Eyes of Wonder

As the flu has not yet flown....

A Simply Lovely Life

I'm still here.

We had lots of rain here, but as always, everyone kept busy with various projects. Whewww! It sure is difficult to get photos with the lack of sunlight that presents itself on a rainy day, but I did my best to gather a few again, so I could share just a bit of the day, and say, hello.

A new bag. This is yet another bag made from a favorite pattern. Very simple to put together and we've made lots of them. They're sturdy, roomy, and useful for so many different things; carrying groceries, books to and from the library, as a diaper bag, etc....




A few from the collection.



A rainy day tea party.





Busy little artists





It rained and rained....



My mom asked me to send a loving hello to each one of you. She was still sick today, but felt considerably better, and is hoping to be poking her head back in, soon. Thanks so much for all your nice notes and kind words, to me, and to her. I've passed all your loving hellos along. My dad went for a job interview, today, and everything went very well. Our whole family thanks you so much for thinking of us and for praying for us. I hope you have a really nice weekend.

Warmly, Rosie

Still standing in her stead

A Simply Lovely Life

Hello everyone, my mom's still not feeling well, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to share another of our family's favorite summertime suppers with you.

New England Clam Chowder

You will need

5 lbs of red potatoes--chopped

About 6-8 stalks of celery--chopped

2-3 onions--chopped

3 tablespoons of fresh parsley--minced

2 lbs of bacon--cooked and then crumbled

2--32 to 51 ounce containers of fresh or canned clams--chopped
Just barely cover the potatoes with water and cook until they're tender

Saute celery, onions, and parsley

Add celery, onions, parsley, bacon, clams and all the clam broth to the potatoes

Add salt, freshly ground pepper, and 4 tablespoons of butter

For clear broth chowder serve as is. Be sure and have fresh cream for those that enjoy a creamy chowder to add to their bowls.

Serve hot with oyster crackers.

I also got some random pictures from today that I thought you might enjoy.

The makings of dinner......





A thriving ivy plant in the sunny kitchen window, over the sink.



James and Joseph just finished putting up a new ceiling in the dining room.




Cleaning up after a pottery lesson, given by a big brother and sister that are just learning, themselves.



Which turned into a one-sided water battle, with Sophia spraying everyone.



Beautiful butterfly hunters.....





One of them lost her clogs.



And look what they found. Monarch butterflies on the butterfly bushes.







Thanks so much for all your kind and encouraging comments, I really enjoyed reading them. Thank-you for all of your very thoughtful and caring words to my mom, too. I hope each one of you had a great day, too.
Warmly, Rosie

P.S I just want to say for the sake of those that have written to my Mom, I think between getting the house ready to put on the market, traveling back and forth to the area we plan to move to, little ones being sick and being sick, herself, she's many emails behind on writing back to those who have written her. I just wanted to share that so that no one would take it personally or be hurt if you've written to her anytime recently and haven't heard back from her. I know she's received many loving letters, and will respond to them as soon as she's able to.

Banana Friendship Cake

A Simply Lovely Life

This cake was the family favorite for birthdays for years. In fact, It's the cake that I've faithfully made *just before the birth* of each child--tucking the layers away in the freezer until the appointed time of, *this is it*, when they were then ceremoniously pulled out, stacked and frosted and gaily crowned with a festive garland of berries. The cake, that we've gathered 'round, in all it's candlelit brightness, as we've sung the birthday welcome to our newest life and love/s, just moments after they've entered the world. The cake we've gathered 'round birthday after birthday, year after year, to say we're so thankful God made you. What an amazing job he did! We're so thankful that you're ours. Though in the past few years it's found a rival in the chocolate torte and the homemade icecream cake, it's still a dear friend, that's marked many years of precious friendship between us, as a family, and stirs up lots of great memories evertime it's made.

It's a nice moist cake and is so pretty garnished with strawberries (or any berries) in a variety of ways. Again, this is a wonderful recipe to use with those cute little cake pans, allowing the children to mix and pour and bake and frost, and then to happily each embellish--all their own, with blueberries, and/or raspberries, strawberries, nuts, raisins, etc.......

~~Banana Friendship Cake

What you'll need

1/2 cup of butter

1 and 1/2 cups of sugar

2 eggs

2-3 nice ripe bananas, mashed well (I always use about 3 medium)

1/2 cup of buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

3/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of salt

2 1/4 cups of unbleached flour (freshly milled pastry flour is best)

1/2 cup of chopped nuts (if you like nuts--you can use your favorite kind)

Peel, and mash your ripe bananas.

In a large bowl combine:

Butter and sugar, and beat

Add eggs, bananas, and buttermilk.

Beat well with a spoon, or with a mixer for about 2 minutes.

Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour.

Beat until well combined, by hand, or with a mixer for about 2 minutes.

Fold in nuts, if you're using them.

Butter and flour 2 round cake pans (or whatever shape pans you prefer).

Pour batter into your pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes. Do not over bake.

After the cake has sufficiently cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with fruit of your choice. We think it's especially nice with strawberries.

~~Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup of softened butter
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons of vanilla
4 cups of sifted confectioner's sugar

Cream together butter and cream cheese, and stir in vanilla

Add confectioner's sugar a little at a time, beating well until blended.

Today was actually one of the most beautiful days of my life. It was one of those magical, hold it in your heart for always, days, like the day we went to look at the lovely house. It was equally special for Julia and Chubb, and I think I took more photos in one day than ever before--many of those being among my favorite I've ever taken. I moved in the direction of sharing about it tonight but very quickly realized that I couldn't do it justice in the short time I had available to me, to post. So, I've decided to save it to share on Monday. I think you guys will enjoy it so much, too.

We spent a wonderfully lovely day away, today, and will be rising very early to make another day trip to look at one more house, and property, tomorrow. We hadn't anticipated going again so soon, but this house (one among many we have looked at the listing for) does look as though it might be a good possibility (the best of two so far). Both Big Papa and I think it wise to go and check it out, and we are hoping to go through the (favored :o) first house, again. Maybe, maybe not--we'll see.

So, I probably won't be posting, tomorrow, and by the time I got everything squared away and everyone tucked into bed, tonight, I've only had a chance to go over everyones beautiful sharing in notes and emails, once--what sweet treasures they were, and am looking forward to loading the page(s) (the blog and comments and my email) and taking my laptop with me tomorrow morning on my trip, when I can kick back and drink in every single hello and precious word that you shared about your own lives. What dear beautiful women you are. I can't wait to re-read your notes, and hope to respond, to each one, soon as time allows. If I do pop in, tomorrow, it will just be for a quick hello. But it's a long trip and by the time I get the little ones snugged in bed, I am so tired that I'm usually crawling in right after. So, I'll *probably see* you again, on Sunday :o)

I hope that your day was lovely. Thanks once again for the very priceless sharing of your hearts and your lives. Thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers. I'll look forward to sharing the special blessings of today, with you all, on Monday.

Lovingly, your sister and friend, Jewels

P.S. Joseph made this lovely and delicious cake, above, today. What a friend, and what a friendship cake! Mmmmm :o)

Feathered friends

A Simply Lovely Life

One of the things we've especially enjoyed as a family has been feeding and watching the many birds, that make their home in our neck of the woods.

Something so simple as a bird's breakfast table that we had set up just outside our dining room window, for years, spread with a feast of various bird fancies, coconut shell halves ladened with a mixture of delicacies hanging from it's sides, drew countless birds each morning, just within our happy view, where we would likewise enjoy our own breakfast, often with binoculars in hand, and/or sketchbook at our side/s.

Many are the nests that have been built in the andromeda or rhodadendren, just beneath and to the sides of the very same windows. Each year we've eagerly anticipated and awaited the sightings of the first robins, the blue birds, and the hummingbirds, and have never been met with disappointment.

