Mamas*Little*Treasures

I Don't Know About You . . . .

If you’ve ever traveled to other countries, I’m sure it has occurred to you just how fortunate we are to live in America. Now, that is not a statement of arrogance or false pride . . . it is simply an observation. I have only traveled to a few other countries, and as a “country girl,” haven’t even traveled to very many of the larger metropolitan areas of our own country.

It is not difficult, however, at least to be aware of all of the poverty, despair, hopelessness, and violence that abound all around the world, even here in America. In an age of instant information, we are so frequently bombarded with images of violence and tragedy, that it is easy to become complacent.

Having witnessed first-hand a bit of the devastation and despair that is a daily part of life for many people around the world, it certainly seems to me that, of all the places I could possibly live, America is by far the best place of all!

In America, we at least have opportunities to create our own destiny. Having grown up in a small, rural community in mid-Michigan, it never occurred to me that we were “poor.” I didn’t realize just how little we really had in the way of material possessions until I went away to college and met other students from wealthy families. It was overwhelming, at times, to realize what it must have been like to grow up having a huge, gorgeous house, beautiful clothing, and parents who drove expensive cars. That was a lesson in economics!

My observations about America do not come from a position of wealth and privilege. I worked for a few years for our country court system where I was the Education Director for a program for people who had been incarcerated to complete their education. During those years I worked with students who were third-generation drug addicts; I worked with a young couple who had lost their children as a result of an explosion in their little hovel of a home while they were cooking Meth.

 Some of my students were in their mid-forties and fifties, and all they had known was a life of hopelessness and violence. One of my students eventually took his own life because of the abuse he was experiencing, and he didn’t tell anyone about it until it was too late.

For me, there is no wistful, unrealistic vision of America as a place that is perfect and everyone is happy, healthy, and safe. This is a country filled with ordinary people, but because of our history, we have opportunities to accomplish extraordinary things. I pray that we do not lose those opportunities because we choose to look the other way, or because we only focus on the imperfections we see all around us.

I don’t know about you . . . . but I believe America is still the best country on earth. God has blessed this country, in spite of our failures and mistakes, because our foundation is built on God's truth. This Independence Day, I choose to thank God for the opportunity to live in a country where I am free to live my life according to the beliefs that I hold.

God bless America!

Ruby for Women, June, 2011

Open publication - Free publishing - More crafts

Where are the Bread and Circuses?

"The littleness of Christians of this age results from the littleness of their consecration to Christ."
C. H. Spurgeon
Samson Conquered, sermon from November 21, 1858

 

How does this observation make me feel? We've all seen it, experienced it, and often are guilty of it. It reminds us that when we are confronted with truth, we have a couple of options: we can make excuses and blame someone else, we can just ignore it and go about our daily business, or we can face it boldly, courageously and own our part of this reality and make a determination to address it. The problem is, that this is a reality that needs to be addressed every day, probably every hour and every minute of our lives, because we live in a world that bombards us with so many distractions that it is very difficult to stay focused. Even if you are truly committed to following Christ in every area of life.

 

We live in a part of the country that has numerous Amish communities nearby. Just a few houses down from us, there is a house that is a "summer cottage" for an Amish family. They come out to the cottage sometimes on a Friday and Saturday, set up their lawn games and picnic table in their front yard, go swimming and boating, and cook out on their charcoal grill. How do they get there, I wonder? I've never seen a horse and buggy out front or in the garage, and yet there they are, most weekends in the summer, wearing their distinctive "plain" garments, their windows thrown wide open even on the most oppressively hot days when I've got my AC running full blast. What's up with that?

 

I don't know, and it really doesn't matter, except that I find it interesting and curious . . . . . because somehow, whether we agree with all of their theology or not, the Amish people have established a culture of being "separate" from modern society that allows them the peacefulness, the quiet, the structure and the routine that helps people devote themselves to their faith. I admire them for that. The Amish communities that I have observed express a deep, consistent, and enduring determination to live a life that expresses the "largeness" of their consecration to Christ. Of course, they are just people like the rest of us, with a variety of real-life struggles, relationship and parenting concerns, and community conflicts. But the overall approach to life that I've observed among the Amish people here in our area offers the kind of environment in which a person can more readily develop a life that is wholly devoted to God.

