To say that the last couple of months have been busy is a huge understatement. They've been a whirlwind. I won't go into huge detail, but since we've lived here we have celebrated Katie's 16th birthday (and the earning of her driver's license), hosted a group of men who came to do some work for the church, hosted my family here to help celebrate Katie's birthday, packed between 45 and 50 bags full of medical supplies which have traveled with a team to Africa, and hosted a weekly Bible study in our home. We also had to finish cleaning and moving our stuff out of our old home because it has sold (Yay!) Steve is busy still working a full time job and helping out with all the technical renovations at church. Katie is still homeschooling and helps me a great deal with the house and with little Carver, who has returned to our household three days a week while his Mom and Dad are at work. Alex is in his second semester at college, and loving it. He was invited to join the National Honors Society for community colleges, and is very hopeful that it might help him in the next step in his education. He was also asked to join the youth band at church, playing keyboards, and he is very excited about that as well.
Because things have been so busy, Steve treated me yesterday to a trip to Paducah, KY. I finally got to tour the National Quilt Museum. It was so much fun to see all the beautiful quilts and get lots of inspiration (which I desperately needed, as all the activity here had left me too tired to do much quilting.) We found a nice little place to eat lunch, and then we went to the mall, where I got a much needed haircut. It was so nice to spend the day, just the two of us.
Our next focus is on getting the rooms in this house painted so that we can unpack the rest of our boxes and really make this house a home. I can't wait to make some progress so I can post some pictures! :)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Looking Ahead...
New Year's Day is, without a doubt, my favorite holiday. It is very suited to my personality, as I am a "look ahead" kind of gal. I don't spend much time in the past, in fact I have tons of photos that have never made it to albums because I can't be bothered. I never spend much time looking at photo albums anyway. I prefer dreaming of what will be than dwelling on what has been. Just the way I'm wired I guess. All that to say that I love the first day of a New Year because of the potential it holds. It's as if a very messy chalkboard has been erased and cleaned and is ready for new things to be written on it.
After a challenging and difficult 2010 and 2011, Steve and I are very ready for better things to come. We are already getting a taste of them as we settle into our new church and get our new home ready for moving day. We should be living at the new house starting on the 14th of January. All of our stuff won't be moved by then, but we'll have what we need to live on. We'll move everything else as we clear space for it. Our current house hasn't sold yet, so there's no hurry to get everything out. It's been fun planning and organizing...dreaming about the potential each new room holds. Hopefully we'll be ready for overnight guests in the fall. In the meantime, it will be fun to have space to have people over for meals and bible studies. The kids will have plenty of room to entertain their friends, plus there's a certain, energetic 3 year-old who is very excited about visiting "Aunt Gigi" at her new house, so our new life will be anything but boring! :)
On the quilt front, for Christmas I got a tool that helps make scalloped borders, and I also got a mechanical fabric pencil, both of which will help me finish the quilt top that is currently in line for hand quilting. I might even have a spot in the new house to put up my quilt frame, so I don't have to keep quilting on my lap--which is ok in the winter, but impossible in the summer. I also have a couple of tops I need to finish hand piecing. But before all THAT I need to sew some new curtains for the house and see if I can fashion some slipcovers for some of the older sofas.
I'd better get off the computer and get busy.. I have a lot to do! ;) Happy New Year!
After a challenging and difficult 2010 and 2011, Steve and I are very ready for better things to come. We are already getting a taste of them as we settle into our new church and get our new home ready for moving day. We should be living at the new house starting on the 14th of January. All of our stuff won't be moved by then, but we'll have what we need to live on. We'll move everything else as we clear space for it. Our current house hasn't sold yet, so there's no hurry to get everything out. It's been fun planning and organizing...dreaming about the potential each new room holds. Hopefully we'll be ready for overnight guests in the fall. In the meantime, it will be fun to have space to have people over for meals and bible studies. The kids will have plenty of room to entertain their friends, plus there's a certain, energetic 3 year-old who is very excited about visiting "Aunt Gigi" at her new house, so our new life will be anything but boring! :)
On the quilt front, for Christmas I got a tool that helps make scalloped borders, and I also got a mechanical fabric pencil, both of which will help me finish the quilt top that is currently in line for hand quilting. I might even have a spot in the new house to put up my quilt frame, so I don't have to keep quilting on my lap--which is ok in the winter, but impossible in the summer. I also have a couple of tops I need to finish hand piecing. But before all THAT I need to sew some new curtains for the house and see if I can fashion some slipcovers for some of the older sofas.
I'd better get off the computer and get busy.. I have a lot to do! ;) Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Exciting News and Big Changes!
After a year and a half of waiting and praying (and not always patiently) our family is finally taking the next step on the road God has laid out for us. We are moving to Marion, IL, where Steve is the new Tech Pastor at Community of Faith Church. In addition, we are moving into a very large house (9 bedrooms!) owned by the church, which we will develop into a place of hospitality for various needs (guest speakers, pastors in need of retreat, families displaced by disaster, etc.)
