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Seven Amazing Things meme

Friday, August 7th, 2009

I have been tagged!

My friend Linda, whose blog is Remote Treechanger, tagged me to post 7 things about myself that I think are amazing. Those of you who know me well may not be AMAZED, but I will try:

  • As my late 20s approached, I thought I would NEVER get married, though I desired to do so. I was a member of a very small Presbyterian church. My husband-to-be also wanted a wife and family, and was also a member of a small Presbyterian church two states north of me.
  • We were introduced by mutual friends. His college roommate had married one of my favorite working-girl roommates. They kept after us for about a year before we agreed to meet.
  • I travelled north with a girlfriend, stayed with Rick’s pastor and family, and so we met. After that visit, we continued to get to know one another mainly by writing letters, and talking on the phone. Remember, this was prior to the ease of email and chatting online.
  • Though we had no one to supervise us, we really wanted to honor the Lord in our relationship, so we were very strict with ourselves during the times when we did see one another: no holding hands and no kissing. When I met Rick’s folks just prior to the wedding, they wondered if we really even LIKED one another, since we were both so reserved.
  • Rick and I both believe that children are a gift from the Lord, and were so thankful to receive six daughters and three sons into our home. Maybe it’s not amazing that I’ve never used birth control of any sort.
  • Seven of our children were born naturally, our twin daughters were born by C-section. Six of the natural births occurred after the C-section.
  • I love and enjoy our children so much! I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a wife and mother. I’m thankful the children all have come to their own faith in God, work hard, and enjoy one another!


That’s all, folks!

Now, I am tagging seven friends:

Please, if you’re reading this and want to do the same sort of post at your blog or on Facebook, do join in!

Posted in Family, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, marriage, Things for Which I am Thankful | 10 Comments »

Eight Things

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

I saw this meme over at 4everMom’s blog. She also included the category 8 Shows I Watch on TV, but I don’t watch TV. That’s a good thing, since I spend plenty of time relaxing online as it is!

 

8 Things I’m Looking Forward To:

  1. More time to clean the house during the summer.
  2. More time to prepare meals during the summer.
  3. Being warm during the summer. It seemed like a long winter this year!
  4. Attending a Quince anos party for the first time.
  5. Going sailing in my husband’s little 12 foot Pelican sailboat, strictly as a passenger, though. And, please let it be on a lake, not the sound.
  6. The children’s help during the summer to declutter the house a bit more.
  7. I hope we can afford to travel to California to visit Grampa and Gramma Taron this summer.
  8. Someday, somehow, I want to sew or purchase new curtains for the house.


 

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

  1. Worked at the middle school from 9am until 1pm.
  2. Grabbed a quick lunch at home and visited with my husband.
  3. Drove to Lynden to pick up my mom from her home to take her for a doctor visit.
  4. Did some shopping for my mom, and grocery shopping for us.
  5. Did a Simple Woman’s blog post, after not writing on my blog for a while.
  6. Played Lexulous, a Scrabble-take off, on Facebook.
  7. Prepared yummy hamburgers for dinner, which Rick cooked on the barbeque. Yum!
  8. Did my usual stretching exercises before bed.


8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

  1. It would be lovely to have the energy level and stamina that I had in my 20s and 30s.
  2. Someday I would like to get back into practicing a musical instrument. I especially enjoy acoustic guitar and soprano recorder. I no longer have the breath for French horn or flute.
  3. I would like to get back into sewing, too. One problem is that I prefer to move around rather than sit. Guess that means I won’t get back into doing embroidery.
  4. I would like to work outside more. I’m focusing on doing inside work first.
  5. It’s difficult to think of things I “wish” I could do, since I am so very privileged to have already received the desires of my heart: a godly husband, and nine children who love the Lord. I have as well God’s assurance in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good to those who love Him.
  6. I wish to be a useful, compassionate person for as long as God grants me life.
  7. I wish to be a good gramma who doesn’t butt into her grown kids’ lives too much, but just enough so they know that I care about them.
  8. I wish to see all our kids make wise, godly decisions as to whom they marry.


