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.