Eyes of Wonder

Favorite rituals of childhood

A Simply Lovely Life

When Big Papa ties heartstrings he ties them in the merriest kind of way. One of the rabbits that he often pulls out of his hat at the end of a long full day (that he has typically had to spend away), is a trip to the playground--just after supper and just before baths, devotions, and bedtime.

We are blessed to have a couple of very lovely playgrounds just a short ways away from our home. Although this has for the most part been a something-special-to-do-with-Big Papa, type of thing, that usually finds me staying back at home with the very littlest, to help the older children do dishes and the final pick-up of the day, Celeisa--1 year old, has had other plans and in her broken-hearted (understanding that, yes, they are going to the playground and what that means, but, *not* understanding what she has said or done to warrant the heartless marching off *without her* and *leaving her behind*) excitement, refuses to be left behind. What this has meant, is that I have currently been setting all else aside, and getting myself (and Celeisa) readied, to hop on the bus and head along, too. Because, if this wee buddlie is going, then so am I.

What special memories the children's hearts hold, from the countless hours spent at the playground with their papa, in the evenings after supper, over the years. It's a treasured ritual that each child has been so happy to be old enough to enter into.

I have to say, I have been so thankful for the opportunity to go along, as it has meant many of those memories that otherwise wouldn't have been, have been, being captured in photographs, for Big Papa, his treasured ones and me, to look back on in the days ahead when all too soon, this busy season of our lives has drawn to a close.

The Play Palace







Just why she refuses to be left behind









I so enjoyed hearing about all of your sewing projects and inspirations, today. Do feel free to leave a note in the comments to invite others to your lovely blogs to see the wonderful things that each of you and your families are doing; sewing, knitting, gardening and/ or otherwise. What a special blessing it is to be able to share our lives and encourage one another in this way. Though I don't always have time to leave a comment, I have many, many of your beautiful blogs happily situated for me at Bloglines, where I can pop in and quickly check on everyone, with ease. Thanks so much for your precious notes and comments. I've come to look forward to *seein'* you guys each day that time allows you to come by. I'm still working on answering the lovely letters you've sent to me--I've gotten to quite a few but not all, yet. Thanks for your understanding and patience in waiting for me to respond.

Thinking of you, and praying for you.
Jewels

P.S. I got this cute and super sturdy macrame swing at a favorite child's resale shop near us. The gal that owns the shop wanted $24.00 for it, which was a bit more than I felt good about paying, much as I liked it. So, I had been waiting and watching for quite a while (about 3 months) for it to go on sale for half price--which it never did. One week I stopped in and asked another dear lady that works at the shop if it ever would go on sale. She smiled and said she'd call the owner and ask her if she could mark it down---and she said yes, and did--half price. So, it's now happily situated in the living room and doubly special, for Celeisa, It's great fun as a swing and gets her to light up like a firefly as we're popping her into it and at the same time saying...........are you at the playground??? She gets it! And we all get a good chuckle.

The Radishes...

A Simply Lovely Life

Sun-kissed, round-red, just-right-feisty, delicious and in abundance. Nestled, waiting, in the rich dark earth for little hands to harvest and eat them by the handfuls--have not been disappointed.

Aimaija and the radishes...

Rest on Sunday

A Simply Lovely Life.

Does she care for olives?

A Simply Lovely Life.

A little nibble in the kitchen, while supper is being prepared.

Cheery warm weather pinafore, sewn-up by Julia.

Cute wool soaker pants, made from a re-purposed wool sweater.

And, bright orange Mary Janes, her new Summer dancin' shoes.

Does she care for olives?

Oh, yes! I do believe she does.

Love this littlest subject. Five olives and four crackers, a delightfully small price to pay for a photo shoot. Especially, when you consider the fact that I got to eat the crackers, as she was quite full from gobbling up all the olives :o)

A pleasant week's end

A Simply Lovely Life.

Perfect Spring day. You know, one of those where an infinite amount of pleasure is derived, from every single snatched moment--simply sittin' around; eyes closed, face towards the sun, wind in your hair, breathing in deeply, contentedly, for as long as time might allow. Not a care in the world.

Celeisa's first time in the sandbox.







Celeisa, being duly warned by Aimaija, of the perils of eating sand. Firm word taken to heart.




Four good-sized pork roasts in the oven, that have been baking away throughout the afternoon. Potatoes to be mashed, steamed spinach, and baby carrots, salad, and a few loaves of crusty bread.

The delightful surprise....

Wesley, Claire and Josie are headed over to share it with us. Though we get excited about seeing Wesley and Claire, we really get excited about seeing Josie. No favoritism, that's just the way it is. Claire and Wesley, though they grow and change by degrees, are basically the same each time we see them. Now Josie, on the other hand, she's a whole 'nother story! Every single time we see her, no matter how little time has passed, seems she's grown, changed, and is doing something new; more wondrous and amazing then the last.

Josie, saying hello to the ducks, chickens, and the goose.



First time on the trampoline, with Auntie Julia.



Josie the WonderNose, who as you can see, is also, Josie the Firefly.



Playing the piano with Auntie Rosie.



Dancing with Grammy.

The day winds down, drawing to a close.




Tug-of-war right up til darkness, just before farewells.

Little Mama, with her babies.



Tired and worn out. Falling sound asleep, before making it to bed.

I hope you had a nice weekend. Have a beautiful Monday.

Jewels

Long remembered, simple joys of childhood

 A Simply Lovely Life.

A day in May, through the eyes and the heart, of a child.

Early morning, being "Laura", playing school.

Fun on the trampoline.

Picking short-stemmed bouquets, for Mama.



Taking a walk,



and starting a campfire, with your big brother (or your little sister).





Eagerly anticipating Big Papa's homecoming, and suppertime--the first official picnic of the year.



Hamburgers and sausages on the grill.



Big Papa's favorite, Rosie's potato salad. Made especially for him.



And lots of delectable picnic good stuff, to go with it. S'mores for dessert.

Deep in thought, workin' on projects.





Riding trikes and bikes, all around the yard.



Workin' alongside Big Papa--gettin' ready to powerwash the house.



Watching the littlest love, run, chasing after a chicken.







Playing army.



Endless hours of fun; eating, working, playing. Getting good and dirty, and tired out.





Hopping in the tub; soothing warm, bubbly water, and songs. Popping out nice and clean.



And while the sun's beginning to set-- the crowning highlight of the day--the first big kickball game of the year, and a major-battle-tug-of-war (Big Papa, James, Nicholai, And Aimaija on one side--Rosie, Joseph, Julia, Chubb, and Sophia, on the other--BIG fun :o). Running 'round the yard laughing, whooping and hollering, having Big fun with Big Papa, while Mama nurses the littlest love to sleep.

Full bellies. Tired bodies. Happy hearts. Sweet sleep in cosy beds.
Pleasant memories, of childhood, tucked away, to be remembered and treasured, forever.

The priceless gift. The gift of children--to love; hold close, kiss and hug, smile at and laugh with, work alongside and play with, talk with and cry with, to teach and to learn from.

To enjoy, to enjoy, to enjoy.

When we bless them, with the irreplaceable gift, of our time and best friendship.

Childhood; pure, simple, filled with wonder and delight. The day-by-day makings, of a grown-up.

