"If chivalry is dead, women have killed it. They have killed it by becoming capable, efficient, and independent, able to kill their own snakes. They prove by their strength and ability that they don't need masculine care and protection, that they are well able to take care of themselves. They commonly display their capacity to solve their own problems and fight their own battles. To awaken chivalry we must return to femininity. We must stop doing the masculine things and become the gentle, tender, dependent women we were designed to be, women who need masculine care and protection. When we do, men will delight in offering their chivalry."

                                ~ Helen Andelin

So many times I have been told. " Why don't you put them in school and save your sanity." "Or you really need to have some things to do on your own" Oh yes the ever elusive "me time". Here are the flaws with this arguement. Number 1 If you know me you must know that my sanity was sacrificed a long time ago. lol But Number 2 is the most important. I don't do this for me. I do this because I believe this is what God has called me to do. What higher calling could there be than to be a Wife and Mother. Than to have the calling to teach my own children. Is it allot of resposibility? Yes absolutely. But does that mean I shoudn't do it? How far would anyone get if they decided against a job because it was too much responsibility?  Not far.

I used to have a problem with this. I used to feel like I was a lesser person because I stayed home with my children. I used to always feel the need to justify my choice. That I needed to combat the image that I was a mindless, brainless,doormat. I now know that I am not a lesser being because I CHOSE to stay at home and use my talents for my children and my family. I have been reading Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. If you have not read this book I suggest you get it and read it. I will even lend you my copy if you promise to give it back and don't mind reading through all of the parts I have underlined. I want to share with you one of those passages.

"A godly keeper at home is absolutely not a lesser human being, a mindless robot, or a placid doormat under submission to all men; rather she is created in the very image of God and of equal worth and value compared to man (Genesis 1:26-28). She is a the crown of her husband (Proverbs 12:4), a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18). Because she trusts God's wisdom in establishing perfect order for His creation, she willingly submits to her own husband as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24)."

I no longer feel the need to justify myself. I know I am doing what God has called me to do. I also know that what I am doing can have generational consequences. I am, with God's help, creating generations of soldiers for Christ. I realize that it was my own lack of self worth that caused me to feel like I was a lesser person because I didn't "work". It doesn't matter how others see me. What matters is if I am doing God's will for my life. I believe that I am.

I am also learning that it isn't all about me. That by dying to self everyday I am following Christ's example. As a result of this I have begun to really enjoy my role as Wife and Mother and keeper of my home.Isn't it funny how in the worlds view it is perfectly acceptable to be a housekeeper or work with children as long as it is not your own home or children. Yes those people get "paid" to do their work. But my pay is far beyond money. It is in being able to see my children grow and learn. I don't miss a single a-ha moment. To see them grow closer together. I remember when I first went back to work after my oldest was born I cried thinking about maybe not being there to see his first step or hear his first words. And I wasn't the babysitter heard his fist word and it just broke my heart. I am so blessed to have a husband who was raised by a stay at home mother. He understands my desire to be home.

Please don't get me wrong. I am not judging anyone who does not have the opportunities I have. I am just saying that I believe this is what I have been called to do and why I do it.

I no longer worry about justifying myself. My entire outlook has changed. I don't need to worry about my value to others. Because I know that for my husband and my Lord my value is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10). What more do I need than that. What can you tell me about me that tops that? 

A poem quoted by Elisabeth Elliot
Do The Next Thing

"At an old English parsonage down by the sea,
there came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven
that, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
like a low inspiration, 'Do the next thing.'

Many a questioning, many a fear,
many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
trust that with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
leave all resultings, do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
working or suffering be thy demeanor,
in His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
the light of His countenance, be thy psalm.
Do the next thing."

