Life Lately - Two Weeks Out

Hello friend,

These are exciting times here in the Hollow!  We have less than two weeks til Blossom1's wedding!  We are working on so many details and logistics.  I listen and I ask Blossom1 what is stressing her right now and we try to lighten her and her fiance's load.  I ask questions; we brainstorm and we plug away on list after list.  

Then, we write more lists!

Lately I've been trying:
to delegate more to my Younger Two Blossoms. After all, spray-painting is a life skill, at least according to this thrifting mama!  They've been handling supper each night as well, and I am SO grateful for this.  It's a sigh of relief for me and my gratitude grows each evening as I reflect on how they're pitching in.

Lately my goal has been:

to soak up the togetherness during the tasks.  Sometimes I forget how much connection happens then; we've always been a family that works hard together.  It's beautiful chatting around wedding baking, wedding tasks and lists, and wood-stacking. It's a good season, but it's different and bittersweet. It's still so good, because, after all, the growing up and all the preparation for adulthood, 

this was the goal all along.

Lately I've been sipping: 

a lot more coffee than usual!  Blossom1 is my main barista at home right now and I have determined that any time she's home and offering to make me coffee, I give a whole-hearted YESSSSS.

Lately I've been laughing:

because once upon a time, the Blossoms picked out an Easy Button when they were school shopping with Grandma.  After it was struck sixteen times in a row, with hysterical giggles following, I hid it.  Whilst rummaging for supplies for another wedding project the other day, I found it and decided that any time we complete a wedding task, we will victoriously slap the Easy Button.  (Picture a Michael Jordan slam dunk circa 1996.) 

This is surprisingly satisfying... and it makes us laugh.  We always need more laughter.

When Blossom1 and her fiance arrive home from working at a coffee shop or completing wedding errands, they stand at the dining room table to get caught up their Easy Button presses.  

Lately I've been crafting:

Sister Squad t-shirts just for fun for decorating day, boutonnieres, corsages, flower girl basket, just soooooo many fun things.  I'm good at logistics but I really enjoy the crafts and pretty things.

Lately I've been thinking:

that if you think your homeschooled student hates busy work now, just wait til they get to college.  One thing I didn't anticipate was the strong aversion the Blossoms would develop to busy work and dumb assignments.  We carefully crafted their education so each assignment had a point and purpose, but I'm also glad that character-building has been a focus all along.  Character traits like perseverance and working as unto the Lord are what get Blossom1 through grad school assignments that are dumb, but still have to be completed the week of the wedding.

We're here, plugging away in a different season and I'm whispering daily, 

"Thank you, Lord, for life lately."

Just Winter Lately

Every now and again, I like to do a "Life Lately" post, so here's...

What I'm decorating lately:
A cozy winter view of our living room is something that makes me smile.  We said good-bye to the Christmas tree for the year and embraced the wintry decorations.  I'm loving the birch logs with twinkle lights over top.

Homemaking doesn't have to cost a lot.  The tiny snowmen on the mantle are Christmas ornaments I picked up dirt-cheap on post-Christmas clearance circa 1999.  This makes me laugh that I still have them and that I still like them.  The large snowflake was a gift from a dear friend.  The Blossoms and I made the tiny yarn hearts.  Pretty glass bulbs from the Blossoms' Corning Museum of Glass field trip with Grandma were just too wintry-perfect to put away.  Sometimes homemaking is another way to keep me "smiling at the days ahead." (Proverbs 31:25)

What I'm reading lately:

Our current family read-aloud is Rainbow Valley, book #7 in the Anne series by L.M. Montgomery.  I love that my Younger Blossoms are getting to know characters that are near and dear to my heart.  The antics of the manse children and the Ingleside children are so fun and remarkably insightful, which is a delightful hallmark of Montgomery's writings.  

I just finished You Bet Your Stretch Marks by Abbie Halberstadt and it was a wonderfully encouraging and convicting read.  Is what you're doing as a mom worth it?  It's a resounding yes!  It was encouragement for when I feel weary.  It was also full of Scripture to keep me plowing ahead in the way that God would have me to mother in this season.  I read a chapter a day so that I had time to digest what I was reading, often journalling or writing down key thoughts.  Writing down thoughts and principles really cements them in my heart.

What I'm drinking lately:

I ran out of my favorite daily tea, Tetley British Blend so I had to find an alternative.  This Irish Breakfast blend from Taylors of Harrogate might be taking its place!  I love the quality, strong, full-bodied flavor as my early morning pick-me-up.

