Metamorphosis

The End of an Era

The end of one stage of my daughter's life is coming to an end, and a beautiful new one is beginning. My Natasha is now 8 and is nothing like a baby girl anymore. She reads chapter books and does multiplication. This week she made us baked apples in the oven. They were so good. Somehow, in recent weeks it dawned on me that she was ready and able to start using the oven. She has enough maturity and safety-mindedness that I thought, "Hey, why not?" So, she made up her own recipe, and it was so good.

Now I did core the apples and cut them in half for her, and I did get them out of the oven. Other than that it was all her. She looked up recipes and then just picked which parts of which recipe she liked, and then made up her own (just like mommy).

I taught her how to make Ramen noodles on top of the stove the other day, and today it was frozen pizza. I know, I know, it is a lot of processed junk, but hey, you gotta start somewhere....and she already knows how to make Spaghettios for her brother and sister in the microwave, too, ha ha.

Anyway, back to the apples...she put the halves skin side down and put some margarine on each one (we were out of butter or she would have used that). Then sprinkled on sugar, cinnamon, and then drizzled on some honey. Then she put them in the oven, preheated to 350 degrees, and baked for 45 minutes. After that, I turned the apples over, skin side up, and baked for 15 more minutes. We ate them after they cooled about 10 minutes or so. All the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and honey, made a yummy syrupy glaze in the bottom of our dish that we spooned over the apples.

You are probably not surprised, but there were no leftovers :). I can imagine that they are very good with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. I also know that she will be making this again :).

I am also finishing up nursing my youngest child. He is very close to the age the girls were when they weaned themselves. It is going to be a new thing for me to have no babies to nurse and change. He is totally potty training himself, too. I know that there is the possibility, slight though it is, that there will be more children, someday...But for now, we are saying that we are done. There, I officially said it. For now, we are done. Whew, that was hard to say. I am not sure I really meant it, either...








It won't be long til all my children are school-aged too. I am spending this time dreaming about the future. What new things does God have for me to do? Don't get me wrong, we are a homeschooling family, and I don't see that changing any time soon. I am not wishing away my children so I can go and do something else. It just dawned on me one day that there are ways for me to grow as a person and keep learning at this point in my life. I thought, Hey, that's pretty cool.

Saturday in the Kitchen

Chocolate Chip Pancakes with cold milk for the kiddos with cartoons

another failed attempt at making cookies for me, ha ha
After the infamous "cumin is not really cinnamon" incident, I was feeling brave and decided to have another go at Oatmeal Raisin cookies. It's infamous because it just happened today and thankfully I caught my mistake before adding all the ingredients.
Unfortunately, in spite of all my best cookie efforts (butter not too melted, pans not warm/hot), my cookies looked flat and too brown around the edges. I didn't even have the heart to take a pic, haha. I tried to google you a similar pic, but apparently not very many people mess up their cookies and take pics, hardy har har har. Oh well, I will try again another day. I decided to freeze the rest of the dough and now I will have some in my freezer for a rainy day

Now I am off to google what to do with that pound of hamburger in the fridge....maybe meatballs with something? maybe mini meatloaf things?

September Flowers

hydrangea

mint

The good thing...

Hey, you know....the good thing about ice cream cones is that you don't have to get a bowl dirty AND you get to eat the bowl. How cool is that?

Hey, Jelly, this one's for you :) ....though of course, as luck would have it, I am totally out of ice cream cones, and in fact, am having to sacrifice and eat my chocolate ice cream out of a bowl, ha ha :)

Full Speed Ahead

School is in full swing already. The girls are doing very well and are very excited about school. There have been tons of distractions and side roads already, especially with family things. My husband just moved into a new office space, and then immediately got very sick with what they think is lyme disease (though they are not saying that definitely). He is finally back to work but still has lots of pain. He is on a very strong antibiotic. Natasha just missed a couple of days due to sickness but is up and running. Yay! Not much school missed there, thankfully.

Unfortunately we have had other sad family news already this semester. My husband's grandmother passed away and that was a hard way to start the semester. It was right before school started. His mom also found out she has cancer the very same week. My heart is very heavy for her and lots of prayers are sent up around here daily for her. Not only has her husband recently passed away (almost 2 yrs ago), but her mom died and she found out she has cancer in the same week. She is very optimistic and has a good outlook, and that is very good.

All that happened before my husband got sick. He missed a whole week of work when he was feeling so bad. Those of you who know my husband know that for him not to go to work is a big deal. I also knew how serious it was when he headed to the doctor just a few days after he started feeling bad.

