Our Beautiful Town

I just ran across these pictures of downtown Florence at Christmastime and knew my children would love them. Our first Christmas in Florence (1984) was wonderful and COLD! Living in a 16th century villa sounded quaint, but those stone walls kept things pretty chilly. I remember dreading being away from my family in this strange land...and then having my parents and Aunt Rema arrive from Florida, and both of my brothers and sister-in-law arrive from Nigeria. Each Christmas became better and better as Florence became our home. Strolling the streets late at night with our four little ones eating roasted chestnuts, stopping at Gilli's for hot chocolate...not to mention our nightly ritual looking for an International Herald and a USA Today. The sweet memories of our children's school programs, shopping for Christmas outfits at Coin, and letting them pick out new hats and mittens at Upim. It was in Italy that we began our tradition of making plates of sweets to pass out to our local merchants and friends...Silvano the fruit man, Mario, our barman, Antonio the gardener. And each year we were blessed with many baskets of panettone, candies, and other goodies in exchange. The dearest of our friends received olive oil from our groves. I learned long ago that we can't be everywhere at once, and I am grateful for this year. A year where all of my children are on this continent. There will be no phone calls to Wuhan, China this year...or Catania, Sicily. On Friday I will be with all of my brothers and sisters, and each of my children. I will add another daughter to my family. And I hopethat one day, if the Lord allows, we can all share another Christmas in Florence, and that I can share the beautiful streets of my city with all of my children and grandchildren. Buon Natale!

Beautiful Days

"Into all our lives, in many simple, familiar homey ways, God infuses this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days and fill our eyes with light."  Samuel Longfellow
 "Every house where love abides and friendship is a guest is surely home, and home sweet home; for there the heart can rest."  Henry Van Dyke

Luke Edward

On December 8, 2010 at 3:57 in the afternoon, Luke Edward, my newest grandson entered this world. He was eagerly waited for by his brother Gabriel, 5, his sister Maria, 3, and his sister, Julia, 1(they both have birthdays next month). He is a beautiful child, with dark hair and dark eyes. Maria wanted me to put him down so he could walk around, and then asked me why he didn't say much! I enjoyed my days there while Tim and Katie bonded in the hospital with their little one. I enjoyed homeschooling Gabriel so much. He uses the same curriculum I used with Jordan and Christian several years past and it was a vivid reminder of how fast time flies. He's, not surprisingly, a very sharp little boy. Watching them play together is a gift. One I'm so grateful to have. Welcome to the world, Luke. You have been blessed with the most loving family a little boy could ever ask for.

Some of My Favorite Ornaments

Just a few of our favorite ornaments. The picture in the silver frame was a gift from my sister Kathi last year. It is a photo from 1976 when Terry came home with me from Harding College for the holidays. It brought tears to my eyes. I had never seen this picture before. It was the beginning of so many wonderful holidays together. The homemaking ornaments have been birthday gifts over the past several years from Katie. They are really special to me. The ornament composed of many pictures was a gift from Laurel Sewell and the late Beverly Bradford after our trip together to Italy and Greece. Ou tree may not win any awards for beauty, but each ornament holds a dear memory of a beautiful life.

Christmas Goodies

This year Martha Stewart has outdone herself! While my daughters were in town I made an outing to Michael's. Would you believe it was my first time to go to a Michael's? What rock have I been living under??I picked up some adorable ceramic bread mini-loaf pans for a dollar and these cute-as-a -button Christmas treat bags. I made some Apple caramel bread to pass out to friends at church before Thanksgiving in the loaf pans. I always love getting little treats. It's nice to know we are thought of by others. We have been so blessed with kind and generous folks since moving to Alabama this summer. There are not enough loaf pans or treat bags in the world to thank all of those who have helped us, spoken words of encouragement, taught our children, and prayed for us to have a smooth transition. So tonight I finished making some chocolate brickle and some peppermint bark to thank Terry's work colleagues for all that they have done to help his first semester go so well. And what better way to deliver them than these Martha Stewart bags! Sorry, Chelsea, I know how you feel about her, but this IS the season of forgiveness:)!

