Pilgrims Passing Through

morning surprise

2012-02-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up to: a sink of dishes nicely washed for me.

A fruit crisp on my counter.

We have some mighty fine friends?

~pilgrimama

*stay tuned for February 14th-fun post coming up...

about Alex..

2012-02-05T04:54:00.000-08:00

This morning this guy got up early.He's a quieter sort of person when it comes to letting his mama know what he's feeling.
So I remind myself to spend time with him and just listen.

This morning he told me that he had a little spot on his head that hurt and his eyes ached. Likely sinus stuff. I think it's going around.But the important thing is that in taking a minute to stop and stroke his hair and ask about him, he talked to me.
I want him to always talk to me.
So I need to spend the minute,the half hour,to listen.

I love YOU Alex!
~pilgrimama

a to-do list

2012-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

On my list today:
#wrap some belated gifts
#write a blessing card for a new mama
#maybe clean out my kettle cupboard?
#do a load or two of laundry
#clean my room
*go to the chiropractor
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Random fact: there is a lot of chocolate cake in our house right now.

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Weekend plans?
Visit friends and family?
Not sure.
What are yours?

Happy Love month!

~Pilgrimama

welcome love month

2012-02-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

I just adore Love Month! All that color in the grayness that is February.

Hopefully this is the last year we will live where any red decorations I put up in our livingroom look like ketchup.(We have mustard colored livingroom walls in our rental.)

Our family is in one of those spaces where there are a lot of unknowns. I think the unknowns are about good things so that's ok.

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gems from the mouths of my babes:

4 year old Squirrelgirl(as she sits at the dinnertable with a group of us and our friends.)

S. (pointing and loudly) "A", You have a baby in your belly!

Poor "A" only has a bit of "leftover" from having 3 kids all in a row...
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Laundry- does it ever get done? The answer is not really.

To Love Month!
~pilgrimama

to see the new things, to touch the untouched

2012-01-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

It's time. Time to pull out the new year and officially embrace it here on the blog. Maybe I'll actually blog a lot this year?

2012. It has a nice ring. And it's an even number.( For some reason I tend to feel more comfortable with even numbers.)
I'm sure there's a lot of speculating that can/could be done about this year. But I'm not going to go there. It doesn't feel necessary.

Here is what I know already about 2012 for our family. We as a family are together and loving it that way. I am grateful.

Some changes seem to be ahead. Good changes. But change can be a bit challenging for me to weather. So there's that.

I am very grateful for our church family. They keep surprising me. It's a wonderful thing to be loved like they love.

And last but not least I am aware of a real desire towards more prayer, renewal, growth in my walk as a follower of Christ.

I am hoping all of you are finding Treasure of the best kind and that this year you will be blessed in all the ways a wise Father sees good!

2012, I am ready to walk into you and see and touch and learn things I've never seen and known before.

Please lead,Father.

with love,
pilgrimama

embracing the hard

2011-11-28T14:47:00.001-08:00

Of late I have been a student of the "hard". Intentionally. Not a " getting by, putting up with hard" type of student.
An embracer of" hard " student.

See, I've been realizing that I tend to be a "feather the nest" make everything all better type of mama and person. I lean toward how can we nurture and ease the way for each other?
I enjoy creating an oasis in our home for my peeps to fall into, away from all the tough stuff.

But I've come to feel another part of my soul need growing. That I was a bit unbalanced.

A songwriter's comments drew me into thinking of the mysticalness of that place where it's just hard and there's nothing for it but to walk into it, face it, feel it and refuse to allow doubt and fear to prevail but to believe that God will be there even in the dark and that on the other side,every time He will be there. That there will always be good beckoning.
Because for the Christian even death has something bright beyond.

I am loving this imagery, even as we are laid out in the midst of "hard". Even as we sweat through, we can have the comforting image of our God faithfully holding out His hands,with good plans for us in spite of what it could look like.Somehow it makes doing hard so much more do-able.
Oh,and finding little surprises from Him in unexpected moments. Trailmarkers if you will.

But stories about them are for another day!
Blessings!

~Pilgrimama

our morning

2011-11-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

So this is our morning so far..

Celestial Seasonings Chai tea with honey and creamer for me.

Starting the wood stove in the livingroom and lighting the gingerbread spice candle on our table.

Talking to two friends who called me bright and early-love that!

Crying over the onions I peeled and sliced for a pot of French Onion soup.

Curled up with at least one of my daughters in our comfy bed.

Watching the children sort and become "traders" in their enormous candy collection which friends have supplied them abundantly with. I should make no dessert for a month!

Now,off to the laundry room!

~pilgrimama

Our own "Max"?

2011-10-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

Have you read "Where The Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak to your little ones?

Who do you identify with(all in a good natured way of course)?

Squirrelgirl is our "Max".

She has wild hairs,literally.

We try to train her to curb her "I'll eat you up" moments and she's usually pretty good about it.

But some of that wild might come in handy one day.

In honor of her, "Maxness", behold the wild curls.

Thankfully, in the end she's always happy to be where "someone "loves her" best of all".

Happy Thursday!
~pilgrimama

It's official..

2011-10-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Jess

This guy is on his last day of being 9 years old. We've been parents for almost a decade?

Incredible, friends,incredible!

~pilgrimama

rummagings and good finds in the paperless journals..

2011-10-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

This week has been busy. I am trying to catch myself when I'm being a "Martha" instead of a "Mary". I'm scribbling in my paper journal instead of here. Talking my way through the bugs in my schedule, searching for any wrong paradigms that might be present.
But tonight I was digging through the online journal of a lady who has some valuable lessons she's learned,learning and sharing with the rest of us.

Look for the "Put the phone down and no one will get hurt" graphic on the linked page and read the accompanying post.

The concerns she has are so similar to my own. Because of these concerns I am here on these pages only when I choose to be. (At least generally speaking..) Face time with real humans,especially with those in our own households is invaluable.

No blog of mine should come in at first place for my time...
Enough.
Go read!

~pilgrimama

pretty laundry area?

2011-10-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

So maybe this is kind of a fetish. (of mine)

I really like organizing and organizational stuff.

I haven't always been this way. But as I've added more children and more structure this"fetish" has taken hold more and more...

Anyway, now that I've given all the background, let me just say that I am really pleased to have made signs to hang above all my laundry baskets with the category of laundry to go in said baskets on said signs.

Using scrapbook paper as the framing paper!

Now our laundry area in our fairly large bathroom looks kinda pretty. Ha!

Every bit helps I say!

Happy Friday!

~pilgrimama

they're heading off...

2011-10-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well,it's happened. I always thought it would happen. I planned for it.
But still I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

Jess is reading chapter books!
Sigh!
He's off exploring in the world of the printed page without me!

Heretofore I have always accompanied him.
Now he's gone alone.
Getting ideas,learning stuff without me.
It may seem overly dramatic but this feels BIG.

Alex came back from his second outing to a farm this week. His enduring interest these days is in being a farmer. Next week he is scheduled to go on a field trip to yet another farm.
There he goes, pursuing valuable lessons, gleaning information as he walks the road of Life. The life that I will most likely not always be around to be involved in or see. Wow!

And while independence is still a long way off, I feel the ebb and flow of Waves pulling away from shore. Lord willing, the waves that pull these beautiful sons keep bringing them back in to see me often...

~pilgrimama

a "ten" list

2011-10-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

So over at soulemama's today she has one of her lists of ten things she's thankful for, then invited her readers to do the same.

And I will, adding in the I'm thankful to Abba Father part of course....

Soooo,here is: ~simply ten~

journals
hardworking husbands
pumpkins and fall food
aunts that carry away some of the lively brood for an afternoon
laundry that's basically done for the week
snail mail
www.homeschoolmath.net
some breakfast food already prepared

exercise made fun!

I may have an eleventh "thankful".
Yummy eggs from the farmers market!
Deluxe,I tell you,deluxe.
Especially with fried potatoes and ketchup.

Happy Wednesday!

~pilgrimama

prayer wisdom and what about the weekend?

2011-09-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend our family went to have a fellowship meal and evening worship dinner with some friends (whose lives intertwine with ours in more ways than one,) and their church family.

The meal was yummy but I'll probably remember something from the worship time far better. Speaking was a young man who led us in a study on prayer. To cover everything would be far too long for my limited jotting time but his main point stuck with me.
So often we are so full of our problems or our friends problems and we are asking God for help, forgiveness etc.
We tend to act as if "me" and my spiritual health was the central issue.
Ultimately though, is it not that God in all His glory reign, that He be seen?
When we are focused on that, will other issues not start falling in place as well?
Of course I'm not giving a well-rounded covering of the sermon.
But, Let God be seen is added to my treasure chest of thinking about my Sovereign God, an added wisdom to my prayer life.

What are you doing this weekend?

Lee and I plan to : celebrate 11 years of marriage!
                                Lee and boys go watch some friends in a run

                                me:get ready for our babysitters
                                    maybe go to a relief sale with my cousin

Tonight? Make quiche for our neighbors/friends who had a baby recently.

Happy Friday!
with love,
~pilgrimama

about a kind of graduation

2011-09-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Last night we graduated Squirrelgirl to a-big girl bed! What is our life coming to?
Yep, the bottom bunk of a bunkbed p[assed on from the older Brothers of this here Pilgrimhouse.

Lee and I are happily installed in our lovely perch in a bedroom that is child-free for the first time in about four years!!!!!!!

And, yes, of course I am a little sad.
Once again I am having to admit that my children do not stay little for always!!!

But at least I am helping them develop their wings...

~LOVE,
pilgrimama

happy first day of fall!

2011-09-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

It has been such a rainy transition into autumn. I could go for some sun before long but oh well..

The boys and I worked on math and spelling in some fun ways.

