Wow.

An article in the Wall Street Journal says that it might be a better use of your money to stock your pantry, than any other short-term investment.

We all know how much our grocery bill has gone up in the last year or so. Stocking our pantries (especially with the "sale" items every week) seems a natural for us with families--it's What We Do.

But equating it with getting a Much Better Return on your money than the interest you'd earn with a CD?

As the German guy used to say on Laugh-in:

Interesting. Ver-r-ry interesting.

hat tip to Meredith at Like Merchant Ships.

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I woke up to my bed shaking. That isn't really un-usual; it happens from time to time when Charming gets a cramp in his hamstring, and attempts to "shake it out." But, as I came to consciousness, I realized that he was not the one doing the shaking. It was an honest-to-goodness earthquake.

Now, some of you may find "earthquake" something you have experienced before. Some of you may run for the nearest doorway on a somewhat regular basis. My Auntie Marylin was nearby during the San Francisco earthquake of 1987. But here in northern Indiana, it's much, much more rare.

Charming told me that he has never felt an earthquake before. I have: once, when I was a teenager, I was taking a nap on the couch on a summer afternoon.  Suddenly, I found myself on the floor.

After this (early morning's) quake, I heard a few dogs barking, and a car alarm going off. A few minutes later, the birds resumed their morning songs.

Alvin Fernald came down to watch the early morning news on tv. Here is the info: The epicenter was 7 miles north of New Salem, IL, 61 miles northwest of Evansville, IN. It registered 5.4 on the Richter scale.

I probably won't even find a knicknack off the shelf. But I think it is so cool that God can make Himself evident in just a few seconds, and call us to attention. He has shown us again that HE is all-powerful: it is nothing for him to shake the earth itself. It really *is* a big thing, though, to think about something that can shake your house back and forth!

Thank you, Lord, for keeping us safe tonight. There is nowhere else I would rather be, than safe in Your hand.

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Well, it looks like I haven't posted in ten days! The big news, of course, is that Lily *did* finally have her baby, a beautiful son. You can read about him here.

I have been seeing either the new little one, Cambridge, or his one-month-old cousin Oxford every day, as well as my other grandbabies. Lots and lots of baby love going on around here!

My father, who lives in a nursing home, was in the hospital for a week, and they found he had M*R*S*A, that staph infection that lives in such places. (tho' he really got it in the nursing home, I think.) He needed to be in isolation for a few days, and his nursing home did not have a private room. Their "sister" facility in a little town south of us ("Population: 1,106 nice people and 4 Grouches!") had room, so he has been there.

Well! Does he LOVE it there! The biggest news is that Sister Nursing Home buys their eggs from farmers (Original Nursing Home uses powdered eggs--gross). He loves the food (or the cook!), loves the staff, loves the birds singing outside of his window.

I spoke with the social worker, and they do have space available for him, after he is no longer contagious. So, we will be picking up his things from Original Nursing Home, to move him "one more time." He is confined to bed, and it is so wonderful to see him taking interest in this thing. I'm so glad he is able to take control of Something in his life--there isn't much else he can control. To make this decision makes him feel once again Independent. It was just "by chance" that his home did not have a room for him to use. But then, we know that there is nothing that is really just "by chance." Our heavenly Father uses these "chance" happenings to move us along the path He has set for us.

Daddy had been in the room he and Mother shared at the Original Home, and still there two years after her passing. I guess he's ready to Move On with his life. Of course, at nearly 86 years old, he is also ready to Move On to the next life! But a few adventures still await.

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...well, to be absolutely truthful, at Forget-me-not's house!

Go here to see photos of new baby Oxford! (the blog-name comes from a family joke...)

This Grandma is ready to burst with pride! Oxford was born Sunday night, and is ready to go home this evening. Big brother Blueberry is fascinated, of course. Violet is coming to stay with Forget-me-not for a few days--a special treat. But you know that I'll be parking over there part of every day. What a blessing that Forget-me-not lives only two miles away.

Better close this before I become silly or something...

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Charming borrowed a book from someone at work, entitled The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson. It is a memoir of growing up in the 1950's, told from a male perspective.

One of the chapters was pretty fascinating even to me, being a girl and all. Here is a quote:

"By 1951, almost 90% of American families had refrigerators, and nearly three-quarters had washing machines, telephones, vacuum cleaners, and gas or electric stoves--things that most of the rest of the world could still only fantasize about...

