Bedtime Bliss

  All three little ones are tucked into bed, fast asleep.  After a long day this can feel like the most amazing accomplishment.  We have been sick with colds the past week and the children have been extra snugly ( not to mention a bit cranky!)   Now that they are sweetly dreaming I can work on my writing, my crochet project and maybe start reading my next chapter for Bible study.  Oh, and pick up after my messy little munchkins. 
  Bedtime seems to be the only time of day that I can stop and think.  Often times I feel like I just keep moving and doing.  Its easy to miss out on the joy in life when one lives like that.  Today I picked up my baby and tickled his belly.  He dissolved in giggles.  It snapped me out of work mode and brought what really matters into focus. I don't want to be so busy caring for my kids physically that I am mentally absent.  I want to cherish their giggles, nonsensical songs and zeal for all life has to offer.  This same zeal can definitely make them hard to keep up with however!  Which is why bedtime is such a blessing.  It gives me the time I need to reflect, accomplish and rest so that I can wake up tomorrow and be present for my children.

Still burning

   That candle of mine is still burning.  I've had it burning all day.  I am hoping to have it melted away by the end of this week.  I am still brainstorming for ideas of how I want to decorate it.  I really should burn candles more often.  It lends such a cozy atmosphere to the room, despite the constant mess and clamor of my little ones.

Melt Candle, MELT!

    I have been searching for a practical yet pretty storage solution for my wooden crochet hooks.  I crochet constantly so I want them to be readily accessible.  I found the perfect glass jar .  It has a clean line to it with just a touch of elegance.  The only problem is that it is a candle jar, complete with candle.  I have been burning the candle for days!  Of course when its a candle that I want to burn quickly it happens to be a quality one that burns forever.  When the candle is finally used up I am going to line the bottom with something soft to protect the hooks.  I am not sure what yet.  I am trying to come up with some ideas to decorate the jar without overwhelming it.  I do not want it to be to cluttered but I do want it to look unique.  Maybe if I burn it all weekend I can get to the decorating part soon!

Fresh Strawberries!

    Today may have been cold and bleak but the availability of fresh strawberries shouted out  SPRING!   They were such perfectly sweet berries too.  Even if it isn't spring here yet at least I know that it is somewhere.  I love how something as simple as a ripe berry can add hope and brightness to a otherwise routine day.

Spring Snow

       It has been such an unusually warm winter.  In many ways it has been a blessing to have less snow to shovel and to be able to go out without bundling up but part of me has missed the snow.  This morning I woke up to a sparkly, white world.  Even the branches of the trees had a thick layer covering them.  My children were exited about the possibilities that come with such a day. 
       By afternoon the sun was bright and the snow was melting.  We took advantage of the warmth and spent a few hours making snow angels, snow forts and stomping our feet in the slushy streets.  There is something so satisfying about stomping on slushy snow and watching it fly in all directions.  Watching my children's faces as they discovered this simple joy was even more satisfactory.  We ended our snowy day with large mugs of coco.  I am always amazed at how some of the most spontaneous, unsophisticated moments become the best memories.

My current project (or one of them,anyway)

    For the past two years or so I have become somewhat of a crochet addict.  I find it to be a relaxing and rewarding pastime.  This is one of my current projects.  It is going to be a baby blanket.  The design is so simple but I fell in love with the classic nature and texture of it.  It works up quite quickly.  Seeing that my baby likes to tug on and cuddle my projects this is a good thing!  Time to work on it is scarce.  I am not sure if the baby is a boy or a girl so I chose a neutral, earthy color.  The parents are both avid hunters so I thought that would be fitting.

                    a closer look at the texture!

Here is the link to the pattern  http://onelittlerayndrop.blogspot.com/2011/04/classic-baby-blanket.html

Mopping

      When did I get to the point that I find mopping the floors to be relaxing?  I suppose this is a good thing seeing that my 9 month old has a tendency to lick the tile and my other children are still learning to eat without spilling.  Tonight the floors were looking particularly sticky so I waited until the kids were in bed, turned on my favorite music and mopped.  It was so satisfying!  So satisfying that I thought I'd write about it apparently.  Oh well, if something as simple as having a sparkling clean floor can make my day I'm going to go with it!

Simplicity

Definition of SIMPLICITY

1

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

2

a: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naiveté b: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a: directness of expression : clarity b: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

 

1

the quality or state of having a form or structure of few parts or elements <the simplicity of this machine should ensure ease of use by almost anyone>

Synonyms plainness, unsophistication

Related Words homogeneity, homogeneousness, uniformity, unity

 

this is taken from:

 

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

 

 

      I have been on a quest to simplify our life style.  Being military we move a lot so this is a very practical thing to work towards.  It seemed fitting to research the definition of this word that I've been pursuing.  Out of the words used in this definition I particularly like the word uncomplicated.  There are so many complications in life, why not keep things as pure and basic as possible? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons and Beginnings

   I keep trying to decide where I should start with my blog.  I am  new to blogging and I find it rather intimidating.  I suppose the best place to start is with why I have chosen to create this blog in the first place.  So...  here it goes!
    I have two main reasons for my little blog.  The first is that I love to write.  I have always loved the written word.  Reading other peoples ideas and stories is fascinating to me but writing down my own thoughts and watching them take shape is even better.  Unfortunately I find myself thinking more then doing.  My ideas seldom make it to paper.  I always feel inadequate.  Instead of being passive about my dreams I have decided to work towards them.  I see this blog as a place to start.  Maybe my writing is inadequate but only practicing will improve it and this seems like an excellent place to begin.
   My second reason is that I love finding joy in the simple things in life. I love watching yarn take shape in my hands and turn into a blanket for my baby to snuggle.  I love hearing my oldest son say "yum" when I hand him a plate of something that I have cooked and I love teaching my children at home around our table.  I lead a quiet life. Quiet, but full of loved ones and meaningful work.  It is my desire to share it with you.