Archive for the ‘Friendship’ Category

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Ten Favourite Free Things meme

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Ten Favourite Free Things:

My blogging friend Linda of Simply Living Modestly tagged me for this meme. She has lots of great ideas for getting back to basics in homemaking, so do please check out her blog.

  • I enjoy taking the dog for a walk, especially if one or more of the children accompany me.
  • Going to the library is another favorite free activity.
  • Taking the time to prepare a wholesome, delicious meal isn’t exactly ‘free’, but it’s much cheaper than going out to eat.
  • I enjoy playing card and board games with the children.
  • I enjoy listening to my husband talk.
  • I enjoy going sailing with my husband, if the weather is warm!
  • I enjoy the creative things the children do, such as drawing, painting and singing.
  • Interacting with friends on Facebook and through blogging are favorite free activities.
  • Playing with my grandchildren is fun and free.
  • Reading is great. Lately, I am really into wanting to read all of Jane Austen’s books.

There you have my list. I would like to tag my friend Susan of A Life of Grace to be the next participant in this meme.


Posted in Friendship, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Homemaking, Things for Which I am Thankful | 3 Comments »

Beautiful Blogger Award

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010


I was recently awarded the Beautiful Blogger Award
by my friend Vivian of My Cards & More.


The award comes with the following responsibilities:

1. I must thank the person who bestowed this honor upon me. (Thanks so much, Vivian!)
2. Copy the award and place it on my blog.
3. Link to the bestower’s site.
4. Enumerate seven interesting things about myself. Here they are:

  • If my husband and I had met in high school, we would have been in separate social groups. I was a quiet, geeky girl, and he was one of the popular athletic guys. Thankfully we met in our mid-twenties, and were able to appreciate one another!
  • The concept of time travel fascinates me. Maybe that’s one reason I enjoy historical fiction and stories set in other eras, such as Jane Austen’s books, and those by Georgette Heyer.
  • I always have a few books to read at the same time, so I can grab the book that fits my mood, whether it be a recipe book, book on a health topic, historical fiction, young people’s literature, etc.
  • We don’t have a TV, though we do watch videos on the computer. When the children were little, we didn’t even do that. It was so calm and quiet, and I got to read lots of wonderful books aloud to them!
  • Six of our children were born at home, one naturally in the hospital, and our twin girls were surgically delivered by C-section. I much prefer natural birth to surgical, as the recovery is almost immediate.
  • We have home schooled, private schooled and public schooled our children. Our oldest child was home schooled until he started college at the age of 16, at which time he excelled, and continues to excel. There were good reasons for the other forms of schooling, though, and we found that “one size fits all” isn’t true in education.
  • I detest horror and violence in movies and books. Really, if I’m going to take the time to read a book, I would like a happy ending, if you please. There’s enough sorrow in the real world without wallowing in it in books and media.


5. Nominate seven bloggers that I find beautiful:

  • Mary of Work of the Poet. Mary is a friendly and talented person who hosts a meme called Ruby Tuesday. Once I get my camera situation under control, I’m going to participate. Mary and I enjoy sending post cards to one another.
  • Tamy of 3 Sides of Crazy. The crazy thing about Tamy is how much energy she has. She develops delicious recipes of her own, participates in several memes, and writes about such things as travel, remodeling projects, and elder care.
  • Melanie of New Creation Cottage. Melanie writes conversationally about her day-to-day life, including her travels, and accompanies this with great photos.
  • Madeleine Kane of Mad Kane’s Humor Blog. Mad is super smart, and super funny. She can get me laughing like no one else. If you’re feeling creative, you can join in writing limericks to prompts that she suggests.
  • Laura of It’s Life According to Laura. Laura is one of my daughters, mommy to three young children. Cute photos of the kids adorn her blog, but best of all are the funny accounts of the kids’ antics.
  • Another very talented blogging friend is Barbara of A Day In My Life. Her entire family is musical; she enjoys scrapbooking and displays some of her work in her blog. She is also my friend on Facebook, and almost impossible to beat at spelling games. I do enjoy trying, though!
  • Nancy of Soliloquy has a photography and poetry blog which is mainly about gardening. What can I say but, “Beautiful!”

 

Thank you all, including Vivian, for being Beautiful Bloggers!


 

Posted in Friendship, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Things for Which I am Thankful | 8 Comments »

Give Me Five Monday

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Give Me 5 Monday logo

It’s time for Give Me Five Monday. Hostess Becca gives us this prompt today:

Give Me Five end-of-summer wrap up thoughts.