Last night I went to the grocery store.  I was in line behind an elderly lady that walked with a cane. At the register was the cashier and a young guy probably 17-19 bagging groceries. They chatted with each other the entire time. When the older woman said thank you to the boy for bagging her groceries he didn't even acknowledge her. He just kept right on talking to the cashier. Then when the transaction was complete he pushed the cart toward her and just walked off. Here was this elderly woman who walked with a cane and this boy did not even offer to take her groceries to her car. They had already moved onto my groceries and the elderly woman walked out the door. I was hoping the lady would hurry up with my transaction so I could catch the woman in the parking lot and help her with her groceries. When I did get out to the parking lot I noticed that another young boy who was gathering carts had stopped to help her. I was so happy to see that. But I was just so upset that the other young man didn't even offer. He came out the door at the same time as me so I guess he must have just gotten off of work. I guess he couldn't waste his time on helping an elderly woman. He must have had places to be. (sarcasm)

Now I am not going to say the name of the store this took place at but I know that most of the time a bagger will ask you if you need help which is one reason I switched to this store.

So here are my problems with this situation. One this is part of this young boys job but I guess he didn't care that much about doing his job well because he just wanted to get off work and go home. I am amazed at how many young people have this sense of entitlement. They are entitled to job, they are entitled to a pay check. They don't think they should have to work hard or do a good job for the pay check. They just think they need to show up and they should get paid. Whatever happened to an honest days work for an honest days pay.

Secondly it shouldn't matter if it is part of this boys job or not. This was an elderly lady who was struggling with her groceries and no help was offered. And when the lady told him thank you for doing something which was his job he didn't even acknowledge her. He showed a total lack of respect. Lets just put aside the respect for the elderly and good customer service. How about commen decency and compasion. The woman was struggling. Has everything become someone elses problem.

One night I was also at the grocery store and it was bitterly cold. I was going to put my cart away and I noticed an ederly woman just finishing putting her groceries in her car. There weren't many. I walked over and took her cart and said" I will take that for you" She got a big smile on her face and thanked me. Now yes it was on my way but how many others would have just walked by her and not even acknowledged her or noticed her. They would have put their own cart away and not even paid attention. She was so happy that I did this little thing for her. I could tell that it didn't happen to her very often.

Is this what we have become. Thank you feminism. Thank you pulic schools for taking God away. Now we have young boys who have no respect for women. ( you can tell by how they are portrayed in their music. Words I will not say) Young people who have no respect for their elders. Its every man for themselves I guess. Well I am sorry but my son will know how to speak to and treat his elders and how to treat a lady. AND that it is the husbands job to protect and provide for his family. I am so sick of these husbands who think they shouldn't have to live up to their responsibilities because they want to do what they want. They want to spend their money on themselves and do what they want. But that is a whole other entry. I will leave that for another day.

Woohoo I am so excited. This morning was my weigh in for my first official week on my diet. I started New Years day. I lost 5.5 lbs. Is that not awesome. I know I can't expect to lose this much every week but it is an awesome way to start. I am so excited and motivated to keep going. My goal is to lose 80lbs in 08. That is my big goal, but I would just like to lose every week and not go backward and I would be happy. I will keep you updated. Good luck to Charity being the biggest loser too.

Time to lace up our shoes and get to work. I am trying to be diligent about unpacking and taking down my Christmas stuff and moving into the new year. I have so much work to do. And it is time to start packing and cleaning out stuff for the big move. I HATE MOVING! I hate packing it all up and unpacking it all. But I am going to use this time ,as I do everytime I move, to eliminate some excess.  We have too much junk. We don't need all of this junk. And since we will definitely be downsizing our home it is time to downsize our stuff too. Isn't it amazing how much you realize you have when you go to move it. 

My resolution this year is to downsize my life as well. NO I am not getting rid of any of my children.lol I am just scaling down my activities. I want to reevaluate my activities and prioritize them. I keep getting overwhelmed because I take on too much. I have to realize that someone else can do them. If not maybe they don't need to be done. So I am concentrating on my family and school and then everything else. I have also asked David if he would be my helper in this. I asked him if I could run any new activity I want to take on by him and he could tell me yes or no if I should do it. Because he doesn't have the hormones and emotions and feelings of guilt that I do.

Then I am of course also working on downsizing my waist. lol

Oh yesterday I had another one of those days. Lilly decided to cut her hair. She said her bangs were in her eyes so she cut them up to her hairline. Yes that is right. Up to her hair line. I just don't know what to do with this girl.