We also went to pick up a mattress cover for The New Bed. Jess read signs all over the store! He is pretty much getting to be smooth at it. Sigh.He is getting so grownup.

The boys are doing manstuff with their dad like going to a toolsale.
The girls and I plan to go visit a new baby who recently arrived on a street near us! We're so happy for the new mommy and daddy.

I made some handmade cards using my circle punch and fancy gold pen. We'll deliver one for the baby's family today. Along with some clothes and an I Spy board book (which I remember my little boys enjoying as wee people).

Then we plan to come home and make pancakes for dinner and have our video/movie night. (This is our solution to wanting to watch stuff sometimes but wishing to greatly limit it.)

Happy Friday evening!

~pilgrimam

Track-ly thoughts and other such jibber....

2011-09-20T03:33:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to the track after an exhausting evening (the boy energy in this house is awesome. Mmmhmmn.) Lee and I were both supposed to be in a meeting but I could not face that so sent Lee.
Anyhoo,when he came back, I went to the track with Alex and did lots of very fast walking.
I did not run,partly because the children had turned up their noses at my good dinner(ok,maybe a little salty) and I felt compelled to eat some of their leftovers as well as my own late dinner. So I had eaten to recently to be much interested in running...

I did not feel like going to any kind of track last night. Typically by the time my evening shift of motherhood is done I mostly want to shuffle hunchbacked to bed!

But what happens when I go? I am so happy to have done it. These fall evenings with their refreshing air are a joy to work out in!
Try it friends. I know you think you can't fellowmothers but please give it a shot!
I think you will be surprised!
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It's a rainy,dark and chilly morning but an hour when a Proper Mother would get about her day. But since I am who I am, I am going to spoil myself and crawl back into the new queen sized bed Lee installed in our room and finish some sleeping. I feel a defecit in my sleep bank and it's highly important that Sleep Defecits are not left too long,no?

night....
~pilgrimama
Sweet Tuesday to all!

thoughts on "weaving"

2011-09-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

I'm on the quiet 1st floor, with my Squirrel at my side. The shelves are lined with books.
Some of them old,maybe full of older tales. Some of them newer,shiny.
Off to my right a teacher talks to his students. His teacherly voice tells of things like stocks and bonds.
I search for books with large print for my oldest child.
I find thick books with enough story to reach for a while. Yum.
Beyond the books I find other things,things to touch and play with, a box of rock specimens.
This quietness, this abundance of all kinds of materials inspires me. Probably the freedom inspires me too.
I'd love to go to a dream school, where I could read, pop in on classes when it corresponded with my studies,go exploring, assemble a curiosity cabinet........
Probably what I'm really savoring also, is all that quiet :).

Life's not really like that for me, not like that university library I was sitting in.
It's noisy, with lots of structures to help reign in the mass of human energy held here in this small space.

But,maybe,maybe there still is/can be a similarity to my dream learning space.

We already do lots of sitting around and learning from people who know, carving,crocheting,music,bicycle repair.
We sit around and read.

Maybe the biggest ingredient I'm missing is the quiet. Heh!

And this year I am being more intentional to quietly track learning trails and compile markers on the trails. Markers that say we were here, we have touched this information, it is being woven into our learning weaving.

I hope I'm raising some happy weavers, interested in these pieces of art they're creating, not some factory drudges putting in their time......

~pilgrimama

happy learning report

2011-09-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

I am refreshed this morning. Very thankful for that! Dealing with the weekly laundry and getting it all put away was hard but it's sooo worth it! (well there's a bit left in the dryer but i shall deal with that quickly) Not having to think about laundry every day is huge for me.
Changing over to doing laundry in the beginning of the week has been a fairly recent change but pretty much a habit now and I wouldn't change it! So nice to have Laundry Free days! I figured if Grandma had a laundry day so could I! Well, my version is more than 1 day exactly but still....

The children have started Physical Education classes at a local university. Three of the children that is. I have to work really hard at coordinating it all but I think it's a really good thing for them!

We have finished our first Boxcar Children book for this season and Jess is working on his first Magic Treehouse book as silent reading.

Math = a couple math sheets to ease in. And suddenly the boys know how to skip count by hundreds ! I just asked Jess to skip count by 2's and he's doing it! I needn't have worried!

I bought a kids theater game and we had fun playing yesterday,especially the girls as it was geared for younger children.

Chess club for the boys tomorrow! Our learning is humming a happy tune!

May your learning times be happy today as well!

~pilgrimama

hello sun!

2011-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

The sun has been out today for one of the longest times this week,I think! Very nice for laundry drying! Thank-you God!
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I'm thinking how being a mom to growing young ladies and gentleman leaves very little room for slacking-or having one's priorities in the wrong places.

It's intense people! A different type than the up-every-two hours-for-feedings intense, but still.......

God help me.

It's good work.

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Off to shop for our Special Friday night dinner etc.!!!

Happy Friday night!

~pilgrimama

back on track

2011-09-09T03:35:00.000-07:00

I am back at the track!
Celebration!

Walking and running give me so much energy and make me energized!

Last night was a great night back after being so busy with wedding stuff and camping and recovering from all of it!

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The children are really working on crocheting-so funny!

We discovered yesterday that the puppet kit the library had us believing was lost is actually alive and well on the circulation rack. A letter letting me know would have been lovely-instead of the last letter which claimed I owed $28. At least the'd taken the charge off our card which was helpful.

I met a new homeschool mom -always interesting to put faces to names.

Alex and I worked on making a little mulched and bordered space for our garbage and recycling containers so they won't get all mud-splashed each time it rains.

And today-Happy Friday!

~pilgrimama

funny or unusual list

2011-09-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Funny or unusual things so far (this week):

It has rained and rained!

The children are sitting around crocheting or some such thing,learned from visiting friends.So funny to see them kicking back with it!

We bought two large, orange watermelons at the co-op. $1.79 per watermelon--woo-hoo!

I am a little behind in my laundry-not funny!

Probably should go do that...

Happy Wednesday!

~pilgrimama

list of fave wedding stuff

2011-09-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

Some favorite things about the wedding last Saturday:

eating farmer's market donuts with the bride before the wedding
being in bare feet for the wedding,all of us, even the bride.
standing (in the outdoor wedding) in the beating down sun and passing each other glasses of water
the sweet hearts of the bride and groom,a dear brother and sister in Christ
all the colorful signage
the gourmet potluck reception meal

And now I think I've mostly processed the wedding part of the weekend!

What's up next??

~pilgrimama

on the other side.....

2011-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Two big weddings over for our church family.

Blessing times/showers over.

Helping do all the DIY stuff for weddings done.

Bridesmaid duty done.

Camping with out of town family the night of the second wedding done.(it was crazy great!)

Check. Check! Check.

Here our family and the church family is on the other side.

In our home anyway, I will start to focus on my own family again, in a more intentional way.

Homeschool-I am hoping it will be awesome this year!

I feel like trying to keep the calendar as free from commitments as possible except for the children's engagements.

I want to nurture my relationships with them(children) deeply! I want to nurture my relationship with my husband and with my God.

I hope to:
celebrate the fall season
take my vitamins
cook healthfully
get back to jogging and walking
homeschool-enjoy learning all around
bake with Chelsea
just sit and be with my children!
go to the chiropractor
Probably lots more but there's a start!

~pilgrimama

weekend list

2011-09-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today is prep day.

1 Rehearsal dinner tonight.
1 rehearsal tonight
1 camping trip with out of town guests planned for tomorrow.
Oh,yeah, be in the wedding tomorrow.
2 little girls with hair to wash.
1-2 pairs of sandals to buy.
1 meal left to cook at home.
1 basket of dry laundry left to put away at this point.
Millions of blessings!

happy weekend!

~pilgrimama

happy September!

2011-09-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Friends,now begins my favorite time of year and I intend to celebrate!

My time is severely limited right now as we are knee deep in helping with/being in a wedding. And then a family camping trip right after!
But soon,soon,soon I plan to be taking full advantage of the season!

I am here with coffee in hand,recovering from the bridal blessing/shower I co-hosted last night.
I am still trying to figure out what's up or down....
The boys have a very energetic young friend over too-which adds an extra element to the whole scene!

I think if I go wash some dishes it may help me wake up,so off I go!

~pilgrimama

the hostess with the "leastest"?

2011-08-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

So,I have a question.
In this country where many of us reside,we seem to have this thing. This thing that our culture grooms,ads and magazines reinforce and of course "The Liar" loves to bring to our attention.

About how more is better,bigger is better etc. etc.More stuff=happiness.

I deeply believe our culture could be so much happier if we'd quit buying into The Lie. Literally buying into it. But maybe that revelation is for the Spirit to reveal alone. I'm not perfect,far from it. But on a very daily level Lee and I have learned so much about simplicity. Living in Central America on a teeny budget, living in shared spaces, living in housing that was not ideal, having large bills to pay have been wonderful tools in shaping the new lifestyle that's emerging for our family.
Less is often More.
Less toys available on a regular basis,making us all frustrated with trying to tidy,thus More Time.
Less furniture means having More available Space thus meaning we don't need as large of a home.

Less books of poor quality=More Shelving for quality pieces.

The list goes on.

What if?
What if instead of competing for "the mostest" our country or we as individuals would compete for the "leastest"?
How would life look for many of us then?

I don't think I've had a chance to cover all the questions saying something like this might generate nor do I have time to cover them this morning but wanted to throw this thought out before I forget.

(this post inspired by ongoing "home editing" around here.)

~pilgrimama

earthquake!

2011-08-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

So.. yesterday the largest earthquake in over a century hit Virginia,at least so was reported in one article I read this morning.

I felt its effects quite strongly as I sat at my oversized desk working on our computer. I tried to figure out what was going on, calling to the children,trying to find out whether they were doing some activity that was shaking the house, whether our downstairs neighbors were up to something,what could be up?

