One cousin messaged on our chat this morning; Today I'd like to invite everyone to write a little poem on any topic. Must be two lines or more....
Here's what I wrote first:
Colby and I are home today;
He got bit by the coyote-trapping-fray.
I'm teaching him knots and stitches too
As he stretches the hide and heals the few
Little holes in the luscious fluff.
I could bury my head in the fluffy stuff.
But coyote fur? I back away...
A mother's job is hard some days...
And then later this:
Keep 'em coming. Write, she said.
And so she stopped and scratched her head.
Should she write about how much she'd consumed?
Of coffee; hot, flavoured and bloomed?
Or should she write of her laundry room?
Where pile upon pile of laundry loom?
Sheets from company, blankets from sick,
The piles are growing, but not so quick,
As the few weeks when the fevers and colds
Spread like spots on grandfather toad?
And underneath the loads and piles
She finds the sewing spread miles and miles.
The quilt she started in twenty-nineteen,
Cuddled up close to her old machine,
The box for home-ec class piled high,
The teachers box is sitting nearby,
The denim patches are neatly stacked,
Inside a box for Wyatt to attack.
Shh, it's his, but don't breathe a word.
He thinks a boy shouldn't quilt. He's heard.
But can't stop here. Piled in the back
Are pens, paper cutter, a drawing stack,
Empty cartridges, paper weights,
Birthday cards from last year's dates,
A family motto, a quilting book,
Kleenex boxes, a vinyl hook,
The paper shredder, mighty full,
Scraps of satin and crepe and wool,
A sewing box, a serger - old,
Pins and thread and scissors gold,
Mat and cutter, ruler too.
Oh, the things she finds, it's quite a view.
But on she must press, the work can't wait,
Thanks for listening for five minutes straight.
I would love to post some of the others poems. It has been a rich day!
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Puppies and a Snow Storm
Now that my little boy is in school I can hop in the vehicle with my husband for a day trip here and there. The other day it was to Regina, about two and a half hours south of us. He had a meeting and needed to deliver a load of couplings to Sask Power. So, I sat in the vehicle and wrote lists of all the things I needed to do back home. Colby and Pat had been out late the night before, harvesting. I had an evening booked for planning Jess's shower. And so, out of the blue (well, not totally and completely, but sort of), we went and bought two puppies.
I am not exactly a dog fan. But we've known for a long time that our boys need another dog. And probably a puppy. And probably sooner than later. But oh! The work! The training! The poop! Any thought or talk about it sent me running to my room to lie under my bed. Not literally, of course. But mentally. I c.a.n.n.o.t. raise a puppy, as well as my boys.
And so.
And so.
Why not two, instead of one? Why not these cute little mutts we found on kijiji for pittance? Why not today?
And this is how I find myself at home by myself these days, scooping poop. Teaching little girls to sit. Feeding on a schedule.
I named theme Phoebe and Gertrude. They're a pitbull, wolfhound cross. They are adorable. They are fun. They are busy. Help.
And over the first days of having these babies at home we also had an unseasonable snowstorm. Maybe six inches of heavy wet snow that bent the trees with all their lovely fall leaves almost in half. Some branches snapped off. Some trees I went and shook to save the branches.
Colby went and rolled in the huge pile of snow on the deck (in his swim trunks). Wyatt made snowball after snowball, huge ones. And the dogs barked. I stood shivering under the trees waiting for them to poop while large clumps of snow plopped down around me.
This is not for the fainthearted.
And over the first days of having these babies at home we also had an unseasonable snowstorm. Maybe six inches of heavy wet snow that bent the trees with all their lovely fall leaves almost in half. Some branches snapped off. Some trees I went and shook to save the branches.
Colby went and rolled in the huge pile of snow on the deck (in his swim trunks). Wyatt made snowball after snowball, huge ones. And the dogs barked. I stood shivering under the trees waiting for them to poop while large clumps of snow plopped down around me.
This is not for the fainthearted.
Friday, November 17, 2017
A wedding and company and computer updates.
So, life happens.
We had a lovely holiday last week while our teachers went to school meeting. We went to Crooked Creek for Merv Toews and Sharon Wohlgemuth's wedding. We met so many dear old friends and family and crammed so much into our weekend. I'll just say it was good. So good.
And emotional.
Then, we travelled home on Monday and Cam & Luci and their six children came for night. It was so so good to connect with Luci again. Her and I taught school together in Hythe that year that everything happened. The year Gord and Adrian died. The year that ten of my friends got married, including her. Including Bren. Including being bridesmaid two times. Including much much much.
Anyway, it was just the best to be with Luci. And Luci is Sharon's older sister. And Char's older sister. And Char is one of my best friends. And Char was my almost-bridesmaid. We only had one attendant each but Char and Arnie were my front-bench-friends. Anyway, it was just so good to be together.
And then we had Mr. Barkman over Tuesday night and Pat had Villa meeting and Colby shot a deer and skinned, gutted and butchered it all by himself and I helped Colin with his Christmas art project.
And then, we got some more company Wednesday night. Darc & Marilee and their two girls came for night. They are old friends of ours, she's Pat's cousin and we hadn't touched base for a long, long time. It was just so good to be together. Pat's folks got home late Wednesday night from being gone two weeks and they came for breakfast with Darc's. And then we went to folks for supper with Jeffs.
And this morning I slept in. Like, seriously. I woke up when the bus drove on the yard to pick up Zach. And the boys were all still sleeping. I guess it just all caught up to us.
And this morning I finally had a moment to figure out the filter stuff on our computer and phones and all that good stuff. So ya. It is what it is.
We had a lovely holiday last week while our teachers went to school meeting. We went to Crooked Creek for Merv Toews and Sharon Wohlgemuth's wedding. We met so many dear old friends and family and crammed so much into our weekend. I'll just say it was good. So good.
And emotional.
Then, we travelled home on Monday and Cam & Luci and their six children came for night. It was so so good to connect with Luci again. Her and I taught school together in Hythe that year that everything happened. The year Gord and Adrian died. The year that ten of my friends got married, including her. Including Bren. Including being bridesmaid two times. Including much much much.