Though everyone in our family has a love for ornithology to some degree, it has always held a special fascination for Chubb and Julia, who have enjoyed a good number of things, as a team.

Well, one year, Chubb, deciding to embark upon a solo venture, gathered together precious money that he had been gifted for his birthday, and bought himself a special present--something that he'd been eyeing for a good long while in the "Birds and Blooms" magazine......."Bill Bird in Hand". Perhaps some of you are familiar with, Bill :o) If not, let attempt to paint somewhat of a picture for you, however inadequately I'm able to do so. Bill was basically the cardboard form of a man, the size of a man (and though Chubb was about 9 years old at the time,in the end, as you will see, he did succeed in fooling the birds :o).

The idea was to dress Bill up in your own clothing (or in Chubb's case, his father's) and then get him comfortably situated in your least obtrusive outdoor chair. Once solidly situated (so any strong gusts of wind wouldn't blow him over and out of it) you placed a cap upon his head, positioned his arms and hands in a way least threatening and most inviting to the birds, and placed a goodly amount of the birdseed of your choice in the palms of his hands. Bill sat perfectly still for but a few hours and we excitedly watched as some of the birds began to land right near, if not on him.

By the second day the birds were not only comfortable with, but quite fond of Bill and spent a great deal of time perched here and there on his person, gobbling up the bounty he generously held out to them.

The plan was that Bill would do all the work of sitting (motionless for days) not only acquainting himself with all the birds, but tying heartstrings (by faithfully feeding them good things) and winning their trust. Then, unbeknownst to the birds, you (again, in this case, Chubb) would carefully remove Bill from his chair and quietly slip into, in his place.

Phase two--Chubb disguises himself as Bill :o)

On about the 5th day, Chubb, according to instruction, dressed up as nearly as possible to Bill, popped Bill's hat atop his head and headed out to take up residence in Bill's chair. Having wisely fortified himself with a good warm breakfast (as this was in the dead of winter) he settled in for his short bit of a wait and the merry excitement that was to soon follow. Meanwhile, the rest of us were inside with our noses pressed hard against the windows, watching and waiting to see if Chubb had wasted his money, or no. Though it took all he had to sit as still as Bill and it was terribly hard not to look or laugh knowing full well that all your relatives were gaping and gawking at you from the window...........

And, in the end, success, success!!, Sure enough-- just like the book (that came with good ole Bill :o) had said, we watched in wide-eyed amazement, as Chubb become the red-hot-landing-spot, for seemingly every bird in the neighborhood! It was one of the most pleasurable moments our lives and life as a family to see Chubb with birds landing all over him, perched on his head, eating right out of his hands! Our beloved Chubb, the Bird Man!

Well, the bird love has continued on through the years (though admittedly not everyone has pursued it to the degree that Chubb and Bill did), and this year one of our sweet joys was having the loveliest couple--Mr. and Mrs. Barn Swallow, take up residence, build a nest, make it their home, hatch and raise their babies in the eaves under our front porch. Julia has been taking photos of them over the past few weeks. You can see a bit of the progression of the amazing process in her photos, here.

Building the nest. The male.

Pressing the pine needles, grasses and twigs, down into the mud.

The female.

Newly-hatched babies.

And, a few of those lovely cloud photos that I was able to capture on Sunday :o)











A full and busy day, today. A big pizza party tonight and I am good and tired out! All is quiet and still. One last peek at everyone before crawling into bed, myself.
I hope you had a lovely day, too.

Warmly, Jewels

Learning all through life

A Simply Lovely Life

We have always home educated the children, and both Big Papa, and I, have been immeasurably grateful for the privilege of this blessed adventure. Our oldest, Wesley, will soon be 22, the next Rosie, is soon to be 21, following Rosie is James, who just turned 19, yesterday (and we'll be celebrating his birthday, tomorrow) next is Joseph, who is 17, Julia, is 15, Chubb--13, Nicholai--7, Sophia--5, Aimaija--3, and Celeisa, is nearly 17 months.

We've truly marveled from the beginning, at the diverse personalities and bents; interests, giftings, strengths and abilities among our children. Learning has been, and continues to be, a natural, rich, full, and rewarding, way of life for us and for the children.

We have a gentle rhythm to our days and though there is always a buzz of activity from morning until nightfall, there is much peace and sweetness within our home and the relationships that we share. 

God has been, and continues to be, so faithful to us, as we've looked to Him to guide and direct us; showing us what to embrace, what to set aside and what to entirely let go of, and when. He has given us wisdom specific to each child's needs throughout the ever changing seasons of their precious lives; infancy, toddlerhood, youth, young adult and adulthood. Above all, and primarily, He has given us love--to overflowing--that finds great pleasure and enjoyment in them as people, and in friendship with them--each one--and in return, each of them with us, and one another.

My part in home educating the children has really been at it's foundation, an extension of my relationship and best friendship with God. As He has loved and parented me, day-by-day, through time set apart with Him; in His beautiful Word, in prayer, worship and praise each day, I have thus allowed Him to love and parent my children, through me.  He has been and continues to be so kind to always give me enough for myself, with plenty to wash over into the minds and hearts of my dear sweet children, as well.

I saw early on, that apart from Him I would be prone to follow the crowd or adhere rigidly/or perhaps even in part (in place of true intimacy and seeking and gathering, with and from, this loving, personal, God, that says if we lack wisdom--and simply ask, Him, He will freely give.), to a certain group, curriculum, or author/s, looking to people to tell me what to do, rather than getting fresh, new life abundant, and the myriad riches that it holds in all it's lovely splendor, every single day. Riches specially tailored for me, for each unique child individually, and our family as a whole, directly from Him.

I know that God lives and loves through people, and I'm not saying that support, curriculum, or books, are wrong, but I have found that on the outside it can seem, amidst the busyness of daily life, far easier to get advice, support, and encouragement from people or a group, or even from our own human reasoning, rather than from God-- who made us, knows us and loves us, and each of our children, far more than any other could ever hope to. There is not anything or anyone, that can *take the place* of intimacy with God Himself. Life; love, joy, and peace flood our homes supernaturally, as we spend intimate time in relationship, with God, allowing Him to take and carry the many burdens of this life for us, hold us close and love us, as only He can.

I'd like to share with you one of the small, though at the time, (and maybe even more so, in time), meaningful things, that the Lord has prompted us to do over the years with the children. It's just one example of the many simple little things that have made learning a natural joy and delight, for the children, and for us, resulting in memories made, that can be shared and enjoyed for generations. I thought it might be something that some of you, if you don't already, might enjoy doing with your own dear children and/or grandchildren.

His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Let Him hold you close and love you and those dearest to you, through you. Ask Him to breathe His life into your home, fresh and new every single day. He is love. He has a sweet servant's heart. He is kind, caring, gentle, wise and endlessly creative. He desires beautiful, beautiful, things for our families, far more than we could ever hope or dream or desire them for ourselves.

I have always encouraged the children to make many of their own beginning readers, and readers and storybooks for their siblings. These are samplings from a few of the many books that have been made by the children over the years.

Trust me when I say, that they won't seem nearly so *simple* years down the road, as they do at the time of their making. Especially when you've made your way a good long distance *down* that road, and find yourself looking back over the many miles covered--often times as though looking through a veil of heavy fog--only to realize that the lovely scenery (with all it's many sights, smells, and sounds), passed you by far more quickly than you ever dreamed that it would have, or even could have. Yet somehow it did. Any and all of **the memories**, simple and seemingly insignificant at the time though they may be, of life and love, will be the true treasures that you will hold especially dear, and cherish the very  most. Trust me. You too, will find, that it's really so very true  ;o)





























































Thanks so much for taking the time to come by.
And thank-you, again, for your many kind words, sweet friendship, and encouragement.
Warmly, Jewels

Pleasant Peasantry

A Simply Lovely Life

While Rosette, Chubb, and I headed out to go shopping with the little ones, today, Julia stayed behind--with James and Joseph, who were busy with projects of their own, and settled in to do some more sewing--this time for herself.

