happy day, no matter what you do.

Even if you don't celebrate Halloween, I think we all can admit that dressing up is super fun.
Kids love it and I fully support my kids dressing up, all the time.  They have already pretended to be circus clowns, astronauts, pirates, princesses, grocery store clerks, doctors and horse jockeys.
It's fun and encourages imaginative play, which Is one of my chief priorities in homeschooling-making my kiddos use their imagination and think for themselves. I rarely give them ideas {please don't think I'm mean}....I just say, "Go play and use your imagination" all the time.

Bonus, it's super cute to see what they come up with.
So, have a great day and evening and if you are staying in, why not just dress up, for fun?
Moms, you're kids would think you were the coolest if you emerged from the bedroom in a snazzy homemade costume.  Just do it.
Throw a bunch of clothes in the middle of the room and go nuts.

You could always be a gnome.
Nah, leave that to Francine.  

By the way,  do you remember when someone else dressed up in this outfit?  Time flies....

And a second by the way,  are you new here?  I would love if you introduced yourself so I could say hello!

Saving Mr. Banks.

I have about 3 minutes to write this post.

I was up, at 5am, and am scurrying around the house, doing my best to drink four cups of coffee, in quick succession.
Tuesdays are the day that I watch my best friends children and so, in about 30 minutes, it will be chaos within the walls of my home.  Good chaos, but certainly not the type of chaos that allows for sitting at a computer and serenly writing a well-constructed post.

So, I'll just share this link.

Which is making me oh so happy.
If you are new here, you might not understand why, but if you visit my old home, you'll see {eventually} that I have quite a love affair with Mary Poppins.
Maybe I need to talk about it more, here at Crimson.  Yes. 

Obviously, this news made my day.

Happy Tuesday! {and I haven't forgotten to post about those cinnamon rolls!}

Pray.....

.....without ceasing.

above all, grace.

 via


Print {both online and hardcover} can have a interesting way of miscommunicating the very essence of someone.

I stopped reading a blog, awhile back, because I felt the writer was distant, sarcastic {more often than not} and generally lacking of kindness.  It irritated me.

And then I saw a video where they were featured. They spoke and I immediatly felt bad for judging them.  I felt bad for assuming I knew this writer and guilty because my heart had made a determination of them as a person, based on words.  I actually began to like them because I saw their spirit, not simply

That seems to be the case with the internet and my space isn't exempt.  I'm sure people have visited my online spaces and not cared for something I said.  Or felt generalized.
I'm not sure but I would assume it's happened simply by virtue of my being human and intensely imperfect. 

Anyone with an opinion can write and chances are, someone will disagree and dislike the "you" that is aired over the internet waves.  Or perhaps one incident {or a series of them} has spoiled a relationship, sadly.

What I'm learning right now in my life is that we must have grace, to live well.

Above all things, I must have grace and love for others.
Because if I carry Christ in my heart as Savior, it would be a direct sin against Him to excersise limited grace and lack of passion, for His people.

I'm writing this and watching the three most important humans, in my life, dance around the living room, wildly.  They jump and sway and clap hands and feel the rhythm, resonating from the speakers and I think, "This is primal and natural and basic, happiness. Joy is normal and human."

We were created to be joyful, grace-filled creatures and not just to the people that we surround ourselves with, but in one accord with everyone. Too often we stifle it and make it hinge on politics, neighborhoods, opinions and social class. Or on one argument or sour note.  We allow lack of grace to change the course of friendships, relationships and marriages.  We completely eliminate the basic nature of living, which is to love.
And one can not love, without grace. 

Of course things will always seperate us from others and make the grace-giving, difficult.  But to think that we disqualify people from the love and grace that we automatically expect, daily, from Christ, is laughable.
I struggle just like you.  With people, circumstances, family, friends, situations.  I struggle with grace and I struggle to understand and care for people, in the way they deserve, but we must. I must.

We must show grace.  We must live in a constant state of grace if we desire any chance at sharing our Lord and if you are like me, it's much easier to see the lack of humanity in others, than the huge hole in my own being, which needs filling from Christ, alone.

People will annoy, hurt, pain, destroy, rip, anger and ignore you.
And you will do the same to others/you already have.

Give grace and love, anyway.

The Lord of all creation does that, for you, for me, each day.

A new oven. A blessing, indeed.

Yes, I am still disappointed {ever so slightly, I can't tell a lie} that we aren't going to Washington DC, this December.  Especially when I think about the Christmas lights and the thought of Sean and I, strolling through the city, with a hot chocolate and all of my many tourist maps, that I had started collecting.

BUT.

It will happen someday and in the meantime, I have a new little friend that is making me smile.

Meet my new oven.

It came yesterday and I gotta say.
I'm pretty excited.
Our previous appliance was a microwave/oven combo and it was small.  I had to special order cookie sheets to fit.  I didn't like that.
When I found out that a double oven was a option, I was so so so excited.
YES I WILL TAKE THAT, PLEASE!

And so it came, was installed and I looked at it.  I have to say, I'm so grateful.  I'm grateful that it is here and what it means to me-being able to cook and be at home and make food that makes people happy.  That means something to me.  Maybe it will mean giving someone something, on a day they feel the walls closing in or maybe it will simply mean feeding my family.
But I think this oven is a good thing and something I'm thankful for.  Two ovens to feed many.

I'm happy to have the chance to feed people and my family and food to eat.
It's a good thing.

Speaking of a good thing....
I tried THIS recipe for the first time.
I'll be sharing my thoughts and pictures, next week, but let me just say.....
WOW.

I was able to give four batches away and that was the best part of all.
Sharing food and love, with others.

Washington DC will always be there and we will go someday.
I'll happily enjoy my super snazzy, double oven, for now.
{Should we name it?}


Happy Weekend!

say goodbye and let it go.

It is so easy to say {I should know, I've said it to people, often}.
It is not so easy, in practice.

Let. It. Go.

I have had something vexing me for about a year.  Acutally two or three things.  And these things will go doormant and then creep up behind me.  I'll have a perfectly restful stretch and then a sudden attack will render me sleepless as I try to make my way through the tangled maze, in my mind.

Reasoning and questioning and trying to figure out my part in the play and how I could have tweaked this and changed that.  Making reason out of complete madness.  Trying to change history.

And I'll sit with the girls and ask for the same prayer request.  I'll ask them the same thing, week after week after week after week.

Pray for peace. Pray for me to LET.IT.GO.
And they do and I make a slow release....just enough to almost completely take my hand and put it in my pocket.  Open my palm and watch the balloon soar into the vast blue.  Becoming smaller and smaller and smaller, as I get stronger and stronger and stronger.