When Blossom1 or Blossom2 are home, I say YES to a hot latte.  The Blizzard of '26 means I had luxurious lattes yesterday and today, with my favorite people all around me!  I don't take this for granted!

What I'm thrifting lately:

I was thrilled to discovered this $1.99 neck scarf find was Anthropologie 100% silk!  To think I swiped it simply because neck scarves are current rustic style AND this one matches all the denim I'm always sporting.

This LL Bean vest in mint condition was a $3.00 find.  I knew it didn't fit anyone in our family, but I was able to resell it for a profit.  I don't mind doing this when the right piece falls into my lap.  

Where I'm travelling lately:

Blossom3 and I spent her 16th birthday in the Sweetest Place on Earth.  I was supervising my current fair queen during the State Fair Queen competition.  Blossom3 got to enjoy Hershey Lodge, junior fair board activities, delectable Hershey food, and one-on-one time with me.  We had such a lovely time!  And we even squeezed in a successful foray to a new thrift store.  I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and jokes!

Life is always full here, but the wintry bright spots are exquisitely beautiful!

This January Week

Back at the steady plodding of everyday life here.  Clearly, Binney and Finn are adjusting just fine.

As for the humans, we kicked off the week helping to get Blossom2 moved into on-campus housing.  That will help with the very late nights and crazy early mornings of her work and class schedule.  After a pow-wow over assignments Sunday evening, Blossom3 and Blossom4 managed their Monday schoolwork well so that I could help Blossom2.  I briefly mentioned to them how thankful I was for this.  I needed to really recognize this aloud to them though.  

I don't tell the Blossoms often enough how thankful I am for their hard work or cooperation or growth or effort.  Sometimes I mention it others, because y'all know I'm a talker. 

It's something I'm working on - 

speaking the good things out loud to them.  

Young people have so many messages inundating them, including self-doubt and temptation and discouragement.

My voice needs to be that positive echo and reinforcement of Truth, of all that is good and beautiful.

For a little bit more coziness in our living room, I gathered some birch logs from the Rugged Mountain Man's stash and strung twinkle lights over top.  We're enjoying this in the evenings because home should be warm and welcoming.

Here's a little snap of our "Joy Jars."  Blossom2 and one of her comrades decided to write down one thing each day that brings them joy or that they are thankful for! They wanted us to get on board, so the younger two and I have been doing this in the morning about the previous day.  At the end of the year, maybe we'll scrapbook the little slips of paper. 

(Yes, the Christmas books are still out. That Alcott Christmas Treasury is a gem.)

Mmmmm, I managed to bake a few loaves of English muffin bread this morning for a few people in our lives who needed a pick-me-up... and also for those starving humans in our house.  

A little festive iced coffee for tackling my errands this afternoon, because why not?  

Keep the faith, friends!  What we're doing every day matters!

Dominique

These Lessons Lately

Lately I've been thinking about gratitude, how I want to swim around and soak in gratitude.  

How those answers to my heartfelt prayers mean so much, yet the busyness of life tempt me to gloss over them and stay in the grind, always needing.

I feel free to write about the answers in my journal ~ the long version...

to tell friends what Jesus is doing, 

to sit and think about the answers on weekday evenings, mulling over the stories and marvelling over His goodness.

Lately I've been thinking that moments altogether mean so much to me.  

That times in the living room, with everyone curled up with their favorite blankets, with smiles and funny everyday life stories are what matter to me.

Lately I've been thinking that autumn splendor in the making is a poignant transition, an avenue to truly "smile at the days ahead."

Lately I've been reminded that serving at home as the often invisible support system makes a profound, felt impact.  It's meaningful and quiet and worshipful.

Lately I've been celebrating the bright spots, the joy-filled victories, the happinesses,

for the Lord is good.

Images from a recent Sunday hike on State Game Lands a town or two over.

A Few January Notes from the Hollow

Chilly mornings have been lovely here on our Micro Farm in the Hollow.  Yes, frigid temps mean more time-consuming farm work, but the Blossoms are handling it!  Being that I don't love January farm chores, I have great respect watching the Blossoms soldier through their homestead work each morning.  

We enjoy our morning cups of tea scattered about the living room, quiet time with cozy blankets, a morning pow-wow, and then the chores, just like clockwork.

There are a few new faces around here.  

Duchess, Toulouse, and Edgar were rescued from the side of the road a few days ago by some very compassionate Blossoms.  They are gaining strength, recovering from starvation, and soaking in the abundance of critter love and attention here.  

Miss Bianca is even doing her part.  

I would heartily prescribe kittens for anyone's winter "meh."