We also just found out that my husband's other grandmother, Nana, fell down in her yard not long ago, and bruised herself up pretty bad.

My mom is doing much better though she is still recovering and doing physical therapy. Needless to say, I am very glad we are homeschooling and school is portable. The children were very happy recently when we packed up our school books and had school at Grandma and Grandpa's for 2 days.

As far as crocheting, I am still working on small, easy to finish projects like potholders. I found patterns for little sweaters for the girls that will be very pretty to wear to church this winter, but I have not started that yet. I have been trying a couple of patterns for a fall sweater for Talon, but have not settled on one yet.

Just wanted to stop by here for a sec, have tons to do....you know how it is when people have been sick at your house, everything seems to pile up while you are busy taking care of everyone. I am very thankful everyone is feeling better already. I am very thankful for loving parents and grandparents. I am thankful for a joyful, loving, hard working husband. I am thankful for my happy helpful children. What are you thankful for today?

"It's My Birthday!"

Note: This is a guest post by my daughter Natasha :)

Pirate Cuteness

Perennial Surprises

Let no feeling of discouragement prey
upon you, and in the end you
are sure to succeed."
- Abraham Lincoln



lots of these surprise lilies are blooming in my yard
unfortunately there are very few black eyed susans (got mowed over)
and zero hibiscus this year (again, lawn mower tragedy)

I guess that's what happens when you let other people mow your yard.....
oh, well, they will grow back next year :)
that's what I love about perennials

Ta-Dah!!!

I finally got the hexagon baby afghan finished this afternoon (just in time for the baby shower this evening). Here are some pics....my blanket testers gave this one a 2 thumbs up :)

Summer Creations

Here are some of the things I have been crocheting this summer. The pattern for the market bag is here. It is a printable from Lily Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn. I used cotton yarn from Wal-Mart for all the kitchen things. The blue/white set has 4 washcloths/dishcloths, 2 square potholders, and 1 round potholder. I made up a simple pattern for the washcloths and square potholders (which are 2 pieces single crocheted together). I just looked through my pattern books and found a round potholder pattern and made 2 and crocheted them together. The rainbow one is a smaller potholder made with some leftover cotton yarn.

The yellow, blue, green, and white hexagons are for a baby afghan I am working on. The yellow/white zig zag is something I made up for a friend for a baby shower.
For the girls I have been making squiggly hair ties. Natasha is beautifully modelling all of them at once :). If you look closely you can see the patriotic red, white, and blue ones I just made :)

The blue/white kitchen set is available for sale, as well as the market bag, and the multi-colored potholder. If you are interested please make an offer. Almost forgot....the blue/white kitchen set also has a matching swiffer cover I made (forgot to take a pic of it, the girls were testing it out for me) :).

Almost the 4th of July

been busy around here...summer is flying by
it is almost the 4th of July

kids have been to Quilt Camp and Basketball Camp
they are going to the local Summer Reading Program

I am busy getting the house and school room ready for the fall semester. I am busy making lesson plans, too.....

will be swimming and grilling at grandma and grandpa's next week
be blessed and don't forget those who have sacrificed for the Independence and Freedom of our country

Race Car Birthday Star

>

We had a blast at Talon's 2nd birthday party. Beach balls, race cars, train table, ice cream, race car cake. What more could you want?

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Got Milk?

Our homeschool group went on a field trip to a local dairy farm. The kids had a lot of fun learning about Holstein and Jersey cows and feeding the calves.

Mother's Day Surprise

My sweet husband and babies surprised me last night. He had taken them all to the grocery store to get some "milk" and this is what they came back with (well, and milk and chocolates and a 17 pound bag of fruit loops, ha ha)

I love my sweet babies! This is us assuming our usual position on the couch. Are you feeling the love yet?

Here is Talon working really hard to open my chocolate covered pretzels. I also got a huge Hershey's bar, raisinets, mounds bars, and mint 3 musketeers :). Sorry this is the only pic of the chocolate we managed to get :)

Not sure how my husband can watch the basketball game with all those fingerprints, ha ha

Pink Roses! My favorite. You know they made me cry :)
Thank God for my Family. Happy Mother's Day especially to my Mommy and all the other mommies out there.

Almost 2

Well, in less than a month my baby boy will be 2. I am sitting here thinking about how fast the years have gone by since each child was born. It is funny how differently your mind perceives things with each child. With my first daughter, we celebrated her independence when she turned 2. With my 3rd baby, well, he's still mostly a baby to us, even though he's almost 2. Don't worry, there's no holding this one back. He is in a hurry to be like his big sisters. We even look at baby girl number 2 (Little One) and still see lots of baby traits, even though she's 5 now (the pic is a Jungle Cake she decorated herself for her party).

