quietly making popcorn balls

I'm enjoying a rare moment of quiet in the house. All of my kids are out and about - Sarah's at work. Becka, Josh, and Ben are at the mall, and my friend, Paula, took Noah along with her kids to the nearby science musuem. Not a creature is stirring, not even the dogs, but I soon will be! I just came home from work and put my feet up. I'm waiting for them to feel a little better so that I can make some popcorn balls! My mom always stuffed our stockings with popcorn balls, but when I had kids I couldn't find them anywhere. It only occured to me this year, when most of my kids are 17+, that I could make my own popcorn balls. I searched the net and found a recipe that calls for microwaved popcorn. I can't wait to try it out. I think I'm going to add 1/2 tsp of vanilla, as other recipes read.

Well, that's all the writing energy I have...

Christmas and the wedding are just around the corner!

Well, it's less than three weeks away. My baby girl will be a married woman.

We picked out flowers on Monday. The DJ, photographer (my sister, Gayle), and the videographer are in position. The guests have all RSVP'd. We'll have about 80 folks coming, which will make for much fun, but not an overwhelming amount of people for the couple to really visit with.

My job at Old Navy is not so bad. The women's clearance area can be overwhelming, especially when I am "running." This means running to things back to the floor from the fitting room, but NOT tidying up stuff laying around, tangled together, half hanging off hangers. The messy stuff is maddening to me because I'm not to clean it up when I'm a "runner." Running also entails bringing items back to fitting for customers, such as jeans in a different size. The fitting room attendent and the runner communicate via walkie-talkies.

Another task at Old Navy is RAD-ing - tidying up. RAD stands for Ready All Day. I like doing this more than running, as I feel we're getting things in order. All over the store are tables of sale items in disarray, loosely tangled, often two feet high, and spilling out onto the floor. My co-workers call such a table a "hot mess." It reminds me of a tossed salad. I don't often work the "cash-wrap" (cash register) as I haven't had a chance to learn the many different ways to ring/do returns. I do well in the fitting room, and working with customers on the floor, while radding or running. It's not difficult. And I get a lot of exercise. I'm working about 17-23 hours a week.

Becka comes home next weekend. We're holding off putting up our tree til then. We'd wait for Praveen too, but he doesn't come in til the 24th.

We're putting up Nanny's and Papaw's spinning fake tree today. Nanny loves it. It's flashy and electric. This reminds me of the time I picked out the perfect gift for Nanny, years ago. It was an electric miniature ice-skating pond, with little people whose skates were magnetized. A track under the "ice" moved them along. I brought it home from Ames and showed it to David. The low-budget motor was noisy, and David dismissed it as cheesy. "But I know your mom will love it!" Nope, back it went. As soon as the after-Christmas sales began, Nanny was out in the thick of it, competing for the best deals. I remember her excitedly meeting us at the door one day not long after, "Come and look what I got on sale at Ames!" And there it was, show-cased right in the middle of her little lit village, fake snow carefully placed around - the fake ice-pond. What a feeling of satisfaction I felt when I gave David that, "I told you so!" look.

Day off

I have off today, and that means I can go about some errands that I've put off over the last 2 days. But first, I'm waiting for the Princess Bride to arise, so that we can go over more wedding details. And so I can show her the sweet little flower girl shoes I found at Payless for $10! (And they had both sizes for her flower girls, in white - unsual for this time of year.) I am so thankful to the Lord. I've been praying over this wedding since I found out about it. And one thing after another is falling into place, affordably. All that's left is -

• Bridal shower, but that is under way
• The rehearsal dinner, but we do have loose plans in place
• Centerpieces for the reception tables
• Church decorations
• Flower girl baskets
• Ring bearer pillow

I'll probably find the last two items on ebay, as I did the flower girl dresses.

Sarah's dress is now being hemmed and bustled. I can't wait to see her in it! Praveen will wear an Indian outfit, and Noah's will be very similar to his. The groomsmen will wear tuxedos, but I'm not sure of the style. Praveen and Sarah's best friend, Adele's husband, Cameron, are working on them.

