Michigan Momma

Water

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 05:40:00 +0000

It seems to be a theme around here lately.

Water.

The sound, I can feel it.
Like a heartbeat.
Breathing.
In and out.

Whether it's a pond,

Spring on the homestead.

A creek,

Trails at the local nature center.

A river,

Barge on the St. Clair River.

Or a Great Lake.

Lake Huron

I guess it's to be expected when you live in Michigan.

All those beautiful lakes, providing home to an abundance of wildlife.
I love learning all I can about these places!

Oldest aquarium in Michigan.

There always seems to be a new place, a new space.

Family round the fountain!

I'm drawn to water.

(does everyone feel that way?)

I was born in Michigan, raised on a small inland lake.

And yes, I *am* an aquarius!
No matter where we go, I love to search out water in nature.
My favorites are spaces in nature that feel untouched....

perfect.

Yet I see the beauty in created water features as well.

Outside the Creation Museum.

The sound.

The ebb & flow.

Relaxing

Peaceful

I can literally feel myself melt, just a little.

Reflections.

And when I can figure out ways to learn in these spaces....
All the better!
Creation.
Science.

bacterial growth in pond water

Water.

Inspiration.

Art.

Learning a new art medium.

And time spent with loved ones.

Searching for treasure!

Metal detection with my boy.

And finding time.

Time with each other.

Ebb & flow.

Learning & loving.

Living in Michigan.

~Lori~

That Middle Child

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:11:00 +0000

If you have enough children, you're bound to experience the joys of parenting a "middle child".

Coming from a family where there were only 2 children, this was all new to me! My husband on the other hand, IS a middle child (he has an older brother & a younger sister - CLASSIC middle child). When my third child began acting, um.....like an alien had taken over her sweet lil' body!!!......he was a bit more prepared than I.

Meet our Talitha:

Tali taste-testing her first batch of 4H cupcakes.

Practically perfect in every way!

(well.....except for that whole "being a human being" thing....)

Besides that, she's awesome!!

She is also a "middle child". Isaac is first, followed by Selah (both display characteristics of a first-born). Then there's Tali ~ followed by 3 younger brothers. So she's the baby girl, yet older sister to 3 more boys. She has TWO trying-to-be-the-boss, older siblings. She can get *so* stuck in the middle, it ain't even funny.

Poor thing.

Tali's decorated cupcakes!
She is bound & determined to learn new skills,
often YEARS before she is truly capable.

Yet when her behavior begins to drop in a negative way.....whew, watch out world!!
I have had to learn how to mother her in a completely different way than my other children.
She demands a lot of attention. Not always in a bad way, not always with negative behavior, but that NEED to be heard is obviously there. She will not be kept in the shadow of anyone, nor will she quietly sit by while others pass her by.

She is incredibly ~~stubborn~~, um, determined, and amazingly hard-working. I'm often in awe of her, especially when she is facing any type of challenge. Give that girl some time, and she WILL figure out how to get it done!

American Girl paper dolls ~ an afternoon project.
Momma & Me time!

She requires "Momma & Me" time, time that I love to give her whenever possible.
She also requires consistent parenting, knowing *exactly* what to expect for specific behavior - if you give her an inch, she will take two miles!

She is sensitive. She is empathetic.

She shows her love with actions. Acts of love.
She can also be a little manipulator!
(what's the positive word for "manipulator" - problem solver?)

Tali with her 3 younger brothers.
Oh my, does she enjoy "mothering" them!

She has brought such joy to our lives. She has also brought us to our knees in prayer.

Again, and again, and again.
Frustration, even anger.
Amazement, joy, love.

*sigh*

I'm tired just typing all of this.....

A spur of the moment "tiara" for my princess.

I am so thankful we were given the opportunity to parent such a wonderful, challenging, beautiful child.

She is a blessing!

p.s. That's Talitha there in my signature pic. She is the only red-haired, blue-eyed child in our family. This distinction makes her truly happy! :)

My Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 22:50:00 +0000

To be entirely honest, I don't do a great job at this whole "journaling" thing.

I don't keep up with it as I should.
I think I'm missing an entire year between pages at one point!

Yet I just keep coming back to it - keep adding another page, here and there, whenever I find the time, motivation, and energy to give it a go.

I first heard about this type of journaling from the beautiful blog, Eyes of Wonder. Does anyone remember her name? Her blog is no longer available, or maybe it needs a password - of which I am not privy - but it was absolutely gorgeous! She had many children, all ages, she lived in the country, valued God, family, home....simply beautiful!

Anyway - I read about her way of journaling and she shared a few pages of her own journal. Simple. Beautiful. I was ready to give it a go!

First, you start with some basic supplies. I bought a spiral bound notebook with a hard-ish cover, something I thought was nice. For me, that's fall colors! Next, I grabbed some old magazines I had around the house. I went through each one, clipping pictures or parts of pictures that I was drawn to. I personally stay away from faces. This is about my life, my days & my moments - I don't want anyone's face distracting from that. Once I had a good amount of clippings, I gathered colored pens of various tips, scissors, and a glue stick

Then I was ready to start:

Basic supplies.

I pick a few pictures (or one large pic) and glue it onto a page. Due to the weight of my paper, I only use one side, the right-hand side - but do whatever you feel comfortable doing. This is *your* project!

One page, right-hand side, with only one large picture.

I make sure to put the date at the top of the page, then I simply write about whatever is on my mind. This could be about anything from the weather, what's for dinner, a sick friend or relative, upcoming trips, cute sayings from my kiddos, goals for myself or our schooling......anything! I use lots of different colored pens, just to keep it pretty! I'll write under pictures, down the side of the paper, draw a heart, a smiley face, maybe some arrows.

Lots of colors, lots of topics!

I've discussed struggles I was going through, stages my children were in, how God was talking to me through my day, what curriculum I was thinking about, literally anything! Even though I am fairly open and honest, I do want my children to look at these pages, to remember their own childhood moments, but also to see their Momma perhaps in a different light. To see what I struggled with, yet also where I found my joy! To that end, I personally choose to be open & honest, yet there *are* subjects I may not write about.....I guess we would all have to choose where that line is for ourselves.

One of my latest journal pages.

So there ya go ~ I simply journal, but oh, so meaningful!
I enjoy reading through old pages, remembering moments I may have forgotten.

Beautiful.

Quietly....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 19:40:00 +0000

I am quietly, nonchalantly, re-entering the blog world.

*whistling...nonchalantly*

This blog was here for me for many years when i needed an outlet. When I had many little ones, as my family grew in size, until one day....we grew right out of the blog world!

