A Big Bowl Of Cherries

Animal Shenanigans

2012-02-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

Still completely clueless that he just slapped Kye silly.

...And probably wondering "Hey...where'd that cat go?"

This Side of the Storm

2012-02-04T22:52:00.001-05:00

Sometimes trials can sweep into a life like a fire storm.

Sometimes it's both an unexpected arrival and, in the end, an unexpected outcome.

We had one of those storms this past summer and I was left asking myself "Am I going to make it through this with a sound mind and a marriage in tact? Can I stand the heat? Will I melt like butter or will I allow it to strengthen me?" Because, If you think about it, that same fire that melts butter will also strengthen and harden steel.

So was I butter or steel? As the fire swept through, I wasn't so sure, but thankfully God walked with me though it every step. I thought, at times He wasn't paying attention. Like He left His post or something??? I knew better, but I felt like I was alone. Oh, how our feelings will lie to us. Now, looking back, I can see He never left my side. He had a better plan for my future than I had for myself, but it was a more difficult path than I would have chosen... It was exactly what I needed.

What exactly happened? Well, making a long story short; just weeks after my last post in June my husband lost his job of 13 years. We also lost our home of 7 years to foreclosure. We were suddenly without a home and without our main source of income... Never in a million years would I have ever guessed we would end up in that situation. Anyway, what we did have was 3 kids, a cat and a dog to care and provide for. We packed up our things, put them into two storage units and moved our 3 kids and 2 pets to our dear friend's home for the following 4+ months. They had "mother-in-law-quarters" in their basement (sort of like a studio apartment) that we crammed into until we moved to our current home.

I tell people it was the most horrible-wonderful time I've ever experienced. Very humbling and very eye-opening. God blessed us SO greatly through our friends that shared their home as well as through our church, that shared their hearts and resources. What a strange thing to suddenly be the ones in need.

I've had a few people tell me it seems so unfair how everything went down. I felt that way at first but, then I thought "Really? Who am I, that I shouldn't experience difficulties?" ...And in the end I've seen God's hand in more amazing ways than many are fortunate enough to see. I do miss my house, my garden and park-like backyard. I miss the larger paychecks, too. But I wouldn't trade them for all that God has given us through this season in our life. God has a beautiful way of restoring to us what we lose in those trials, as well. Maybe in a different form, but restoration, all the same. We have been blessed with a beautiful home now. It's actually nicer and newer than our other home. My husband has a job that doesn't pay the same, but it's much better on his back and for his health... This was an answer to prayer!

Anyway, all of these months since life took such a drastic turn, there have been so many times I've snapped a picture or had a story to share, but decided against it. I struggled with the decision to share, or not to share the trials I was enduring. I didn't know... so I did nothing.The first couple of months ALL creativity had drained out of me. ALL desire to blog was gone. Life seemed to have so much of it's color. But as the creativity and color slowly returned, I realized life and time still marched on around me... It just looked a little different. I saw how God was returning what had been lost in beautiful ways.

I wanted to reconnect. I missed my blogging connections. But embarassment and pride kept me from sharing. I journaled instead, but it's not the same as sharing life with others. So it's taken me months to get here to this place where I open up and share the personal trials we've faced, but I don't think it's a story for me to keep to myself. I hope it encourages at least one little somebody.

Life can be a struggle. But it can be such a beautiful struggle when you look back and see the full tapestry God is making of your life... not just the part that was rough to get through. That's where I am... looking back at all of it now. And it's an amazing view! (You may also want to read the post I wrote almost a year ago now about God's restoring power: My Art Lesson. He's a patient teacher.)

I'm stronger. He didn't let me melt. I'm back and look forward to posting and sharing again. I have many things I'm working on that I look forward to sharing. Maybe even filling in some of the gaps over the past few months. All of the pictures I've included in the post are from those precious months in the "wilderness" at our sweet friend's home. G'night, my friends!

Hugs ~Jen

Romans 5:3-5 “Let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment.”

Days 168 & 169

2011-06-19T16:28:00.000-04:00

I'm jumping back into things now that I'm feeling a little more like myself again and picking back up at days 168 and 169. That would be Saturday and today :)

Yesterday we helped some friends move. They live about an hour and a half away in the town my husband and I pretty much grew up in. On the way home my husband, being the car fanatic that he is, spotted some old cars he wanted to get a closer look at. He said they must have been sitting there are really long time. The sign was too faded to read the phone number and the dust inside was an inch thick...but it looked pretty cool on the outside. :)

This is my pic for today.

This little weed and I have actually become friends. I don't know about where you live but here in Michigan, purslane tries to take over my garden every year! You can't get rid of it! But I found out year before last that it's actually a drought-resistant, highly-nutritious little plant that is great in salads and many other dishes. It contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable out there! Here's a link to some more info on it, if you happen to find it in your yard, sidewalk cracks or garden. It's also known the be a good living mulch that will keep other weeds at bay.

Hope you're having a great Father's Day weekend!

XX's ~Jen

A Space of 21 Days

2011-06-16T16:26:00.001-04:00

I guess a lot can happen in 21 days. It's been that long since I last posted and honestly, it feels even longer. I should have posted at least a hello and filled you in a bit, but there really wasn't "one" good reason, but several little happenings, and a couple of big ones, that came my way and set me adrift for a while...

A garden needing seeds and tending, a house groaning with age and demands for repairs, a transition from a church we love dearly to one that God has called us to (that we also love, but doesn't stop out hearts from hurting), a home school year ending with loose ends needing to be tied, a foot -broken as I bid Memorial Day adieu (My first broken bone, I might add), A part-time summer job in the mornings just beginning, and the one thing that just really took the wind out of my sails...

Having to put my cat, Stormy, down. You haven't seen him much on my blog because he was a bit camera shy, unlike Malachi. But, believe me, he was my shadow every evening after his day-long naps, for over 7 years. He was quite unique. He loved to head-butt me to show his affection, he sort of chirped instead of meowing like most cats, and he would wait on the counter-tops when he would see we were going to walk by, so he could reach out and grab our arms (this was a hint to pick him up). It was last week that I had to have him put down, but I knew it was coming for weeks. It made my heart so heavy just thinking about it and I kept putting off the inevitable. And then when the time came to say goodbye my heart completely broke. I miss him a ton and the tears still come from time to time, when I think of his little tendencies that made him Stormy. But God's slowly healing my heart, and my broken foot... Summer is still just beginning and the sun actually just broke through the clouds outside, so I think I'll go soak up some vitamin D and snap some pictures. I've hardly touched my camera in the past week. It's time to pick it back up again.

Kye is missing him a ton. I didn't realize how much cats will sometimes mourn the loss of another cat.

One of their favorite evening rituals in the summer. He was always hard to see in pictures!

Hope you're enjoying this God-filled day. It's beautiful here all the sudden!
XX's ~Jen

5 Days of Photos

2011-04-27T23:40:00.000-04:00

365 project- days 112-117
Well, 6 days have gone by and I'm just now getting my photos up! I'm going to change things a bit here and start doing what I originally planned on doing: A weekly post with 7 days of pictures. As simple as it is to upload a photo and then post it, I have a hard time actually doing it every day. Ugh!
So here are the last 6 days, and then I'll post my daily photos every week beginning next Wednesday.
Day 112~

Resurrection Sunday with our family.

Day113~

Meet Ni-night puppy. This is my youngest daughter's stuffed animal. He apparently wrestled away her I-Touch.

Day 114~


My daughters...I really don't know the answer to the "why" to this picture. Just being sisters, I guess?

Day 115~

My youngest daughter likes my brother-in-law's bike a little too much.

....Until she found the spider on the right hand glove. She threw those gloves and got off that bike faster than I've ever seen her move!

Day 116~


After the storm. It was so nasty all day, then the clouds broke for a little while in the evening. The way the sun reflected off of them made it look like the sun was shining from the east. It looked like morning, the way the light was shining. So beautiful is the work of His hands!

Day 117~


What you can't see is the bowl of cereal on my son's lap. The only reason they were paying him any attention at all.

Well, sleep tight and have a blessed night.
XX's~ Jen

Days 110 and 111

2011-04-23T15:40:00.000-04:00

Day 110~
Freshly cut chives out on the deck. I love this green!

111~
One of his favorite games. Chase the necklace (or string, chain, twine..you name it).

Days 108 and 109

2011-04-20T19:37:00.000-04:00

Day 109~ We'll start with today first I guess.

I was looking out onto the deck this afternoon and noticed how beautiful the lines and rings in the wood were.

And the thought came to me...God did that.

Isn't it pretty?

Just another little detail in His huge masterpiece.

Day 108~

...A farm that we passed on a drive in the country. Yesterday afternoon I finally started feeling normal again after dealing with an allergic reaction that I had mentioned a few days ago (and then another allergic reaction to the meds that were supposed to help the first allergic reaction, believe it or not!)

It was nice to get out and enjoy some fresh air. Then I came home and played with my pictures. This was the result.

Have a wonderful night, my friends. I have the house to myself this evening and will enjoy that immensely!

XX's ~Jen

Day 107

2011-04-18T18:42:00.001-04:00

Day 107~

It.

Snowed.

I know. This is Michigan. I should expect this kind of weather might happen in April. But last weekend it was in the 80's!

The birds out back actually seemed to be playing in it this morning. Enjoying it!

Well, it's better than the terrifying storms they've been getting in some of the southern states. I'll take the snow over that any day.

Here are some other random shots I took today....

(He was fascinated.)

XX's ~Jen

Day (evening) 106

2011-04-17T21:15:00.000-04:00

Day 106~

Well, the day began cold, wet and windy, but this is what the sky looked like as I sat out back a few minutes ago. It's still cold, but the sky is clear, there are buds on the trees, and it's so nice to go out and hear the birds getting ready to settle in for the night after such a long quiet winter.

And speaking of settling in. I think I'm going to grab a book and do that myself. Hope you have a peaceful night.

XX's ~Jen

Day 104 and 105

2011-04-17T11:42:00.000-04:00

Day 104~

Homemade veggie pizza. This was a nice alternative to our usual once-a-week greasy pizza from Marco's (which is oh-so-good, but oh-so-unhealthy).

Day 105~

My daughter, the drummer... Last night was the second night of a talent show that she and her band played in. There were so many talented kids! Their band did awesome and I'm so thankful that she's taken the gift God has given her musically and has used it to glorify Him and not herself.

