Saturday, January 31, 2009

It Does!

I asked him if it worked to sharpen scissors by cutting foil.
He said, "Well, I suppose."
So there you have it, my faithful blog readers.
The profound revelation by a teenager of a tested theory!
He promptly went outside with his dad's engineering scale to see if the weatherman accurately stated the amount of snow that had fallen.
Oh my! He's a fun guy!
We'll be busy keeping our kids busy all day!
It'll be grand fun!!
Love, Rachel

Friday, January 30, 2009

Checking A Theory!

Teenage Prince said he read or heard if you cut through 6 or 8 layers of aluminum foil, it would sharpen your scissors. I found the evidence that he checked that theory out.
Hey, where is that guy? Did it work? I need to go find out!
Have you ever heard of this? Or have you tried it?
Maybe that could be a weekend project.
Happy Friday!
Love, Rachel

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Friends. Like. That!

Recently we've had the fun experience of friends dropping by to eat with us...only I mean, they brought the food! The first couple made a gourmet meal of chicken Alfredo and Alfredo dipping sauce with salad. They had me on the first mention of the salad! The second set of friends said, "If we bring pizza, can we come over?" Well, of course!
So we scurried to pick up toys......fluff the pillows and throws...
...hang the coats neatly in a row...
...and light the candles...absolutely don't forget to light the candles!
It was a total blast of fun as we ate great food, with great friends and laughed and laughed around the table. Oh it feels so good to laugh! I love laughing and making memories with my family and friends. I remember my parents doing that. Their home was always open. They shared what they had. Don't you just absolutely love Friends. Like. That!
Okay, so our door is open...well, it's cold outside so we'll open it when you ring the bell AND if we can get it warm enough in here, drop by! Who's comin'? The soup is simmering!
Hey, just let me know if you are on your way!
...I'll pick up the toys
...fluff the pillows and throws
...well you get the drift!
Love, Rachel





Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Fresh Snow!

Our world is covered in a soft fresh blanket of white. School is cancelled. There is quietness; stillness. Little princess came down and sleepily said, "Is all of this snow going to flood? Or is it just me?"
But still the snow falls soft and fluffy. It lands tiny particle upon tiny particle until there are mounds of the unique frostiness everywhere. I'm amazed.
A few days ago I mentioned my contemplations about letting go of what is good to pursue what is best. It's kind of like a blanket of new fresh snow, one thought lands upon another and another until you see a new perspective. So yesterday and today I have thought about procrastination. Procrastination today robs tomorrow of its intended share of joy.
Just thoughts drifting like this snow...let's see where they go.
Happy snowy day.
Love, Rachel

Monday, January 26, 2009

I'm Not Allowed To Say It

Isn't this an awesome plant?
I'm anxiously anticipating the time it blooms again.
Little princess says I'm not allowed to say awesome or cool. "Those are big brother words. Mommy's have to say pretty and beautiful."
Well, now I'm glad I know. I'll try to do better!
It's Monday! Yay! Have a great week.
Love, Rachel

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sunday Conversation

She said, "I miss grandmother and granddaddy."
Little princess never knew grandmother. Grandmother was gone several years before her birth.
I said, "I miss them too!"
She said, "I wish granddaddy could call us on the phone and tell us what heaven is like. Maybe he could find a phone."
"no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
New Testament First Corinthians chapter 2 verse 9
I hope you feel restful and blessed today.
Love, Rachel

Friday, January 23, 2009

Punch Bowls

Do you use your punch bowls? I use mine a lot. A friend didn't want the milk glass one shown in the photo above, so she gave it to me. I love it! And then I got 2 others a while ago for $2 and $3 when I was "thrifting". We love to entertain, so they come in handy for serving popcorn, or chips, lettuce salads, fluffy jello salads, peeled and sliced apples to dip in caramel and the list of uses goes on and on. You can use them for anything that you need to hold a large quantity. Of course I've used them to serve punch.
Then the little tiny cups...what to do with them? Well, I've used them as individual servers for salsa, alfredo dip and caramel sauce among a few uses. It's so fun. Pull out the glass ware and have someone over or a bunch of people as usually happens in our home!
But please don't tell anyone that I've served popcorn to my guests! However they usually walk in and say, "yum, popcorn"! Sometimes I can't pop it fast enough!
Yes, it's fun! That's why we love to have people over.
Have a poppin' fun Saturday folks and I'll talk to ya tomorrow!
Love, Rachel

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Just Chasin' Some Randomness!




I've been tagged by Karla @ Ramblin' Roads to tell you several things about myself...here goes!


~5 things that are in my purse~
Well, the obvious lining

and zipper

wallet
ponytail holder

and a nickel


~5 things that are in my work room~
which work room?...kitchen?...sink
sewing room?...scissors or "zizzorz" as little Romantic Princess would say
laundry room?...sheets to wash
office?...computer and desk


~5 things that I've always wanted to do~
run a mini-marathon
finish the restoration of this old house...oh, will we ever be done?
plant a beautiful garden of flowers, herbs and veggies that encompasses the border of our lawn
ride a tandem bike cross country

visit Prince Edward Island

~5 things I'm into~
loving my husband and kids
figuring out ways to reuse things I already have
rescuing abandoned roadside treasures
designing and sewing
making my home into a haven, a place of peace and refuge

So there you have it! Just a few random tidbits of randomness...I think it must be good to contemplate these things occasionally and think about who I am and what I like or some such randomness...and I'm enjoying this word randomness right now, so...

