A View From The Mountain

A Give Away

2011-07-22T21:45:00.001-07:00

My dear, sweet friend Gina is having a little Cottage Give Away over at her blog! I do so hope you will hop on over there and say hello and perhaps enter her little give away.

You can go HERE to visit :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Butterfly Love

2011-07-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

We love butterflies :-) In our household, if one is seen you can guarantee several children will squeal with delight and go running outside. In our own backyard, we have some lovelies that frequent us...painted ladies, cabbage whites, and some yellow one that resembles a monarch. Such amazing beauty contained in such a small being.

For science this year, Brenna has been using Apologia's Zoology 1, which focuses on flying creatures. The last lesson of the year is on order Lepodoptera (butterflies, moths, and skippers-also referred to as Leps). So for this lesson we bought a little butterfly home and ordered some Painted Lady caterpillars to raise and watch change.

What fun! The metamorphosis that Leps go through is such an amazing example of God's perfect design in creation. Truly awesome! We enjoyed watching our caterpillars eat and quadruple in size and then change to their chrysalises. The most difficult thing to actually catch in action was the butterflies coming out of their chrysalises. They do it so quickly!

(Liam looking at one of our painted ladies)

After enjoying and studying our little friends for a few days, we decided to free them. We had six butterflies(all survived, though one had fallen while in the middle of its final change to chrysalis) and so we enjoyed each one leaving in its own time. Four flew out within a few minutes of us opening our house, but two took their time. Both of these stayed in our yard for most of the afternoon and both allowed us to hold them :-) Now that was awesome!

(Brenna and Liam holding a butterfly)

The only one that didn't hold our friends was Rowan...I'm thinking she might have been a bit too enthusiastic in her affections ;-) So she watched everyone else hold them and was tickled to see them flutter above her head as they left. There is nothing like watching a two year old's wonder :-)

(Rowan in awe watching Fiona hold a butterfly)

(Brenna's patience paid off, such a happy little student!)

(Resting spot for our little Lep friend~the pomegranate tree)

I have a feeling that this little project may have bred a love of studying butterflies, moths, and skippers. Could there be a future Lepidopterist in our family? Who knows :-) But I will encourage their love of these beautiful creatures. Truly amazing to watch them start from a caterpillar and become something that looks completely different! I highly recommend doing this little project (homeschooler or not). Your kids(and you!) will love it :-)

I look forward to doing this again in the future!

May you have a blessed day and feel the wonder of God's magnificent creation!

Blessings,

Sommer

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T09:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth of July dear friends! And what a lovely day it is :-)

I am so glad to be able to live in a country that is free. There are times when I stress and worry the direction in which our country is headed, but I realize, no matter what, it is in God's hands!

Today, most of all, I think of the men and women that have gone before us to make our country free. I think of what they fought for, what they wanted for this country. Many lost their homes and lives. And today, we stand free because of it. May we be so courageous as our fore fathers!

And here is a thought from one of those from so long ago:

‎"The day will be the most memorable in America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival...it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade...bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward, forevermore."
~John Adams

So, with that suggestion, my family tonight will be setting of some illuminations ;-) It will be a first for us because we've not lived in a county that allows fireworks before. But this year...we do :-) Last night, we enjoyed watching our neighbors set some off. We will also be enjoying some time with my parents at their home before hand.

Have a wonderful day my friends!

Lots of love,

Sommer

P.S.: as you can see, I've got my computer and pics back thanks to a great local fellow. I'm thrilled :-)

Did you know?

2011-06-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know it is June? It seems I haven't been able to get out of the blogging funk I'm in. Without access to pictures, I feel like my posts are not as "alive". I don't feel as motivated to post when I can't show you the goings on of our home.

That being said, we are alive and well! I think the warmer weather has come to stay finally..though the first week of June had a bit of rain. I'm really more of a cool weather person, but it is nice too to see the sunshine and feel its warmth. There is such a stark difference between this time last year and now. Last year we were still in a tiny apartment with no real freedom of movement for anyone, especially 4 healthy, active children. This year...there is little crowding. The children are frequently outside, running and pretending. It is wonderful. I smile as I watch them full of joy outside. As soon as I can I will share some pics of them in the yard...which is mostly foxtails, but still better than no yard!

My little garden is thriving and I am excited to see that. Being anything but a green thumb...it pleases me much :-)

I should probably give an update on my Mom. She has gotten to feeling much better, but will be restarting her chemo this coming Wednesday. Though they have not found any new cancer, they still want to complete her chemo. So now that she is physically(and mentally) healthy again, they are ready. Please pray for her if you feel led.

Well, I hope you are having a wonderful spring/summer where ever you are! I hope to be able to post with more pics again soon. Thank you for bearing with me :-)

Lots of love,

Sommer

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

I pray all of you have a most wonderful day!

Blessings,

Sommer

The Sun is Out

2011-04-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

So spring has arrived. Every where I look, new life is popping up. Trees have unfurled new leaves, flowers have bloomed in the fields, birds are chirping and flitting about..eggs hidden in little nests yet to be seen.

In some areas, there has been snow still recently seen. Here we have had cool temperatures and winds that blast my tree's new leaves about. But, it is still spring!

I planted my first ever garden at the beginning of April and already we have begun to see green life shoot up. How exciting it has been for us. Watching creation is a beautiful reminder of God and His glory. I can't possibly look out on my yard or at the birds flying about and not understand that God has put all of this into motion. My skill as a gardener has nothing to do with it, the bird relies upon the instincts God has given him...and we see His glory!

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" ~Romans 1:20 (KJV)

So much new has happened in our lives since last summer and yet, life is much the same. The thing that changes is how I respond to it. There is more space and an opportunity to give more to our children now, but yet, I can still miss this if my attitude is the same as it was in our little apartment. I struggle with properly using the blessings God has given me. I know what needs changing, now it is time to do it.

Thank you to those that have prayed for my Mom. She is doing a bit better. She has gained back some of the weight she lost after her first chemo treatment and hopefully she will be able to start treatment again soon. I'm not sure whether that is the best thing, but they want to keep at it. So I will be praying that she will not respond so badly the next time. She is still struggling with some other issues but again, she is better. Please keep her in your prayers if you feel so led. She still needs them.

I have been spending one afternoon a week with her while my Dad goes and runs errands or just gets some time to himself. Some days, I'm not really in the mood to do this. It is the only full day my husband has off and I miss spending that time with him and the kids. Some times my attitude(usually kept inside) stinks. Sometimes I feel very selfish and cranky. But on reflection afterward, I am so thankful that I take this time for my parents. It has blessed me greatly to help. And so, each Wednesday afternoon I set my heart on the right things and try to be a servant to my parents. When I do this, I feel at peace and I am able to come home refreshed knowing I lifted a little of my parents' burden.

Life is full. God is Awesome.

Blessings to you all my friends!

Sommer

Quick Hello and Update

2011-02-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hello my dear friends! I'm woefully over due for an update and I do apologize. Life has been a bit busy and stressful as of late.

I believe I mentioned in my last post that my Mom was going in for surgery to discover what the mass was that they had found in an ultrasound they'd done. She went in early in January and had a total hysterectomy and they found that the mass was cancer. They were fairly certain that they removed all of the cancer but they chose to go ahead with chemo as well. To state the obvious...we were all upset by this news and it has been emotional and stressful for all of us.

Mom started her chemo a month ago and has been unwell since. She has a lot of allergies(food) and seems to be even more sensitive since beginning chemo. We are praying that she feels better soon and that her next round of chemo will go more comfortably.

On top of this, they are moving up here! Today! Of course this is good news but also a stresser for everyone as we try to make it smooth and free of problems. I can praise God that we have help here in the form of new friends and that because I live here, I was able to take care of some things for them ahead of time. I love this little town and feel blessed to know such loving, godly and generous folks :-)

All these things have been hard to deal with in some ways. But it was made harder by some of our own personal difficulties. Life is never just as we expect and if you expect that things are going to be rosie all of a sudden...well, you might get a bit disappointed ;-) We are well, but financial issues certainly plague us and we are trying to find ways to cut back and make ends meet. I trust the Lord for His provision(which we have already seen in different ways), but some days I just feel despair.

If you feel led please say a prayer for us...for any or all of these new trials. Please keep my dear Mom and Dad in your prayers too...it has been and still is a scary time for us all.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~John 14:27

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;" ~Psalm 46:1-2

But before I leave you with only sorrows and worry...we have had some good moments :-) My eldest daughter had her 11th birthday and my son turned 4! The time has zipped by and it makes me long for things to slow down. They are both such wonderful kids.

For Fiona's birthday we bought her a guinea pig. She had been saving for some time for one and we thought that she showed a lot of responsibility and decided to buy the guinea pig for her. She is a sweet little thing named Rosetta. I would share pictures, but my computer is not functioning and I am using Dan's laptop...hence, no pics :-(

We also added one other member to our family...a wonderful dog named Duke :-) He is a saluki and we love him to bits. No doubt if you are my friend on facebook...you've seen him :-) It is such a treat to have a dog! Dan and I have wanted one for a very long time.

Well, there still may be long breaks between posts here, but I will try to get on here more if I can. I hope all my dear friends are well!

Lots of love,

Sommer

A New Year Begins

2011-01-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

So it is January 1st 2011. 2010 seems to have sped by so quickly, I really can't believe it! When I was a child and in school, the year would move sluggishly along(summer vacation/Christmas was ever so far away!)...but as an adult, I find that the years move increasingly quicker and my children grow so fast. Some days, I wish time would slow down just a bit for me so that I can truly savor each day.

Each year brings its own joys, blessings, and difficulties. 2010 was really no different. We have had joyous birthday celebrations, my brother has been sober for more than 6 months and has called Christ his savior, and we've bought and moved into our very first house...swiftly becoming a home :-) There have been challenges too...in May my dear Rowan had to be taken to the emergency because she was choking and then had a procedure to remove the object(a blade of grass lodged in her larynx). Praise God for His mercy and protection of her. And always there are financial challenges that seem to dog us regularly.

