Home Sweet Simple Home

My little guy, Bugs, Leaves and Moon Tea

Last night as we were cleaning up and putting away after the family campfire, Mr. Conductor decided to go a-wanderin’ through my garden.
And pick some apple mint.
He held it tightly clenched in his fist and brought it into the kitchen where I was putting away dishes.
I smelled it before I saw him.
He came in saying, “Momma, I need a glass jar and lid.”
Of course I inquired as to what he planned to use it for- a boy coming in at twilight with a clenched fist often means
Bugs.
But no bugs- just warm crushed apple mint leaves and a little boy who had recently watched his aunt and Grammy make sun tea using some mint ‘borrowed’ from Momma’s garden.
And so it happened that we got out a quart jar, added the crushed leaves and two tea bags and the boy filled it with water.
He hugged it close as he carried it outside to leave out and make

Moon Tea.

Another opportunity for learning Hospitality

And here we have yet another unremarkable-to-most tale of me stepping into hospitality that borders on the edge of my comfort zone.
And yet I lived to tell the tale.
Evening services were lifted at our church yesterday due to district camp meeting. On the way home from church, Mr. Steady and I discussed the camp meeting schedule and decided that we would not go that afternoon but instead to a couple of services during the week (we must calculate gas for this because it’s not close by and choose carefully).  I remarked that it being such a nice day we should invite my brother and his family over in the evening for a campfire and pizza camp pies. He thought it an excellent notion and we decided to invite my parents also.
This was totally spur of the moment.
Lucky for me I had the most important ingredients for pizza camp pies on hand (re: wood for fire, pie irons, bread, pizza sauce and cheese). I had some pizza toppings and my sister-in-law stated that she had some onions, tomato and more pizza sauce and some pie filling for camp pie-pies. We had quite a bit of macaroni salad in the fridge (my donation to the funeral dinners held at our church on Saturday) and I thought it would go fine with pizza camp pies. My momma said she had a couple of toppings and would bring the stuff for smores.
And with that said- My momma showed up a Jell-O salad, container of beans, string cheese and cottage cheese. Oh and plastic plates and lemonade too.
Our humble camp pies turned into a veritable feast.
And so how is this stepping out of my hospitality comfort zone you ask? Its family after all.
Well, first off- it was totally spur of the moment [and forgive the big head but perhaps I should add- I’m proud to say that I was able to host it without worry about a frenzied house cleaning or the need to run to the store- in fact, truth be told I took a really nice nap and read some in the afternoon]
And
I’m not one to invite my brother and his family over often.
It just doesn’t happen.
Clashing personalities one could say.
So in the inviting, I was stepping out and saying that we would “enjoy the pleasure of their company” and by golly I would do it!
Then with my parents and sibling and family all present I looked over and saw our neighbors sitting out on their enclosed patio. A wonderful elderly couple, very sweet and nice (he lets my kiddos bike thru his amazingly smooth, slightly hilly and wonderful u-shaped drive way) and they were just sitting.
And that’s when God nudged me.
And I nudged Mr. Steady.
I asked him if he would like to go over and invite the neighbors.
And he did.

And they did (after they ate their supper but they had dessert and dare, I say, pleasant conversation- with us).
And

It was nice.
I did not panic.
Instead- I felt
Very Blessed.

And thankful for not overlooking the simple opportunity of extending hospitality on the spur-of-the-moment.
And the clashing personalities? Praise God the two got along pretty-fine-and-mostly-quite-a-bit-alright.

Berry Picking fun

On Wednesday evening

we had an early supper and then packed up the pails for some berry pickin’ over at my parents’ farm. Mom supplied us with more containers as she said the picking was so good we were definitely going to need more.
Then we hopped on the gator and took off for the “back 40”.
It was the most amazingly tranquil evening. The temperature was cool and we were enveloped in a big enough cloud of bug spray as to not be bothered.
We’d drive the gator, park and walk and do it again as we drove and walked the perimeter of a large bean field.
The children discussed how they would eat the berries- berry pies and on cereal and in muffins and such as Mr. Steady and I just enjoyed the companionable tranquility of it all.
Time flew by as we picked- the kids would wander off and explore. For a time Mr. Conductor and Sassafras picked the wild onion out of the bean field (a very good and generous thing to do) and then the two of them took to cleaning up the trail with hand-clippers. Mr. Conductor was ever so diligent about it and took to the task like it was a real job, which of course it was. He even helped his Momma out a few times when my shirt got all caught up in the overhanging brambles. He liked to walk a bit ahead of me to prep the trail.
As I said- it was so enjoyable that we totally lost track of time (we chose not to bring the cell or watches- good choice).
Upon returning to the house we realized we’d been gone about 3 hours.
And picked approx. 5-6 quarts of ripe, sweet-smelling, black raspberries.
Free except for labor.

