Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Looking for work

Please, Lord....could you give this man a job before he rebuilds the house?


Quick thoughts on the go...

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Drunken tooth fairy





Have you ever realized that your family's traditions are not the national norm? When I was growing up we had a drunken tooth fairy that sometimes left us money depending on his sobriety level. When we lost a tooth we would place it in a glass of water on a shelf. Sometimes we would wake up and find change in the glass. At other times there may be a soggy dollar or nothing. The best thing was to find that the TF had inadvertantly left your tooth so you could repeat the process again.
Having 9 kids in our home (and a fluctuating income level) allowed this system to work for the TF in my house growing up. I do wish you could have seen the look on Kris's face when I told him about it! You can see my the above note that this tradition has not been passed on in our house. There is not a rewarded tooth in our house, however, that does not fail to remind me of resoursefulness in parenting. Sometimes a tiny bit of hope can go a long way.
Isabel has yet to loose a tooth...

Quick thoughts on the go...

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Home from NC

It will take weeks for me to recover from events leading up to a quick trip down South let alone a gathering with my whole family. Tonight I am thankful for my family and my home to return too.
I am struggling to "find my words" and a new focus for my blog now that construction is about done. There may be some random posts for a while as I sort this all out.


John took me and some of the family to see Phantom!! Amazing!


Love how the cousins get along so well!!


Abby and her new horses....


Quick thoughts on the go...

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Sunday, November 8, 2009

One year later...


It has been a year since we moved into our house. There are still projects that need to be done, boxes to unpack, and a few scattered items that have not yet been found. Despite those tiny, temporary inconviences, I am so thankful today for God's safety and provision.





Quick thoughts on the go...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

While I am sleeping....

About two months ago I was having brunch with a former nursing prof now in Africa. While we were catching up on life events that have occurred over the last 15 years and contemplating what the future may hold she reminded me that sometimes God moves in seemingly little ways that have big outcomes. I joked with her that since I work nights a lot of the "insignificant" moments occur while I am asleep!
Tonight I am catching up on my Bible study homework on the book of Esther. In this book some very pivotal things occurred while most of the country was asleep and a king had a case of insomnia. "When you put your head on the pillow at night, you never know what God will do before morning." I am wondering what He is up to now as there seem to be some crossroads that I went through unwittingly and now find myself on a different direction then I originally planned.
It is after midnight and I plan on following the ancient King of Persia's example and reviewing the blog of the "chronicles, the record of his reign". :) I pray that when my head is on my neglected pillow God will be at work while I am sleeping.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Interior design request








I admit that I am often inspired when it comes to decorating my home by clearance sales. I found these lights for 75% off today. They had a look that resembled pine cones to me and I hoped they would work. It needs just a little something more...maybe on the ends and in the middle? Any ideas?


Quick thoughts on the go...

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Catching up
























Oh what an Autumn it has been! I feel the need to borrow a line from my cousin-in-law's post, "October, you are such a happy but hyper little month! Your warm days have a summery feel that lulls us into feeling we can relax..but there's much to be done." (from Janna) Are you feeling this way in the mid-west? I know FL never quite had that feel although a slight change could be noted in the air around this time. We have been enjoying this Fall. I think it began with the university's homecoming but this past weekend was pretty fun as well. We spent some time at Micah's farm and then went to Athens for Grandma W. 95th birthday party. In between we have said good-bye to our garden...a very faithful and prosperous friend this year for us! I hope you are enjoying your month as well. Happy Fall!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

That's fast!


Just imagine...3,500 stitches per minute!! I imagine the seamstress who owned this at The Whitehall Shirt Shop could never go back to a regular home sewing machine. It would be like a pilot having to drive 30 mph after flying a jet!


Quick thoughts on the go...

Growing





These little trees are keeping pace with Isabel. I wonder who will be ahead next Fall?

Quick thoughts on the go...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Harvest

We are going to miss these soybeans...



Quick thoughts on the go...

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Too busy having fun





The after-Homecoming fatigue!

Quick thoughts on the go...

Friday, September 25, 2009

An unusual task




To me the term "mother board" is an oxymoran and one that rarely is on my general conversation. Today, however, I was finally able to appreciate my brother Stephen's world and win my son's respect by accessing the mother board on my computer! There is an intimidating world lurking under a boring box!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Shelves










It all started with a search for a book in a box somewhere...My quest led to a mess and a renewed effort to make our livivg area more usable. The shelves were on Kris's list for a while and they are so perfect for oranizing towels, sheets, and hiding children!
Quick thoughts on the go...

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Snapshot

When I was growing up in NY a couple began attending our church that I really admired. I was a teen and forming some ideas of my own. I especially enjoyed hearing some parenting decisions that they had made and how they balanced a challenging work life with little children.
Fast forward a few years. Tonight we had the privilege of hosting this couple's son for dinner. As I watched this young gentleman interact with us strangers I remembered myself as a young teen with a head full of dreams listening over a church pew. Who could have known all those years ago that one day our children would be playing the piano together in Ohio!
Thank you, Lord, for a picture of faithfulness I was able to see today.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Life is short...


