Monday, December 31, 2007

Sharing Christmas Memories

Being that it is the last day of 2007 and of December, I thought I'd share some of my favorite pictures from our Christmas celebration. Christmas has come and gone, but I will hold memories of it close for years to come:-)


Here is Liam, fascinated by the tree, lights and ornaments. Every few minutes or so, I'd have to run over and rescue the tree from his curious grasp. All he really wanted was to listen to a musical ornament..so, I'd pick him up and turn it on and watch his eyes light up:-)


Here is my sweetie and me:-) We rarely have pictures of us together(because one of us is always behind the camera), but someone volunteered to take a couple of us. I really liked this one. Isn't my sweetie handsome?:-)


Here is Miss Brenna with her new ironing board and iron. She has wanted one for some time and so this Christmas we got her one. She LOVES it! She got right to work and ironed all her doll's clothes, all of Fiona's doll's clothes, Liam's socks..heehee..and even Daddy's pants! She is such a sweet girl and was so full of joy, that I had to get a picture or two of my little laundress.


Liam was completely clueless on Christmas Eve with all the gifts. Didn't care a bit about it;-) But in the morning, he found it to be quite fun. Here he is, opening his first gift, sent by one of my most dearest of friends and her daughter....he loved the little car and tractor inside:-)


And here is my dear Miss Fiona..having a brief break! She was pleased with all she got this year..can't you see her happy smile:-)

This year, Dan and I felt the tightness of finances, but we were still able to find the joy of Christmas without too much. We gave our children what we could and our family was blessed with generous family and friends!

As the new year begins, I am reminded of God's faithfulness to us and His provision. When I doubt, I must simply return to His Word to remember His promises and know that He will never forsake me!

I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas, full of blessings and that your New Year will be full of joy and blessings!

Blessings,

Sommer



Tuesday, December 25, 2007

MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Dearest friends~I just wanted to pop in between all the hustle and bustle of this beautiful day to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I pray that you all are blessed by this day and the awesome gift we've been given.
We have just one more gathering to go to tonight and then things will probably return to normal. It has been a very blessed Christmas for us this year....with many friends and family that have given us so much when we had so little! Thank you dear friends!
Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Sunday Rest~Christmas


"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

I pray this Christmas that we remember who Christ is...not just a baby, not just a man..but God, our Lord, our Saviour!

I'm not sure that I will get back on until after Christmas, so I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May it be full of joy, peace and memories that you may treasure for years to come!

Blessings,
Sommer

Saturday, December 22, 2007

And The Stockings Were Hung....

Last night was a flurry of Christmas decorating:-) I'd done a little earlier this month, but we had not gotten a tree and the stockings were not yet hung. We'd decided because of finances that the tree would have to be left out this year...and really I was quite at peace about this, because really it is about Christ not the tree!

But, on Wednesday we visited Dan's Mom and I had seen some garland and asked where that might be found, so I could at least fashion something to hang our ornaments from. Well, she had several extra in her garage and when I told her what I wanted them for...she insisted that I take a little fake tree she had stored away as well. Oh, what joy! It really made me warm inside, because although I was fine with not having a tree this year and so were the children...it gave me such pleasure to know that I could have them decorate it this year too! They were quite excited and so last night, we found ourselvses around the tree decorating!

Here are some pictures of our home this Christmas:



Our stockings(crocheted by my Mom when I was a child..I need to make one for Liam for next year) and a beautiful snowflake.


I placed our Nativity scene and snowglobes on the piano with some of the garland, red bows and cardinals. Some of our cards are amongst the branches:-)


And here is our sweet, little tree:-) I have my usual tree skirt under it and the stain glass angel that we bought when first married tops it. I think the girls did an absolutely lovely job decorating:-) And my treadle sewing machine makes a good stand for it..and out of Liam's reach!


And just one thing else to share...this is the gingerbread house Fiona made at her Sunday evening Bible class. I think she did a lovely job with it:-)

Well, I hope you've enjoyed looking in my windows this Christmas and seeing how we've decorated our home on a slim budget. Whenever I feel lacking during the Christmas holidays, I just remember back to the Christmases recorded in the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. They truly had little...but it was precious all the same!

