No Excuses...

Just busy! I know I haven't blogged lately, but I've been busy doing the usual, and some unusual, which is what makes life fun. (or not so fun if you count falling down the basement stairs and coming down with an eye infection. bleh.)




A few examples:





1. Ali got new roller blades, so I'm getting my exercise, since she can't go alone.
Just smile and wave at the folks in their cars that gawk and point at the funny girls in skates and long skirts.

2. Bradley has a new enthusiams for basketball and if Ali's busy (probably rollerblading) next best option? You guessed it, me! But I enjoy it, and he's helping me get better and we've been playing almost every day!

3. Teaching Violin! I have 5 students, and I like teaching them all, and they're not the only ones learning. Me too!

4. Orchestra in Bellingham on Monday nights with Ali. We're both enjoying this so much, and we love our director, and the music we're learning is amazing.

5. Studying. But it's not as bad as it sounds. I'm enjoying what I'm studying. Mainly consumer math and theology. Lots of theology, which I especially love.


Please forgive my sporadic blogging, but it's one of those things for spare time. A scarce commodity!
Thanks for reading all, I'm enjoying your blogs.

PS,
Kate, you should really start a blog!

Good Grief Charlie Brown!

Where does the time go? My kid sister (for that she will always be to me, even when she's 50) know affectionately by me, and only me as Charlie Brown, is 15 years old today!

Happy Birthday Charlie! Love you!

Homemade Beeswax Candles

Last Wednesday morning, in absence of violin lessons due to mid-winter break, I had some free time. I've made candles a few times before, and I find them to be one of the most beautiful crafts. I've made tapers and globes before, so this time I decided to try jar candles. They were easy and less time consuming and they make beautiful gifts and hopechest additions. Another plus is that they are unscented. (great for the people in our family with allergies) Oh, and if you buy pure beeswax you don't have to worry about soy, chemicals and other undesirable additives.

It's a fun project for a rainy/snowy/cold/windy day. I suppose we could just call them Washington days. :)

What are some things you gals have made for your hopechest?

Oh Yes.

I got it.
After passing the test with a score of 90, I'm a licensed driver!

Pussy Willow.

My very favorite sign that spring is on its way!

Tired of long, rainy winter days? Try putting some pussy willow cuttings in a cheerful bud vase and placing it on your desk, brew some peppermint tea (or your favorite) and sit down and name five things you're thankful for. Then praise the Lord for His loving kindness.

That's how I brighten up my day! What are some ways you make your home cheerful on days like this?

My "thankful" list.

1. Sibling to go on walks with me.

2. Good books.

3. A car with a heating system.

4. Like-minded friends.

5. The merganzer duck I saw on Wiser Lake yesterday.
(Call me weird, but I was so excited, I'm a crazy bird person.) :)
What's on your list? Please share!

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night, shall not cease. ~Genesis 8:22

I hope you're all enjoying the last few weeks of winter, and looking forward to spring!

"The church needs to rid itself of all false glories that torture scripture by inserting personal ideas into the Scripture which lend to it their own sense. No! Scripture, Scripture, Scripture!

For me, constrain, press, compell me with God's word."

~Martin Luther

Spring is Coming!

Is anyone else getting just slightly excited to start planting and working your gardens again!? I am!

With last year being my first veggie garden year, I'm already looking to start ordering my seeds for this year. One of the best ways to grow veggies is to start with organic, non-genetically modified seeds. Using the word 'heritage' is helpful when you're searching. Otherwise most garden supply shops and nurseries give you a blank stare as you stress the words non-genetically modified.

Baker Seed Company specializes in organic, non-GM seeds, and I'm planning on getting alot of my seeds from them. here's a link to their home page. You can order a catalog, or shop online.

http://rareseeds.com/

Here are some things I'm hoping to order

Bradforshire Cumber

New England Sugar-pie pumpkin

Dragon Tooth beans

I can't wait to start gardening!!