In This Season

Another Season of Life-Simplify

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:31:00 +0000

Every season of life has it's blessings and it's challenges. I remember being a young wife and mother-there was the joy of looking into each of my daughter's eyes for the first time, and all the other little firsts of babyhood. I also remember the lack of sleep, privacy, and time to myself. As my girls got older, I remember the blessings were still wonderful, but the challenges were different as they became their own persons with thoughts and opinions of their own.

These days I have 3 married daughters 2 grand daughters, another grandchild on the way, and one daughter away at school. The house seems empty with just my husband, one dog, 2 cats, and myself in it, but with the new job I've acquired outside the home, I find that I'm just as busy or busier than I ever was. My time for some things I used to do have become limited and I need to simplify a little.

Take my computer time. Before I got this new job, I could spend my mornings or late afternoons reading blogs, doing research, and working on my own blog. Those times are now few and far between, and as I need to simplify my life some, I've decided to let go of this blog, at least for now. I will still keep my cooking blog, Darcy's Kitchen Kapers, because even though I don't have as much time as I used to, I will always cook, and I enjoy it so much.

I will keep this blog up but I will be transferring all my recipes that are on this blog onto my cooking blog so that they will all be together. I have enjoyed my time with you and I know I will see many of you over at my other blog. I will still continue to receive comments on this blog, too, so if you read a post that was helpful to you or that you feel the need to voice your opinion about, I welcome thoughts.

God bless you all.

The Bride of Christ: Revelation 21:1,2

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:23:00 +0000

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Revelation 21:1,2

The Grandbabies

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:13:00 +0000

This past week has been such a whirlwind of activity. I spent lots of time at my daughter's house helping her with her two little girls and making sure she got some much-needed rest. The above picture was taken of Lydia when she was 5 days old. It's so much fun cuddling with her. Lorelei is so good with her new little sister, very gentle and makes sure Mama or Grandma knows when Lydia cries.

Over the weekend we had the baby shower for my oldest daughter and her coming baby. Everything went without a hitch and it was a good time of catching up with many ladies I haven't seen in a few years. My daughter received so many nice gifts and hopefully I will have some pictures soon. I didn't take any pictures myself but there was a young lady that did and I should be receiving the pictures from her in the next week or so. My daughter and son-in-law are now getting busy with painting and making sure the nursery is ready for their new baby. I am so thankful she is no longer experiencing morning (noon and night!) sickness and is feeling good now with much more energy than at the beginning of her pregnancy.

Grandbabies make my home sing! Join us over at Mom's The Word for more Making Your Home Sing Monday. I will participating more each Monday as my schedule has gotten a little lighter outside of the home, for which I am very thankful.

Just Popping In!

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:32:00 +0000

I'm just popping in for a minute to say that I will be back with a real post soon! We are having lots of fun with our new grand daughter but I'm also working and helping to put on a baby shower this weekend for our oldest daughter. We are expecting around 60 people, which makes me so very glad for the help my daughter's mother-in-law is giving to me on this as she has lots and lots of experience with putting on these kinds of events. I'll have more pictures of our new baby and her big sister as well as shower pictures, too. Have a wonderful weekend and God bless!

Little Lydia

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:25:00 +0000

My husband and I stopped at the hospital last night on our way home to visit Lydia and her mommy and daddy. She was wide awake when we got there and even looked towards the camera for one of the pictures. Thank you for all your words of congratulations and well wishes on the birth of our second grandbaby. It means so much.

So precious!

Baby's Here!

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:39:00 +0000

Our little girl was born at 8:49 last night and she is absolutely beautiful! She weighs 8 lb 13 oz and is doing just fine. Her mommy is doing well, too. I've had 4 of my own babies and realize the miracle of birth, but when I saw my own grand daughter born (for the second time-I was there for the first grand daughter's birth, too) it is absolutely amazing! To be there to welcome this new life into the world and into our family is such a blessing.

Oh, and my daughter and son-in-law named her Lydia Darcy, which makes me feel honored, yet humbles me, too. I'll be posting pictures soon. Thank you all for your prayers for this new blessing in our lives.

