A Favorite Hymn

I thought I'd share the words to one of my favorite hymns. It actually might be my favorite.

I love the words and I love the tune. It is an old Irish tune, apparently quite old. If you are interested in a brief history of the hymn please check out this link.

While here, you can listen to the hymn...I have it playing on my songspot. I hope you enjoy it and enjoy seeing the words along with it.

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Laundry Dreams

For the past 4 years or so, I've been using our apartments coin-op machines. Not neccesarily a bad thing, if you have tons of quarters to put toward it, but after a few years of this and having three children and a husband that works out...well, you know the piles of laundry grow. I wasn't doing too bad keeping up with the laundry and then, I had Liam. Suddenly the piles seem like Mount Everest without an oxygen tank! I am so behind it isn't funny! Do you know how many times a baby needs to be changed a day? Way too many!

Well, enter a dream come true....

This weekend my parents moved apartments. They have had an apartment washer-dryer for quite a few years now. They are small but hardy little things. Well, a few weeks back as my Mom and I talked, she mentioned that she might give me these machines. Well, I must say, I was quite excited and hoped that she might. Although my parents are not moving somewhere that has a machine in the apartment, they decided to pass these machines on to me. Mom said she feels it would be more helpful to me with three kiddos(she has been there herself), than for them. Wow!

So, as they moved this weekend, my hubby and I helped them and at the end of the day...my Dad took the machines over with my hubby and they are now sitting prettily in my kitchen awaiting their first run. I'm so excited, I can hardly express my feelings of gratitude. I know that my parents will now be paying for the laundry service, but what a generous and helpful gift they have given me...they are great parents!

I haven't used them yet...but tomorrow morning, I will take on my Mount Everest...and it wont be without oxygen!

Thanks Mom and Dad...you have just taken a load off of my shoulders:-) and blessed me with a very precious gift.

Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday at Rest

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5

Something to Ponder....

" A mother is a chalice, the vessel without which no human being has ever been born. She is created to be a life-bearer, cooperating with her husband and with God in the making of a child. What a solemn responsibility. What an unspeakable privilege-a vessel divinely prepared for the Master's use."

Elisabeth Elliot

Quoted from Quiet Moments for Mothers compiled byJoyce & H. Norman Wright

Is He Crawling Yet?

Yes, I actually had someone ask me this this weekend. My Little Man is just now six months...I don't know many wee bairns that have begun crawling at this age. And I really have no desire to rush the little darling! Of my three children, I have successfully nursed him the longest, he smiles and chatters regularly and right now he is tucked into the crook of my arm refusing to stay asleep in his own bed...only Momma will do right now:-)

Why do moms feel the need to compare, dare I say....compete, with others about their babies? Yes, there are times to worry if milestones are not met, but usually even the doctors say that babies vary greatly when they hit these marks. So, am I worried that he doesn't roll over consistently both ways or that he doesn't sit un-assisted yet? Not a bit of it!

But, I am a happy Momma, that would love to share with my dear friends what he has been up to...care to see?

Liam's first taste of cereal...yummy, oatmeal:

Let's practice sitting up:

Surely this is good progress and I am so proud he is my son! One day he will be crawling and then running, and I'll long for the days when only I could get him to sleep and patch his booboos. I'll ache to hold him once again in the crook of my arm, just as I miss those moments now with my girls, who seem to have no need of my hugs most times...but still, even now, they come to me with their hurts...what a blessing to be a Momma to my little dears!

Blessings,

Sommer

Children As Assets and The Simple Life

I was just over visiting Amy's blog and read a really good post about how children are not hindrances to a simple life, but assets. I think it is great and I hope you will go over and visit. Click on this link and enjoy the read. I hope to be back on later with a post of my own:-)

Blessings,
Sommer

A Pride and Prejudice Night

There are some nights that lend themselves to watching Jane Austen movies. This happens to be one of them. Why? Well, my hubby happens to be working an odd shift tonight...instead of 8am-4pm, he is working 4pm-midnight! We rarely are apart at night, and even after almost 10 years, I dislike it. Most nights I stay up later than him, but it is so reassuring to know that he is just in the other room and will be there when I crawl into the covers.

Now, I know there are some wives that look forward to a night without their husbands...I am surely NOT one of those! I love to be with my husband and would rather spend time with him than anyone else. How could I possible want to be parted from the love of my life and my best friend...my heart's mate? Sappy, I know...but I adore him and tonight I feel like pouring these feelings out. When you are lonely for the one you love, you tend to spread your tender feelings about.