After a bit I gave up trying to determine the cause of the mysterious shaking.
But then, unusually for me, I had the Yahoo news page open as I had been doing some research for a project of Alex's and traveled through that particular page.
And what do you know? The headline "Breaking News" was there! About the earthquake that had hit VA!

I was pretty excited, as I'd experienced earthquake tremors in Central America but I think I'd thought of that and just passed it off as "no way,this is Virginia" in my head.

Anywhooo, the excitement of the day! And thankfully not many serious injuries or anything.

Well, should go and keep rolling for the day! Yet another dentist appointment on the agenda,this time for Alex. Too many of those this year.....

Happy Wednesday!

~pilgrimama

a super birthday day!

2011-08-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was my 29th birthday! And it was pretty awesome!

Highlights:We had overnight guests,an aspiring physicist and a farmer/missionary,two brothers.We had young guys happily hanging out till close to noon(since we hosted worship and a pancake breakfast.)The tribe played lots and learned some sweet stuff!

Lunch with a good friend.

Lots of surprises and sweet details.

A picnic with some of the friends I cherish most in the world.

Girltime.

Tripledates and sweet cherry wine all the way from Michigan.

Let's just say I head into my thirtieth year fortified with lots of Love!

with gratitude,
~pilgrimama

announcement!

2011-07-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

No,I am not pregnant.

Now that we have gotten that question out of the way,I would like to say that today I realized something!

There are no people wearing diapers in this house.
And there are no people using potty chairs,either!

No poopy potty to empty anymore.
Or, pee-y potty.
This should go in my portfolio.
HAS TAUGHT 4 CHILDREN TO USE TOILET.

What???????
No Mom portfolios??
Well, watch me!
If I want a MOM portfolio, there will be one.

I will make it happen.

Or is portfolio even the right word?

Oh,bother!

good-bye!

~pilgrimama

an adventure in the forest

2011-07-26T04:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went on an adventure to the forest.

We went in a caravan of friends.

It went something like this.
Arrive,get everyone settled by the water.
Gather food around the fire pit.
Children,(guess what?) start feeling hungry.
Feed children p,b and j or pb and "honey"sandwiches. Or hardboiled eggs, or pesto and tomato sandwiches etc.Share food all around.
Play in water some more.
Heat rice dish over fire.
eat some more
children play around and babies are snuggled into the double stroller for naps
Go walking to pick berries.
Try to keep small people out of poison ivy while picking berries.
Berries are abundant!
Get POURED on and everyone is all wet and cold.
Remember campsite has food and picnic blankets and all kinds of stuff all out and getting wet!
go back to camp and clean,clean,clean! Feed people again!
play in water a bit more and help small people with bathroom needs
pack up cars and grownups eat dark chocolate for sustenance
little ones eat fruit leathers and bars and eventually fall asleep
my pal and I listen to Raffi and search out "Baby Beluga" and sing it together.We are such moms!
Get home. Boys rush to get ready for an outing with neighbor and Chelsea has come down with a fever.
Good,good times!

Now to wash all that wet clothing today!
~pilgrimama

settling in and coming back!

2011-07-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

We have been doing a whole,whole lot of settling back in.
To our regular routine,to being on a gentler rhythm than we have been in a long time because of preparing for Lee to travel(him working long hours), him leaving and us helping out at his job where we could, then the wildness surrounding his return, which is too exhausting to write about at present, except to say that it involved illness, long trips, and me getting stranded far from home.

This week,when it finally looked like a return to normalcy was possible, a heat wave struck, leaving me rather blown away by our unairconditioned upper apartment. Think warm,dry air or sticky heat enveloping the home=not conducive to Productivity.

Then the gas tanks went dry on me. Wow.
No way of cooking either.
More scenarios too complicated and exhausting to write about.

Anywhoo, all this to say, posting on my ol' blog has not been a priority!

But I feel myself coming back.... I may be back to writing and feeling myself soon! Yay!

~Pilgrimama

lee returns

2011-07-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

My sweetheart has returned from traveling far,far away! Thank-you Abba Father!
(I think part of me always prepares for the worst when Lee travels.)

He brought me/us coffee beans (we both enjoy good quality) and wooden beads,among perhaps more practical goods.

I am glad to not be filling in for him at work.
I think he is glad to be back as Captain of our nest.

We are both really behind in sleep.
I should be catching up trip laundry.

I woke up and realized the bridal shower I am planning to travel to with a friend(in whose wedding I am in)is tomorrow and I have no preparations made. As in,AT ALL.
Heh,heh.

If only my headache would totally leave and I could shake this awful tired feeling...

Must sign off.....

a list re: the last couple weeks or so...

2011-07-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks or so:

helped 3 loved ones get on planes and fly far away
had lots of guests in and out
have one visiting cat staying here
worked most days out of the house for short periods-hopefully this is almost over!
gotten sunburned
taken the crew to the pool on half price day
met up with friends!
helped the children set up two times with a lemonade stand
visited some friends' church and met interesting people
gone to a farm and worked in the art room making pottery
hosted a swap party and potluck dinner
finished a large poster on the fruit of the Spirit
taken the children to hear the Declaration of Independence read on the Fourth of July as a history lesson
figured out new stuff all by my lonesome!
taken 3 of the children to a celebration at our local co-op
laundry
and more.....

If I do say so myself,this list is not too shabby.
Today I took Squirrelgirl to do errands while the oldest three were gone to the woods with friends.
We were getting hungry and I thought about being my usual,practical save-money self and then decided to have a little date with my tyke.

We went to a new Carribean restaurant I have long wanted to visit.
And ordered a "batido". And an empanada.

All was well until Squirrelgirl spilled our "batido" everywhere!

Alls well that ends well, as the lady sweetly helped me clean up the mess.

Which leads me to the present, and lots of housework and an iced coffee...

Happy Wednesday!

talkin' about that" feeling"

2011-06-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

So sometimes I fight this feeling. This feeling that most moms probably get sometimes.

Kind of feeling like a little rat that runs around and around doing the daily routine.
Kind of predictable.
Kind of feeling a little tired of it all.

You cook the food.
It gets eaten.
You wash the clothes (and hang them out and fold and put away) and then they get dirty and you do it all again.
You clean and it all gets dusty once more.
And so on and so forth.

So how to keep it all fresh?

I don't know all the answers-maybe not even enough to skim the surface.

But here's some thoughts:
Gratitude to our Abba for all the things He graciously allows us. Even if you're on the lower end of the income scale in this country you may have more than many in certain parts of our Earth.
Gratitude helps me with perspective!

Try to fit in just a little something beyond the daily must-do's.
Today I worked on cleaning the baseboard area under my bed, sweeping and wiping.
It felt good to have an extra "corner" nice and clean.
It helps when the cereal is spilled and other messes are around to know that "it's clean under the bed" and feel like one is not a complete failure.
Cause you know, sometimes the daily grind feels messy and unending and what's the finished product of all this?

Tackle something new.
I've been getting to know a nearby track.
It feels so great to get exercise and fresh air!

I'm also working on incorporating a lot more greens into our diet. This challenge is a good stretching of my sometimes tired brain cells!

Working on handmade items.
Making stuff. I like to make stuff. There's a purty new wall hanging I'm getting close to completion on! Excited!

What do you do to keep your brain alive?
Do tell!

~pilgrimama

talking about breakfast..

2011-06-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Isn't it the best feeling to get up in the morning and feed your children a yummy, nutritious breakfast?
This morning it was : hardboiled eggs, toast from homemade bread, oatmeal with chocolate chips,dates, sesame seeds or dried currants as the toppings of choice.

I know my children will not be begging for junky treats so easily when they are well-fed.
That is a great feeling in my book!
~pilgrimama

bicycle powered ice cream among other stuff..

2011-06-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

What do you do all week when half your children are at camp? The noisier half to boot!

Here is what I have done:

Gone to one classical music concert.
Gone to one summer reading program kick-off party-the kids musicians there were great!
Gone to the doctor.
Read.
Made yummy food.
Folded laundry.
Watched a movie with Lee and the girls.
De-cluttered and de-cluttered, and de-cluttered!
Went with the girls to a daycamp we were informally a part of this morning. Sustainable living was a theme. I think Chelsea's favorite part was the bicycle-powered ice-cream machine and the resulting ice-cream!
Tonight is small group with our church family.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be a productive day as well! I look forward to seeing my sons again!

Hope your day and week was productive as well!
~pilgrimama

o the things that we saw on mulberry block!

2011-06-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I took my girls for an evening stroll.
We pretty much went around the block.
On the way we ate big,fat mulberries and sugar snap peas.
We met an elder from our church.
We spoke to a neighbor about her tiny dog.
We saw the neighborhood children playing basketball.

Then we came back to our house and I let Squirrelgirl out of her stroller.
She climbed into the mulberry tree.
I nagged at the cat,who had fallen into my bad graces by catching a duckling.
He didn't seem to understand my grumpiness....

Lee came home.
Chelsea ran to see him!

Soon we all went back inside.
I ate pasta with homemade pesto.

So,so much to see and do without going far from home!
...................................................

The boys left for camp this morning.
It's their second year.
It sure is quiet without them!

Squirrelgirl provided plenty to keep me busy though. She ate a potentially toxic substance which set me on a frenzy of phone calls and the like.
All seems to be well but that was not fun!

Hopefully,tomorrow will be generally calm....

All in a mother's day!
May your evening be filled with encouragment!

~pilgrimama

i saw a rainbow last night..

2011-06-12T03:13:00.000-07:00

I saw a rainbow last night.
And I stood and looked in awe and thought of the unchangingness and faithfulness of God.
Many years after Noah, and the rainbow still comes.
And I know that some,looking up see science where I saw God.
And I think of this song I saw on Pandora the other day-about being a fool for You.
And I think I am ok with being called a fool too.

