Dear English 10 Students

Dear English 10 Students,


Today was the second class I've had with you in the last 2 weeks - and I wasn't quite as intimidated this time.  You have grown so tall and so beautiful/handsome since I knew you in third grade.  Your energy level has escalated along with your size!  Your hair is crazier - longer, shorter, spikier, more colorful, more casual - and you are definitely wired with technology. Your iPhones, your laptop computers, your iPods are all an integral part of you.  


You still love to entertain your friends and the audience now is definitely your peers, not any of the adults who might be in the room.  Some of you want to be funnier or louder or grosser than anyone else, no matter what the consequences.   Others of you want to be less noticeable and prefer to blend in around the edges of the room.  You all warily watch for authority, some of you edging close to that invisible line of 'okay or not'.  


You go from a dull roar as you saunter into the classroom to a few minutes of chaos when you realize it's just a sub there.  Then as most of you recognize me and some can recall my name, you settle in and listen as I outline the day's expectations.   Amidst groans, you dig for the novel and some of you even manage to find it!  Things settle down but of course three of you have to go to your lockers and search for your books.  I'm reluctant to let you all leave the room at once - I know how the empty hallways will lure you into diversions.  Then there are two of you with books at home - a convenient excuse to do nothing, you think.  Luckily your very smart regular teacher has spare copies on her desk, just for you.  


It's now 20 minutes in and finally everyone is relatively settled.  Pages turn quietly, jacket clad (I didn't go down that road) shoulders hunch over and you ponder chapters 13 and 14.  Some of you groan that To Kill A Mockingbird is too hard and too boring and too long.  I think to myself that you have no connections to this book and why would you want to read it all on your own?  I wonder if we are killing your love of reading with our curriculum and our questions and our expectations that you can read it by yourselves.  I wonder how you would react if I read to you and we stopped and chatted and discussed and brought our own connections to the story.  But on this day I'm not brave enough to break into your teacher's realm and take this risk.  But I still wonder if perhaps that's what I should have done.  


With ten minutes left, you look up to the clock and silently declare that this class is toast.  It's block 7 on Friday afternoon - and the long weekend is beckoning.  You have plans to make and dates to confirm and outfits to plan and places to go - and there's no holding you in the land of plot and character development.  You slap the book shut, turn to your friends and the crescendo builds as the clock inches forward.  You hardly can hear the bell but its vibrations shoot you right out of your desks and through the door, launched into the weekend.  


I scan the room for your leftovers - wadded up looseleaf, the pieces of a broken pen, a binder left behind - and then I pull the door shut.  You've survived another day in high school - and I feel the same way!  But I also feel like I know you a little better, have a bit stronger connection to your world, am ready to pull the doors into your developing minds open a little further next time.  There is so much I'd like to toss out for your consideration and so many challenges I'd like you to consider.  I hope I will have more chances to be brave with you.  


Have a safe weekend - and don't forget to finish reading to the end of chapter 14!


Mrs. Krueger
(and yes, C - my name is still Mrs. Krueger!)

Book Club

It was my turn to host book club this month and I chose "The School of Essential Ingredients" by Erica Bauermeister as our reading selection.  I loved this book with it's theme of cooking classes and the wonderful cast of characters.  Just reading each chapter made me hungry and I learned several new things about cooking.

Just as much as I loved the cooking, I also loved the depth of each character that the author developed in her writing.  Each chapter is devoted to one of the beginner students and their stories were poignant indeed. From an elderly woman developing dementia to a young woman still finding her identity to a young man mourning the death of his wife,  there are surprises and twists in the plot.  The sensory descriptions make you feel like you can almost smell and taste the foods cooked at each class.  Bauermeister wrote this book after spending 2 years in Italy with her family and, as one of our members said, the book itself has a slow and relaxed pace reminiscent of Italy and the joy of food shared there.

I asked each reader to bring their essential ingredient to our gathering and we heard great stories and memories as each person shared.  Our ingredients included laughter, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, time, tomatoes, flour, cheese, seasoning salt and ghee.  It was a diverse list and we only had 1 item shared twice.  I loved getting to know my friends better this way.

