More nasty

I don't think I could ever be hungry enough to eat something that looks like this. Truly grim.

Impressionist art

A little bit of backstory:

On Monday, Toby and I are going away for a couple of days and leaving the kids with friends (thanks, all of you!). Eleanor, at this point, is still nursing, though only a couple times a day. Still, to keep things going well while we're away, I need to express.

Abigail asked to watch. To preserve my modesty and a shred of dignity, I declined. So in honor or retribution (I'm not sure which), she drew me a picture that I'd like to share with all of you.

Lactation, by Abigail Ruth Gayner.

Notice the machine, including the cord plugged into the wall. Seated rather stiffly with feet flexed.

I've called this impressionism, as the merry countenance was simply her impression of the moment.

I certainly wasn't smiling or waving.

Lookie!

So I was sitting in front of my (Zoanna's) sewing machine the other day with a stack of little fabric circles, wondering what I could make. Started putting them together to sew, and this is what I got:

I'm rather excited by my little star-thing. What do I do with it, though? Currently, it's a pincushion. The girls want me to make a bunch as decorations. Toby says it's "cute".

I'd like to make more, but a girl only needs so many pincushions, ya know? So, any helpful suggestions as to the purpose of my little bit of creativity? All ideas welcome!

Susanna Wesley

I'd read another book (can't remember now what it was!) by Arnold Dallimore around the time that Eleanor was born and liked it so much that when Toby saw this biography by the same author, he snagged it for me as a Christmas gift. It's very readable, goes quickly and engaging. It was also a real eye-opener after having read the account of the Edwards' marriage.

While Susanna Wesley is known for her diligence and commitment to training her children in godliness, as well as her many children, less is known of her tempestuous marriage to a truly difficult man, the constant debt the family was in, and the fact that it wasn't until she was in her seventies that she finally moved from a works-based salvation to real assurance of Christ's redemption of sin. Interestingly enough, this came about through the preaching of her sons, John and Charles.

This woman did not lead an easy life: there was death, abandonment, poverty and almost endless striving. While there is much to be praised in her character, there is also much to guard against. But as with all of us, God was merciful and gracious, and I am encouraged by the work He can do in any heart, young or old.

Sittin' and Scootin'

This is how I found her in bed this morning - sitting, all by herself!

And now, she's on the move...

When Sinners Say I Do

I'll confess right off the bat - I cheated. That is to say, I'd read the book once before. Toby and I read it together 'cause it seemed like a good book that we should read, so we did. And it was good. Then we found out that all the care groups at church would be reading it, so we read it again. And it was better. I really benefitted by going through it in a more thoughtful manner and applying it to myself and my marriage, and asking questions like "Am I the worst sinner I know?" (yes, emphatically) and "How am I to model forgiveness?". While it is particularly geared toward married couples, I've seen very clearly how the principles apply to all relationships - love, forgiveness, examining my own heart in the matter, gently and lovingly reproving sin can and should factor into friendships and family relationships as well as marriage. It also helps that Dave Harvey (author) has a rather self-deprecating style of humor, willing to hold himself up as a model - usually of what not to do.

A phrase from early in the book to ponder: "Till sin be bitter, Christ cannot be sweet". Consider and discuss amongst yourselves...

I can't think of a good title at the moment

Some "non-slouchy" legwarmers for Abi and Anna, since their Christmas ones were "too slouchy".

Miss Snuggle-Pants

Another Wren's nest in our canoe - you'd think these birds had some better options.

Upon downloading pictures from the camera, I came across a few that were rather poorly taken, and I'm sure I didn't do it (I KNOW Toby didn't). Then I realized, we had caught-it-on-film evidence (taken by an older sister, though which one is unclear) of our handsome boy - the Daddy Wannabe - gettin' handy with Daddy's tools. Nice.

When I get a few minutes to call my own, I'll get around to my little book report on When Sinners Say I Do. Promise.

The Dress

I've had this pattern for ages, and having done several now for the girls, I decided that it's my turn. There was some concern that my sleeves would be as puffy as theirs, but no need to fear - no puff.

The detail I'm happiest with is the pretty shell buttons as the back. I think they add a pleasant little surprise (until they break off in the wash, of course).

It's taken longer than it should have, but it's finally done. I had to detach the bodice (top part) from the skirt twice because my "helpful" (read: fussy) husband said that there was "too much fabric back there". After a couple attempts, I went from gathering to pleating, to Toby's great relief. So, now we're all happy - it's done and he's content.

Thank you

Big, heart-felt thanks to those who expressed their condolances over Zoe's death on Thursday. I'm surprised (though I really shouldn't be)at the way so many took to heart the death of our pet and shared in our grief, and I can't tell you how blessed my family and I have been through the many kindnesses that have been shown to us. I will say that it was a difficult thing, putting Zoe to sleep, and yet I'm glad that I was able to be there with her and hold her in my arms at the end. It was just the thing I wanted for her - to peacefully fall asleep in the arms of someone who loves her.

It's been odd since - I keep walking into a room, expecting to see her, and she's not there. I think I've taken it the hardest, which is strange - Zoe and I have had our fair share of disagreements over the years (she assuming she can destroy my clothes and all), and I didn't think I'd be so affected. I figured it would be Abigail that would struggle the most - she cried off and on for days before it happened. It would seem, though, that she did her grieving before Zoe died, and now that it's over, she's moved on. My little King David.

Little Zo

I don't mention them very often, but we have two dogs - Zoe and Thor. We've had Zoe for more than 11 years now, right after we got married, and Thor joined us a couple of years later.

Zoe's been showing her age recently. More than that, she's been really sick for a little while. She's had lumps growing on her neck and face, a nose that's chronically blocked, and a lot of trouble breathing. After several trips to the vet and no clear diagnosis without invasive tests and a lot of money, we've made the very sad decision to have Zoe put to sleep. At 4pm, I'll be making the lonely trip to take her to the vet for the last time.

There is part of me that's wondering if this is the right thing to do, and most of me that's sure it is. After all, growing up with dogs, we've always had to deal with 'finding' them (as often as not, in the road). With the number of bids for freedom she has made in her 13 years, I'm surprised she's lasted this long. I'm grateful that we can offer her a peaceful and loving farewell, rather than the altnernative.

Please do pray for our little family, who will be minus one tonight. Abigail is especially distressed, but handling the situation with a surprising amount of grace.

In spite of the sadnes of losing Zoe, we are still grateful for the time we've had with her, for the great deal of fun and laughter she's brought our family, and the knowledge that our good God cares for all of His creation - even Zoe.