Merry Christmas dear friends!

Sommer

Monday, December 17, 2007

A Little Holiday Baking

I know most of you have probably already started and completed several batches of Christmas cookies. However, I haven't seemed to get my act together until recently:-) So, this last Saturday I decided to do some baking!

I found a wonderfully simple recipe for Holiday Spritz cookies in my new Taste of Home magazine and thought I'd give them a whirl! So, I donned my new apron(sent to me by my dear friend Tilly~didn't she do a wonderful job? Thanks sweetie!!!) and pulled out my cookie press. I received this cookie press a couple of years ago, but this was the first time I've ever used it. I never had found a recipe for these kind of cookies that looked good to me.



Above you see me in my apron, stirring the cookie dough. This was an exceptionally easy and simple recipe. So I've decided I should share it with you all here....

Holiday Spritz

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp rum extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Colored sugar

In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extract. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.

Using a cookie press fitted with the disk of your choice, press cookies 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar.

Bake at 375* for 6-9 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. Yield: 7 dozen


This was such a hit with my family, that we will be making them again this Thursday to take to our caroling event with our homeschool group:-) My children requested these:-) I may decide to use vanilla next time though, although the rum extract wasn't very strong. I just love vanilla!
Tomorrow, I hope to bake oatmeal cookies and pumpkin bread! And we will probably make some sugar cookies later in the week. Those are a must for Christmas! Who can resist icing cookies with the kids? Not me!!! Perhaps I will share pics of those too:-)
Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Sunday Rest


"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 31:25-26
I so desire to be this woman. Yet, there are times when I open my mouth and wisdom is no where to be found! Kindness is not what I hear when I speak at times. It shames me to say so...but I am not always patient and kind with my children. I desire to be, and I pray to the Lord that He will work in my heart to be a kind and affectionate mother and wife. Don't get me wrong...I'm not always unkind. However, when the baby is clingy and fussy and the girls are disobedient and whiney....well, sometimes the unkindness is more prevalent than affection and kindness.
Lord, help me to become the mother and wife I long to be!
Blessings,
Sommer

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

It's Snowing!

Okay, not really...but I wish it was:-) Living in California and especially in the area of California I live, we really don't get snow. Maybe once in awhile up on the hill tops...but that isn't very often.

So, to at least make it feel like a white Christmas, we decided to make snow flakes. How do you do that, you may wonder? Well, we took white paper and cut it into 4 squares and then folded those in half twice and we started snipping and clipping here and there! And voila! Snowflakes:-)

Here is Brenna with her glittery ones....




And Fiona with a few of her snowflakes....



And this is all of our un-glittered ones. I think the girls did beautifully for their first time making snowflakes and I know they had a very fun time(especially with glitter dust).


And as you can see...we are having some flurries;-)


So, what kind of home-made decorations are you making? Or do you have some very special keepsake decorations that you or someone made you when you were young?


The paper snowflakes are something I used to love making with my Mom when I was a child. It was always so fun to try to make unique designs with them. This time I tried some new techniques and they came out quite nice:-) We also use to make salt-dough ornaments and paint them...we did this last year to give as gifts for family.


I look forward to seeing some of your Christmas craftiness...leave me a note and your blog address and I'll come take a peek!

Merry Christmas,
Sommer

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ~ John 1:4-5
This was the verse I received today in my daily scripture email. Isn't that just a beautiful verse?! Because of Christ's birth, darkness has been defeated and the light shines brighter than anything you can imagine! Thank you Lord for this great gift of amazing light! Christ is victorious!
Merry Christmas dear friends!
Sommer

