By Grace Alone

Meet Raggie...and new house!

2011-07-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally here. Sadly packing and moving and saying goodbye to our little home in Holland Park West where so many great memories were created. I was doing well, until I saw the new owners taking pictures of the SOLD sign out the front. The tears flowed a little. But all for good and I was excited to be making a new home for us.
Two months on now and I can call this place our home, but it took some time. The freedom that came with selling and finalising some debts is always foremost in my mind and reminds when I am feeling a sadness that we do not own a house anymore. It is still there, but I am hopeful of our future and the sense of peace I have as we move forward. Maybe we will buy again, maybe we won't, but what is more important is that we are good stewards of all God has given us and teach our boys the same. We never stop learning, do we?

One thing Joey was waiting for in the moving was picking up his new doberman puppy. Raggie, or Ragstar as we affectionately call him. He is four months old and a very energetic, get into everything puppy. I have only just successfully trained him NOT to pull clothes off the line! Sadly him and Lucy are not getting on! Oh well, she has become more of an inside cat anyway, still very adored by the boys.

Two of my favourite things about this house is my kitchen, it is open and airy and opens onto the deck with a lovely view and is old and retroy and it finds me cooking and lingering a little longer than I used to, so we have been having some yummy things lately. Also the backyard is perfect with two trees placed just right for our hammock. I find the boys outside a lot more and I don't miss the concrete jungle of the other house! Just green and sunshine and fruit trees and flowers. God is good.

Ninja Party Fun!!

2011-05-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

What could be better than asking lots of boys around to celebrate turning Ten and Eight and play ninja games, eat pizza and cake and some art aswell. I was tentative about planning this party since I have no idea about ninja's - can you believe? But my boys were unrelenting in their request and I have a secret love of planning these things so....in the midst of selling our house we embarked on this afternoon of fun and I have to say it was a huge success! You know it is when your sons come to you the next day exclaiming how awesome it was over and over!! Glad I pushed through the quiet desire I had to cancel in the midst of high stress levels negotiating our house.

Some of the things we did were:
I made headbands for every boy to wear as they arrived.
I sourced dense foam from reverse garbage to make swords to be decorated and used in games and of course sparring.
We played the magical orb game where the boys stand in a circle and balloons are thrown in the middle and using their swords the balloons can't touch the ground.
The biggest hit game though was the plank game. A plank of wood balanced on bricks on either end and a good ole pillow fight in the middle. Lots of boy energy used up. Thanks for this Cher!
The pinata was a homemade chinese lantern and each boy had a chinese take away box for their goodies.
The art class was run by my dear friend Melissa who runs weave +wonder . She does art classes at a local coffee shop and birthday parties. Take a look at beautiful work on her blog. She did hero and villian portraits with the boys and though a few were tentative, they had a go and loved their creations.
My cake this year was super easy, I have learned that you do not have to go to amazing lengths when cake and icing is appreciated anyway it comes! However I did find these cool ninja figures from a cheap shop and the boys loved it. Oh and the ninja shaped cookie cutters were a great find!

One Thousand Gifts...

2011-03-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

I am naming my gifts - naming offers the gift of recognition. Now in the bible a name reveals the very essence of a thing or rather it's essence as God's gift. To name a thing is to manifest the meaning and value God gave it, to know it as coming from God and to know it's place and function within the cosmos created by God. To name a thing, in other words, is to bless God for it and in it. Excerpt from 'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp.

I am counting.

11. Sounds of early morning.
12. Mind filled to brim with ideas for my book.
13. The thought of a family filled weekend.
14. Crisper autumn mornings and more to come.
15. First cup of tea for the day.

I smile, I can't believe how much I smile.
Record the moment. Numbered. See the one at the centre of it all. Record the blessings. Enumerate the gifts, Ann reminds us.

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

The way to learn to number our days is to count the moments of his grace...

16. Lemon water soothing throat.
17. Watching my baby run around, giggling, glowing with friend before school bell.
18. Sitting in the silence with my firstborn, no words necessary.
19. Whites glowing in the sun.
20. Hard working husband home while still light.

Psalm 84:5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hears on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs - they go from strength to strength till each appears before God in Zion.

Keep counting these moments of grace. Even in the midst of a deep shadow filled valley. I love that it slows me down, I recognise what is right before me and I am learning to have a heart full of gratitude no matter the circumstances...I am a slow learner but he is leading and we will count together.

Meet Lucy...

2011-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Little Lucy the day we picked her up at six weeks old.

So tiny and timid.

We lost her for a couple of hours her first afternoon with us with all her hiding attempts.

Three months now, so big, loves exploring her new home.

About two months here, still likes to find cosy places to snooze.

So affectionate and tolerates boys rough cuddles.

She can be a big distraction to getting ready for school!

Almost 14 weeks.

When it comes to having pets I am definitely a cat person. We grew up with cats... Tilly one of my favourites and I have such fond memories of her. So on Joey's suggestion, we brought home this lovely little kitten whom has to be the most affectionate cat I have ever had. The boys LOVE her with their very rough cuddles and she tolerates to a point...but I think I am her favourite and it is very nice, she makes me smile. Soon we will bring home a playmate for her...Joey is planning on having another doberman. Won't that be fun, at least Lucy will be right at home and put him in his place.

The Flood of 2011

2011-03-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

Surveying the Flood of 2011.

RSPCA to the right.

Fairfield Rd Yeronga.

A friendly Policeman offering Caleb a seat, he couldn't believe it.

Amazing sights we had never seen in our lifetime.

People at this point still trying to salvage property.

This was before the peak in Yeronga.

Debris catching on the Goodwill Bridge.

Appreciating the power of the river.

The boys check out a city cat terminal destroyed.