I'll post today's picture a little later. I know it looks like I'm getting behind again...but I'm not! ;)

I'm just a little slow this weekend. Still fighting, not only the allergic reaction to the electrodes I had to wear, but now it seems I'm having another reaction to the medicine that's supposed to help the first problem! Geesh... and why do I prefer natural medicine??? Well, it could sure be a lot worse, so instead of going on about it, I think I'll get off my computer, grab my camera, and enjoy this beautiul partly-sunny day! Hope you're having a blessed day!

XX's ~Jen

Days 101-103

2011-04-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

Day 101~

I know. I've fallen behind on posting. And while my 101st picture isn't very fascinating, this is one of the reasons I've been distracted. It's a harmless phone, but it comes with another device that connects to electrodes, which connect to me. It captures any abnormalities in my heart's rhythm over a 30 day period. I've had an arrhythmia for several years, so it's just a check up. No big deal... except that I'm allergic to the electrodes. They first gave me huge welts where they were attached, then over the weekend, I broke out in a rash all over that got progressively worse. Not so fun. It's incessant itching night and day. Nope, not much sleep for me. Or even sitting. If I keep moving it seems to be better. Although I hate taking prescriptions, I finally relented and took the first dose of what my doctor prescribed, yesterday. I'm itching less, but it's making my heart race now! How's that for irony? Oh well. It'll be over in just a few more days.

Day 102~

Meanwhile, like I said, it's better if I keep moving, so I've stayed off the computer and decided to get some of my painting projects done. As with all of my projects, Kye wants to be included.

Day 103~

This is a picture of my first attempt at homemade crackers. I've been hearing my friend, Cindy, raving about all of these homemade crackers she's been making, and even tasted a few that were wonderful. So I gave it a shot.

They're really good dipped in my youngest daughter's homemade hummus!

I was looking for a VERY simple recipe. I didn't want to run to the store and I didn't have a lot of time to be in the kitchen today. Well, I found it! (Here's the link.) And simple, it is. Other than waiting on the mixer and letting it stand before baking, it took me all of 10 minutes to prepare and they turned out wonderful. Maybe not as pretty as they could have been, but so delicious! The only things I did differently were to add some of my own spices and I rolled them with my rolling pin since I don't own a pasta roller. I will probably roll them thinner next time, but for hummus it worked out nicely. They were a lot like pita chips.

So that's the scoop and I'm now caught up...again. Now that I've got some itch relief I'm feeling the creativity return. :)

Happiest Thursday to you!

XX's~ Jen

Day 97: Found!

2011-04-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

Day 97~
NOTE: I'm not sure how I overlooked this, but day 97 was never posted! It was there in my list of postings, but when I saw the word "draft" next to it, I was perplexed. So here it is. Not in order. Not on time. But posted. Now a note to myself: Always click "publish post"!
My daughter drew this. I loved it. So did the rest of the family because he was the last orange in the house and still didn't get eaten for days. That normally does not happen!
XX's ~Jen

Days 98-100

2011-04-11T13:40:00.001-04:00

Day 98~ The Cat
I was photographing him while he slept and eventually he opened his yes, hopped up and came after my camera. I do bug him a lot.

Day 99~ The Fish
This is Fourninetynine (as in: "He cost $4.99.") My oldest daughter felt that with college, work and all of her running about, that he would be better off if adopted by her brother. My son agreed, and now Fourninetynine resides upstairs in his room with his other fish, Fish. (Yes, Fish.) I don't think my love for creativity was passed on to them.

Day 100~ The Car Wash
What a gorgeous day! And 85 degrees! We beat our record for the same day back in the 30's, which was 84! So when I went to fill up the van (the gas prices are going up along with the temperature and our local news channel advised us to fill up before it hit $4 a gallon) I also stopped to vacuum out the van and take it through the car wash.
I'll be getting some more shots of my world today and hopefully get them posted this evening.
Hope you're having a perfectly wonderful day!
XX's ~Jen

Day 96

2011-04-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

Day 96~
I was reluctant to pull on my shoes and jacket this morning to venture out for a shot. It's chilly and raining again. But I'm tired of indoor shots. We has sunshine for a while yesterday, but I was in the middle of my pantry and coat rack projects. I was hoping today for at least one or two big puddles so I could practice with reflections, but it's not been raining hard enough for that. Just enough to drive us indoors. I did, however, find some standing water on a marble table top out on the deck. This was the result. If there's no sunshine tomorrow, maybe there will be big mud puddles! I'd be okay with that.

XX's ~Jen

Day 95

2011-04-05T16:54:00.000-04:00

Day 95~

I've been converting my coat closet into a pantry the past two days. That being said, we still need a place to hang our coats when we walk in the door. So, this has been my project for the day.
Hope you're having a blessed day!
XX's ~Jen

Day 94

2011-04-04T14:23:00.000-04:00

Day 94~
A little rushed today, and it's nasty outside, so Stormy served as my object to photograph today. I've probably mentioned that my kids laugh at me because I take so many pictures of the cats, (Especially Kye, because he's so photogenic with that coloring) but the truth is, they're just easier to work with! They don't sigh, roll their eyes and cover their faces yelling "No! I'm having a bad hair day!" I love photographing babies, too, but I don't have any on hand around the house, so cats it is today! He loves to lay next to the water bowl every morning and every night. He is all about having the same routine every day.
XX's ~Jen

Day 93

2011-04-03T15:38:00.001-04:00

Day 93~

It's a rainy, sleepy Sunday here today. We've had a bit of thunder and even some hail. I've been anxious for the spring sunshine, but I'm okay with the rain today. At least it's not snow, right?

I hope your weekend has been blessed and your Sunday, refreshing!

XX's ~Jen

Apparently, rainy days make Kye sleepy, too.

Day 92~ and Kye's Unusual Hammock

2011-04-02T12:47:00.000-04:00

Day 92~
This is a normal view for me in the morning. I usually settle down with my coffee and breakfast on the couch for a little prayer and meditation before I start the day. Kye and Stormy usually hover about on the arm rest or end table. Today it was just Kye. Only this was his seat of choice this morning. It's a little difficult to read like this... And it's not like he just wants to sit on my lap to be near to me. No, he's waiting for what will be leftover in my cereal bowl. When I was finished he got his wish...and I got to read.
Below are some other shots of Kye being Kye (yesterday). My daughter was putting an iron-on onto a shirt and had put the ironing board on the bed instead of the floor since there wasn't much room between the bed and dresser. She had finished and left the shirt to cool. When I came back and tried to take the shirt off the board it was stuck...heavy. It was then that I saw the little yellow ears. He had climbed into the shirt hanging down and was quite cozy.

Does look comfy, huh?

Hope you are having a blessed weekend!
XX's~ Jen

Day 91

2011-04-01T13:02:00.000-04:00

Day 91~
I got some brushes and supplies out this morning so I would see them each time I walked by the table. When they're out I think I tend to think more...artfully? I'm also more likely to take the time to sit down and do something with those creative thoughts. It's not really a matter of "out of sight, out of mind" but more like "out of sight- don't make the time".
Today, unfortunately, time does not seem to be on my side...Maybe this evening after all of my errands?
Have a blessed Friday!
XX's~ Jen

Day 90

2011-03-31T15:07:00.001-04:00

Day 90~

Mid-morning snack.

My 12 year old son had been craving blueberries ever since he discovered a bag full of them in the freezer. Grandma had brought them over a few weeks ago and I still hadn't used them. By Tuesday he had decided he would take matters into his own hands and find aunt Jill's recipe for blueberry bars. He did, and he made them entirely on his own. (Guess he really wanted those blueberries!)

I enjoyed one this morning...apparently Simon wanted to enjoy one as well.

That boy can make some killer blueberry bars!

XX's ~Jen

Day 89- It's not as hopeless as it may seem!

2011-03-30T10:36:00.003-04:00

Day 89 ~ Although it still looks dead and brown out back, I'm beginning to see new life peeking up here and there. It may look dead, but it's definitely not! Spring is on it's way! Yay!
I'm a little confused about the day I should be on for the mommytography 365 project. Based on the website it looks like it should be day 79 today, but after checking out several other beautiful photos from other's who are participating, I'm finding they are on day 89 instead. I guess I'll go the majority rules route.

Here are a few more pics from my walk in the backyard this morning...

Day 87 and 88

2011-03-29T23:02:00.005-04:00

Day #87(Monday): Kye (AKA: Malachi) on the dining room table. What you can't see is that he's on my son's text book. He's quick to jump up onto whatever we're reading/doing.

Day #88(Today): My youngest daughter today in the back yard. We had sun today! In Michigan, we don't take sunny days for granted.

Hope you're having a wonderful week do far!

XX's ~Jen

(Check out the Mommytography 365 Project.)

Mommytography 365 Project

2011-03-29T16:56:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone! I decided today to participate in the 2011 Mommytography 365 Project! For this year long project I will do a weekly post with a picture for each day of my week, to get me out shooting, using my camera and learning new things daily. Anyone interested in photography can join, no need to be a Mommytographer. There are teens to adults, male and female, as well as people from all over the world. Come join the fun!

Since I've come into this project a bit late I'll begin where everyone else is. This will be days #76, #77 and #78 (since I shot photos the last 3 days). I'll post them later this evening. If I miss a day or know I'll be away from my computer I may post a couple days in one post. I'm excited to get out there and start capturing more of my moments!

Playing With Food.

2011-03-09T15:48:00.001-05:00

While making dinner with my son the other day, I found that playing with food really is pretty fun.

My Art Lesson

2011-03-07T16:09:00.001-05:00

  For the past few years I've grown more and more aware of the incredible artist God is by looking at things closer through the lens of my camera... I've become even More aware since I began reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts.
As I take more time to give thanks for each gift He gives, all of them precious pieces from His collection, I learn the new language that Ann speaks of in her book. That of eaucharisteo (or Thanksgiving.) Every good and perfect gift comes from above. ~James 1:17
  As my wonder grows at the beauty of His works, my heart expands. 

And the thought often comes that my life is one that is being transformed into a beautiful work of Art by the Master Artist. 
I'm going to attempt to paint a word picture for you. Thoughts seem to flow freely enough into my mind, but it's quite another thing for me to turn around and express them to someone else. Maybe this way they will make some kind of sense to you.
(photo by Sadie J Valeri)
  Imagine an artist beneath a canopy of trees, canvas on easel. The day beautiful and sunny. Nature, full of life and vivid color. I guess, in my mind's eye, this would be where my word-picture begins. My life being the canvas, stretched and securely fitted to the frame. And me; a painting just begun. Yes, a work of art, But very much a work in progress.
And If I believe that God’s the Artist of artists and that He will finish the work He started in me (Phil. 1:4), that he knit me together in my mothers womb and made my inner being (Psalm 139:13), then shouldn't I believe that my life can be lovely here in the present, flaws and all? And that one day when He has completed His work in me it will be entirely beautiful?   