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Sunday Rest


"And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth."
Luke 1:14
I know that this particular verse refers to the birth of John the Baptist, but it is this spirit with which we ought to be filled at this time. How many of us really feel joy and gladness when we prepare for Christmas? I think a lot of us really feel wiped out, stressed and frazzled right about now. But when we think of what Christmas is about, the fact that our Lord and Saviour came down as a wee babe, we ought to be filled with joy and gladness, should we not?
Two years ago, I suffered a miscarraige just before the holidays...it was terribly hard to get through Thanksgiving. During December, I felt very little joy and really didn't do much until the very last parts of the month. However, even with a loss as great as that...the gift given so long ago out weighs such pain. I exhort you to find joy and gladness this season! I encourage you to refocus on the true meaning of Christmas and then spread that joy around!
Here are a couple of verses that may help you have the Joy of the Lord~
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
Romans 14:17
May this encourage you today and give you some joy!
Blessings,
Sommer

Friday, December 7, 2007

Full, Yet Thirsty Wednesday(on Thursday)


My dear friend Peggy posted this yesterday, and I thought I'd join in today:-) So, enjoy....
What is your heart's praise and yet, your heart's need today?
My heart's praise today is....
the joy of watching my daughter enjoy learning about bats...such joy!
My heart's need today is....
to just enjoy my children and to be patient, no matter what.
Feel free to join in:-) Just link back to Peggy HERE.
Blessings,
Sommer

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Beginning Advent


I fear that I have neglected my little blog here for a bit. So sorry!

It is just amazing how the last month has flown by and now we are heading into the Christmas season. I love Christmas! It is my most favorite of holidays and I enjoy the specialness of it. Giving gifts and finding ways to share and have joy during this time is some of the most important of events for me. But above all else, is the joy of knowing that my Lord and Saviour came down as a helpless babe all those many years ago. He came so little and so seemingly helpless...and yet, He is God! Mighty and capable of great deeds..and years later He gave the most awesome gift! I think that it is most important to remember this at this time of year. No matter your circumstances...rich or poor, in good health or very ill....the true meaning of Christmas is the same and we should not think on it lightly. We should treasure it and spread the joy of our salvation to all around us!

Well, last night, I started my celebration of Christmas by taking my kids and parents to a Tree Lighting in a local community near us. It was soooo much fun! It seemed that the whole town turned out and of course the Mayor and Citizens of the Year. It was quite cold, so my Dad bought everyone hot cocoa....yummy! As we awaited the lighting of the tree, a lovely older fellow led the crowd in caroling. I just loved it...and I even knew most of the songs:-) In the above picture, the tree had just been lit. If I'd know there was a star on the top...I would have tried to get a picture of it too. But, I didn't notice it until later...oh well, I think it was a very pretty one:-)

Santa even showed up on a fire truck! That was fun to watch. I've never told my kids that Santa was real, but they still enjoyed watching that. Below is a pic of my parents(my Mom is holding Liam)and the kids. I really enjoyed spending this time with them.
What a way to bring in the Advent! The joy one receives from watching their children have such pleasure in these simple things is greater than you might imagine.
I am hoping to get in a couple more such events before Christmas. I don't desire to be rushing about and I've already got my shopping done, so this will be just joy-filled fun:-)
Next Saturday, Dan and I plan on taking the kids to Bethlehem Experience. I will tell more about that next week and hopefully I will be able to share pictures of that as well. And sometime between now and Christmas, my parents and I will take the kids to Christmas in the Park. This is an annual happening for us(ever since I was a kid). Usually Dan and I go with the kids, but he works nights now...so I will hopefully be doing it with my Mom and Dad.
Well, I hope you all have a lovely night and I pray your Christmas season is filled with joy and peace.
Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Sunday Rest~Thanksgiving


"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:2-3
I meant to do a Thanksgiving post, but blogger was not working well for me. So, I just wanted to post a little something tonight.
I have found that thanksgiving really isn't just for one designated day a year, but it should be given everyday to God. Everyday, I know there is something that I can thank him for...I just haven't taken the time to do so. I hope that as I go about my life in the coming days, I will remember to praise God and give Him thanksgiving each day...even those days that aren't going well.
I pray you all have had a very happy Thanksgiving and I look forward to sharing the Christmas holidays with all you my friends!
Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Sunday Rest


"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
And, behold, there arose a greta tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
And he saith unto them, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"
Matthew 8:23-27
I find this to be such an awesome passage! What an example of God's power! We have an awesome God!!!
Happy Lord's Day to you all,
Sommer

Saturday, November 17, 2007

A Yummy Treat!