Despite the challenges...2010 has been a most blessed year! I am thankful for a God that is sovereign and sitting on His throne. Life without Him would be bleak indeed.

No doubt 2011 will come with its own challenges...but mixed, thankfully, with its own blessings. This month already has its concerns placed before us. In about 2 weeks my Mom will be going in for surgery to remove a suspicious mass. We do not know yet whether it is cancer or not, but there is that possibility. My Mom and I have been "bossom friends" since I was but 8 and my heart aches as we wait.

But with that, I know there will be days full of joy and blessings. My husband and children provide me with that frequently :-)

We will continue to eek by and be thankful, joyful, and prayerful. I really don't like to make official resolutions or goals..though perhaps I should. I do have some personal(and this may also include my family) goals/desires that I've been thinking on though. I'd like to share them, so that perhaps I can look back to remind myself where my heart was on the first day of 2011:

My prayers for 2011

~That I will glorify God in all I do...at home and outside of the home.

~That I will be a more loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

~I would like to be more consistent and diligent in my time with the Lord and in prayer.

~I want to find ways to be a better steward of the money/tools God has provided us through my husband's work and other means.

~I would like to be more consistent and diligent in my homekeeping, so as to glorify God in what I do and to be a better example to my children.

~I plan for us to get into a better chore schedule.

~I want to snuggle and laugh more with my kids.

~I want to have more special time with my hubby..my best friend :-)

~I want to make more time for my hobbies(sewing, knitting and learning more).

Perhaps one will call this a list of resolutions...and maybe they really are. My main goal here is to remind myself of the important things and the things that I realize need changing. May the Lord bless me with the desire, diligence, and love that all this will require!

Happy New Year dear friends! May God bless you greatly in 2011!!!!

Merry Christmas To All My Friends!

2010-12-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas dear friends!! May the Lord bless you richly and my your day be full of joy!

Let me just leave you with one last quote from By The Shores of Silver Lake...

' "Well," Pa said. "It's the first Christmas dinner anybody ever ate in this part of the country. I'm glad it was a good one. In time to come, no doubt a good many folks will celebrate Christmas around here, and I expect they'll have fancier fixings in some ways, but I don't know how they can have more solid comfort than we've got, for a fact." '

' "Every Christmas is better than the Christmas before," Laura thought. "I guess it must be because I'm growing up." '

Lots of love,

Sommer

Christmas on Plum Creek

2010-12-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

On the Banks of Plum Creek has three different Christmases in it. Each are wonderful.

I love the selflessness of Laura and Mary in putting aside their own desires for Christmas and coming together to wish for horses for Pa. They knew the horses would be useful and in the end it gave Laura happiness to wish that for Pa.

Later we see the family joining others from town at the church for Christmas festivities. What a special treat that night was. And the surprise of the Christmas tree and all the gifts on and under it had to have been amazing.

"Laura was too excited to speak. She squeezed Mary's hand tighter and tighter, and she looked up at Ma, wanting so much to know what that was. Ma smiled down at her and answered, "That is a Christmas tree, girls. Do you think it pretty?"

They could not answer. They nodded while they kept on looking at that wonderful tree."

But my favorite Christmas in the book is the one that happens just after the Long Blizzard. For days they are not sure where Pa is. He could have stayed in town, but perhaps he is lost in the blizzard! Those days were long and difficult. But then, Pa came home! He was safe and all of a sudden they realized it was going to be Christmas.

"Laura patted Jack's furry smooth forehead and scratched his ears for him, and then with both hands she gave his head a quick, happy squeeze. Everything was so good. Grasshoppers were gone, and next year Pa could harvest wheat. Tomorrow was Christmas with oyster stew for dinner. There would be no presents and no candy, but Laura could not think of anything she wanted and she was so glad that the Christmas candy had helped to bring Pa safe home again.

"Supper is ready," Ma said in her gentle voice.

Pa laid the fiddle in its box. He stood up and looked around at them all. His blue eyes shone at them. "Look, Caroline," he said, "how Laura's eyes

are shining." "

What finer gift could they have, but to have Pa home and to know that they are all together, safe and sound.

I look forward to this Saturday, as my parents, my brother, and his fiancee come up to spend Christmas with us. It has been a while since we were all able to spend Christmas together. It will be special because we will all be together under one roof again...celebrating and reminiscing :-)

Lots of love,

Sommer

A Few Current Pictures...

2010-12-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Pat, asked that I share some recent pictures of the kids :-)

I am happy to oblige! I'm not sure if I mentioned it here, but my sweet little man, Liam, looks even more so like a little man! The day before Thanksgiving I decided it was time to cut his amazing curly hair. It had gotten very long and unruly...so, a little man cut was needed.

I think he looks quite dashing :-)

(Liam with his newly built cathedral.)

Here is Miss Brenna. My lovely, compassionate and very passionate 8 year old! She is now reading...though she is still uncertain of her skills. Mama is very proud though :-)

And here are my youngest and eldest...Rowan is now 20months and a beautiful, vibrant little girl. She has a limited vocabulary, but she most definitely lets us know if she wants something or if she is not a happy camper ;-)

Fiona will be 11 next month...how can that be!? She is a wonderful helper...loving, friendly and outgoing. I have been able to more and more rely upon her for aide(even Brenna is a big help to me now!) and know that in most things I can trust her to do what I need.

These children are a bright light in my life. I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to bless us with such dear children. Each day is interesting, and to be true, can be challenging as well. But I wouldn't trade a day with my children for anything. The fact that I have been a Mama for almost 11 years kind of startles me. Can it be so? And can I really be so impatient? Ha! I strive to be a good example to them and know that I fail regularly, but I hope that when I don't fail they are soaking it in. I hope to some day let fly these little arrows, so that they can make their mark to glorify God and shine His Light throughout our world! May each day bring me closer to the mother they need and may each day bring them closer to the man or woman God would have them be!

Lots of love,

Sommer

Christmas in Indian Territory

2010-12-21T10:12:00.001-08:00

This is the first Christmas where we see Laura's family wondering how they will have a happy Christmas. The despair we see in Laura knowing that there is no way Christmas can happen is heartbreaking, but more so is the helplessness that Ma and Pa seem to have.

***

"After supper that night they washed their hands and faces, buttoned their red-flannel nightgowns, tied their night-cap strings, and soberly said their prayers. They lay down in bed and pulled the covers up. It did not seem at all like Christmas time.

Pa and Ma sat silent by the fire. After a while Ma asked why Pa didn't play the fiddle, and he said, "I don't seem to have the heart to, Caroline." "

"After a longer while, Ma suddenly stood up. "I'm going to hang up your stockings, girls, " she said. "Maybe something will happen."

Laura's heart jumped. But then she thought again of the creek and she knew nothing could happen."

***

As a child, I never understood this despair. We never had much, but if my parents ever felt this helplessness, they did not show it. But, now as an adult and most especially as a parent...I have felt this helplessness. I know Christmas isn't about the gifts under the tree or in the stockings...but it is such a horrible feeling knowing that you can't afford even a few gifts or maybe not even the tree! We have had several Christmases recently where we could not afford a tree and we could not really buy much of anything(including what would be used for mama-made gifts). So, as I read this section or other sections in later Little House books now, I can sit in Ma and Pa's seat and KNOW what they felt that night.

But...there is always a way :-)

***

"She sat down again by the fire and Laura almost went to sleep. She woke up a little when she heard Pa say, "You've only made it worse, Caroline." And she thought she heard Ma say: "No, Charles. There's the white sugar."

***

And then there is the love shown by neighbors and family. Just when one thinks there is no way and that things will be depressingly meager...He provides! How many parents have been blessed by an unknown giver? Someone decides to send a card with money for food, or gifts or they find a bag/box of presents for the children, left anonymously on their porch? This is such a beautiful gift from our Lord. And I think I learn to love Mr. Edwards in this particular section simply for his selfless giving. He is a true neighbor!

***

"It was too big a risk, Edwards," Pa said. "We're glad you're here, but that was too big a risk for a Christmas dinner."

"Your little ones had to have a Christmas," Mr. Edwards replied. "No creek could stop me, after I fetched them their gifts from Independence."

***

The most beautiful, scraggly ol' wild cat :-)

"That was a happy Christmas."

And I don't think it was because they got so very much...but the selfless love shown by one man...makes me think of the selfless love shown by our beautiful Lord.

Lots of love,

Sommer

A Big Woods Christmas

2010-12-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

For my first little sharing of favorite Little House Christmases, I am sharing one from Little House in the Big Woods. One of the biggest differences about this particular Christmas (from what I see)is that the Ingalls family is at its most well-off. They have an established home with plenty, both from garden and woods. They are not lacking anything. They are surrounded by family...their immediate and extended family. All are well and really, I'm sure they felt very happy that Christmas.

Despite their plenty...they still had a simple Christmas. The food and love was the most abundant.

This Christmas is one that I've always used to compare the later Christmases recorded by Laura to. So many other Christmases were during very difficult times...and yet, there was still such joy.

So, let me share:

"In each stocking there was a pair of bright red mittens, and there was a long, flat stick of red-and-white-striped peppermint candy, all beautifully notched along each side.

They were all so happy they could hardly speak at first. They just looked with shining eyes at those lovely Christmas presents. But Laura was happiest of all. Laura had a rag doll."

"She was so beautiful that Laura could not say a word. She just held her tight and forgot everything else. She did not know that everyone was looking at her, till Aunt Eliza said: "Did you ever see such big eyes!""

"Laura sat down on the edge of the bed and held her doll. She loved her red mittens and she loved the candy, but she loved her doll best of all. She named her Charlotte."

"In just a little while the merry sound of the bells was gone, and Christmas was over. But what a happy Christmas it had been!"

Lots of love,

Sommer

Christmas Corners

2010-12-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time! What a wonderful time of year! I hope all of my friends are having a blessed and joy filled holiday season.