  I do believe He will finish the work He began in me...But I get so impatient sometimes. I want the lines and contours on the canvas, that seem utterly pointless at the moment, to hurry up and find their connections, to form some sort of a picture to help me see where this is going. The progress seems so slow. I want it to look beautiful now. I want my "why's" to be answered now. So even as He carefully transforms this paint-on-canvas to masterpiece, each stroke deliberate and full of love, all I see is an unfinished piece. And it's here, when I look at things with my near-sighted, natural eyes that I get it all wrong and buy the lies... allow the thought seeds to settle, then take root.
"Maybe I know what I need more than God does." 
"Maybe He doesn't really care."
  So I grab the brush from His hand and try to do it faster, easier...my way.
  And do I actually think I can do better Than Him? The One who alone made all things, stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth? (Isaiah 44:24) Did you catch that? Alone! And I'm really gonna top that? Right...

  Yet I stubbornly swish the brush. "Thanks, but I've got this God! I think I know what's best for me!" And although there have been times His strong arms have held me back from danger, this one is a lesson He allows me to learn. One I need to learn. Even as His heart aches...Even as I run recklessly from His will, He allows it. And He waits. Knowing in the end this lesson will be for my good.

  As hard as I try, my strokes seem to taint the work He had begun. Smudges of doubt begin to mar His beautiful work. I try to focus, steady my hand. Still, splatters of sin, arrogance and defiance meet with canvas and soon cover the beauty of the brushstrokes made by His hand. Frustrated, I close my eyes... take a deep breath. Condemnation is thick and begins to curl about me and choke. I tell myself "Well, you messed it up Jen, so you better fix it! Pull it together." I open my eyes, try to shake off the anxiety, but see that the sky is now dark and angry. Heavy clouds, pregnant with rain, threaten to burst.
  And then they do. Colors bleed and drip to the ground. 

  And as rain falls, so do I; condemnation tightening his grip. And his accomplice, Hopelessness, whispering in my ear, "You will never learn, will you? Your life a piece of art? Ha! You're nothing but trash to be thrown out. You've ruined God's plan for you. Just look at this disaster!" Sorrow crushes...shame burns...pride is smashed to pieces. It's painfully obvious I can't fix this myself. But not all is lost. Because this is where the brush falls from my hand. This is where my will is broken, but my spirit is about to be strengthened. This is where God's grace drowns out whispers of hopelessness. Where I'm reminded that my weakness, my brokenness, is actually the catalyst for restoration. "Through weakness My strength is made strong..." (2 Cor. 12:9) 
   Head to hands and face to ground, my tears flow with rain. My heart beats a cadence of repentance, birthed from pain and sorrow. And finally I cry out to Jesus. The One who's name means God with us. And I believe it, because even as the Name crosses these lips I feel Him and I'm comforted. 

Eyes now lift and meet His. He's right before me. I suddenly have an understanding that He was never more than a prayer of repentance away. 
  I wait for rebuke...To my amazement, instead He cleans off the canvas and begins painting again. And honestly; I still doubt. How can this disaster be made beautiful? I would consider it a waste... toss it aside and find something new to work with. But A smile spreads wide across His face as He works. He clearly sees something redeemable about this piece...About my life... And I trust His eyes more than my own. After all, I know I can't trust my vision. I still see "through a glass, darkly" (not to mention -6.5 prescription glasses) while I'm on this side of eternity. (1 Cor.13:12) 

  And as He paints, new colors revive.
  Tears of joy fall, blend, cleanse.
  Texture adds new depth.

  The unsightly splatters are masterfully turned into a garden  of beauty with each stroke.
  The smudges; now formed into stepping stones. Each representing  a story of God's grace in my life. Each bringing me a step closer to Him.
(Photo: idnurse41_Deviantart)

  Everything is now awash with God's color-giving, life-giving glory. Above now, is most brilliant azure. And oh, how wonderful it is to feel the warmth of sunlight after a storm!

  My breath catches at the beauty He creates and suddenly He takes my hand and leads it in a dance across the canvas...Gentle brushstrokes, flowing and beautiful with His Hand steadying mine. Guiding...assuring. 
  And I wonder; Why doesn't He scold? After all, I deserve to be taught a lesson, don't I? Is He this quick to forgive? Shouldn't He require some kind of retribution for all I had destroyed? Repayment for all of His time and work on my behalf? But, the scolding never comes. 
There have been times I've received rebuke from my Lord...And although I sometimes require of myself some form of penance for my actions, His words sting only for a moment before their healing is released. There's always been healing in His rebuke. He's a good Father. Just and full of love.
Our eyes meet...and with one glance all of my questions are answered... 
  The "lesson" began when He allowed me to take the brush into my own hands, As I ran, reckless and wild, bent on painting my own scenery. It continued as my heart broke in repentance over the realization of my sin, and it continues even now, as the beauty of forgiveness fills me with joy unspeakable... I don't get it, but I accept it. 

...Thankful. I'm so undeserving... and I'm so thankful.
His lessons don't bruise and scar, but instead, are a balm that heal bruises, bind wounds, and make whole that which sin has impaired.
What a beautiful love...
What an awesome Artist...
What a Glorious God!

Xx's~ Jen

I Need A Translator.

2011-02-22T12:21:00.001-05:00

He was talking...

He was replying.

Sometimes I really wish I knew what they were saying.

Happy Friday

2011-01-21T16:43:00.001-05:00

Aaahhh...it's here. Friday.

I've got my kids packed up for their weekend youth group retreat, I've made even more progress with my mid-winter fling, and now I'm ready for some R&R.
I'm going to have to squeeze all of that relaxation in between a dessert date, my husband's company party and church, but here's hoping!
I wish you a most happy Friday and a blessed weekend yourself!
XX's
~Jen

My Mid-Winter Fling

2011-01-19T19:39:00.001-05:00

Okay, you've got me. My "fling" is not quite so juicy as the title would lead you to believe (and that's a good thing! I'm a married woman!) But this fling is MUCH more rewarding :) It's also the reason I've not had as much time to blog. This is only for a season. Let me explain.
About a month ago, Cindy from over on the Farmgirlcyn blog gave me a bag of books and crafty things she no longer needed. When I sifted through it's contents I found a bright pink book with a big kitchen sink on the cover titled...Sink Reflections by Martha Cilley. Hence the big sink. Hmmm....Didn't look like my kind of literature. And what was with the fishing-rod wielding fairy-coach? The FlyLady? No thanks. But then three bold-print questions caught my attention.

1. "OVERWHELMED?"

2. "DISORGANIZED?"

3. "LIVING IN CHAOS?"

Well, to answer those questions:

1. Please, let's not even go there.

2. Yes and no. Mostly yes.

3. Quite regularly, yes.

People who don't know me as well say this surprises them. Every day I shower, dress and put on makeup even if I'm not leaving the house. My home's main living areas are almost always tidy. I make my bed every day. My vehicle is washed polished and vacuumed weekly. I get the kids to their activities on time for the most part.

But if you look deeper; behind cabinet and closet doors,

at the neatly stacked to-do piles scattered here and there,

(that rarely move to "done" status)

or (enter scary music) the basement...

you'll find it's true. I am overwhelmed, disorganized and living in chaos!

It should be no surprise, really. I'm an artistic-type collector of vintage junk! I'm always hoping from one project to another, always busy, but never "caught up" with all that needs to be done. Especially now with homeschooling.

So, it ends up I like this book. My kids have given me a lot of grief over the cheesiness of it all, and it is, but it's working. She encourages baby steps to get your home in order without getting overwhelmed. For instance; setting a timer for 15 minutes and tackling a trouble area of your house. It can be overwhelming to look at a big mess, but if you break it down bit by bit it's a lot less daunting and within a few hours or days-whatever works- Voila! You've reclaimed a room.

Okay so where does the "fling" fit in to all of this? Well, my favorite activity in this book also holds the most cheesy activity title. (The kids really rolled their eyes at this one when they sneaked a peak at what I was reading.) It's called...are you ready?....The 27 fling boogie. I don't think I've ever "boogied" but I do set a timer for 15 minutes and toss 27 things or more into a box or basket several times a week to go to charity or the trash. These are things I don't need or that don't really bless my home but make it more of a mess. Simplifying. And it's very freeing to clear up space and see a load go out the door.

Anyway, I've not gone anywhere and will often quietly check your blogs to see what you're up to, but I've limited my time on the computer for a while so I don't get side-tracked. I'll be back to blog at least weekly while I'm de-cluttering.

XX's!

~Jen

One Year Fading. Another Awakening.

2010-12-31T16:45:00.001-05:00

Almost a new year...

I actually created and published a completely different post to end this tired year, but it felt so cliché and impersonal so I scrapped it.

Even though my off-line life is overflowing, sometimes my blog feels empty...or at least shallow. And what's the point of that? Why should I bother to blog if it's mechanical and, for the most part, meaningless? These are just my thoughts lately after reading about so many of my fellow blogger's journeys in the latest Artful Blogging magazine.

There are so many stories of unsure beginnings. Artists, who precariously stepped out into the world of blogging, with intentions of sharing their art, and instead found that sharing their hearts, as well, opened up an entirely different world of freedom and creativity. How inspiring to read about a journey out of financial ruin or depression or any number of difficulties! In a lot of cases, they grew wings and now they're flying, because of the trial they came out of! How cool is that?! But it meant opening up and becoming vulnerable. Bottom line...just being real. That's a scary thing.
Life isn't always pretty. It's not always as simple and lovely as the photos on our blogs depict.
And although I certainly don't want my blog to be a drag I think even in the midst of dark days there's opportunity for me to drop the facade (and my pride) and in the process, encourage someone else going through their own trial. If you've read previous posts, you know I've contemplated this before.

Enough contemplating. It's been a tough year and the new year, honestly may not start a lot easier for me, but I'm not without hope, I'm not alone and I'm pushing through. I sense God even stronger in the dark lately than I have on some of my brightest days. He's got my back. He's assured me of that.

So, I'm gonna try this post again.

2010...

It's been a crappy, wonderful year! We've had financial struggles, health struggles, family struggles, changes that have been good, but hard ones to make...And isn't that life? ...all wrapped up with the wonderful stuff? And I know God has good things in store for me in 2011.

(Jer.29:11 ~For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.)

On that note I'll share words to a song by Sara Groves that pretty much sums it up for me perfectly. I hope you have a blessed and safe start to the new year!

