Our boys recently started their own business "Two Brothers' Dog Day Care". They are reaping the fruits of their labor now, as they recently made their first purchases - wetsuits and one boogie board (after tithing, offering, and savings allocations). I encouraged them to buy their suits too big, as I know at 9 and 7, they will be shooting up this summer, especially my oldest. So, enjoy the pictures of them! I was bundled up on the shore watching! Along with Sweet Sis. She just played in the sand.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Too much going on!
Have you ever had so much going on it nearly paralizes you? Well that would be my last month. We had three birthdays, an anniversary, a near trip across the country that was cancelled at the last minute, and our usual tons of doctor appointments, homeschool, and several trips doing some great outdoor fun. I have really wanted to keep up my blog, and sure, it has been a month since my last post. I apologize to my faithful few that have tried to stick with me. And then I ask, after I post, have you seen my post? And everybody is like a deer in the headlights - my fault, as I am not consistent yet. I tend to post for a few weeks every few days and then go through a dry spell. I digress.
I am going to post from most recent to back to the beginning of March. I do have much to share, so I will do my best. Recently I have been busy getting back to sewing. Our little girl, Sweet Sis, has been growing so fast. Seriously. She had her well-child check up, which she LOVED getting all the great positive attention from our sweet Dr. W, and she is now 95% for height and 83% for weight. Hard for me to believe in weight as she is our smallest child, but I guess she is our only girl! How differently they are built! Back to sewing. So, I have been doing a little bit every few days. And I mean little. I just finished up a dress for her last night but I cut it out nearly 3 weeks ago. Some days I only get one seam done, etc. I am ok with that, but I do like to finish projects in one sitting! I also stitched up a great little "bubble" for my friend, who is expecting her 3rd boy in a week. I did some shadow embroidery on the collar, frogs, and it turned out very cute. The bubble has snaps underneath and buttons up the back. I have a dress cut out for myself and would like to tackle that within the next month. It is a nice linen blend dress for spring, and a new design. It is actually a very easy pattern as it is one of Simplicity's See and Sew, which are for beginners. I like the design as it is longer and modest in the front. I am lining up an apron project in my head. As soon as I finish the pinafore for the dress I just made for Sweet Sis (I am embroidering a small bear with a pink tutu on the front), I am making each of the children an apron. Each apron will be an animal; the pattern conveniently has 4 different animals, good for me! Here are some pictures to keep you entertained as I drone on:
I am often asked how I find the time to sew. For me, it is my only time to myself. My only time. I spend my late evenings doing a bit of stitching or cutting. Usually nothing more than an hour, and more likely for just a half an hour, after the kids are in bed. My dear husband, Professor, is desperately working to finish his PhD. He is up late every night. I cannot be up as late, but I do enjoy sitting with him while he is working. We don't talk too much as I can't distract him, but he enjoys being close. So sitting and stitching is my time to keep him company and get something done. Some people watch tv. Some people read, which I do after I stitch, while in bed. Some people shop. I sew. I find it very satisfying and fulfilling - and productive. I get something very useful and practical after I am done. I rarely sew for pleasure - meaning, something to just make for myself. It is almost always for a purpose - a gift, a piece of needed clothing, mending. I have some projects in mind for the future (if I ever get to it!), like a toaster cover. I am really wanting to start piecing that quilt that my MIL and I are supposed to be doing together. Let's just say we committed to starting in August of 2012. Well, neither of us were ready then! I hope we will be ready this summer, though!
I am often asked how I find the time to sew. For me, it is my only time to myself. My only time. I spend my late evenings doing a bit of stitching or cutting. Usually nothing more than an hour, and more likely for just a half an hour, after the kids are in bed. My dear husband, Professor, is desperately working to finish his PhD. He is up late every night. I cannot be up as late, but I do enjoy sitting with him while he is working. We don't talk too much as I can't distract him, but he enjoys being close. So sitting and stitching is my time to keep him company and get something done. Some people watch tv. Some people read, which I do after I stitch, while in bed. Some people shop. I sew. I find it very satisfying and fulfilling - and productive. I get something very useful and practical after I am done. I rarely sew for pleasure - meaning, something to just make for myself. It is almost always for a purpose - a gift, a piece of needed clothing, mending. I have some projects in mind for the future (if I ever get to it!), like a toaster cover. I am really wanting to start piecing that quilt that my MIL and I are supposed to be doing together. Let's just say we committed to starting in August of 2012. Well, neither of us were ready then! I hope we will be ready this summer, though!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
God's Unseen Protection
There are moments in your life when events happen that leave you on your knees, thanking God for His Mercy and Grace - a moment that will be forever emblazoned in my mind and in my heart happened a few days ago. I have been burying the reality of the situation deep within my heart, and now I am ready to write; to talk; to contemplate; to let go.