I wanted the menu for snacks for my guests to match the book in some small ways and the author's website had some recipes that I was able to use.  We had Abuelita's Hot Chocolate and Carl's White Cake (which tastes even better a day later, I think).  A fondue would have been a great addition too.

I love books about food and this one is definitely a favourite.  I've given away 4 copies of the book - that's how much I liked it!  It's definitely a 5-star read in my opinion!

Five on Friday

1.  Here is the recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate that I found at Tasty Kitchen and served at book club this week.  I modified it a bit to fit with Abuelita's recipe.  (A seperate post about the book is in the works.)

2.  I love this quote!

“Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your modus operandi and change your world. ”

Annie Lennox (born 1954); Scottish singer-songwriter, political activist and philanthropist

3.  I picked up a chai latte' from Starbuck's yesterday and it came in this lovely special cup!  I've got it sitting on the cupboard and it makes me smile every time I see it. 

(image from The Adventures of Lucky Duck)

4.  Subbing in high school is so very, very interesting and challenging - and brings back memories (and questions!) of my own high school years.  I certainly am getting to know the kids better and that is a good thing :)

5.  Garlic Shrimp + Cashew Chicken + Ginger Beef + Steamed Brown Basmati Rice = Yummy Supper, thanks to Mr. Li cooking for us tonight.

Lists of 2012 - #7

Listography #7 - Things I Love

Taking the word 'things' literally - and in no particular order:

1.  Chocolate covered almonds

2.  Brownies

3.  Fresh fruit

4.   My sewing machine

5.  Cameras and photographs

6.  Candles

7.  Fabric

8.  Fresh tomatoes

9.  Flowers

10.  Cards and letters

11.  Books

12.  Chai latte's

Creating

When I was in Fredericton this summer, Melinda had an idea to make a patchwork tablecloth so we collected the fabrics and cut the squares.  Then I went home and the patches sat - and sat - and sat.  When she came to visit in October, she brought everything along, thinking that we might get some sewing done while she was here.  That didn't happen either so she left everything with me.  With her birthday coming in February I knew that I wanted to get the tablecloth sewn so that she could finally use it.

The top which would have been too small so we added the striped borders.

I love the bright colors and the way they that complement the patterns.

The back is lined with this brown and there was just enough stripe left to make 4 matching napkins.  

I think the tablecloth has taken up residence on her table now :)  I had to wait until the box arrived in New Brunswick before I posted my photos or it wouldn't have been a surprise!  This was a really fun project and good practice sewing even seams for me.

Gratitude Gifts

"Be still and see that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

"If you will, Lord."  Mark 1: 40

"For in Him we live and move and have our being."  Acts 17:28

"I tell  you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:17

These words from the Bible have been resting in my mind and on my heart this week.  And I have been abiding in them, the word that I picked for this year.  It is so amazing to me that God speaks so gently and yet insistently into my life.  He is everywhere and I seek to hear Him and live with Him.

#3630 - #3665

- red candles burning bright

- warm winter parka

- black leather gloves with red trim

- red Valentine shirts

- soft red hoodie

- tiny pottery bowl brought home from Mexico 28 years ago

- little girl nightgown patterns

- rocking Maëlle to sleep

- meeting neighbors

- building towers and garages with Blake

- a small group of faith friends

- groceries

- text messages

- sharing hugs

- full fridge

- beautiful brides

- a groom who adores his new wife

- delicious Indian food

- colorful saris

- experiencing another culture

- living in faith and trust

- Sunday sermons

- red jelly hearts

- Valentines behind the door of the mailbox

- flowers

- daily messages of faith in the inbox

- pictures of our grandchildren

- laughing with friends

- fresh eggs

- Valentine banner

- God's love for me

- Skype

- hearing news from our children 

- medical care

- a challenge to share "God is so good" stories

Hello, Monday

Hello, New Week!

Hello Valentine's Day!

Hello three days of subbing.

