After being gone for 6 months in the middle east, my son arrived home on Friday morning. There was much fanfare. We arrived an hour before the ship was to dock, so we had plenty of time to look over all the souvenirs that were available. There was coffee and hot chocolate (which we needed, as it was very cold), plus there were cases of Girl Scout cookies for the taking and lots of Navy things to buy. A lady was handing out American flags for us to wave as they came in. The girls loved it. They had made signs that they held up for their brother to see. My husband saw the ship when it was still 30 minutes away (I had thought it was a cargo ship ). When it got closer we saw that they had put a gigantic lei on the front of the ship, it was an awesome sight. We kept trying to see where our son was standing. At first we thought he was up by the bridge, but then my husband spotted him (talk about eagle eyes), there he was right in front of us supervising his men as they prepared to secure the ship to the dock. It was so awesome to observe him at work. It took two hours for him to finish his job, get his men off the ship and unload all his gear. Then we found out that he would only be home for a few hours before he had to return that evening for duty (he had the 8 to midnight shift). So we took him to lunch and then just sat and talked while I did some of his laundry. He left for the ship after I made him a tri-tip dinner. (Dad bbq'd the tri-tip, the girls and I fixed the rest). He returned Saturday morning and we just spent the day talking about all the sights he had seen and just getting caught up. Then he had to get to bed, as he had to be up early this morning to fly out to Rhode Island for a three week school. So now, I sit and try to remember if he was really here or if it was all just a dream. I am glad for those few hours he was here and will look forward once again to a happy reunion. |
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I just returned from another wonderful retreat with the most wonderful ladies in the world. I got to know some that I didn't know very well before and got know better others that I have known for awhile. We sat and talked and ate and ate and talked and slept VERY little!!! This is the first year that I brought my number 2 daughter. It was great seeing her interacting with godly women and helping to care for 5 wonderful babies. She was in heaven with so many babies "needing" her care. Next year I will be able to bring my number 3 daughter. (She was happy this year to be able to take care of Daddy all by herself, but looks forward to next year being able to go and be with the Titus 2 women she can look up to and learn from and also to help with the babies).
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We weren't able to sleep very much because we had so much to talk about. I am so thankful for my friends and how they help me to grow as a helpmeet, mother and godly woman. I learn so much from them. |
I was tagged by Carrie, so here are my top five. If you are reading this please let me know what your top five are. 5 things you can't live without (well, I could live without them, but I do enjoy these) under $5:
2. Sense and Sensibility 3. Love's Come Softly 4. Little House on the Prairie 5. Pride and Prejudice 5 Baby Names you LOVE but won't use 2. Marta 3. Tikvah 4. Angelica 5. Bethany
2. Ralph 3. Alexander 4. Luke 5. John
2. Amazing Grace (the original) 3. It is Well with my soul 4. Innocence by Margaret Becker 5. Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord by Maranatha singers
2. Sharon Hockenbury 3. Nancy Campbell 4. Stacy MacDonald 5. My Helpmeet group (all of them)
2. lip softener (homemade lotion for lips) 3. credit cards 4. pocket survival kit 5.leatherman
2. when my husband became a christian 3. when I became a christian 4. when my children were born/adopted 5. when I discovered God's will for my life
2. whole raw foods 3. studying God's Word 4. praying for my family 5. helping others
5 Places you would really like to go 2. Alaska 3. Rome 4. Spain 5. Australia
5. Pam Rinas
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Well, this is our month for birthdays. Two weeks ago our two youngest daughters had their birthdays, they turned 12 and 13 (they are 364 days apart, they say they are "twins" for one day). Yesterday our oldest daughter turned 26. We always love September. God definitely has a sense of humor. We couldn't have planned to have all of our daughters born in one month if we had tried. But we wouldn't have it any other way. I was telling my oldest that it still seems like yesterday that she was born. I can remember some of the smallest details about that day, but like I told her I can't even remember what I had for breakfast yesterday. But I guess things that will affect us our whole life have a way of burning into our brains. I told her that she would understand what I was talking about once she has children of her own. I love to think back to different stages of my children's lives and remember each child in the varying stages they have come through. Then try to imagine what they will be like in the next stage. I am so thankful that God allows us to fill our minds with the wonderful experiences in our lives. I find that if I dwell on them I don't have time to think about the "other stuff" that isn't so wonderful. Don't forget what it says in the Bible, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) |