There are days when I just don't know if I am cut out for this job. Whoever said being a stay at home/homeschooling mom was easy should be taken out and tarred and feathered. David asked me if I enjoyed my job. I do nine days out of ten but that one day is usually a really tough day. Tell me I am not alone here.  There have to be others that have those days.

I got the idea for this from another blog and decided to share the things I know for sure with you. So without much ado here they are. Mostly nonsense but hey that is me.

1. Watch the kettle and it won't boil. Just to get on your nerves.

2. In order to get things done, you have to do them. There is just no getting round it.

3. Make a date and you will grow a boil on your chin in ample time to dazzle him.

4. No-one can see dust in candlelight.

5. Kids have got a buzzer in their brain that makes them go off at inopportune moments.

6. I will never be as organized,good a cook, or have beautiful freshly ironed table linens like my Granny.

7. Someday I may be able to brush my teeth before noon but I am not holding my breath. Although you may wish that I would.

8. Do not put regular dish liquid in the dishwasher. No amount no matter how small. Unless you just felt like mopping your floor too.

9. Eating cookies for breakfast is perfectly understandable when you feel a bit miserable.

10. But eating cookies for breakfast will make you fat for sure.

11. However contrary to popular belief,  most men don't mind hips made of cookies. It's us who need to get over them.

12. The time when I could go without makeup has passed.

13. Getting up an hour earlier than usual bloats my stomach. Who knows why?

14. You can discipline your children but it is up to God to penetrate their hearts. But he is faithful to do so if you discipline. Thanks for the advice Charity.

15. You mustn't breathe if you find yourself sleeping next to me. I don't like people who breathe. Especially hot air in my face.

16. God gave me Lilly to complete a promise made to my mother that someday I would have a child just like me and then fell off his chair laughing.

17. Putting anything from chin hair to your relationship under the scrutiny of a sixty watt bulb is never a good plan.  Life is best lived in the bliss of dusky oblivion.

18. Lots of things taste better in someone else's house. Especially Mamma's.

19. Cheap jewellery, vintage or otherwise, turns you green. (But looks divine regardless).

20. Hurt wraps your heart in barbed wire. I'm positively spiky some days...

21. The answer to most problems is chocolate, tea and a hot bath. Occasionally all at once.

22. Crawling around on your hands and knees is the only way to uncover buried treasure. Down you go.

23. Eligible batchelors over the age of 35  are eligible for a very good reason ...or ten.

24.   If you press your ear hard into your pillow you can hear your heart banging in your brain.

25. Lilly was sent to drive me  to the brink of sanity and leave me dangling there .  Raw. Exposed. And a teeny bit bonkers.

26.Ranch dressing is the nector of God. Especially on Sams Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

27. The older you get the brighter your lipstick gets. It is a proven scientific fact.

28.  Fairies nibble my nails while I'm asleep.

29.  I'm never going to be grown up enough to like olives.

30. I look a fright in all pink.  I do believe I have photographic proof.

31. Wish too hard and it will come true. Then what ya gonna do??

32. Sometimes you need to just forgive. Weather you are asked too or not.

33. Look enigmatic and you'll get away with murder.

34. Reading the instructions makes all the difference.

35. It is ok to say no once in awhile. It is ok if it makes someone mad. Just do it and save your sanity.

36.  It is physically impossible to tickle yourself. It's such a shame.

37.   Education is a gift.

38.  No-one is ever going to take me to the Opera. FINE!

39. Even the woman who looks like she lives in a magazine spread occasionally loses her keys or sprays hair mousse under her arms.

40.  Somedays soup out of a tin is tastier than any homemade effort.

41. The nights I can't wait to get into bed are the nights I'll find myself suffering  aches and pains and a  busy brain.

42.  I like my style you don't have too.

43. I will never get over how beautiful my children are.

44. There is no escaping your children. They follow you around  like irritating gremlins and make  unreasonable demands on your time and patience.