Hello lamp shade search.

Hello pink and red.

Hello book club at my house :)

Hello discussion on "The School of Essential Ingredients".

Hello yummy snacks.

Hello middle of the month - already.

Hello Mexican hot chocolate for a crowd.

Hello house cleaning.

Hello hanging hearts!

Hello warmer weather.

Hello church council meeting.

Hello Sol's baptismal day.

Hello family potluck dinner.

Hello photo ops!

The lovely and talented Lisa Leonard has a new Monday morning tradition - Hello, Monday!  It's  a way to greet all that's waiting in a new week and then link up and celebrate with others. 

Dear Sunshine

Dear February Sun, 


Thank you for picking today to come out 
and shine again. 
January was really grey and
I'm happy to see that you found your way back.
I hope February is going to be brighter
with you filling the sky.
Thank you for coaxing the thermometer 
up above zero again -
+10 suits me just fine!
I love it when you are so bright 
that I have to put the sun visor down in the car.
I love it when you bounce off the little bits of snow
and make my eyes hurt with the blinding white.
I love how you warm everything you shine on.
And best of all, I love how
you gild the afternoon sky
and bathe everything in your glow.
It's been a great day -
please come and shine again tomorrow.

Thank you for reminding me that
God's love shines into all the greyness.
His grace bounces all over my days,
His love warms all of my actions.
May I give love as He gave of His son
and may I spread Him into every action of my week.


Shine on me, Son of God!


Love,
Crystal

Five on Friday

1.  I made this Cheeseburger Salad, from Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen site, for supper this week.  It was very good and the surprise ingredient made for an interesting flavour boost.

(photo from Pioneer Woman's blog)

2.  And I made this Valentine Confetti too!  It's a perfect Valentine treat :)

(photo from Nest of Posies)

3.  I'm busy sewing with hearts these days :)

4.  I love when the fridge is stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, all washed and ready to use.  I like opening the door just to look inside.

5.  Does anyone have any good suggestions for children's picture books that feature cats?  I'm on the hunt and would prefer if it was a realistic cat, not a cartoon one.  Thanks for your help!

Lists of 2012 - #6

Listography 2012 - #6 - What I Love Most About Home

1.  It was built by Bob and his dad.

2.  Most of the lumber came from a nearby neighbor's farm and it was cut and planed by Bob and his brother.

3.  The photos hanging on walls and standing on shelves that bring loved ones to mind.

4.  The big open kitchen with lots of cupboards(4 lazy susans and 24 doors) and  and drawers(11).

5.  The fireplace, even though we don't use it too often.  We've got plans to change that!

6.  The bamboo flooring and that Jerry and Darrin worked so hard to do most of it.

7.  That our children all grew up in this house - we moved in on Darrin's first birthday, almost 34 years ago!

8.  That it's such a great place to fill up with family and friends.

9.  The built in book shelves in the living room.

10.  That it has lots of big windows.

11.  The two solar tubes that we added later to bring more light into the dining room.

12.  The great big yard and garden that we have out here in the country.  We love the space and solitude!

Creating

Work on my December Daily album is still in progress!  I'm using the daily date templates from Ali Edwards that I printed out and then I made the pocket protector for some extra photos that I took on this day at Helayna's school.  

I still enjoy scrapbooking and telling the stories but that hobby has definitely taken a back seat to sewing lately!  I need more hours in my days and more days in my weeks :)

Dear Daffodils

Dear Daffodils,


Thank you for being the very first flower harbingers of spring!
I love walking into the grocery store 
to see you standing tall in your buckets of water, 
just waiting to be plucked out and taken home with me.

It seems a little strange to see you here before Valentine's Day
but I will happily buy you whenever you appear -
and then on and on as winter fades and spring officially arrives.
I love how your sheaths are tightly wrapped up
when I pick you out
and then within hours, tiny yellow petals
begin to peek out as you unfold in the warmth of our house.