Still Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:01:00 +0000

The expectant grandparents

Well, our daughter's due date has come and is almost gone with no sign of our new baby yet. Sigh. Still waiting... But we did get to spend time today with our grand daughter (soon to be big sister) today. What a joy she is!

Our youngest daughter was able to come home yesterday to pick up her car and to take it back to college with her. She is doing very well in school and is making lots of new friends and loving her classes.

I anticipate a very busy week and would appreciate your prayers for physical, spiritual, and mental strength. I will be working at my own job as well as helping my husband out with his part time job because he will be starting a new job this week (Praise the Lord!). This schedule will be for only a couple of weeks and I have cut some of my hours at work, but it will still be lots of work.

I hope your week is an especially good one. Until next time :)

Happy Birthday To My Hubby!

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 13:26:00 +0000

Today is my hubby's birthday. Wasn't he a handsome boy? I'm especially thankful for the way God has led my husband through the journey He has which has brought him to be the man he is today. I'm so blessed!

My Wish For You

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:39:00 +0000

Little Women

'Mother, do you have "plans," as Mrs. Moffat said?' asked Meg, bashfully.
'Yes, my dear, I have a great many; all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat's, I suspect. ...

'I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman; and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience.

It is natural to think of it, Meg; right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it; so that, when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties, and worthy of the joy.

My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world-marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing-and, when well used, a noble thing-but I never want you to think of it as the first or only prize to strive for.

I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

'One thing remember, my girls; mother is always ready to be your confidante, father to be your friend; and both of us trust and hope that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives.'

- Louisa May Alcott

Sewing with Soft Flannel and Planning a Baby Shower

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:56:00 +0000

As we eagerly await the arrival of our newest grand daughter, Lydia, who is due on October 3rd, we also have another grandbaby who will be making an appearance in December. This, as many of my regular readers know, is my oldest daughter's and son-in-law's first baby. I've been busy making some burp cloths for the new baby and I was given some of the softest flannel by a co-worker,

so I plan on making receiving blankets as well from some of the fabric. Can I just say how much fun this is!

We are also planning a baby shower for our oldest daughter for the second week of October. It will be a rather large affair with lots of guests, and I'm a little stumped on what to use for the guests' table centerpieces. We are using the colors of pastel yellow and green, which are the colors of the new baby's nursery and they are also gender neutral since we won't know whether our newest one is a boy or girl until he or she is finally here. So, all you crafty, creative, imaginative readers, if you have any ideas, please share. We don't have lots of time, but we have lots of helping hands.

Sunday Scripture-Zephaniah 3:17

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:12:00 +0000

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:20:00 +0000

It's starting to get exciting around here! We've got a baby coming in about 3 weeks, although the doctor said my daughter, Katie, probably won't make it that long. She is 37 weeks along right now and our baby is getting ready to be born. She is about 6 1/2 pounds and 19 inches long and she's getting a little cramped inside her mama, if all the stretching of little arms and legs is any indication. Katie is a little concerned about the timing of labor and knowing for sure if it is in fact labor because her last birthing experience was a scheduled one and her labor was induced. This time, she will have to watch for signs of labor and she and my son-in-law and grand daughter live about 45 minutes away from the hospital. So, if you would keep her in your prayers in the next few days, we would appreciate it.

Waiting for new babies makes my home sing!

Join us over at Mom's the Word for Making Your Home Sing Monday.

Sunday Hymn and Scripture

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Jesus! the Very Thought of Thee

Jesus! the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fill my breast:

But sweeter far Thy face to see,

And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,

Nor can the mem'ry find,

A sweeter sound than Jesus' name,

The Saviour of mankind.

O Hope of ev'ry contrite heart,

O Joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind Thou art!

How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah! this

Nor tongue nor pen can show:

The love of Jesus, what it is

None but His loved ones know.

