Wordless Wednesday: A Little Help

Winter Can Be Good, Too

The fall season is one of my most favorite seasons of the year.  Alas, it is also the shortest.  This year, the trees have seemed more brilliant than years past.  Must it be our super dry weather?  Anyhow, I have decided that I need to work on a list of things to look forward to about winter because it is coming and I dread it.

• The holidays!!
• Two family birthdays to celebrate.
• Baking more often
• Crock pot meals
• No yard work
• Kids will shovel the snow for me. 
• No bugs.
• More time for reading. 
• Decaf coffee after dinner.
• Our annual winter hike at Lake Michigan
• My cats will suddenly like sitting on my lap. 
• Seasonal allergies will be gone.
• Get to wear comfy sweaters.
• Watching movies under cozy blankets 
• No humidity
• School is half way done. 
• Snow days!
• Sledding

I am sure that there are many more things to enjoy about winter, and I am going to keep on looking for them. Life is a gift.  I do not want to waste time dreading any of it. 

It's Been Almost Nine Years

My family when I first started blogging. 

Have I really been blogging for 9 years this coming October?  Truly amazing.  And yet, here I am plugging away, trying to record the happenings of my little family.  I never set out to be a blogger's blogger.  I have always been content to write when the notion strikes, as this blog really is just for me.  I did not want to forget these precious days that slip into years so quickly.  

Over the years I have made friends here, for which I am thankful.  I have felt the tug away from blogging for several years now with the popularity of other social media.  But, I am committed to this format, the humble blog.  When I look back at this record, I am so thankful that I have kept up with it.  I know that my ramblings are not very brilliant.  This post is a prime example of said rambling!  

I was just thinking about all the life that has passed these last 9 years of being a home educating family.  We have been blessed.  And I am glad to have captured some of it here so that I can look back and remember how God has been faithful, which is so good to do now and then.

In life, one is always adapting, always changing.  I have only a few years left as a home educating mother, if I am allowed that privilege.  I want to hold onto these last years.  I need to take  more pictures, be even more committed to recording them here.  I really am excited to be a part of my children's launch.  I know it will be difficult for me, but there is no stopping it.  (As if they'd let me!)  At least I am not alone on this journey.  Thank you, the few, the faithful, my blog friends!!  

I Have a Cold

Unfortunately, I have caught a cold.  I hate being sick!  This one is mainly in my sinuses.  Thankfully, I cannot remember the last time I was sick, and I really have not been down and out sick, either.  I credit this to the ingredients in the above photo.  Twice a day, I have choked down the following.

In 6-8 ounces of warm water add:

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• the juice of one small lemon  

I have also consumed great quantities of homemade chicken stock, so yummy.  I have continued to exercise at half the effort.  I have cut out the sugar, which amazingly enough, I have not been craving as usual.  All I crave right now is sleep!  

I am really praying that no one else gets this, but yesterday, Ryan said he thought he was getting sick, too, but so far it is very mild.  He will not take my concoctions.  He will drink EmergenC, so that is making me a little happy.  

Oh well, this too shall pass, right?  If only the world would stop until I am well.  :)  

Almost a Year Later

It's hard to believe that my sweet Abbey Cat has been gone almost a whole year.

Look at that girl stretch!  

My lap has been a very lonely place since that day in April last year.  Quickly, maybe too quickly, we invited Dorothy into our home, just two days after Abbey left us.  Sometimes I do wish we had taken a little more time with that decision, although, I love her and would not want her to be with someone else.  I mean, who can resist her beautiful face?  It would not have mattered what cat we got in that moment of grief.  I was in no place ready to move on.  Perhaps it is just now that I feel like I can really love another cat.

While Dorothy is the best cat, behavior-wise, she isn't a lap cap.  She is easily over stimulated by our touch and will swipe you with a claw filled paw if you cross her line.  It doesn't hurt much physically, just emotionally.  I feel rejected at those times.  I have tried everything, food bribes, sweet talk, gentleness, time.  She just isn't a lap cat.  And she is easily frightened.  I wonder if she was mistreated?  What she is is a playful, entertaining, beautiful, sweet, affectionate,good, but better keep your hands to yourself cat!  And we do love her.  I think she is perfect, except for that one little thing of not liking laps.