Our children bring so much joy to our lives. Being parents is easily the most important job we have ever done. I am so thankful to God for the chance to be a Mommy. I pray that I live up to that beautiful name.





in other news:

• contemplating a Truck/Car Birthday Party


• surprised that we are not really behind in finishing our curriculum, despite much sickness this year and the delays due to the ice storm


• I am finding that you can't hold a child back when they want to learn, but that there is a delicate balance between joyful motivation and the point of frustration.


• I finally figured out that if your child wants to go take a nap, just let them. There's usually a good reason, and everything else always gets done better when they are well rested.


• I love love love being outside in the yard in springtime :), so you might see less of me on here.

Pretty Rosey Blog

Rose Cottage

those who know me well, know that is sooo me

tea

cottage garden

pink roses

One Person at a Time

"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

Man, this is a good quote, and quite clearly shows why I really like Mother Teresa. Anyone can make a difference in another person's life. You never know what one small act of kindness or love will do for another person or family.

We are the hands and feet of God, showing the world His hope and love.

Mom in Hospital

My mom, Motherkitty, has been in the hospital all of last week. Thank you for your prayers. She had a bad cold that turned into bronchitis, then pneumonia. She is doing better, but will be there til at least Monday.

Hop on over to Motherkitty's blog and let her know you are thinking of her :)

Get well, soon Mom. Love you!!!!

praying you find something to laugh and smile about today, because a merry heart really does do good like medicine.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hey, Mom! Happy Birthday!!!! Wish I could be with you today!
Hurray that you don't have to go to work! Too bad it is because you are sick :(
Praying that your doctor visit goes well, and that you feel better soon. I love you, Mom!

Party Time

I keep coming over here thinking, I really should post something. I kept leaving Ana's pic and birthday post up because, well, her birthday is not over yet. We ended up having to cancel her original birthday party because some of us were sick, and that was such a bummer. So, anyway, the rescheduled party is this weekend. I have a lot to do to get ready. Brainstorming time. Thank God that I had gotten each of the kids a helium balloon from the grocery store a few days before her birthday. They were all sick and miserable and I had to run out to get milk and something else. Boy were they surprised to see balloons too! They are always begging me to get them a balloon at the store :).

I love the store near my house, by the way. It is just a grocery store with a deli. No supercenter, no clothes, no pharmacy, etc. etc. Usually when it is nice, we load the baby in the stroller and get to walk up there. Not long now til we can do that again. Maybe this week

Anyway, I felt so bad because I knew they were too sick, and I was going to have to cancel the party, so I kind of looked the other way when they got into the bag that was full of the goody bags supplies. In the past couple of weeks, we have gone through a whole bag of tootsie rolls and a bag of suckers. Thank God I was able to save the pixie sticks and another bag of candy for the goody bags, ha ha. They may have even opened up the stickers. (they were really sick, you would have let them, too)

So starting today should have been our spring break from school, but I am debating. We have missed so much school because of the ice storm and sickness. Part of me thinks that we cannot afford to miss an entire week. I am hoping for a lightweight, easygoing compromise. The girls have a friend coming over Tuesday and Wednesday, so I thought Tasha could do some school today but take off for a couple of days. Who knows about Thursday and Friday? Only God, I suppose. :)

I am just glad we are all well now. I am really looking forward to some spring cleaning and decluttering. I am hoping it is not raining today. I really want to go take pics of some of my spring flowers while they are still blooming.

So Happy Birthday to my Eliana! You are going to have a great birthday party!

Happy 5th Birthday Sweetie!

Happy 5th Birthday, Sweetie! Mommy Loves You!!!!

Little Red Afghan

Just have to say, it's a lot of fun being pelted with matchbox cars while you're blogging, waiting for your photo to upload...just thought you'd want to know

thankful that Talon only knows where 3 of his matchbox cars are, and that he was not playing with weeble wobbles when he gleefully decided to toss things in my direction. 67% of said matchbox cars hit me squarely on the back of my shoulders, and one landed right in my hair. I guess I should be glad my head is protecting the monitor
anyway, the reason I got on here is because I know you are all interested in what I did with some restless time the past few days....
I made a little red afghan for a friend who has a new baby girl. I picked the red because I knew she had decorated the nursery with the Very Hungry Caterpillar theme. Very cute.

I used the same pattern I used for Eliana's rainbow blanket but used a J hook, so it went pretty fast.


