It's Beginning to Look A Little More Like Christmas

What a great weekend. We finally got our tree up -which was pretty painless this year. The lights cooperated, no ornaments were broken. I got lots of shopping done, Alyssa has the cards under control, and to round out the weekend... a beautiful time of worship at church with Christmas carols and time to just sit in awe of God and His incredible plan. At one point, during one of my favorite carols, I looked around and saw the familiar faces of church family and just had an ahhhh moment. I'm striving to find the balance of focusing on the simple joy and beauty of this season and taking care of the not so simple tasks that go along with it. God is so good to provide just what we need at just the right time. And, thank you, God, that's all year long.

Going Home

I was away during Thanksgiving so I missed being able to blog all that I am thankful for. Thankfully, I can do that every day! And, being away, visiting with family, definitely made me more grateful and aware of the blessings that abound in my life.

I always love going "home". I love the familiar smell of my mom's house, playing the annual Scrabble game with my brother(who rarely ever loses), visiting the local Zesto(it's a burger drive-in place that has the best ice cream cones that all the locals call "a custard"), riding through the park to see the light display and just having down time to sit and talk about the cousin of my former Sunday School teacher who married so and so once removed... There's nothing quite like it- it's so simple- and that's just how it's supposed to be. And, I'm thankful for that.

How fitting that Advent should fall just after Thanksgiving. I'm ready to rejoice in the true reason for this season - and every day of the year. Somehow, going home helped me realize that.

Silver Bells

I heard it today – the first Christmas music in the material world. At first, I had to stop the grocery shopping I was doing to listen and make sure I was really hearing what I thought I was hearing. It was unmistakable – soft, background strains of holiday music. Amazing…it gets earlier every year.

As I get older, I realize that a pattern in my behavior is developing. I start out fine with the whole holiday scene, somewhat excited about it all as I revisit childhood memories and the excitement of decorating the tree, the smell of baking, the joy of giving just the right gifts. But as the weeks progress, I’ll admit, I fall into a mild depression. I get so tired of commercial after commercial bombarding me with what I need to make this the most special Christmas ever. Then, the fatigue sets in from trying to get it all done - and done just right. And, before long, I’m wasted and ready for the whole thing to be over, feeling futile in my attempts. As a Christian, I realize this is just representative of the struggle to allow God’s grace to be sufficient for me. I know the true meaning of Christmas. My struggle is in keeping Him first and foremost above the holiday stresses and materialistic interruptions. But, then, that’s really just my life’s struggle compacted, and magnified, into 4-6 weeks of the year.

I so want this Christmas to be filled with the things that really matter – love, laughter and, above all, time to be still and reflect on just what this time of year celebrates – my Savior, born in a manger, come into this world to die a horrible death so that I could be saved from my sin. He is the most precious gift and He is the celebration. But, then, shouldn’t that be a celebration everyday in my heart?

I plan on keeping you posted throughout this season on how I’m progressing in this quest – or should I say rest? Now, time to dig out that wrapping paper I bought on sale last year…xox- Robin

Puppy Love

We did it (yawn). Sean has been wanting a puppy for his own for as long as I can remember(did I say,"for his own?") So, in honor of his 13th birthday, Dad and Mom bit the bullet, so to speak. I feel like I'm living through babyhood all over again - the sleepless nights, cleaning up mess (although, he's doing really good, as far as puppies go), the whining just when I've settled into relaxation mode... I know we asked for it! And, honestly, I think it's all worth it every time I see the look in Sean's eyes when they're playing together or snuggled up on the couch. Just a boy and his dog - what can I say? Excuse me while I try to sneak in a nap!

Hello New School Year

Okay, I'm sitting here reading from blog to blog when I know I have so much to do to get ready for school. That's right...Adams Academy is opening for the 2008-09 school year. Can't say I'm "chomping at the bit", but at least some sense of normalcy will return to our household. Sleepovers will be alot less frequent -say, from every night to just one per weekend. We'll wake up earlier:( and be more scheduled :( :( We'll have books and projects spread all over the house. I know I'm not sounding like an enthusiastic, homeschooling mom right now... Summer has just been way too short this year. But, life is short and the learning must go on! Truly, I do feel blessed to be able to learn all the things I should've learned a long time ago right along with my kids. So, good-bye summer, hello new school year!