  • I was blessed to be present for the birth of granddaughter Claire, first child for daughter Sarah and her husband Justin, who was born August 15th.
  • My husband repaired the Pelican sailboat he received from his dad. We have enjoyed sailing in Bellingham Bay this summer.
  • This summer, all of the children had jobs, including our 13 year old son who did weed eating and other chores for a neighboring farmer. Other jobs for the children included working for a local plant nursery, janitorial work, and weaving for a small textile company. The kids have enjoyed earning their own money!
  • Daughter Rebecca attended classes for one week in Washington, DC with two other girls from our local high school. They studied global health and the environment.
  • The three youngest children took excellent care of themselves, our pets and the home while Rick, Debra and I spent almost two weeks in California. Rick was doing carpentry work for his folks, but it was also a time of going to the beach, visiting family, and even meeting my blogging friend Susan!

Hostess Becca says this about the meme:

The ‘Give Me Five’ Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here’s how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn’t have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.
Sign up for weekly reminder emails @ beccagirl@charter.net

Posted in Family, Friendship, Fun Things, Give Me Five Monday, Things for Which I am Thankful | 5 Comments »

Blogging Buddies Meet!

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

One special event of this vacation in California was getting to meet one of my blogging friends: Susan of A Life of Grace. Susan and her husband William drove over two hours to join us at Dad and Mom Taron’s home here in Inverness for a time of visiting, and enjoying a barbeque meal together.

It was fun to discover that Dad Taron had been in the same line of work as William, so they had plenty of fuel for discussion. Dad Taron was so surprised. He looked over at me and asked, “How do you know this guy?” I guess he hadn’t been expecting that he would feel so at ease with his mystery guests!

William also assisted Rick as Rick prepared barbequed fresh oysters for those adventurous enough to partake of this delicacy. While the guys took care of the cooking, Susan and I visited. We talked of such things as our families, places we have lived, and places they hope to travel. We both enjoy the author Jane Austen, and movies made from her books. Susan, the book I wanted to recommend to you but couldn’t remember at the time is Jane Austen in Scarsdale: Or Love, Death, and the SATs by Paula Marantz Cohen, a funny remix of the book Persuasion.

Here are a couple photos taken by Rick:

Susan and William

Susan and William

susan and me

Susan and me!

Posted in Friendship, Fun Things | 7 Comments »

Honest Scrap Award

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

blog_award-honest_scrap

A couple weeks ago Linda at Remote Treechanger gave me the HONEST SCRAP award. Thank you so much, Linda!

To keep this award, I must complete the following:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award
2) Share 10 honest things about myself
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design or those that have encouraged me
4) Tell those 7 people they have been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.


Here are 10 honest things about me:

  • I greatly enjoyed being stay-at-home mom to our nine children.
  • Currently, I get enjoyment and satisfaction from being a para educator (“teacher’s helper”) at our local middle school, which means grades 6, 7 and 8.
  • My current favorite authors are Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.
  • I’m fascinated by nutrition and health topics.
  • I have made peace with my limitations. When I get tired, I can rest or play, without a guilty conscience.
  • It is easy for me to stay online for a long time.
  • One of my favorite things is going out for a really good coffee with my daughters.
  • I would rather be kind and useful than brilliant.
  • I can be very ditzy at times. Once I worried that I hadn’t gotten daughter Kayla a birthday present, and couldn’t remember, even as she was opening it, what it was. I hope this doesn’t bode ill for the future!
  • I don’t easily “make friends” with machines. I especially shrink from driving someone else’s car.

So, there you have my HONEST SCRAP. Now, to nominate seven other bloggers I admire:

Just to decorate this post, here is a picture from the Farmers Market at Point Reyes, CA taken last Saturday:

farmers market

Posted in Awards, Blogthings, Friendship, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Things for Which I am Thankful | 7 Comments »

The Sisterhood Award

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

sisterhoodaward

Earlier this week I received The Sisterhood Award from my blogging friend Vivian of My Cards & More. Before presenting this award to some of her friends, Vivian said:

It is amazing how we can open our world to others in our world…we don’t see them, know how they look, where they work…but we are drawn to them by this force of likeness and many times “sister hood”. I do not have a big drawing on my site…but I am sure drawn to others. I will add a few names of ladies I visit; I hope they will be as blessed as I.

The rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Remember to link the person from whom you received your award. So here are my self-proclaimed cyber sisters: (Vivian then lists her nominees.)