But now, now that I'm done having babies, done with nursing littles, (almost) done with potty training.....I may be ready to try the blog out again. Give it a test run, see if it fits into this new stage of life.

And new stage it is!
Here are a few "catch up" pictures....

The kids are growing!
Isaac is 14, and just received a guitar for his birthday.
My boy.....*sniff*

Selah - resident "might as well be a teenager" - at 12yo.
Here she's modeling a new scarf/hood for the etsy site that she crocheted.
She's getting really good! (and beautiful, but I'm a bit biased)

Kit-Kat is still around, plus a new cat - Storm.
We created a new garden space this year and it did fairly well.
Except for the corn, but let's not go there, shall we.....

We have settled into a church family again!
A small, Baptist, coming-out-of-fundamentalism congregation.
They have challenged us, forced us to look at what we believe and why.
It's been up and down, but it's been good!

We've had family & friends visit ~ with lots of local sightseeing & fun activities!
The Blue Water Area & the Thumb of Michigan are simply gorgeous!

Of course, the birthdays just keep happening!
Gideon, the baby, is now 3.
When did this happen??

Blessings keep happening as well!
The two oldest kids decided they needed to get baptized.
My heart just keeps filling up!

Activities are starting up as the school year begins again.
Ballet lessons, guitar lessons, 4H group, craft group, HS support group....
We've discovered inexpensive (even free) ways to add fun & learning into this journey!

There are sick days, emotional days, and the financial struggles don't seem to be going anywhere.
And yet....I believe, I hope, we are getting a bit better at finding the joy in our days.
Joy in our days, in simple moments, in big experiences, and even in the struggles we face.

Family & friends are such a gift from the Lord!
We can share our struggles, and find companionship as we walk this journey God has placed before us.
With toddlers and teens....it's good to find someone who can understand you!!

Everyone is growing up ~ too quickly!
Tali (10yo) had some "oldest sibling" time, when her two older siblings went on vacation recently.
It was good for them, it was good for her....yup, it was even good for me!

So we continue on.
Family, friends, joys, struggles.
Peace.

So that in no way covers life for the past few years, but that's okay.
I feel as though I stepped back onto the stage, shared a few pics, and we'll go from here.
Sharing a little bit at time, day by day, moment by moment.
Until before you know it, the blog will be full again!

Thanks for reading!
Blessings to you all ~ I can't wait to get to know everyone all over again!!

Fall Traditions ~ The Apples

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 19:47:00 +0000

Our bounty ~ a bushel of goodness!

Gideon had so much fun ~ especially being lifted up to pick his own apples!

Our local orchard has these great, old, metal wagons to pull apples (and children) along!

The crop of apples wasn't great this year ~ all were considered "seconds" ~ yet we thought they were still quite yummy! No one seemed to mind, especially at $8/bushel!

Nothing better than your child so very happy!

Unless it's your father laughing hysterically!!

Isaac, ever my meticulous child, wanted to make sure the apples we picked were up to snuff!

Love the smiles!

Big hay bales even provided entertainment for the teenager among us!

Tali, enjoying the hayride!

Giddy & his big sissy!

Elijah Rock ~ waiting to try and pick an apple as we pass by the trees...

Luv this lil' boy!

**and lastly, my folks finally got their stove installed ~ along with our wood burning stove and the boys infra-red heater, ALL the levels of our home are ready for the long Michigan winter!

p.s. coming up next ~ making apple butter & more family traditions (at Lowe's!)

Life beyond Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 01:02:00 +0000

I just went on a Facebook break.

AHHHHHH!!!!

I have been on Facebook, pretty consistently, since about - oh, I don't know, 2007 or 2008. So.....that's a long time without a break!

I want to focus more on my family, my kiddos, their schooling, their behavior, my marriage, cleaning the house (well, I don't *want* to do that, but I probably should), and doing more of the "extra" fun stuff (sewing, crocheting, crafts with the kids, more experiments).

Isaac learning about long-barrel rifles and early American life.

Blue Waves baby blankie ~ yes, I'm STILL working on it....

Yes, I spend too much time on Facebook....

Me and my beautiful girls!

Plus, I'd like to focus a bit more on me and my needs in this season of my life.

I'm about to turn - *gulp* - the big 4-0, and I need to start paying better attention to my health & happiness, in addition to my family's health & happiness. Yes, they mostly go hand in hand, but there are things I can - and should - be doing for myself that just aren't happening.

Mother's Day ~ by Tali

My Michigan winter slippers!

There's also this part of me that wonders how my emotions and self-confidence are affected by Facebook??? There's a lot of comparing, seeing how we measure up, wondering if we're doing things the "right" way or the "best" way. Even if it's not done consciously, I wonder how the day in and day out viewing of other people's lives - and the NEED to share from my own life - is truly affecting me??

Enjoying the family!

Anyways, perhaps it's nothing.
But I want to take the break nonetheless.

My Baby ~ I miss her.....

So I'll try to keep up with the weekly blogging. That seems a bit more do-able. And blogging has always held a sort of journal or diary status for me. I miss that.

So, here's to my Facebook break!

Selah-belle ~ my artist!

I'm excited to delve deeper into my life!
Ya know, IRL!!

***edited to add: I'm going to go ahead and "share" this on Facebook, so my friends will know I'm blogging again. Is that cheating? Nah.....:)

Our Homeschool Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 23:12:00 +0000

Yup, that's us ~ we live life, we school, it all kinda gets mixed up.....whatever happens to us in life, naturally becomes a part of our education. The kids are learning, and I am learning too!

As a way to record some of our day-to-day homeschool life, I'm going to post something weekly (more or less) about what we're learning. This gives me a chance to sort through the collective chaos and see what we're actually learning, plus gives all of us a way to look back and enjoy some pictures of "school".

Most recently we have been studying some Jewish culture. We thought we could start by learning about some of the yearly Jewish celebrations, or feasts. Rosh Hashanah was just around the corner, and what a better place to start than the Jewish New Year!

I'm not sure where I picked up this book, but I've had it for a few years, wanting to learn more about the Jewish holidays with the kiddos, yet never seeming to find the time to make it happen. So this year we just went for it!

We started off, Wednesday evening, at sundown - well, 18 min. BEFORE sundown, to be precise! The girls lit the candles - one for each person in our home - and Rosh Hashanah officially began in our home.

Unfortunately, I do not believe I would make a very good Jewish wife.....ha! I was having a hard time getting dinner on the table, and the natives were getting restless! Luckily, Rosh Hashanah is all about having a *sweet* year. They tend to eat sweet foods during this two day celebration - and my apple dessert was ready and waiting to go! So the kids ate dessert first!! Can I just tell you how excited they were?!! Wait, really, Momma?? We can eat the dessert FIRST?!? Yup ~ I'm officially "Awesome Momma"!!

