Eyes of Wonder

"Have nothing in your house...

A Simply Lovely Life.

that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
~William Morris

Little finds, along the way.

A few old things that in their usefulness and in their beauty, make for a house being a bit more orderly, and cosier, home.

Cups and saucers. Roses, roses, roses.

A favored vintage vase, makes it's way out of the cupboard, gets a good rinsing off, and happily obliges us, by welcoming an arm'sload of Springtime loveliness, once again.



Vintage glass conductors. Exceedingly helpful to the home seamstress. Aesthetically pleasing, set aside.



A rustic wooden two drawer cabinet. A small cubby for tucking away odds and ends.



A just right old wooden bookshelf. Honey brown and homey. A perfect place for keeping fellow old things orderly, within view and ready reach.



The true secret of (domestic) happiness lies in taking (the time to take) a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.
~William Morris

The simple pleasures of keeping my home

A Simply Lovely Life.

I rose early this morning and savoured each moment alone in the quiet stillness, with God.

Once bathed, dressed, and in my apron, I like to light all the candles on the dining room table and start some music playing. If it's warm enough, as it was this morning, I open the front door wide to let in the sunshine through the largely-glass storm door. The house faces south-east, so the front room is flooded with bright sunlight and warmth, first thing.

Today, I filled the sink full of soapy warm water with a few drops of lavender essential oil, and worked quickly to do some early morning deep cleaning in the kitchen; moving things around on the counters--cleaning beneath them, washing down cupboards and walls, the front of the refrigerator and the stove, and scrubbing the sink and my enamel wash basin nice and clean with a bit of baking soda, castile soap, and lavender oil. Everything looked so fine all spruced up, and smelled delightful.

I gave the lovely irises from Claire and Wesley a long drink of cool water and they thanked me by continuing to look fresh and delicately lovely, still. Even more so with the condensation covering the jar, the warm air outside touching the cold water within, through the glass. I stopped for a nice bit to watch and listen to a male and female cardinal that were beginning their day on the sidewalk just beyond my open kitchen window.

When the children awoke, we had a nice breakfast together with Big Papa; scrambled eggs with sauteed mushrooms, onions and cheese, and toast that Rosie and Chubb had made--delicious.

Breakfast over, a loving farewell to Big Papa, and the sink was replenished with fresh warm sudsy water and lavender and the children and I set to work on the morning chores; of dishes, sweeping, vacuuming, washing a few windows, emptying the compost bucket and while doing so checking on the goose, ducks, chickens, and the goat, followed by hanging out a couple loads of laundry that were ready and waiting in a basket this morning.

Rosie and I, teamed together and went in and quickly deep-cleaned the bathroom side-by-side, from top to bottom, chatting away while we worked. We cracked the window open, and left it smelling lovely of lavender, as well.

I'm going to wash another load, some bedding, this morning, and get it too hung out on the line. There's a nice breeze blowing and it's a perfectly lovely day for wash to be pegged out, and sheets, fresh, taken off and brought in, at the end of it. A bit of simple domestic bliss, for me, and for the happy recipients who will be sleeping in the beds to which the sheets belong.

While we worked away the little ones busied themselves in the living room playing "kings and queens", with crowns they quickly cut out and colored and made with Sir Chubb right after breakfast, and capes popped on over their pajamas.

Queen Sophia



King Nicholai



And, Princess Aimaija

Lots of fun.

The morning's passed quickly, and now macaroni and cheese baking in the oven for lunch, which will be a nice relaxing break, all those here together, a welcome quiet of pause from the busyness of the early hours of the day spent tidying the house, the doing of some laundry, cooking, and a bit of schoolwork. The noon meal's transitions us over to the quieter part of the day: nap time, for those that decide to curl up and do so for a while, finishing up any schoolwork, some gardening, a bit of hand sewing, perhaps some time on the swing, reading, and surely, fresh air, sunshine, running and jumping and playing for the Royal Court, after their busy morning spent indoors.

I find a sweet pleasure in loving and serving those in my family and making our house as tidy and orderly a cosy home for them as I'm able. I find joy in watching Big Papa come through the door at the end of his long hard day at work, to things that say "welcome home, we missed you, and we're so glad you're once again here"; a nice meal~~it's aroma filling the air. I love watching him begin to relax as he melts into all those who love him dearest and best, once again, each evening. 

Many and great are the rewards of the simple pleasures of keeping a home~~both in the doing, but especially in the receiving. The *something* that comes from the doing of even/and perhaps especially,  those seemingly insignificant littlest things from a heart of love.

A thankful heart on Monday

A Simply Lovely Life.

