a list

stacking: books and papers

practicing: guitar

building:paper cup houses

watching : my new maid mix bread dough!

A good day to you and yours!

In His Love,

Pilgrimama

just thinking...

about how one of the best moves I've made recently is to listen to my husband's advice on the after dinner dishes.
It used to make me cross to find those dishes waiting for me after a long evening of bathing, reading etc. etc to a crowd of little people. I couldn't relax and enjoy the evening with them because of all the housework I tried to get done also.
Lee often was exhausted after a days work and wanted to do a few relaxing things at the end of the day,which left him unenthusiastic also.
Now, we clean up and soak the dishes.
Granted,I do have to get up and moving in the morning but it is so worth it.Now we can enjoy each other in that precious evening time. It really works for this household!
In His Love!
Pilgrimama

a literature stack

It's been a busy, busy time. A high needs guest for a full week, one baptism and one visit to the church of friends yesterday, and Jess starting guitar lessons today.
But.... I've discovered the magazine section of our library. The library and I have a love-hate relationship. It has to do with fines, and toddlers that get into book baskets etc. that they have no buisness being in, and on and on. But,here's part of my library stack.
And this just makes more trouble for me too. Now I want to make peg dolls....
And,for those of you with fall birthdays and the whole party favor thing staring you in the face,here's a helpful,helpful link!http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/page/4/
In Him!
Pilgrimama

projects!

Making art..

This book is good for a project a day type thing for almost five year olds. Probably five year olds too. We're almost there!

What to do with an almost two year old that is busy,busy,busy? This worked for me today.

Happy Saturday!

In His Love,

Pilgrimama

beauty out and about....

We went hiking last weekend. Even though the leaves were past their prime, there was still so much beauty to be found. Up and down.

Shadows..

Up high..

Find the deer.

Far off..

Up again..

Out there....

My Father made all of this.

May God bless,

Pilgrimama

turning eight

Our son,Jess.

My sweet and beloved firstborn,

You are eight now. I'm starting to think birthday parties are overrated. I mean this year you had to wait a few days to really welcome being eight. We found out mamas can get the flu really bad on the big day. Your invited friends can get sick,be scared of getting sick or etc. etc. and leave you almost "guestless".

But then again,this celebration was so unique. People helped out, the cake was baked and frosted(even if it turned out rather purple) ,the soup got made, the house got tidied. And, praise God, mama was recovered enough to wrap up presents and be there for you!

So your friends didn't come. But we got to invite your neighborhood playmates instead. Your new guitar teacher gave us a small, live concert. It was simple and full of beauty.

I'm thankful our Father recieved glory at your birthday party. I hope to live with you,becoming lines in the great song,giving glory to our Father.

I catch glimpses of someone more mature emerging sometimes. It's startling. And, as I see that,my body feels like it turns into one whole prayer. For you. For God's guidance in your life.

I guess it comes down to the fact that I love you. Your real Parent loves you even more perfectly. But if His love is way greater than mine it must be enormous indeed. Because that's how much I love you.

A God-blessed and joyful birthday to you,my son!

Mama, Oct. 2009

the short post about chicken pie...

I've always wished I was the type that made good pies. I think usually I've been too impatient. But recently I had two pasture raised chickens sent to us,once again,by who else than Aunt S! They came long distance from New York.
And I was having special guests. Then,there was this chicken pie recipe I've long thought sounded tasty! Very tasty in fact. The only thing was,I had to face that daunting pie crust making.
But this time when I got out my lovely birthday gift cookbook by a Mennonite mother,I noticed her clear instructions on pie crust making.
Inspiration hit with the ice water part,since I rarely seem to have decent ice in my freezer. I measured the water and put it in the freezer a bit. Inspiration also hit with the cold shortening issue. Measure and into the freezer again. Later,whip out my pastry cutter. And make a lovely pie crust!
The pie crust turned out great. The guests were very pleased. They did not joke about my pie crust,only about the Yankee chicken.(The chicken was great too.)
And,I am no longer so intimidated by making pie crust. Good all around.
In Him,
Pilgrimama