Lovely, Just Lovely

Do you keep photos stored on your computer, photos that speak to you and are kept for no other reason? I do. 

There is something stirred deep within when I see the above picture.  I wish to be part of their world.  Do I want to be the reader or the painter?  My first thought is,"I am not good enough to be the painter."  Ah, I, but want to be the painter.

I love this picture, too.  I want to be that mother.  I want my children to enjoy time outdoors with me. They appear to be in no hurry and seem to be enjoying a quiet moment together in a beautiful spot.  No one seems to be arguing or wanting to rush off to the next thing. 

Here I am again, the mom.  This time my well-behaved, happy children and I are enjoying a tea party outdoors.  See the boat in the background?  It's the one we use to get to this private picnic spot.  Perhaps, I need to jump on this idea.  My real children are growing up so quickly.  They won't want to have a tea party outdoors for long.

Thanks for stopping by and reading this silly little post!  Perhaps it will inspire you to slow down, look at a picture and dream?

Birthday Wishes

Today is my daddy's birthday!  Even though he lives far away in sunny California, we talk almost everyday, so it doesn't seem so far away.

I wish you a very happy day, my dear father!
Love,
Jenn

Thoughts on Homemaking vs. Housekeeping

"If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but I have not love, I am a housekeeper - not a homemaker."  
from 1 Corinthians 13 for Mothers
adapted by Jim Fowler

Just reading the above quotes sets up a tension in my soul.  What I wouldn't give somedays for a spotless house!!  It all boils down to love, doesn't it?  God looks at the intentions of our hearts.  I struggle to have love be my main motivation for wanting a tidy house.  I have 3 kids.  They are home all day, every day.  They make messes.  I've dealt with this for 12 plus years.  I desire to have a home that doesn't embarrass me if someone dropped by.  No one ever does, but, what if they did?  They would see life happening all around, piles of it.  And that's really OK.  Because if I tried to have a spotless home with everything in its place, I would go crazy, probably scream a lot and basically make my family miserable.  Not to say that order is not a good goal.  It is a very worthy one.  But, there is a balance to achieve.  The balance is internal in my case.  I must love my family enough to allow them freedoms in their own home and I must love them enough to give them an orderly place in which to grow and learn.  Oh LORD, give me wisdom and strength to do this well!

Last Family Trip of 2010

Just back from a weekend up in Michigan, our last planned trip as a family this year.  I won't say that we won't go anywhere else this year, but it is not likely with the holidays coming and needing every spare penny to be saved.  We do plan to go away for our 16th anniversary this October.  I am looking forward to that, a great deal. 

Going away comes with its paybacks, like over whelming laundry, squabbling children, rain, and other disappointments.  Sometimes I think it is best to just stay home!  However, that is not what I really want.  I so enjoyed the warm sand and crashing waves on Saturday.  It is tempting to make going away an idol and then throw a silent tantrum when things don't go as well as planned.  There is so much to be thankful for.  So much! 

Just Think...

Just think

You’re here not by chance,

But by God’s choosing.

His hand

Formed you

And made you the person you are.

He compares you to no one else-

You are

One of a kind.

You lack nothing

That His grace can’t give you.

He has allowed you to be here

at this time in history

To fulfill

His special purpose

For this generation.

ROY LESSIN

Garden Pool

Here's a cool idea!  Although, I have to say, my kids would probably not like the idea of turning a backyard pool into a garden, if we had one.  However, I can see that this would be a much worthier use of a pool. 

Kind of an Update

A funny thing happened a couple weeks ago.  I had put out a hummingbird feeder in April when we moved in our new home.  I had been told that it would be a slim chance of attracting them, especially with no flowers around.  But, I had the feeder and a desire, so I hung it out.  Actually, I forgot all about it.  I should have been faithfully filling it up all this time. 

In the meantime, my grandfather's geranium was in bloom this summer next to the feeder.  One day, I happened to be outside and I saw what seemed like a big bug swoop by me and hesitate at the feeder.  It then dawned on me what I was seeing, a real live hummingbird at my neglected feeder.

Boy, was I then motivated.  I ran into the house.  I made a new batch of sugar water.  I waited for it to cool.  I brought in the feeder and gave it a good cleaning.  When the water was cool, I hung the feeder back out and waited. 

Hummers were spotted the next day and the next.  I set about moving the feeder a little each day, so that I could see it from my kitchen window.  By now, the feeder is very popular and I love to watch them chase each other from the feeder. I also love to watch as the male perches on the feeder itself.  What a blessing!  I can honestly say that this was such a surprise and has added to my enjoyment of bird feeding beyond my dreams!