May There Be Joy!

I was planning on writing a post about joy in the midst of difficulties. My Mom and I were discussing the importance of this the other night, and I thought that this was a very good point. Often when we are struggling with some problem...whether it be financial, physical or emotional, it is easy to dwell on our sorrow or pain, etc. But, as we were talking we both agreed that it is good(and possible) to find joy in the moment. When we are chastised by God, we ought to find joy in His caring enough to do so and praise/thank Him for His teaching. When we are struggling through financial problems or pain...we should find things to praise God for and be joyful in those, not dwelling on the other. Easier said than done, I know! But as I thought on this...I began to consider what gives me joy.

Let me share some things that I praise and thank God for....

A loving husband...

Children that are energetic and healthy...

Baby ears...

and baby feet...

Laughter...

and smiles...

Joy abounds...if only I look for it. Really, it is right before me, everyday, even on the bad days!

"...for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:2-3

"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation." Psalm 35:9

Blessings,

Sommer

No Tears!

Not too much has been going on about my home lately. Just the usual...laundry, dishes, errands and lessons. Same ol', same ol'!

Last Monday we started up our homeschool year. It went off without a hitch and has continued on pretty well. About the only difficulty is the time just before Liam is sleeping and he tends to get a bit fussy...at about that time, we take a break:-)

This morning Liam woke up with a cold, and has been pretty much needing mamma. That has made doing household tidying a bit tricky. However, I took it as an opportunity to snuggle the wee little bairn. He'll only be so small for a time!

Speaking of the little boy:-)...Last week he took his first bath without tears! I couldn't believe it. I think the fact that he could sit up and look around more really made the difference.

Not only that, but he was smiling...

It is always so encouraging to have your wee ones get used to something so routine. I really hated it when he'd cry, because it needed to be done, but he hated it so. I sure wish shots would turn into a good time!

Well, tomorrow I am hoping that Liam will be feeling better. The poor dear is so fussy tonight. I suppose I ought to go and settle into the rocker...let us see if I can soothe him.

Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday Rest

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:58

I pray that all of you, dear readers, have a blessed Lord's Day. And a special congratulations to Jewels and her dear family in the blessed addition that arrived last night!

Blessings,

Sommer

Tea With Jane Austen

Well, although Mrs. Wilt has been delayed in having tea with Miss Austen, I thought I'd go ahead and post about it myself:-)

This little bit of fun is going along with Mrs. Wilt's "A Fortnight of Jane Austen". If you go here, you'll know what the basic plan was for this little "tea".

My daughter Fiona thought I was a bit silly for doing this I think:-) She asked me how I was going to have tea with Jane Austen...was she still alive? That gave me a good chuckle. I explained to her that no, Miss Austen was not still living, but that she wrote many lovely books and I was going to be playing make-believe. I haven't played "tea" for so long...it was kind of fun. So let me share in pictures...

First, here is what I was enjoying for tea...

I didn't exactly make my little refreshments to go with the tea, but they were good. In my cup was a Roobios tea with honey and my reading choice was Persuasion(mainly because I thought it was the prettiest book).

Here I am enjoying tea with Jane...

I have to say that these pictures came out fairly well, considering both Fiona and Brenna did the photography. The top photo was Fiona's work, the bottom was Brenna's. I do think they were certain I was a bit silly:-) I don't know who else will do or did the tea, but I can't wait to see others!

Blessings,

Sommer

A Berry Yummy Recipe!

I've been wanting to make something for dessert using berries that I bought a month or so ago. I knew I wouldn't use them right away so I froze them. They were luscious, big blueberries and some lovely, tart blackberries....yum!

So, in my searching around and asking for a good recipe....I was pointed to this particular recipe, Blackberry Skillet Cobbler. I was so excited to find a use for these tasties! Yes, it does just call for blackberries...so I substituted 2 cups with blueberries:-)

Last night I baked this up...

May I just say that it was so delicious. My hubby and kids(well, one kid)really enjoyed it. And, as suggested, we had vanilla ice cream along with it, drizzled with juice from the cobbler. Here is the serving I dished up for my sweet hubby...

I really enjoyed this recipe! This was a wonderful way to use up the summer's berry bounty. Do try it...you'll be very pleased:-)

Blessings,

Sommer