After Christmas, the rush of moving will begin in earnest, as our goal is to be in by the time our son starts his second semester of college (which is just down the road from our new house--another blessing). I will confess I'm not looking forward to the actual process of moving, so I'm thinking ahead to the "joy set before me", so to speak.
It's beyond amazing how we've seen God's hand in all of this. We got the call to consider the move about a week after we decided God was saying it was time to put the house on the market. It still hasn't sold, but it's been shown many times. We know God will take care of that in good time, too. The job is Steve's dream ministry, overseeing all the technical aspects of the church. I'm in awe as well, because I had just been telling the Lord how much my heart wants to be able to concentrate on homemaking and using the skills He's given me in that area--and now He's given me a huge home to care for and the opportunity to bless not only my family but others.
Lastly, I'm excited because I might actually have a reason to keep up with this blog more..I should have much to report on concerning the move and the progress in the new house. I'm still quilting, of course, so as soon as I have some new pictures of my projects I'll be sure to post them as well.
After Christmas, the rush of moving will begin in earnest, as our goal is to be in by the time our son starts his second semester of college (which is just down the road from our new house--another blessing). I will confess I'm not looking forward to the actual process of moving, so I'm thinking ahead to the "joy set before me", so to speak.
It's beyond amazing how we've seen God's hand in all of this. We got the call to consider the move about a week after we decided God was saying it was time to put the house on the market. It still hasn't sold, but it's been shown many times. We know God will take care of that in good time, too. The job is Steve's dream ministry, overseeing all the technical aspects of the church. I'm in awe as well, because I had just been telling the Lord how much my heart wants to be able to concentrate on homemaking and using the skills He's given me in that area--and now He's given me a huge home to care for and the opportunity to bless not only my family but others.
Lastly, I'm excited because I might actually have a reason to keep up with this blog more..I should have much to report on concerning the move and the progress in the new house. I'm still quilting, of course, so as soon as I have some new pictures of my projects I'll be sure to post them as well.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Be Free To Be Thankful!!
Every year I get frustrated because it seems like this special day gets overshadowed by Christmas. It's as if after Halloween autumn ends abruptly and the jingle bells begin ringing. Now, I have nothing against Christmas, but it seems like, in these times that can often be difficult and challenging, we really need a season where we stress the importance of thankfulness and gratitude. Especially when it comes right before a season that can often breed selfishness, discontent, and commercialism, especially in our children. If we would truly take the time to celebrate Thanksgiving, emphasizing what it really means to be grateful and appreciating all our blessings, maybe it would be easier to enter the Christmas season with the right heart attitude.
I confess that I'm indulging in this little rant in the safety of my blog, because I've learned that you have to be careful what you say to people who militantly love Christmas. To suggest that it's not your absolutely favorite day, and that you don't live the rest of the year for it can be considered blasphemy by some. Maybe it's because the holiday has to do with Jesus, but I doubt it, because you don't see them getting quite so crazy at Easter.
I think it's time for all of us who love Thanksgiving to take back the day--maybe even the whole long weekend! . We should no longer be made to feel ashamed of the fact that our fall decorations are still in place, there is no Christmas tree in our living room, and we will, under no circumstances, get up at the crack of dawn and stand in line to buy Christmas presents. Let us all feel free to enjoy our turkey and pumpkin pie, all the while counting our blessings and remembering to thank the One to whom we should be eternally grateful. :)
P.S. To all my friends who love Christmas--I promise I will put up my tree, buy and give presents, and sing lots of Christmas carols-- because I love doing it all. (I just don't love it before December 1st) ;)
I confess that I'm indulging in this little rant in the safety of my blog, because I've learned that you have to be careful what you say to people who militantly love Christmas. To suggest that it's not your absolutely favorite day, and that you don't live the rest of the year for it can be considered blasphemy by some. Maybe it's because the holiday has to do with Jesus, but I doubt it, because you don't see them getting quite so crazy at Easter.
I think it's time for all of us who love Thanksgiving to take back the day--maybe even the whole long weekend! . We should no longer be made to feel ashamed of the fact that our fall decorations are still in place, there is no Christmas tree in our living room, and we will, under no circumstances, get up at the crack of dawn and stand in line to buy Christmas presents. Let us all feel free to enjoy our turkey and pumpkin pie, all the while counting our blessings and remembering to thank the One to whom we should be eternally grateful. :)
P.S. To all my friends who love Christmas--I promise I will put up my tree, buy and give presents, and sing lots of Christmas carols-- because I love doing it all. (I just don't love it before December 1st) ;)
Friday, September 9, 2011
What's Been Happening Here?