As for me~ I'm looking forward to some take-out, maybe a glass of champagne and a quiet evening with the husband. How rare is that?! All three kids have plans with their youth (and college) groups from church. Now that's not a bad start to the new year, is it?

xx's ~Jen

Less Like Scars

It's been a hard year
But I'm climbing out of the rubble
These lessons are hard
Healing changes are subtle
But every day it's

Less like tearing, more like building
Less like captive, more like willing
Less like breakdown, more like surrender
Less like haunting, more like remember

And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars and more like
Character

Less like a prison, more like my room
It's less like a casket, more like a womb
Less like dying, more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending

And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars

Just a little while ago
I couldn't feel the power or the hope
I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing
Just a little while back
I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping
You would come

And I need you
And I want you here
And I feel you

And I know you're here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation
But you are able

And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars

And more like
Character

Wrapping it up

2010-12-28T14:13:00.001-05:00

Well, the gifts have been made (or purchased), exchanged and unwrapped. I've dug out and dusted off my pre-holiday projects (which feels pretty good to get started on again).

The Christmas decor still lingers, but in a week it will be packed snugly away for another year.

But one thing that is still with me, and I'm afraid might be for months to come...

the food!

Oh my, did I ever over indulge.

We had our family Christmas party at my Brother and sister-in-law's new home this year.

Doesn't her food look like art?!

At home we have an odd-gift-giving tradition with the kids. They make us laugh each year as we hang them on the tree and it's funny to watch others do a double take when they get their first glance at one. Here are a few...

Condensed Tomato Soup Can

Long Legged Moose

Scuba Santa

No so weird, but I love this guy. He was given to us from a newly-found friend, Darcy, and her family.

Clockwise from the top: Teddy in tub, a beaver (?), a toaster and I really don't know about the last one...he looks like a mix between a hamster and a bird.

This little monkey man looks like he's ready for a Christmas party. Check out his blingin' ring.

Fat bird. Little feet.

An armadillo.

And this guy belongs to my sister-in-law, Jill. Isn't he cute in his little hat and scarf? I had to share the story behind his skinny self. Her dad's been dealing with a lot of health issues and has recently had to go in for infusions that can take hours. He keeps his mind and hands busy by building all kinds of things with these little kits, which he then gives to children who are also undergoing treatments. Many times for cancer. What a great idea to get your mind off of your own troubles and put the focus on others.


Well, I'm off to prepare for the next round of holiday festivities (that being New Years , of course). Hope you're having a nice Christmas season with the family and are able to rest a bit now that the shopping part is over. Ahhhh.... XX's ~Jen

Need a simple Christmas hors d'oeuvre recipe?

2010-12-24T10:52:00.001-05:00

Well, it's the big day for our family Christmas party! From great-grandma down to our youngest nephew, we'll fill my brother and sister-in-law's house and then fill ourselves with all sorts of yummy hors d'oeuvres. My heart always aches a little for my side of the family, too. with her living in So Cal and my parents in Southern Illinois. But I've grown to love the traditional Christmas Eve shin dig with my husband's family.
One of my family's personal favorite treats for any party, is also one of the most simple treats I've ever made! Works for me. They're called bacon wrapped dates, and they are...well, bacon, wrapped around a pitted date with a toothpick stuck through to hold it together. Yes, it's really that simple. Here's "the recipe":

Bacon Wrapped Dates:

You'll need:

A package of pitted dates
Bacon (preferably nitrate-free)
Toothpicks
Shallow baking dish (deep enough to contain any grease run-off)

You can stuff the pitted dates with cheese or almonds if you'd like, but we like them un-stuffed. Now that you have every thing you need, go ahead and preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Cut your bacon in thirds (or in half if you'd like more bacon flavor. I usually do half a slice, myself), wrap the bacon around each date with the bacon seam facing down and place in shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until crispy, turning once. Drain the excess grease on a paper towel and voila! Super simple, huh?

Now they may not be the prettiest hors d'oeuvres at the party, and people may hear "dates" and wronkle their nose at you, but trust me!!! They'll be a total hit! They taste similar to sausage with pancake syrup. Yum!
Hope you have a wonderful and safe Christmas Eve whatever you may be doing!
God bless you and your families!
~Jen

Googled Christmas Inspiration

2010-12-21T10:41:00.003-05:00

Just some winter inspiration I found by doing a bit of googling this morning. Oh, how I love technology at times like this, when I want to travel 'round the world to see how others are decorating their homes and wrapping their gifts for Christmas.

All pictures should link to their original sites. (This is where I'm not always so crazy 'bout technology.)

Anyway, hope you enjoy and are inspired!

(This makes me want to find new things to wrap!)

Have a wonderfully blessed day! To my blogging friends over there in Europe- I hope you're safe and warm at home, or at least with family, and that the snowstorms let up a bit so you can venture out safely. You're in my prayers and thoughts! Looks as though it will definitely be a white one for you!

Much love!!! ~Jen

Glimpses of Christmas

2010-12-20T21:51:00.001-05:00

My dining room table has become my craft space in the past few weeks. I don't want to spend all of my time before Christmas, preparing, wrapping and creating downstairs and away from the family.

I have my soaps, along with gifts, ribbons, paper, glitter etc...scattered all about the dining room! And, although I usually hate messes, I feel quite content with it tonight. I'm happy to smell the cinnamon candles and baked goods, to hear the kids laughing (and even arguing once in a while), to just be warm and cozy in my home, enjoying my family. Thank God for all of this chaos!

I hope you are enjoying your time preparing for the holidays as well.

...that you are cherishing those moments with family.

(This is what the kids and I ended up doing with our origami stars!)

(...another project that is in progress.)

And let me tell ya- the animals are diggin' all of the fun stuff to play with. All stuff they shouldn't be playing with...but try telling them that.

And isn't this an awesome little Christmas village?!

My son made this for me, and when it was presented to me, I thanked him for this wonderful little "town"... He was quick to tell me it's a village.

Duh... Of course it's a village.

Even with all of the messes, endless lists and events, I hope your joy hasn't been buried under all of it. I hope you're enjoying all of the little moments that lead up to Christmas day.

~Jen

The Story of The Last Stanza

2010-12-15T22:35:00.001-05:00

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

(Refrain)

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

(Link to Mercyme's version of the song)

I love this song and recently I've been reading about the history behind many of today's most cherished hymns. When I ran across the history of this one, I had to share it, not to mention the words of the beautiful hymn itself.
The last stanza of this hymn was found penciled on the wall of a patient's room in a California asylum for the insane in 1917 after he had passed away.
This part of the song's history is amazing to me and I wish I knew more about this guy. Like, why was he there? Was he really insane or was he sick with an illness that caused depression or other mental anguish? He did pass away so that would make sense. Either way, how incredible that he would write about the love of God in such a time of distress...when the demons in his mind were probably trying to convince him of just the opposite. I see this as a deep love and trust in God even through a dark valley of Illness. (Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4)
Anyway, this writing of his was based on the Jewish poem, Hadamut, written by Meir Ben Isaac Nahorai, circa 1050. It was somewhat paraphrased by this mystery patient, but is still beautiful.
A pastor by the name of Fredrick M. Lehman, who somehow learned of these words on the wall and copied them down, was so moved by them that he penned two stanzas of his own one day on his breaks while at work, then added them to the poem segment. In a nutshell, this is how we came to have the Hymn we know today as The Love Of God. What beautiful imagery this song holds! I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.
Have a good night friends ~Jen

Making Origami Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-13T22:46:00.001-05:00

I've always loved working with paper.

Card making, decoupage, collage & mixed media.

Even paper folding boxes and envelopes.

...Stuff like that.

But origami? No, that never really crossed my mind.

Whenever I heard the word 'origami'

...this is what came to mind.

...or this.

...or something mythological-like.

Not that I didn't think they were cool. I've made a few with my 11 year old son. I just never would have thought of taking it up as some sort of hobby.

But while browsing for Christmas ornament ideas to make with the kids for an art lesson, I found that origami is where it's at!

Look! I made these!

A spike ball (Video here.)

A Stellated Octahedron (Video here.)

A snowflake. (video here.)

I won't lie. They were a bit time-consuming, but I did the first two during a movie with the family and the snowflake was our art project for the day.

...And even tough the 14 year old daughter sighed, slouched and rolled her eyes upon first hearing of this paper-folding endeavor, she asked me tonight if we could find some more to do tomorrow. I love it.

Resting In Him

2010-12-10T22:39:00.001-05:00

Closing eyes...breathing in...exhaling slowly...
Opening my eyes and now and beginning the click-clicking on the keyboard.
Ahhh, it's quiet. Lately that's been a difficult thing to find around here.

To make a long story short: My husband hurt his neck, which caused him some seriously painful shoulder problems. It's kept him home from work and we've used up nearly all of his vacation pay in the past several weeks. (Ugh.) But thankfully, with the chiropractic care, the pain clinic and therapy it looks like he'll be able to go back to work next week. I just pray it continues to heal. God has been so good through all of it and has provided for all of our needs. Things like this will really show you how strong (or weak) your faith is. I can't say I've felt very good about how strong my faith has been. With half the income as usual, Christmas around the corner and bills that won't just go away I pretty much hunkered down and settled into a nice little depression for a while.

Then I thought of when I first became a child of God about 11 years ago. Brand new and enough faith to move a mountain. And you know what? Mountains DID move back then! Well, they were mountains to me anyway. And I recalled the words to a song that got me through some really difficult times back then (and they were often). "I Will Rest In You" by Jaci Velasquez. So, I googled it and found the song again. Wow, it's been a while since these words calmed my heart. And they did all over again. Just a flood of memories of the times He's been faithful and delivered us from dark times before.
(Here's a link to the only video I could find with the original song in english.)

Lord, I'm in the dark,
Seems to me the line is dead when I come calling.
No one there, the sky is falling;
Lord, I need to know.
My mind is playing games again,
You're right where You have always been.
Take me back to You,
The place that I once knew as a little child;
Constantly the eyes of God watched over me.
Oh, I want to be
In the place that I once knew as a little child,
Fall into the bed of faith prepared for me.
I will rest in You,
I will rest in You,
I will rest in You.
Tell me I'm a fool,
Tell me that You love me for the fool I am,
[And*] comfort me like only You can,
And tell me there's a place
Where I can feel Your breath
Like sweet caresses on my face again.
Take me back to You,
The place that I once knew as a little child;
Constantly the eyes of God watched over me.
Oh, I want to be
In the place that I once knew as a little child,
Fall into the bed of faith prepared for me.

