A taste of what's to come

 We are trying some no-till (or it may be "low-till" this year and no-till the next) gardening this year, and it's so exciting to see the ground prepared for the garden. I can almost taste the cherry tomatoes...

It's raining today, and the kids were acting excited because it's been a while since they've seen rain (vs. snow). I have to admit, a little part of me wants to jump for joy with them. It won't be long...

A big day and a goodbye

I've finally done it. After months of saying, "I think I should get off Facebook, what do you think honey?" to my husband, I am out. The fact that I pondered so long and hard over such an insignificant choice made me wonder if it was playing too large a role in my life. Funny thing is, I RARELY post anything on facebook (which probably makes me the worst kind of user). I comment on a lot, but I don't update my status or post pictures, so I'm hardly an addict. And just to be clear- the problem is not necessarily Facebook, it's me, so I'm not throwing any stones here. I'd already limited my updates to only family and church friends- and I do love knowing what's going on with my aunts and uncles and cousins and extended church family.

I've been feeling the need to cut back on all things computer related for a while, just because I see it drawing my heart away from my children. I switched to a Friday afternoon blog-reading session vs. the daily keeping up with all my peeps (and pretend peeps). The way our computer is positioned in the living room means my back is turned to the kids, but for me, it signifies more than just having my eyes on a screen vs. them. (And no, I don't think I need to be with them all the time or constantly playing with them.) I thought about just rearranging the computer area, but I don't think this really solves my problem.

I want my love and my heart to enjoy being with my children, interested in knowing them and who these little people are growing up to be, and not my hundreds of acquaintances. I want to write them little encouraging notes, and keep up with their status' throughout the day, because they are ever-changing. One day soon they will be teenagers, and I need to know- really KNOW and study- these crazy people who live with me. Sometimes I look at my daughter and think, "You look just like me, and yet we are NOTHING alike and I don't understand half of why you do and say the things you do." :) 

I already knew what I wanted to do, but the following article articulated it better than I have in the past, both to my husband and to myself. I don't want my kids to expect to find me on the computer if no where else, and I don't want to have to say that my last home video of my daughter has me in the background on the computer (and that could be me, and a lot of us, truth be told).
Why I'm Taking a Break from Facebook

Facebook is a great tool, and I will have to compensate for not having it at my disposable by making a few more phone calls, emailing friends a little more often, and making a concerted effort to know what's going on with my church family. I might have to spend a little more time with those chubby babies at church instead of pouring over their pictures on Facebook. But I think I'm okay with the trade-off.

what more?

 

"You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit."

Job 10:12

Life, being loved by the Lord of All, and a preserved spirit- what more could I ask for?

So thankful for the love of family, the love of friends, and the love of Christ which binds us together in Him.

a new look

I still have a little work to do with the rest of this little blog, but I've been shopping around for a new header. After I found out that I couldn't really get a personalized one (one that I had a large say in) for less than $25, I decided it would have to wait.

And then I found Elle. She's the one who designed the beautiful FREE calendar I told you about a few weeks ago.

Two days ago I noticed a little ad on her blog for a $9 customized header. I emailed her and asked, "Seriously?"

She was thorough in her questions about what I like, the look I was going for, and let me make several changes until I was perfectly pleased. FOR NINE DOLLARS.

I had $40 of Christmas money hanging around, and this was by far the most bang for my buck. If you aren't in the market for a blog update, you should at least check out her blog and see what she's doing to make-over her house on a dime (or whatever currency they use in the Philippines...I should know that.)

Naturally sweet

My Mom sent me this link from Twig & Thistle, and I think it's a genius Valentine idea. I printed some out to give to my hubby and kids- and who says they have to be used just for Valentine's Day?

Thanks, Mom!

Inspired

...(and instructed) by Paige's tutorial on inexpensive jewelry, I made this last week:

...by a husband who has to come home from his suit and tie job and don coveralls to patch a fence our neighbor horses jumped and broke

..by how happy this boy was after losing his first tooth...although he cried bitterly when he discovered his tooth was missing and there was a dollar in its place. He wanted to keep both, apparently. WH told him the tooth fairy likes candy, and if he leaves some chocolate under his pillow perhaps she will trade it for his tooth. (He knows the whole thing is a farce, but thinks it's a hilarious game).

Sunshine after the rain

January has come and gone, with nary an organization post to be seen here in this little corner of the web. I actually had two weeks worth of posts planned, but between being sick and caring for sick people all month, those posts never saw the light of day. But that's okay- some other month I will pontificate on the joy of my home notebook and how it keeps me cleaning obscure areas on a monthly basis. Or about how my month of meal plans has simplified my life. It all seems a moo point now. (I'm embarrassed to know that sitcom quote, but obviously not ashamed to use it.)