Using this pattern she made a cute peasant top, and using this pattern, she made a simply sweet, linen skirt with a flounce. Having traced off her pattern and washed all of her fabric last night, she had everything prepared and ready to go, this morning.

After we had gone, she pinned the pattern pieces to her fabric, got the pieces cut out, and had everything completely sewn by the time we arrived back home in the late afternoon. These were the trial runs/or muslins, which are firstly sewn to make sure that everything is just the right size and way she'd like it to be. She'll make just a couple of changes to the blouse, as the skirt, for the others to follow that she plans to make.



I've been asked where we purchase most of our fabrics. When we do purchase them (as a great deal of our lovely fabric has often been gifted to us by kind friends) we have a wonderful fabric shop that has nice fabrics at heavily discounted prices, as well as our regular local fabric stores which is where I will most times go, to get what I need if it's in our "personal fabric store", upstairs :o) It is nice to be able to actually see the colors and patterns of the fabrics in real life, as well as feel the weight and drape, to gauge the quality and what it would best be suited for. Most times, we're matching fabrics, as well, so it's helpful to be able to have, let's say, a skirt fabric in hand, and then quickly scan for the possible options among the myriad choices that it might be nice partnered with it. We have many times purchased fabric online as well , and there are some incredible sources.

Thankfully, since Julia needed new skirts and some new blouses to go with them, JoAnne's Fabrics had one of their great sales going on (which is still presently running, for anyone that's interested). Linen, our particular favorite for skirts, was/and is, 40% off, and all the quilting cottons that we chose for her blouses, were/and are, 30% off. So, that worked out wonderfully well. Also, for those that are looking for patterns, all of the Butterick Patterns are, as I type, 99 cents each.

Though you can't tell very well, due to the lighting in the photos, the linens for the skirts are black, blue, natural, and chocolate brown. Though the blues do have a hint of purplish to them, they are not nearly as purple as they came out looking in the photos. Then she has an assortment of pretty cotton prints that she'll be sewing up her new blouses from.



Kelly asked about  a sturdy, full coverage apron pattern, so for Kelly and anyone that's interested, here are a couple of patterns that we found for aprons, just recently, that were Butterick patterns and are on sale right now for 99 cents each. Both can be made of nice sturdy fabric, and have good coverage; this one, a Butterick See and Sew pattern, is a basic cobbler apron and more on the utilitarian side, while this one, is a bit more feminine and soft, and can be somewhat frilly. Both would be easy to make. There are *many* apron patterns to choose from, and we particularly like vintage apron patterns. Nice sturdy practical aprons are super easy to make without a pattern, both full and half, but it might be best for someone beginning to just find a nice pattern that you like and go from there. And remember, most of the main brands of patterns go on sale for 99 cents each, on occasion. So, you can wait until the pattern you like does go on sale, if it isn't presently. It's really worthwhile to get the store's sale fliers. JoAnne's gives you a coupon in their monthly flier that is good for 40%, or is it 50% off of one item, which can be a piece of fabric--any length.

Many of you have asked me a good number of sewing questions, and I'll try and share any helpful information that I can think of along the way, as I share our completed projects. For us, it seems the best way to go has been to get a couple of simple patterns, some fabric and do our very best at any given point, and wear our unique creations, proudly, even if/or when, they didn't come out as well perhaps as we would have liked. You'll for surely get better and better with each garment that you sew, and those imperfections, will only serve to add character and visual interest!

Skirts and peasant blouses are very easy to make, as are the little jumpers, pinafores and bloomers that Julia made and I shared about in a recent post. For those that have asked how I have taught the girls to sew---you are watching Julia, who is 15 continuing on in the process of learning to sew--by sewing for her little sisters and Josie, and for herself. By the time she's finished with her summer wardrobe from the fabrics above, she will have gained so much proficiency in her skill level as well as her confidence, and found much pleasure in doing so. This is the same way that Rosie learned to sew--simple projects, nice fabrics, practical, everyday things that they can actually wear and/or see someone else wearing and be proud of. Any of you dear mamas can do it, and teach your sweet daughters soon after you have just a bit of experience under your belt. The children and I have truly enjoyed learning things together, over the years. And, now they are far better at many of the things I initially sparked their interest in, than I am!

And for the flower lovin' gals..... a couple of photos of the latest blossoms in the garden.

Big Papa's lily garden--planted as a gift for him for Father's Day some years ago, is just beginning to bloom.



And the white phlox





I hope everyone's day was wonderful. Ours was so nice--the sun was shining in all it's glory, here, this first lovely day of Summer.

Warmly, your friend, Jewels.

The way of friendship. The way of love.

A Simply Lovely Life.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10



Acquiring skill and developing proficiency, at the hand of a patient, faithful, friend.

Drinking from a straw.

A Friends Greeting

I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me;
I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be;
I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day
As you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way...

Edgar Guest

A friend loveth at all times.....

Proverbs 17:17

May your day be especially beautiful

A Simply Lovely Life.

Lots of sweet, early morning, mama's day love from the Littles.....

Happy Day, Beloved Mother Hearts

A Simply Lovely Life.

I am more thankful, than any words could ever express, for the priceless gift of each of my children. I love being their mother. I love motherhood. I treasure what I consider to be my greatest possession, as a woman--the gift of a mother's heart. And, whether I had children, or no, I would treasure it, still.

God in His goodness, has created each woman, whether she be blessed with the gift of children of her own, through birth and/or adoption, or no, with a mother's heart. Some of the most nurturing, gentle, kind and caring women that I know, have not been blessed with children. Many women, for various reasons have been unable to have as many children as their heart's may have desired and longed for.

What would the world be, without the tender mothering hearts of women, for God to live and love through? My heart aches to think of it. Young and old, male and female, all are in need of, and if not readily, in time, respond to, the beautiful mother heart of God's love, expressed in and through, a woman.

I am so thankful for my own sweet, soft, kind, gentle-spirited mama, Judy. I love her so, and am so grateful that God gave me to her. The older I get, the more I see how influenced I was, and am, by her modeling of womanhood, wife-hood, motherhood, homemaking, and the living and loving of life, overall.

I'm thankful, too, for the thoughtful, caring, giving mother, that God so graciously blessed me with, through my marriage to Big Papa, Pat. And, am so grateful that God gave her to me. I know I am different person than I would have been without her unconditional friendship, acceptance, and loving influence in my life.

I have not one, but two, beautiful mothers. I have grown and learned so much from the love poured out upon me, by God, through the lovely mother's hearts of both of these women.

I'm very thankful for the one that came to be my precious oldest daughter, through her marriage to my son, Wesley-- Claire, whose passionate, devoted mother's heart is wide-open to receiving and loving children. It has brought me immeasurable pleasure and joy, to watch her faithfully love and nurture her little ones. Though she had no younger siblings, and never really babysat even, her God-given, mother's heart, has known just what love would do, and done it. Josie and her little sibling/s will grow, blossom, and thrive, as God lives and loves them, through their beautiful little mama. How I thank the Lord for the gift of her--for them, and for us.

And, I'm immeasurably thankful, for my darling older daughters, Rosie and Julia--who daily say, "yes", to God, allowing Him to freely lavish His gentle, kind, caring, comforting, encouraging, understanding, friendly, servant-hearted, mother love, on each one in our family. This has been one of the greatest gifts and joys of my life, for which I am unspeakably grateful. I pray that God may one day bless them with children of their own, through birth and/or adoption, to raise in love, if and as He sees fit, in His time.