When we did get to the dinner portion, it started off with our circle challah bread. We have made plenty of challah, but never in a circle shape, so this was something new. It turned out beautiful! We tore hunks of the bread off, right there at the table, and drizzled them with honey. Perfect!

A few more traditions we partook of: we ate breakfast "cookies" as part of the sweet foods portion of the holiday. They were actually a fairly healthy cookie - which is why I could justify serving them for breakfast!

We also threw bread crumbs into the Black River. The crumbs represented the sin in our lives, issues we are each personally dealing with. The River represents God's grace & mercy. He washes our sins away. He no longer remembers them, nor holds them against us. They are gone! It was good to watch the bread crumbs float away.....

Lastly, we learned about the shofar - the ram's horn. This is the Feast of Trumpets! Luckily for us, Isaac has been learning to play the trumpet via YouTube lessons. He has only had a few lessons thus far, but he knew enough to blow some notes which represented our "shofar". I told him the shofar was typically sounded 100 times each day of Rosh Hashanah in the synagogue. He told me he didn't think he could manage that....ha! I was impressed by his lung capacity when it came time for the final trumpet blast - whew!! Can that boy BLOW!!!

In other hs'ing news: We're learning about Ancient Greece, the Medes & the Persians, the Babylonians & the Assyrians. The Persian Empire is about to go to battle with the Greeks! We are all excited to see what happens next! The Map Work is probably the favorite part of History around here. Well, that and the stories I read from historical works & myths.

In science, we are studying habitats around the world, characteristics of each habitat and the animals that live there. We are currently in China & Australia. We have taken a LONG time with this curriculum, studying other things in nature, letting the kids' interests lead us. Once we are done with this curriculum, we are heading into Astronomy. I can't tell you how excited Isaac, my 13yo, is!

Math is math - some do Math U See, some do free printable worksheets, some are working their way through XtraMath.com, and we do have a few math workbooks, but those are mainly for fun. Just when the kids are bored and are looking for something, ANYTHING, to do.

Isaac is learning trumpet, Selah is working her way through our library's art instruction books, while also keeping up with piano here and there. Tali is working very hard at the piano - also with YouTube lessons. She desperately wants to learn how to sew, so I try to include her in whatever I am working on. I am learning patience. Daily.....

The girls are starting a ballet class tomorrow - just four HS girls in their class. The teacher is very local (right on our street) and the price can't be beat! They are very excited, even though they realize they are a bit old to just be starting ballet - they don't care! I hope they have a blast!!

The little boys....oh, where do I start?! They are outside whenever possible and I try not to discourage that. I have never seen a child so eaten up by mosquitoes as Micah Dean (5yo/K). They participate in all our school lessons & discussions, usually coloring or working with shape pieces. Lots of educational "busy bags" keep these two entertained - and I really do believe they are learning as well! They are both working their way through Explode the Code phonic books too! Lots of reading going on~

And lastly, the baby - well, Gideon is two already, not really a baby, I guess. But he's OUR baby!

My crochet hobby is in full swing - that happens in fall, doesn't it?! I've been trying a million new projects and pulling out a few old ones as well!

Flower Buttons

Pumpkin Coasters

Bobble Beard Beanie ~ perfect on my Elijah Rock!

And it wouldn't be fall without some Pumpkin Spice *something*, am I right?!? Here are some pumpkin spice sugar cookies, with vanilla glaze. Oh my....

Now I need a cup of coffee.

And maybe a cookie....

It *is* National Coffee Day, ya know!
Have a fabulous, fall day!!

Baking Bread ~ 3 lessons in 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 05:45:00 +0000

There are so many reasons why I love to bake bread: it's healthier than store-bought (although we eat our fair share of that too, don't worry), it helps fill up those incessantly hungry lil' monsters that crowd around you at all hours of the day, crying "We're STARVING!!!", it rounds out just about any meal and fills up the tummies of your more picky eaters, it smells heavenly (or what I am gonna assume heaven to smell like) and makes your house smell like a home, and well.....dang it......it just tastes *so good*!!!

So around here, I have three bread staples: Amazing White Bread, Honey Whole Wheat Bread, and Challah Bread.

No, they are not the healthiest options, but they're pretty darn good. And dang tasty to boot!

As a side note, I own two bread machines. I use these to knead my dough. (you could also use a Kitchen Aid mixer with the dough hook) Once the bread machine has run through the "dough cycle" (about 1 hour and 20 min), I take the dough out and form it into loaves. Then I put the dough into standard, greased loaf pans and let 'em rise again - then bake them in the oven. Delicious!!

So here goes:

AMAZING WHITE BREAD - 1 loaf
(add to bread machine in given order)

1 1/3 c. warm water**
1 heaping Tbl. honey
2 Tbl. butter
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. dry milk powder
4 c. all-purpose/unbleached flour
1 1/2 tsp. dry active yeast

Set your machine on "dough" cycle, and start.
Watch your dough for the first 5 min. or so, just to make sure you don't need to add a bit more flour or a bit more warm water. It should all mix up and form a nice, smooth ball of dough. No sticking to the bottom 'cause it's too wet. No dry, hard-to-knead dough ball either. You'll get the hang of it. And a little bit in either direction is not gonna RUIN your loaf of bread. Remember this: Butter makes everything all better! It's my motto.

When the "dough" cycle is done, sprinkle some flour lightly on your counter. Dump the dough onto the flour. Knead it around a bit, just making sure to get most of the air bubbles out. Then (hold on, here's the really technical part) just smoosh it around a bit, forming it into - sorta - a rectangle. Seriously, don't stress about this. Mine is usually more of a fat oval. Then I just roll it (jelly-roll style, almost) into a loaf shape. I tuck in the ends, and pinch the seam. Then I throw it into the greased, glass loaf pan (metal will work too, it just may get a more browned crust) and place a light, clean dishcloth over the top. Let it rise until it is just past the top of the pan.

{I have let mine rise too long many a time. I just end up getting one big ol' tall, fat, delicious loaf of bread. I have also run out of time and not been able to let it rise as long as I'd like. I ended up with a smaller, yet still just as delicious loaf of bread. Hear me: it's all good!}

Once it has risen, pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees - then bake for 35-40 min. I like to make sure my crust is evenly browned. Some people say to tap the bottom and it should sound "hollow". Um, yes, go ahead, try this. I *think* I've gotten the hollow sound before, but I'm just not sure......my oven is fairly consistent in temperature and I usually go for 35-37 min.

