Knight in shining armorWednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
I Heart Charlie's Soap
Don't worry, I haven't stopped loving my Mom's soap. Charlie's Soap makes an All-Purpose cleaner and Laundry powder that I have been using. I just ran out of the supply I purchased in July of last year. They are a smallish family business based out of North Carolina. Their products are non-toxic and biodegradable.
Their all-purpose cleaner is great in the bath tub and shower stalls. Really cuts through the grime and soap scum. I use their laundry powder on my towels and sheets. It cleans them wonderfully and without all those detergents and leaves them smelling clean and fresh. I tried using it with clothes, but noticed that it tends to fade dark clothes at a quicker rate.
Their all-purpose cleaner is great in the bath tub and shower stalls. Really cuts through the grime and soap scum. I use their laundry powder on my towels and sheets. It cleans them wonderfully and without all those detergents and leaves them smelling clean and fresh. I tried using it with clothes, but noticed that it tends to fade dark clothes at a quicker rate.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Take time out for little ones
I Took His Hand and Followed
Mrs. Roy L. Peifer
My dishes went unwashed today,
I didn't make the bed,
I took his hand and followed
Where his eager footsteps led.
Oh yes, we went adventuring,
My little son and I...
Exploring all the great outdoors
Beneath the summer sky
We waded in a crystal stream,
We wandered through a wood...
My kitchen wasn't swept today
But life was gay and good.
We found a cool, sun-dappled glade
And now my small son knows
How Mother Bunny hides her nest,
Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.
We watched a robin feed her young,
We climbed a sunlit hill...
Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky,
We plucked a daffodil.
That my house was neglected,
That I didn't brush the stairs,
In twenty years, no one on earth
Will know, or even care.
But that I've helped my little boy
To noble manhood grow,
In twenty years, the whole wide world
May look and see and know.
Mrs. Roy L. Peifer
My dishes went unwashed today,
I didn't make the bed,
I took his hand and followed
Where his eager footsteps led.
Oh yes, we went adventuring,
My little son and I...
Exploring all the great outdoors
Beneath the summer sky
We waded in a crystal stream,
We wandered through a wood...
My kitchen wasn't swept today
But life was gay and good.
We found a cool, sun-dappled glade
And now my small son knows
How Mother Bunny hides her nest,
Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.
We watched a robin feed her young,
We climbed a sunlit hill...
Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky,
We plucked a daffodil.
That my house was neglected,
That I didn't brush the stairs,
In twenty years, no one on earth
Will know, or even care.
But that I've helped my little boy
To noble manhood grow,
In twenty years, the whole wide world
May look and see and know.
I found this poem from this site and I thought it was lovely (I think I'll start using that word more often too).
http://www.besthomeschooling.org/articles/lillian_jones_ps_kdgtn.html
Your Life's Melody
Thanks to my mom, Dorothy, for allowing me to share this amazing bit of encouragement with you. She wrote this the other day and emailed me with it.
“He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.” ~Psalm 40:3
I recently bought the soundtrack of South Pacific, a favorite of mine. I’ve always loved the old classic musicals; West Side Story, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady and of course, South Pacific to name a few. I was listening to “Happy Talk”, one of the songs of South Pacific and noticed how the notes went all over the place…up and down…a charming, catchy tune. It occurred to me…kind of like an epiphany….that our lives are so similar to a melody. We have our ups and downs in life.
And I was wondering if you were able to chart your ups and downs on a musical score, a melody would surely form. What kind of melody, I’m not sure! But it gave me some encouragement that maybe I would like my melody, created by all my life’s challenges and battles, better than just looking at the musical score with just one note all the way through the song. Like “johnny one note”. Pretty boring, wouldn’t you think?
Normally we Christians don’t look at our battles as something we like. We do everything we can to get out of them…mostly on our own accord. But the thing is…the thing that just came to me….is that we need these ups and downs to have a life worth playing! And the greatest conductor, the One who can take our paltry songs and change them into something worth listening to, is Christ. He can change our little song into a magnificent overture!
“He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.” ~Psalm 40:3
I recently bought the soundtrack of South Pacific, a favorite of mine. I’ve always loved the old classic musicals; West Side Story, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady and of course, South Pacific to name a few. I was listening to “Happy Talk”, one of the songs of South Pacific and noticed how the notes went all over the place…up and down…a charming, catchy tune. It occurred to me…kind of like an epiphany….that our lives are so similar to a melody. We have our ups and downs in life.