 

Now, the next question logically follows: Does one HAVE to live a life of complete separation from the modern world to achieve the kind of complete devotion and dedication to our faith that we are seeking here? And the answer, you know, is of course not. But there are definitely some advantages to living a life of simplicity, peacefulness, and order that provides more opportunities for achieving that goal. So how do we address the reality of the "littleness" of our consecration to Christ in the midst of a world that constantly is screaming at us? How can we escape the incessant noise that surrounds us, calling us to this distraction and that excitement, telling us that we "deserve" to be entertained every hour of every day?

 

Perhaps it is a choice. When we look at ancient history, there was a culture that had become the greatest in all of humanity to that time. And yet, that culture was destroyed from the inside, not by the barbarians clamouring at their borders . . . . when they had become convinced that they had a "right" to their "bread and circuses." Just entertain us and feed us. Maybe we DO need to take a look at our consecration to Christ; at our determination to become people of honor, justice, devotion and commitment to becoming all that God would have us be. Sometimes I wonder if we might have to follow the example of the Amish communities, just so we can find a place where it is quiet enough to think about all of this!

 

Please visit Miriam Pauline's blog today, Miriam Pauline's Monologue, to find the links to the other blogs of this week's IOW participants. And, of course, leave a link back to YOUR blog so we can come and visit you! Have a great Tuesday  ;o) 

 

 

In Other Words: Still just an ordinary mama

This truth gives me hope. We frequently see images of the "Christian Celebrities" who have been gifted with amazing abilities as speakers, teachers, musicians, authors . . . . and then there are the rest of us. I celebrate the gifts of those who have been blessed with talents that bring God's grace to the hearts of "ordinary Christians." But I've also wondered why some of us have those opportunities, while most of us walk through life in the shadows, quietly doing what God has put before us to do. What makes the difference? But, really, there is no difference.

I remember days when my older children were small and I found myself feeling worthless, as if my daily tasks were making no difference in the world. In the midst of hearing sermons preached about the amazing experiences of those who were called to the mission field, listening to eloquent speakers and teachers at seminars and conferences, and reading the words of brilliant writers . . . . how could I contribute anything? After all, most of my days were taken up with changing diapers, cuddling and reading with toddlers, helping with homework, losing sleep watching over the bed of a feverish child, driving one, two, three, four of them to music lessons, sports practices and games, running the PTA and Friends of the Library . . . . absolutely nothing compared to all of the "famous" voices and faces all around me.

But I've never been called to the mission field in a foreign country. I've never been able to contribute any musical talents to our local congregation. I've not yet written a book that has made me famous. I have done a bit of public speaking and teaching, but certainly nothing that would qualify me for "celebrity" status. And so for several years I felt as if I had nothing to offer. But here I am, now. Still not famous, still just an ordinary mama, making my way through every day. Still helping with homework, attending soccer practice and games, rushing my daughter to the ER to have the gash over her eyebrow stitched up (and still losing sleep watching over her all night long while she slept soundly beside me), still trying to figure out how to help a 9 year old understand multiplication and a teach a 7 year old how to read "Green Eggs and Ham." I still find myself wondering what it all means.

Isn't there SOMETHING that I can do that will make a difference in the world? But then I remember, as God's gentle voice reminds me that He DID bless us with the opportunity to travel to China, twice, to bring our daughters home. He has honored this mother's prayers for her children, as they have grown-up and they are still alive  ;o) and they are all successful in their own lives. No, not all my prayers were answered. My marriage of 25 years was not healed; the brokenness of that tragedy will remain to my last days of life on this earth. No, not all of my children understand (even after almost 15 years), and no, I have never been able to give back to my church and community any of the more "visible" gifts.