Take it out of the pan immediately! Carefully place it on a cooling rack. You may top with melted butter for extra yumminess - just be forewarned: you'll be lucky to get your bread cooled before little people (and big people too) will be clamoring for you to slice and deliver them a piece of your homemade goodness.....it really does smell that good!

**Warm Water Temperature Confusion?? I just use the hot water from my tap. By the time it goes into my measuring cup, into the bread machine pan, is covered by all the other ingredients and finally gets kneaded with the yeast - it is the perfect temperature. Don't stress about getting it to a specific temperature. As long as your yeast isn't too old (I store mine in the freezer), you're set.

HONEY WHOLE WHEAT BREAD - 1 loaf
(add to bread machine in given order)

1 1/2 c. warm water**
1/2 c. honey
1 Tbl. oil/butter
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. grains (I use old fashioned oats)
2 c. whole wheat flour
2 c. all-purpose/unbleached flour
2 tsp. active dry yeast

Add, set to "dough" cycle, watch for first 5 minutes.
When finished, plop onto floured counter, knead lightly, spread out into rectangle, roll up into loaf shape. Then place in lightly greased (I use baking spray - like Pam) loaf pan and set to rise, covering with a light dishcloth.
When the dough is risen just past the top of the pan, pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30-40 min. (mine is usually about 35-37 min. - just watch carefully). This will obviously be darker and denser then the white bread - but oh-so fabulous!! Great with a big ol' pot of soup!

CHALLAH BREAD - 1 braided loaf
(add to bread machine in given order)

3/4 c. warm water**
1/4 c. honey
1/2 Tbl. oil/butter
2 eggs
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 Tbl. sugar
3+ c. all-purpose/unbleached flour (I have used part whole wheat here, but not too much, maybe 1 c.)
1 Tbl. active dry yeast

Add, set to "dough" cycle, watch for the first 5 min. You WILL need to add more flour to this recipe. Maybe another 1/2 a cup or more. Just keep an eye on it. Not sure why this recipe is like that, but - hey, it is what it is. Flour can be tricky at times. Depends on humidity of your home, humidity of your flour, um.....other.....stuff....

Anyways, once the bread machine is done, dump your dough onto your floured counter, and knead it lightly. Then use a long knife to cut your dough into four, equal balls. Roll each ball into a long rope/snake - perhaps 12-14 inches long. You are then going to braid your snakes together. If you have never braided four strands together, don't worry, I had never done that either. Yet it's super easy! Just google "how to braid 4 strand challah bread" and you'll get a bunch of youtube videos. (or just braid three snakes together - it'll still look cool and it's all gonna taste the same regardless!) There's also 6 strand, I just haven't ever tried it. Sounds easy enough though.....I'll have to give that a shot one of these days!

(video: Tammy's Recipes - check out her site!)

I transfer my braided bread dough to my baking sheet - usually lined with parchment paper and a spritz of baking spray. You can brush with a beaten egg before baking if you'd like - even top it with sesame seeds, or sliced almonds. I usually don't. I may spread some melted butter on top afterwards.....mmmmmmm.....melted butter on challah......*drooling*

Ok, sorry, anyways....

Yes, put your braid onto your baking sheet, cover with a light dishcloth and let it rise a bit - doesn't take too long 30-60 min. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and bake for 30-40 min. (mine is usually done by 30-32 min.). Slide your beautiful braid onto a cooling rack, top with butter if desired, and try NOT to immediately rip it apart and eat the whole thing yourself. Try. Really hard. I mean, it's just too hot.....wait a few moments, for goodness sakes!

*****************
And after you get the hang of these three breads, we can move onto rolls!

I LOVE pull-apart rolls! And those three-leaf clover looking ones.....all fabulous!!

So there ya go! Did you understand all that? Do you have questions? Do you doubt your bread baking ability?! DON'T ~ just gather your ingredients and go for it! Your family will *gladly* eat your mistakes and flops and weird looking braids and then beg you to try again tomorrow! Baking bread is sorta becoming a lost art, so before you know it, you'll be one of "those" moms ~ the awesome ones who can actually braid and bake the most beautiful, delicious bread EVER!!

Do it. Now.
You can thank me later.
Over coffee.
With some challah bread.

Life Lately - through pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 22:09:00 +0000

We're entering the last month or so of summer....

Beautiful tree I just discovered by the river in our small town park.

We've had LOTS of fun ~ enjoying baby brother's explorations!

Talitha (9) with Gideon (2)

Even the biggest brother got right in there!

Isaac (12 - almost 13, just a few more days....)

And Momma is learning to relax a little more and let 'em run a little more.

Elijah (7) on the swinging bridge.

We had plenty of ice cream :)

Gideon (2) at his first A&W experience.

And just enjoyed one another!

Sissies ~ Selah (11) & Talitha (9)

Time for reading and relaxing.

Isaac (12) who will read just about anything he can get his hands on!

And my heart sorta wants to explode when I hear the laughter during evening lawn tractor rides~

Gideon (2) finally enjoying this Butterfield tradition!

Lots of fun celebrations!

Everyone tried this hairstyle for the fourth, right?!?

I've been expanding my cake decorating "skills" (such as they are)
This is a character from "Sonic the Hedgehog".
I think......

Micah (now 5), is *slowly* coming out of his shell......but still my shy one.

And yes, even time for more crocheting!

The owl baby beanie never gets old ~ stinkin' adorable!

Trying to find a really good pattern for lil' girl slippers.

The Market Bag - from the Crochet Crowd on FB.

Just a regular ol' dishcloth ~ I need to make more!

And a sweet doll for a niece with one blue eye & one brown eye ~ Cool!

It's been such a cool, mild summer - we've had lots of opportunities for campfires & s'mores!

Elijah (7) is learning to roast marshmallows all on his own!
(and Momma is lovin' this season of their new found independence!)

But before long, we'll be lighting up the wood stove inside as well.
Here is our new (to us) wood stove & hearth!
We just ordered some replacement parts & needed tools & various wood racks.

Our new wood stove & hearth ~ updated photos coming soon.

We are also still cutting down standing, dead trees on our property in preparation of renting a log splitter ~ this is our first year preparing a woodpile that we hope will last all winter long.....it's a learning process, for sure!!

And of course, we'll be starting up with more formal education happening on a more regular basis. We have been living and loving and learning all summer, but soon we'll break out some lined handwriting paper, math flashcards, reading lists, grammar & literature units, officially finish up our science book and start the astronomy text, and keep on keeping on with world history.....

Story of the World ~ I'm learning right along with 'em!