Anyway, I'm learning all over again how to rest in Him. And up until this evening it's been a big bunch of chaos around here. But I'm back now and look forward to sharing some upcoming posts and things I've been working on. Lot's of Christmas projects and lots of inspiration for beautiful handmade Christmas gifts and decor I've been seeing. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!

Good night everyone! ~Jen

(Stormy helping me with my Christmas card photos.)

Dress Up Your Couch (And your family)

2010-10-07T15:15:00.001-04:00

Now this is NOT what I expected when I was doing an internet search for a way to "dress up" my couch!

Goodbye Snuggie!

So I thought this was meant to be serious for a minute, but then I saw the other items on Plantiane's online shop. I got quite a chuckle out of what I saw.

(I'm pretty sure my college-age daughter would appreciate this one this winter while waiting for those shuttle buses. Ha!)

XX's ~ Jen

Need a good laugh?

2010-10-06T23:22:00.001-04:00

Chances are, you've seen this before. I, myself, have seen it a few times. But it always makes me smile at the very least.

Blessings!
~Jen

Perfect day for yard-saling

2010-09-30T11:11:00.000-04:00

Finished up with school early today and heading out to hit a few yard sales. I'm hoping to come across some more yarn to contribute to the Stripy blanket I've started. Isn't it cute? It looks like a good way to get rid of some of the leftover yarn I have.

I am, however, a bit concerned as to what Malachi might be up to while we're away...Hmmm...possibly no good?

Grand Rapids Artprize

2010-09-29T15:48:00.000-04:00

Well, Artprize is in full swing in Grand Rapids and I was able to go down and explore a bit with my family over the weekend. There were so many GINORMOUS exhibits!
You'll have to excuse the quality of some of the pictures. My lens is still not right. I haven't had it looked at yet but I can't really zoom in very close and the auto focus is just flat-out broken. I'm so disgusted that I dropped it. Arghhh! Anyway, happier thoughts below... I love my city :)

(Made of A LOT of pennies!)

(Above and below: In front of the Gerald R. Ford Museum.)

(A memorial to the fallen firefighters as a result of 9-11.)

(Looking down to the Beerhorst's Plan B exhibit.)

The Wonder Wagon

(The Interurban Bridge that crosses the Grand River in downtown GR.)

(This was so cool! This is a whole lot of unwrapped crayons. A lot of children from a local school helped their principal with this mosaic.)

(Look at all this not-junk! I loved this display!)

(Rosa Parks Circle. Figuring out where we were going to eat.)

(Just LOOK at this pig! Isn't he great?! Actually, I'm not really sure if it's a he..)

(A really BIG greeting card.)

(These lions were made of horseshoe nails. This made me wish I had some laying around the house to build something with! On a much smaller scale of course.)

(My youngest daughter and my nephew heading back home for the day. )

If you've never heard of Artprize and didn't catch my last post, here's a link to the Artprize website. People come from all over to experience the art, as well as Grand Rapid's culture and community. If you've never been to Grand Rapids, I know you'd fall in love :)

Repurposing- Google image results

2010-09-22T16:18:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I can usually see the potential for re-purposing in most items, but I have to admit that some of the items below would never have crossed my mind.

I'm in the middle of refinishing another desk for my youngest daughter and while I wait for the primer to dry I thought I'd grab my lunch and do a Google image search for "repurposed" for some more ideas for her room. My search has returned things that range from awe-inspiring to practical, and odd to that's-just-not-right!

Here are a few I found.

Typewriter Re-purposed into a Keyboard Waffle Maker

O.K.

Coconut Headphone Mod

Wouldn't they echo? 

Huh?
Can you say germ trap? This kinda makes me gag a little for some reason.

 I like this one! Looks kind of like a Christmas bow! I found it at a blog called Repurposed.  Loads of re-purposing inspiration!

I really liked the creativity used in finding a new purpose for these "orphaned drawers". So cool!

Of course! What a great idea for dispensing and storing your twine. My twine balls are tangled up in containers!

How's this for a conversation starter? So very strange...but I like it! I found this one on Calamity Kim. It's not her work, but she references the artist in her blog post.

Okay, break's over! Now back to that desk I was working on! If you have any cool re-purposing ideas of your own that I could share, I'd love to hear them!

Hope you're having a blessed week!

xx ~ Jen

Living Counter-Culturally

2010-09-18T18:10:00.000-04:00

The last two weeks have been a bit of a rough start to the new home school year. I didn't have all of my curriculum yet, I had an eye infection, my laptop broke, my camera broke... you get the idea.
And every once in a while I find myself wondering what in the world I'm doing. My doubts start gnawing at me and I begin questioning myself and asking God if I really am following His lead.
On days I've felt this way I'll pull up one of the Beerhorst's blogs ( Brenda's or Rick's) or their Flickr and become inspired all over again. Check this amazing family out!

Rick Beerhorst "Time Of Your Life" from Dylan Tull Gunnett on Vimeo.

You can click on any of the following pictures to view the Beerhorst's Flickr photostream. I labeled them as they were labeled on their Flickr.

School of Rock!

making art at the yard sale

Beerhorst Family Art Show, 12/3/09 - 12/6/09

Brocanti

Pearl and Brenda at work

blue orb

the camp site (I loved the blog post Rick wrote about their camping trip. You can read it here.)

Plan B - Artprize 2010 Collaborators, photo by Pearl Beerhorst

This week they will be at Artprize here in Grand Rapids, which happens to also be where they reside. I can't wait to go and see their project! What an incredible message it sends. Curious??? You can find out more about it here.

Anyway, they encourage me to keep writing, painting, crocheting, gardening, seeking God's direction.... you name it. But, even more importantly, to be the kind of parent/teacher that will think and live outside of the box. (The box is dangerous, in my opinion.) One that shuns the fear of being different from everyone else and instead, embraces it... A rebel of sorts. Ooh, I like the sound of that. ;)
Just wanted to share them with you too!
Have a blessed weekend! XX ~ Jen

I Found Some Inspiration In A Drawer.

2010-09-16T11:39:00.001-04:00

...Was just wandering around the house the other day looking for inspiration for a new mixed media project. I was finding nothing. It was just one of those days.
Until I let Simon out...

As we passed through the garage I noted all of the shiny objects hanging above my husband's workbench. Suddenly a light went on in my mind. As I opened the drawers (that were a complete mess, might I add) I found some unexpected inspiration.

I mean, I had looked through these "junk" drawers before but suddenly I saw the potential.

I'm pretty sure my husband would not see eye to eye with me on how they could be useful, but I saw it nonetheless.

Now the only problem is convincing him that my need and purpose for using them is greater than his. This could be a problem.
Hope you're finding inspiration every where you look.

Have a blessed day! XX ~ Jen

Lost Things

2010-08-02T12:10:00.001-04:00

A favorite of mine...Makes me smile and prompts me to do something creative :)

A Morning Of Veggies and Pit Dogs

2010-07-10T15:56:00.000-04:00

What a great day for the farmer's market and Fulton street shopping.

I brought along some of my favorite people.

My sister-in-law, nephew and daughter.

I love the smells, the sounds of the musicians playing,

people talking and laughing and all of the color everywhere!

Vegetables, fruit, fresh cut flowers...

So much eye candy!

You would think a 4 year old would get bored quickly,

but he seemed to enjoy all there was to take in, too.

We got stuck beneath a rain cloud for a few minutes,

but tucked ourselves snugly under the awning of this antique shop

before scooting over to The Blue Door; another one of my favorite antique shops.

Then it was on to the Dog Pit over on Monroe for a not-so-health-concious lunch of chilli dogs and sodas.

I even got a strawberry Crush, red dye and all...but it tasted divine!

I love Saturdays downtown.

...Hope you're having a good weekend :)

The Simple Things

2010-07-08T20:38:00.000-04:00

Pretty things that I found with my camera this week...

I went for a walk through Cindy's garden again...

You know what I found?

My creative vibe!

I know! She still can't explain why it was in her garden, but whatever... I found it.

It's amazing what a little walk around the yard, garden or neighborhood will show you if you're searching.

Then I went home and looked a little closer at the every day objects in my house and tried to see them... I don't know...differently.

Then I photgraphed my soap, because I've gotta get on the ball and get all my scents listed.

I hope everyone is fairing okay in this heat wave we've had. Have a blessed week and stay cool!

Ahhh...let freedom ring!

2010-06-29T14:05:00.005-04:00

So things are finally winding down and life is returning to a steady, and much slower, pace. I'm free of my endless lists! My oldest graduated from High school, so that was kind of a big deal.

(I love his expression!)

My parents came and visited for the past few weeks (which was so nice, but I wish I'd had more time to sit and enjoy their company. Now they're gone, just as things have slowed down). We also had our daughter's graduation open-house last weekend, which took a lot of time and preparation. (THANK YOU to everyone that helped us out!!! We have the best friends & family ever!)

It's been fun, but I feel like I've forgotten what it's like to be 'normal' again...well, normal for me...

(My youngest daughter inspiring creativity :)

Other than the one time I recently blogged about, It's been weeks since I've crafted something, journaled... just played with my art supplies, kept up on my favorite blogs, you know? Well, this week I'm finding my way back to normal. I plan to relax a bit in the sunshine, review my Summer "I Will" List and get chipping away at that.
I did get to hang out pool-side with farmgirlcyn a couple times.

(farmgirlcyn)

(My feet and the kids)

She has a way of talking me down from the ledge when I spread myself too thin and get stressed. Which is kinda funny because she's not what I would necesarily consider a "calm" or "quiet" individual, but her frank, straight-forward appraoch puts things back into proper perspective for me.. She often reminds me; "It is what it is." Simple, but true.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to catching up with YOUR blogs again, creating new things, dusting off the shelves in my Etsy shop to make room for new treasures and soaps. I've already got a couple up if you'd like to check them out.
So there's an update on the current events of my little west Michigan homestead.
I'll leave you with a few highlights of the graduation open-house.

Day before preparations. My husband and farmgirlcyn's husband built this!!!

People arrive! My step-brother-in-law, father-in-law and couple of our favorite people.

It ended up being such a gorgeous day!

L to R: G-grandma, sister-in-law, my friend, daughter, mother-in-law and nephew.

Lots of laughter w/ my aunt & girls

My aunt & uncle. A couple more of my favorite people.

farmgirlcyn hard at work on the left. Don't know what I'd have done w/out her!

This group is trouble :)

Look at these faces!

Crazy friends of ours. The best kind to have!

My husband's uncle, aunt & grandma

Great-grandma & the graduate

(The guy on the far left in white is a cousin I didn't even know lived in the same town as me for the past 8 years! Family reunited! So cool!)

My lovely cousin & her hubby

My girls

My aunt & uncle. So cute together!