And I was wondering if you were able to chart your ups and downs on a musical score, a melody would surely form. What kind of melody, I’m not sure! But it gave me some encouragement that maybe I would like my melody, created by all my life’s challenges and battles, better than just looking at the musical score with just one note all the way through the song. Like “johnny one note”. Pretty boring, wouldn’t you think?
Normally we Christians don’t look at our battles as something we like. We do everything we can to get out of them…mostly on our own accord. But the thing is…the thing that just came to me….is that we need these ups and downs to have a life worth playing! And the greatest conductor, the One who can take our paltry songs and change them into something worth listening to, is Christ. He can change our little song into a magnificent overture!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Teddy Bears' Picnic
When we first had Ezra, Jason's mom gave us Jason's bear that he had when he was a baby. So, almost every night when we put Ezra to bed, we would wind up the bear and leave his room as the bear played Teddy Bears' Picnic.
About a year and a half ago, the music box broke. It lasted a long time considering it's over 30 years old. You could play the song if you twisted the handle backwards. Every now and then, Ezra will say how he wishes it was fixed and each time I say, I'll get a new music box for it. Have I? Nope. I even have three websites bookmarked for music boxes! It just wasn't at the top of my to do list.
After tonight, though, it became a top priority. As Ezra snuggled into bed, he grabbed his teddy bear and held it close, then started to twist the knob backward. I offered to do it for him so he could hear the song. As the melody played, I could see him snuggling even closer to the teddy bear. In the dark, I saw tears in his eyes. Then, he started to sob. Oh, it broke my heart! He said that he missed the bear's song. I gave him a hug and wiped away the tears. I told him that we used to play the music box every night before bed and he must have really nice memories of it.
He said his prayers and added at the end, "...I wish that the bear wasn't broken anymore."
After I left his room, I went right over to the computer and ordered the music box. I want to make sure that I do what I tell him that I will do and not break my word. Plus, how could I ignore such a sweet expression of his innocence? I can't wait to surprise him with it one night after it arrives!
About a year and a half ago, the music box broke. It lasted a long time considering it's over 30 years old. You could play the song if you twisted the handle backwards. Every now and then, Ezra will say how he wishes it was fixed and each time I say, I'll get a new music box for it. Have I? Nope. I even have three websites bookmarked for music boxes! It just wasn't at the top of my to do list.
After tonight, though, it became a top priority. As Ezra snuggled into bed, he grabbed his teddy bear and held it close, then started to twist the knob backward. I offered to do it for him so he could hear the song. As the melody played, I could see him snuggling even closer to the teddy bear. In the dark, I saw tears in his eyes. Then, he started to sob. Oh, it broke my heart! He said that he missed the bear's song. I gave him a hug and wiped away the tears. I told him that we used to play the music box every night before bed and he must have really nice memories of it.
He said his prayers and added at the end, "...I wish that the bear wasn't broken anymore."
After I left his room, I went right over to the computer and ordered the music box. I want to make sure that I do what I tell him that I will do and not break my word. Plus, how could I ignore such a sweet expression of his innocence? I can't wait to surprise him with it one night after it arrives!
Daylight Savingshuh?
Despite the fact that I have been reminded by the radio, calendar and even television commercials to Spring my clock forward last night, I didn't even think about doing it and was surprised this morning when I realized how late it really was! Duh. So, I spent this morning (or what was left of it) making pancakes for my family and drinking some coffee.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Here's wishing the best Mom in the world a wonderful birthday and even better year ahead.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Smurfy!
Did you know that the Smurfs are 50 years old this year? They started in 1958 by a Belgium artist (I always guessed they were from Japan). I'm pretty sure Handy was my favorite.
Weird, huh? Try using the word "smurf" in place of another word today. Even if it's a faux cuss word, like, "Aw, smurfit". hee hee
http://www.smurf.com/home-en
Catawba Handmade is now live
As if I didn't have enough going on...
But putting this site up was sooooo easy with Yahoo site builder (I sound like an ad). Sure you can't change the color or the graphics, but for now, it's perfect for what we need.
Anyway, CatawbaHandmade.com is the site for our growing group of artisans and craftspeople in the Catawba Valley area. All members belong to Etsy (That's how we met), but I suspect that we'll get some members who have never heard of the site.
We're meeting at Barnes & Noble tomorrow for coffee at 10 AM, if any soapers want to come join us, hint hint. :)
Right now we're just forming, so there's no huge mission statement. But the idea behind it is to help our community know that they can support our local economy by buying handmade and shopping local. I also have grand ideas like starting a supplies bank for folks who do not have the money to spend on craft supplies or for school systems to use, underprivileged or at-risk teens, maybe even teen mothers to learn how to knit or crochet. Stuff like that. Anyway, check out the site. I need more photos, but so far, none of our members really know its up yet! www.catawbahandmade.com
I have lots to do today. I may ask Tony for this week off. Thank God for mornings, when everyday starts over again (yesterday was just icky, to put it lightly). Nothing major was wrong, just was in a rotten mood and feeling cagey.
