To give rest

We live in a crazy, fast-paced world. There's rarely a moment to rest and reflect, which means we must find or make those moments ourselves.  Rather than unwinding in front of the TV, I prefer to read recreationally. I've found that this influences me to Godliness.  The wholesomeness is restful and rejuvenating.  When I read the Anne books by Lucy Maud Montgomery, I'm reminded to savor my children and all their joyous childish ways all the more.  I remember to look at God's lovely creation and let Him speak to me.  This series also reminds me of Psalms; "When I lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help." I esteem virtue.  Those Poverbs 31 sort of things are beautiful. When I read The Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, I'm reminded of living holy, while under persecution, a theme also found in 1 Peter.  The power of faith is evident to me as I read The Secret Garden by the same author.  Little Lord Fauntleroy reminded me to believe the best in people.  The Lost Prince clearly illustrated the importance of obeying the Master's orders, following His plan and always being faithful. When I read Jane Austen 's masterpiece Pride and Prejudice, I recall the pitfalls of pride.  Emma reminds me of the dangers of vanity.  I also love the sweet, pure writings of Grace Livingston Hill.  My sister and I joke that when we put down one of her books we feel like praying and cooking our family a delectable homey meal. Gene Stratton Potter's Girl of the Limberlost is a story that vividly cautions me against bitterness.  I could go on and on about reading biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, historical fiction and such.  Some choose to unwind with a sitcom of zero virtue, but I choose to reinforce virtue with wholesome clean reading.  "If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things."

Speaking of slaves...

One slave was recently on an extended vacation.  Since Sweet Pea was born, I gave Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer some serious time off, while simultaneously requiring longer hours of other kitchen slaves, such as Crock Pot.  Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer must have felt somewhat neglected.  She was reinitiated with a Peanut Butter Pie last week.  Just as I was about to drop a huge dollop of Peanut Butter into her shiny metal bowl, I realized that a quick wash would be a good idea.  She'd never been dusty before.  Welcome back, Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.  I'm looking forward to having your assistance on those Amped Up Brownies this week.

Slave BFF

Some slaves are inseparable.  I can respect that, as long as the productivity speaks for itself.  Restaurant Broom & Standup Dustpan are that way.  Wherever I look, they're always together.  SBFF seems to fit (Slaves Best Friends Forever)  Skeeter operates Restaurant Broom & Standup Dustpan.  She has taken over sweeping the kitchen floor.  That was hard for Mommy.  She likes the kitchen floor clean, REALLY clean, but teaching the Blossoms to manage these slaves was more important.  Plus, Long Handled Broom just needed a break.  She just didn't work well with Blossoms.  (I made a note of that in her employee file.  I also considered this in her Employee Performance Review, but since she deals well with the VP of this corporation, we've decided to keep her on staff here.)  We worked with Skeeter for months, so she'd know what Restaurant Broom & Standup Dustpan were capable of and how to get them to perform to their highest potential.  She had to learn to make Restaurant Broom & Standup Dustpan work in an efficient pattern, a pattern that Mommy specifically taught her.  We're so glad we hired Restaurant Broom & Standup Dustpan from our local Lowes store.  Restaurant Broom & Standup Dustpan are working 2-3 times a day to keep the kitchen floor tidy.  I can really see them having a long career here, especially since other Blossoms will be working with Restaurant Broom & Standup Dustpan.

Another slave

I allowed this slave to join our staff somewhat begrudgingly.  She was bought with a price, a price I didn't think was necessary.  It all started when Daddy was reiterating the logic of hanging clothes on the line.  It makes sense to me.  It just didn't make sense to Sweet Pea.  Why should she let Mommy out of her sight for 20 minutes so that the rest of the family could have clean, fresh-smelling, dry clothing?  And, why should Mommy put her down for the same purpose?  It just didn't jive with her baby contract.  The Blossoms tried to hang clothes on the line for Mommy.  It was love at work, but it scared Mommy, because it consisted of Blossoms' standing on a blue and orange Little Tykes slide they had dragged over to the clothesline.  Daddy came to the rescue!  (He's our Hero!)  He went to Walmart when Mommy was still being pampered after having Sweet Pea and he hired Collapsible Clothing Rack.  The price was $20ish.  Mommy is thrilled.  With Sweet Pea in Mommy's arms, Mommy pushes the basket of clean, wet clothes out onto the deck.  Collapsible Clothing Rack is set up one-handed and the Blossoms now "hang" clothes on the "line." What a good little slave Collapsible Clothing Rack is!  Stay on staff here LONG, Collapsible Clothing Rack, and I will send you on a retirement trip someday.

I have slaves

Yes, I have slaves.  Most people call them small kitchen appliances and such, but I call them slaves.  In essence, they do the same things.  They accomplish menial tasks in this household with minimal Mommy supervision.  And, they assist the Blossoms in learning how to work.  So, without further ado, here's a favorite slave of mine - - - - - -

the Dustbuster!

He efficiently demolishes small messes in a single swipe.  Scooter (#2) is the main overseer/owner/operator of Dustbuster man.  She uses him regularly to clean up the seed mess underneath Ransom's cage (Ransom is our Cockatiel.  He's named after Dr. Ransom from C.S. Lewis' space trilogy. Daddy got to name him since he's a BOY bird.)  I digress.  Scooter uses Dustbuster man to get rid of all the non-refridgeratable meal leftovers.  You know, the ones that are left behind on Blossoms' chairs.  Scooter wields Dustbuster man to take care of the sandbox that travels indoors to the laundry room/back door entry area.  And then, Skeeter and Skipper use Dustbuster man at a moments' notice whenever Mommy commands.  Dusbuster man has been on staff here for only 4 years or so.  He has many more years to come in his Blossom Household career.  When the Blossoms have established their own households and he's considering retirement, we'll sing, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" in his honor.