(I don't know why I took this pic of the back of her rainbow afghan, as the front with all the bobbles is the pretty part. The white kitty is Duchess of Silk)
I also made my starting chain half as long as stated in the pattern, because I wanted it to be little. I made up a simple border I was really happy with. It was 5dc (in one stitch) and then 2 sc around, with 7 dc in one stitch for the corners.

Never too Late

"It's never too late to become the
person you might have been."
- George Elliot

That's good. I really like that.

for with God all things are possible
from Mark 10

I have always liked the story about Moses where his friends hold his arms up in the battle (from Exodus 17). Thank God he did not have to do it alone.

The Mill on the Floss is a book I read several years ago and liked very much, even though the characters had to go through some very trying things. It is one of those books where you get caught up in the feelings of the characters, and when you get to the end, you wish things could have turned out differently. At the same time, however, you realize that there could be no other ending. I thank God that even if we head down a path to destroy and confuse our lives, He can help us change the ending.

Fishy's Exciting Day

Make a Smilebox photobook

Obstacles

"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you
run into a wall, don't turn around and
give up. Figure out how to climb it,
go through it, or work around it."
- Michael Jordan

Read this quote today and thought I would share it. Michael Jordan just happens to be my oldest daughter's favorite athlete right now. Two books she has and likes to read about him are Salt in His Shoes and Jump. If you ask her what her favorite thing to do with her Daddy is, she is likely to say, "Watch Basketball."

Finished Baby Shower Gifts

I made some gifts for some dear friends' baby showers. For one I crocheted a bear afghan, and for the other I sewed a satin edging on a pre-quilted panel. I think both projects came out very nice. I used this pattern for the bear. It was designed by Judith Prindle. Since it was for a baby boy I did not put the bow on, though. I added 3 rows for a border around each square. The first row of the border was just double crochet around, with 3 double crochet for the corners. The last 2 rows of the border were back post double crochet (except for the corners). I added some extra rows of country blue to join, using single crochet for one row and then double crochet, chain 1 (to look like the filet pattern in the bear) for the next row....there is a little bit more here and there around the borders, but I kind of made it up as I went along. I made 9 squares for the afghan. I used Caron's Simply Soft Eco in Wheat for the main color, and Simply Soft Light Country Blue for the edging.

sorry the pic is so fuzzy, my camera was kind of messing up....

See below for the Animal Quilt I made for my other friend....

Frosty Crocuses

here are a couple of pics I took of my crocuses this morning....or is it crocii, ha ha, what is the correct plural of that? Somebody look that up for me, ok?

In Loving Memory

Yarn Home Decorating

In case you were wondering what I was doing with yarn lately...
Why bother putting an afghan on the back of the couch, when you can just put your yarn there....


















Of course, I am not actually making anything with red or black yarn right now, it really is decorative, ha ha










And why make your bed when you can use your current unfinished work in progress as a blanket....

Now you know....

President's Day History Lesson

My husband is in charge of teaching history this year to Natasha (2nd Grade). Yesterday I asked him if there was anything he wanted me to print out, etc for her to do today in relation to President's Day. This youtube video was his reponse. snicker. My husband is so funny.

The Flowers are Coming! The Flowers are Coming!

I am very happy to say that I spotted a couple of crocuses popping up this morning. I saw a yellow one and a lavendar one. Yay! Yesterday I also saw baby daffodil sprouts coming up. Yay!!!!!

from a previous year:



I don't care if only 2 crocuses come up. Seeing those first crocuses makes me so very happy!!!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Today is a Sound of Music kind of day, it seems. Very windy here
Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things....

Untangling perserverance

"Never give up, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

thoughts

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you."

- James Allen

(a seeker of truth and peace who stumbled upon one of God's eternal truths. I have no idea whether he became a follower of Christ or not, but James Allen studied and meditated and seemed to lean in that direction)

plant a seed of hope and faith & watch it grow

think a thought of thankfulness & possibility

cast out anger & bitterness

put on the garments of love & compassion

trust in the Lord with all your heart

lean not on your own understanding

in all your ways acknowledge Him

and He shall direct your paths

from Proverbs 3

Mom just called...

and said, Guess what? Our electricity's back on!!!

All you could hear for about 5 minutes was the sound of me and the kids screaming, Yay!!!!!

I will leave you with the very apt words my Mom said as we were getting off the phone:
"And God said, Let there be light"

YAY!!!!!!

Ice Storm Update

All of us in western KY were hit pretty hard by the ice storm last week. At one point I think the radio said at least a half a million people were affected and without power.

Our power is back on now, and we are ok. My mom and dad's power (Motherkitty and Tomas) is still out, and I would appreciate prayers with them. Thankfully, I have been able to communicate with them by phone on most days.