Anyway, it was just the best to be with Luci. And Luci is Sharon's older sister. And Char's older sister. And Char is one of my best friends. And Char was my almost-bridesmaid. We only had one attendant each but Char and Arnie were my front-bench-friends. Anyway, it was just so good to be together.
And then we had Mr. Barkman over Tuesday night and Pat had Villa meeting and Colby shot a deer and skinned, gutted and butchered it all by himself and I helped Colin with his Christmas art project.
And then, we got some more company Wednesday night. Darc & Marilee and their two girls came for night. They are old friends of ours, she's Pat's cousin and we hadn't touched base for a long, long time. It was just so good to be together. Pat's folks got home late Wednesday night from being gone two weeks and they came for breakfast with Darc's. And then we went to folks for supper with Jeffs.
And this morning I slept in. Like, seriously. I woke up when the bus drove on the yard to pick up Zach. And the boys were all still sleeping. I guess it just all caught up to us.
And this morning I finally had a moment to figure out the filter stuff on our computer and phones and all that good stuff. So ya. It is what it is.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
A Wedding and Wyatt
I'm sitting by my table, my coffee and eggs sitting quietly beside, my fingers frozen from the chill of night and open windows, quickly writing. I see sunshine against spruce trees and blooming canola and directly in front of me, my almost blooming hydrangea. I so love this time of year. I love the green grass and long warm days.
So we just got home from Korwin & Raquel's wedding in Swan River. It was a quick, fun weekend. And a huge wedding. We stayed at Chris & Kimbre for night and our boys loved it. Wyatt and their little Bria played and played and played. She's such a little sweetheart. And Wyatt is such a little case. He never ceases to amaze me. He LOVES people. He loves meeting everyone of all ages and isn't one bit afraid of girls of any age. Eek. What have we on our hands. On our way home our older boys laughed until they cried about Wyatt walking around with some girl I had never met, holding hands and best of friends. I found out later she's Mark & Rachelle's 14year old. He'll happily go to any group of people and put out his hand and say, "Hi, my name is Wyatt." Maybe the most amazing thing is how everyone loves him. Dear friends and people, there are times I'm embarrassed too.
So, in other words, we're home for a few days. We're planning on heading out to B.C. to see Bill & Penny and Jerry & Karen, the Lord willing. Truly, with the fires and all, we haven't known if we should plan on going or if Bill's would be evacuating or what. But as of today, we hope to go. That means more jeans for Colby, new trunks for some, food for the trip and such stuff. Pat & I were hoping to run in to town for a special supper for our anniversary too, maybe. So many thangs. So many blessings.
Another thing, in my multifaceted life, is that Chris Boese has been painting here the last week, just a couple hours here and there. She is so good; painting is her forte. And I love having a girl and friend around to yack with. She painted Zach's room a medium grey (this is all his choice) with a wide lime stripe at an angle down the wall under his window, then two smaller and different widths of stripes in charcoal on either side. It looks really sharp. And she did Wyatt's room just a light almost blue-y grey. I've been dreaming of that one for years. It's a huge improvement over the black and red I painted before we ever dreampt of him joining our family. So ya. Good stuff. And since I'm on a painting kick, the lime bathroom awaits a transformation and so does our master bedroom. Why aim for the stars when there are whole galaxies out there?
Can you tell what I've been reading by how I write? I just finished L.M. Montgomery's first set of diaries. Wow. Just wow. I loved it. I felt validated. I felt sorry for her and yet caught such a glimpse into the real 'her'. So many of her books and stories are taken from her own experiences, which just does my heart good. Anyway, do you all order books from the library? I do. Because I don't like to pay for anything I don't have to. And there's so much available through the libraries. I just ordered her next four diaries. It might be heavy reading for some but if you're ever interested in her life, I'd definitely recommend them. One thing, when she was fifteen she came to Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, to live with her dad and stepmom for a year. I LOVED reading her view of the prairies.
Oopsies. Now my eggs are cold. Wyatt is up. The day awaits. I've been invited to Linda's for coffee for Ruby's birthday. I'm going to putter with my beloved flowers and maybe spend time in my sanctuary (my garden) pulling weeds. And if it suits Pat, we'll fly off to town for a while too.
Enjoy your day!!
So we just got home from Korwin & Raquel's wedding in Swan River. It was a quick, fun weekend. And a huge wedding. We stayed at Chris & Kimbre for night and our boys loved it. Wyatt and their little Bria played and played and played. She's such a little sweetheart. And Wyatt is such a little case. He never ceases to amaze me. He LOVES people. He loves meeting everyone of all ages and isn't one bit afraid of girls of any age. Eek. What have we on our hands. On our way home our older boys laughed until they cried about Wyatt walking around with some girl I had never met, holding hands and best of friends. I found out later she's Mark & Rachelle's 14year old. He'll happily go to any group of people and put out his hand and say, "Hi, my name is Wyatt." Maybe the most amazing thing is how everyone loves him. Dear friends and people, there are times I'm embarrassed too.
So, in other words, we're home for a few days. We're planning on heading out to B.C. to see Bill & Penny and Jerry & Karen, the Lord willing. Truly, with the fires and all, we haven't known if we should plan on going or if Bill's would be evacuating or what. But as of today, we hope to go. That means more jeans for Colby, new trunks for some, food for the trip and such stuff. Pat & I were hoping to run in to town for a special supper for our anniversary too, maybe. So many thangs. So many blessings.
Another thing, in my multifaceted life, is that Chris Boese has been painting here the last week, just a couple hours here and there. She is so good; painting is her forte. And I love having a girl and friend around to yack with. She painted Zach's room a medium grey (this is all his choice) with a wide lime stripe at an angle down the wall under his window, then two smaller and different widths of stripes in charcoal on either side. It looks really sharp. And she did Wyatt's room just a light almost blue-y grey. I've been dreaming of that one for years. It's a huge improvement over the black and red I painted before we ever dreampt of him joining our family. So ya. Good stuff. And since I'm on a painting kick, the lime bathroom awaits a transformation and so does our master bedroom. Why aim for the stars when there are whole galaxies out there?