A most enjoyable labor.

A surprise change in menu plans

Let’s see- On Tuesday my dear sweet sister-in-law (Mr. Steady’s sis) took all THREE of my kidlets for an overnighter with her brood.
That left Mr. Steady and I ALONE.
Yahoo.
Date Night.
With that news, I quickly scrapped the original dinner menu and pulled a couple of steaks and a bag of frozen shrimp out of the freezer.
The steak was thawed and marinated.
I baked a loaf of bread.
I put together a salad with garden fresh greens.
I scrubbed up a couple of big potatoes for baking.
I sliced up some store-sale strawberries for the crockpot chocolate surprise cake I was baking.
I went to the movie rental place and picked up a movie Mr. Steady had really been wanting to watch for awhile (paid out of date nite envelope- $3.50).
Mr. Steady grilled the steak and shrimp (he made BBQ grilled shrimp- delish!) while I baked the potatoes and wrapped my hospitality offering.
Of course, we had a most wonderful relaxing and enjoyable evening.
A much needed relaxing and enjoyable evening
Just. The. Two. Of. Us.
God is so good.

Photo: Crockpot Chocolate Surprise Cake

Another Hospitality step

Another Hospitality Mission Accomplished.

Over the holiday weekend new tenants moved into the rental behind our home. Mr. Steady has already met one lady when he helped her back up her truck and trailer to the front of the house. In 15 min. time he got most of their story- two ladies- mom and daughter, both adults, moving from about an hour south (across state line) from large metro area to our little town mostly due to a severe problem with criminal activity in their previous neighborhood. Oh and they have two dogs too.
Anyhoo- back the mission: Seeings how I have vowed to be more hospitable to my neighbors in spite of my fears- I decided I needed to do/make something to welcome the new neighbors and since I’ve been in a bread making mood of late . . . . .

Homemade Honey Oatmeal Bread.
Of course it’s made in the bread machine- ere-go my bread making mood- easy-peasy.
Now how to present it . . . . .
Should I slice it first? Naw, that will ruin its shape!
Should I send some jam with it? I don’t have any homemade or in fancy jars . . . .
What about homemade honey butter?
And what should I put the homemade butter in?

Presentation is important but not as important as the act of giving. So I put to rest my need for perfect presentation. Wrap the bread with plastic wrap, tie it with a bow and a Welcome to the Neighborhood tag and put the homemade honey butter in a small throw-away container.
Mr. Steady accompanied me to the neighbors and I nervously rang the doorbell . . . .

And so- I was once again able to step out of my comfort zone and go forth as God directed. Yes, it felt good to do something nice and I must admit- a relief too.

Back in the online saddle

Sigh. Having some internet issues. I’ve had posts to post but no way to post them.  And now- I am here.
And
There are moles in my yard.
Squirrels & birds enjoying my garden. Too much digging. Pests.
Black raspberries in my fridge (hand-picked and free!)- yum.
Library books to return and others to request.

Enjoy today’s plethora of posts.

A day of Days

Mr. Steady decided he and Mr. Conductor would go fishin’ tonight and so they went off to dig up worms in my compost heap.
While I packed them a picnic supper.
Mr. Steady said that this way I could go over all the new homeschooling stuff to my heart’s content all by myself tonight.
What a guy!
After they left, I decided to do some more planting, weeding and arranging in my gardens. I wandered over to the girls’ fairy gardens and saw this little fairy parade hiding under the rose bush.

Speaking of the rose bush- it was here when we moved. My mother-in-law told me it’s called Seven Sisters. It’s prickly as all get out and while it blooms profusely, the color only lasts a week or so.
And the flowers don’t keep well when cut and brought inside.
But it does look all grand, old-fashioned and glorious sittin’ on that little bitty bit of fencing Mr. Steady mended last fall.

In closing- take a peek at this little abode nestled in a side garden. I love cracked pots- they have such spunk and personality. Just like myself!

Oooh, I don’t want to forget- I also did this today!
Busy momma today!

