners. James declares that temptation left to itself will lead to sin and then to death. James also says that if we confess that sin it will be cleaned up by the best maid in the business, and the price has been paid. It's amazing how cleanliness in my physical house tends to keep me at peace. Cleanliness in my spiritual house keeps me at peace, too.
I believe it's time to get up and grab a broom.
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
Life has taken on a feverish pace lately. Between running back and forth to the farm, driving back and forth to school because the bus schedule wasn't up and running, getting kids registered in activities, writing articles, doing research and starting our home school activities, not to mention the regular cooking, cleaning, refereeing and laundry...I'm pooped!!
My house has taken the brunt of the neglect (I'm pretty sure it can handle neglect better than my kids can). In one of our late night phone conversations I was lamenting the mess to my husband. It's rather discouraging. His answer, "Turn all the lights off and leave them off as much as possible, if you can't see it maybe it won't be so bad."
"Sounds good," says I, "except for one tiny problem."
"What's that?" says he.
"That big old sun coming in the window tends to illuminate things," says I.
"Got a point there," says he.
"Besides that, it may be dangerous to try and get around in here in the dark." says I.
"Guess ya better call for help," says he.
The conversation made me think of my own heart. When I get busy doing all those things listed above I sometimes forget to clean up the messes in my heart. Angry words, disappointment, gossip, slander, jealousy, if you look you'll probably find those things lurking about in the murky recesses. I try hard to keep the Son from shining in and illuminating my mess, thinking it might not be so bad if no one can see it.
The trouble with that is, it's like my messy house. If I don't get it cleaned up it's going to be dangerous, not only to me but anyone who happens to walk in. They might trip over my anger or slip on my envy. I'd rather not have anyone fall over my discouragement and get a face full of jealousy.
Just like my house, I need to get out a broom and start digging into the corners. James declares that temptation left to itself will lead to sin and then to death. James also says that if we confess that sin it will be cleaned up by the best maid in the business, and the price has been paid. It's amazing how cleanliness in my physical house tends to keep me at peace. Cleanliness in my spiritual house keeps me at peace, too.
I believe it's time to get up and grab a broom.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
fresh flowers for Aug 31
It's All About Him
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Having six children gives me a great opportunity to observe and learn about different personalities and their individual needs. I have in my menagerie:
- one intense child with a low frustration tolerance who can be very oppositional and defiant, this same child is very hospitable, generous and compassionate
- one mostly quiet child who keeps himself busy with little outside involvement but tends to give others control over his life, he is extremely inquisitive and when he wants your attention it is hard to ignore him - his voice can resemble a foghorn at times
- one child who is helpful and cheerful most of the time but when crossed can be mean and viscious, greatly concerned for the welfare of younger siblings so long as they don't take what she wants
- one clown who is stubborn as the day is long, this one is very difficult to peg down to a pattern and keeps us guessing and laughing and panicking over what he might do next
- one very helpful child who can be extremely responsible one minute and extremely irresponsible the next, easily distracted on some things and hard to break his focus on others, doesn't really care what people think of somethings and very concerned on others, a child of the pendulum swing
- We've yet to discover the personality intricacies of the baby.
Much of my time is spent just trying to keep one step ahead of this crew. I fail quite often. It seems like too much a lot of the time. Realizing how difficult it is to predict and/or meet the needs of these six individuals, how does God manage the world, not to mention the vast multitudes of the unseen host of heaven and hell? While I can sometimes guess right as to what my children need at any given moment I'm right a very small percent of the time. Our God is never wrong! He gets it right the first time every time. That is mind boggling. He quiets my anxious heart, he comforts me, he puts something funny in my path to cheer me up, he challenges me when I get lazy. And he doesn't get tired of it. All he asks is that we seek him first.
I'm afraid I'm too often like my little clown. One night I was singing to him with a vain hope that he might actually go to sleep. He had no intention of going to sleep and kept up a litany of things he'd rather be doing. I sang anyway. I was part way through, "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" when I hear him mutter, "That's a stupid song." I wasn't shocked quiet, I kept singing and then started laughing. It struck my funny bone so hard I couldn't stop. The chorus goes like this, "It's all about you, Jesus. And all this is for you..." Know wonder he thought it was stupid, he wanted it to be about him and he was mad that it wasn't. I want it to be all about me a lot of the time, too. I get uptight trying to figure everyone out every day and get them what they need and then get to feeling like know one's takin' care of me. Where does this thinking get me? No where but down in the dumps. My focus has gone from seeking him first to seeking how to get myself first. But God in heaven has already seen my frustration and his answer is on the way before I have even prayed.