Can you tell what I've been reading by how I write? I just finished L.M. Montgomery's first set of diaries. Wow. Just wow. I loved it. I felt validated. I felt sorry for her and yet caught such a glimpse into the real 'her'. So many of her books and stories are taken from her own experiences, which just does my heart good. Anyway, do you all order books from the library? I do. Because I don't like to pay for anything I don't have to. And there's so much available through the libraries. I just ordered her next four diaries. It might be heavy reading for some but if you're ever interested in her life, I'd definitely recommend them. One thing, when she was fifteen she came to Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, to live with her dad and stepmom for a year. I LOVED reading her view of the prairies.
Oopsies. Now my eggs are cold. Wyatt is up. The day awaits. I've been invited to Linda's for coffee for Ruby's birthday. I'm going to putter with my beloved flowers and maybe spend time in my sanctuary (my garden) pulling weeds. And if it suits Pat, we'll fly off to town for a while too.
Enjoy your day!!
Monday, January 2, 2017
Happy New Year!!
Hey! The best to you, my silent, quiet, screen friends! It's been a while.
So, what do we talk about first? Writing? I don't know where I want to go with this writing/blogging thing. Sometimes I think I'm ready to be done. It was fun to try for a while. I'll probably always blab, using the written word. But do I want to here? I love connecting with people... but I've spoken too freely, had stuff passed around the conference, deleted a bunch of readers, disconnected and lived my own life. And more.
So ya.
We had a wonderful Christmas. The best yet. We haven't gone home for the last two years so it was extra special to sit in the huge Crooked Creek church on Christmas day and listen to the beautiful youth Christmas program. I sat between Aunty Judy and Pam and had to ask who most of them were! Yes, I've lived in Swanson longer than I've lived anywhere else in my life. But Crooked Creek birthed me. Crooked Creek is my home. My stomping grounds. My people.
This year we had a grade party. Matt & Kendra didn't come and Allison & Justin couldn't make it. But it was absolutely delightful and healing and lovely and FUN to be together. I told mom that I didn't know when I had last been so Extremely loud. (And I wasn't the only one!) There is nothing like old friends to understand and validate you. There is no one else who you can immediately update on your family status. There is no one who so completely understands your past, your hurts, your accomplishments and grey hair. There is no one you can be as relaxed with as your old friend whose three-year-old teaches your three-year-old to climb the bookshelf and sit on the top. And there's nothing in this world like fancy chai in fancy cups and lounging in a sewing room.
I didn't write a Christmas letter. I didn't do cards. I didn't even get past the pepper-nuts and party mixes for goodies. But this December was awesome. This last year has been up-building, healing. Like, after Trevor's moved away I've just decompressed and the air keeps whooshing out in big, belching plumes, like an air balloon settling on the earth after a long hard ride.
There is so much to learn in life, so many things to face, so much to let go of. And somewhere, through it all we find ourselves. I've tried so hard to be a 'Swanson' girl and I feel right at home here and love it here. But. I'm a Northern girl at heart and always will be. My roots are deep. And it's a good thing. It's strengthening.
So, with all the deep analyzing done (for now) I'll bid you good night.
So, what do we talk about first? Writing? I don't know where I want to go with this writing/blogging thing. Sometimes I think I'm ready to be done. It was fun to try for a while. I'll probably always blab, using the written word. But do I want to here? I love connecting with people... but I've spoken too freely, had stuff passed around the conference, deleted a bunch of readers, disconnected and lived my own life. And more.
So ya.
We had a wonderful Christmas. The best yet. We haven't gone home for the last two years so it was extra special to sit in the huge Crooked Creek church on Christmas day and listen to the beautiful youth Christmas program. I sat between Aunty Judy and Pam and had to ask who most of them were! Yes, I've lived in Swanson longer than I've lived anywhere else in my life. But Crooked Creek birthed me. Crooked Creek is my home. My stomping grounds. My people.
This year we had a grade party. Matt & Kendra didn't come and Allison & Justin couldn't make it. But it was absolutely delightful and healing and lovely and FUN to be together. I told mom that I didn't know when I had last been so Extremely loud. (And I wasn't the only one!) There is nothing like old friends to understand and validate you. There is no one else who you can immediately update on your family status. There is no one who so completely understands your past, your hurts, your accomplishments and grey hair. There is no one you can be as relaxed with as your old friend whose three-year-old teaches your three-year-old to climb the bookshelf and sit on the top. And there's nothing in this world like fancy chai in fancy cups and lounging in a sewing room.
I didn't write a Christmas letter. I didn't do cards. I didn't even get past the pepper-nuts and party mixes for goodies. But this December was awesome. This last year has been up-building, healing. Like, after Trevor's moved away I've just decompressed and the air keeps whooshing out in big, belching plumes, like an air balloon settling on the earth after a long hard ride.
There is so much to learn in life, so many things to face, so much to let go of. And somewhere, through it all we find ourselves. I've tried so hard to be a 'Swanson' girl and I feel right at home here and love it here. But. I'm a Northern girl at heart and always will be. My roots are deep. And it's a good thing. It's strengthening.
So, with all the deep analyzing done (for now) I'll bid you good night.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Monday Morning Meanderings...
G'morning, my friends! It's the last day of February (gulp)! Where ever does time go??
Here's an inspiration from my cousins, Chris & Janelle. I just have to share with you...
God loves you with an everlasting love...
Nothing is deeper than that!
He watches over you with tender mercies...
Nothing is kinder than that!
He upholds you with His right hand...
Nothing is stronger than that!
Roy Lessin
And other random topics...
I'm thinking of sewing a garment bag for myself - long enough and strong enough! I don't usually use a garment bag. For flying-travelling I like to roll my dresses, so I really have no idea why I feel compelled at this point in my life to sew a garment bag. I think I like the challenge. :)
Also, I'm partaking of a big fat cup of Coffee Crisp hot chocolate. I haven't allowed myself that indulgence for a long time... my reasons are too complicated to divulge at this time but I do want you to know I'm enjoying it. No guilt.
