33!

Yip, that's me…33 as of yesterday!  I had a great day celebrating with my friends and family.  After church we headed over to big sis's house( thanks Mand!) where we visited with family , ate delicious blue cheese burgers and pretty pink bday cake.  It was all yummy and I consumed far too many calories in that time period.  
Last night we were invited over to a friends house where we again ate a delicious meal, laughed our crazy heads off and I even received a guitar lesson ( thanks Rusty!) and a bday cookie cake( thanks Keri!)  How could I ask for more on my special day…great food and drink and spending time with my friends and family.  Thanks to everyone for making it such a fun day.  I love you all!
Thanks also for the great gifts!

Storms

Our youngest babe is two and quite scared of thunderstorms.  I thought it might ease his fears a bit to actually view a storm instead of only hearing all the noise it creates.  Somehow the unknown seems scarier than the reality, so we have started a family tradition of storm watching.  Personally, I have always loved storms.  I'll talk about that in a minute, but first our tradition;  this consists of the three nutheads running to the front door hopping up and down nervously waiting for me to open the (child proof) handle.  Scurrying outside, taking our seats and watching the storm(amidst much oooohing, aaahing and squeeling).  Our house sits on top of a ridge and when we look out from our covered front porch we can see for miles.  The view is pretty amazing and we have seen rain coming from far away, mist rising through the trees and enormous lightening bolts blazing the sky.  I don't know if my plan has worked but the enjoyment of storm watching together has definitely been worth it.

Now, why I love storms:(I feel like I'm in 6th grade writing an essay).  I feel small and human when I  watch a storm.  Now what I mean when I say “human”, is that feeling of creation, of being formed from the dust and made to tend a garden and take care of the animals.  Of being insignificant in one hand and sacrificially loved on the other.  To look up at the sky and experience God's might and power, and that just an inkling.  To realize that the same God who created such extreme beauty and fierceness in nature also loves peace, patience, kindness, and mercy.  To realize that same God loves me and wants me and adores me and died for me and lives for me and in me.

We've  always tried to explain to the children that our Father is the one who sends the storms and that they are good for us and our land.  I'm learning constantly how this also applies to the emotional storms that he sends.  They are also good for us as they make us depend on Him and Him alone.
Just a few tidbits to think about the next time a storm approaches…

Welcome to our Home

Well, if I've done this right I should welcome you to the tour of my home.  Thanks, BooMama, what a great idea!  If you have no idea what I'm talking about check out her website and you'll be pleasantly suprised and get to tour lots of other bloggers' homes!  Thanks also to Keri for introducing me to BooMama!

Welcome to sunny Georgia

The Front Door:

The Blogging Station(aka Hubbie's desk): ( I am not responsible for the mess or the skin hanging over the chair!)

Our Main Living Area:

Our Kitchen:

    

The kids eat a lot of their meals here and also where I practice my guitar

And my last picture has to be of our backyard because we love to be outside and spend a lot of time there(well, maybe not since its been in the 90's for the last month!)

Excuse the wheelbarrow, hubbie has been redoing parts of the pond.

 

Well, that's it for me-hope you had a good time-now I'm off to “surf”!

Hee, Hee

Look carefully, there's something not quite right about this picture!

( A fun night hanging out with our community group!)

The Garden

I took before and after pictures of my garden and I'm really glad I did because I don't even remember how tiny it was when I began.

This is a picture of my two tomato plants, watermelon basil and oregano.

Here is the strawberry planter:

And here is the garden about 2 and a half months later:

I have seven baby watermelons so far, lots of tomatoes and I have to keep cutting the herbs to keep them at bay ( I don't use that much fresh basil in my cooking!)
The garden has been as fun as I had hoped and next year we're planning on using some more space so I can have even more veggies.  ( my poor sweet potatoes were never planted because I ran out of room)

             ”
There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were
to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. ”
~Mirabel Osler

More Than a Thought

Have you ever thought, even momentarily about the things in life that are not negative in and of themselves, but become negative because of our compulsive attraction to them and need for them?  The T.V. immediately comes to mind for me.  So often the thought has popped into mind of how much more time I would have to do more constructive things or spend quality time with my family, if it weren't for that “one” show I have to watch.  I'm almost scared to try and say goodbye to my viewing habits because it is a way that I treat myself and relax in the evenings.  And yet in the very back of my mind I feel that there is a better world waiting for me, if I would just make the sacrifice.  That there is so much to be gained by engaging with my husband and children in the evenings.(OK, so it sounds a little more obvious in written form..don't judge!)