Feelin' a bit under the weather

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A goodly part of the past couple of days has been spent in this cozy spot, taking more than my fair share of long naps. The books, are merely there for their profoundly soporific effects, as,--2 pages, tops--and I was out, each and every time.

Thankfully, I've had my many loves, tenderly watching out for me, and one another. The Helper Mice have been busy bees, cheerfully lending a hand when and where needed, to keep things rolling along, while mama's not been feeling too well.



Thankfully, today I'm feeling considerably brighter, despite the fact that the sky is noteably dark and cloudy, and there's been a good rain--with spurts of torrential downpouring--steadily falling.

So, the fridge and pantry in need of replenishing, some of the children and I are enroute to the city, to do our weekly shopping for food.

I thought I would share a few photos with you, from last week's excursion, mainly down the nice quiet back roads--shopping, in the City. Photos, courtesy of Joseph--for the most part, with a few taken by Rosie--heads popped out of the open car window, while I was making my way, merrily along.

We were all rolling in laughter, 'cause we thought this fella looked and acted a good deal like our dear Wesley, with a different hair-do/wig.. g-u-l-p...?? Far as we know Wesley never wears wigs. But, I do have to admit, we did circle back around, several times, just to be sure that it wasn't him.......

In the end, we were only decidedly convinced that it *wasn't* him, because no, this interesting, merry-hearted fellow was not sitting outside McDonalds. He was sitting outside Whole Foods! :o)

And this, my absolute favorite. I pulled over to the side of the road for this one, and then (I know this sounds terrible) sneakily (if one can do such things in a great-big-bright-red, bus) drove along behind this precious father and child, who walked for blocks (how do I know?? you ask :o) chatting away, holding hands. I actually wanted to stop, get out, introduce myself and get a nice head-on shot, but in the end decided to forgo it, lest I spoil their special moments. They looked so incredibly happy together. It was beautiful--my eyes kept filling with tears.

Joseph got quite a couple of really nice shots. Now, my only regret is that I can't give them one.......

Well, we're headed back that-a-way, off to be sure and have something delicious for Big Papa for supper, as he'll be good and rumbly in the tumbly, by the time he gets home :o)
You have a great day.
Lovingly, Jewels

Another trip to the Seaside

A Simply Lovely Life

After dinner, we quickly readied ourselves and the little ones, and hopped in the big red van for an impromptu trip to the Ocean. The third of the season, for the children. The first for Celeisa and me. The air was salt and brisk. The sky was deep blues and grays, a broad expanse of silken silence o'er the rhythmic waves rolling white capped, in and away, from the sandy shore. All embracing. Beautiful.

The children tumbled from the van, quickly making their way to the water's edge. And, my own heart delighted, as I followed after, in a quiet attempt to capture their pleasure overflowing, through my lens.










And, their disappointment at having to say, goodbye.



Sandy, wet, and chilled to the bone, everyone loaded back into the van. With merry hearts, we made our way back home, just as the sun began to set--drawing our day to a peace-filled close.

She's Sally Pickle Brown

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And these, are one of her most prized possessions.

When they get dirty-- which they often do, she scrubs them, squeaky-clean.

They're prone to get lost, but seem somehow, equally prone to be found.

I do have to say, I'm surprised--truly so, that she hasn't gotten around to fingerknitting an eyeglass chain for them, yet. You know, so she could wear them everywhere, all the time, on her face or off. Hmm, maybe I should put a bug in her ear, and see what comes of it :o)





I'm not sure if it's the look, feel, or idea of them, that she's particularly taken with. But, I don't really think it has anything to do with keeping the sun out of her eyes, as she is as fond of wearing them outside on the sunniest of days, as she is of wearing them in the rain, or in the lamplit house, in the evening.



I guess, I too, personally, have a real soft spot for these glasses. Is it because of the way they sit precariously perched on that little round face, nearly eclipsing her nose? Perhaps.

Could it be due to the way that they frame that face, accentuating the fact that it's one of those faces, that can somehow produce an amazing 60 different expressions or more, a minute--each one, seemingly more comical, whimsical, interesting, uniquely intriguing and entertaining, than the last? All without trying, or even meaning to. One of those delightful faces that will be deeply etched with character, when it's old. That makes you smile.



Yes, she's a pickle, all right.

She's *my* Pickle.

She's Sally Pickle Brown.

Just pokin' my head in, to say a quick hello

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Everyone's up and had their breakfast and the early morning routine is in full-swing, with lots to do, today. So, I thought I'd just poke my head in and say a quick hello.

Tomorrow, is our precious Josie WonderNose's birthday. She'll be 1 year old. Therefore, I'm workin' towards getting those little baby dolls, for her, finished up, today--just in time. I was able to find a nice simple basket, so there's still bedding to be made for that, too. That will be my main project of the day--and I'll hopefully have some photos to share, tomorrow. Wesley, Claire, and the birthday love bug, will be coming over tomorrow evening and we'll enjoy a little celebration and turkey dinner, together, thanking the Lord for the gift of this treasured little gal, we love so very much. With all the sickness we haven't seen them in a while, and I've missed them. Really missed them. And, can't wait to see them, tomorrow.

First thing, I need to go and finish dressing the Littles, and get their teeth brushed. Then, I have chores to finish up, some laundry to do, devotions and a time of reading the Bible and praying with all the children, then schoolwork with the little ones while the older ones do their work independently, for the most part. There' always lots happening in the kitchen, in-between-times.

Again, this morning, the birds are singing outside my window while I type; heralding the morning and the fresh beginning of this lovely Spring day. I've been teaching the younger children the songs of some of the birds that most commonly make their homes in our neck of the woods, here--the Chickadee, Blue Jay, Cardinal, and Robin, presently. I found these wonderful stuffed birds, put out by the Audubon Society, that sing the song of the bird when you give them a squeeze. They're perfectly delightful for teaching little ones. I've tried to pick up, and focus on, one a week. So far, so good.

Two of my particular joys in life, have been knowing and ever learning the names of perennials--wild flowers, herbs, wild edibles, as well as flowering trees and shrubs, and, the names and songs of the birds. This is a gift that I have desired and endeavored to pass along to my children, in a gentle, natural way, over the years. I'm enjoying doing it again and again, and this time around is especially fun with these nifty singing birds :o)

How I do so love to be always learning, whether it be nature study, sewing, knitting, cooking, nutrition. history, science. Life is just filled to overflowing, with so much to enjoy and discover, every single day. I hope each of my dear children have a life-long love of learning, too.

Well, I'm off for now. The hive is a-buzz with activity, just waitin' for the Queen Bee (that'd be me :o) to come flyin' out and give her motivating direction and loving encouragement--not to mention her help! :o) So, apron donned, sleeves rolled up, I'm off, with a song of thanksgiving--for my life, my home, my precious family--"like a bird on the wing".

I hope your day is beautiful. Hold your children, your husband, those you love and care for, tenderly, close. Kiss them and hug them. Smile often-- a soft, bright, loving, accepting, approving, smile. Be thankful for those you love, and be sure and express your pleasure with them, to them--through words, through your touch, so they know what your heart holds, towards them. Sincerely praise for even the smallest things that are praise-worthy, and with eyes open wide, take note of, and be thankful for, each kindness shown to you. Life is fleeting, and the only moments we can be entirely sure of, are those that we're presently in, right here, right now. Let us live our lives deliberately, purposefully, making every one of those precious fleeting moments matter, for now, and for eternity, in our life and in the lives of those we love.