But putting this site up was sooooo easy with Yahoo site builder (I sound like an ad). Sure you can't change the color or the graphics, but for now, it's perfect for what we need.
Anyway, CatawbaHandmade.com is the site for our growing group of artisans and craftspeople in the Catawba Valley area. All members belong to Etsy (That's how we met), but I suspect that we'll get some members who have never heard of the site.
We're meeting at Barnes & Noble tomorrow for coffee at 10 AM, if any soapers want to come join us, hint hint. :)
Right now we're just forming, so there's no huge mission statement. But the idea behind it is to help our community know that they can support our local economy by buying handmade and shopping local. I also have grand ideas like starting a supplies bank for folks who do not have the money to spend on craft supplies or for school systems to use, underprivileged or at-risk teens, maybe even teen mothers to learn how to knit or crochet. Stuff like that. Anyway, check out the site. I need more photos, but so far, none of our members really know its up yet! www.catawbahandmade.com
I have lots to do today. I may ask Tony for this week off. Thank God for mornings, when everyday starts over again (yesterday was just icky, to put it lightly). Nothing major was wrong, just was in a rotten mood and feeling cagey.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Father/Son Pattern does not mean both
So, Ezra's been bugging me about making a robe for him for the past few months. I think it's less about being cozy and warm on chilly mornings than to wear it around the house to feel like a Jedi. Must be why he chose the dark brown fleece over Spongebob.
Anyway, big sale on patterns today, 99 cents instead of $6. I bought one that was labeled as a "Father and Son" pattern, meaning you can dress your child like your husband. How cute, I thought! And what a deal!! I can buy this one pattern and it will have all the sizes I need for both Jason and Ezra.
I was surprised, however, when I unfolded the pattern tonight to cut. It's either/or and I bought the adult size. Duh.
So, knowing Jason probably would never wear a robe, I guesstimated Ezra's size. This should be interesting. The size pattern I had was for an adult male small, medium or large. How that will transpose to a little four year old, we'll have to see. I will post the photo when it's done.
Next time you think it's too good to be true, just remember it probably is and that you're not as smart as you thought you were! ha!!
Anyway, big sale on patterns today, 99 cents instead of $6. I bought one that was labeled as a "Father and Son" pattern, meaning you can dress your child like your husband. How cute, I thought! And what a deal!! I can buy this one pattern and it will have all the sizes I need for both Jason and Ezra.
I was surprised, however, when I unfolded the pattern tonight to cut. It's either/or and I bought the adult size. Duh.
So, knowing Jason probably would never wear a robe, I guesstimated Ezra's size. This should be interesting. The size pattern I had was for an adult male small, medium or large. How that will transpose to a little four year old, we'll have to see. I will post the photo when it's done.
Next time you think it's too good to be true, just remember it probably is and that you're not as smart as you thought you were! ha!!
Day Two - Ezra's Photos
Singer Sewing Machine, circa 1958
I like this one in particular. This sewing machine belonged to my Grandma Dottie and is 50 years old this year. I wonder how many garments were lovingly sewn on this over the years? I have rediscovered the joy of sewing lately.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
What kind of flower are you?
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This is a fun quiz, but I want to know why I am a snapdragon!
It's cute. I had to highlight the text because it was all white on a white background for some reason (may be just my browser not compatible with it).
A month of photos
Yesterday, I was busy with getting some new labels done for my mom's soap and Ezra wanted to play with me. Haggis also wanted to go outside and was whining at me. Ezra saw the camera and said he wanted to take some pictures. Well, I gave him a quick primer and told him not to drop it and I was off to take Haggis outside.
Ezra was engrossed in taking photos. In fact, he took so many that the batteries ran out and the memory card became full! When we uploaded them to the computer, I was honestly surprised at how good they turned out. He has an eye for it, in my opinion.
So, each day in March, I will post a photo of his for your viewing pleasure. Keep in mind that he is 4 1/2. Stay tuned for each day's photo and caption.
Ezra was engrossed in taking photos. In fact, he took so many that the batteries ran out and the memory card became full! When we uploaded them to the computer, I was honestly surprised at how good they turned out. He has an eye for it, in my opinion.
So, each day in March, I will post a photo of his for your viewing pleasure. Keep in mind that he is 4 1/2. Stay tuned for each day's photo and caption.
Here's his first photo:
Haggis - our beloved dog
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