Remarkably, almost all of this wealth was American-made...we became the richest country in the world without needing the rest of the world." (page 6)

He then goes on to tell about a family who was featured in Life magazine (Dad, Mom, and two boys) pictured with all the food they consumed in a year--two and a half tons worth. That's 5000 pounds, folks:

"Among the items they were shown with were 450 pounds of flour, 72 pounds of shortening, 56 pounds of butter, 31 chickens, 300 pounds of beef, 25 pounds of carp, 144 pounds of ham, 39 pounds of coffee, 690 pounds of potatoes, 698 quarts of milk, 131 dozen eggs, 180 loaves of bread, and 8 1/2 gallons of ice cream, purchased on a budget of $25 a week."  (page 7 )

By the way, you can see the picture here, along with the complete list of foodstuffs purchased. I was fascinated by the fact that the family said their food budget was $25 a week, or $1300 per year, and the retail price of the food pictured was $1306.

I remember asking my mother what she paid for food when she was first married (1941). She thought they probably spent $5 a week. Now, of course, I can hardly buy a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread for that. Reminds me of the verse in Revelation, where "a day's wages won't buy a loaf of bread." A number of years ago, I heard a sermon that said the reason was that bread just wasn't available. I don't know about that; I think it may be just a literal thing, and I'm finding it not so hard to believe!

I'm sure, if you looked at the photo, you noticed the lack of potato chips, pop, and candy. Oh, I'm sure she probably bought cocoa or vanilla for cakes and cookies. And, Good Grief, woman, where are your Blue-box mac'n'cheese, and peanut butter, those things moms can't get by without????

I remember some of those post-war prosperity times, even though I wasn't born until ten years after the war. In 1960, my father bought a refrigerator, washer and dryer, stove, stereo, and television, all for cash. All with six children and one income. He built a new home for $19,900 (Mommy wanted the tri-level for $24,900, but they just couldn't quite afford it). It was a Gold-Star All-Electric Home, because electricity was the cheapest fuel EVER. It was going to cost just next-to-nothing to heat that thing. Well, *that* didn't last...Their mortgage payment was just over $100.

Sigh. I can't decide if it feels warm-and-fuzzy or just plain sickening to think about, as I pass up the $2.00/dozen eggs or the $3.00 (each!) red peppers, which Blackeyed Susan loves.

Oh, well. Gas is down 25 cents this week.

At least, living in 2008 is an ADVENTURE!

And, hey, as long as Jesus is with me on this journey, I have nothing to fret about. As Martha says, that's a Good Thing.

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As I think about this week that is ending, I can tell you that the first thing that comes to mind is that it has been a Fairly Normal Week. AND, that I've been Home A Lot. My favorite thing to do! We've begun reading A Christmas Carol at the beginning of our school time; a real chance for me to utilize Drama, a la Edith Schaeffer in her book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking. As I read aloud, I can put the emotions into the story. This particular story seems built for that; there is nothing "dry" about Scrooge's story!

I have to brag about Johnny Tremain (my son, not the book!) He is a fourth-grade teacher in the public school just a block from my house (and five blocks from his).

His school is one of those with children, many of whose parents don't get involved with their little ones' education. They are the "lower tier" of students. The school has been on Probation from the state, etc. Last year, Johnny said that they would have been off probation if only one more student had achieved "basic skills" level on the statewide exam. The exam is administered in October; for years, many of us have asked the legislature to schedule it in the spring, and Finally, that will happen beginning next year. Johnny has been hampered with spending the first six weeks "teaching to the test," before he can even begin the year's work.

His principal came back from a meeting downtown with the news: In the fourth grade, 53% (up from 43% last year) passed the English portion; a whopping 73% (up from fifty-something) passed Math. I congratulated Johnny heartily, and asked him to pass on my congratulations to the English and Math Resource teachers. He told me that they cut out all the resource teachers this year; instead, they cut the class sizes.

Hmmm. Smaller class size? One teacher all day?

Of course, the real advantage is for the children. Johnny sees the worst: kids come to school unready, and sometimes unbreakfasted. Homes in turmoil when the children return. Reading levels stunted. No time in the day for Johnny to even read a book to his charges. These results are a tangible record of a teacher passionate about education, and doing his best to make a difference in the public system.

Congratulations to him, and glory be to God for the results!

