5 Favorites

The weather in Texas has been typical this spring.  Crazy one minute, divine the next.  After 40 years, I have officially decided that my all-time favorite day, weather wise is a sunny 69℉ that feels like 52℉ with 50% humidity, 10.0 mile visibility and winds blowing from the WNW at 6mph.

Impressed with my meteorology skills? Don't be. I do however, cut and paste well.

#One
Perfect weather. Ahhhhhhh, bliss.

Wait...go back up.

Did you see the little spider that sat down beside her?
Yeah, about that. Although I do love all God's creatures, spiders are not one of my favorites. Hear ye! Hear ye! I'm not talking regular seat at the local arachnophobic support group just yet, but you do have to admit that they are fairly assuming for their size.  Case in point, she didn't spin into my #one favorite day photo with invitation in hand leg. Thank you.

And pansies in May you say? Well, they have done so supremely well this year that I haven't had the heart to rip them from their lush soil digs. But I will soon. Probably right after I spy the newest shipment of New Guinea Impatiens at Callaways, or after my neighbor plants a gorgeous spread in his garden.

Word of the day: Incentive.

#Two
Flowers bring me great cheer, so a lovely bouquet in my home certainly makes the cut. I'll even voice that a vase of fresh flowers is one of, if not the best anti-depressants on the market, with minimal side effects I might add. That is, unless you are an allergy sufferer, and if so hopefully you and the nedi pot are very good friends. We personally, go way back.

#Three
Now take a peek at the mirror that is reflecting the bouquet. That was my Grandmama's. I adored her. She was one of a kind, as is the mirror. When I inherited it, the silver was significantly worn so I took it to the glass and mirror shop for a renewed luster. During the hauling from here to there and there to here we instantly discovered it weighs five trillion pounds which is not one of my favorites but plainly has an established benefit in regard to thieves.

#Four.  #Five.
Two delicious choices, not necessarily paired together for tasting, but more for the composition of the photo. Regardless of the poor photo, promise you will try KerryGold Dubliner cheese and Harney and Son's Paris tea if you haven't already. And for whatever reason, if one or the other cannot be found at your local grocery or market, stop by and I'll be more than happy to share because sharing is how favorites are brought to light anyway, right Oprah?

Until we meet again.

Emily's Place

It was almost a year ago when I ventured away from my natural habitat
and discovered a new, very different surrounding where the doors are always
revolving and the needs are never ending.

As with any unearthed territory, the uncertainty can have it's qualms
but in reality, the differences are not significant at all, inasmuch as it is
similarity that holds the welcome home sign for all of us.

These are some of the
precious kiddos that I have
had the honor of knowing and
loving at the Providence Network.

Being a part of
this non-profit has been
such an amazing blessing.
It is true greatness when
you believe you are
in the right place at the
right time in life.

Unquestionably when
the hors d'oeuvres include
melt-your-heart smiles.

A Sacred Moment in Time

Yesterday at this very place,

My youngest niece, with the chosen name of Margaret, was baptized.

 I'm having a hard time finding the words to describe the beauty of this occasion.

And of her gown.

And of the family. 

And additionally things such as my sister's lovely blue eyes. 

And the other half of Oldest Son's smile. 

And Darling Daughter number two?

Providentially, the Godfather knew just what to say.

He made her an offer she couldn't refuse. 

Hello, Ella. 

But in the end, it was Maggie who led the way 

as we all were found going to the mattresses. 

Beautiful day. Beautiful child of God. 

The only wealth in this world is children;

more than all the money, power on earth, you are my treasure. 

Coast to Coast Housekeeping

I found a couple of vintage cookbooks while doing some spring cleaning this week.

Recipes from oyster salad to chill pills. Literally. HOUSEKEEPING IN OLD VIRGINIA was originally published in 1879. Such a fun step back in time. For example, a coffee cake recipe calls for one "teacup" of molasses. Can't you just hear it?

"Alice, hand me that Haviland cup and the Blackstrap, please."


Another one of the books titled WEST COAST COOK BOOK happened to be written by Helen Brown, which is my mother-in-law's name.

