Eyes of Wonder

I'll be seeing you soon

 A Simply Lovely Life

I'm coming by for a quick visit, to let everyone know that no sooner had I written this first post and my camera broke! Can you believe it? Seems like a simple enough fix *to me* (camera repair woman that I am *not* ;o). The spring that holds the memory card in, has sprung, and is no longer doing it's--crtical little--job. It is now in the capable hands of the very sweet young lady at the camera repair shop, who, to the best of her ability, has taken up my cause. So, we will see :o)

I did get lots of beautiful photos of our visit with the West's, as well as our vist with Linda, Claire's dear mama (and Wesley and Claire and Josie and Bug), the weekend that they made their big move this-a-way. I'll share those as soon as the camera situation reaches it's (happy--gulp--I hope :o) end.

Thanks for being so loving, kind, and caring too, in your welcome back. I have enjoyed *seeing* each one of you, *again* (and some of you for the first time--hello :o), so much (What a marvel, this global neighborhood, yes?). It's like I was snugged in the house for an entire winter (which, in fact, I was :o) and when spring came; the windows opened wide to the fresh air, sunshine, birdsong, and budding new life all around. I inhaled deeply, stretched my arms, as I went out to sweep the porch, hang the clothes, and poke around in the garden a bit, and there were all my lovely friends, my neighbors, all doing likewise, and waving to me in the old friendly way--the warmest smiles on their faces, and the faces of their children-- saying hello. Thank-you for this, each one of you :o) It is nice to be back.

I'd also like to ask for prayer for James--20. While he was fixing a generator for dear friends of ours, a spark plug ignited, and he sustained some pretty serious 3rd degree burns on the under-side of his right arm (up to his elbow) and over his entire hand. Thankfully, he had the wherewithal to immediately rip his shirt off of his body, or it could have been much worse. This happened this past Saturday, and he's been receivng excellent, tender loving care, since. Great progress is being made, but there is still much healing to be done. Thanks alot for praying, if and as the Lord brings him to mind.

Lord willing, I'll be back you soon :o)

With much love, Jewels

May the fruit of your "summer" be especially sweet, as you continually choose to open your heart wide, and allow Love to have His unhindered way, in you, and those most dear to your heart.....and beyond.

These beautiful photos were taken by Vicki West.

You come too...

A Simply Lovely Life

I'm going out to clean the pasture spring;
I'll only stop to rake the leaves away
(And wait to watch the water clear, I may)
I sha'n't be gone long---You come too.

I'm going out to fetch the little calf
That's standing by the mother. It's so young
It totters when she licks it with her tongue.
I sha'n't be gone long,---You come too.

Robert Frost
The Pasture

And it was summer, warm, beautiful summer...........once again.



Celeisa and Aimaija picking green beans for lunch, with Julia.



Toad in the garden.

Sally Pickle Brown, queen bean picker.

Princess and the beans.

There's no place like home.

The snug and cozy, 175 year old post and beam *hobbit house* on nearly 20 acres, that God lovingly blessed us with. We're enjoying it so much. The wonderful porch is twice as long as our old porch :o) We've been able to make all kinds of creative use of it. I love it.

Very dear Amish friends--our neighbors--came by for a morning of fishing on the big pond across the road. The catch was so good there was enough for lunch, for their family, and for ours.






Julia, headed out to the front garden.





Lots of big, old apple trees, heavy-ladened with apples.



100, free-ranging, organically grown, chickens (this photo was taken the day of their--warm, fuzzy--arrival), to be harvested in a week or so. Getting lots of loving provision and attention in the meantime--total understatement, entirely :o).

One of Sophia's adorable bonnets that she's taken to makin' (for herself and all the little gals), from cloth napkins fastened with diaper pins. Too sweet :o)

When the *tall gene* (and the *shortie gene*) make/s two, four, six, look like two, four, ten :o)

James and Sophia.



James and Aimaija.





Rosie and Celeisa.



Aimaija.



Fair-maiden-eating sea creature. Run for your life.



Nicholai.

Toad in the water. Celeisa.



>









Sophia, happy little mama to the many beloved little kids. Toting them around. Bottle feeding them. One of 3 little mamas in *little mama heaven*.

Little Papa.



Julia, of the mother's heart, too.

Toad, tuckered out.

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.

John Lubbock

That beautiful season, the Summer.
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Our dear friends, the precious West ladies, are coming later in the week, to stay for a week. What fun! We're all looking forward to it so much.

Perhaps you've had the pleasure of hearing *Green Beans in the Garden*, already. You'll need to pause the music (lower left side bar) before you listen, if and when you do.

CeCe (who's the lovely lass playing the guitar), wrote this beautiful little song when she was 15.

The smell of manure, of sun on foliage, of evaporating water, rose to my head: two steps farther, and I could look down into the vegetable garden enclosed within it's tall pale of reeds--rich chocolate earth studded emerald green, frothed with the white of cauliflowers, jeweled with the purple globes of eggplant and the scarlet wealth of tomatoes.

Doris Lessing

If we are ever in doubt about what to do, it is a good rule to ask ourselves what we shall wish on the morrow that we had done.