But I remain hopeful that God's Word is true . . . . that if I just offer Him all that I am and all that I have (even if it isn't very much!), that He is pleased and will use my life to bring glory to Himself. Really . . . . what more can I ask for? And if that is all that ever comes of my life, then that is enough.

Please visit Jennifer at "Scraps and Snippets" to read her thoughts on this quote and you will also find links to the other IOW participants for this week. Share your thoughts on your blog and leave your link there so we can come and visit you. And remember . . . . if YOU are just an ordinary mama, it's OK!  ;o) God is using you in ways you may never know. 

Another battle in the "Mommy Wars" might be a good thing

Because of my job as editor of Ruby for Women, I am frequently out and about in cyber space, cruising around the mommy blogs, looking for intriguing writing, ideas, and personalities. And I frequently find them! There are SO many amazing women out here who write from the heart, who share honestly and even boldly, telling their stories and sharing their wisdom. One thing that remains constant, however, is an ongoing version of the "Mommy Wars." Now, if you are younger that 35, or maybe even 40, you probably don't remember the early days of the "Mommy Wars."

Perhaps these little spats have been going on throughout all of history . . . although I wouldn't be surprised if women of long ago really didn't have the time or energy to worry about whether she measured up to the neighbor lady. For many centuries of world history, women have been so consumed with survival, for themselves and their families, that they frequently had to figure out how to get through a day without dying. And they didn't always succeed at that. But in more modern history, we have the time, energy, education, and permission to consider things such as: "Am I a good enough mom if I can't provide my children with the latest designer clothing?" or what about the mamas who worry about having to choose between working away from home (and consequently having their children in day care) or having enough money to keep a roof over the heads of family members?

And of course a HUGE issue among mommies is the topic of education. Of course, we all want the very best for our children. That's the way God made mamas - and so we struggle to figure it all out. And sometimes we get it right and sometimes we discover that we THOUGHT we were doing the right thing, only to find out years later that, unfortunately, we made a mistake about something. It's definitely a good thing that there is God's grace, or we would all be in a pretty bad situation.

But the question that really haunts me, and has for many years, is why we seem to bring all of this guilt into our lives and into the lives of others. I'm sure we don't really mean to drag all this load of guilt around with us . . . . and I would have a hard time believing that anyone would intentionally drop that heavy load right on top of another mommy's (probably already) broken heart. But it does happen. And now that I am a "vintage mama," I have the advantage of being able to look behind me with a little different perspective than when I was right in the middle of being a young mom, trying to "get it right."

Now, as an older mom with young children again, I've discovered a couple of things that I wish I had know back when I was struggling with trying to "measure up" to all the other "perfect" mamas I encountered all around me. If you are interested in this conversation, Sarah Mae has started a discussion here where you can share your thoughts on this subject. But for whatever it is worth, here are some things that I have learned from being a mama, from watching my children grow up, and now being a mama again:

1. You aren't perfect, so don't pretend. I'm not perfect, and pretending for all those years almost destroyed me.

2. Mamas make mistakes. The sooner you accept that truth, and teach it to your children, the healthier you all will be.

3. God forgives. The sooner you accept that truth, and teach it to your children, the healthier you all will be.

4. Guilt will break you. It will break your heart, it will break your spirit, and it will eventually destroy your health.

5. If we could be perfect, God would not have needed to send His Son the Lord Jesus Christ to die for our sins. He could have just told us to figure it out for ourselves, and then He could have done something else for all of eternity.

6. We ARE perfect, however, through the grace and forgiveness of God. The difference is that we are perfect positionally, not existentially. All that means is that in the physical, material world where we live right now, our human experience will defy all efforts to "get it right" all of the time . . . but that does not negate the reality of our position in Christ as being perfected because of His sacrifice.

7. If children are allowed to grow up believing that they are "special" (which of course they ARE!) without learning the correlating truth that everyone else is special, TOO, they will be deceived into thinking that everything in their life SHOULD be perfect . . . . . and if someone else (usually mommy) does not MAKE it perfect, then we can blame mommy for all of the bad things that happen in life.