We did some coffee-shop-schooling the other day.  

At the end of the day, the younger Blossoms always list this as their favorite thing. We manage to make it there about once a month.  I keep it on my calendar and adjust the date accordingly based on budget and schedule.  What a treat for all of us!

And who can argue with good coffee, soul-filling background music, focused work, (NO DISHES IN A SINK THAT I CAN SEE), yummy goodies, and a delightful audio book for the drive.  

Hello Karen Savage's Librivox version of Anne of the Island!  

Seeing the bright things this January is a beautiful way for me to embrace the wintry season.

Just Some News Lately

What's up with us lately?

~ Blossom1 made the President's Honor List.  Man, she was proud of that certificate.  Being that this is more like her third year of college, she was thrilled to finally receive recognition for her hard work.  (Dual Enrollment students do not get recognized on the Honor lists.)  She's a freshman and yet, she's not.

~ Punxy Phil declared that spring is on its way.  Blossom3 and Blossom4 aren't sure what to think.  They've been enjoying good outside time whenever possible.  Blossom4 especially loves to play on my 30 year old wooden balance beam.  (Thanks for spending a few hours on a Saturday morning building that thing, Dad.  It's given me and the girls hours of fun throughout the years.)  They enjoy sledding and winter fun, but being able to get out in the sunshine in just sweatshirts and leggings with crocs and socks being optional is where it's at.  Even hiking with Daddy is a perk of Punxy's prediction as well.  

~ Blossom2 has been busy cranking out restaurant quality desserts. Death by Chocolate Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Dark Chocolate Truffles, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, and other delicious goodness.  I'm impressed at the level of quality she is putting out and I'm excited to see where she is headed with this skill.  The future is bright!

~ Blossom2 and Blossom3 have been working on Fine Arts entries.  This year, their team is doing an American Sign Language number.  I got to watch a video of practice today and I was astonished at how much drama, expression, and choreography can be put into a routine that only involves sign language!  I know it will minister to people!

Looking at life lately, it seems there's a bit of a theme.  

Identify an interest, work hard, and see where it goes.  

There aren't many fireworks-light bulb-rainbow-genie kind of moments in life, but there's a whole lot of chiseling away at honing skills.  There's a slew of perseverance.  

Sometimes I help the Blossoms persevere and sometimes, they are inwardly driven.  Either way, I'm here, intricately involved and invested in the process... supporting, encouraging, nurturing, still correcting, and...

parenting.  

 

That Weekend & The Best Parts

We had our busiest weekend since the Fair.  It was the kind that everything falls on the same weekend and there's not much you can do about it except for hang on for the ride.  

Blossom4 had her first Junior Bible Quiz match of the season.  She finished with Second Place Overall High Scorer, which is quite an honor.  She was grinning from one pixie ear to another!

Blossom2 and Blossom3 headed to the cabin with the Rugged Mountain Man for some pheasant hunting.  They got a turtle.  No pheasants though.  The weather really didn't cooperate, but the girls were in full on cabin mode.  

Relax.  

Tramp about the woods.  

Breathe deeply.  

Snack thoroughly.

Nap frequently.

Breathe deeply again.

Apparently we were at risk of them not coming home for a few days, or so they informed us.  Nonetheless, Blossom2 made it home in time for Poultry Judging practice.  That's pretty important when you're studying for Nationals.

I taught Kids' Church Sunday morning.  Although I looked over to see one kiddo licking a chair while we were quietly giving God time to speak to us, we truly had a good time.  

Kids are just so cool!

Blossom1 and Blossom2 were at a neighboring church helping a close family friend to lead worship there.  You could call it networking.  I'd rather call it "pitching in where needed in the Body of Christ."

They drove home, scarfed down some lunch with us and then, we headed out for the long-awaited gem of the evening ~ an Anne Wilson concert!

The girls and I really enjoy her heartfelt music with a rustic flair.

We don't need to be told twice to get those boots out!  Dressed in our rustic concert best

and well-armed with 500 Cal Chocolate Chip Cookies made especially by Blossom2, we embarked on the 3 hour drive there.

There may have been some PSLs too!  

Road trips are THE best!

Especially when there are friends and family involved!!

We may have arrived home at 1:30 am, but we concluded the weekend with these thoughts,

"It was worth it."

"We should do more road trips together."

 

To the Lumber Museum

It's been a bit different with Blossom1 and Blossom2's college work loads.  They just aren't available for some of the extra curricular activities that we used to do altogether.  

