Multitude Mondays

What a week - so many things planned, then missed or cancelled due to illness. Not what I would have arranged, had I the choice, but Isaiah 55 reminds me of the truth - a truth I need to remember so much that it's engraved in my wedding band:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

And so, my list of thankfulness this week includes:

• This verse!
• His good purposes in sickness
• a chance to snuggle with a poorly baby
• getting a new haircut
• a new carpet to replace the flood-damaged one!
• a generous bonus from the Man's work
• my mom coming to visit
• making a roaring fire in the fire pit and spending all afternoon enjoying the warmth
• swing set restoration now under way
• a perfect autumnal afternoon
• my first workout in too long!
• napping babies

Lying low

My kids are not altogether well at the moment.

Daniel seems to have come down with the chicken pox. I have no idea where he may have picked it up (like a bad penny). It's certainly not the worst thing for him to have it at his age - he's little enough that though you can't explain to him why he shouldn't scratch, he's also not too inclined to do so, combined with the fact that his most affected area is under a diaper, and thus unreachable. Still - poor lad. He's definitely not a stoic, but is sharing his discomfort with all.

Abi is also not well. Nothing specific, just a general malaise (how often do I get to use that word??). She can function for a while, then lays down and reads or even sleeps. She's not terribly interested in food, though she has yet to turn down any Halloween candy. And for the record, I'm pretty sure she doesn't have the pox - she had them when she was about Dan's age, so I reckon she's probably safe.

The other kids are okay, health wise, for the moment. Noah had the chicken pox vaccine when he was little, so he's unlikely to get it, but Anna and Ellie haven't had it (the virus or vaccine), so I'm kind of waiting to see if they come out with little rose gardens of their own. But when two out of the five are out of commission for a while, it seems to make everyone a little more subdued.

This makes for a slower pace for sure, but I'm convinced it's not altogether a terrible thing. Of course, I would prefer my children to be happy and healthy - who wouldn't? But while the afternoons are quieter a little longer to accommodate the longer naps and outings have to be missed, we'll make the best of it. Lego creations are flourishing, goodies are being cooked and baked, books are being read, and snuggly little bodies that are usually so busy are cuddling up for naps on Mommy's lap. Not a bad thing at all.

Multitude Mondays

God is so kind to our family, He really is. In so many ways, little and large, He is faithful to show is care and provision to my family and I...

• going shopping with a birthday gift card
• sewing with my girls
• listening to and applying a good sermon
• meeting a new couple at church
• hearing God speak through His Word
• surviving a Wegman's trip with 5 children!
• finishing a great, big book - so good
• crazy snow in October??
• the Man, baking some yummy biscotti
• a relaxing visit with friends

In Progress

Several projects on the needles - first, it's this sweater, made for a grandma to give to her new granddaughter. I'm working feverishly to see that it's done in time to send it to California. I'm also praying that I've got enough yarn and won't need to order extra! It's coming together in good time, though - it's always helpful when you've got experience with a pattern. With it will go a pair of these really cute booties. 

Next, it's this vest for the Man. It's a great pattern, very classic, but with the little yarn and little needles (size 3!), it's slow going. Fortunately, it's pretty mindless at this point, which means it comes with me and gets worked on when I have to think about other things. I'm hoping it'll be a Christmas gift, but if it's late, I'll have his birthday gift all sorted out!

Finally, a new pair of longies for Dan, just like before. He still wears the old ones to bed, but they're more like britches, now. I really like these on babies - they're warm, cute and work well with cloth or disposable diapers. They're great for overnight, since they keep the kickier kids warm. I was going for black in the hopes that not too much mud and mess will show when he wanders outside in them...Shame about all the white dog hair they'll pick up, though!

So, that's some of what's keeping me busy at the moment. Anyone else got their "making" hats on?

Multitude Mondays

After my concern about going camping without the Man, I am very happy to report that I had a wonderful, though cold, time! Lit my first fire, erected a tent...it was great! I would definitely do it again, though will definitely bring more fleece next time - it was 40 degrees! So thankful for stepping outside of that comfort zone...

• my Care Group
• all the teenage helpers that came camping, to make things so much fun
• hanging out around the campfire
• napping at home with Dan in my arms
• having dinner cooked for me
• spending time with hilarious babies at church
• pastors around the world, serving their churches so faithfully
• lots of laundry being done
• the family bonfire
• finding Halloween costumes
• having Anna remind us all to bring our needs to God in prayer
• unlimited books from the library!
• family read alouds
• the feeling of taking one's socks and shoes off at the end of a busy day

Going camping

On Friday night, I will be one amongst the 24 mothers and daughters going camping. As part of the Keepers at Home group that runs at our church, we decided one of the things we'd like to do with the girls is go camping, mainly for their fun and enjoyment, as well as for the opportunity for them to earn a badge for it. I'm in two minds about it, I must admit.

