• 08.30.2009 A Typical Sunday Night
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  • 08.29.2009 A Handbag for Gen
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    You want to see another sewing project, you say? Well, I just happen to have one to share! You may have noticed that there has been zip.zero.nada. in my etsy shop since its inception last Fall. And I’m not sure if I’ll ever get around to it… Sewing is such a major event in my current hobby-unfriendly pace of life. The only thing that can convince me to block off time and a corner of my bedroom for a creative endeavor is the hope of blessing a friend for a special occasion. As handmade birthday gifts from me are a tradition with a small group of girl-friends, I’ve been busy getting this ready for its little debut in celebrating the 37th birthday of a longtime friend. As much as I would love to offer a tutorial on how this bag was made, there just isn’t time for that. I can, […]

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  • 08.26.2009 Training Hearts Teaching Minds
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    Our family enjoys family devotional time around the breakfast table. Troy leads us through scripture memory (which Number 3 loves!) and a section from this book. The key to all learning is asking the right questions. Leading our children through the shorter catechism asks them the right questions and gives them a solid Biblical answer. If you ask the wrong questions, you may come up with great answers, but you will be heading in the wrong direction. Even if they don’t understand it right now, the right questions can been asked and the foundation laid. …unless your five yr. old repeats the first question of the shorter catechism like this: “What is man’s pwimawy porpoise?” See, wrong question leads to wrong answers!

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  • 08.23.2009 Anticipating a New Little Byrdie…
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    I had fun making this nursing cover-up for my sweet friend who’s faith has grown much through a difficult loss…and is now anticipating the arrival of a precious baby boy…a new baby Byrd.

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  • 08.20.2009 Two Stories That May Change My Life
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    I had two experiences yesterday that called me to attention. This exercise in reflection takes me outside the usual scope of my blogging format. Thanks for affording me this little moment in my personal journey. Earlier in the evening: “Mama, I want to go on a date with you. At nighttime.” “Where would we go?” I ask my oldest. “To Pappadeaux. Then I would take some of the money in my piggybank and buy you something.” “That’s sweet of you, honey,” I said, “but you don’t have to buy me anything. What do you like at Pappadeaux, anyway?” “Um…I would eat their mini corn dogs.” I laughed, and then said something non-committal, as I was tired and not taking this conversation seriously. He sweetly kissed me goodnight, and went to bed. But then I got to thinking. So much talking happens in this house, but sometimes very little listening. And […]

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  • 08.19.2009 A Lesson at Costco
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    School has gone surprisingly well today. Number 4 napped, Number 3 colored, Number 2 started reading on his own (!), and Number 1 pretty much taught himself. School went so well, in fact, that we were able to take a grocery and lunch break at Costco. While the boys munched their pizzas and hot dogs, a kind, elderly lady came over to our table and offered, “You have the most amazing little boys! They are all so well-behaved. Not a peep out of them!” “Thank you, thank you very much.” I replied, remembering all the other times these 4 were FULL of peep-ness (that, and pee pee-ness, as well.) “Mama, ” Number 1 asks, “why didn’t you tell her why we’re like that?” *placating smile* Because I can’t tell a complete stranger that heart-oriented discipline plus the sting of a flexible ruler proves effective! I think to myself. “Well, son, […]

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  • 08.18.2009 First Day ’09
    First Day ’09
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    First day of school. First day of kindergarten for Number 2. First day of year 2 for Headmaster hubby. First day for Number 3 to be the oldest for the day…and to help Mama with dishes. “Mama, Caleb’s water bottle is going toot toot!” And…First day with no big brother supervision for Number 4! Tomorrow will be our first day homeschooling 2…with 2 little ones busy distracting. This will take some adjusting to for all of us!

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  • 08.17.2009 Thinking Outside the Lines
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    Today I’d like to introduce you to my Sleek Little Clothesline in the laundry room. You may have a clothesline outside, or a drying rack inside, but nothing is as handy as having something at your fingertips. Wet swimsuits, delicate unmentionables, baby booties, and occasional notes for mom, all appreciate this new line of thinking. And here’s the best part: It’s not a clothesline! It’s actually drapery hardware (posts, wire, and clips!) that cost $4.99 from IKEA. Surprised? Admit it, your mind is now rolling with all the other possibilities for this clothesline, er..I mean drapery wire. Here’s my short list of creative uses: 1. Use it in the schoolroom to display the kids’ artwork. 2. Display family photos with it in the den. 3. Install in the kitchen under cabinets for a simple way to keep basic, regularly-used recipes at hand. 4. Christmas card/rotating holiday display. I love to […]

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