…hmmm, there is an answer to all of this and it will not be clouded in legalism.

 “Television has proved that people will look at anything rather than each other. “
                                                                    -Ann Landers                    

Random

My idea for including a little “quote game” has fizzled, even though Keri was doing a great job.  Okay, so maybe it was a silly idea to begin with….I think I'll just include a quote with each post ( if I remember and if i find a relevant one).

I have no idea what to do today…I have the usual laundry, cleaning, dishes, but I am trying to think of something fun to do with the kids that doesn't include being outside for too long or cost money.  I have this great idea of putting on a puppet show and letting the kids take turns acting.  I have these two professional puppets I purchased years ago when I was trying to incorporate puppetry into my old children's choir, but Hannah is alarmingly frightened of them.  Just the mere mention of them starts her screaming and rushing to her bedroom to slam the door and lock it.  Oh well, maybe when she's eight!

We'll be having a garage sale one of these days and i really need to go through all of those scary stuffed closets and declutter.  Most of it will probably have to be thrown away, not sold, but at least the “stuff” will be gone.  David and I moved 7 times in the first seven years of our marriage and found we were always cleaning out because we didn't want to pack so much stuff(and we really didn't need most of it anyway)  Even though we have been in our current house almost 2 years I want to try and stay in that decluttering mindset.  It seems to be true that the more stuff you have the more time it takes you to take care of it and the more you worry about it.  Oh to be free of that!

Well, I'm off to see what the day holds!

“An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit.”
                               -Pliny the Younger, Letters
                                  Roman author and politician ( 62 AD – 114 AD)

A True Beauty

Up until the last year or two my eldest sister and I have lived our lives somewhat distant from each other.  Growing up, she was always the responsible, mature, wise one of the kids and she also possessed a great sense of fashion and style that didn't matter to me until college.  She was always prim and proper and ultra “girlie” while I loved to play sports, camp and wear comfy clothes.

A year ago our husbands started working together and all of a sudden I am getting to know my sis as a person and finding out in the process how beautiful she is inside.  I have always seen her outside beauty, that no one can miss, but now I'm experiencing her love, mercy, compassion, hope and generosity.  All of this flows from her relationship with Jesus.  She is being sanctified daily and now I am allowed the opportunity to be a part in her “process” as she is in mine.

This is truly a gift from the Lord to call her my sister and my friend.

Yesterday she took me out shopping for my birthday.  She bought me some wonderfully stylish clothes ( ahem, and some unmentionables ) and then we headed off to Starbucks for some fruity Frappucinos.  Just walking in the mall together and enjoying each other's company was so special.  I am so proud of her and the woman she is!
Thanks, Mand , I love you

My Little Man

Ethan must have known on the day he was born that he would be the middle child.  He came out stubbornly and is still more stubborn than my other two combined.  I've heard it said that middle children feel left out since they are not given the attention the baby requires nor the reponsibility of the eldest.  Somewhere in his little 4 year-old mind Ethan must realize this and maybe it makes him angry. 

When people first meet Ethan, they are quick to say how much he resembles his Daddy. Little do they realize how amazingly true their quick assesment is.  He not only resembles his Daddy in his build, coloring and round face, but in personality as well.  Now don't get all shocked and think I am accusing my husband of being stubborn… We're all stubborn at times and I will be the first to admit that I am usually much more stubborn than he, but up until a few years ago it was difficult for me to imagine David as a child.  He has an “old soul' as some may say, very serious, studious and matter-of-fact.  He's one of those people who would stay in school just because he likes to learn.  I've realized that Ethan is the same way.  He's a very serious little boy.  I remember that it was difficult to make him smile even as a baby.  He is relatively quiet (unless he has a car or sword in hand), dislikes large groups of people, including children and plays by himself in a classroom setting.  When meeting a stranger for the first time he puts his head down, looking quite grumpy, crosses his arms and refuses to speak.  This has caused me great frustration in the past because( I thought) his “apparent” rudeness spoke of my parenting(tisk, tisk).

The magic of Ethan unfolds when you have a conversation with him(assuming you're not a stranger).  His little mind is filled with amazing ideas, stories and questions.  When given the chance, his whole body comes alive and animated when he is speaking about something he is interested in.  He is just waiting to be asked.  He is also my cuddler.  He loves to be held and even hands out the kisses when he's in the mood.