They are having to carefully choose where their time goes.  I'm thankful that they are managing their time well, but I don't want the younger Blossoms to miss out on the things I did with the older Blossoms at this age.

My philosophy is something like my mom's was.  

If you don't have enough kids to take along, rent some.

(that's a joke)

If there's still space in your minivan, fill it.

The more, the merrier!

In any case, it's a super fun philosophy.

Another mom friend of mine and I loaded our minivans and took the younger halves of five different families to a museum detailing the Lumber boom. 

This is a quintessentially autumnal activity!

Peak foliage!

Pumpkin bread on a random bench!

Intriguing facts and artifacts.

Hoodies and jeans!

Low-lying fog.

And gratitude to be outside on a pleasant day.

Wait, I don't think I mentioned delightfully weathered old buildings against a palette of reds, golds, rusts, and aging verdure.

The kiddos asked lots of questions and experienced the grounds to the full.

When asked, I believe the camp blacksmith was their favorite of the day!

Sure, we missed having the older halves of these families around, because they're all such fabulous people! 

However, I truly enjoyed the relaxed time with my mom friend and all these younger ones.  

They are intelligent, vibrant, creative, and truly fun to be around.  

We wrapped up the day with a campfire picnic at my friend's camp.  The Blossoms and their friends ran around, hung out on the playground, played cornhole, and enjoyed a delicious lunch, complete with a generous helping of fresh air.  It was glorious! 

And the fun word games they played to entertain themselves in the van on the way home entertained even me!!

Truly, children (and fellowship) are a blessing.

Life Lately

Every now and again I like to share random thoughts from life lately.  Here's the latest:

Lately, I've been listening to this fabulous podcast about actually liking your kids.  I am very late to the listening-to-podcasts game... for no particular reason at all.  As the Blossoms get older, I do find myself with some measure of quiet as I work on some tasks and that's where this podcast comes in.  I truly believe that children are a blessing and I felt like every minute of this episode was totally worth listening to.  It left me feeling inspired, with practical tips for liking your kids... and keeping a Godly perspective on the blessings I've been given.  As for the rest of her episodes, I'm not really interested in listening to birth stories, but I am always game for more nuggets of truth that solidly point me in a Godly direction.  

I've been reading Home Work: A Memoir of my Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews.  It's a biography about her Hollywood years, which were HECTIC, to say the least.  This was a $0.99 snag at my favorite thrift store.  It's been a while since I was on a biography kick.  Though I truly enjoyed reading about her part in the making of the Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music movies, the rest of the book left me feeling stressed and not covetous of the Hollywood life AT ALL.  My takeaway: Interesting read, but I won't be rereading it.  And, because of her descriptions of her parts in some other seedy movies, I didn't feel that I wanted the girls reading this either.

Additionally, Blossom2 mentioned wanting to read Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope.  We adore the movie so I took her suggestion.  It was positively delightful, and, as usual, better than the movie.  It ranks up there with Pride and Prejudice and North and South, in my opinion.  Mary Thorne finds a way to be kind, when she's being persecuted for her birth. Her public humiliation is known by the entire town, and yet, she is kind.  Maybe I'll enjoy some of Trollope's other writings; we shall see.

I've been sipping Bubly Key Lime Pie Sparkling Water.  YUMMMM!  My sister recommended it and it was a very fun change of pace from my other summer favorites, Waterloo Summer Berry and Bubly Grapefruit!

I've been savoring post vacation days... which means, a few days to catch up on normal, non Fair-driven project before we fully dive in to the all-out school routine.  I'm not in a hurry.  We've completed so many heavy duty 4-H and community service driven projects over the past few months, that there's been an awful lot of school this summer.  That being said, a couple of the Blossoms overhauled their desks already and they sure do look nice and tidy!  Or maybe the whole schoolroom just looks better because the endless Fair to-do lists are off the board!

I've been focusing on trying to follow through with my Blossoms.  We're just a busy family and it's really easy to let things slide.  There's something to be said for finishing a task and finishing that task thoroughly.  That means that I'm trying my best to find said Blossom and call her back to the job site to finish what she was told to do.  Interestingly, I don't feel like any kind of yelling leads to peace in our home, so I've been working on going and finding said Blossom, instead of yelling for her.  That's a chore.  Our property isn't small, per se.  Yelling a full name off the back porch, followed by a hearty, "Git in here!" is certainly tempting... and yet, I've been going and finding and instructing instead.  May God's grace help me to persever so we can see the fruit of it.

There you have it ~ a few "latelys" of our little life here in the Hollow.

Snapshots from our recent cabin vacation.  More on that soon hopefully.