February 5-11

My favorite of all the snow pictures . . . and I saved it just for the weekly round-up. ;o)

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Owen BEGS to peel potatoes, so after I got done with supper prep I gave him the peeler and one potato.  It keeps him busy for a very long time.  (On and unrelated note, can anybody tell me how I managed to make that yellow-ish circle thing in my photo?  I took several pictures--all with a window to the right, afternoon sun--and they all have some version of yellow blob in it).

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Circus practice time, directly following showers/baths

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A slow picture day . . . I broke into the emergency stash of mac n' cheese because we were dreadfully low on groceries after being gone all weekend (and having no violin lessons this week).  I thought I might note that three boxes feeds five children.  All of the sudden it seems ALL of them have experienced a growth in appetite.  Some nights a 9x13 of whatever can barely feed the whole gang! I sense scary amounts of food consumption ahead . . .

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The kids have been putting on plays.  I have no idea where they come up with this stuff.  The first one was "George and Rosie get the Turkey." George was played by Jackson, Rosie by Isabella, the Turkey by Emmett.  Owen was probably the turkey's apprentice.  Marissa was the director, soundtrack, special effects and narrator.  This picture is of "George and Rosie at the Beach."  A similar idea except the youngest brothers were sharks.  And that duck hanging from a stick?  Why a seagull of course!  I must say it was NOT a relaxing beach vacation . . . surprised by sharks, pooped on by a seagull, and bit by a crab--oh my! ;o)

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I know, I know another sunset, but I loved those streams of light. ;o)

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Baked Potato Soup (recipe here) and some homemade oatmeal yeast rolls for supper--so yummy on a rather chilly February day.

The Girls' Room

 In honor of the room purge the girls and I did these these last two days and the fact I never got around to posting any pictures after we moved in I thought I'd do a tiny little tour of the space they call home. ;o)  If I'm being honest, I still have loose ends to tie up all over the place--lots of small projects that haven't met their completion.  But if I wait until the room is "done" I will never post any pictures.  What I do have--

~A bright blue paint that was a rushed decision at Walmart . . . The girls like it and it works fine with the colors but if I did it again (which I won't since we rent) I'd probably choose something a tad softer.

~The beginnings of an embroidery hoop fabric collection.  I kind of like how it looks like big polka dots on the wall, I'm planning on doing some more to fill up that space a bit better.

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~The bunk bed with the $30 bedspreads I found at a store in Omaha that is like TJ Maxx but I can't remember the name.

~The fun pennant banner I was working on last summer

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~A cozy little corner to stick the desk that was supposed to be mine but I had no room for in my room and the girls desperately wanted some sort of desk.  It works great.  The chair was a garage sale find a long time ago, and although the picture doesn't show it is literally falling to pieces.  I'll need to find something else shortly.

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~Curtain-less window . . . I took down the awful old green "weave" that was up there and then have done nothing. We'll probably just stick some blinds on the window. I'd love to do a floor length yellow damask panel, but that wouldn't work here because that is the only wall to fit the dresser (and we wouldn't be able to close the panels). I thought of making them shorter, but then I don't want to put the effort into sewing something for here that most likely won't work in another house.

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~Wall with the closet and other bookshelf. Most of the "kid book" collection resides in the girls' room because there is no room elsewhere for it.

And there you have it!  A fairly simple "cottagey/vintagey" girls room that my girls are quite fond of--it's a happy and cheerful little place.  And also for the moment, CLEAN. ;o)

A Glimpse Inside

Some random ponderings lately . . .

--When I'm back in Lincoln it feels like home.  When I'm here it's fine and all, but going back has the feeling of belonging.  When we head back to visit I can't wait to get there.  When I'm going about my Lincoln errands I love how I don't have to think, how I know where to go, the fastest way to get there.  I love the familiarity and how it just feels right.  When we leave I am sad.  It has made me think about living on this earth and how as a Christian my true home is in Heaven.  Do I long for Heaven the way I long for Lincoln . . . ?   Do I feel a bit out of place on earth because I don't really belong here?  Or do I love my earthen life a bit too much?