I still know lots of cities and counties without power around here. For some they are still saying it might be weeks before everything is back on. Thank you ahead of time for your prayers.

just found this regional ice storm blog with lots of pics of ice and downed trees, etc. Doesn't really do the reality justice but worth looking at

Life: Imagine the Potential

President Obama, your life is a miracle, and we are praying for you. Praying that God will give you wisdom in your role as leader of the United States of America. Praying for good health for you and your family, and for your safety. Praying that you will lead our country on a good and Godly path, and keep honesty and integrity as core values in all you do.

Happy Birthday to the Love of my Life

To my husband, I wish you the best of everything for your birthday.
You know all the things I would get you if I could....you will have to just be happy with a new skirt and shaved legs *wink wink*

And a couple of pics of me from our Honeymoon in Gatlinburg (March 1996)

Look at me loading the dishwasher on our honeymoon. Pretty sexy, huh?

You are better than any movie star to me :)
I love you, Sweetie!

You will have to forgive me for not posting any pics of my husband for his birthday. It is part of his present, ha ha. This post is all for you, Baby. I love you. Happy Birthday!!!!

Adventures in Shopping

Husband told me I needed to go to JCPenney yesterday and buy some clothes. He knows I am like most moms and am very reluctant to shop for myself. Ended up with some good deals and the discount was good. When I did the math, it was right at 75% off.

will leave you with some highlights of the shopping trip:

Talon screaming because I would not let him crawl out of the dressing room while I am half clothed and "trying" to try on clothes (just the thought of me possibly having to run out and chase him scared the living daylights out of me. I had to buckle him up in his stroller for a while. When I let him out, he alternately jumped with his sisters on the sitting bench (not made for jumping) and stood at the door sticking as much of his feet and legs out as possible) fun fun fun

Natasha and Eliana piling about 20 hangers full of clothes onto the stroller, because, you know, my life ought to be just like that show, What Not to Wear (thank God no one swooped in to whack off my hair)

happy and exhausted we pile onto the couch with our Happy Meals to call out consonants and vowels at 6:30 and to see what kind of dress Vanna will wear today

I really do need to find some good babysitters. That was really almost too much excitement.

Happy Inauguration Day

"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

We will be following the Inauguration events for school today, as well as go on a Field Trip at the local university. We will be visiting a travelling hands on science exhibit and a Lincoln museum exhibit.

Other than that, more laundry and dishes and potty training. Also I think one of our classes will be watching snow fall and eating snow. When the baby naps, I will be feverishly crocheting a baby blanket for a dear friend. I have less than 2 weeks to get it done. Busy, busy, busy.

have a great day :)

Zippers and doorknobs

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."- Abraham Lincoln

Ok, so now my 19 month old toddler boy figured out how to unzip zippers and open doorknobs. What's next?

You Just Don't Ever Know

"Many of life's failures are people who did
not realize how close they were to
success when they gave up."
- Thomas Edison

Favorite Painting

favorite painting by my favorite artist, ever

Optimism

There are always flowers for those who want to see them

Talon's Nativity

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My Grown Up Christmas List

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

Every man would have a friend

That right would always win

And love would never end

This is my grown-up

Christmas list



Honestly I don't know how I've gotten this far in my life and never heard this song. I heard it on the radio yesterday as I was driving somewhere and was totally blown away. My Grown Up Christmas List was written by David Foster, and has been sung by Natalie Cole, Amy Grant, Michael Buble, Barbra Streisand, Clay Aiken, and Kelly Clarkson, among others, I am sure.

I really like how this YouTube version adds in all the military pics, because it is easy to forget all of our soldiers still out there right now. Soldiers who will not be able to come home for Christmas next week, and some will never come home at all. I am thinking of you and your families, and praying this war would end soon. I want to thank you for all the sacrifices you and your families have made. I pray you have a Merry Christmas.

I Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style
©By Sharon Jaynes

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

(sent to me by a friend, found on this website called Girlfriends in God, look under Devotions, Archives 12/11/08)

Just Chillin'

We went outside yesterday to enjoy the first snow flurries around here this winter. As you can see, the only snowflakes you can really see are the ones on the slideshow :). One of the first things the girls did was try to catch snowflakes on their tongues. Then they set out to rake up the leaves so they would have a good place to build their snowman. Far be it from me to dash their hopes! I just took the opportunity to take lots of cute pics:)

The last pic was Talon and my sugar bowl. That was this morning, right after we had swept the floor, of course.
Quote of the day: "At least he had a plate to put the sugar on." Natasha, age 7
Note to my mother: See mom, we do use the sugar bowl you gave us :)