(Do you think heaven has a room painted like a rainbow? )
.....................................*********************.................................................

the children are all signed up for the summer reading games at the library.
who would have guessed that it would get children reading this way?
this is the first year i am not doing lots of reading to little people,at least not all of them.
and that makes me happy!
and i adore seeing the reading happen.
i grew up a bookworm afterall.....
*******************************************************************
We have a deck again!
Our fridge quit working a few weeks ago. Just before I left on a trip.
Our church friends gave us another.
Lee switched them around while I was gone. But the old fridge stayed on the deck. Yuck!
Last night it finally was removed.
Yay!
********
******************************************************************
Coming up this week-my sister is visiting from the boonies of Latin America,where she works in a health clinic right now.
Yay!
May your Sunday be sweet.
~pilgrimama

children,children everywhere-writing about a journey

2011-06-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a FULL day. No doubt about it!
But it's tonight I want to talk about.
Tonight it was kid central around here.
With a healthy sprinkling of adults in and out.

I have to say that eleven years ago I never would have seen this coming.
I was never one of those girls who loved babies when I was growing up.
I read.
And read and read.
Books to me were more interesting than babies.

Then I got married and had my own baby.
And I fell in love.
Now there are four little people of all sizes.
And they attract more little people....
And the other little people that come around need to be loved on, and fed and entertained (and sometimes bandaged).
Lots of food with some variety is good.
A first aid kit is good as well.
Some toys and costumes and good humor are helpful.
Add in some popsicles or cocoa perhaps and lots of love!
Pray. Know how to be firm when needed.
Enjoy and laugh!

~pilgrimama

a quote on crying

2011-06-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/pin/35419253/
I'm not sure what rabbit trails this quote will lead my thoughts down but I bet they will go somewheres!

I am a girl who really,really,really likes quotes and I should have more of them on my blog.
Maybe.
Usually the Bible wins for truthfilled statements hands down.
Anyway, click on the link!
~pilgrimama

the children clean out

2011-06-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

ugly journal covered with buttony circles cut off an old tote-end result =not bad

The children cleaned out today. And we have quite the closetful of things to donate to a benefit yardsale now! And some filled bags of trash-hip,hip,hooray!

My children amaze me. They don't seem to worry about the things I might worry about as they clean out. They don't seem to worry a lot about the future, about whether there will be enough, about how sparce their bedrooms might seem of toys when their friends come over.
They just happily clean along, getting rid of anything that they no longer have an interest in.
They don't seem to worry about tomorrow, don't seem to have a big temptation to hoard.
The end result is quite lovely and fresh looking.

I am amazed, convicted, inspired to trust our Heavenly Father more,just like them!
But I guess that's nothing too surprising.
Afterall we are told in the Word to become like little children .
I have four teachers right in my house!
*
**************************************************

A note for you!
Want a fun candle scent for summer get-togethers?
I found Strawberry Shortcake scent on my store shelves recently! (It looks like Betty Crocker brand).
Yum!

xoxo,
~pilgrimama

three day weekend

2011-05-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

So we had a full three day weekend! How about you?

Yesterday, our last full day of vacay, we went hiking. We drove wrong once, didn't find the trail we wanted next, scoped out another trail that was way long, and finally settled on a 4 mile trail.
We encountered lots of poison ivy and lots of steep windy trail.
Squirrelgirl is really into caterpillars and she got her sweet fill of them!
We turned back when she needed carrying-we headed out much later than we'd hoped and we are having hot weather again so carrying a 3 and a halfish child was not our idea of fun!
Plus we were hungry.
And Lee needed to check on his bee project.

We went to the park and grilled our hot dogs and drank large amounts of oj.

I came home and lay near the fan and took a nap.

Sorting and packing winter clothes, folding laundry, washing dishes occupied my spare minutes.

I topped it off with a spoonfull of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food.

Lee and I were exhausted!
~pilgrimama

2011-05-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed tonight,

The children are playing on the rope swing.

We have a fire going in the backyard with marinated fish roasting.
The breeze is lovely,the trees are softly swaying,the mulberries are ripening.

I just had a piece of toast with jalepeno cheese(the very last piece in both bags,bread and cheese).

The grounds here at ye olde Sonhouse place are looking very nice from all the hard work being put into them. Our housemates downstairs help with lots of that!

The house is quite clean. I'm sorting out the winter and outgrown clothes and packing them off.
Today I'm cleaning and fluffing up beds in the boys' room.
Good stuff!
I just feel very thankful to God for allowing so many small blessings.

I pray we can share liberally!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

love,

~pilgrimama

describing an evening

2011-05-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight Lee and I went to dinner at the community center.
It was A Feast!
Meatloaf,cucumber salad,mashed potatoes,warm rolls,spaghetti and fried pies for dessert.

Then I helped clean up and we lounged outside visiting.
Until the volleyball started.
We girls went off and stopped by friends on the way home for a bit of girl time.
Then some reading, bedtime rituals like praying and hugging.
Now it's me,the computer and the small Squirrel.

Hope everyone we love had a growthfilled day. May you always grow in the Spirit of our Lord Jesus!

~pilgrimama

snail mail praise

2011-05-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of the snail mail letter. I like to get them. I like to send them. I like to write them in a chair, on the bed, or under a tree (but not with green eggs and ham,please leave me be..) ,well you get the picture.

I am doing some organizing around here,making a letter writing drawer for the small fry, an art paper drawer set up nicely, stuff like that and trying to get a package ready for a special friend.

Yesterday,while thrifting, I found a card organizer folder for putting in cards that you will want to send out organized by month. Yay! I have my very own letterwriting drawer as well, and this was just the thing to help me organize.

So this morning I organized my letter-drawer and it is a great feeling!
Now if I could find a cute little organizer for embellishments....

Then I made granola.
And supervised chores,crafts, and fried fish.
And now I need to go read storybooks to the tribe.
Be well!

Love,
~pilgrimama

hi there blog!

2011-05-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hi there! So I've been unblogging... or not writing or unwriting..um this is getting confusing right?

Anyway, tonight I feel like maybe I should dip my toes back in.
I have lots to say.
That's not the issue.
Real life has been full. My energy has been a bit low. Hence no posts!

Tonight I had the evening free while Lee did child care duty. I went out with friends for tea in honor of a birthday.
I ordered hot chocolate. It came with whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate syrup. A very decent sized mug of it too.
Now I am home having some of the dinner we prepped before I left.

I am thankful for:

honesty
humility
sunshine after storms
storms
my sweet children
Squirrelgirl's art
a fairly tidy house
hot chocolate
friends,of the really good sort
text messaging

May you feel the love and presence of God in your heart tonight!
love,
~pilgrimama~

happy late Mother's Day!!

2011-05-10T04:08:00.000-07:00

my lovely family

Happy belated Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is not huge to me. I get my mommy highs at unpredictable times...

I suppose I could celebrate being a mom more.

I asked for the gift of time this year.

I was blessed with that for sure.

Lee-babe, you did a great job on that end!

Chelsea planned ahead and bought me a gift the day before-sweet girl! One of the rare occasions she had money on her and the freedom to spend it-and she spent most of it on me and her sister. We could all learn from this, I suppose.

Lee gave me peppermint patties( a favorite of mine) and a new can opener.

I didn't need gifts but that was sweet.

I look around me often and realize how deeply blessed I am.

Lee and I planted our windowboxes that are on our deck. And did lots of other maintenance jobs (mostly Lee)!

It was a sweet day in all its quietness. A good day.
~pilgrimama

letter to a teacher

2011-05-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

the surprise gift basket

Dear Sunday School teacher,
Thanks for being a friend to our family.
Thank-you for all your hard work.
Thanks for going out of your way to do sweet things for us, being our family in the Lord.

You are a real friend.

We liked the surprise basket you brought us,filled with peanut butter eggs,that must have been hard work!

We are so happy to know you!
~pilgrimama

Ps. Thanks for not sending the children home from class with a lot of junk crafts! That is so nice!

cute bread pictures for you!

2011-05-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

orange bread shapes made for Easter breakfast by my lovely neighbor,who invited my tribe to help her...

see this cute bread nest

baby shower details

2011-04-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Up close...

Last night I hosted a baby shower at my house. A friend helped with planning and executing and we made a good team.

I had a good time getting ready for the shower,even if it was teeny compared to some! It was a good reason to do some cleaning projects that are difficult to get motivated with...
I've read, I believe, that homes that frequently host stay cleaner and I would say that it has been true in our home,since we have people over and coming through fairly often it helps keep us motivated.

I strung fishing line through my dining room and hung bows of pink ribbon from it. I hung a couple strands of sparkly silver stars etc. around as well.
Then besides some other little touches, I had my new banner pictued above.

The banner is made of clothes that were unuseable due to various factors. I saved up until I had enough to make the banner. Then I borrowed a friend's pinking shears and made the above no-sew version.(I think I'll make a sewn version next..)

Anyway, we had a lovely time and played funny games and it was a meaningful time!

I got a real high from the fact that the decorations cost so very little and turned out quite well!
The fishing line and sparkly stars were gotten for very little at the sale of a wedding coordinator going out of biz.
The clothes were headed nowhere good before they ended up in the banner.
And so on and so forth.
I adore taking what most people think is junk and turning it into lovely and having meaningful times without a huge expenditure!

I think my bed is caaaaalling my name!