John Lubbock

Hello to each old pal (and new) that finds their way back here :o) It's been so long. I guess I never could have imagined that it would take me nearly a year to get back to the blog (to the computer, really)---but it has. I've missed everyone and have decided to just go ahead and move back into the neighborhood and make the blog public, once again.

Though I would so love to be able to send out invites to everyone that so sweetly asked if I please would, if I came back to blogging, I don't think that realistically I can. So, I think the news will have to, for now, be shared by "word-of-mouth", and anyone that would like to spread the word, can please feel free to do so. I'm not sure just how often I'll be able to post, but I'm here, and will hopefully pick up speed and get moving along at a fairly good clip, before too long. As you can imagine, I am more than a little bit out of practice :o)

We got settled into our new home on January 1st, in the dead of winter! What an adventure getting here with all the children and the animals. Dear friends went way out of their way to help us get moved and settled in. I'll always remember and be so grateful for their kindness.

The house, as I shared above, is a 175 year old post and beam farmhouse. Remember our old house with the high ceilings? This house is so cozy-cottage-hobbit-like, with it's (much) low(er) ceilings, downstairs. The upstairs ceilings have the exposed beams and are nice and high. But, I've come to love the warm embracing feeling that the downstairs has, too.

I'll give just a tiny peek into the most recent happenings (in the little one's/and Chubb's case--the tiny peek would mean, today, this very hour :o) in addition to the usually daily going-ons...

James, left his small engine repair business behind, which was no small thing, as it had grown so nicely and he would have been out in a shop this year, but God has kindly blessed him in his new endeavor, of organic farming. He's found the best of friends (our entire family has) in a wonderful Amishman and his lovely large family (15 children :o) that has extended loving kindnesses too numerous to number over these past months with all things new. He's been selling his produce, as well as the produce of some of our Amish neighbors. Actually, Rosie's been manning the booths at the markets, for him.

Joseph, is continuing on with his school work and also working for big brother Wesley. He really enjoys it and is learning an unbelievable amount *on the job*.

Rosie, is busy, busy, busy, continuing right on doing all the things she so loves; reading, writing, sewing, knitting, cooking, taking care of the animals, and tending to the large front garden (James has his produce growing in a large field in the back of the property).

Chubb, has been doing alot of woodworking, outfitting all the little ones with shields and swords and battle axes and leading them forth in battle. He still reigns supreme as superstar big brother :o)

Julia, continues to blossom into the loveliest young woman. She has really been enjoying caring for all the animals, and would just love to have a horse--perhaps one day. She continues to read, read, read every spare moment and is growing by leaps and bounds in her sewing skills. She's getting ready to launch into making dolls and doll clothes, for the littlest ones.

Let's see, Aimaija, is (even in the midst/and heat of the battles) nearly always found with baby doll in arms (or tied around her waist in an apron. Very, very adorable. They all do this--I'll have to show you :o)

Nicholai, is woodworking alongside Chubb, while they are both squeezing every drop of life out of this delightful summer.

Ditto, for Sally Brown, who is most definitely still a *pickle*, in the finest sense of the word. And, I might add, at this point, far more sweet than dill :o)

And, ditto for Celeisa, as well, running with the pack like a big girl, more the *toad* every single day. I love toads :o)

And....the latest big news.....

Just this past weekend, Wesley, Claire, Josie and Maggie Lou made the move from 6 hours away and are now living just a hop-skip-and-a- jump, from our new home. It's been (strangely) wonderful to be seeing them everyday! I give a little jump everytime Wesley just pops in the door from out of nowhere, thinking *who's that*, or *hey! what's he doing here??* :o).

They have a beautiful place. A lovely mobile home, set w-a-y back off the road on over 10 acres. To say they are thankful and excited would be an understatement (they're as happy as our 100 chickens ;o). Yesterday, was my dear darling boy's birthday (and mine and Big Papa's 24th anniversary). He turned 23 years old. We popped in for a visit and had some ice cream birthday cake and went for a (birthday :o) stroll around the property, way out back by one of two big beaver ponds. What a privilege to be able to just stop by, once again. Oh how we'd missed them. Six hours is such a l-o-n-g drive for little ones (I could hardly stand to think of them setting out on the journey each time they did come) Josie and Maggie have changed so much since I last shared photos--especially, Bug. I'll try and get some pictures up soon. Claire's mama, Linda, totally beautiful (inside and out) was amazing. She was with them for about a week helping in any and every way that she could; packing up before the move, making the move with them, and then getting them settled in once they arrived. What a loving servant's heart she has. What a hard worker she is. It was such a joy for all of us to get to spend time in sweet fellowship and shared meals with this treasured friend. We're praying Claire's mom and dad on over to the neighborhood, now ;o) I have some nice photos that I got of the three generations of beautiful girls.....Linda, Claire, Josie and Maggie, that I'll put up, too, soon as time allows.

Big Papa, really enjoys his new job, and absolutely *loves* our new home and property. He's so grateful for how God so faithfully provided for us all. I do, and am, too. A bit of stretching and lots of growing. What an adventure it has been (and will no doubt continue to be :o).