My dear, gracious husband has given his consent for me to find my lap cat.  (Oh, how I love that man!)  Even before Abbey passed away, I had been visiting Siamese Cat Rescue's webpage regularly.  I knew she was not going to live forever.  However when she died, I didn't want to go through the lengthy process of approval.  And we found Dorothy so quickly!  (She is part Siamese,distantly.  Her blue eyes make her part Siamese. The vet called her a Lynx Point/Snowshoe.)

Last week, we were approved to adopt a cat from The Siamese Cat Rescue.  I feel as if this is a dream come true!  Of course now that we are approved, there are not any cats that match our special needs since we already have a quirky cat and that dictates the kind of cat we can adopt. We think we have the best chance with her approving the cat if it is male, young, and outgoing.  For me, I must have a lap cat or burst.  (Not kidding!) So we are looking for a young male who is laid back, outgoing, and loves laps.  

So far we are finding it a very competitive process, too. I think there are many more adopters than cats.  That is true of this geographical area anyway.  There are only 6 cats in our area.  Two are very sick from a hoarder and not available.  One might be perfect except he hates other cats.  One, while my heart goes out to him, is very old.  One is not a lap cat, but otherwise very nice.  He has another family in line before us and he is in KY.  The other is maybe too shy and a bit older, 5.  I am waiting to hear about him.  He also has a family ahead of us.  He could work if Dorothy's playfulness didn't bother him.  He may need a more relaxed cat to buddy with.

Anyway, I am not going to stress or worry. Our guy is there,somewhere!  I have to keep my eye on the website as it is first come, first serve.  This may take awhile. Stay tuned.

~Jenn, the cat crazy blogger

Today, I Am...

At the library this morning. 

Happy.... to be on spring break!  It's good for my mental health.  Plus, we only have 3 weeks left of our 36 week Sonlight curriculum.  Not sure how that happened!  I guess that is the power of being diligent. 


Excited.... to read a couple good books this week.  I was on the waiting list at the library for both and now they are all mine!  (More on those later.) 

Pleased... that the guys mowed the yard yesterday.  The first mow of the season is always the hardest since we tend to let the grass grow a little too long and it always rains so much.  THANK YOU JEFF AND RYAN!!! 

Going to...  plan our week.  We need to visit grandma, get ready for a big Easter dinner, and make time to see friends.

Annoyed... with my lack of attention to details.  The French computer program that I bought requires a DVD drive, which I don't have on a computer that runs Windows.  Geek Son says I should have checked system requirements before I bought it.  He's right, but annoying!  So, now I have to either buy an external DVD drive or take back the program.  Grrr..... 

Starting to think... it is time to get my raised bed gardens in order.  A friend gave me a nice sized kiddie pool that we are going to drill holes into.  We have the sandbox that grew wonderful green beans last year, too.  They are going to be enough for Grace to manage.  There just is not enough sun around here to do a lot more.  That's OK.  We can start going to the farmer's market very soon. 

Enjoying... a week with fewer commitments!   There is still dance and karate, but no AWANA, art, babysitting, or small group.  So thankful for a little less to do! 

Today I Am...

Bees for my dad. 

Happy... that Jeff located my missing prescription sunglasses after they'd been missing a couple weeks!  I was really getting worried that I'd never find the new, expensive things!


Excited...to have "new to me" curtains in the kitchen.  A friend was giving them away and asked us at bunco last week if anyone wanted them.  Well, they were the perfect fit and color for my very own kitchen so I took them!  I love the burst of red to cheer my north facing kitchen. 

Pleased...that more of our school books have shipped at last.  Now I just need to order from one other company that is having a sale in April. 


Going to... ride my bike with Grace!  It's supposed to be a lovely day.  Jeff got "my" bike out of the storage barn yesterday.  It's not exactly my bike.  Grace's long legs took my vintage bike from me!  I have my mom's bike, but it's just a bit too short.  Oh well. 

Annoyed...that my sweet Grace doesn't like her picture taken and placed on my blog!  I tell her that no one really reads my blog, no offense to those who do, so why be so camera phobic?