Just have a wonderfully random day!

Love, Rachel

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day, 2009

I saw this photo on the Internet. Doesn't it look dramatic?
Long may you wave!

Love, Rachel


Monday, January 19, 2009

I'm Not Joking!

It's been so cold here that the water froze inside our son's thermos!
I'm not joking!
Stay warm!
Love, Rachel

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Isn't It Interesting...

...how each day
...has a blessing
...if we choose to look for it?

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Old Testament Psalm chapter 118 verse 24

I hope you will seek and find your blessing today.
Love, Rachel

Friday, January 16, 2009

Ok Spring Is On The Way!

I have proof! It's a balmy 47 degrees F...but that is downstairs.
By just going upstairs you can enjoy a true spring like atmosphere with the temps in the upper 60's. Outside...well it's like -13F or something like that. I'm so glad they closed school today.

So we layer our clothing, and if we sit we cover with one of these fluffy throws AND we continue to try to find ways to winterize this "drafty ole' mansion"...at least that's what George Bailey called his lovely home on "It's a Wonderful Life". And it is a wonderful life isn't it?

Now Esther and Donnie (those are 2 of my sisters that make comments most everyday) don't be worrying about us. We'll stay busy (sitting with your feet over the furnace vent is considered busy isn't it?) and I'm gonna call my 91 year old neighbor and make sure she's all right...see if she needs anything, and the 80+ year old lady the other way...they live in one of these lovely dream homes too!

So Spring is on the way! This cold snap will pass...the year is flying by. I better get busy!
Love, Rachel



Thursday, January 15, 2009

BBBBBRRRRRRRRrrrr!

Are you kidding me? -4 degrees out there? It is 40 degrees warmer in Anchorage, Alaska! Mr. Romantic Porch checks Anchorage's temp daily...really. Only one time this winter that he knows of has it been colder there than here. Craziness! Why should I send my kids to school in this? Windchill of - 25! Wonder if the car will start? Well, I suppose MY children need some grueling stories to tell THEIR children of how they went to school when it was this cold or something like that! Huh?

Thank you so much for all of your kind and thoughtful comments in the previous posting. That was a wonderful unexpected result of just thinking out loud. I have been overwhelmed with your kindness. How sweet of you.


Have a wonderful chilly day. And doesn't a big pot of beef stew sound yummy? What do you like to eat when it is this cold?

Love, Rachel

Monday, January 12, 2009

It's Just Me...thinking out loud!

I've had these cut glass salt and pepper shakers for a long time. Since they aren't filled with the obvious use of salt and pepper, I thought they looked cute in this glass pedestal bowl. I've enjoyed the reflective quality of the glass.
The other day as I pondered this past year since I started my blog I wondered if it has any reflective qualities? You know all of the wonderful "rock star" blogs (as I call them) out there that have so many exciting things to offer. They are filled with a plethora of ideas and places to shop and things to do, awards to spread and fun filled stories of shopping adventures and daydream vacations! They are filled with tutorials for sewing and crafts or lists for living the perfect lifestyle. I just absolutely love them. There are adorable homes and delicious recipes all for your viewing with just the click of a mouse. Isn't is wonderful? Oh the places you can go and the things you can see all from the comforts of home!


And so what do I have to offer? I've learned so much this past year and made wonderful blog friends. My life has truly been enriched because of you and my experiences. And I am so thankful for everything I have learned and received from each one of you!


On Sunday last week our hearts were sad because of the tragic loss of a friend and then again on Saturday learning of 3 more lives tragically cut short. So I stop and pause and reflect and say...when my life is spent what will I have reflected to you and others...and most importantly the guests that grace my home 24 hours a day, my family? It's just me, thinking out loud, but it is so easy to compare myself and feel the criticism of others who aren't living my life, who aren't walking in my shoes. But I can't spend my time that way. And so I say that I must let the good go and focus on the best. Being the best I can be and then that is all. Is it the best for my floors to be freshly scrubbed or that I've shown love and care to my family? Oh I know it is all about balance, in every area of life...that is such a challenge. It's just me, thinking out loud and I wonder if I only did the things I want and never put the concerns of others before mine, what would my life be? Would my life look and feel perfect and my "To Do List" charmingly checked off to perfection?


When my life is spent, I hope I've lived a life of love, grace, faith, trust, dependability, hospitality and care. Learning those qualities aren't always easy. I'm still learning. I hope I always learn. But it's just me here, thinking out loud. I can only do the best that I can do with the circumstances in which I find myself. No one can live my life. I can't live yours.