It was January 13th. The inland tsunami had just come through Toowoomba and we all looked on in horror. Then the news came through that the torrent was headed toward us. I was at work and the worry was tangible with many staff unsure if they would even get home. I made it home, then the panic in the community was real over probable power losses and access to petrol and food. So I made all the necessary stops even cueing for over an hour at Woolies for essentials. I had never seen the shelves so bare, it was incredible. People were chatting in the cues and aisles, I already sensed a community spirit not normally seen in a grocery store. We were braced for the coming peak. Told to stay in our homes. Well we did, but ventured a couple of suburbs over to see these levels at Yeronga before the peak. Thankfully it peaked lower than 1974. Everyone has heard of 1974. But even though it peaked less, the damage was much greater with more houses and businesses in the flood zones. The way people came together after the flood for the clean up was inspirational. It will be a very memorable wet summer.

Daddy teaching all those boy skills!

2011-03-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

It was lovely to capture this afternoons work. A little bit of coaxing needed but they found it was not so bad and work is always good for the soul! I love the moments of passing on wisdom, today mowing the lawn and washing the car, tomorrow other seeds of truth passed on to live life well. And besides their wives will love us!

New Year's Day...

2011-03-13T04:45:00.000-07:00

We love going on driving trips and New Year's Day was the perfect opportunity to explore more of our South West corner. We headed inland around the Mt Barney area and found this beautiful grassy hill to picnic on aswell as a wonderful refreshing swim in this water hole. Fantastic day...thanks to the Biggies for finding it all!

Snapshots of my surprise/shock 40th Birthday pary!

2011-02-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

Yes it really was a shock! How Joseph pulled it off I have no idea. I had a lovely birthday breakfast and expected nothing else so seeing the mass of faces that afternoon sent me spinning. I literally spent the night floating from person to person. I felt totally spoilt especially seeing all my family there. Thank you my dear Joey, even though I shot you a glance of 'I can't believe you have done this' it was a wonderful night xx

A very wet Boxing day...

2011-01-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

...didn't stop us heading to Mooloolaba to see Ma and Pop and Uncle Brodie and Auntie Keiko.
I found a dry spot under my umbrella to watch them delight in being with extended family and of course riding in the waves.

Merry Christmas...

2011-01-02T03:29:00.000-08:00

Our tradition for a couple of years now of making this yummy Christmas Cake 'Jesus Birthday Cake'

Caleb loves it and helped me decorate.

Christmas morning started early with Caleb checking his stocking at 3.15 am!! After putting him back to bed we gathered around the tree at a more respectable hour.

Our first year of just us for lunch. Roast chicken, salads and prawns. A definite feast.

Lovely Sharyn and two of her boys joined us for Christmas night dinner.

kairos connection: Jen.

2011-01-02T02:56:00.000-08:00

kairos connection: Jen.: "Here's a slideshow of the fun we had at Kerrie's fortieth on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately we had to leave early, so we didn't get all ..."

My Birthday Breakfast...

2011-01-02T01:58:00.000-08:00

Celebrating turning forty with my most precious friends over breakfast. The day began early with much laughs and eating and chatting and led on to browsing and a movie, thoroughly enjoyable and all I could ask for to mark this day...little did I know what awaited me when I returned home...

Food and good friends and turning forty...

2010-12-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

Six of our lovely friends joined us for a feast! A dinner to celebrate my forty years! Joseph, chef for the night prepared our amazing seafood spread. Ros and Michael, Tami and Adam and Robbie and Paul. Gorgeous long time friends to share an all too quick evening.
Wonderful Ma and Pop cared for the boys for a sleepover and my blissful childfree ( I love them to bits of course) evening began with an afternoon to decorate the table, prepare the salads and sing and dance (by myself of course) aswell as reflect on turning forty... words that come to mind are gratitude, surrender, generosity, new opportunities and 'Your will, not mine be done'.

If I have learned anything in these forty years it is these things - I need Him to live purposefully, I love giving and serving and it is what we were made to do, His amazing Grace covers my many daily failings and His Will is infinitely better than mine could ever be... I have learned this very thing from laying down my desire for another child, of this I am broken... but grateful, it is enough that He calls me daughter and that His plans and promises will be fulfilled in his perfect way. Thank you Father for every day you have given me and for Jesus! Thank you too my precious family and friends given to me to journey through life, with all it's ups and downs, it is a joy to travel with you. My heart is full of thanksgiving because of you xx (p.s bring on celebration no 2).

A few days away together...

2010-12-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Kingscliff to just a sprinkling of rain, before the winds picked up, so we enjoyed a sit on our balcony while the boys splashed and marveled how instantly relaxed we felt.

We had many scooter rides and walks.

A rare moment when the clouds parted.

My beautiful family.

All the clay decorations we made while the rain poured down.

A few games and movies. Family time, very precious, we needed this.

The advent season begins...

2010-12-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

I love baking this time of the year, these are gifts for friends and the boys teachers, I am looking forward to making my christmas cake soon and more edible presents.

I found these beautiful snowflake clay ornaments I included with the teachers gifts.

Our 'Jesse Tree'. A new tradition we are starting this year using our advent calendar.

Now this Jesse Tree that our hearts climb high in this season of waiting, it's named after the Jesse who was the father of David, the first royal branch in the tree of the Messiah to come, David to whom God promised that his line and his sons and his family would be King forever. And when his sons and grandsons and great grandsons turned from God an loved sin more than their Father and their Kingdoms fell, and it seemed as though the whole royal family tree of Jesse had been chopped right off at the roots, our covenant, promise keeping God, He vowed, "Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot - yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root... In that day the heir to David's throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place." (Isa 11:1,10) Ann Voskamp A Jesse Tree Journey

My new wreath, I adored decorating.

May you enjoy this season of waiting and remember it is only Christ alone who can make Christmas.

A common thread...

2010-11-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

A treasured weekend with precious friends... projecting, eating, sharing, driving in the country, exchanging gifts and celebrating another year journeying together with a common thread - living fully with grace as wives, mothers and daughters. Remembering our God who leads, strengthens and gives us the grace to 'laugh at the days to come', who never said everything would be easy in these days but who did say 'I will be with you and carry you, so cast your cares on me'. My gratitude overflows for all he is doing in me and also for these wonderful women who walk with me.

Reason to celebrate...

2010-10-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

Mum and Dad I love that you have stayed faithful and loving to each other over an incredible forty years. Thank you for what your staying commited to each other has sown into each of our lives. Love you xx

My boy knows...