Then I grasp, quickly and wrap my fingers around that round, lead, heavy and cumbersome balloon string.
It's almost like I somehow enjoy the control that it can have over my mind and thumping heart.  It can take a strong person and make them weak, distracted.

Something changed today.  Who knows why and maybe just because. There was no reason.  It's a normal day. Just as normal as all of the other days I have chosen to sacrifice to that clenched fist.

As I drank my two o'clock coffee and stared out the window, I walked onto the porch.
I looked up to the sky and I let my balloon go.
Stretched out my hand {surely my neighbors think I'm a lost cause} and released that lead balloon and wouldn't you know....

It wasn't that heavy, once it was floating away.
I watched it gracefully drift away and be carried.
My problems and hurt and disappointment, hanging on that small string.

I
let
go.

It isn't easy but once I realized I has the control and it was up to me...
I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner.
Freedom is so very light.


{And what about you?  Should you let go?
Rest assured I have stood right where you are....holding on and clenching on to hurt and situations and all the petty things that take ownership of our heart.....}

around ye old house {a family update, of sorts}

Thanks for your continuing thoughts and opinions on recent posts.  I love hearing from each of you!  Keep it coming and I'll try to respond in as timely of a manner, as I can!
I decided to do a update about our family since many of you ask how we are all doing....{and I'm so grateful for such caring and wonderful readers}....

****

Things here at home are good and homeschooling is in full swing.  It's harder than I thought but also easier than I thought {if that can make sense to anyone}.  While I enjoy the curriculum we picked, I have made some adjustments, for my sanity and it's working really well for us.
Kensington taught herself to write her name and is a pretty quick learner.  She likes a challenge, which is good but she also doesn't like failing {typical first child}.  I'm teaching her it is o.k and sometimes good to fail.  It teaches us to look back and see how we can do better and be better. Kensington loves art, anything that has to do with building and reading.   She wants to read so badly.  She also likes sending people things in the mail and telling the most creative stories.  She has a sweet spirit about her-usually thinking about others and wanting to do small things for them. 

Frankie is a spitfire.  She plays hard, wants to run everywhere {never walks} and can put on her own shoes {CROCS, but still}.  She throws away her own trash and likes wet wipes, daddys protein bars and dancing.  All she wants to do is be outside and turn on music. If she could have a dance party, in the front yard, that would be ideal. She is up, every morning, without fail, at 5:20am.  Yes,Yes, we even tried to have her cry it out for a solid 3 weeks.  Turns out that even an hour of screaming didn't bend her.  She's an early riser and that is that.  But that early wake up time has become a time that Frankie and I can spend, just her and I.  Usually she wants to play trucks {her favorite toy}, but there are moments when she just wants to hug.  She snuggles, which I like.

Sean is pretty great {and by pretty great, I basically mean that I adore him}. He works three jobs but still manages to be home at a decent hour, spend tons of time with our family and friends and find time to do work, around this place. He refuses to pay for a gardener or car wash, so weekends generally are spent outside with a weed-wacker and squeegee.  He serves as the "superintendent" of our school {I know some of you are laughing}, so there have been several occasions when a call to the "boss" have been put in and he has had to dole out some harsh consequences, over the phone.  Very effective and takes the load off of me as the primary disciplinarian, during the days.  I get tired of being the bad guy.
Sean also helps quite a bit with homeschooling.  He comes home and does reading with the girls and on his days off, handles some of the projects and small activities.  He's great at it and handles it in a different way than I would, so it adds diversity to Kensingtons learning. All this and he manages to see his friends on a regular basis and enjoy the EPL {which he and the guys chat about on their own bi-weekly podcast, on their blog!}
Sean and I have instituted sushi date night, once a week.  It is an expenditure that I offset by watching my friends kids, once every other week.  While I'm sure we could do something cheap/free, we look forward to sushi ALL WEEK.  The kids are in bed, Sean hops in the car and comes home with spicy tuna and wasabi.  It's a great tradition and every now and then we have guests which make it extra special.  I'm telling you...sometimes....when the kids have lost their minds and are wearing buckets on their heads and running around the house screaming.....I think of sushi and a small tear rolls down my face.  I'm THAT excited about it.
Don't judge me.

And me?  Life is good and I'm enjoying it. Even the small things that make life "interesting", I appreciate because it's, well, challenging.  I'm reveling in this time, as a mom.  It's not all sunshine and lollipops but it is rewarding and difficult and joyful and painful, all at one time.   There are moments where my friends and I sit around and cry because we are tired and then there are triumphs where I think, "I finally got it!", quickly dashed by the fridge being left open for 3 hours and everything spoiling in it.  Even still, I clean, learn some new recipes, am active in our church, my friendships, reading, running and learning about our political system {hoping to become even more involved, someday}. "Vintage" is still a joy of mine, but time to invest in that is at a premium, so often it falls by the wayside.  I just tell myself that when my children are all grown and making waves in the world, that is when I can estate sale EVERYday!  Blogging is still very enjoyable and I'm loving this community and getting to know you, so thank you for being here. Oh and Instagram is great.  I love taking and ordering pictures {follow along with me, yes?}.

Life is moving quickly and I'm trying to be present, in the lives of the people around me, who know and love me.  Who are there for us and pour love, into my children. The people in our lives treat my kids like they are their own- I'm so grateful for them and that the Lord has given them to us.  I feel blessed.

It's a good life and a simple life and a life that I truly anticipate, each day {some days it just take a bit more time to appreciate}.

Here are a few pictures of our everyday.  Sadly, Sean isn't in any of them....off working his tail off so we can make a house payment.

{all pictures from Instagram}

***

My two happy campers.  Always smiling.

Kensington was caught playing with my eyeliner.  This was out of character for her, but she stated that Frankie was doing it and she "just had to try".  Picture two was taken after her consequence was doled out.

Francine is still sucking those two fingers, almost two years later.

We visited Uncle Jonathan at his gym.  We all had a great time and are so proud of him.  He's a stud and made his dream come true! The girls love their uncle and I love my brother.

Kensington is on her last week of art class.  Her final one is tomorrow and last week she completed her pumpkin, which she announced was half pumpkin, half monster.  "Monsterkin".

Again with the smiling.

Thank you, to those of you who ask for updates on the kiddos and our family.  I really appeciate it and am always humbled by those of you who inquire and genuinely care.

All my love to you.

I could talk about the debate but let's talk about ringtones, instead!

Against my tendencies, I'll abstain from talking {much} about last nights Presidential debate.  I don't want to scare readers into thinking this is going to become a 100% politically motivated blog, because it won't {or will it??....MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA}.  Can I just say one thing?  Then I'll stop.
No?
Pleeease.
I'm just going to say it and then I'll be done.

