A Burst of Blessings

A few of my favorite things

2009-12-09T13:04:00.001-08:00

Today has been a cold & blustery day in the Heartland. The snow is falling while the wind howls around the house. In an effort to keep myself awake (this is the perfect day for a nap) I decided to take a trip around blog-land. While doing so, I found some tremendous writers, photographers, crafters, thinkers, and families.

Come see...

A Holy Experience : beauty for the eyes and soul

A Pretty Cool Life : check our her colorful & cute birthday banners!

Between Naps on the Porch : beautiful table-scapes for the holidays

Blue Cricket Design : mulling spice bags - perfect for a hostess gift

Childmade : eye candy for the crafter - young or old

Fish Food: decorative pie crusts

Little Bit Funky: a sugar scrub for someone sweet on your gift list

Mabel's House: Martha Stewart vs Liz (the blog author) - funny stuff!

Daybook

2009-11-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

Outside my window: the sun is beginning to rise. There is frost on the deck and grass.
I am thinking: it would be nice to have a bit of snow. If it is going to be this cold and dreary...at least let there be snow.
I am thankful for: a cozy warm house and sleeping children.
I am praying for: prosperity and security for my hubby's work situation.
From the kitchen: we made banana bread and snickerdoodles this weekend.
I am creating: new headboards for Em and Sarah's room.
I am going: I need to run to the bookstore today. I am saddened to hear that one of our local Christian boosktores is closing. They have been a constant in our neighborhood for many years.
I am reading: Bartholomew's Passage (for Advent).
Around the house: It is quiet. The Christmas trees are twinkling. The fire is warm. The coffee is hot. The kids are sleeping.
One of my favorite things: writing in my journal while the house is quiet. I get lots of thinking, praying and dreaming done this way.
A few plans for the upcoming week: we start back to lessons after a fall break. With the exception of routine errands and housekeeping, we will be focusing on school. Oh, and I need to get our Christmas card list pulled together.
A picture thought: want a fun and colorful for the kids to make? Check out Cheryl's Goody-Goody gumdrop wreath. Have fun!

Holiday Grand Plan

2009-08-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Holiday Grand Plan begins on August 30.
It is an 18-week plan to organize your home for Christmas.
Join me!

Weekly reading list

2009-08-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

Gardenias for Breakfast by Robin Jones Gunn

The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen

Ideals Thanksgiving

Wow Writing

Summer days - 2009

2009-07-12T18:19:00.001-07:00

In the kitchen...

2009-07-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes of spending the day making peach and/or strawberry jam today but I missed the mark. My favorite produce stand was out of strawberries and the Amish lady (who looked at me with a sigh) said jam quality peaches won't be ready until August. I guess I should have known that little fact?

Anyway...

I did pick up some fresh rhubarb, white potatoes, green beans and tomatoes. I hated to spend money on the tomatoes but my garden maters aren't quite ready. The rhubarb will be made into a few small jars of freezer jam for Jeff. He loves the stuff. Me? Not so much. The potatoes, beans and tomatoes will be part of dinner tonight. There is nothing better than fresh from the dirt produce.

This afternoon, the kids and I made homemade granola. I haven't made this in many, many months. A friend shared a great recipe so into the kitchen we scooted.

Apple Cranberry Granola
From: Kim's Kitchen courtesy of Gail Prather

6 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/4 cups frozen apple juice concentrate*
1/2 cup wheat germ*
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup sweetened coconut*
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup golden raisins

In a large bowl combine the first nine ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Spread evenly on 2 baking sheets, bake @ 350 for 20 mins. Cool, stir in cranberries and raisins.

*I used cinnamon applesauce in place of the concentrate. In place of the wheat germ, I used flax seeds. I added dried mango in place of the coconut. I added 1 cup of slivered almonds and dried apple pieces as well.

notes: This recipe is very forgiving. Great way to clean out little bits of 'this and that' in the pantry. I double the recipe...fills two large jars. Keeps well.

Happy cooking!

Summer time daybook

2009-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Outside my window: I can see the 5 peony bushes filled with fluffy pink and white flowers. They are a true favorite.
I am thinking: of choices. There is a lot going on in my head these days. Some of it is nonsense. Some of it demands full attention and a lot of prayer.
I am thankful for: warm sunshine and active kids.
I am praying for: clarity and wisdom.
From the kitchen: I just cleaned up from lunch. Dinner tonight will be taco salad or burgers. I may leave the decision up to the kids.
I am creating: a family journal. I am using an actual paper journal and pen. It feels good to actually use penmanship...to get thoughts, feelings and memories onto a clean sheet of paper.
I am going: to take Emily to her first day of volleyball try-outs. That is the only place the van needs to go today. Hooray.
I am reading: The Educated Child by Bennett.
I am hoping: to thoroughly weed the garden this week. It seems to be a losing battles most days.
I am hearing: the lawnmower brigade. There are lots of people taking care of their yard today.
Around the house: I am driven to distraction listening to the dogs 'clickety clack' all over the kitchen and den. They need their nails clipped. This will bring much drama. Listen for howls.
One of my favorite things: hugs
A few plans for the upcoming week: organize paperwork, catch up on emails, work in the garden, send out birthday invites and enjoy the sunshine.
A picture thought:

Family time

2009-05-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely visit with Spence and Christina the past few days. For those not familiar, or don't know what my hubby Jeff looks like, take a look at Spence. Spitting image. Dad and son for sure! The above picture is from their recent vow re-newel in California.