Despite our misgivings of moving away from the beautiful mid-west countryside, and into the crowded ocean shores, the scenary at times is so beautiful and calming. Yet, this environment is wild and raw. Powerful and dangerous. And we learned first hand how quickly serenity can turn into tragedy.
We were meeting our old neighbors who were in the state for business and pleasure. We decided on a location that was central - one that we had not been to before. It was breathtaking. I had heard of its beauty from others, but we just hadn't taken the drive yet. We were meeting at the beach. Well, that was our first mistake. The beach is really big and doesn't come with a specific address. So we parked where we could and tried to discern from texts and emails where to walk to meet our friends. After descending down the steep path, we arrived at the shore only to not spot our friends. It was not crowded and I could easily see down the beach about a half a mile to a more populated area that was obviously a swimming roadside beach. Professor was left behind at the van to finish changing his clothes and grabbing items. I had some chairs and umbrella while the children were loaded down with towels and toys. We walked and walked. Not having sandals, Lil' Farmer and Sweet Sis had tennis shoes and pink cowgirl boots on respectively. A bit hard to walk in the sand with those on the feet, but Professor was being prudent to ensure they did not step on something on the path down. Continuing on, as we walked, I noticed the tide coming in as we had to keep running from the surf spreading before us. We nearly reach the swimming beach area when we spot a lagoon leading to the left (as the ocean was to our right). It was very beautiful and peaceful. The colors were amazing, with aqua blues, deep greens, and varying shades blending into the cove. We stopped and watched many people simply walk across, some occasionally getting their lower legs wet when a stronger wave would creep over the sand crest and gently pour into the standing water lagoon.
Can you see the inlet along with the embankment? I never thought to take a picture of the lagoon. It was not a place I want to remember with a picture.
So, we all gathered together and I watched the waves go in and out. Our chance quickly came, and without any hesitation, we set forward to cross the 10 steps to get to the more elevated sandy beach. Within a few steps, a very large wave crashed upon us totally unawares, and hit us quite hard. Immediately, Lil Farmer and Sweet Sis were swept off their feet and pushed into the lagoon. It happened all so fast. They were looking at me with fear in their eyes as they wondered how far they would be carried. They began to scream a scream no mother ever wants to hear. A helpless feeling swept over them. Sweet Sis went under but managed to bob back up again. Lil Farmer was trying so hard to get up. I honestly thought they were in a few inches of water. I told them to try and stand up. The older boys turned around and tried to get to them, but were further towards the ocean shore, as they were not swept inward. I finally reached Sweet Sis and held her hand to pull her up. Lil Farmer was in complete survival mode and the only thing he could do was fight for his life. He was grasping at anything to get up. He later told us he was actually swimming and could not touch the floor beneath. He managed to make his way to the side embankment and just kept literally fighting to get up. I have never seen my son act in this aggressive way in my life. He was beyond hysterical. Sweet Sis was scared, confused, and began to get more hysterical the more she heard her brother scream. I managed to see in my peripheral vision adults with their backs turned, on the embankment and beach side. No one, that I know of, turned around to hear the screams of two hysterical children. No one.
As a former lifeguard, I am a calm cucumber when it comes to kids and water. Granted I have not witnessed a death. I was nervous for my children and really astonished at the powerful wave that seemed to come out of no-where, that knocked my babies down. But it wasn't until Professor joined me, and he went back down into the lagoon looking for towels and such that were knocked out of the children's hands, that we both realized the gravity of the situation. The lagoon was extremely deep. Professor said it dropped down at least 10 ft right where Lil Farmer was caught. There was not just a few inches of water, but over 10 ft of water. Yet, where I stood in the inlet of the lagoon was a mere 6 inches. The water had caved out a beneath-the-surface-deep pool. It was hidden to the eye. I could not sleep that night as I replayed the scenes of those moments in my mind. There was no explanation for Lil Farmer surviving. He should have gone straight down. I am so thankful for the swimming lessons he took last summer. But much more importantly, for the God that loves him and loves us, that His angels were dispatched to save his precious life that day. Angels were guarding and helping, and the Lord showed me so clearly. We rarely get to see the good work He is doing for us on a daily basis. The car that was averted 1/4 mile down the road, to save us from the would-be crash. The arm that restrains a child from crossing in a busy parking lot. The help of a hearty cough as we choke on a dry cracker. They are often never brought to our attention. But on this day, I was outnumbered. I had two children to save with one body at one time. And the Lord saved them both.