We have 100 meat chickens (for pracitical reasons, no names), a steer (Louie, who the children have had a great time feeding a bottle to), two milking goats (Maisie and Mattie, who the children have had an interesting time learning how to milk. I think they've got it down, now :o), 4 kids (Shwanlea, Bearlie, Belle, and Tuck) and our gentle mannered male goat, Pippin, (who thinks he's a dog) is still with us--enjoying his new home. Our goose, Cous-Cous, couldn't be happier, here, as we have a nice big pond for her to paddle around in, if she likes. The dogs are pleased. The kitties are pleased. Rosie's birds are pleased--enjoying that nice big porch and the lovely scenery out and beyond.

So far, so good, it seems.....for everything and everyone :o So, just a quick update. Looking forward to spending time catching up and journeying ahead, together.

With much love, Jewels

P.S.....and most especially, so many of you have written to me, before, during, and after the move and (I know you most likely will not be surprised to hear this) try as I did, I wasn't able to keep up with correspondence--period-- via email or snail mail. In order to rest up and get everything situated and running smoothly prior *to* the move, and on this side, *following* the move--with countless changes having occurred,  I had to focus almost exclusively on my family and home life, setting the computer aside almost entirely for a season. So please, do accept my sincere apology for not having written, and I hope not a single one of you will take it personally. It wasn't you, it was me, trying to keep all my priorities in proper order. Thanks for your kind understanding in this. It's nice to be able to send out one big hello, straightaway. Hopefully, it will make it's way out there to each one of you :o)

Thank-you, sweet friends...

A Simply Lovely Life

I wanted to leave the last post up for a few days so that everyone would have a chance to see it (since I've posted so sporadically lately), and no one would come by and be left wondering what happened and where I had gone. I'm not sure how many of you will see this note, but I couldn't leave without saying good-bye, for now, thank-you for you very loving words of farewell and sharing of your precious, tender hearts. I've cried as I've read your sweet notes--every one.

I would like to say in response, that I do know so very well how many of you feel, because I too, have been tenderly loved and encouraged by God, through other dear ones along my life's way, more deeply than they could have ever known, because they were in truth just a simple vessel He lovingly used. The one pursuing me, drawing me, and holding me close, was really Him. He has likewise, loved *me* through the blog, *through each of you*. I see what you see-- I see Him. He loves us so, and will continue to do so day-by-day, in and through people and ways that we never could have imagined. He loves us just the way we are, more than any other could ever hope to.

Please know, that I don't take closing the blog at all lightly and desire above all God's very best for everyone involved. Please do pray for me, if and as the Lord brings me to mind won't you, as I prayerfully consider the future of the blog. I do *hope* to continue doing what I've been doing for nearly a year now--photo journaling and writing if/and as time allows, and I do see that having the blog open by invitation may be an option. Thank-you so much for praying for God to give me wisdom. I'm praying, too.

Sending much love to each one of you. I do have the email address of each one that left me a note. If I do open the blog up by invitation it may take me a bit of time to pull it all together. If I do I'll let you know, okay :o)

Lovingly, your old pal, Jewels

A season of change

A Simply Lovely Life

First of all I'd like to say how incredibly hard it is for me to write this letter. What I'm going to share is something that I've prayerfully wrestled with for some time now, and having done so, I think I've considered it from every possible angle.

I initially began the blog as a simple journal/which then became a family photo journal, with as much writing as time allowed; a way to share our simple day-to-day life as a family, as a record of memories *for* my family, and a way to keep in touch with those I was close to heart-wise though separated from by distance and/or time.

Several months back, Big Papa asked me to pray about the possibility of taking the password off and making the blog public. He thought that the blog might be an encouragement to young mamas. Though I wobbled back and forth a bit with the decision, I came to a place of feeling good about it and deciding to go ahead. So, I did.

I love to take photos throughout each day, and so enjoy going over them at the close of the day---with *eyes of wonder* drinking in all the sweetness and goodness each and every day holds. Even in the midst of the many trials and/or difficulties that present themselves, I marvel at God's loving personal revelation of Himself, in life and beauty all around, in the simplest things and ways. How very much is there, if we'll only take the time to stop and see. So profound. He is indeed so good.

Well, as I've been praying and considering for some time, I see that it's basically come down to two foundational reasons why I've come to the decision to discontinue the blog as is, one of which has basically become an insurmountable obstacle for me, and essentially the deciding factor.

I never imagined that I would meet all the incredibly dear, precious friends, and come to care for them so much, that/and as, I have through blogging. It really is amazing to me. How quickly an entire world opened up. Some of you have blogs of your own and I love being so warmly welcomed into your worlds, some of you don't have blogs, but have nonetheless blessed me beyond measure with your loving, caring notes, taking the time to send me photos of yourselves and your beautiful families, and share your lives and hearts. So many of you, it seems, I have known for years, and to you I'd like to say, that your sweet friendship is so dear to me, and why I'm writing, deleting, re-writing, through tears.

