Following His Will

Ms. Lossie

2011-09-07T08:29:00.000-04:00

I just can't sit here and type all the emotions behind that simple post title. So, I will try a nutshell explanation.. just for the sake of remembering and documenting.
When we moved to this old house... well, let's back up a little more...
When we came to look at this old house to consider buying it and making it our forever home... we met who might would be our new neighbors... Ms. Lossie and Mr. Kenneth. Instantly, I sensed what Anne would call, a kindred spirit. Little did I know, or we know, that Mr. Kenneth and Ms. Lossie would become a part of us. A part of our family. A part of our DAILY lives. We reached out to them, they reached out to us and all was right in this small corner of the world. For almost ten years we loved and lived as neighbors and dearest friends.
And then, the inevitable happened. You see, Mr. Kenneth and Ms. Lossie were in the silver years of life when we first met them. Although we came to know them as young and lively by hearing about their lifes histories and pouring over old photographs and hearing wonderful narrations of their full and blessed lives. Mr. Kenneth was not strong when we moved here.. but he still walked to the post office and mowed the grass on his big riding lawn mower.. he even trimmed with the push lawn mower. Although he would rest for two whole days after, he still did it! But we watched him oh so slowly and painfully decline... and then he was gone. Ms. Lossie, on the other hand, was FULL of life and energy! Busy as a bumble bee, adventurous! Ms. Lossie had the SWEETEST spirit of any one person I have ever met. Being around her, you FELT the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT simply oozing from her. A sheer joy. A fast friend. An inspiration. When Mr. Kenneth was gone, Ms. Lossie and I became even closer. We visited EVERY SINGLE DAY, no matter what. Our family embraced her in her newfound loneliness, and we were so honored to do so. That lasted just a few months... not long enough.. we were hoping for years to love and learn from Ms. Lossie. Then, her leg was hurting her.. her stomach was upset. Only six weeks of a whirlwind sickness that turned out to be stage four cancer.. and she was gone from us.
But, we are not empty hearted, though sore hearted. Mr. Kenneth and Ms. Lossie left a love in our hearts that we will enjoy and treasure forever.
And dear, sweet Ms. Lossie left another legacy... to Amelia. Amelia spent hours upon hours with Ms. Lossie. Working in her flower beds and up in her sewing room. Ms. Lossie helped me to teach Amelia how to sew. Amelia helped Ms. Lossie with her many projects. Ms. Lossie was proud that Amelia was learning the wonderful craft of sewing. When the family read Ms. Lossie's last will and testament, they found that she had an unexpected heir... Amelia.
Ms. Lossie gave Amelia ALL of her sewing supplies. What an honor. Amelia was a little dumbfounded to say the least. I was not so suprised. Ms. Lossie had mentioned the thought years ago, when Amelia was around eight years old and already sewing. Though I hadn't thought about it ages, thinking it was a sentimental whim of a sweet lady. But, Ms. Lossie knew that Amelia would use the gift for good.. and so she will. This act of kindness, I believe, will speak to Amelia for the rest of her life. It will remind her to do good, like Ms. Lossie. To stay productive, like Ms. Lossie. And hopefully, to stay joyful.. like Ms. Lossie.
Oh, how I miss that beautiful soul!

Red Flyer

2011-08-07T10:17:00.001-04:00

A zooming ride around town on my Daddy's bicycle.

Bittersweet, joyful ride! Woosh! Today is his birthday... thinking of him...
trying to remember the BEST times!

Mark is hanging up a very nice World Map for us to use in our schooling.. I found it in Daddy's shop. Thanks to my wonderful, never throw anything away because SOMEONE might need to use it SOMEDAY, Daddy.. we have a beautiful, huge wall map.

A New Tea

2011-08-01T09:32:00.001-04:00

My dearest friend sent a new tea to taste.. Rainbow Rooibos. It is delicious! She also sent a strainer, for loose leaf tea, that fits in my tea pot (and a mug!) and a spoon to measure the perfect cup of tea. My tea times will be deliciously more frequent...

A Few Drops of Rain

2011-07-23T21:49:00.002-04:00

We have had several days of hot humid weather this summer. (With a few glorious days of respite.) This week we are in another few days of excessive heat, complete with heat advisories and warnings.
Today we were blessed with about twenty minutes of delicious, glorious, refreshing rain!
I took advantage of this short blessing to make he most of it for our hanging plants...

Quotables

2011-07-11T11:56:00.001-04:00

"Mom, I think I'm gonna need modified sunglasses or something"

"Why?"

"Because my face is shaped weird and my nose is crooked. These sunglasses keep sliding off my face!"

"Alex, maybe it is because your wearing grown-up sized sunglasses on a child sized face."

"Oh, O.K."

Changes in the Making

2011-07-02T21:36:00.001-04:00

I have been putting a lot of thought into my blogging lately. For almost two years, we have not had Internet access at our home, and it was difficult to post as frequently as I wished. (That inconvenience will soon be altered, thankfully... Thanks to AT&T and my wonderful husband) Now, through the wonderful technology offered me with this iPhone, I am able to maintain my blogs very simply. That is what brings me to my thoughts on changes. I would like to simplify my blogging. And, oddly enough, I think the best way would be to create more blogs.

Here is where my consideration has brought me:

1. Make Followinghiswill a more personal blog.. With no comment options.. And just about... Well, me. My thoughts, laughs, joys, sorrows, and interests. This one may be private, with a few invitations for viewing.

2. Keep up with our Promise Cristian Academy blog... Simplify the look and tagging... Focus on academics, and life skills, and our growing library.

3. Keep up with PCA Nature Journal... Simplify tagging

4. Create a blog dedicated to my grandchildren. I have realized they are so wonderful, they would take over any other blog! This will probably be the blog with most entries!

5. Create a Family blog. To highlight everything, and anything about our awesome, wonderful, very LARGE family.

I hope to make these changes soon. And I hope more friends and family choose a favorite blog to follow, and enjoy reading and visiting as much as I enjoy sharing.

Sweet Moment

2011-06-26T09:28:00.001-04:00

Today, Karter offered me a flower for the very first time. Delicious memory.

Family

2011-06-26T08:12:00.001-04:00

I have been an Aunt for many years... I think I was 12 when my first niece was born. The first official grandchild of my parents. My youngest son was there 21st grandchild, including 6 adopted, three as teenagers! I have joyfully, and sometimes tearfully, watched all of my nieces and nephews through their life's journeys. From diapers, to sibling rivalry, to teenage stresses, embarrassing moments, fender benders, marriage and parenthood, even great sorrows... I have shared in their lives as much as possible. If not always in person...when they live miles and miles away.... Always in heart!

Recently, over the last year or so, I have seen two absolutely beautiful nieces married to great guys. Now, we celebrate my nephew's blessing. My dear strong, silent, big-hearted, handsome Wesley has gone to Mississippi, where his beloved MaMaw and Paw lives... Become an honest to goodness fireman... and found him a beautiful, tenderhearted sweetheart! I am so happy for both of them.

The entire family gathered yesterday for a full fledged pig pickin', games, laughter, fellowship and fun to celebrate their upcoming wedding. It was a memorable day!

Helping Hands

2011-06-24T22:36:00.002-04:00

A severe thunderstorm left many branches and twigs in Kaylee and Karter's new yard. When I walked them home today, I showed them how to drag the big branches to the curb. They were full of pride and so eager to help. Kaylee, of course, looking for the biggest branches... She is such a big girl, you know. When we could only find shorter sticks, I suggested that we fill the big bucket. Karter says excitedly "bu-det? ...bu-det? Oh, I hewp! I hewp!"

Learning How the Game is Played

2011-06-23T20:05:00.002-04:00

Uncle Alex was attempting to play hide and seek with Kaylee and Karter in their new house today. After trying to convince Kaylee that she shouldn't show Uncle Alex her hiding spot before he went to count, Jessica and I helped Kaylee hide under a Kaylee sized stuffed dog on her Little Tikes cottage bed. We stressed to her the importance of staying very quiet and still. Being the pro that he is (even though he is of the tender age of nine, he is the youngest of five super serious hiders and seekers) Alex was a little frustrated that Kaylee couldn't grasp the game's basic concepts.. You hide, and then are sought!

The game is on and the seeking begins... Alex reminds Kaylee .... "Now Kaylee, do NOT tell me where you are." ...."OK!" is the immediate, squeaky, muffled response.

Second Day of Summer

2011-06-22T06:42:00.001-04:00

I'm am sitting on my front porch, lacing up my walking shoes, enjoying the only coolness this second day of summer will offer. It is about 6:30am. Thank you, God, for this small cool pleasure.

Smart Phone

2011-06-18T18:40:00.003-04:00

This is my trial post using a blog writer app on my new (slightly used) iPhone.... If if proves to be easy to use, I will upgrade and hopefully, finally be able to blog again more often! I am definitely a tech girl! As much as I love history, there is a lot to be appreciative of in today's technology. Last night I had a nice long chat with my son Bradley, who is bearing the intense heat and work to be done in Kuwait. I am proud of my Airman!
Today the family is in Wilmington and Uncle Ricky making Seafood Broil... It is smelling so very good... We just had a preview taste of scallops.

Veteran's Day Celebration

2010-11-29T16:40:00.003-05:00

Mr. Suggs is (I believe) the only WWII Veteran from our town that can still wear his uniform. Really, knowing he would be there is what urged me to go through the trouble of 'dressing out' for this town event. It was well worth it. He says "Now THAT'S what I remember the ladies looking like!" It is just a small thing for me to do to show appreciation to all the veterans that are honored in our small town's BIG Veteran's Day celebration.

I volunteered to watch over the Veteran's personal memorabilia that was on display for the day. I was able to talk to many Veterans, I even met a WAC! Ms. Lossie asked me to bring a few items, so I brought Bradley's photo, Air Medal and flag as well as Daddy's Navy picture and displayed them right next to Mr. Kenneth's beloved photo. It was a very, very emotional day. Being the first year with out Daddy and Mr. Kenneth and with Bradley overseas and talking to the Veterans... my tears were flowing freely and I needed a good long nap when all was over.

The dress was made with a pattern of Grandma Hilda's. It was dated 1941. The coat and shoes and hat are thrift and e-bay finds. The jewelry is vintage of Mr. Kenneth's mother, on loan to me from Ms. Lossie.

I had a wonderful day. I would love for some dear sweet friends to help me with a little USO display next year. There will not be too many more years that we can honor WWII Veteran's in person, so I want to do my best.

Fort Fisher 2010

2010-10-24T10:17:00.003-04:00

Brilliant me forgot to bring a camera! However we visited with Timely Tresses and sweet Katie posted a couple pics on the Facebook fan page. First time I wore this new wool dress... it was a good event to have a trial run for the dress, now I know what alterations to make and which seams to strengthen.

Fall Therapy

2010-09-03T21:09:00.003-04:00

It's a mind over matter situation. If I pretend hard enough, and enjoy some of my favorite fall things.... like, pumpkin cheesecake and coffee in the cool(er) morning air... I get that fall feeling. In my mind, summer is over.

Road Trip with Kaylee Bug

2010-07-17T18:05:00.002-04:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

A memorable weekend for us all. Kaylee lives life wide open, full throttle... until she slowly winds down to sleep. She reminds me of a wind up toy.

Determination....