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Last weekend we went on a wonderful camping trip. We spent the weekend with two other families. I cannot tell you enough about what a great time we had. We sat around and talked, went on hikes, learned a lot about different kinds of trees, cooked over campstoves and open fires and spent the evenings singing, eating and talking around the campfire. You can learn a lot about other people when you are with them for an extended time. I want to tell you that all I learned about our friends is positive. They are the most wonderful, real people you would ever want to meet. It is so nice to be able to be yourself and relax around people. No one had to put on a front or try to impress anyone else. We were so comfortable with each other. All of our children got along so well too (there were 12 children, ranging in age from 1 to 14 years, with two on the way). I am so thankful that we have friends who are genuine. Most importantly though, they love God and are raising the next generation to do the same. When you have friends like this you are the richest people in the world. It is exciting to see how God is using them to minister to others too. Oh for more families who believed God's Word and taught their children to do the same, we would have a much better world.We are already starting to think about next years camp out. I truly can't wait. |
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Yesterday we celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been that long. We were married on August 2, 1980, at Schofield Barracks, in Hawaii. We met on a blind date at a football game between the Marines and the Army (my dh was in the Army). At lot has transpired since that wonderful day so long ago (yet it seems like yesterday). God has truly blessed us beyond what we could have ever imagined. Neither of us were Christians when we married and now my dh is a minister working for God. It is awesome to see how God brought us together and has used us to further His kingdom. I am looking forward to the next 27+ years, I know God has something special in store...He always does! |
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Yesterday we celebrated my dh's 49th birthday. We had a lot of fun. All of our children were home, for the first time in many years, together for his birthday. I was able to actually surprise him with a gift too, (which is very rare). He usually guesses what he is getting before we give it to him. I made what he asked for for dinner (bbq tri-tip, rice pilaf and tossed salad) and also made his favorite cake...blueberry cheesecake. We sang happy birthday and he blew out the candles. It was so nice seeing him with all of our children around him (including our son-in-law), enjoying each others company. We were laughing together, reminiscing and having wonderful conversations. I praise God for the priviledge of being together like that and celebrate such a wonderful husband and father. We are now eating veggies out of the garden. We are enjoying lettuce and beets right now. Soon we should have some ripe sweet peas and roma tomatoes. The green onions are close behind. We see the forming of cumcumbers and corn cobs. It is so exciting to see how God has given each seed a specific purpose and then watch the purpose erupt into wonderful looking vegetables. I was telling my dd's this morning that God works in us the same way, we were created for a purpose and we must live out our purpose. It is awesome to be able to teach them about God through Creation! |
My family and I had a wonderful vacation last week. We stayed at a friends cabin a couple hours from home. There was no phone service or computer service. It was so peaceful. We were a "long way" from lots of traffic so we were able to enjoy the sounds good intended for us to hear...birds, insects, the wind, etc. It was a blessing. We relaxed, went fishing (I caught my very first fish ), we visited the factory where they make Aplets & Cotlets , we walked around the quaint little town of Leavenworth, and relaxed some more. (I also got in a little target practice.) My wonderful husband and beautiful young daughters really helped me relax and have fun. It was pretty hot where we were, but we tried not to let it spoil our fun. I am glad we don't go on vacation too often though, it is a lot of work getting ready and then the work when you get back. I did 5 loads of laundry the day we returned, then my dd's did four loads of their own. Oh, well, I am glad we went and will relish the time when we are able to do it again. BUT right now, it is time to get back to work. I have 45 pounds of sliced strawberries ready to make into jam and prepare for smoothies and pies. Then I am hoping to pick some blueberries, get some peaches, pears, apricots and apples to can. |