I love your yellow bells standing tall on their petal stands,
reaching up to drink in life.
You remind me to stand tall 
and unfold my beauty to share with the world.
You remind me that even when days are cold and grey
there is beauty to fill my home and my heart.
May I unfold my life and let it shine 
into the hearts of others
just like you do.


Love,
Crystal

Gratitude Gifts

Between Ann's words, the Joy Dare prompts and my Bible reading, I am noticing so many gifts.  Little moments, small treasures placed in just the right place at just the best moment to show me that His grace is mine in great abundance.  What an amazing God!

#3600 - #3630

- stories of my grandparents and their arrivals in Canada

- realizing that they would have been married 83 years on last Monday

- their wedding picture in the oval frame

- playing games with my parents

- a true hockey fan

- sewing pieces together

- broccoli-cauliflower soup

- their excitement at being able to the gym for Healthy Hearts time

- hearing "They know exactly what to do!" - and they did!

- jars of summer goodness

- beautiful smile as I zipped Blake's jacket

- watching little skaters zip around the ice

- sharing delicious beef on a bun for lunch

- goat cheese hiding on the bottom shelf of the fridge

- beautiful new Valentine fabrics

- lunch packed and ready to go

- sunny days

- last butternut squash roasted

- new stamps

- daffodils

- clean counters and clean dishes

- writing 

- hearing my favourite scripture, Isaiah 40

- memories of one year ago, on this day

- being still and resting in Him

2011 day of tobogganing

- hearing that a loved one is feeling better

- that D & K are safely home from vacation

- talking to Melinda on her birthday

- thanking God for His blessings of health, family and provision to her

- that He would give His son for me

Hello, Monday

The lovely and talented Lisa Leonard has a new Monday morning tradition - Hello, Monday!  It's  a way to greet all that's waiting in a new week and then link up and celebrate with others.  I want to focus on what's coming up and look ahead with excitement so here are my thoughts.

Hello subbing in grade six and elementary school.

Hello Teacher's Convention - I remember well the fun we used to have with you.

Hello more beautiful weather.

Hello birthday #32 for Melinda.

Hello evening Bible study time with small group friends

Hello seed catalogues - spring must be coming!

Hello thoughts of hearts and sweet treats.

Hello Valentine decorations.

Hello Valentine sewing.

Hello more healthy eating.

Hello new book for book club.

Hello packages to send off at the post office.

Hello new vehicle registration stickers.

Hello full moon!

Dear Rice Cooker

Dear  Rice Cooker,


I don't think I've ever told you quite how much I appreciate what you do for me every week. 
I love that I can take you out,
pour in some water,
shake in salt,
add rice,
put the lid on -
and then forget all about you for the next 45 minutes!
Thank you for making my life easier -
and my rice flakier.

Thank you for not boiling over (most times) -
I think maybe the dash of lemon juice is keeping your boil nice and low.
Thank you for not burning the bottom layer
and for keeping cleanup easy.
Thank you for doing a great job with brown rice
and for letting me experiment with juices and add-ins.
I was a little surprised when you arrived,
wrapped up as a Christmas gift one year
but I must say that I have grown to love you.
I really don't know I'd manage without you now.
Here's to many more happy meals together!


Love,
A Happy Cook

Five on Friday

1.  Soaking your feet in hot water that has Avon's Footsoak with Mint and Rosemary dissolved in it is an awesome way to spend an hour! 

2.  I finished day #2 of subbing at a high school today.  I know lots of the kids at this school which helps but it was still quite the day!

3.  Ann posted a link to Valentine Confetti at Nest of Possibilities today - it looks delicious!  I am doing this for sure!!

(photo from Nest of Possibilites)

4.  Maëlle gave me a beautiful kiss today - her mouth wide open on my cheek!  She is growing up and learning to do so many things, like crawling, right now.

5.  I stopped at the quilt shop in Winfield today and found some beautiful Valentine fabric!  She has expanded her inventory and now has a whole wall of fabrics in the longarm room.  She even had the pink and brown colorway of Swiss Chocolate by Amanda Murphy - which I resisted, but just barely!