For each one of you dear beautiful ones, that I am so blessed to know--with children of your own, or perhaps presently/perhaps forever, without--I'd like to thank-you, and wish you a happy Mother's Day.  I have been the recipient of such immense, tender love, from your hearts that have said, "yes", again and again and again, to allowing God to reach out and touch, not just me and mine, but each one in need of the love of a mother's heart---everyone, everywhere.

Happy mother's day, each treasured one, blessed by God, with the profoundly life-transforming gift, of a mother's heart.

I hope your mother's day is truly special.

A lovely short-stemmed bouquet, from Aimaija to me, to you.

For the curious---that's pizza sauce on the flower girl's mug; smudged on her little face and nose. I love grubby little faces at the end of the day, just before tub time. Very cute!

Lovingly, Mama Jewels

Green, my favorite color

A Simply Lovely Life

Working. Working. Working away, here at the homestead. Perfect weather, lots of good food and good fellowship, though (sorry to say) it looks as though there may be no nap, today. The yellow cottage, is by degrees, getting spruced up, decked out, and going green. The change is good. I like it.

The littlest lady in the house

A Simply Lovely Life.

One particular aspect of mothering a considerable number of children, that I've truly found fascinating, is the fact that the younger children learn so much from their older siblings (for good or for ill, mind you--it is true--either way). Vast amounts of knowledge, propensity towards, development and command, of-- habits, formation of character, all seem to be osmotically communicated, comprehended, and ultimately transmitted by and through the older children, on into the younger, without conscious thought or effort, on either part.

Understanding this, I so appreciate the fact that, that all of the time required to love; nurture, listen to, care for, extend understanding to, discipline, train and truly appreciate and enjoy our children, is never in vain, but in fact, comes back to us one-hundred-fold, in our children, and through our children. What goes around, does eventually come around. Yes, to us, but not to us, alone--it's multiplied in the most wondrously fascinating way.

What begins as determination, hard work, sacrifice and a resolute commitment to continue on by God's grace, on the part of the parents of young children, takes root, blossoms and grows--bearing fruit in sweetness in relationships, reaching far beyond those in whom the initial investment is made.

It makes it's way to the younger children, through the older, and on and on, from one young adult and/or adult sibling towards another, from aunts and uncles to neices and nephews, from cousin to cousin, and in fluid continuity, on it grows and goes....the circle widens, by God's amazing design.

The time invested reaps unimaginable rewards, simply, naturally, seemingly effortlessly a good deal of the time. God's fruit, in God's way--by His Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control-- in God's time. So well worth sowing. So well worth waiting for. Sweet fruit, in abundance.

The littlest lady in our house, following in her older sibling's footsteps. Developing one of those wonderful habits that will procure her many hours of happy contentment along life's way--doing work with a sweet attitude and joyful heart. Pitching in doing what needs being done. Folding her own diapers :o)

Feelin' a bit under the weather

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

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.

Embracing what presently matters the most, again and again...

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

It's a mystery, that a child can be all brightness and cheer at the close of one day, only to awaken rosy-cheeked, droopy and feverish the next.

Such was the case with Celeisa on Sunday evening, and mid-morning on Monday. Fine on Sunday. Feverish, cryish, sleepy, and wanting nothing but to be held and nursed by mama, by Monday afternoon. Which by and by resulted in a nice long deep sleep.





I find it likewise mysterious, that that within one person, namely, a mother, could reside two such distinctly opposed natures. The one, so sensitive and acutely attuned to sickness, discomfort, suffering of the body or heart, that it would tend to shrink back, in hesitancy, lest it by any chance cause further discomfort or pain--as though tending to a fragile wounded bird, a butterfly with a damaged wing.

While the other, diametrically opposed to the first, responds seemingly without thought, effort or restraint, rising to the occasion with astounding rapidity. Swift and fearless. Rock solid strength. Knowing just what do to, what to say, how to be--as though the one being tended to, is merely an extension of themselves.

How I treasure my priceless possession, the gift, of a mother's heart.

While all the other children busied themselves outside; planting some lettuces, peas, radishes, and spinach, in the garden: working on tractors: jumping on the trampoline: playing Little House, I remained inside, indulgently tending to sweet Celeisa.

Ah the joy, in holding her close, nursing her, loving her, while she wasn't feeling well. I sat quietly aside, drinking her in, while she slept. Her soft beauty inside, the joyous sounds of all the other children, finding simple pleasure--outside.

The house was more than a bit discombobulated, as I laid all aside to be with my baby, and the others made their way outside to give her quiet, in which to rest. But, there was love, for us all. Love filled our day. And for me, the day was magical. Perhaps, I think, it held the same magic for the rest of them, as well. Even Celeisa, whose small, vulnerable, dependent heart and frame will tuck away the events of the day, that will translate into, love--the giving of it, from the receiving of it--in the not too distant future--and will be carried along, deep inside of her, all the days of her life.

A day in early Springtime

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

We had the most delightful day on Saturday. We got up early and the girls and I busied ourselves inside, cleaning all around--working away, fast as we could, so that we could take a quick spin around the neighborhood, to stop by a few yard sales, and then get back home to enjoy the incredibly lovely weather.

The boys lent us a hand, and then headed out to begin to do some badly needed mending, on the front porch, with Big Papa.

So, once we had things fairly squared away, the gals and I loaded up the littlest love bugs--Celeisa and Aimaija, to go along treausure hunting with us. The two next in line--Nicholai and Sophia, stayed back with Big Papa and the older fellas, to get in on the action with the front porch. Well, we only made it to a few yard sales, but believe it or not, most of what we were blessed to find, was at just one of them. A dear gal was going through her mother's things and a good number of those that she was parting with, found a new home and new life, here with us.

Just a few of the many treasures that we found....

13 vintage aprons--sewn by her mother. $3.00, for all 13 of them.

A washboard

Apron number one, good and dirty. Give it a good scrubbing, after first donning apron number two.

Vintage Baby Bathe-A-Lot. Brand-new, in it's box--$1.00. Which made Aimaija very, very, happy. Baby, got good and dirty throughout the lovely long afternoon, and hopped in the tub with her mama (who had likewise gotten good and dirty throughout the lovely long afternoon) at the close of the day.

A vintage drying rack, for the wall--$7.00

A non-electric food processor brand new--$6.00

And this nifty chair, just like my grandparents had, in excellent shape, for $1.00.

The day was practically perfect in every way; sunny and simple, hard work and relaxation, good food and good company, good finds put to good use. A truly beautiful day.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too. And, I hope your Monday is especially nice--the fresh beginning of a brand new week. Put on your apron, and roll up your sleeves. A little work inside, a little work outside. Some reading, some writing, some cooking, some sewing. The garden. Bird song in the morning. Sunshine and fresh air. Lovely sunset at the close of the day. The moon and the stars--soft and quiet, in the dark of the night.

Thanks for comin' by.
Lovingly, Jewels

Drawn to create

Dear littlest artist at work.

Delighting in her very first. Looking forward to the many, many, more to come.

Celeisa, early morning inspiration--for her, and for us all.







Enjoy the warming, embracing, invigorating, inspiring, SUNshine--nearly too good to be true. We're scurrying to do all that needs doing, on the in-side, so that we can quickly make our way to the out-side, and linger there, as long as possible.

Jewels

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

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

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)

Do you have time for cookies and milk?

A Simply Lovely Life.

Julia and Chubby's Quick and Easy

Peanut butter, Chocolate Chip, and Oatmeal

Friendship Cookies



One and a half cups white sugar

One and a half cups brown sugar

Two and a quarter cups (one-full 18 oz. jar) of peanut, almond, or cashew butter

Two teaspoons vanilla

Cream together sugars, nut butter, and vanilla

In a separate bowl, beat four eggs, and add them to the creamed mixture



A>

Stir well, or blend in a mixer.