Ice Skating with Seeds and Lights

Last Tuesday the younger boys went ice skating for the first time with their friends from church. They had so muchfun, especially since Chelsea, Justin, Jon and Kristin were already home for the holidays. I didn't even know that Jonand Justin knew how to skate, but I shouldn't have been surprised. Those two will try anything!

Psalm 101:2-3

"I will walk within my house in the integrityof my heart.
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me."

Ouch. A few days ago, while reading my Bible one evening, these words jumped out at me. Painfully. I had just spent a week of unadulterated bliss with my husband and children, and their children. We had worshipped together. What joy it brought me to hear all of their voices raised in praise to Him. And that is when Satan enters the picture. I have tried for many years to be careful to live my life by His word, and not by what my culture, or even fellow believers, says is right. This decision has forced me to make some difficult decisions as to how I educate my children, our choice to adopt transracially, and even where we live and work. But I have allowed the world's thinking to effect me in a serious way. And unfortunately, I have been guilty of sharing this with those I love most. That is the idea that at the end of a long day- hopefully a day of serving and doing for others- that it is OK to "Veg" and watch "mindless" TV shows. Shows that share the lifestyles of people of the world who live in a way that is totally abhorred by my God. I have been wrong. I have been teased in times past of the shows on my recorder--The Waltons, Anne of Green Gables, Wind At My Back, etc. But each of these shows teach the values I believe in, and values which are taught in God's word. So I have repented. I will no longer watch shows in my home that condone homosexuality, adultery,and immodesty. It is not enough to watch and comment occasionally, " I cannot believe these people!" We are called to be set apart. I apologize to those I have been a poor example to. There is so much beauty in the world that God has blessed us with. We may have to search a bit harder, but it is there.
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes

Potato Donuts

Take 2 c. mashed potatoes. Mix in butter the size of an egg with the potaotes. Add a pinch of salt, 3 c. white sugar, 3 beaten eggs, and 1 c. milk. Sift 7 c. of all-purpose flour. Put 5 c. flour with egs and milk mixture. Take remaining 2c. flour and add 4 tsp. baking powder. Add a bit of nutmeg. Mix all together. Roll out on floured board and cut out donuts. Fry Donuts and holes separately because the holes fry up much quicker. I made the glaze by just stirring together some confectioners sugar, vanilla and water. Dip donuts in glaze and put on cake racks to drip. That's the best method. Taste best while hot, as you well know. We need to make these when everyone is home next time!

My Best Friend

After a week full of family...children, small dogs, s'mores around the campfire, guitar playing, kinecting (new game), and a LOT of laughter...our holiday is over. This evening the last two headed back to Texas, and we returned home to our much quieter house. I went out to gather linens from the cabin, and as I turned off the lights on the tree, and the little lamp in the windowsill. I was filled with such contentment. I know my many gifts come from God alone, through nothing I have ever done. I am very undeserving . I sometimes have wondered if one of the reasons I have been so blessed is because of the man I travel through life with. That just maybe God is blessing him, and because I am with him, I get to share his blessings. I write often about my six children, their spouses and my adorable grandchildren. But I don't usually say much about the love of my life. I was a 17 year old girl when I met this wonderful Italian man on campus and heard him play the guitar on the front lawn. And now 34 years later, I once again sit by the campfire and listen as he sings "Annie's Song" for me.The greatest gift I could have ever given my children is the man who is their father. He loves unselfishly. We have been through much together---the loss of our first son, raising a houseful of children, homes in foreign lands, health issues--and once again making a new home together. And each step of the way we have had so much fun. He makes me laugh. I know he would give his life for me. I'm reminded of the book of Titus, where older women are told to teach the younger women to love their husbands. Some husbands make that a very easy thing to do. I pray that each of my girls will one day have with their husbands what I share with their father. I also pray that each of my four sons will live their lives in a way, that their wives will love them the way I love their Dad. It doesn't happen overnight. We are both imperfect people. But I look forward to growing older with him, the Lord willing. I want to share much more laughter.