8. As mamas, we are given the privilege and opportunity to train our children, protect them, and give them the "tools" that they need to be safe and successful in life. It is NOT our job to make them "like" us - if my four year old is "mad" at me because I tell him he cannot climb onto the roof and run around naked . . . . he'll get over it. But he might not get over a two-story fall into the rose bushes.

9. Your gifts are different from someone else's gifts. If you are a home schooling mom who runs a home business while writing the next best-selling Christian novel, sings and plays piano every  Sunday and writes music that moves the congregation to tears, has a perfectly tidy home and garden, and sews a gorgeous wardrobe for all of your 12 children . . . . . that is a good thing. But most of us are just regular moms, struggling to keep clean clothes on those little bodies and nutritious food in their mouths. All the rest is just . . . . well, the rest.

10. Finally, get over it. My mistakes and failures are NOT the main event. My failures not that important in the big scheme of history. I mess up every day . . . . I forgot to mail a birthday card to my son-in-law, I haven't bought a Mother's Day gift for Grandma yet, my kids ate Cheerios for supper last night, the flower gardens need to be weeded, and I STILL need to get the garden planted. If I get to it at all, this year. Fortunately I remembered to buy toilet paper before it ran out, and I did manage to mow the lawn. I'm normal, and so are you. Normal does not equal perfect. Write THAT on the back of your hand!

The bad news is that you aren't perfect, and neither am I. But the very Good News is that we don't have to be. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, our every day mistakes, our failures and shortcomings. Own it, admit it, confess it, and get over it. God has. And if there are other people in your life who aren't ready to "get over it," well, I'm sad for them and I pray for them and I love them . . . but I'm done hauling around this great big load of guilt. So, I promise, I won't ever dump it on you. But, on the other hand, if you try to hand me a load of guilt, I'll just turn around and walk away. Because I believe that when God forgives, I'm not exactly the right person to question His gift.

Mommy wars . . . . why do we do this to each other and to ourselves? If you are striving to honor God in your daily life, and honest and sincere in seeking His wisdom and guidance, you will be doing EXACTLY what you should be doing today. And tomorrow. Don't let false guilt suck the soul right out of you.

Washing Windows on a Sunny Spring Day

I've never been able to explain it . . . . but there is just something about the sunshine, a fresh spring breeze, and the beauty of creation on a day like today that always makes me want to wash windows.  It just somehow makes me feel hopeful, optimistic, and generally peaceful to see freshly washed windows sparkling in the sunshine.  The problem is, that I then begin to see all of the OTHER projects that need my attention, and if I'm not careful, I will spend my whole day washing everything in sight.  Including the kids (and the dog, if we had one!). 

 

It suddenly becomes so obvious that the deck needs to be washed down, the flower beds need to be raked, the cob webs and other junk that has accumulated up under the eaves . . . . all need to be taken care of.  And since I've always believed that I am, in fact, Wonder Woman, I once again become delusional and think that I can get it all done - today.  You would think that at my age, I would have come to the realization that I am NOT Wonder Woman, and it probably will take me more than one afternoon to get all of this taken care of.  But I can dream, can't I?  Except that''s not particularly productive, so instead of thinking about all of the things I SHOULD be doing, I decided to take a break, get another cup of coffee and make a list.  I know, I know . . . . I always put way too many things on my list, and then when I get everything on the list accomplished except for that one, last thing, I am disappointed.  I feel like I wasted a perfectly gorgeous spring day because I didn't get that one thing finished. 

I think I've already told you that I'm neurotic, but so is everyone else in one way or another . . . . so maybe you don't wash windows in the sunshine, but I'll bet there is something else that you do that never even crosses my mind.  That's OK, because at least we aren't psychotic, at least that's what the therapist always said  ;o)   So, now I have my list and I have to talk to myself quite sternly about getting discouraged because the list is so long.  Let's divide that list up and see if I can spread those tasks out over the next few weeks.  You know, painting and planting a garden actually do take more than a few minutes, even for the real Wonder Woman. 