Thank you, Vivian! I certainly feel sisterhood with you, too. I admire your creativity, enjoy reading about family doings, and am edified by your love for the Savior. I thankfully accept this award.

First, I offer my disclaimers:

  1. If I visit your blog, hopefully leaving a comment now and then, I love you, too! I’m only supposed to list ten blogs, though, for this award. Let’s start with these ladies. Visit them. You’ll be glad you did!
  2. This award is for cyber friends. I have loads of friends at church whose blogs I follow, and family blogs I follow, too. Just so you know.

Here, then, are my nominees for The Sisterhood Award:

  1. Sarah of Coffee at the Cabin. I believe I met Sarah through The Simple Woman’s Daybook meme. She is a dedicated home school mom, a Christian sister, and an excellent writer.
  2. Susie of Susiej has such an interesting blog, full of variety. Susie writes for a newspaper in her home state, so it’s an understatement to say she writes well. On her blog you will find the home for the Give What You Grow endeavor, a sort of Victory Garden thing.
  3. Grace of Sandier Pastures
    or Desert Living Dubai Style makes you want to visit Dubai, with her stories and photography. She includes family stories, as well as give-aways.
  4. SusanB of A Life of Grace
    is a Christian sister who humbles me with her loving spirit. We met through The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Susan is uplifting, loving and encouraging to me.
  5. Tamy of 3 Sides of Crazy
    is the most bundle-of-energy person and blogger I know! On her blog, you will read of the on-going remodeling of the 100+ year old home she and her husband are doing, recipes she is creating, give-aways and memes. Whew!
  6. Mom24 of 4everMom tells of family life in Ohio, with an honest look at life’s ups and downs, and a spirit of making the best of things in these difficult times. Her family is Jewish/Christian, which also puts an interesting spin on things.
  7. Linda of Remote Treechanger
    is a busy, back-to-basics gal living in a remote area of Australia. Linda recently graced me with the Lemonade Award (as in, When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!) which I have not yet passed on. Thank you, Linda! You will learn a lot about life in Linda’s corner of the world from reading her blog. Also, Linda has friends all over the world whose blogs are also well worth reading.
  8. Barbara of A Day in My Life
    is also a friend met through The Simple Woman’s Daybook. She and her husband have three very musical boys, and do some interesting traveling together. I simply enjoy her blog. Oh! I forgot to mention that Barbara is an excellent scrapbooker, for all you enthusiasts out there.
  9. Storyteller of Small Reflections. This friend, who prefers to remain “a nonny mouse” as she would say, is a busy retired teacher in Southern California. Her blog specialties are wonderful, inspiring quotes, collected over a lifetime, an upbeat attitude, and lots of photography which make you want to move to her locale!
  10. Melanie of New Creation Cottage is one of the cheeriest gals I know on the internet. She is a hospice nurse who has this to say about her life: “In all times, the good and the bad, Jesus has been at my side.” Melanie is an encouragement to me, too.

So, these are my nominees. I do hope you all will accept this award. It will be fun to find out who you nominate in turn. And, Thank you again, Vivian!

Posted in Awards, Friendship, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 8 Comments »

25 Random Things

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

25 Random things…

My friend Kerri tagged me on Facebook to participate in this quiz. I won’t tag any of you dear readers, but if you are so-inclined, feel free to grab this idea and run with it.

Rules:

Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.

  • I enjoy being the first one up in the morning.
  • Then I make the first pot of coffee, empty the dishwasher, start the washing machine, start waking the children for school, and sit down at my computer because
  • I read my Bible online at Blue Letter Bible.
  • I work part time as a middle school para educator, helping students with math, writing, and reading challenges.
  • This is my first out-of-the-home job since getting married.
  • I love my job, and work with some outstanding teachers and administrators.
  • I love working at home, too.
  • I very much enjoyed the years when the children were little. Don’t worry, kids! I still enjoy you!
  • My favorite part of home schooling was reading aloud to the children.
  • I favor the interest-based method of home schooling.
  • I suppose I was almost an ‘unschooler’ as far as academics were concerned, though we did use Saxon math and lots of library books.
  • I focused more on the children’s attitudes, such as learning to obey cheerfully, and loving one another, than I did on book work.
  • I enjoy strong, hot coffee.
  • For a special treat, I enjoy a caramel macchiato.
  • I take criticism well, except from those I love the most.
  • I am a cheerful person who has a melancholy disposition.
  • My husband says that I am not a pessimist, nor an optimist, but a realist. I think he’s right.
  • I CANNOT watch violence or horror, nor can I read about it. It hurts me, and I have trouble getting rid of it.
  • I am a quiet person who cares deeply about others. Is that an extroverted introvert?
  • Fall is my favorite season, followed by winter, then summer, and last of all, spring.
  • One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Not all things ‘are’ good, but God makes even the bad things ‘work together for good’ to those who love Him.
  • I am thankful that Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
  • I seek to be faithful in little things, the everyday, humdrum, ordinary things.
  • I am thankful for the privilege of being married to a godly man.
  • I am thankful to have the privilege of birthing and raising our dear children.

