Alannah is back guest blogging her summer culinary adventure's with us:
We’ve been going through The Pioneer Womans cookbook and tried out her Chicken Pot Pie. Since I didn’t realize how long it would take for me to cut all the vegetables into tiny pieces (we had to double it which didn’t help) I was in a bit of a rush. Because of this, I didn’t let it thicken up as much as it should have. Luckily, no one would’ve known the difference.
It. Was. Delicious. : )
Round two tonight.
– Alannah
Joining Ginny for Yarn Along again this week:
Alannah has taken up the needles again and has undertaken an ambitious first project – an infinity scarf, ambitious more for the size than the difficulty. We found several patterns online, but none exactly right for our yarn and skill level. We ended up modifying a pattern. She cast on some couple hundred stitches onto the largest circular cable we had. Then has been alternating knit and purl stitches every three rows to make gently rolling ribbing.
Of course it had to be white to contrast nicely with her red wool peacoat.
Noteworthy reads this week include the Little Housekeeping book I quoted yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed this one although I feel the need to go scrub something with turpentine now. <g> I think my favorite part was the discussion amongst the tutors as to whether to cover laundering in the lessons, it finally being decided in favor, however unlikely it was to come up.
A few children’s books we loved this week:
The Beethoven book has architecture so very like what we see here. Snook was a story of a dog who belongs to a monk. He is left behind on an island for some time. In the course of the story a great deal of naturalist information is imparted. This seems to be a theme because the Audubon book describes the journals and specimen collections of the famed artist. Inspires me to get everyone back out and collecting. Well, maybe when the temperature inches above 20 degrees anyway. Brrr.
That weather has made Aidan’s celestial navigation course a challenge but that course is prompting a great deal of astronomy related reading for everyone.
In other news, I picked up Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. I have long loved Elisabeth’s sensibility. I have been pleasantly surprised and encouraged to see so many saints quoted as the basis of her essays in this volume.
One passage really spoke to where I am at this moment:
“There are times when the entire arrangement of our existence is disrupted and we long then for just one ordinary day – seeing our ordinary life as greatly desirable, even wonderful, in the light of the terrible disruption that has taken place. Difficulty opens our eyes to pleasures we had taken for granted.”
I don’t mean to sound pitiful when I say that plenty enough such disruptions have visited me that I have come to truly relish and delight in the ordinary. I spent two hours ironing my husbands work clothes this evening. What a wonderful blessing it was: the steam, the rhythm, the quiet after little people had settled into bed, the old Ozzie and Harriet episodes keeping me company. A very good night ending with a quiet heart.
I’ve many a cross to take up now,
And many left behind;
But present troubles move me not,
Nor shake my quiet mind.
and what may be tomorrow’s cross
I never seek to find;
My Father says “Leave that to me,
and keep a quiet mind.“
– Anonymous
I can’t say this has always been my MO, having been as perpetually preoccupied with tomorrow’s crosses as I have often been. I do feel convicted that this must be the course to set from here out however.
Slipping away from the screen on that note.
FOR TODAY February 28, 2011
Outside my window…
The day started with heavy fog but the sun won out and is shining overhead now leaving patches of mist in the valleys.
I am thinking…
About time passing and children who are no longer children. And that makes me so very happy, and of course also so sad. This fills our late night whisperings.
I am thankful for…
every breath I take. Seriously.
For challenges met.
Smiling faces.
Fresh flowers.
From the kitchen…
Apfelschorle and lots of it. It is essentially carbonated apple juice and was pricey in the States. Here it can be had for pennies per liter.
I am wearing…
Clogs – daily. My feet are getting ever more demanding and few other shoes make the grade these days. Getting a little concerned. Can you get along indefinitely in clogs, boots, and sandals depending upon the season? I am testing the hypothesis.
I am creating…
Portraits. I just can't get enough of my children's faces right now, especially as they change with each passing day. Portraiture is a celebration of this moment for me.
There is also a tiny brown corduroy skirt awaiting it's hem.
From the learning rooms…
Leading by example. Dh and I are both taking classes and our evenings are filled with study side by side in the dining room, he with his leadership course and I with piles of photography texts, both with our German books.
Abbie Rose has learned to count to ten and entertains us by naming the color of everything she sees. Apparently she has absorbed an enormous amount of the kinder-cd material while sitting behind her sister. Amazing.
I am going…
Back and forth : ) To Asher's job and back. To dance studio and back. To the library and back. To the market and back (these daily shoppers truly do not 'get' multiple carts full in their lines) To the gym and back. To the education center and back….
well, you get the idea ; D
I am reading…
Chapter upon chapter of Laura Ingalls Wilder. And loving. every. minute. This is how we end our days around here. Oodles of read alouds while piled on the boys' beds.
Tell you what, I am musing greatly over Charles and Caroline this time through.
"For seldom is heard….a discouraging word…"
I have decided that a careful read through of this series would equip most young couples for marriage should they truly endeavor to embody the teamwork, respect, self control, and cheerful optimism in face of great trials that are modeled here. Prudence, discretion, responsibility, faith. These speak to me so loudly and clearly in their example. A perfect example of 'simple, not easy.'