Tonight we are attending our church's Thanksgiving Dinner. It is always a good time of fun and fellowship. We attended last year and had a really nice time, and so we decided again to go this year:-) Everyone was asked to bring a particular side or dessert...I decided to go with pie. I LOVE pie!

And this is such a yummy one, that I thought I'd share the recipe with you all! I do hope you enjoy it!

Maple Custard Pie(from PIE by Ken Haedrich)

1 single crust pie pastry

Filling:
1 ¼ cups heavy or whipping cream
½ cup pure maple syrup(although I have used imitation…but pure is better J)
1/3 cup sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 large egg yolks


1) If you haven’t already, prepare the pastry and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about 1 hour.

2) On a sheet of lightly floured waxed paper, roll the pastry into a 12 or 13 inch circle with a floured rolling pin. Invert the pastry over a 9-inch standard or 9 ½ inch deepdish pie pan, center, and peel off the paper. Tuck pastry into the pan, without stretching it, and sculpt the edge so it is even with the rim. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes, then partially prebake and let cool.

3) Set oven temperature to 350* F.

4) Combine all the filling ingredients in a large bowl and whisk briefly, until evenly mixed. Pour the filling into the cooled pie shell.

5) Place the pie on the center oven rack and bake until the filling is nicely browned and set, 35-40 minutes total. Rotate the pie 180*, so that the part that faced the back of the oven now faces forward, 10-15 minutes before it is done. The middle should be jiggly but not soupy .

6) Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let cool thoroughly. Serve at room temperature, or, better yet, cover with loosely tented aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Awesome Post on Submission...



I just finished reading a wonderful post on submissive wives by Stacy MacDonald. Just great and very convicting! I highly reccomend reading it. If you go here, you will be treated to a heart touching and convicting post.

I plan on taking this challenge...I have a feeling I have not been as submissive as I'd like to think...

Blessings,

Sommer

Thanksgiving is just around the corner....


I find that many of us(myself included) tend to get so enthralled with the holiday season and preparations for Christmas, that we tend to skip past Thanksgiving as quickly as is proper. I doubt there are many of us that just skip it, but perhaps we don't put the same effort into it as we might otherwise. Now, don't get me wrong...I LOVE Christmas, and begin thinking on it...well...maybe in June! So, I too am already preparing and planning for it. But, this year, I am especially aware of my need to be thankful. To thank my dear Lord for His mighty provision and care.
You see, it has been an especially lean year. There have been job changes, new baby and bills that tend to overwhelm....and yet, He has been beside us this whole time, seeing that we get through. Just as I begin to waver and panic, He reminds me who He is and that I am His! And so, how can I swiftly pass by this day of ultimate thanksgiving? I can not! Many people say "Thanks" on this day, but not to the Mighty Provider. I am hoping to keep my thoughts on Him that day and to teach my children whom they should ultimately give thanks to, in all things.
So, I'm wondering what all my friends are doing this coming Thanksgiving. Are you having a gathering of family or friends...both maybe? Will it be formal or casual? What are some of your traditions?
I plan to post again about what we do or will be doing this week...so do come by again and visit, and please share in the comments your thoughts:-)
Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday, November 11, 2007

My Goal:

Make my desk usable....





As you can see, it was a useless mess. I couldn't find anything and, like my kitchen table, it had become a catch-all! My desk is in the midst of our living room. Everyone can see it as they enter the home. Let me just say that it was an eye-sore!

Friday night, I popped in Ben Hur and began cleaning off the mess! It was a long bit of work, but well worth it in the end. I went through papers and threw much out. Some things finally got back to their rightful places and others, just got into a nicer area on the desk. In the end, I was pleased..I still am:-) I now can sit at my desk and actually....write at it! So, here it is in all its glory.....





