My Goal:

Find Kitchen Table!

Well, I set a goal to get my kitchen table decluttered. And as you can see, it was in desperate need of some TLC! Over the last couple of days, I've been working on it in little bursts whenever I could get a minute to do so. But, in spite of a very sore throat, and just an over all sense of stress...it has been accomplished!

So without any further delay, here it is:

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

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

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

Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday Rest

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

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 55:8-13

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

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Blessings,

Sommer

Health Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Sommer

Setting A Goal

The other day I realized that things need to change!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Sommer

Knitting Bliss and Baby Tummy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday Rest

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

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

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

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

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

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

John 15:9-15

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

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

Blessings my dear friends!

Sommer

Happy Birthday Brenna!

Actually, her birthday was yesterday! My dearest Brenna...sweet helper, turned 5 years old yesterday! Where has the time gone? Just yesterday, was she not just taking her first steps, speaking her first words? Sigh....

Now she is a darling 5 year old, growing so tall and who jumps at the chance to help anytime she can. She is a loving older sister to her little brother and a good friend to her older sister(when they aren't having a disagreement ;-p). She is snuggly, and kissy and affectionate...oh how I love her!

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday darling Brenna! I love you!

Share a Smile

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

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

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

Lauren Christine, Pat, Tilly, Tracylea and Cynthia!

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

Blessings,

Sommer

Freeing Imagination

There has been a change in our home. Long has Imagination been held prisoner in our home...by whom, you may ask? The imfamous....Television! An old enemy, to be certain, but one that is cunning and at times rather vile....

Slowly the followers of Imagination have been forming an alliance. The cause? Revolt and freedom for their leader! A week or so ago, after long months of struggle, they succeeded...their fearless leader was set free! Long live....Imagination!!

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Sommer

What Is Your Favorite....

I have a new poll to the right here on my sidebar! I do hope you will join me in playing:-)

Do tell....what is your favorite flower?

Eventually...

You know, dearest friends....eventually I will get to writing posts that are more "meaty" or at least more...interesting:-) I have felt rather dry lately, but I do so love sharing about my kids and such:-)

Well, do bear with me as I try to get into a routine here and come up with things to speak on. No doubt I will still speak about those things of most interest in my day...kids, etc! But, I hope I will speak on other things too.

Okay, I think I am rambling:-p

Hoping to chat again soon!

Blessings,

Sommer

This is so funny....

Especially if you are a mom! I know I heard much of this when I was a kid and I certainly know that I have said some of it already to my own dear children:-)

Enjoy....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W95Y8hNQiH8

Sunday Rest

"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me."

Psalm 63:1-8

May all my dear readers and friends have a wonderful Lord's Day.

Blessings,

Sommer

Apart From My Nursling

In my last post, I mentioned how I had left Liam for the first time with my parents and no milk in sight! Perhaps some may think this odd, that at almost 8 1/2 months old I had yet to leave him alone like this. But, Liam being still a little nursling, I have almost always kept him with me, just in case he got hungry:-)

He also has been going through the anxiety of being apart from me and it just tears me up to cause him distress. So, this was a big step for me. My parents were so wonderful in watching all three children and I knew they were perfectly capable of handling him...but I wasn't sure I was ready! I mean, this is my baby boy...we are so very close and bonded and I ache when I know he is upset.

But, I needed(and wanted) to be able to concentrate at the homeschool meeting and so...I took the chance. I fed him just before leaving him, and made sure to be home before he would need another feeding. And then I left....wow, talk about hard!

The ladies at my meeting were surprised to see me without him, and I was really feeling the emptiness. I never thought I'd care so much to be parted with my children. Now, I felt it with Fiona and Brenna too...but it was different this time. See, I wasn't successful nursing my girls, but I have been with Liam and we are very close..bonded. And I love to hold him and comfort him. So, my arms felt a bit empty.

I think motherhood and the bond that develops between a mother and her nursling is amazing! God created such an amazing relationship, didn't he? Truly beautiful...and so very perfect. There is nothing like holding a warm little babe in your arms, nestled snugly to your chest. Ahhhh, I'm so thankful to be a mother!

"The sea its millions of waves is rocking, divine, hearing the loving seas, I'm rocking my child.

The wandering wind in the night is rocking the fields of wheat, hearing the loving winds, I'm rocking my child.

God the father his thousands of worlds is rocking without a sound. Feeling his hand in the shadows, I'm rocking my child."

Gabriela Mistal

Hug your little ones tonight and thank God for the blessing of motherhood...they will be grown sooner than we desire.

Blessings,

Sommer

My Week~

My week has been somewhat busy. Today was the first day that I didn't leave the house for some reason.

Monday, I needed to go get groceries and that always seems to take so much longer than I would like. But, the kids were good and we got home and I put in Pride and Prejudice after the girls went to bed and enjoyed some cocoa:-)

Tuesday, lessons were shortened and switched around, so that the girls could go to an art class put on by our homeschool group. It is called Meet the Masters and they will be learning about one artist each month. This time they were just introduced to the class and they made a portfolio for their artwork. Next month I will be co-teaching the lesson and we will be learning about Piet Mondrian. That ought to be fun and I can't wait to see my children's creations:-) The kids really had fun. After that we went home to have lunch with Daddy and then I took off to drop them at my parents so that I could attend a homeschool meeting. On a whim, I fed Liam and left him with my parents. I've never done that, since we are still nursing, but I thought I'd give it a try. He was great, but was really happy to be with me again(and I him).