Friends in the Neighborhood

This week I am going to try :) to think of at least one aspect of my life for which I am grateful. Today's post is easy. Since about the crack of dawn I have had neighbor kids in my yard playing football, tag, and then Konnect (whatever the new game for the Xbox 360 is called that belongs to my son-in-law). The game is a huge hit with the whole family. Everyone is so sore this morning they are all moaning and groaning! It has been good for a lot of laughs. This afternoon I have been able to do some holiday baking as I have listened to the children outside running and laughing. Our home was built by the family of one of the girls (it was her first home and  she now lives next door) and we bought the home from the other little girls grandparents. The boy lives at the end of ths street and is a regular football and soccer buddy for the boys. I asked to get a picture of all of them and the girls obviously had fond memories of "their" playhouse, so we took it there. Christian obviously responded with"You can have it. We don't want it"--spoken like a true boy!



Gabriel Celebrating his 5th Birthday/Cake compliments of Aunt Chelsea

Weekend in Atlanta

We spent a wonderful weekend in Atlanta with the S family. Katie watched the boys for us in Birmingham and we arrived in time for dinner Sat. night. Along with two other couples we finalized our travel plans for next summer's trip. 15 days in July to Jordan, Israel, Greece and Italy. We are looking forward to guiding the group through Greece and Italy...but especially looking forward to our first trip to Israel. There were many highlights to the trip- wonderful dining, watching a deer in the backyard, the gorgeous changing of the leaves in Dunwoody, a wonderful late night visit with our friends, exquisite sheets and a fluffy robe, and a trip to Ikea- but the highlight was watching servanthood in action. This couple in their late 60's, literally worth millions, have opened their home for the unforeseen future ( a year at the very least) to a 13 year old boy and his 7 year old sister. They have custody while their mother deals with consequences of poor choices she made many years ago. She is now their sister in Christ and they are serving her. So he now fixes them eggs every morning before school and helps her with Math every evening.Seeing Christ through them both is a beautiful thing. I have been so blessed to have been touched so many times by truly great men and women. JimBill and Betty McInteer, Clifton and Louise Ganus, Joe and Bessie Mae Pryor, and I could go on for a long time. They make me want to live my life in a way in which they would be proud of me. But their example was clear. Live for Him and not for man's approval.

International Students

Tonight we had the International students with Faulkner over for dinner. They were joined by some students who have either done a semester abroad, or are interested in overseas travel. What a wonderful evening it was! We had lasagna, cheese ravioli, spinach salad with pears, feta, walnuts and cranberries, ciabatta cheese bread and brownies or biscotti with ice cream for dessert. The weather cooperated nicely and we were all able to eat on tables outside on the porch. Terry had strung white twinkle lights in the trees to help the students spot our home in the dark (at the end of a dirt road no GPS recognizes:). We had the cabin door open and music playing, and students wandering in and out. It was such a relaxing evening, considering there were 35 or so of us. We had several offers of willingness to rent our little one room cabin, so if the economy worsens I believe we've found a source of a small income (just kidding. It's now become the favorite hangout for all of us.)

Things That Make Me Happy

I intentionally look for things to be thankful for. I try to see the glass half full, though not often enough. This week has been full of small things, which when all put together, has made it a great week. I love the brisk weather and the wonderful fireplace in our new home.I've been busily preparing for my children's arrival for Thanksgiving by stocking up at the grocery store. I love a good bargain:) This week at Winn-Dixie I spent $203 and saved $122!! They have BOGO offers that are good savings for me because they are items that we already eat (tilapia, London Broil, ketchup,etc.). When I got home from the grocery my new issue of Mary Jane Farms had arrived in the mail...and my new issue of The Old Schoolhouse. How could a day get any better? While putting my groceries away I realizd that my pantry had become a mess, so I put on Christmas music (I know, I know..It's only November...)and got to work. It brings me immediate joy every morning to start my day off  NOT knocking grits and canned goods on the floor trying to find the oatmeal:) That joy was multiplied when I then decided to hang my winter clothes and get my summer things stored. Now my closet makes me happy:) Tuesday nights Bible class went real well. I've had several of the same children return and I love it that they are happy to be there and greet me with a hug. Jordan has been helping me. He leads our class in the opening prayer and the children actually sit and listen. I love how God uses each of us in unique ways. Spending this time with him each week has been a huge blessing as he has sharedwith me on our ride there and back. Today was my second weigh-in. Down 3.6. Yeah!! That's 8.8 for my first two weeks. That's more than normal for me, so thanks for all the prayers. They're helping. Time to go sew. Tomorrow after church we're heading to Pioneer Days, so today is my free day:) Hope everyone's week is a good one.