Now, to my favorite day this week! Wednesday, Charming and I marked the anniversary of the day we met. Thirty-four years ago, we were college freshmen, eighteen and naive. We fell in love very quickly, and married at twenty. But that "first day" was a magical one, and I love to think about the Moment I saw his face. I fell asleep dreaming about him.

Gak. Sorry.

Lots of history since then. Who knew that being married and raising a family gets sweeter every year, every decade? Oh, yeah, my Mommy told me that. More than that, she Showed me that.

Hope I am doing the same for my children.

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Here we are, the Day After Thanksgiving. I am not joining in the Shopping Madness, though for many years I considered it an Adventure. (maybe I'm getting older?)

As I told you, we had our Thanksgiving last week, so Lily decided she would like to try her hand at her first turkey dinner. This woman is fabulous; she did it all herself, and got it on the table all at the same time! (isn't that the challenge of such a big dinner, especially if you only have one oven?) We enjoyed turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, her "famous" mashed potatoes, and rolls. She made deviled eggs for the appetizer, and pumpkin squares from her great-grandmother's recipe. (she called me the day before to ask what "salad oil" was!)

Charming arrived home from Cr*cker B*rrel (work) at 10 pm. He had to be back to work at 5 am this morning, so his night was short. He gets off work at 3pm, so it will be nice to have him home tonight.

I am so grateful to the Lord for my family: our health, the fact that my children walk in the Light, so many things. I am equally grateful for the wonderful upbringing both Charming and I had in our birth families. This has been such a great heritage to live under. Even though the world is "de-volving"; more crude, more selfish, more sinful, we can redeem it just a little everyday by living in Christ.

May *I* remember this as we enter the Advent and Christmas season. Lord, help me not to get dragged along by the schedule of Church Plays, family get-togethers, and shopping. May our family show You to the world.

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Wow--a busy week.  Because Charming is a manager at Cr*cker B*rrel, he will be working Thanksgiving Day. He was off Thursday (two days ago), so we decided to do the Big Day then!

Seven of our eight children were there (only MacGuyver, who lives in NYC, and Rocky Balboa, Forget-me-not's hubby, were  absent), and Queen Darl, Charming's mother, was able to come.  Lily and Forget-me-not made broccoli and sweet-potato casseroles, so I just did turkey/stuffing and mashed potatoes. Twenty-one pounds of turkey, and only a ziploc full of leftovers. No leftovers of anything else!

After dinner, my five oldest (who, with MacGuyver, all had the same choir teacher in high school) sang a few songs for us in gorgeous, gorgeous harmony. I love four-part harmony anyway, but when you get people who are genetically related in voice, it is special! I managed to get a soprano, an alto, two tenors, and two baritones out of the bunch--God is good. Blackeyed Susan is a soprano, and, well, we're not sure about Alvin Fernald  yet...so,there will be more fun in the future!

As the evening went on, little conversation groups were happening all over the house. I heard some of my grown children laughing over school memories. Others talking about marriage and children. It was all very, very satisfying for this mama. When Charming and I were talking about the family we would like to have, we had several goals. One of those was that our children would be close, always. It is a huge blessing to see that lived out in our lives.

So, my *abundance* this week was THANKSGIVING!

And what will I do next Thursday? I plan to make a chicken dinner for my two teens and me. And I think I'll start on one of my Christmas projects that will make a big mess....

After all, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a big mess, would it?

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I'm not one of those who buys those "attitude" t-shirts for my kids. "And why would you think I care?" runs contrary to your basic "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" mindset. There are, of course, Meaner Ones than that, too. And I think it's very sad that they make them even for babies.

Then there are the Candy ones. Looked at the right way, all of them have a s*xual undertone. "Sugar Babies" and "Blow Pops" scrawled across your chest...uh, no good. So when Blackeyed Susan had her eye on an Attitude shirt, I was wary. I didn't even let her buy it the first time she saw it. But yesterday she came home with:

Tell me again why I need a Boyfriend?

The first thing it tells me is that she has been Listening during all of those eye-rolling S*x talks. It helps that there have been a couple of sermons recently in Youth Group on Respecting Yourself and Love/L*st and stuff.