What has your weekend been full of?
~pilgrimama

redeemed jeans and rain dancing

2011-04-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

my sewing kit

Today I created some new summer shorts for Alex. For some reason I am so happy about that. Lee's coworker gave us a gift certificate to Michael's,that crafty wonderland o' goodies. And so I invested in a good sewing scissors for the first time in my life.
Well, I felt like it paid off a little today!
My sons always seem to be wearing ratty old pants by the end of the winter,and I have no desire to buy new pants since shorts season is right around the corner.
Usually some shorts still fit from last summer's clothes.
But we usually are low in the shorts department at the beginning of the warm season.
Enter sewing scissors.
Enter ratty jeans.
Aaaaaand.....new shorts.
Cut-offs! Yeah.
I know what you may be thinking." Not too neat and tidy of her."
But my backyard is like a miniature woods with a creek some of the time.
Who wants to have the newer clothes all beat up climbing trees, playing soccer, etc. etc.?
Not so much.
So, yes,I'm excited about being able to cut thick denim jeans and turn them into playclothes.
Next up: girl shorts!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

We went to a birthday celebration last night.
We picniced outside!
Many of us danced in the rain.
It was very simple and really beautiful.
Oh, and there was a GORGEOUS sunset.
The birthday boy said it was "tragic".

Over and out!
~pilgrimama

resting and grateful

2011-04-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

my couch

This past week has had many wonderful moments.
I once again got to experience the amazingness that is the sunrise service on a hilltop!
I made hotcross buns again!
Curry was prepared for the annual Easter lunch for one and all at church....
Bread animals were shaped, eggs of different types made their way into the house.
Lots of unleavened bread was eaten and glasses of grape juice drunk!
Singing, silence, washing of feet.
So much illustration of The Great Story.
We rejoice that our Jesus is not Dead but Alive.
And that is beyond words wonderful.
But, can this mama say that all this remembering and illustrating and celebrating also involves a lot of energy?
So, today the above picture shows another thing I am grateful for in this time.
A soft place to rest!

Soon I will show you pictures of things that were made,Lord willing!

Happy Monday!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~pilgrimama:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

a low-cost date night

2011-04-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Date night -fun and easy:

One good film from the library,
One candle,

Personal size pizzas, 2 for a dollar.

Put children to bed. (There can even be a guest sleeping in your house,which just goes to show how do-able this is.)
And you have a very low-cost,date night without babysitter fees or any of that miserable bizness!

Date nights or even date hour is possible with a bit of thinking out of the box!
~pilgrimama

a rainy saturday in the sage house

2011-04-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

We awoke to pouring rain this morning.
Unfortunately some of my laundry was wet!
Well,well....

Lee made us his specialty fish for breakfast this morning. The children were less than excited. The fish is not my favorite but I am not one to complain when my husband makes breakfast without being asked to.

Alex and I hung our new black and white art piece we purchased at an educational talk we attended the other night.

I started the fire to take the chill off of things. It's pretty cozy around here in our big, sage green fixer upper house.
Praise God for family, adequate food, warmth, a dry place when the rain comes down.

We have a new neighbor and by the looks of it, another good one. He is newly widowed and we are looking forward to sharing some homecooked food sometimes.
Which means I should soon compile a shopping list so we can make a carry-in spaghetti dinner.....
12:21- I should heat up some of the good soup a friend sweetly gifted us yesterday. (One of my favorites,chicken,veggies,barley!)
Happy Saturday!
~pilgrimama

back from women's retreat!

2011-04-14T04:42:00.000-07:00

purse made in Africa by women in the Watoto ministry

This past weekend (basically two days and two nights!) I went on retreat with many of the women from our church family. It was amazing and so worth it. Many thanks to the organizers of this event!
So much learning, sharing, and pure beauty!

A verse from one of the songs we were gifted :

Dark are the branches reaching for light
High is the path of the hawk in its flight
Turning and gliding greeting the night
Why do we hunger for beauty?

Wish I could freely share more,but I'm not sure of the copyright stuff here soooo- click on the link!
The song title is Why Do We Hunger for Beauty by Jim Croegaert.
This Youtube video doesn't have the whole song but there are some that do....
This was so beautiful as we studied both the pain we bring to Jesus and the Beauty of who He is as our theme was Hope and Despair.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been drinking chapparral tea for health's sake. This stuff is bitter!
The town now has flowers in abundance! Our backyard has so many violets!
Library Day for us today!
Happy Thursday!
~pilgrimama

activities for the one to two crowd(amidst other words on this page)

2011-04-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think i just have too many ideas swirling around in my head to ever become a scheduled housekeeper.
I have ideas begging to be birthed and be tangible things and amidst all that creative longing it's hard to focus on dirty dishes and floors that need mopping etc.
So today I am cleaning The Kitchen Corner Of Shame again.
I find lots of ideas there in what looks like a mere pile of clutter.
Papers with phone numbers, contact information, lists of things to be done, stuff to see, half-finished projects.
It's great.
But again, how to find the time to process and produce using all this data?
I have made a dent.
And from the Pile I found a list.
I think I will share it here.
Maybe someone else will benefit too.
At very least it will have jumped from my head and it's precarious state as a list on my messy countertop to a place on the blog, where it is in more solid form.
I don't know if I 'm making much sense.
So here:
            ****************************************************************************
Activity list for the one-almost two year old crowd:
-a bin of plastic animals,lots and lots! One of my best toy collections,still being used by all four of my children.
-blocks and wooden animals.(We have since added a wooden barn and I bet that would go over well.)
-a tot sized chair and a basket of board books. Rotate these-don't put them all out at once-that way they can stay relatively fresh.
- bristle blocks- link here!
-a doll or maybe some play people of some kind.
-i had a container of mixed cards of different types-this is really messy though but provided diversion sometimes.
-nature movies or Winnie the Pooh. Yeah,yeah.Just keep it for when you really need a few minutes to put up your feet or make an important phone call. As I say, a sane mother with a movie going sometimes is probably better than a frazzled mama who never uses the box on occasion. (And I like Winnie the Pooh. Rabbit is my favorite!)
Time,Time,Time. The big thing for children of this age. Let them do things with you, sit them near you as you work and talk to them about what you're doing.
Snuggle as often as possible!

Our Squirrelgirl is 3 headed toward 4. The busy days of that kind are not part of our life right now. But this list may help me one day again or maybe it will help out some other busy mama.
Being a mom is a great job!
P.s. I added a Google search bar to my sidebar. In the amazing event that anyone should ever want to search this here blog...
                                                              love,
                                                             ~pilgrimama

a letter to my son

2011-04-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

..making paper airplanes from a kit

Dear son, Jesse,
          Thank-you for washing the dishes once again yesterday without being told.
That makes me so happy!

I am glad you like making paper airplanes. I am also glad we have a neighbor who comes to help you make them. I am not so good at stuff like that.

Please could you please keep your "relistens" of Hank the Cowdog to a minimum today?
That would make me happy too!

Now, I'll go finish making oatmeal and also make a chocolate cake with little paper parasols stuck in the icing.
                               Love,
                    Your mom,Pilgrimama

Welcome April!

2011-04-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome April!
We were coming home from a little road trip in the wee hours this morning of April 1st.

Snow came down.
In our part of the world?
Snow?
Will we have April showers? Snow showers?
We've already had quite a bit of rain...
***********************************************
We are having a vacation day here.
Over and out!
~pilgrimama

some facts from my house this morn

2011-03-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

An amazing fact i just realized this morning: I fit perfectly into my sons' socks!
I am just their size(in socks anyway).
Is that a strange feeling or what?
I mean, I carried these boys in my womb!
Now I use their socks when mine are all in the laundry.
hmmmmmmnnnn!
***********************************************************
Another fact for you all: it is mighty cooooold around these parts. Woodstove everyday.
Yesterday the librarians said we smelled like wood smoke.
hmmmmmmnnnn!
****************************************************
over and out,
~pilgrimama

a gratitude list

2011-03-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for:

a home that has many clean corners.
That Father God has allowed me to have a lot of help around the house these days.
I had my good friend's son over to do stuff like read, write, and look at pictures of how bananas grow, together with Chelsea.
curried chicken
a few hours of free time to go downtown and explore a shop full of lots of things including vintage stuff that looked straight out of Anne of Green Gables or The Secret Garden. Also, time to snuggle into a chair in the section of the library where the large print books and AARP magazines or something are displayed and read totally undisturbed! Laugh at me if you must...
time spent reading to my chicks before bed. Priceless!
a good bed
Lee. Love that man! He makes wooden hangers for me to hang my washed zIPLOCK bags from so I can reuse them.
And he gives me the recliner and treats my foot that got a splinter or something in it and reads aloud and sings with us before bed many evenings! He's good!

I need to get to bed if Imean to get anything done tomorrow!
Sleeeepy!
~pilgrimama

musings on "eternalness"

2011-03-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about human beings and how much we embrace life.
How we resist death,we do not tend to run toward it with open arms.
And I am thinking about how this is the difference between us and a fish or a bear or a tree.
God created us with an eternal soul.
I believe God's nature is for abundant life and we also deeply embrace life.
We seem to want to live forever.
Because sin was introduced to the world,there is death to our mortal bodies.
And that is hard.
But in Jesus we do have hope to live forever!
We are eternal souls. Our desires in the end are granted,in Jesus, we can live eternally.

I've been over reading quite often at Val's blog, following her journey as a young mother of two,who has recently lost her husband. It's the missing that's often so hard.

In other news, the children are mourning the loss of their neighbor friend who is moving away.
Wednesday, I hauled Jess into the dentist where he had two teeth pulled. (I tried not to watch.)
It is hard to watch my babies go through their little trials, but life terrestial seems to be like that...
Lest life sound all drear, we went out to a big farm in the country last night and had a feast.
Marinated chicken with pineapple,potatoes and onion, tortellini salad, rice, another salad that contained greens,raisins,sprouts and (i think)feta cheese.
Dessert followed.
Yummo!
And today, baaaack to homeschool,and meal making and maybe a nice,little walk!
love,
~pilgrimama

Happy Spring!