Trick or Trunking 2010

Tonight was so much fun. After church we all shared finger foods together and then the children trick or trunked. There were jumping blowups, a dunking booth, hayrides,etc. I thought the boys would decide they were too old this year, but they really enjoyed themselves. They helped me gather up items to decorate our trunk--and that was about the last I saw of them:) Terry and I handed out treats and enjoyed visiting with some of the members we had not met before. I did miss not seeing my sweet grandchildren, but they enjoy playing dress up year round so I'll see their outfits eventually! We don't have a lot of experience with Halloween. We did many years of Carnevale (in February), and once we returned to America we were at a congregation for several years that chose not to celebrate. Our little boys have gotten to trick or treat alot more than their brothers and sisters. Tonight when we returned home, Jordan had never gotten any candy, and Christian only had about 5 pieces in his bag. They were having too much fun. We're making some great memories!

Things Pondered

This past week was a time of contentment. I was blessed with words of encouragement, good conversations with friends and loved ones, and quiet times of reflection. I had a doctor's visit for bloodwork and have made good strides with exercising and eating wiser. This morning was my first weigh-in. #-5.2. VERY excited. Thank you to those who are cheering me on.
I picked up a wonderful little book from the library this week. Titled "Things Pondered- From the Heart of a Lesser Woman" by Beth Moore. It's a small but powerful book. There was a poem that really spoke to me.

Hope

 I've grown old enough to know
that fairies don't have tails
That good men often suffer
While evil men prevail.
I've tried to find that white frame house
With matching picket fences
But found instead black picket signs
And hatred's thorny fences.
I've lived enough of life to see
The innocent maligned
And I've concluded fairness is
A rarity to find.
I've seen the noble dreams of man
Be in an instant shattered
I sigh to see another woman
Used and bruised and battered.
I've seen shots of tiny orphans
As rulers rise and fall
I've stood by stricken parents
And caskets way too small.
I've abandoned childish notions
That life is like pretend
I've tossed paper to the ground and sobbed,
"When will this madness end?"
But I've never grown up quite enough
To leave my hope behind
I'll think I've turned my back on hope
Then bump into the kind
Of Gentle Traveler sent to bind
My wounded faith with love
Who sets my feet upon a Rock
And mind on things above.
Then I find myself still hoping
Old folks won't be left alone
And can't seem to quit believing
Daddies still might move back home.
And that an orphan might just find
A reason to survive
And parents of the missing
Might just find their son alive.
No, I've never grown up quite enough
To scorn sweet signs of Spring
Nor can I help but think a tree
Is happy with a swing.
And you must pardon if I hope
The Pearl of Heaven's Gate
Is the treasure I've adored
And longed to celebrate.
I hope to hug the ones I've loved
And jump on cotton clouds
Where angels sing His holiness
And saints can laugh out loud.
Some bedtime tales are worth the tell-
May one be quickly due
Let Gabriel groom that great white horse
And board Faithful and True.
So let this world's prince mock and scorn
My hope is not ashamed
For in the King of kingdom's grand
My Hope has found a Name.