45. I am more tolerant of dirt than most women.

46. Old men with yukky coughs go to public libraries to  spread their germs.

47. I just love summer thunderstorms.

48.   I am never going to be that perfect put together mom. No siree.

49.   I can't behave myself long enough to get to the bottom of my ironing pile.

50.  I am no longer afraid of death because wherever Pappa is I want to be and I am looking forward to meeting him in heaven. Not that I am in a rush. Just knowing that he is waiting gives me peace.

51.   Reality Tv is a load of crap.

52. Actually most TV is a load of crap.

53. That said I am at my happiest sitting on my front porch watching the leaves fall.

54. You should never judge a man on the kind of bath he has had installed.

55. If you eat right and excersize you will lose weight. (Its pure magic). But who has time for that.

56. Toilet humour of any kind isn't funny. Unless you are six.

57. God truly wants you to be happy, you just have to st0p getting in his way.

58. Bed is the best place to be when you are blue.

59. Twenty words are better than ten.

60. Everybody likes a hug.

61. A leopard never changes it's spots, but sometimes it can do a really rather excellent impression of a zebra.

62. Barbed wire isn't impenetrable.

63. I like what I like and I prefer it if you like what I like too.

64. Traffic cops were tattle-tales at school.

65. Even though I have had my days I truly love being a stay at home mom.

66. Food is not always the way to a mans heart. Some days they just aren't hungry.

67. Regret is a waste of energy. Onwards and upwards please.

68. People only pretend to like fruit cake.

69. You are never going to see me in a mini-skirt.

70. Though I'm sorry to say that the good ladies of the Harper Valley PTA probably wouldn't approve of me regardless.

71.  No-one knows your child better than you do.

72.   Christmas Eve is the most magical day of the year.

73. There but for the grace of God goes the Mummy sneering at you in the freezer aisle while your baby has a hissy fit because you won't let her have cookies.

74. Even mean people are sad under their skin. There is always an explanation. A reason.

75. One of your bulbs will have smashed in a mysterious fashion when you come to decorate your tree.

76.  The Spice Girls are single handedly responsible  for destroying real Girl Power. It's mostly Victoria Beckhams fault.

77. You mustn't judge your friendsor family, Even when they say something that makes you want to smack them.

78. Smacking your friends and family is deeply innapropriate. However telling them they are wearing bad shoes is occasionally called for.

79. Pressing your knuckles deep into the sockets of your eyes is a surefire route to temporary bliss.

80. Get carried away with fancy schmancy recipes  for a dinner party and trust me you will regret it.

81. Secondhand bookshops are tiny corners of heaven on earth.

82.  Johnny Depp and Trace Adkins are the  most beautiful men to ever  exist.

83.  If there was something precious to be kept, my family wouldn't choose me to be it's keeper.  I am not to be trusted.

84. Say something stupid once and your sister will never let it go.

85.  Watching my daughter throw a fit is probably the funniest thing  I have ever seen.

86. If it looks good on me I will never be able to find that style of clothing again.

87. The people in my neighborhood who live in nice houses with manicured yards find my overalls and bare feet hard to take. So I wear them as often as I can.

88. Happiness is a choice. You have to choose it.

89. Snobbery is the worst kind of social deviance.

90. When things couldn't be worse you will find solace in poetry.

91. Internet dating was invented for optimistic fools.

92. Banishing germs with a barrage of chemicals won't prevent your family members from developing the crud. If they are gonna get it, they will get it.