Obviously we've been quite busy here...or I would no doubt have posted sooner than almost two months since the last post! As usual, I am sorry for the long absence.

With a new home and town, we are having to find new traditions and ways to celebrate the birth of our Lord. It has been a little tough dropping old traditions, but fun too, to see what is here.

Mostly, we've stuck to the home. This year we haven't gone to any local things, but I hope to next year. We did enjoy making candy with our new homeschooling friends and of course have had fun making our traditional Sugar Cookies :-) Christmas music has been playing in the background and decorations have gone up.

One of the newest things for us has been lights on the house! Dan and I have lived in apartments all our married life until this year...so we've never put lights up on the outside..well, not even on the inside for that matter ;-) But we both felt the desire to have them on the house...so last Thursday(I know, late...) my dear, sweet, darling of a hubby set them up. We only did the front of the house and they are just a simple strand of white lights...but I LOVE them! I love the simplicity of them...just right :-) I just realized that this shot is a tad blurry..but I still think it gives the feel of the house at night :-)

Of course, it just wouldn't feel like home if we weren't able to put out the little decorations. I've gone about it slowly, but I finally finished putting everything out last week. We are still surrounded by moving boxes and haven't finalized where everything will end up in the future...but I like how most things turned out.

This is our front entry way...we have a large wreath outside on our door, but this little one graces our inside. You can also see a few of our snowflakes hanging from the entry that we made and our stockings(these are the ones that I made a year or so ago) and our advent calendar.

The other thing we enjoyed doing this year(something we have wanted to do since having children) is to take a trip to a Christmas Tree farm and we cut down our own tree. What fun...though it decided to start pouring while we were out there. It is the biggest tree we've ever had and a lovely(though crooked) one!

It was such a blessing to put out all of our ornaments this year. The last two or three Christmases we could not afford a tree or didn't have the space...so this was just sweet!

As you can see, Rowan is loving this. She has been such a good girl about not touching the tree since after the second day of having it. But she likes to look at the ornaments and point them out...especially the Winnie the Pooh ones :-)

The funny thing about this season...it doesn't matter how much you have or don't have, as long as you remember the great gift we received so many years ago and that we never deserved it. And that the love we show others...family, friends, or strangers...is but a shadow of the love God has for us, His children. Too often I feel lost in the busyness of the season...and then one of my sweet children run off with scissors and tape...to lovingly hide one more gift...and it just slows down and the simplicity I love so much is once again seen. The simplicity of love and grace and mercy.

I desire this week to share each day a snippet from my favorite Little House on the Prairie Christmases. These books have always clearly shown me a view of Christmas...well, life really...that I wish to have for my family. Contentment with little, joy in the difficult and love of family...beautiful to me every time I read these books. So I hope you will enjoy my little sharings as we head towards Christmas.

Lots of love,

Sommer

*edited to add: I just changed the poem in my Poetry Corner on the right to suit the season :-)

I AM here :-)

2010-10-24T20:20:00.001-07:00

Well, we've been officially moved in to our home for almost two months! Wow...that is just really awesome to say. So sorry for the gap in posting, but we've been trying to settle in and unpack and start back in the groove of school. We've settled in and I think we are back in the groove for school...but unpacked? No, we are still living out of boxes and there are quite a few things sitting in the garage, just waiting to see the light of day once again...such as my sewing stuff! I know it will all fall into place soon enough...so no worries :-)

So what have we been up to? Oh, so much really...

The kids and I enjoyed harvesting the fruit from our Pomegranate tree. We've made pomegranate slushies and plan on making jelly as soon as I get some canning tools. My hubby and I enjoyed a lovely Pomegranate Mojito too...yum!

We've also had a few things repaired and have had a landscaper come out and plan with us about our yards. That has been fun. Though we really wanted to be able to get our backyard and our front yard fixed up right away, we found that we could only afford to do it in steps. So the first step was our front yard and it is so nice to see it coming up green and lush :-)

We are still enjoying our backyard and finding much to appreciate in it...

The sunset just before a storm was coming in. Lovely!

The kids have been enjoying the space in our yard for running, jumping and playing. Liam has been practicing his ball throwing too :-)

We also have been enjoying observing the many birds in our yard...Western Scrub Jays, Mocking Birds, White-Crowned Sparrows, House Sparrows and a few finches. The bird life around this area is amazing! Not to mention the other creatures...Tule Elk, Muskrat, Fox and unfortunately...black widows and mosquitoes! Blech!

Life is falling into place here and we find that each day is glorious. Sure there are things that go wrong...attitudes aren't always happy and frustration occurs, the clutter is occasionally appearing and the floor needs sweeping...but oh, there is such an amazing feeling of joy and contentment...yes, contentment :-)

And, we are finding a little time to dance amidst all the day to day :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

The Day is Upon Us!

2010-08-24T13:18:00.001-07:00

Last Monday, we signed the closing papers...Friday, we were told that the keys were ours and the house was officially ours! Such a blissful feeling indeed!

We'd already been packing some, but we began packing in earnest as soon as we heard that and today...I am making a final push to pack up our many belongings. Wow...how does one acquire so much?

We move tomorrow. We hired movers...with 4 kids and a long drive, we decided this was best. I'm so glad we did.

As we get settled I will share more. On top of unpacking, I need to sit down and finish planning out our school year and then get going with it. We will be starting much later than usual but that is okay...we look forward to starting our year in a new home!

I may be a way from here for a few days, but I will be back as soon as can be and I look forward to sharing views of our life again with you:-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Anticipation

2010-08-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

I've been eagerly anticipating the UPS man. Not for any special trinket or new book, but for two rather large boxes. What might be in these boxes do you ask? Well, more boxes, packing tape and packing materials :-) Yes, I've been waiting for the arrival of moving stuff! And today they finally arrived!

My hubby and I don't really enjoy moving, but this move is one I am very excited about! In less than 20 days we will be loading up all of our possessions and heading to our new home. What joy...what bliss!

Despite the fact that there are a few things needed to repair and maintenance on this house, there has been nothing glaringly bad. Just to be expected of a home that is almost 50 years old. The closing process seems to be moving a long smoothly and we are awaiting the day we can get our keys.

I must say, the home buying experience has not been easy for us and really not very fun. I've had to feed off my 3 year old's enthusiasm to keep mine going ;-) But the Lord has blessed us mightily and has made things work out JUST RIGHT! Really, we couldn't have come up with anything better :-) I may share more about this once we are moved in, but suffice it to say...God knew what we needed and though we had other ideas, I can see the rightness in what we have now.

So....the packing begins! Prayers will be appreciated as we de-clutter, simplify and pare down. It feels a tad overwhelming to see all we have to pack up.

Lots of love,

Sommer

Patience Pays

2010-07-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

It seems that when you are patient, good things often happen...or at least the right thing ;-) Dan and I have been house hunting for about a year now. We started looking in one location with a certain price range, size in mind. As time went on, the Lord gently directed us to a new location and a different price range and caused us to have willing hearts for a different size home. We had OUR ideals...but God had BETTER ones :-)

In the end, we have a home in a location that is farther away, smaller and...just right for us!

This year has been hard and I have fluctuated from being content, hopeful, discouraged and depressed. But I was learning much and I am still learning that even when I am scared, discouraged, uncertain...God is ever faithful and knows exactly what we need.

Above, you see the front of our future home! Barring any major issues found in the inspection(and we are hopeful there will not be anything horrid) we will close on this lovely August 20th!

God has truly blessed us. This home was built in 1963 and it has a lot of those fun little things that you can often find in older homes. It also has brand new paint and carpet. The kitchen(which you can see a little in the above picture) has sweet little details that I will share later. The refrigerator space is tiny and so I am doing a search to locate an appropriately sized one before we need to be there. Also..the oven is TINY! But I love it :-)

And what is more...the price was awesome! And in California that is hard to come by. The only real downside is my husband's commute. But at least he works hours that it shouldn't be as bad as we had expected.

The crowning glory of this home though...a lovely backyard. Having lived in a tiny apartment for almost 6 years with no backyard and 4 active children has been, shall we say...NUTS! But this backyard is going to be awesome! It is very big, has a lovely shed, and several trees..two which are good sized and provide splendid shade in the heat. There is a lovely pomegranate tree as well. There is also a covered patio...great for eating on and a nice spot for the dog to lay on in the heat of the day. Oh, yes, we are already planning for dogs...oh, my yes!

Here is a picture of the children on the edge of the shade provided by the largest tree. As you can see, it is much more than what we've been used to :-) The kids are very excited. I look forward to getting it green again and working on a garden of some sort.

Really, God has graciously kept us from bad choices that were too expensive. We have slowly been shown what was right for us and in being made to wait we have been blessed. I know that something could go awry in the process. But I am very much full of confidence in what God is doing and have faith that all will continue smoothly. Things have fallen into place with this house that are for certain the working of God.

As we get closer to moving in and after we have gotten into the house, I will share more pics of the home. There are cute little bits that I want to share with my friends. Thanks to all of you that have been praying for us on this journey. I would have never gotten through it without you :-)

Lots of love to you all,
Sommer

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

"Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and He will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave...There is no retreat but in submission and slavery!"

"...Gentlemen may cry, 'Peace!peace!' - but there is no peace...Is life so dear, and peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" ~Patrick Henry

I find myself reflecting on these words today. Not because I intend on taking up arms ;-) But because I think we all ought to remember the passion our Founding Fathers and those fighting for America's independence had. Do we have this kind of passion...for our freedoms, our inalienable rights...most importantly for Christ?

On this Independence day I think on my own passion..or lack there of some days. Would I be a Patrick Henry(albeit in a skirt ;-))? I hope so. Do I have this daily passion for my Lord? I know that I could have more. May we work on keeping our rights and freedoms(and not just sit by complaining but doing nothing), but let us also work to keep our passion for our Lord and Saviour!

Happy Independence Day my friends!!!!

Blessings,
Sommer

My Little Handyman...