We were meeting our old neighbors who were in the state for business and pleasure. We decided on a location that was central - one that we had not been to before. It was breathtaking. I had heard of its beauty from others, but we just hadn't taken the drive yet. We were meeting at the beach. Well, that was our first mistake. The beach is really big and doesn't come with a specific address. So we parked where we could and tried to discern from texts and emails where to walk to meet our friends. After descending down the steep path, we arrived at the shore only to not spot our friends. It was not crowded and I could easily see down the beach about a half a mile to a more populated area that was obviously a swimming roadside beach. Professor was left behind at the van to finish changing his clothes and grabbing items. I had some chairs and umbrella while the children were loaded down with towels and toys. We walked and walked. Not having sandals, Lil' Farmer and Sweet Sis had tennis shoes and pink cowgirl boots on respectively. A bit hard to walk in the sand with those on the feet, but Professor was being prudent to ensure they did not step on something on the path down. Continuing on, as we walked, I noticed the tide coming in as we had to keep running from the surf spreading before us. We nearly reach the swimming beach area when we spot a lagoon leading to the left (as the ocean was to our right). It was very beautiful and peaceful. The colors were amazing, with aqua blues, deep greens, and varying shades blending into the cove. We stopped and watched many people simply walk across, some occasionally getting their lower legs wet when a stronger wave would creep over the sand crest and gently pour into the standing water lagoon.
Can you see the inlet along with the embankment? I never thought to take a picture of the lagoon. It was not a place I want to remember with a picture.
So, we all gathered together and I watched the waves go in and out. Our chance quickly came, and without any hesitation, we set forward to cross the 10 steps to get to the more elevated sandy beach. Within a few steps, a very large wave crashed upon us totally unawares, and hit us quite hard. Immediately, Lil Farmer and Sweet Sis were swept off their feet and pushed into the lagoon. It happened all so fast. They were looking at me with fear in their eyes as they wondered how far they would be carried. They began to scream a scream no mother ever wants to hear. A helpless feeling swept over them. Sweet Sis went under but managed to bob back up again. Lil Farmer was trying so hard to get up. I honestly thought they were in a few inches of water. I told them to try and stand up. The older boys turned around and tried to get to them, but were further towards the ocean shore, as they were not swept inward. I finally reached Sweet Sis and held her hand to pull her up. Lil Farmer was in complete survival mode and the only thing he could do was fight for his life. He was grasping at anything to get up. He later told us he was actually swimming and could not touch the floor beneath. He managed to make his way to the side embankment and just kept literally fighting to get up. I have never seen my son act in this aggressive way in my life. He was beyond hysterical. Sweet Sis was scared, confused, and began to get more hysterical the more she heard her brother scream. I managed to see in my peripheral vision adults with their backs turned, on the embankment and beach side. No one, that I know of, turned around to hear the screams of two hysterical children. No one.
As a former lifeguard, I am a calm cucumber when it comes to kids and water. Granted I have not witnessed a death. I was nervous for my children and really astonished at the powerful wave that seemed to come out of no-where, that knocked my babies down. But it wasn't until Professor joined me, and he went back down into the lagoon looking for towels and such that were knocked out of the children's hands, that we both realized the gravity of the situation. The lagoon was extremely deep. Professor said it dropped down at least 10 ft right where Lil Farmer was caught. There was not just a few inches of water, but over 10 ft of water. Yet, where I stood in the inlet of the lagoon was a mere 6 inches. The water had caved out a beneath-the-surface-deep pool. It was hidden to the eye. I could not sleep that night as I replayed the scenes of those moments in my mind. There was no explanation for Lil Farmer surviving. He should have gone straight down. I am so thankful for the swimming lessons he took last summer. But much more importantly, for the God that loves him and loves us, that His angels were dispatched to save his precious life that day. Angels were guarding and helping, and the Lord showed me so clearly. We rarely get to see the good work He is doing for us on a daily basis. The car that was averted 1/4 mile down the road, to save us from the would-be crash. The arm that restrains a child from crossing in a busy parking lot. The help of a hearty cough as we choke on a dry cracker. They are often never brought to our attention. But on this day, I was outnumbered. I had two children to save with one body at one time. And the Lord saved them both.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Sewing Creations
Sewing dresses and clothing for Lil' Sis brings me great fulfillment. It also gives me the ability to provide clothing that is less expensive (if I obtain fabric and notions on sale) and that which we feel brings honor to the Lord. She enjoys helping me by picking up pins and poking them into their cushion and handing them back to me. One day, I look forward to her sewing up creations with me!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
First Business!
