Definition

Kae*lin (Ka/lin), n. 1. kitten 2. little girl adj. 1. frisky, playful, mischievous, cuddly, unpredictabale, irresistible

Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude

Undeniable guilt plus undeserved grace should equal unbridled gratitude. Is the gratitude that flows out of your life as abounding as the grace that has flowed into your life? -- Unknown

Not Just a Hobby

I had a revelation the other day. I now know why I love hand-work, as opposed to sewing crafts. Because, quite simply, they are not so messy! They fit on my lap, and can be put away in seconds. On the other hand, sewing projects take over an entire room, and clean-up is such a chore. Not to mention, the monotony of hand-work allows my brain to be free for other things. Sewing requires a lot of concentration for me.

I also discovered why I am passionate about what I do, and why I do not consider it a waste of my time. First, I simply love to create beauty. Second, I believe in the art of sitting still, and being relationally available to my family, especially my children, during those quiet afternoon hours. I have memories of my own mom and grandma sitting quietly while doing hand-work. They were AVAILABLE at those times. I could talk all I needed to, and feel heard, which gave me a sense of validation. A large part of my emotional development is directly attributed to those hours they gave to quiet hand-work. Having my hand-work as a passion and a hobby allows me to create an atmosphere of peace and quiet in my home and be available to my children for "chit-chat," while still being somewhat productive. These are both dying arts - the art of relationships, especially within one's own family, and the art of handwork.

Tea Time

Don't call me at 2:00 in the afternoon. If you do, I may not answer, and if I do answer, you will undoubtedly be interrupting my favorite time of day. At approximately 2:00 in the afternoon, my girls and I get up from our quiet time, and sit around the kitchen table with tea and a snack. Today we (or should I say they) polished off the bag of "baked" potato chips with homemade French Onion Dip. I love to look into their sparkling brown eyes as they share bites with one another and with me, and tell me all the random thoughts that cross their minds.

Babies for Sale

No, not my girls! They, of course, are Priceless..... I'm finally trying to sell all my baby canaries. Sonny and Tinka had 8 total this year - 7 survived, and the final five are up for sale. Any takers?! The two males have beautiful song.

Project Man

After making a beautiful lattice arbor for one of my flower beds this summer (which the clematis loves), Adam decided to get creative again and is now making a wooden bridge for my other flower bed. It will provide some great interest, and will help break up the space.

Edible Art Projects

Today I came in from the gardens to find Kaelin in a good mood - finally! She has not been feeling well, but she greeted me with a smile and was literally smacking her lips. I asked her what she was eating, and she ran to get it - she had found Rachel's art project from Sunday School this morning, which was a small paper plate with oatmeal, rice, and whole grains glued to it. Kaelin was picking them off and eating them.....thankfully Rachel was out of the house and still doesn't know anything about it!