2010-07-16T11:00:00.005-04:00

For some time now I have been "meaning to" blog when access to the Internet is granted to me... wishful thinking so far... until today. I am determined! I usually like photos with my blog entries, but that used to be simple task has proven to be monumental lately. So, I have decided that if any blogging is to be accomplished... it must be short, simple, journal type entries. Something like this:

Today we are in Wilmington again, but this time is special because my Kaylee Bug is with us. This is her first trip away from home with Mimi and Papa... and so far, it has been a joy and she has been a very good little girl.... and VERY entertaining!

She just waltzed in here with a bag full of sidewalk chalk she found in Elijah's room. I said to her "Kaylee, let's go outside and see if there are any shadows on the driveway or sidewalk still.. it will be too hot to color in the sunshine". Kaylee replied, with a wrinkled brow "I have some. I have some shadows right here in this bag, Mimi!"

Trying to enjoy the summer and accomplish a certain amount of schooling each day... it is difficult to keep the children focused when all I want to do is read and sew and cook, and try new wines, and grow an herb garden, and play games and be outside, and drink tea and coffee,and watch old movies and spend time with family and friends and did I mention read and sew... and I have been really missing the craftiness of scrapbooking.

Mark and I are still discussing the possiblities of putting our house on the market... ummmm....

Both of our families are planning family reunions soon.

We are getting to know our soon to be new daughter, Kelly. Bradley has chosen wisely I do believe. Love is in the air... four weddings in our cirlce of family and friends are being planned. And we have a new nephew and are expecting a new niece as well!

Adjusting to life with out Daddy is not easy. Oh how my heart aches. I can still feel what his hugs were like... I hope I never loose that. I think I miss Judy even more now. And I miss Lynn, wish we could meet at Starbucks for a date!

Amelia starts driver's education this month. Wow.

I have the overwhelming urge to get several boxes and pack up everthing in our home that is not useful or practical or has very, very special sentimental value. I have the "I can't take it with me, so why take care of it if we don't USE it" syndrome. Not that I feel my home is cluttered, it is most comfortable... we will see....

Just a little bit of my thought world. It all boils down to this: I have no idea which way is up...my heart, and mind are pulled in so many directions. Relying on daily direction from God to straighten my paths and keep me going with a right heart.

ummmmm..... where to begin?

2010-05-29T12:17:00.003-04:00

So many days, so many emotions since that last post. I don't think I will ever adjust to life without my Daddy in it... just as I haven't really adjusted to life with out Judy. Sure, life goes on and I live and love every new day... just with a constant void somewhere deeper and deeper in my heart as each day passes. Other loves and interests and pursuits fill me up by the end of each days end... I find myself joyful, and fulfilled.... but that certain recess deep inside of my innermost thoughts and heart it reserved for loving and remembering, and mourning and grieving. However... now... with this deep sorrow... I feel more alive. As I have said before, my life is a balance of joy and sorrow... hand in hand... that's what keeps my going... the balance... and I am more complete, and complex because of it. I can love more deeply now that I have lost. I can choose more wisely where to give my attentions and energy... because of my loss. Life is good.... not perfect.

I have taken to written journaling for the time being... we do not have Internet access... but one day, I hope to regularly return to my sweet blogs. Just a quick note here and again when the opportunity comes .... and I will jot down my thoughts, activities and ponderings....

2010-02-27T15:11:00.001-05:00

Daddy and Alex. Joseph Percy and Joseph Alexander. Not much favor in looks... baby blues and chocolate browns... but I hope Alex takes after his Popa in thought, actions and heart. Notice the pad and pen in Daddy's pocket... probably marking the mileage from here to there... or the number to the parts place.... or grandchildren's birthdays... you know information he will need someday.

Just popping in...

2010-01-29T19:45:00.002-05:00

We have been with out Internet service since right after my last post in November. Hopefully one day another provider will come to our little town and I can resume my blogging. I do miss it.
Maybe it is working out for the best though, for I am going through the biggest trial of my life to date. How do you say good bye to your Daddy?
I want my blog to be uplifting when I look back at it. Right now I am in the Weeping mode. But Joy comes in the morning. Yet another opportunity in my life to learn the acrobatic emotional and spiritual balance of walking through this life with Joy in one hand and Sorrow in the other.

Harper's New Monthly, June 1854

2009-11-17T08:19:00.009-05:00

But the true Woman, for whose ambition a

husbands love and her childrens adoration are

sufficient, who applies her military instincts to

the discipline of her household, and whose legis-

lative faculties exercise themselves in making

laws for her nursery; whose intellect has field

enough for her in communion with her husband,

and whose heart asks no other honors than his

love and admiration; a woman who does not

think it a weakness to attend to her toilette, and

who does not disdain to be beautiful; who be-

lieves in the virtue of glossy hair and well-fitting

gowns, and who eschews rents and raveled

edges, slipshod shoes, and audacious make-ups; a

woman who speaks low and who does not speak

much; who is patient and gentle, and intellectual

and industrious; who loves more than she rea-.

sons, and yet does not love blindly; who never

scolds, and rarely argues, but who rebukes with

a caress, and adjusts with a smile: a woman

who is the wife we all have dreamt of once in

our lives, and who is the mother we still worship

in the backward distance of the past: such a

woman as this does more for human nature, and

more for womans cause, than all the sea-captains,

judges, barristers, and members of parliament

put together. God given and God Blessed as she is!

I came across this selection from Harper's New Monthly magazine in a biography I was reading about the 'double life of Sarah Emma Edmunds, Civil War Soldier' The Mysterious Private Thompson, first chapter. The author was pointing out that in Sarah's 'day'... quote "What women could do, what they were in fact expected to do, was to devote themselves to their families." and that this article "captured the popular concept of the ideal woman". As I read it I can't help but laugh at myself.. wishing I could be more like this true woman... my family agrees that I have the 'military instinct' for the discipline of my household... but I seriously lack in the 'never scolds, and rarely argues' category! Oh Lord, mold me into a true woman of your making! If you would like to read the lengthy article in it's entirety... which I plan to do eventually! but my goodness it is long and wordy! you can find it here.

Conversation

2009-11-10T06:50:00.005-05:00

As we were changing from our work all day clothes into our comfy pajamas:

Mark: "I am not sure, but I think I may have worn Daniel's pants to work today"

Hilda: "How can you tell? Are they too short?"

Mark: "Well, they are just a bit too short; and they have elastics in the side!"

Hilda (laughing): "Did you tell any of your co-workers that you had suspicions of wearing your twelve year old son's pants today?"

Mark (with a scrunched up face): "No. Now why would I do that?"

Hilda: (still laughing) "If it were me, I would have told everybody, that is funny!"

Mark: (silent)

Hilda: "Hey, I was wearing Amelia's bra today..."

Mark: (finally laughing)

Hilda: (laughing with him and thinking it is a good thing)

Psalm 138

2009-11-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.

Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

School Teacher Kissing the Blacksmith

2009-11-04T07:48:00.001-05:00

1925

2009-11-03T06:14:00.005-05:00

My Grandmother Hilda taught in a one room school house in 1926 and 1927... so when the opportunity was given to me to portray a teacher in a 1925 one room school house I was very thankful. It was a great day for living history....

Oh Bother.

2009-10-29T08:05:00.001-04:00

Oh, I so see myself in Pooh.

What?

2009-10-26T08:12:00.007-04:00

The grown ups were watching Quigley Down Under and 'Roy' said to Crazy Cora..... "I think you are just half a bubble off plumb".... it struck me as funny immediately... though I didn't really 'get' it. You see, I was picturing the fruit, a plum, with a bubble on the skin, and that was just silly. The next day as I was still pondering... ok... what was that line? half a bubble on a plum? so one of the guys had to explain it to me. And now I get it. And it is really funny. Sometimes I feel like Crazy Cora myself.... just a half a bubble off plumb.

I Love You Because....

2009-10-19T08:31:00.002-04:00

For Mark, that we may remember last night....

For there are two heavens, sweet,

Both made of love,-- one, inconceivable

Ev'n by the other, so divine it is;

The other, far on this side of the stars,

By men called home.

LEIGH HUNT

MARRIAGE

Then before all they stand,--the holy vow

And ring of gold, no fond illusions now,

Bind her as his. Across the threshold led,

And every tear kissed off as soon as shed,

His house she enters,--there to be a light,

Shining within, when all without is night;

A gaurdian angel o'er his life presiding;

Doubling his pleasures and his cares dividing,

Winning him back when mingling in the throng,

Back from a world we love, alas! too long,

To fireside happiness, to hours of ease,

Blest with that charm,--the certainty to please

How oft here eyes read his; her gentle mind

To all his wishes, all his thought inclined;

Still subject,--ever on the watch to borrow

Mirth of his mirth and sorrow of his sorrow!

The soul of music slumbers in the shell,

Till waked and kindled by the master's spell,

And feeling hearts--touch them but rightly--pour

A thousand melodies unheard before.

SAMUEL ROGERS

Ft. Fisher

2009-10-14T15:02:00.001-04:00

Being a little silly demonstrating Civil War immodesty... showing a white underskirt!

My how times have changed.

Today....

2009-10-12T06:34:00.003-04:00

Today, according to Weather Underground, the high temperature for our neck of the woods will be 65 degrees.... and 80% chance of rain. Hello Autumn... and the rain fits my thoughtful mood.

I am burdened and laying it all down for God to do what He will with my life..... Mark and I are clearing out some of the clutter that has snuck into our daily lives and beginning a time of re-evaluation and re-focusing on our priorities. Many changes are taking root in our hearts and minds....

One of them is making better use of our computer, using it for gain instead of loss.

Another is our music... making sure that our 'heartstrings' are stirred by music that honors God and not man. Still enjoying... together... the occasional classical, bluegrass, historical, big band era, country, and others 'genres'....(we are very 'eclectic' in our music appreciation, recognizing the gift God has given these artists, though they may not give Him credit.. I do!).... but making sure the balance weighs much heavier with the God honoring and worship music.

Yet another change is going to be finding a way to progress in our home schooling in the midst of our family trial of my Daddy being sick.... focusing our minds positively, and managing our school days around trips to the doctors and care giving to my parents....

And making better use of our time when Mark is home in the evenings and weekends.... savoring the time with our children while they are young and at home and not loosing that precious gift to 'things' that consume our time and focus....... and better time management all around for all of our doings.

And finally, just growing together as a family. Building a strong foundation of togetherness and emotional and spiritual bonding and growing... reading and applying God's word and work in our lives... ministering to others as God leads us.... with God's help and direction, facing the trials set before us... praying... running the race... fighting the fight.... so that we can honor God and enjoy Him forever.

My brown eyed boy.....

2009-10-06T10:45:00.002-04:00

Photo taken at Bentonville Living History... photographer Donny Taylor

Visit Bentonville ... March 2010!

Our Weekend....

2009-10-05T07:44:00.006-04:00

That all our Anxieties are to be rested on God....

2009-09-28T07:25:00.004-04:00

My son, suffer me to do with thee what I please. I know what is expedient for thee.
Thou thinkest as man' thou judgest in many things as human affection persuadeth thee.
O lord, what thou sayest is true. Thy care for me is greater than all the care that I can take for myself.
For he standeth but very unsafely, who casteth not all his care upon thee.
O Lord, if only my will may remain right and firm towards thee, do with me whatsoever it shall please thee.
For it cannot be anything but good, whatsoever thous shalt do with me.
If it by thy will that I should be in darkness, be thou blessed; and if it be thy will that I should be in light, be thous again blessed. I thou vouchsafe to comfort me, be thou blessed; and if thou wilt have me afflicted, be thou blessed also.