I wanted to mention that I posted some links, along the left sidebar, under the heading, --* Inspiring*--. Just to the left you'll see it there, between the Category Cloud and Recent Posts. If you find that you have a few free moments to check them out I think you'll truly be inspired and encouraged. Perhaps your children would enjoy some of them, with you. I know mine enjoyed visiting them, with me. If you visit Lori Vrba's photography site, click on Art, Soul, and Life, to view her slideshows, while listening to the lovely music. And, the bright and cheery transformation of the little apartment, in Small is the New Big, and Small=Happy, is just amazing! Really inspires me to keep working towards simplifying and be more organized. I hope you enjoy the sites, if you find you have the time and inclination to take a peek. I found each one inspiring.

Lovingly, your pal, Jewels

P.S. Please take special note of the fact that this fella took *far* more of a liking to me, than the cows at the farm. Honestly, if there would have been room in the van, I'm nearly certian that he would have climbed right in and headed on home with me--content to stay with me, forever. He seemed to trust me implicitly--from the first moment we met! Isn't he cute?? I think he was smiling at me, here. Whadayathink??....:o)

I'm finding that practically speaking......

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it pays to take take the time for a quick run in and look around, at the couple of thrift store/consignment shops that are along my way, on shopping day.

I keep a running, mental list, of the needs/useful items to be on the look-out for. Things such as....

books
vintage linens
art work
fabric
clothing
candle holders
vintage dishes
beautiful things
gardening tools
useful items needed around the house
things that I wouldn't be able to buy at full price, but would consider,and be thankful to have, at a fraction of the cost for new.

And, I pretty much follow the same mapped out (also in my mind) plan of action, in my search, each time I go.

Well, this past week my quickly made stops paid off, in some lovely/some useful things for the family and/or the running of the homestead.

At the children's consignment shop, I found two cute little Hanna Andersson frocks for Sophia, both in excellent condition, and they coordinate perfectly, each with the other. The little Hanna underdress was only $2.50. The pink overdress/jumper is 100% linen and will be wonderful for the Spring and Summer, for good rather than for wholehearted, running and jumping play, and diggin' in the garden. Time was saved on our not having sewn them, and we have the blessing of them being made of far better quality fabric than we'd be able to find, short of taking a fabric hunting trip, to New York City.

I also found the sweetest little 100% linen smock for Aimaija, and it, too, was in excellent condition. The fabric on this one is exquisitely lovely (though you can't see it at all well in the photos--you'll just have to take my word for it :o). I only wish I had more of it! Though I was really pleased to have found this smock, for the sake of Aimaija wearing it, I was actually far more pleased to have it to use to draw up a pattern, from--for the making of many more, just like it. I have been looking for a pattern exactly like this for sometime--simple, straightforward, small key hole opening with one button in the back. So, I'm hopin' to get round to making more of them, from our treasure store of fabric, soon--in plenty of time for the warm Summer days, ahead.......



And, the Plain Jane, simple back opening.....



I also found a really beautiful tiled memo board, with handpainted Dogwood blossoms--new. I had been looking here and there for something like this, but everything that I found seemed too utilitarian for the one and only spot I would have to put it. I was hoping to find something a little more artistic and homey. Well, this one was just right, and just waiting, to be taken home, and given a small spot to inobtrusively dwell......



Being a real proponent of children, from the oldest to the youngest, joining in and doing their part in the family and all the many tasks and chores required to keep it smoothly and pleasantly humming along, I do like to have them get involved in just about everything, from the dishes, to the laundry, to gardening, window washing, cooking, sewing, etc... Though it might mean that the older children and I would be able to get things done, far more easily, quickly, and even efficiently, by ourselves, I know that it's a choice I would make at great loss, future-wise, for the little ones and for me (not to mention the older ones, who will one day, soon, be parents, themselves).

Little children love to help. It validates them as useful human beings and as valuable members of the family. They love doing real jobs, with real tools. They love working alongside their mama and papa and being praised and appreciated. They also find pleasure and joy, in work, when their mama and papa, themselves, delight in hard work and a job well done. And, little children that love to help, and are given the privilege of doing so, grow into young adults and adults, that likewise, freely and cheerfully, join in on the doing of what needs to be done--with sweet servant's hearts.

This said, in a large family with lots of eager little helpers there are bound to be accidents and things broken, in the process of learning, developing, and finely tuning skills. I don't know about you, but we seem to have more than our share of accidentally dropped glasses and cups (by the older and the younger). I suppose it doesn't help that I've always had an especial fondness for glass, verses plastic, and, not always the most practical of beings at times, seem without deliberate intent, to never have any plastic cups or glasses around the place. So, I guess given that perspective, we probably have relatively few breaks--all things considered. Oh well, anyways--just so you can appreciate this little find--through my eyes and admitted idiosyncracies......

I found these mugs-- each set, at one of the two thrift stores I stop by. Sturdy, simple, excellent shape, and amazingly enough, they were the very same price per set--$2.99. Isn't that interesting. Anyways, home they came. A sink full of Mrs. Meyers lavender dish soap, a little bit of disenfectin', and the cupboard shelf looks happier than ever with the two new sets of mugs. And, the two sets even match each other. How about that! Not that I particularly care about such things, but, I thought they did look pretty nice, situated side-by-side, in the old cottage cupboard, so perfectily blended and all :o)

So, here's to the future hard workin', responsible, capable, young adults in the makin, free to continue along their merry way, and the many shared special times, of coffe, tea, hot cocoa, conversation and laughter, that we'll all enjoy along the way............



We had a really nice weekend, despite the fact, and perhaps in some ways, because of the fact, that little Aimaija wasn't feeling well. Though I truly hate to see a little one sick, I always treasure the quiet moments, the privilege of loving and caring for them, and all the heartstrings that are tied--for forever, and the special memories that are made.

I thought I'd share a smile that was given to me, with all of you. The children enjoy lovingly pickin' on poor Julia, who is not even quite as tall as me, yet, (as I am likewise the recipient of this loving business), for being considerably shorter than them (yes, we live in a sea of giants). I receive this type of attention on a regular basis. Here's Julia gettin' dubbed on by Rosie, with the signature kiss on the head--and Julia playing her part to the full--poor, woeful, picked on, short midget amidst the giants. Here you have, Rosie on her tip-toes, and Julia (er-uhhm, yeah Julia, dreaming that she's taller than she is??...) being a bit shorter than, even me (and like me, happy to be, just the wonderful way God made her--and comfortable at the prospect of one day being a "giant" as well :o).........



I hope you had a nice weekend, and have a truly lovely Monday.

Off to keep things humming along, do some more schoolwork with the little ones, fold some laundry, and.....squeeze in a nice long nap with some reading aloud and some quiet time for dreamin' in just a short while.

Lovingly, Jewels

Out and about......

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Well, today was full and busy day, a good part of it spent out and about; in the country, and in the town . I had to break my errands up between two days, this week. I was able to do a bit, yesterday, and then make my way around and finish up the rest of the errands, today.