Pizza but no campfire

Bloomin' where I'm at

Bloom where you are planted.
I’ve always taken this phrase to mean that I should find joy and contentment in our home. Lately my thoughts on this phrase have drifted deeper.
Blooming where I am planted is more than just about learning to thrive in the place I’m at physically—but it’s a good start.
How do I bloom where I’m planted physically?
I learned to love where I live. Once upon a time, when we first purchased this home I was deeply in love with it and had grand ideas about all that we would do and accomplish here. Fast forward a few years and a couple of kids . . . . . the home is old- over 100 years and repairs are always needed on something or other. We were now at a place where we had more stuff than space and after having children I found it was no longer an idyllic spot and I craved a place in the country with room to roam and grow . . . . . but finances dictated that was not possible. I began to resent where I was planted- not only was their no “new growth” or “buds” on my “plant” but instead the “plant” was withering and perhaps a bit diseased. I didn’t neglect my home, I continued to keep it neat and tidy but my heart wasn’t in it. Then reality came in the form of a surprise pregnancy and the need to make room or else! At this time, I found FlyLady through an acquaintance and slowly began to bloom again and love my home as I sifted, tossed and shuffled the “stuff” in our home. This purging and the nesting that came with pregnancy helped me to put down deeper roots, fertilized the soil of my heart and I began to again bloom in my physical surroundings. Yes, I still dream of a farm in the country and Mr. Steady and I work and plan to make that a reality some day and while I long for that “some day”, it doesn’t haunt me and disturb the love I have for the home God has given us.
Bloom where you are planted.
For this time, right now- this is my place. My physical spot. I once forgot that it was God who made the way for us to be here, to be home owners. Our home is not grand and it is still always in need of repairs but it keeps us dry when it rains, warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. It is the place where we learn and grow in schooling and as a family.
In this home is the door frame that marks my children’s growth with penciled tick marks and dates; the hallway wall with the slight gouge where a large desk “bounced” off the wall because I was trying to move it myself. My abundant herb garden (been growing for 14 years!) and the lovely old fashioned 7 Sisters Roses and Maiden’s Lilac and my Granny Smith Apple tree. It’s a home that has seen countless celebrations and frustrations. The kids getting sick on the carpet and the time Mr. Conductor opened up a 2 liter of Root Beer that he’d just gotten done rolling and kicking around (when all was said and done only about a cup or so of soda was left in the bottle). There was that time I threw a rock thru one of the window panes on the front outside door because I’d accidently locked my keys in the house and I was outside in freezing temperatures with a 7 week old baby Maiden. Then the time Mr. C broke the window to our front door and we lived with duct tape on it for a week.
Ah the memories that fill and flood this home. When put in that perspective I am boggled to remember how unhappy I was here at one time. Life has been good here. God has blessed us here and I believe He will continue to do so.
Happiness and joy and contentment DO NOT depend on where I am physically planted. It only happens if I allow it too. It was a long process- first came the day when I stopped allowing where I was physically planted to get me down and hinder me and then crept the days when I realized I really could bloom beautifully right here- just because I didn’t necessarily want to be here didn’t mean that God doesn’t want me to be here and that is the difference. God can fertilize this soil and make me bloom. My home has once again become my haven and the safe harbor for my family. It is always a joy to return home after a week-long vacation. It is always a comfort to relax and know this is home. I find myself sighing in contentment each time the journey brings me back to my spot.
So I’ve learned to bloom in my physical planting but what else have I learned?
Stay tuned as I share what I’ve learned about all the different ways God wants me to bloom in all those different circumstances.

photo- me working in my garden

Winding up and winding down

Our days continue to be full and my time on the computer short.
And life with the debt counseling agency goes on. I continue to be leery and weary but I have totally put it in God’s hands. While speaking on the phone today with our debt “counselor”, I just kept praying for God’s will and for me to follow. I have to believe that the path I continue to walk on is the one He desires for me at this time.
Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. Matthew 6:32b
The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will receive my prayer. Psalm 6:9

So what else have we been up to?
We are in the midst of plans for my Grandfather’s “wake”- to be held on June 7^th, exactly one month from his death.
We are wrapping up and winding down our school year.
We are trying to finish planting the garden. Late, I know; but better late than never.
We’ve been painting my parent’s house in our “spare” time.
And I’ve been attending various end-of-school year activities for the youth in my youth group.
We’ve enjoyed some beautiful days and some wonderful evening hikes and gator rides through the woods behind my parents’ farm. All together as a family. We’ve learned how to use acorn tops as whistles, listened to the frogs in the wood pond, watched the bullfrogs jump, plunked rocks and picked wildflowers. We’ve watched gorgeous sunsets, scared up some bunnies while gatoring and stood still sharing stares with some deer. We even ogled a skunk waddling through a back field (from a good distance).
We’ve taken a couple of bike rides and helped my parents with some clean up and shared a few good suppers with them! And we’ve even had time to spend visiting with some dear friends. We’ve also squeezed in a couple of campfires.
Good days, wonderful memories.

Photo: Sassafras with a lilac headpiece and bouquet- courtesy of Maiden.

He knows

catch up

Life last week vs this week

Patience—being still. Be Still. God continues to ask me to BE STILL and know. Be still and trust.
And so I do.

goings on

Having Issues

We interrupt our regular eating schedule . . . . .