Starting to think... that summer will be here before I know it and that means just one thing, highschool is not too far behind!  Heaven help us!  (And I really do mean that!) 


Enjoying... another busy week of good things:  gym, art, dance, AWANA, babysitting, karate, and getting together with friends. 


How about you? 
~Jenn

Today, I Am ...

Happy... because it's Ryan's birthday and I get to be with him all day.

Excited .... that my new hard drive is working in the laptop. 

Pleased... that I lost another pound over the weekend, although, it might just be water, but who cares! 

Going to... rest between running around if I can.  I coughed all night again.  That's three nights. 

Annoyed... that I can't sleep because of this cough.  It's a post nasal drip that sets me off in a coughing spell. My abdominal muscles are getting a work out.   They are more sore than when I do sit ups! 


Starting to think... I will be seeing a doctor towards the end of the week. 

Enjoying... the surprise flowers my husband got for me when he went with Grace to the library to pick up a book I had on hold and get groceries for us for the week.   Thank you, Jeff!  I really appreciate all you did this weekend, your one day weekend, at that! 

The French Press

My sweet friend, Sharity, asked about making coffee in a French press. 

This is all you need! 

I love coffee, good coffee that is.  I've used an automatic drip coffee maker for the last couple of years.  Before that I used my lovely press.  Why I got out of the habit, I don't remember.  It just happened that one day that I wanted to use the automatic feature of the automatic coffee maker.  I was in love with the idea of waking up to the sound of coffee brewing and then that faint whiff of coffee floating up the stairs to my bedroom!  (Yes, I do really love coffee that much.) 

Anyway, I recently rediscovered my French press.  (So glad I did not give it away.) Oh, what joy!  I really did miss it's rich, deep, almost chocolate-like flavor.  However, let me say, if you are not a coffee snob, you're probably better off just using your old drip coffee maker because there is a huge difference in taste that you might not appreciate.  :-) 

To make about two 8-12 oz. cups of coffee in the French press, I first heat the water in the kettle, and coarse grind my espresso beans in the grinder.  I put the ground coffee in the brew pot, about 1/2 cup of coffee.  Pour the hot water over the grounds.  Put the lid on the press and set my timer for 4 minutes.  When the timer goes off, I press down on the plunger and serve the coffee.

One thing I noticed is that when I have regular brewed coffee, I need a lot of cream.  When I drink pressed coffee, I use a lot less.  It just tastes so good that I don't need as much sugar or cream. 

Do you press or drip?  Or *gasp* not at all? 
~Jenn

Today, I Am...

Happy... that Jeff is home for one more Saturday.  He knows for certain that next week they will start working Saturdays until April 14th. 

Excited...to perhaps order a new hard drive for my laptop.  It's been a couple long weeks without it.  At first, I thought I really did not need it, but I can see how it really comes in handy!  Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. 

Pleased...that Grace is no longer coughing.  She slept well, too.  She bounces back quickly from most illnesses.  Probably due to all the fruit that girl eats! 

Going to...bake a chocolate cake today for a special lunch tomorrow after church.

Annoyed...that my kids talk to me while I am on the phone, still at their ages!  This really annoys me!!! 

Starting to think... spring is here! 

Enjoying... my French Press coffee each morning! 

How about you?  What are you doing? 
~Jenn 

Saw this format at The Non-Consumer Advocate Bog and thought it might be nice to do as well. 

Talkative Tuesday

Since we all know that Wordless Wednesday and I do not exactly work, I decided to post a Talkative Tuesday.   ;-)  *wink*

See those beautiful flowers?  Wow, how can I begin to thank my dear husband for these?  I have to say that this bouquet represents all of my favorite colors, too.  I've always loved pink roses, hydrangeas, and palms. Reminds me of springtime every time I see them.  Won't be long now! 

Sometimes you just need some flowers to brighten your day.

Thank you, Honey!
~Jenn

Afternoons

Afternoons have ALWAYS been very difficult for me to get into a solid routine.  I am a morning person.  I am full of energy (after my coffee).  I can get so much done in the hours between 6 and 8AM.  So, why is it that between 2 and 5 PM, after lessons, I am dragging and struggling to finish strong?  Oh, I do some light chores, like folding laundry, or making muffins, but I am willing myself to keep going, and more likely than not, I am folding clothes while watching a favorite show via Netflix, like Hoarders. There should be some relaxation time, as I've been going for 8 hours at that point.  But there needs to be balance,too. I have tried and failed so many times to structure my afternoons.  I have prayed for the strength of character that I need to keep my focus during these hours. 