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It has been anything, BUT peaceful around our place the past couple of weeks. We had new siding put on. It took them a good 10 days of pounding, sawing, and just plain making a LOT of noise. I felt like I was in a tin can being hammered. It really frazzled my nerves. I am not one for getting out much, so it was a long week and a half. One day my dh did ask me to bring him lunch, so I could get out of the house for a couple of hours. Well, they finished the work on Sunday (of all days) while we were at church. So I thought yesterday, boy it will be nice to have a quiet, peaceful day.Well, it was until early afternoon. After lunch, we had police cars, sheriffs, highway patrol, helicopters, airplanes, police dogs all converge on our little neighborhood. And for about 3-4 hours they were zipping along with their lights going, sometimes their sirens blaring, the helicopters were buzzing right over head, they just kept circling around and hovering over the street out front of our house, it was quite noisy and VERY unnerving (especially since we didn't know what was going on). I finally had my dd's go to their rooms and practice their new knitting stitch they were working on. They were getting very nervous. It didn't calm down until close to 5 pm. I don't know if they ever found what they were looking for, but they sure stirred up the neighborhood. Well, I guess I can try again today and hope and pray for an uneventful day. |
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All of our children were home together for the first time on Father's day, in six years. All four of our blessings, plus our son-in-law (who is a blessing to us) spent the day with us. It was fun to eat together and just talk and relax. My husband was so thrilled to have them all together. We both called our father's and had a nice time speaking with them also. We are blessed to have our father's still with us and thank Him for each year they are here. I found out from my father that a pastor friend of our's passed away on Father's day. I told my dad that he had an awesome father's day, as he was able to see our Heavenly Father face to face for the first time. I pray that you all had an awesome day, either with your father's or reminiscing about your father's. God blessed each of us with father's, some are great and some not so great, but we can learn something from each of them. |
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I received a wonderful email from my dh last Thursday. It is funny how you take people for granted when they are around you all the time. Then when they are gone you don't realize how much you need them to be a part of your life. Even though my daughter is married, there are still so many ways that I need her. We are both the oldest, so we have butted heads many times. But she is such a wonderful daughter. I missed her wisdom, wit, personality, and love. She is a lot like her dad too. I love watching them banter and toss ideas off of each other. They both have the similar sense of humor and love to debate. She is extremely intelligent, well educated, and stays on top of what is going on in the world. Nicole and her husband Lee are such great young people. They love to help people. They have helped friends stop drinking, convinced others to keep their babies, and lived out their godly lives before people of all ages. I am so proud of both of them. They are truly "children" we are very proud of. |
He told me that our daughter and son-in-law were moving back to WA from CA. They had been gone for 2 1/2 years. They moved 5 months after the got married. But now they are back home. We have missed them soooooooo much. I can't remember how many times I had something I wanted to talk to her about or show her or have her do with her sisters and I. Now she and our wonderful son-in-law are back and we will have the opportunity to see each other so much more. They came home with us yesterday after church, so were able to start making up for lost time. My dd's were almost beside themselves when they found out. They have missed their sister and brother-in-law so much. They are very close to both of them. |
Well, I just have to write. Today we celebrated the 45th anniversary of my birth. I received some very sweet and funny cards from my children, husband and even the dogs. They took my out to dinner and bought me my first pressure cooker. (I can't wait to use it). I love my family and how they are so thoughtful. They know I don't like a big deal made about my birthday (like being sung to at a restaurant;(). After we returned home from dinner, I had to take a shower because I spilled tea ALL over myself at the restaurant. When I came out, they had some ice cream for me with a candle in it and they sang to me. What a wonderful day it was. I truly thank God for blessing me with a family that loves me!!! |
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I have been so busy lately that I have not had time to write. Last week I spent three days helping two friends do some organizing. I am so thankful that God has gifted me with the skills to be able to organize, not only so I can keep my house organized, but so I can help others learn the skill also. It is so rewarding seeing people be able to grasp the importance of organizing and putting things into place. My own daughters are learning, albeit slowly, the importance of organizing and having a place for everything they own. (Hopefully it will stick). Then earlier this week while helping one of my friends with their organizing, by having a yard sale, I got REALLY sunburned. I had an allergic reaction to my sun exposure. My face swelled up so bad that my eyes were almost completely shut. I should have known better, this has happened twice before, but I thought with it being cloudy and cold that I wouldn't need my hat or sunscreen. Boy, was I wrong. So this week I spent three days with my head and face bathed with ice packs. Needless to say this was not a productive week for me. My dd's kept my garden watered and the house pretty straightened. I am so thankful they have learned some pretty good work skills to be able to keep things going while I was down. They made sure I had lots of water to drink and plenty of ice in my packs. They were very concerned and wanted to make sure I got better quick. I will try to get some photos to post tomorrow of my garden. The beans and peas are growning really well, as well as the beets and tomatoes (of course I didn't start them from seeds.) |