Dinners planned for this week’s menu have been seriously altered- as in crossed out!
We have not eaten supper at home since Saturday. We won’t be eating at home again this evening and I have no clue about tomorrow night (but I’m hoping that we will).
You see we’ve been gone- gone to my parents’ farm where we’ve been helping cut and haul wood. Over the winter the people that now own the rest of [what use to be] the farm had some of the trees in the fence rows logged out and others from the small patches of woods here and their between the fields. My dad and Mr. Steady have been working these last few months at cutting, trimming and hauling but we are now down to crunch time as the fields need to be planted.
We’ve been leaving the house a bit after Mr. Steady gets home from work and not dragging ourselves home until past bedtime. I must say- we’ve been sleeping very well- the sleep of the hardworking and exhausted! Meals have been hotdog roasts over the open fire the last couple of nights and Mr. Steady has asked me to make grab-n-go sandwiches for them for this evening as they will be gone part of the time delivering a load of wood. I will not be joining them this evening as I will be teaching youth bible study.
I am very proud of my kiddos and the good little workers they have been. Mr. Steady would like to see them more-nose-to-the-grind-stone— as in, “I brought you over to Gramma and Grampa’s to work not to run around and play.”
It is hard to keep the nose to the stone when there are so many interesting things to do and see . . . . yesterday evening Maiden and a friend (we had some more help with us last night) took to uprooting corn stalks and giving them a couple of good slings over the head before letting go and letting fly. See- fun can be had anywhere! They plunked rocks in the stream and raced each other thru the piney woods. We did manage to squeeze about an hours worth of work out of them so I thought it was all good!

On the line and the line for icky weather

It’s the calm before the storm. A balmy 65 degrees- windy too.
Truly lovely. So nice to not hear the furnace kicking on . . . . .
So for the first time this year- There is Laundry on the line.
Such a wonderful spring feeling.
I packed up two garbage bags of shoes to be donated- yes, that is a LOT of shoes.
Started with me cleaning up the bottom of the coat closet.
Then I decided to vacuum the bottom of the closet (one bag of shoes from here)- which led to running the vac thru the whole downstairs (since it was out and plugged in and all that).
Then I decided to dust and wipe down in the closet.
And when I was going to put the vac away I decided to spruce up the front porch- opened a window for the gusty breeze, picked up “stuff” (got another bag of shoes here), dusted and vacuumed there too.
Whew!
The kiddos went biking and generally ran amock in the back yard.
A good time was had by all.
And yet---- We're under a tornado and wind advisory until 9 this evening. So this lovely weather will quickly be changing. As much as I'd love to uncover the flower and garden beds, I don't dare. They are calling for rain mixed with snow.
Outside in short-sleeves and flip-flops today- back to winter coats and boots tomorrow . . . . .

Welcome Monday!

Welcome Monday!
And therefore I have hope, because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your Faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21b-23 NIV
Dear Lord, thank you for the newness of each morning. Thank you for raining down your grace and mercy to me each day. I am undeserving. Thank you. You never fail me. You are never in a bad mood. Oh dear Lord thank you. Help me Lord with my bad moods that they would be fewer and not last long. Continually remind me of the hope that I have in You and Your compassions. No, they never fail. Lord, more than anything, more than everything- let Your will be done in my life. Not my will but Your will.
Amen.

Wedded Kiss

It all started with a kiss.

March 12, 1994

Now He is Four

Four years seems like so little a period of time and yet, it has sped by so very, very quickly.
My youngest, my only boy, turned FOUR.

Mr. Conductor you are the sweetest little man I know. There is so much that I love and adore about you- but keeping with tradition I will list only 4.
1. I love your unending curiosity about any and everything. You want to be “in the know” and you want to know it all now!
2. I love that you still ask your Daddy to carry you to bed “like when I was just a little baby, Daddy”.
3. I love how you say “I do NOT know” with such inflection and that tip of your head.
4. I love how you “do school” with the sissies- how you concentrate and work hard- mimicking and learning . . . .

Oh, Lord God you so totally knew what you were doing when you gave us Mr. C. Please Jesus, help us to raise him to be a man after Your own heart. Guide and direct his life. Thank you for the blessing and treasure he is to us. Keep him, Lord, in your watchful care- keep him pure and honest, forthright and kind, loving and gentle and rock solid in his faith. Lord God, help me not to be sad as he grows but to cherish all the precious moments and always be thankful. In Your Glorious Name, Amen.

My boys @ CiCi's Pizza for Mr. C's birthday lunch. His shirt (a gift from Maiden) says "Daddy's Helper. Will work for cookies."