What ever happened to...

the spotted hen?  

I'm still around mothering, being a good wife (most of the time) and observing life.  I seem to have entered a busy season of life.  Caring for littles and my mama keeps my calender full from dawn to dusk most days.  I haven't had as much time to write as I would like, but I have come to accept that this is just where I am right now.  I keep collecting stories ... lots of stories ... and someday I hope they make it to paper. 

I am not where I thought I'd be at this point in life, but I am doing my best to be okay with it.  I have my health and except for the occasional cough and cold, so do my littles.  The Geek seems to be doing fine too, so I am grateful for that.  My mama has her share of ills, but that's all part of being elderly I suppose.  

Yeah, I am busy but like I try to remind myself everyday --- I am blessed!

You know what, I'm probably one of the most blessed people there's ever been, 

and I thank God for it.

Smokey Robinson

The Good Stuff - Day Thirty

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.
John Milton

Another November draws to a close and  I am once again changed for the better by my exercise in gratefulness.   As I said at the start of this month, this is not my first time doing this -- nor (God willing) will it be my last. Even though I have been through this before, each "trip" leaves me with a renewed sense of awe and thankfulness to my Heavenly Father and all the blessings -- big and small --- He gives me on a daily basis.  Milton was right. Cultivating gratitude does  "forever (change) how we experience life and the world" and for that I am eternally grateful!

Today's good stuff:
Today was just an ordinary day on the farm.  It was in the daily minutia that today's good stuff was found. My oldest biting his tongue when in the past he wouldn't have. My daughter bringing me dinner in bed because I am feeling a little under the weather and my youngest taking time out from playing to snuggle beside me. This is my life and its all good stuff♡

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty-nine

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Author Unknown

Today I said goodbye to my favorite aunt.  At the funeral service several people shared memories of her.  Some were funny, especially the stories of her "frugality". One story told of the time she served beans from one can to ten people -- two beans per person -- at Thanksgiving and was proud to still have leftovers the next day --- now that's frugal!!! Most stories, however,  were about the fact that while she was not one to necessarily be in the limelight, her presence was always there in the background serving others and most of all making everyone (including me) feel loved. 
I'll miss you Auntie E and I look forward to seeing you again someday.  Say hi to my Daddy and my sister for me♡

Today's good stuff:
Seeing family I don't have the pleasure of seeing often.  Though time has changed us, the bond of love that is family remaims as strong as ever.

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty-eight

Only in America do people trample others for sales exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have.
Unknown

I don't  like "doing" Black Friday.  In my mind, there is no bargain worth the chaos -- not to mention getting out of a warm bed before the crack of dawn.  I don't like crowds on a good day and that goes double on a day known for its insanity.

Boy Wonder and I did venture out after supper this evening. We needed to pick up a few necessities.  The parking lot at our local shopping center was nearly empty.  We ended up doing a little shopping after all.  I don't think there were more than ten customers in the whole store.  Now that's a Black Friday shopping experience I can handle!

Today's good stuff:
Christmas lights!  I dream of one day having an over-the-top display like this♡

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty-seven

I suppose I will die never knowing what pumpkin pie tastes like when you have room for it.
Robert Brault

Bring on the stretchy pants, it's Thanksgiving.  Actually, I didn't eat too much this year.   It was all incredibly delicious,  but my appetite was off. My little guy was not feeling well AT ALL. He was up most the night sicker than anything.  I'm afraid I might be coming down with something similar. 

The littlest littles recited a few Thanksgiving poems before dinner ---they were (in Boo's words) totes adorbs!  Boo even shared a special performance but I'll mention that in a second.   Boy Wonder shared a wonderfully spoken  Thanksgiving Blessing .

Overall -- despite the upset tummies -- it was a blessed Thanksgiving day.  Thanksgiving 2014 is drawing to a close. The pies have all been sampled,  the leftovers have been put away, the dishes washed and all that's left to do is sleep.   It is well with my soul♡

Today's good stuff:
Boo has been taking voice lessons for a few months now.  As a surprise for Thanksgiving,  she has been working on a little piece to share the with us.  All of us were blown away by her beautiful voice flawlessly singing "Praise God from whom all Blessings flow" ♡

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty-five

Surprise is the greatest gift life can grant us.
Boris Pasternak

Today was an ordinary Monday filled from start to finish with the usual --- loads of laundry, homeschool lessons,  music  lessons,  a 4H meeting, etc.  The only difference was that today the Geek surprised us all with a little getaway right smack dab in the middle of the ordinary.  No doubt about it --- it was today's good stuff.

Today's good stuff:
Being "whisked away" for a few hours to a local car museum I never even knew existed.   Having the Geek plan it all as a surprise made it even sweeter.  I love that guy♡

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty-four

Good timber does not grow with ease:
The stronger wind, the stronger trees;
The further sky, the greater length;
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.

Douglas Malloch

The wind has been howling all day around here.  I would have liked to hide out in the safety of the ol' farmhouse, but that was not what was required of me today.  Nope, I had to put on my "big girl panties" and face the wind.  And you want to know something? I made it.  I did what I had to do and I am better for it.  It's kinda mind boggling when you're living a metaphor for life:)

Today's good stuff:

Getting a chance to get away from the house all alone for a few hours.  The wind might have been blowing like crazy outside the minivan, but inside this Mama Hen was enjoying her peace and quiet