Inauguration Day, 2009

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

Love, Rachel

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

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

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

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

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

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