Fall is here. Wah-hoo. The house is adorned in autumnal colors. My garden produced 7 pumpkins! (Something I've never grown.) Now, I just wish the weather would cool off a little bit. I'm ready to wear some knitted goodness without having to peel it off at 10 am because I'm sweating walking to my car.
Much of my time these days has been spent launching the VESSEL club for girls and getting into the routine of writing on the VESSELS blog. This blog isn't just for young girls. I believe you'll enjoy it too, so go on and subscribe. I'm posting recipes and crafts as well as devotional-type study on women of the Bible.
I've been overwhelmed (in a good way) of the response to the real-life club on Wednesday nights. Last week, we had 54 girls attend! I'm so thankful that many moms have stepped in to hang around and help while we stitch and hot-glue our way through crafts.
Alhough I'd love to spend my days just focusing on blogging and crafting, having school-aged kids and one still at home has proved to be quite busy. I only have one napper these days and Jack comes home from kindergarten at 11:15. Like you, there's endless laundry, meal preparation and then the mothering. Intentional parenting and the shepherding of my children's hearts is a daily challenge and just when I feel stretched to my limit, it pulls a little more. But every once in a while I get a glimpse that some of it might just be working....when I receive an unprompted thank you or when I see my kids choosing to treat each other with kindness instead of swiping a toy and yelling, "I had it first."
I guess what I want to say is that for those of you who are feeling weary of motherhood, stay the course. Fight the good fight. We all get emotional and physically exhausted, it's just part of this mama gig.
I've started running again--this time consistently since May. The solitude of being outside, listening to worship music and talking to the Lord have been a great time of refreshment for me. I've begun to rediscover my love of running abet the pain of my post-child rearing body. I've been pumping this song on my headphones while I run. It always seems to pump me up before returning to my brood.
I've read this post several times over the last couple of weeks. It's challenged me to think differently about the "little neighbors" that live down the hall from me.
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:14-19
But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:13-14
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29
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Let's talk pants. I've decided that once you hit a certain age (ahem) and a certain quantity of children, you can no longer buy cheap jeans at Target or Kohls. They shrink, gap, wear thin, get holes, and just don't fit in the areas they should.
A couple years ago, my father-in-law took me shopping and treated me to a couple pairs of pants from Nordstrom. They were Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJ). And I have to say they are seriously, the most magical pieces of clothing I have ever owned.
I'm all about shopping sales and saving money, but these are worth every penny. These jeans seriously are the best thing to every happen to a woman who has the cursed muffin top that come with motherhood. They truly do make you look one size smaller. They are pricey--but worth it. You can wear the same pair over and over for years and they don't fade or gap or get holes. To say that they are well-made is an understatement.
Nordstrom seems to carry the best stock of this brand. Plus they will alter the hem length for free so they will completely fit! And it looks like they are all 20% off right now--which is about as cheap as they get, unfortunately. Tip: I discovered at Nordstrom that I was actually a petite! Go figure. It made a huge difference in how well the pants fit me. So if you have shortish legs, give it a try.
This style of jeans is my favorite. Alanya skinny jean. (Yes, you will actually look good in a "skinny" jean.)
This is my favorite black pant. Ponte Point Black Pant--not legging. You will never want to own another pair of black pants.
So when I started blogging about 6 years ago, I posted A LOT of craftiness. Moms would email me and say, "How do you have time and energy to do all that?" I didn't really have an answer. Well, if I'm really honest, there may have been times when I thought, "It's just important so I make time for it."
Enter HUMILITY. I now have a different answer.
"I did it because I only had one small child."
Now that I have three-8, 5 and 3....the story is different.
I now have three times the laundry, dishes, sickness, messy rooms, car seats, shopping, parenting, disciplining ... and three times less energy.
Lately, I've been feeling like a slacker on the "Mustard Seeds" front. I can't remember the last time I posted something about crafting/sharing God's truth to your kids. The lack of posting also means I've taken practically no photos of my children this year...shoot!
I have been doing some crafting (mostly for me, not the kids) in the basement, but once I get into it, I don't seem to have the energy to document it with photos/post. When I do have a spare, quiet moment, I seem to waste it in the world of Pinterest and Zulily--looking for ideas, instead of doing them.
Last week, I decided I need to start praying for God to help get "inspired" again. Lord, show me some tangible ways to get back to intentionally teaching my kids about you in fun ways.