I am ashamed to say that I have squashed Ethan's little personality so much in my attempts to make him more socially acceptable and to make me(gulp) look like a better parent.  As I learn more about his dear, God-given personality I appreciate him so much more and the little person God has created in him.  I pray for Ethan that God will raise him up to be a man who loves Him.  I pray that in the love and grace and mercy of our home that he will realise his need for his Savior and that he will be stubbornly devoted to his Heavenly Father and in sharing that love with others.

Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild

As children, my parents prayed a sweet, simple prayer with us every night before we fell asleep.  David and I now pray the same prayer with our children, and they will probably carry on the tradition with their own families.  After a little research David discovered that the words were actually part of a larger poem written by Charles Wesley in 1742 and set to music by Martin F. Shaw in 1915.  It was a special find as it has always been a part of my life.  We only say the first stanza together but now that I know the whole of it, I will try to put it all to memory.

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child;
Pity my simplicity,
Suffer me to come to Thee.

Lamb of God, I look to Thee;
Thou shalt my Example be;
Thou art gentle, meek, and mild;
Thou wast once a little child.

Lord, I would be as Thou art;
Give me Thine obedient heart;
Thou art pitiful and kind,
Let me have Thy loving mind.

Let me, above all, fulfill
God my heav�nly Father�s will;
Never His good Spirit grieve;
Only to His glory live.

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb,
In Thy gracious hands I am;
Make me, Savior, what Thou art,
Live Thyself within my heart.

Guitar Heaven

Today, my Dad and I drove to a little music supply store ( in his fantastic Mini ) where he proceeded to purchase a brand new Yamaha FG-750 guitar for little ole me!!  Oh happy day!  Thanks, Dad, you're the bomb!!!  And as I said before, I will aspire to live up to the beauty of this instrument.   Isn't it wonderful when friends and family help us pursue our dreams-it makes them that much more meaningful?!
I would also like to thank John M. for making this particular instrument available to my Dad and I .  Thanks, John!

And last, but not least, Keri was the quote winner of the last post with a quote from The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Today's quote is:  ” Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.”

God Bless America!

July 4, 2006 in Uncategorized by Sammy | Permalink

Americaby Samuel F. Smith

My country, 'tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the Pilgrims' pride
From every mountain side,
Let Freedom ring.

My native country, thee
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees,
Sweet Freedom's song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers' God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To Thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright,
With Freedom's holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.

Family Field Trip

The answer to yesterday's quote comes from the book, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  I'm sorry to say that I am only now reading it for the first time!  But better late than never!  For those of you also wanting to delve into this wonderful literary work, just remember it takes a little more concentration to read the English language at its finest-don't give up, you can do it and enjoy it! 
Congrats to Keri-she  had read a previous clue off of my chalkboard from the same book.

My hubby had the day off from work today because of the Holiday tomorrow and we decided to take a trip over to the Mayfield Dairy.  They offer a tour of the operations and then a generous scoop of any of their delicious flavors of ice cream for only a buck.  The kids thought it was short, but fun and the ice cream was delicious!  Here are some pics from our frozen adventure!:

David and Ethan

The yummy part

Today's quote:  (This one is incredibly easy, but I love it!)

“Who is Aslan?” asked Susan.
    “Aslan?” said Mr. Beaver, “Why don't you know?  He's the King…It is he, not you, that will save Mr. Tumnus…”
    “Is-is he a man?” asked Lucy.
    “Aslan a man!” said Mr Beaver sternly.  “Certainly not.  I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea.  Don't you know who is the King of Beasts?  Aslan is a lion-the Lion, the great Lion.”
    “Ooh!” said Susan.  “I'd thought he was a man.  Is he-quite safe?  “I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”
    “That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver, “if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking , they're either braver than most or else just silly.”
    “Then he isn't safe?” said Lucy.
    “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver.  “Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you?  Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe.  But he's good.  He's the King, I tell you.”
    “I'm longing to see him,” said Peter, “even if I do feel frightened when it comes to the point.”

Something New

It is becoming a small, silly tradition that whenever we have guests over for a visit we write a quote from a book, movie etc. on a decorative chalkboard which hangs in our foyer.  Our friends then try to guess where the quote originates.  We have only just begun(isn't that a song?), but I've decided that this might be a fun sort of game to play on my blog as well-you know, shake things up a bit!  So.. here is the quote and if any of you out there in the blogosphere so choose, you may post an answer and I will reveal the answer on my next post.

” You mistake me, my dear.  I have a high respect for your nerves.  They are my old friends.  I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.”

I'll also give you a hint:  This one is from a book, but it was made into a movie very recently.
That's it for tonight-I'm off to bed1