How on God's green earth was the issue of Libya not discussed more and transperancy DEMANDED is beyond me.  Whoever advised Mitt Romney to roll over and play nice, regarding that issue, is now employed at Juice Stop {no offense-I used to work at one}. The issue of Libya got about 30 seconds and the topic of the debate was FOREIGN POLICY, yet somehow we ended up talking about math teachers, rather than the 4 lost Americans and the fact that it was deferred to and blamed on a YouTube video. Something smells fishy.
Libya.  LIBYA.  LIBYA, PEOPLE!  HELLO!!

Ok.
That's all.
Longer than I thought.
Sorry.
Sorry!

On to ringtones!

I love iPhones yet their ring selection is a bore.  Snoozefest.
But, I don't want to pay for ringtones, nosireebob.
So, I found a great application, with a super clever name {RINGTONES 500.00+}!
Free downloads {just download it to your phone, email it to yourself and sync from your computer} and voila!
I downloaded four and paid nothing, which makes me very excited. I'm even more happy when someone calls/texts/sends me mail.

Each of these ringtones gets a jazzhand and a jig, when I'm searching for my phone, around the house.  It makes my day happier and I do declare you should download some too.

Now, if I could just find a free Mary Poppins ringtone........

the problem with first world problems.

 

{via}

 As some of you will recall, for our 10 year anniversary, Sean bought me a trip to Washington DC.  I've never been and it has been my "No. 1 place I'd visit" for years.  Due to pregnancy and young kids, lack of time, work schedules, finances and life, we hadn't made the trip.

But, on July 20th, he presented me with a tourist guide and the announcment of the trip we would be taking, the day after Christmas.  He had arranged childcare, hotel was selected and I was so so so excited.  I can't tell you how excited.  I cried, at the resturaunt table.
Excited.

This weekend, our oven broke.
It's older than dirt and has a broken handle, preheats slower than a snail passes and cooks unevenly.  Still, it works and I've been using it for the past two years with no complaints about my cooking.
Saturday was the day it decided to die {the day I was hosting a shower and needed to bake!}.

Sean and I looked at the oven, on Sunday and he said,
"We need a new oven and I really don't think we will get away with one, in that space for less than $1200.00, after tax.  And that is for the most basic of ovens."

I said, "Yep." and started to cry.
He knew why and I knew why and we both were quiet until I said,
"I really really wanted to go to Washington DC, Sean.  Like REALLY wanted to go."

"We can't Rach.  We can't afford both and you use the oven every day and the holidays are coming up and we use the oven double during that time."

"I know.  I'm just ticked."

"I'm bummed too, but we will go someday.  Don't worry about it. "

"WHY DON'T YOU CARE MORE ABOUT THIS TRIP!  I WANT TO GO!"

***

You see where this conversation is going and while I may not have added as much emphasis as the caps lock key did, I was bummed.  It started with frustration, then entitlement and then sadness that I had felt either.  We aren't going to Washington DC like planned and I'm trading in my ticket for a new oven.  I was pretty upset, for a good hour.

Quickly after I had my pity party, the term, "first world problems" popped into my head and It hasn't left and all I can think of are those words....

FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS.

When I look at my kids that have colds.
When I look at my kitchen that has a hole in the cabinet and too little counter space.
When I think about that friend that has hurt me or the relationship that I wish was deeper.
When I think about the pinterest-worthy party I can't throw for my daughter.
When I think about the bills that are worrisome.
When I think about the 10 extra pounds on my thighs and hips and knees and stomach.
When I think about my concerns about another miscarriage.
When I think about my frustrations at homeschooling.
When I think about the idea that I am not as multidimensional as working and career moms.
When I think about the stress I put on myself to make things just so.
When I struggle to figure out what to buy people for gifts.
When I worry about my addictions.
When I think I may not be as fashionable as someone else. 
When I stay up at night wondering if I'm a good mother or a ultimate failure.
When I can't manage to find time in my schedule to dive into the Bible to consume the only bread I need to live.

I couldn't help but think about that term all morning and it still is there.

And that is the problem with first world problems.
Since you and I are surrounded by things, people and circles that are on level playing ground with us, all we see are first world problems.  We look at other peoples first world problems and wish for them, gladly handing over ours, since they are so much worse.  Or we look at their first world problems and thank the good Lord we don't have them.  Wouldn't life be HORRIBLE?!

And when our worlds do collide with REAL problems {not problems like "I have to wait an entire 4 months before I can get a permit to re-build my house!!!!!!!"} all of a sudden we are shattered and shaken and first world problems look like Disneyland.  We love our family and people we haven't talked to in months, quickly look less monstrous.  Our homes seem larger and wallets seem robust.
But the dust settles and we get sucked back up by the first world problem machine.

I'm sick of first world problems and I'm sick of measuring my value, happiness and success against a first world measuring stick.

Think of those around the world that truly suffer, on a daily basis.
Lives full of loss, starvation, anger, anguish, addiction, pain, loneliness, rejection, abuse, deception, bondage and....
lack of salvation.

They're here too.  Amongst us. Standing in the same lines you are and making the same commute on the freeway.
Dealing with real problems, while we stress over what school to put our kids in or complain that all we do on Saturday is spend our time at the soccer field.
I don't see our problems as problems.  They are frustrations.

Some woman is reliving the pain of being sexually mutilated while I stress about someone being pissed about a blog post I wrote.
Some mother is losing her child, to hunger, while you are exsasperated because you ran out of time and have to roll through McDonald's, living with the concept  that your children are going to injest high fructose corn syrup.
Those sides of the spectrum may seem extreme but in the light of the urgency around us, can we really afford to think of it differently?

I don't think so and I'll tell you what's changing my thinking {for the better} today and hopefully going forward....

If it's a first world problem, pray about it, deal with it, move on and complain no more.

Dwelling on our first world problems will not only set a horrible example to our children about what really matters in our world but will also cement us in a immovable place of non-growth.

We need to get out of ourselves and do for others.
Whatever that looks like for you, in your life.....we need to stop complaining and dwelling on our broken ovens. We need to start thinking about the mission field we have each been given and get out and do something.

Stop with our first world whining and start focusing on what matters.

this weekend.

It's official.
I've been bit by the baby bug.
It's safe to say that because I don't think anyone in my family reads my blog, so they won't necessarily be thinking there will be a follow up to that statement {although I wouldn't mind in the slightest}.

As mentioned earlier this week, my friend had her darling son, on Wednesday.
He's perfect.
He's pink.
He's amazing.
He's a gift.

I visited him this Thursday and I was smitten with his soft hair and untainted, smooth lips.  Henri Arthur is adorable and full of grace.

This weekend I'm hosting a baby shower, for my friend and neighbor, Lizzy.  She is having her 6th baby, in December.  I'm thrilled to find out if it's a boy or girl.  No matter the gender, that child will be loved and pure as snow.