We sent the invitations out a couple weeks ago, and have gotten some responses. Here are some pictures:

My mother-in-law, Sarah, and I are going to see Rebekah in her musical this weekend. I can't wait, especially as she has two solos! Josh took the train to see her last weekend, which really meant a lot to her. They spent the weekend together, pal-ing around. She told me her friends really liked him.

I'm really looking forward to having the whole family together for Thanksgiving. Josh will stay on til Jauary 3rd. He's taking a train home and back. He seems to like this method of travel, mainly because he can bring more stuff along, cheaper. I feel sorry for him though, as he'll spend 17-18 hours in a coach seat. (I have urged him to walk around every few hours, to prevent blood clots.) He and I checked out getting him a bunk on a train, and found that the cheapest one was $350. That's on top of the $300 to take the train, round trip. Oh well, he's young, and doesn't seem to mind. I imagine he's got him nose in a book the whole time.

Precious Moments

I had such a good time with Noah last night. We made pumpkin pies and then, while they baked, we sat down to go over his memory verse, Psalm 1:5. (He's learning the whole chapter, verse by verse, for school.) I was so touched, as we cuddled together, to listen to his sweet child-voice, reading, "Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." He had to practice the word congregation, but got it down. These are the high points of parenthood. Just when I've tired of scolding him, or making him sit through a cello practice, this kind of moment makes it all worth it.

Wuthering Heights, a lesson

Wuthering Heights is a magnetic story. I watched it recently, and it has stayed with me. (I should read the book, but I'm too hyper. My morning Bible time is my only reading time nowadays, though I have read a few good books over the past 4 years.)

How sad it was to watch as one misunderstanding after another kept a loving young couple apart. How many times do we misunderstand one another? For lack of knowledge, relationships are strained and sometimes fold altogether. Grudges last for years. I've actually watched as loving relatives entered in to intense grudges. One of my cousins didn't attend our aunt's funeral. And of course, she received no inheritnce from that aunt. All because of a battle over money. Of course, it's a long story, but basically one of choosing sides in another family feud. This blew me away. It was a quite a lesson to me.

I've had my share of conflicts - misunderstandings, really - but thankfully, there has been resolution. One resolution, however, has been to stop speaking to a certain family member at the once-a-year party we both attend. I endured years of inconsiderate and disrespecful behavior from this person, and finally told them off this past spring. So we didn't speak at the last gathering. I did try to phone the person the next morning, to invite them for breakfast, my goal being to reconcile with them, even if we had to "agree to disagree." I had to leave a message for them, and they never called back. I know the message was delivered. I don't think the person wanted to be with me, at least not yet. But I knew I had done the right thing in extending the olive branch. I've done what I can. It's now up to them to make the next move. And I'm OK with that. If I died today, I know I am ready concerning that matter.

I learned so much from Wuthering Heights. The most important thing was this: be honest, with yourself and then those around you. Sometimes what seems the safe bet is not, and will haunt you in the end. I have brought much discomfort on myself by staying silent when I should have spoken up. I should have said, "Ouch!" Because I didn't for years, I was taken for granted and mistreated. But now I have taken the "kick-me" sign off. I am not telling everyone in my life off, but a few needed it. Generally, I've found out who loves me and who doesn't, a test of sorts. It's actually a relief. Know I know the truth about others, and they know the truth about me. This is the foundation a healthy relationship is built on. And some relationships are never going to be "healthy." This is when you use the "light and polite" tactic. And remove yourself from heated arguments.

Date night!

David and I are going on a date! He's in the shower as I type, while I have set the coffee-maker to start brewing at 8pm. It's going to be a "budget date," meaning we'll drive around, share our thoughts with each other, maybe comment on the architecture of various homes we'll pass, and end up at Block Buster. This is where we'll seek a "floor" movie in accordance with our free non-new release coupon. (Frugal-snaps!) Then we'll go home, cuddle - coffees in hands - and lose ourselves in some ficticious person's life. We might have a little snack, like the fudge David's parents recently brought him from New England. Or some of the white cake Sarah made on Wednesday.