And I'm planning another sewing day for tomorrow. Bren and Val and Kaitlyn are coming to sew and hopefully most of the men show up for supper.
And now that it's long past morning and I soon need to leave for afternoon busing, I'll send this on it's way... my littlest boy is feeling fierce and strong again about being a man and being in charge. It's a battle. He doesn't need to listen to his mom because he's a man. And he's in charge. And I hear about it until I'm weary and cranky.
The end.
Here's an inspiration from my cousins, Chris & Janelle. I just have to share with you...
God loves you with an everlasting love...
Nothing is deeper than that!
He watches over you with tender mercies...
Nothing is kinder than that!
He upholds you with His right hand...
Nothing is stronger than that!
Roy Lessin
And other random topics...
I'm thinking of sewing a garment bag for myself - long enough and strong enough! I don't usually use a garment bag. For flying-travelling I like to roll my dresses, so I really have no idea why I feel compelled at this point in my life to sew a garment bag. I think I like the challenge. :)
Also, I'm partaking of a big fat cup of Coffee Crisp hot chocolate. I haven't allowed myself that indulgence for a long time... my reasons are too complicated to divulge at this time but I do want you to know I'm enjoying it. No guilt.
And I'm planning another sewing day for tomorrow. Bren and Val and Kaitlyn are coming to sew and hopefully most of the men show up for supper.
And now that it's long past morning and I soon need to leave for afternoon busing, I'll send this on it's way... my littlest boy is feeling fierce and strong again about being a man and being in charge. It's a battle. He doesn't need to listen to his mom because he's a man. And he's in charge. And I hear about it until I'm weary and cranky.
The end.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Thursday Thoughts
Hello, my friends!
It's a gorgeous Saskatchewan wintry day; some wind, big fluffy flakes of snow and -10C (colder than most of our winter has been).
I'm having a home day with only one small interruption so far when my neighbour friend, Alice Kearnan, came for coffee. She's older, lost her husband a couple years ago and loves to bring me fabric and get me to sew random things for her. Today it was a skirt (to sew for her) and MANY seriously amazing and outdated pieces of fabric that I ruthlessly sorted through. She loves to discuss it all and so we talked about what this old green denim could be used for and what kind of dress this white satin and crepe would have made. We even found cross-stitch fabric and an old house-robe pulled apart. Then we sat together and had hot tea while Wyatt climbed the cupboards and measured the couches with his measuring tape.
Yesterday I had a shopping day (with a rather trying 3-year-old) which included a stop at Periwinkle's Quilting Fabrics down on Broadway. I lovety-love that store. They even have a little room with toys where Wyatt contentedly occupied himself. It was heavenly.
Now I'm thinking of making supper: cheeseburger soup and butter-dips.
I'm also contemplating how to unplug the toilet (Gah!! This doesn't go with supper thoughts!!) on main floor where Wyatt unrolled a {WHOLE} roll of toilet paper and then went {STINKS} on top. It's horrific. I have all the candles lit that I can find. The bad thing is that this is the {SECOND} time he's done this! He has really been trying me out lately. Maybe you don't understand the full implications of that thought. What I mean is, Wyatt has been completely IMPOSSIBLE lately. The other night he got up every hour or two all night, no fever, no sickness, no nothing that I could figure out. When we talked about it the next day and I told him that could not happen again or I would 'help' him, he slept all night. He is so very very strong-willed. Oh, deary me! Will he ever manage as a normal human citizen?
What's going on in your realm?
It's a gorgeous Saskatchewan wintry day; some wind, big fluffy flakes of snow and -10C (colder than most of our winter has been).
I'm having a home day with only one small interruption so far when my neighbour friend, Alice Kearnan, came for coffee. She's older, lost her husband a couple years ago and loves to bring me fabric and get me to sew random things for her. Today it was a skirt (to sew for her) and MANY seriously amazing and outdated pieces of fabric that I ruthlessly sorted through. She loves to discuss it all and so we talked about what this old green denim could be used for and what kind of dress this white satin and crepe would have made. We even found cross-stitch fabric and an old house-robe pulled apart. Then we sat together and had hot tea while Wyatt climbed the cupboards and measured the couches with his measuring tape.
Yesterday I had a shopping day (with a rather trying 3-year-old) which included a stop at Periwinkle's Quilting Fabrics down on Broadway. I lovety-love that store. They even have a little room with toys where Wyatt contentedly occupied himself. It was heavenly.
Now I'm thinking of making supper: cheeseburger soup and butter-dips.
I'm also contemplating how to unplug the toilet (Gah!! This doesn't go with supper thoughts!!) on main floor where Wyatt unrolled a {WHOLE} roll of toilet paper and then went {STINKS} on top. It's horrific. I have all the candles lit that I can find. The bad thing is that this is the {SECOND} time he's done this! He has really been trying me out lately. Maybe you don't understand the full implications of that thought. What I mean is, Wyatt has been completely IMPOSSIBLE lately. The other night he got up every hour or two all night, no fever, no sickness, no nothing that I could figure out. When we talked about it the next day and I told him that could not happen again or I would 'help' him, he slept all night. He is so very very strong-willed. Oh, deary me! Will he ever manage as a normal human citizen?
What's going on in your realm?
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Home-Ec and Church Offices
So...
I promised I would teach the grade seven to nine girls sewing this year. Chris Boese and I are doing it together and we are so enthused! She came for a cup of chai this morning and a big long meeting and discussion on it all.
We're going to get the girls to sew a basic princess seam dress with an invisible zipper. We're planning to buy a basic pattern for each of them and measure and fit it to them so they have something to take home. Also, we're planning on doing the basic folder with many different swatches of fabric types and many different sewing techniques.