My son, such as this ought to be thy state, if thou desire to walk with Me.
Thou oughtest to be as ready to suffer as to rejoice.
Thou oughtest as cheerfully to be destitute and poor, as to be full and rich.

Thomas A' Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

Stepping back in time....

2009-09-26T07:28:00.004-04:00

Preparing for a long day at the doctor's office and hospital with my Daddy, I packed a bag with a project for hand sewing. I am making Karter his second dress for Civil War living history. So... I sit down for a long spell of waiting... Daddy's IV treatment is supposed to take two and a half hours... but that is just fine! I brought something to keep my mind and hands busy, right? Wrong.

With everything on my mind, I forgot my THREAD. I had it packed and then reloaded it on the machine for a quick stitch... then forgot to repack the thread into my bag.

Oh, I felt so HELPLESS.

For about 30 seconds.

Then I remembered how, when I plundered through Grandma's treadle sewing machine drawers, I saw several little bit of paper bound with lengths of various threads and string. I was told that she has a 'waste not, want not' view of things... which living through the depression added to that.

Then I remembered how the dresses during the Civil War were constructed, so that they could be 'grown' into by the children... 'hiding' fabric in the garment so it could be 'let out' as the child grew. Another 'waste not, want not' way of doing things. I assumed the same thoughts would go towards thread as well....

So, I looked over the dress, and found a few places I could 'borrow' thread from... and there I sat, feeling like I had stepped back in time and was being thrifty and conservative with my use of thread... I managed to set the bodice and skirt into the waistband, and attach one sleeve and one cuff and bind the neckline before I ran out of borrowed thread! And only a few times did I think of the very large spool sitting contentedly at home attached to my sewing machine wondering whey he was left behind!

Just so you know....

2009-09-08T21:30:00.006-04:00

What I put on, before the dress....

Amelia and I borrowed our neighbors dress form or mannequin.... whichever name you prefer.... and we couldn't resist a little playing as soon as we got her. Amelia started pulling out my Civil War underpinnings... all of the layers we wear under our dresses at a living history event. I grabbed the camera and snapped a pic of each layer as it went on.... yes... this is very similar to what most, almost all, women wore during the years of the Civil War under their clothing.... and we, attempting to really 'live' history... wear it also... it is really comfortable and each piece has it's purpose and is designed for practicality for the needs of the woman and for fashion. Without further delay, we will begin our short lesson... just so you know...

First layer, the chemise... it can be longer, this one is short enough to tuck into my drawers if I wanted.....

Here comes the fun part, the corset. I love wearing one with the heavy layers and dress, it really supports my back. It does not drastically shrink my waist, that is just a myth.. it is very comfortable, I can tie my shoes with it on and bend at the waist easily.

These are the silliest looking underpants, we call them drawers and have had numerous laughs over them, but after wearing them in 'real life' and using them as intended, they really make sense!

Now for the 'skirts'... this what we call a modesty slip, it is an under petticoat. It is smaller in circumference than the other skirts. It's purpose fits the name, because our drawers are 'split' or open, if we were to fall or tumble and our large skirts go a flyin', this little slip would protect our modesty...

Now for what we call the skirt support... this garment gives our dresses the desired bell shape of the era... there were different types of skirt support something called a cage crinoline and this, the corded petticoat. A simple skirt with several cords, or ropes sewn into channels around and around the skirt. We choose to wear the corded petticoat because we can make it smaller in circumference, which is safer around campfires! I make mine the minimum 90 inches around. When it is nice and starched, it stands up by itself.

The next skirt layer is the over petticoat.. and ladies could wear several of these if desired. I usually wear one. When I have a cage, I may need more than one. The purpose of this skirt is to one, make the dress more bell shaped and two, cover the stiff cords or metal hoops of the cage so they are not seen through the dress. These skirts can be more 'decorated', but I think they were usually white on white, no colors, this one has a crocheted edge. They were not meant to be seen.

Another over petticoat that is work sometimes, but not always... a work petticoat. This is made of very light weight wool. Ladies would pull their dress skirts up to keep them clean while they did their 'dirty work'. I have used this very many times, scrubbing cast iron pots and doing laundry, it was very nice to have. The wool repels the water so your many skirt layers do not get soaked if you have a spill or a splash. My work petticoat is fairly plain, but functional...

There are other layers that could have been worn... many times a little shirt like garment was worn to cover the stiffness of the corset, so the stiff 'bones' could not be seen through the dress. Right now, I have no fitted bodice dresses or sheers, which are see through.. so my bones do not 'show'... I will need one soon though as I have plans for new dresses! Also, as I said before, many more petticoats were sometimes worn... but not this girl... the minimum is enough for me! My living history clothing is always a work in progress, I am always improving my 'impression'... I am working on a new corded petticoat today. It is a good challenge and a fun way to learn....

Quilted Petticoat

2009-08-20T16:13:00.003-04:00

Here is my very first quilted petticoat... worn under skirt supports for added warmth. I am done with the machine work. If I ever make another, I would like it to be hand quilted... time is of the essence now... so the machine went to work! Just to make me feel better, I am going to do a bit of hand quilting... but not much....

Kaylee liked it and I think I have enough fabric to make her a matching one... maybe I will hand quilt that?

Work in Progress: Greek Casaques

2009-08-18T18:29:00.004-04:00

When you feel overwhelmed....

2009-07-21T07:56:00.003-04:00

The more a man is at one within himself, and becometh of single heart, so much the more and higher things doth he understand without labor; for that he receiveth the light of wisdom from above.

A pure, single and stable spirit is not distracted, though it be employed in many works; for that it doeth all to the honor of God, and being at rest within, seeketh not itself in anything it doth.

Who hinder and trouble thee more than the unmortified affections of thine own heart?

A good and devout man arrangeth within himself beforehand those things which he ought to do.

Neither do they draw him to the desires of an inordinate inclination, but he ordereth them according tot he direction of right reason.

Who hath a greater combat that he that laboreth to overcame himself?

This ought to be our endeavor, to conquer ourselves, and daily to wax stronger, and to grow in holiness.

Thomas A' Kempis... The Imitation of Christ

Today....

2009-07-16T19:46:00.003-04:00

I have spent today with my family and several friends... Louisa Alcott, Jane Austin, H. E. Marshall, and I am getting to know a new friend, Eric Sloane. At the moment though... Alex, Amelia and I are watching another friend... MacGyver!

Vocabulary Words

2009-07-03T13:44:00.004-04:00

I added a new word to my vocabulary this week, one I would rather not know. Myelodysplasia
Daddy was diagnosed with this condition after a long week of medical tests, specialist doctors, and prayer. Even though this is a hard word to swallow and learn about, I am so very thankful we do not need to learn about Acute Myeloid Leukemia. We hope and pray as a family that his condition does not worsen speedily and that he learns to cope with this in God's grace.

Rugged Family!

2009-06-18T11:47:00.003-04:00

Trying to get a group photo the entire time Bradley was home.... all we could manage was this half asleep assembly right before Mark took Bradley to the airport! What a crew, all of us half asleep out in the driveway... Kaylee and Karter cried when they had to go back home after only being at Mimi's and Papa's for a few short minutes.... I collected plenty of snuggles to last me through the day!

Just call me Mrs. Smith...

2009-06-09T07:06:00.002-04:00

I am so excited that Mark has found a part of history that he enjoys 'living'!

This is his first ever 'dressed out' event, an artillery day at Bentonville. We are looking forward to many enjoyable family times living history together!

Beauty Shop in my Home! (How is that Hope? :)

2009-05-20T07:41:00.005-04:00

I have never had the desire to have my hair colored... until now. I feel vibrant, but my hair seemed dull... I feel fiery red... my hair was beginning it's change to blonde... which I am looking forward too... but in the mean time, I don't like blah! So, Shelby graciously said she would help me choose a nice complimentary color that will bring out my natural reds... and she gave me a great cut to go with my spiced up hair!

Melody and Lora asked if Shelby could fix their hair at the same time, so the evening turned into a big get together and hair saloon in my school room!

Melody has such beautiful salt and pepper coloring and such thick wavy hair, that she opted for just a new cut... it shapes her face so well.... so she was finished soon and was entertained by the dyeing sessions!

Lora wanted some hi-lights in her hair... So, since she had to be back home to prepare supper she went first........

We were all goofing and talking... every little thing made us laugh, like the hair dye on her finger... I don't even remember why it was so funny, but at the time... it was!

Shelby told Lora that she would be able to rinse it herself so she could go home and finish her meal preparations.... so we were having a blast teasing Lora about driving home 'to the mother planet' in her tinfoil head! Someone fashioned her aluminum foil antennae and Shelby helped her with her 'Nanoo-Nanoo!'........
I was next... the house was a little more empty when my turn came around... Lora and Melody had headed home... Kaylee was still with us and thought Mimi looked funny.....

My hair color and cut looks great! It was a blast and I am glad I chose to have it done.... at least I am not a blue haired grandma!

Easter Blooms

2009-04-12T19:38:00.001-04:00

2009-04-09T08:20:00.002-04:00

I just finished reading Pieces of Time, The Life of James Stewart (by Gary Fishgall)... a must read for any serious Jimmy Stewart appreciator.... I like him even more now.

Living History, School and Grandbabies!

2009-03-25T07:33:00.003-04:00

This was my view from my new reading spot.....in my cozy school room....I love the dafodils that Daniel brings me every year......like Jem bringing the Mayflowers every year to Anne.....Karter sits on 'Mimi's' lap..... he grins and gurgles and brings me so much joy... babies make everything just right....
Kaylee wants to do school like Alex and 'Bubba'....
"On the paper Kaylee! On the paper... Write on the paper, Kaylee...."

"Good girl Kaylee! You wrote on the paper!"

Then Uncle Daniel comes in and says "who wrote all over my desk? Aw, Kaylee..."

And Mimi gets the magic eraser to clean the window frame of pencil marks... but hesitates and wonders if she really wants to.....

Living History event at Bentonville, I stand in my new work wool petticoat and new altered dress.... lengthened and taken in at the waist... yea!....enjoying myself emensely... and thanking God for the opportunity to be here with my children....

Joys

2009-03-09T21:04:00.005-04:00

My days recently have been a mix of simple pleasures and much labor...

yet there was an over abundance of Joy... sweet Joy!

My dearest friend, Lynn, was down for a very brief visit and I was blessed to attend a Wholehearted Mom conference with her, my sister and another friend. We also went to Church together Sunday followed by lunch at a favorite old 'haunt' of ours.... (It is quite funny with all the squinty eyes, but it is still a treasure of a photo!)

Kaylee has proven to be a constant joy in my life... I am so thankful to be a part of her life and that I am able to enjoy her company so often... She even lets 'Mimi' (I am so labled!) read to her...She has truly hit the 'age of discovery'... Her Aunt Millie took her on this wonderful discovery 'field trip'....