The second thing it tells me is that this girl has some pretty decent self-esteem. Not that we don't think boys aren't cute; of course they are. I had dreams when I was her age; usually of the Someday I'll Be Kissed variety. And, I'll admit, having a Boyfriend (hee, hee, I just typed BoyFIEND) sounded So-o-o-o romantic. My mother did a great job of telling me that God had the One waiting for me. I hope I am doing the same for Susan.

Another reason to be so, so grateful to be homeschooling. I can't imagine the pressure Susan would feel in a peer-dependent situation. The World is lurking everywhere. Our church has families with a wide-range of what's "appropriate" for their children. Everybody has a slightly different standard, ways of interpreting "be in the world but not of it." Still, it's much easier raising my family with this "village"--the Storms to be weathered are much smaller.

Teens. It's a Wild Ride. But God is holding on to me, so I'm not going to crash. Even if I mess up, I know that He loves my children so much more. And He is fully capable of fixing my mistakes.

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And I started out in such a happy mood, too.

I decided to give Alvin Fernald and Blackeyed Susan another half-hour before I woke them up. I had already fed the cat and started my coffee, and went down to begin the day's laundry.

Laundry is not my bugaboo, as it is for others. For one thing, I only have two children at home. But, anyway, the laundry had been caught up Tuesday, and I expected just small loads of lights, darks, and towels to greet me.

Oh.   But No.

After congratulating Alvin yesterday on so industriously cleaning his room, I FOUND his room in the laundry chute. Whatever he had neglected to put away in the last few weeks (clean and folded), as well as a number of dirty items were there in the chute. I estimate about Three Big Loads.

I was getting Pretty Darn Mad at this point. I emptied the chute, and set aside his Mountain of things for him to do himself later. (mumble, mumble) Some of this stuff doesn't fit! Some of this stuff he hasn't worn in a year! (his dress-dress-dressy shirt that goes with his suit...)How many times have I told him/her that THIS IS NOT HOW WE CLEAN OUR ROOMS!!!!

Sigh.

Relax, Barbie. Number One: The closets in this old house are tiny--good as nonexistent, almost. Number Two: The dresser is big, but not all of the clothes will fit in it. Number Three: now Alvin is trying to mix summer stuff with winter stuff (see Number Two ).

Is the problem really Alvin (or Susan)? Is the problem maybe, just maybe, that Alvin is growing like a weed, and we have size 16's, 28's, and 30's trying to live together, when only size 30's now fit? That when we got the BoxFull of Jesus t-shirts from our cousin, Mommy didn't make him choose? a few?

Phew. Glad I didn't take a bite out of Alvin. I will still make him do the laundry, but when it all gets clean and folded (again), we will do a thorough going-through, with piles for Keep, Give Away, and Throw Away.

Because an Abundance of clothes that won't fit in the drawers makes for an Abundance of mess.

Thanks, Lord, for being gentle with me. Help me to be gentle with my children. If I could only get that straight, disciplining teenagers would be a lot simpler.

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Whew! Finally, all the preparations were finished, and we had a beautiful Dedication Day in our new church facility. An absolutely majestic procession honoring our King of Kings, with choir, full orchestra, dancers (including my Blackeyed Susan) and banners (I was privileged to be on the banner committee). Pomp and circumstance is very good, sometimes, to remind us that Jesus is more than just a Friend (back in the 70's, they used to say "Jesus is your Buddy...");He is also the Lord of LORDS.

We were honored to have many regional pastors in attendance, as well as our U.S. Congressman, who is a devout Christian. Alvin Fernald gave up his service to minister in the nursery ("besides, Mom, they're PAYING tonight, eight dollars an hour!") But I'm proud that he was willing to serve.

We actually skipped the beautiful reception (and the food) because there were only seats for four hundred, and there were three times that many in attendance. We did stand in line and visit for awhile, but decided that since there was probably 40-60 minutes to wait, we headed across the street, with Johnny and Lily's family, to McDonald's, where we saw several other families with (hungry) small children. Before I left the church, though, I prayed a blessing on the faithful people who prepared and served all that gorgeous (at least it Smelled Gorgeous) food.

Violet is in town for a few days, and shared the day with us. Bedtimes were late (11 pm) for a Sunday night, and so everyone except me is sleeping! I guess I'm just used to getting up, so I did, and maybe will catch a "powernap" later.

Pretty much my entire week was spent banner-ing, driving to dance practice, and, did I mention, making pants for four dancers? Dishes and laundry are calling my name today (well, I will delegate chores, naturally), and it is Charming's day off as well, so a home-cooked meal is on the agenda.