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My dd's and I FINALLY were able to get our garden planted today. Over the weekend my dh worked extremely hard to get the correct soil mixture for my raided beds. After we tracked it all down (after going to too many stores), we laid out a tarp and started mixing it. I didn't realize how heavy soil is. We filled the 8 foot by 3 foot raised beds with about 8 inches of soil each. I don't know how many shovelfuls it took to get ALL of that soil into those raised beds, but we were sure tired and dirty when we finished. So today, my dd's and I sectioned off the beds into square feet. Then we took out the map I had made and began the task of planting 4 different types of beans, sweet peas, corn, two types of lettuce, two types of onions, beets, carrots, spinach, basil, cilantro, lavender, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, oregano, and one other herb I can't remember right off the top of my head. I will plant tomatoes later (I tried to start them in the house but couldn't get them past 4 inches tall). We had so much fun working together that after lunch we decided it was time to do some sewing too. So we went through "mom's" fabric stpre to choose our fabrics. Then decided on our patterns and begun the experience of cutting out 3 skirts, 3 vests and 3 jumpers. My dd's were busy choosing fabrics for the doll clothes they were planning on making. They chose the patterns and went through mom's scraps to choose just the perfect fabric for dresses, aprons, diapers, nighties and bonnets for their "babies". We spent the entire afternoon cutting and fitting and cutting some more. I couldn't imagine doing anything more rewarding. No tomorrow we will get to the sewing machine and begun the wonderful task of putting the cloth together and seeing our masterpieces come together. I thank God that He has given me the love of making clothes and for my family. I am also thankful for the ability to put seeds into the soil and watch them grow into something we will truly enjoy. What an awesome God we have!!! |
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Lace or Ribbon? Ribbon You can fill one out too, if you would like. Go to: HomemadeSimplicity Make sure to leave a comment! Have fun! (Thank you Tara for putting this on your site) |
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I just returned from a WONDERFUL weekend! I was at a retreat with 14 other homeschool mothers and 5 wonderful babies. We went to a small town called Plain, east of the mountains in WA. We stayed in an old farm house. What a wonderful experience. God has so richly blessed me with friends who are like-minded and some who are not but still love me. We laughed together, ate together and learned to crochet beads onto little girls socks. We talked, stayed up late, walked and ate some more. God is so GREAT when He makes us all so unique, yet so alike in many ways. I praise God for friends. We didn't all know each other on Friday, but by Sunday we were really getting to know each other. We had mom's with one child and we had mom's with 6 children and many in between. We were able to learn so much from each other. I feel so new at being a godly wife and mother, so I was able to talk to some women who had been aware of God's plan for women longer and glean from them. We are all on a journey and are all at different parts on our journey, but we all have the same destination--->HEAVEN!!! |
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Well, it still has not warmed up enough outside to plant my garden, so we did some cleaning up of the yard this weekend. We dug a foundation for our shed, cleaned it out, weeded the yard and scrubbed the deck (the latter two my dd's did). It may not be warm enough yet to plant, but I still received some light sunburn on my arms:) Next weekend I will be on a retreat so I will work at getting my garden planted the following weekend (Ciscoe-from gardening with Ciscoe, suggesting not planting until after Mother's day anyway.) I had someone ask what the name of the book I was using for gardening was called. It is called "Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew. I recommend it, especially for novice gardeners. I had a wonderful surprise visit last week by my oldest daughter and son-in-law. They decided on the spur of the moment to drive from CA to WA for the weekend. They spent one day with my son-in-law's parents and the next day with us then drove back. It was such an unexpected blessing. They didn't let anyone know they were coming up. We hadn't seen them since last fall. I am learning a new craft. I am trying my hand at making a braid rug. I have some precut strips of wool/polyester. They are a variety of greens and browns. If it turns out I want to put it in my bedroom. So far it looks pretty good. It is really pretty easy to do, just braiding and sewing together as I braid. If I like it I might consider making more and trying to sell them. I will have to see if there is any interest first though, no since in making something that no one is interested in (I have done that before.)
