Above The Pearls

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones

It appears that I've decided to become 'all fancy' and get my own .com!  For a person with no inclination for html, I did it all on my own and I'm quite proud of that fact.  I now feel like an absolute princess....so, when you pass by please remember to wave....above the pearls and below the tiara.  ; )

You've Gotta Laugh

Snowing....again!  Sometimes you've just gotta laugh.  This might help 

Snow Day!

Mother Nature has been keeping us on our toes recently.  Lots of snow and incredibly cold temperatures have blessed us with two "snow days".  While we enjoy these unexpected mini vacations, I look around and see the havoc these snow days wreak on my home.

Hats, coats and gloves are strewn all about the front foyer and extra laundry is piled from frequent changes.  The remains of hot cocoa and cinnamon toast litter the counter top and I wonder if I have the energy to tackle it all.

I've had a cold for the past week and have been left weak and sleep deprived.  At times like these I just want to run away, but we all know that it isn't realistic :)  Being a homemaker is a 24/7 job and, while you don't get sick days off, you can lighten up on yourself.

Know and accept that things are not going to be perfect for a while.  Do the bare minimum!  No, the floor does not need moped right now.  It can wait...but, a quick spritz and wipe of the countertops is doable and should not exhaust you.  Hopefully, it will even give you a little lift to see that shiny expanse of clean.

Have the children gather all of their wet clothing and toss them (the clothes...not the children lol) into the washer.  If they are big enough to play in the snow, then they are big enough to contribute to the clean up of it.  Besides, they will love to slip on those socks, gloves and hates, toasty and warm from the dryer.....and head back out.

Remember, whether ill or not, this is your snow day, too.  Pamper yourself a little with some hot cocoa, a good book and some warm fuzzy socks.  Here in the south  we don't often get these surprise vacations, so let's all enjoy it!

Life

Jack Davis Art

I came upon this recently on ylcf ... Lanier always posts such lovely things.  It is  a perfect poem for this time of year.  Enjoy!

             Life by Henry Van Dyke

"LET me but live my life from year to year,

With forward face and unreluctant soul;

Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;

Not mourning for the things that disappear

In the dim past, nor holding back in fear

From what the future veils; but with a whole

And happy heart, that pays its toll

To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

So let the way wind up the hill or down,

O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:

Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,

New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,

My heart will keep the courage of the quest,

And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.

The Weather Outside is Frightful...

My apologies to Frank Sinatra....

     Rain, snow, ice --- here in Kentucky we are expecting them all today!  While it may be frightful outside, we can make it quite delightful inside....with a little help from Betty Crocker and her hot cocoa recipe.

     Mix 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup cocoa.  To this add 1 1/2 cups of water.  Bring it too a boil over low heat then add 5 1/2 cups of milk and heat until scalded (do not boil).  A pinch of salt and a drop of vanilla finishes it off....but to make it truly sublime we all know that you need tiny marshmallows and a candy can stirrer!  (yields 6-8  servings...so why not invite a friend?!)

Weary Little Souls

(Written earlier this morning)

     The last day of the year and I am sitting in bed contemplating what the new year has in store for us.  This year has had a many ups and downs and at times I've cried to God to help us get off this seesaw!  So, at once I am happy and sad to see 2009 take it's final bow tonight, but I am determined to make the best of 2010.

     As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I admit to wanting to fuss over everything left undone before the clock strikes midnight.  Yet, I do not want to carry weariness and anxiety into the new year.  Perfectionism is draining and, if I believed in new year resolutions, I would resolve to do away with such a horrid habit! I want to welcome 2010 with a light heart.  Here is my plan:

     Stick to the plan - A daily schedule is my best friend. I know the fear of the unexpected visitor showing up at the front door just as your children have pulled every single thing out of the hall closet, the sink couldn't hold another dirty dish and Cheerios crunch with every step you take.  The ensuing panic/anxiety leaves me feeling worn out and this is where a schedule will help.  I'm not talking about a color-coded, power-point presentation kind of schedule.  I'm thinking bare bones kind of plan.  A plan that you can live with and not feel as if it weighs you down.  Of course, everyones will look different, but here is mine...Monday is laundry and bills....Tuesday is marketing....Wednesday is baking and ironing....Thursday is errands and projects...and Friday is for cleaning. 
     On Monday's, I will not let that pile of books, that haven't a home, bother me because I know I will deal with them on Thursday (project day). While Friday's are my cleaning day, the basics will be done everyday...wipe the toothpaste out of the sink :) , give the floors a quick sweep and put things to right.  Friday is about the real cleaning, but daily it will look good enough for unexpected visitors.
     When you become weary from the neverending cycle of cleaning remember Elisabeth Elliot's words "when in doubt about what to do, do the next thing."

Be creative- No, you aren't expected to create a masterpiece each day :) , but do attempt to do something creative each day.  It can be as simple as coloring in your children's coloring book or picking wild flowers to fill a jelly jar.  For a moment your mind will be refreshed by these simple acts and give you time to thank God for His creation.

Soul pampering- All too often when we are overwhelmed by lifes demands we attempt to heal the weariness by pampering our bodies.  Of course, there are times when our bodies do need this pampering, but when the weariness if 'bone deep', you will need something more.  Spending more time in Bible reading and prayer can heal your weary soul.  The Lord's words have the power to soothe and reenergize.  Remember to pray each day that His will be done and may your life, actions and thoughts be a glory unto Him.

Happy New Year!!

In His Peace,

A Time To Rest

The hustle and bustle of Christmas has passed.  Let us all take some time to reflect on the wonderful memories we have of 2009 and  look forward to the coming year.  Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I send prayers and good wishes for a very Happy New Year!