Not two days later, we were all awakened at 2 a.m. from massive fall winds blowing through the trees and tossing things around. As I laid in Jack's bed with him, listening to the wind, God answered my prayer.
ME: God in the like the wind, Jack. Some people say you can't believe in Him because you can't see him. But he is here. You can see him moving things. Feel his presence. Hear him.
Simple. No hot glue gun required.
So be encouraged, mamas. Pray for God to help you reveal his truth in your day and watch for him to blow in the perfect opportunity.
As I was clearing the flower beds out last night, I realized I never posted about my garden party that I held at the end of the summer for the moms at my church. This one was the "2nd annual."
Despite the complete downpour an hour before the party, 40 plus women still came. As soon as the rain stopped, my neighbors split the sopping tablecloths and put them in their dryers. Ladies arrived early and we mopped everything up that we could. The rain held off for the rest of the evening.
This is a really fun women's event if you are looking for ideas. I'm going give some "TIPS" for those of you who might want to pin this post for the future.
#1 Do not arrange a speaker or formal program. This event is about women relaxing and socializing. Don't worry--it won't be quiet--ever. Women love to talk--especially when they are kid-free.
#2 Set out extra platters, display pieces and serving utensils. (See more about guests bringing food below.)
#3 Separate salty & savory dishes from the sweet dishes. A table for each.
Check out these amazing "garden-themed" cake pops my friend Karen made for the occasion!
#4 Get this versatile cupcake/cake-pop display from The Cupcake Tower. I've used it for SO many special occasions. Plus I love the two sweet sisters who started this biz.
#5 The hostess provides the drinks, the guests bring a salty or sweet dish to share. This takes a lot of stress out preparations for the hostess. Plus, it's a chance to let others bring their favorite recipes.
#6 Usually, guests bring more sweet dishes versus savory. So you might want to specifically ask some ladies to bring savory so you have a balance.
#7 Encourage guests to bring friends! This a a great way to introduce new women to your group.
#8 Hold the event towards the end of the summer when your garden is super full and beautiful. In Colorado, that means the end of August. We use this event to kick-off our fall women's events. It's a time for the women to get back together after the summer break and reconnect.
#8 Use "what ya got" to decorate. This is my mantra. Reuse and rearrange. I used some little paper flags I made earlier in the year and stuck them in potted plants. I displayed books with gardening pictures and arranged watering cans.
#9 Think about your garden/yard at the BEGINNING of the summer. Begin planting, arranging pots and "work up" to the event so that before the event, you are just tidying things up, not planting and pruning.
#10 Have a few women come early to help with last-minute details. The hostess doesn't have to do it all--and shouldn't even try! Ask a few friends to come early to finish setting up, mix drinks, greet guests.
My friend Karen (above, right) even came over a couple days before to help "prep" my yard. Our kids played while we moved yard furniture, hung bunting, moved toys. Remember, many hands makes light work.
#11 Guests will ask, "Is there something in particular I can bring?" or "Can I help you somehow?" Make a list of some ideas so when the question is asked you can say, "Yes, can you being in charge of manning the drink station the night-of?" Or ask someone to stay until the end of the event to help "tear down."
#12 Things don't have to matchy-matchy. Borrow things from friends and arrange things in clusters. Mix vintage linens and event fabric yardage as table cloths.
#13 Use candles to illuminate your garden or in this instance my "mini forest," which we have named the Widdi Woods.
#14 Cover fences or partition off areas with vintage quilts.
#15 Twinkle lights make the event "special." There is just something about the warm glow of lights on a summer evening. So many women commented that the lights made the evening feel "magical." It's worth your time to put them up.
Now some of you may be saying, I can't host 40 women in my yard. You don't have to! You can just have four of your girlfriends over for a small party. The point of the party is to enjoy the last of summer, spend time with one another and to bless your guests.
My friend Paula once told me that "a guest who feels prepared for, feels cared for." Many women commented that they felt so special that someone went to all the trouble of hanging lights and decorating. In age where we barely have time to grab coffee with a friend, an event like this surely is "special."
Any questions about garden parties? Throw 'em at me in the comments section. I'd love to help.
Kristen introduced me to JJ Heller's music this last music. I was an instant fan. Check out her website here. There's a special CD offer going on. She is a cute and talented mama.