We all loaded into the new vehicle that God has recently provided for us. Are you ready for this? Please take note of the fact, that I've brought you 'round slowly--by degrees. To prepare you.

First, the little red Metro...

Next, 'twas the little bit bigger, red Volvo, to replace the little red Metro.....

And lastly, we have---brace yourselves, now---the big red

Fire Engine....



We're so grateful to have it. It's in terrific shape, and so relaxing to drive or to ride along in. We've been out and about a few times in it, now, and it's really been great, bein' together, chatting/debating, singing. And, not to try and be too shocking or fantastic, but, I think it's safe to say that it's even brighter red, in real life!

Well then, all aboard the big, cheery, red bus, we made our way to the city and tootled around on some of the quiet friendly side streets to get to where we were going-mainly, Whole Foods, to get some f-o-o-d.

We got a few photos of our trip--out the van window, in an effort to "bring you along". Not many, but a few...







We also went by the milk farm to get some milk and cream. Just about the most delicious milk and cream on the planet, I do believe--lovely ride there, and nice quiet, peaceful place to be, once you've arrived. Rosie, dear gal, crooned sweetly to some of the cows, while I got a couple of photos of them. They seemed to like her well enough, but looked suspiciously, at me (note above photo). Below, is a shot that I got, after, they'd softened and come round a bit, towards me......



It was a l-o-n-g day, today. We got alot done that we'd had to put off with everyone being sick, but we were all really tired by the time we--at long last--pulled back into the driveway. But, the good news is----that we will be eating this coming week. Relief.

We did get one photo that I especially liked. The sky, on our way back home. It was incredibly beautiful, and I drank it in, all the way home---the relaxing end, of a hurry-scurry-flurry-of-activity, busy day, out-and-about-town, in the big red bus, with the gang......

>



Thanks for takin' time, out of your busy day, to come along.

Well, off to devotions with the family, and then, ahhh, to get snugged in--new sheets, fresh off the line--and sleep, sweet, sweet, sleep.

I hope each of you had a great day, and have a lovely weekend.

Jewels

T-i-m-b-e-r!!

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More fun that begins when Big Papa gets home.....

The chainsaw is l-o-u-d! Notice the wee lassies, above, hiding behind their fearless leader :o)

Below, an innocent onlooker. Apparently, not overly eager to get in on the action.....

Things pick up, and are moving right along, as Big Papa gets down to business, and the boys climb up onto the roof of the cottage. The Littles are drinking it all in---from a distance, of course, lest the tree fall down on *them*.....

They proudly watch, as their Big Papa (all decked out, and up on a ladder--with a chainsaw, no less), cuts away on the trunk, of the big ole dead tree...

James and Joseph, quietly looking on, watching Big Papa, and contemplating their plan of action.....

Hmmmm, Big Papa's about made it through from both sides. Their turn to get in on the action, now. Should they just take a flyin leap, jump on it, and try wrestling it down??? Welp, hmmph, maybe not. That might hurt. Hmmm.....further contemplation....

Maybe Joseph'll just give it a good nudge, and see if it moves. Ahhh, nope, I don't think so.......

I am SO, sorry to disappoint--head hanging extremely low, here. Believe it or not, I somehow managed to miss the momentous event of the tree actually crashing to the ground; being heave-ho'ed and eventually pushed over by Big Papa, James and Joseph! I was back and forth between the house and the yard, and to be quite honest, from my vantage point, it didn't seem that the tree was going anywhere, anytime soon. So, despite the Littles jumping up and down in front of me, begging me to come and assuring me it was about to go down any second (for about the 10th time) I did the dragging my feet, thing, and much to my disappointment (and the little one's--understatement)--missed the whole hoo-rah-rah! I really am sorry about that--They (and the wide-eyed littlest spectators) had a grand time of it, take my word for it. I *was* there for most of it (the least adventurous part) and they were all having a great time, even then. And, I am also happy to report that, no, it did not fall on the trampoline--sigh of relief :o)





And, the ceremonious--gifting Mama, with some treasures from the cut and the fall--inspired by the thrill of it all.......



I'm not exactly sure what I'll do with it, yet. Make a pillow? You can't eat it, or put it under contact paper in a book. Scratching my head......Hmmm, I'll think of something :o)

You have a wonderful day.
Sending love your way, Jewels

The Sea Urchins head to the seaside

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Last night, with Big Papa.....

















and returned home, rosy-cheeked and happy, overflowing with treasures from the sea; their love gifts, for Mama.

Many thanks to Big Papa, for all the special memories he made (and makes every day), and the lovely photos he took, to remember them by.

I hope you have a wonderful day :o)

Lovingly, Jewels

Rest on Sunday...

A Simply Lovely Life.

True Contentment
**************
One honest John Fletcher, a hedger and ditcher,
Although he was poor didn't want to be richer;
All petty vexation in him was prevented
By the fortunate habit of being contented

by Henry S. Kent

Come, Rest Awhile
**************
Come, rest awhile, and let us idly stray
In glimmering valleys, cool and far away.

Come from the greedy mart, the troubled street,
And listen to the music, faint and sweet,

That echoes ever to a listening ear,
Unheard by those who will not pause to hear­

The wayward chimes of memory's pensive bells,
Wind-blown o'er misty hills and curtained dells.

One step aside and dewy buds unclose
The sweetness of the violet and the rose;

Song and romance still linger in the green,
Emblossomed ways by you so seldom seen,

And near at hand, would you but see them, lie
All lovely things beloved in days gone by.

You have forgotten what it is to smile
In your too busy life­ come, rest awhile.

by Lucy Maud Montgomery

I hope each of you and those you love dearest and best, have a beautiful day.
Lovingly, Jewels

 

When you don't turn and run....

A Simply Lovely Life.

from the potentially frumpy moment,

It's always the same.

It's right there
ready to reach out
and grab you,
soon as you get close enough
to so much
as stick your big toe
over the line.

Though life is holding
countless
sweet
riches
out to you
all for the taking

(in this case)
cherries
cakes
tea
and all things (and people) beautiful
to share them  with....

You sit
engulfed
rather small
and shriveled
sour and gloomy-like
in your
lumpity
dumpity
grumpity
frumpity state.
oh pity, me

Impervious to
the pleasures that
should have been
could have been
would have been
yours.

Had you only turned
a blind eye
a deaf ear
when frumpiness
looked your way,
and called your name.

Though your comrades
may loom, large, over you
outnumbering you
in their contented
thankful
happy state

Despite their joy
and delight
you sit
in the mud puddle
of misery

You're stuck
nothing sounds good
nothing tastes good
nothing looks good
through your eyes
of
doom
gloom
and despair.

Your glad smile's gone
your countenance has changed
all because
little things (perhaps big things)
didn't go
just your way.

Oh, how I do
hope you'll
please listen
and simply do
just what I say.

Get up!
Run!
don't give in
to the
frumpity way.

It will ruin your
life
Yes!
bit-by-bit
day-by-day!

Just turn your frown
upside-down
smile joyously
and say
in your
very most
firmly, resolute way

Get your hands
off me
frumpity
let me be
go away! 

No!
I will not
surrender
this
glorious day!