Because of the season of life that I'm presently in--9 children still at home, blessedly full-to-overflowing days, Wesley and Claire, and the gifts of Josie and Maggie, time just barely allows for me to blog (and as many of you that have blogs yourselves can attest, there are many dimensions to having a blog, as it really is, and you quickly discover as soon as you open your curtains and poke your head out the window, a community. A beautiful world wide neighborhood, which is therefore fertile ground for *lots* of encouraging and inspiring communication and shared friendship). Well, this said, and the time factor considered, this season with Big Papa home has been far busier--granted, good things--but allowing for little to no time on the computer--blogging myself, and/or visiting other dear ones blogs---*if* (critically key word, here--if ) I want to maintain what I have--this sweetness--in life and relationship, which at it's core requires the proper prioritizing of this priceless **gift of time** bestowed upon me, so that we *do* have a lovely life within the family/and beyond, and that I might have precious memories throughout each day, *to* record in photos and words.

This leads me to the other and determining reason for choosing to discontinue. As those of you that have blogs likewise know, the world of blogdom is **vast**. One could surely, if they chose, spend the entire day going deeper and deeper and deeper into blog after blog after blog--and it's so lovely to read about other's lives. I marvel over the fact that each day 2,000 people or more visit the blog, with over 3,000 page loads---which I only share so that I might also share, that this has meant two things for me, personally...................

Though I have come to know so many of you from your loving notes and letters, through comments and emails, and consider you dear friends, the blog is public (this vast world wide neighborhood) and I realize that though I can't know everyone that comes--which is okay (I too, visit blogs that I enjoy and appreciate so much, and never comment), I've also come to look squarely in the face the fact that I would be naive to think that I could and should trust *everyone*, and my sharing, because of the who I am and because of the reason and purpose behind my blog from it's inception, is very intimate----and mainly a photo journal of my dearest and most precious possessions--my children and grandchildren--which is where my present struggle has arisen.

In a nutshell, for various reasons (real situations that have presented themselves to me), over time I've frozen up inside and have been unable to bring myself to freely share my life from day-to-day, because I no longer feel comfortable publicly posting photos of the children on the internet. For quite some time now, I have blocked out all the nameless faces (though I know that most of you are dear friends I have yet to meet--and understand that not everyone writes and/or comments) and have determined in my mind to only write to those that I do know, and the many, many, that are entirely trustworthy, trying to initially brush aside, and eventually *push away* any fears and concerns that have continually come up on my radar screen---despite the fact that I've attempted to blog as anonymously as possible. Well over time things have gone from "brushing aside", to "pushing away", to "having an elephant firmly and continuously sitting on my chest".

This has been so heavy on my heart. I have held off for the past two weeks, praying and reconsidering, hoping/ planning to blog at the close of each day as I'd typically do, but unable to bring myself to. Because, again, for me, blogging is mainly about the photos for the memories, which I can't bring myself to freely share, publically just now.

I've considered blogging differently, more writing/less photos, but I'm afraid it just wouldn't work--not during this season of my life. The blog is what it is for me---a family photo journal, with writing as time allows without taking time away from the needs of the family. I wish that I had time to share more all that is still presently so actively taking place in my life, about being a wife and a mama, about life-- knowing and loving God, about the countless lovely practical aspects of homemaking, but at this point it would still pull too much time away from the family---because I wouldn't want to discontinue what I am doing to do something else and time wouldn't allow for me to do two different blogs. And, in reality, I have to ask myself, will I really have time to blog *at all* for a season? As much as I'd like to, in whatever form.

Also, along with the priceless comments and letters of shared hearts and lives, with so many visiting I have also received hundreds and hundreds of sweet emails from dear ones that perhaps only wrote once, asking basic questions that I just don't have the time, realistically, to answer (and had typically answered already several times, *somewhere*--I know, not always so easy to find-- on the blog), and I got so buried under all those questions a while back when I got sick, that I was continually having to put the weight/and accompanying guilt of all those unanswered emails in *the mason jar*, knowing in my heart that it was just impossible to respond to them without giving up my mothering/homemaking career in order to allow me the hours in the day/s to be able to do so.

To the many that wrote to me with questions and never received a response, *please know* that it was absolutely nothing personal, and that in my heart I not only so desired to write back, but did give keeping up with correspondence more than many, *herculean efforts*---it was just impossible, and I wasn't sure how to deal with it, other than to wake up each day and try again.

I'd also like to say a ***huge** thank you to each and every one of you sweet, sweet ladies that have blessed me with the gift of a blogging award. I was so touched by your kindness, your thoughtfulness, so blessed by your loving encouragement, but again, it was just beyond me to follow through. As I've shared I would stay up late after the children were all asleep just to simply blog, and (please believe me, I do not say this to boast by any means, and again am writing through tears) I was blessed to receive so many awards and many of them numerous times that they became like the sea of emails------I didn't know where or how to even begin to acknowledge them, as they accumulated so quickly. Time became so short in the end with a new season of Big Papa being home and all else that was transpiring, that I wasn't even able to write and thank some of you--even personally for sharing the award/s with me, let alone publicly acknowledge them on the blog. I know that some gals are in similar situations to mine and have just publicly said that they are unable/or have even chosen not to, receive the awards and choose others to likewise bestow them upon. Through hindsight, I wish that I would have known/thought to say **something/anything**, on the blog, in regards to the kind giving of the awards, and my difficulty/inability to receive/acknowledge them, time-wise. If I have hurt anyone's feelings/or offended, albeit, please do know, unintentionally, I'd like to ask that you would please forgive me, and thank you for extending grace to me, in your kind understanding. This has been another weight that I have many times placed in the mason jar, as I tried again and again, hoping to *catch up* one day----while all the while falling further behind.