So, to take my mind off the loneliness, I sat and watched the new version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly. Although not my favorite version, I do enjoy it quite alot. The music is splendid, the scenery is breathtaking and the chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I was especially taken with Mr. Darcy's statement to Elizabeth Bennet... "You have betwiched me, body and soul...", so romantic and truly how I think most women wish their husbands would think of them.

Along with my movie watching, I decided to do a little needed maintenance on my sewing machine and sort through an assortment of fabric, stash and remnants. That was fun and certainly killed some time. I organized my to-do projects in my sewing basket, and hopefully soon I will get to them.

Well, my movie is done, my sewing is organized, the children are all tucked snuggly in bed and the house is quiet...I suppose I ought to go to bed and await my hubby's arrival. I hope you all have a restful night and remember to hug your husbands and let them know just how much you love them....

Blessings,

Sommer

Just Some Pictures

As promised, I am sharing some pictures today. First will be pictures of my lovely, unexpected cards from Fiona and Brenna. Fiona's may be a bit hard to see as she did not use color, only pencil.

The front of Fiona's card(it says,"Just to say")...

Now for the inside(it says,"I love you Mom")...

Here is Brenna's. She wrote Dad, Fion(a) and Mom...

Aren't these sweet? Surely, any mother can understand how precious such things are?

The other day, while we were out running some errands, I found some lovelies to capture on film. First are some lovely roses..I'm not quite sure what type, but they are so pretty.

A splash of color to brighten the day...

My dear daughters near a fountain with little geckos...

I thought this little guy was so cute, you almost want to pet it...

Well, dear friends, I hope that you enjoyed a little glimpse into my day and the things that give me joy. I hope you stop in again to visit!

Blessings,
Sommer

Sweet Daughters

There are days when I feel like an ogre...as if every little thing causes me to rise up and bellow like a nasty monster. I hate days like that and strive to keep those at bay! I have found recently, that they are becoming fewer and fewer. I'm not sure why, but I am so thankful. I have often asked the Lord to change my heart and take away the selfish tendencies and impatient attitudes I may have. I feel that this is what is at work...that He is truly taking my sinful, selfish heart and turning it more and more towards Him. By doing so, He has made it possible for me to turn my heart more towards my dear children. I'm still very much a work in progress but my "view from the mountain" is surely getting clearer.

That being said, I have had a few examples of my heart change being (I hope) recognized by the very children I want to be closer to. My dear girls! Over the last few weeks, I have been the recipient of my little Brenna's kisses and hugs. She often will just come up to me and sweetly say, "I love you mommy." It means so much to me to hear these dear words...I hope to hear it more and more often from both of my girls.
Today, I was blessed by a very sweet, just-because, card from my older daughter, Fiona. There was no special occasion, nothing I had done...but suddenly as I was cleaning in the kitchen, she presented me with her card. It was a simply drawn card with sweet words in it. It meant so very much to me and I will stash it away in my "from the kids" box to remember many years down the road:-) I'll try to get a shot of each of my cards(because my dear Brenna also made one) and post them along with a couple of shots from my day today, soon.

Well, off to bed I go...

Blessings,
Sommer

On The Mend...

I believe we are on the up swing of this tummy bug! I came down with it Friday, and my hubby did yesterday. But, by yesterday...I was feeling pretty good:-) So, today we are continuing to recover and by Monday, it should be gone from my little family.
When I think about it...this is nothing like we had about 2-3 years ago, when all of us were sick at the same time and Dan and I were really bad. I think of Little House on the Prairie, when everyone came down with fever and ague(or malaria), even Pa and Ma were unable to get up!

She heard Pa say, "Go to bed,
Caroline."
Ma said, "You're sicker than I am,
Charles."
Laura opened her eyes and saw a bright
sunshine. Mary was sobbing, "I want a drink of water! I want a drink
of water! I want a drink of water!" Jack went back and forth between
the big bed and the little bed. Laura saw Pa lying on the floor by the big
bed.
Jack pawed at Pa and whined. He took
hold of Pa's sleeve with his teeth and shook it. Pa's head lifted up a
little, and he said, "I must get up, I must. Caroline and the
girls." Then his head fell back and he lay still. Jack lifted up his nose and howled.

Obviously, we weren't that bad...but it was pretty bad and we were all down for the count. Praise God it wasn't so this time, what with the baby and all.