All of this really is for him. All the wiping of noses, cooking of meals, planning of days and moments is for him. It really isn't about me, it's about teaching my kids to see his glory and his fame. So I'll get back on my knees and ask for a little help in figuring out these six creatures and leave the rest up to him.
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
Having six children gives me a great opportunity to observe and learn about different personalities and their individual needs. I have in my menagerie:
- one intense child with a low frustration tolerance who can be very oppositional and defiant, this same child is very hospitable, generous and compassionate
- one mostly quiet child who keeps himself busy with little outside involvement but tends to give others control over his life, he is extremely inquisitive and when he wants your attention it is hard to ignore him - his voice can resemble a foghorn at times
- one child who is helpful and cheerful most of the time but when crossed can be mean and viscious, greatly concerned for the welfare of younger siblings so long as they don't take what she wants
- one clown who is stubborn as the day is long, this one is very difficult to peg down to a pattern and keeps us guessing and laughing and panicking over what he might do next
- one very helpful child who can be extremely responsible one minute and extremely irresponsible the next, easily distracted on some things and hard to break his focus on others, doesn't really care what people think of somethings and very concerned on others, a child of the pendulum swing
- We've yet to discover the personality intricacies of the baby.
Much of my time is spent just trying to keep one step ahead of this crew. I fail quite often. It seems like too much a lot of the time. Realizing how difficult it is to predict and/or meet the needs of these six individuals, how does God manage the world, not to mention the vast multitudes of the unseen host of heaven and hell? While I can sometimes guess right as to what my children need at any given moment I'm right a very small percent of the time. Our God is never wrong! He gets it right the first time every time. That is mind boggling. He quiets my anxious heart, he comforts me, he puts something funny in my path to cheer me up, he challenges me when I get lazy. And he doesn't get tired of it. All he asks is that we seek him first.
I'm afraid I'm too often like my little clown. One night I was singing to him with a vain hope that he might actually go to sleep. He had no intention of going to sleep and kept up a litany of things he'd rather be doing. I sang anyway. I was part way through, "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" when I hear him mutter, "That's a stupid song." I wasn't shocked quiet, I kept singing and then started laughing. It struck my funny bone so hard I couldn't stop. The chorus goes like this, "It's all about you, Jesus. And all this is for you..." Know wonder he thought it was stupid, he wanted it to be about him and he was mad that it wasn't. I want it to be all about me a lot of the time, too. I get uptight trying to figure everyone out every day and get them what they need and then get to feeling like know one's takin' care of me. Where does this thinking get me? No where but down in the dumps. My focus has gone from seeking him first to seeking how to get myself first. But God in heaven has already seen my frustration and his answer is on the way before I have even prayed.
All of this really is for him. All the wiping of noses, cooking of meals, planning of days and moments is for him. It really isn't about me, it's about teaching my kids to see his glory and his fame. So I'll get back on my knees and ask for a little help in figuring out these six creatures and leave the rest up to him.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
on the brink of a new school year
If I was a parent like the majority of other parents I would be sending my three oldest children off to a public school tomorrow for a whole day. My fourth would be registered in a pre-school program. I could anticipate that I would have large sections of my day with only two kids to look after...if I was like the majority of folks.
But I'm not.
God has called us to home-school our two oldest boys (that's homeschool NOT school at home). He's also encouraged us to make sure our daughter is bi-lingual (French and English). Seeing how neither of us is, we are sending her to a French-immersion school. After we found a homeschool resource for immersion they encouraged us to leave her in the immersion school for several years so that she gets a good grasp of the language.
Our younger boys' education is still a mystery to us that has not been revealed...but they won't be going to pre-school.
Today, I would have gladly sent them all off just to have a little time to myself. If any of you reading this have ever experienced harvest-time on the farm you'll know that time to yourself does not exist, there is always something to do. When you have six children who invite their friends over, there is always something to do. When you have a toddler and a nursing baby there is always something to do. Needless to say I'm a little under the game. Not excited about school starting on any front - that girlie of mine would be sooooooooo easy to teach at home, she does math for fun, pages and pages of it. She's figuring out how to read and write on her own because she wants to. I'm here with the tough cookies. One who is motivated in some things and dragging his heels on others. One who is co-operative very seldom and motivated to learn things I'd rather he didn't know.