This has been a difficult letter for me to write, and I'm sure looking back I'll wish I *had* said this, or *hadn't* said that, but, I know many of you have been lovingly concerned because I haven't posted anything in a couple of weeks, and didn't want it to drag out any longer. As much as I may have wanted to, I just couldn't go on posting as usual. So, I'm sharing as best I can.

But, in farewell, I thought that we could take one last ramble, together, okay. How I do wish that there weren't those dark corners of ugliness on the internet, or in the world for that matter, but there are, and for that reason, I just no longer feel it's wise to continue blogging as I have been, so personally and openly--in mainly photos. I wish that I was entirely free to share my life and my family in this way----I have so enjoyed doing so, and would so love to continue, more than words can say. I'm thankful for what has been and am praying about what might be.

I know how it is to draw close to someone and come to know them and truly care for them and their family through daily sharing pf their life and family, through their blog/s. I have been visiting Jenny's blog each day for so long (longer than anyones) and would probably feel like my arm had been cut off if she just up and disappeared and there was no way for me to be in touch with her (though thankfully I can, and would, still write). When my dear friend Pat stopped blogging, though she only blogged for such a short time, I missed her very much and felt/and still feel a great sense of loss at her absence, and that incredible gift of being able to visit with her every day. I have also long visited Natalie, at Isabella in the 21st Century, each day, who for various reasons also decided to discontinue her blog. I have missed her so much since she's been gone, too. I think of her each day---because, even though time rarely allowed for me to comment, through visiting her each day, she became my very dear friend. This letter seems so far removed from blogging for me. It feels so much like saying goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Dean after a wonderful visit in Arkansas as we loaded in the car preparing to make the 12 hour trek back home to Wisconsin, feeling an inexpressible ache in my heart, crying as we pulled away, waving through the window---wondering if I'd ever see them again. It was a really tough decision to make.

I'll still visit blogs and say hello as time allows, and I'm very thankful for the friendships that I have developed through the blog and hope will continue, as God makes a way, beyond the blogosphere.

So, *all* this said, thanks *so* much for taking the time to read everything I've written here, *and* for your sensitive understanding. Thanks for all the other days you've taken the time to visit and for your sweet sharing. Before I go, I thought we might take this last stroll, together and I'll give a bit of an update as we walk along side-by-side, the way that things have been for a brief season--so sweet. A gift I'll treasure always.

In the photo above is Miss Maggie a little over 2 weeks ago--almost 2 weeks old. Isn't she precious!

And, here she was, also two weeks ago-- 2 weeks old............







Being adored by her loving mama.



And, Miss Maggie, just yesterday---who is 4 weeks old, today. Happy one month birthday, beautiful Bug!

How about those big fat cheeks! How about that adorable chin! *Love* that way-too-cute-little-pugged-nose! How did we *ever* get along without her? That's the question. :o)

And, a family stroll last Sunday afternoon at one of our favorite spots. We went on a lovely hike as a family yesterday afternoon, too, but I forgot to grab the camera. Just as well, as I was able to meander along holding Big Papa's hand nearly the whole time since I wasn't snapping photos, which was especially nice :o)







We hiked into the woods as it got darker and darker.

The gift of a bouquet for me, from Nicholai.





















Doesn't Julia (snoozing standing up) look just like Big Papa (snoozing standing up), here! :o)





Yesterday's arm wrestling championship. Big Papa takes James down! :o)









The boys are still working away on the house--up and at 'em bright and early. It's still on the market, and we're awaiting God's timing, if and as it's His will for it to sell.



A little bit of a visit ..............

I share these few photos of the house as the closest I can come to actually having you over for a little visit, to show you just a bit of what we've gotten situated by working away to prepare to put it on the market and to say thanks, most truly, for being so incredibly caring and making your way right along beside us; praying for us and lovingly encouraging since Big Papa heard that he'd lost his job. We have had so much peace amidst the journey--peace and joyful anticipation as we live out today and look ahead to the blessed next season God has planned for our family. I know that it's in large part a direct result of so many lovingly remembering us before the Him. Thank you.

Though the journey is not yet over, I do have exciting news to share with everyone--Big Papa got word just this morning that he got the job that we had been praying that he'd get, if God saw fit to give it.  So, now we're prayerfully waiting upon Him to sell our house--as the job is out-of-state. This has been a season of waiting--how much we've learned and how much fruit has been, and will doubtless be, borne, amidst and following, the waiting. God is so good. I love Him so much. If and as He brings us to mind, please pray that the He'll sell our present home, here, despite the situation with the housing market right now--we know that He's far more than able, if it's His desire for us to relocate. He has provided the job----and we are so grateful for that.

Our little house, at long last, completely painted.













Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, for your loving encouragement and friendship. Thank-you for caring about us and praying for us. Thank-you for being so very sweet, for opening up your hearts to me and mine. We have been immeasurably blessed through the blog. For those that I have written back and forth with, I've so appreciated the time you've taken to share your lives with me---please do feel entirely free to still write, if and as time allows. I'd love to hear from you. I'm really, really, really, going to miss you guys---really, more than you can know.