Aimaija, just up (obviously on the *wrong* side of the bed :o) from her nap, all frumped-out, lookin' little, grumpy, and bug-like, cause she had to wait (15 seconds :o) for a couple of photos to be taken before she could dive in, to all the (would've been--and eventually was) sweet joy and goodness, spread out before her, at the doll's tea party, on Tuesday.

We rallied round (quite outnumbering her--things were definitely in *our* favor :o), coaxed a few smiles out of her, and by and by, she saw things our way. And I'm happy to report, that all was sugar and spice, in the end. And, peace and joy were her happy companions, once again!

Well I'm off, like a bird on the wing....
You have a great day :o)

Jewels

Busy Bees, right up 'til bedtime....

A Simply Lovely Life.

Well, I have so much to do, today, I thought about just skipping a day and not posting, 'til tomorrow.

But, since I'm in the groove of takin' lots of photos of all the day's happenings, everyday, now, I thought I'd just grab a few to share, and say a quick hello--though we all know that my "quick hellos" are often *anything but*!

Here goes.....

Well, despite the fact that I've gotten precious little sleep this past week or more, life as usual,  marches on, here at the homestead!

I guess I can't complain, though. A gal should be awfully glad, I suppose (especially an especially tired one), to have so much energy continually buzzing around her, attaching itself to her , infusing itself into her (with Paddington stares, hugs and kisses), cheering her on (pleaasse mama, you said....), holding her to commitments she unwittingly made in her dream-like, ongoing state of sleep deficiency, to keep her movin' along, when she can hardly keep her eyes propped open!

Such is the state of things, as of late. Between Sophia's foot, Celeisa's bug and latest turn of teething, and (whispering, here--though let me tell ya, the actual thing is the antithesis of any whispering I've ever heard!) Big Papa's snoring, sleep seems to only be comin' my way, in little tiny installments, with broad expanses in between. Despite which fact, I, still (creature of habit--glutton for punishment) continue to rise far before sunrise to greet the day.  Yes, this seems to somehow be the case, do or die.

Actually, the past week or more, I think I've *risen* (if we can call it that) about 10-15 times, l-o-n-g before sunrise, for this that and the other thing, by the time it's actually legal to get up, and call it a new day.

I even kind of have a new ritual going, where I have my light wedge (fancy book light) tucked into my latest and greatest read (which for all intents and purposes means the biggest, fattest, most b-o-r-i-n-g, book on my shelves)  and stuffed along the edge of the bed, down by my knees. Just right about where it's kinda-sorta, out of the way, but close enough so I can stretch to reach it without waking the (super hyper-sensitive, teething) nursling--that I've just coaxed back to sleep-- for the umpteenth time, and now focus on rising above the relentless, rythmic roar of the afforementioned snoring (non-verbal argument that b.p. has me engaged in during *his* sleep), to get myself back to sleep (though I've been asking myself--do I *really* go to sleep, at all??, or am I just dreaming that I do??)--before it's time to *rise* again.

Anyways, back to the intended quick hello and the photos......

The good thing about little children (especially your own little ones--one of the real perks of motherhood, actually)  is that  you look *good* to them, no matter how *bad*, you might actually look, in real life (exempli gratia-- to everybody else that's not crazy about you, and whose thinking and reasoning abitlities have fully matured). Not only good, but G-O-O-D........

(And here comes the downside).....

and ready, for any and everything, their great big creative imaginations can dream up. And hey, once "the cat is out of the bag", and you've done something with them, or for them, even once, they *KNOW* you can (and assume you will--are actually dyin' to) do it with them, again.... whenever the mood sweeps over them, to have a repeat performance!

But, like I said, better to be carried along on the wings of someone else's enthusiasm, than to sit, and sit, and sit, going on *molding* in your own lack of, right?!

Okay, so in the name of remaining accountable, and holding out hope to the lovely Katherine Claire--in the multi-purpose suit department, I leave you with.......yesterday's doings, despite the fact that I was more than a bit, undone.  It's Tuesday, but don't we know it---*Fry*day's comin' :o)

Claire's pattern went back to the drawing board. New pieces have been traced-off, the fabric is washed and at the ready--AND--big-hearted Kel, has even volunteered to bring out the big guns and make *pizza* for Friday's dinner, for us, if neccesary, to free me up. What a good egg, hunh! (true blue, all the way, I'll tell ya) Kel, don't worry though, just the thought of you rallying with me (and holding me accountable--thanks Rabbit :o) will, I'm sure, do the trick!

The littles, who do always seem to have boundless energy--with, like I said--enough to share, were as usual, busy right up 'til bedtime (weren't we all :o)....

Baking bread and pretzels, which we had for lunch, with a great chowder that  Rosie made (no, though you would be led to believe otherwise by the way I'm droning on and on, here--I *definitely don't* do *every*thing :o).

Were they proud of their goodies?? Hmmm, well, I **guess SO**!  All I can tell you is, I was treated like royalty, one doll-sized-slathered-in-butter-delicious bite after another. I'm obviously not too tired to eat---so I might not be quite as bad off as I've led you all to believe......for the sake of honesty, just thought I'd mention that :o)

I've been *promising*( is that what you call saying things like):

"yes, I know"
"yes, I will"
" I *know* I said I would"
"I said I would, and I will"
"I'm going to".............

in response to their begging to do something you mentioned a week ago, back when you were a normal and sane, sleeping human being??

Anyways, I've been teaching the little ones hand-sewing/embroidery, which has proven to be a highly desirable, one-to-be-oft-repeated experience--that seems to give almost as much joy in the end result(ing product) as it does in the process! Inspired by dear Amanda (sweet, crafty mama that she is) that made one just like it for her little ones (very cute, isn't it :o), I cut out this little felt bunny for Aimaija to work on.

So, with the inspiration gathered, yesterday, we continued on with our hand-sewing adventure, and *Bunny*, was born. A little felt,  a little needle, a bit of embroidery thread in various colors, a couple of buttons, a ceremonious stuffing with "fluff", and voila', Aimaija has a new "best buddy"--Bunny, that she's mighty proud of! Thanks Amanda--from both of us.

And baking and stories, and drawing, and painting.....

A brief (though welcomed, however short it may have been, or seemed) bit of unwinding and recharging, at naptime........

Then........ get up, and do it all some more....

reading stories, drawing, painting, playing outside havin' lots of fun, gettin' good and dirty, which brings us to big-bubbly bath time, at the end of the long, full day...........

Bedtime does come, just when you think it never will. And now, I know, I know. The big question is, did I sleep, *last* night?? Well, let's put it this way, about twice as long as I have any other night for the past week or so. Things are definitely lookin' up.

I'm not complaining mind you. But I ask ya... A little bit of sympathy never hurt anybody, did it??

Okay, like I said, I've got alot to do, so I can just be hangin' around here chewin' the fat with you guys all day.

Since the *helper mice* only come out at night, to lend a hand, in, "The Tailor of Gloucester" .......I've *gotta* go... :o)

All righty. I (very) quickly type the posts out (straight out of my little bean, onto the page), over at Flickr, and then send them on over to the blog. Not sure when I'll have a chance to edit this one (busy gal I am, today, and all :o). but, when I do, it may metamorphosize into something entirely different, than what it's here begun as--usually does.  For those that stumble upon it, before I get a chance to give it the going over--my apologies and best wishes--at deciphering it. Remember, be kind. I'm the woman who isn't sure if she's actually slept, or just dreamt that she did :o)

I hope your day's a wonderful one.