Beth Moore

As we  meet together tomorrow to celebrate Him, may our hope be restored and renewed. This afternoon I am going to enjoy feasting on His Word, and marvel at the beautiful day He has given me. This evening we will be sharing a meal with one of God's "gentle travellers". My children and their families will all be here for Thanksgiving. If the Lord wills it, we will all worship together. Hopes and dreams will be shared, prayed over, cried over, rejoiced over. Let us all encourage one another.

A Fresh Start on Weight Loss

New beginnings. I've had a lot of them this year. This year has held many changes. We are now living in a new state, worshipping with new brothers and sisters in Christ, and living in a new home in the country. Terry is teaching at a new university. In December I will have both a new grandson and a new daughter-in-law! These have all been wonderful changes and good beginnings. But one change I have not been good with:( Last year was a turning point for me as far as taking better care of myself, walking every day and losing 35 pounds on Weight Watchers. The weight has been slowly creeping back, and the treadmill mostly gathers dust. It is time for another new beginning. Just as God has been with me and shown Himself in even the smallest details of our move, I am asking Him for His help once again. I'm too old to do anything radical:) Weight Watchers works for me. This morning I found the meeting place in Montgomery and joined. And just as a bonus, God threw in a special gift just for me to remind me He cares. Next door to the meeting place is the Kudzu Blossom Quilt Shop that I had found online back in Tennessee. I LOVE this shop!! I couldn't remember the name..and VOILA there it was! He cares about every detail of our lives. I'm now off to sew nightgowns and matching doll nightgowns for my granddaughters for Christmas. I finished 45 little bears for our congregations bear mnistry last night (not the stuffing and hand work- there are many dear women who do that each month). Now it's time for the fun little projects that make you want to feed the family mac 'n' cheese for dinner so your sewing doesn't get interrupted!

Psalm 103

103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,


and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.



6 The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide,

nor will he keep his anger forever.

10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

13 As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

14 For he knows our frame; [1]

he remembers that we are dust.



15 As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children,

18 to those who keep his covenant

and remember to do his commandments.

19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.



20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his word,

obeying the voice of his word!

21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,

his ministers, who do his will!

22 Bless the Lord, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

For the past several weeks the boys and I have been working on memorizing this passage from the Old Testament. We have listened to"Sing the Word: The Heavens Declare" scripture songs from the Harrow family which we purchased from Sonlight Curriculum. I have found all of the Sing the Word CD's so helpful. Today both boys were able to complete our school week in a beautiful way. This is such a comforting passage, and to hear it come with conviction from the mouths of two young boys was powerful. God's word is powerful beyond anything else we may read or hear. I don't like to even consider the possibility that any of my children may ever find themselves in a situation where they have no access to God's word. But in the event that they do, I am comforted to know that they will be carrying it with them in their hearts. No, we never got to the studying of adverbs this week as I intended. But we did accomplish what mattered the most to me. It was a great school day.

The Ramblings of a Mom

These last several weeks have been a roller coaster ride. With one son soon to be married, I have spent time praying for his future life as he forms a new family. I will miss our talks, but I am ready to pass the torch on to the love of his life. She is a jewel. I could never in a million years have chosen a wife for my son that was such a compliment to him in every way. So all the little details which now consume my brain as I lay down at night...what should I serve at the rehearsal dinner, where should it be, how many, will Katie have had her baby, etc...are all rather unimportant in the big scheme of things. Yesterday was his three hour presentation at work after 12 weeks of training. As his fiance' says "He rocked it!" He has had a long year. Being owed tens of thousands of dollars for work, a subsequent lawsuit, and really no way to go up against a huge machine,,,he has shown himself to be a man of integrity. He has done the right thing even when it has cost him. It is hard for a Mom to watch her child struggle, but it is so rewarding when you see for yourself what kind of man you have raised to adulthood.