Latin hymn, 11th century, translated by Edward Caswall, 1849

Music by John B. Dykes, 1866

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. "

Malachi 3:16,17

Graphic courtesy of All posters

So Tired

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:55:00 +0000

I'm sorry my posts have been so few and far between! I still read all of your blogs but I'm just pretty tired on the days I have to work and my mind (and body) just want to relax. It's been over 10 years since I've worked a full time job, which means I was 10 years younger :) and it is whooping me as I try to get used to the schedule. My husband is such a help to me and insists that I don't do too much at home. He also insists on doing all the dishes, picking up the house, and do sharing laundry duties. We clean the house together now, too. He would much rather have me at home but for now this is the way it is and we are getting used to it. We are just thankful for the work.

It's getting very close to the time of our next grandchild being born. We know this one is a girl and she will be here (Lord willing!) in about 3 1/2 weeks. Our oldest daughter's first baby is expected in December and we are planning a baby shower for the second weekend in October. I'll be keeping everyone posted as events occur.

Sunday Scripture-I Thessalonians 5:1-6

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:16:00 +0000

"But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But, ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

I Thessalonians 5:1-6

Adapting to Change

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:54:00 +0000

Grandpa's lasagna is so good!

This past week has been one of adapting. Last weekend we dropped our last child off at college, so getting used to an empty nest has taken some getting used to! This past week she has been settling in, learning her new job, and meeting new people. She was supposed to have a roommate in her dorm room but for some reason she won't be attending this semester, which is a disappointment to our daughter. She was really looking forward to sharing a room with another girl. The college did tell her to keep that side of the dorm empty, though, because she may eventually get a roommate. She also starts her classes today and will be taking her first journalism class. Very exciting for her.

As for us folks at home, things have not stayed the same either. I started my job this past week and since I am working more hours outside of the home than my husband, he has taken over the cooking and some of the cleaning. Being a homebody, it has has been a little hard to "let go" of the kitchen especially, but he has done a great job, a job, I might add, he takes very seriously :) Yesterday he made the lasagna for our third daughter's birthday celebration and it was delicious. He put pepperoni in it instead of ground beef and everyone loved it.

It's been fun to realize that it has been almost 26 years since my husband and I have lived alone. It takes me back to when we were newlyweds and had our whole life together ahead of us. We dreamed and talked about what we were going to do, our future children, and where we would live, just like most couples do. Now we have 4 daughters, 3 sons-in-law, 1 grandbaby, and 2 more on the way! Life is good. God is faithful.

I'm linking up with Making Your Home Sing Monday at Mom's The Word.

Sunday Scripture-Isaiah 11:1 & 2

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:13:00 +0000

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."

Isaiah 11:1 & 2

Painting courtesy of All Posters.

Bye, Bye Birdie

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:45:00 +0000

This past weekend we dropped our youngest off at college, the last birdie in our nest. We are so proud of our daughter but we will miss her very much. As Nan said last week in her MYHS post, "This is what we prepare our children for, to leave the nest. We aren't really raising children, in a way we are raising adults. We raise them to leave us and go out to venture on their own." I couldn't have said it better.

Not only is this a new experience for our daughter, it is a new time for my husband and myself. It's been over 26 years since it's been just the two of us. We are entering a whole new season.

I'm linking up with Making Your Home Sing Monday at Mom's the Word.

Sunday Scripture-Proverbs 15:1,2

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:52:00 +0000

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

Proverbs 15:1,2

Updates and Fly Away From Home

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:28:00 +0000

If you've visited my blog in the last couple of days you may have noticed a small change to it-my profile pic. I uploaded a picture of me wearing an apron I finally finished sewing but when I would comment on other blogs the picture would cut off my head. So, I've uploaded a new profile pic. This one is me with my sweet grand daughter taken last month at my third oldest daughter's wedding. Since I'm the one that takes most of the pictures at our house, it's hard to find any pictures of me.

Some good news-I have found another job. Yay! Whew! That sure took some time. My husband told me that he heard on the news last night that the national employment rate is at 9%. In the Great Depression is was 10%. I remember my grandma telling me about the hard time her daddy had finding a job during that time. He just worked whenever and where ever he could.