2010-10-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

We knew the time was drawing closer... the time when Sebastian would want to know why things can be difficult for him, why he can get so frustrated and confused by the world around him...
I had been praying for the right time.

I had some books for when the time was right and it was...at 9pm one night when he had been struggling all day, seemingly not being able to make sense out of anything that was happening - he had been angry and confused and so had I.

Bedtime tuck ins are precious aren't they, so many things come out and I love these times.
We were having one of our talks when I asked him if he realised he was different in some ways which makes it harder for him to cope some days, and that I had a book to help explain this and perhaps tomorrow we could go through it.

He didn't want to wait.

We read it through with tears streaming down both our faces. He asked why I hadn't told him before which broke my heart and if I could read this book to his brother so that he would understand him...

I am amazed at Sebastian's maturity to accept this and our loving Father who orchestrated this very precious moment and others we have had since this day as we continue to talk about overcoming the difficulties and embracing the gifts that Aspergers Syndrome brings to our lives.

A dose of Kingscliffe...

2010-09-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

The days seem a little hard right now.

Dreams unfulfilled and surrended.

Struggling finances and debts threatening to lead us to the edge.

God stripping away, calling us to trust no matter what.

But today we chose to celebrate. Eleven years of marriage is something to celebrate.

A family drive is one of our favourite things to do, even on a rainy day.

We walked along the Kingscliffe board walks, lunched on fish and chips and finished the day

with a quick trip to Movie World with our season pass. It was wonderful and refreshing.

Daddy's Day...

2010-09-12T01:48:00.000-07:00

My heart was delighted to read Caleb's card to his daddy, really shows the close bond developing and 'orsm' is beautiful!

This picture was inside Caleb's card. 'This is me and daddy walking holding hands'

A few of our gifts to daddy. Sebastians cards feature good old chocolates which daddy happily had for breakfast...along with the hot breakfast we cooked him.

A lovely stay at home day spent getting the pool ready for swimming as we are reminded of the warm days approaching.

We didn't want Daddy working too hard on his day so the boys helped put all the bags of salt in with the promise of a swim. That was until we found a possum floating and the chlorine level dangerously high...mmm have to wait for that swim.

Looking forward to many summer days spent here...please come join us.

Home making...

2010-08-20T01:16:00.000-07:00

The makings of my sewing machine cover.

I love the texture from my new fabric all the way from Cambodia.

The finished product, I had so much fun creating.


Can you have too many throw rugs this time of year. I wanted to dress up an old fleece with felt and buttons.

My finished knitted and crocheted rug two years in the making.

My stitched birdcage cushion.

These are a few projects I have loved making, some quick and some ongoing. There is something so lovely about creating something new with your hands, something you cannot buy anywhere, something that makes you smile.

He fills my cup...

2010-07-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

I had the most wonderful time with my beautiful friends this weekend. All my expectations of the weekend were to sit, connect, breathe in the views of the water and maybe finish my crocheted throw rug. These were totally exceeded as we laughed together, feasted on culinary delights, watched a couple of ordinary movies and I was completely able to be myself with treasured friends. Time to reflect, journal, sit in the sun, walk and smile...such a gift after the valley I've walked through. So sweet, so filling.

Getting Outside...

2010-07-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

Raising boys can mean fighting the constant pull of the technology game...computer, DVD, Wii...
Fresh air, green grass, tall trees, sunshine and watching energetic boys scootering puts it all in
balance...and does good for this mama too.

Gallery of Modern Art

2010-07-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

Creating our own shops in a town

Dancing with the girls

Goma's kids exhibition keeping us busy one day of our holiday.

All in a Knights day...

2010-07-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

The youth tournament was serious!

Caleb defending his King...Sebastian.

One of their favourite activities of the day - shield painting, terrible dragons.

The Goulds joined us and here they display all their loot.

The kids Medieval festival run by the Abbey Museum annually was impressive today. There was jousting, tournaments, shield and sword making. Lots of battles in and out of tournaments, some ending in tears...oops, all in a boys world and sometimes mama needs to deep breathe and let it all go, and laugh a lot.

crochet and other things...

2010-07-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

I love crocheting at the moment, I am making a round cushion, the texture is amazing.

I have a new space, I bought a new table from the antique shop in paddington after a lovely breezy morning wandering after breakfast. It is perfect for both my laptop and sewing machine, means creativity can maybe happen more spontaneously.

I love sitting here, being still, pondering new projects, marveling at God's kindness to me and enjoying a hot cup of tea.

My first ever photo book of my blog for 2008! I am learning, it is not perfect but a good starting point, can't wait to work on 2009.

Remembering you...

2010-06-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Cuddles from my precious 2nd born

today and many more needed and

treasured as it comes time to remember

the dear one we lost, meant to be born

next month. Held and loved in heaven.

Landcruiser Mountain boys adventures...

2010-06-26T03:35:00.000-07:00

Joseph gathered dad's and their kids for a winters camp inland from Kilcoy. There was of course extreme 4wding, bbq's, bmx tracks and campfires. Real boy stuff, good thing I wasn't there, can't believe he put my car through this!

Double Island Point :: 3

2010-06-18T23:47:00.000-07:00

Resting halfway up that dune.

Cuddles with my boys, amazing views.

Jumping down the dune!

Double Island Point :: 2

2010-06-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

Our camper and just the beach.

A grey day but loved the fishing.

Only one, this was for me! And below a lesson in baiting up.

Double Island Point...

2010-06-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

The amazing sand dune I climbed twice but our children climbed countless times.

Yay we made it to the top, well they are actually cheering their mummies who breathlessly did it!

Somehow I missed blogging about our wonderful time camping on the beach in April this year. We shared our love of camping with our friends the Dees - their first time.

Beautiful weather, well a little rain!
Awesome dunes to climb.
Fires to sit around and chat and eat chocolate and hear our children sing to their hearts content, to my absolute delight as my boys rarely sing!
Actually seeing the stars.
Hearing the ocean.
Watching the seagulls.
Seeing my husband's content in being outdoors!
All of it so necessary for us right now.
Time to be still and sit in His amazing creation.

That's my boy...