My list of  "to do" projects grows ever longer. I have nightgowns to make for Maria and Julia, and a stack of dresses and pajamas cut out for Charlotte. I also have 30+ bears to finish cutting out and sewing for our local hospital ministry.I did finally get my back porch painted and our new swing hung. Our chairs arrived a few days ago. It will be so nice for entertaining during these cooler Fall days. We have families coming three times over the next week for dinner which I am looking forward to. We ate at a dear family from churchs home on Sunday night. Sharing a meal is the best way to really feel like a part of the church family and to get to know one another. For the past three weekends we have had company. Kathi, Katie and I went to see "The Dixie Swim Club" at the Wetumpka Depot on Friday night. It was a wonderful play done by the local theater group. It was nice to get out, just us girls (well, Luke was there:).
 The following morning the family all went to see the boys play soccer. Their season last year was horrible, and this year they have had one loss and two ties. They were behind 1-0 when in the LAST minute Christian took the ball down the field, crossed it to Jordan and Jordan scored!! It was a perfect moment. The game ended in a tie. Thank goodness there are no tie breakers.
On Tuesday the boys and I drove to Birmingham to watch the grandchildren while Katie had a morning of blood tests. I hate driving through the traffic there, and of course it rained:) but after the storm had passed there was this beautiful rainbow in the sky. What a wonderful reminder not only that our world would never again be destroyed by flooding, but that He is there. I enjoyed my visit there so much. Playing dollhouse with the girls, reading Dr. Seuss with Gabriel,walking to the park to play on the swings. I enjoy hearing the children mimic the words of their wonderful Mama as they play. Maria walked with Julia out the back door and said, "Oh, Julia, what a lovely day!" and at one point corrected her in play and said "Did I hear you say Yes Ma'am?". At which Julia responded "Yes, Ma'am". Just precious. Katie and Tim are such wonderful parents. They make it look easy to have three, almost four, four years and younger.

 During my time there I received a heartbreaking phone call from Chelsea. The little boy we had been praying for was going to another family. My heart rejoiced for the new parents, but broke for Chelsea and Justin. They are ready to be parents to a little one. They want God's will. They had stepped out past their comfort zone, to pray for this little guy who was born at 26 weeks. They knew there were hard days ahead, but they were ready. They were willing. Because good parents are. I am so proud of them. This child was not to be theirs. Only God knows who their child will be, but HE KNOWS. So now we remove proudpreemies.com from the favorites list. Though he is not to be my grandson, he will be someone elses's, and I will continue to pray for this little boy that he will continue to grow strong. This year has been a year full of changes-a new town, a new home, a new church family-- and soon to be new daughter-in-law and new grandson. We have been so blessed. We love Wetumpka. I love the library downtown by the river, the park with its little bridges, the arched bridge over the Coosa River, the Victorian homes. I love the wonderful Winn-Dixie, the flea market, the Oakview Granary and berry farm right by my house. I love the church elder who plays the guitar, was a politician, and who brings us honey from his bees. I love the preacher who brings my boys posters of the Alabama National Champions and an Alabama football mint tin from Cracker Barrel:) I love it that even though they both are sick with colds they BEGGED to get to go to church last night. I love working with the children in the inner city. The children that had never heard about Noah or an ark. And only one who had seen a rainbow. I love coming home and seeing my home nestled in the clearing, and my boys up in the tree. I love it that at this very moment I can count 11 balls in various sizes in my backyard, along with the tent they have slept in for two nights this week. I love it that I get to visit with my sweet daughter-in-law, Kristin and little Charlotte, and share laughs over homemaking blogs late in the night. I loved getting to spend a few minutes with Brandon while in Birmingham. He was at the church building leading a group of boys, and took time out to help me check on the facilities for the upcoming wedding. He works so hard and at times grows discouraged, but he continues to do what is good and right. Though I know his heart longs to be overseas, he is faithful to allow God to lead him and his family. So with all of these blessings, how could I possibly dream of asking God for any more? Well, because I think I'm one of His favorites:) I am willing , Lord, to accept Your will. I will believe even if Your answer is not what I want. I ask just one more thing. Would you please send Justin and Chelsea a little boy or girl to be their own precious child? I know they will raise this child to be Yours. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus, who gave His life for each of us. Amen.