One more thing-we will be dropping our youngest daughter off at college this weekend. These things are always bittersweet. We want our children to grow up but it's so hard to watch them go because we miss them so much. I'll have more about our trip on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

I'm a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:56:00 +0000

After reading the great series My Two Cents on Budgeting at Mary Ann's House I decided to enter the giveaway she had. And guess what? I won! I've been reading Mary Ann's blog for a very long time now and I almost always learn something from her.
I got the book in the mail today. Mary Ann put a pretty ribbon around the book and attached a card with a sweet note inside.

It's Dave Ramsey's The Money Answer Book. I'm really looking forward to reading this book and learning even more from this author.

Thanks, Mary Ann!

Grandchildren-What a Gift!

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:37:00 +0000

This weekend was filled with family and good times, including our sweet little grand daughter. She is almost 14 months old now and quite the ham, as you can see :) By the way, she loves her new sunglasses and leaves them on for a long time!

She has been concentrating on learning to walk and now she rarely crawls at all anymore. She is very fascinated with any kind of technology-cell phones, computers, remote controls, cameras, you name it. When I took the above picture I could hardly get her to stay in front of the camera because she was too taken with what was going on on my side.

Here's what's happening with our two other grandchildren:

Our oldest daughter and son-in-law are expecting their first child in December. She is now in her second trimester at 23 weeks, which means she has about 17 weeks to go until the baby is born. They are waiting to be surprised as to what the gender of the baby is until he or she is born but she and the baby are doing very well.

Our second daughter, Lorelei's mama, is due in less than 7 weeks with our second grand daughter. Yesterday I was enjoying feeling her kick as Katie and I were sitting on the couch.
Again, we are very thankful to know that everything is going well.

God has truly blessed our family as we look forward to two more new members of the family! Hopefully I can share the ultrasound pictures soon.

Sunday Scripture-Matthew 6:30-34

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:40:00 +0000

"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Matthew 6:30-34

Photo by Diana Mayfield

A "New" Coffeemaker

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:56:00 +0000

Our coffeemaker decided to die this morning when I went to turn it on. Not good. My husband, our daughter, and I are all big coffee drinkers in the morning. Don't even think about giving us tea, although we like it at other times during the day, just not in the morning. I ended up boiling water and pouring it over coffee grounds so we could wake up without snarling at each other. You coffee drinkers know what I mean!

Back when we threw our money around a little bit more liberally, I would have headed to our nearest discount store and bought a brand new coffeemaker. These days I don't have such luxuries and since I knew that our closest thrift store usually had some coffeemakers on their shelves, I decided to go over there and check it out. The wonderful surprise was that all their houseware items were all 50% off. So, I got our "new" coffeemaker for only $1.50. Very nice.

I also picked up some brand new looking bibs for our oldest daughter's baby for 50 cents a piece, a couple of magazines for 25 cents each, and some baby toys for a dollar. It's so much fun buying for little ones! One of the magazines was a cross stitch pattern book and I found an adorable one that I could make for one of our new babies. (We have 2 more grandbabies coming in the next few months-yes we are so excited!)

Besides the coffeemaker, the other great deal was the Chinese rice bowls that I snatched up for half price. I ended up paying $2.00 for all 5 of them. I plan on making candles for several people for Christmas and I thought they would be pretty holders for the candles. You can't really see the designs on the sides of the bowls but they are really pretty. Oh, and I got a gravy boat for 50 cents, which will come in handy for our holiday meals in the next few months.

In this season of our lives of a tighter budget, which I know won't last forever, I'm learning to be more creative about getting what we need and using the resources available to us without spending lots of money. On my cooking blog, I'm doing a series on how I've learned to really cut our grocery budget, which is related to this post I think. I'm a pretty frugal person by nature, but our present situation is challenging that even further and I'm realizing I can be pretty creative!

Are you learning to be more creative with how you spend your money and get what you need these days? What have you learned about yourself?

I'm linking up with Frugal Friday today.

Sunday Scripture-Isaiah 40:8

noreply@blogger.com (DarcyLee) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:09:00 +0000

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

Isaiah 40:8

Graphic courtesy of All Posters by White & Petteway