So that's where we are ~ enjoying these last few weeks, preparing for the months ahead, and asking God continually to be our focus, to join us in the every day, to lead us where He would have us go, be who He would have us be. It's not always easy to live with the same 10 people day in, day out - face their faults, your own sins, everyone's quirks.....and yet love 'em all where they are (yes, even love yourself, right where you are!).

Me & 2 of my redheads ~ who have also inherited my need for glasses.
Elijah isn't wearing his in this picture.
They're broken.
I *think* he had them for a week......maybe.

This is where God has us.
Some days are really hard. Some are really good.
I cry. Sometimes, I cry a lot.

I laugh too. And smile. And wonder why God has chosen us for this life.
Why He has chosen us at all....

Aaaaaand now it's dinner time, so no more time for reflection or contemplation.
I'm making homemade biscuits for Sausage Biscuits with grape jelly!
And I think we'll try to play horseshoes for a while before it gets too dark.
Enjoy these last summer days, my friends~

Homeschool Exhibitor's Night 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 19:33:00 +0000

Our local HS support group does an Exhibitor's Night every year. This is our second time participating. I always think it's going to be too much work and time and energy....then we end up really enjoying the process and having a great time! Plus I'm always so proud of the kids. This year especially.

Admittedly, I helped the kids choose their topics. Basically, I started rattling off ideas until something sparked their interest and then they ran with it. Our Exhibitor's Night is sorta like a science fair, except it can basically be about ANYTHING.

Selah chose her topic first: it was creative in nature. It included some fine arts, plus domestic arts. Her table displayed some of the items she has crocheted, sewn and baked ~ plus recent artwork. She baked the bread that morning, so it was tempting us all throughout the day. In fact, I bribed my younger boys with the promise of some of Selah's delicious 'braid bread' after the program if they were well-behaved. They were well-behaved. :)

Tali always wants to be like her sister. We are working on exploring her own talents and gifts, as she can't keep up with her sister in certain areas (Nor should she expect to! She's 2 years younger and gifted in different areas!!). So while her table was similar in nature, we tried to customize it to her own interests. So Tali's table included some crocheted items, a pillow she had sewn, along with a sewing machine diagram and stitch example chart, plus the sewing pattern she and her grandma had created. She also made a Lyric/Poetry Journal, with many different poems and songs, yet accidentally left it at home. I'm fairly certain I was more upset than she was, silly girl.

Isaac wasn't as ready to jump on board. He was fairly ambivalent about the whole thing ~ at first. I was searching for something, *anything*, that might interest him ~ when I mentioned Minecraft, I had him!!

We decided his Minecraft table would include various ways Minecraft can be used for learning: different maths, logic, planning, architecture, creative writing, vocabulary, spatial reasoning, art, even as a jumping off place for topics such as spiders, soil, gems/mining, gardening.....the list goes on and on. When I discovered how many Minecraft videos there are on YouTube, I knew we had to figure out a way to have Isaac make his own video. What a great way for Isaac to jump right in there and learn about the technology needed to record what was on his screen, how to record his voice, how to edit his video, add music, narrate, etc. It was awesome!

Even though we had some tech issues at the actual Exhibitor's Night (honestly, we weren't prepared early enough to request what we needed....totally our fault), I am super proud of what he accomplished. He *can* be somewhat reserved and shy, but once you get him discussing a topic that he is actually interested in, he opens up and does a great job! Even with our lack of up-to-date technology, he persevered. Here's his video:

Both of my girls can be shy as well. At the last minute, they both decided to not simply make a display table, but to do a quick explanation up on the stage, in front of the group. It was especially wonderful to see Talitha up there. Yes, she tried to twirl her ponytail (a nervous habit from years past), and you couldn't hear her all that well, but she did it. And did it with little to no prompting on my part!

Selah's artwork was actually her first "commissioned" piece. Her grandma wanted something for her kitchen and Mema loves coffee! It turned out great! Besides learning about this particular style of art, and the artists who design pieces like this, she is learning about how you can take a talent - something you love - and make it work for you. Monetarily even! Whoo-hoo!

The younger boys *could* have participated, although neither showed any great interest. I will encourage them to do so in the future, especially as my older children need my help less and less. Sweet Gideon slept in Mema's arms most of the time, lil' fella.....

And here is our group of HS kiddos. There are *many* more children/families involved in our support group, but this is one of the things I love about it ~ you never know who's going to show up to which events! You may end up with a HUGE party at one event, or a small, intimate gathering at another. I loved talking with other HS mommas, discussing our struggles, our joys, our heartaches, laughter and even tears. Please, please, join a support group if you can. Totally worth it!

**And lastly, in other news, here is a sweet doll I recently crocheted for a friend's granddaughter. Her hair is simply perfect - I LOVE it! The dress is removable and I even made a second dress, 'cause what lil' girl doesn't want to change her dolly's clothes?! She did end up with blue eyes and a sweet red mouth. I hope this lil' girl loves her doll and plays with her for years!

So what about you? Are you involved in a HS support group? Maybe a co-op? Do you have opportunities to vent, share, express your frustrations and joys with other women who can completely understand where you're coming from?? If not, try to find some ~ even ONE such friend can be a sanity-saver! For both of you!! If I did not have this group, I would at least get together with another family or two. Do some events together, field trips, weekly classes, every other week, monthly, whatever......just get together and share this journey together. God has given us such a blessing in the company and fellowship of friends!

Anyways, time for laundry, dishes, dinner prep.....
Ah, it never ends, does it?!

A Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:09:00 +0000

Hi y'all,

Just thought I would jump back into blogging. Nothing big and momentous. Nothing that's gonna go viral. Just some of my thoughts, some documentation of our ordinary, yet spectacular life.

As a recap:

I am a 39yo daughter of the King! Been so since I was a kid. We're looking for a church. More on that later....

Me ~ with my earbuds.

I have been married to Dean, who is my best friend and I love fiercely, passionately and dearly, for 15 years. We have 6 amazingly lil' blessings. I must admit, there are times I have to walk around the house, repeating to myself - "Children are a blessing. Children are a blessing. Children are a blessing." If you have children, you understand.... ;)

I have a few pyromaniacs.....

Lawn Mower Rides!

We live on our own lil' 5 acres, in the thumb of Michigan, with a pond, a wooded area with a few trails, some great climbing trees, a fire pit, oh just a little piece of Michigan-heaven - in my humble, ever so biased opinion!

Isaac ~ my pre-teen!