Here is my proposed plan: 
(Of course this is only on days we are home between 2 and 6)

2PM Go to Flylady's page and do the day's mission.  This doesn't take much time and it is fun since I know I will be challenging myself to get this done.  (Involve kids) 

**This is also a good time to deal with the leaves, if needed. We try to keep on top of the leaves instead of waiting for them all to drop.  Ryan can do most on his own, but I usually push mow for half the time, getting areas hard for the rider.

2:30PM  Fold laundry and PUT it away!!!  (Involve kids)

3-4PM My rest time. Kids should have room time, too)

4PM  Return phone calls, check email, etc.,

4:30PM start before dinner routine, cycle dishes and laundry, set table, chop vegetables, do any prep work.  Make any items that we need for the week like muffins, hummus, or bread.  (with Grace)

5PM  Start Dinner, be ready to eat by 5:30, most nights.

I'll let you know how it goes.
Jenn

Late Summer Musings

All of a sudden it is late summer.  The weather is playing its fickle dance between summer and fall.  Today, summer is winning.  It will be 90.  Tomorrow, fall will win with temperatures in the 60's. 

This is a busy time of the year for us.  We've been "meeting-ed" to death.  Every ministry, every activity is back into full gear.  I know this is all good, but wow, sometimes I really miss the freedom of summer. 

One thing I adore about late summer is apple time.  I've been to one orchard.  I am planning my next.  I can't wait!  I think I am an apple addict.  Do you have a favorite apple? 

No Poo Update No. Two

Anybody out there still thinking about going No Poo?  Well, it has been 7 months now for me and I am still very pleased.  It is as if my hair has gone on auto pilot.  I love the bounce and shine.  I am amazed at how the oil glands have shut off as well.

When I went camping, I pondered taking my little travel sized shampoos with me or whether to take some soda.  It turns out that I needed neither.  I wore my hair in a pony tail and brushed it each morning, but it never got oily or gross after 2 full days.

I have noticed that if I do not use a lot of vinegar, my hair is tangled.  I also have to admit to using a spray de-tangler sometimes.  If I were to get my hair trimmed every 6 weeks or so, this would not be such a problem. I have also used a natural conditioner twice after swimming this summer.

My family has not embraced this journey.  The men use a honey oatmeal bar soap from Trader Joe.  My youngest son has really bad dandruff and uses a dandruff shampoo, much to my horror.  I would really like to find a natural product that works.  My daughter uses a natural shampoo and conditioner.  

How is every one else doing with No Poo?

Click here for first post with No Poo links.  

RIP Dear Camera

My camera died on this last trip.  It won't focus.  I think this is the last picture it took.  It was unable to focus afterwards and this is kind of blurry, although I like it. 

So, guess it is back to the big box store to see if they will honor the extended warranty I bought last October.  Now it seems like a wise decision to have paid the extra since this is the second time the camera has failed me! I really wish cameras were better made.  *sigh* 

Let's Pretend

I could be quite comfortable, here next to this fireplace.  Instead of a basket of yarn, though, I'd have a pile of books and a lamp.  There would be a cat curled up in my lap, too.  I'd look up and glance at my husband in his chair next to me and smile. 

How To Be Happy According to Benjamin Franklin

I really enjoy gleaning from the past.  I came across this list and thought I'd post them here as something to think about.   Although, Mr. Franklin did not always live up to his virtues, it is still valuable to have something to aim for.  I would do well to write my own personal list.  

Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues

Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

How To Be Happy

For the most part, I consider myself a happy person with many blessings.  I decided to write a little about how I achieve this state of being as a record perhaps for my children one day. 