So interesting, however she never lived in California, Oregon or Washington I don't believe. Hmmm, I'll have to verify that. She did in fact live in Hawaii, in 1941 and was a mere 6 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed. She actually remembers the jolt and watching the nails being jarred from the walls. She remembers her mother gathering their most prized possessions (a fur coat for one) and scurrying Helen and her siblings along while her father kissed them goodbye as they were some of the first to board the boat. Amazing. Can you imagine? I'm sure the only explanation for her mother's presence of mind was the chill pill she obviously took that morning. And afternoon. And evening.

Chill Pills.

Sulph. quinine, two drachms; arsenious acid, one grain; strychnia, one grain; Prussian blue, twenty grains; powered capsicum, one drach. Mix and make sixty pills. Take one pill three times a day.  Dr. E.A.C., Housekeeping in Old Virginia, M.C. Tyree, 1879.

Class dismissed.

To Know

Raising a tribe of children can be challenging. According to Google, with this leading role I mingle the inner circle of Angelina Jolie, Nadya Suleman and primitive body artists.

Good to know.

I also learned this week from my 16 year old that my lack of support as her mother has caused irrefutable damage to her grades, social life and activities. According to her, it may take a lifetime to earn her forgiveness. And in the meantime, I am welcome to buy her a baboosh.

Again, good to know.

As I take all this in, I reflect on the certainty that the earlier years of parenting are far more physically exhausting while the youth and teen years tend to be more of a mental beating. Over time there have been countless occasions when my sanity has been questioned (daily according to my 18 year old) and often I find myself wondering if what I'm laughing at should really be scolded and more importantly if what I'm scolding might be handled better with a good laugh.

Like on Tuesday when my 6 year old called his 12 year old brother a white bitch. During a Wii game. Directly in front of the 6 year old innocent bystander he begged to have over for the afternoon.

And then there was yesterday.

After every possible resource had been tapped, it seemed that my 12 year old was destined to miss the traditional 6th grade father/child river trip. He was such a sad camper. Then older brother got a wiff of the situation and by golly, compassion engulfed him. Before we could say Snidely Whiplash, he rearranged his weekend work schedule, packed his bag and with little brother in tow, was off wearing the latest and greatest surrogate father fishing hat known to man.

And I, the unsupportive-insane-scolding-laughing-now tearing-mom am left knowing...

They are who they are in spite of us.
Which is comforting to all of us.
Thank you, Jesus.

Slow It Down?

Life is busy. For everyone I know, regardless of what career they have, married or not, children or not or even if the responsibility of a furry little critter defines you, life is busy.

Last month I turned the big 4 0 and literally celebrated all month long. It was lovely and I did enjoy most every minute of it however, at a small cost, or perhaps a little bit bigger than small cost. You see, I am one who always enjoys a good social gathering but I recognize that not all do...or maybe just not quite as much as I do. One being my husband, and while I'm holding the honesty card, actually most of my kids as well. While I knew last month was going to be busy, I gave Sam the heads up only to find he was already far more prepared than I could have guessed. He actually entered all the extracurricular engagements on his phone calendar....keeping a record of all the "fluff" if you will. Initially, I was a little disturbed by his effort (so out of character and I could smell an ulterior motive) but I would have to be a blind mouse to not see his perspective. And when it was all said and done, memories were full but we were WIPED OUT. Which brought us to the, "what is really necessary in life" conversation.

He won.
It was unanimous.

Down Time.

Husband, kids, even the cat and dog agreed....by demonstration of course. Hmmm, let's see what that might look like...

Locked in a Vegas Hotel Room with a Phantom Flex from Tom Guilmette on Vimeo.

So, on this Mother's Day, this is where you will find me. At home. Lounging with the family - minus Collin (blasted his father for stealing him from me this day.) Excuse the vent, I'm good now. Or maybe a little brunch with a tall mimosa to take the edge off is in order? Kidding.

See Jen run.

Sit Jen, sit.

Stay Jen, stay.

Good Jen.

Enjoy your minutes today, wherever you are. For I am learning that minutes are from where all memories actually begin. Imagine that?

“I think the world today is upside down. Everybody seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches and so on. There is much suffering because there is so very little love in homes and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other; there is no time to enjoy each other. In the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world.” Mother Teresa