Lovingly and most sincerely, Jewels

Another day, and the drawing

A Simply Lovely Life

A treasure find. Rescued from a bin at the landfill. Getting cleaned up nicely, and readied for painting. Bedding will be made. A(nother) solid and sturdy, lovely new (ancient) wooden bed for the baby dolls.

Driver's Ed.

Lookin' dapper. Mama just cut your hair.



Birdhouse face.



Rocked in Big Papa's arms, while he sang hymn after hymn, 'til you were fast asleep, and resting sweetly at his side, for an hour and a half. This is the life.













The dear one drawn for the clothespin bag was, Tracy. Congratulations, Tracy :o) I wish you many fine sunny days at the clothesline, full basket/s at your feet, the wind in your hair, hanging out load after load after load! Do send my your mailing address when you get a chance, okay :o) Thanks so much, everyone, for joining in. Tracy's site is very warm and friendly and on it she has much to share. If and as time allows for you to go by for a visit, you're sure to be encouraged.

We had a great day, yesterday, and were blessed to have Wesley, Claire, Josie, and Maggie come and share the afternoon and evening with us. Rosie made a delicious pot of George's stew, which has become a favorite with everyone. Another full and busy day, here, today, everyone doing the usual chores, mornings spent doing schoolwork and some ongoing projects (fun for the little ones, and some, more of the *work* variety, for the older ones among us! :o) All is quiet here, now as most of the little ones are sound asleep and everyone else is winding down, ready to crawl into bed soon, themselves--myself included.

All through the weekend Big Papa and I were sharing back and forth about the wonder of God's loving care and goodness to us, in every way. I went by to visit Ann, at her lovely blog, Holy Experience, and my eyes filled with tears as I read this (just one of her very many) lovely post, that said nearly word for word what we had shared back and forth, repeatedly, over the weekend---almost as though Ann had been a little bird on the windowsill, overhearing everything we'd said :o) How very, very, grateful I am, to be the Lord's. How thankful I am, that it's all *Him*. Thank-you, for sharing your heart, and mine, dear precious sister, and friend.

I hope that each one of you and your families had a lovely weekend, and a fine Monday. Thanks so much for taking the time to come by for a visit. Thanks again for all your loving hellos and the sharing of your own precious lives.

The Lord bless you and keep you, and yours.
Lovingly, Jewels

Sing a song of summer's end

A Simply Lovely Life

Off to the seaside. Crabbing with Big Papa.





















































It's been a gorgeous day, today. The sun is out in it's finest splendor. After a morning of chores and projects there was crabbing with big papa, time spent in the pool, fans blowing, music playing, books being read and naps being taken. We have some oven-fried chicken in the oven baking and nearly done--filling the house and whetting our appetites, with it's savory aroma, potatoes cooking 'til they're soft enough to be mashed--James's special recipe, coleslaw, corn, green beans and garlic bread. After we've gathered 'round the table and enjoyed the good food, conversation and laughter, Big Papa and I will be packing the littlest ones into the van and heading on over to take dinner to Wesley, Claire and their precious babes. I've looked forward to it all day.

I had the sweetest time, last night---another priceless gift, of sitting on the big wooden swing out in the yard, that my dear kind dad made for me; before a warm, roaring and crackling campfire, holding the sleeping princess, Maggie Lou, borrowed in snugglie, curled up small, in her downy soft comforter nest, sound asleep. She slept in blissful contentment, until her wee belly began to get a bit rumblie, and she began rooting around looking for mama and her milk.

For those that haven't yet heard the joyous news, Kimberly was blessed with a darling baby boy! Here's the news of the birth, and here's an update. Just like Maggie, Kimberly's little one arrived before the midwife arrived (or in Maggie's case before Claire even got in the car and on the road to make her way *to* the midwife). It makes me so happy to think of these two dear little mamas now happily situated with their priceless treasures. I hope they both keep resting, resting, as much as they can, letting those that love them tend to their needs and care for them. It's a busy life, the life of a mama, and all too soon, they'll be back in full swing, as dear Claire pretty much already is. Do pray for them both if and as the Lord brings them to your heart and mind. And also, please do remember to pray for dear George and Kathy, too, won't you. I know each one here would be so grateful for your loving prayers on their behalf.

I hope that your day was lovely, and that your weekend passes slowly with lots of time for drinking in the life, love and wonder all around you, bit-by-bit, moment-by-moment, along the way.

The Lord bless you and keep you, and those most dear to you. Remember to freely cast your cares upon Him, and leave them there. He cares for you so. You will never, ever, know another, that cares for you, that loves you--just as you are, as deeply and truly, as He does.

Lovingly, Jewels

Blessed to receive

I actually wrote this entire post, yesterday, and then my computer froze up (the dsl line just up and quit working) and everything that 'd written was lost. So, since I had squeezed in the time to write that, there was just no time remaining in the day (or night) for me to begin all over again.