2010-06-18T00:41:00.000-07:00

Delighted on a beautiful winters day watching my boy do high jump.

I was amazed at his willingness and joy to give everything a go!

A moment to tell him how proud I am. This is overcoming and he knew it. Well done my darling.

nine

2010-06-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Celebrating our beautiful boys' birthday this year included a visit to Currumbin Sanctuary. A wonderful serene place to enjoy the animals. His school friend Lachy came along and 3 boys ran around checking out the birds, emus and tassie devils.

It is such a joy to be your mum Sebastian. I love how you make me laugh, your amazing smile and precious cuddles. You have such a tender heart for others sweetheart that makes me so proud. Happy Birthday darling boy xx

Beautiful Vicki and Frank...

2010-06-05T03:53:00.001-07:00

A celebration.
Beautiful couple.
Long time friends.
Elegant garden party and country surroundings.

Homemade Fireman suit...

2010-05-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

When the letter comes home from school describing a dress up day, I groan. My boy however somehow has complete faith I can come up with something. The theme was occupations...whatever the children wanted to be when they grow up. Originally he chose a ninja...talked him out of that, then he chose fireman and I'm thinking how am I going to pull that together, not wanting to buy a whole outfit. Googling I found some great ideas like grabbing a black tracksuit, cutting up the top and making some fasteners with velcro, some yellow duck tape to make the stripes and copying and laminating a firefighting emblem. It was great fun and he looked fantastic.

Family Pics...

2010-05-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

A few captured moments as a family while in Mooloolaba celebrating Brodie and Keiko's wedding.

seven!

2010-05-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

Wearing his birthday present - Luke Skywalker's outfit and lightsaber!

Party time! He invited five friends to a lego party, there was lots of lego building.

Cake time, and as you can see below I attemped a lego brick chocolate cake, it was devoured, even being gluten free!

And Pizza for lunch!

My baby is seven and I can't believe where the time has gone.

Dear Caleb,
Happy Birthday darling boy! I am so proud of you. You have such a
beautiful heart, so joyful and full of life. You are as your name says
bold, brave and courageous. I know you will do great things! Thank you
for your wonderful cuddles, the way you make me laugh and your kisses.
Enjoy every day, stay strong and close to Jesus. I love you, Your mum xx

To my beautiful boy Caleb,
You are a joy to have, and I will always love you. I pray you will continue to grow in Him as you enjoy your life. Happy Birthday, Love Daddy xx

The joy of a project completed one afternoon...

2010-05-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

Doilies from second hand shop stitched up to make me smile as I walk into our bedroom.

No Rain, No Rainbow/ April Showers, May Flowers...

2010-05-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Two inscriptions written a year apart by these two special people. So beautifully describes some of their journey to finally marry...on May 1st.

We were so delighted to be a part of your day Brodie and Keiko, and to support and love you on the rest of your journey.

A finished project...

2010-04-19T01:41:00.000-07:00

...feels good! I have a few on the go projects, actually ones that are left for a long while and I wonder if I'll ever get there! But these stitching cushions of the boys names and meanings were projects I really wanted to get done. In the process we got to talk about what their names mean and why we chose them. A treasure to pass down maybe.

Home is us...

2010-04-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

We listed our house to sell today...as I shared with the boys today, God is showing us this is best for our family. They protested, they cried out no, they said why.
We can get caught up in our houses being a part of what we know as our family and I think this is where my dear ones were coming from. I gently explained that we are what makes a home and we are staying together! Sebastian piped up with a gem 'the Allon family is not changing' he said to encourage his brother...and here's me worrying Sebastian would take it hard.

The sign goes up today, final painting jobs done...still a downstairs office to clean...ahem Joseph!
And an exciting new chapter awaits...and she laughs at the days to come. Prov 31:25

Cotton Tree #3

2010-04-14T05:02:00.000-07:00

Final pics (having trouble downloading, hence the separate posts) I love this one of the kids all crammed in on my bed for a DVD, it had the tiniest screen, but kept them entertained for a little while, in between tree climbing, scootering, swimming and heaps more

Cotton Tree continued...

2010-04-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

The rocks Mooloolaba collecting sea life

Stella and Sebastian taking a moment to look out at this magnificent ocean.

My boy doing some reading 'his' way

Maroochy Beach, the big boys were loving the waves.

Cotton Tree 2010

2010-04-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

The river where we did a lot of our paddling and refreshing ourselves.

Caleb's first fishing trip, first fishing line and wonderfully first fish - a 'moses perch mummy!'

Our great set up, I am always amazed once we have set up ( it does take a couple of hours), how little we need to live really...oh and yes we had power...hence the laptop!

Highlights of our annual family camping tree to beautiful Cotton Tree. It was a beautiful, hot, dry ( no water beds this year) Easter. With a chance to see the children playing endlessly outside and time to sit, maybe stitch, knit or share in the fun of tug of wars!

There's a wedding soon...

2010-03-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

Over many cups of tea, these were put together for my dear brother in law Brodie (he might see this) and my soon to be sister in law, gorgeous Keiko. I loved our whole day working bee we had
to get all the printing done and be together for a bit of craziness of wrestling and battles with the boys.
Can't wait for your wedding guys - finally!

Family Pics

2010-03-26T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's not often we are all dressed up, so we took advantage and took some shots.
Can't believe how big and fast our boys
are growing up.
My little handsome Caleb in his new outfit.

Brothers, best buddies. Caleb said one day recently,
'you know we will always be brothers even when
we're grown up!'

Nearly nine. My beautiful boy.
Loves his new outfit, 'I look like
daddy now'

All of us, we are so blessed.

Playing with oils...

2010-03-12T14:19:00.001-08:00

I am hestitant to put these here, but as I had so much fun experimenting I will! I had never worked with oils before, didn't even know how long they took to dry. Now I am armed with some 'how to paint with oils' books from our library I will play some more. I love the texture oils create.

Somerset Dam Adventures...

2010-03-06T01:46:00.000-08:00

Nanna Joyce and the boys on a wet trip to see the gates at the Dam.

Very thankful we were not driving under this thing the moment it fell!