This is such a joyful time of year!  Easter has always been my favorite holiday . . . . . without all of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday, I can actually focus on the real significance of this celebration.  Remembering the gift of salvation that is free for everyone who simply accepts that gift.  And the overwhelming sense of gratitude for God's mercy, grace, and forgiveness makes every day a celebration of lfe.  Even during the tough times of struggle.  That's why I'm working on a Gratitude Journal - it is a tangible expression of my heart-felt thankfulness for everything . . . . everything . . . . including the dark and difficult times.  Because I have lived long enough to see how God can take the most painful, wasted, and damaged years of my life and make something truly beautiful of it all for His glory. 

So this time the journal will be all about the brokenness, the shattered dreams, the confusion, the hopelessness, and the dark places that we usually don't discuss, even in our personal journals.  This is my Journal Through the Darkness.  So that I can remember to be thankful, even for the pain and heartbreak.  Want to join me?  I'll be posting pictures here of my progress, and I would love to hear from you if you want to take this journey together.  Have a great Wednesday, Nina

"This Little Prayer of Mine"

I recently discovered Anthony DeStefano one day as I was working here in my little corner office with a view   ;o)  and I was so impressed with his beautiful little book on prayer for children.  As we emailed back and forth a few times, I asked him if I could share his book with my readers . . . . and so, I have two of his books to GIVE AWAY!  One will be given-away here on my personal blog, and one will be given away on the Ruby for Women blog. 

All you have to do to participate in the give-away is leave comments here on this blog as well as on the Ruby for Women blog.  In celebration of lots of things, the give-away will run for the entire month of March, so of course the more comments you leave here and there, the better will be your chances of winning!  So, before I give you a bit more information about Anthony's wonderfully written and illustrated book that you might be receiving, let me tell you what we're celebrating   ;o)   First of all, it is almost SPRING!  That is definitely something to be celebrated this year, for sure, with all of the snow we've had around here.  We are all very ready for the delightful, sweet-smelling, warm breezes of spring.  Secondly, we are celebrating Anthony's new book!  This is his first children's book and that is certainly something to celebrate. 

And finally, (well, just for today "finally") we are celebrating my new job as Editor-in-Chief of Ruby for Women.  Although this is currently a small online Christian women's magazine, the previous editor, Karen, and all of the writers have already produced an absolutely wonderful magazine!  I am honored to have this opportunity to work with such a great team of writers!  Our goal is to expand our audience of readers by continuing to offer many of the same great articles that have previously been part of Ruby for Women, and we are hoping to expand the topics included in each issue to provide something of interest to all women in all stages of life.  But for now, here's a bit about Anthony DeStefano and his recently published book, This Little Prayer of Mine:

"This Little Prayer of Mine - my very first children's book - will be on book shelves February 16th.  My own little prayer right now is that children and their parents will respond to it the same way adult readers did to my first two books, "A Travel Guide to Heaven," and "Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To."  In those books, I tried to distill complex theological subjects and make them as simple and easy-to-understand as possible, without in any way compromising Christian theology.  That's basically the same thing I did in This Little Prayer of Mine.  Adults who read this book might recognize the foundational tenets of faith, like placing trust in God in all things, being grateful for blessings, being generous to those who are in need.  In simple language and rhyme, children can absorb those lessons, too, while also learning how easy and natural prayer can be.  After all, when you come down to it, prayer is just a simple, heartfelt conversation with God. 

I firmly believe the greatest gift you can give a child is the gift of prayer.  As children grow up and learn about loss and grief and pain, the ones who knowthey can turn to God in prayer at any time will always get through the suffering of course, but it will give them hope.  That's the difference between believers and non-believers.  Believers suffer, too - but they suffer with hope.  And that's exactly what you give children when you teach them to pray early - the gift of hope.  For this book, I teamed up with the incredible illustrator Mark Elliott, whose work can be seen in the "Princess Tales" series.  I wanted art work that was a little bit reminiscent of Norman Rockwell.  I think children will identify with the pictures - especially the funny ones.  I'm very fortunate to have received some high-level praise for the book in advance of publication.  For instance, the book has already been officially endorsed by the National Day of Prayer; and Bernice King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Corretta Scott Kind has that the book is a springboard for helping children establish a relationship with God."