 

I realize that my “wish I could do” list changed to a “thankful for” and “looking forward to” list, but that’s what you get.

 

How about you? Would you like to participate in the Eight Things meme?

Posted in Family, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Gardening, Hobbies, Homemaking, marriage, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 6 Comments »

My Marvelous Mundane Morning

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Good evening! I’m feeling quite guilty about not doing more frequent posts. Because of that, I’m composing this post for your perusal, recounting some moments of this ordinary yet pleasant day.

The morning began for me at 5:30am, as it usually does during the work week. I was the first one to rise, got the first pot of coffee brewing, unloaded the dishwasher, and loaded the washing machine. I rousted the first child out of bed for his shower, poured myself a cup of coffee, and checked my email. During my time online in the morning, I also checked my school email account, Facebook (to play Lexulous and care for my virtual farm), and Blue Letter Bible to read my Bible chapters and a daily devotional by Bob Hoekstra. (He is right on about God’s grace, and gives me food for thought.)

Between 6:15 and 6:30 I sounded the call for the three girls to rise and shine, so they could quickly get ready for high school, which begins at 7:45am (too early for sleep-deprived teenagers in my opinion!). This morning Reb had a pre-school Honor Society meeting, so she left early, and I took Lyd and Deb and our neighbor girl later.

Upon my return home from the high school, I spent some time chatting with my husband (face-to-face, not online!). We discussed where we might enjoy going for our wedding anniversary this July. We both favor going somewhere not too far away, yet romantic. On previous outings, we’ve enjoyed Easton, WA, Whistler, BC, Canada, and La Conner, WA. A little bed-and-breakfast sounds lovely to me!

After doing a bit more work around the house (and playing a few more moves in my word games), I was at work at the middle school from 9am until 2pm. We’re in an unsettled schedule just now, due the academic testing that began this week and will continue for the next two weeks. Whatever the schedule, though, I very much enjoy working with the students. Some of them are real characters, and all the kids with whom I work have extra learning challenges. I’ve heard that you know you’re doing the right work when that work energizes you. That’s the way I feel about working with these students. I like them. I enjoy them. I get a kick out of them. My coworkers are great, too. We have such a limited budget, but everyone gives at least 150 percent.

Now my post is too long for my comfort. I fear some may find it too long. At some other time I’ll write more about school, and more about what happens when I get home from school. It was a great day today, though. What can I say? I enjoy the little place I fill in this life.

wild-violets

Little wild violets in our front yard

Posted in Family, Fun Things, Homemaking, marriage, My job, Things for Which I am Thankful | 8 Comments »

Introduction for Titus 2 Blog Party

Sunday, March 1st, 2009

First of all I would like to thank Michelle of She Looketh Well… for hostessing the Titus 2 Blog Party. Head on over to Michelle’s blog for instructions if this looks like something you might be interested in doing.

Hello! My name is Joyce. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog as you ‘make the rounds’ during the Titus 2 Blog Party. This is my first time participating in a virtual party. If you were here in my home I would offer you some coffee or tea and a homemade goodie, then we could sit down and get some serious visiting done!


I think I’ll start by quoting Titus 2:1-5, since the party is centered around these thoughts:

  1. But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
  2. That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
  3. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
  4. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
  5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

I agree with what God’s Word says here. Loving one’s husband and children doesn’t ‘come naturally,’ yet it is a worthy and a necessary goal.

I would also say that Titus 2 is NOT a ‘To Do’ list that I just set my mind to, and then do. Just as Jesus Christ came to save sinners, He came to sanctify sinners. I can’t begin with Christ and go on by my own ‘fantastic’ will power. No such thing!