--I'm reading a historical fiction retelling of Martha Washington's life (link).  She frequently comments of George's self-control, that he was a "master of himself" in a way that he was never given to excess.  What a high compliment to come from one's spouse!  George Washington as a whole is quite a fascinating man, somebody who didn't quite ever want the duties thrust upon him but took them up because it was in the best course of action for a new country. 

--Similarly, I've been thinking about 1 Timothy 4:8 "for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things . . ." There are days I don't want to run, but I make myself do it (usually . . .) and I'm always so happy (when I'm finished of course!) to have disciplined myself to get the job done.  Sometimes I think it is so much easier to discipline ourselves to accomplish things on the outside, while inwardly, those disciplines that are profitable for ALL things are such a daily battle.  Why do I struggle so much when it comes to being more patient with my kids, speaking words that are edifying?  Why can't I set my mind to accomplishing those goals in the same way I set my mind to getting a run in? 

--Finally "getting" the whole concept of the importance of recognizing the gospel's importance in our day-to-day lives.  It's not just something that saves us once, but gives us the power daily to "stop it."  Whatever sin we know we keep committing we can stop because of the gospel--every day is a good day for repentance.  I never quite understood what it meant  to "preach the gospel to myself daily" but kind of had a light bulb moment this past weekend.

--Lately, I've been able to write several "answereds" in my little prayer journal.  Even though God is sovereign and will do what He intends to do, what an incredible blessing prayer is and the fact He lets me experience the joy of feeling I had a small part in the answer.

Snow Pics

Josh was out helping his dad scoop snow in shorts when I got home from the women's retreat.  It wasn't extremely cold, but I wouldn't call it shorts weather either . . .  and look at him all chivalrous carrying my suitcase!

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In-laws' front porch

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I think it's a junco--but don't quote me on that. ;o)

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A bundled up Emmett

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Morning light across their front yard

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A tree tunnel

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The long drive

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A tree (but you probably figured that one out). ;o)  Loved the contrast against the bright blue sky.

January 29-February 4

The "boy table" at Taco Bell.   There was a slight argument as to who got to sit by Grandpa . . . finally decided by the fact Emmett got to sit next to him at church, therefore, Jackson and Owen would share him for lunch.

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Another wacky day of January weather . . . picnic blanket, bare feet, a book to read in the sunshine, sure, why not?

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I suppose when you hear "girl sleepover" you might think painting nails and doing hair.  Not these girls. ;o)  They spent the majority of the afternoon in the trees.  My girls were quite sad to have their friends leave, according to Marissa, life suddenly felt very boring.

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I was amused to find Owen hunkered down behind a chair flipping through some world history.  His pants-less-ness was cleverly cropped out . . .

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One of those times when Josh asks me "What are you taking a picture of?"  ;o)

  I saw this cool building in Minden (where we left Josh's vehicle and I picked him up after discovering school and the wrestling meet were cancelled and he determined he wanted to skip town with me).  I LOVED the moss growing on the shingled sides--kind of cool! ;o)

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The only picture I happened to take that day . . . Owen playing with his "cutie" like they were two bumper cars.  The lighting is horrible, but hey, at least I haven't missed a day. ;o)

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Josh's parents backyard Saturday afternoon! A gorgeous (and wet and heavy and deep!) snow.  Arapahoe had nowhere near this amount. It is amazing to think that at the beginning of the week we were out with no shoes and no coats!  That's kind of what I love about Nebraska. ;o)

January's End

Running . . . 37 miles!  Signing up for the half marathon made me a wee bit nervous as it is winter and I have no treadmill.  January was more than agreeable!  My goal was to get out five days a week for two mile runs.  I didn't completely do that--I averaged four days a week.   I realize a hardcore runner could probably log that in a week or two, however, it is the most I've done (and most consistent) I've been since high school. Baby steps. ;o)

Reading . . . 8 books!  My favorites were Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry and Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin.