I had wanted to say that I was so sorry that I missed out on the planning stages of a swap--a cloth napkin exchange, that's in progress just now, over at Rhonda Jean's blog. The dishcloth swap was so very nice and I had hoped to let everyone know if another swap was in the works, but it just so happened that it fell during the exceptionally busy days of the past week or so, when time just didn't allow for me to blog. So, I am sorry about that, and do hope that all goes well and perhaps Rhonda Jean will do another, similar type swap, not too far down the road.

<<<<Update>>>> Rhonda Jean left a note saying that she'll be glad to extend the napkin swap sign-up, through Sunday. So, if you would like to be included, please leave a comment to let her know, here. The swap will close down again, on Monday.

For anyone that's desirous of ongoing learning and encouragement in the foundational practicalities of the fine art of homemaking, homekeeping and simple living, I'd just like to say, again, that Rhonda Jean has so very much to share, and she shares it so generously and beautifully, and all in sweet friendship. If time ever allows for you to take a visit and explore her archives you'll be so blessed.

Also, I have been moving mountains to try to get to the computer to rewrite the post that I lost, because in it, I so wanted to mention a drawing that's being held over at little jenny wren's, which ends, tomorrow for one of these adorable little cushions dolls in the photo above. I was blessed to receive mine in a lovely package that recently arrived from dear Jenny, and her very sweet daughter, Kate. Although the drawing was initially suppose to have ended, yesterday, she has extended it until tomorrow (Saturday), I believe. So, there's still time to swing by and leave a note to be entered for the gift of one of her very cute dolls.

Many have written to me, asking if we make dolls like the ones that my children have, and/or would we make one for them. Although we have made many dolls and do hope to make them at some point in the future, time just isn't allowing for it just now, *so* for those that would like to be able to have one made for one of their children or grandchildren, Jenny would be a wonderful resource, as she's a very gifted doll maker. She always has dolls in her etsy shop, but she will also make custom dolls (you would choose the skin, hair, eye color, etc....) You can see photos of many of the lovely dolls that she's made, here in her doll gallery, as well as here and there throughout her blog.

So, did I enter the drawing?? Yes, I did. You see this great big tug of war ensued, in my heart, as I sat in my rocking chair admiring this adorable little doll with it's cuddly body and cute knitted cap, as four (very cute, sweet, nurturing) little ones clamored to see, hold, and yes, become mama to, the baby! It did take all (the selfishness) I had, to give them a little look and then say, "welllll, mama/grammy's going to keep the baby and be her mama!

Did I feel guilty? Well, yes. And yes,* I still do* feel somewhat guilty, *but* that's where the drawing comes in. I figure that if my name is the one drawn I could then hold my own little drawing on this side of the world (Jenny's in Australia) and enter each of *my children and grnandcildren's names in it and then the name that *I* draw, here, can have *the other* doll. Well, I suppose I could have entered each of the children in over at Jenny's (hmmmm, this idea is only just now coming to me ;o) but, no, I'd probably feel guilty about *that*, too! So, I share my major dilemma, so that no one will hold it against me, if my name is the one drawn!! :o) :o) I am not saying it so that you'll feel pressured to *give me* (or or one of the children, rather, the doll if *your* name is drawn! ;o) Just so you know.

Also, if you're headed over to Jenny's you might want to take the time to read this *excellent* article that she wrote about the immeasurable value of loving your family and making your house a home.

And, I believe that you also be very encouraged and blessed by a likewise fantastically well thought out and articulated article that Natalie  (who actually has two blogs) wrote, Women's Work and a Simple Life, right along the lines of the very same. Both are excellent, and if time allows, would, I believe, be well worth your time to read.

Now, back to the wonderful package that was filled with treasure! Jenny also made this incredibly nice tea cosy for me, and it fit my **favorite tea pot** ( confession, here---favorite teapot that just happens to belong to Rosie, that I have been trying to persuade her to give to me/trade me for, etc....for years--to no avail, but I *think/am highly hoping* that the arrival of this perfectly suited wondrous tea cosy may have persuaded her in my favor and cinched the deal! ). Isn't it beautiful. I just love the colors, and the feel of the wool.



I also received the precious gift of this beautiful poem and a card from Kate. Isn't the poem lovely!



And Kate also sent along two lovely origami birds that she had made. I had to take the photos in near darkness so only one photo came out and even this one didn't come out too well.



And, when I opened my sweet card from Kate, all these little butterflies cut out from the border of the poem came fluttering out. How special!



I also received this delightful doily from Jenny, made all the more special to me by the fact that it was some of her own found treasure from a trip to *her* thrift shop. If you read Jenny's blog, you'll know that she shares her days in the warmest, most friendly way, and you almost feel like you have done what she's done or gone where she's gone, that day, with her. Well, it was really special to me, to feel as though I had made a trek to the thrift shop to poke around, with her, and actually found something (there in her neighborhood) and brought it home!



How very blessed I was to receive these very kind and generous, lovely gifts.

I was actually going to share about two other very thoughtful, special gifts that I received, here also, but time has run out as I am once again, beginning to fall asleep, so it seems I'll have to save them for another day.

I still haven't forgotten about the shrimp scampi recipe. It's on the top of my list.

Thanks so much for taking the time to come by. I hope you've enjoyed these past couple of days. All is very well, here--busy, but well. Some very dear friends came by for a visit and supper, and Wesley, Claire, Josie and Maggie, came by as well. What a wonderful time we had.