Here's our list:
1. Measurements
2. Cut & glue fabric
3. Sew in a square (around and around, practicing straight stitching)
4. Sew in a spiral
5. Plain seam, ironed open
6. Flat felled seam
7. Finished seam - overcast edge and zigzag edge
8. finished seam - serge
9. French seam
10. iron on interfacing - cotton & poly
11. dart
12. double pointed dart
13. graded seam
14. taped seam
15. pin-tucks
16. square and round collar - clipped, turned, under-stitched and pressed
17. bias neckline
18. stitch in the ditch
19. shirring
20. blind hem
21. hand hem
22. rolled top-stitched hem
23. loops
24. buttonholes
25. piecing four patch (matching corners)
26. elastic - in casing and zigzag
27. mitred corner
28. mend a tear with stitch witchery
29. zipper - regular and invisible
The school board ordered the CLE basic sewing course as well, so we are working together with that. Here's hoping eight classes will be enough!! I'm so very excited! This is just such a fun project!
And then there are some that aren't so much fun. We finally had our voting meeting for the year. We're finally done youth leaders and yup. Villa Board. And then lunch committee too! I cried. I honestly can't do it all. We found out that the sewing lunches all fall on the same weeks as home-ec for February and March, so we asked to be relieved of that obligation. I think lunch committee would be fun! BUT. We can't do everything. Amen.
Plus, I have random weird physical ailments at times which limit me at moments. (You probably know that about me but I don't like to talk about it.) I so very badly don't want to "crash-n-burn". Help us all!
So, anyway. I feel very very blessed to have a little bit of work to do. I'm very very thankful for a consecrated husband. I'm so very grateful for my health. I'm so thankful we have a working church. I lovety-love my little precious family and I'm EXCITED to teach home-ec this year.
The end.
For today.
Tell me please, what's happening in your realm?
I promised I would teach the grade seven to nine girls sewing this year. Chris Boese and I are doing it together and we are so enthused! She came for a cup of chai this morning and a big long meeting and discussion on it all.
We're going to get the girls to sew a basic princess seam dress with an invisible zipper. We're planning to buy a basic pattern for each of them and measure and fit it to them so they have something to take home. Also, we're planning on doing the basic folder with many different swatches of fabric types and many different sewing techniques.
Here's our list:
1. Measurements
2. Cut & glue fabric
3. Sew in a square (around and around, practicing straight stitching)
4. Sew in a spiral
5. Plain seam, ironed open
6. Flat felled seam
7. Finished seam - overcast edge and zigzag edge
8. finished seam - serge
9. French seam
10. iron on interfacing - cotton & poly
11. dart
12. double pointed dart
13. graded seam
14. taped seam
15. pin-tucks
16. square and round collar - clipped, turned, under-stitched and pressed
17. bias neckline
18. stitch in the ditch
19. shirring
20. blind hem
21. hand hem
22. rolled top-stitched hem
23. loops
24. buttonholes
25. piecing four patch (matching corners)
26. elastic - in casing and zigzag
27. mitred corner
28. mend a tear with stitch witchery
29. zipper - regular and invisible
The school board ordered the CLE basic sewing course as well, so we are working together with that. Here's hoping eight classes will be enough!! I'm so very excited! This is just such a fun project!
And then there are some that aren't so much fun. We finally had our voting meeting for the year. We're finally done youth leaders and yup. Villa Board. And then lunch committee too! I cried. I honestly can't do it all. We found out that the sewing lunches all fall on the same weeks as home-ec for February and March, so we asked to be relieved of that obligation. I think lunch committee would be fun! BUT. We can't do everything. Amen.
Plus, I have random weird physical ailments at times which limit me at moments. (You probably know that about me but I don't like to talk about it.) I so very badly don't want to "crash-n-burn". Help us all!
So, anyway. I feel very very blessed to have a little bit of work to do. I'm very very thankful for a consecrated husband. I'm so very grateful for my health. I'm so thankful we have a working church. I lovety-love my little precious family and I'm EXCITED to teach home-ec this year.
The end.
For today.
Tell me please, what's happening in your realm?
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Happy New Year!
It's a new year! Yeah! I love January! Here are some of my inspirations:
Yesterday Robin spent just three hours with me and it was enough. I can't see change happening - ever... but that's where I need to trust and leave things in God's hands.
I've been reading Discipline by Elisabeth Elliot and it's just such a wonderful inspiration. Just do the next right thing. That's all. And I don't always know what that is.
So with joy and happiness on one hand and overwhelming burdens on the other we face another year. I have no new year's resolutions. I just pray I will have discernment and energy to do and say the next right thing.
- A new pretty weekly planner.
- Goals of walking and cleaning.
- Gorgeous prairie sunrises on my morning busing trips.
- Snow covering the grey-brown land.
- Sledding with little children.
- Hot chocolate around the campfire.
- Menu plans.
- Candles burning.
- Clean folded laundry to put away.
Yesterday Robin spent just three hours with me and it was enough. I can't see change happening - ever... but that's where I need to trust and leave things in God's hands.
I've been reading Discipline by Elisabeth Elliot and it's just such a wonderful inspiration. Just do the next right thing. That's all. And I don't always know what that is.
So with joy and happiness on one hand and overwhelming burdens on the other we face another year. I have no new year's resolutions. I just pray I will have discernment and energy to do and say the next right thing.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Happy Thursday!
Hi, friends!
It's another lovely fall day in mid-western Saskatchewan. It feels like our lovely warm days are numbered and we cherish every one. I helped bring hot lunch to school today; chalupas, the fixings, french bread, bars and iced tea. The oldest two classes played ball for a good hour longer and of course it's fun to join in.
Just totally random thoughts. This morning Wyatt woke up before everyone else and stood at the top of the basement stairs and hollered, "Time to get up, boys!!". They enjoyed that and so did I. He's a real early bird, that one.
I cut a dress for myself this morning. It's been months and quite frankly, I could use them. I'm trying a new pattern from Janelle, bless her.
And yesterday Zach was helping me put the rice on the table for supper. He swung the round glass baking dish which was resting in a largish nine by thirteen holder up over his head and sauntered off to the table. Just like that it when flying off and landed on the floor in a million pieces of burning hot shards of glass and sticky rice. It was a sobering and lengthy time until we actually partook of baked fish and fresh bread.