Wednesday, I thought I was going to get to stay home, but realized that I'd forgotten a few things when shopping on Monday..sigh...That always seems to happen! So, in the afternoon, my brother came by to use my laundry machines and then he and I went to the store. My Dad took Fiona with him and I had Liam and Brenna. It was a fine afternoon, but I was glad to be home and sitting down for awhile:-)

Today, well, this has been an at-home day! I woke up with a murderous headache, but at least I didn't need to go anywhere. So, we did school and I washed laundry, dishes and just hung out about the house. It felt good to get things done...and the kids did much art today too. My Dad also came by and took Brenna out today...for several hours, so Fiona and Liam and I just enjoyed each other's company:-) Now, here I am, with all the kids in bed and I alone. Dan may have to work longer than normal:-( But, hopefully not!

Tomorrow and Saturday, we have birthday parties to attend. Friday, the girls will be going to a girlfriend's party..very girlie apparently:-) And on Saturday, Fiona is invited to a guy friends party. They will be going and playing miniture golf...should be very fun!

I'm looking forward to NOT running about...but I'm not anticipating that happening this weekend. I have a deep desire to be a homebody and I try very hard to do that...but life sometimes gives me other things to do. Thankfully, I don't do as much as some I know...I think I'd just fall apart!

Well, friends, I pray you are all doing well and having a glorious week!

Blessings,

Sommer

New Favorites...

Dear Friends~

I pray that you have all had a blessed Lord's Day, full of peace and fruitful moments:-)

I just wanted to let you all know that I've added two new links on my "A Favorite" spot over on the sidebar. If you scroll down, you will find these additions. Both have lovely art work that are free printables(although they do sell some things too, but most is free). If you have children, I think that you will find these to be simple, whimsical fun and a wonderful addition to there imaginary play.

Enjoy!
Sommer

Sunday Rest

"I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

Psalm 118:5-6

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."

Psalm 118:8-9

"Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."

Psalm 118:28-29

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Sommer

He's a lover of books....

Now that Liam has realized that he can move and there is a basket of books near by, one can not keep him from it!

But, is it his love of reading or......

...his desire to eat them?

I'm leaning toward the desire to munch on the pages myself:-) I do hope though that this is just a foretaste of his love to read...like his mamma!

Blessings,

Sommer

Honest Prayer/Honesty of the Bible

Amy always has such great things to say! She often makes me think. Sometimes she just brings to my mind things I haven't thought on recently. So, today when I popped over to visit...I found that once again she made me think.

Hop on over and see what she has to say about the honesty of the Bible and giving honest prayers. Go here to see her post:-)

Sometimes being child-like in our prayers can be a good thing...they are often much more honest in their simplicity.

Apple Picking

Oh, how I love Fall! The coolness on my skin, the pumpkins, the spicey scents in the air...baking, baking and more baking:-)

Although I do bake in the Summer, it seems so much more inviting as soon as Fall begins showing its colors. I begin planning Thanksgiving dinner and think on what I might want to bake for my family through the season.

And then....there is the apples! I never realized until just a year or two ago that Fall was the season for apples. In this day and age, we are able to get apples all year round...but really they are at their prime now.

I am truly blessed with a homeschool group that is willing to share their different resources. One of the dear ladies in our group lives on a property that has apple and pear trees. She invited us all this last Tuesday to her home to help with her apple harvest:-) With her generosity, we were blessed with a bountiful supply of apples...yummy!

Brenna was especially excited about picking apples and she and I had alot of fun going from tree to tree finding the best ones. Fiona liked it too, but she got bored fast and went off to play with the other children.

Along with the apples, we had the great pleasure of fellowshipping with fellow homeschoolers. Fiona and Brenna knew pretty much all the other kids and I enjoyed chatting with many of the ladies from my group. It was fun watching the children run around on this large property having fun and exploring.

Fiona(although highly allergic) found an adorable kitten to play with and couldn't seem to keep from picking her up:-) Of course, by the end the afternoon, she was itchy and sneezy...but she sure loved getting to play with the kitten.

As for me, I really had fun and I've already used some of the apples in my baking:-) Yesterday, I made a spur of the moment Apple-Coffee Cake....yummy! My hubby is looking forward to me making some Apple Butter...which I've never done, but there is a first time for everything and I have a recipe! I also plan on making an Apple Pie or two and maybe some Applesauce for Liam. I brought home quite a bunch:-0

In some ways, I'm sorry it is over...it was so much fun! But perhaps we will have the opportunity to do it again next year...who knows! If nothing else, I have a wonderful set of memories with my dear children that I will always remember and enjoy!

Blessings,

Sommer

She's Home!!!

My dear daughter, Fiona, has come home from Disneyland! She actually got back Monday night...but she spent the night at my parents and then my Dad dropped her off Tuesday morning. Aaaah, how wonderful it is to have my whole family together again:-) I know, she was only away for a few days...but, boy did I miss her and she truly is an important part of this family! Even, Brenna, missed her...and although they are best buddies, they don't always get along...so it is nice to know that she was wanting her big sister home too!

Fiona came home with a full bag and a happy heart! She even thought of Brenna while gone, and made sure to come home with gifts.

This trip served as a reminder of just how much each of my children mean to me. I pray I never forget it!

Blessings,

Sommer

New Poll

I wanted to thank those that participated in the last poll for doing so! I hope it was fun? I know that it was interesting to see folks' opinions....by the way it was a three-way tie:-) No one desired to be in the snow...I suppose that would be a bit unpleasant unless you are some lovely snow creature that is well furred:-p

Well, now I have a new poll up! Again, you can find it just to the right on my sidebar, under my "About Me". I hope you will again join me for a little fun! I'd love to know what you all enjoy.

Happy Monday to you all!

Sommer