We homeschool. Mostly year round. Eclectic & relaxed. No testing, no grade levels, no trying to keep up or falling behind. We learn at whatever pace works for us. We love the arts, be it music, drawing, painting, singing, acting, you name it! We group study as many subjects as possible (for my sanity and everyone else's benefit as well). We don't have tons of money for outside activities, but we have fun whenever possible and I am trying to be content where we are. God has us here, in this season, for a reason. I'm good with that!

My baby, um, I mean, my clarinet!

My hubby is a mortgage loan guy, as well as an IT student (something to do with with computer networking, don't ask). He also does some social media, um....stuff. He has the desire to use his new lathe, once he has a spare moment to himself, but right now spends any free time with us, cutting down dead trees on our property for firewood. We got a wood burning stove recently, and need to stock up for our Michigan winters. Hello, polar vortex!!

Ok, is that it? Oh, my folks live in our lower level, so technically we are a multi-generational family living here in this home. My parents have their own *everything* (kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, their own entrance - everything - basically their own home), so it's not near as complicated as you might first think. We give each other space yet love this opportunity to be with each other!

I love my slippers!

I don't blog for a cause, or blog to make money, or schedule my blogs out, or really plan ahead with blogging at all. I've tried, but honestly, I'm too busy! I blog for pleasure, to vent, to express myself, to talk through my feelings - my own personal therapy. It comes and goes and I love it!!

I crochet A LOT!!

And there you go! Now I have to go heat up my cup of coffee, give the kiddos a snack and read Story of the World to my crew for a while. We are on the Phoenicians and the return of the Assyrians. I must admit, I get them all confused....Then some lunch and off to the library before it storms (and hopefully we can still fit in a nap for the baby and quiet reading time for everyone else before dinner). See?! Just life!

Selah ~ my artist!

Tali ~ handworking & sassy!

Micah ~ I LOVE 5 YEAR OLDS!!

*****Here's a pic of my sweet baby, Gideon. He's our newest baby and our last baby ~ I wonder if he's gonna be a spoiled baby of the family.....??

Have a great day y'all!
I'll see ya later ~ so we can discuss school, coffee vs. tea, how you handle babies, toddlers, lil' kids and pre-teens ALL TOGETHER, God, church, discipleship, potty training, gardening, healthy foods, marriage, house cleaning, praying....oh, just anything you wanna talk about, I'm willing to give it a shot!

Micah & Elijah Rock ~ My Lil' Cherokee Braves!

Please, leave me a message and say "Hi"! Let me know who you are, if you are hs'ing, how many lil' ones you have, are you a newbie or have some years of experience under your belt (re: hs'ing or parenting or marriage or whatever), what you may be struggling with, what you'd like to talk about....just whatever! Hope to hear from you soon! :)

For now...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Well, for now I am putting this blog to rest.

I have blogged for YEARS and it has been wonderful! There were times when I had a bunch of littles that this blog was a peaceful blessing in my day ~ a great way for me to vent & share & work out my thoughts on life, God, motherhood & marriage.

But now, with the kids getting a bit older, with my 6th lil' one arriving in 8 weeks or so...I just need a break. No pressure to blog, no guilt. There are wonderful blogs out there that I still love to visit, so I'll still be checking in with y'all :)

Perhaps this blog will be resurrected in the future. Not sure?! Who knows what life will look like in a year, 5 years? If so, I hope we'll meet again!

If you want to stay connected, I am on FB and update fairly regularly (I love it that some of my "bloggy" friends are now some of my "FB" friends too!).

So goodbye for now y'all ~ this blog needs a nap!!
Simply,

Lori

Pool, Park & Painting....oh my!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Nothing special going on around here ~ just everyday life, which I guess is pretty special in it's own right!

My son, playing his first ever game of pool.....he *almost* beat his Dad :)
(*Just another reason I LOVE Dorsey House ~ the upstairs!*)

We've been working on school (kids finishing up the next few months, me planning curriculum choices for next month ~ but THAT will be another blog post of its own), Dean is still trying to find a full-time job (all the while working a ga-gillion part time gigs to get us through), I'm crocheting a lot and...well...making a baby :) 26 weeks along now ~ I am getting very excited!!

We are also enjoying the spring weather (which is ever-so-slowly joining us with warmer temps). Kids playing in the backyard, Isaac learning how to bait his own fishing hook & even take the fish off ALL ON HIS OWN (which is quite the feat for this not-so-country boy - he's gettin' there!), bike riding & even a park day this past weekend.

Micah Dean, lovin' the BIG slide ~ a great Saturday afternoon at the park!

Selah playing hopscotch ~ and yes, she was using our new
Hopscotch Bean Bags

Elijah, enjoying a treat of a juice pouch ~ we don't get 'em that often, so he was lovin' it :)
This park has LOADS of playground equipment, an awesome bike path & a couple covered picnic tables!

A cool teeter-totter the girls were enjoying!

Mostly Isaac just rode his bike around & around & around the bike path
~through this lil' grove of evergreen trees. Great planning on the county's part ~ it's beautiful!

We are *finally* going this week and purchasing the first few gallons of paint to start the "Painting & Reorganizing Upstairs Project of 2012"!!!! (this is a big deal around here). Unfortunately, with Dean working so many part-time jobs and simply not making a lot of money, our painting fund is *sorely* lacking. Therefore, I have made it my current goal to sell as many crocheted items as I can, as quickly as I can, through my Etsy shop (I'm got a lil' mini-etsy widget in my sidebar over there ----> check it out!). I've finally made enough for this first shopping trip!

We've got an OB appointment this week, which also happens to fall on our 13th wedding anniversary (13 YEARS?!? How did *that* happen? :) We're gonna head on over to Home Depot and grab some supplies ~ the boys' room is first - and it's HUGE!! It's gonna be OHIO STATE all the way, baby! (yes, I know we live in Michigan.....;)

Once that room is done, the boys can move back into it, opening up the girls' room for painting - then the girls will move back into their room, opening up the spare/music room for painting - then the bathroom, followed by the HUGE "game/play" area & hallway. I am *so* wanting to finish this huge project up before lil' baby Gideon arrives, but as the days slip by and our painting fund wanes....well, I'm gonna keep up the hope for now!!

Lastly, here's a recent crochet project. It's not even something I have for sale in my shop, although I guess I could. Just some sweet lil' owls, handmade for playtime! Adorable :)

Aren't these lil' owlets adorable?!

I found a pattern HERE and then changed it a bit as needed (they are *tiny*)
I've been enjoying crocheting lil' cute, stuffed animals for the kiddos!

Now it's time to get my house clean!
(well, picked up and somewhat clean....maybe....okay, but I GOTTA clean the toilets!)

Simply,

Lori

Spring in your Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Why have square, boring, plain ol' dishcloths??