1. Wake up every morning with a grateful heart.  Spend time in the Word of God.  Ask Him to help you navigate through your day in a way that pleases Him.  
2. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes a day.  Even if you are not training for an Olympic sport, you will reap many benefits from this simple step.  You can be proud of yourself for one thing.  You will have more energy.  You will sleep better. 
3. Eat less, avoid sugar, regular or diet soda, and refined foods.  Be moderate.  
4. Purpose to work hard for the glory of God whatever you do.  No grumbling.  Look for ways to bless others.
5. Be the first to say you are sorry.  
6. Look people in the eyes when speaking to them.  Smile!  
7. Go to bed at a decent hour.  Get up early enough to do #1 &#2 on this list.  Get up before your children.  
8. Do not spend money you do not have, EVER!!!  
9. Save for a rainy day, even if this means you have to say no to yourself now.  
10. Spend time marveling God's creation whenever you are able.  

**Bonus:  if you want to grow old gracefully, never stop moving,  reading / learning, and don't watch a lot of TV !  (From personal observation of my elders) 

The Simpler the Life the Greater the Peace

"The willingness to be and to have just what God wants us to be and to have, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else, would set our hearts at rest, and we would discover that the simpler the life the greater the peace."
Elisabeth Elliot


"Be on your guard against all kind of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Luke 12:15

Am I truly willing to be and to have just what God wants me to be and to have?  The older I get, the closer I get to this state of being.  I remember a time when I was out of control with my wants.  I was also jealous of anyone who seemed to have the very thing I wanted.  Thankfully, I have learned to be content with what I have.

If there is something that I think I want and I do not have it, I can rest easy knowing that there is some reason that the Lord does not wish me to have it.  Perhaps this "thing" might become an idol and take my heart from Him.  Certainly I do not want that.

I remember a time when I had a longing for a house with a basement.  It seemed all  my friends had one.  (They still do.)  What I did have was a house that my husband could afford.  Grumble, grumble, grumble went my little discontent heart.  And then, a few years later, I had no house to grumble about!  Talk about learning a lesson the hard way!  By the grace of God, I learned that lesson well.

I learned not to be greedy for gain.  I learned to be content.  I learned that having a house on this earth is not my right.  It is a privilege.  Thank you, Lord for being a gentle, yet firm teacher. And, as it turns out, I have a sunken family room that is kind of like a basement.  I am getting closer! 

Therefore, I do believe that my heart is at rest with my circumstances.  I may never own another home.  If I do, it will be a gift from Him and I will appreciate it as such. It certainly would take a miracle to be able to buy a house in the next few years. And it is not something I long for, either.  What I long for is to be in the will of the Lord, having nothing more or nothing less than what He wants me to have.

Elisabeth Elliot also says, "Heaven is not here, it's There.  If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next.  God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for."


"In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."  2 Peter 3:13

Habits, Part Two

Thank you for your responses to my first post about habits. I knew that I was probably not alone in all of this. I have decided to be proactive and not get down on myself.

There has already been much said about habits.  Experts seem to agree that forming new habits takes time, as much or more than 30 days.  I am generally pleased with the progress we have made in changing our habits over the years, although I do get impatient and discouraged (perhaps overwhelmed is a better term) at times.  If we were not disciplined at all, I doubt we'd be done with 180 days of school before the end of May. And feedback I get from family and friends seem to suggest that I am doing a good job with my kids. 

That said, however, I crave more progress!  I've decided to make this our summer theme, putting off the old and putting on the new. I am going to challenge my children to think about their habits.  And then to take on the work of rooting the bad ones out for good.  One at a time.  One month at a time.

For me, that means I am going to piggy back new habits onto more firmly established ones.  For example, I am in the firm habit of getting up early, reading my Bible and praying.  I would like to add exercise to that routine.  (Oh dread! Did I just say that?)

I do need to be very careful not to add the top fifty habits I'd like to acquire all at once.  I am tempted to launch into a totally new routine.  I think building on my already good habits is the key for me.  One at a time.  One month at a time.  That will be my motto. This will probably take the next 25 years, if the Lord allows.  (lol)

I will continue to strive to maintain the good, solid habits we have and then endeavor to add on to those new ones until they too are part of our lives.

Summer break just seems like a great time to work on these things. Want to join me? What habits would you like to "put on?"
~Jenn

Ephesians 4:21-23 (ESV)

...assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

Romans 6:6 (ESV)
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.