A rainy week, a Saturday, and a desire to get out, we set off. We had heard of the gates open at Somerset with all the record rainfall.

Driving through Mt Glorious however we were stopped by this huge fallen tree across the road. Joseph assessing the situation, probably could have driven through...he mildly boasted! But seeing the long line of cars behind him, he did the gentlemanly thing with his trusty Discovery and pulled the tree off the road! He loved it.

It was a beautiful drive after this, everything so lush and green and wet. Creeks, waterfalls, dams full and overflowing. Prayers answered!

Look mum...

2010-02-08T23:28:00.000-08:00

I want to be a lego creator when I grow up... says my dear Sebastian. I love this creation, it sits proudly upon my desk.

The rearrange...

2010-02-07T18:54:00.001-08:00

It's funny sometimes, what hour of the day you get these ideas, I did at 10.30pm one night. No I didn't make my husband move the furniture then, kind aren't I... I waited to kick him out of bed early the next morning...mmm does 8am on a Saturday classify as early?

I was inspired because of the new dining set I had that was looking particularly cramped where it was, so it made a good centerpiece and we made a office space including a lounge where Joey tends to do most of his work.

Got my creative juices going and you never know what you will find under couches!! And before you say it, no it didn't look like this for long...that's life with 3 boys!

Australia Day 2010

2010-01-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

Driving down to Kingscliff, having a bbq and swim in a cool creek felt very Australian in our hot hot summer. We grabbed one of the last shady trees which just happened to be full of Hibiscus Bugs to keep our animal loving children happy and entertained for hours. Just bliss and a welcome break in the first week of back to school.

New spaces...

2010-01-24T20:27:00.000-08:00

Receiving my 'woven' products today was very exciting. Many were gifts I have been delighted to send on their way, and some made their way around our home. Also my lovely new table and chairs my beautiful mum gave us.

Christmas days...

2010-01-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

Here I am back in blogging world...holidays, christmas, end of school, friendships, fun and the need to refocus on why I am blogging have made me pause and consider.

To me capturing things of beauty, things that inspire...my family tops that list, but also being still in my days, looking around and noticing beauty in the ordinary grabs my attention and a bit of my creativity...if I feel inspired, anyway I want this place to be a snapshot of our days, my thoughts, my longings, what I am thankful for. To be a record for my family and for my friends to visit...so welcome to our place...

To start 2010, here are a few snapshots of our wonderful Christmas in Sydney.

I love Christmas, it's beauty, it's meaning of love, to be full of gratitude in our gift of Jesus. Time to reflect on the year that's been and family...I am proud of my mum for all her work in getting us together this year since it's been over 5 years since we were...which includes a crazy story of my sister's dog needing to be flown down from Mackay! The things a mother's love will do!

We enjoyed each other, had shopping days, played board games and ate lots of course.

Thank you mum & dad xx

my first quilt!

2009-11-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

Caleb, under the weather today found a little comfort cuddling up in my new quilt. Both the boys love following my projects and get excited when I finish!

A lovely day of sewing together with friends, one of my favourite things to do.
This day was the beginnings of our 'friendship quilt'. We all shared fabrics and began sewing them amidst much sharing, laughter and fine food and tea at Jen's beautiful home.

Being my first quilt I had no idea what I was doing and it kind of shows in the workmanship but I am delighted in the finished product and am just as stoked that I finished it! Yes I can be the queen of unfinished projects, but this project excited me as I had always wanted to make one, so thank you beautiful friends, I love that I know which pieces are yours xx

Pressing on...

2009-10-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

One morning two blue winged kookaburras descended upon our poinciana tree to our absolute delight.
They were obviously on a mission and no annoying noisy minors were going to deter them from hours, no days actually, of pecking at our date palm tree for lovely bedding for their nest.

The noisy minors incessantly swooped upon them, but the kookaburras persevered in spite of constant opposition and actually remained calm and didn't peck back or anything.

I linger on this today as I have been pondering on what it means to press forward in spite of difficulties and the want to give up or this is too hard...and impress this upon my children' s heart.

Yesterday I asked the Father for an example in the bible of someone showing this spirit of perseverance... so that I may share it with the boys, sow little seeds of truth that I believe they will one day, take hold of and live out daily...it is a journey and a slow one sometimes, but I'm learning right along side of them.

It was then Jesus reminded me of the garden...the garden where his heart broke with sorrow to the point of death. The garden where he fell and prayed

"Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will".

I raced there, my heart full of anticipation of what I knew Jesus said to the Father three times, something I needed to hear afresh. And again today and the next day after that...My saviour gave all and today because of him I can press on being a mama, I can teach my children the beauty and reward of keeping their eyes on the goal.

Dressing up joys...

2009-09-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

International day at school for our little Caleb, he had been counting down the days and I had been wondering what on earth he was going to wear.

After a little thinking and google search we found a picture of a chinese boys costume. I'm thinking I can do this, how hard can it be?? Make a costume from a picture alone? After a few phone calls to mum and a few mistakes I am very proud of this little bit of creativity and how good it feels to challenge yourself...I could of, as a friend put it, 'gone to the Valley and bought one for $2', besides I didn't think of that...mental note ask Jen next time!! Anyway this feels so much better.

The process of creating something from just a thought...bringing it forward and all that it entails gives such delight. I was reading somewhere recently that you know you are in the midst of creativity when you get lost in it and lose concept of time, well I certainly lost a lot of time, but smile when I think how happy he was this day and I'm sure I'll make a few more yet! Do you like his Kung Foo moves he did for show and tell!

Boy Joy...

2009-09-12T04:22:00.000-07:00

Delightful boyness...that's what I'm discovering on this journey.
Nearly every minute of the day my boys desire for anything physical is inspiring...and a learning curve for me. I can't help thinking and saying 'be careful', 'don't hurt one another'... yet if I step back, within reason, I see they are being just who they are meant to be - a desire to defend, defeat, protect, provide...it starts here and I can only smile and admittedly sigh sometimes as my girly mind doesn't get it at all!
Right now it's battles and knighthood, armour and swords which very conveniently allows me to sow some little seeds...the topic of the armour of God has been very keenly discussed! Here Daddy joined in for the battle and Caleb shows off his great battle drawings. Wonderful days.