100% Cotton Dishcloth Duo ~ Aren't they cute??

So much better than my plain ol' square dishcloths.

I'll eventually use 'em, but goodness...they're just so CUTE!
(check out my etsy shop for this & other spring items)

When I have the time (and the motivation, both of which I have been lacking lately), these types of projects are exactly what I need. They are practical, beautiful and make me smile! They make my house feel like a HOME and I feel happy in my role of 'keeper of the home'.

It's amazing how such a simple item can change so much....

Simply,

Lori

A Springtime "First"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

~Taking a Ride~

First lawn mower trailer ride of the season!

Elijah wasn't in the picture 'cause was too busy playing by the firepit ~
That boy has a bit of "pyro" in him, I'm telling ya....;)

Micah finally got the nerve up to let go on the trailer & wave!
Fun times with Papa!!

A ride around our lil' 5-acres, having a quick fire in the firepit, fishing for a few hours in the afternoon, watching the frogs jump into the pond as you walk by....simple ways to enjoy this early springtime weather...

Luv it.

Simply,
Lori

Hopscotch Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:30:00 +0000

*HOPSCOTCH BEAN BAGS*

It's Springtime & time for some outdoor fun!

So I whipped up a few Hopscotch Bean Bags ~ for the kids & for the shop!

Stop on over & check 'em out ~
and be on the lookout for more springtime items.....

**I got this FREE pattern over at tangledhappy.com ~ she simply has the best patterns, so check out her site!

Time to Recharge!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 23:06:00 +0000

As way of explanation for my lack of posts these past few days, I claim dead batteries!!

Dead batteries in my camera & my energy level.

I'm gonna snag some batteries this weekend, so hopefully that will lead to some better blog pictures post. I'm also gonna head on over to a friend's home tonight for a much-needed "Mom's Night Out" ~ with some great ladies from my home school support group: CHEBWA (Christian Home Educators of the Blue Water Area).

In the mean time, he's some cute pics of my latest birthday kids:

My Elijah Rock, who is now FIVE!

Luv this pic of him ~ it is *so* true to form!

My Selah-Belle ~ who is now NINE!

~Beautiful girl~

My Micah Dean ~ who is now THREE!

Wearing his Daddy's socks & trying his best to be a "Big Boy"!
Don't grow too fast, lil' man....

Now, it's time to go recharge!

~Lori

Simple Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:15:00 +0000

During this time, while my husband is doing numerous jobs - including starting up his own businesses - money is tight. I'm not talking about "not sure if I can afford that new cute top" - I'm talking about "not sure if we can pay the mortgage this month" type of tight.

(Now, my hubby is wonderful and our God is faithful and I can just now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Way, way, WAY down there.....but I can see it! :)

Anyways, money is tight. It's winter in Michigan and the air is SUPER dry in our house. No humidifier to be had. (don't those things break all the time anyways?!) Yet someone mentioned to me using a crock pot filled with water as a home-made humidifier. Brilliant!

So that's what I've been doing in our bedroom, at night, and it seems to really be helping! Wow ~ cheap, simple solution!

Other ideas: simmering water on the back of the stove, or on a wood-burning stove, or on a radiator, etc. You can even add a few drops of essential oil or cinnamon sticks or orange peel ~ whatever floats your boat!

So what about YOU?! What simple tips do you use throughout your days? Tips that don't involve buying another machine or gadget, which only takes up space, time & money....but simple tips that make our days that much easier & enjoyable. Please share!

Simply,
Lori

Did ya know?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:02:00 +0000

A few new items in our lives:

My dh (Dean) is no longer working at the same church as before. Yet he *is* working at a church, as a Children's Director, helping a church revamp their Children's program. It is currently a 6mo. commitment. So while we are *technically* still a Pastor's family, the expectations & involvement are on a totally different level. I'll talk more about our beliefs regarding families and the church some time down the road ~ maybe :)

Did you know I was pregnant again? Yup, 6th lil' baby is on his way ~ due in July, but probably making an early entrance. It may just be the normal 1-week early that a c-section calls for, but it may be a few weeks.....it depends on the placenta. Due to this being my 6th c-section, plus the location of the placenta (near the old scar), it is possible we may be dealing with placenta accreta. I have a more detailed ultrasound planned for March 21st.

Lil' Baby Gideon ~ 21 weeks

I refuse to worry until there's actually something to worry about! Well, I'm gonna try not to worry at all. There's nothing I or the doc's can do about it now anyway - we'll just keep an eye on things and possibly deliver a bit early (if so, there may be a hysterectomy as well...regardless, this will be our last lil' blessing by my womb ~ what a great God we serve!!)

*New Business Cards*

In addition to the part-time church gig, Dean has started a small business for Social Media Marketing (RTH Marketing ~ or check out his FB page) He is also starting with Primerica, an insurance company which "markets financial solutions to the middle market" by "providing common sense solutions to these families' financial challenges". (we so *definitely* fit into this "middle market" that it really hits home for us and we pray it will bless many!) Not to mention he is subbing at the local school systems & looking into other @ Home options, to help us simply pay the bills. He is a GOOD man and we are blessed to have him lead our family!!

What else? We are getting our upstairs insulation issues fixed next week (AMEN!), and then a painting project begins after that - do you have any idea how much damage one little 4yob & a ball-point pen can do?!? Ya...it's bad. Bad.

We are dreaming of spring, of summer, of bonfires & trails through the woods. We are dreaming of tree swings, tree houses & a possible pond "beach" with real sand! Sprinklers, lazy afternoon hammock time, and bike rides. Catching fireflies and caterpillars and tadpoles. Oh my goodness....warm weather, please come quickly!!

Simply,
Lori

Searching for simple...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:59:00 +0000

As I was searching through photos tonight ~ looking for a new banner pic ~ I came across many pictures of our past homes. Some were small, some were dated, ALL were cramped...yet there was beauty in the pictures.

And it got me thinking.

What is it about these pictures that I love so much? Is it just the memories of the different homes, the times we spent in each one, how I longed to make the spaces beautiful for my family...is that was I was loving?

I do not feel this way about my home currently. Why is that?! I love my home! The space is great, the land is fabulous, the family inside is precious ~ yet I'm not finding the beauty in the details. I can't figure out how to keep it clean & organized while adding personal touches which make it warm & homey. (Heck, I can't figure out how to just keep it clean!)

I'm wondering if I am in a specific "season", one with 5 (going on 6) small children - while homeschooling - that leaves me lacking the motivation to do the *extras* with my home. Like I said, I find I can hardly keep it clean, let alone add in the touches which make this house our HOME.