See, we are campers. I am happy to identify myself that way, and I really do enjoy it - from being a little cold to waking up early with the birds and really needing that first cup of coffee/tea by the fire. I love the cooking out, the kids wandering through the woods, the crackle of the campfire. But there are parts that I am not so fond of - the part that I'm in right now - the packing.

I normally don't mind packing for trips too much, but camping is different. Not only does it all have to fit in the car, but if I forget something small but crucial, it will mean the trip might just be miserable. Plus, with a camping trip, you've got to bring things that you don't normally bring on vacation, things like a kettle, lantern, and toilet paper. Ugh.

Plus, I tend to put off packing the "details" - anything that is not major equipment or clothes - until the last minute, whereupon I begin "panic packing". Does anyone else do this? I'm not sure if I or someone else will need it, but it might come in handy/I'm not sure if I've already packed it so I'll grab another, just in case/Oh, I almost forgot this!

There is one other concern here, and it's pretty big: Toby's not going. Moms and girls only. So, not only am I not going with the real camper in the family, I am also responsible for all our gear, which I only sort of know how to handle. Usually, when we camp as a family, my expertise falls in the "keep the kids alive" and "do what I'm told" categories. Now I have to erect and refold the tent correctly, learn how to light the lantern, and judging by comments from other moms, be prepared to light the campfire. So not in my comfort zone...

Having said all that, I know that once I'm there with my friends, we will have fun. The girls will have a blast, which is the main thing, and these women are great. We'll have so much fun together, having a laugh and most likely a blunder or two. It will be a good, stretching occasion for all of us, but I would like the record to show that it was I who suggested we stay in cabins.

Multitude Mondays

Friday morning was interesting - wind and rain, followed by bright sun, repeat. During one of the wind and rain cycles, I stood at the window, marvelling at how the rain was coming down, just in time to see an old dead pine come crashing into our yard. Though it crashed through part of the kids' swing set, nothing else was damaged beyond some cosmetics. Amazing, considering that it actually hit the house and landed right next to a window and almost on top of our air conditioning unit. Most importantly, everyone is safe and sound. God is merciful.

• the power God exerts through forces of nature
• a very helpful insurance company, who gave us a check for repairs the damages the day it all happened!
• very kind and helpful men with chainsaws
• chatting with dear friends on skype
• getting to know other moms at swim school
• having lunch and games with friends after church
• a clean closet
• cookies in the cupboard
• making plans for Christmas
• being called, loved and kept by God (Jude 1b)

A Little Bit o' Pretty

 In the shop.

Oil on your face is good?

I first read about the method of cleaning your face with oil at SimpleMom.net, and was intrigued. I had already had a try at going shampoo-free a learned an interesting fact about myself - I like lather in my hair, so back to the shampoo I went. How would I feel about oil on my skin?

Photo from makeupbykim-porter.com

As it happens, I rather like it.  My skin can best be described as combination, and in the few months that I've been at this new skin care regime, the dry parts aren't dry and the oily parts aren't oily. I apply the oil in the evening as I get ready for bed, do the teeth-brushing and pajama wearing, and wipe it off with a hot, wet cloth. A splash of cold water in the morning and I'm done. No more moisturizers and toners and cleansers. Once a week or so I use an exfoliator, and that's it.

I won't reinvent the wheel by telling you how it's all done, since Tsh does such a good job of that here. I will tell you it's cheaper, simpler and generally all around better for the skin.

What's your simple, helpful or just lovely beauty recommendation?

Multitude Mondays

This weekend we had an opportunity to go on an overnight Care Group Leaders' Retreat, where the care group leaders at our church got together to share a bit of what's going on in their lives and be refreshed and encouraged. It was a wonderful time, and another reminder at how much I have to be thankful for:

• getting away overnight without the kids, all expenses paid
• getting to spend time with the other leaders at church
• sharing some of the joys and challenges of life with each other
• giving and receiving prayer and encouragment
• the amazing families who cared for our kids while we were away
• the yummy food!
• returning to some very tired kids on Saturday
• Sunday morning worship
• taking a family walk in Harford Glen
• writing letters to faraway friends
• a quiet breakfast with Toby to star the week