2010-06-21T18:26:00.001-07:00

A couple of months ago, my brother bought Liam a tool set. Just a kiddie one, but it is fashioned after things you might find in Home Depot(that is actually the brand of toys). He has had fun with it from day one...even sleeping with the tool box :-)

Occasionally he would ask me if he could get his tool and help me fix something. It is so sweet and I do look forward to the day that he can help with those things about the house. For now I just encourage his play!

Today, he was playing with his wagon(it was a car today). After awhile he came and told me that he had crashed and needed to fix the "car". "Mama, I need my tools...can you get me my tools?" I quickly searched them out and brought them to him...he of course got right to work.

As he sat there working, he looked up at me and said, "Mama, I LOVE my tools." And I smiled and thought he will be a very good and handy son. "Yes, you are Mama's good helper!" I think I will need to buy him some real tools as soon as he is able :-)

And of course, I must share one little picture of Rowan. She has grown just enough hair that I can sneak a little pony tail in it! Okay, it isn't much but it is sure cute :-) Fiona says it looks like a joy stick...I think it looks more like a fountain, but still...

As for life...we have just finished up our school year and are taking a little break. I am very ready for it and will enjoy the more relaxed schedule. Of course, I will have to get our school things for this coming year and plan it out, but that can be done throughout the summer.

We are still looking for a home but it has been a long road. I am hoping we will get something soon, but the Lord knows our needs better than we do and so I will continue to rest in His timing.

I will try to include some pictures of the older girls later. They amaze me at their growth and changes and I look forward to seeing more and more of their spirits/personalities appear.

Hoping you all are having a lovely week!

Blessings,

Sommer

Maturing...

2010-06-18T08:26:00.001-07:00

Liam has been growing by leaps and bounds lately. Actually all my kids have been..it puts new meaning to the saying "time flies" if you ask me :-) Seriously, though, I am glad to see the little signs of maturity here and there in my children. But, as I was saying...Liam is just growing so much!

He is taller, talks more clearly, rides his tricycle like he was Lightening McQueen, is already thinking about being "trained to drive a backhoe and LOTS of machines", and wants to ride and run with his Daddy.

He also has made the leap to "Big Boy" underwear! This has been a long, trying experience for us..but he has finally got it and (except for at night) I have moved him out of diapers. His getting through the night dry is a bit hit and miss so we will try for two weeks of waking up with dry diapers before we try underwear at night..but he is quite excited about that :-)

Tuesday, I took him to Target to pick out his "Big Boy" underwear. Such enthusiasm :-) We came out of there with Thomas the Tank Engine, Toy Story and Cars underwear. Of course, he had to share with his sisters and showed them all the new duds. He then spread them over the table checking them all out. He told the neighbor girl that he got "big boy underwear today". But lest you think he is all grown up and quite a mature young man....

Within minutes my sweet boy had started putting his underwear on his head...what a silly boy! My girls never did this...but he just couldn't resist :-p Oh and he also started pulling them on over his clothes...kind of super hero like.

So, I guess he isn't growing up too fast ;-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Considering the Future

2010-05-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

As a mother of three girls, my mind often settles on thoughts of preparing hope chests for their future households. I believe it is a good thing to have these essentials(and not so essential) items ready for that day that they walk down the isle a "Mrs." and no longer bearing our last name. I've read a book here or there about what is good to put in the hope chest and have much to think on.

Now of course my daughters are all young...though Fiona is fast approaching young womanhood and I must truly begin preparing her. Her sisters will swiftly be at the same stage...much as I hate to admit that they grow up quickly. The material(linens, dishes, etc.) things are good for certain, but I am also realizing that there are non-material things(skills, knowledge, etc.) that are also important for them to know, to aide them in their vocation of wife/helpmate and mother.

I came across this lovely post by Breezy over at a bowl of moss and pebbles on just this subject and it really got me thinking again about what I would like to encourage my daughters in learning. There are many things I wish I'd taken the time to learn when I was young, but now I have the opportunity to help my daughters in their focus. I pray the Lord gives me the wisdom to guide them and gives them the motivation and desire to learn useful skills!

I do hope you enjoy the post and are given some ideas for your daughters' futures!

Blessings,

Sommer

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

"We never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves."
~Henry Ward Beecher

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."
~Washington Irving   

"A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them."
~Victor Hugo   

"There's nothing like a mama-hug."
~Adabella Radici   

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
~Abraham Lincoln

"   Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together."

~Pearl S. Buck   

Happy Mother's Day to all my dear friends! May your day be full of blessings.

Blessings,

Sommer

A Poem For My Mother

2010-05-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

**I want to share a poem I wrote for my Mom quite a while ago. I wrote it in 1996 and gave it to her as a Mother's Day gift(or maybe it was her birthday...hmmm, can't recall!)**

Mother's Love

A terrified girl

On tan, slender legs

Stands unsure of

Her way home.

Through a veil of tears

She recognizes the sure stride of Mother.

The sight eases all fear.

Mother is there.

A sad young woman

With a broken heart

Stands fearful of her future,

Uncertain of her way home.

Through hurt pride

She sees Mother,

A sturdy shoulder to lean on.

Mother is there.

Now a woman

Strong, yet timid with each step,

Stands proudly next to Mother.

She knows her way home,

Thankful for all her love and help.

Mother is there.

By Sommer Sorenson(1996)

Celebrating Mothers-My Mom

2010-05-06T21:29:00.001-07:00

To join in in celebrating the women in your life, go HERE and add your link to Keri's little linky thing.

Today, I'm focusing on the most important woman in my life....my Mom :-)

My Mom was raised in a small town called Sutter Creek, the eldest of three daughters. But honestly, what makes my Mom special isn't where she was raised or who she was raised by...but that she was the mother that raised me and my brother and that she did so with faith and strength.

My Mom is a great mom. Her love for her family is amazing. I have never doubted that she loved me or that she would be there for me in my time of need. No matter what, she has been there.

Let me share a few of my most treasured memories...as I think that will speak best to who she is and what our relationship is like.

I remember walking with my brother to a relatively new school for us. Usually we walked to and from together but for some reason he didn't come home with me one day. Perhaps he was with a friend..I don't really remember. What I do remember is heading home in the direction I remembered. For the most part, my little trek home was going well...until I hit a point where I wasn't sure if I turned on one street or another. I kept walking back and forth trying to remember which street was the right one. Eventually, I sat down in despair unable to figure it out. I was SURE I was lost and I'd never be found. But what do you know? I looked up and there was my Mom coming down the street looking for me. What a relief! She was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen! That set for me a view of my Mom that has never changed...no matter what, my Mom would be there. She has always stood by me and supported me, loving me. Some how, that moment sealed a bond.

(My favorite picture of my Mom!)

I remember every morning before school my Mom praying for me. I don't think she ever missed a day. She new the power of prayer and offered it to me as a beautiful gift. It is so comforting to know your mother is praying for you.

She taught me that you couldn't separate your faith from your life. My beliefs weren't just for Sunday or only relegated to church...it was for all aspects of my life. I carry that to this day, knowing that every decision I make needs to be weighed against what the Word of God says.

I consider my Mom to be one of the strongest women I know. I don't think she feels that way...but I know she is. She has had some big challenges in her life that a weaker woman would have crumbled under. I pray that God will give me half her strength to get through the hard times.

My Mom and I have been "bosom friends" for many years and I am so thankful for that. Not every mother and daughter are so fortunate to be family AND girlfriends...but I am most fortunate indeed! I thank God often for that blessing and I pray that I will have as close a friendship with my own children.

My Mom...great words with so much meaning. Wife, mother,grandmother, friend...strong, loving, passionate...gentle, faithful, loyal...my Mom, my Friend, my Sister in Christ.

I love you Mom!

Celebrating Mothers-My Grandma Gloria

2010-05-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

If you want to join in or read other posts head over to Keri's blog, HERE. Today I am sharing about one of my grandmothers, Grandma Gloria.

Grandma Gloria is my Dad's mother. Grandma had 6 kids and my Dad is the eldest. She was born in 1925 and was the eldest daughter of a large family. I don't know too much about her growing up days, but I do know that for a time she went by her middle name, Hortense and she worked at a bank as a young woman. At some point(so she told me years ago), one of her co-workers told her it might be good to go by Gloria as it wasn't so...old-fashioned ;-) It is funny, because almost all of her sisters go by a nick name rather than their given name.

My Grandma grew up in Oklahoma and Arkansas, but lived the majority of her adult life in Washington state. I've never known her any where else. The home she lived in was built by(if I remember correctly) her second husband(my Grandpa Ralph) and she lived there until she died 4 years ago. I loved to look out their front window and look at Mt. Si that was right there...beautiful. I will probably always think of both Grandma and Mt. Si together.

This picture above is just how my Grandma was....no matter what. Throughout all of my growing up and beyond she battled illness after illness. She had cancer several times, panchreatitis, heart issues and diabetes which eventually took her sight. I know that she had hard days...but the thing that overwhelmingly I remember about her was her joyful, faithful spirit and her sweet kindness to others. Her faith in God and His promises to her kept her cheerful and strong. I hope that I can have half the faith she had and be as strong in times of difficulty.

Grandma and I had a few things in common...we love family, babies and poetry :-) She loved having her family about her and I was always sorry that we lived too far way for me to be there as often as some of my cousins were. I can probably count the times we were able to be together on my two hands. But she always encouraged me and shared her love with me. Even if only through phone calls, letters and rare visits. She was the matriarch of the family and family and friends were often with her. She loved to hear about new babies in the family and she was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren at the time of her death...she has a couple more now :-) Just a few months before she went to be with the Lord, I told her I was expecting. She said "Oh, I just love when the babies come!" I was glad she died before knowing I lost that wee one.

She also wrote poetry...so very much. She has a self published little book of poetry that I will cherish always. She encouraged me to not wait so long as she did to try to do something with my poetry. I haven't written in a while, but I always think of her when I get the itch! At her grave side service my Uncle blessed me by asking me to read one of her poems and it is another memory that I cherish. I am so thankful he allowed that connection between us to be shared in her honor one last time.