So thankful for this life of mine, and sendin' love your way, Jewels

Little Mama. And a little confessin'...

A Simply Lovely Life.

For the sake of .....

beauty
art
motherhood
the gift and blessing of children
a jewel in our family history...

Claire, Josie in her womb.
About one month left in the secret place, alone with her mama.

April 19th, 2006

Claire gives birth, for the first time
beautifully, naturally
hour-after-hour, into days
breathing, labor, breathing, labor
water, music, water, music
Wesley beside her
midwife assisted
yet alone, in endless time
wave upon wave
seemingly, without end
everything foreign
everything new
set apart, surreal
the very first time...

Josie enters the world, her mama's arms, nurses at her mama's breast.
head full of dark hair
eight pounds of living, breathing
incredible magnificence
Josie WonderNose

she enters our lives, our hearts
tears of joy and thanksgiving
the circle  grows
a grandbaby girl
each one of us, in love
each one of us, forever changed.



Wesley gave me the great idea of printing out the pages of the blog and keeping them as a record of the life of our family--thank-you, Wesley! Yes, I do believe, I will :o)........

Claire is now entering her second trimester, carrying her littlest love, safely tucked away--growing, changing, everyday.

Therefore, for the sake of:

necessity (this little mama could use some new duds)
inspiration
encouragement
confession
accountability
and deadlines required by procrastinators



Our latest (and longest, outstanding) project:

A nursing/maternity dress, for Claire, Josie, and the littlest babe (in his/her, mama's belly).

This dress, was (in the very far-off, long ago), initially intended to be, merely a nursing dress, for Claire and Josie. Or, was it a maternity dress, for Claire, *before* Josie was born? (if  you are following where I'm going, here :o). But, since *so* incredibly much time has elapsed without it actually getting *made*.......

Plans are being revised and this creation will now be re-designed--new pattern pieces traced off, created, and make it's big debut, as a *multi-pupose* suit--Maternity, nursing, post-partum!

(A private aside)-- I know you're getting good and excited at the thought of **a multi-purpose** SUIT, right Claire??! This means we're probably going to throw in a pair of bedskirt b-l-o-o-m-e-r-o-o-n-i-s (Get it?? Suit?!). Admit it, Claire, despite your rumblings of baby sickness, you *are* getting good and excited---all wrongs forgiven and forgotten, right? I know you are! ;o)

Yes! Yes, it will *be* (as in come into existence--pounding my fist on the computer in accentuated determination!).

Made-to-order (for 3 people....hey, how 'bout that?!)

On the double (with *both* Rosie, and me, working on it! day *and* night, if neccesary!)

This dress will be made this week, because I am sticking my neck out and doing the very thing that time has proven neccesary (very pathetic I know--Claire, thanks you for suffering through the embarrassment of it all on your end, for her sake. I will too, no doubt, when all's said,  *and* (key word here)......  *done*  :o)

making a public:
confession
announcement
and commitment!

This dress *will* be done by Friday.
Even if it means that Friday will be,
*Fry*day!  :o)

And, I will have a photo of Claire in this lovely gown, "in your hands", by next Sunday--barring the death of either camera or computer (or, g-u-l-p... seamstress ;o)

How's that??

So, here you have it
Katherine Claire's Choice:



S-o-o-n.....
To be modeled by, the lovely Katherine Claire, herself.
And, I mean it!

And, as a bonus and to assuage my guilt (despite the fact that it's  makin' me feel even *guiltier, at present*, to say so :o)

Claire is teaching herself to sew (she's super gifted at following written instructions) and her first project was a little dress/pinafore, that she made for Josie, out of this very same fabric. Really, cute!  So, maybe I'll even get a couple of photos of them, together, in their matching outfits--Hey, how's that for a bonus?? Your heart is beginning to soften towards my situation, isn't it? That's good. I'd hoped it would.

I now, leave you
truly penitent, a burden lifted from my shoulders.
A humble tigger.
An "oh, I love you, Rabbit" (that would be you guys--for saving the day :o), Tigger.
(for any of you Winnie the Pooh fans out there).

There's a pot of chowder cooking on the stove, for lunch. The little ones just finished making bread and pretzels with Rosie and now they're curled up on the couch, with Chubb in the middle, reading a few stories aloud to them. The house smells really good, and my stomach is beginning to rumble a bit, at the thought of lunch. The tiniest flurrying of snow is falling softly from the sky. Another lovely day.

I hope you, too, have a great day. Thanks for taking the time to stop in for a visit.

Lovingly, Jewels

Any way you look at it.....

A Simply Lovely Life.

three year olds are amazingly innovative little people.

I mean, really! In the absence of a hairdryer, when's the last time you thought  to move a chair next to a heat register, so you could hang your head upside-down to dry your hair, so you could go outside and play, sooner?!? 

And.....when's the last time *your* hair, looked *this* good?! I don't know about you, but I guess *I'd* have to say--probably never!

In record time, it's done......



It flips....



It flaps.......



It flubs....



It flops...



Show over.
It runs for cover, and heads outside.....



Have a great day :o)

Jewels

Happy Hearts... Happy Home...Happy Tuesday....

A Simply Lovely Life.

H-O-M-E

If you wanted to gather up all tender memories, all lights and shadows of the heart, all banquetings and reunions, all filial, fraternal, paternal, conjugal affections, and had only four letters with which to spell out the height and depth and length, and breadth and magnitude and eternity of meaning, you would write it all out with these four capital letters:
H-O-M-E

T. DeWitt Talmage

If we would have a true home, we must guard well our thoughts and actions.  A single bitter word may disquiet the home for a whole day; but, like unexpected flowers which spring up along our path full of freshness, fragrance and beauty, so do kind words and gentle acts and sweet disposition make glad the home where peace and blessing dwell. No matter how humble the abode, if it be thus garnished with grace and sweetened by kindness and smiles, the heart will turn lovingly towards it from all the tumults of the world, and home, " be it ever so humble," will be the dearest spot under the sun.

Golden Gems of Life

































We had such a nice day, together. My only regret was that Big Papa couldn't have been here to share it with us.

Wesley flew outside soon as he got here, with all the younger ones running out the door after him!  Within no time, they had this huge snow fortress built, and were lying in wait, good and ready to ambush James and Joseph (who were off running a couple of errands, together) soon as they pulled in the driveway. Although, if you will note in the above photos, reality is......it was *not*, in the end (well, actually the beginning, too, I guess :o), James and Joseph that got ZONK-ered, but Wesley--poor guy!  I'm sorry to say, that apparently the "dear darlin' boys" had no mercy on their eldest bro!

Everyone enjoyed being outside for a nice bit. It was snowy-white, warm and wonderful. Ahh....snow on the ground, Spring in the air. It was the best!

We made a second attempt at getting photos of the littlest sweethearts, together, in their matching outfits that Rosie and I made for them (with better light during the day). But nope, only more bombers and bloopers of busy bees and intrepid explorers, inspiring and spurring each other on, whenever they're together. They're just way too fast for ole Granny and her persnickety camera. That's all there is to it! 