I thank the Lord for a wonderful church family, and a beautiful facility in which to worship Him corporately. Also for children with a desire to serve Him. And, His gift of rest....gotta take advantage of that one!

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I am late posting this (I usually post on Fridays), and another Big Week is over.

We had the first Sunday morning service in our new facility, and it was a joyous time of worship. Blackeyed Susan had rehearsal in the afternoon for the Dedication Sunday ceremonies October 21st(rehearsals are not usually held Sunday afternoon, but the orchestra was practicing as well). I picked Susan and Alvin Fernald up in the evening after youth activities, and by the time we got home, I think everyone was ready for bed. Today will be a sleep-in day, and I'm thinking of making most Mondays begin later. Isn't that the dream of the entire working world?

Our "real world" Sunday doesn't look like the Biblical Sabbath. Charming, who works in food service, works most Sundays at 2 p.m. We try to take one of his days off during the week as a rest day. Americans just won't be convinced that there is no way around such things as eight hours of sleep. For decades, "studies" have been done, and the answer is always the same. Lack of rest leads to all those negative outcomes that plague our society. Honoring God's place as head of our lives, and then following His instructions, always works out better, doesn't it?

Well, the Holiday (sewing, knitting, crafting) Crunch is upon us. I got this book from the library, and I am hoping to get a handle on the holidays *before* they "get a handle* on ME! Because of the church dedication ceremonies, Susan is not doing Nutcracker this year, always a messer-up of home life. That's a Good Start for me!

Well, I'm not sure how this rambling post has to do with Abundance. Maybe how Paring Down, in our weekday lives as well as our holiday lives, will yield more Abundance than filling our lives up with things. Jesus said, "I came to give you Life, and that more abundantly," but He *also* said, "Your life does not consist in the abundance of things which you possess" (or, DO...)

Now, there you go. Food for thought for my week.

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We've had a wonderful week here. Charming has been on vacation from work, including last weekend and this. He works in food service, so weekends off are few and far between. He usually works at 2pm on Sundays, and when he plays for worship, he will play for both services, but go home after second-service worship. It is a treat having him "sit" with the family for the entire service both weekends!

He finished a few "home" things at the beginning of the week. Wednesday night he traveled to his mom's, and had a wonderful visit on Thursday. On Friday he went with his oldest friend Mike to Lake Michigan, (it was quite cold, they didn't stay too long) and going over old stompin' grounds from the "early" years. It was a very relaxing time for him.

Friday, Charming's sister was scheduled to take a nursing test here in my town. Charming's mother (Queen Darl) and Mike's wife, my dear sister-friend Kay, came along. I fixed a nice "lady" luncheon, with fancy table settings and all. We had a nice two-hour's visit before Mary's test. Much of the conversation centered on how we, as women, like to have beauty around us. In our homes, we want even our working tools to be enjoyable. We use fragrant cleaning solutions. We make our aprons look pretty. Pretty music in the background, etc.

We made a date to do a nice lunch once a year.  Most of us are near the end of our childraising years, and it will become easier. We talked about the days of visiting with many Littles in tow, fixing macaroni and cheese, and putting the children either around the coffee table, or throwing a sheet on the floor and letting them eat picnic-style. Seems just days ago that that was our life.

My Abundance this week is, number one, the gift of vacation-time to renew and re-group. Secondly, the abundance of whatever season I find myself. Paul said he was content whether he was abased or abound(ed?) So many things would be settled for me, if only I can find that. Finding contentment is difficult in the culture in which we live. It is truly only by finding our contentment in Christ that we can live There day-to-day, week in and week out.

If you would like to join Celebrating A Year Of Abundance, go to www.agracioushome.com, and click on the icon on Sallie's sidebar.

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Oh, my, the mood ups and downs of having a dear one in the hospital!

My father was finally feeling better yesterday, after days of alternating incoherency and coherency, but with such great weakness that conversation was difficult. The blood cultures that were taken on admission came back as MRSA, that staph infection that likes to thrive in hospitals and is so difficult to treat. (see here for an overview.)

Even though he is feeling better, and his appetite is slowly returning, his nurse told me that his prognosis has not changed: he may take a turn for the worse at any time that could lead to death. Daddy and I have talked about this at length--it would not be a negative outcome for him. We continue to pray for God's will--only He knows if this is Daddy's "appointed time."