Let me share a poem she wrote that speaks a bit about her attitude in life:

Some Day We'll Understand

It is not for us to question

Why some things should come to be;

Why sickness, pain and heartache

Should come to you and me

But rather we should all rejoice

With the beauty we are given;

A baby's smile and a love that's true,

Joy coming straight from Heaven.

Hard times can make us wise and strong

They'll help us grow in grace.

The joys we know-the happy times

Are but a reflection of God's face.

No, it is not for me to question

Why some things should come to be;

But rather ask that God will make

A blessing out of me.

****

And also, if you will indulge me...let me share the poem I was blessed to read at her funeral in 2006.

Let's Meet on the Mountain

Let's meet upon the mountain

Where icy waters flow.

Meet upon the mountaintop

Where purple rhododendrons grow.

Let's meet upon the mountain

Or travel hand in hand.

Look out upon the other side

To heaven's wonderland.

Let's meet upon the mountain

The Lord awaits us there.

We'll take the straight and narrow path

That joins heaven's golden stair.

****

I miss Grandma Gloria ever so much. She inspired me to write, to love, to consider children a most treasured blessing(whether 1 or 20 in number and whether your own or another's). She inspired me to ever look to the Lord for my strength and to consider even sorrows as blessings. When she died, I had not seen her in several years...but her face shines brightly in my memories and her love continues to beat strongly in my own heart! Thank you Lord for blessing me with such a wonderful Grandmother!

Blessings,

Sommer

Celebrating Mothers-Great Grandmothers

2010-05-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Today we are celebrating Great Grandmothers! If you plan on joining in head over HERE to post your link so we can all enjoy your post:-) I think this will be fun!

Honestly, this might be my hardest to do. I only ever met one of my great grandmothers(at least in my memory..though one I met as an infant) and so my memories are limited. But I thought I'd at least introduce the two I best know of :-)

Emmalina

Emmalina is my maternal grandfather's mother. I didn't know her very well but have heard she was an interesting woman. This picture above, she is in her late teens I believe. I know she was engaged a couple of times and was very much an independent woman for the time. I think she might have been a poster child for the '20s! I remember visiting my grandparent's home and I was allowed to look at the jewelry that was kept in the guest room. Most of it was hers...long dangling necklaces and screw/clamp earrings! Lovely :-) My grandfather had a twin, but he died in infancy and so he was raised an only child.

She died when I was not even 8 and so I really don't have many memories with her, but I knew her as Grammy and my mom called her Gram. She was definitely not your cuddly great grandma, but she was a fascinating woman for certain. When I graduated from high school my grandparents gave me the cameo you see her wearing in this picture...I love it! And I love that I have a picture of her wearing it :-)

Pearl

Pearl is my paternal grandfather's mother. Sadly, I never really met her, but I have heard many loving stories of her. Apparently she adored my grandpa(he also had a sister) and my dad and she gladly came to be with my mom for two weeks after I was born. She was a very lovely woman and she loved to talk and tell stories. Often when I would be slow at the dinner table, I was told to be as slow as Grandma Pearl.

This picture is of Grandma Pearl and her husband Ed on their wedding day. I absolutely love this picture of her.

Of all my greats, I wish I could have known her growing up. She seemed to be just my kind of lady.

Both of these women mean something to me. Not because they were influential in my personal growing up and life, but because they were in the lives of my parents. My Grammy(Emmalina) was hard, but gave my mom what she needed growing up. She encouraged her reading and independent spirit. My mom has often talked about her with some affection(though Grammy wasn't very affectionate). My Grandma Pearl adored my Grandpa(her son) and loved my dad. She encouraged and showed her love in many ways. Again, she too gave my mom something she needed and for that I will always be grateful. Their love and influence has given me a chance to know two women that I might otherwise have never known about. Had they been distant or uninterested in their children and grand children's lives, they wouldn't have cared to share them with me.

I hope that I can be a great grandma that is remembered with some affection and that makes an impression on the lives of family.

Blessings,

Sommer

Great Idea for Honoring Mom!

2010-04-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Keri over at Quaint and Quirky has a splendid idea! She plans on hosting a "Celebrating Mom" week next week and I'd love to invite you to join in. Pop on over to her blog, HERE and read the details. I know I will enjoy participating...will you join us?

Blessings,

Sommer

One Year With Our Rose Bud

2010-04-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Rowan's first birthday. It was a simple affair (the big party will be Saturday with family) and quite low key. I think the bigger kids were more excited than the Birthday Girl ;-)

And what a lovely year it has been! What a blessing this sweet little girl has been to our family.

From the day she came into the world until now(and I pray for many more years to come) she has filled our home with smiles and joy. She is a darling little one. Yes, there are hard nights(will she ever sleep through the night?) and tough days...but they have been fewer than one might have expected.

My wee girlie just a few days home. She was much doted on in these early days by everyone.

As a matter of fact...she still is! I can't believe how much my older children adore her. Each of them love to make her laugh or hug them..and she gladly does so:-) I'm sure there has never been such a well loved baby!

Here is Rowan at about 5 months or so. The smile and brightness of her eyes sums up this little love. She is so very happy, content, and is constantly moving, learning new things and finding ways of making everyone happy.(or finding new things to get into and make a mess...) Seriously, who could resist that smile?!

And here is one last(more recent) picture of my little girlie. I'm afraid this is from late last month because my camera has been left at the in-laws(ack!)! I don't have anything more recent..but she still looks about the same.

She has changed in so many ways this last year and has begun to develop her own little character. She fills me with joy and causes me to wonder at God's goodness in giving me one more amazing blessing. How can I possibly deserve FOUR beautiful, loving, sweet children?! I look forward to this next year of discovery with Rowan...learning more about her and seeing her grow from a helpless infant to a toddling little girl! Joy is awaiting me just around the corner :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

My Daybook

2010-04-06T09:37:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY~ April 6, 2010

Outside my window...A crisp, cold day. The sun is out though :-)

I am thinking... About how the home and termite inspection went on our prospective home.

I am thankful for...God's redeeming Grace and seeing it working in my brother's life. This Sunday he is getting baptized and making a profession of faith! This has been long awaited :-)

From the learning rooms...We are off this week!

From the kitchen...Possibly left overs from Easter dinner.

I am wearing...Um, I'm still in my PJ's :-0

I am creating...I still have grand sewing plans, but I better create some clean spaces first!

I am going...Hopefully no where.

I am reading...The Sacred and Profane History of the World and Biblical Principles of Government study guide.

I am hoping...That this house will be ours soon! Praying inspections went well, that it will appraise for less and that we can move in before June!

I am hearing...A Beatrix Potter show. Love these little animated stories...very well done :-)

Around the house...Laundry, dishes, and such.

One of my favorite things...Increasing my skills and adding joy to our day.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing much.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

(My sweet hubby and Rowan)

Reflections on Him

2010-04-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Good Friday. I find myself reflecting on the amazing love Christ showed to me so very long ago and find it hard to imagine. I am such a great sinner...I am not deserving of His Grace...yet He has given it freely to me! Thank you Lord!

The beauty of Good Friday is that three days hence He rose again! And we have hope like none other because of Christ's great sacrifice. If Christ had not died upon the cross and then been raised up again...we would be with out hope and what a sad thing that would be.

May you remember what has been done for you. May you remember that He is already victorious and He is our King!

Many Blessings this Good Friday and Easter Sunday to my dear friends!

~Sommer

My Daybook

2010-03-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY~ March 16, 2010

Outside my window...There is a sweet, hanging nest on the tree in front of my kitchen window. I've enjoyed watching it shake as the birds flit in and out :-)

I am thinking...That Rowan has another tooth coming in. I love her toothy smile!

I am thankful for...The freedom to gather and discuss politics, the role of government, and to gather with fellow believers.

From the learning rooms...KIDS: Pilgrims, Reptiles, skip counting by fives! MOM: learning Spanish with my new language program and new sewing skills thanks to sewing forum friends :-)

From the kitchen...I think we are going out to dinner tonight.

I am wearing...khaki pants, salmon sweater with 3/4 length sleeves and pretty little clip.

I am creating...I am planning how to re-do a dress for my daughter, Brenna. I have the fabric washed and now I just need to iron it and cut out the pattern pieces out.

I am going...to the realtor's office tonight to put some offers on homes we are interested in. If any of the offers are accepted then we will go up and look more closely at the house(s) and decide if we really want it. Lots of prayers going up from here!

I am reading...The Sacred and Profane History of the World and Biblical Principles of Government study guide and I may have to start reading L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables.

I am hoping...That at least one of the homes we offer on will work out...we are especially drawn to one.

I am hearing...my children planning how to catch a fly...they've already caught one and a spider too!

Around the house...School and laundry folding.

One of my favorite things...Learning new things.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Celebrating my hubby's birthday and our 12th anniversary!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

(The little nest outside our window)

If you want to join in visit the SimpleWoman's Daybook HERE.

Blessings,

Sommer

New Addition to the Poetry Corner

2010-03-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

As Spring is fast approaching, I thought it would be nice to update my Poetry Corner. While enjoying one of my poetry books, English Poems(selected and edited by Walter C. Bronson-Professor of English Lit., Brown University, 1915 printing and originally published in 1908), I came across some poems by William Blake. I especially liked The Echoing Green. I thought it fitting to the season and so, I am sharing it here for you all. Please enjoy this month's addition of the Poetry Corner..which you can find on my sidebar to the right :-)

I don't know about the rest of you, but I find that poetry can often be food for the soul and it is something that I find very lovely to read. After feeling a bit gloomy off and on the last few days, this poem lifted my spirits. I do so hope you enjoy it!

Blessings,

Sommer

My Daybook

2010-03-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY~ March 9, 2010

Outside my window...Quite a lovely, spring-like California day. It is chilly right now, but it ought to be pleasant as the day wears on.

I am thinking...On the class I attended last night and the classes to come...9 more!