Here is a quick recap of recent events:
I sent my son off to his first college classes..
So far he loves college and is doing really well. It was fun to take this picture, as it was the first time I had actually seen him "off" to school. :)
I am working on a double wedding ring quilt....
I am english paper piecing the wedges, and then I will applique the finished arcs onto the white pieces. (That's my plan, anyway..I've never actually made one of these before.) It will only be crib size, so if it's a huge pain at least I won't have to spend a long time working on it.
We showed our house to a realtor, who suggested things we need to do before we put the house on the market. It should take us a couple months, and then we'll be ready to put a sign out in the front yard. Exciting! We're still batting around ideas of where we want to go--another town close to here that's not unreasonably far from hubby's job and college man's campus.
We had a yard sale--only the second in our family's history. We didn't make much money, but we got rid of a ton of junk, and our basement looks much happier.
Sadly, my babysitting days have ended as the little man has gone off to preschool. I've had him since he was two months old, so I cried after his last day, but I'm very excited for him. He loves his new school and is making lots of new friends and having awesome new experiences.
Lastly, the weather has cooled down considerably (yay!) and in honor of the occasion, I made a big pot of one of my favorite chilly weather dishes...hamburger stew. I'll close this post with the recipe.
I sent my son off to his first college classes..
I am working on a double wedding ring quilt....
We showed our house to a realtor, who suggested things we need to do before we put the house on the market. It should take us a couple months, and then we'll be ready to put a sign out in the front yard. Exciting! We're still batting around ideas of where we want to go--another town close to here that's not unreasonably far from hubby's job and college man's campus.
We had a yard sale--only the second in our family's history. We didn't make much money, but we got rid of a ton of junk, and our basement looks much happier.
Sadly, my babysitting days have ended as the little man has gone off to preschool. I've had him since he was two months old, so I cried after his last day, but I'm very excited for him. He loves his new school and is making lots of new friends and having awesome new experiences.
Lastly, the weather has cooled down considerably (yay!) and in honor of the occasion, I made a big pot of one of my favorite chilly weather dishes...hamburger stew. I'll close this post with the recipe.
Hamburger Stew
3 lbs ground chuck
6 cups diced raw potatoes
1 lb baby carrots
1 med onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cans condensed tomato soup
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Cook the ground chuck with the onion and pepper. Drain. Add veggies, soup, and spices. Simmer for an hour to make sure all the veggies get cooked and that the spices have a chance to do their thing. You can change this recipe to suit your tastes..I often use frozen onion and pepper, or I'll use frozen peas. Serve with some really good bread, and you've got a perfect fall or winter meal.
Monday, August 22, 2011
There's a Table Waiting for You
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies..." Psalm 23:5
In our darkest hours, when our enemy seems to be ever present to discourage and torment, our Heavenly Father lays a table before each of us. While the feast on each individual table may consist of different items, each table is an abundance of blessing for the one who is willing to take part in it. It is a table of joy and comfort. It may contain spiritual blessings or physical blessings or both. My own table consists of my family, my home, God's amazing provision and never-ending love. Among these bigger items can be found extra little "treats" such as a gorgeous day, the fun of reading a children's book to a two-year old, watching a movie with my kids, a chance to go out on a date with my husband, or having a quilt come together the way I envision. These are but a few of the special delicacies He has laid out for me to enjoy.
There are, of course, certain things that can keep me from feasting at my table. Sometimes I notice my table is missing something I think should be there, so I let my disappointment (and sometimes bitterness) keep me from noticing what IS there. Other times I feel that my time of difficulty is a sign that God is somehow displeased, and I feel I don't deserve His blessings. So, my table may sit untouched.
Maybe sometimes my problem is that I am so busy fighting my enemies that I don't take time to go to the table. I forget that my battles are the Lord's, and He will fight for me if I will let Him. Or maybe I let the expectations and judgments of those who aren't enjoying their own tables keep me from enjoying mine.
Whatever the reason, I can't imagine what it does to the heart of God when I refuse to come and feast on His blessings. One thing I've learned in the last year is how much He longs to comfort, strengthen, and bless His children. If only I would take the time (and give myself permission) to notice.....
In our darkest hours, when our enemy seems to be ever present to discourage and torment, our Heavenly Father lays a table before each of us. While the feast on each individual table may consist of different items, each table is an abundance of blessing for the one who is willing to take part in it. It is a table of joy and comfort. It may contain spiritual blessings or physical blessings or both. My own table consists of my family, my home, God's amazing provision and never-ending love. Among these bigger items can be found extra little "treats" such as a gorgeous day, the fun of reading a children's book to a two-year old, watching a movie with my kids, a chance to go out on a date with my husband, or having a quilt come together the way I envision. These are but a few of the special delicacies He has laid out for me to enjoy.