Children are such a gift.
Sure, there are moments of annoyance or irritation. The job set before us as parents, aunties and uncles, babysitters, god-mothers/fathers and grandparents can seem daunting.  Purse strings become tighter. Calendars are scrunched and grey hair emerges.

In the end however, all I want is to be surrounded by my children.  To know that we did our best to send them out into that big, bad world, equipped.
Armed to make a difference, serve the Lord, serve others well and do good. So much good.

Nothing is better than children.

Billy Graham, the issue of abortion and Monday.

When defending their political position, I have heard many a Democrat say the following, "Well, did you know that Billy Graham is a registered Democrat?"
Yes.  I did know that, actually.
Billy Graham released the above statement, this week, which has been published in several periodicals, including the Wall Street Journal.  I have to say that I was pleased when I read it, as I hold each of the mentioned beliefs, close to my heart.  Especially the issue of abortion.
I know plenty of democrats and we can debate on policy all day {that's if they choose to engage}, but one issue I will not relent, is the issue of abortion.  I have known people who've underwent abortions, I have watched the horrific videos of early/middle and late term abortions. I have been to rallies I have seen the pictures and I have still YET to hear a argument {as to why it should remain legal} that causes my heart to turn and accept its rightful place in our culture, no matter the circumstances that surround it.
Some people will stand on the argument that it won't be overturned and so why use that as a barometer with which to vote? They site that there have been Republican and Democrat presidents alike that have done nothing to change anything.  Some say that if we overturn Roe v. Wade, woman's rights {such as the right to contraceptives} will go with it.  People speak of woman's rights to their own body as if it is horrible to tell a woman she can't do something with her body.  It's her body. Who am I to tell her what to do/not do. And then people choose to use the, "It's not my business to question someone else."

I choose to believe it IS acceptable {in a just and ethical democracy} to tell a woman she can not terminate the life of a living baby, in her body.
 I choose that just because something can't/"won't" be changed never means you should cease to stand in the gap for what is right.
I choose to believe that we, as Christians, should care for the least of these.  That is our job.

To their argument I share this quote:

"Some people argue that changing laws will not eliminate abortions.
It is certainly true that a change of heart is more important than a change of law. What is forgotten,
however, is that the law is the great teacher.
Children grow up believing that if a practice is legal, it must be moral."
-- Cardinal John O’Connor

Abortion is wrong.  And people need to stand against it.
It's not as simple as calling it a wedge issue and weighing its importance against other issues like Medicare and the economy.
It is an injustice and a Bible believing Christian who refuses to acknowledge it's horrible existence and be abhorred that it is in existence {rather than not think about it} should be working to end it.
Especially Christians.
And yes.  That will mean getting out and doing something about it, instead of simply speaking the words but we should be doing that anyways.

And yes. That should mean evaluating who you are voting for. Voting for candidates that do not view abortion for exactly the extremist act that it is, is putting power behind a set of ideals I refuse to accept as Biblical, moral or positive.
It's horrible and sad that it is even a discussion.... but it is.  And until it's no more, it needs to be brought up.
Especially when voting.  

****

The third and final debate is on Monday.  Will you be watching?  I sure will.  Sipping my glass of "debate wine" {in order to wade through the mire} and discussing with friends.
You should watch too!

Your purpose.

At some point, I think we all get a bit tired of the first world problems. The sinking feeling that we are focusing too much on the external exhaustion of reorganizing our pantry, buying new clothes for which there is no need or cleaning out our Google reader of the 143 home design blog posts, that went unread.

Each of us has has a moment where we go, "What is this all for?  Am I seriously here to take another Instragram picture of my latest Forever 21 purchase? There has to be more."

There has to be more.

There IS more!
It's your purpose.
You have a purpose.

Stop what you are doing and think about that for 30 seconds and come back.

Tell me what it is.
At this station in your life, what is your purpose?
Right now. In life. In this station.
What are you living for and purposing to do?

I want to know....because each of you are divinly made and have a reason.

Tell me.

What. Is. Your. Purpose.

Holy Debate Batman. {also-a BABY!}

 {via}

PS-Aren't these skillets cool?  Must put on Christmas list.

So, the debate last night.
Holy Cow.
All I have to say  is  that opening Twitter was my BIGGEST mistake. Seeing what people had to say and the glib comments made is RIDICULOUS and extremely one-sided.  It's disheartening.  Another indication that people don't really desire to solve problems, rather provide sound bytes so they can get re-tweeted.  If someone is legitimately concerned about this election, they should be careful to consider all facts before sharing their opinion.  It's not enough to just say you are lending your support to a candidate, you must know why.  In the same way, I am a strong advocate for people going out and voting but when I have someone tell me they are voting for someone but have zero idea about what they are doing in their Presidency/Campaign/Legislation, it blows my mind.  Debates are a free chance to see your candidate.  If you don't want to watch the fireworks, I get it, but please, do your homework because it matters.  If you are voting for the future president you should know your stance on these issues.  You really should.
You must believe that it WILL make a difference. Because it truly does.

It got me to think. I wonder if people are as nasty in person, as they seem on Twitter?  I hope they aren't.
Thank the Lord I don't have an account, any longer. 

Back to the actual debate and not the online debate, that was being waged. There was so much about it I could write about and there was so much about it that angers me.  But I won't. Yet.

I'll say two things.
Actually, I'll say one thing and ask another.

Firstly.

I hear ALL.THE.TIME. the following {because I do enjoy discussions about government and politics and so I bring it up}: "I don't care about politics" or "I don't pay attention" or "I do something profitable with my time, rather than engaging in politics" or "Politicians can't make a difference" or "I already know who I am voting for so I don't watch the debate" or "What is the Libya situation?  I don't know what you're talking about".  Comments in this vein. Usually said to dodge the topic or steer the conversation away, which I then do.
Sometimes it's so often I wonder if what I am doing {paying attention to government and politics} is a waste of my time.  Like it's a hobby that is not beneficial and taking away from something of substantive value. But then I wise up.

Here's the thing.
I get that everyone reserves the right to not care about politics.  I understand you might not care for the vitriolic attitude, that so many politicians display.  I get that.
I don't like that part either.

But if you have:
A job.
A kid.
A spouse.
A car.
A 401K.
A health issue.
Aging parents.
Social Security.
Aspirations.

If you have any of these: YOU.SHOULD.CARE.
And for those people who have decided their candidate and aren't watching the news or watching the debates...
You need to, because sound bites from Twitter and FaceBook posts are not going to give you the full picture.


Secondly....this is my question.

Do you enjoy hearing about politics here, in this space?  I love discussing it but I also love my current community and don't want to lose you, if I talk about it more often.  Tell me your opinion!  I want to know!


And in much more exciting news.....

ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS IS HAVING A BABY TODAY!
Henri is being born at noon!
Please pray for April, her husband Brian and their sweet baby boy!
I'll update you all soon!

are you kidding me?!

Edited to add AGAIN: 
By George, I think I got it!!!!!!!

Edited to add:
{NOW it's not working again.It reverted back to the old system.  I throw up my hands in exhaustion and wonderment {so dramatic, I know}.  I'm not sure what is going on, but I don't have time to fix it, now.  I have four kids, waking up from their naps, so I'll try later.  Sigh.}

{This is my, "Are you kidding me?" face, in case you were wondering.}

Hey everyone!
My friend, Jen, called me this afternoon.
As she has done, on several occasions in the past, she lovingly pointed out that there was a 189% better way, to handle things on my blog.  She always does it with love and very gently, but in her words, any blog popularity I have experienced has been a "happy accident", since I am rarely strategic about my post times, post labels, audience growth or anything else that makes your blog explode like dynamite.  She tells me things about blogs and I stare at her like a deer in the headlights.
Her brains are that big.

I lead you to believe that after five years of blogging, I know what I am doing, on this laptop.
Not so, my fine friends.
I mean, sometimes I do.
But not really.

At any rate, she alerted me that she doesn't receive a notification alert/email when I respond to her comments.

WHAT?!

I was so bummed out. I have been commenting to SO.MANY.OF.YOU.FOR.SO.LONG and to think that you aren't getting them or having to wade through old posts to find my reply made me super sad.

So.

I changed the comment sections on my blog to DISQUS and so hopefully, when I respond to your comments, or when ANYone responds, you'll get a notification, via email {you'll need to click on the right hand side of the comment box and subscribe to the comments, to receive notification/where it says "stars" I think....}.

I'm hoping this allows us to really engage in conversation, dialouge and debate here.
I love the community that is forming and I desire to deepen it!

So....
Comment away.
And hey, since it's DEBATE NIGHT, why don't you let me know if you'll be watching {sorry to those of you who woefully hate politics, but it's important, ya'll!} and what you'll be dining on, during.  Do you follow the Twitter-verse? If so, who do you follow?  Do you watch several channels coverage?

I, personally:
Sit with my computer on lap.
Follow commentary on CNN.com, FOXNews.com and Breitbart.com.
Watch my husband pace back and forth, behind my chair.
Have a glass of wine handy, as it makes the rhetoric sting a little less.
Have my cell phone handy for when my friends text me with "commentary".

And tonight, I plan on making some Chipotle happen.  I'm not sure how, but where there's a will, there's a way.

Your turn.

***

And thank you, JJ.
You, your Bambi eyes and your wealth of knowledge on all things bloggy, makes me want to squeeze you, tightly.
I'm your fan, for life.
Jazz hands.

Wednesday!

A small note regarding yesterdays post: I'm realizing, after reading the "Manners" post over again, it may seem I am less than gracious, in the area of manners and since I am unable to sit down with each of you and have a real conversation, it could come across a bit rigid. I'd point to what Rachel Winn said, in the comments. We want to have grace and know that when life does happen, grace will be extended. We must take care of ourselves and grace first, to others.  I agree.  I don't sit, with a watch, at each gathering {promise!}.  The angst I feel is mostly at repetitive behavior or with the current state of manners, in our casual culture.  I'm not a mean ol' stickler....just a manner loving lady. Who, by the way, makes plenty of mistakes, herself.} 


 ****





The four of us ladies sat around, on Sunday and talked about this coming Wednesday.

Us four gals are friends and it's a good thing and I'm not sure what I would do without them.
I love them so.

And one of us is bringing a baby into the world, on Wednesday.  Wednesday!
April is delivering little Henri, at noon, and our little group will be changed. Of course, for the better.

She is having a son!

It's a normal Wednesday to you, but for her, it's an afternoon where life is changed.
Isn't that just magical?!
I think so.

Us four gals sat around, chatted and parted ways, hugging and knowing the next time we see each other, April will be holding a little boy.

We can't wait to meet you, Henri.

Monday Manners.

{Edited to add, Part two:  I'm realizing, after reading the "Manners" post over again, it may seem I am less than gracious, in the area of manners and since I am unable to sit down with each of you and have a real conversation, it could come across a bit rigid.  I'd point to what Rachel Winn said, in the comments. We want to have grace and know that when life does happen, grace will be extended. We must take care of ourselves and grace first, to others.  I agree.  I don't sit, with a watch, at each gathering {promise!}.  The angst I feel is mostly at repetitive behavior or with the current state of manners, in our casual culture.  I'm not a mean ol' stickler....just a manner loving lady. Who, by the way, makes plenty of mistakes, herself.


****


Happy Monday, everyone!
I hope your weekend was as nice as mine.
I feel like I could write short stories about this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday but then it might get introspective, around here, and I think Mondays are for light reading, right?

All that to say, the Lord teaches us in so many shades and colors. Good ways and hard ways and in the places we least expect.  Each way is crafted and perfect....always colorful and never predictable. 
Maybe soon I'll write about some of those things I learned.  Maybe not.  And maybe never.
Who knows.

***

So, let's talk about something I've been thinking about {and have been, for awhile}.

Manners.

My friend, April, bought me Emily Posts latest edition of ETIQUETTE, {April gets me!} and I've been skimming through it.
I'll let you in on a secret of mine.
Tardiness is my pet peeves.  It always has been.
I am never late and if I am, I feel extreme guilt.  Not just because it's very rude, but because everyone's time is important and mine is no more important than the person I am meeting.  When I have a date with someone and they are 20 minutes late, I always wonder {as much as my adult and mature-self try to shut it down}, "Did they even want to get together with me?  It seems they are having to do a lot of squeezing of their schedule to fit me in".
And I think that is what punctuality {or lack thereof} can signal to someone.
Being on time tells the person you are meeting, they are important.  They are your priority for the day and you value that they have things to do too.
It's a sign of class, in my opinion, but maybe few see it that way because I feel like fashionably late is the new thing?  Often, I am the first person at some place and end up waiting for quite awhile.
Of course, emergencies come up and unavoidable traffic will hurdle itself into your weekly schedule.
But you know what I mean.
{I'm speaking in general terms and more concentrating on tardiness as a habitual occurrence}


Then I began thinking about other manners and while I was skimming the book I realized MOST of the manners {and this was a 2011 edition} aren't adhered to, in our current and daily society.
Basic ones like thank you notes for gifts.  RSVP's for an event.  Hostess gifts. Calling someone back. Texting or emailing important information, rather then face to face correspondence. Punctuality to an event. How to correspond during an argument. How to sit at the table and use your napkin, fork and flatware.  How to graciously thank a host or react to a tragic event.  Dressing respectfully {and teaching our children the virtues of this}. Gossip and hurtful words, in group settings.