Ten...

2009-09-05T03:50:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated our ten years together...
day out
wine tasting
amazing lunch
gorgeous countryside
prayed and talked about future plans and what we want more of together...
blessings and gratitude for what has passed and what is to come...

An afternoon walk...

2009-08-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

'What fun thing shall we do this afternoon?' I asked the boys after a big clean up of the house.
Lone Pine...too late
Glindemann Park... mmm
Then Caleb said how about the video shop...then I added and lets get icecream!
It was a hit...then I said how about walking there...the groans started from one son...I almost relented with the splitting headache I had but as I opened the door, the cool afternoon breeze seemed to beckon us and I said lets do it... It was a bit of a way, but it didn't take long for us all to love it...the blossoms, the air, the sun setting, the moments to be still and enjoy togetherness, the 'look mum I can balance... '
These are the Kairos moments -the Greek word for time that focuses on quality, not the measure of it ' a window of opportunity to be seized', ' a fresh awareness of His presence in my day to day', 'Holy moments are ours for the taking when we learn to recognise the windows of opportunities God places in our path' (From a beautiful book I'm reading called Sacred Chaos).

The last picture captures perfectly their relief at being home, funny fellows...I love being their mum.

New Spaces...

2009-08-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

How fun and satisfying it is to rearrange rooms, take furniture from one room to another, see what works, clean up under beds... usually this happens when I get a new idea or something to add, which is what I had.
I wanted to dress up corkboards for the boys to put on their special pictures etc and I wanted one for my office space. Friends told me of this excellent stuff called 'caneite', made of compressed sugar cane mulch. Covered with fabric it looks great. So I visited my local hardware and fabric store and got to work creating these boards. A little bit of stitching to embelish and they were up...as we speak one has fallen down so evidently strong double sided tape doesn't work...oh well get out hammer and nails!

Manly girls weekend...

2009-08-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Amy's end of Chemo treatment and Vick's upcoming wedding meant a lot of laughs, sharing and a bit of craziness thrown in! We tried on Amy's wig, dressed in our old formal dresses, dressed Vick in a white plastic wedding dress - you couldn't tell could you...watch out for a funny kissing scene (Vick and her man balloon) on funniest home video soon. Yes we are all highschool friends who have kept on this journey together, sharing the highs and lows...a blessing to walk with you xx

p.s yes just discovered collage feature, will try not to overdo it!!

Doily cushions and new old chairs...

2009-08-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Second hand shopping one saturday afternoon I happened upon these finds - chairs and doilies. I was inspired by the doily cushions I found in the store but was not allowed to buy...I made my own and am very happy with my little creations and a coat of paint on my new office chair!

the great lego sort...

2009-08-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

What does this mamma start on a quiet day...lego sorting, will have two excited smiles this afternoon...thanks to my lego wise mums for the idea!

Patchy and Choco...

2009-08-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Two little mice have come for a while...yes micesitting we are and boys are enraptured. This is choco and I hope they are used to the cuddles they have been receiving!

Whale watching with the Plumptons...

2009-08-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Our lovely friends are back in Bris and this day we headed out on a gorgeous calm blue sky day to watch the whales off the Gold Coast. Boys excited all 4. Mainly glimpses of their majestic bodies and one huge breach a bit further off , but great time, just being out on the water.

Mornings...

2009-08-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

Sitting with my baby in a park having morning tea in the sun...

These are the moments I want to capture here, times to be still, to celebrate, reflect and anything else that makes me smile and know a little joy and express it through my mornings.

School days begin...

2009-07-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

My two very handsome boys.

Checking themselves out in the mirror!

The end of a season and a new one begins.

Our two year homeschooling journey was a challenge in many ways, however I look back with fondness over the many delightful days we had, many of them I captured here. In fact one of the reasons I started this blog was to share with family and friends what we were learning in our days together.
It was an important time to have and I don't regret stepping out like we did...it certainly was way out of my comfort zone, but I have learned that His grace is totally sufficient for me, and I will always look upon this time as a gift I gave to my boys, it was a time to enjoy each other, to learn together, to take the pressure off and spend more time discovering nature, drawing and laughing.Throughout the journey I think I always knew it was just for a time, the constant questioning 'am I doing this right', the isolation I sometimes felt, the special needs of my son I longed for some support with, kept coming up. As I laid these cares down at the Fathers feet, He began to show me, allow me to begin to take this step of the boys entering school. Heart breaking along the way though as I totally believe in the heart of homeschooling.

So here we are day 1 and I'm celebrating - God's goodness to us as He took care of them so well that Sebastian's first comment was 'my day was perfect'! and Caleb's comment was 'I had a beautiful day' My jaw dropped as it wasn't a pretty start to the day with Sebastian falling apart the moment he entered the classroom. I cried a river for much of the day, so you can imagine my shock and relief over their responses to their days, it can only be our God.

Wildlife Warriors...

2009-07-02T04:50:00.000-07:00

A wonderful day celebrating our animal loving boys birthdays...snakes, frogs, cute mammals and gorgeous birds, even a saltwater crocodile...loved the huge olive python sliding over the children's legs! Did you like the snake cake we made, such fun, best party we've had:)

Sweden :: 2

2009-06-19T04:45:00.000-07:00

BBq's Sweden style, visit to Lacko Slott - a beautiful castle and breakfast with our lovely hosts, Kyle, Shannon and Charmaine, thanks for all the smiles xx
Catching Pyke's, hours by the lake, climbing mountains looking for Elk, making new friends...sweet memories.

Sweden...

2009-06-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

Pictures of our first week. As it's nearly a month since we've been home, it's lovely to reminisce already of our days exploring this beautiful country, not to mention the struggles of right side driving, map reading and language barriers - these things really added to the adventure we had daily.
Some of the places we went this first week was Gothenburg - the Universeum Aquarium, the Elk Museum, the amazing Locks and the coolest slides the boys have ever seen!
A small country town near Vanern where we were staying is Vanersborg, this is where we lingered amongst the gorgeous tulips and had lunch in the sun in a quaint cafe.