Sarah's at work right now. I would like to pop in on her and see her in action - or at least at that central desk where all the nurses seem busy but chatty. I'd love to watch her insert an IV -

*OK - We interrupt this train of thought to comment on a certain noise which came from the couch. I never knew, until now, that dogs can make a little squeek when they pass gas. I thought they needed buns to make some noise. And who was it that caught my ears? Well, Cosmo, of course. Maisy is much too lady-like for such uncouth behavior. She prefers to belch. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...*

Now , where was I? Oh yes - Sarah in her scrubs. I can just see her now, busily cleaning some sort of liquid off someone or something, or perhaps adjusting a drip of some sort. She'd be smiling, attentive, making the patients feel important, cared about. I know her patients' feelings and comfort mean a lot to her.

Well, the shower has ended. Time to fly!

Stops along the way to a wedding

I have found myself the personal secretary of a very excited bride - my daughter, Sarah. Following Sarah's master plan, it has been my pleasure to assist in searching for a church, a reception place, and a pastor. I also found out the details of securing the marriage license.

As for the marriage license, it must be used within three to sixty days of getting it. Praveen's flights here need to coinside with the days and hours the courthouse is open. As he's coming in about seventy days before the big day, for Sarah's friend's wedding (the first America wedding he'll see), that won't work. They'll have to wait until his next flight in - about a week before their wedding. They'll pay $50 cash for this special piece of paper. Though it seems the dresses, rings, church and reception are the biggest considerations, nothing's happening without the marriage license, so it was a relief to get that all figured out.

Finding a church has been a challenge, but one I'm especially enjoying. My mom went along on one of my look-sees. This was special for both of us, as we reminisced along the way, and bounced around ideas after seeing different ones. I find the churches through referrals from friends, or simply driving around to spot them. I then set up appointments, take pictures and gather info papers, and present them to Sarah later. I've gotten into a couple of churches by just poking around open ones, looking for secretaties. They're pretty good-natured about it. Once, a kindly pastor showed me his church's sanctuary. As Sarah works 7 - 3:30 most days, this helps her to screen out the ones she doesn't like. She was able to see a couple on Thursday, her day off. (We also put down a deposit on the reception place that day.)

Sarah prefers the more ornate churches, but is interested in one that is more simple in decor. It is an historic church, greystone outside, with a simple white spire. The inside is tasteful, with a neutral-colored sancuary. The sanctuary has many tradionital touches - wooden pews, partly painted white, and stained glass windows, presented as gridded double windows, no biblical scenes. But the stained glass is gentle, even romantic - pastels blended together - blues, purples, and pinks. The shape of the sanctuary is rectangular, also traditional, making for a nice walk down the aisle. The other churches in the running are more traditional inside: vaulted ceilings, shield-shaped stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes and characters. This is more Sarah's preference, so I suspect she'll choose one of these. All of the possible churches are within a 15-minute drive of the reception place, a definate benefit.

The reception place is really nice, Victorian-themed. There's even a fancy private parlor for the bridal party to pause in before going into the large reception room. The facility just put down both new carpet and a dance floor in the room we'll use. The carpet will go nicely with the plum bridemaids' gowns Sarah decided on a couple days ago. Also, we'll save money on centerpieces, as the facility provides large waterbowls as well as brass oil-lamps, as well as mirror tiles. The linens and dishes are lovely and elegant. Linens, dishes, and centerpiece items (not flowers or candles) are included in the very reasonable price. Winter is the off-season for banquet halls, so they're more inclined to give good deals.

And now let's talk of gowns! Sarah, Rebekah, and I went to David's Bridal over a month ago, thinking it would be one of many trips in search of her wedding gown. After trying on 3-4 gowns within her price range, we sorted through the racks again, looking for the perfect, but afforable dress. Rebekah pulled out a fluffy one, and soon the girls were packed into the dressing room to get Sarah into it. When she emerged, she looked like a snow princess. It fit her like a dream - it was the one! Though Sarah and I did appropriately waffle a bit, Rebekah pronouced it the ONE. And so came the fussing, trying it with attachable straps, discussion of hemming and bussling. (I have to find a seamstress this week.) Sarah bought it, and after the salesgirl, Hannah, somehow contained it in a long bag, we rushed it to Nanny's for safe-keeping. (Nanny has the most closet space, as well as a lack of small children who might play hide and seek under it, so this was the logical place.)