I couldn't have asked for Mother's Day to be spent in a more pleasant way. It actually began on Friday, with the delivery of a wonderful gift--a bright red wagon--from all of the children, and continued right on through yesterday afternoon--Wesley, Claire and Elsie here with us--and on up 'til bedtime. We spent the whole weekend together doing special things, as a family. It was so much fun for everyone. I am admittedly a little bit tired from all the merry-making of the weekend, but I couldn't be happier, or more thankful.

I received this lovely bouquet of irises from Wesley, Claire, and Josie, trimmed their stems, tucked them into one of my large sprouting jars, and set them on my sink's sideboard. They look bright and cheery, and we'll enjoy them all through the week. I've already done dishes twice, today, drinking them in both times.

A dear and loving friend, blessed us with a quick surprise visit on Saturday morning, and the thoughtful gift of a pizza party, which we enjoyed on Saturday evening. It was wonderful. James and Rosie went out and picked up the pizzas, chips, salsa, and root beer soda fixin's. All the pizza party good stuff that everyone had been excitedly looking forward to, all day long.  Thank you, Dear Friend (and, Dear Friend's true love :o) We were so blessed. It was great fun, and delicious!

Pizza party over, everyone full and happy, dishes done, floor swept, one last little one in the tub, we were surprised with a visit from a sweet family of friends, that we hadn't seen in some time. I quickly finished washing up the last little one, got them snugged in their pajamas, and went out to exchange hugs and hellos and catch up with this precious family.

Though the visit wasn't very long, we managed to squeeze so much special into it. We chatted away about the many things that had transpired since last we met, sang several hymns and prayed together, then before we knew it, we were on the porch, waving farewell as they went on their way, down the road into the dark night.

We also went to a large flea market over the weekend, where Big Papa got me the gift of a rustic birdhouse made of old barn wood, bittersweet, and grapevine, and a stack of newly hand knit cotton dish cloths, in a variety of lovely colors. The lady I bought them from was very sweet. She had eleven grown children; seven through birth and four through adoption. She had a gentle spirit, warm heart, and bubbled over with love towards her children.

Big Papa, also kindly got me some geraniums for my large crock and pot, on the front porch. I am especially fond of various colored geraniums in pots and containers, and scented geraniums (particularly rose-scented) ambling here and there in the garden beds, throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. I'd still like to get a few begonias for the shady back porch as well. Oh, flowers, flowers, everywhere! And to think, it's only just begun! Too wonderful!



I'll leave you with all the fun we've had, with my delightful gift from all of the children--the big red wagon. I look forward to my precious children, grandchildren, and little friends, finding pleasure in being pushed and pulled in it, for many years to come.

Okay, there it is, right over there......



















Thankful for the simply lovely, full-to-overflowing life of motherhood. Thankful to simply be, a mother.

Have a wonderful day.
Lovingly, Jewels--who is sorry to have to say that, having milked it for all it was worth, Mother's Day, is now officially o-v-e-r :o)

Rest on Sunday......

A Simply Lovely Life

Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, 
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.

....and the God of peace shall be with you.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy...

Philippians 4;6-8, ...9,  Philippians 1:3-4

May the Lord bless your precious families out of His great abundance. May your homes be filled with His Life and Love.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you may be with, may you rest well, inside and out, this lovely February day.

Lovingly, Jewels

Rest on Sunday.....My little Corner of the world

A Simply Lovely Life

My busy little corner of the world........

Valentine's flowers from my beloved
Treasures from the children
Lots of ever-changin' stuff, for.......

Reading
Writing
Sewing
Knitting
Homeschooling
Book-making
Project planning

Rocking in my favorite chair and.............

Enjoying the earliest hours of my day, alone with God
Praying
Reading my Bible
Writing in my journal
Musing and Meandering
Listening to music
Enjoying a cup of tea....
With a bit of the afternoon dessert the children have made
Takin' a quick moment to catch my breath....
And enjoy a big glass of cold water, after walkin' my road
Holding and loving little ones
Singing
Nursing sleeping babes
Sewing
Knitting
Visiting
Cat nappin'
And dreamin'......

Have a wonderful Day :o)
I'm makin' my way into a beautiful one, too.
Lovingly, Jewels

A Few of My Favorite Things

 A Simply Lovely Life.

This lovely mobile was my Christmas gift from the children. It's made of driftwood and seashells. I just love mobiles, and this one is such an interesting beauty. I enjoy it everyday! 

Of course you can see one of my VERY MOST favorite "things" there in the background, reading her book---She too, is a REAL interesting beauty!!  And do I ever enjoy HER, everyday!  :o)

Another favorite thing is watching a little one learn to sew. Sophia's learning.  She's been sewing her own skirts and wears them so proudly. She's sewing little things she calls "pockets", which are (sorta) square pieces of layers of fabric sewn together and  decorated with big interesting buttons and swirls of machine sewing. They're really creative.  I want her to make some as wall hangings. 



