Visions of Spring Dancin' in My Head

Wonderfully, I've found that many of you presently are of likemind out there in the real world, the cold winter world. We're dreaming of Spring and all its offerings, blessings, and warmth.
I've been enjoying all the Spring gardening planning posts that I've been reading at some of my favorite blogs...and dreamin' and plannin' my own garden.



This year, one of my goals is that the children and I join one of our local farmers markets and sell eggs, produce, and flowers. I don't know that it will be wholly accomplished. We'll see.



But forgive me for being a weather whiner, long awaited projects are beginning to take shape during these frigid days, also.
Tim's parents came this past weekend to celebrate Christmas and his dad lent his muscles and building expertise to a play structure that Tim has been planning for quite some time.
He found the plans here. 



A friend of the family came over to help and brought his whole family (wife and all five kiddos). We had a blast! And the guys got so much done.



With two tractors and plenty of muscle, the largest part of the project was completed...getting the six large poles in the ground.


The kids are excited and looking forward to the finished product as am I!
Tim's mother surprised the girls with sweatshirts and now they're the "Christian Chicks."



My mother has knee replacement surgery next Monday. I'm really desiring your prayers in this area as I've heard so many discouraging accounts of how hard it is to recuperate from this particular type of surgery. Please pray her knee would heal quickly without incident and that the Lord would continue to provide all that she needs. She's had such a tough time in this life and admittedly so much of it is due to unwise decisions and her mental health issues, but God is merciful and she's precious to Him, too.

A good blogging friend of mine, Sally, is having a fun and creative contest at her blog, Diamonds in the Rough. Recently, she posted a picture of her girls "getting into the Word" at her site. I commented, "P31's in progress." To which she commented back here that this was every morning before breakfast. In fact the motto at their house is, "No Bible, no breakfast."
I loved it!!! And I was challenged...really. So for the past two mornings we've all read our Bibles and then had Bible study and prayer afterward before breakfast. I am determined to keep it up. Keep me accountable and ask me sometime if we're continuing to read our Bibles every morning before breakfast, please.
Thanks for clicking over and God bless!
Julie

Schmorgasbord

A post of this-n-that and a little something weighing heavy on my mind sums up my silly title.
So let's get down to business as I know there are facebook pages to be viewed, Craig's List to be summarized, and for you PW fans...checking to see if you've won a mixer, knives, or a Nikon camera!
Of course I'm drawing from my own behavior there so don't be offended.

First, for Christmas my dear husband gave me a new lens. A macro lens that I hope to finally get those tiniest of details that have eluded me for too long. Yes, I'm thankful and hoping to pay off our mortgage with the winnings from that particular picture that will thrust me into photography stardom...attention National Geographic.







But for now this amateur plays at Picnik, a picture editing site that is free. Being the frugal and freaky person that I am, money will not be spent on any photo editing in this household...not in the near future anyway.

Also, I have a question for some of you that have raised boys. When in public places and your little guy must go to the bathroom, do you take him into the Womens bathroom or let him go into the Mens bathroom? And at what age did you stop taking him into the Womens bathroom? My seven-year-old is still escorted by me or his sisters into the Womens bathroom, but he is getting a bit big. Any advice here?

The rest of this particular post has been deleted as the situation has been resolved, thankfully.
I appreciated all of the comments and advice, but felt that I probably shouldn't have aired the situation publicly.
Blessings to you and yours as we embark upon a new year!
Julie

Almost Summer

It's been hot here.
I'm never ready for this kind of heat.
It seems to zap me of all energy, inspiration, and good manners.
Okay, the last description there was a bit of an exaggeration. I'm a manner freak...or some would say. And now that we're on the subject, I would like to know why manners aren't taught to most kids nowadays?! Is it really that hard??? We homeschool and you would think that I would see lots of mannerly kids in the circles that we socialize in, but honestly there are still a few that portray about as much etiquette as a baboon!
Sorry about that...remember, I'm hot right now and when I'm uncomfortable I tend to get real honest.
My kids are no angels, but they are required to speak when spoken to...and look at the person that is speaking to them. I make my kids apologize when they've purposely hurt or even accidentally hurt another child. My children are required to ask nicely using the words "please" or "may I" when they want something.
Sure it takes lots of consistency, but isn't that what parenting is all about...training.
We have a puppy.
She wants on the porch and is not allowed on the porch. Therefore we are constantly scolding her when she steps up on the porch. It works when done on a consistent basis.
She has made a wonderful little place for herself now in my front flower garden right in front of the porch. I'm fine with that...I've learned enough after all these years to know how to pick my battles. But my point is that with consistency a child will learn and exercise what we've taught them.
Oh my, I hadn't met to "blog" about manners, it's the heat I tell ya...it made me do it.
Stay cool, Julie