folding socks...

Many years ago when Louie and Annie were toddlers, I read somewhere that every time a mom folds her child's socks she should pray for their future spouse. I have done this throughout the years-not every time of course, but the call to do that has never left me..

 

 

Annie and I went for coffee at Barnes and Noble this morning. She shared with me how her boyfriend just makes her laugh, in fact she says she has never laughed more than she has these past few months. 

 

Only God knows who her future spouse will be. But as I listened it was enough to make this mother's heart sing.

 

As her mom, I wish this for her, I lifetime filled with love and laughter.

 

Just a random thought I wanted to share as I take a break from folding socks...

linked to...

 



a little bit of this, a little bit of that...

As you know I really enjoy making new stuff out of old stuff.

 

This is made from a really old weathered window frame, A piece of vine I shaped from a really long piece of vine, dried hydrangea from the garden, bits of lace, doilies, burlap, muslin, and twine.

 

 

I like the way it all came together...



bunches of hutches...

My old hutch...

 

found this one at Goodwill a couple of weeks ago...

T

 

 

My new hutch...

 

 

 I used Annie Sloan paint in old ochre and duck egg blue.

Sanded, distressed and waxed with Annie Sloan clear wax.

A Big, huge thank you to my hubby for his help with sanding and waxing and moving this humongous thing around a few times.

Love this secretary drawer with leather inlay.

Such a quality piece of furniture.

 

On the shelves are recent purchases from a couple of sales and a big tag sale Hubs and I went to yesterday.

Love the mid century pottery and china pieces but I will sell them.

They will either be at my space at

Building Character or Sweet Charity soon.

 

But this labor of love is here to stay, at least for a while...

 Yeah, I'm diggin it.

first day of 3rd grade...

 

She did actually let her get on the bus...lol

 

 

Lord, please bless her as she begins this new school year.

Be with her Lord throughout each day.

Give her good, Godly friendships.

Please give her understanding and discernment as she learns.

I ask you to pour out your favor on her,

and let her always be a reflection of your love to all she meets.

 In all she does help her to serve you.

In your most holy name, JESUS.

 Amen



Strasburg Railroad...

The first time we took a ride on the Strasburg Railroad our older kids were about 2 and 3 years old. I have to dig up this one specific picture I still have in my mind. It is the one of our son, just as happy as can be. He was a HUGE Thomas the Tank Engine fan.

 

As we travelled  down the rails from Strasburg to Paradise. I was once again reminded how grateful I am that God brought our family here to live. Lancaster is truly a beautiful place to live. It is just our speed and a perfect fit for our family.

We are also getting to do all these things yet again,

 for the very first time. (lol)

She looooved the train ride. She sat perfectly quiet and just took it all in.

Here is an Amish school teacher getting the school grounds ready for the first day of school.

 

It is also the first day of school for us today!

Bittersweet...

Our dd8 starts 3rd grade today. Where does the time go?!

 

 

This week I will be working on getting some order, organization and a new rhythm around here after having a full house all summer.

 

I'm reading Organized Simplicity.

 

 

 

 It's very good.

It's a good jumpstart for me right now.

I need all the help I can get in this season of my life.





now...

It seems some people are just born knowing what

 they want to be and do when they grow up.

My husband is one of those people. Our son is one of those people. I remember the first time our son told me he wanted to be a teacher. He was 5. He left yesterday for his senior year at college as an education major. There are no guarantees on how it will all play out but he is following the desire of his heart. A couple of people have even mentioned to me that they believe he has a charism for teaching. Music to a mother's ears...

I, on the other hand, am not one of those people, I never really had a strong sense of what it was I was "supposed" to do...

All I knew is that I never felt like I was really doing it.

Somewhere along this journey, God has given this restless heart of mine, a sense of purpose, direction, peace.

Not all the time,~ please, I am me after all-lol. (for those who really know me)

I know now, that He wants me to know, love and serve him to the very best of my ability, with all that I have right where I am at this moment, with the circumstances he has given me today, with the people he has put into my care and in my life. 

This is for my oldest daughter..

My dearest Annie,

Oh how I love you, words cannot adequately express the love I have for you. How much I want you to have your deepest heart's desire, how much I believe that our Lord wants that for you too!

I have been where you are. Not sure.

Be patient. Slow down. Listen to Him who knows you like no other. He has a plan, you know that. He created each of us in His image and all unique. Some come to know sooner others later, the plan.

The other day you said to me.

"You know what your supposed to do! your happy being a mom! taking care of the kids! the house! your business!"

Yes, I am. I am grateful for my/our blessed life.

Thanks for the reminder, by the way...

Someday you too may take great satisfaction in things like watching clean sheets dry on a sunny summer day.

or  you could just start living fully right now, today,

exactly where you are at this moment in these very circumstances...

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who has God wants nothing.
God alone suffices.

~St. Teresa of Avila

Roasted Tomato Sauce...

We have tried different recipes for making our sauce. 

This is the one we come back to.

Simple ingredients, tomatoes, garlic and basil from the garden olive oil, salt, pepper and sugar.

 everyone helps...

Sometimes hubby likes to d the canning outside...

from the garden...

dreams...

 

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to have a business of my own. One where I would sell the things that I make and enjoy.

 My mom is an incredibly talented crafter and I watched her growing up. A seamstress, floral designer, a crafter of all sorts. I remember watching her refinish furniture when I was just a wee little girl.

I did my first craft show in 1989-hehe, wow, that makes me feel vintage.

I have tinkered with different crafts through the years. Over the last year, I have taken the leap and made my hobby, a bonified business. I've combined my enjoyment of thrifting, sewing, painting, crafting, and creating, with my dream of having a business. It is a learning process. I'm happy with the way things are starting to take shape.

I sew pretty things for girls and the home, I paint old furniture with good bones in the shabby/cottage/french country type of style and have lots of vintage finds and upcycled home decor.

Fresh Vintage by Amy is located at Building Character in Downtown Lancaster and Sweet Charity is on Main Street in Strasburg.

I have more exciting things to share but I won't turn this blog post into a novel.

God is good!



coming along...

We recently celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary and finally got the white picket fence. =)

 I took these pictures last evening when the sun was starting to set, so some are a bit dark.

black raspberries...

 blueberries

 apples

 grapes

 peaches

 potatoes

 lettuces and spinach

 chives

 very first strawberry of the season.

The strawberry patches look amazing!

Looks like it's going to be a good season-with the help of God.



our little love...