Add three-to-four cups of chocolate chips or carob chips (1 1/2 to 2 12 oz. bags)

And, if desired, one-to-two cups of chopped walnuts



Combine in separate bowl:

Two-to-two and a half cups of flour (freshly ground if you have a mill), and always start with two cups

Two teaspoons of baking powder

One teaspoon of salt (optional. If you use salted nut butter, you don't need to add it)



Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and combine

Lastly, (gradually) add in three-to-three and a half cups of oats. You can use quick or rolled oats (always begin with three cups, as it's usually enough)



If you're not using a mixer, you'll have to mix in the oatmeal with your hands. We like how the cookies come out, better, if we mix them by hand. The consistency of the dough seems to be nicer. Dough should stay, together, and just barely stick to your hands when fully mixed. (you don't want it to be too dry, and will get a feel for the best amounts after you've made up a few batches). Adjust amounts of oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips, to suit your taste.



Form dough into balls about one--to--one and a half inches in diameter. Place balls on buttered baking sheet, spaced a bit apart, as they will spread slightly.





Bake at 375 degrees for 5-10 minutes, depending on size of balls and moisture of your cookie dough--again, you'll get a feel for what you like best after you've whipped up your first few batches. They should be a bit brown on the bottom, but only barely-browned on top.

Cookies are done when they're barely-browned and lightly-set. They'll be quite soft, and may not look entirely done when you take them out, but they'll firm up a bit, really quickly. If you let them bake too long ('til they really *look* good and done, out of the oven), they will be good to use as ammunition!

And there you have it--a few chores--dishes, laundry, making beds, picking up rooms, vacuuming, taking care of the animals, etc.... Devotions, a little reading, a little writing, some history, geography, and math. Scalloped potatoes and ham hot out of the oven for lunch. A little bit of Little House on the Prairie--Farmer Boy, and few of Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories, before curling up snug and cozy for a nice long nap, and by and by, cookies just out of the oven, with creamy cold milk--fresh from the farm.....aaahhh, maybe we'll get up, and do it all over again, tomorrow. Yes, I do believe we will :o)





If you get a chance to make them, I hope you enjoy them, too.



You have a wonderful day.

Lovingly, Jewels

Here at the Homestead

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

Things have been especially quiet this past week, as we've had a stomach bug making it's way through the family. Thankfully, only one or two people at a time have had it and everyone else has been able to pitch in and care for them and take over doing the extra things that have needed being done. On the downside, it takes a good long while for something to make it's way through the family when just about everyone's getting it, one or two at a time. Hopefully by this weekend, or the beginning of next week, we'll all be good as new, again.

Though quieter than usual, due to the sickness, the days are still full and busy. Seems everyone has a project going on, of some sort or another.

Yesterday, James and Joseph spent a good part of the afternoon working on the roof of the cottage, for Big Papa. They're hoping that they got everything squared away, there. Big Papa is, too. I'm so proud of the boys. They're such hard workers, and so self-motivated and ambitious. Both of them are up bright and early every morning, and out delivering papers, together. They're back by breakfast time, and then after chores and devotions are busy with schoolwork, reading, etc... pretty much the rest of the morning. Their afternoons are always a flurry of activity, this time of year, it's seems. It always makes me happy to see them get a nap in, at some point during the day, when they're able, or just zonk out while reading a book, because they're good and tired out. It's funny how your sons can be nearly six feet tall, or more (able to kiss you on the top of your head) and you can still see the image of them newly-born, or as a toddler, or a ten year old, in their precious faces. It's really special having three adult sons. But I do have to say, it's wonderful still having two young, men in the making here, too. It kind of slows things down and softens the transition, for me, as a mother. Where does the time go?? It seems I've blinked my eyes five times, and four of my children have made their way to adulthood, and I have another beautiful daughter, in Claire. You can never imagine time could pass by so quickly, til you've passed through it and are standing looking a-way back behind you, yet it still seems like yesterday. Curious thing.



Rosie and Julia have been busy sewing. They've made a few skirts, a couple of aprons, a jumper. We have been so incredibly blessed in the fabric department, lately. Our dear friend, Heather, gave us some wonderful stuff---and lots of it! So, we've been delightedly diving into that--Thanks Heath :o)

And, a fabric store fairly near to us had a fire, and closed down. We drove by on our way to get milk one day, and were disappointed when we realized that they were gone! A couple of weeks ago, we were out grocery shopping and happened to stumble upon the place that they've relocated to--hurray! So, Rosie and I took a quick peek inside at what they had, but didn't find anything that particularly suited our fancy.

On our way out, I was having a nice chat with the lovely woman that works there and does upholstering out of the shop, and she began to tell us all the details about the fire (which thankfully was in the ceiling and merely amounted to smoke damage to their shop and fabric). It began in the very early morning, while she, a real early bird, happened to be there --and thus able to catch it (as in, call the fire dept. to come put it out), and save all of their inventory. She also mentioned that they had a sale loft--upstairs, with all the fabric from the old shop, and that it was on sale for $1.25 a yard. She said they were selling it all at that price, because had been in the building that the fire was in, and might have the slightest hint of a smoke smell to it. Well, Rosie and I were able to quickly go through everything (which was all laid out neatly on table after table-full) and get lots of great fabric, for dresses for the Littles and aprons, etc.....and none of it smells at all like smoke. I'm just so grateful to the Lord for watching out for us and providing in that way.

This said, we're gearing up for a big up and coming, sewing spritz--warm weather frocks, smocks, and bloomers for Sophia and Aimaija, some pants for Nicholai, and some more skirts and aprons for Julia, Rosie and Mama.



I'm listening to a Robin sing outside my window, while I type. One of the very most special gifts of the morning, yes?--birdsong. It's beautiful. It was nice and warm, yesterday, we were able to get some sheets hung out on the line, in the fresh air and sunshine. And, those that were feeling well, enjoyed the afternoon, outside, mainly putsing around in the gardens and getting things all comfy-cozy-like, in the little ones playhouse--Little House, for them. Have I ever mentioned that sometimes I feel like we've read the Little House on the Prairie series so many times in this family, that we have somehow, by close association, *become* The Little House on the Prairie. I think it may have all began, away back with Caroline and Charles. Whatdayathink?? Hmm... (starry-eyed), maybe that means I *will* eventually get that woodcookstove, one day, and that treadle sewing machine......

The latest and greatest delight of the little ones is typing on the electric typewriter, that one of the boys brought in from the cottage. I guess typewriters have always been a hot item around here, over the years. Well, the latest crop of typists have been really busy, laboriously hunting and pecking out, "story" after "story"! We've got some seriously *creative/unusual/interesting* writing, going on, here. I had to smile when one of them simply, typed out the entire alphabet, and then typed the word elfubit, beneath it. Oh, I do love watching the children blossom and grow. They learn at such an incredibly fast rate when they're young, and have such an insatiable love for learning and creating, don't they. It's amazing.



Yes, children are so much fun. Yesterday, Nicholai took a stick about a foot long and carved it and sanded it, and made me a knife. It's so nice, a real beauty! I said, "hey!, I can tuck that right over here (as in on my desk) and use it as a letter opener!" and he got a real solemn look on his face, kind of scrunched up his nose, acted like he hadn't really heard me, and said........"this knife would be really good for chopping up vegetables in the kitchen", I smiled to let him know we were now on the same page, and said, "yes, I'll be chopping up vegetables with it, tomorrow, in the kitchen. I can't wait to try it out".

Well, I hope that each one of you have an especially lovely day. It's such a magical time of year--Spring. I can't wait to see what's poking it's head out of the ground, today.

Lovingly, Jewels

Spring is playing hide and seek

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

The day's been a little on the dark and drizzly side. We've even had some hail. Big excitement for the Littles. But, we know that Spring isn't gone forever--merely ducking her lovely head back in, to insure that we appreciate her all the more, during the fleeting time she comes to stay. And she's right, we will.

