A Return

I have realized of late that I have been neglecting my spiritual discipline of thanksgiving. It's not Monday (my former usual day), but tonight I feel the need to put down in writing some things that I am most grateful for.

419. The newest Rose baby's approaching due date
420. My husband who never rolls his eyes at me
421. Snuggles with Ian and Emma
422. Riding lessons for the girls
423. Inexpensive antibiotics
424. Peas springing up in the garden
425. Getting to eat nearly every meal every day with the whole family
426. The success at the end of the year for my highschooler
427. Dishwashers
428. Whatever job God has waiting for Rob
429. Cool early mornings
430. The energy to complete one task this morning
431. The desire once again to say "Thank you."
432. A long talk with a dear friend

It's good to be back.

Purely Selfish Motivation

So, I've entered to win a new Kitchenaid mixer (mine is being weird) and a year's supply of my favourite flour and a little cash. If you enter to win and say that I referred you, and then you win, I win, too! So, totally selfishly (plus I love to get people hooked on King Arthur flour), enter to win!! And good luck!

Sarah

Enter here:

Sugaring Off

There's a double meaning in that....

So, for part of my Lent practices this year, I'm beginning anew my commitment to a sugar-free lifestyle. To kick that off we spent yesterday (and I mean all of yesterday) making syrup. Ironic, isn't it? About three weeks ago we tapped our maple tree. Ideal weather this week has meant that we've been bringing in buckets of sap at least once a day. We began yesterday's work with almost five gallons of maple sap. After much boiling and measuring and filtering we ended up with this: about two cups of the most delicious pure maple syrup ever! We enjoyed it on our pancakes this morning and we'll probably be having pancakes every morning until the syrup is gone. Then we'll have get the next batch made up!

Works in Progress

So, I promise this won't turn into a quilting blog. There are too many wonderful examples of those already and I've been enjoying some of them this week. But there are a few of you out there who occasionally like to see what I've been up to. I've finally finished a whole quilt top and I've started another (three blocks done already). I've joined in a quilt-along and the goal is to be making two blocks a week. Seems like a daunting prospect, but so far it's been fun! I'm terrified to begin the actual quilting part of my first quilt, but I look forward to having it complete.

This new inspiration has been a good activity for me to take my mind off of the stressful events surrounding us right now. I'm grateful that I have something to do with my hands that will provide warmth and beauty in our household (or someone else's). Thanks, all, for your prayers and interest. I'll be back when I've got some more done!

Girls Growing Up

My girls and I were invited to a woman's 90th birthday luncheon today. I will admit that I was a bit nervous, especially when I realized that this gathering was going to be small. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm the first to brag on my children's amazing gifts. They are sweet and engaging, curious and generally polite. However, Emma (aged 5) also has a propensity to talk about death. Especially with anyone over about 40. "You're 59?" she'll ask sweetly. "Are you going to die soon?" After reminding them that people of the generation of the birthday lady (as well as that of our hostess) expect children in public to be polite and making Emma promise not to talk about death, we headed off to lunch. The small gathering ended up being the celebrant, our hostess, one other neighbour and ourselves. No one to hide behind.

I'm typing this blog post up today at the instigation of my mother, but I want to remember this day myself. My daughters were perfect little ladies this afternoon. Yes, Emma drank her tea with her spoon and I had to keep Katie from dipping into the sugar bowl with her fingers. But, remembering that they are 7 and 5, I am proud to bursting with how my little ones behaved. They were a delight to share this afternoon with. They remembered their "pleases" and "thank you's." They helped to set and clear the table, allowing the older women to sit and chat. They passed things and no one talked about the birthday lady dying!

Life has not been easy in this congregation for the past six months or so. Not everyone has felt the love that we have for these people. Nor have we always felt loved. But today, on a special occasion, by an invitation and the good behaviour of two young ladies, love was shared around a table. I was able to tell my daughters today that their behaviour didn't just make me happy, it had told three other people that they are loved, important, respected. I want to remember that.

Just Do It

I don't feel like blogging today. So, like I know to do: Just do it! Life is busy and a bit hard right now. Time to keep making good choices. There is still much to be thankful for.

407. Fall is coming.
408. A hard conversation
409. Teaching
410. A new puppy!
411. Continued bounty from the garden
412. A tough decision
413. Encouragement from a more experienced pastor and his wife
414. Spontaneous company
415. Clean floors because of said new puppy
416. The wedding of the first couple Rob and I counseled together
417. My parents-in-law's anniversary - Congatulations on 35 years!!
418. New ideas

The Great Thanksgiving Desert

It's been far too long since I've sat down and given thanks. Oh, we still do it at mealtimes and at bedtimes, but not regulartimes. It's been far too long and my attitude is showing. This is a difficult season for our family, but I have never found that not giving thanks is helpful during tough patches. (Confusing sentence? Try living in my brain this week!)
School officially started for us this week and with the advent of our new schedule comes the return to the blog. I'm looking forward to the regular remembering of His many blessings. I hope you'll join me again.

Picking up where I left off:
398. School beginning
399. A fabulous garden harvest
400. No tomato/potato blight
401. Girls finishing their county fair projects
402. Girls winning blue ribbons for their fair projects
403. No dead chickens
404. A dog - Jack - joining our family
405. Fall coming
406. Forgiveness