*Kaylee photos by Amelia*

So Long, So Blog

2009-02-15T07:20:00.003-05:00

It has been a time since I have posted. Karter is a month old. Amelia has braces and is beautiful in them, no surprise there. She really 'cheeses' for pictures now which is so funny because I did the opposite with braces! Daniel is still interested in WWII and has definitely decided to join Civil Air Patrol. He is almost as tall as Amelia still wants long hair for Civil War events....and don't tell Daniel that I shared, but he is growing a mustache, how cool!? Alex is growing tall and strong and is full of energy, but he is still my baby boy and loves claiming the seat 'right beside Mommy' when we curl up to watch the Walton's. He reading his first 'real' book, Little House in the Big Woods. He has been asking for WWII books that he can read, I told him to just give it a few months and read everyday and he will be there soon. Bradley is flying. Bradley also met a girl that he spends time with, and guess what? She is a living historian.. how cool is that? I told Bradley that boys often do find girls 'just like Mom' he he he! We are meeting wonderful new families in our church quest and are praying about with direction to turn. I have totally purged my school room and am heading upstairs to make something of the boys 'stuff'. Ruben is doing good with his sweet wife (how did he find a girl so sweet?) and beautiful babies. He even grilled out for them the other night! Grand parenting continues to be a huge blessing and I am so glad that they are near and I can be a part of their childhood. Kaylee is in the most fun stage of discovery and is saying new words every day and laughs at her own jokes. It is nice to be the one to love her and hug her and make everything better, and not the one to hold her down at the doctor's office while they clean out her ears! Karter reminds us of Alex, little brown boy who sleeps and eats around the clock! But he has the 'little man' look that reminds us of Daniel. He is quick to smile in those rare moments that he is not just waking, or falling asleep, or demanding food or eating! I have been watching my eating and exercising... losing a little weight... somewhere? But my waist measurement has stayed the same! So weird. That is where it would be nice to get smaller for my Civil War dresses :) But I feel better and healthier and have a bit more energy, that is the important part of being accountable for your eating and exercising! We still love our big old house and still have so many plans for it. We took a 'spur of the moment' trip yesterday, Valentine's Day, to the coast... but never saw the coast! It was a bit dreary.. but we enjoyed a good seafood meal, a trip to a Transportation Museum and visiting with family. We plan to go again before 'in season' and collect some shells and bring some watercolors for the children to add to their nature journals...which stayed in the trunk this trip!
Well, I have been caught and interupted so I will end my little re-cap.... our computer is crashed.. I am on Mark's work computer... so it may be some time before I post again or add pictures. Love you all,
Hilda Rebecca

Little Hands

2009-01-10T10:47:00.003-05:00

Baby Karter has the 'Family Thumb'... I don't know about you, but my thumb bends back and foward, I thought that was normal.. until I married Mark. Everyone in his family has a 'straight thumb' that won't bend back. I say it is not normal, but Mark says my bendy thumb is not normal. Oh well... here is Karter...

I love trash!

2009-01-02T20:52:00.004-05:00

Kaylee has a little Sesame Street busy box that is a favorite toy... she doesn't know all of the words to sing along... but the words she knows... she says faithfully! When Oscar sings "Oh, I love trash..." Kaylee never fails to say "TRASH!" and when cookie monster says 'um yumm yumm yumm yumm'... Kaylee joins him! She is saying new words everyday and her pronunciation is unique to Kaylee, that is what makes it so cute... I am glad I know the language of Kaylee.

2008-12-31T18:40:00.001-05:00

Family Happenings...

2008-12-30T15:16:00.006-05:00

A Family Christmas photo taken by Uncle Carlos... totally impromptu! We just happened to be together over at Rudy's and Carlos had his camera! This was Sunday, December 28th. Amelia says it is a shame that it is December and we are wearing short sleeves! We have really enjoyed our Christmas, other than a few colds and sneeze marathons... And we have an exciting family Christmas news!Jessica doesn't look like this anymore! We have a baby boy! The Notes:

Born 9:55am

Tuesday, December 20, 2008

7lbs. 9oz.

19 1/2" long
curly brown hair
nursing well
sleeping like a baby!

Here Kaylee Bug gets a look at her baby brother, Karter William....

She doesn't quite understand that this is HER baby....yet...

Bradley is Home for Christmas!

2008-12-20T19:38:00.005-05:00

We are all so happy here today... Bradley came home! We went to pick him up at the airport, and there was only a slight delay... we weren't sure if he would wear civilian clothes or not.. so we were looking for a cowboy hat (because he said he bought one in Texas and has been wearing it all the time) or a uniform... we were so excited when we saw him and glad that he wore his fatigues,or ABU's or whatever they are called! I fought hard not to break down and cry, it was so good to have him home and hear him say over and over "it's good to be home!" Here I am calling Jessica and Ruben to tell them that he arrived .... a Vietnam Veteran came by and shook Bradley's hand and told him thank-you! And I, in return thanked him for his service... it was a very emotional day... seeing Bradley in his uniform and noticing his changed stature and his awareness of 'home'....

After the impatient wait for the luggage... Bradley was ready to go!... we then took him to the restaurant he has missed the most... Bojangles's! It was so fun... we pushed together four tables and ate heartily. Papa Jerry and Grammy and John (Bradley's best friend) joined us. Bradley is thinking of smuggling some Bojangles's tea back to his training base!

Kaylee is wearing an Air Force bib that I made her and Jessica, Amelia and I carried our Air Force purses we made... Bradley liked them :)

Bradley was showing us the different things in his many pockets. And when we arrived home he tried on his jumpsuit for us! The first thing he did when he walked through the door at home was to take a deep sniff! He said "it smells like home!" His other best friend, Brent, stopped by and we all had a spaghetti dinner... a prequel to a baked spaghetti, Bradley's favorite meal here at home. Now the four 'boys'... Ruben, Bradley, John and Brent are out and about spending time together and the rest of us are resting from our big day.....

****We were so busy enjoying Bradley and conversation that we didn't take many pictures...

we will post some more soon!****

Girl Talk and Fellowship...

2008-12-12T18:28:00.005-05:00

Today we gave Daniel a birthday party... he and his friends played out doors and we served them snacks on the porch... they played contentedly for hours! Daniel had a great day.
While Daniel and his friends were busy, the Mommies were inside with me drinking coffee, sipping tea and eating goodies and enjoying all of the little children's company.
There was Lora (who brought Wesley for the Nerf play), and for a while Kayla and Hayden. Then Jessica and Kaylee were here. Also here was Melody (who brought Hope and Josh to play Nerf) with her adorable grandson, Joey. Also here was my new friend, Kari (who brought her son Dylan to play Nerf) and her two littles Grace and Nathaniel.

Melody with Joey and Kari with Nathaniel get to know one another and I look at them thinking of how soon we will have a little baby boy in our midst!

Here is adorable little Joey! I say little, but he is a BIG BOY and full of smiles!

Lora sat with Kaylee and Grace for some time reading Kaylee's favorite picture book....
It was nice to see all the 'girls and babies'.... I am so glad my children and I are blessed with so many friends!

Sitting on Santa's Knee....

2008-12-08T12:09:00.002-05:00

OK, maybe... Santa sitting on Papa's knee! Kaylee Bug loves her Papa! She looks out of the schoolroom window behind her little desk, that has a good view of the garage (aka Papa's shop) and points excitedly... "Papa!? side! Papa" which translates to "I want to go outside and see Papa!" Mark never was one to read out loud much to our children... he is quite comfortable letting me be the 'reading parent'... but as you see, Kaylee has won his attention like no other child and here he sits, reading to Kaylee from one of her favorite books... Notice the 'cat in the cradle' beside the chair? Kaylee puts the 'keee cat' in and says 'rock rock!' She goes around the house singing her 'abc' song and has learned more and more words everyday... she is truly at the age of discovery and I am loving every moment! For me, these are the best days of Kaylee's childhood ... she may never remember these days, but we... the ones blessed enough to care for her... will treasure them always...
Now we are going to make more memories... we are decorating the tree today!

Bradley Update

2008-12-05T11:33:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone... we are all a bustle of excitement here! We just cleaned out the attic and decorated for Christmas... which took three days! We are making and purchasing our Christmas gifts for friends and family. We are planning a Nerf birthday party for Daniel. We are watching Jessica as if she is a time bomb about to explode... anticipating Karter's birth. It is the season of Christmas and family and fun... but the most exciting thing about this month is this...... Bradley is coming home for two weeks! He arrives on the 20th of December and we can't wait!

Bradley has just completed the hardest part of his survivor training... 36 hours of 'what it would be like if captured'... he did good and is glad that part of training is over, as are we! The last thing he has to do before he begins his Loadmaster training is 'hostage' situations. He will leave the west coast soon and on to another base. I have a US map beside my treadmill where I walk every morning... I am thinking of marking all of Bradley's travels on it so I can 'see' better where he is and where he has been.

We are all planning to pick Bradley up at the airport and I think the first place Bradley wants to go, besides come home!, is Bojangles! I will be sure to post pictures as soon as I can!

In Memory...

2008-11-27T09:26:00.004-05:00

I was honored to have befriended a dear lady, Julie Rogers, while at Westville in October. She was a veteran living historian and as nice as anyone could be. We shared much conversation... both in 'first person' and as new friends. Our friendship must always be as a rosebud, never to bloom. Julie was full of smiles and enthusiasm all weekend and was a joy to be around.... I will miss her greatly... New and dear friends... Julie Rogers (on the left) and Sandra Jusak...

1940's Living History

2008-11-10T14:46:00.006-05:00

Wow! I had so much fun! Our history club walks in our little town's Veteran's Day Parade every year... usually we dress in historical clothing from any era... Colonial, Civil War, Revolutionary War, modern military.....this year, we wanted to especially recognize the Veterans that are still here with us. Many in our club decided to wear WWII era clothing. For our family, we especially want to give thanks and appreciation to our dear friend and neighbor S.Sgt. Kenneth Rains, US Air Force, who served and fought for our country during World War II... I had wanted to make some 1940's clothing for myself for many years, just because I like the styles... but now, through living history, I have a reason to wear them... and not just the dress... I get to work up a whole vintage look! This green dress is my first and only completed dress from a 1940's pattern... (given to me many years ago by my Aunt Corie... we found this pattern and a few more in an old vanity drawer around my grandmother's house) I have another dress cut out in my project drawer ready to sew, and hope to have it complete for our Pearl Harbor event.
Lora rummaged her closet and came up with a convincing 40's looking attire... using her family jewelry actually from that era and beautifully curling her hair. Amanda was here for the weekend and was caught up in our excitement... we found her an 80's dress that 'passes' as 40's, along with some wild 80's earrings...she happened to have some high heels with her and one of our vintage hats finished her ensemble! She looked great! It is amazing when you begin looking at women's fashions through the ages... really what goes around comes around!We even drew a line down the back of our legs... and wore the closest thing we had to 'bombshell red' lipstick... like our sister's from the past. Amanda and I braved very high heels for the parade. The last time I participated in the parade, there were several slow stops and plenty of rest... a leisurely walk. NOT THIS TIME! We were on a practical running trot around the several town blocks! I am so blessed to not have blisters. I could feel the bumpy road through my thin shoes... but it was all worth it! We were the hit of the parade... besides the honored veterans. We made a small sensation and I loved every minute of it. Next year, we hope to have a classic car to ride.... or I will have a bicycle!

Lora and I asked to have our picture taken with a WWII veteran that was in his old uniform... he said that he would be pleased! He said we reminded him of what it used to be like. I do think we made his day :) and that was worth all the sore feet in the world.

Baby Riley is Here....And Welcomed!