I think the main theme of my life as a Christian woman is that life is not about me; it’s about Christ. As it says in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

As for the stats, here are a few:

  1. My husband and I have nine children. We love ’em, and have, imperfectly, brought them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
  2. I am amazed that I still have so much to learn about being a loving, selfless person, even though this is one of my main goals.
  3. I genuinely enjoy being a wife and mother. Always have. I have difficulty understanding those who find being a ‘stay-at-home mom’ a less than desirable vocation.
  4. We have home schooled, Christian schooled, and public schooled our youngun’s.

I hope that’s sufficient for an intro. We’ll see what happens next with this.


 

Posted in Bible Thoughts, Family, From a friend's blog, Homemaking, marriage, Titus 2 Blog Party | 15 Comments »

Titus 2 Blog Party

Sunday, March 1st, 2009

The following is the invitation to the Titus 2 Blog Party being hosted by Michelle of She Looketh Well…

 

I found out about this ‘party’ through my blogging friend Linda at Remote Treechanger. Thank you, Linda.

Are you a younger woman?

Newly married?

A mama with little children?

or

Are you an ‘older’ woman?

Married for years?

Children all grown?

or

Are you somewhere in the middle?

Some ‘littles’ and some ‘bigs’

or

Are you a single woman?

Young or old?

or

Maybe you are unable to have children?

Maybe a widow?

(I hope I didn’t exclude anyone 😉

What is the point to all the questions?

I just wanted to make it clear that each and every one of you are invited to the Titus 2 blog party!

 

There have been some questions about who the party is really for. My desire in hostessing this party is really for any Christian woman, regardless of her season in life, to gather in one place, to get to know one another, to encourage each other, and I guess, to get some of the lesser known blogs, or newer blogs noticed. I thought a party would be a great way to do it. I have ‘stumbled’ across so many precious Godly women’s blogs that are maybe new or virtually unknown.

So, in answer to the questions, it is for all of you!

 

Please accept this invitation.

Put the party button on your blog.

Write an invitation post (this one is a lovely example)

Encourage others to invite their readers.

Then be sure and link your blog up the week of the party!

Don’t forget the prize giveaway.

Its the perfect gift for any woman.

Who doesn’t love a giveaway?!!

Please feel free to ask any questions you might have.

(Oh, and leave a comment when you have put the button on your blog, I love to go see it!)


She Looketh Well . . . Blog

Posted in Bible Thoughts, Family, From a friend's blog, Homemaking, marriage, Practical Christianity, Titus 2 Blog Party | Comments Off on Titus 2 Blog Party

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 »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, January 12th, 2009

simple-woman-daybook-small1

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…Monday, January 12, 2009

Outside my Window…Well, I can’t see out the window just now, since I’m creating this post at the end of the day. I did step out on the front porch just now to take a deep breath of the brisk, fresh air, though. We have returned to our usual temperate, moist winter weather. No more snow. No more flooding. The challenge now is the temps that dip below freezing at night. If it’s foggy, as it is tonight, that fog becomes black ice on the roads.

I am thinking…of getting a little bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup for dessert. This is a favorite dessert, or else a cup of hot cocoa. Tonight, the ice cream won.


From the learning rooms…I’ve been enjoying working with some 6th graders on writing short stories. Did you know that slightly modified movie plots and TV shows make a handy-dandy story when all else fails? It’s a beginning, anyway!

I am thankful for…my husband cheering me up when I was feeling down. Thank you, Sweetie, for the cheery flowers and the candy-coated chocolate ‘kisses’!

From the kitchen…Tonight I made chili con carne, which we enjoyed with shredded cheese, sour cream and crackers, a quick dinner ‘thrown’ together after taking my mom to an appointment.

I am wearing…a cozy, long-sleeved deep lavender/pink/grey striped top with lavender sweater over, black skirt, and black leggings (work clothes).

I am reading…about a girl who was born with only the right side of her brain, and how that impacted her learning and personality, in the book The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D. If you are interested in learning disabilities, and some phenomenal stories of people who have overcome them, you would enjoy this book.