Fresh Market

One of the perks to moving to Montgomery is having a Fresh Market locally. Walking into the store is like going on vacation. The music, the scents of Fall in the air, the fine wines and cheeses. It just makes you feel like going out and hugging a tree:) I find myself wishing I was back at my macelleria (butcher shop) in Greve in Chianti. I loved preparing a meal with the perfect ripe peach, or a pork roast with rosemary from the butcher's planter by the back door. Tonight I found some pecorino cheese to go with our Bartlett pears, to be drizzled with honey from our local beekeeper. Yum! And just for the fun of it I came home with a little treat for Terry and the boys. The absolute cutest little Fall cookie cutters filled with chocolate. One squirrel and one acorn for Terry and I. Two packs of pumpkin pop rocks for the boys. A perfect Fall dinner--pecorino, pears and poprocks!

Brandon's Surprise Dinner

Yesterday afternoon we headed up to Birmingham to surprise Brandon. We were celebrating 28 years together as a family. What a special time in our lives it was when he was born. There were six little girls awaiting his arrival. He was one spoiled child! He was a week old when we took him out to the soccer fields (located in our backyard) wearing his first pair of soccer shoes:) Many years later , he is a husband and father, and most importantly, a servant of God. His older sister, Katie, wanted to cook a surprise dinner for him, with a tribute to his passion for fast food:) She baked cupcakes that looked like hamburgers, and made McD fry containers with paper and markers. Absolutely adorable. Of course, she did all this while 6 months pregnant and watching her three ages 4 and under, and babysitting her niece for the afternoon. Superwoman! As we were leaving to drive home (soccer games in the morning) we had two chatting in my car window, and Brandon talking to his Dad in the other. We never have enough time together to say all we want to say. Good thing we'll be back next weekend to celebrate Miss Charlotte's 2nd birthday ( and Justin's 29th). Time to head out to do some mowing. I don't think we're going to be needing to do this for much longer...and praying for some rain to arrive shortly.

The Tree Fort

Today was a SSLLLOOOWWW day for me. I'm not sure what the problem was. I think it has been my poor diet. I know how to eat healthier, and even enjoy  it when I do, but unfortunately "healthy" choices are not what I tend to make when I'm tired. The boys did their math on the computer, read their assignments, and I read from "Moccasin Trail" and "William Wilburforce". They only did one page of handwriting, and said their  Psalm 103 memory work..and by then I was TOTALLY dragging. They asked if they could go outside for a little bit and I reluctantly said yes. I was feeling like a bit of a failure. There had been no great discussions on Wilburforce and the ending of the slave trade--or on the impact that had on their ancestors. There was no written report turned in on contrasting life with the Indians and life as a settler. Instead they spent the afternoon in the tree out front. Their friend, Sarah, joined them for most of the afternoon. They debated adding one board a day versus many. They made kits of hammers and nails. They hung a flag. And best of all, they laughed all afternoon. They are happy and they have had a great childhood. I think if you asked them, they'd say that they'd rather be right where they are right now than back at a small resort town on the Aegean Sea or in a farmhouse in Tuscany. It is true what they say... a Mama is only as happy as her most unhappy child.

Charlotte Kimberly

Last night Brandon, Kristin and Charlotte came for the evening. Brandon, Terry and I were going to a fundraiser dinner for Compassion 21, and Kristin offered to babysit for us. The dinner was a good reminder of how blessed we are and how much need there is in this hurting world. I am excited about the opportunity to work with this ministry here in Montgomery. An extra blessing came whn Kristin and Charlotte decided to stay with us for the weekend while Brandon took his youth group to RUSH at FHU . Kristin and I went to the fabric store and bought everything we needed to make two pairs of pajamas, four jumpers and two dresses for Charlotte. Tonight we finished one of the little nightgowns in time for bed. She looked so sweet in her linen nightdress with pink feather stitching and a hemstitch. Getting her to sit still for a picture was a bit of a challenge...but nothing that a piece of candy corn couldn't handle.