Lists of 2012 - #5

Listography 2012 - #5 - Classes / Lessons I Would Like to Take

1.  Swimming (for scaredy cats)

2.  Skiing (also for scaredy cats - do you see a theme here?!)

3.  Photoshop Elements

4.  How to use a rolling pin, especially for pastry crusts

5.  Horticulture - a whole list of them

6.  Cooking classes - breads, pasta, Italian, French, Mexican

7.  Quilting - including applique'

8.  Knitting

9.  Photography, especially a field class with a National Geographic photographyer

10.  Creative writing

11.  How to use an iPhone

12.  Scrapbooking and card-making

Dear Midnight Moon

Dear Midnight Moon,

Thank you for shining in all your half crescent glory last night while we were driving home.  

In between the clouds, you managed to reflect off the snow and brightly guide us along our way.

You were right there so we saw the tall white legs of the black moose as he loped onto the shoulder of the highway.

You gave Bob all he needed to see so he could slam on the brakes and screech our little car to a halt

just as the lumbering giant reached the center line -

and then realized that something else was there already.

You showed that antlered giant the way back to the ditch, which he thankfully chose,

and then the fence, that he so easily stepped over, on his way back into the forested darkness.

And you kept on shining as we caught our breaths,

let the adrenaline settle

and carefully continued on our way.

Thank you, Mr. Moon - thank you very much!

Love,

The Midnight Travellers

(Inspired by Lindsay's beautiful letters at Bales and Tales)

January

Oh, January!
You slipped by with hardly a blink
and only a week of your usual cold weather
with minus thirty temperatures,
cold, cold mornings
and vehicles started often to keep them limber.
You gave us days of above zero
with only a little snow
that even melted
and left icy patches everywhere.
We celebrated birthdays,
attended a concert,
watched hockey games,
played school and car shows
and cuddled babies.
The sewing machine whirred along,
the garage was closed up tight again,
and plump Pigeon Lake whitefish were cleaned.
I subbed eight and a half days -
and came home sick on one of those days.
Christmas was finally packed away
and here we are welcoming
the month of hearts!
Good bye first month of 2012.

Counting Gratitude Gifts

 Today Ann posted that she'd heard from a lady who counted ten thousand gifts and from someone else who'd counted one thousand in just eight days!  And she shared that her book, One Thousand Gifts, is at #6 on the New York Times bestsellers list - how amazing!  I am so thankful for finding her blog, reading her book, being part of this amazing community and, most importantly, for realizing how very much God blesses me with goodness.

The month is ending but my list keeps growing as I notice more of what He gives me, moment by moment.  Ann shared a quote from G. K. Chesterton that rings with me.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought,
and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
G.K. Chesterton

I like that idea alot!  And so I count on, filled with wonder and happiness that so much is given to me by Him!



#3573 - #3600

- being able to participate in recycling
- familiar faces in a new situation
- students that have grown and matured in 8 years
- how to give modelled by my Gramman and my Mom
- red berries on white snow

- sleeping in
- beautiful handmade cards
- sewing
- driving safely home in the dark
- taco salad

- Bible study group
- wisdom gained by studying His words
- supportive friendships
- snacks
- bits of snack stacking up

- forgiveness

- caring friends

- smiles and hugs

- whispered thanks

- fresh local fish

- Bob cleaning that fish
- healthy supper choices
- 50 birthday candles burning brightly
- hugs from little ones
- texture of dried plants

- a journal to record His gifts
- that He sends little children to be our models and our reminders

Five on Friday - Linked

1.  1.  Randi over at i have to say is hosting a sew-along starting on February 14th.  She's going to make a new ironing board cover - which I desperately need - so I'm going to join in.  How about you - would you like to do a quick makeover for your laundry room?   Come and join us!  

P.S  Randi is also the owner of a lovely online fabric shop, Fresh Squeezed Fabrics.

2.  Meadow had the idea of sewing a dress and wanted some help this week.  So - with a little help from the fabric manufacturers (who so very nicely pre-smocked some pink material) we were able to sew a sun-dress in an hour yesterday - fastest dress ever!  I forgot to take my camera along so we don't have a picture but I found this photo online at Bug Fabric which shows the Minnie Mouse option.  The one we used had Disney princesses on it.  It sure was easy and turned out great!