Lagging on the Posting

Why is it so difficult for me to post more frequently? Could it be that I feel like I'm spinning around daily in a cyclone, being whirled from one activity to the next at a maddening speed? Now, I didn't say the activities were necessarily extremely important. But even sitting down to the computer, I suddenly am lost in the archives of others' blogs and before I know it - an hour has past, leaving no time for me to sit and ponder, staring at the screen of my own blog, trying to think of what's on my mind. So, if by chance, you're one of the 3 people that get on to me for not posting more often - here it is....my post for the month of July. Not informative or even exciting, but representative of what's on my mind. Apparently, not much...I'll try harder next month!

Learning to Let Go

I guess I'm facing the challenge that every parent eventually comes up against. Yes, I've been looking back on old photos and reliving moments. You couldn't have told me sixteen years ago that I would feel this struggle or that it would be such a lesson for so many areas of my life. You know, you think you have it all under control - the little chicks are tucked safely under Mother Hen's wing and all is well. You patiently teach them and guide them - feeling, all the while, like you have all the time in the world. Then, suddenly, the chicks are as big as you are and they're testing the waters (or, maybe that's ducklings) and gradually moving further out from your wing. Then, they are further away than you can even see, out of the ever-watchful eye. And, you're left standing there waiting for when they return to the safety of the nest.

What a blessing to not have to go this alone. I mean, friends experiencing the same season of life really help. But, I'm thankful for someone even greater who knows them better than I ever will. He knows what's on the inside of His creations and only He knows what lies ahead for them and for me. And, He never takes His eye off of us. I'm like my own chicks. I long for the security that's only found while resting under the shadow of His wing. Yet, I wander out on my own under His watchful eye and eventually come running back for the joy of being in His presence - which is what I really long for.

Oh, life is so full of lessons - for children, as well as their parents. While I watch my own children gaining their independence (and, yes, that is a good thing), I can only hope and pray that they will still desire the comfort and joy of being with me and know that coming home is an option and that the door is always open. But, much more importantly, I hope that they will ever be aware of the greater need to be under the shadow of His wing and know the joy of really being home!

Tiny Dancer

I couldn't comment on my guys and leave out my girl!

sweet.sassy.decisive.confident.faithful.sensitive.shy......a beautiful blessing from God.


Alyssa has been dancing for 11 years now. She is very passionate about the art of dance and watching her makes me smile - and cry. Especially when I think back on all these years of lessons and recitals and even dancing around the living room and in the grocery store! Ahhh...just moments in time....

Psalm 30:11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy...

My Guys

complicated, yet easy
aggressive, yet kind
tough, yet sensitive
confident, yet humble

smelly, yet fragrant
individual creations,

yet cut from the same mold

thank you, God!

T.G.I.F.

Again, it's been awhile. School's almost out for us homeschoolers (at our home, anyway!) Sounds a bit ironic, really, because when you school at home there's always some lesson awaiting a sound exhortation by Mom. And, of course, we will still be practicing our studies in home economics(maybe we'll get more cleaned in less time now that we can focus), Math(computing tabs to Mom for Sonic runs) and grammar usage(it may be Summer, but double negs. and ain't are still out of the question:) Really, I can't wait.

Anyone going to the Franklin Main Street Festival this weekend? I'm going to visit friends at Mamamade. Check out Urban Hen (Sharon Raines) and Sankai Yesu (Faye Maynard), as well as many other talented mamas, at Lilli Belle's Teahouse, right off the square in downtown Franklin. I pray the rain holds off because what better way to spend a Saturday morning than strolling around downtown Franklin? Haven't done that in a while... Maybe I'll see you there!