I love her mellow and heart-felt lyrics. Her "Boat Song" is based on the children's book The Runaway Bunny, by Margaret Wise Brown. Your kids will love watching the video too.
Is there anything more depressing than a blog post about depression? Well, here goes.
I don't want to drown on and on about how hard my life is and be...well...depressing. However, I do want to share God's goodness, miraculous provision and how he was my "every-present help in my time of need." So today begins a multi-part series about my journey with depression. Using journal entries, emails to close friends, scriptures and a-ha moments, I hope to be transparent in hopes of encouraging others. Maybe you don't struggle with something like this, but chances are you know someone who does.
Psalm 71 is a passage that perfectly describes my journey with depression. It still is a passage that I pray. Whenever I read the word "enemy" or "accuser," I would substiute "depression" or "Satan."
Psalm 71
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. 6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. 7 I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
9 Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. 10 For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. 11 They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” 12 Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. 13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. 16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. 17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? 20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.
22 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered. 24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.
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{My Psalm 71 Journey} is a blog series that journals my struggle with depression. By honestly sharing my story, I will describe the highs and lows, the encouragement, my treatment decisions and how God has met my needs--bringing His glory to my unglorious situation of depression.
So at the end of August, I hosted a couple of garden parties. Cause when you go to all the trouble to put a zillion twinkle lights in your tree, electrocuting yourself a couple of times, and you get your yard all prettied up, you need to get some use out the beauty.
So on a Thursday night, I hosted about 25 ladies for our church's Mom's Night Out.
Then, on Saturday evening I hosted six lovely ladies over for ADORN. So it was everything shown on this post and THEN crafting added. More on ADORN in tomorrow's post "Garden Party-Part 2."
But for now, mamas relaxing and recharging under the twinkle tree.
Before the ladies arrived.
Garden-y goodness.
I provided the drinks. All the attendees brought an appetizer or dessert.
Drink station in my little summer house thing-y.
Love paper straws.
Perfect iced coffee recipe by Pioneer Woman (made with decaf espresso).
The cherry limeade recipe is also from Pioneer Woman, but you have to get that one out of her new recipe book.
Paula and Me ...thanks for all your help setting up!
Fireflies in a jar....tutorial to come soon, Paula and Lisa.
Before I was married, I didn't really mind doing laundry. Then, I got married to a man who was 6' 4" and wears XXL tall-sized shirts. His clothes were like four-times the size of mine. The laundry increased and I didn't like it so much anymore.
Then, I had a baby. And I had another baby. And then I had another baby. The laundry has increased to astronomical amounts. Now, I loathe doing laundry. It overtakes me several times a month. I tell people that if I ever go missing, to look in the basement near the washer because I've probably been eaten alive my the pile of clothes waiting to be laundered.
I seriously think if you throw a dirty shirt and a dirty towel in dark corner of my house it breeds dirty socks, pants and undies.
I've tried all kinds of systems to keep it under control...selecting one day a week to wash (way too much to do), trying to do one or two loads each morning (works OK, unless I have to get out of the house right away).
But one thing that does seem to be helping is getting my kids more involved in the laundering process. And it's teaching them to be a little more responsible for taking care of themselves and the gifts (clothing) God gives us.
Enter signage. When working with preschoolers, pictures are key. At the end of the hall (before entering the bath right next door) they are sorting laundry by darks and lights. This has made it so much easier for me to see which type of load needs to be done most immediately. Are they learning their colors? Here's a great practical application...purple is a dark.
Next stop: putting away laundry. Teaching your kids how to properly put away their clothes does take instruction and time on your part, but it pays off in the long run. I put a basket or pile in their rooms and they are responsible to put them in the right drawers.
Jack (4 yrs.) has lockers in his room, so I used magnetic clips with picture labels (laminated) to help him remember where things go. Initially, he crammed them all in one space. But after making him re-do and re-do, we are making progress.
Wanna make your own laundry labels? It's simple and you don't have to be an artist.
On heavy-weight paper, draw pictures, using a permanent marker/pen. You could also get cute images or clip art off the web.
Color in the items with watercolor or colored-pencil. (Make it pretty.)
Laminated your labels. This is optional, but adds longevity.
So that's what's been helping me. The laundry hasn't let up, but I feel like many hands (even little hands) are helping me manage it better.
If you having an laundering tips, ladies, I am ALL ears.