3.  I took 4 memory cards in to Costco the other day - and came home with 500+ pictures!  They ranged from Thanksgiving right through to last week.  Definitely an overdue project.  Did you know that Costco is having a special sale early in February and 4 X 6 photos will be $0.06 each?  A very good time to print photos!

4.  "Now, as always, the most automated appliance in a household is the mother."  Beverly Jones in "Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Food and Love"

5.  Our Health Advisory Council is doing a pilot project using an online forum to gather information next week.  This is a first attempt and we are really excited to see what the 50 invited participants will share with us.  We are trying to chart a path into the social media realm!

Lists of 2012 - #4

Listography 2012 - #4 - Least Favourite Smells

1.  Pickled herring

2.  Vomit

3.  Diesel fuel or gasoline

4.  Sour milk

5.  Cigarette smoke

6.  Bad breath

7.  Decomposing mice (don't ask how I know this!)

8.  Stinky tofu (it's available from street vendors on every corner in Taiwan - we'd cross the street to get away from it!)

9.  Dead fish along the lake shore

10.  Burning garbage

11.  Durian fruit, also found in Asia

12.  Outhouse on a hot day

The Stethoscope

This is an amazing video!  See if you can guess what the message is :)

Counting Gratitude Gifts

The third week in January already - and His grace just keeps giving me more than I can imagine.  Waking in the morning to know that He created the day, He is in the day with me and He brings the day to an end gives me comfort and brings peace to all that might develop in the day.  And my eyes are opened to see more and more! 



#3538 - #3573

- surviving -33 degrees Celsius with no problems
- warm winter clothes in layers
- staying inside
- furnace blowing warm air
- hot water

- rocking chair
- reading from my Bible
- seeing the same words - one of His surprises!
- reading a book about being His voice and hands
- sharing

- pizza for supper
- picture outtakes
- conversations
- heeding messages spoken
- supper waiting in the fridge

- thoughts from Ann about a House of Prayer
- moderating weather
- plans changed - for the better
- finishing a project
- red berries hanging on the bush

- glistening brussel sprouts
- birthday gifts
- evergreens silhouetted in the blue winter sky
- celebration of a life well-lived
- folded laundry

- guitar music
- gathered around the supper table
- pumpkin pie with whipped cream
- singing along
- home concert

- His forgiveness every day
- every need supplied
- His presence
- trusting Him
- the promise of eternity with Him

Five on Friday - Linked

Some things for you to explore online during this cold weather -

1.  This post from Momastery is a great read about relationships - and a great reminder.  Thanks to K for posting it first on Facebook.

2.  Anna Maria Horner has some cool color and fabric ideas on this Play Schedule post.  She's an amazing fabric designer.

3.  Winter gardening is alive and well in New Brunswick!  Thanks to Mel and Tyler who sent us this link to a CBC interview with Chester's Fields Farm.  Be sure to watch and be inspired.  Bob's brain is churning with more ideas now :)

4.  This Apple Pear Salad from the Mennonite Girls Can Cook site is a delicious taste of freshness on a cold winter's day.

5.  I love this 20" Little Leaves wall hanging quilt from Quilted Treasures in Minnesota!  The blanket stitches and the random leaves scattered on the pieced background are adorable!

(photo from sewdomestic.com)

Lists of 2012 - #3

Listography 2012 - #3 - Favourite Things to Do When I Am Alone

1.  Read in bed

2.  Read blogs and search Pinterest

3.  Sew

4.  Scrapbook

5.  Read the Bible

6.  Sleep in

7.  Bake or cook, especially for others

8.  Look through my scrapbooks and photos

9.  Read magazines

10.  Eat nachos and cheese sauce

11.  Take photographs

12.  Talk to our children and grandchildren on the phone

From Kelle Hampton

Almost two years ago I was introduced to Kelle Hampton, just days after precious Nella Cordelia was born to their family. Nella has an extra chromosone which makes her really special. I have learned so much about life, loving children and celebrating difference by reading Kelle's blog and watching her with her little ones. This video with its precious images and beautiful children melts my heart.