93. I wouldn't mind being Sophia Loren

94. Wearing holey sweatpants doesn't make you a bad person. Just one who knows the meaning of comfort.

95. Crying helps. In most situations.

96. Occasionally I get my virtual and my real life confused.

97. Nothing feels as utterly scrumptious as a kiss from your baby.

98. They don't make movies like they used to.

99. Blogging changes lives.

100. Having a room of one's own is terribly important. (Though an armchair will suffice)

101. I don't know a thing for sure...

That is what I told my daughter today. I am going to sell her on e-bay if she does not quit coloring on the walls. I have spanked her and made her scrub the walls. Today we had a little talk about obeying your parents because God tells us too and what sin means. I hope this gets through to her soon. I will have to repaint her room when we move. Anyone want to help paint a pink room. Sometimes I think I am going to be in the looney bin before this girl even hits her teen years. We have gone over and over the rules. No pens unless at the table. If we find a pen pencil or marker anywhere we bring it to mommy immediately. ONLY WRITE ON PAPER. Yet still she marks on the wall. She even drew a picture of her brother on his wall complete with frame. OH Lord please tell me that this too shall pass. :)

LOVE, 1 Corinthians 13 Style
if I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of
twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls but do not show love to my
family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully
adorned table at mealtime but do not show love to my family, I'm
just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give
all that I have to charity but do not show love to my family, it
profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted
snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the
choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas
china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but
rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be
lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure

I saw this painting and it reminded me of my husband. This is what it looks like as soon as he sits down when he gets hom. lol I have been trying to teach my children to give Daddy a kiss when he gets home and then let him go upstairs and get his shoes off and relax a minute before they bombard him. But it is tough. He is working 40-50 hours a week and then 12 hours of school. They just miss him desperately. I am so grateful to God for giving me my husband. In this day and age allot of men out in the world don't feel they have to provide for their family. My hubby works very hard to provide for us so that I can stay home which from the moment we were married was always a priority. He also loves his children dearly. He is often at his most content surrounded by children. A rarety in some men.  Praise God for bringing him to me.

G.K. Chesterton likened wifely duties to those of a monarch, a powerful merchant, and a teacher of theology, manners and morals---all performed simultaneously.

"I can understand how this might exhaust the mind, but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it," said Chesterton. "How can it be a large career to tell other people's children about [arithmetic], and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No; a woman's function is laborious because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness."

---So Much More by Elizabeth and Anna Sofia Botkin

I found this poem on the Ladies Against Feminism website. I just thought it was so good and to the point. To often we forget what we have been called by God to do.

Words of a Housewife
By Chelsea Peterson

God, I want to do great things for you,

And speak to all the nations!

God replies:

That’s well and good,

But for now

Fix your children’s complications.

Lord, I want to straighten up the world,

Feed the hungry and fulfill someone’s wishes!

God says:

Fine, but for the present,

You need to wash the dishes.

Lord, I want to preach, proclaim your name

And bring salvation to the earth!

God says:

Good! Then teach your children

And preach my name to those you’ve given birth.

At the end of the day,

I think of all I’ve done.

But as I look it seems,

I’ve accomplished nothing for the Son!

God I had no time to witness one on one,

I couldn’t join my church group,

They said I missed out on lots of fun.

My household is the only thing

That managed to be cleaned,

My neighbor is the only one,

Besides my family I could feed.

The only ones I’ve read Your Word

Are those within my home.

God I’ve done so very little

And I feel so all alone!

God says:

I’ve seen the way you cleaned and cooked

And taught your kids My name.

Tomorrow morning at eight o’ clock,

I’ll watch you do the same.

The work you do at home,

Though no one really sees,

Is helping to raise little ones

To grow and worship me.

My ways are not your ways,

I don’t expect you yet to see,

But the precepts that you’ve taught your children,

Will help others bow the knee.

Your children will reach out to others,

Your example in their mind.

They’ll do great work for Me

And their children will respond in kind.

The hand that rules the world,

Also rocks the cradle.

Because of you, your children love Me,

All their hearts are stable.

Though your house is your domain,

Your tasks seem rather plain,

Your efforts will reach the multitudes,

Though from humble work they came.

© Copyright 2002-2007 by LAF/BeautifulWomanhood.org

I write today an absolutely frazzled female. I try very hard not to be a yeller.  I really don't want to have to yell at my kids to get them to do something. However, Lilly is about to drive me into the nut house. Every time I turn a corner in my home I am greated by a new masterpiece from my little artist all over yet another wall. I have yelled at her,I have spanked her, I have grounded her from tv and video games for a week. Nothing seems to help. So finally I fell to my knees and prayed. Lord please help me to find a solution. I know that she is so smart and creative that she just can't hold it in. Then it came to me. Stop cleaning it up. I didn't do this. I didn't color on the walls. So why do I have to clean it up. As we speak my little artist is scrubbing every bit of wall in this house with even a speck of crayon on it. If this does not break her of it I am out of ideas.