Meanwhile, we busy ourselves a tad longer with the humble goings on of the winter cottage, as we content ourselves inside, yet a few days more:

The soft glow of candles, music playing, curling up on the couch and reading away the afternoon, will all too soon give way to the time. I can't wait to witness, one more time, everything that makes it's home in the earth, awakening from it's long Winter's slumber and bursting forth in new life. God, the amazing artist, at His awe-inspiring best.

Chubb Julia, and Joseph are in the quiet, laid back mode, hard at work, studying. James is working diligently on something out back in the shed....







Sophia--5 and Aimaija--3 are still proudly rallying 'round little Celeisa--newly 1, one on either side, walking her all around the house. They know she'll soon spread her wings and fly--to the world of wonderment, that lies just beyond the back door-- her first ever Spring and Summer, no longer on Mama's side (or front, or back) being carried, walking and exploring on her own. And they're makin' good and sure, she's ready.





I had an especially nice nap with the little ones, who'd tired themselves right out with a busy morning of their lively work and play. Oh, how I do love the feeling of having to prop my eyes open, as I read the last couple of Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories and the chapter or two of Little House (we're on Farmer Boy, right now), drifting away into the sweetest of sleeps, curled up warm, beside my smallest treasures. Thank-you God, for the gift of my precious children, from the oldest to the youngest, and sweetest Josie and the littlest, Love Bug--nestled inside Claire. Big Papa and I could never thank You enough for sharing them, with us. How we love You for it.

Rosie's busying herself where she so enjoys being--in the kitchen, making bean paste, fresh gingerale and salsa, while a roast with mushrooms, onions, and stewed tomatoes with freshly made beef broth cooks away in the oven. The smell is filling the house....wafting out the back door. It's even got the ducks and chickens pokin' around on the back porch!

Big Papa's away until later tonight, so the evening surely won't be as fun as usual, pretty much just a continuation of our quiet day, today. We'll miss him. And, he'll surely miss the wonderful dinner that we'll be enjoying in his absence! But, the good news is, for him, there's always enough left over, for tomorrow's lunch!

I hope you're all very well; enjoying the gift of each precious one in your family, and the safe haven, and peaceful rest, of home.
Sending much love your way, Jewels

From sunrise to sunset.....

A Simply Lovely Life.

other than naptime, things are usually a-buzz, here around the hive. It really is such a delight to get to spend each day with children of all different ages, in various seasons of their lives, and stages of development. There are just a gazillion things that, though I live to be one hundred, I would absolutely never tire of seeing.

Celeisa has gone head-over-heels for sitting and looking at her picture board books, by herself, just in the past couple of weeks.

She's been spurred on by all her big readin' compadres, who have been faithfully luggin' her up onto the couch and amusing her with their wide-eyed enthusiasm and animation.

Well, she then advanced to dragging *them* over to the couch to lug her up, to read her her books,

to now being able to crawl up into her rocking chair and simply do a little pointing and a little squawking, to get her book basket hauled on over beside her, so she can dig in, all by her lonesome.

Very sweet indeed, the entire process and worthy of an endless number of repeats, in the humble opinion, and over the course, of, this ole' gals life.






And, while the older children were growing up, I managed to coax, perhaps more than my fair share, of good natured help out of them, by convincing them that they were--of all things--The Helper Mice :o)

They'd all hide soon as they heard me announce it was time to clean up (part of the game, okay) and then I'd set to yodeling this simple little song I made up--to the tune of "The Farmer In The Dell"-- numerous verses to give them all a chance to come out of hiding and begin to shake a leg helpin' me out (and proving what wonderfully helpful, Helper Mice they were). Truly, it was lots of fun.

Well, I happen to be twice blessed and am now on my second batch of Helper Mice--in Nicholai, Sophia, Aimaija, and soon enough Celeisa (though presently, she's just a mess *maker*).

I do have to admit, that the helpfulness of the Helper Mice, can require some patience, and does call forth the visionary in me, during those times they hit the scene whirling and swirling around me, doing this, that, and the other thing, like little tornados--a little *too* helpful.

Just the other day was a prime example of just what I'm talking about, resulting in all the Littles (aka The Helper Mice) being banished to the living room, each deposited in their own spot and given a good book to read, while the older children and I zoomed around and did what needed being done.

Nicholai hollered out from the living room, "Mama!....why can't the Helper Mice come and help??" And I hollered back, "Be*cause* it was obvious to me that it was the Helper *RATS* that were doing all the work, so we'll just continue right along, and you Mice can stay put, right where you are, til we're done!".

But, those Helper Mice, in training, wheww!! They are incredibly helpful, when they're helpful! And, helpful or no, we've gotta admit, they're awfully cute....





And, of course, we know the real fun that begins when Big Papa gets home, only gets better as the days grow longer and warmer, and you get to head on outside, help him build a fire, then make your own dinner, right??

I am so enjoying the advent of Spring. I've beeen busy cleaning away with all my Mrs. Meyers Clean Day , good stuff.

Which if you're interested, you can see and order at her website:

mrsmeyers.com

You can click on this link in my side bar, also.

Mrs. Meyers is, herself, mama to 10, now grown, children. She initially developed these products to use in her own home. They're non-toxic and w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. If you're looking for an alternative to chemically based cleaning products, this would be a delightful place to start. They are a bit pricey, and we typically (though not rigidly) only use them for the couple of especially big cleaning extravaganza days--usually Saturday, and again, mid-week.

On the other days you can economize by cleaning as our great-grandmothers wisely did in the far off long ago, with the simple, tried and true ingredients of white vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap. The uses for these three ingredients are endless, with great results, posing no hazards to your health.

But, back to the indulgence of Mrs. Meyers.....our particular favorite is her lavender scented line.

Ohh, It's been so nice having the fresh air filling the house through open windows. We have the windows open today, music playing, two big crockpots full of Rosie's delicious pasta sauce, meatballs, and sausage, cooking away on the kitchen counter, for tonight's supper when Big Papa gets home. 

We're gearing up to re-double-dig some of the raised beds, add some more soil to them, and hopefully get some cold weather crops in, real soon; lettuces, spinach, chard, radishes, peas.... I am  so looking forward to getting out in the garden, once again. I think Rosie is even more eager than I am, if that could be possible. It's a joy to have the whole family out in the yard workin' away again--together. Spring and Summer are such a delightful time for the children. It makes my heart sing to watch them savor the sweet pleasures of childhood, right on into adulthood. How I hope they'll carry them with them, to pass along to their own children.

We're also looking to do some more sewing (which may again, be more consulting and over-seeing on my part :o). Another Big Sew Day (or 2 or 3 or 4), to get the warm weather wardrobes squared away for the ladies in the family; some skirts, jumpers, dressses, over-dresses, new aprons and such, for Mama and the older gals, and some frocks and smocks for all the littler ones. I actually seem to kind of head up the hand-sewing/embroidery department, these days, quietly and comfortably perched in my old rocking chair. Though warmer weather permitting, I may soon make the big move to an outside swing, sewing basket in tow :o)

I hope you're enjoying your Spring, as well, and your dear husband, and precious children, and making your house a home.

Why not indulge yourself with some Mrs. Meyers dish soap, abrasive cleanser, window cleaner, a big bar of her soap (there's *lots* more to choose from at her website, and a listing of stores, by state) or your own favorite cleaning supplies, roll up your sleeves, open those windows to let some fresh Springtime air in, get those Helper Mice of yours involved and give the house a good sprucing up, together, before you pull on your mud boots and head out the garden and begin to dig in there :o)

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

~William Morris~

You have a wonderful day.

Lovingly, Jewels

Happy first day of Spring

A Simply Lovely Life.

Well.......for those that didn't guess and may have been wondering, my computer, which had been quite unhappy for some time (and was actually dying a slow and agonizing death--poor thing), .....coughed and sputtered and breathed it's last, on Tuesday the 13th. And, just when I was going to post to the blog, at that!