I will probably stay home for most of the day tomorrow--my brothers will take a turn at Hospital Duty. My children and my home need some attention! And I need some *normalcy,* whatever that means--the rhythm of housework and final preparation for our school year will be welcome.

Again, thank all of you for your prayers. The support they give is so welcomed. It is now 2 a.m. and it is not by my will that I am at the computer! My dear husband rarely snores so much that I cannot sleep through it (that is, if I roll him over, he stops; however, there are those rare nights that he refuses to roll!) If I come down for an hour, he is usually then at a point in his sleep cycle that I can roll him over. It's all good.

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Friday sneaked up on me!

Of course, that's what happens when you spend Wednesday night in the E.R. and a number of hours Thursday in a hospital room. Thank you for you prayers and  kind comments about my Daddy's illness. They are appreciated more than you know.

Of course, Daddy's medical condition is still very serious--an infection that has become systemic cannot have a guaranteed positive prognosis. I spoke with the Internal Medicine doctor, and he is hopeful that, with time, Daddy will recover. He is responding remarkably well to the medicines they have chosen to use.

Equally important and very precious to me was being in the room when the priest from the church across the street from the hospital came by to offer Daddy communion. When he led Daddy in the words, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul will be healed,"  I could feel the presence of the Lord tangibly. How very grateful I am that my father and mother raised me in a home where faith was a living, active part of our lives. Seeing my heavenly Father *as* a father was not difficult for me--my own Daddy showed Him to me by his example of living. It was as natural as breathing to come to the Lord first in any illness. How I needed that reminder yesterday: even though I had  already been praying for my Daddy, it was a precious reminder from the Word of God--"by His stripes we are Healed."

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Today is Violet's birthday. It is very difficult to actually get my head around the fact that she is Thirty. Two. Years. Old. I was three weeks shy of my twentieth birthday when she was born. Charming and I had made a Regrettable Mistake (we have been married thirty-ONE years, if you get my drift...) but the Lord used this situation to draw us back to Himself. Isn't His faithfulness beyond belief? "Here," He says. "You've tried it your way. Wouldn't you like to do it My way, now? Just follow Me, and I will give you a most wonderful life." And, oh, how He has kept His promise!

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Alvin Fernald spent the night at a friend's for his birthday. As the end-of-summer ritual requires, I am getting a request for a sleepover daily. "But school is starting!" He acts as if he will never see his friends again, if he doesn't sleep at their homes. I decided to get this out of the way this week instead of next (the *actual* last week of summer break). We are also concentrating on home-chores this week. Next week we will ease into the fall schedule, doing the introductory chapters of the history and science books. We are also going to begin a little "foundations of the faith" Bible study. Blackeyed Susan and Alvin have grown up in the church, and both accepted the Lord at a very young age. It's time for a little more formal doctrinal discussion: Yes, we believe so-and-so, but let's look at the Word to see why...

Forget-me-not (ten weeks pregnant) went to the doctor yesterday for a checkup. She (read: WE) were disappointed that the midwife could not find the heartbeat, but 'Not's uterus is tipped back or something. The midwife is sure that everything is okay, though--'Not's morning sickness is on the more "oo-ey" side. A good indicator that Baby is growing. Her mother-in-law's tradition is to name each baby in utero--this one's name is Blossom.

Charming had to be to work at five a.m. this morning. I woke up with him at 3:45--he said, "don't you hate waking up fifteen minutes before the alarm?" I took the opportunity to rub his feet (he is on them all day). Usually I fall back to sleep  while he showers--today my mind was too full. I am putting a Nap on my schedule, after I spend some time at the hospital.

I love that even when a crisis comes, and my day turns 180 degrees, that the Lord can speak to me through just a word. I am grateful to have a Home to come back to, to get refreshed and ready once again for what is to come.

If you would like to join Celebrating a Year of Abundance, go to www.agracioushome.com, and click on the icon on Sallie's sidebar.

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I have really enjoyed this week, probably because I did not have a lot on my plate. My only complaint was two-count-'em'two days where I needed to rise at 4:30 am.  That wouldn't have even been so bad, except the *one* day where I didn't need to set the alarm at all (and stayed up really late the night before), I couldn't sleep past 5am! 