I hope to be on later, perhaps to post on something other than illness:-)

Blessings to you all,

Sommer

From Bassinet to Crib

It is hard to believe that just 5 months ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. The time has sped by like a dream and he has grown so big. My little Liam is my sweet treasure, the joy of his sisters and I'm sure the pride of his Daddy.

Today was a big day for him...he graduated from his little bassinet to the big crib. This bassinet has been in the family since his Grandma slept in it as a babe, then his Daddy and each of his sisters. It is a special little bed, perfect for wee little ones.

But, as all healthy babies do, he has grown...long and strong. Now, when he is left to amuse himself in bed, he becomes cock-eyed and his little legs and arms get caught up. So, it was obvious he needed to be moved to the big crib.

The big crib has been awaiting him in the girls' room, but having thought about our little space as well as theirs, we decided to move it in our room. I like having him there with us...it is so precious to hear him in the morning when he gently wakes or to easily be able to reach my dear one when he is ready to nurse. So, we felt this was the best option. Today, as he napped, I traded the two cribs...the bassinet to be stored away for another bundle some day(Lord willing) and the big crib to take its place along side our bed.

It tugs at my heart a bit to see him in this big crib. Someday it will be a big boy bed and then....I don't really want to think that far ahead. It is so precious to know that he is still my sweet little nursling, that so needs me and loves to snuggle up close and touch my face or hold my hand in his. Such sweet memories to be savoured, I don't ever want to forget them.

Well, now he is bundled comfortably in his bed and I am heading off that way soon. I wasn't sure he was going to go to it peacably, I had to settle him back to sleep in my arms a couple of times. But that was okay...I enjoyed his little sweaty head resting against my chest and his sweet little hand in mine....

Before I go, one last shot of him trying out the new crib. I pray that you all remember to snuggle your little ones close and cherish the memories....

Blessings,

Sommer

Mothering and Nurturing

The job of Mother is never done. Whether it is the evening or the wee hours of morning, we are on call to bring comfort to our littles. I have been reminded of my call as Mother.

The last few days have been full of sick tummies, soiled clothes and linens, and couches made into beds.

I thought perhaps the other dear children had skipped the tummy trouble that plagued Brenna on Saturday, but alas....Fiona and Liam have both been troubled by it as well. Today Fiona sits upon our little couch, dolls and books surrounding her. She seems better today than yesterday, but her tummy is still a little upset. Yesterday, Liam was becoming sick after almost each nursing....poor little dear! Today, he has yet to be sick and I pray that he has turned that corner. I was most worried for him, as he is only 5 months and I didn't want him to become dehydrated.

I find it so amusing the difference in attitudes of my children while sick. Brenna dealt with it in stride, fairly calm about the whole thing and still played as she could. Fiona pouts and complains more frequently, as if she is the only one that has been sick. She sits on the couch not doing a whole lot and feels she needs help with getting everything...luckily, I am enjoying being the nurturer :-) Little Liam is the most joyous and oblivious to his illness. Last night he awoke to bringing up his last meal and sat there wide eyed waiting for me to rescue him. I needed to put on new sheets, so I laid him on his blanket in the living room with some toys and when I came out from the room(which is just a few steps away), he was looking at me with wide, joyous eyes...a smile gracing his face. He laughs and smiles and talks...and you would think that he had never been sick.

I thank the Lord for these opportunities to show my gentle, nurturing side. It is not often that my girls need such from me. And often they resist the kisses(well at least my eldest does)and help I try to give. I pray that the Lord will fill me with a more nurturing spirit and that my children will be more drawn to me even in healthy times. I greatly desire to be their friend, confidant and nurturer....while still training them in the ways of God.

Dear Jewels from Eyes of Wonder reminded me to rest and treasure the time with my wee ones as they are sick in a response to my comment to her. Although I hate to see them sick, it has been a blessing to give them what they need right now...a loving mother!

Blessings,

Sommer

Coffee and Posies

Today was shopping day! Pretty much every week we take a trip down to Costco. Usually this is done on Saturdays with my dear hubby. With three cuties and mind you, one is a baby...I find it much easier when Dan comes along. He has been very agreeable to this arrangement, however, this weekend we didn't go. So, today I chose to make the trip...myself, Fiona, Brenna and Little Man :-)

I'm sure every mom that has more than one child knows that it is quite a job just getting out the door with everyone in tow. But we managed it and no one threw a fit...Praise God!