Pondering these words…
"Everyone argues in favor of the virtue he practices easily, and exaggerates the difficulties of the virtues which are contrary to it."
-St Francis de Sales
I am listening to….
The Swell Season, again. This was one of Asher's favorite duos and he got me hooked. A few years later I am still drawn to the haunting harmonies.
This is coupled with the sound of our own piano ringing out once more. We have secured a new piano instructor and couldn't be more pleased. She is a concert pianist from Albania, if I heard that right, and the girls are astounded at her expertise and effortless playing. Inspiring!
Around the house…
Tucking in new (old) pieces from recent thrifting excursions. I have resolved that if it is at all possible to serve the same purpose with a vintage item that I will find that versus buying retail. Just lends so much more character and warmth to our surroundings.
One of my favorite things…
Delft
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Single parenting (read: driving!) while dh is gone. Taking notes for him in class. Lots of long distance calls. Feis this weekend for the dancers.
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
more Daybooks at Peggy's
(more daybooks at Peggy's )
FOR TODAY Nov. 8, 2010
Outside my window… sunrise and slush. We had impressive snowfall the past few weeks followed by rain which left things a bit soggy. The sunrise over the trees has been new and different daily. It has become a ritual of mine to see what the day brings us in that regard. I am rarely disappointed.
I am hearing… about 50% less than I was last week this time. It's been a rough week. We had a seemingly mild, but surprisingly hard to shake, virus run through the house. I honestly didn't feel terribly sick at all comparatively. (though it is possible my pain perspective is a bit skewed) Within a couple days my ear filled up, infected, and the eardrum ruptured. Just. Like. That. At this writing there is still incredible pressure and hearing loss, which I am praying is reversible. I am sporting a cotton ball, even broke down and am taking medication, and having flashbacks to my 6yo self – post ear tube surgery. And let me tell you an ear tube would probably provide a good deal of relief at this moment. : /
Pondering these words…
"I had said to God, 'You know I have no time to be ill.' I was heard beyond my hopes and I boasted of it to myself a little. Then He seemed to answer, 'Since you have no time to be ill perhaps you will have time for much trouble?' And I assure you I have not been spared. You see, in this world it is like that. We must carry the cross in one way or another. We say to our Lord, 'I don't want that.' Often He hears us but often alas! for our unhappiness. It is better to take patiently what comes to us. There is always joy beside the pain." – Zelie Martin (linked below)
There is always joy beside the pain.
From the learning rooms… Second quarter is off to a strong start. I am more confident we will finish strong now that we have a better idea of what to focus upon for the quarter grades and what the school is expecting. It is challenging but the younger the student the easier the transition has been and the quicker they have developed the necessary study skills.
From the kitchen… silly surprises. I was in a foggy viral daze the other day when I started cracking eggs. I vaguely noticed some marker on the top of the egg in hand and assumed our grafitti artist had been there too. Then happened to look closer at the carton and realized I had been punked. ; )
Not a bad way to start the day. They do keep me laughing lol.
I am thankful for… an opportunity Asher and Alannah had to spend the weekend in Munich with the young people from our tiny chapel. They have been invited on several occasions but it's too far to drive and drop off and we didn't want Alannah to tackle the train alone. Asher's arrival made this time possible. Alannah talked by phone with an older German friend who walked us through the ticketing and itinerary. Another girl, also traveling to the Munich gathering met them at their second to last train change (there were many of them on an 8 hr journey!) and helped navigate the rest of the way.
(with her German friend en route)
It was a short but memorable weekend of games and fun and fellowship.
(changing trains)
We are so proud of them that they figured it all out and so pleased they are getting to make these connections.
(rectory)
I am wearing… likely boot cut jeans and a sweater. And boots for that slush. And a slouchy hat over my cotton ball'd ear. Does this sound attractive or what lol? Heading out to shop for Tess' birthday cake supplies in a bit. I was rereading some of Helen's (Castle of the Immaculate) thoughts about ironing (and generally preparing for church further in advance) here and thought I would share. I absolutely agree. It is a small thing that does say alot. Coming from a military home we realize that while appearance is not the most important thing it DOES convey a loud message about our self respect and the respect we wish to show to others.
Around the house…. more little Christmas tea light holders from the thrift shop. Reorganized the girls wardrobe/closet this wknd. It was one big laundry basket. Much better now. They really need a second pole for hangers.
More house inspiration here on Flickr – which seems to be where I hang out online more and more. (Very encouraging, that community is!) The corners of this home are so soothing and simple and vintage.
I am creating… Christmas gifts which may arrive on time but more than likely not. Here is hoping. I hope to bring some hand sewing on our trip for a change of pace. Need some inspiration? Check out these adorable carolers.
I am reading… Finishing the Story of a Family finally. It's been years of on and off reading. At this age and stage of life, and what it has thrown at me, I can relate to Zelie Martin. I cannot tell you how she inspires me.
A few plans for the rest of the week… Bavaria! Though there will be no Zugspitz for me this year. There will be castles and snow and a warm house in the mountains however. I'll take it. : )
Tess will kick off her four year old year in the Alps. amazing to me still.
A picture thought I am sharing…
at the rectory in Munich
Starry Sky Journal 