Yet I'm not looking for excuses, I'm looking for solutions. A change in my focus which will add the beauty back into our home, our lives.

Thus, Simply Momma....
It's still me, but less complicated!

It's a focus shift, a priority change. Getting rid of the clutter of life and narrowing our focus on what is beautiful, important & eternal. What can I get rid of? What is dragging me down? Not getting so distracted & worn-down with the day-to-day activities that we forget what we're doing here!

Simple. Straight-forward.
Family. Home. Love. Beauty. Laughter.

(and maybe a can of paint or two to start fresh in some rooms :)

*I hope some of that made sense. I just want a simpler life - Filled to the brim with what God has for me, and nothing else I (or the world) tries to shove in there!!

Any other Mommas out there craving a simpler life? How do you make it happen in your home?? Please, share with us what is working for you!

Simply,
Lori

This Lil' Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:52:00 +0000

How late can one blogger be with a Christmas picture??

Um, pretty late.

:)

I think it's time I re-joined the blogging world! My life has been "facebook" paced as of late ~ meaning I could only jump on-line and post a quick sentence or two before life called me back off-line. Maybe it's just the sunshine today, but I am feeling pretty good about my chances of resurrecting this lil' blog of mine.

So leave me a message, let me know if you're still here reading and let's get back to recording & sharing life together! I'd love to visit you as well, so leave me a link~

God bless, my friends!
See ya soon~

~Lori

p.s. the next step will be to update the background & banner.....to be continued...

Autumn Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:15:00 +0000

There are certain activities we do every year, without fail, as a family. My children come to expect these activities, look forward to these special days, and remember years past with fondness ~ thus our family traditions are born!

One of these is the annual apple orchard visit. We live in Michigan, for goodness' sake! And lucky for us, we just found a small, family run, sweet apple orchard only a few miles from our home. Less on gas, more on fun!

Here's some pics of this year's fun times:

Sitting on the front porch, ready to eat his lunch!

Tali would never miss an opportunity to eat some yummy food ~ smart girl!

He wouldn't smile - but he sure was enjoyin' those homemade, cider doughnuts!

There was free (well, donation-based) face painting ~ or arm-painting if you're Elijah.

And huge hay bales to jump around on!

Mema & Papa were able to join us ~ even better!

Selah had fun jumping from bale to bale!

Papa got hit with the hay ~ way to go, Micah!

Waiting for the hay ride to start ~ I do *believe* they were having a good time....

If you picked the right side of the hay ride, you got free apples within reach!

LOVED these old, metal wagons we got to take into the actual orchard!
These were seriously one of my favorite parts of the day~

Look out, Isaac.....;)

Some of trees had so many apples, the branches hung down so even Micah could pick the apples with ease!

Again. Food. Tali. It's true love!

Some of our spoils~

This is what happens when a 2yob doesn't listen when we say it's time to go.....
He gets left behind (well......not really, but HE didn't know that!).

Ready for applesauce, apple butter, apple slices, apple cookies........

Now that it's even cooler, this particular orchard (Speaker Lone Oak Orchard, Melvin, MI) will be serving FireSide Coffees & warm, mulled cider! I think it's time for a *Momma* trip to the orchard. They've got a great lil' shop with a fireplace, lots of handmade goodies to check out & delicious baked goods ~ oh ya!! Any other Mommas out there ready to join me??

Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

the little things.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 03:39:00 +0000

I know it's cliche, but sometimes it really *is* the little things in life that make me happy.

Like dishcloths. Pretty ones. Brightly colored and cool textured ones.

Like these!

I had a bit of leftover cotton yarn from a previous project, just waiting to be turned into something *fabulous* (cotton is my new favorite yarn!).

Honestly, I thought dishcloths were *way* too boring for this great cotton yarn.

I was wrong.

I luv 'em!

So now, when I HAVE to do the dishes (which is my most detested job of each day), at least I can smile a bit looking at my colorful, soft & just-darn-awesome crocheted dishcloths.

And they really work the best too.
Just so you know :)

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Big Brother, Little Brother

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Wow ~ I am amazed at how much Lil' Brother imitates Big Brother around this house!

Whether it's good, whether it's bad, whether it's dangerous.....if Elijah does it, Micah will try it too.

It's cute when Micah is following Elijah around, trying to put on his shoes all by himself "just like 'Lijah". Or when he wants his sandwich made *exactly* "like 'Lijah". Or when Micah follows Elijah's lead in making the Bestest-Fort-Ever!

Of course, it's a bit less amusing when it involves tomato sauce, markers, the banister, ice cubes, scissors, peanut butter and/or the toilet.

No, seriously.

So we have "The Talk" with Elijah. About being a good example. About how God created him to be Micah's big brother ~ how much fun that is, yet how much responsibility that is as well. Elijah kinda smiles, nods, sometimes gets a sorta-sneaky look on his face....as if he's thinking about ways he could possibly use this to his advantage.....hey, he's four!

Isaac is the oldest, followed by two sisters. Both little boys adore Isaac, yet their relationship is different. Elijah & Micah are my first experience with brothers so close in age. New experiences, new challenges, new joys! Again I say, Wow...

God Bless my lil' boys~
(and grant me the patience of that saint people are always telling me I must be....*sigh* ;)

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori

Keepin' my tooties warm!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:12:00 +0000

I've been looking for a good pattern for crocheted slippers....that didn't make me look like an ol' grannie!
(I like grannies. I want to be one someday. Yet that day is not today.)

So I found one!

I made a ga-gillion mistakes with this one, although I don't necessarily blame the pattern. I was trying to crochet during the day, when I have five small children running around the house, who need my attention. More attention than crochet a new pattern allows.

Let's just say I've crocheted these two slippers about five time now, give or take half a slipper. Ugh.

Yet they *are* very cute!

I'm going to have to tweak the pattern a bit if I want them to be super-comfortable. Right now they are cute, yet they slip off my feet quite a bit. Not when walking though, it's usually when I'm sitting curled up on the couch. Too small? Too big? Too long? Too wide? I might have to decrease around the ankle a bit more....I need a more snug fit.

It really is a tweak-as-you-go pattern, designed to be individually crocheted to your specific foot. This makes it kinda hard to crochet them for my etsy site. I'm going to try one more pair for my own feet and see if I can't get a better "one size fits most" type of pattern out of it.

In the mean time, I am enjoying how cute my feet look when I go to our lower level to visit my folks! Until we can get a fireplace installed in our living room, I think I'm gonna need these slippers for our cold, Michigan winter.

Which is coming all too fast ~ slow down, Time, I'm can't catch up!!

‘Cause I’m the Momma,

~Lori