It was their first time visiting our home. It was a wonderful time. Spence proved extremely helpful (and kind) while he helped dear hubby finish the wood floors in the living room. He also took loads of fun pictures of the boys at their first soccer game. They were so happy to have him on the sidelines.

Christina blessed us with her yummy spaghetti sauce. Her Italian roots were super powerful that afternoon. She is going to share her ravioli recipe with me, too! I can't wait.

We are planted here in Indiana with a loving community of friends and church family but it makes me happy to have our heart-to-heart family in for a visit. It really made me smile to see the kids interact with their grandparents. Kids learn so much from 'papas & grandmas.'

Dad and Christina, come back soon. Love ya!

Thirteen on Tuesday

2009-05-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things that me happy - in no particular order.

1. The Swiffer Vac. Where has this been all my life? Don't have one? Get one.

2. Planning surprises. It's a secret. I'll share more soon.

3. Old rocking chairs. My mother in law gave me the chair she purchased when she was expecting my hubby. It sits in my dining room. I love telling the kids that daddy used to be rocked in the very same chair long ago.

4. Saltwater taffy. Yummy sweet stuff. It looks cute in bowls and in clear jars, too!

5. Itty bitty blue robin eggs. We have another nest on our back fence post. This is the third year in a row for nest building.

6. Crisp white milk glass. I love it.

7. Big purple irises. They have their own distinct personality, don't you think?

8. A shiny clean wood floor.

9. Sweet simple daisies. How can you not smile?

10. Books. Massive love for books. I am being over-run by books. I don't care.

11. A 10 speed cruiser. I got one for Mother's Day, complete with a basket! I love it.

12. Being married to my very best friend.

13. Being a mom to six sweet kids.

National Day of Prayer, 2009

2009-05-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

Join me in praying for our great nation today.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever.
Amen

Daybook

2009-05-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Outside my window: the birds have discovered the little feeder in the front lavender bed. This highly amuses, Indy, the fierce watch cat of the house. He is perched on the chair, peering through the blinds, watching the birds.
I am thinking: I need more Claritin, or perhaps a stronger allergy medicine.
I am thankful for: bright sunshine days. They just cheer up the whole house.
I am praying for: contentment.
From the kitchen: I see the makings for spaghetti sauce on the counter. I am hoping to make a triple batch this afternoon so I can freeze some for future meals.
I am wearing: jean capris, blue t-shirt and black flip flops
I am creating: a mess. Yes, I said the same thing last week. I have discovered that I am quite good at making a mess, therefore, I must continue. Seriously though, after putting the wood down in the dining room, I decided that I needed to re-paint the baseboards (that had been pulled up). Once those are painted, Jeff will put them back in place and we will begin the whole process (wood, paint, etc.) in the den. I may never get things back in order around here.
I am going: to Target this evening. I want a new Swiffer vac for the wood floors.
I am reading: Love's Enduring Promise (what a charming series this is turning out to be)
I am hoping: to get the first seedlings planted in the garden this weekend.
I am hearing: the girls while they clean out the guinea pig and hamster cages. I can also hear the boys chase the hound dog around the backyard.
Around the house: more controlled chaos
One of my favorite things: the smile of a friend.
A few plans for the upcoming week: paint, flooring, re-arrange, paint, flooring, organize, sleep
A picture thought:
This is going to be my (our) summer project. We have your basic 3ft wooden fence around our side and backyard. It is functional but not attractive. We are going to paint it a crisp white. If we all band together, it should only take a couple days. I'll keep ya posted. Haha. Posted. Get it?

For more Daybook entries, please visit, Peggy's blog.

For today..

2009-04-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Outside my window...The sun is shining and the wind is howling. There are bunches of dandelions spouting along the back fence. I know they are technically a weed, but I admit to liking the bright yellow against the wood.
I am thinking...of my to-do list for the week. It is a daunting task.
I am thankful for....oh, so much. His love, healthy family, provision, family, friends, pretty flowers and good books!
I am praying for...a hedge of protection around our home and family.
From the kitchen...the island is a mess. Again.
I am wearing....black capris, t-shirt and slippers.
I am creating...a mess. We are re-flooring the living room and den. I have boxes, furniture and stuff all over the place.
I am going...nowhere today. Yay.
I am reading...Love Comes Softly and the book of Job.
I am hoping...for Jeff's work situation to settle down soon.
I am hearing...the birds singing outside while the kids listen to quiet music.
Around the house...is controlled chaos.
One of my favorite things....pretty white and purple flowers.
A few plans for the upcoming week....organization in the house and begin work in the veggie garden.
A picture thought....
For more Daybook entries, please visit Peggy's blog.

Spring is in the air...

2009-04-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

...and prom dresses are the current fashion.

Hallelujah

2009-04-10T05:33:00.001-07:00

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:57

All for you. All for me.

Book recommendation

2009-04-06T08:44:00.001-07:00

Home, memories and recipes - all in one book.

A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table

Cherish

2009-03-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

"Be imitators of God.....and live a life of love."
Ephesian 5:1-2

I love this picture of our children. It was taken right after Christmas this past year. It was an unseasonably warm day for us and I had a new camera to learn.

When I looked through the lens, I saw love.

In our cluttered realities filled with noise and grit, it is important to cherish the sweet moments.

Spring has sprung

2009-03-27T08:10:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our new blog.
Our Life, will now be known as, Burst of Blessings.
In honor of spring, enjoy some pretties.

Stay tuned

2009-03-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

I am working out the kinks and hope to be up and running by the weekend.