2011-03-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Spring came on Sunday.
At least the calendar said it did.
Forsythias graced our community center/church meeting hall. They were very yellow. The day seemed mostly gray.

Today I have the back door open, listening in on the crowd of children that play in my backyard-one from the neighbors, one here on a sleepover, and 3 of my own tribe.
Adults pass through chatting with each other and the children.
The huge tree by the shed is definitely green.
Spring is tentatively stepping over the threshold.
Lovely.

I am cleaning Odds and Ends clothing away from their respective spots. You know, that clothing that is outgrown, or needs a button, or needs to be cut into cleaning rags?
Yeah,that kind.
It's actually kind of fun!

~ happy spring cleaning
pilgrimama

another good-bye for now

2011-03-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

We knew she was dying. Last Sunday, a week ago, we quietly cheered that she'd made it to church for the first time since her diagnosis.
Yesterday, one week later, we sat at her funeral.
Afterwards, we went to see her earthly body one last time.
She was plainly gone, only a shell remained.
She had stepped on in the eternal journey we are all on.
Bodies are amazing, the way they hold within a living soul. And when they cease to function, our spirit moves on.

I seem to be bumping into things all around me these days that real live humans gave me or left behind.
Tangible things that they once touched. They are no longer visible. But traces and fingerprints of theirs remain behind.
Mysterious. Part of Life.
This world's seemingly important things.
Not so important.
Something Realer to look for,to build for.
Yes.
~pilgrimama

early rising, blogging and real life

2011-03-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

sister-made waffles

So- I wish I could write blog posts everydaaaaaayy.
But- I can't generally do that too easily.
Why?
Life seems to present me with choices,you see.
Like yesterday.
I could blog in my few "spare" minutes or I could have fellow homeschoolers over and we could do St. Pat's day stuff like make shamrock bookmarks and Irish bread.
And in order to make Irish bread I needed flour. And since I was out of flour I ran to the neighbors for flour. And since I was stepping out I needed to clean up and be presentable.
And so the morning goes.All this takes time (in which I live instead of blog).
If it's not one thing it's another.
Maybe new reading books from the library to sink our teeth into.
Or donut making research.
Or music practice
You know,for example. Stuff like that.
Real life seems to step in and call me and it's a challenge to pack everything into a day that I'd like to. Including blogging.
But I got up early this morning. Oh, yeah! And thus the blog post.
Maybe I should get up earlier every morning. That may be a post for another day though.
The great "discussion" between The Early Riser and The Late Riser in this household....
And now I think I've reached my time limit for writing.
Besides,do I hear coffee calling my name?

Coffee drinking,
~pilgrimama

a post including a letter to God

2011-03-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we have to dig a little into the pockets of our Faith to remember that we live according to the directions of our Air Traffic Controller and not by sight or our own logic.
Then we remember that when we walk by faith through challenges, that we find hidden blessings.
Lord, let my life reflect Your plans for who I am to be!

Dear Father God,
Let my life as a mother reflect Your plans,even when they are not the plans or lifestyle I would have chosen.
Let me know and feel Your tender love in the life You choose for me.
Please let me find the hidden blessings even when it's tough to see them.
Help me remember to always, always wait on You, because I have this problem of forgetting.
And Abba?
Please keep my mind sane through it all.

Off to be a mama, bake donuts (click on to see the recipe!) wash pillowcases, and all manner of other things, I imagine!
~pilgrimama

thrifting in the rain

2011-03-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday included:
Eating beans and cheese over toast for a late breakfast.
Hanging out with a friend.
Making popsicle boats with our impressive supply of glue guns. (One regular and one with low and high settings.)
My sons think they are great!
Science experiments from the book,Blood and Guts.
A little field trip to the scrap metal place for Alex, where he made $$ with his collection of scrap metal.

Reading practice and phonics after pb and j sandwiches.

Lots of other stuff too.

It has been raining a lot 'round these parts.
So, I thought no matter,we'll head on to the thriftstore anyway.(It's like, a couple blocks from our house.) Jess said he did not like the color of the sky.
I chalked it up to sluggishness on his part and told him that's the way the sky has been looking these days.
Hardly had we gone out our driveway than the rain start to come down in rather large plops!
By the time we reached the thriftstore, we were quite wet!

But maybe that's why it was such a good thrifting day?
99 CENT day for one.On all clothes.
To say nothing of the Keen shoes in great shape I found for around 2 dollars or less.
Should I try selling them online or save them for Alex? Hmmnn..

A Columbia jacket/sweater we could really use for Alex-99 cents!
History books(hardback)by Joy Hakim)for 99cents or so apiece.I have been interested in these books for years!
Sometimes thrifting is worth it!

Then we went home through the rain to make beef stew. When we got near our house the bridge was flooded over so we didn't risk crossing to get to our house.
We turned back and went the long way-in the rain.
Jess of course had an I told you so afternoon!
We were so wet!

I made stew and burnt cookies and we all settled in around the fire after dinner, Lee and I and our tribe.

~pilgrimama

tea and cookies

2011-03-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

tea and cookies

Chelsea just adores baking and all manner of dainty, girly types of things and so recently we had a young college girl from our homegroup over to bake cookies and drink tea in Proper Dainty Fashion with the Chels.
They had a great time and it was so interesting to watch Chelsea setting up her tea table,paying attention to all the details as she prepared. Lord willing,she has the makings of a fine hostess in her if I do say so myself.

We snuggled around the fire last night and so the dishes never got done... Must go do those soon.
I hear there is rain and sleet headed our way. I will look at yellow things and think about SUN.
Here's to another capricious March day!
~Pilgrimama

home learning and weekend plans

2011-03-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

The way I blog is kind of strange sometimes, at least unconventional.
Start post option,go check stove, select picture, go use restroom,open curtain for our huge plant that resides by the bathroom window, come back, start post, and soon I will probably go haul some wood for the fire.
Then I might go put in a load of overdue laundry.
But no matter, that way thoughts can percolate in my head while I putter..

Sometimes I am a little confused by my life. It helps when I tell myself that I am actually living in a school. Our house is a school. With lots of projects going on. So it's going to look different than the average home.
Deep breaths,mama,deep breaths.
The stuff of it all can be overwhelming.

My girls just got done with a wet-felting project using wool yarn scraps.
Then a Veggie-Tales book appeared on the table.
Then beautiful wooden puzzles came off the shelf.
There are still two games out from the last round of playing. The shelf is high and I am the one who puts them away. So fine,you say, do it!
But what about the small stack of laundry sitting on the chair to be put away, the dresser that arrived that needs placing, the fridge shelves that need wiping down NOW!
i WANT A MAID!
Heh!
Back again. A load of laundry going.
Another armload in soak.
Timer set! Refrigerator here I come! And I even put the games away!
Whew! Finally back again! The fridge got a lick and a promise, I went to a church booksale downtown, ate a burger with a friend,and got some other important household work done.
Our boys have a sleepover, and Lee and I have plans to hang out after our girls are snugged off in bed.
What are your weekend night plans?
And what did you accomplish?
(If you're even reading anymore. This post is not necessarily interesting unto anyone except yours truly!)

Happy Weekend!
~Pilgrimama

good-bye to a mama

2011-03-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

My body is often limp with exhaustion,chasing after and keeping up with the activities of 4 children and one husband,a cat and a fish.
Last night I went bed bushed, oh so very bushed.
But then I remembered.
At least I am here.
I am with these beloved mine.
I am thinking of her.
She just died.
Her oldest son just a little older than mine.
Cancer.
She brought me a cute little ballplayer outfit for my baby when I was a new,unsteady mother.
Actually,she was one of the most generous people I've ever known.
The cool measuring cups and spoons still reside in my baking cupboard,used often.
A card from her sits by my kitchen sink.
Tangible items from someone who now is intangible.
Hard to wrap the mind around.
In honor of her, the post today has no color.

Good-bye.

~Pilgrimama

Welcome March!

2011-03-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

Oh, I am so glad March is here!
I saw my first crocus the other day! It was yellow.
Yellow, yellow, yellow!
I am ready for yellow!

(By fall I am always tired of bright and am happy for earth tones again.)

My house is filled with balloons of the fancy variety right now. The children and I went to a health fair yesterday and came home loaded down with not only toothbrushes and toothpaste etc. but leftover balloons since we went toward the end of the fair.
So that is adding to the color palatte right now!

I have a full list again today so I must be moving along but again-Happy March to all!

~Pilgrimama

a little more red...

2011-02-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

red gel clings on the back door...

hearts on a little dress

part of my heart garland..

valentine on bedroom door

So here's a few more red pictures to begin withdrawal from Love Month!
Yours truly is on to weekend planning, which has some hard work and a few dreamsy plans!
What are your hopes for the weekend?

~Pilgrimama

to-do list for friends

2011-02-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

A to-do list:

Visit this website- http://www.aholyexperience.com/
Find some chocolate and eat it. (I found some chocolate covered blueberries on discount today!)
Clean a place that goes too frequently without cleaning. I cleaned the outside of my kitchen stove and a few other places during the children's music class today.
Have a peanut butter sandwich. I just picked some up and I think I'll go have some with the fresh bread our downstairs neighbor brought us!

Over and out!
Hungry,
~Pilgrimama

cake time!

2011-02-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

tiered cake...

Blogger is still acting up but here are cake pictures from the vow renewal dinner.
It was an awesome cake!
REAL flowers!
My feathers are ruffled with my photo problems today. But the weather is still nice!
Alex went to Greek class and we did some phonics/reading work this afternoon.
Both boys played math war with me.