Last week the boys decided to start their own business. "Two Brothers Dog Day Care" Pet sitting service. I am so proud of their energy! Today, their advertisements paid off, and we got our first phone call. The owner wants us to sit for his dog for 8 days! Three visits a day for 8 days. I am hoping after the first day our two, they will be independent. They are very responsible children, and I think they will do well. I will post some pictures of their first day on Friday.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Kids Say The Cutest Things: Part 2
Today was one of those days that make a Mom realize little children are absorbing everything very quickly and yet still have so much to learn that we take for granted. I hope you don't find it boring to hear of these little stories, but I partially want to share them just so I don't forget!
While Straight Arrow was in his Occupational Therapy Session today, I took the other children for a walk to a nearby shopping area, to buy Lil' Farmer some new shoes. While we were at the shoe store I decided to have some fun. Have you ever noticed women wearing these stilts, err, I mean, high heels, that are 4 inches tall with another half inch base? I have always wondered what it felt like for a woman to walk in a pair. How do they do that?! So I tried this cute pair on - no easy feat (no pun intended.. I think), for a woman of my stature. Granted, I am noticing that I am not from the land of giants as much as I used to think in the past. Living in a high populated area gives one the chance to see a large array of people. Regardless I do have to squeeze to get into a size 10, and rarely buy shoes due to this. And because of my height, which pales in comparison to my cousin and her daughter who stand at 5'11 and 6' respectively, I rarely wear anything with height for fear I might have to bend down to smooch my dear husband. I digress. So I squeeze into these cutesy pair of pink stilts, manage to stumble a few steps, and then it comes. My dear son, Kind Heart, says these words any other Mom might be mortified to hear "Mom, those are definitely too stylish for you!" What?! Am I some frumpy dumpy Mom? Not in the least. My dear soon really meant to say, "Mom' those shoes are too worldly for you." What a compliment, no kidding! He was so cute saying it to me. He was so shocked that HIS Mom was trying on a pair of those shoes. Bless his heart, he knows his Mom well.
The next one is not as cute, but rather sobering to me. Sweet Sis was playing with her new wooden bear toy, where she can pick a face and build an outfit. She was trying to verbalize the face she picked, to match the dress. She said, "My Bear is so happy!" I looked and noticed it was the angry faced bear and told her so. She then replied, "Like Mommy". Wow, what a blow. She matched the dress with the face, and identified me of all people. Ouch, that hurts and makes me very sad. I have my work cut out for me! It is so important to not only eliminate those "eyebrows furrowed" moments, but to replace them more with happy smiling moments, so in her mind she can start realizing her Mommy is a happy person. How many days do I go about my tasks with a stem look, being so focused to get everything done, that I forget to have joy? Even in serving the Lord, by completing the tasks he had appointed for me that day, do I morn them? How much I need to grow!
The last story tonight is another cute one. As we were chatting in the van on our way to do some grocery shopping, the children noticed a funny looking person dressed up as the statue of liberty (advertising for Liberty Tax). I explained to the children he was like a mascot for this tax collecting company. I then explained how it was time to pay our yearly taxes. I then gave them the example of Mary and Joseph, travelling to Bethlehem. Lil 'Farmer asked if I had to go anywhere! And Sweet Sis asked "Can I go with you to Bethlehem?" Too cute!
That's all for now. One day I hope to get some sewing started again. We are needing some curtains, and I gave my word I would restart my block-a-month quilt. I am conducting, along with a group from church, a whole foods total vegetarian cooking class in less than two weeks. So I am busy busy! Aren't we all?!
Country Needles
Cute Question
Our Lil' Farmer has been growing so fast and is thinking a great deal more about what we say and how he makes it all fit together in his head. He recently started gathering coins where he could find them. Sabbath came, and he announced to me that he would be giving his collection of coins to Jesus. The joy he had on his face was so precious. While we were sitting on the pew, waiting for the deacon to come with the offering plate, he whispered in my ear, How does Jesus come down to get his money? I could have squeezed him at that moment so tight he wouldn't have been able to breath! How adorable! I then had a nice conversation all about how God appoints people to use His money. It really made me think about how God really does communicate with His servants, leading us, guiding us, to walk in the path he has set before us. What a precious memory from a sweet innocent child. I am glad I had that moment, and no one else.
Country Needles
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)