This is truly a beautiful book, and it would make a perfect gift for your child or grandchild.  Especially as we celebrate springtime and all of the joy, wonder, and blessing that is the Resurrection, teaching our children to pray to our Heavenly Father is truly a gift that will last for eternity.  If you would like more information about This Little Prayer of Mine, visit Anthony's blog or find the book at Amazon.com.  Have a blessed day, and remember you could win a copy of this book just by commenting here on my blog or the Ruby for Women blog (or both!) between now and the end of March.  The more the merrier!   ;o)  

 

 

 

"When you can't see His hand, trust His heart"

“When the trials of life unravel
the fabric of our plans.
When we face the deep confusion
of painful circumstance.
When our feeble strength is broken,
and we stand with empty hands.
That’s when the Father whispers
‘Trust the pattern I have planned.’ ”

~ Lyrics from song, "The Weaver"

 

There are many different kinds of pain, brokenness, and "empty hands" that are potentially just around the corner on this journey called Life.  Sometimes that pain is caused by our own choices . . . . that is one thing that I have been trying to stress to our daughters as we talk about choices and consequences.  Because choices always do have consequences, and often-times in life if we make unhealthy, dangerous, or foolish choices we will experience unpleasant consequences.  And it is not uncommon of us to experience positive consequences when we make helpful choices.  This conversation frequently takes place in the context of being safe, and the wisdom of keeping our family protected.  Sometimes little girls (and boys, too) worry about that kind of thing, so we try to help them know that the safest place for them to be, especially at their ages, is with their family.

 

However, there are those inexplicable times in our lives when we confront tragedy through no particular choice of our own.  Or, perhaps it IS a result of choices that we have made at one time in our lives that we THOUGHT were the right choice.  Being brought face-to-face with a broken dream when all along we really did believe that we were doing all the right things.  But even here, there are many different kinds trials that cause life to unravel right before our eyes.  And no matter how hard we try to "fix it" or make it better, we find that "our feeble strength is broken, and we stand with empty hands." 

 

But here is the part that I have found to be a very perplexing aspect of all of this:  there are some painful experiences that we can talk about and there are others that simply seem to be inapproppriate to talk about.  And I sometimes wonder why, because in the end, no matter what the tragedy we encounter, tragedy is tragedy, and brokenness is brokenness, and empty hands are empty hands. 

 

As a life-long seamstress and quilter, the imagery of "fabric" and "pattern" resonates with my heart.  I love the process of discovering (or creating) a pattern that I can envision, completed into a beautiful garment or craft project, in just the perfect fabric.  Of course, including all of the trims, buttons, lace, ribbons, and whatever else my imagination can dream up!  But anyone who has EVER tried to sew will tell you that there are those times when it just doesn't turn out the way you had envisioned it. 

 

I remember one time, many years ago, when I was working on a sweet little outfit for my oldest daughter.  She was very little at the time (meaning I was very young!), and I had never attempted to put the kind of snaps onto a garment that you need that pliers-type thing to attach the snaps.  So, I got all four of the little snaps attached to this cute top, and I suddenly discovered that one of the snaps was in the wrong place.  I don't remember . . . . too close to one of the other snaps, too close to the edge of the fabric, or something like that . . . . and I attempted to take it out and "fix" it.  Of course, that only made the problem worse, because in the process of trying to remove the problem snap, I ended up creating a small hole in the top that I had just spent many hours sewing.  I was devastated!  It was just that, after all of that hard work, doing everything pretty close to "right," the final result was definitely anything but "right." 