Lots of trouble here! My uncle, aunt, dad and uncle. Only 4 out of 14 kids, I believe!

Just chillin' with their youth leaders from church.

My father-in-law

My cousin and the kid's youth leader (who is also a nurse) realize that she cared for my cousin's grandson, who has cancer. Small world!

One of the greatest couples ever united!

My mom, dad, uncle, and two aunts.

(By the way; I've been told by some of my family members that live out-of-state that they had never heard of graduation open-houses. I assumed it was a nation wide tradition. Guess not. How about you?)

See ya Wednesday!

One Word Wednesday

2010-06-16T15:55:00.000-04:00

ears!!!

Cindy's...

place.

perspective.

Peaceful.

A Summer "I Will" List

2010-06-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

As you may have noticed, I've been pretty scarce lately: A delinquent blogger.
My oldest is graduating from high school today and I have had a very long "to do" list for weeks.
I'm a list kind of girl, but I've grown very weary of them lately. A wave of rebellion washed over me earlier this week and instead of chipping away at the aforementioned "to do" list, I got out my soap and art supplies and created for a while. It felt good. I then rumaged through my room to find the notebook that contained an "I will" list that I began this spring, when the leaves were still nothing more than buds.
Of course I can't just toss my "to do" lists out the window, but this list will definitely accompany it.

I Will;
Drink my morning coffee outdoors
Sit with my sweetie by the fire out back, even if it means the dishes have to wait until morning.
Relish going barefoot.
Go on more photo hunts to discover interesting places to shoot
Take evening walks alone with God and, hopefully, will do less talking and more listening.
Take advantage of beautiful Lake Michigan and spend more time there w/ my family
Stop and savor the sounds, smells and sights of the season
Open the windows for fresh air more and crank the air conditioning less
Take the time to journal my art and prayers
Allow myself more freedom in the kitchen, even if it turns out terrible
Go hiking on a trail I've never been to before
Play volleyball, basketball, tennis- whatever- with the kids out in the yard more
Stay up later with the girls to watch cheesy old movies or to go for ice cream runs
Take my son for more walks to the gas station for a treat
Play Legos on the floor w/ him
Lay across the kid's bed's more when "tucking them in" to talk

I know the craziness is just beginning today with graduation. Her open house is at the end of the month and there's a lot to do, but I will deliberately take the time to slow down once in a while so this summer doesn't slip away with much done, but little truly gained.

Be blessed today ~Jen

One Word Wednesday

2010-05-26T20:53:00.000-04:00

Rest...

color...

Prom...

Sweet...

Senior (last day)...

Kindergarten (first day)...

Goodbye!

One Word Wednesday

2010-05-05T22:52:00.000-04:00

Finally...

open!

farmgirlcyn

color

sign...

dog???

18th!

party

family

singing

smiles

Be blessed! ~Jen

My Bloomin' Yard

2010-04-29T14:22:00.000-04:00

Things are getting colorful around here. Even I'm getting a little color back!

This was just last week.

And this was today.

I love it under this tree.

I live about 20 minutes from Holland (MI), and the annual Tulip Festival begins this weekend! These are in the front of the house.

Lemon balm.

My blueberry bushes were just planted last summer. Still pretty small.

The birth of a strawberry!

My cats were very happy about this one... The catnip. This year I'll have to dry some for the winter.

Sage.

Lambs ear.

Feverfew.

Peppermint.

Ahhh...I'm so glad to be done with winter.

One Word Wednesday

2010-04-28T14:27:00.001-04:00

She

loves...

playing.

Incognito.

Very...

dangerous!

Senioritis.

Creating.

perspective.

(Almost) One Word Wednesday

2010-04-21T20:57:00.000-04:00

La-de-da-de-da...

Milk???

Pushover...

Stuck...

melting!

When mom's moody

2010-04-14T23:01:00.000-04:00

Once in a great while, even I get a little moody. (Okay- maybe a little more often than a "great" while, but we've all been there, right?)
During these "spells" I try to keep it to myself, bite my tongue and blow things off, but despite my efforts, I guess it's pretty obvious. This was the case yesterday evening before dinner.
Well, it was only a matter of time before I was being ushered out of the dining room by my 11 year old son. He took me and my husband to our bedroom and told us to relax for a bit while he prepared a surprise for us. I wasn't all that excited about this. I was hungry and really just wanted to get dinner over with so I could put my feet up. But how do you tell that to your son who is looking at you with those big brown eyes and that look that says "you wouldn't dare ruin this fun for me, would you?"
So, as we waited, daughter 2 played her guitar and serenaded us beautifully, whilst wearing a tiolet seat around her neck. Yeah...really. I had purchased it to replace the one in our upstairs bathroom. Apparently she thought it made a better necklace. We patiently waited.
After she played us a few numbers our son tells us we can come back in. This is what he had done:

Isn't that sweet?! A special dinner for me and dad. I thought he did a very good job.

And what of daughter 2???

She joined us as well...

Although she didn't want to lose the new fashion accessory when it was time to eat.

Hope you have a blessed day!

~Jen

An "eclectic", long overdue, springtime post.

2010-04-08T16:36:00.000-04:00

"Eclectic" just sounds so much better than "A post crammed with all of the things I've neglected to blog about for the past month", Doesn't it? I've been around...reading everyones posts and all, just not posting as I should. Sort of incognito, you know?

Anyway, I do hope you'll forgive me for the gap between posts. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know I'm not always the most consistent blogger. But in my own defense; it's been gorgeous around here up until this week and I've been busy spring cleaning around the yard and in the house.

My backyard is green again!

Some of my seed-starting pots.

Even Kye wants to be outdoors- This is a favorite perching place.

I've been planting my cool-season veggies, and got my seedlings started, cleaned up the flower beds, and put a good dent in the weeds in the garden! So with all that going on I've neglected my blog!

So to remedy that, I'm doing some "spring cleaning" in my picture files, and at the same time will catch you up on the happenings in this cherry life of mine.

Girl 2 had a birthday! She's now 14. Wow, how'd that happen?!

They were snuggling on the comforter she got for her birthday.

On a couple of the more Michigan-esque days (cold & rainy) I painted the living room, hall, and part of the kitchen. I've had the paint since last spring! It was time to just do it.

Since I was going to paint them anyway, we turned the walls into a giant slate to practice memory verses? They also wrote the different fruits of the spirit throughout the hall. Peace, patience, kindness, love etc... I've wondered if we should have those permenantly engraved in the walls as a reminder!

Then there was the occasional self-portrait...

The cats enjoyed watching us work and tried their hardest to get paint on themselves and the floor. Luckily they didn't succeed!

A few days later Kye had to take a trip to the vet to be neutered- poor guy. This is him shortly after he arrived back home. I'm happy to report he's feeling much better now.

This is what I find on my camera when girl 2 or the boy get a hold of it! They've been busy snapping pictures themselves of things that interest them. I guess one of girl 2's interests is odd animal nicknacks???

Simon's enjoyed being outdoors more, too... although the extra exercise still hasn't put much of a dent in his weight problem. I'll have to share Simon's story with you, and how he came to be the overweight, loafy pup that he is today. Maybe I'll save that for later this week.

Our nephew came over on this day as a ghost-buster- Dr. Peter Venkmen, I think. His dad made him this proton pack. Pretty nifty! He's got an amazingly creative mind. The visit before this, he was Indiana Jones.

I took a time-out to hang out with my friend, Jenifer one afternoon last week. This is the little boy she takes care of each afternoon. I'm a tad bit jealous of her. I mean, look at his little face!

And then there's the continual reminders, that keep showing up here and there, that my oldest daughter is about to become an adult. Ugh!

We took a few more senior pictures. I snapped this one when she wasn't posing, but like it.

But she was posing for this one...

What a trend-setter. Just like the models in anthropologie, don't you think?

For Easter my good friend, Terra, came over. I'm so undeserving of her friendship! While she was here she made us a delicious dinner and then breakfast the next morning! How sweet is that?

That's another story I'll have to share: How I met Terra. God's fingerprints are all over that story.

(The boy with his bed-head this morning.)

So that's it in a nutshell...

Busy, but so blessed. I hope you are, too!

Have a cherry day!

Hugs,

~Jen

One Word Wednesday- SCRAPPED!

2010-03-17T13:07:00.000-04:00

Alright, today will be a few more words than one per picture. I mean I'm Irish! I have to wish you a Happy St. Patricks day! ...Happy Saint Patricks Day!
Oh...and wanted to post a few of the shots I took for my oldest daughter's senior pictures. This is our "outfit #1" session. I was really surprised that she wanted me to do them for her instead of hiring a professional. Because I'm certainly not a professional! I still have a hard time remembering what lens to use for what and can barely navigate my way through Photoshop! I wasn't about to argue with her, though. Senior pictures are pricey!
I took these at the historical farm we had found last summer. I blogged about it back in August. (Click here to check it out.)
Anyway, as new as I am to photography, she made it easier (being so cute and all! She says I just say tht because I'm her mom...maybe...No I don't think so!)

Hope it's as sunny and beautiful in your neck of the woods as it is here! I so love spring! If it's not sunny, I still hope you're blessed and well. ~Jen

Kye is soakin' up all he can!

I was just thinking...

2010-03-12T11:23:00.000-05:00

It just looked dreary as I peered over my cup of coffee into the backyard this morning. To be honest, I thought "This looks like a good day to stay indoors. Blech!!!" But when I stepped out to pick my son up from orchestra class about an hour later, I realized how wonderful it felt outside!
...Not warm yet, but warmer. Not dry yet, but refreshingly misty with a scent that makes me think "clean". (Kind of like those old Irish spring soap commericals with the green rolling hills...just minus the hills, sun, rainbows and people showering in the trees...okay, so it's nothing like the commercials, but it's clean smelling!)

Everything still looks rather grey and winterish, but there's a bit more life peeking out here and there this week. My son even helped a big, fat earth worm cross the sidewalk to a tree last night at the library. The sun we had last week was glorious, but this week the rain has washed away the dirty snow that remained and cleaned up the grimey roads and cars. It also lulled me to sleep last night. I love that. I'm just thankful that spring is on the way. Can you tell?! ...Thinking I need to make some garden mint soap soon!
I've not posted much lately so I'll catch you up with at least one of my projects.
First of all, I was very excited to get ahold of farmgirlcyn's stencils. I stenciled one pillow and was hooked! I know I shared the photo of my pillows just yesterday, but here they are again. what an easy way to upcycle old stuff! I would much rather re-purpose things than throw the old away and buy new, so I'm having a stencil heyday with this! I'll share some more stenciled items later.