2008-11-03T18:10:00.007-05:00

Today was a day of celebration and thanksgiving! My dear niece Shelby became a Mommy! And Maggie is so excited that she has entered into the realm of 'Aunthood' along with Amelia. Little Riley Kaitlyn was born at 6:30 am and was a whopping 8lbs. 11oz. and 21 inches long with lots of beautiful soft wavy hair. I was up early and the children and I breakfasted and headed to the hospital to see Shelby, the new baby and Iris and Maggie. Jessica and Ruben and Kaylee joined us at the hospital shortly after we arrived, so we had a nice lively bunch to welcome Riley into the family! We were all in awe over the new little girl... her softness, her hair, her complexion, her temperament, her hands, her toes, her chunky legs, her squirms and wiggles.... but Kaylee was enraptured! She could feel the excitement in the room, which made her in such a good mood... Kaylee loves excitement and being surrounded by her family... and when she saw the baby she was beyond delighted! "BAYBEE!" she started making a 'smacking' sound, her signal that she wanted to kiss the baby... and wanting to stroke her head softly.. and touch her nose and mouth... and when she saw her Mamma holding the baby, she decided that she wanted the honor to hold the baby and reached out her chubby little arms to welcome Riley! I do believe that Kaylee will be a doting, loving big Sissy, don't you!
Kaylee is wrapping her little arms around Riley and REALLY holding her! She held her for SEVERAL minutes and was so gentle and sweet. She reminds me of her Aunt Amelia when her Uncle Daniel was a little baby..

Shelby is doing great. She had a relatively quick delivery, which is so wonderful for a first baby and Riley is adapting well to nursing. I know it is early, but I do think Riley is going to be a happy contented infant. This is an exciting week here at our home. We are so happy for the new addition to our family, plus we will celebrate another special birth! Amelia will have her 13th birthday on Wednesday.

All this celebration is getting me ready for the upcoming holidays... our town's Veteran's Day celebration... Harvest Train at the Children's Home... thinking of Thanksgiving with yummies and pumpkins.....Daniel's birthday and celebration...and Christmas when Bradley comes home... then New Year's... then another new baby, our grandson Karter William will be here!

Baby Riley lays upon Baby Karter.. who is doing well and growing safely in Momma's belly..

God is so good and has so richly blessed us!

My sweet little one wondering how long we will ooohh and aaaahhh over the new baby... he has been playing nicely with his brothers and Maggie but now....he is getting hungry! Again!

Westville, Georgia

2008-10-27T20:25:00.006-04:00

Amelia and I were privileged to attend a very special, one of a kind, living history event in Georgia. The event was entitled "Sparks of Secession". It was held in a fictional town called Westville Georgia... though it is a fictional town, all of the buildings were moved from real towns in the surrounding area, and everything in the town (houses and furnishings etc.) dated 1850 or earlier! There were about 30 buildings. Our goal as living historians was to portray the area called Lumpkin GA , the people and events that took place there in October of 1861. We were assigned 'rolls' from the actual census record. I was Louisa Singer and Amelia was my 13 year old daughter, Mary. Mrs. Singer actually had eleven children at the time of the census... so we had to fictionalize a story for where the others might have been that weekend! During the time we were portraying, there was political and religious persuasion going on... building on emotions for the Secession of Georgia... and military recruiters were there to enlist new men to form a new Georgia Regiment. Amelia attended school and her schoolmaster decided to enlist, as did many of the townsmen. We, the ladies of Westville, founded our very first 'Ladies Aide Society' and we made flags for the troops to take with them when we watched them march off to war and duty... it was quite emotional. I also acted as a 'Docent' and gave a 2 hour tour for the public on Saturday afternoon... I learned as I went! The whole weekend was such a learning experience for Amelia and I. We made several new friends and are very much looking forward to the next Westville event... which may take place in 2010... though we wish it was next year.
When we were planning the trip, Lora and I commented to each other that we must be CRAZY to be even attempting to go... but it was worth all the trouble! We traveled with Lora in her car, loaded down... very loaded down... for a 1,000 mile journey. We were blessed to be able to stay at her sister's house, which was two hours towards home, on Sunday night... it was so comfy and cozy at her house... big comfy bed, french toast and fresh fruit salad for breakfast and the best hot tea I have ever had. Plus, Lora's niece is a fabulous artist and was showing me some of her work... again, I say it was fabulous... so deep and drawing and tasteful. Plus, Lora's sister is very talented and had a precious sewing room, and some of the most interesting fabric, that she graciously let me plunder! So when we finally set off toward home, we were lazy and slow... we dilly dallied and got Starbucks and decided to 'wake ourselves up' by visiting the local Goodwill... and then we bought more stuff to pack in our car! But I was blessed with some very good pieces of wool fabric for just a few dollars.
I am going to put together a slide show with more of our Westville photos for the school blog, but here are a few favorites.... (the above photo shows the Singer house where we lodged, it is powder blue)

Birthdays and Bonnets

2008-10-23T08:02:00.002-04:00

We have been blessed by yet another Birthday in our home! My dear little man, Joseph Alexander, is now SEVEN years old. I can hardly believe it. Alex is such a dear little man full of fun and imagination, quick to be loving and willing to take on new responsibilities, eager to learn and always gently accepting the 'wild attentions' of his baby niece.... such an all around good boy. He has daily reminded Mark and I of another young man that used to live with us... our Bradley! His physical and character similarities to young Bradley have made 'grown up' Bradley's distance seem just a bit smaller... just a bit.

Alex is so excited... he gets a BIG present that Daddy ordered for his birthday... some classic Star War Lego spaceship with SIX hard to find figures! Wow! (at least the boys tell me that is a WOW)

Our Joseph Alexander was born TWO DAYS after my brother Tim's son, Joseph Edward... the boys have enjoyed having close birthdays. They are so different in looks and ways, each just plain adorable, though! When they were smaller they were known as 'Big Al and Little Joe'... and as babies, with Alex being quite plump and Joseph being long and thin.... sometimes we referred to them as 'Spaghetti and Meatball'

Here they are on Granny and Papa's porch, the week before the big days....friends for life...

My dearest friend, Lynn, sent me a box of goodies and gifts and in it was this adorable bonnet for my Kaylee Bug. She loved wearing it, which is a blessing as she is normally not a 'hat baby'. Lynn also had the foresight to send the pattern.... maybe that can be Jessica's next sewing project....

Kaylee is riding in her little car... one I purchased for a few dollars from a friend who was closing her in-home day care... Kaylee's Daddy gave it a fresh coat of paint and put a name and a license plate by way of stickers... the hood says, of course, 'Kaylee Bug' the license plate reads 'KLESRD' for Kaylee's Ride.....Her Aunt and Uncles pull her around with a string attached to the steering wheel...

A peek into our REAL life.....

2008-09-30T21:31:00.004-04:00

I thought it was time to let our friends and family have a true window into our happy marriage.

This is ME trying to talk to MY mother-in-law....

This is MARK talking to ME on the phone...

This is our house when it is full of exchange students...

This is when I have a dream about Mark and the Spanish waitress....

This is MARK talking to HIS family.... SPANGLISH

This is typical... ME with all the books...

Looking Back a Bit...

2008-09-28T10:35:00.007-04:00

With all the excitement and busy-ness of everyday life, I find I have neglected posting two very important celebrations! After all the fun I was too tired to think! So, here on this leisurely Sunday I am taking a look back....

First there was little Kaylee Bug's very first birthday! August 20th...What fun! She is such a big girl now. We had some special time with her on her birthday, then the following Sunday we went to her party at other Papa's house.

Jessica bravely handled the sewing matching for the first time and with Amelia's help make Kaylee a quilt made with Kaylee's own outgrown onsies...

Here is a four generation photo... yes, it counts with Daughter-in-laws!
Granny made Kaylee this adorable seersucker sundress...
I gave Kaylee her baby ring for her first birthday...

Second there was Ms. Lossie's 80th birthday party! August 28th...I had helped her the entire week before with displays depicting her rich full life... it was such a joy to help her.

Movie Review

2008-09-10T12:12:00.008-04:00

I am not sure if I have shared with you about this movie... "Life Begins for Andy Hardy". I have done an Internet search for quotes from Judge Hardy. He gives such sound advice for Andy... advice that I wish was heard in every home with young boys or girls. I wanted to have some of his advice in writing.. but found none. I have posted two reviews I came across. I am not as excited as the first reviewer about the movie being a "a most poignant pre-cursor" for "innocents-lost-in-the-city classics", but there were other interesting facts about the censoring and making of the movie in this review. I think that if the same censoring were in effect now, movies would be much more enjoyable today! The second review is more like my response to the movie. During the scene in question, (photo) Judge Hardy (Andy's father) delicately explains to Andy that fidelity is a habit... and that he can already be faithful to the girl he will one day marry, though he may not have even met her yet. During the scene, he of course never mentions sex... although some may read that into the advice... to me he speaks of making the habit of giving your emotional affections to one girl and then switching those affections to another girl, then another and thus forming the habit of infidelity of the heart and mind... which we all know can lead to infidelity physically as well. That is advice that is rarely given in homes today. There is other good advice given through the movie... as well as the other movies. Though most of the other movies it seems as if Andy is too 'girl crazy'... but he is a gentleman through it all. If I could own any Andy Hardy movies, this would be my first choice.

The First Review:

"An Atypically Melancholy Entry in the Series, Following his graduation from high school, a small-town teenager decides to try his luck learning about life and making it on his own in New York City. Where he encounters the death of a disillusioned, penniless young friend and the seductive wiles of a glamorous "older woman" he encounters at his office job. Not to mention the wrath of the censors (who forced the studio the change the cause of death from a suicide to a heart attack) as well as the Catholic church (whose Legion of Decency damned the film with an "objectionable for children" rating). Hard to believe that an episode in the ebullient Andy Hardy series caused such controversy, but it is this film's commendable attempt to portray the dilemmas of youth with honesty and candor (incredible for 1941) that make it the most durable and disarming entry of the entire series. As contemporary today as it was 60 years ago, "Life Begins for Andy Hardy" is blessed with, besides a refreshingly adult screenplay that evokes emotions unchanged by the passage of time, astoundingly "mature" performances by Mickey Rooney (for once underplaying) and Judy Garland (displaying a sincerity and warmth without ever singing a note).
Rooney's portrayal of a good-hearted teenager who decent instincts hardly prepare him for the brutal reality of survival in the "Big City" will strike resonant chords with anyone in a similar situation 60 years later. And, in addition to Rooney and Ms. Garland, sterling performances are contributed by the Hardy regulars (Lewis Stone, never more sage or heartrending as Andy's concerned father); the lovely Patricia Dane, as Andy's office co-worker and would-be seducer; and Ray McDonald, heartbreaking as a penniless aspiring actor reduced to living (and starving) in Central Park. A tacked-on happy ending and jarring lapses in continuity (indicating heavy studio re-cutting and re-shooting) fail to undermine the sweet sadness of this most unusual MGM drama--flirting with themes that would be dealt with far more candidly and cruelly some 20 years later in such innocents-lost-in-the-city classics as "The Rat Race" and "Breakfast at Tiffanys," of which "Life Begins for Andy Hardy" is a most poignant pre-cursor. "

Second Review:

"This movie is worth seeing just for the advice Judge Hardy gives Andy. He explains beautifully why every unmarried person should be faithful to his or her future spouse, even before they ever meet each other.
It is interesting that the Legion of Decency objected to this speech. In 1941 such parental advice was so well known that it was not helpful to hear it in a movie, and it was dangerous to display sexual advice in the public setting of a movie. Keep in mind that the speech is so tasteful that we would not even call it sexual at all. Yet to them it was good, sound advice but far too personal to publicize.
In our time we have fallen so far from those wholesome principles that it would be very helpful to publicize them broadly. I am seeking a copy of this movie to show to my children and friends."

If you ever watch the movie, let me know what you think....

Bradley Update!