 

And that's the way life can be.  But the difference is that, when we run head-on into a disaster in life, even though we are emotionally and spiritually crushed, we can know in our heart and mind that God STILL has a plan and a pattern for what's going on.  When I can't see that anything good could actually come out of my circumstances, I can hold tightly to the promise that He knows, He cares, and ultimately He is in control.  We need to be reminded of that frequently as we stumble and fall on your way through the darkness that sometimes surrounds us.  

 

The words of a song that always comes to mind when I think about this is:  "When you can't see His hand, trust His heart."  I have no idea who wrote it, who sings it, or even where I heard it, but it so succintly says exactly what we need to remember in our times of brokenness.  And maybe someday we will all have the courage to speak, and the compassion to hear, about the "empty hands" that are all around us, no matter how difficult the words of that broken heart might be.  But for now . . . . we must listen for His whisper.

 

Please visit Loni today at Writing Canvas to find the links to the other IOW participants this week.

Winter comes to our little house in the woods

Some people hate winter . . . . but I actually LOVE the winter months, now that I no longer have to drive out my driveway every morning and head to the city!  Last winter I had a JOB away from home, and even though I didn't need to be there all THAT early (leave my house by 9:00 a.m. to start work at 9:45 a.m.), still it was the stress and pressure of being out that door, on time, no matter what else was going on around here. 

I realize that millions of women do that (and so much more!) every day of their lives for years and years.  If you are one of those women, I give you credit for being a better woman than I am!  But as moms, we all know how stressful it is when we have one responsibility that seems to overwhelm all our other responsibilities . . . . and then when the two collide, what's a mom to do? 

Even when a kid is sick, or even when mom is sick, or if the car breaks down, or there are snow drifts in front of the door, or there is ice on the roads, when you have a JOB away from home, you just have to figure it out.  Well, since I lost my JOB away from home in October, I have been quite content to work right here, in my little home office and sewing studio.  And I am actually getting a great deal accomplished!  Maybe in the new year I will even make some money to help with our family budget.  But even when I am not bringing in "new" dollars, I remind myself of how much money I am saving by being here at home. 

If you just think about the cost of daycare (which my girls absolutely LOVED going to, at our church, but still. . . . ), it adds up to over $600.00 a month.  So right there we're moving in the right direction!  And then there is the cost of driving 30 miles each way to work five times a week, which really gets pricey   ;o)  At about $50.00 a week on average to keep the gas tank full, there's another savings of approximately $200.00 a month.  Then, if I eventually make a little bit from my online business, I'd say we are doing great! 

But, the thing that is such a gift to me is that I get to stay here in our safe, cozy little cottage in the woods and work at what I love:  taking care of my family and having time to create!  I feel fortunate and blessed to have such a supportive hubby who loves his work, too, and he encourages me to pursue my dreams.  After the past couple of days when we had a blizzard around here (not as much snow as many places, but the wind was really WILD!), it is wonderful to see the sun shining on woods behind our house.  And the wind has let up so that I could actually stand on the deck and take a picture without being blown to bits! 

This beautiful image of the snowy woods behind our house reminds me of the peace, simplicity, and joy that can be found in the smallest blessings in life.  Even when we all are a bit confused and concerned about the future, and perhaps some of us have questions about where life is headed in this economically difficult time, we can still accept the gift of joy and peace that is present all around us.  We can find it if we slow down and look at our world.  Of course, when the girls come home and my little house is filled with giggles, tumbles, and creative messes, it is sometimes hard to remember the peaceful, quiet moments, but those times of serenity always return, but children grow-up and take with them all of those giggles. 

So for now, I enjoy the peace and quiet, and this afternoon I will celebrate the rambunctious chaos that comes with children.  And today . . . . . I get to create!  And do the laundry, pay the bills, do the dishes, vacuum the carpet, change the sheets, scrub the bathrooms, sweep the kitchen floor . . . . . or some combination of those mundane household chores.  This is where I love to be!  Again, I celebrate those moms (like my daughter-in-law who has three children, the oldest not yet 5, who will be returning to her full-time JOB away from home shortly) who can do all that and still stay sane (or something!). 