I'm asking these questions for the sake of discussion and not argument {promise!},
"Are we done with manners, on a whole?"
"Is it ok to adhere to only some and not others?"
"Which are the most important to teach our children?"

I wonder because I don't see an abundance of manners, in our society.
Like mostly none, especially from the youth of America {teenagers, mainly}.

Men walk right past me and don't think to hold the door {I blame their fathers!}.  Recently, I had a child ask me, "What the heck are you talking about?". Kids walk around with cell phones pasted to their heads and don't think to look up when they are crossing the street, let alone engage in conversation with anyone else and highschoolers dart in front of my car, with their bikes and then give me a look like, "Ha.  Old lady! I'm 15 and I can be a punk if I want". Adults sit at a meal, with other adults and type on their phone {guilty} and full tables of families, at a restaurant, don't say a word because they are all Face-Timing with someone else. People wear ball caps in church.  Kids don't say please and thank you and disrespect their parents. People request you bring specific gifts to a party or no gift at all. People ask for money, straight out, at times. Children don't speak when asked a question. Inexcusable language and behavior, from teens, on television.
 I'm hosting a shower this upcoming weekend and I had someone contact me to ask me what I was cooking {and it wasn't because of a dietary restriction}!  WHAT?!

Am I living in crazytown?

It's all a bit disheartening because we are less civilized, I think {yes, I use that word quite a bit, don't I?}.  My friends and I talk about it, often, but sometimes I wonder if the whole idea of "manners" is antiquated and I'm just too old-fashioned {It's ok. You can tell me}.  Maybe so, but I see its virtue.  My girlfriends do too.  They want their children to find virtue in being polite, courteous and gracious.  I like that.
I enjoy that the ladies know something is wrong, if my car isn't parked in front of their house, at the exact moment a event is supposed to begin.  They know that I value them, their time and the fact that they are going out of their way to host something.  I like them to feel respected.  And I like that they can count on me.
I know what some of you will say. "That doesn't leave much room for grace".
I just don't see it that way.
Where would the grace be if a schoolteacher was 15 minutes late, each day?  Or if banks, grocery stores or our beloved Starbucks didn't open on time, MOST of the time.  Would we extend grace then?

I guess manners make me feel like I'm giving my best, my kids best, my families best, to others.
But, I would love to know what you think and how you handle manners, in your house.

{Oh and you'll laugh at this.  My friend Shanna and I used to tease that we were going to open a MANNERS SOCIETY for little girls and boys.  So they could learn, from the very beginning. I still like this idea.  Way better than sending your children to Gymboree class, right?} 

{Edited to add: I would also be curious about your views on manners, as it pertains to social media.  What do we share and not share?  Is it gracious to advertise who we are hanging out with, when others are not invited?  Are we responsible to think about the audience that we have grown, when broadcasting our relationships with others?  When sharing opinions and thoughts?} 


Do share.

this weekend.

Who doesn't love weekends?

I suppose there's someone out there, I just haven't met them.

This weekend will be full, while so many of our weekends are empty {with an exception of a BBQ with friends or church}. Even when I have events on the weekend, I RARELY book two things on one day, but this weekend is an exception.  Empty weekends are my favorite because it leaves so much time to roam and do things that otherwise are left untoached but this weekend, I have so many wonderful things {and I really mean that word, when I say it} to do.

Today I dropped off a load of vintage to my friend Amanda's house, for our sale.  We chatted {I just found out she is pregnant!  Yay!} and continued planning for the exciting evening {do come, please?}.

This afternoon I'm going to begin making tea sandwiches and setting the table because...

Tomorrow I'm hosting a tea.

Remember when I told you about how my girlfriends and I get together, bi-monthly?  We also do a tea, quarterly.  This Fall, it was my turn and I'm so excited.  I really do love entertaining anyone and everyone, but these girls make it so fun because I know they really appreciate every detail I put into it, they know that I do it because I love them and each of us leave very renewed and uplifted. These girls pray for me, and I for them.  They understand me and I, them. We celebrate one another and our accomplishments and pray through the chaos.  

It's really spectacular.  

Plus, we each throw a mean tea...

So, tomorrow, around noon, I'll be pretending I'm HERE and enjoying conversation, with a side of Earl Grey.

I have a little gift I'm putting together for them.  These verse cards, along with this lovely printable from my friend Lindsey, will be waiting for them, when they arrive {hopefully they don't check the blog until Monday!}.  And I'm making some delicious recipes from the below pictured cookbook!

On Sunday evening, I'm headed over to a lovely gals home, as she is beginning her own book club.  As the founder of a book club that spanned almost 9 years, I have missed reading a book, with a group, on a regular basis {we stopped meeting over a year ago}.  I'm rarely without a book in my hands, so it will be nice to hear different perspectives, not have to organize anything and have a group to meet with, once every few months.  

It's a lovely, crisp weekend, indeed.

My eldest is sitting, working on her spelling letters, the wee one is sleeping, Sean is mowing the lawns and I'm about to hit down and watch an episode of Upstairs, Downstairs.

Oh, and one of my best friends is having a baby, on Wednesday.  So, that just adds to the excitement.

I'm so happy, I'll ignore the forecast of 88 degrees, for Monday {sad face}.

ignoring a nasty rumor.

 via

I heard a nasty rumor that the temperature, in Southern California, is supposed to spike again.
By Monday of next week, it's supposed to be a warm 86 degrees, which doesn't exactly suit my fancy.

But, for now....

The storm clouds are rolling in, sprinkles are on their way and the forecast looks wet.
 Just how I like it.

It looks like I'll have to fulfill my promise {made last week, in the heat} to Kensington.
"Yes, K.  If it rains, the three of us will put on rain-boots and run in the puddles and I'll get all wet, with you."

Here's to enjoying the rain, today.
No matter the forecast.

Kids and a sale {not kids FOR sale}.

I got a new phone {I love when iphones become .99 cents because everyone has to get the newest one!} and the pictures are so much more clear.  It's been fun snapping pictures at a quicker rate and loading them to Instagram.  I have big plans for Printstagram!  Have any of you used it?  I can't wait!

Here are just a few of them, I've taken lately.

Kensington makes paper-dolls and many drawings, each day. She pens them and is learning to cut, with scissors.  

On one of our many daily walks.  Francine generally starts out in the stroller but eventually begs to walk alongside mommy.  It makes it hard to get a power-walk in, but she certainly loves it.

 Both of my girls were WIRED the other evening.  I'm not sure why but we needed to get out, so we went for a walk, in our pajamas {not Sean and I}. They had a blast and it did the trick.  Fast asleep within three minutes of laying their heads, on their pillows.