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Well, it is about time. I am getting ready to plant my first garden here in Washington. My dh has built me two raised beds that are eight feet long by 3 feet wide. Our soil is very rocky which is why decided to do the raised beds. We found a book about square foot gardening so we thought we would throw that into the mix. I have purchased my seeds, we just need to purchase the planting ingredients (soil, sand, compost, etc.) I am really looking forward to getting started. I love fresh veggies and herbs so look forward to the bountiful harvest. I know my two dd's want to get their hands into the soil too. My 11 year old wants to buy her own pot to start her own garden. So I told her to decide what she would like to grow and we would take her to purchase a pot. I am going to purchase some pots too for my herbs, I want them up on my deck by the kitchen so they will be readily available for use as they mature. Does anyone have any experience they would like to share in gardening? I have tried my hand at gardening before but have never been very successful, this time for some reason I feel much more determined. |
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Today I will share my hobbies and what I like to do in my "spare" time, or at least what I do when I am not being a HelpMeet or schooling my children. I love to sew. I make all the clothes for my daughters and myself. I am beginning to teach them also. I enjoy quilting too. I have made wall hangings and also a queen size blanket for my oldest daughter made completely out of fabric I had used over the years for our clothes. I am working on a wall hanging right now and also a queen size one for my son. I have parts of one cut out for my daughter and son-in-law and the fabric purchased for one for my dh's and my bed (finally). I am saving the fabric from my younger dd's to make them quilts also. Crocheting is another one of my free time enjoyments. I have made many things, from premie sized hats to king size afghans, sweaters to headbands. I have also worked on teaching my dd's. My youngest has picked it up really well. Cooking and baking are also two other things I really enjoy doing. I am learning to make healthier recipes, using organic and wholefoods. My dd's have learned how to make homemade bread, beginning with grinding the grains to pulling it out of the oven. We have lots of fun learning new techniques and try new recipes. My dh is very benevolent at my attempts. I also love to learn new things. Recently I have learned to make soaps and candles. One thing I haven't done as much lately, but love to do is recreational reading. I have spent so much time planning school assignments, that I haven't had much time to read for myself. But I know that that will change all too soon, so I don't complain. I have spent much time in God's Word, the most important book of all, and have learned more this past year then I think I have learned for the previous 43 1/2 years. |
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I am new to the world of "blogging". I have been reading a few blogs lately and thought I would love to start my own, so here I am. Let me introduce myself. My name is Lanita. I am married to Ralph. We have been married for 26 1/2 years. We have four children: Nicole-25 years and married to Lee, Christopher-23 years and an officer in the United States Navy, Alicia-12 years and Hannah-11 years. We live in Lake Stevens, WA. I am a homeschooling mom. I homeschooled my older two for a total of about 7-8 years and have now been homeschooling my younger two 5 years. I love it and wouldn't change it for the world. My dh is a minister. Right now he is an associate pastor right now at Gold Creek Community Church in Mill Creek, WA. That is enough for now. I will write more later to let you know what I like to do in my spare time and things like that. |