2008-09-07T20:05:00.005-04:00

Mark, Daniel and Ruben returned home this afternoon. They were all tired, but full of new from Bradley. Actually, I was privileged to receive a phone call from Bradley this morning. We were able to talk as long as we wished, it was wonderful! He has received his orders for tech school so we know where he will be for the next several months.... and we will be able to send him stuff! Amelia and I are planning a baking frenzy, and he wants some more clothes and a photo album. He really enjoyed his visit from the boys. He was allowed to go off base with them once and said he had sensory overload... his eyes had adjusted to only seeing dull colors and his manner had adjusted to interacting with military personnel... he said there was too much color! They visited the Alamo and explored the base. All in all it was a good visit... I am sure they made memories for a lifetime... as did we girls here at home waiting for their return.... and Alex was so lonely for his brother Daniel!

Visit the Promise Christian Academy blog for the Alamo photos... and soon for the military museum photos (I need Daniel's help because I have no idea what the photos are of)... and we will even have a post for the PCA nature blog from Texas soon.

Here are a few photos from the trip...

Bradley before graduation....

After graduation.... notice the bar?

Bradley giving a tour of his dorm...

and below, giving his brothers a lesson in military neatness.

Mark was presented a coin by this man... Master Chief Commander Sargent Lewis. (We are not sure if that is his official title or not, it was on the coin) It is the same coin that was given to the graduating recruits. They had met casually somewhere on base. He gave the coin as was his way of showing appreciation of the parent's sacrifice......

Now it is time for 'Where's Waldo'.... I mean can you find Bradley????? It was very easy for us to find him... we have been wanting to see him for so long!

Bradley Update!

2008-09-04T15:16:00.002-04:00

Here it is! Bradley at graduation ceremonies!

ENJOY

*Everyone arrived safely and Daniel and Ruben both enjoyed their first flights. Mark and Ruben are running low on cell phone batteries but Ruben managed to send this photo over his phone.... thanks Ruben!*

Bradley Update

2008-09-04T07:25:00.006-04:00

It has been a LONG six weeks for us... they are finally at an end. Mark and Daniel and Ruben are in the sky now flying to see Bradley graduate. I awoke at 3am and they were on the road by 3:30... I was dreaming heavily and the phone rang at 5am... It was Daniel. They were at the gate and about to board.... then I got a call at 5:30! They were on the plane, he had a window seat and could see the jet engines. So, since there was no going back to sleep, I headed out to walk at 6am and had a good hour walk. At 7:11... the phone rang again. They were at their first destination. I asked Daniel how it was (this is his first flight on a large plane) he said.... "it was fast!" The next portion of their flight will be three hours long.... they have an hour layover... so I am expecting a call around 11am! We haven't heard from Ruben, he was on a different flight, different airline.. but we are expecting Jessica to come over soon and tell us what she has heard from him... it was his first flight, too!

Hopefully they will e-mail me a picture of Bradley when they see him and I can post it. We are all so excited... but this will be a long four days for us here at home. Alex is the man of the family for these four days. I am sure he is up to the task, he has good examples to follow.

We received our second letter from Bradley two days ago... it was very short and very positive. He sounded almost 'giddy' that he was through "5.5 weeks" of basic and that he would see his dad and brothers soon. We still don't know where he will be for tech school, but he is hoping for somewhere on the east coast closer to home. He thought he might stay in Texas, but it is uncertain.

It will be a long eight months! We hope he has a Christmas break or can come when his nephew is born.... speaking of which, I saw the most precious ultrasound pictures in the world yesterday! I am most certainly having a grandson and he has a beautiful little profile! There was one view with his mouth open and it looked as if he was sticking his thumb in!..... I will post updates as they come along and hopefully have several pictures to post Monday when they return with the camera.

Please keep my boys in your prayers...... all four of them!

See the side bar for Bradley's Boot Camp Motto!

I just found out... I am one of THOSE women.

2008-09-01T07:18:00.003-04:00

You know, when you were younger... a blessed teenager... full of youth and no thought of tomorrow? You saw THOSE women. Early in the morning with their visor on, weights in their hands, earphones, tennis shoes, and sweat jacket doing this silly arm swinging fast paced walk all around the neighborhood. You wondered why they would be so serious and intent. Well I found out. It is called 'after 35'. Everything you eat begins to find happy little homes all over you and you become a soft pillow.
This morning as I headed out the door at 6am... with Amelia's I-pod on... I realized it. I am one of THOSE women. And, surprisingly, I was happy about it. It was a beautiful morning... it was just beginning to break into day... after a few laps, I saw the purple sky... I saw the world wake up. Even though I live in a town that was originally began with land grants from England and has a 'princely' name.... I heard my neighbors roosters salute the morning!
I have been walking for a few weeks now... and the pillow has moved off my ribs! Just 'watching what you eat' doesn't work after 35! All those years of just being active, but no exercise.. and still staying slim, are a thing of the past.

Another Bradley Update!

2008-08-25T14:24:00.003-04:00

While we were enjoying Ms. Lossie's 80th birthday party Mark got a surprise phone call from Bradley.... we were so happy! We found a quiet corner in the kitchen storage room beside the fellowship hall and put our ears to the phone to hear his voice.... I even got to talk for three of the coveted 15 minutes! when the military says 15 minutes... they mean 15 minutes, not one second more!
Bradley says he is very thankful for the letters... so keep writing and if you haven't written already... today is a good time!
He says he will most likely stay in San Antonio for his tech school....
Bradley had just finished 'Warrior Week'... I am not sure what all went on, but I think it was a week of intense training and competition. Bradley did the gas chamber and he said he felt perfectly fine afterward... in fact, they did a 2 mile run! They had the Marksmanship challenge with the M-16's and guess what???? Bradley was one of only 20 recruits.... out of 700... that made EXPERT marksmanship! Way to go Bradley!
He is counting down the days until he graduates!
Keep praying and PLEASE WRITE!

Bradley Update!

2008-08-22T08:13:00.004-04:00

The whole household was brimming with excitement yesterday when we received our very first letter from Bradley! It was addressed to Mark so I called him and asked him if he wanted to wait until he got home to read it or if he wanted me to read it to him.... he said "OPEN IT!" So I closed myself up in our room yesterday so I would be undisturbed while reading it to Mark over the phone... our house was full, as usual... and I am glad I opted for privacy because I was bawling while reading it aloud! He had actually written all of us as well as Ruben and put it in one envelope. It was the best letter I think I have ever read!

He said A LOT of things.... like....

"I am fine and doing great. Basic isn't so bad, but I miss you guys so much. I appreciate the support and all of the love and letters. I'm getting through this, and I am making you proud"

He told us that he earned his phone call the second week by having "my clothing drawer perfect", he said it was rare for a second weeker to use the phone!

He said "It's hard for me to find a place in this dorm where I can write in peace, so I just wait until everyone is asleep. It's 1:00 in the morning, and I felt led to write to you..."

He also said "you won't recognize me, I guarantee it.... I am bald.... I've gained 15 pounds" We have been trying to visualize this...

This was sweet here... "I've made lots of new friends. Most of my friends share personalities with people in our family. It's so weird."

All the 'guys' in the family appreciated this message... "I can break down an M16 in 27 seconds and put it back together in 31 seconds"

Our friends who are retired Air Force said they were very proud of this message that was written on the back of the envelope.... "I passed my flight physical!"

Bradley wrote a short message for each of his younger siblings, here is a portion of each:

To Alex "Axle"..... "I want you to grow up and be as tall as me. You have incredible aim, man!"

To Daniel..... "The Big Men called TI's yell a lot, and make you run everywhere. It's tough sometimes, but it's alright, I like it. I'll make you proud."

To Amelia.... "The food is awesome here... and it's all FREE! But I'd rather have BoJangles!"

Bradley also wrote some sweet things to me "Big Mamma" and to his Dad... here are portions of each....

He told Mark "Man, I love you, I can't say it enough. You have taught me well. I can't wait to see you."

To me he said "I miss you and I am doing fine.... I appreciate everything you have done for me! Anyways, I'll let you go now, I need my rest. But just remember, I love you, pray for me, I'm praying for ya'll."

If you haven't written Bradley yet, please do!

The Squash Princess, Honduras Basket and Something for the Baby...

2008-08-15T20:32:00.004-04:00

While visiting with Granny the other day, Popa brought in a bag of fresh from the garden squash... Kaylee just HAD to have one! She insisted in her own little demanding princess way. (very sweet and requesting... yet sure that she will have HER way!) She gnawed on that Squash for a long time. When we came home, she saw some that I had brought... and HAD to have another! She was taking bites by the chunk out of that raw squash! So funny!
Ms Lossie went to a missions trip to Honduras last month... she brought me back this special gift! It was hand made and seems very sturdy... I love baskets and I love the giver of this beautiful basket... what a gift! It was too large to pack in her suitcase for the flight home, so she had to use it for her carry on! I will treasure this gift... and if you see me walking along with this huge, bright bag... know my heart is swelling with gratitude for the dear lady who gave it to me and praying for the hands that made it.

It seems so official when you buy the first thing for the expected baby. Here are two sets of onsies that I picked up from Sam's... can you tell we are excited grandparents???

Bradley Update! And a Little Extra...

2008-08-06T19:56:00.005-04:00

We received a phone call from Bradley tonight! Well, actually, he called Ruben because he couldn't get Mark. He said he was doing fine... he earned the privilege of the phone call by having the neatest T-shirt drawer! He said the Levi's job has paid off! I have to brag a little here... Bradley was given the job of Squadron Leader... I am not sure what responsibilities he holds, but he wears a different uniform than the other recruits because of his 'rank'... isn't that awesome! He requested more letters... and wants them very positive and encouraging. He also said he could have as many pictures as we could send.. so I am going to send some to the printer now.... well, first have a look at these...

It is nice to have a little brother to be silly with....

Amelia takes so many pictures in front of this mirror in the laundry room... most of them are goofy! I love it!

Here Kaylee Bug is at Granny's wearing a cute romper

Granny made for her and she is trying to wear my hat!

I love seeing her chunky legs!

Granny specially picked these kitty cat buttons just for Kaylee!

2008-07-30T21:10:00.003-04:00

I am going to have a GRANDSON!

Ruben and Jessica found out today that they are having a baby boy... due date January 4th! We are very excited and we are sure that Kaylee is going to be a great big Sissy!

Bradley Update!

2008-07-25T19:37:00.003-04:00

Bradley surprised us with a phone call today! We weren't expecting one so soon! It was short and to the point.. he was only allowed to give us his mailing address and could not enter into a conversation with Mark. So, this afternoon, we have been busy writing letters and getting them ready to drop in the mail tomorrow. We are putting extra envelopes, already addressed and stamped with paper in them, in all of his letters....for him to write us back (we are not sure how much time he will have to write us!). If you want his address, and you are not on my e-mail list... just call me, or leave a comment for me to call you! We hope Bradley receives a lot of mail and is assured that we are thinking of him and praying for him. I will post any update I can about Bradley's Air Force adventure.....

Bandannas and Wobbles

2008-07-25T07:54:00.006-04:00

I am not sure if you noticed the cute bandanna dresses the girls wore at Bradley's farewell party... Here Papa Jerry holds the weeble wobbles in the bandanna dresses I put together for them... Here is the 'prototype' dress... the first one I messed with. I wanted the dresses to look almost as if someone just tied the bandannas on the girls and let them loose... I did not want a 'finished' look. So first I just sewed up the sides and put in an elastic waist and tied the shoulders... but the neck was huge so I sewed in some thin elastic in the front and back... it looked alright.. but the elastic showed some...
For the girl's party dresses, I pleated the front and back at the neck. Hayden didn't like the elastic around her middle so I left it out for the red dress and her Mommy tied a white ribbon around her waist, which was very cute. I also added a placket opening and snap in the back of Hayden's... I may add that to Kaylee's.. right now we have to untie a knot in the shoulder to get it off... which is fine, unless she is in a wriggly mood!