And now to the bridesmaids dresses. First I must name the maids (one's a matron, though she sure isn't matronly!): Rebekah is Maid of Honor, followed by my little sisters, Robin and Erin, and then Adele. All are quite delighted to have been chosen. The flower girls will be Sarah's cousins: Elizabeth (from my side) and Tia (from David's side). So on to the dresses. It took longer to choose them than it did the wedding gowns. Styles and colors were tried on, followed by much careful discussion amongst the gals. Finally a style was chosen, with a leaning towards the color purple. I went along with Sarah and Adele on the last trip to David's and again, a decision was hoped for. As Sarah was trying on various wraps and capes with her gown, Adele and I went for third time to look over the gowns on the rack. We came across a plum one in the chosen style and knew it was the one! Sarah loved it. It's in the purple realm, but richer, more wintery. The price wasn't bad either. What a relief.

Sarah chose her invitation this week. I found this very interesting. Unlike the days of visiting the printer, brides now visit craft stores for invitations they can run through their home printers. Much more affordable. The only difference is that the printing isn't embossed. Still, they're as nice as any I remember from the 1980's and before.

So it is really happening; the date fast approaches! Last night, while David and I were watching movie previews, a date flashed for the opening of one: 1-15-10. I realized that Sarah would be married by then. Wow - my little girl, about to be a wife, and not soon after, I suspect, a mother. I know that has been her longtime dreanm - I'm so happy for her!

Is it next week already?

I've been very busy for the last few days. Two projects can account for this: Sarah and Praveen plan to marry in January, and I need some part-time work.

It looks like January 2nd for the wedding. We've already begun looking at reception sites. A bit of sticker shock there. Rebekah, and my little sister, Erin, tried on bridesmaid's dresses on Sunday. It seems they've decided on a style in Wisteria. Sarah loves that color, and it's a good color on each of the girls. Maid of Honor will be Rebekah, with my twin sisters, Erin and Robin, and Sarah's best friend, Adele down the line. How's that song go? "We've only just begun..."

The other project is my finding a job. This is not as easy as it was 3 years ago. I got two interviews, and ended up working in a gift shop within two weeks of applying. Now I'm knocking on every door, and coming up empty. I've been loking for a month now. I've gotten jaded when present employees tell me, "Yeah, I think they're hiring part-time, day shift. I'm not sure - go online to apply." Then nothing happens.

Applying for a job online is a lengthy process. It takes anywhere from 10 minutes to 1-1/2 hours. Today I filled out 25 pages with 4 questions each, and that was just about my personality. The biggest hurdle is my not willing to work evenings or weekends. I've even began to offer to work Saturdays, since David can keep Noah, no matter what the big kids are doing. Speaking of which, I'd better go to some more sites.

I wish I could go back to college again, for creative writing. I've thought of taking a course online, but between housework and cooking demands, and then helping Noah with homework and cello, there probably isn't time. At least I'm taking the time to pratice cello every other day. I make Noah practice for 10-20 minutes a day

So what else is new? Well, on Friday last, my mom and I drove Josh to BWI to catch a flight to Savannah, where he's studying architecture. Becka drove herself up here from Liberty, all alone. She was quick and resourceful though.

Isn't Peanut Butter Cap'n Cruch the nest best? I just ate some dry, with milk on the side.

Well, my eyes droop. G'night all

Frustration

I have been looking for part-time work for 3 weeks now. I've have 2 interviews. The one offered me had inconvenient -even scanty - hours, and I'm still waiting for word from the other. I'm guessing I'm competing with many other housewives forced to get some supplemental income during this economy. I am hoping to to work to put money back into the bank after buying Rebekah a car and spending $2100 repairing our own elderly carriages.