I got this fabric from the local thrift-store for about $3. The matte fabric paint was $3.29 at Hobby Lobby, and the pillows were old one's I already had that needed some updating. I made the tree patch by painting my tree stamp with the fabric paint and then applying it to the fabric. So easy. So cheap to do!

Hoping you have a cherry day! ~Jen

One Word Wednesday...(for the most part.)

2010-03-10T19:04:00.001-05:00

Upcycled !

Aaaahhhh!!!

Slurp!

Ghostbuster! (My nephew)

One Word Wednesday

2010-03-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

Sisters

Morning

Blue!!!

Warm

Sunshine!

Stormy

If Walls Could Speak~ A Poem

2010-02-25T20:15:00.001-05:00

So, after my post on A Road Trip Full Of Talking Houses, my 13 year old (daughter #2) was inspired to write a poem. She loves old houses and also loves to write, so we decided that should be her language arts assignment for the day.

I loved her work and wanted to share it with you!

(Can you tell I'm a bit proud?)

So here it is:

IF WALLS COULD SPEAK…

I sit here in the open, yet tangled with vines… encumbered with shrubs. It's dark inside me…filthy-I'm crawling with rodents and insects in places I did not know I had.

I used to be admired, adored, lived in. In a moment a tantrum arose within me- my loved ones ran out, scared of my flames. They cried and the fire went away with their tears.

Dusty and Broken, charred and dark, moldy and rusted, I'm falling apart.

I still see my surroundings, paired with the memories of yesterday… the muddy sand box and the boy who played in it. The tree swing and the girl who fell off of it. Children playing games in the barn, or jumping off the hay stacks. When part of my door broke off and dad re-attached and painted me yellow again. He hummed to me.

Dusty and broken, charred and dark, moldy and rusted I'm falling apart.

I still get visitors, coming from my dirt road, I see them come and I try to stand proud. They take pictures of me, and make me stay still. They go around me and gaze at my ugliness- somehow they still find beauty in my brokenness.

When it turns dark I stay here listening to the sounds of rustling leaves, creaking wood, creatures large and small… Dusty and broken, charred and dark, moldy and rusted, I'm falling apart.

(This is the picture she sketched to go along with her poem.)

Hoping life is cherry and that you have a blessed night! ~Jen

One Word Wednesday- an intro

2010-02-24T17:52:00.000-05:00

In a nutshell: One word to each photo...on Wednesdays.

I know. Not exactly mind-blowing or all that original. But I like the idea so today I begin!

Yesterday

Today

Dad

Mischevious

Right...

Mom

Love

Friends

Now

Hoping you have a cherry day ~Jen

A Road Trip Full of Talking Houses

2010-02-24T00:42:00.005-05:00

I LOVE road trips.

I do! I actually love being stuffed into one vehicle with my family.(really!)

Singing, laughing, sometimes breaking up fights-yes...but mostly just enjoying our time together. I also love going "down-home" to see my parents in Southern Illinois, as well as many of my aunts, uncles and cousins. Although I've never lived there myself, it's where my parent's grew up and where much of the family still lives, therefore it's always been referred to as "down-home". So it was an especially nice blessing this past week to be able to make the 8 hour trip down there.

I wish it had been under different circumstances (with my parents recently separating) but it seemed to be productive and it also confirmed to us that God is working through this mess and in the end, whatever the the outcome is, it will bring Him glory. I have peace about it now.

I always love I love watching the changing scenery as we travel here and there. I wonder how different life may be for someone in this house or that along the highway. So many of the old houses we passed must have amazing stories to tell.

Driving through some of the Amish communities made me wonder at the simplicity of it. Are they more content than most, living such a simplistic lifestyle? I can see how they might be.

What about that old, delapitated house with the grass grown up around it and the junk strewn about the yard? Is the house a reflection of the condition of it's owners heart or life, or are they actually happier with their things scattered around them? Maybe it's empty...

...Or the beautiful, grand farm houses that look large enough to house an entire community? Who built it? Did it see more years of joy and love than tragedy or discord? What is it's history? How many generations have it's walls seen grow up and eventually depart?

Is this just me being nosey? Maybe, but I think it's that part of me that loves exploring and also loves history. I'm not only intrigued by old houses, but old things in general.

And It feels good to step out of my suburbia bubble once in a while to take a look around- take a look back. That's sort of what we do here in the blogging community, isn't it? Step out of our own world and into others? I love that I can share and then explore around the US, then Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia...even when I can't leave my home.

By the way- Does your house have a story? I'd love to hear it! You can leave a comment or send me an email (which you'll find a link to in my profile.) I'd love to compile your stories (and pictures) as well as share my own, in a future post.

Hoping your day is Cherry ~Jen

Appreciation

2010-02-16T23:42:00.002-05:00

ap·pre·ci·a·tion: Pronunciation: \ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən, -ˌpri- also -ˌprē-sē-\

a : judgment, evaluation; especially : a favorable critical estimate b : sensitive awareness; especially : recognition of aesthetic values c : an expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude.

This (appreciation) is what I have again for the ability to hold down food and walk more than a few steps without passing out! (Oh! And to be able to put a string of words together to form actual sentences.) I'm really not being sarcastic about this. It's when you get knocked flat on your behind, that you gain a new perspective and realize how grateful you are for the times that you're able to function properly.

You see, this past weekend began nicely and continued on in a favorable manner...until Sunday night. Then without much warning at all I was bitten with crushing force by the flu-bug. You may think I'm exaggerating- I am not.

We had just settled down for the evening after a fun-filled weekend (being Valentines Day and our son's birthday weekend) and as I was working quite contentedly on my hexagon blanket when suddenly I knew something wasn't quite right...

For the next 12 hours I was best friends with a little red bucket my sweet husband had fetched for me. But I wasn't alone... Daughter 1 came home from hanging out with friends about an hour after I first fell ill, with a flu-bug-bite story of her own. Only her bite took place whilst riding home from the mall in her boyfriend's vehicle, which resulted in much embarassment and a heavily soiled, dryclean-only, wool jacket.

We spent the night in the living room together. I on the floor, (seriously- I was too sick to get up on the couch- I'm not even making this up) and she draped over the chair & ottoman. I know we sound completely pathetic, but it's the truth. It didn't last very long, but it was harsh.

Anyway, here we are; Tuesday night, finally feeling back to myself again, and I can truly say I do appreciate these not-so-little things that I normally take for granted.
I don't have much else for you right now other than stories of Lysol, laundry, and prayers of thankfulness that we're all better.

I will be taking a short trip to my parent's house with the rest of my clan later this week. (pending no further bug attacks.) It will be a more difficult trip this time since, if you remember from a previous post, my parent's are now separated. I am, however, looking forward to seeing them, even if not under the same roof. Maybe, just maybe, some things can get sorted out...hoping and praying so anyway.

Hoping you have a wonderful night ~Jen

Numb Lips, Bagels And Charades

2010-02-11T23:01:00.000-05:00

It's been one of those weeks filled with to-do's... soap orders to fill, appointments to keep and lessons to teach, but it's been a good kind of busy. The kind that at least leaves you feeling you've accomplished a thing or two...not just running in circles. (Which is what I seem to do best.)
We started out the week with some fillings at the dentist for a couple of the kids.Well, that's what we thought anyway. Our son came home to me with a mouth full of gauze and a lop-sided frown. A baby tooth had to be extracted that just wouldn't come out. He looked so cute trying to look so angry, but he didn't find this amusing in the least bit. Here he's trying to pucker up- not happening.

He's all better now, but was pretty traumatized that night.

Earlier this week I made fresh homemade bagles for the first time! They turned out to be very simple and sooo yummy with a little jam and a cup of hot coffee. The recipe's really easy and it doesn't take as long as I thought to make them. Here's a link to the 'simple' recipe if you're interested in trying your hand at it yourself. This is just your basic bagel, but that's what I wanted for my first go at it.

(Guess he thought my bagels looked good too...or maybe my coffee.)

Homeschooling is going very well for us! I'm having a ton of fun teaching the kids through art, music, nature and experience.... Hands on with most things and trying to get away from so much table/workbook time.

I did find out today that it's not a good idea to play charades to learn the organs in the digestive tract. I jokingly mentioned it would be a funny game while we were reciting them- mainly wondering how you could possibly act out the appendix. Of course as I'm still pondering this, my kids drop to the floor, curl up into circles and become....well, I'll just say it's the last organ in the digestive tract. Class was pretty much over until after lunch.
So that's what the news is from our home this week. I'm still working on my hexagon blanket and I'm happy to report that my pre-hexagon circles have more than doubled so I'm getting anxious to complete them and piece it all together!
Well until next time- have a blessed week! ~Jen

Family Photo Frustration

2010-02-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

The other day my kids made mention of the fact that I have more pictures of the cat than I do any of the rest of them in my lap top's photo album. They're probably right...

but this is probably why...

And then there's Kye...

He's so cooperative! They are so not!
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend...
~Jen

Following Suit And Keepin' It Real

2010-02-04T12:24:00.003-05:00

I've just not been 'feeling' it today...blogging that is. I've been content sitting here enjoying everyone elses posts.
But as I was reading Kerri's post from yesterday over at Lovely Little Handmades and it inspired me to follow her lead (as she has followed the lead of her friend Heather at Alamode fabric) and share some random bits and pieces of myself and my family.
Much like Heather, I realized a couple of months ago that I wanted my blog to be more than just a connection to my Etsy shop or about creating things but also about this cherry life of mine!
So here goes-

I'm a mother of 3 kids (2 girls-17 & 13. 1 boy-10), two cats & 1 dog.
I've known my husband since I was 11. In highschool he was my best friend's boyfriend, and my boyfriend's best friend (Did I lose you?) and we couldn't stand eachother. Shortly after those break-ups we realized we actually liked one another much better than we liked them. I know-Scandalous. But here we are all these years later, still in love and havin' fun rasing our babies.

(My sweetie and me chillin' on the couch)

Our family will sometimes randomly break out in rhyme or song. Usually this begins w/ girl 2.
My kids like to make and film their own comedies. Usually inspired by "what if" questions such as "what if I had to eat with my elbows?"

(Daughter 1 w/ Kye)

We don't have local channels or cable on our TV. We cut it one year as school started to avoid the homework distraction and the kids fighting over channels. It was so nice that we never turned back! I do love watching Top Gear on-line which is ironic since I don't care too much about cars. I think it's the cinematography and the British humor.
Our dog had to wear socks indoors, and special sock-shoes outdoors, for the first 8 months we had him. His poor little feet would crack and bleed, so I would wash, medicate and wrap them before 'socking' him 2-3 times a day. After several diets and lots of research I found he had a wheat allergy. Figures we get the dog with allergies. He's all better on his wheat-free diet.