There are, of course, certain things that can keep me from feasting at my table. Sometimes I notice my table is missing something I think should be there, so I let my disappointment (and sometimes bitterness) keep me from noticing what IS there. Other times I feel that my time of difficulty is a sign that God is somehow displeased, and I feel I don't deserve His blessings. So, my table may sit untouched.
Maybe sometimes my problem is that I am so busy fighting my enemies that I don't take time to go to the table. I forget that my battles are the Lord's, and He will fight for me if I will let Him. Or maybe I let the expectations and judgments of those who aren't enjoying their own tables keep me from enjoying mine.
Whatever the reason, I can't imagine what it does to the heart of God when I refuse to come and feast on His blessings. One thing I've learned in the last year is how much He longs to comfort, strengthen, and bless His children. If only I would take the time (and give myself permission) to notice.....
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Chicken Pox the Sequel, and Other Stuff
So help me, I'm going to start updating these posts more often. I know it's a promise I've made before, but this time I'm nearly serious. Okay, so I'm not really sure I can pull it off, but I'd sure like to. My problem is I always think I have to wait until I have something worthwhile and creative to say. It's time to let the cat out of the bag though--my life isn't all that interesting, and there's only so much you can say about cleaning the house for the hundredth time or continuing to work on a quilt you've been plugging away at for an eternity. So in lieu of anything more noteworthy, my day to day will just have to do. :)
We had another family member fall victim to the chicken pox. My 17 year old son came down with them. Thankfully he's fine now, and they came early enough that they aren't messing up his first day of college--which is tomorrow! We went last week to get his books--all $623 dollars worth (thank the Lord for financial aid )! He's excited and I'm excited for him.
My daughter isn't quite as excited about the 11th grade, or being the only homeschooled kid left in this family. All her friends started back to school this week, so her social life has taken a hit. I'm hoping once she gets into her lessons, she'll be a bit more enthusiastic. She's not starting until after Labor Day, and she still has a week to spend with my family in Missouri, so her summer hasn't ended yet.
Speaking of my family, they are coming to visit tomorrow. They will be here for the weekend to celebrate my sister's ??th birthday. (I don't think I'm allowed to say.) There will shopping, and laughing, and bickering (as only family can do) and, of course eating. I may need to think of a reason to get out of TOPS on Monday night. It's not good if the weight recorder gains weight, and that's been happening too much lately anyway. On second thought, maybe I should just practice moderation and try to get in some exercise. :)
My sweetheart continues to be faithful at his job (I can't really call it his "new" job, he's been there long enough). I love that he's always worked so hard to provide for us (and been willing to do without things I'm sure he would have liked to have) so that I could stay home and be a full time mom as well as homeschool. In a couple of years after my daughter is finished, I'm hoping I can find a way to supplement our income, so that the pressure will be off him some.
Speaking of supplementing an income, I found this wonderful documentary that I think any quilter (or anyone missing their Grandma) would love to see. The sound's not great, so you might want to watch it with earphones, but it's worth watching. Who knows, maybe one day you'll find me with a Quilts for Sale sign outside my house. :)
Kathleen Ware, Quiltmaker
We had another family member fall victim to the chicken pox. My 17 year old son came down with them. Thankfully he's fine now, and they came early enough that they aren't messing up his first day of college--which is tomorrow! We went last week to get his books--all $623 dollars worth (thank the Lord for financial aid )! He's excited and I'm excited for him.
My daughter isn't quite as excited about the 11th grade, or being the only homeschooled kid left in this family. All her friends started back to school this week, so her social life has taken a hit. I'm hoping once she gets into her lessons, she'll be a bit more enthusiastic. She's not starting until after Labor Day, and she still has a week to spend with my family in Missouri, so her summer hasn't ended yet.
Speaking of my family, they are coming to visit tomorrow. They will be here for the weekend to celebrate my sister's ??th birthday. (I don't think I'm allowed to say.) There will shopping, and laughing, and bickering (as only family can do) and, of course eating. I may need to think of a reason to get out of TOPS on Monday night. It's not good if the weight recorder gains weight, and that's been happening too much lately anyway. On second thought, maybe I should just practice moderation and try to get in some exercise. :)
My sweetheart continues to be faithful at his job (I can't really call it his "new" job, he's been there long enough). I love that he's always worked so hard to provide for us (and been willing to do without things I'm sure he would have liked to have) so that I could stay home and be a full time mom as well as homeschool. In a couple of years after my daughter is finished, I'm hoping I can find a way to supplement our income, so that the pressure will be off him some.
Speaking of supplementing an income, I found this wonderful documentary that I think any quilter (or anyone missing their Grandma) would love to see. The sound's not great, so you might want to watch it with earphones, but it's worth watching. Who knows, maybe one day you'll find me with a Quilts for Sale sign outside my house. :)
Kathleen Ware, Quiltmaker
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