Am I a little tired and discouraged? Is this flower a tad droopy? Yup. And my friend, lover and confidante is on a combine hours away, so I can't talk to him. Guess that leaves me with the Lord to talk to, which is a pretty good thing to be left with.. maybe I'll learn something.......
But I'm not.
God has called us to home-school our two oldest boys (that's homeschool NOT school at home). He's also encouraged us to make sure our daughter is bi-lingual (French and English). Seeing how neither of us is, we are sending her to a French-immersion school. After we found a homeschool resource for immersion they encouraged us to leave her in the immersion school for several years so that she gets a good grasp of the language.
Our younger boys' education is still a mystery to us that has not been revealed...but they won't be going to pre-school.
Today, I would have gladly sent them all off just to have a little time to myself. If any of you reading this have ever experienced harvest-time on the farm you'll know that time to yourself does not exist, there is always something to do. When you have six children who invite their friends over, there is always something to do. When you have a toddler and a nursing baby there is always something to do. Needless to say I'm a little under the game. Not excited about school starting on any front - that girlie of mine would be sooooooooo easy to teach at home, she does math for fun, pages and pages of it. She's figuring out how to read and write on her own because she wants to. I'm here with the tough cookies. One who is motivated in some things and dragging his heels on others. One who is co-operative very seldom and motivated to learn things I'd rather he didn't know.
Am I a little tired and discouraged? Is this flower a tad droopy? Yup. And my friend, lover and confidante is on a combine hours away, so I can't talk to him. Guess that leaves me with the Lord to talk to, which is a pretty good thing to be left with.. maybe I'll learn something.......
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Home from the range
My little sweetie is 5 months old! She started doing the watered-down apple juice this week, holding her own bottle and even went on to her first bit of rice cereal. She is so sweet and adorable...just look at those cheeks!
We arrived home today! Have absolutely loved being out at the farm. Happy to be at home now. I was catching up on a few blogs and my friends are talking about their homes. I love my house. It is a joy to be here. Good things:
My children.
The big griddle I got for my birthday!!
Plentiful tomatoes from my garden.
Seeing my mom and dad again after a long hiatus.
High speed internet - even light is better than dial-up....how quickly we forget.
Did I mention those chubby cheeks.
Getting asked to write articles for people who will actually pay you to write them!!
We arrived home today! Have absolutely loved being out at the farm. Happy to be at home now. I was catching up on a few blogs and my friends are talking about their homes. I love my house. It is a joy to be here. Good things:
My children.
The big griddle I got for my birthday!!
Plentiful tomatoes from my garden.
Seeing my mom and dad again after a long hiatus.
High speed internet - even light is better than dial-up....how quickly we forget.
Did I mention those chubby cheeks.
Getting asked to write articles for people who will actually pay you to write them!!
Monday, August 21, 2006
down on the farm
Hey friends,
I haven't died or anything we're just down on the farm, enjoying life out in the country. There's a good chance I may never want to go back to city living. Actually I've never much liked it come to think of it...
Quiet
Clear Skies
Happy Kids
Happy husband
canning
sweet winds
good friends
Happy dogs
Yup, cooking, cleaning and chasing kids, that's about all I have time for right now. Harvest is in full swing, perfect weather for it, too. Breakdowns (in equipment and relationships) are difficult to deal with but everything gets repaired eventually.
Got some lovely #1 duhram, everyone's happy about that. Mustard is coming off a little sparse this evening. Yup, enjoying being a farm wife.
later
I haven't died or anything we're just down on the farm, enjoying life out in the country. There's a good chance I may never want to go back to city living. Actually I've never much liked it come to think of it...
Quiet
Clear Skies
Happy Kids
Happy husband
canning
sweet winds
good friends
Happy dogs
Yup, cooking, cleaning and chasing kids, that's about all I have time for right now. Harvest is in full swing, perfect weather for it, too. Breakdowns (in equipment and relationships) are difficult to deal with but everything gets repaired eventually.
Got some lovely #1 duhram, everyone's happy about that. Mustard is coming off a little sparse this evening. Yup, enjoying being a farm wife.
later
Sunday, August 13, 2006
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