E-Mealz and Homemaker Notebooks

Admittedly, I really enjoy my role as a homemaker, but that has not always been true. I remember years where being home was just plain hard work. It seemed that all I did was get the children fed, clothes washed, bathed and in bed...just to begin again the following morning. Those years were challenging. Part of the reason was that I was in a foreign country with a very small support network, along with the challenges of living in a 16th century villa. But the main reason was my lack of knowledge as to how to organize my day. Some things just have to be done. Beds made, dishes washed, laundry, etc. But I soon discovered that once those things were out of the way, the fun began! Creating little areas of beauty throughout my home, sewing cute outfits for my children, baking a special treat for my husband to eat at the end of a busy day--those were moments where I felt real joy. Time to spend immersed in God's word, uninterrupted. That is what makes our days sing. For several years now I have used a Homemaker's Journal. It keeps me from having to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.There are several online that you can customize to your own needs (http://www.alittlegraceandcharm.com/ and http://www.organizedhome.com/) Just recently I found a service that is really helpful . It is called http://www.e-mealz.com/.  For $5 a month you can choose menus to fit your families size and preference of foods (in our case, they offer gluten-free) and you choose the grocery store you prefer to shop at. They then send you 7 days of menus, including the recipes, and your shopping list--all chosen based on the sale prices that week. I am printing them off each week and placing them in plastic page sleeves and adding them to my notebook.I make an extra copy of the grocery list so I can feel free to mark all over it and add my extras for that week. On a different note, I have included a pic from an e-book "Watermelon and Fireflies" from http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/. Her blog always is a cheerful spot in my day!

The Cutest Windchimes in the Entire World

Thank you, Katie, for the cutest windchime I have ever seen. It makes me smile every time I look out my kitchen window. I moved it from the playhouse porch because I am selfish. I couldn't see it as well. I promise when the little girls are here to play that I will move it back:) You have always been such a great "giftgiver". You have the gift of giving what you know the receiver would love, rather than what you would like yourself. So I hereby acknowledge that you are not a "teapot" type of girl--and I STILL think you are an absolute treasure!

Science Loving Boys

There must be something about genetics after all:) As my four older children can attest, I am LOUSY at Science. I just don't have the interest in it that I do in about anything else. I have tried over the years, but have always failed dismally at experiments. Unfortunately, my two youngest are little scientists in the making. Well, apparently there were a few other parents out there just like me, and Sonlight came up with a solution. Discover and Do DVD's. They are fantastic. They use a regular guy, in a regular kitchen (no granite tops...) and perform the experiments for you in short segments. Then, because they have cleverly sold kits containing ALL the supplies you will need, we copy the experiment ourselves. Volia! It works!! For roughly $200 you can also light up a lightbulb with a D battery and a piece of foil:) It was seriously worth every penny. The boys were SO excited. They have cotinued gathering various batteries of their own, various lightbulbs, gone in the darkened room and compared the brightness, etc. Christian keeps repeating, "This is seriously amazing and awesome!" I love these lightbulb moments. Pun intended.

Soccer in Wetumpka

The boys began soccer practice last week. They are playing with an under 14 team. It's their first time with a co-ed team (2 girls). Christian is not so sure about that, though the girls seem to be very good players. Their coach is from Ecuador, and though never having coached before, knows the game well from years of playing. Terry is the Asst. coach. The weather has been beautiful, and the fields are close by. This afternoon Terry had a speaking engagement so I took them. It's a beautiful drive over the bridge in Wetumpka. The church at the end of the bridge was built in 1838. Really lovely.We drove right past the Wetumpka Church of Christ where our homeschool group will meet on Friday for the first time. After dropping the boys at their field I went and spent some time at the library wandering through the stacks, before returning in time to do some reading in the car. A very pleasant afternoon.

Farm Chicks

I'm an official Farm Chick:) My necklace arrived in the mail today. I just loved it from the first time I saw it. Terry was not quite as impressed...he's more of a gold necklance from Egypt kind of guy:) But he's at least happy that I'm happy. For me it's not the necklace as much as what it represents. Home, baking, puttering around my kitchen in an apron. Good days.