The girls were a 'show stopper' wobbling around with their beautiful smiles, sweet dispositions and cute dresses! Kaylee loved and hugged on Hayden the whole day.....They are becoming fast friends... Lora and I are excited about seeing them grow up together...

Here is where the Wobble comes in.....

Kaylee did a great job walking at the party trying to keep up with Hayden! She has rarely crawled since... Here in this video you see how she wants a friend to hug in each arm before she takes off... I guess they help her balance!.....

*****Bradley update: He made it safely to San Antonio.. Hurricane and all! We are waiting for his call with his mailing address... it may be up to two weeks before we hear from him again! Keep him in your prayers!*****

Family and Friends say Farewell... for now...

2008-07-21T07:59:00.007-04:00

Bradley's farewell party was a big success...we had so many pictures that I put them in a slide show. I identified the people in the captions as who they are in relation to Bradley, the man of the hour... There are several pictures, but they all tell a story of how much fun it was to gather with friends and family to honor our Bradley... enjoy!

As a gift to Bradley, Mark purchased tickets to a Brad Paisley concert. After the party, Bradley, John, another friend Brent, and Ruben and Jessica went for a fun night out. At the concert, they saw these four cute girls in 'BRAD' shirts... they let our Brad have his pictures taken with him.... how neat!
We ask that all family and friends who stop by remember to keep Bradley in your prayers as he takes this next step in his full, young life... He leaves for basic Tuesday. Thank-You!

Sneak Preview!

2008-07-10T20:13:00.002-04:00

Amelia and I have been busy, busy, busy sewing for a fashion show that takes place tomorrow... I had enough left from my dress fabric to make this sweet dress for Kaylee...

Kaylee dancing with Aunt Millie...Here she looks over Grandmama's pattern...

This is the third dress I have made with this pattern, and I have a dress in my keepsakes

that my mother made for me from the same pattern!

This is Kaylee Bug when she is tired of smiling for the camera! It is still adorable to me!

Happy Fourth

2008-07-04T21:11:00.012-04:00

We had a nice relaxing Fourth this year. Amelia and I started it with coffee and some time in our new craft room. Mark and Daniel prepared for an early cookout. After lunch we split up... the 'older kids' went to visit with Jessica's family. Mark and I took the littles (and Maggie) to the theater. The boys watched 'Wall-E' and I took the girls to see 'Kit'... it was a very cute movie and we had a great time. I had a restorative nap and we had dessert for supper... what more could you ask from a holiday? Actually, our holiday is going to last all weekend... we have other plans for more food, fun and fishing with family!

Bradley gave us a patriotic serenade.....

Amelia and I improvised a quickie table scape.. we made a red-white-and-blue 'firecracker'! Anytime the conversation at the table lulled or went in a crazy direction I asked "Do you like our firecracker?"... It was a hoot.

As I mentioned earlier, Amelia and I have a new craft room. We have it all organized and set up for working, but we need to do yet a little more 'decorating' so I will post pictures later... I am determined that our craft room will be a happy place filled with things that bring smiles... no uglies to dampen our creative juices! Here is a sneak peek of some of my favorites parts....

I made bulletin boards from vintage fabric to pin up some scrap booking supplies... and this special find from a store at Myrtle Beach called "American Vintage".. after thirty minutes of serious searching, this was the ONLY Jimmy Stewart photo in the entire store! And I snatched it up! It is from one of my all time favorite movies, The Philadelphia Story. Up close the expression on his face is priceless... the whole feel of the movie comes alive when I look at this. It was his first movie with a lead role with 'huge stars'.... Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant... and Jimmy Stewart won the Academy Award! It makes me smile every time I see it... I found this pretty board at a consignment shop... it looks old, but isn't... and I have always enjoyed lighthouses... I like the Anne book with the old man lighthouse keeper... Thanks for the idea of a project board list, Lynn! It does feel good to mark off jobs completed. The first one was Kinsey's pinnafore.... and that was the first thing I sewed in my new room!This is my machine, it is an old Domestic in a portable case (well, half a case) my Dad rescued from the dump. We have a great relationship! I named her this week... her name is Dorcas. The 'flair' buttons are magnets a friend made... the pictures were cut from a vintage sewing book. After you sew on one of these old, metal machines that hum as you go.... you will not want to sew on a new-fangled plastic machine!And here is my Kaylee Bug! Helping Grandma with another item on her project list... organizing my rubber stamps. The only thing is, she sorts by TASTE.

Tagged For a Book Meme...

2008-07-02T06:53:00.004-04:00

My new blog world friend Lisa from Ransomed by Grace tagged me for this fun book meme...

I know I am going to have a hard time narrowing my choices! I recently filled out a survey for the company we order our standardized tests from... they wanted to know how many books we have in our home... there wasn't a choice large enough!

Who is your all time favorite author?

Well, that one is surprisingly easy! George MacDonald

There are several other authors I enjoy... over and over again.. three were on Lisa's list: Elizabeth Prentiss ,Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis. Plus, others to numerous to list!

Who is the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why?
Probably C.S. Lewis... I didn't read him as a child, I am stepping into his world with my children along side of me..

Who was your first favorite author and why? Do you still consider him/her to be among your favorites?
Wow! I can't think.... I guess either AA Milne or L.M. Montgomery.... but my very first must have been DR. Seuss!

A question added by Lisa:

List your favorite books from the following genres:

1. Spiritual - The Imitation Of Christ by Thomas A' Kempis is a favorite.

2. Novel- Wide Wide World (you know the book Little Jo was sitting under the tree reading and bawling her eyes out...)

3.Biography/Autobio- I am not so sure.... I like bios of American History... I guess Lady Washington would be a favorite... the problem is, most of the bios I have read are geared for children... I pre-read them for the kids!

My tagees:
My Darling Daughter Silly Millie Mae

Rules:
Link to the person that tagged you.
Post the rules somewhere in your meme.
Answer the questions.
Tag people in your post.
Let the tagees know they’ve been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog.
Let the tagger know your entry is posted.

Civil War Fashions and Corset Talk....

2008-06-19T10:17:00.010-04:00

I had the opportunity to help Lora make two new dresses for her next Civil War re-enacting event. Lora will be going to Gettysburg this month, what a great adventure! I am happy for her and glad to help her get ready. She needed custom made dresses. Her first and only dress so far was an e-bay purchase that fit well enough, but it wasn't the correct style and had a drooping waistline in the back. She also needed dresses made from cool cotton material.... Gettysburg is said to be HOT HOT HOT in June! It was fun to make and easy to customize for her, she is very close to the pattern in size, so me only made minor adjustments such as shortening sleeves and widening the neckline. Making a muslin bodice and sleeves for fitting greatly helped... we did our adjustments on the muslin instead of using dress fabric. I took pictures when Lora tried them on for button placement marking. The first dress is a light blue cotton... the second is a 'homespun' cotton. The homespun is nice and breathable, though darker, we think it will be the cooler dress. You can only be so cool in a full coverage dress, an over petticoat, a corded petticoat, a modesty petticoat, knee length 'drawers', a chemise, a corset, and knee high socks! Yes, you have to wear all of those to be in period correct dress. Oh, you also must wear a head covering out of doors if you are over 20 years of age. The purpose of re-enacting is multi fold. For some it is mere hobbie, for others it is for the purpose of serving the public. Lora and I do it for both.. and for sheer fun. To have an accurate 'impression' you must not wear any modern clothing... and bras are modern. (you may say 'no one will notice', but the straps would be noticed through the tight fitted upper back of the dresses and a dedicated re-enactor wants her impression to be as accurate as possible) We have seen many re-enactors that are an embarrassment to those of us who strive for accuracy...for instance,"Gone With the Wind" clothes are VERY inaccurate, as well as "prarie dresses"....plus we have seen clothes that are just NOT Civil War fashion. We have also seen those who take too many pains to achieve 'accuracy' and go beyond common sense with their efforts. We have heard of whole groups splitting up because of the "amount of stitches per inch that must be sewn in the garments"! Lora and I have taken it all in stride and choose our areas for 'supreme accuracy' and we 'let slide' other areas... after all we want it to still be fun... not a burden. You may ask if a corset is necessary... well, it is not a must for the 'working woman' impression... but the alternative is not too comfy. We have seen women at events that obviously did not have on a corset. Some of them were a very comical sight to see... their dress waists hiked up under their breast, barefoot... they looked like 'country bumpkins'. Other corset less women had an apron or a wrap and just looked 'matronly'. So for the fun of it, Lora posed with out her corset so we could document the difference. One with the waistline in normal position... it doesn't look to bad, but she said it was very uncomfortable when you are used to a bra and support. The other pose was for laughs! We both choose to suffer the 'uprightness' of a corset. I don't need the 'lift' as much, but I enjoy the back support and find my posture much improved in a corset! Contrary to popular belief, a corset is not a 'waistline reducer'... in the Civil war days it was used to help define the beautiful hourglass shape of a woman and to set off the 'bell shaped' skirts. I think Civil War dressing is very feminine and pretty and I enjoy it. Our next project we want to tackle is wool dresses and under petticoats for the winter. We have until October, though... so I will be switching eras again! Amelia and I have several vintage sewing projects lined up, plus a move to a new sewing room! Oh, there are a lot of laughs when you are sewing and talking at the same time.... here is one of them!

Kaylee....

2008-06-17T15:06:00.003-04:00

was wearing a shirt the other day that said.....

"I Make Chunky Thighs Look Good"

Brad the Grad

2008-06-14T19:27:00.006-04:00

Bradley's graduation was a much looked forward to event. We could tell that Bradley was very excited. I hope he had a wonderful night celebrating. We are very proud of him... he gave us (almost) no trouble throughout his schooling. He just had a difficult time getting to school on time this year! And he has the nasty habit of waiting until the last minute to do some things... other than that he did great! Those two habits are self disciplines that he will have to get the kinks out of in his own time. We had fun posing with Bradley... we would always say "just one more, Bradley!" It was the on going joke of the night. I have plenty of pictures for a nice scrap album to remember the evening. These first pictures were the 'before' shots....

These are a few of the 'after'!

Family Gathering

2008-06-08T12:49:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, in spite of the sweltering heat, I gathered with my family and friends of the family to celebrate Becca Jo's graduation. The whole day was emotionally and physically trying. It is days like this that we, as a family, miss Judy the most. Some of Judy's friend gifted Becca with a scrap book of pictures, stories, letters and memories... I have looked it over today and had a long cry and a good laugh (you have to know Judy to understand that).

Every photo we have of Judy is a treasure and keepsake now... and knowing how few of those we have, I decided to take the opportunity to snap some photos with Amelia's camera of me with members of my family. I didn't get to everyone... I missed Daddy and a few nieces and nephews. Hopefully I can continue my quest tomorrow when Mom and Dad and Charlene, Erin and Joseph come to visit. I took most of the pictures "teenager fashion" holding the camera out myself... it was fun! (that is why Tim has no chin :)

Mom (AKA Granny)Iris (sweet sister)Tim (crazy brother)

Charlene (I'll make ya' a fine husband! Tim's wife)

Bubba (Big Brother) Ginger Dear (Bubba's wife)
My Mark
Iris and I gave Becca her presents in the quite of the house instead of outside in the crowd. I made my first project from the "Bend the Rules Sewing" book that Lynn recommended. It turned out very well. I had some vintage material set aside that I knew should be for Becca... it had orange in it! I have some more material left and am going to let her choose another project from the book...maybe she will want to try sewing something. Amelia made one of her critters for Becca and used vintage material (that had some orange) for the ears, eyes and tail. Mark gave her some money.... what graduate doesn't need money? Iris put together a goodie box filled with scrapbook supplies and other tidbits. Iris and I are planning on making Becca a family scrap album with some of our treasured Judy pictures... if I can stand another emotional roller coaster.