I have to now come up with my next job to tackle...but stay tuned for the next installment of declutter goals. I am very encouraged right now. I can see my home finally coming together and feeling like I want it to. I CAN do this...the Lord has truly given me motivation and energy! I just pray that it keeps up:-)

Blessings,
Sommer





Sunday Rest


"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations."


Psalm 89:1



I hope each of you are having a lovely weekend. We have been having a pleasant one. The weather has turned cold and wet....I love it!


Friday night I completed the decluttering and reorganization of my desk. I'm so very pleased. I'll either be back on tonight or tomorrow to post about that, with pictures:)


Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Sommer

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

An Hundredth Post...

It is hard to fathom that this is my hundredth post! Surely, it can't be?! I so enjoy having a blog. I enjoy the friendships I have made through it, the knowledge I have picked up from others' blogs. I surely hope that I can continue bringing bits of interest and "normal" life to each of you as I continue to use my blog as an outlet for creativity and thoughtfulness, encouragement and support!

I have been rather overwhelmed the last few days, trying to overcome a sinus infection and gain some energy back. Last week I had a horrible sore throat and it seems to have traveled to my sinuses. But, thankfully today..I do believe I'm on the mend. My energy has picked up and I feel a little more myself once again:-)


Of course, all this being said, you may have noticed that I have not posted an updated picture of my desk. Well, since being sick and other events that have happened over the weekend and this week, it has been put aside for a brief time. But, I do hope to get it accomplished by this Saturday. I really do need to find the desk...it is so very covered right now and is completely useless! I know there are things that I need to get to on there...if only I could find them;-p

I pray you all are having a splendid week! See you tomorrow:-)

Blessings,
Sommer


Wednesday, October 31, 2007

My Goal:

Find Kitchen Table!



Well, I set a goal to get my kitchen table decluttered. And as you can see, it was in desperate need of some TLC! Over the last couple of days, I've been working on it in little bursts whenever I could get a minute to do so. But, in spite of a very sore throat, and just an over all sense of stress...it has been accomplished!
So without any further delay, here it is:



I'm rather pleased with how it turned out. The majority of things that were there could be thrown out. Some had other places to be, but just never made it back there :-/ And there is a small bag of things, I'm not quite sure what to do with. But, the table is clear and my goal is to keep it that way. I'd like to feel that it can actually be used as a table for having coffee...perhaps a place for my devotions in the morning.

I also was able to decorate the table with my fall decorations. As you'll see there is a lovely red turkey full of fall flowers and a nice candle/lamp for those nights the power goes out. I have my pretty red table cloth on it and I just love the festiveness of it all!


I'm so excited that I got this done! Now for the desk! Hopefully, by Saturday, I will have this done:-)
Blessings,
Sommer

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Sunday Rest



"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

Isaiah 55:8-13

When I wonder why things are happening the way they are, I go here. I find this to be one of the most encouraging passages in scripture!

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Blessings,

Sommer

Health Update

Dear Friends~For those of you that saw my post about my little Liam being quite sick the other day, I wanted to give you an update.

After another half a day or so of throwing up, the little darling started to mend. Yesterday, he wasn't eating as much as usual, but he has begun to get his appetite back and is obviously feeling much better.

As you can see by this picture which was taken just yesterday, he is his usual jolly self. The funny thing is that even when sick, he finds a way to be happy. He'd smile even after a bout of the throwing up. I pray he is like this for many more years to come.

Here he is playing with his sister, Brenna. I do believe they will be fast friends when they are older:



And here, he is enjoying the attentions of Fiona. Both girls just adore him...might he be spoiled?


Thank you to those of you that sent up prayers for Liam. I am thankful that his illness lasted a very short time and that he did not suffer any ill effects from it.

Blessings,

Sommer

Friday, October 26, 2007

Setting A Goal

The other day I realized that things need to change!

As we prepared to leave for Fiona's knitting lesson, she stated to me that she was glad that it wasn't being held at our home. Of course, I asked her why....because it is "horribly messy" she tells me! My daughter is ashamed...of our home!