We recently had the pleasure to visit with David's mother's family on Saturday, a little over an hour away. These are kind folk, feeling much love and affection for one another. I always feel a warm contentment when I am among them. They hosted a cook-out, and a tasty meal it was. I enjoyed being part of the food preparation in the kitchen, mashed in between Aunt Mady and Aunt Sarah, peeling eggs, to devil them. It reminded me of my own family's cookouts, at my Aunt Gerry's. I loved being with my many cousins - all six of them! Games, teasing, and too much good food to try everything! I'm glad my kids have a similar experience with these relatives.

New purse and skateboards! (and Cosmo update)

I am delighted with my new purse! It's a Tignanello, the same brand as the really nice one my Dad and step-mom gave Sarah for her college graduation. I could hardly believe the price on it. It was on sale twice, and was down to $57 from $109. I had $50 left on a gift card, so I went for it. It's fine heavy leather with - something I need very much - three compartments. It's not a deep purse, which discourages burying items under others. I've needed a new purse for some time now, so it's a relief to finally have such a practical, attractive one.

Josh and Ben have new skateboards. Josh painted them. He came up with the Indian design, a stencil he drew and cut. Ben came up with the circle designs underneath, and Josh drew and painted them. My creative boys. I love seeing them work together; They're best friends.

Cosmo is all better now. His hives went away on the third day.

Hives on Cosmo

Poor little Cozzy has hives. He woke up this way yesterday, looking like he was wearing puffy skin goggles. Now the hives are all over him. The vet said to give him benadryl every 8 hours, and that really helps. But again, he had them this morning because his evening dose wore off. I never saw him yipe outside, so I don't think he was stung by a bee. But another bug might have bitten him. Or it could be the food coloring in his kibble. I bought some all-natural kibble for his meal last night. It has no artificial anything, so hopefully that will help. Meanwhile, we all feel sorry for him. The last time I had hives, it lasted a week. I hope it's over sooner for him.





















Even his flews are swollen. They're normally half this size.

Group proposal?

I just saw the dumbest thing on youtube - a group proposal put together by the Today Show. All these girls who thought they were having Valentine's makeovers we told to turn their swivel chairs around, and then a bunch of guys filed in. Katie Couric directed, "OK, ladies, turn around - guys, do your thing!" And about 20 young men simultaneously kneeled and proposed to their girlfriends. I'm sorry, but what should have been a sweet private moment for two was instead made into a public conveyor-belt display for 15 seconds on national TV. I hated it. I felt bad for the girls and guys. Give me a candle-lit dinner proposal anyday. In fact, the way David gave me my ring, atop a lighthouse, was priceless. It was just Noah, the lighthouse lady, David and me.

Oh well. We don't all go crazy alike.

Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNhxytlTKrE&feature=related

Well, it's just me and the dogs. I put the boys on the bus this morning. Ben's in 11th and Noah's in 2nd. This is Noah's first year to ride a bus, and I think he was excited about that. He was also quite pleased with his Spiderman lunch box. It's the metal kind like I used to take. Walmart had them for $7. I like them because sandwhiches don't get flattened. Ben was feeling quite dapper in his new duds. (Actually, he's "borrowing" a shirt from Josh, since he's not here to protest.)

I didn't cry this year. Actually, I'm enjoying being alone in the house. Because Sarah's car is sick, she took mine, so I'm a 1950's mom today - it's housework for me! And I'm actually glad for it. I can iron while I watch TV. Also, I can practice my cello without the family hearing, and sound better next time the do hear me.

August Eve

This has got to be the most perfect evening of the whole summer. It's 7:47pm. The sky is washed in hues of pink and purple. The cicadas are buzzing lazily in response to the cooler, darker atmosphere. Their replacements, crickets, are warming up and chirping louder every few minutes. How I love a summer evening.

It was a lovely day too. Mid-70's with a breeze. Low humidity. A few puffy clouds decorated the sky. Of course, Noah and I took off for the park right after lunch. He scootered, and I toted a backpack containing my essentials: a good book - Villette, for now - a Sudoku book, a notebook - for any ideas I might have - my camera, cell, and a big bottle of water to share with Noah.