Listening . . . We discovered David Garrett (watch this, or this, or this). We "youtubed" him almost daily, loving not only his classical pieces, but also some of the modern pieces he has put a little "violin spin" on.  I investigated seeing him in concert this year only to find the closest he would be to us would be Chicago . . . just this past weekend.  Maybe next year . . .  And as far as my girls go, I've been enjoying Marissa playing Dvorak's "Humoresque" and Isabella playing Schumann's "The Two Grenadiers."  I'm not going to lie, Suzuki-styled violin has been a major investment of my time as I have to practice with them daily, but it's so exciting to really see/hear some musical growth in each girl lately. 

Watching . . . I'm not a big tv watcher, but Josh and I do enjoy getting caught up on previous seasons of "White Collar."  And I must admit to developing a fondness for "Bones" (also previous seasons, we only have Netflix for tv, no cable/satellite/antennae).  I usually wait until Josh has watched the first five or so minutes so I don't have to endure the whole "shock factor" of finding the body. Blech.  But the solving of the crime is always interesting, and I really like the main character Temperance (cool name).

Entertaining . . . not only did we have the pleasure of Josh's parents coming out this past weekend, it also just so happened that some friends of the girls had a daddy doing business in the McCook area. He dropped them off this morning and we're having a sleepover tonight. It is so fun to have visitors!!! The kids spent nearly the entire afternoon outside--what amazing January weather!!

Around the house . . . I packed up the Christmas tree and promptly rearranged the living room.  I'm liking the new set up so much more! (Old set up here--scroll down for a more complete picture) I also FINALLY got my books unpacked!  Josh built me a matching shelf (to the one we built a few years back) and I painted it black.  They each flank the big living room window. I also organized my craft area in the basement, and hung one wall of pictures.  In the end, lots of little projects got done, and I'm happy with what I accomplished.

New Set-up:

That blank wall over the other shelf is where the next grouping of pictures is going.  I switched the piano and tv (and by "I" we all know that means "Josh under coercion"), and then moved the small hutch to sit diagonally in the corner between the piano and tv.

Onward to February and the end of wrestling season!! ;o)

January 22-28

My driver.

I had Marissa take him out to the van, and a few minutes later, when I followed and opened up the passenger door, there he was in the driver's seat, wearing Potato Head glasses, and asking, "Are you ready Mommy?"
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Owen insisting upon making his own peanut butter and jelly.

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A good mail week overall, beginning with my Snapfish order of 454 4x6's (yay for penny prints!!).  I had to make a purchase of $10 to get this deal, so I ordered a few 8x10's and 5x7's.  Shipping was kind of expensive, but it all ended up to a really good deal.  These are ALL of 2011's pictures (at least all the ones I wanted printed out) and I'm hoping to get them into an album . . . step one of getting caught up on photos!!  My albums for last year and this year arrived in the mail also.  I'm just waiting for Amazon to restock the photo pages and I'll be all set.

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An accurate depiction of life right now

.  I was thinking that there are probably not that many more evenings of "rub a dub dub three boys in a tub" left.  One of these days Jackson is going to decide he's ready for a less crowded bathing experience.  One of these days my floor won't get flooded on a near-nightly basis . . .

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FINALLY! After years of loving gallery walls I took the plunge and began my own. Yes, I know there are tried and true methods for doing this, all of which I ignored and just "eye-balled" the whole thing (so if you think the spacing isn't quite right, you are probably correct). ;o)  But I'm happy with the results and excited to do another collection on the other side of the window.

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A little boy sitting in the shadows on my table reading a seed catalogue--what's not to love? ;o)

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Josh doing his coaching thing.

  Josh's parents arrived in town the day before (yay, company!!) and we all enjoyed watching the wrestlers (and coach) ;o) in action. The older four went back to the tournament with Grandpa and Grandma and I spent the afternoon home with a little boy who was SUPPOSED to be sleeping.  Oh, is he wired today!!  I'm certain he'll crash just as we're ready to head out for supper tonight--such is life. ;o)