London travels...

2009-06-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

Entry two of our overseas travels :Here we are in London, a wonderful day, my first time and Joey hadn't been there since he was 12. We took the open air double decker red bus tour and soaked in the history and architecture. The natural history museum was very interesting and the Tower of London was amazing too, however awful some of it's history is!
My favourite structure must have been the Tower Bridge and we were fortunate enough to see it raise to let a ship pass. The whole city had a wonderful feeling and we wish we could have spent another day there but certainly packed in our one day. We stayed in this quaint bed and breakfast and had dinner in local pubs hundred of years old...just loved it, one of our best days.

Warwick Castle

2009-05-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

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We are home and had wonderful family time together on our adventures overseas. Thought I would share a few posts of our highlights here...stay tuned.

First stop was England and after recovering from different time zones we visited this amazing castle near Birmingham. Such beautiful surrounds and the interesting history and climbing the tower and seeing the awesome birds of prey show. The boys loved every minute. I remember the moment we walked through the gate and a Knight and a court Jester were standing there to greet us, Caleb boldly pointed at the Knight and said 'You're just a knight!' Which actually meant to him that he was excited to meet him, but came out in a belittling way which led the Court Jester to tease the Knight and caused a mighty scuffle much to the delight of our Knight loving boys!!

I am six!

2009-05-04T04:26:00.000-07:00

A day full of joy, counted down since 60 sleeps ago!
Lego building started the day, and I mean a lot, then craft making of a bug catcher.
Lone Pine for the afternoon with Nanna aswell and favourite dinner cooked, then chocolate cake.
Simple boy delights, I am exhausted but he went to bed with a huge smile on his face.

Happy Birthday my beautiful boy, it is a joy to be your mum. Your excitement for life, your affection and loving ways, your funniness and even your boy roughness delight my heart.

Celebrating Easter...

2009-04-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

Together we went to the beach, made a cross together and shared what it means that our Lord took on our burdens that day, endured more than we can imagine all to have relationship with us, that we may be free to be who he made us to be - full of love and life and joy and hope...precious to hear the children tell the story, hearts touched as the truth is expressed from a child. May you be reminded of his deep love for you.

Cotton Tree Camping Adventures...

2009-04-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

Every Easter a few families ( 7 this year) gather together on the Sunshine Coast in our campers and enjoy being together and the kids playing and soaking up the last bit of warm sunshiny weather. These pics show one of those days that wasn't that sunshiny but still led us on an adventure up the Kondalilla Falls near Maleny. So beautiful, even trudging through the rain and mud and surviving leaches was worth seeing the roaring waterfalls. We look like drowned rats in these photos, I'll post some dry ones soon. Once we got back to our camper the rain really set in, but it did not put the children off, they spent the afternoon splashing and enjoying as children do.

Quick crafts # 2

2009-04-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Little easter bags for treats on sunday morning... these inspired by friends. I quickly ran them up one evening using the boys drawings and my trusty sewing machine whilst watching a movie...my kind of evening! They loved them...well maybe the contents they loved more, as bags aren't high on my boys list of must haves... think I'll make one for myself!!

Lamington fun...

2009-04-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

A morning of creating, gluten free carob lamingtons, yummy and messy...the only way! (Next time will use chocolate coating, however the cake was great) Let me know if you would like recipe.

Quick crafts...

2009-04-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

From design to being in one night - my kind of craft...it may have been 11pm but I was having fun!

Nature journalling...

2009-04-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

This week we found a Yellow Tiger Moth, Tawny Frog Mouths, a Magpie and a Regent Bower Bird. I love that the boys are now very interested in nature and as we carry our camera with us, we can capture them and come home and draw them in our nature journals. It's always their suggestion to do nature journals, one or more times in our week and now I must do mine aswell (which I love!)

Lego building...

2009-04-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

...is serious stuff. So delighted this week, I found Caleb following the directions all by himself! "Nanna Silvestri taught me how" said he, when I shared my excitement. My baby is growing up.

More weekend work...

2009-03-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

Our last time of planting and turfing...the front yard this time. Much more enjoyable in this cooler weather, actually a piece of cake compared to our pool/backyard turfing effort. Now we just have heaps of painting to do...anyone feel like joining me?

Pipecleaner sculptures...

2009-03-28T02:32:00.000-07:00

Take first pipecleaner and twist to make body and legs.

Take 2nd pipecleaner and twist to make head and arms. Roll up piece of paper for head.

Finally twist both together and cover with strips of alfoil. Use two blobs of blue tack to stick feet into for standing.

I was so impressed with our afternoon of creating. Armed with pipecleaners, aluminium foil and a little inspiration from our Usborne 'Art Ideas', the boys were into it with people, a dog and a python. Thought we would share with you and some of the step by step instructions. Really recommend this book too.

A boys best friend...

2009-03-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

...expressed in art! Love this drawing from Sebastian. It began as a nature journal entry from a gecko we found and quickly became Bella trying to pounce on it and us not happy!!

You are the vine...

2009-03-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

Monday morning, new verse for the week... I love this one. It prompted a drawing to visually make impact into my boys hearts and refresh mine.

A little girls dress up Ballet skirt

2009-03-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

I love making gifts, this one was inspired by design mom
I had too much fun making it, so easy, it is just a piece of elastic with strips of tulle about 20 cm wide looped around the elastic and the same for the ribbon accents. Design mom has more detailed directions.

Food Chain Fun...

2009-03-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

I remember Caleb turning to me in the middle of his creating saying 'this is so much fun mum'. This is the way it happens some days - no plan days where wonderful learning happens and I had little to do with it, except for knowing when to let go!!
I decided to have a 'project day' instead of our usual daily language arts and maths. Not having a clue what we would do, we started our readalouds which was particularly exciting as we had been to the library the day before. Sebastian had found the non-fiction aisle and discovered all these 'big cat' books which they had been pouring over all morning, so I wondered if they would pick something to do with big cats.
The book we read was 'Dory Story' - a boys adventure out in the deep sea encountering many fish which became part of the food chain and food web. This got the juices flowing and we made food chains for the next couple of hours, and as you can see they mostly involved leopards and jaguars and cheetahs. We plan to have more 'no plan' project days in the future!

