Really??!!

Have you ever had experiences in your life that paralyze parts of you?  Where you go on living day to day,  working, talking, serving, but really the days are spent in prayer and wonder at what God is doing and how quickly can you learn it?  That's where I have been the past month....really.....well, and Colorado, but that was just a week.

So much beauty...so many pictures....so I will begin in Colorado.

Estes Park  ...We live in Arkansas....this was winter heaven to us.  We rolled in it,  made snow angels, threw it,  walked in it,  looked at it,  smelled it, ate it.    Fantabulous.

Doesn't even begin to describe what we saw.  And I think there are pics missing.  I know I took at least 100 just of mountains.  Majestic,  ethereal at times,  menacing,  incredible.  Our God is ....I will say Amazing but that is a very weak word. 

Eldora Ski Resort.  Can't say enough good things about it.  What a great place to go skiing for the first time.  People were helpful,  cheerful, kind, took great care of the kids.  I would go again if I could..hint hint, honey.  Four of us skied,  3 tried the snow boarding.  It is harder than you think. 

Yes,  we are missing some pics.  Gotta find those of our wonderful friends we stayed with, and their view of Pikes Peak right outside their back door.  Talking about praise and worship of our Creator. 

So...we are back and dealing with paralyzing situations, although God has some great medicine to help work through things and I am trusting it is the best.  Hopefully more posts soon of crafting...OH MY!!..whatever has become of the old Reb?  and cooking....  that's better, and reading...Oh Yes!! 

thanks for reading,

Reb





Crafty Bekka

As you know..I have a problem with Saturdays.   I wake up ready to tackle...the day,  the house,  my kids,  the yard,  any and all house projects on our ever growing list ..BUT...my other 5/6's...well...don't. 

I am learning how to deal with this without driving everyone crazy..including myself. 

So here is what I decided to do THIS Sat., Sun., and today..DON'T LAUGH!!!

NOO,  I didn't make this,  well...I did because I ripped it off an OLD..like...I've  been married almost 19 years and I think it was a wedding gift...that  OLD, and dusty, and faded, and...nasty lamp shade.   And made



THIS!!  Yes,  I know, we are all in shock.  And I can't get this pic to turn around so turn the computer or your head.  Sorry.  Here's another view.

Can't seem to get this to turn either.  Here is another one I worked on.

  It has some wrinkles I am not happy with BUT...please people,  in the grand scheme of things...I CRAFTED AND LIKE IT... mostly.  But seriously,  I crafted.  I don't think most of you know how absolutely amazing this is.  And last, but not least,  to totally shock my tiny world,  here is the last project I (almost) finished.

I took this ugly seat with some snacks ready for someone  (Again,  I can't figure out why these pics won't turn.  I am sorry.  Hope you stick around for the after.) and it turn out like this. 

I am definitely not good at putting colors together, as in,  I would not have chose white for the chair and then the brownish with red for the material.  I LOVE the material.  I paid $20 for the chair at GW,  and $3 for 2 kings size pillow shams.  They worked great.  I still have to glue a small strip on the arms but it is ready to sit in.  In fact, one of my girls,  it went into their room, which my wonderfully talented and wonderful mom and sister rearranged a couple of months ago, slept in the chair last night.  I did move her cause I could just hear the crying about a crick in the neck the next morning. 

I would like to take a class to help me with the next projects;  but I have to say,  this has been one of the first crafty things that I enjoyed the process AND the results. 

Stay tuned for a word from our sponser...I mean for more projects which I WISH had a sponser. 


thanks for reading,

Rebekah

The tale of Flopsy Bunny

We woke up early,  wind blowing,  chickens cackling, the just two of us.  Most mornings it is ...just the two of us.  The quiet,  the time to think,  the snuggling...

This morning we were drinking our tea and  looked out the window.

 There she was.  The sweetest, fuzziest, brown bunny.  Of course her name became Flopsy.  We watched a minute.   Then the little kid in us wanted to go outside to see it.  The adult in us said she will run away the minute we open the door. 



But she stayed.  Then big, smart, careful brother woke.  "Let's go sit outside and watch her."  Joy, joy, joy!!

Flopsy stayed,  brother stayed.  Sister got cold.  Mommy watched to see what would happen with all three. 

Yeah!!  Big brother kept her warm.  They moved a little closer.  Flopsy just stared and stayed and wiggled her nose.  Humans have such a smell!!  They moved closer.  What would Flopsy do?

  She stayed!!!!  Those humans must have been awfully quiet and good.  A discussion soon followed.

 "Let's catch her and keep her.  She could have babies and we could have lot's of bunnies to play with.  Maybe we could collect their poop and sell it for fertilizer.  Then we could start a breeding program here on the ranch and begin to sell  pure bred, domesticated wild bunnies.  We could make millions"

"No,  if we move again she will run away.  Don't move,  just be still.  Maybe I could set a trap and catch her.  Then I could skin her and eat her meat and sell her hide.  That will be the beginning of my fur enterprise out here in the backwoods.  We'll never have to go to town again.  I will clothe you all in fur and feed you rabbit meat.  I heard it helps in weight loss.  Mom will like that."

Then a fight broke out  (no pics, please!!!!) .  Words were spoken, tears were shed,  the peace of the morning shattered into a million pieces,  and we all had to get ready for church. 

But I tell you,  it was fun to watch,  both for me and the kids.  And what a way to begin..hmmm...a Sunday,  watching a sweet animal the Lord of all creation made,  that He sustains, and allowed us to see. 