I am hoping…to get back in the habit of taking a daily walk, now that the weather is milder.

I am creating…Well, I’ll be putting fresh sheets on the bed in a bit. The laundry is done. The family is fed. So, I could say I’m creating a neat, well-run household.

I am hearing…my daughter Laura talking to me about a photo she took, my son Seth popping in to tell me how much he enjoyed the ending of Wall-e and other family members laughing in the kitchen. Hmmm….other people must be thinking of getting a bite of dessert, too.

Around the house…activities are winding down. We’ll all be going to bed soon. The day’s work is done, and rest will be sweet.

One of my favorite things… is Celtic music. My husband just came into the office and turned some on. We’re listening to the trio, The Espers.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Since sports activities were canceled during the snow days and the flood days, Seth and Lydia will be playing two basketball games each this week, and Rebecca will be playing indoor soccer. I will be helping my friend Sue prepare food for a church supper on Wednesday. We’re doing ‘breakfast for dinner.’ Yum!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

bouquet2

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Fun Things, Homemaking, marriage, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 5 Comments »

Double Thursday 13 – A to Z Meme

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Today for Thursday 13, I’m doing the A to Z Meme
which I saw over at my friend Storyteller’s Small Reflections blog a while back. I guess you could call this Thursday 13 times 2. If you play, too, will you please let me know so I can visit you to see your answers?

Attached or single? I am attached, having been married to my dear husband for 26 years.

Best Friend? My husband is my best friend. At this season in my life I am also thankful for many dear friends, both in the real and virtual world. Just had to say.

Cake or Pie?
Any apple dessert: apple crisp, apple pie, fresh apple cake, apple dumplings, baked apples, apfel streudel.

Day of Choice? The Lord’s Day, Sunday, when I have the privilege of hearing God’s Word expounded, and enjoy fellowship with the saints.

Essential Item? Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss

Flavor of ice cream? Vanilla with chocolate syrup, or better yet with hot fudge sauce!

Gummy Bears or Worms? Neither, thank you. No jelly beans (near relatives of the disliked bears and worms) either

Hometown? Originally I’m a desert girl, from Phoenix, Arizona, but have called the lovely Pacific Northwest home for far more years

Indulgences? One piece of good chocolate daily

January or July? I can’t really decide. Cozy inside times when it’s blustery outside, and leisurely, sun-filled days are both the best

Kids? Nine children, three sons and six daughters. Life is quiet now, with only four still young enough to live at home.

Last Movie I saw in a Theatre? Wall-e. I loved it. I cried. There are deep truths hidden in that animated film.

Middle Name? Marie, after my paternal grandmother, Florence Marie

Number of Siblings? Three brothers and one sister. I am an oldest child.

Oranges or Apples? Apples, of course (see previous pie/cake question)

Phobia or Fear? Fear of heights

Quote? 1 Corinthians 13, The Love Chapter in the Bible. I need frequent reminders of what love thinks, says and does, so refer to this often.

Reason to Smile? I am privileged to see our two grandchildren more often now that our daughter and son-in-law have moved to town!

Season? Autumn. Search “autumn” or “fall” on my blog. You may find a few posts.

Tag five more…. Please feel free to play, and let me know you have played, so I can visit your blog!

Unknown fact about me? I spent my days backpacking and sewing embroidered peasant blouses during the time one would usually go to college.

Vegetarian? Once upon a time, but wasn’t wise about it, so suffered some nutritional deficiencies. I am currently an omnivore, thankful for sufficient food for nourishment and enjoyment.

Xrays or Ultrasound? Both useful, for various things; have had both, accompanied with excellent medical care.

Your favorite food? Freshly baked Honey Whole Wheat Bread with a bit of butter. Search my blog and you’ll find the recipe, if you’re interested.