I am thankful for...a husband that is willing to take on the evening routine with our 4 children so that I can attend the class above :-)

From the learning rooms...KIDS: Pilgrims, Verbs, First and Second Declension Adjectives(singular~Latin) and fractions! MOM: learning Spanish with my new language program...yippee!

From the kitchen...Corn bread and Chicken(roasted) and beans for hubby's lunches.

I am wearing...A blue 3/4 sleeve shirt, tan pants and a blue/white sweater and the usual socks for winter cold.

I am creating...haven't started anything lately though I have many ideas.

I am going...to Costco later in the day.

I am reading...The Sacred and Profane History of the World and Biblical Principles of Government study guide.

I am hoping...We can go and see some houses this weekend or soon. Let's get this show on the road!

I am hearing...my computer working and my children playing or doing school.

Around the house...cleaning up and laundry probably.

One of my favorite things...Special time with my big girl.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing new.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

(me and my very busy girl...always trying to grab something :-)

Join us at The Simple Woman's Daybook here.

Blessings,

Sommer

2010-03-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY~ March 2, 2010

Outside my window...Sunshine breaking through the grey clouds and a slight breeze in the trees.

I am thinking...About God's will for us.

I am thankful for...A roof over our head and a good realtor.

From the learning rooms...A little bit of this and a little bit of that. Mama is planning for next year too.

From the kitchen...Nothing today. Tempted to bake some more scones though..just might happen ;-)

I am wearing...A brown tee, black pants and a black sweater. Not to mention the socks on my feet to keep warm.

I am creating...thinking about things to make for Rowan. I have a dress to "re-do" for Brenna as well.

I am going...Maybe to Trader Joe's after my honey gets home..not sure yet though.

I am reading...The Sacred and Profane History of the World and The Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton

I am hoping...We can go and see some houses this weekend. Let's get this show on the road!

I am hearing...Peter Pan and an agitated baby.

Around the house...Just a typical day..dishes, lunches and school.

One of my favorite things...A hot drink on a cold day, and perhaps a good book to curl up with.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Do some laundry, school and groceries perhaps.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

(My eldest and my youngest...almost 10 years apart!)

Join in at The Simple Woman's Daybook here.

Blessings,

Sommer

It's March...

2010-03-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

I've amazingly missed a whole month. I just didn't have much to say.

In the last month and a half or so....my eldest daughter turned 10, my little man turned 3 and life just bustles on. Where has the time gone?

We also have found that the home we put an offer on and have been patiently waiting on(this was a horrible shortsale), is not the home the Lord wants us in. The second bank on the seller's side wanted a large amount of money more...and well, we can't do that! So, back to the drawing board we go. When you pray..God answers...even if not the way you had hoped.

This is also my 300th post! And I was going to do a give away...but I can't after all. So I just want to say thanks to those that have read my intermittent posts. I appreciate all of you and have been very blessed by the friendships I've made :-)

As always, I hope to post more often, but can't promise;-) Life just flows along and sometimes I just don't know how to put it in words. But, I do so love writing here and will continue even if sporadically.

And just because you all are so patient with me and maybe you want to see the latest pic of my sweet girlie...the pic above is of Miss Rowan at 10 months. She is still such a joy and lives up to her middle name's meaning(Meara)..."mirthful". She is one of the most jolly little ladies I know :-)

I pray you all have a fabulous week!

Blessings,

Sommer

A Little Give Away

2010-01-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Gina is having a little give away! Wont you stop over and join in the fun?

Blessings,

Sommer

P.S. I am fast coming up on 300 posts(my next one I think) and to celebrate I will be doing my first give away. As soon as we are all over this little illness...I will be back to have some fun with all my friends :-)

A Lovely Give-Away

2010-01-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

I just found THIS lovely give-away over at Mrs. G's blog. This dress is so lovely and I think any little lady would enjoy it. Why don't you pop on over and check it out...perhaps for a little girl in your life.

Blessings,

Sommer

P.S. I am coming up on 300 posts and I am feeling the need for my own little give-away, so keep a watch out...I'll be posting soon about that :-)

Welcoming the New Year...

2010-01-01T09:55:00.001-08:00

"The new year on which we are about to enter is unopened, and we know not what shall befall us; but if we follow Christ we need have no fear. So let us leave the old year with gratitude to God for its mercies, with penitence for its failures and sins, and let us enter the new with earnest resolve in Christ's name to make it the best and most beautiful year we have ever lived."

~Pastor J.R. Miller

This quote really sums up how I feel about the last year and approaching the new year. I want to live like this this year..I want to live to glorify God in all that I do and make it the "best and most beautiful year". May He give me the strength and perseverance to live as unto Him. May I live in such a way that none will doubt the One I follow!

Happy New Year my dear friends!

Blessings,

Sommer

P.S. I hope to later this week(assuming my naughty computer cooperates) share some pics from our Christmas crafting and fun. See you soon!

2009-12-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

"God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes, and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts. " ~John Newton

I read this quote above and it really speaks to how I'm feeling and what perhaps is being brought to me by the Lord right now.

Since the Fall, we've been waiting on a home and the eventual purchase of it and have found it to be so slow. I have struggled with feeling so anxious, frustrated and down. My desire is for us to move from this small, two-bedroom apartment into this home that we really like. I find it difficult to function with the lack of space and the clutter. I have become quite discouraged, even to the point that getting into the Christmas spirit was very challenging indeed.

And yet, the Lord has always provided for our needs. He knows what is best for us and though my desires are what they are, He will bring to pass what it is He desires for us! It is often slower than we wish and sometimes different than what we would plan for ourselves...but, it is none the less the best for us.

As I write this, I realize that I need to fully surrender all aspects of my life, desires to Him, the One that brings all things to pass. I must surrender this apartment, the home we desire, our finances, the clutter and disorganization, and the raising up of our children all to Him. I need to open up to His work and His will for my life...even if it means letting go of what I think is best. I pray that my feelings, wishes and prospects will fall away and be replaced with the Lord's Will and desire for my life.

Blessings,

Sommer

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:11:00.001-08:00

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord."
~ Luke 2:11

I want to wish all of my dear friends a very Merry Christmas! May you remember the great gift our Lord and Saviour gave us. May your day be full of joy and blessings and peace!

From my home to yours...Merry Christmas!

2009-12-17T13:10:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to pop in and say that I've updated the Poetry Corner! I'm loving the Christmas Hymns right now :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

8 Months and Projects Completed

2009-12-16T15:20:00.000-08:00

Before one knows it...the months slip by and suddenly you have an 8 month old child on your hands. I find it really challenging to let her grow up...though I really have no choice ;-)

So at 8 months Rowan is sitting up fairly solidly and she is making the cutest sounds and bubbles. She also has two teeth! Rowan is still the jolliest baby I have had and goes to sleep quite nicely for me. Now, if she would just sleep through the night!

And in the midst of much Christmas sewing and prep, I have finally finished the above little outfit for Rowan. I will make a confession...this was supposed to be made soon after she was born, it was begun in...July. Yep, I only just finished this last week..sigh..

This is actually three pieces...the bonnet, slip dress and bloomers. I made the dress first (all by hand) with THIS pattern(slip view, with alterations for the shoulder closing). I embroidered some birds on it(I shared about this HERE).

The bloomers and bonnet, I made using THIS pattern(views D & E) and just decided to use my machine. Yup, I was tired of sewing by hand.

I really like the bloomer and bonnet pattern. Very simple and I can still get use out of the largest size I think. I do like the dress pattern but I don't think I'm really ready for heirloom quality techniques...it is assumed you know more than I apparently know ;-)

I really love the way Rowan looks in this bonnet...and I think she does too:-) There are a lot of ribbons...but I like it that way.

Now, I just need to use the rest of the fabric I bought when I was pregnant...and that I bought after and now and....you see a pattern here? Addiction perhaps? Well, anyhow, I have many things I'd like to make for her and the rest of my darling kids. I certainly have plenty of fabric!

And for good measure...just my jolly little rose-bud! She has really gotten quite strong and she is just the happiest little sweet-pea. Yes, I have quite a few different names for her.

Now that "the" outfit is completed...on to mass Christmas sewing! How many days left?!

Blessings,

Sommer

Finding Joy in the Chaos

2009-12-16T12:54:00.001-08:00

I really needed to read this today! I've struggled to find joy in my days a lot this year. I pray that I will find the joy in the midst of difficulty and chaos each day.

Blessings,

Sommer

A Meme~Because it's Christmas Time and I Can :-)

2009-12-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

Mama Hen posted this fun Christmas meme over at her blog and well, I thought this would be fun :-) You know, it is Christmas time and well, wouldn't you like to know more about me?

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate for sure, with a hint of peppermint if at all possible..yum!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? We don't do Santa. Well, we watch shows about him and will read books but we have always told our kids that he isn't real, though there was a man named Saint Nicholas. But we wont spill the beans to your family if you do "do" Santa..I promise ;-)

3. Colored lights on the tree/house or white? I like them both. Usually on the tree though are the colored ones.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Strangely, no..we never have. I'm really not sure why as I like the fun idea. Perhaps when we are actually in our own home we'll start doing it. Of course who really needs an excuse for a bit of kissin' with your fella?

5. When do you put your Christmas decorations up? I usually start decorating the first few days of December. Haven't done much this year though...just not very motivated in our cramped home right now. We don't ever put our tree up until a week or two before Christmas..just like it that way :-)

6. Favorite holiday dish? Well I really enjoy stuffing and I greatly enjoy the Sorenson Salad. I'm really sad if either of these items are missing for Christmas gatherings.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Wow, I don't really remember any big memories. The one thing that does stand out are the stockings my mother made us one year which I modeled our new ones after. I posted about them here and I am making Rowan's this year. I hope my children will have more memories that they cherish than I have.