Before we shopped we stopped for snack at the coffee shop. I try not to do this too often, but these trips are special and so I will on occasion treat us to a coffee and cookies. The girls were very satisfied with their snack, but I think Liam was a bit disgruntled...

Above is Brenna, enjoying her madeleines.

Here is Fiona, quite satisfied with her meal and finally, Liam...wondering why no one is sharing....

Once we all felt quite happy and full, we headed to Costco. That is always such a hectic place, but we came home stocked for awhile. Walking back from the car to our apartment, we found some pretty flowers along the way. I thought I'd share some of the pretty finds that God has placed near our humble home. Enjoy!

I'm not sure what these are, but they are always so lovely!

Right now we have 3 roses in our apartment courtyard...this is the only one that truly is lovely....

You know, if you take the time to look, you can find God's beauty in even the humblest of places!

Blessings,

Sommer

Parties, Illness and Old Friends

It has been an interesting weekend! As the title suggests, much has happened...some good and some not so good.

Saturday started out lovely...the weather was cool, but sunny and we were headed to a birthday party. This was a party for a little 3 year old dear, but I think the parents were looking forward to it just as much...if not more :-) What a fun time of games, fellowship and good food! My daughters surely enjoyed it and brought home little goodies for later.

Once we got home, we just kind of took it easy. Dan had told Brenna he'd play chess with her and so they enjoyed a game of that. Dan won, but Brenna was a good sport....

We didn't really have anything planned at this point, but at the last minute we made plans to have dinner with Dan's dad...that turned into having dinner with his mom and sister, too. So, we packed up and headed to Palo Alto...and ate at the California Pizza Kitchen.

All was fine, until we started to head home. Suddenly we found that poor Brenna had thrown up...so we pulled over and cleaned her up as best we could, and started driving again.

We thought we'd tucked everyone in for the night, when our older daughter came out and told us that Brenna had once again gotten sick. Needless to say, it was a long night.

I stayed home with Brenna and Liam the next day, while Dan and Fiona headed to church and Great Grandpa's for lunch. It is so distressing to watch a child be sick. When their normally active self becomes quiet and listless or naps, when they no longer take one...you find yourself worrying and fretting over them. That is how I felt Sunday.

On top of that old friends from Illinois came out and we had very few days to get together. With her 3 children, it was questionable as to wether we could get together. Who wants their kids to get sick on an airplane? Well, my friend and I decided we'd play it by ear and she'd call me this morning to see how things were....

Well, no one else got sick and Brenna was doing better...so Praise the Lord, we were able to meet at a park and the kids played for 2 hours and my dear friend and I chatted. What a good time it was. I am so thankful that the Lord has caused this to be a brief illness and in doing so, I was able to visit with a good friend catching up in 2 hours our whole year apart! Maybe next year no one will be sick:-)

I hope all my dear friends have had blessed weekends. Enjoy this week and Praise the Lord for something.

Blessings,

Sommer

Dresses and Patriots

"Is life so dear, or 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, March 23 1775

What rousing words! Like many of us around the United States yesterday, I was reminded of the blessings we have in living in a country that is free. I am so thankful to God for being placed in this place and at this time. I have the freedom to read my Bible and talk of God, to homeschool my beautiful children and to simply live without fear. PRAISE GOD!!!!

So, to celebrate the day, the children and I drove down to watch a parade with my in-laws. That was fun...my hubby had to work though, so it could have been even more fun with him :-) The girls especially loved seeing the horses and ponies(I have to say that was my favorite as well) and the little miniature cars. They waved their flags and stood for the soldiers and flags...giving honor to both. I'm so proud of my little patriots!

My youngest daughter, Brenna, is quite patriotic. How do I know this? Well, this dear one requested(quite some time ago, I must add) that I make her a 4th of July dress...flag material and everything! So, I made one :-)

She was so pleased with this dress! I finished it just that morning, so I actually didn't put all my embellishments on...I was planning on putting little vintage star buttons at the neckline. I will do that later. Here is another picture of her. It is so pretty.....

And here is one more. This is such a flowing shot of her dress. Her older sister is up in the tree...can you see the monkey?

Well, I had a great day....how about you? When you have the freedom to watch people celebrate the independence of their nation and spend time with family and friends...how can you feel low about your state? On top of spending time with my hubby's family, we spent time with mine as well...thank you Lord for good family and friends!

Blessings,
Sommer