 ****

If you live in SoCal, please join myself and several other beautiful ladies, on November 3rd. We are going to have a lovely vintage sale, along with some additional wares, for you to complete all of your Christmas shopping {huzzah!}. Please comment or RSVP to me, if you would like to attend. It's free and all are welcome!

Because of this sale, I'm closing my shop, beginning Thursday, October 11th, so please stop by and use the code:

WINTER15 

for 15% off your total purchase TODAY!

{The shop will re-open, after the sale}

I hope you have a great day. I just looked at the forecast and it is supposed to rain, tomorrow!  This makes me so very happy.

Anything that is making you especially glad?  A recipe?  A song?  A can't-put-it-down book?

I'd love to hear!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Escape to the abbey.

Who doesn't need a dream post, every now and then?  It's nice to escape our brains, on occasion. Personally,  I choose to fly across the pond {although I could never leave these beautiful states, in real life}.

I've loved Downton since before I began seeing it pop up, all over and everywhere.  I'm glad for this because had it not been this way, I would have probably avoided it because of all the pomp.  Call it my stubborn streak, but I don't like succumbing to the current trends.  Even if it is warranted.

However, timing was right and I love Downton, much like everyone else.  I eagerly await the third season, in January. {Yes, I've been sent the link to watch it prematurely, but won't do it}.  Our friends are all watchers and we, of course, will have a premiere party, as revealing in something wonderful much suits us. If I watched it right now, I would be in deep trouble.

Downton is more than just a quick needle in the arm, when I have a hour to fill.  It's more than charachter development and plot lines.
It's a little piece of the past, where I find civility was championed, and I wish it were the same now.
No matter who the reader, on this blog, they will never find I make peace with the casual nature of our society and for that, I apologize {albeit half halfheartedly}.  My dissatisfaction for quick texts, hurried lunches and ill behaved children will never deplete.  I much prefer the days where people held their tongue {a virtue I'm cultivating, no matter how difficult the task}, wrote telegrams, walked in silence and found honor in anything and everything their hands where put to. Maybe a time when things took more advance thought.  People put more detail in fewer things rather than fulfilling every small thought that plunged itself onto the landscape of their imagination.  Less driving, more staying, more talking or perhaps just less noise.

I love the episodes {really, please watch, if you haven't} where dear ol' granny was stunned by electricity, a swivel chair or a phonograph.  Or, the worst possible offense-her granddaughter voting or wearing pants! Mercy!
 Each made me laugh, but also question....."what did they do when...."?  It was a different time.  A much different time.  One that I have no understanding of, but wish I did.
Do places like that still exist? 

Of course, all generations will leave something to be desired.
But I'm bewitched by Downton, beginning to the most recent end.
With William and Mary standing, in the snow, glowing.  Basking in their love for one another.
I sat, in a puddle, on my couch.

Secretly {or not really} wishing I was adorned in dripping lace, beautiful peach colored gloves and a butterfly brooch in my hair.
Calling for the footman to ready my tea or maybe just to hear the bell ring.
Sitting on a tefted seat, penning a letter to a dear friend and once I hand the telegram to the post, eagerly anticipating the reply.
Maybe riding a horse through the English country or simply walking down cobblestone streets.
Maybe.

Does this all sound too petchalent?  If it does, I'm sorry and I hear a little baby crying out for me, so dream state is over.
For now, that is.

{oh, and my friend Michelle and I are soon to have a date to watch CRANFORD.  Have any of you seen it?  She assures me I will adore it.}

This is the day.

{I feel like I'm sitting on a carpet square, in pre-school, again. Oh, to be that age, once more.}

This is the day.
This is the day.
That the Lord has made.
That the Lord has made.
I will rejoice, I will rejoice
and be glad in it.
And be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
I will rejoice and be glad in it....
This is the day.
This is the day.

That the Lord has made.

- - - - - - - - -

And it is His day.  That He made.

Even if you see no redeeming value in it.
Even if you have a frustrating toddler that just won't quit.
Even if you hate your job or your desk or your boss.
Even if you have no money and can't pay your bills.
Even if you are angry at your parents.
Even if you feel alone.
Even if you are hurt because of your past choices.
Even if you don't know who you are or where you are going.
Even if you feel like a failure.
Even if you don't know what to do.
Even if you feel like the injustices all around the world are too much to think about.
Even if you feel swallowed whole.

This is the day.
The Lord made it.
And He made it for you.

I'm sorry if you are hurting inside. I really am. I would love to hear why or maybe just sit with you.
As much as I wish, I simply can't but I think maybe this might help.... Walk out that door, look up and know that God made today and there is something for you to find, in it....

Because this is the day.
Each day is the day.
It's up to us to discover.

pink petals, falling.

I'll be in the middle of a run, with Kensington riding her scooter and won't want to stop.  Irritated to stop and ruin my time or my stride.
But K wants to stop and look at the pink petals.
So I reluctantly slow my jog and think, "I'm doing the right thing.  This is what moms do. It's a favor to K so that she learns to stop, observe and live in the moment."
She wants to pick up the pink petals, feel them. Throw them and watch them fall, slowly.  Even the floating magenta specs are fascinating.

It's so funny that I think I'm doing it for her because she doesn't need teaching.  Every day is "living in the moment", for Kensington.  For most children.  It's how they are hardwired.

Each day they wake up happy and each day they enjoy whatever is in front of them.  Things that are completely tiresome to me, are a new adventure because they are pure thinkers. They are grateful livers.
They are professors in the classroom of living.

We all know this about our kids but we reserve the right to still worry {which is a sin} and complain and allow the tragedy of real life to steal all our unfiltered joy.

As an ex-control freak [still a struggle, daily}, I'm being reformed to their way of thinking.

My life is becoming much more colorful, beneficial and fruitful for others, because I'm learning to not worry, rarely complain and live this life right now.

Plan a little for the future, think occasionally about the past but focus on the present because it's too precious to ignore.

We all have so much to be grateful for that our lips should continually praise the name of the Lord for His divine plan and put ourselves in the center of what He has for us.
Not on the fringes, straining our necks to see the future or hunkering down, immovable, focused on mistakes we've made.

I'm telling you, in case you have struggled with this, like I...
Life is AMAZINGLY free, when you adopt this philosophy.  It's like a new gift.
Worry is a thief. Don't be taken.


Matthew 6:25-27  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

On politics.

After I wrote this I realized the following: If blogging is my true-to-life journal, I don't share a very important passion of mine, enough.
Government, politics and the history of both.

So, I'll start here.