I know why. I am a horrible keeper of my home! It is a mess, and I do not do what I should. I've never been very good at keeping my home orderly and now that we have been in a very small apartment, it is even more aparent. The clutter and stuff is overwhelming! I could use the excuse(and I have even been encouraged to do so)that I just had a baby....well, I haven't always "just had a baby" or "been pregnant"! So, perhaps that excuse works the first little while...but why is it I've still let it go?

Well, as I said in an earlier post, I can be quite lazy. Now, I am trying hard to work beyond that and I actually can accomplish alot. But the fact is, I am so overwhelmed, that I have not known where to start and even if I did...I'm afraid it would just happen again.

But today, I am desiring to change this and take the bull by the horns, face the challenge head on! I believe that if I get things thouroughly in order and then get myself on a good maintenance schedule, chores(for me and the girls) that occur regularly...I may be able to get over this hump and become the hearth keeper I desire to be. I keep praying the Lord will give me wisdom and motivation to do it. I believe He is working:-)

So, I am posting a picture today...that truthfully is embarrassing to me. Actually two pictures that show two places in my home that need major help. These places are only a portion of the problem, but one of the worst.

This is (I think it is there) my kitchen table:





As you can see, it is basically a catch-all. At the moment, my hubby has removed anything questionable for me and has given me free reign over what is left.

Here is my desk and sewing area(again, a catch-all):


So, here is my goal....by next Wednesday, I will have my table clear and usable. I will post pictures when done:-) By Saturday of next week, I will have my desk re-organized. I hope by doing this I will be motivated and able to keep to my goals.

I plan to work on other areas as well, because we have invited friends for Thanksgiving dinner and I have been very embarrassed to have company and be hospitable...I don't want to feel this way anymore! I don't want my daughters to feel ashamed and I want to be a good example to them, so that their homes wont get this bad.

Blessings,

Sommer

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Knitting Bliss and Baby Tummy

Yesterday, Fiona was given a wonderful opportunity to learn how to knit. A lovely lady from church offered to teach her and her little girlfriend.

So I carted her off yesterday to her friend's house and she spent 1 and 1/2 hours knitting. She LOVED it and came home with two lovely little rows! I'm so proud of her and so pleased that she enjoyed it so much. I knit too, but am a beginner myself, so I have not felt capable of teaching her...this was quite a blessing.

Fiona was supposed to go back tonight for a second lesson, but this leads to the second portion of my post's title. Last night, after I got home from dropping Fiona off, my little Liam began throwing up! I'm not sure what started it. The girls have had colds..but no tummy upset that I know of. I am unaware of anyone with a tummy bug at church...but dear Little Man, just couldn't keep anything down.

I told Fiona that if he was still throwing up after noon, we would have to cancel going to her lesson tonight. Needless to say...she was not happy! But she understood and has a pretty good attitude about it.

Liam has been eating, but generally hasn't been able to keep it down. Last night and this morning, he would bring his milk right back up...but later this morning and now, he has kept down at least enough to get some sleep. Poor little dear! He was so pitiful last night, so tired and uncomfortable.

It is quite distressing to have my wee ones sick. I pray he will be feeling better very soon. I can here him stirring now, I just hope he will keep his meal down!


Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Sunday Rest

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."

John 15:9-15


I wanted to share these words of our Lord and Saviour today. Such beautiful loving words, and yet full of power and commands. Those that follow His commandments are His friends! Oh, to be a friend to Christ! What a beautiful thing!

May you be blessed this Lord's Day and feel the Lord's presence as you worship today.

Blessings my dear friends!
Sommer

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Happy Birthday Brenna!

Actually, her birthday was yesterday! My dearest Brenna...sweet helper, turned 5 years old yesterday! Where has the time gone? Just yesterday, was she not just taking her first steps, speaking her first words? Sigh....
Now she is a darling 5 year old, growing so tall and who jumps at the chance to help anytime she can. She is a loving older sister to her little brother and a good friend to her older sister(when they aren't having a disagreement ;-p). She is snuggly, and kissy and affectionate...oh how I love her!