Many thanks to all of you that wrote and/or called out of concern, and to my dear friend Kelly, who also kindly let me borrow her computer, til I was able to replace mine.

I hope you've all been enjoying a very beautiful first day of Spring. It's absolutely all sunshine and loveliness, here at the homestead. Aaaah, I can almost smell the lilac bouquets that will soon be filling the house. I'm enjoying watching the sparrows busily setting up housekeeping in the birdhouse outside my window--I can tell by their joyous song, that they're feelin' the same way I am about the coming of Spring--lighthearted, fresh, and free.

As I breathe in deeply, welcoming the beauty of new life all around--that is Spring, I thought I'd share some photos, in honor of, and in farewell to, Winter--the time of quiet rest, within and without--with it's short days and long nights, hot soups and warm bread, snowy days of sledding and snowmen, hot chocolate, candlelight, curling up, cozy, with a good story--and perhaps, a beloved friend.....

I walked around the house taking these photos, one right after the other, on one of the last of our lovely Winter afternoons, and got Sophia reading to Aimaija, just out of the tub, and headed for bedtime, at the close of the day......









Hope all is very well, with each of you, and yours.
The Lord bless you, and keep you, each one.

Lovingly, Jewels

The simple joys of childhood.....

A Simply Lovely Life.

catching fireflies, putting them in a jar with holes in the lid--making a lantern

picking dandelion bouquets

you and your three sisters, wrestling and tickle-fighting with your dad, in the living room. him, on his hands and knees, hair all scruffed-up, growling like a big grizzly bear. you, trembling, giggling, jumping up and down, nevertheless, mustering the courage and running in, again and again, for more

getting cracker jacks from your dad--enjoyin' the cracker jacks and diggin' for the prize

going barefoot for the first time in the spring, and all through the summer

your mom playing vintage 78/rpm Strauss albums on the stereo. her being so filled with joy while she listened to the music as it filled the house and her childlike heart

watching your mom dance with your baby sister and thinkin' one day, when you grow up, you're gonna dance the very same, soft, loving way, with your own babies held close

flying kites

wearing seersucker pajamas in the summertime

wearing a fur jumper that matched your sisters, that your mom made--and bein' so proud

swinging on the swingset, with your siblings and your neighborhood friends and singing the afternoon away

being called in for supper, about the same time that all the other neighborhood children were called into their homes for supper, too

doing the dishes as quickly as you could, if it was your night, so you could run back out to play

playing jump rope and chinese jump rope with your friends

playing hopscotch on the sidewalk

rollerskating up and down your neighborhood sidewalks, wearing the metal rollerskates that buckled on with a strap round your ankle, clamped over your toe, and adjusted with a key

the wonderful feeling of lying in the grass in summer, lookin' up at the clouds

feeling free, overflowing with life, running, doing cartwheels and round-offs....

building forts

spending hours in the pool,  til your lips were blue
running through the sprinkler
spraying each other with the hose

baking cakes and cookies and pretzels in an easy bake oven

swinging on the big swings at the playground, going as high as you could, feet reaching to the sky, head laid back, wind blowing through your hair

every summer, going to the hugely wonderful public wading pools, with the mile-high slides in the middle, water spraying into the air.  a huge feast-- a picnic, spread out on the picnic table and blankets and towels to lie down and warm in the sun and dream upon. your skin nut brown, your hair golden.......a way back, when you went to school for a year and had a year off for summer vacation--or so it sure did seem, til you were old enough to know better.

eating popsicles and ice cream cones

making snowcones in your mr. frosty snowcone machine, that you got for Christmas

lying in the hammock, reading a book, drifting away into a dream

blowing bubbles

going to woolworth's with your grandma, eating lunch at the diner, havin' your picture taken in the photo booth, for fifty cents, birds, and fish, and hamsers and mice, upstairs, downstairs, toys, and music. always going home with treasures

riding a two-wheeler for the first time, your dad teachin' you how, and cheerin' you on, running to comfort you, and encourage you to try again, after you've wiped-out in the gravel drive-way

the delight of riding your bike, every year a little further, til you're makin' your way around the neighborhood--and the thrill of getting a brand new one

playing in your dollhouse

a new puppy brought home in your dad's pocket
another new puppy, brought home in a brown paper lunch sack

a new kitten

talking to your dog (and wondering if your dog *could* with enough coaxing and promising not to tell anyone--talk back to you) (if *you didn't* think this or do this, i understand :o)

spending the day and then the night, at your grandma and grandpa's house, with your little sister and your cousin--riding your bike to get there--cause it's only a block away. limberger cheese and smoked fish,  liverwurst, rye bread, home movies, bubble baths in the pink bathtub, wearing your grandma's silky-soft night gown, old books, music, the garden, picking enormous lilac bouquets, sleeping, on the couch, the pull-out bed, or in your grandma's bed--hearing birdsong and smelling bacon cooking in the morning.

spending the night at your grandma and grandpa's house
gathering asparagus along the country roadside, on the way to their house, cooking it up and eating it with butter, soon as you got there.

summer days in arkansas.....
uncle ott and aunt virginia's
eggs and bacon, biscuits, gravy
wooden screen doors creaking on the hinges
porch swings
riding horses
summertime baths in metal washtubs
playing restaurant
big cozy double beds, talking all night with cousins, open windows, cricket song

milking the cow, gathering eggs, swimming in the pond, making butter, watching your grandpa shave--every morning--talking and laughing with him all the while, seeing the sun come up, woods and snakes, and fresh air and love........

making peach ice cream in the hand-cranked ice cream maker at buck moore's house, dressing up in dress-up clothes (dresses, hats, shoes, and purses) and "goin' all over the place", in an old car they had parked out in the field. delicious southern food, southern hospitality, cats and dogs, wishing the day would never end, feelin' like home. night fall, eye-lids heavy, children tucked into a big cozy bed--the big wooden screen door, creaking on it's hinges--drifting off to sleep, til your mom and dad are done with their visiting, and it's time to go--takin' all your magical memories made, safely tucked away--along with you

camping, campfires, roasting hot dogs, making s'mores. eating vienna sausages, drinking instant coffee

eating tomatoes and cucumbers fresh from the garden

thinkin' and dreamin' about what you'll do and who you'll be--when you grow up
who you'll marry one day
and what he'll be like
how many children you'll have
what you'll name them, and who they'll be

playing with playdough

making vegatable soup, with cut up vegetables and water--and eating it, even though it didn't really taste very good

feeding the birds.......





















I hope you enjoy your day, and are able to share your joy with those you love, and everyone else your life touches. I hope you'll be free, to be open, real, truly yourself, with a childlike heart. This day will be unlike any day that ever was, or ever will be--God's gift to you, with countless treasures, everywhere you turn, throughout it--let us not miss them.

Your old pal and fellow treasure seeker, Jewels

It's "taken a village", but guess who's walkin'.....

 A Simply Lovely Life.

May you pass through your day in the merriest way, with as many sweet memories made, and as few regrets, as possible, from all you chose to do and say :o)

I hope your day is filled with peace and joy and love--to overflowing.

With much love for each one of you.
xoxo Jewels

Roses are red, violets are blue, angels in Heaven, know I love you

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

Wednesday will be a celebration day, here in our home, as we celebrate three family birthdays with a Valentine's party!  The children and I have been having fun, spending time together--makin' ready for the big day. 

We've made a special little Valentine's Day post office box, in the shape of a house. It's just a cardboard box, that we've decorated to put all of our Valentine cards that we're making in. It's a pretty big box, cause by the time all's said and done, the little ones will have made *alot* of Valentines--remember it's all about the process!--one right after the other :o)

We're also busy working away on some wool felt crowns for the little ones to wear at the party.  For these we're using some recycled/soon-to-be re-purposed old woolens, that have been felted and dyed and a thick old wool coat.  I love reusing old things to make something new and wonderful!

