13 Hours of Rain

It has been a good summer. But busy. Actually, too busy. Strangely enough, I am looking forward to the start of school, when I can find solace in routine. Truthfully, I feel parched. My soul feels parched, just like the dry, prairie grasses that surround our community. I know what I need. Time. Time alone. Time alone for more than a morning. Time alone outside my house and yard. Time alone away from my responsibilities and my family. Time. With. God. I love to entertain. I thoroughly enjoy planning menus, events, and experiences that cater to my guests' interests and needs. And this summer we were blessed with many friends and family who graced our home with their presence. During the year, I can't help myself in inviting people over for a meal or a play date with my children. After all, I desire our home to be a place where people can drop in for a visit and re-energize their spirit. Thus, I am delighted when people do just that. Our spare bedroom has been well used by m...

Lately, I started to track my calorie intake. It's not because I desire to be thinner per se . I just need to loose the stubborn amount of weight I've gained from indulging in too much good food and delectable desserts during my holidays. Plus, it is a great way to be reminded of healthier food choices and smaller portion sizes. However, there are moments when temptations arise and I want to snitch something unnecessary. While I am not as hard on myself as in the past, my mind often cautions me with these words, "Stop while you are ahead." What do I mean by this? Well, it is just my reminder to stop before I overstretch myself and overload on unnecessary weight-gaining calories. Usually my self-talk works and I stop. Now this post isn't about weight loss. Rather, it is about the ongoing process that I am experiencing in letting go of my children's infant years and moving on to embrace the years to come. Honestly, that last few months have been challenging ...

Coming back from our holidays was difficult. Our time away was lovely and chaotic: lovely in the sense it was  wonderful to connect with family, chaotic in the sense that it can be a  challenge traveling with two energetic preschoolers. Then we returned home and WHAM-O, all the reminders of our home improvement projects hit us SMACK-DAB in the face. Oh boy. All I wanted was time to r-e-l-a-x. We've been back for about two weeks now. And in that time frame, projects have been shelved for the sake of health. Kitchen refacing dreams are on next year's list, again . Dining room painting may happen before winter, if we're lucky (and I, the painter, get motivated). Garden beds for Spring 2013 might be built if we ever find a way to secure some cedar in this town. In the meanwhile, we are focusing on minor touch-ups/repairs, which is enough work in itself. So, why is this blog-worth? Well, I believe I am learning some lessons through the process, compliments of friends and...

Here are some of my favourite pictures from July...  Southern Prairie Gem Cousins Reunited Celebrating Us Her Sunday Best His Sunday Best Overcoming Fear of Horses My Day Lily

Peace Country It is hard to believe that it is the second half of July. We have enjoyed our summer thus far as we reconnect with family in various locations. We've been celebrating milestones, marveling at God's creation, and eating far too much good food (Operation August Slim Down here I come!). We've had many thought provoking discussions with loved ones. And, boy, we've played a lot of board games! But my introvert nature is starting to kick in. I feel I need time to process the many thoughts that are churning within. Here is a snap shot of my contemplations: Coming of Age. It was wonderful to reconnect with my younger sister and her family this summer. Truthfully, it has been challenging to stay meaningfully connected due to the physical distance that separates us and our very intense life as mothers of preschoolers. Thus, spending some concentrated time together was beneficial in strengthening our relationship. And you know what I've noticed? My siste...

3 What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? 4 Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. 5 The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. 6 The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. 7 Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. 8 Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. 9 History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. 10 Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. 11 We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. ~ Ecclesiastes 1 There are days when I wonder what is the point. Really. What is the point of doing the futile tas...

It began with a lemonade stand at a friend's garage sale. Much to my disappointment, only a few quarters were collected from the sales. Apparently two cute kids was not enough to tempt more adults to enjoy a cool citrus refreshment. Regardless, my daughter brought her little treasure home. I added more quarters to the sale and laid out ten coins in front of her. "How much of this should we give to Jesus?" I asked. She studies the shiny caribous on the table and sets aside four. "Good for you! You are being quite generous!" Wow, giving 40% of her income away! I thought. Should I advise her to only give just the minimum 10%? Or a more risky 20%? Hmmmm... I decide to let her take the lead and move on to my explanation, "When we give to Jesus, we are giving to places like the church. Or we use the money to help the poor. Or we send money to our Compassion child. What are some ways you can give to Jesus?" "I could give it to MOPS," she o...