I have dishes waiting!
Love,
Pilgrimama

stuff we are doing

2011-02-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

Today we have created:
1 salt dough tea light holder, decorated with crayon stubs and seed beads.
large paintings which the children decided to do on their own, using a newspaper end roll(check your local newspaper office)
masks after we researched the Mardi Gras history. We did not end up decorating them...

We studied phonics and read aloud together.
Chelsea practiced handwriting.
We looked at some new books that family sent us...

Outdoor play is happening. It's warm enough to be outside with no jackets! Yay!

I cleaned up substantially outside in the yard and adjacent creekbed. That feels very good!
I feel like we are way ahead of last year at this time,when we were still recently moved and settling in. Thank God!
There's maybe a meeting in the works yet tonight and some food to prep for hungry people.
The boys have a friend over and they are having a happy afternoon.

Last night the sons and I attended a concert put on by The Watoto Children's Choir . That was special.
Ok, enough journaling for today!

Busy bee,
~Pilgrimama

photo talk

2011-02-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

at our vow renewal ceremony last fall ...

So I never got around to showing pictures last fall of our vow renewal ceremony. The ceremony was lovely and fulfilling, and we very much enjoyed it but the planning and executing of this party/ceremony was exhausting and I never felt energetic enough to post much about it in words that came close to describing its beauty.
(I still don't have the energy!)
But this month in honor of Love and Romance and all that Mushy stuff I thought I'd post some pictures.
Beginning with me and only me. Because unfortunately Blogger buddy is acting up and will not let me post pictures of the cake....

Speaking of pictures, I had pictures taken today of moi and each of my children (taken one at a time, meaning me with 1 child at a time) by fancy photographers. I just thought of wanting to do this the other day and then was given a free oportunity today. These will be a sweet keepsake I hope.
Gotta run!
~Pilgrimama

Love Day report

2011-02-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well, Love Day has come and gone. But I am declaring here and now, that February is the month to celebrate love in a Big way and celebrate the color red!
(I didn't get all of my valentines done in time for yesterday anyway!)
We did get some lovely valentines and we took some cool gifts to Chelsea's good friend since we'd never managed to give her a Christmas gift.
We made fun heart shapes out of salt dough at her friend's home too.
Last night we babysat for our friends so they could have a romantic dinner! And then Lee came home and after dinner we went to an ice cream social nearby at more friends home.

The menu for the night was all themed after children's books and was very creative!

And my pal gave ME a valentine with a coupon for half a Saturday of free babysitting!
All the children!
Which in my book is pretty awesome.
Lee and I have some good cafe food coming up in gift cert. form and so I think we will celebrate one of these nights when we have more energy!
We had a VERY busy weekend.
What did You do for Love Day??
Liking Red,
~Pilgrimama

lovin' on my guy

2011-02-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

Brag time about my hunny:

Very hard worker!
disciplined
thrifty
sends romantic texts
cleans out the refrigerator and other places on his own(sometimes)
cooks on weekends quite often
loving and loves our children in hands-on ways like watching slapstick animal movies with them and reading scary books that I have no interest in.
more that I don't have time to document right now.
Now go make your own list if you have a "hunny".
Smooches!
~Pilgrimama

red foods and gel clings

2011-02-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

Last night: i made pizza.

Today Lee made tomato soup.
Tonight: i made burritos. Not red. Except for the hot sauce.

UNRELATED: We have had so many flus. After I got over the last one I have been in a funk. My house was messy since I had been too low in energy to do much.And then when I was better I have had a hard time caring or feeling energetic.
Bt today i think i popped out of it.
And I put gel clings on the windows. Red hearts!
Happy, happy red month!
Craving color,
Pilgrimama

february reads

2011-02-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

So I have been spending what may be an unseemly amount of time reading this book. Maybe it's extra fascinating to me because of my background, I don't know. Anyhoo, I found it in one of my local thrift shops. This thrift store turned their large front room into an Entire Book Room. Which delighted me. And they are half price on Saturdays. Double good.

The children, now they have been spending what may be an unseemly amount of time on the kid computer we finally got working. They have been playing this from a Cd we've had for a long time.

And today I snagged my very own copy of this book. It's an amazing read.

So put together your library list and get some February reading done 'cause before we know it, God willing, are those busy summer months when there may not be as much time for reading! Do it while it's Gray.
Bookwormy,
~Pilgrimama

a list for today

2011-02-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

A list of today:
Wake up, bathe and wash hair, work on breakfast and dress 3 year old all at a reasonable hour. This has not happened in a while.
#2. Go downtown and work on getting dental appointments for children. "Sweet!"
#3. Detour to the Bookstore's free piles.
#4. Come home, clean, make lunch including popcorn.
#5. Sons and husband go in and out and finally leave on a project.
#6. I take nap. Happiness!
#7. Friend comes. We fix bobbin on my sewing machine. Bobbin, bobbin.
#8. I wrap gifts for "groomsman" from our vow renewal ceremony last fall. Yes, this is a true statement.
9. At some point the girls and I make this, except in pink and purple and white and we used a cereal box. I also look online at dental reviews.
#10. I haul jeans in from the line for a final drying in the dryer.
#11.Guys come home.
#12. Whaaaat's for dinner? "Awesome!"
~Pilgrimama

welcome february!

2011-02-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

Lee and me-looking forward to Love Day!

Happy February! Sweetheart month!
So mostly I am crawling around doing the basics these days. A sinus "thing" has recaptured our house. (O, I do wish we were done with these sicknesses!) But back to "valentiney" thoughts, I pulled myself together enough to make a valentine garland similar to the one linked. Only mine is red and white.
Jess obligingly took down my wintry eucalyptus wreath and I hung my garland where that had hung. And I took down Christmas cards.
And an earthtoned candle. And realized how desperate I am for some bright color this time of year....

I got some nice emails in my inbox.
And a nice "girltalk" phonecall and even a delivery of boxed teas.
Maybe i will get through all this winter funk!

Now I should keep chugging on laundry mountain and the mess of a craft room so I can be free to do more crafty things.
Sweet crafting and thinking to all!
~Pilgrimama

bread and presidents and snow~

2011-01-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today: Snow all around. "Like Narnia" Jess says.
Snow and sun meet. Snow is of the heavy variety. Children go out to play and roll in snow. Return to small, upstairs abode. Mother strongly advises against undressing in the house. Has everyone undress on stairs. Stairs was very WET.

We worked on a large poster we are making of the presidents of the USA. I found an old book on the presidency in the thrift store and we are cutting out pictures of the presidents.
Yeah we could buy one, but would that be as much fun?
Recently we were playing Dinner Games and realized the presidential knowledge in these here parts was baaaaad!
So I searched out resources and got to work. Soon along came the gang. Wanting to help.

Time: late,late o'clock. I just put a batch of oatmeal bread to rest and rise on the counter. Recipe from More Home Cooking, A Writer Returns to the Kitchen by Laurie Colwin.

Must hit sack. I have a deadline to have a handmade journal ready by tomorrow afternoon and I should do it early in the morning.
~humming feelings,
Pilgrimama

learning amidst it all

2011-01-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

I can say that this New Year has been mostly issues with sicknesses of one kind or another. Just now it's sinus issues.
Lee recently broke a sinus infection with really spicy Thai food.

He says he will get me some if I'm still sick by the weekend. I do not want to be sick on the weekend.
So I have been sleeping in because of low energy. The children have been getting up to play school in the livingroom. They're quite peaceful and really practicing great skills which is a major plus ( instead of wrestling,ugh) so I feel a bit better about the lost morning time while I'm resting late...
This morning we all hung out and wrote letters at the dining room table. I found a pack of varied stationary while I was thrifting the other day and set that out, as well as our rainbow mug with writing implements in it. And I started writing myself and announced we'd be writing to a penpal today. And they all gathered 'round!
Actually, playing school all started with a pack of chalk I picked up the other day, intending to use in my sewing suitcase. Well, some of it got into the hands of the small people and much "school" play has happened.

We had company over last night so I am slowly working on the left dishes right now. Jess is feeling sick so he is in his room, listening to music and resting. Alex is sewing some project he dreamed up in his head and the girls are playing around and now watching a movie.
There's a wierd rain falling, looks suspiciously like freezing rain. The house is cozy and Lee just brought us a bunch of yogurt.
I thinkI shall finish my tea and resume some household puttering...
~ happiness,
Pilgrimama

thankful list

2011-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

Things I am thankful for today:

Father God's mercy
Eating Pancakes with important people in my life.
an abundance of eggs
a godly music teacher for the children
an offer for the children to join in with our neighbor writing to a Compassion child
the ability to do a bunch of laundry
Prayer time and tea by candlelight (mostly!) with people that inspire me to love, contentment and the ability to appreciate creativity and beauty in humble circumstances.
Rest

simplicity,redemption and serving others and what do they have in common?

2011-01-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling that this post could be difficult to pull together in a coherent way. But the day has wound down, the children have had thier bedtime rituals performed and here I sit holding my cup of orange tea laced with honey.
Iwas thinking about all the ways I keep seeing that I am able to help serve my fellowhumans and how this knowledge keeps pulling me toward a simpler way of life. Simplicity intertwined with the beauty of serving others in the name of my Master fills my soul with joy.
I like to think that this simple yet abundant joy emanates from the homes of those who are filled with this spirit.
And then what can seem somewhat less simple as I keep asking myself how we can simplify in order to to have more time for service is how to fit in the sweat and elbow grease required sometimes to redeem objects that many would cast off as garbage. And yet it often seems to fit in somewhere with a redemptive outlook on life, the stewarding of what is already, if possible, rather than waste and running to aquire something new. But this doesn't always seem simple...
Ok,here's the gist. I am sorting and sorting and embracing the experience.
Anyway, incohesive as this piece is, know that I keep seeing brilliant pieces of beauty bursting out of it, the wonder of love amidst the broken places of this world.
And I know this love will live both here and forever Beyond!
Smiling,
Pilgrimama

talking about exercise and color..