Gratitude Gifts

I decided to join Ann on her Joy Dare this year and so I'm using her prompts this month to look at things differently, to search outside of normal every days and find more of His grace and His love for me.   I love how they are making me search and see Him in new ways!

#3503 - 3538

- tiny chickadee, sitting on the window frame, peeking into the garage

- Christmas cards mailed off to loved ones

- dill pickles made with cucumbers from our garden

- ham bone cooking to make broth

- sunshine laying in rows on student desks

- favourite yellow sweatshirt with picture of winter on it

- fresh eggs

- hot water bottles

- the candid observations of grade one students (you look green!)

- 16 hours of sleep, even if somewhat interrupted

- garage enclosed and doors fixed again

- protection against cold, cold temperatures

- reliable vehicles

- first one to drive through the snow

- heater blowing warm air

- reading buddies

- amazing colleagues

- a new addition to Bible study

- meeting with friends again

- quotes to live by

- "Go out and live.  And do everything as if doing it for me.  Then they will see Me in you." (my paraphrase of a discussion)

- warm clothes for the arena

- playing with littles

- cutting out new sewing projects

- little girls happy to be reading

- reading lists by those I love

- hearing that little movements are being felt

- pizza for supper

- meals without buying groceries

- intense discussions

- how the Bible study message meshed so perfectly with Sunday's sermon

- hearing the call and the answer - "Here I am, Lord!"

- knowing that He loves me even more than I love my children

- online devotional message that shares the same words!

- ABIDING in Him, moment by moment

Right Now

Inspired by Amanda Soule once again (I tell you she has so much inspiration wrapped up in her head that's shared on her blog, SouleMama!) to capture today.

RIght now, I am...

:: marveling that we have had such a mild winter with hardly any snow.  I think that's about to change as the prediction is for -28 degrees C tomorrow night.

:: tired  after watching Meadow play two hockey games today.

:: laughing  after reading Heather's blog and seeing family pictures from the past 4 years.

:: overwhelmed  by nothing right now :)

:: pleasantly surprised to get some Christmas fabric on sale in Drayton Valley.

:: wondering what to make for dinner tomorrow.

:: grateful that we get to enjoy our grandchildren so often.

:: hearing the saw in the garage as Bob fixes the side door after installing new garage door opener earlier this week.

:: going to church tomorrow morning.

:: planning what seeds to order - The Cottage Gardener heirloom seed catalogue arrived yesterday :)

:: digging fresh new sheets and pillowcases on our bed.

:: sewing a couple of little things for someone who has a birthday soon :)

:: listening to the Calgary Flames - Los Angeles Kings NHL hockey game on TV.

:: eating Pistachio - Cranberry - Goat Cheese Red Leaf Lettuce Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

:: saying "Happy Ukrainian New Year" today.

:: inspired  to buy a new plant to replace my dying poinsettia (I must have overwatered it because it's lost nearly every leaf it had).

:: happy to be feeling better after getting sick at school on Thursday - the poor grade ones said I looked green so I decided it was time to go home.

:: delighted to have received so many lovely cards, pictures and letters this year. 

:: waiting to take down and put away the Christmas decorations - we enjoy them well into January!

:: being able to read is such a pleasure!

(I love the way the highway goes right through this part of the mountain!)

Lists of 2012 - #2

Listography 2012 - #2 - Things to Do This Winter

1.  Sew pyjamas for the grandkids

2.  Finish December Daily project

3.  Sew a rag quilt  - crib size :))

4.  Finish painting the kitchen and living room

5.  Make another batch of salsa

6.  Make several sets of cards to give as gifts

7.  Snowshoe often - if we ever get any snow!

8.  Do another 30 Bags in 30 Days project in the basement

9.  Host book club

10.  Cook the last pumpkin

11.  Host a card party

12.  Print and share Christmas photos

If - - -

Continuing with thoughts of Christmas:

If you could shop at only one store for Christmas gifts, which store would it be?