Nature journalling and beading...

2009-03-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

We didn't really have a plan today, that is after we did our usual read alouds, language arts and maths...oops maths was skipped today with a request to do beading! I relented, this is creativity expressed and fine motor and with Caleb a little under the weather it seemed just the thing. However we were interrupted as I was hanging up the washing, I saw this huge grasshopper on my new Frangipanny tree. Sebastian asked to do his nature journal and this is how our afternoon was shaped. Caleb made a couple of 'flying foxes' A nice day...

Turf, turf and more turf!

2009-03-02T03:31:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a series on home improvement, especially as we work on our pool area, for those who have been following, take a look at our huge effort this weekend. I have never done so much manual labour - 7 hours one day then 3 hours the next.
Poor Joey had the raw deal of wheelbarrowing countless soil loads up a narrow plank to the elevated pool area, then of course doing the same for the turf. That left me laying all the turf, cutting to size and everything all in this ridiculous heat of 36 degrees!! Madness really...but it is done and although my body is still screaming at me, it looks very good and the best part is still getting to enjoy our surrounds for some hot weeks to come. A big thank you to the wonderful Biri's for your generous afternoons assistance, sorry we were a bit weary by then x

Family photo...

2009-02-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

My beautiful family... I have much to be thankful for.

Exploring Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens...

2009-02-20T01:12:00.000-08:00

One afternoon a couple of weeks ago, (but I think we'll make it a favourite), we met up with our friends for a walk and explore of the lovely gardens. We saw ducks, eastern water dragons, a bird's nest and lots more...definitely worth a visit.

Crocodile holding...

2009-02-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

Yet again our visit to Lone Pine had us coming away excited to have seen animals that were often in hiding on other occasions, like the wombat and echidna!
We were running late but ran all the way to the end of the snake show but the main attraction was patting the huge Olive Python. Then they did baby saltwater crocodile holding and Sebastian did a very Steve Irwin thing and gave it a kiss!

Our scratched paintings...

2009-02-09T02:44:00.000-08:00

We are using Usborne's 'Art Ideas' and Sebastian chose this one. They got busy scratching their favourite animals. They first coloured in background with oil pastels and painted over with a watery black acrylic paint, then dad's screwdriver came out. Art is definitely one of their favourite subjects.

A Weekend of Backyard Work...

2009-02-09T01:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a long project, and it's still going, but for those who saw the initial beginnings of our pool deck, here are some more pics of the next stage. We also bobcatted the surrounds in prep for turf, can't wait to enjoy it while we still have this glorious hot weather. Thank you Rob and Brods for all your back breaking work. I also got busy painting the outdoor courtyard walls this gorgeous colour, I love it! (Thanks Jen:)

Memory Verses for my visual learners

2009-02-03T23:23:00.000-08:00

It has always been my desire that we read the Word together each day but this year I wanted to be more intentional about memorizing and knowing, and then understanding - planting seeds of truth in them that will never return void...Amen.
I really didn't know what this would look like daily, but set out with a friend Skye to use a CD called 'Sing the Word' and then share our memorising at the end of the week.
On playing this one morning the boys said unanimously to turn it off, we don't like it!! Ok, plan B (I didn't have one) with a whispered prayer...I got out a piece of paper and I proceeded to draw the meaning of this little, but powerful truth that was our memory verse.

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
and
Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31

As you can see we fall short of coming to the Father because of our sin, this was also dramatised with Caleb's drawing of a saltwater croc to catch you...ouch! We then talked about the next verse, how Jesus is the bridge and saves us. Sebastian wanted to do his own version as seen below. I was amazed and still am how they quickly took hold of this truth and understood it just by simple line drawings. God so generously gives, he is so faithful in helping us on our journey, I am overwhelmed and filled with gratitude that he met our needs that morning, the fruit of which will be seen for many years to come.

The freedom of our classroom...

2009-01-30T03:32:00.000-08:00

This boy's best friend comes to school with him!

Nature journalling...

2009-01-30T02:57:00.000-08:00

Our nature finds this week...beautiful creatures.

One of the best parts of our week is nature journalling - sitting together to sketch and colour what we have found, look them up in our wildlife books and talk about them. The boys delight in this so I thought I'd share a sample of our work.

My baby is reading...

2009-01-29T03:23:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day...our box of new books arrived, we all dug in. Sebastian found his readers and went off to a quiet place to peruse and to my surprise when I showed Caleb his readers he was very interested and took his time checking them out. So today I decided to take him through the first one and he read the whole book once for me and then for daddy! A milestone moment I wanted to capture. This hschooling mum really needs to remember these times!!

Day out at the railway museum...

2009-01-26T02:49:00.000-08:00

Last week of our official holiday break we headed out to Ipswich to see the annual Thomas exhibit. My boys have not graduated from Thomas yet, and I'm not about to rush that part of their childhood, at least I know all the purchases have been played with very well!! They enjoyed the day, seeing real engines and many other railway history, reminds us of this time last year when we boarded the 'Mary Valley Rattler' in Gympie, and Sebastian shoveled coal into the hotbox, a great memory, see below...

A reminisce from January 2008

Cool fellows!

On board with the fireman

That shovel's fairly heavy!

A real working steam engine, a real treat for 2 train lovin boys!

A tree planted by streams of water...

2009-01-20T03:01:00.000-08:00

A picture to hold onto for 2009. A tree, my life, sending out it's roots by the stream. Not fearing when the heat comes, it's leaves are always green. No worries in a year of drought, never ceasing to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:8
This is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.
A prayer, a hope, a promise.
What does this look like in my every day... a woman who laughs more, enjoys her children, worries less, seeks Him first for the day, confident of her calling of homeschooling her children, growing in understanding and patience, slow to anger and abounding in love...I'm not there yet, but it feels like hope to me.

Happy Blog Birthday to me...

2009-01-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

A year of taking moments to reflect, be still, capture our days, express the joy, celebrate our hope, be thankful...I have loved it and for all those who have shared with me and encouraged me with your comments...Thank you!