My toes are abnormally long.
I was led to the Lord through the girl's babysitter 12 years ago. My (then athiest) husband had just found a daycare for them when he felt an internal 'nudge' to drive down a road just outside our new town. He passed a drive with a daycare sign and checked it out even though he had already hired someone. When he went inside he somehow knew this was the right place for the girls. Long story short- their sitter eventually asked me to church and later became my closest friend. About a year later my husband followed suit and life has never been the same.
We're habitual movie quoters in our home. Comedies. My favorite: "I get dizzy spells, hot sweats, cold sweats, fingernail sensitivity, pelvic discomfort, numb lips, dead hands." -What About Bob

(Daughter 2 and her broccoli monster)

I love to look at birds but I'm afraid to touch them.
I have only one sibling. She lives all the way over in California.
I absolutely love browsing recipes and trying exotic foods, but still don't really enjoy cooking them.

I pass out at the sight of blood or even hearing details of injuries etc.

(He thought I wouldn't notice the tape.)

We all love a good prank in this family. Last week the joke was on daughter 2 and and involved a little rubber worm and a tube of toothpaste.
When I was in kindergarten I stole a plastic coin from a kid's cubby hole. I never enjoyed it because I felt so guilty and I have never forgotten it.

So if you have some stories to share I'd love to hear them! Let me know so I can check them out on your blog. Be sure to check out Heather and Kerri's blog links above too.

Have a good one! ~Jen

It's Love

2010-02-03T23:17:00.001-05:00

For months I've been admiring the amazing colors and and beautiful work over on Lucy's blog at Attic24.

But since I'm fairly new to crochet and I've made only three very simple blankets, I decided I better find the perfect something before I jump into a project and buy a ton of yarn. Well...I saw it the other day...

And it was love.

Hexagon love.

(This is Lucy's blanket. Here is her tutorial)

So I pored over colors, bought my yarn and began my project.

I've got just a few done at this point, but I'm getting there. I love that you can just throw a few of these together in the evening or here and there through the day when you can snag bits and pieces of extra time. (Although I'm not really sure what that is anymore!)

Can't wait to get this finished and on my bed!

I've also been busy with more of my soaps. Looks like I have another big order to fill in the next week!

(Autumn oat & honey)

(More Almond Honey)

(Lemongrass Verbena)

Life is starting to fall back in place and I am settling into the new routine. I'm thankful for that.

Have a blessed night. ~Jen

Back To Life

2010-02-01T23:54:00.000-05:00

Were you beginning to wonder if I had fallen off the face of the blogosphere, never to return? There have been days in the past month that I actually wondered that very thing. Simply put: The happy new year did not begin so very "happily" for me. I am, however, so delighted to be back, curled up here in my virtual living room, slippered feet kicked up, laptop open and much to catch up on.
In short- We began the first two weeks of the year sick- Flu and cold viruses running amuck through our home. In the middle of our little sick-fest I got a call from my dad informing me that he was leaving my mom. Although I knew the "D" word had come up over the years, I still didn't really expect them to do it after 42 years of marriage. It was quite a blow, but I'm back up, dusting myself off.
Oh yes, and did I mention all of this came about just as I began homeschooling my two youngest kids? I was going to share this in a post at the beginning of January but, as you now know, my January did not turn out as planned. Needless to say; it's been a rough start to a new way of doing school. But we're finally falling into a rythm and it's actually served as a wonderful distraction from my parent troubles. I'm having a lot of fun teaching them, not only through books but also through real life, the arts, God's creation, you name it. I definitely like the structure and security of a curriculum but I also love having the freedom to teach them according to their own learning styles.
Anyway, here are a few snapshots of the past month. There have been many good days in January, as well. I'm thankful to God for all of them.

Girl 1 asleep at the table. That does not look comfortable!

Simon. I think he loves me.

Math?

This was not a good day for girl 2. Very sick.

He LOVES baskets.

I found these guys on the bathroom counter one night.

They're my son's Legos, but this was my husband's creation.

Why they were in the bathroom- I do not know.

Some of the soaps I've made recently.

I've got a couple listed on my Etsy and many more to go.

Again- It's good to be back!

Jen

More Good News!!! (And lots of holiday ramblings)

2009-12-30T11:31:00.000-05:00

I have to begin this post with this miraculous "good news" in the video. What an incredible story!

God is so good!
As for the holiday ramblings....

Well, Christmas has passed and a new year is just on the other side of tomorrow...Where the heck did the old year go???? I feel like I must have fallen asleep and missed something. However curious it may be, it's true....just two more days left of 2009! And I'm so very excited about our plans for New Years eve.
My girls and I are having a little "80's theme" slumber party with my friend Terra and one of my oldest daughter's friends. Yes, an 80's party!!! Complete with side ponies, bright, plastic jewelry and pegged pants. We're still not sure about the movie for the night so if you have any suggestions, do share! We've seen movies like Labyrinth and Goonies a million times so they won't do, but we're thinking maybe Hairspray, E.T or something??? Did E.T. end well? I can't remember. Anyway, I'll also be looking over the board game section at the local thrift store for Girl Talk. That was a must-play at all of the slumber parties I ever went to in the 80's.
Anyway, we had a very nice Christmas and I hope you did as well. As I mentioned in my last post, Christmas eve was a bit different this year for us. We usually make the drive in the evening to my mother-in-law's house about an hour and a half away, but due to my father-in-law's recent heart attack, icy roads, and a long work day for some, we stayed home. It just didn't feel quite right. But we did have a fun, albeit a rambuctious, evening with the kids.
My husband and I were still able to enjoy our own little Christmas tradition. The one where we wait up so we can put the last of the gifts under the tree, only he falls asleep in his chair and I do it alone... that one stayed the same, so I was comforted by the familiarity of it.
...and Christmas day was quiet but nice. My husband's former step-dad is still close to our family and spent the afternoon with us, then we finished it off with our traditional dinner at the Oriental Garden (A Chinese buffet).
We celebrated Christmas with my husband's family the following Sunday. As always, it was a cozy evening, full of food and laughter. My mother-in-law always decorates her home so beautifully. Years of Christmas decor that she's collected over the years fill each room.
Here are a few pics of Christmas over the weekend....We'll chat again soon! ~Jen

Christmas Day!!!

It was a little early for my oldest.

My youngest daughter gets her Capucine T-shirt.

Kye is in wrapping paper heaven!

My son- I don't know how he wears shorts around the house in the winter!

The Sunday After Christmas...

Arriving at my in-laws...

The pool table turned buffet!

My mother-in-law w/ my son and niece

Great Gramma w/ my girls...

Husband, daughter, brother-in-law...watchin' the game.

Love this pic! My sis.-in-law w/ nephew...

My father-in-law...(and the blur is my nephew)

Christmases & Times Past

2009-12-24T17:55:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time there was a family that moved from the city to a quiet clearing on the tippy-top of a hill, surrounded by forty wooded acres. Their new home was nestled between two small towns in the heart of Michigan. There was a mummy, a poppy and two little girls.

The summers were suddenly filled with barn kittens, fire flies and day trips through the woods, lunches in hand, to the old maple syrup shack. The oldest girl couldn't remember ever hearing the leaves of the trees applauding their creator so beautifully as they did in this magnificent place.

The winters were glorious as well because not only did they live on a hill that was perfect for sledding (right through the woods if they felt daring enough), but the Lord decorated the trees that surrounded them so beautifully each year and covered the ground with a thick blanket of snow that made everything sparkle. It was truly a place of wonder for the little girls.

Christmas had always been a time full of delight and curiosity for the oldest girl, but it was even more lovely atop the little hill. Not so much because of the gifts left by Santa Clause~ By now she had a hunch it wasn't he that placed the gifts so particularly around the tree~ It was special because of the people that surrounded her and the joy of having their own winter wonderland in the country.
Of course, the little girls are my sister and me and the hilltop is where we lived for most of our childhood. I'm so thankful for the memories I have of growing up and especially of holidays spent with my family.

(The orchard in our backyard after an ice storm)

I know I never fully appreciated the sacrifices my parents made by moving us to the country or even in countless things they did for us in everyday life, but I always get more sappy and mindful of these things around Christmas. Of course part of that is because I have children of my own now, but also because the old saying is true that you don't know what you've got until it's gone. My parents and younger sister are still alive, but we live in separate states and my parents sold their property the same year my sister and I married our husbands. Around the holidays I long to go back to that little house on the hill, but because of sacrifices we still choose to make for our own families, it's not possible.

Even more important than these sacrifices, however, is knowing the biggest sacrifice was that of my heavenly Father's in allowing His perfect son to become sin on that cross and die in my place (2 Corinthians 5:21), later to arise victorious over hell and death (Revelation 1:18), and having that revelation makes me appreciate absolutely everything so much more! Because I'd have nothing without him. No hope and not even the air I breathe. And it's incredible to look back over those years as a child (who didn't know Him) and realize that He was there the entire time watching over, leading and sometimes nudging me closer to meeting Him.
I remember the time we had this magnificent lightning storm… I had a huge bedroom window that looked out towards the edge of the woods, and I remember lying in bed, looking out at the blackest night, until the lightning would strike. Suddenly those huge trees lit up like it was day, bending under the force of the wind. There was a flutter in my chest and I wanted to weep at the beauty of it. I had no idea where this feeling came from, but I know looking back it was my spirit's build-in desire to worship the God who created the storm and also created me.
I can recall a similar feeling after an ice storm in the mid 80's. The storm had passed and the sun was shining. It was a world of sparkling crystals! It was so beautiful and quiet. But then a breeze would blow and the icy branches tinkled their music throughout the woods. My eyes and ears were amazed at the beauty, but my spirit was what was compelled to worship. I just didn't know who it was I should worship yet. I'm so thankful that He has shown me now, and has allowed me to see that it was Him that was there and that it was Him in so much of what I experienced as a child.
All the wandering and all the searching that followed those childhood years and He had been there all the while…What a glorious, & good God.
My prayer for you this holiday season if you don't know Him yet, is that you will. I hope you have A wonderful Christmas filled with family & friends… but above all else, I pray it's filled with Jesus.
...Some pictures of Christmases gone by...

Me n' my dad

My little sister

My dad & grandma helping me open my new Fisher Price record player!

My youngest daughter meeting Santa for the first time with big sis. Wonder what Santa was thinking?

My three sweeties & some new toys... 9 years ago.

God bless & Merry Christmas! ~Jen