I read a fair amount of Villette, by Charlotte Bronte. I'm enjoying it, but it's not as good as Jane Eyre. She lingered too long on the characters. Altogether, it's too wordy; I think she could have pared the book down by about a third. As I read, I was continually dazzled by the diamond ring David gave me last summer. I finally took some pics of it.

Noah enjoyed playing with other kids. He makes friends easily; probably - having no close siblings - because he has too. After an hour and a half, he and I swung on a bench overlooking the river, and talked. He's into Star Wars right now, so that's mainly what we talked about.

Of course I took pics on our park outing. In particular, I took some of a sweet little house which looks as though it's inhabited by hobbits. One half expects one to pop it's head out of the window and say hello. We walk by it every time we go to the park. I love my neighborhood. It's old and charming with mature trees and a variety of homes, older and newer. (mostly older) I also took some pics of some winding steps that were recently put down. The landscaping is endearing; it reminds me of a quaint English yard.

When we got back, we had Razzleberry pie and ice-cream and Ben and I watched Monk. I wish Mr. Monk lived next-door. (With Natalie close-by as well.)

Golden Rain Tree

We have a Golden Rain Tree in front of our house. I caught various stages of the pod development a few days ago. They start in the blossoms, growing out of their spent centers.

I caught some good shots of bees as well.

my Snow White moment

This morning, I happened to spy a bird out on my driveway, aggressively pecking at the thick weeds growing between the cracks in the sections of concrete. It was rather large - larger than the curious Robins nearby - and had a bright red marking on the back of its neck. I watched it pull a couple of bugs from the weeds and gobble them up, then fly away. I flew too, to my laptop to find out what kind of bird that was! (My Audobon book dissapeared some time ago, most likely bumped off the balcony by one of the kids.)


It was a Northern Flicker. I listened to its song, and knew it right away.


















As I watched the Flicker, a large bug-like creature flew up to the brightly colored stain glass window hanging just above my view of the Flicker. It hovered for a second, then zoomed away. It was a green humming bird, a ruby-throated, I believe. How neat was that - to see two unusual birds up close within ten minutes? I felt like Snow White.

all eyes are on them

There they all sit, mesmerized. The sounds and sights are too powerful to turn away from. Big, hairy feet propped up. A bag of Doritos lay open, almost empty. From time to time, comments are made, such as, "If I were them, I'd be invading that planet." All the males in my family - David, Ben, Josh, Noah, and even our male dog, Cosmo - are lined up on the sofa. Behold the power of Star Wars.

Maisy is fat

I took the little beasts into the vet yesterday. It was no big surprise to learn that Miss Maisy has chunked out a bit... 26 lbs! She should weigh 2o, maybe 21. Cosmo was his usual trim little self at 22 lbs. He looked a little snooty after Maisy's weight was read aloud. Nah - it was just my imagination. I felt like saying, "Ewe's not fat - ewe's fluffy!" For she truly is. That's the problem; her fluffy coat hides her girth. So tonight, I fed her a little less than usual. And told the fam to stop giving her snacks. The saddest thing about this whole matter is - eating is to Shelties as reading is to scholars. Or as singing is to musicians. Or as painting is to artists. So I feel rather mean limiting her to painting 2/3 of a picture. Or singing 2/3 of a song. Or reading 2/3 of a book. But it's for her own good.

Nancy visits

David's sister, Nancy, visited us a couple weeks back. She came all the way the California, with her husband, Mike, and stayed for two weeks.


After Sunday dinner at our house, Nancy told the funniest story from her recent trip to Peurto Rico. It wasn't funny at the time, but don't those ones always turn out the funniest, once they're over?


After a maddening mountain climb, to learn about rain forests the previous day, Nancy overheard some others in the group talking about the lovely peaceful horse-back outing they had taken along the beach. They even rode the horsed into the waves. "Ahhhh..." thought Nancy, "now that's what I need." So she signed up for that day's horse-back outing. Only later - too late to turn back - did she find out that it was not along the beach.


