Rocks in my Dryer Part 1

So I've got some rocks knockin' around in my dryer. I doubt I will have time to settle them all right now as the kiddos are about to begin their day so this may have to be Part 1 of who knows how many parts. I've had some of these thoughts knockin' around in my head before but a recent James Dobson radio broadcast really got them going. I rarely catch Dr. Dobson's broadcast but this week he happened to accommodate my dish washing time (wasn't that nice of him?) and I got to hear a large portion of his broadcast with Dr. Archibald Hart entitled "Recapturing the Joy Part 1". You can listen to it here, (just click on "Listen to radio broadcast" and find "Recapturing the Joy"). Dr. Hart, from what I was gathering, was talking in part about how our society's drive for satisfaction and happiness and stimulation is literally killing us. He, of course, mentioned the grave dangers for our youth but what really caught my attention and spoke profoundly to my heart is the importance I put on being happy. I know I am not alone in my struggle (I don't know if I say that to validate you, the reader, or me, the vulnerable writer!), but how many times do I put off what I SHOULD be doing to do what makes me happy? How many times, in my daily life as wife, mother and homemaker, do I turn from my responsibilities because I simply don't FEEL like folding laundry or weeding the garden or washing the dishes, etc, etc? And is this assumed entitlement to happiness (sometimes at all costs) unique to my generation or has it been a temptation through the ages? What would have happened when my grandmother's mother decided she simply didn't feel like scrubbing out the clothes or washing up the dinner dishes? She had a family of 10 or 11 (Mom, correct me if I'm wrong) to care for. I would surmise that if she decided to take the afternoon off, the household would nearly fall apart. It seems that ladies of that generation were much more driven by responsibilities rather than happiness. They seemed to simply do what needed to be done without giving much thought to whether or not it made them happy. Am I wrong in this stereotype? What has made the difference between that generation and mine? Do you see where I'm going with all of this?
Yes, this will definitely have to be Part 1. Half of the Fabulous Four have risen from their slumber, hungry bellies and pajama-d bodies calling for me. More to come and if you have a minute to listen to that broadcast, please do so and then will you share your thoughts? I'd love to hear!

Vacation Bible School

This day brought for us the end of vacation bible school for the year. I had a couple of tired and sad boys! They enjoyed it so much (it was a science theme) and came home singing all the great songs they learned and reminiscing about the different things they got to do. I don't know why but the grand finale of VBS always chokes me up!!! All those kidlets singing and smiling, excited about the things they learned, some of them having asked Jesus to be their boss for the first time in their lives!!! It just reduces me to the bawling mother in the back row trying to croak out the songs with the rest of them! Sheesh!!!!!!

And it all leads me to ask, already....WHERE IS THIS SUMMER GOING????????

Soon swim lessons will begin, summer birthdays will fly past and the cool of autumn will be here before I can swat at a bee. As Hannah used to say, "Holy My Cow"!!!!!

Boyhood

An afternoon of Sun's shine on your back and woodsy scent in your lungs, of guns in your little boy arms and racing heart in your chest (for didn't YOUR heart race the first time you perched on your daddy's lap, big steering wheel held by hands deep in childhood?).....

Paisley Tot Etsy Store ***Free Shipping***

I am offering free shipping for all items in my Etsy Store, Paisley Tot, now through July 4th! I currently have some hooded towels, perfect for bathing and beach trips, and a couple of summery smocks. Come by and check it out!!!

My Bargain

A few years ago we purchased a couch from Ikea. It served us well. However, with four kiddos and two dogs it was getting tired and, in places, a bit cranky. I have been on a quest for it's replacement. I asked Craig how much we could budget for a new couch and he said to just try to find the nicest couch for as cheap as possible. Ooooooh, how I love a good challenge, especially when it involves searching out a bargain! His stipulations were no plaid, no blues, and no flowers. My stipulations were that it be a sleeper sofa, as both sets of parents live out of town, that it be cozy, and that it be CHEAP!!! So I began making craigslist my new bestfriend! And lo and behold, I did it!!!! Well.....almost. I scored a lovely Bassett sleeper sofa with very minimal wear and tear for....are you ready for this?........for FREE!!!!! It has beautiful shades of tans, dark greens and rusty reds. The only hitch is that it does happen to have flowers. But they're manly flowers; really!!!! I so love a good deal! Just makes me smile! I will have to include a picture another time as our camera is in the truck and I'm much too lazy tonight to retrieve it. You'll just have to trust me!
And by the way, it had not been in our home more than a few hours before Craig openly admitted that it was growing on him! Flowers have a way of doing that, I suppose!

The Apron Book

The Apron Book, by EllyAnne Geisel, was quite an enjoyable book. My dear momma gave it to me for Mother's Day and I scarfed it right up. It was very entertaining to read about the history of the apron and oh, how I loved perusing the pages of vintage fabrics and styles. You know, there is even an apron in this book that mothers used for scooping their babies out of their baths with? Clever, indeed! Included are a few patterns for making your own aprons. A fun read for the apron lover! I now have my eye on the author's other book: Apronisms: Pocket Wisdom for Everyday .

Fun Was Had by All

We had a lovely visit with my parents as well as my brother, his wife and their two sweet kiddos. We also got to enjoy a visit with some dear friends, and their precious little girl, from high school over the last couple of days. So, once again, I have foregone blogging for several days to live out the bloggable events in life!!!

Mom and the kids and I got to share a picnic lunch at Red Ridge Farms, one of my all-time favorite places to be! If you live in the Pacific Northwest, this is worth the drive. The lady who owns it could not be any nicer and the view is breath-taking!!! Here are a few pictures from our visit there:

Only HALF of the beautiful lavender field...


My pretty little Hannah-Girl...

My silly Kaleb-boy...

And my munchin' munchkin...

Three-fourths of the Fabulous Four...


Here is proof that the recent passion for mohawks has gone a little too far in my house (Sarah's stylist: Kaleb!):


Just a few more tidbits:
I was able to snag a copy of the book Nancy Campbell quotes in her study, "The Power of Motherhood", called "Quiet Talks on Home Ideals" off of Alibris. Copyright 1909, a terrific book thus far. Many thoughts from this book have caught my attention but this one, in particular: in regards to the secret of beauty, "The face always bears the impress of the spirit that reigns within". My children are subject to seeing my face more than anyone else, even more than Craig. What do they see there? If you would like to know of the spirit that REIGNS within me, you may ask my children, for they will be able to tell you better than any others. Is it anger, impatience, discontentment, selfishness, and pride? Or is it love and joy, peace, longsuffering and gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22 & 23)? What am I shouting to the world, and more importantly to my dear little ones, about children and motherhood and serving God .... simply by the look on my face? Certainly something to think about.


I'm always on the look out for various inspiring sources regarding sewing, crafting, gardening and the such. I stumbled upon this blog, Homespun Living, and I'm really enjoying it. Just thought I'd share!


Have a blessed day and may the fruits of the Spirit reign in YOUR hearts so that your faces are truly a display of His beauty!!!!