Well, one eye closed, and the other one falling fast, so I'm off to bed............
Lovingly, Jewels

A small gift to give

A Simply Lovely Life

In the midst of all the big projects, packing, travel, waitings and wonderings, real life is still going strong every which way 'round about me, and for that I am exceedingly thankful.

The air is filled with delicious rumblings of autumn--a welcome respite from the long hot, lazy days of summer--that will so soon be looked back upon as having all too quickly passed. From cool mornings curled up snug and warm beneath down comforters, to barely-opened eyes and tea-cupped hands, soups and breads shared at the noon hour, line after line of laundry flapping in the sun-kissed breeze; work clothes, play clothes, day clothes, night clothes, towels, sheets and diapers, the long anticipated hard-shelled bounty of the garden's bed, growing heavy on steadily green-to-browning vines, as the earth makes it's way towards the next season's rest, to the gently lulling rhythmic chorus of cricket's song during the twilight hours when the day is nearly done, and those my heart holds dearest and best, gathered together at it's close, good and tired, before one-by-one, each heads off, to stretching out long, stories, and bed.

Though I had intended to have this gift drawing in August, August has somehow entirely come and gone, and here stands September in it's stead. For all those, that like me and mine, find great pleasure in the simple homekeeping task of hanging out their laundry to dry in the fresh air and sunshine, either Rosie, or I, will be sewing up a clothespin/peg bag that fits over a wooden hanger--just like ours pictured here, to share with a dear one whose name we'll draw next Monday. If you'd like to be included in the drawing, please just leave me a note on this post, okay. Every one is most welcome, near or far. :o)

Well, I've set up camp at my bed's side, here with my laptop, and that big comfy feather tick, comforter, and soft mound of pillows are, to the very sweetest tune--calling my name. And, well, being the tired out gal that I am, I am being irresistibly drawn by their sway. So, I'll close for now and share the rest of what I had planned to share this evening, tomorrow, Lord willing. Maybe, I'll be able to pop in a bit earlier since I have all the photos I had planned to share, tonight, already uploaded, and the thoughts I'd hoped to write already twirling and swirling about in my head. I just can't sit here like a *blob* any longer.........I've got to hit the hay! :o)

I hope your day was filled with countless good things. They truly are everywhere, all around us, too numerous to number, aren't they?--in the simplest things of everyday; family, food, sunshine, jobs well done, rest sweetly taken, music, laughter, kisses and embraces. Having gotten snugged in and spent as much time reading as my heavily-lidded eyes have allowed, how I love to surrender to their closing while taking silent, thoughtful inventory of the beauty and blessings that filled my day. Oh, how I pray, to daily see life, through childlike eyes of wonder and a grateful heart. God is so very good, always, in all ways.

Still praying for Kimberly and her precious treasure, who will be nestled in her loving arms, so soon. So very soon. Rosie is the one that tells me each and every time how to add the link with the html---she's sound asleep, so I'll have to get her to help me add it in, tomorrow---just so no one misses Kimberly's big news! Sleep well, precious little mama.

Much love to each one of you. Thanks for coming by to visit, and again thanks so much for your kind, caring words of friendship. I did get quite a few notes written today, but I'm still a good way's behind--making progress, though :o) I also got to do a bit of blog *visiting* today, too, which is always so nice. Lord willing, I'll see you, tomorrow--I haven't forgotten about that shrimp scampi recipe, either.

Jewels

Re-entering the blogosphere

A Simply Lovely Life

A very loving hello to each of you, my dear friends. Please do forgive my entire-week-long absence, without so much as a word, which was entirely unintentional! Throughout each day I had planned to blog at the end of it, but by-and-by, one-by-one, as the end/s rolled around, there just weren't enough hours in the day/s for me to actually do so. Once again, so much to tell, so very little time to tell it.

It seems that I had fallen into the rhythm of blogging at the close of each day, after all of the little ones had been tucked into bed and fallen fast asleep. But, between Big Papa being home each day (and me accustoming myself to *his* rhythm, which at this early stage of the game is somewhat like me--turtle woman, gearing up, and working out for, a marathon ;o), preparing the house to be put on the market, preparing to show the house and actually showing it, as well as the ongoing, wonderful ordinary daily be-ings and do-ings of life, once the Littles had been tucked in, I too, was falling fast asleep and ready to crawl into bed, myself--the busy day done, with no time remaining for writing. And so it has gone for the past 7 days (scratching my head in disbelief--have *7* days actually passed??).

Thank-you, so sincerely, for each one of your loving, caring notes. I'm actually falling asleep as I type, tonight, but so wanted to touch base with you, to send a loving hello and let you know that all is very well. Regardless of how late it was or how tired I was, I had determined throughout the day to at least type out a quick note, tonight. I do think that things will begin to slow down somewhat, now that so much of the hard work is behind us and the house is finally on the market.

Today was the first truly quiet day in a while, and it felt so good to have it be so. Actually, last week was so busy that I didn't even get to see Claire, Wesley and the babies again until, today. Claire was very blessed to have her lovely, sweet mama, Linda, there with them during each day and evening, for the