I wore my big brimmed straw hat to shade my face, something I do all the time... but it made a sensation at the gathering for some reason. A couple of people asked to take my picture and someone teased me about my 'umbrella'. I am glad I was entertainment!

Pink and Grey

2008-06-06T13:31:00.001-04:00

I have had a hard time choosing a color palette for this blog. Because of a sweet memory, I have chosen Pink and Grey....

These and That and This....

2008-06-04T16:20:00.004-04:00

These.... are the books I bought for my Keeper's Club girls. I was so excited to pass along one of my favorite books and my absolute favorite author! Stepping Heavenward has been a favorite since I first read it as a young bride. It is very fitting for the girls now because they have ventured on a journal quest themselves...this book is written as journal entries.It may be a little 'deep' in some areas, but it is my hope to 'stretch their hearts and minds'. George MacDonald has been my favorite author since my sister Iris first introduced me to him. I first was drawn to the setting and the language of his books... SCOTLAND... however it wasn't long before I found the real treasure of his books. I have some of his quotes somewhere here on this blog and will surely add more. I am more 'inspired to good' when I read his books than any other fiction. I have never read his children books... I bought 'The Princess and the Goblin'.. and Daniel keeps eyeballing the book, touching it.. he has itchy fingers to get hold of it. I can't wait until Amelia finishes hers so I can devour it, I am not sure my will power is strong enough to let Daniel read it first! Amelia is very engrossed in the book already, so I won't have to wait long.....

That.... is father and son bonding time. As strange as it looks. We were all 'hanging out' in the school room Sunday after our 'home church'... I was piddling, the others were fiddling... and Mark and Alex were peeling.... all the paint off our old stool... I decided it would look better as natural wood, the white being too easily dirtied, so they leisurely tackled the project! And I mean leisurely, they were both laying down! It was so funny to watch....it was surely a joy not a job...

This.... is a gift from Lora. The softest green wool scarf (or shawl) you ever felt. I put it right over my froggie pajamas! I know I can use this in my slowly growing "eccentric-slightly-old-fashioned-with a classic-and vintage feel-wardrobe".... I always did love to play dress up as a child, it is no wonder that I have never outgrown the habit. I need some more summer hats. The big, shady, straw hats are practical... but not as cute. I have been experimenting with hairstyles. I watch the old movies and wonder how in the world did they fix their hair!?! All the rolls and curls? I have used techniques learned in Civil War re-enacting to adjust to a 'vintage' style. Not this one in the picuture! This is my 'throw it all up in a clip' hair style... I call it the modern day bun.

Maine Memories

2008-05-31T21:28:00.006-04:00

As a little girl, I traveled to Maine with my family at least twice a year. My mother was born and raised in Lisbon Falls. In the winter, the snow was over my head. In the summer we went to the coast. Not the beach, the coast. It is so different from our sandy shores here on the southern east coast. So much NICER. I loved roaming over the rocky shore, feeling the cool sea breeze and looking for buckets and buckets of sea shells and a few fabulous rocks. All of these rocks and shells are from my childhood collection (with the exception of the tiny chips in the clam basket that I collected in Wilmington NC).... the little lobster trap is a gift from one of my Mom's trips to Maine after I was married and a reminder of the delicious lobster I had as a child... and then I think of Italian bread...like you can only find up north. Long slim and white... yuuummm. Then my mind goes to Fluff. Oh Yeah. It used to be the only fluff we had was transported from Maine! Sweet Memories... maybe one day I can take my children to Maine. For now, they can have a small sample of sharing my memories with this touchable table scape.... I look forward to the conversations it brings! I think I will go and dig out some old photos to share with the kids!

ULUBALUBALUBALUBA

2008-05-30T16:51:00.002-04:00

Sweet Sunday

2008-05-25T15:41:00.003-04:00

Have you ever read Stepping Heavenward? I have several times, and plan to read it again. Among other inspirations...It inspired me to read Thomas a' Kempis. I thought it would be a difficult read... it sounded so 'theologically heavy' from the reference to it in Stepping Heavenward. It was the book her devout, pious mother always read. Imagine my gladness when I found The Imitation of Christ to be a delightful, refreshing, uplifting, guiding work! I encourage anyone to read and learn and grow from these writings and thoughts. I read and re-read passages until they are burned in my heart and mind... and my heart is turned towards Christ...

"He is vain that putteth his trust in man, or in creatures. Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world. Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God. Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist thy good will. Trust not in thine own knowledge, nor in the skill of any living creature; but rather in the grace of God, who helpeth the humble, and humbleth those that are proud." Thomas a' Kempis

Ice Tray Etiquette

2008-05-22T08:49:00.002-04:00

Don't you love automatic ice makers? I do also... when they work well. We bought a new fridge a few years ago and the ice maker has been very temperamental. It works sometimes, other times not at all and still others it produces 'empty' ice... just believe me, there is such a thing! It is not that my husband and father have ignored the unruly device... they have attempted to discipline it many times. Not that I mind, I have grown very fond of warm water... it is easier to adapt to some things than fight them and warm water washes your palette well and helps thirst even better than ice water. But others when they come to visit gasp when I tell them "I am sorry to say that we don't have ice". Plus, we have begun the habit of making tea for supper time and can not get used to luke warm tea. Being a southern girl, I realize that tea should be one of two temperatures... HOT or ICED!

In my love for all things vintage, I decided to introduce the almost obsolete ice trays to my family (I wish I would come across in my thrifting some old metal ones)

and I have found that I also have had to teach Ice Tray Etiquette. Something I never dreamed of having to address!

If you empty it, fill it back... not overflowing or the ice will crack the tray.

Always put the just filled, unfrozen tray on the bottom of the stack.

TWIST the trays, don't try to break them over your knee like a stick!

I am sure there will be others that spontaneously burst in my memory! The whole ice tray adventure has truly been a nostalgic, joyful trip back to my childhood!

"Ruben, you need to work overtime..."

2008-05-11T08:12:00.003-04:00

"Why?"......."To pay for Piano Lessons!"
Kaylee loves music. I thought my kids loved music... but Kaylee beats them all! We have a filmstrip can on our the old trunk we are using for our Civil War clothes, which is doubling for a coffee table at the moment. She bangs and bangs and grins! I have a FOUR minute video of her! I didn't mean to take such a long one, we thought she would quit soon and she didn't! She banged for atleast 15 minutes before she was distracted into something else! It was taken a couple months ago one night when Amelia and Daniel and Alex were already asleep...

Spring Planting

2008-05-08T12:51:00.004-04:00

I thought it was time I blogged about something other than grandchildren. But as you see, Kaylee is still a big part of everything we do now! I am trying hard to think fathom what it will be like with two little ones around again. We have planted flower beds... we still have one big one that Mark is clearing out for me that needs planting. Nothing is planted yet, I must wait until this burst of Spring showers and Mark is finishing up the clearing in the morning. Here is the start of the project... We gave the two azalea's that were there to Iris and Gary. I am going to move the Hosta to the front yard alongside of the walkway....
Thank You, Mark, for all your hard work! I wouldn't have my beautiful flower bed with out your muscles and sweat!

Kaylee Wants to Share a Secret......

2008-05-02T17:45:00.008-04:00

Guess What? I am going to be a big Sissy!

Unspoken Rule

2008-05-02T07:08:00.005-04:00

It is understood, not spoken. Ever since my parents and aunt put their chubby first born babies in Grandma's old wash tub... we just have to keep the tradition going. I remember all through my childhood looking at the pictures of my Bubba and cousin Mark in the old wash tub. So, on day at Aunt Corie's years ago, we put amelia and Daniel in for a splash. Then a few years ago Alex took a swim in Mr. Kenneth and Ms. Lossie's big tub... the same one we use when we help them with corn. And now Kaylee is the perfect size and it was just hot enough Sunday afternoon for a dip... of course we warmed the water! And yes, that is a Sombrero... for some reason Alex wore it outside, I guess to shade his eyes! Grandpa tries to get Kaylee used to the water...

Our Personal Photographer and Hair Stylist.... gets bored at Burwell!

2008-04-22T08:24:00.003-04:00

Jessica graciously accepted our invitation to come to Burwell School with us last Saturday and help with hairdos and especially take pictures... and she did a great job! To see all the good pictures that we couldn't have taken of ourselves, visit our school blog. Anyway, she had a lot of down time with nothing to do, so this is what she did! It is so cute!

Happy Birthday Bradley!

2008-04-15T07:56:00.004-04:00

Remembering....when you were shorter... and soooooo cute!Bradley labels this picture as "the day"... it was the year he was given his Fender for his birthday...no such gift this year, Daddy says we don't get presents for grown kids! His little brother's biggest envy

is that anytime they go fishing with Bradley... this is what happens!

Bradley goofing around

and then photo shopping his pictures...

Bradley and Daniel, the gangsters at the Cotillion Ball...(all Bradley's idea!)

Bradley and Becca... cousins and friends!More photo shop goofing... Bradley... playing around while Ruben sweats it out before the wedding...

a gangster and a guitar player...

Bradley on the best day of my life... with his favorite Barney tie! Senior Prom 2008...
We can't believe your 18! You have always been so 'young'! And all we think about is how lonely (and quiet! well, Euri is louder than you!) this big house is going to feel when your off flying around in jets (or other Air Force air craft...) and far away from home!

We are going to miss you and we are proud of you! You crazy boy!

Taste of Summer

2008-04-14T14:10:00.002-04:00

Walking with Grandma

2008-04-03T07:48:00.004-04:00

I used to take walks with Daniel, but Sissy didn't like being alone in the big old house for the time... even though our neighbors were carefully watching the house through their kitchen window. So I have changed my strategy. My neighbor's drive is in a corner and their house is on a corner... so there is a nice 'track' around and around their house. Plus, there is their beautiful flower garden and I can anticipate each new flower throughout the Spring and Summer! I would often stroll out there with my morning coffee anyway. Well, my strategy is to take Kaylee Bug in her stroller for a walk around and around the 'track'. The other children can join me when they want, so far Alex has shown an interest. I have done it a couple times already, and I can tell that it is a good walk. My heart rate goes up and my legs burn... and Kaylee just coos and enjoys the speedy ride. I have long legs and take long strides, so it must seem like flying to her! I took Sissy's camera and videotaped what I see of Kaylee on our walk... it is so funny.... enjoy!

Toothless

2008-04-01T17:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T18:13:00.002-04:00

Kaylee is wearing the very first dress I have made her! Jessica and Amelia chose the fabric and I put vintage daisy trim around the neck. It is sleeveless for warmer weather... so we put a little sweater on her for this 58 degree Easter Sunday...We just took photo after photo.. she was a little sleepy so not very smiley... but still cute as a button!

Mirror, Mirror on the wall....

2008-03-20T18:17:00.005-04:00

Who's the Fairest of Them All???

Amelia took this adorable video of Kaylee Bug and I just had to share it!