Posted in Bible Thoughts, Education, Family, Friendship, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Homemaking, My job, Things for Which I am Thankful | 4 Comments »

Thursday Thirteen and Thankful Thursday

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

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roses

Thirteen Things for Which I’m Thankful Today:

  1. I arrived home safely this evening from the city, driving in the dark, in the thick fog.
  2. My son-in-law brought in some delicious pizzas so I wouldn’t have to cook dinner after being out.


  1. Daughter #1 did the laundry.
  2. I found a couple awesome gifts this evening for daughter #5, who turns 17 in a few days.
  3. I’m thankful for Costco apple pie. Yum! That was dessert this evening.


  1. The music of Deuter, to which I’m listening just now on Pandora, is relaxing and uplifting.
  2. I feel better this evening, after awakening dizzy (ditzy?).
  3. I’m thankful to have our two grandbabies (and their parents) staying with us while they look for a more permanent residence. Tomorrow may be the day!
  4. The music of Paul Cardall is a blessing. He has a most inspiring life story, and his music is gentle and healing.
  5. I’m thankful that all these years my husband has borne with my faults, and I with his, and that we both want to do what pleases the Lord, though ‘in many things we offend.’ Yep; we love one another. We’re at our computers in the same room, back to back, talking about this and that every once in a while. I guess that’s what brought this blessing to mind.
  6. I’m thankful for daughter #4, who cheerfully lives her life with a major disability.
  7. I’m thankful for good medical coverage to pay for her expensive medications. I’m reminded of this because I picked up about $1,200 worth of meds today.

 


  1. I’m thankful to be able to stay in touch with friends so easily via the internet. That means you!


Posted in Family, Friendship, marriage, Music, Thankful Thursday, Things for Which I am Thankful, Thursday Thirteen | 11 Comments »

Just a Quick Quiz PLUS Something Cool

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

My friend Storyteller over at Small Reflections took this quiz (I got the same results as her!). If you enjoy this sort of thing, give it a try:

Some time ago, Storyteller also gifted me with this cool badge which she created.

giraffes-youmakemydayaward-storyteller

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Storyteller!!!

Posted in Awards, Blogthings, Friendship, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Things for Which I am Thankful | 2 Comments »

Two Terrific Awards

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

Today Storyteller of Small Reflections
shared this friendship award with her readers.

And lovely are the blossoms

That are tended with great care,

By those who work unselfishly

To make the place more fair.

And, like the garden blossoms,

Friendship’s flower grows more sweet

When watched and tended carefully

By those we know and meet.

And, if the seed of friendship

Is planted deep and true

And watched with understanding,

Friendship’s flower will bloom for you.

 

You are welcome to take this award also if:

  • You consider yourself to be my real-life or bloggy-life friend. If you’re taking the time to read my humble blog, you qualify!
  • You will kindly link back to me when you post this award on your blog

My bloggy friend Storyteller has another blog, Happily Retired Gal. On that blog she introduced me to her other readers with these kind words:

Joyce of Mom’s Musings lives a very busy life. Another working mom (and grandmother too), her attitude is always upbeat & cheerful, and her posts are thoughtful & uplifting.  She leaves wonderfully supportive, encouraging comments on the blogs of others and always responds with friendly emails to those who comment on her blog. Her joy in the Lord shines consistently.

In keeping with her kind words, Storyteller gifted me with The Lemonade Award
(as in ‘If life hands you lemons, make lemonade!’).

If you would like this award for yourself, please comment on this post. I’ll do another post in which I talk about your blog, and present you with this lovely commendation.

Here are the (real) rules for passing on this award to others:

  • Put the award logo on your blog or post.
  • Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
  • Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
  • Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
  • Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Thank you, dear Storyteller, for these kind awards.



 

Posted in Awards, Friendship, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Things for Which I am Thankful | 3 Comments »

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