8. When did you learn the truth about Santa? Well, my parents never told us Santa was real..I never had that shock ;-)

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Actually we get together with Dan's family Christmas Eve(my family the next day), so yes...many gifts are opened :-)

10. How do you decorate a tree? Well, we have ornaments that we've collected over the years...Dan's mom sent him to our marriage with each ornament he received each Christmas growing up(21 to be exact) and we have since tried to carry on this tradition with our children. Sometimes we can't afford a big tree, so not all ornaments are put out. I also put colored lights on(sometimes white) and then either plaid ribbon or some other simple garland goes about the tree. I usually put up the lights..not sure how I got that job...and then we all put on the ornaments with Christmas music going in the back ground :-) Fun!

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I'd love it...but, we live in CA and we don't get snow where we are. I think I've been in snow a total of 3 times! It would be neat to have a white Christmas...even if it snowed us in!

12. Can you ice skate? Uh...no...

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I've had so many things that I appreciate...so nothing really stands out to clearly right now.

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? Being with my family and making traditions and memories that center us around Christ. I want my children to have amazing memories, but most importantly to know the great gift that was given us the day Christ was born and what He did for us!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Well, either Pumpkin Pie or Maple Custard Pie. If I'm lucky, I'll have both ;-)

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I love for us to go to the live Nativities or Christmas displays that our town has. I also love hanging stockings.

17. What tops your tree? We have a pretty little stained glass angel that we bought our first Christmas...it is 11 years old now.

18. Which do you prefer-Giving or Receiving? Oh, I love to give things and receive things. It is especially fun to give things.

19. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night, no contest.

20. Candy Canes-Yuck or Yum? Definitely Yum!

21. Favorite Christmas show? I LOVE A Charlie Brown's Christmas, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer and How the Grinch Stole Christmas(old cartoon one). We still watch them every December :-)

22. Saddest Christmas song? I think Mary Did You Know is a really sad one...I think it is a Christmas song(though it could be for Easter too I suppose). I love this song, but it is sad.

Feel free to join in! And if you decide to do the meme let me know in the comments!

Blessings,

Sommer

Sweet Devotion

2009-12-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thoughts from Liam:

"I want to go to God's house. And I will be a good boy for Him"

"I will run for Jesus."

"Is God's house brown?"

I love this boy! His sweet thoughts are just so wonderful. I pray that he will be an amazing man for God!

Blessings,

Sommer

**Just a side note: I updated my Poetry Corner with a lovely Christmas hymn...It Came upon the Midnight Clear.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

As tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I wanted to post some things that I am thankful for. There are many things, but a few are most important to me.

~I am thankful for my Lord and Savior who died for me. It is because of Him that I have any hope and that I have joy everlasting. Praise God!

~I am thankful for my children...Fiona, Brenna, Liam and our newest little one, Rowan. They are truly a treasure and a gift from God.

~My dearest husband, Dan...he is so very patient with me and so very loving and good to me. I am so thankful that the Lord brought him into my life and that we have many more years to spend together.

~I am thankful for our home, small though it may be.

~I am thankful for the prospect of a new home...this is something we never thought could possibly happen(and no, there is no new news yet).

~I am thankful too, to live in a country that still allows the freedom to worship my Lord. I have no fear and will gladly proclaim the Gospel!

~I am thankful for all my friends both here and in person. Each one of you has been a blessing in some way to me. Thanks ever so much for your friendships.

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." ~1 Chronicles 16:8

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." ~Psalm 106:1

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

I pray that each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! May it be full of blessings and joy and may you each find many things to be thankful for.

Blessings,

Sommer

What I've been up to...

2009-11-13T15:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it! I'm posting before another month has sped by..yippee!

I've been trying to get my focus and start preparing for Christmas. Yes, I know, Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet. But, I plan on making our gifts for Christmas again this year and I really ought to be moving...don't you think?

So, I've been checking patterns, making lists, gathering materials and slowly starting my projects. Hopefully, I will get my momentum going here and have time for every thing I want to make.

I also have been making up some baby food for Rowan. I could buy it, but it is much more expensive that way and at least this way, I can see what is in my food for her. I've also found that some recipes they have out there include common allergens for our family and so I have to be careful. I'm sure I'll buy some jars here and there, but I am hoping to make most of what she needs and also have her eating what we eat sooner than later(even if all mooshed up;-)

A week or so back I made up some Pear Sauce. At the time I only had a hand mill. I will just say that this is NOT the best way to puree up a large amount of sauce...I'm just saying...

So, I asked my parents for a blender for my birthday ;-) and they delivered!

On Monday, I baked up some Acorn Squash and then pureed it in my new blender...NICE! Today I decided I better get to the Granny Smith apples and cooked them up on the stove. Again, the blender did a bang-up job on the applesauce..lovely, smooth sauce :-)

(The finished product from this weeks baby food making~in the bag:Acorn squash, in the ice cube tray and small tub:applesauce)

I really enjoy making Rowan's food. I hope she enjoys it too. Next up: carrots :-)

On Wednesday we had a special day that we took off from school and work. It was Homeschool Day at the Discovery Kingdom park(what used to be Marine World). What a blast that was! How can you not enjoy being surrounded by a bunch of (mostly) like-minded folks that do not look at you funny for having 4 kids? It was great. We were able to see most of the animals in the park and enjoy some rides too. We saw the Tiger show at Odin's Temple of the Tiger..very cool and Shouka the Killer Whale(very awesome and Fiona got drenched) as well as the bird show..lovely!

The kids, Dan and I all had a great time. I'm glad we could do it. So, I'll leave you with a few pics from our day :-)

Liam soberly waiting for the adventure to begin. Can't you tell he's excited?

The kids really liked seeing the elephants up close. Fiona was our expert...she could tell that there were both Asian AND African elephants there. Mom and Dad said no, we didn't think so...but the trainer validated our little lady :-) The kiddos wanted to ride the elephants, but it was an extra cost...sorry kids!

Here is the male, white Bengal Tiger diving...only 1 year old and already 300 lbs! Oh my goodness..he was beautiful! By the way, while here, I happened to get to meet one of my bloggy friends, Rebecca! So awesome..only wish we could have talked a bit longer.

And last but surely not least, Shouka the Killer Whale or Orca :-) What a beautiful creature! She is amazing. Fiona sat right up in the "Splash Zone" and got very wet. She didn't mind but I'm glad I moved up a few seats or Rowan(who I was wearing at the time) and I would have been drenched.

This was a great trip and a wonderful opportunity to see the variety in God's creation. He is truly an awesome God and His creation is a testament to His power and might for sure!

Blessings,

Sommer

Hello and Gratitude Friday

2009-11-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm still here ;-) Another month gone..wow! Oh well, I hope you all don't mind that I've been a tad absent. It has been a bit hard coming up with things to write about. Easier just to not write some days.

But, I wanted to join my friend Tilly in her Gratitude Friday posts. I like the idea of taking my mind off those negative things that are much easier to focus on and turning my thoughts to those things which I have to be thankful for...which are much more than one might see if only looking at the challenges.

So, I am thankful for...

~A friend that remembers me on my birthday(Thanks Tilly!!!)

~For another year to look forward to in my life.

~For a sweet baby girl with the most kissable cheeks and rosy lips!

~For darling children that work together for a common goal and find pride in work well done.

(and they even made that tower reach to the ceiling!)

~For smiling boys in a creative house. When you don't have a tree house..come up with something else!

The joys of the simple pleasures in life, for creativity without a lot of materials or money, and brother/sisterhood..friends for life..Can't get better than that and I am truely grateful for the blessings the Lord has put in my life!

Blessings,

Sommer

**Oh, and there hasn't been any more news on the home front. We are STILL waiting on the seller's bank to approve things and then the VA inspection must go through. Please pray for me to be patient and that I will be content as I wait on the Lord's perfect timing. Thanks!

October Already?!

2009-10-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I don't know how the month of September slipped by me so! One moment it was September(though often feeling like August), floating along so nice and busy like and then the next moment...October! Wow! I am now convinced it is officially Autumn.

We've been busy with school, birthdays and just plain enjoying our time together as a family. We've also been continuing the process of looking for a house. We've had some duds and disappointments. We've had to re-evaluate how much we can really afford and what and where we are willing to look for this house. We have prayed and been frustrated and then...

The Lord has seen fit to have an offer we put out be accepted! Now, we are still in the waiting phase, but this is very hopeful! We actually put the offer in without seeing the house except for pics on the web...a bit of faith stretching. The sellers accepted our offer and now we wait on their bank and the VA's inspections/approval.

Last Wednesday we took a drive out to the house to see if it was really going to be what we wanted. We went with hesitation and excitement all at the same time. When I walked in the door of this two-story, tri-level, 4 bed/3bath home I was so very pleased! It has some carpets that need cleaning and some paint in some rooms with questionable paint tastes, but other wise it is perfect!!! For us anyhow ;-)

Until we are definite..I will wait on posting pics of the house(though I must share that there is a room in there with a built in shelf/desk perfect for my sewing room :-). But let me just leave you with a view of my Little Man as he enjoyed the space and front yard...I think he likes this place :-)

But before I really go....Here are some moments from our last month:

My hubby, Dan, and Rowan enjoying a father/daughter moment. The entire time he was there, she kept her little, chubby hand on his face..very sweet indeed :-)

Here is my girl looking very solemn at me. She enjoys playing on her blanket now...of course she is almost 6 months now...wow!

And here I am with my sweet girl. The camera mesmerizes her ;-) She is a joy to raise and I am so very glad the Lord blessed me with her. And when folks wonder what I was thinking for having another child...I just praise God I was so fortunate as to have His blessing in this area of my life. Even as I struggle from day to day with patience and frustration, with occasional bickering and bad attitudes...the joys that I see and receive each day vastly outweigh such things! Thank you Lord for my children...may I never see them as a burden!

Hopefully I will not be so long in getting back on to write and hopefully there will be good news on the house buying front!

Blessings to my friends!