Stay awake for it! This byline is a real seller when you are running on 3.5 hours of sleep! :)


Quick thoughts on the go...

Rewarding the reader







Quick thoughts on the go... At the Greene

Friday, September 18, 2009

Watermellon Salsa








2 Cups watermellon
1 Cup peach, peeled and cubed
3 jalapeño peppers,seeded &
Minced
3/4 Cup purple onion, finely
chopped
1/2 Cup fresh cilantro,finely
chopped
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1/2 tsp. salt
Stir together. Cover and chill for one hour.

Quick thoughts on the go...

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

20 minute tasks

12 years ago my Bible study leader told a bunch of newish moms that she couldn't tell us how to get more hours in our day but she could come over and peek in the windows for us now and then. Thinking of that has helped me in my crazy schedule.
I have discovered a tool that has been very helpful to me. Instead of being overwhelmed I try to work at a task for 20 minutes. My watch has a timer feature that repeats itself.
I have found the following tasks to be able to become nearly completed in this alloted time frame: a quick run, walking Smudge, a workout video, a shower, a nap, cleaning a room, reading my Bible, calling a few friends, making a batch of muffins, helping with homework, a trip to and from town, an adult conversation, reading a story, making a quick meal, folding laundry, checking email, and cleaning bathrooms. I often remind myself that finished is better than perfect. My days seem to be divided into 72 segments! OK... My timer is now alarming and I am off to another task. ;)



Beautiful day

Picture taken just before breakfast with one of my former nursing profs....


Quick thoughts on the go...

Friday, September 11, 2009

Grattitude


This is a national day of rememberance and a personal one as well. This date 8 years ago changed our country's direction and attitudes. This day for our family 4 years ago began with a jolt as Isabel introduced us to the world of medical emergencies. Today I am celebrating then "normal" and mundane and so very thankful that God saw fit to heal Isabel's brain.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Money Laundering

One of today's unexpected surprises...





It is a good thing that our General Contractor also specializes in small appliance repair. This quarter was trapped in our washing machine pump! I think the Maytag repairman might have charged more than 25 cents to fix this. Have you ever seen such a used-looking coin?

Happy Labor Day


Sunday, September 6, 2009

Boating Lessons

The girls and I sat the 4-mile paddle out today and let Wes and Kris take off. We did get to play for a bit at the launching site. It turns out that Smudge is not overly thrilled about being a passenger in anything but a vehicle. :) Wesley said that kayaking is much less stressful then golfing with Dad.
Isabel had a little lesson on floating with the current today. Kris discovered a new take out on the river that makes the trip possible with younger paddlers. Kristianna practiced some life guarding and storytelling skills regarding the aforementioned current. I was reminded again how essential play is to any age group.
These are some good lessons for a Labor Day weekend!







Peaceful Sunday afternoon

We revisited an old familiar place this afternoon. The kids were excited to see that a new 'bridge' has replaced the previous fallen tree.
The sound of the running river...the cool water...watching the girls play...Thank you, God, for your good gifts.






Quick thoughts on the go...

Cousins







Isabel had a great day on Saturday hanging out with two of her cousins
from VA. Sam is only 1 year older and Caleb is about 2 weeks older. Could you resist making lunch for such cuties? Also pictured is a tree that came from their house and pictures from a 'field trip' with Aunt Susan. I wonder what will grow faster...the boys or the tree? :)

Friday, September 4, 2009

Instrument change


My older children have been taking piano since they were 5. This past year Wes has expressed interest in a band instrument. When he got to try out different horns our house was buzzing with a new kind of enthusiasm. We heard something like this.
"Mom, I liked the trumpet. I couldn't quite figure out how to blow into it well but I thought I could learn. I thought I could see myself playing it for a few years. When I picked up the saxophone it was completely different. It was like...like I could see my career in front of me!
Career or no career we are excited with some new musical energy in the house. Smudge, however, likes these new blasts as much as the noise of a nail gun and spent a lot of time running to his box! :)
Enjoy your new musical avenue, Wes. Dad said you can practice anytime in Aunt Susan's stairwell!!



Company!


We are excited about being able to entertain family again for the third weekend in a row! 2 weeks ago my sister Catherine and her family as well as my youngest brother Peter and his family came for a "beading" weekend. My Uncle Doug and cousin Denise were traveling from CA to RI last weekend and stopped in for dinner and a tour. Today I am preparing for my younger brother Sam and family to arrive tonight! My 6 year-old nephew has already requested that he and his 5 year-old brother be able to stay in "the little cabins" (meaning Wesley's closet cubbies). :). I hope you have exciting prospects to look forward to as well at this start of this holiday weekend.



Quick thoughts on the go...

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Star student







Our youngest daughter is having a big year but seems to be handling the stess of kindergarten well. Here is some proof! So proud of you, Isabel! Keep up the good work.
-- On the go

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Volleyball





We are learning a new sport this season as Kristianna has begun volleyball. Isabel was particularly proud of this picture this week (and the gum that she got to share!).


Quick thoughts on the go...

Smudge




Wes and smudge after school

-- On the go