I sure do find that the children are happiest when they're creating something. It makes a bit of a mess, that's for sure, but the peace and joy that fills the house is so much more than worth it.  A nice breakfast, a pot of soup set to cook on the stove, some music while all the morning chores are being done, all the supplies made ready, makes for merry little hearts (and big ones, too :o) and the fun begins! 

My childlike heart loves to be busy creating, too, and finds so much pleasure in doing so alongside my precious children. The days pass all too quickly, and I want to be able to look back knowing I gave them the gift of my time, not just as a mother meeting their physical needs, but as a friend, that walked with them and talked with them, laughed with them, knew them through and through, and thoroughly enjoyed them along life's way.  How I do so desire to seize each moment I am blessed with, to love and delight in the gift of my children.

Some of my own cherished memories from my childhood are of being  welcomed alongside to watch, or join in, while someone  I loved did or made things with or for me; creative/artistic things, the everyday, simple loving things that done with another tie the heartstrings of relationship, and say you're valuable to me, I care about you, I love you.

Michael Pearl says, that the moments of our lives are like the blank pages of a book, and every person that we spend time with writes on the pages of our life/book.

I'm so thankful for the beautiful things that special people  took time to  write on the pages of my life, when I was a child and young woman --my mom and dad, my sister Sherry, my Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Leigh, all of my grandparents, my Uncle Ernie and my Uncle Dean, my Uncle Kenny and Aunt Linda.... How clearly and how often, I see God's love and care for me, even then, through the lives of people that  gave me the gifts of their love and their time.  How very much I desire my children to see and to say, the very same in and of me, when they're grown.

Yesterday, the children and I read from 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, during our Bible time, describing God's amazing unconditional love, and I was challenged and encouraged as I am anew each time I read it..

Although I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal......If I have not love, I am nothing.......If I have not love, I gain nothing....

Love is patient
Love is kind
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking
It is not easily angered
It keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not rejoice in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects
Always trusts
Always hopes
Always perseveres
Love never fails.

The prayer of my heart, is that Jesus would fill my life to overflowing with this love of His- so very different from, and superior to my own- enough for me, and every precious one that my life might touch--beginning with those in my family, the pages of whose books He has given me the privilege and awesome responsibility of writing in, every single day..

I hope each one of you has a wonderful day.
Roses are red, violets are blue, angels in Heaven, know I love you,  Jewels

Suze Seamstress Settles in to Sew

Suze...er-uhhmm... Julia, was happily busy sewing,  yesterday.

In my earlier days of motherhood I had so very little time for making clothes; mine, the girl's, and the doll's (of course you *just have to make* time to make the dolls, and then the dolls of course need clothes :o) but found so much pleasure, relaxation, and satisfaction in doing it.

One of the things that enabled me to keep doing so through the years (besides staying up late and getting up really early! :o) as well as teach the girls to do likewise, was sewing the same pattern in many different fabrics. This way they'd have a cute foundational wardrobe, and any other creative above and beyonds I was able to do were a bonus--and, the more proficient I became at sewing the more time allowed for the more creative artistic endeavors, the one-of-a-kind, that required more thought as well as time.

I'd choose a favorite pattern,  find about a weeks worth of  favorite fabrics, wash, dry, cut, and sew, in blocks of time, and with this simple method would make the girl's clothes--cute chicken, horse, kitten, linen, cotton, flannel, etc... jumpers, frocks, smocks, bloomers...

Now that the girls are older, they're lovingly sewing in the very same way, for their little sisters.

I just love swing style clothing, always have, I'm supposing always will--dresses, tunics, smocks, coats, sweaters...I love their simplicity, fullness, and serendipitous quality--swing with big buttons---ahhh, a delight to my eyes and my childlike heart. Now children, in big-buttoned swing, is to me truly a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e!  :o)

Well, all this said, yesterday one of the apples that hasn't fallen very far from the tree (and truth be told, probably the one that sits nearest to it,  poor thing :o) set up her workshop and in the name of continuity, efficiency, necessity, following in the steps of her foremothers......
made 7 little reversible swing frocks for her baby sister :o) 

Though all the same from a favorite old pattern, they're all different, too and each one cute as the next, all made from small remnants of---linen, hemp, cotton, fine wale corduroy. One of the wonderful things about sewing for the  very Littles, is that you can gather all your fabrics from your leftover jewels and treasures from projects past.



And then, as they're made reversible, the 7 are magically 14 little frocks, as in the blink of an eye they go from chocolate linen-to-terracotta hemp, from butterflies-to-polka-dots, from plum linen-to-sage green cotton with diminutive sprays of wild roses....

Here and there, throughout yesteday I was blessed by listening to Julia practice Vivaldi's Four Seasons--Spring, over and over and over on the piano. I seem to never tire of it. How I do so love this beautiful piece--it's always been one of my favorites. Everytime she sat down to practice yesterday--in between sewing and eating--I'd find myself saying, "Can you just play it one more time...just one more time...just one more time"... :o)



Today, the little frocks will be jeweled with their lovely big buttons wooden, abalone shell, coconut shell, *horn*, and yes, plastic/ made in Holland, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Philippines :o)

Then on we go to some little button-cuffed (a  nifty to-grow feature) bloomeroonies for modesty's sake--for the tucking in of little swing smocks whilst crawling, rolling, and swinging your legs up over your head (we were all able to do it at one point in our lives :o)-- for Celeisa.  And after that? Well, Lord willing, we'll roll right along into Aimaija!

I got lots of photos of all the happenings here, yesterday.  It's hard to think to get photos of everything while you're so busy doing it--but I'm hoping to get better at it, with the children's help.  Yesterday was a big pizza party with Rosie and Chubb's homemade gourmet pizzas for dinner, haircuts, sewing, math, piano practice,  phonics, playing outside, some knitting......hard to believe that such simple days can be so full and busy!  It's actually been so much fun for Big Papa and the children and I to see bits and pieces of life, so simply recorded on the pages, here---How I do love the makings and the living of things to be remembered. How thankful I am for photographs.

I hope you and yours are very, very, well. Have a beautiful day.
Sending love your way, Jewels

Cc is for Cookies--Aimaija's Alphabet Book

Cc is for Cookies

Aimaija is making cookies
Aimaija is making cookies with Sophia

Cc is for Cookies

*******************************************************************************************
And, for those of you interested in what we're sewing.....

I made the little jumper for Aimaija
and Julia made the little butterfly smock for Sophia

*******************************************************************
Notice that Julia is busy serenading (the cookie bakers) away behind the scene :o)

Lots of computer troubles, today, so I'm thankful to have been able to squeek a post in!
I'll be back when the computer is once again happy--which will hopefully be s-o-o-n.

The sun is shining for all it's worth here, today and it's just beautiful! A little dusting of snow, too. Not quite enough for everyone's liking, but more than yesterday--very pretty.

Well, Rosette and I are off to go shopping and run some errands with all the little ones.
I hope you have a wonderful day :o)

Alphabet Book---B is for Bible

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

Aimaija is reading her Bible.
The Bible is the Word of God.
The Bible is God's love letter to us.

Bb---Bible

Aimaija is reading her Bible, and hiding it's words in her heart.

Bb--Bible
**************************************************************

And, what we're sewing...

Julia made this little reversible smock and the matching reversible
pants for her sweet buddy, Aimaija  :o)

A is for Apple

Aimaija eating her apple, wearing a little reversible smock that Julia made for her.

Aimaija is making an Alphabet Book

uploaded by Joyfulmama.

Aimaija is making an Alphabet Book reader--a photo book, with a few simple lines of writing, written out by Nicholai and Sophia, and some border doodling done by her. I thought you might enjoy it if I posted a letter a day, here.


Aa--- Apple.

Aimaija is eating a big red apple.

Aa--Apple