2011-01-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a couple hours by myself, which involved some fast walking, stopping at the thrift shop (we all know it's really called a store) but I can call it a shop, and running into the store store for Important Stuff like stain remover and rubber bands.
I bought 2 exercise videos at the thrift shop. I might have a real Collection soon....

Squirrel girl and I have been doing kid yoga in the evenings. She's way more flexible than me.
I am pleased to say my bathroom shelf is finished. It is now the color plum. Today I picked up orange Q-tips to put in a glass jar that will set on my plum shelf. I am gleeful. Might I actually beat these cold, grayer days?
Well,Squirrelgirl is fairly squirrely these days and wants lunch. (I wish I could get rid of the leftover Christmas sweets as fast as possible.) So, adieu!
Energetic and busy,
Pilgrimama

in which I paint the bathroom shelf plum!

2011-01-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

hooray!

Hooray,hooray! The tree is down,down,down and mostly burnt up in the woodstove!
The pineneedles are swept up. What time of year is this ? I ask myself. Myself is not too sure but myself knows it is the time of year when mothers get AFRAID. Cabin fever lurks.

So yesterday I started painting my tall bathroom shelf PLUM.
Good-bye!

~Pilgrimama

Happy New Year from our family to Yours!!

2010-12-31T22:12:00.000-08:00

Happy,Happy New Year's from our home and family to yours! May 2011 be filled with the knowlege of the heart of our Lord and Saviour in your home!

Our year was extraordinarily full and many blessings came our way. We await all the lessons and spiritual gifts our Heavenly Father has for us in this new year.
2010 was our year to learn camping as a family, settle into a new house, renew our wedding vows and observe our 10th anniversary, travel and learn a lot of things along the way.
I have little idea but some inklings of what this new year might hold. I know that whatever it holds in store that with our All-Powerful God beside us it will all be ok.
Prayers,Joy and Love in Christ,
Pilgrimama

re: a joyous holiday to all

2010-12-25T05:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
           Christmas morning here! The living room is cozy and twinkly lights are all around. The tree has a moderate little pile of surprises under it. And it's softly snowing outside. Amazing to have it snow on exactly this day in our part of the world where snowfall can be erratic!

Last night we carried on our new tradition of reading stories of the manger scene etc. before bed. Our pastor and his daughters brought us a basketfull of treats as we were reading. So sweet!

I made blueberry banana pancakes topped with Cool Whip and served up chocolate milk with new snowman straws.
A breakfast for dinner tradition could happen maybe. Or maybe we will just see what God provides!
This year we were brought the pancake batter and given some of the other food items on our dinner table.
I must say that as Lee and I have been working ever closer toward being footloose and debt-free I often thank God for all the providential ways we have been provided for even when we have had very little extra from a logic point of view. What could seem like random happenings to some I call occasions to thank God for all our needs being met!
God is good!    Have a joyous holiday!
                                                                                                            Somewhat Sleep Deprived,
                                                                                                         Pilgrimama

re: journaling about a site called Cookusinterruptus

2010-12-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

To Julia Charlotte,
      Today the message is short. Are you hungry? Do you have hungry children to feed? Want to eat well so you can feel well?
Well, visit this site. And while we're at it, how about making an Eat Kale T'shirt? I may try my hand at it one of these days.
Well, take a peek .

                                                     hungry now,
                                                                                                         ~ Pilgrimama

re: journaling about my kitchen corner

2010-12-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

So today I am cleaning out My Kitchen Corner of shame. I am trying lots of tactics to get away from this but the organized part of my personality is not having it!
I have now made a pile to go into a Things to Do basket, a pile for all things Letter writing and Thank-you note related and lots of things to be hauled to their actual spots of residence.
Things like a dvd about swamp tigers without the case, a lot of lists( I am a Listmaker) ,a little book with the lyrics to the Jungle Book movie's songs, recipes, flashcards and a new CD. And birthday money and gift certificates. And an abandoned thank-you note project. And more...

But now I have a plan of attack! To:do projects get their own basket in a less visible spot. Letterwriting basket-ditto! I must not let my tiny amount of counter space get overrun like this again!
I tell myself I am still digging out from the craziness of a vow renewal ceremony and planning, honeymoon, farming children out, four birthdays in two months kind of Autumn.
Fortunately for us the Christmas is a laidback season as far as gift giving pressure. Thankfully!
I hope to make cookie or some such thing plates for the neighbors and keep the focus on serving others. We have been going to midnight services every Saturday night this month which the little people sorta dig....
So we will try to stay calm and keep things simple and our countertops under control,yep!
Last but not least it is really cold nowadays. We got some snow and the weather is cold. Like 11 degrees F cold!
The Cleaning Lady,
Pilgrimama

re: winter things in the journal

2010-12-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
            Here we are, finishing up salt dough manger scenes and snipping paper for snowflakes for the windows.
We are playing seasonal music and prepped our Winter book basket with a lovely handpainted sign by Alex.
Now I need to clean the kitchen and do laundry. I'm still recovering from a weekend trip that turned epic as well!
Last but not least, check out the giveaways over at Crafty Crow this week! I'm hoping for the children's sewing book....
                                                                             Hibernating,
                                                                           Pilgrimama

re: Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Wishing the best to you and yours!

Pilgrimama

re: Thanksgiving-here we come!

2010-11-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
        Two pumpkin pies and one Apple pie have been made. The green beans are in the fridge waiting to be tipped.. My part of the family Thanksgiving feast is close to done! Even if I did spend half of the day in bed with a stiff neck and upper back.
My children are super !   They helped clean up from the birthday party last night and make this whole day work!

                                                                                               Thankful for my lovely children,
                                                                                                Pilgrimama

re: and a happy birthday to her!

2010-11-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

Today our Squirrelgirl is three!
Three years ago today a very special person arrived, freshly created from the Creator's hand.
Her middle name is Faith.
She has brought great joy to our family.
We" sing for joy at the work of His hands"!
Thank-you Father for this little life.

Tonight we plan to celebrate with a burrito dinner and cake!
~ off to cook and bake,
Pilgrimama

re: journal scribblings #2

2010-11-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
                Anyone who has raised children, especially a larger family knows the truth of what cleaning up is like. Like the old saying that goes something like "cleaning the house while the children are growing is like shoveling snow while it's still snowing." Nevertheless it still has to be done.
Today I managed to finish writing thank-you notes to the ladies of our church family for a party they threw this fall to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I also made a bunch of homemade cards using tie-died paper the children made with a friend. I layered the paper over a white card made from printer paper. Kelsey managed to finish one thank-you note already. This is a huge thing off my mind, getting that well underway!

Prepping for Thanksgiving is underway!
I must map out plans for the pies who will make the journey to relatives with us! Must get on that tonight!
Neglected to sleep last night in favor of reading Jane Eyre. Must not do that tonight.
Split pea soup, toast, brown rice and tea are ready in the kitchen. We ladies of the estate are waiting for our guys to get home- they have been out working this afternoon. They will arrive bearing firewood I believe.
                                                                                                               Satisfied,
                                                                                                             ~Pilgrimama

re: journal jottings

2010-11-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
                  The rain has started. I hear we may be in for a bit of that wet stuff.
Early morning church service here as usual.
We were still without gas with which to cook but maybe tomorrow the gas tanks will finally be re-hooked up.
The children had music class as usual as well. It went great and that made me glad!
I also got to see with my very own eyes an answer to prayer that was most amazing! I am still marveling.
Read and did important laundry. The children and their visiting friend watched a movie as well as starting a fire in the grill so we could make soup for dinner. So I made soup and ran around prepping for another batch of friends who would arrive to take us with them to children's choir practice night where they could bring friends (us!).
We had a great time doing that and then coming home to sing and read from No Compromise.
Read from Romans afterwards and put some sheets we were given into the laundry.
My synopsis from yesterday's sermon-" Seek to glorify God in everything you do".
                                                                                                         Inspired,
                                                                                                          Pilgrimama

re:notebook jottings # 4

2010-11-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
        Had breakfast at the community center this morning. Afterwards we came home and got some laundry rolling and did school related stuff like finish our chapter book on Squanto(which held the children's attention very well) and reread a book (storybook) on the Pilgrims which we were given back when Jess and Alex were babies. We discovered the book was really old too-like going on a hundred old!
We heated sandwich meat on the woodstove as our gas tanks ran dry yesterday and we are in the process of getting them refilled.
Then I saw an offer on Freecycle for some really pretty sounding colors of paint for giveaway and so we packed up and walked over for them.The street was immensely interesting in and of itself as well.
Hurried home to prep for dinner guests,a family who lives nearby who was coming for dinner.
We planned to cook over the fire in the grill.
They brought the rice.
I burned the beans.
But everything else was good-maybe because Lee cooked...
They brought Squirrelgirl a tutu and that pleased her very much. She looks like a pink turkey.
We had prayers with the children anmd Lee read some more to Jess and me from No Compromise.
                                                          Feeling Sleepy,
                                                                                                                   Pilgrimama

re: notebook jottings #3

2010-11-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Julia Charlotte,
Spent yesterday in BED.
Mostly.
Today, feeling much better.
Sent off one card and one tiny care package.
Lee made breakfast before he left for work- he is one stinkin' cool dude.
I tubbed the girls and washed their hair. I did the same for me later. We were a smelly, tangly-haired bunch.
The sweet woman who gave me clothes at church, showed up with a giant princess bag and one shopping bag, all full of presents for the children. Don't you think that is most Amazing?
Alex worked on a homemade ladder in our livingroom.
We went for a family walk after dinner.
Then Lee read more to us from Keith Green's book No Compromise.
Then I didn't feel sleepy.
So here I am......
Late for Bed,
Pilgrimama