hubby's hobby

Larry finished his antler mount and now we are just left with trying to figure out where to hang it. The perfect spot above the stairs is already taken and although we do have high ceilings.. they're not that high. Ah well, this is important so we'll find a place to showcase his prize.

Today the girls and I enjoyed over 600 pictures of Italy, Greece and Turkey.  Grandma brought her laptop and narrated an amazing slide show.  I just love home schooling.  I love that we can have an interruption to our schedule that has us putting away our books and living learning.  Of course it would be even better if we were the ones taking the over 600 pictures of Italy, Greece and Turkey.  I think it is just my lot in life to live vicariously through those who do.  At least we have beautiful, generous 'those who do's' in the family.  :)

Blessings, Debbie

The puppets perform... les miserables

The practice

The dinner

   The performance

     

Next gig...  America's Got Talent!!  :)

Blessings, Debbie

where we belong

Yesterday I prepared this wonderful quiche for lunch along with a sea salt, pepper and herb blend.  The only change that I made to the quiche recipe was to substitute whole milk for the heavy cream.  It was fun cooking something delicious and colorful for our midday meal because it meant I could photograph it.  I'd share more recipes and pictures of food but I'm a lousy photographer (if I can't get the shot on manual setting I don't take the shot) and all of my night time food pics turn out terrible.. Admittedly, these aren't the best either but they are much better than the evening ones.. trust me.

I've been knitting away at this simple little sweater from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts.  I know it's not pink but I picked up the beautiful Olive colored Debbie Bliss cotton at a yard sale last summer and was waiting to know the sex of the baby before using it.  I've also cast on for the hat from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, the set is a size six to nine month and should fit next  late winter/early spring.

Me knitting, Larry working on antler mounts, the piano and the guitar making a joyful noise in the hands of these musicians...  We all have hobbies and interests that bring us pleasure and satisfaction after the schoolwork/work is done for the day.

We picked up my parents at the airport last night when they returned from 2 weeks on the Mediterranean. Hillary welcomed her husband home this morning after a month working in Alaska.  I'm breathing easier knowing that everyone is home safe and sound.  I think I'm beginning to paint a clear picture of my belief that everyone belongs at home.  It makes me squirmy when people aren't where they belong.

Last weekend we got Cory settled into his new apartment (still in the valley... not where he belongs)!  ;)

Blessings, Debbie  

long distance revealing

Daddy was on the phone in Alaska... we were there!

I am blessed, Debbie

seeing red

It was a lovely evening.  The pizzas became calzones and the sun set before I finished setting the table... Perfect.  Now we're off to see the kids.  Please pray us over the mountain and I'll 'see' you Monday!

Blessings, Debbie

how do you get off this thing?

At the risk of being a bit of a downer I'm going to share a little about what I've been feeling again lately.  Interesting, I know that it's a roller coaster that I'm on..  climbing to the height of elation just to plummet headlong to the lowest dip and be jerked and yanked round corners that were unforeseen, brought suddenly to a relieved (almost) stop and pulled slowly and steadily toward the peak again..  I want off the ride but as we all know ~ you can't get off until the ride is over.

Prattle, prattle.. blah, blah, blah...  I really have nothing worth saying yet I prattle on.  When I'm in a valley it is more important than ever that I am daily in the Word, talking with and listening to the one who knows my inmost being.  Peak times have me rallied in the Spirit and overflowing with Him.  Valley times have me weakly simpering a muddled prayer and hoping that He will be able to speak into my muddled mind.  I KNOW the importance of the ride I am on, that there is learning, shaping and witnessing in every moment.  So, 'giving it to the Lord' means knowing He is at the controls, throwing my hands up over my head while screaming (sometimes laughing)... and trusting.  I'm thankful that he can use a simple vessel to bring Him glory and there is none simpler.  I want to bring Him glory.

I think I'm done for the moment and now I'll go wash the breakfast dishes, put a load in the washing machine and run to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients for the heart-shaped pizzas that my husband still wants for Valentine's Day even though the girls aren't here.  I'll curl in my curling spot on the couch with my Bible and pray for my family, being reminded once again of my MANY blessings.  I'll shed a few quiet, amazed tears as I pray for the newest family member growing strong, safely snugged in it's growing place..

***

As I reread this I had an epiphany!  Can a grammie suffer hormone imbalance because her daughter is pregnant?  That's gotta be it.  Agh, this family is too close.  Way too close.

Blessings, Debbie

heart in hand

I made a heart to keep and 6 to send away using this free pattern.  Each took me about an hour to knit and stuff so there's plenty of time for you to get a few done for Valentine's Day. The mitts are finished and I've started another pair using this free pattern.  What do people who don't knit do in the winter... I can't imagine such a thing!  :)

I've read about George Muller in the past and was so very moved that I was quite excited to find this book at the thrift store a few months ago.  Each chapter begins with a selection from Muller's own autobiography. The back reads:

  As a teenager, he was a liar, a gambler, an alcoholic, and a thief.  As a young adult, he was a skeptic, a seeker, and finally a believer in the God who changes lives.  As a man, he was a visionary, a prayer warrior, and a caregiver to more than ten thousand orphans who needed to know the love of Jesus Christ.

  George Muller's service to the people of Bristol, England, in the 1800's and his devout personal prayer life reflect the joy of believing in God's faithfulness.  Perhaps the most powerful part of his story is what it teaches us in practical ways about depending on God to meet every need we have.

This Valentine's Day Erin and Audrey will be on the other side of the mountain visiting their sister and brother; a week with Hillary since Monte is working in Alaska for a month and a long weekend with Cory.  So, who is going to decorate our Vday breakfast table?  Who is going to bake the Vday coffee cake?  Who will delight over my Vday heart shaped pizzas?  Who?  The house is relatively quiet and while I was eager for this little 'staycation', a week is too long.  I miss all of my kiddos terribly and look forward to Friday when Larry and I will join them for a few days and then bring Erin and Audrey home (where they belong :).

Wishing you all the love you deserve (or don't deserve as the case may be ;).  Remember there is one who loves you like no other and He delights in your acceptance of His unconditional love.  If you don't know Him, request a meeting.  It's as simple as asking.. He'll answer.

Joining Ginny's Yarn Along

Blessings, Debbie        

back on that horse

There hasn't been much riding this winter.  Visiting and grooming, yes.  Erin had hoped to ride today but it began raining hard when we got to the pasture and didn't stop until she was just turning Bar out. It's time to get back into the swing of things once again.  Before we know it we will be back at the show ring and we certainly want a well practiced team.

My nephew is staying with us for a couple of days and while Alex and Uncle Larry are in the T.V. room watching I-Robot, I'm struggling in bad lighting to turn out some valentines..  I'd post a picture, but secrets and all you know.  Speaking of secrets, I want to let you in on one of mine.  When you're struggling with anything.. anything really, the absolute best way to overcome is with a bowl of Tillamook chocolate peanut butter ice cream.  Just thought you might need to know that.
*Of course I take it to you first Lord and you are my everything.  Thank You.  Thank you for reminding me that I have some wonderful ice cream in the freezer..  

Blessings,  Debbie