***

1 Peter 1:22
"You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. "

I meet too many people that say they hate politics because of the fighting. The arguing and bickering amongst the Democrats and Republicans.  The inability to get things done and the countless dollars spent with very little actual {profitable} legislation, to show for it.  They hate politics, so they refuse to talk about it.  Refuse to dialogue with others about.  Especially refuse to talk to someone who thinks differently then they do.
They hide behind their snarky remarks on Twitter and offensive FaceBook posts. Snickering at dinner parties.  Making other people feel disregarded for thinking differently.  Or worse-making other people feel stupid.
No engagment, just silence, uninvolvment or codemnation.

Hmmm.....that's funny.
That sounds EXACTLY LIKE THE POLITICS THAT YOU HATE AND HAVE DISDAIN FOR.

When we reject politics because of the useless banter, back and forth and back and forth, but we are unable to have an honest and down to earth discussion with someone else, we ARE what we hate.

Now.
Here me, on this.

I am a conservative and hold strong beliefs, as I'm sure you do.
So, I'm sure I don't have to explain some of my many stances to you.  But the picture that has been painted about me, by the liberal media {yes, my friends, it does exist} is not entirely accurate.

I....
Believe in personal responsibility.
Believe in free enterprise and individual liberty.
Believe in limited government.
Believe in Americas landscape as a place where anyone can succeed, no matter who they are or where they are from.
Believe that taking a life is a sin and wrong, therefore I believe both abortion and the death penalty should not be legal.
Believe that we, as a country, should use many types of energy.  Coal, solar, wind.  But I believe that the gas and electric companies should be privately owned.
Believe in global warming and believe we should do the very best we can to take care of the Earth the Lord has given us.
Believe there should be gun control and reform.
Believe government should, in no way, control health care.
Believe in the welfare system but think there needs to be reform.
Believe the term "marriage" should be reserved for a man and a woman.
Believe in term limits for the Senate, House of Representatives and the Supreme Court.
Believe that social justice will not be achieved by higher taxes on the wealthy and that there should be a flat tax on all Americans.
Believe there should, most certainly, be pension reform.
Believe that much more attention should be put on sustainability and ways to preserve our Earth and all of its inhabitants.

I have so many other beliefs as they pertain to homeland secuirty, war, taxes, the UN, social security and more.
So much more.

Why do I tell you all this?

Because of this....
I have people in my life, that I care about, that think differently than I do.  Sometimes, much differently.  And while it is hard for me to understand why or how they can think differently, I don't ever let that be a barrier to a discussion nor will I allow those differences to enter my heart and create bitterness, towards that person. How can I claim God's love for others but have vitriolic hate for them, based upon their beliefs?
I see it often, however.
In Washington DC {and anywhere that government resides}, people are so embittered towards others because of their belief system and refuse to allow civilty.  They refuse to talk.  They refuse to get to the heart of the matter and reduce people to their set of political affiliations.  Never trying to understand why or how they believe what they choose to believe.

This makes me sad because we lose the oppurtunity to understand someone else and who they are. Where they come from.  We lose {if we truly believe in what we believe in} the chance to share ourselves with others and maybe shine light on the other side.

I hold my beliefs {politically and otherwise} close to my heart as I know they come from a place of deep concern, prayer and thought.  Why, if I believe so deeply, would I squander any chance to share my passions?  Simply because someone else poses a threat or presents a different idea?

Never!

I choose to passionately approach the subject of politics, armed with information, facts...

But most importantly,

Love.

And you can too.


****

So, I ask you....
Do you "hate" politics?  Do you love it?  Why do you vote the way you vote?  How do you approach others who think differently than you?

Monday is for everything.

*The kids and I have mini-dance parties, about 4 times, daily.  These aren't the type of dance party's where I sit and watch them....no.  I'm an active participant and I'm telling you that if I keep going at this rate, I'll be able to quit running and eat as many cupcakes as I want, FOREVER.  You burn some serious calories.

We have a lot of fun, too.  It's really fun to watch an uninhibited child, freely dance. It's beautiful. 

*Sean and I have a sushi date, each Thursday evening, after the kids are tucked in.  I pinch pennies and save from our family's grocery budget, so we can do this.  We put the kids to bed {usually a few minutes early}, I call in the order and he drives off. It's worth every penny, when he drives up and I get to savor a spicy tuna crunch roll.  And soy sauce. So much soy sauce.  And ginger.
And quiet.
And a tv show {Hello, Person of Interest is back on!}

*Kensington wants to color, paint, scribble and sketch ALL.THE.TIME. She is starting a art class, this Thursday {she chose this over dance, soccer, karate or anything else that was mentioned} and she is so excited.  I am trying to incorporate art into our day to day activities and have been researching so many new methods of art instruction. I have never learned this much about art, ever!  Can you suggest any resources?
The drawing below is of my friend, Andrea, who she calls, "Auntie Mermaid Hair" and a cloud named Clive. Hilarious.  I try to document lots of her drawings in my Instagram feed.

*This is of a "large horse and it's master who is very small".

*I've been running more and more and it feels good.  So good.  And so so so hot.  I've never run in this much heat, before. It's both gratifying and nauseating.
But it's nice to be able to zip up pants, so I'll continue.

*Kensington had her dance recital last month and it was adorable.  Simply adorable.  I especially loved that their "costumes" were t-shirts and nothing too mature or suggestive, which I have seen on 5 year olds.  I don't like it one bit and enjoyed that their recital was four songs, no solos and just fun.  Like what a little girl should be doing. At the end, they all passed out treats to one another and hugged.  So cute and innocent.
The below picture is Kensington with her two friends, Ruby and Alice.

*I start most mornings with a fire.  It's one of my favorite things. However, since Southern California is in the midst of a heat wave, I've been starting the majority of mornings with my air conditioner.

*Kensington is learning to write letters and she did this, this week.  I smiled so big when she handed it to me and so did she.  It's a hard name but she did beautifully.

*We went to San Diego last weekend and the zoo was a hit.  Kensington picked out her face paint and insisted on looking in my sunglasses all day, to make sure it hadn't melted off.  She was so thrilled.
I'm sad to say that this is one of three pictures I took of the ENTIRE WEEKEND.  I was having so much fun and truth be told, I didn't want to lug around a huge camera.  So the memories are going to have to stay in my brain vault. Sorry, future generations.  You'll have to take our word for it.

*Remember this post, about Miss Pat?  That's her.  And my sweetie.

*Frankie is a character.  I'm not kidding.  Her sense of humor is so different and enticing. Sometimes frustrating.  But still.  She does things that are just too funny. Case in point.

*My friends surprised me and threw me a Little House on the Prairie birthday party. Complete with hay, hand-sewn aprons and tons of ribs.  They know me so well.

I have about 100 more pictures I could upload, but you and I both know that you're about done.

Happy Monday to you and I hope it's lovely, you water your plants, cook a great meal and thank the good Lord above for the roof over your head.

We have so much to be grateful for.