There are times I wonder if I am a glutton for punishment staying at home with my children and homeschooling them. We can barely(sometimes not even ) make ends meet,my house is always a mess, not to mention everyone has to question my own intelligence and ability constantly. If it was not for my faith in God and knowing that he has called me to this and in turn will give me the strength, I think I would have given up long ago. Yes the thought has entered my mind that if I put them in public school I would be down to one child during the day. Oh the things I could get done with just one child all day long. Well so much for the blissful, organized, super homeschool mom. But don't we all make sacrifices for our children. I love my children so much that I am willing to sacrifice my time,energy, and yes sometimes my sanity, to make sure that they are brought up in the wisdom of God. I DO believe this is my calling. Most days I find it very fulfilling. But this has been ONE OF THOSE DAYS. lol  This sacrifice for my children doing what God has called and commanded me to do is nothing compared to the sacrifice that he made for me.

My mom used to sing that Sandy Patty song One Day at a Time. It definately comes to mind today.

OK seriously I have e-mailed all of the seamstresses I know to get an Apron for Christmas. I have a Pampered Chef Apron which is one of the kind that have the string around the neck. I hate those. It is stiff and it hurts my neck. I always fold it over and wear it as a half apron. I have started wearing my apron more because I have the tendancy to wipe my hands on my clothes and it only makes sense to keep my clothes cleaner with an apron. Then I will wipe my hands on it instead.  Anyway I found this article on Aprons that I really liked and I have to say it touched my heart. I never thought of an apron this way. I remember when I was little and my Granny was our babysitter we always used to play with her aprons. It was her badge that said I am a mommy and granny. She always wore an apron on Sunday afternoon when she made lunch. Or if she was cooking a pie for whatever function at church. So aprons hold fond memories for me and I want my children to have those same memories.

Allot of this article reminded me of my Granny.

Here is the article.

A Cherished Apron

                                    by Sandy Williams Driver

Aprons were originally designed to cover and protect the garment worn underneath. Years ago, large wardrobes were a luxury not shared by many women and washing of that clothing was not done on a frequent basis. Garments were sometimes worn four or five times and aprons served a practical purpose, to cover the dress underneath and to protect it from soiling while cooking and cleaning.

Most of our female ancestors owned many aprons, which were made from cotton and covered the bodice and skirt of their dress. These full aprons were worn by homemakers, as well as nurses and teachers. During this time in history, men also wore aprons as an essential article of clothing in the blacksmith, carpentry and baker trades.

During the 1950s, society celebrated the role of homemaker and aprons were worn as a mantle of pride. The famous symbol of domesticity was made into a fashion statement by popular television shows such as "Leave it to Beaver" and "Ozzie and Harriet." The "June Cleaver era" half-aprons were embellished with rickrack, ruffles, buttons, and appliques. Women often changed from their cooking aprons into serving aprons, which matched tablecloths or place mats.

While wearing aprons may not be very popular anymore, they still serve the same purpose: to protect the clothing underneath. There is nothing more frustrating to a cook than to purchase a new blouse or shirt and get grease splatters or sauce drippings on it the first time it is worn. Digging an heirloom apron out of a trunk or even selecting a new one at a kitchen supply store can save money on stain removers and dry cleaning, as well as preserving expensive clothing.

I cherish the many aprons I have tucked away in drawers and closets. The symbol of homemaking most vividly emblazoned in my memory is bright yellow with four large black and white polka dot pockets lining the front. Mother made it from scraps early in her domestic career to hold lots of wooden clothespins. She called it her "hanging out clothes apron" and never dared cook a meal with it on.