I've been harvesting lovely huge ripe tomatoes from my garden. We've had lots of fresh salsa and toast and tomato sandwiches and such. Also, I pulled my corn, dug the potatoes and pulled the beans. It's looking suspiciously like fall out there. Just the huge pumpkin plants are overtaking everything. The peppers and tomatoes are going strong and I have yet to pull my beets. Arlene Hildebrand said she canned beets for smoothies. Now that's a new one for me but it'd probably be good!
Pat, Colby, Arlen, Scott and Bob are planning on going camping in La Ronge Friday and Saturday. Colby is absolutely stoked. We didn't get way up there this year because of all the forest fires earlier. So that's pretty exciting.
What's up in your life?
It's another lovely fall day in mid-western Saskatchewan. It feels like our lovely warm days are numbered and we cherish every one. I helped bring hot lunch to school today; chalupas, the fixings, french bread, bars and iced tea. The oldest two classes played ball for a good hour longer and of course it's fun to join in.
Just totally random thoughts. This morning Wyatt woke up before everyone else and stood at the top of the basement stairs and hollered, "Time to get up, boys!!". They enjoyed that and so did I. He's a real early bird, that one.
I cut a dress for myself this morning. It's been months and quite frankly, I could use them. I'm trying a new pattern from Janelle, bless her.
And yesterday Zach was helping me put the rice on the table for supper. He swung the round glass baking dish which was resting in a largish nine by thirteen holder up over his head and sauntered off to the table. Just like that it when flying off and landed on the floor in a million pieces of burning hot shards of glass and sticky rice. It was a sobering and lengthy time until we actually partook of baked fish and fresh bread.
I've been harvesting lovely huge ripe tomatoes from my garden. We've had lots of fresh salsa and toast and tomato sandwiches and such. Also, I pulled my corn, dug the potatoes and pulled the beans. It's looking suspiciously like fall out there. Just the huge pumpkin plants are overtaking everything. The peppers and tomatoes are going strong and I have yet to pull my beets. Arlene Hildebrand said she canned beets for smoothies. Now that's a new one for me but it'd probably be good!
Pat, Colby, Arlen, Scott and Bob are planning on going camping in La Ronge Friday and Saturday. Colby is absolutely stoked. We didn't get way up there this year because of all the forest fires earlier. So that's pretty exciting.
What's up in your life?
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Time to Update
Forest Fires
Northern Saskatchewan has had at least 592 forest fires
this year already, currently 113 active fires. Roughly 400,000 hectares (4000
square kilometres) which is equal to three times the size of New York City has
been affected by Saskatchewan wildfires this year. That does not include the
observation zone in remote areas, where wildfires are burning freely without
any firefighting efforts. There are currently more than 12,000 evacuees from 54
communities, 12 homes have been destroyed, and 600 people are fighting fires
with 360 additional military personnel.
Just in case you’re interested.
Camping Trip 2015
I may write more on this at a later date, but our camping
trip was nearly thwarted by northern wildfires. We decided to go with Rennie
& Bren this year and ended up at the Narrows Campground on the west side of
Lake Waskesui, about three hours south of our usual destination, Otter Lake. We had a lovely relaxed time together in the
lush remote campsite. The children were not deterred by the haze of smoke that
stopped our boating adventure or the fire ban slapped down on us one day in. They
happily played ‘city’, using empty campsites for their respective stores,
hospitals and restaurants. At one point I walked by to the washroom and they
were all gathered around a picnic table and Wyatt obviously had the floor. A
town council, I got told. So, when we decided to leave one day early most of
our group was cooperative and when we got back to the town of Waskesui and got
told we would have got evacuated yet that afternoon we were happy we had packed
up and left before nightfall. It’s all about memories, folks.
Zach
Zach is doing great. He has enough energy to fuel himself
and his two brothers, like usual. He has a very high pain tolerance which may
be good but has its challenges. As of this week, he can start bending and using
his back. The thing is he’s been riding bike (carefully, he says), running with
his leg crutch and playing wildly rolling around on the floor. The only thing I
worry about is that the stitches from a layer down are starting to peak
through. And as for his foot, do you want the short story or the Bronson story?
In emergency he got told he had two breaks, then two days later when
orthopedics came to decide if he needed surgery or not he got told there was
only one break and it wasn’t very bad. Two weeks ago when he went for his hard
cast they said no, he has one bad break and one chipped bone. The bad break
hasn’t healed at all (and apparently can’t be seen from a top view x-ray) and
if it’s ok and healing open he can have his cast off in two weeks but if indeed
it isn’t healing we are heading for surgery and pins. I’ve decided not to think
about it.
Social Life
Where do I start? We’ve been going strong… Warman Bible
School is currently half over, so tonight is a wiener roast and volleyball down
at the river. Last night we joined our friends at Pike Lake for supper with
Colin & Denise. Last Sunday we spent with the youth and Warman Bible School
committee and teachers. One day Michelle and I took our boys to the zoo
together, where Zach immensely enjoyed popping wheelies with the wheelchair. I’m
quite sure they enjoyed the animals too. Last Saturday we had the privilege of
having Gregorio & Joy Pedernal (Pat’s Philippino worker), their two sons,
Jethro (3) and Ezra (1), and Greg’s parents who have just moved to Canada from
the Philippines over for dinner. We had a very interesting time with them. We
also spent one weekend in Swan River with 150 youth and 40 youth leaders. That
was very very inspiring. We are so blessed! We travelled there and back with the
Leoville youth group and leaders on a big bus and that was fun too! There is no
want for excitement in my life. Just saying.
Inspiration
We had a beautiful message about the end time last
Sunday. I can’t remember exactly what inspired me but I know my heart said
amen, and my thirsty soul was quenched. The guest speaker at Singspiration had
an absolutely beautiful and inspired message about finding Rebecca at the well
(Genesis 24). I loved how open and truthful he talked about the desires of our
hearts and making sure we follow God’s leading. We did lots of singing on that
trip and I’m always blessed and inspired by singing. This was exceptional. I feel like I’ve been living such a busy life
that my needs have been shown me in a new and direct way. A small bad attitude
can flourish into an angry tempest in the blink of an eye and I realize again
that I’m so very needy, so very small, so unworthy of HIS great Love and
forgiveness.