Hands down, no question about it - that store would be a bookstore for me!  Nearly everyone that I shop for gets a book and some of them get several.  This is a little glimpse of the books that I gave to our children and grandchildren this year.  I love that everyone can have a book to read in the days immediately after Christmas.

So - do tell!  What store must you shop at?

Creating

Last year I sewed two Christmas banners - and gave them both away!  So it was time to make one for our house this year.

I used 15 different patterns and had to cut one piece upside down to make it work!  The other side has the trees right side up.  

My projects to share with many friends and family members this year were sets of pillowcases.  I think I sewed 16 sets - and still have fabric for a few more.  Some of them were sewed under pressure - and given away before I could snap a photo!  These few pictures give you a peek of what they looked like. 

I really loved making - and sharing them!

Gratitude Gifts - Christmas Edition

It's day #9 of 2012 and I have a grand total of 2 posts up!  That's really quite sad but now that the holidays are officially over and it's back to school today, I've resolved to get back into writing mode.

We had such a wonderful time of celebrating, worshiping, visiting, eating, and making memories this Christmas.  I simply must post my list of grace gifts.




#3473 - #3503

- that He sent His only Son 
- the wonder of that miracle
- carol music reminders of the Gift
- candles burning at Christmas Eve service
- words of Scripture

- being included in celebrations with our dear friends
- Christmas dinners
- beautiful table settings
- visiting and laughing
- gift exchanges

- playing games together
- late nights and late mornings
- new pillow and new kitchen items
- photobooks
- cards and messages

- grandchildren playing outside the window
- help in the kitchen
- Skype
- Christmas ornaments
- our Christmas tree

- Christmas cards and letters
- wrapping presents
- poppycock
- singing together
- bringing a bit of joy to the front door

- lights on houses
- hospitals, doctors and nurses that work through the holidays
- good medicines
- aunts and uncles
- acting out the Nativity story

Lists of 2012 - #1

Heather organized another listography project - just what I was hoping she'd do!

Listography #1 - Goals for 2012

1.  Finish painting the living room, dining room, kitchen and entry way

2.  Collect 2011 Lists with photos, into a mini-album

3.  Grow a good crop of carrots (didn't happen again last year!)

4.  Start seeds earlier in March

5.  Make sets of cards to give as gifts

6.  Welcome two new grandchildren

7.  Celebrate my Dad's 80th birthday

8.  Celebrate Bob's Dad's 90th birthday

9.  Have guests for dinner at least once a month

10.  Spend the best chunk of one entire day with each grandchild by themselves

11.  Finish reading the New Testament

12.  Sew, sew, sew!!

One Little Word

It's the second day of a new year, all fresh and empty and poised.
And I'm feeling a little lost and trying to make an absolutely perfect start -
and then I read Ann's words and I'm reminded
that I just need to abide in Him
and all things will be made new every day.

And as I'm thinking and wondering and stretching
to find that one little word that will speak to me each day,
it comes suddenly and with certainty.

ABIDE

Abide in me, He says.

Every day, in every way -
just be with Him,
lean on Him,
rest on Him.
And He will be with me -
and I'm very sure that this is the word He has chosen for me.
A word sent to show me
that He is the one who orders my days,
who sends me grace,
who gives everything,
who is always there.

Abide - I am abiding in Him this year.

(Thanks to my friend, S

who had these beautiful angels

on her Christmas table.)

Happy Last Day of 2011!!

My last week of December has not been one for blogging!  I've been enjoying family, friends, food and visiting - and the computer has been shut off.  Sometimes living life is just more important.

Thank you, dear readers, for visiting and for reading about my family, my faith, my passions and my adventures.  I hope that we will continue to be friends in 2012!

May your celebrations and memories be filled with joy and happiness!
May you enjoy good health and loved ones in the days ahead!
May God's presence fill your days with light and love!

Happy New Year!