Yesterday was a fun day! After I got Liam down for a (fitful) nap, I began to make chocolate cupcakes for Miss Brenna. Of course, little helper that she is, came by and asked to help. How could I resist?! So, she pulled up a chair and we baked cupcakes:-)

Later we wandered over to Toys R Us to take advantage of a Birthday Club coupon and special treatment. On a side note...our intentions were to take her to Build-A-Bear workshop, but this needed to be postponed because we ran out of money:-0 However, the Lord blessed us with a little coupon and Brenna thought this was a great treat! So, we headed over there and the lady at Customer Service gave her a Birthday Crown, balloon and they even announced her birthday over the intercom! So fun!




After that, we headed over to my parents for pizza, cupcakes and presents..oh, yes, and a movie! It was a lovely celebration and she was quite pleased with it all:-)





As I look at my children and see them growing swiftly before my eyes, I pray even more that I can be a good mom and give them all that I can to set the foundation for their lives to come. I pray the Lord guides me as I teach them and comfort them. There are so many things I'd like to do, things I'd like to do better and things I know would be better if I never do again. May the Lord give me wisdom and may my children be forgiving when I mess up!

Happy Birthday darling Brenna! I love you!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Share a Smile

My dear friend, Fairmaiden ,over at SeaCottage was blessed with an award. And in turn, she blessed all her companions with this same award.

I am pleased to say that I am one of her companions and I am honored to share this award with her and all her friends! She has blessed me with the "You Make Me Smile" award:-) Thank you Fairmaiden!!

Of course, when given one of these awards, it seems that the proper thing to do is to pass it on to others that you want to share it with. And so....I must make that decision. Boy do I hate that! Well, here are my friends that I'd like to share it with....


Lauren Christine, Pat, Tilly, Tracylea and Cynthia!


Thanks gals for always being such lovely ladies...filling my days with joy and encouragement!


Blessings,

Sommer

Freeing Imagination

There has been a change in our home. Long has Imagination been held prisoner in our home...by whom, you may ask? The imfamous....Television! An old enemy, to be certain, but one that is cunning and at times rather vile....
Slowly the followers of Imagination have been forming an alliance. The cause? Revolt and freedom for their leader! A week or so ago, after long months of struggle, they succeeded...their fearless leader was set free! Long live....Imagination!!

Okay, I know, that is rather silly, but, you know it is somewhat true. I grew up with TV, watching it fairly regularly as a child, not really seeing anything wrong with it. When Dan and I had Fiona, we really didn't think about it...I watched TV and then even allowed my little girl to begin watching it on a regular basis. Dan felt it was too much, but I was rather resistant to his view and didn't really do much about it. As the years have gone by, I've begun to change my attitude. I've become more submissive as a wife(thank the Lord for opening my eyes and my heart to this needed change) and also realized that things were lacking. We had Brenna and still we allowed more than was necessary. But I started feeling more concerned. Now, don't get me wrong, both my girls have always been rather creative...but when the TV is on, there is less time to use the imagination, less time to do crafts, play outside, etc....

So a year or so ago, I reduced the amount of time they watched TV, but still not enough. Then a few months ago, before we began this years school year, I really felt convicted to only allow the children a movie from time to time during the week. I still watched a bit myself and that still posed a problem. And then, I stopped! I just felt burnt out by the TV, I wanted the distraction gone, I wanted the creative outlets to be open and reachable. So, two weeks ago, we cancelled our cable. What a relief. I do let the girls watch a movie once or twice a week...but you know, they don't really seem to mind.


And the beauty of it is...I see a change in their creativity, their imagination has just begun to bloom. Fiona has always had an active imagination. Brenna has used her's but suddenly I see creativity coming from her...that I never expected! I am so glad that they are blooming.

So, the TV is still for occasional movies....but it is no longer the King in our home. Well, imagination isn't either. The Lord reigns supreme and Imagination is just one of his courtiers that my children(and I)enjoy!

The pictures throughout this post are from my children's play yesterday. They were building birds and men out of legos. This is just one way they have been spending their time. Today...they are tracing pictures and coloring them(from different books of mine and theirs).

Blessings,
Sommer