Lawn & Garden
My garden is an epic fail. I’m trying to see the humour
in it and really, I’m glad I don’t have so much to take care of… but it’s a
little disappointing. First off, we had a really late hard frost, then a mole
took over most of my bedding plants and then the weeds invaded. Oh, and the
very first thing I did was order only a fraction of the corn I needed. So I
have about ten plants of corn (I ordered my corn from Audrey now instead) and a
skimpy row of carrots, the two cucumber plants got tilled under in my husband’s
zeal to help the weed situation and about a fifth of the pea row came up. Will
you laugh together with me at this point?!? The good news is that the grass is
green and lush, my lime hydrangea is blooming (!), the roses are full of blooms
and my two big pots of vines, spikes, ferns and coleus by my front door are
beautiful, if I may admit.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
It’s Like This
So many things to do in so little time: the story of our
lives. J
We’re leaving tomorrow for southern Alberta where we plan
to meet my Eidse cousins and aunties and uncles and Grandma; my mom and
siblings, too. We’ve been planning this grandé festival for a long time and I’m
so very excited!
In the next three weeks we hope and plan to attend said
festival, partake of and attend year-end program and play day (including youth
activities such as the annual concession booth, cleaning mice outta the youth
shed and the annual rib supper), attend youth singspiration in Swan River (5.5
hours away and how many evenings of practicing songs and planning) and send Pat’s
folks off with pomp and show to the Edmonton girls unit for two months (which also includes a
bit of sewing).
In the last week I’ve finished five dresses, one slip,
one quilt, one bag and two books, with the emphasis on the books. I absolutely
loved The Spy Wore Red, Love Without Limits was so-so and I just plum couldn’t
get past a couple chapters of Once Upon A Prince.
We’ve dined on food more basic than most of you can
imagine, left the floors until the grit about trips us and done home-work and
studied for exams until the mother’s eyes are crossed and her brain in fudge.
Yes, the mother. How does the child feel? I don’t know. It’s been a stretch.
And I’m not going to bother telling you the whole story to a) protect my child,
b) save your brain (and heart) and c) save mine. Also, my garden is an epic
fail; a mole, late frost and no rain (ahem, apparently I haven’t heard about
sprinklers). My ash trees had just leafed out and we got a heavy frost, so they’re
starting again and thankfully are alive.
K. I’m off to collect blankets and sheets, towels and
washcloths, playpen and gaunch.
I’m sorry. J
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Very Important Information (ha)
1. My phone has died an untimely death. If I don't reply to texts, etc. there's a reason. :(
2. My beloved new-ish sewing machine has died a very untimely death. It's in at the the sewing machine surgeon and I have no idea how long it'll be under anaesthetics or how costly this adventure will prove to be. I'm trying not to think about it.
3. My oldy-goldy stand-by sewing machine has died a rather unfortunate and untimely death. The one I can take to sew at other places, you know? She is also at the sewing machine doctor....
4. My sewing room drawings? They absolutely will not upload here onto the ol' blog. I will write about the room sometime. But no one know when...
5. My sis and I have spent the last two days together. We cut ten dresses, partially sewed three and went grocery shopping together too.
6. We had an awesome time in Crooked Creek last weekend. Thanks to all my dear family! We sewed and packed and ate and talked. And it was way way too short. I didn't get to see nearly everyone I wanted to. And I brought home seven pieces of fabric. Gulp.
7. I have two finished baby quilts in my sewing room; one for Ash and one for Arnie. (Ash's baby is any day now and I'm hoping to make a big announcement here when the time comes!) One is my button quilt and one is stripes with an appliqued T on it and trucks and cars on the back. The latter one screams Arnie, in my humble opinion. :)
K, later...
2. My beloved new-ish sewing machine has died a very untimely death. It's in at the the sewing machine surgeon and I have no idea how long it'll be under anaesthetics or how costly this adventure will prove to be. I'm trying not to think about it.
3. My oldy-goldy stand-by sewing machine has died a rather unfortunate and untimely death. The one I can take to sew at other places, you know? She is also at the sewing machine doctor....
4. My sewing room drawings? They absolutely will not upload here onto the ol' blog. I will write about the room sometime. But no one know when...
5. My sis and I have spent the last two days together. We cut ten dresses, partially sewed three and went grocery shopping together too.
6. We had an awesome time in Crooked Creek last weekend. Thanks to all my dear family! We sewed and packed and ate and talked. And it was way way too short. I didn't get to see nearly everyone I wanted to. And I brought home seven pieces of fabric. Gulp.
7. I have two finished baby quilts in my sewing room; one for Ash and one for Arnie. (Ash's baby is any day now and I'm hoping to make a big announcement here when the time comes!) One is my button quilt and one is stripes with an appliqued T on it and trucks and cars on the back. The latter one screams Arnie, in my humble opinion. :)
K, later...
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Just Some Blither
I've quit the word of the week, aka {WW}. I'm hoping to do it again in September but my life now is sorta crazy. But isn't it always? And don't we all just choose to do what is most important? And we all have to have a little hobby or pleasurable thing to do amidst the chaos so I'm not going to feel guilty that I like to write.
But you know the people that like to write and read? Well, they don't generally have clean houses... And it sorta scares me. I mean, I like a clean house and I'm almost obsessive about a tidy house. I'd like to hire someone to clean. Whew, it's all about honesty here.
So, just random information here.
Last Saturday Zach just boom got a sore neck, couldn't turn his head or look up and just felt plum miserable. He told me a couple times that he felt just like he did at Christmas. We were in town and (of course when we got home) he asked me to feel his neck and sure enough he had a big lymph node same place as last time.