This was the last week of baseball for the summer. Blackeyed Susan and Alvin Fernald are in a league started over forty years ago by a philanthropist who didn't like the way Little League worked. His motto was Everybody Makes the Team and Everybody Plays Every Game. For the cost of a $4 t-shirt and a $3 hat, anyone can get eight weeks of baseball, stressing good sportsmanship and fun. Susan and Alvin had their first chance this year to work "Mr. Mac Day," a city-wide finale to the season. They earned the coveted Mr. Mac Day t-shirt, following their older siblings in this tradition. They also earned a trophy for winning the championship game, a first for them!

I have begun planning the school year--more to be done this week. I am looking forward to the rhythm of the school year; me and routine (ooh, bad grammar) get along really well!

I know that many people love the approach of spring--they feel energy from the change of seasons. I feel this as the autumn approaches--again, the routine is helpful, and the summer is so go-go-go, sometimes I just don't know which way is up! Autumn is also my favorite season for the colors, the crisp apples, the smooth pumpkins, the spicy smells...all that fun stuff.

I am grateful today for the sameness, the ordinari-ness of home. When I had six little stairsteps, I thought that if I could only get out of the house, I could maintain my sanity. Now, of course, Staying Home is something to covet! Maybe that tells of us silly humans never being content. I seem to remember fairy tales with this theme. Contentment is a journey I am on; it is a rich journey as I reach each "stop." But I can get distracted so easily, and I have to retrace my steps.

So, this post wandered all over the place, didn't it? I still feel that my life is incredibly Abundant, because I know Whose I am, and I strive to recognize all of His wonderful gifts to me. My life is Good.

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A cloudy, muggy morning--rain is predicted today. Rain is one of my favorite weather things. I like to sit on the porch and watch. If the temperature is not conducive to that, inside-watching-out is fun, as well.

Sometimes I think about the concept of human beings having a structure as a home. Of course, here in America we have it so well--indoor plumbing, central heating, appliances to keep our food cold until we cook it warm. Water heaters--wouldn't the pioneers have given their right arms for that? My roof doesn't leak, my windows are good, I have locks on my doors. I'm SAFE from all intruders, be they the wind and rain, or malevolent bodies meant to do me harm.

My home was built by a local celebrity in 1913. Her name was Joel Roberts Ninde, and she wasn't a trained architect. She didn't like the Victorian gingerbready-style. She wanted homes to be convenient for the homemaker. Mine is a Craftsman-style, and it has a laundry chute and built-in drawers under the linen closet upstairs. Those were her influence. Many Ninde homes have built-in china closets as well--maybe mine did at one time. I have an alcove where one would fit--we have an antique buffet there today.

We are only the fourth owners of the home, and the third only owned it long enough to "flip" it. I understand from my neighbors that the second owners had very colorful fights and later a nasty divorce. That the living room was painted a garish blue and had a huge aquarium, not well-tended to. We are quite traditional when it comes to decorating, and I feel like we honor the home's history that way.

We also enjoy a wonderful old "town" neighborhood, where everyone gathers on their front porches three seasons a year. In the evenings, we greet each other, and greet the dog-walkers as they pass. On stormy days, the porch is the place to watch God's fireworks show. Weekends, people do coffee while they listen to the birds.

So, today, I am Loving My Home. Not the most expensive, not even maybe my "dream home"--that would be one where the next house is more than a driveway's width away--but one that the Lord has provided, and where our family comes to have a safe-haven from the world. A place where the bulk of my ministry occurs--it's a "Good Thing."

Tomorrow we take off for a day-trip to Charming's mother's home, where we are having a party for our nephew, just home this week from Iraq. We thank the Lord for his safe return. "Home" has similar meaning for him, I'm sure.  

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I guess I'm not such a widely-read person after all. I know I have read thousands of books in my lifetime; and I also know that I have read dozens of descriptions of a day like today. But I cannot seem to find the words when I need them.

This is one of those summer days that romantic authors write about--"golden," they might say. Only they would use phrases of color, of depth, of light. Suffice it to say that this July day in Indiana is an anachronism--low humidity, temperature hovering in the upper 70's, cool breezes. We are going to get to enjoy two more of them, according to the weatherman--the weekend is supposed to be identical.