Sommer

Sunday Rest

2009-09-06T08:34:00.001-07:00

"Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." ~Acts 5:41-42

I pray to be so bold in the face of mockery and persecution. As an American I do not suffer much for my faith, but there are times when it is good to stand firm...especially in these days. And who knows when a day may come that we are one of the persecuted. I pray not, but I pray too for the Lord's strength and grace if the time comes and also for those times when I am discoursing with someone that does not believe as I do.

Have a lovely Lord's Day!

Blessings,

Sommer

Love this little quote...

2009-09-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

“A baby is sunshine and moonbeams and more brightening your world as never before.”

~ Author Unknown

Sunday Rest

2009-08-30T08:29:00.001-07:00

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

~Psalm 27:14

I find that it is a difficult thing to wait on the Lord. My patience is lacking and my desire for things to move along is strong. Yet, the Lord desires me to wait on Him. And so this verse is especially good as a reminder to wait and that the Lord will strengthen me as I do.

This waiting right now is on a home for our family. It has been challenging to find ones we can afford and that someone has not already swooped in and out bid us or that our loan approval is taking a while..ugh! And yet...the Lord knows His plans for us and so...I wait!

We will be heading out tomorrow to house hunt again in a location we weren't considering before. Perhaps this is where the Lord wants us. I shall wait on Him and see where He leads!

Remember, when things are hard and not moving swiftly to us, to wait on the Lord...it is surely moving at HIS pace and that is the RIGHT pace :-)

Have a blessed Lord's Day my friends!

Sommer

2009-08-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say that I updated the Poetry Corner over on my side bar. I chose a selection from The Children's Book of Virtues, edited by William J. Bennett and illustrated by Michael Hague. This is a lovely book of poems and stories that aid in teaching your children right actions. I really love it!

Hope you enjoy the new selection :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

2009-08-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

~Psalm 1:2-3

I pray you all have a very blessed Lord's Day!

Blessings,

Sommer

2009-08-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

I was blog reading this morning and found a lovely post about our ministry in the mundane. It is easy to forget how important our everyday actions...those that seem ordinary...are. But we have a HUGE ministry in the daily things we do for our family.

I think Rebecca often has such great things to share. I love reading her words of wisdom and often find myself convicted or encouraged. Her post really expresses the importance of our ministry...better than I could I'm sure :-) Pop over and read THIS post. I think you will find it encouraging.

Blessings,

Sommer

4 Months and Conquering Fears

2009-08-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Last week was a momentous week! At least in our household :-) My hubby had Wednesday off and so the kids enjoyed going to the park with him. It is a tad hard for me to go alone with them, so I know they enjoyed it..we don't do it often other wise.

Fiona finally found out how to do this gliding play structure and was very pleased with herself. Finally tall enough and strong enough :-)

Now Brenna amazed me! After years of refusing to go down the slides because she was afraid, she finally conquered her fears! This momma is so very proud of her. I think it is always wonderful when a little one can realize that their fear may only be a product of their own imagination and not because of any actual danger...she finally figured that out now :-)

My big, brave girlie...

And Liam...well, he has no fear!

And once you conquer your fears...you think up games to play with your sister. Slide racing anyone?

And the next big thing? Rowan turned 4 months! Can you believe it?! I know, I think I said that last month ;-p But really, the time is flying.

She can hold up her head quite nicely now and just yesterday...she turned onto her side! Watch out...she'll be crawling before I know it!

She falls asleep all by herself and sucks her thumb. Isn't she darling?

She is 18lbs of pure love and adorableness and my sweet love :-)

That's the news at my home! I hope you are all well my friends.

Blessings,

Sommer

A Little Cuteness

2009-07-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

I really have nothing new to post, but couldn't leave you without a little baby cuteness and sneak peak into the little dress I'm making for Rowan :-) I mean...there weren't any pictures of her in the last post...that surely wasn't kind of me, was it now?!

So, first...I just wanted to show you Rowan's sweet feet in her little slippers that I made for her. You know, these ones here...

Aren't they sweet on her?! And look at those darling little ankle rolls! To die for!

And here she is showing off her "tummy time" skills :-) She is so cute, I could just kiss on her all day...

And here she is in all of her drooly glory. She is the Queen of Drool I tell you! Only babies seem to be able to pull off the drool and toothless look, and still be dubbed adorable. And I'd even kiss her...as a matter of fact, I think I did as soon as I took the picture ;-)

Now that Rowan has been blessing us with full nights of sleep and a 2-4 hour morning nap...I've had time to sew on occasion(assuming I'm not falling asleep with a sewing needle in my hand). I decided I needed to finally work on the outfits I'd planned...ahem...to make BEFORE she was born. So, first up is a little slip dress. I'll tell you more when it is finished, but one of the details is a bit of embroidery. It took me a while to figure out what and where I wanted to place it. After much thought, I chose to embroider two birds holding clover(from an iron on pattern I have) in the right corner near the hem. I haven't really ever done embroidery...so I was very happy with how it turned out. Would you like to see?

You do?!

Oh goodie!

Here it is...

Not the best picture I know..sorry! The clover leaves are in satin stitch and the stems and birds are in back stitch. The dress is a pale yellow and the girls thought orange would be lovely for the birds. I really like the color combo.

I am hoping that I can share the finished product next week. We will see. I decided that we needed bloomers and a bonnet to match...so, it may take a little longer yet;-)

Hope you enjoyed a little wee goodness with me. I sure enjoyed sharing!

Blessings,

Sommer

Updates and such

2009-07-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

(Liam, Brenna and Fiona waiting for their grandparents at the mall)

Well, since last I wrote we found out that our offer was not accepted on the house we wanted. Oh, well...it really wasn't my favorite anyhow :-) So, now we go back to square one and begin looking again. Hopefully we will be doing so next week.

I'm not sure what the Lord has in store for us, but we are praying that He provides something for us. Things continue to be stressful while here in this little spot with our less than pleasant neighbor. I'm ready for a home of our own...one where my children can...

run,

jump,

laugh,

climb hills,

slide down mountains,

and simply be...

kids!

I am a tyrant...and it isn't because I want to be.

On other subjects...Liam continues to give me joy. What a chatty, loving little boy he is. Of course, he hits too(which we are strongly discouraging) and throws little tantrums. But all-in-all he is gentle and sweet. His curls enrapture me and his smile wins me over almost every time.

Rowan is smiling, laughing and putting her head up more and more. Before I know it she will be rolling over. How has the time flown so quickly? I know I ask this on a regular basis;-) This little girl has a smile that reaches her eyes every time and melts my heart. I've been busily working on a little dress for her and I hope to show it to you later this week or early next week.

Fiona is fast becoming a young lady...tall, beautiful and loving. She just can't be almost 10 and "growing". It isn't fair! They just grow up too fast!

Brenna is ever my helper. Constantly willing to fold laundry, do dishes, carry in groceries and love on her sister and brother. She LOVES to sew and she and I are working on a project together. Again, I hope to show this to you all soon. This morning, Brenna and I woke before everyone else(well, not Dan) and snuggled out on the couch for about twenty minutes. We chatted and cuddled. What fun!

I am forever reminded of the joys of my children and pray that I will focus more on the joy of my home and how we can create more peace in it. All too often strife is within these walls. I want peace, joy and love to overwhelm our home and cast out all strife. Of course, this is only possible when the Lord is center....so I pray Lord that you come and place yourself fully in the center of our home and family! Lord come!

May you all find joy and peace in your home today! Find a reason to sit down and snuggle your littles and your hubby...and have joy overwhelming!

Blessings,

Sommer

3 Months and Meeting A Dear Friend

2009-07-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today is Rowan's 3 month birthday! Wow, how the time has continued to speed along. I am daily reminded to hold dear the days with my children that I have. All too soon they will be grown and on their own.

So, what mile stones has Rowan reached? Well, she is getting stronger and as you can see from the picture above, that she can lift her head well. She pushes with her sweet little fists and holds it for a longer amount of time each day! She looks like she is making a very big effort this time with her little tongue sticking out :-) She also gleefully brings her fists and blankets to her mouth..sweet.

Last night she laughed for the first time! I was letting Liam take a few "dizzy turns" in his room while waiting for daddy to come read to him and I had Rowan in the crook of my arm. She was just watching him as he kept going around and then all of a sudden I heard the distinct sounds of a chuckle! So darling! Of course Liam loved that he made her laugh, and went back to taking his turns trying to get her to do it again. There is just something so very precious when babies giggle..sigh..

On another note...

This last Friday I was honored to have my dear friend Tilly and her friend Anne come by for a visit. Tilly and I have been friends via email, snail mail and our blogs since around the time I was pregnant with Liam. However, we'd never yet met in person. So I had the lovely opportunity to see her while she was out on the west coast.

What a blessing! I wish we had more time to spend together, but we did get the opportunity to chat and share tea together. We met each other's children and I met Anne. Tilly, you are as sweet as I thought you'd be and I so enjoyed our time together! I hope that we can visit again someday! As for now, I will continue to write and talk with you via the written word! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy travel time to see me :-)

And here we are:

(Tilly and Me w/ Rowan)

It is a blessing to find kindred spirits and I do believe I have found one in Tilly! It is amazing how many wonderful friends I have made through my blog and other groups I've been on. And it would be a blessing to meet so many of my dear sisters here :-)

Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday Rest

2009-07-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

~Psalm 23

I love this Psalm. It is especially lovely to listen to Keith Green sing it...wonderful! I pray that you all have a very blessed Lord's Day!

Blessings,
Sommer

Day in the Life of a 10 week Old

2009-07-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

Just thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of Rowan at 10 weeks. Just above she is enjoying her swing. When I need my hands, this is my savior at times. She will happily sit there, enjoying the lights and music.

Below is a shot of her most kissable little feet and rolls :-) I love baby rolls!

And here she is just gazing at mama. I couldn't resist making it a kind of colorized black and white. I love this girl!

Not much is going on and no word on our loan...so most of the houses we looked at last week are gone :-( But, God has a plan I can not see...so I will not worry.

This week I am preparing for a visit from my dear friend Tilly! Can't wait to see her :-)

Have a wonderful Lord's Day!
Sommer