"It's too ragged," she said with a discerning look. I would have gladly worn it all day long because it smelled like sunshine and felt like home. When I wrapped those strings around my waist, I was a Mommy, which was every little girl's dream in that long ago era. I loved to fill the empty pockets with crayons, rubber balls and little metal jacks while our sheets and socks blew in the afternoon breeze.

I have a long, black and white gingham striped that belonged to my Grandmother Williams and a pretty red gingham one passed down to me, which was made by my grandmother Morrow in the early 1900s from a scrap of leftover curtain material.

When my aunt Mamie died a few years back, I added one of her green flowered aprons to my nostalgic collection. It was my daughter's favorite when she was a toddler and she insisted on wearing it whenever she played with her assortment of dolls, even though the big wide strings wrapped around her tiny body three times. "I have to wear an apron to be the Mommy," she proclaimed. I have taught her well.

Some people say that aprons are dead and women today don't want to wear that uniform anymore. The pretty, frilly ones are carefully wrapped in memories and lay tucked away in the bottom of our hearts. They are a reminder of our mothers and grandmothers and the enticing smells of a home cooked meal. These historical artifacts remind us what is important and encourage us to celebrate women's history.

Last Sunday after church, I went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for my family. I didn't want to risk my white blouse getting dirty, so I reached for the serviceable twill apron kept hanging on a hook by the stove. It has no pockets or embellishments adorning the front, only the simple phrase, "Kiss the Cook." Even though it serves its purpose, it always feels too stiff hanging around my neck.

I hung the utilitarian apron back on its display hook and retrieved a faded one from a nail in my utility room. Embedded deep in the folds are dried tears, tiny handprints and a light dusting of White Lily flour. While I cooked, my son tucked a wildflower into one of my polka dot pockets, and even without instructions, he gave me a kiss on the cheek. The comforting apron strings that tie me to my ancestors may not be high fashion anymore, but then again, neither am I.

I finally finished knitting my first scarf for Tristan. It is the first thing I ever knitted. I am so proud of myself I could just burst. I even got it done in time for winter. WOOHOOO

Sorry it is a little blurry. Something was wrong with my camera.

During our retreat we were given notebooks with our names on them. We were supposed to write in everyones and they were supposed to write in ours. Words of encouragement and things like that. Well I just read mine this morning. I was suprised to find at least four of the messages for me were about homeschooling and me being a stay at home mom. One said that it was humbling to a mother that works to see someone who chose in this day and age to be a stay at home mom and to homeschool her children. Two or three said that teaching my children and bringing them up in the way of the lord was the right thing to do. A few were from older ladies whose children were grown. I was overwhelmed. I think as homeschool moms we are often on guard because so many people seem to disapprove of what we do. To hear these words of encouragement from these ladies who I cherish so dearly was so encouraging. I just cried. Just when you feel everyone is against you, you find out that someone believes in what you are doing. I thank the Lord for bringing me these ladies and their friendship and encouragement.

Above is one of my all time favorite paintings. Isn't it beautiful. This painting used to hang over my Granny's kitchen table. It is called Daily Bread. Sometimes when David gets home from school late and he is eating his dinner by himself at the table when he prays before his meal it makes me think of this. David wishes he had that much hair though.lol I wish I could afford to buy this. Some day I hope to be able to hang it over my kitchen table. So many times some of us forget to pray before every meal. EVERY one. It doesn't matter if we are out to dinner or home or wherever we are we should pray. We should ask for God's blessing and thank him for the food that he has provided us. Because it is HE who has provided it. I pray that I may never be caught eating without blessing my food. Why do we take God for granted so much. Do we have to much of the sense of entitlement that has become a curse on our nation. Just thinking. As we approach Thanksgiving I hope we all remember that every day should be a day of Thanksgiving. For we are all richly blessed.

I just wanted to share with you some of my favorite blogs and sites.

The first is Ladies Against Feminism www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com . They have lots of great articals on just about everything.

Then there is www.noblewomanhood.com and http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com they have alot of great articles about keeping your home and homeschooling and lots of other things.

Anyway I just wanted to share in case you wanted to go check them out.