Zodiac? Not something I follow

        

Posted in Blogthings, Family, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, marriage, Things for Which I am Thankful, Thursday Thirteen | 5 Comments »

A Couple Wedding Pics

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

This picture was snapped just prior to the wedding, while the professional photographers were busy getting all the poses. I like this photo because it captures a little of Sarah and Justin’s joy. 🙂

Here is another pre-wedding photo of Grampa and Gramma Taron, and me behind them. Grampa, who is 85 years old, drove here from Marin County, California, hauling a 5th-wheel trailer. We just had a call from them this evening that they arrived back home safe, though not completely “sound”; poor Gramma contracted the terrible cough that has been lingering here. 🙁

Hopefully I will soon receive some nicer photos from Sarah and Justin to post on the old blog-ola.

Posted in Family, Favorite Photos, marriage, Things for Which I am Thankful | 3 Comments »

Update on Wedding Preparations

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

Update on Thirteen things
I would like to get done before the upcoming wedding in our family (This Saturday!) and dinner at our home prior to the wedding:

  • Dust the kitchen thoroughly. This is almost done; just have the “up high” places to go.
  • Scrub the tile floors. Rick will probably Swiffer the floors for me, since I still have a bad cough and am feeling wimpy.
  • Neaten the carport (My husband and youngest son will do this.) Rick cleaned the stairwell leading to the basement, off the carport, and got rid of debris in the woodshed. He and Seth just have a bit more to do.
  • Buy a couple of tubs of chrysanthemums to decorate the front porch entryway. I hope to do this Friday morning, when I make a quick Costco run.
  • Preorder three decorated sheet cakes from Costco (for the reception). This no longer needs to be done, since Sarah let me know that there will be cake-a-plenty. Instead, they want fresh fruit platters. OK!
  • Make sure the obvious garden beds are weeded, since hopefully the weather will permit guests to enjoy the out-of-doors. Not done yet. I’ll ask daughter Debra to do this, since she is a good gardener.
  • I’ve been told I need to insert some zippers in some dresses, which I will hopefully see this Saturday! These dresses are for the youngest wedding attendants. Kayla and I have been working on this together. She is finishing up the last little dress! They turned out beautifully.
  • Remind my husband to make a dump run to further clean up the yard. The trailer is loaded, and ready to go.
  • Make sure my elderly mom has some attractive, comfortable clothing to wear to the wedding. I’ve ordered several things from an online store, Buck and Buck, which specializes in adaptive clothing. I surely hope this works out! She thinks she just won’t be able to make it. The slipper/shoes are wide enough in the toes, but anything at all touching one of her toes bothers her. I’m VERY satisfied with the quality of the clothing and shoes, however. I’m going to hem up the slacks I ordered for her, just in case she changes her mind.
  • With my girls’ help, make sure that our basement suite is completely ready for our married daughter and her family, who will be arriving at wedding time, and an upstairs bedroom for my sister, who is the honor attendant, and who also will be staying with us. Rick and Rebecca are almost done with this project. I need to find an anti-allergen cover for the futon crib mattress. I purchased crib sheets and a nice crib blanket, too. Little Carly will be sleeping in the crib which her GrampaPoppa Rick made for her momma and Auntie Sarah when they were born.
  • Request two personal days off from work, the day of the rehearsal dinner, which we are hosting here, and the Monday after the wedding, so I can drive my sister to the airport. Done. The principal approved my request. Thank you, Principal V.!
  • Keep going for daily walks with the dog (Relax!) I have been too sick in my chest to go out walking; maybe tomorrow, before the evening chilliness sets in. Oops! Tomorrow I’ve been invited to attend the final wedding gown fitting, so that’s what I’ll be doing!
  • Get well from the sore throat and chills which I have contracted. This means that I will have to get a decent amount of sleep, something I am loath to do! I’m working on it!

Posted in Family, Fun Things, Gardening, Homemaking, marriage, Things for Which I am Thankful | 1 Comment »

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