Things quieted right down after the big snowball fight. The house looked like it had been turned upside-down and and given a good shake once everyone had made their way in and gotten comfy--shedding coats, hats, scarves, and wet boots, everywhere (well, it seemed like it anyways! :o).

While Rosie finished up the chicken/tortellini salad, the little ones were busy with playdough, makin' a lunch of their own---which of course in the end they forwent, in favor of Rosie's.

Claire found the greatest dvd at the library, that everyone flopped down in the living room to watch after they'd finished eating, called "Alone in the Wilderness". It's just a very simply done documentary type account of one man's day-to-day life; explorations and activities, in the Alaskan Wilderness--gardening, hunting, fishing, cooking, nature study. He builds his own cabin, singlehandedly--in two weeks no less--with no power tools, just a hatchet and a saw (having felled all the trees prior to the building), a chimney/fireplace--out of flat stones he'd gathered from a nearby creek bed . His name is Richard Poenneke and he's an incredibly gifted craftsman that works artfully, with amazing precision. It's so good. Really, I can't wait to watch it again! He also authored a book, called "One Man's Wilderness", his journals with photographs--that both Claire and I are hopin' to get to read.

Wesley spent some time workin' on my unhappy computer, with Nicholai watching over his big brother shoulder, wide-eyed, drinking it all in. The little ones finished up their cakes, and shared them with us all. Josie took a nice long nap in the nest, after filling her belly up with mama's milk, and finally Celeisa fell sound asleep, too.

And well, after giving his very last, to look at my computer, you won't be surprised to hear that Wesley, too, joined the ranks of the weary snoozers....as he kind of crawled over to the couch, struggled to drag himself up, sprawled out........pplllttt.......and died!

Ahhh, yes 'twas a truly lovely day, with the dearest of friends  :o) And despite the abuse he endured, I'm sure, even Wes, would agree!

I was awake in the middle of the night, re-visting the sweetness of the day, now passed; each of my children's faces, their voices, their laughter and shared love and relationship, each with the others. And, once again, thanked God for the immeasurable gifts, the simple, though priceless gifts; of my life, my home, my husband, my children, sharing sunshine, fun and laughter, conversation, music, good food, and slow and easy days, just *be*in', together--a family....

I hope you enjoy, your day, today. It will be a busy one, here. Lots of stuff to do, a couple of errands to run, and the girls have piano lessons this afternoon. I'll have my small window of stories and sweet dreams with the little ones, early afternoon, to re-fuel and get charged up for the second half of the day. The child in me, looks forward to it, and enjoys it, as much as the children do :o)

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit. I hope your day is a beautiful one.

Lovingly, Jewels

Whiling away the morning in a Winter Wonderland.....

A Simply Lovely Life.

Winter is the king of showmen,
Turning tree stumps into snow men
And houses into birthday cakes
And spreading sugar over the lakes.
Smooth and clean and frost white
The world looks good enough to bite.
That's the season to be young,
Catching snowflakes on your tongue.

Snow is snowy when it's snowing
I'm sorry it's slushy when it's going.

Ogden Nash

































The Lord bless you and keep you, and yours, this beautiful Winter's day.

So thankful for each one of you, Jewels

The real fun begins, when Big Papa gets home!

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

When Big Papa comes home, the FUN begins........



Sure, you love your Mama.  And yes, it's great...baking cookies, making playdough, sewing and knitting, all the hugs and kisses, getting snugged in for naps and listening to stories being read aloud.....



But your Mama, she's your Mama, and she's *not* Big Papa.....



It takes a Big Papa, to get you all quieted down and settled for the night!  Big Papa understands about things like "workin' the bugs out", you know, "gettin' the ants out of your pants", so you can move on to the quieter things to come, like reading, writing, drawing, puzzles...
dinner and devotions..........and all too soon, bedtime..... :o)









We thank God, for our mamas. Sure don't know what we'd do without 'em!

But, ya just gotta say......'tis true, 'tis true, the real FUN begins, when Big Papa gets home........

I hope each of you have a wonderful day.
Lovingly, Jewels

Taylor, Taylor, please come to tea, under the andromeda, you and me......

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

Dearest Taylor, I too, am wishin' away, that you could come for a visit. And hey, that's hot cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top  (not tea :o), and your mom could have some, too. Do you think this might make a difference, as to whether or not she'd bring you on over, for a visit?  How about Nicholai's andromeda bouquet (one of them)! Wow, hunh :o)

I love you, sweetheart. Much love to all the other dear ones, there so far away, too.
xoxoxo Auntie Jewels

****************************************************************************

Well, good morning everyone :o)
Do you promise not to roll your eyes and cluck your tongue, if I tell you that the big Valentine party/birthday shin-dig, got moved (again) to *tonight*?!? Shaking my finger back and forth---tsk-tsk-tsk.... now, you p-r-o-m-i-s-e-d...
:o)

If I would have really given it some thought, I would have just said, "how about, Friday!", to begin with. But hey, admit it, sometimes *you* don't get around to givin' *it* (whatever *it* may be at the time) the thought it deserved, til I'm you're up to your eyeballs in plan A, and every fiber of your being is tensing up and resisting it!

So, suffice it to say, plan A had me on fast forward, yesterday, and touchy-feelies like me don't do so hot on fast forward, soooooo, since it was (thankfully) an option, I took a deep breath and moved right on along to plan B.

So....like I said, the party is TONGHT! I'm turning a blind eye to the fact that Valentines Day was on Wednesday---Since I've been going strong celebrating it the past three days, I'm thinkin' it doesn't matter.

Three cheers for spreading the love around, right?!  Hmm, if I gave *enough* thought, I might even be able to manage extending Valentine's Day right on through the weekend, hunh?

Welp, if I was a little bit thinnner, I could close it out in style, tomorrow---get the Littles readied for a bit of treasure seeking, take it slow and easy, (light bulb going on in my brain) get decked out in Annie's Red Christmas Dress (that has Valentine's Day written all
over it, right?!) and head out to peruse a few antique stores and thrift shops. Yeah, I'd be feeling all relaxed and wonderful, and ...... it's a given that any and everyone that saw me would say "hey!! Is that your Valentine's dress??!?" :o)

Returning to reality, here.....hmmph, too bad that's not an option. It would have been so nice and easy, and so much fun.....but, no, in this case (I humbly confess)....it's *impossible*!  :o)

Anyways, can you tell I got NO sleep last night?!

Speaking of the Red Dress, it's *her* fault. Not seeing the big picture at times she forgets that I'm
not just her mother, but, Granny....

Granny-early-to-be-and-early-to-rise. If she does remember, she does a great job of innocently feigning  total ignorance!  As in, for example, last night, 9:30 pm.......

Despite the fact that I'm in my nightgown, eyes rolling in my head, mouth hanging open, uttering no more than occasional mono-syllabic grunts (obviously not an active brain cell in my head), she decides she wants to have one of those (is this going to go on all night??) best girlfriend
talks!!

While she resolutely forges ahead, plummeting the depths and scaling the heights, I  remain non-plussed in my zombie-like stupor.

So, the train keeps racing along (with me still running alongside tryin' to jump on!), and out of desperation what do you think pops into my head??