After talking with Aunty Cheri and Zach telling us how important it was for him to be at convert meeting the next morning we decided that we'd wait to go in to emergency until after church. Long story short; he saw the same doctor he had at Christmas (which proves to be a huge blessing). She said she thought this was Reactive Lymph Nodes and could be from the Cervical Adenitus earlier and we'll wait it out. If he gets worse, in we go lickety split and if not he's good to go. His lymph nodes are still puffy but he's not worse. Praise the Lord!
Bren told me at church that I was so worried partly because of dads huge lymph nodes in his neck before he died and she is absolutely right! I hadn't connected it but this freaks me so bad. Plus, I have too big an imagination....
Anyway.
This morning the plumbers came and hooked up my sink in my laundry room! There's just a little change on the roof line that needs to be done yet and we are done. Done. DONE. I want to yell!!! We are so so so so thankful.
I kinda like me house. :):)
And Wyatt climbed the bookshelf in the living room today and broke it. At least he's not harmed but that dear child! Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry! I have a big ol' list of stuff he's saying and I'm thinking of posting it but you all have to promise not to judge because I do not know where he gets everything from! Honestly!
And we're planning on going to Crooked Creek for the weekend. What with Mother's Day and Jerry's pulling outta there soon we decided it was a good time. I'm hoping to help Karen with her sewing and the men will help Jer in his shop. I talked to Di and mom this morning and we planned some food stuff. I'm so excited to see Crooked at this time of year. So often we go at Christmas and I've been craving a summer visit. Or spring, whatever.
Which reminds me, we've had a gorgeous spring here. It's been unnaturally warm, plus twenty-four today and I've been dreaming garden and flowers and trees. I let myself buy a couple trees every spring and so... I went to Costco and did the deed. I'm the proud owner of a September Ruby Apple, a Harcourt Apple, a Sem Ash Leaf False Spirea and then of course some others; Morden Fireglow Rose, Pink Thrift and Dianthus Border Pinks. Oh and another hosta for my shade bed behind the house.
The boys tilled the garden for me and scooped poop (crazy dog). They love to mow and trim and such so yard work is a good place to spend energy. Energy??? The more boys I have the more energy they have. I think I'll be young forever looking after them. Or maybe it's because I'm not so young that it feels like that. Hmm.
K, talk again soon.
P.S. Do you want to see the drawings for my sewing room? It'd give you an idea what it looks like. :)
But you know the people that like to write and read? Well, they don't generally have clean houses... And it sorta scares me. I mean, I like a clean house and I'm almost obsessive about a tidy house. I'd like to hire someone to clean. Whew, it's all about honesty here.
So, just random information here.
Last Saturday Zach just boom got a sore neck, couldn't turn his head or look up and just felt plum miserable. He told me a couple times that he felt just like he did at Christmas. We were in town and (of course when we got home) he asked me to feel his neck and sure enough he had a big lymph node same place as last time.
After talking with Aunty Cheri and Zach telling us how important it was for him to be at convert meeting the next morning we decided that we'd wait to go in to emergency until after church. Long story short; he saw the same doctor he had at Christmas (which proves to be a huge blessing). She said she thought this was Reactive Lymph Nodes and could be from the Cervical Adenitus earlier and we'll wait it out. If he gets worse, in we go lickety split and if not he's good to go. His lymph nodes are still puffy but he's not worse. Praise the Lord!
Bren told me at church that I was so worried partly because of dads huge lymph nodes in his neck before he died and she is absolutely right! I hadn't connected it but this freaks me so bad. Plus, I have too big an imagination....
Anyway.
This morning the plumbers came and hooked up my sink in my laundry room! There's just a little change on the roof line that needs to be done yet and we are done. Done. DONE. I want to yell!!! We are so so so so thankful.
I kinda like me house. :):)
And Wyatt climbed the bookshelf in the living room today and broke it. At least he's not harmed but that dear child! Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry! I have a big ol' list of stuff he's saying and I'm thinking of posting it but you all have to promise not to judge because I do not know where he gets everything from! Honestly!
And we're planning on going to Crooked Creek for the weekend. What with Mother's Day and Jerry's pulling outta there soon we decided it was a good time. I'm hoping to help Karen with her sewing and the men will help Jer in his shop. I talked to Di and mom this morning and we planned some food stuff. I'm so excited to see Crooked at this time of year. So often we go at Christmas and I've been craving a summer visit. Or spring, whatever.
Which reminds me, we've had a gorgeous spring here. It's been unnaturally warm, plus twenty-four today and I've been dreaming garden and flowers and trees. I let myself buy a couple trees every spring and so... I went to Costco and did the deed. I'm the proud owner of a September Ruby Apple, a Harcourt Apple, a Sem Ash Leaf False Spirea and then of course some others; Morden Fireglow Rose, Pink Thrift and Dianthus Border Pinks. Oh and another hosta for my shade bed behind the house.
The boys tilled the garden for me and scooped poop (crazy dog). They love to mow and trim and such so yard work is a good place to spend energy. Energy??? The more boys I have the more energy they have. I think I'll be young forever looking after them. Or maybe it's because I'm not so young that it feels like that. Hmm.
K, talk again soon.
P.S. Do you want to see the drawings for my sewing room? It'd give you an idea what it looks like. :)
Monday, April 13, 2015
Chalk Board
I've been forgetting, but this is what I did (my own version, of course) for my spring chalkboard. :)
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Some Explanations...
I haven't exactly been present here lately. Or reading others blogs. My life has been rather haphazard with all the work going on here but things are looking up! More on that soon.
I had a lovely weekend with my Isaac family. Maybe I'll write something about it soon.
We updated our filter on our computer and it's blocked all my blogger accounts for the last six weeks. And I've had too much going to change anything until now.
And today I have a sick child and a very grouchy one at that. So, anyway.
Let's talk soon.
I had a lovely weekend with my Isaac family. Maybe I'll write something about it soon.
We updated our filter on our computer and it's blocked all my blogger accounts for the last six weeks. And I've had too much going to change anything until now.
And today I have a sick child and a very grouchy one at that. So, anyway.
Let's talk soon.
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