Perhaps I am boring, but I guess there is a time and a place for just about everything.  I've always felt my best "role" on the stage of my life has been the one who just stays in place while everyone else enters and exits at the appropriate moment.  But it's a good thing that the stage is never empty!   Have a blessed Friday, have great fun whatever you are doing and celebrate the gift of life, wherever that might take you. 

Old friends and family traditions make holiday memories

In my recipe card file, I have many recipes that have been handed down to me over the years from the grandmas, moms, aunts, sisters, cousins, and treasured friends.  When I went through the recipe card box yesterday, I was reminded that even the box was a gift!  It must be at least 30 or 35 years old, and it was given to me one Christmas by my sister-in-law. 

It is a beautiful wooden box with a charming picture decoupaged on the top.  That is ONE way I KNOW that it is at least 30 years old   ;o)   But it brings back so many memories every time I open it  . . . . and I keep it right on my kitchen counter.  It has always been on my kitchen counter, no matter where we have lived over those 30 years of making memories.  But when I open that treasured little box, so many more memories come alive in my heart and in my mind!  This holiday season, for the first time in a couple of years, I'm really in the mood to do some holiday baking, and I want to share that with my readers who also treasure the simple, homemade joy of family, friendships, traditions and memories. 

The first recipe I wanted to share today is one that I have made frequently over the years, but not nearly so often as one of my oldest and dearest friends, Auntie Ellen.  Now, of course, she really isn't my children's aunt, biologically speaking . . . but we have been friends since our oldest children were babies, and that is a LONG time! 

We walked with each other through some dark and painful days, and we celebrated together in the joyous moments that make motherhood a bittersweet gift.  We've just always been there for each other, and I'm sure you have a friend or two like Ellen . . . . . no matter how long it has been since you've chatted over a cup of coffee, whispering and giggling like two school girls, as soon as I hear her voice, we just pick up again as if we had just finished our previous conversation a minute or two ago.  Auntie Ellen makes her Creamy Caramels every year for her entire family . . . . which always includes us, of course . .. . and she has done that for so many years, I don't even know how long this recipe has actually been a tradition in her family! 

I should ask her where she got the recipe.  Maybe it was one that was handed down to her from her mom, or her grandma.  But the story of Auntie Ellen's Creamy Caramels in our family is that, ever since she started making these wonderful little yummy delights and giving them to us at the holidays, I knew that I needed to get the recipe from her.  So, after a few years when I was looking for another great holiday recipe, I called up Auntie Ellen and she gave me the recipe.  And we've been making these caramels ever since! 

Of course, I always look forward to getting Auntie Ellen's caramels, because they are so much better than mine   ;o)   But we keep practicing, and one day ours might be almost as good as hers!  Here is the recipe, and since I didn't have any pictures (yet) of my family making our caramels this year, I found a similar recipe at "How to Make Caramels," by Elizabeth LaBau, and have included a few of the pictures that you can find there.  Please take a peek around that website, and you'll find lots of really fun holiday recipes.  I've actually decided to try out a couple new recipes this year with the girls, because you can never have too many traditions, especially at the holidays!

Auntie Ellen's Creamy Caramels

*  2 cups sugar

*  3/4 cup light corn syrup

*  2 cups light cream (20%)

*  1/2 cup butter

Butter square pan, 8 X 8 X 2 inches, or line pan with tinfoil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Combine sugar,corn syrup, butter and half the cream in large saucepan.  Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stir in remain cream.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to 245 degrees on a candy thermometer (or until a small amount ofmixture droppedinto very cold water forms a firm ball.  This is the way my mama always did it!) 

Immediately spread mixture evenly in pan.  Cool. Cut into 1" squares.  Makes about 5 dozen candies.  You can wrap the individual caramels in squares of wax paper or tinfoil to keep them from sticking to each other and to hold their shape. 

 

 

Thank you to Elizabeth LaBau for the beautiful pictures!  Please visit her website to find so many more great holiday recipes . . . I wonder if she knows Auntie Ellen, too?    ;o)