I was able to borrow two Gene Stratton-Porter books from a friend, that I had never heard of. I finished  The Magic Garden, and will begin The White Flag, maybe tonight. Gene Stratton-Porter is an Indiana native; maybe that is why her books, even in poor condition, fetch a high price in the antique stores. My friend's books have $35.00 and $45.00 written in them--they were gifts from her husband. I'm honored to rate the privilege of borrowing her treasures.

I finished up my "yearly duties" for the doctor by having a mammogram Monday. On Wednesday I got a letter from the x-ray place: We are pleased to inform you that your mammogram is Normal. I was surprised that my eyes teared up for a moment. Not that I expected a different answer, but somehow, since I turned fifty, these things are more important.

I went to the library today with Lily and the little ones to a Toddler Storytime. I had pleasant recollections of the times I took various little ones of my own. Now when we go to the library, we all take off to different areas to save time. Funny how things change without our noticing them...

This week has been fairly normal, except that Charming has worked way too many hours. Not so much time to sit on the porch and re-connect, so I am missing that. But I am trying to take in all the delicious weather I can, for the next few "hot" weeks. (I am such a wimp, you know...)

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I feel rich this week. I don't know, maybe it started with the Rockin' Girl Blogger Award. Although I write this blog mostly for my kids to read (and I don't have a gigantic readership), it is nice to know that other people Like Me.

The weather has moderated in the last two or three days. A reprieve like that (near 80 during the day, 60 at night) in the middle of July always makes me feel like I am stealing something. Summer is my least favorite season, because I Can't Do Hot. And *hot* for me begins at 75 degrees.

Forget-me-not and I began a four-week class on Wilton cake decorating. I have "planned" to take this class for oh, about twenty years. Taking it with my daughter is so, so FUN. And Jo-Ann's (where we are taking the class) offered it at a Bring a Friend for Free price! Charming is excited because we have to Practice Frosting every day! Our instructor told us that you can Keep the Frosting on the Counter in a closed container. Yeah, right. Like Charming would leave a speck of frosting anywhere. He has Frosting Radar...

I'm loving having my Blackeyed Susan and Alvin Fernald back after vacationing with Charming's Dad and his wife. When I picked them up, the first thing Dad said was, "you owe me $375.00 for all the food your son ate." But then he went on to say how wonderfully they behaved, and how they could interact with older people as well as younger. He was very proud. And so am I.

Well, the Friday stuff isn't getting done while I am typing here.  I want no chores left for Saturday. I will have Forget-me-not and Blueberry, as well as Laura Carrot and Sweet-pea for most of the day tomorrow. Fun is the agenda!

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I don't think I spent a moment this week thinking about how fast the year is moving along. Maybe I am finally realizing that Summer is Here!

Blackeyed Susan and Alvin Fernald have been gone all week, on vacation on Lake Huron (up in the "thumb" of Michigan). They have been horseback riding, celebrated Great-Grandma Irene's 87th birthday, seen a small-town parade, and fireworks over the lake. Alvin tried frog-legs for the first time (said they "tasted like YOUR chicken, Mom!"--compliment?) and Susan had her favorite, shrimp. They went into Grindstone City for their famous HUGE scoops of ice cream, and into the town of Bad Axe for a souvenir hunt. You have to wonder how a town got the name of Bad Axe...

I had plans to work on huge projects at home, decluttering and all. Instead, I took time to do a LOT of relaxing. Watched a few "chick flicks" I borrowed from the library. Finished two books, and finally finished a bag for Violet--the last of my five-bag project from *last* summer! Went to lunch with Forget-me-not and Blueberry to show his PopPop(Charming) his new "I'm the Big Brother" t-shirt--hint, hint...Went to the Quilt Guild meeting with sister-in-law Robin. Last night I basted a quilt from my two-year, five quilt project, which is coming along Very Nicely.

Also last evening, had a beautiful steak dinner with Charming. A thick, gorgeous sirloin from the meat market, red potatoes, and salad. Quiet house--wonderful!

Today I will make my way north to meet Susan and Alvin at their grandparents, and wend our way homeward. I was going to stay the night at their home (3-hours each way) but the children want to Get Home (and check email, I'm sure...) and go to their own church tomorrow.

My abundance this week was...Indulging Myself? I had a lot of fun playing around, but am really looking forward to the Normalcy of baseball, laundry, and fixing meals for my babes.

If you would like to join Celebrating a Year of Abundance, go to www.agracioushome.com and click on the icon on Sallie's sidebar.

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