That's right, you don't have a clue! Why?? Because I purposely neglected to include my 4th Valentine gift from Big Papa, which just happened to be a pint of Ben and Jerry's, chocolate fudge brownie!

Of course the reason I purposely failed to mention it was because **I knew** you'd think I was going to go off that night, after all the children (and Big Papa) were in bed, and eat the whole thing, myself. Okay, so the truth is, I like chocolate fudge brownie Ben and Jerry's, even more than I like scallops (or shrimp scampi pizza, gorgonzola salad, peppered smoked salmon...). You get the idea, right?

And so it was, I made that ill-fated decision to bring up the "turbo-chocolate-deliciousness" that I had hidden away in yon freezer........

"you wanna share my Ben and Jerry's??"  Now, don't think terrible things of me, when I tell you
that her response was........

"do you *have* some?? :o) Head hanging low, totally s-e-l-f-i-s-h, coniving and indulgent, I know.

The short of the incredibly long, is.....she smiled a pug, accusing half-smile, jumped up, dashed to the freezer, grabbed the goodie and 2 big spoons, we both dove in.

I woke up (due to that afforementioned touchy-feelie, human microscope, everything hits me at 10 times the magnification that it does everybody else, sensitivity to (in this case, caffeine---man, I only ate *half*!!), and we talked and we talked and we talked and we talked.....

She (unfazed by the drug that was now affecting me full-speed :o) got really tired, began to visibly slow up, and by and by stated, matter-of-factly..."I'm going to bed...", and left me alone (but for the occasional stirrings of the baby, as I in my restless state kept waking her up) wide awake, plummeting the depths and scaling the heights, for the rest of the night!!

All this to say, **please do** feel sorry for me today, okay?

Not because I was *forced* to share my Ben and Jerry's, but because I have loads of things to do, today, and nap time won't be rollin' around for about 4 more hours!

(BUT, then again, will I really need one, as apparently my hyper-sensitivity is now workin' to my advantage, and the caffeine is *still in effect!! Amazing, I know :o), and.....truth be told, I'd feel
like a really big *noodle* having to log on and blog, bloggg, bloggg....tomorrow, only to confess that I'd had put the party off, yet one more day!! :o) :o)

Pssst......Would ya do me a favor and please don't mention any of this to Rosie, as I'm gettin' alot of mileage out of her sense of (false) guilt at having kept me up all night (lots of pity, really good-natured, whole-hearted h-e-l-p....and therefore the potential realization of plan B :o)..........but we really had an over-the-moon, rip-snortin' good time!

Now, if I can just conceal the evidence from her (the letter you presently "have in hand"), and not let on that I'm not quite as bad off as she thinks! I'm countin' on ya' to be, as "silent as the grave". Don't let me down!  ;o)

You have a great day!

Lovingly, Jewels

A Word To The Wise--From Miss Bug Eyes

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

Hey, listen! I know you're probably not gonna wanna hear this....



And I'm just gonna shoot straight...



Cause, w-h-o-a......let me tell ya, it's ahhhh.......



And that's NOthin!.......



Hey, absolutely, you go ahead and do whatever you want!.....



Well, I NEVER!!!......



You've GOT to be kidding me!!......

When Your Mama Cuts Your Hair....

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

You know a day or so in advance that it's coming, because she starts staring at you for long dreamy intervals, trying to figure out what it is that's wrong with you. Why is it that  you're reminding her of  someone she knew in high school,  or depending on your hair and the way it grows out, a Great Horned owl, or Moe of the Three Stooges?

She takes special note of you all throughout the day by affectionately scruffing up your shaggy mane, whilst giving you a peck on the cheek and calling you names like Harry Harrison, or repeatedly quoting the little silliness of:

Harry the horse had very long hair
It tripped him whenever he walked
It got in his nose
It got in his eyes
And it got in his mouth when he talked.

She typically claims her victims in the morning.....

After a warm breakfast, hair still wet from the tub, perhaps not having gotten around to putting your shirt on yet........She's sneaky but you do have to admit pretty efficient.  She's got a fair amount of experience under her belt---well, her uhhh apron :o)

When Your Mama Cuts Your Hair.....

Things rapidly intensify from this point on.  Though she's never actually said as much, I believe this might be when and where she lets out all her pent up frustrations that have been mounting since your last haircut (anywhere from one and a half to three months ago--if you get my drift :o) that subconsciously stored away mental list, of your every offense--arguing with your brothers and sisters, making her ask you three times to take the garbage out, sword fighting with brooms--in the kitchen, dropping a dozen eggs on the floor, letting the dog get out, complaining during school, letting the tea kettle boil dry, letting the tub overflow.......

Because she's your mother and she's never been to Cosmetology School she has her own means and methods, and takes the creative/artistic view, verses the scientific/mathematical--meaning who knows how long it will take, or what the results may be??

Her scissors are about 15 years old and have never been sharpened, though she has been faithfully cutting the hair of all the males in the family all this time (for better--and often--for worse). So, to actually call it a hair "cut" might be stretching things a bit to begin with.

She feels entirely free to pull your ears, tug your nose, poke you in the back, as you take on the role of contortionist---no sacrifice, no degree of discomfort,  too great for the cause--the "artist" is at work!

If you wiggle, squirm, or refuse to sit up straight she quickly whips you into line with a skillfully dealt close call, letting you know,  in no uncertain terms, that you just almost lost......an ear, an eye, or a big chunk out  of your neck!

Gone are the days of your infancy when she lovingly, patiently, fed you raisins to distract you, while trimming your  bangs.....

When Your Mama Cuts Your Hair....

Freestanding Birth Center Opens--First Client Pleased as Punch!

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

Mystery Photos----Hopeful Number One

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

Hopeful Number Two

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

Hopeful Number Three

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

Hopeful Number Four

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

We were recently given a pair of boots, by a (well meaning) friend, that fit no one (okay they kinda fit me, but ... they're not really my style :o)

Well, it so happened that as soon as they hit the scene certain-- EVERYbodies, here fought to claim them as THEIR very own---insisting adamantly that  "yes, they DO FIT"! 

Thus, the Mystery Photos. Who do **you** think should have the boots (for the 2 hours of ownership, before they go to the thrift store, for all there to oogle and oggle and fight over!)??

As 'tis said--"a picture paints a thousand words".

I've kindly concealed the identity of those vying for ownership, out of consideration for  those of you that would hold back your true thoughts and opinions, for  fear of showing partiality,  and will reveal the identities of the wearers early next week--to give you time to consider and make an honest decision :o)

P.S. And, as I sit here reading your minds, in advance of you opening this whole "can of worms"---- I want to make it perfectly clear that ONLY those that take the time to vote will be considered as the recipient of the boots, following the 2 hour ownership/and in lieu of the thrift shop--something you might want to consider, if you, like the afforementioned resident EVERYbodies pictured above, find that desire welling up inside of you at the sight of them! 

If in the end, the boots *do* go to you, please be advised that  NO local pick-up is allowed for obvious reasons (they might be little, but they're tough, and they will NOT be happy about you takin' *their* boots!) which means you will therefore have to cough up the money for postage (**and handling**--to cover the cost of all the grief these boots have brought me :o)

I hope each one of you has a beautiful day.