And so as I scoot along to other responsibilities that are loudly calling my name, I will hope that when you visit here, you leave encouraged and challenged to love more deeply...with eyes that are opened beyond the physical circumstances of now and today. There is so much more to life than the tangible...I hope this blog reflects that! But it's just me...thinking out loud!
Love, Rachel


Sunday, January 11, 2009

Faithfulness!

God is faithful. We can always lean on him. He is faithful when we can't see it or feel it.
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
Old Testament Psalm chapter 145 verse 13

I hope your day is wonderful and restful!

Love, Rachel

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Too Cute! IMHO!

I can't resist preserving these memories. It seems like it was just yesterday that I saw tiny school buses and match box cars lined up like this.
I hope your day has been filled with fun memories!
Love, Rachel

Thursday, January 8, 2009

It's Just Around the Corner! Well sort of?

It's cold...15 degrees. Snowy. Dark before dawn. Too cold to take kids to school and do all the other things that have to be done today.
But I know that we have to have the cold before we have this...and we will have THIS. So I will focus on that today.

I hope you find something wonderful on which to focus!
Love, Rachel



Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Focus!

Christmas is over! Do you have your decorations taken down and put away? Now I'm excitedly looking for Spring. I can tell it is staying daylight a tad bit longer each day. I learned to observe that fact from my mother. Today is her birthday. She is timeless in my mind, though she is gone from my physical presence.
This week I am using the word "focus" to guide me in my to do list. We've had some curve balls thrown in and some changes in plans, so since it is Wednesday, maybe I need to re-evaluate the list and see how I am doing?
How are you doing?
I hope you are wonderful!
Love, Rachel

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Today's Thought

" We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
New Testament 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 verses 7, 8, 9, 16,17 and 18
Well now, I couldn't have said it better myself!
What is your focus today?
Love, Rachel

Saturday, January 3, 2009

January 2009 Featured Porch!

For the month of January, I am pleased to feature the porch of Carolyn's guest cottage. I have enjoyed her blog for quite some time now. She hails from Prince Edward Island. After visiting Martha's Vineyard several years ago, my hopes are now set on visiting Prince Edward Island someday. I suppose I visit there vicariously through Carolyn's blog. Carolyn thank you for your hospitality to us each time we visit your lovely home, cottage and garden. Carolyn writes, "Our little cottage has been used in the past as a little retreat for our children in summer and a garden storage shed in winter. However, when it was no longer in use in the summer I had some fun decorating it as the gardeners retreat in summer and the Christmas cottage in winter. On our garden tours it is very popular and has been photographed many times. I think it is a very romantic little hideaway!"
Well Carolyn, I think it is too! Thank you so much for giving me the privilege of posting your photos on my blog. I know that people will enjoy visiting you.
Love, Rachel

Friday, January 2, 2009

Just Playing Catch Up!

Do you have everything back in order from the holidays?
There are a few little extra things I need to get done. Well, OK not just a few...a lot!
I have been "blogging" for one year now. I've made great friends, found others who were long lost to me and I loved your emails, calls and comments. Thank you so much for making this a wonderful blog year.
Karla, thank you so much for setting it up, Martha thank you for telling me I should, and Daisy Cottage, thank you for encouraging me to start when the time was right for me.

I have some catching up to do. I've been tagged four times that I can remember, and I've had several awards passed along also. I have very limited time to spend on my blog each day, so I just haven't been able to get the cutting and pasting or transferring and linking or chasing and tagging passed along. I am SSSSSOOOOOOOO sorry and hope I haven't appeared ungrateful for your kindness to me to include me in the games.


Across this year, I remember Tatting Chic and Heart of a Mommy and Country Liv and one other blogger, ask me to tell 7 random or weird things about myself. Debi at "What's Cookin' in Junk, tagged me just yesterday. Oh my y'all, I'm honored that you would want to know such randomness about me, little ole' Rachel. I'm laughing! If you are reading my blog and included me in one of the random tags and I haven't mentioned you, please forgive me. I have a new way to keep track of them, if I will just do it...maybe a good resolution. Hhhmmm, let me see.


So in the spirit of not boring you to death with 28 or 35 or whatever it is, random things about myself, I will just list 7 and maybe that will appease the guilt that I bear! How 'bout that?


1) I have brown curly hair.

2) I realize how hard it is to "tell" (I can think of all kinds of weirdness) 7 random and weird things about myself...did anyone say confession?

3) I am not scared of mice, but I DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT want them anywhere in my house.

4) I would rather not read out loud. It just seems like it would be boring to the listener.

5) I enjoy learning something new each day...like yesterday...well, I can't remember what it was, but I did learn something new!

6) I enjoy "reading" body language.

7) I have been creating things with needle, thread, fabric and scissors since I was four...yes really! Wow! What a patient mom I had!

Well, that about sums it up for today, and I will enjoy getting to visit with you again later.

Have a wonderful day...gotta scoot and get some things finished up. This year is just flying by! Isn't it?

Love, Rachel

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

Today is a new day. Many people view the new year as a chance to start over, to set new resolutions, to turn a page in their life experiences.
Yes, a new year, 2009!
Can you believe it?
What changes do you plan to make?
Embrace it!
Love, Rachel