Get Out of the 'Burbs

I went for a walk at Radnor Lake today. My body said,"No, wait...let's talk about this." But, my spirit said,"Go!" I'm so glad I listened. Just driving into the park, to me, is like entering another world - a world of quiet beauty that surrounds you. As I drove along the road I saw this enormous owl fly right over my car. I was thrilled. I can't remember the last time I saw an owl. Sad, huh?

So, I take the Lake Trail that winds up, up, up and then gradually descends. Everything is so peaceful and beautiful - red bud and dogwood trees just popping out. But, there's still enough bareness to really see the beauty coming through. Ahhh....

Then, breaking the tranquility is this loud, "Who-hoo-hoo-hoo" (you get the idea). My friend, Mr. Owl, who greeted me upon entering the park was very close by. I felt like he was saying,"Welcome to my world. Let my eerie call replace the monotonous noise of your world, and why don't you relax a little?" So, as I continued on my way Mr. Owl flew right in front of my path to the other side of the lake, who-hooing as he reached the other side. Then, to my further delight, a red-headed woodpecker was perched on the side of a tree pecking away, oblivious to my approach. So, I stood and just watched him for the longest time - amazed. They are really beautiful birds.

My walk ended as I came out by the lake, peeking through the gray twigs and the redbuds and dogwood. I am so amazed at God's incredible creation. And, to think, it's all around us. Of course, Radnor, with its quiet peacefulness, forces you to focus solely on that amazing beauty and delight in it.

I'm definitely getting out of the 'burbs more often!

So Ready for Spring...

I know, it's been awhile....I think I went into hibernation right after my last post. The weather has been drab and cold - or, rainy, drab and cold - or just plain drab. But, today it is almost 70*F and glorious. So, time to come out and smell the roses or look at the daffodils. And, they are gorgeous. That bit of snow last week didn't even seem to faze them. They just lifted their pretty golden faces and laughed right in Old Man Winter's face. Rebels - I love them!

So many sights and sounds to take in today...budding forsythia, these cute little birds that I've been watching build their nests under our patio overhang, robins with their red breasts hopping around, green grass- finally and, of course, the daffodils. I wish I could capture them all to look back on because I feel sure we'll have at least one more cold spell, but I hope not drab and cold... I'm tired of drab. I'm ready for Spring...

A Prayer in Spring

-Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleaure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfill.

Happy Valentine's Day

I've always loved Valentine's Day...even before I had a boyfriend. There was always something so sweet and innocent about giving and receiving the tiny cards with just the person's name scribbled on it. They didn't even need to write a personal note. And, candy attached was nice, too. Ahhh, the innocence of youth. Everything seemed much simpler then.

As an adult, I find myself still desiring that sweetness and, okay - honestly, I have the attitude of show me the love. I want it to be about me. But, that's not what true love is. Love is putting others before yourself. In true love, there should be joy in the giving as well as the receiving. And, I'm talking about more than little cards here - or candy!

1 John 4:19 says: We love because He first loved us. (From the paraphrase in my Bible: God's love is the source of all human love, and it spreads like fire. In loving his children, God kindles a flame in their hearts. In turn, they love others, who are warmed by God's love through them.) And, what love! To save us from our sins through Christ! It doesn't get any better than that.

I pray everyone has a blessed day today and that the message of true love will be an everyday realization for all of us!

Endearing and Enduring Friendship...

Old and dear friends of ours just left after visiting with us for 3 days. We actually spent much of that time with friends who live here also - a ratio of 6 adults to 9 kids. I am reminded whenever we get together of just how precious friendship is - especially with those who know you, listen to you (blah, blah, blah...), and still accept you for who and what you are. We spent much time reliving the past, looking toward the future and trying to figure out our present. I love it when laughter (and tears) abound, along with good food and fun! They always remind me that, though this life is hard ( a phrase I know I use way too often) - it also is sweet and filled with constant reminders of God's love and redeeming grace.

I think we need to visit way more often....

A New Year!

A new year and so many ideas are whirling around in my brain. I finally cleaned out the garage (major clutter) and thankfully have a more organized workroom - you know, to work in. So, I can't wait to hit the table and get to work on new creations. Please check back often to see what I'm whipping out. I can't wait to show you!