Here's a photo of Sophia in one of her sweet skirts, that she made last summer.  Her little buddy--Aimaija, is waiting patiently for Sophia to get to the point where she's makin' her some skirts, too. Til then, she'll just have to be content to hang around in her big bloomers, I guess. Go, Sophie, go!   :o)



Another of my favorite things is watching a child learn to knit. I guess it's more than just watching them learn to knit, though. I love to see that God-given wonderment within every child, and how it serves as wings, enabling them to f-l-y!

I marvel at how they automatically love to learn, learn, learn, and endlessly create, and in their hearts believe they can do anything, which with time and materials, a little modeling and instruction, and lots of loving encouragement, they can!  I love the fact that it's all about the process with children. They get lost in the magic of the process.  They forget about any and everything else 'round about them--yesterday, tomorrow--every fiber of their being is engaged in their all important, all encompassing project of the moment, be it 5 minutes, 5 hours, or 5 days of engagement.... eyes  transfixed, their breathing slows, they bite their tongue as their concentration peaks--It really is so beautiful--every single time. 

Each of the children have learned to finger knit at around 4 to 5 years old, and then have moved on to knitting on large wooden needles they've  made with me, from dowels sharpened with a pencil sharpener and sanded smooth, at about age 6. 

Aimaija, is a beginning finger knitter, but as she and Sophia are the best of buds, together continuously, and Sophia is knitting away on 2 needles and even circulars, now. Aimaija is **dyin'** to jump ahead and **really knit**!  Sophia knits, and knits, and knits "(she's been bitten by the bug and is now smitten!) . Relaxed on the couch-- with her legs propped up on the big wooden table in front of it, in the car, she gets herself quite happily situated, and knits away.

This said, Aimaija has now taken to "knitting" each day, with 2 pencils, and to her, she is doing something of incredible significance--to me, too! She's been doing it for a couple of months and hasn't tired of it yet, though it's *all* about process, and all of her hours of effort haven't produced a single *product*!  How beautiful, to hear her little voice cry out each morning----Where's my "knitting"?!  Meaning of course, where are my 2 pencils and my string! 

Let me tell you, this wise mama clamours to look under the couches and chairs, in the block baskets,  here, there, and everywhere, 'til her knitting is found.  I know the projects will most likely be freely flowing, one day, and I want to insure my  fair share of toasty warm sweaters, hats, shawls and socks...... when I'm an old(er) granny, shivering with cold from poor circulation :o) :o)  You go, Aimaija, go!!



This pottery candlabra is one of my very favorite thrifting treasures.......which leads me to another favorite thing--candlelight. 

I so enjoy candlelight, in the dark of morning, during breakfast, on rainy days--throughout the day, at the evening meal--with the table set-- while the food is still cooking. The house smells delightful and everyone is excitedly awaiting Big Papa's arrival home and the cacophony of smiles, conversation, hugs, good food and drink, stories, and the evening, together, that will follow...........



And yet another favorite thrifing treasure--actually discovered on 2 different occasions, is this family of elephants; the mama, the papa, and baby.  Especially lovely to me is art in various mediums and forms of expression --- drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, poetry, music-- depicting God's inconceivably wondrous concept of the family, and the relationships within one, however large or small, at whatever stage and/or season of life and growth it may be.





Seashells......I'm really fond of seashells, I always have been, even long before I was privileged to live by the sea. Some of my most treasured gifts have been the simple, thoughtful gift of a seashell/s. 



And lastly, is one of my especially treasured and appreciated favorite things. This was a gift, made for, and given to our family, by perhaps the dearest, most loving, kind, and thoughtful friend anyone could ever dream of, or hope for--this amazing puzzle clock!  It's beautiful and it keeps perfect time! 

This beloved friend is one of those fast movin', fast thinkin', folks that takes on challenges that most of us would shudder at the thought of, while fleeing post-haste!  We treasure having it, to remind us of him each day, and the immeasurable gift--of all the love--the time, the care, the listening ear/s, the laughter, kindnesses, encouragement, the chinese food, the pizzas, oranges, ice cream, he even *single-handedly* (yes, single-handeldly in about 2 days!) put a roof on our house!! (which I do have a photo of that I almost put up here, too, but I didn't want ot risk the possibility of jeopardizing this good thing that's been goin' on for so long! :o) ...... that he's so faithfully, unconditionally, graciously and freely shared with all of us, for the *entire life* of our family.



I hope you have a wonderful day.
Lovingly, Jewels