Nancy's group started their horses up (yet again) a mountain. The path along which they slogged was rocky and rough. It was about one foot wider that the girth of a horse. And on either side thorn bushes grew high. "Lean forward!" shouted the leader, as the hill became steeper. It was very frightening. Not peaceful. Not by a longshot. Once at the top, a rest, then back down again - goody! This time it was, "Lean back!" Oh, yes, I almost forgot: the riders had to constantly pull the reigns up to keep their horses from stopping to snack on the thorn bushes. Poor Nancy. I felt really bad for laughing throughout her tale. But she thought it funny too, by then.


Here's Nancy with Cosmo. Of course, she experienced, as all do, his emotional neediness, and found him silly and pathetic.

haircut

In five minutes, Noah went from scruffy to neat. The big kids wanted me to wait til the day before Noah started school to cut his long locks. But with his hair always in his eyes, I could stand it no longer! Off it came. Here are some before and after pics. By the way, Noah was rather unconcerned about whether his hair was long or short, though he doesn't like having his hair cut, and fussed the whole time.

Cool of the Day

Remember the part of the Bible that described God walking in the cool of the day? (He would talk with Adam in Eve then - in the Garden - before they fell into sin.) Well, that's the feeling I had this morning when I took the dogs out. It was about 65 degrees, and the sun had only been awake for maybe twenty minutes. In the early-morning shade, the flowers on trees and bushes were vivid, anticipating the day to come. Perhaps they had just fluffed their skirts and freshened their make-up. I've noticed they look especially lovely in the early morning and in the evening. The evening glow may be attributed to an afternoon nap. Just speculation here, but one never knows.
I've twice now noticed something odd when I'm out walking the dogs: bees napping on the golden rain tree blossoms. Where they there all night, not have the strength, it being so long into the work season, to fly back? It is temperate at night, so they won't get cold if they stay out. This is all I can some up with.
I love the beauty of God's creation. I've always been a nature-girl. Thank You, Lord, for the lovely plants and fascinating little creatures You've made.

resist

He's so bored.
And it's so hot out.
I spied him through a window, and I just couldn't stop him ~
Noah, jumping on the couch.

Licensed to drive!

Rebekah got her driver's license today! It was quite an ordeal, as we went to the wrong test center at first. But when we finally go to the right one - late - all of Becka's lessons and practice pain off and she was awarded with the slip to get her photo done. Yay!!!








Becka with her license at the test center















Telling Bubbe she passed

















In her Jeep - finally!

Aunt Helen

David's Aunt Helen died on Saturday. Her service was yesterday. Aunt Helen was friendly and hospitable. I always enjoyed her company. Many at the funeral remarked that she was quite the hostess, keenly aware of proper ettiquete; she knew how to make guests comfortable. She wasn't stuffy though. Rather, she was approachable and fun to be with. In fact, she was especially fond of - and good at -card-playing. She was the hostess with the mostess. Up until the end of her life, she was hospitable, making her visitors feel welcome, showing more interest in their lives than dwelling on her illness. I am so used to seeing her at every family gathering. How strange her absense will be at the next one.

Time with the Lord

I try to spend 15-20 minutes in devotions every morning. Sometimes I get out of the habit, and soon find myself spiritually weak. I am ashamed that I can spend 2 hours watching a movie, 30 minutes on the phone, or an hour surfing the net, but cannot spend 20 minutes with the Lord.

Here are a couple tips to help keep devotions going:

• Have a quiet, pleasant place set aside, just for devotions. Distract your kids. (Noah's morning cartoons work!)


• Have some coffee or tea to drink as you study. This seems to settle me in for a special time, as it would for an intimate visit with a friend.


• Have a notebook handy, for any epiphanies that may occur to you as your read the Word.


• Follow a line of study. You know right where to start, making it easy to just get going; no wasting time paging through to see what you might study that day. For example, I recently started reading through the gospels. I haven't done this for years. I am well-acquainted with many parts, but there are other parts that are new to me.

Here are two places I have my devotions. I prefer the outdoor location if weather is nice. The breezes and singing birds are a nice atmosphere to study by. Indoors, I have a place in my sunroom that I like. I can even close of the french doors to cloister myself more completely.