Enjoy your day and be sure to praise your Creator, the one who sustains you,


thanks for reading,


Rebekah

Linky to Barn Hop

Where's October?

I am trying to figure out where October went.  I dressed up the mantle,  put out some pumpkins,  fixed soup,  began drinking hot tea again.  I was prepared to sit on my porch swing and listen to the north wind make wind chimes of my leaves,  watch the birds come back to the bird feeder,  take long walks through somebodies woods, and have hot cocoa with Scottish shortbread. 

But now I am seeing frost on the brown grass,  the wind is busting through here knocking over plants and shutters,  and I am  fighting a cold.  So where did October go ...or did November steal the 10th month? 

Here is what (I think) we did in October.

One of our chickens laid the smallest egg we have ever seen.  Then we fried it up.  I must say it was a tasty bite.  

Our Charlotte Mason monthly group began a 6 week co-op.  We study all the "Extras" such as poetry, composer study,  folk song, Shakespeare, and others.  Here the older group made masks to perform the play Much Ado About Nothing.  Actually,  my oldest made both of these, but my third girl made her own,  looked just like her, and then left it outside for the rain to destroy.   Urg.  But I was proud of her.

My oldest two began year around swimming.  It is so  much fun to watch them.  This was a covered pool and I just loved the way the sky looked through the open shutters. 

We are pretty careful about what our kids watch and when.  They just have these brains that take in the pictures and then keep them forever.  So we make them wait to watch Lord of the Rings until they have read it (around age 12).  See the excitement!!  He loved it.  His sister did a dinner theme with " 'a brace of coneys' and 'tators'.  The cookies were supposed to be leaf shaped.  HMMM.

I attempted to make pajama pants using a sheet from Goodwill.  I am still attempting.  Gotta get that oldest on the machine for me.  I did learn that I can sew up an inseam.  Kind of surprised myself.  I'll let you know if these get finished.

My sister had a shower for her FIRST boy...after 4 girls.  It was so much fun and the ladies did such a great job.  AND,  that baby is the second cutest boy ever.  What fun to have a baby to play with again. 

 Our church performs a martyr's trail each year at a camp.  Our kids participate and then show it at the church.  I cred through most of them.  We have such an easy life here in America.  We had better be serving and giving with all our might. 

My mom had her bi monthly tea party,  and this time the boys were invited!!  They were such gentlemen,  and I think had better manners than the girls.  Miss Leslie Wolfe spoke and it was wonderful.  Ponder this,  how do we know God is good?  And it can't be because of what good things he does for us.  It must be because of who he is.

A shout out to my eldest,  AGAIN.  Goodness,  we would have no creativity around here if it weren't for her.  She made the peacock costume for Little Bit,  and found all the parts for her Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep.  The Colonial girl outfit was $1 from a garage sale.  Yeah!!

So there was October.  I should probably send this to a scrap book company cause I haven't scrapped in years.  And this is the closest thing to it.





Most of you are probably wondering where the blogging has gone.  I don't know.  I have fluctuated between trying to type,  being totally talked to nonstop and not being able to think (such as right now I have one standing next to me talking non stop....oh please stop!!) and thinking I am on the computer too much.  We'll see who wins.

thanks for reading,

Reb



Things I have ALREADY done

So,  after my long list of what I WANT to do, (and I've thought of even more,  like renovating an old French Country House and living there part time)  I thought I would share some of what I HAVE done....to try and be more thankful and meditate on blessings...seems only right.

Born in Taiwan,  don't remember but it's a cool thought.

Camped in a snow storm...well,  an Arkansas snow storm.

Lived 3 years in the Middle East..and I will probably rest here awhile and list things like

Shopped in a Souk

Attended a Sheik's daughter's wedding.

Stayed in a hotel in the desert..by the sea

Camped in the desert,  on the coast by the sea where the way led between two small mountains


that's not me, by the way,  just a great shot of what it looked like.

Learned to water ski in the Persian Gulf

Celebrated New Years Eve on the beach using Swiss chocolate for s'mores

Had a sun rise service on Easter on the beach with people from India, Pakistan, England, France, America,  China,  and other nations

Lived my whole life with the same parents ...I consider that a great wonder of this nation..and top it with the fact that they led me to Jesus.

Spent two weeks in Spain, driving up the coast to Portugal, and down the coast to Gibraltar,  (because we missed the outgoing plane to America...ah...shucks!!)

Visited London, Scotland, Paris,  Amsterdam,  Germany, Bahrain, (and oh the stories!!)

Ate real Italian Pizza in Italy

Hadg people of many nations eat in our home for Sunday lunch, and not leave until 10 pm or later because the fellowship was so precious.

Walked through a forest on the perfect fall day, crisp air, blue skies, leaves falling, birds twittering, with my husband and children

I think I  could go on and on and on...and so could many of you.  Much of this sounds boastful, but really I had no control over these experiences.  They were ones we had because of circumstances,  location, and adventuresome parents.  I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had,  especially all the wonderful people I have known and still continue in friendship with.  God has been so gracious to allow these in my life...and I think that the longings we have for great and wonderful adventures and experiences may be our soul's desire for heaven.  As Christians we have a large part of us that longs to be with Christ and experiences "real" life....our eternal life...the one that will go on and on and on....

I love the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn.   He writes of all that we KNOW of heaven, and then what COULD be...and it is exciting to think of.  If you pick one book on heaven to read,  I highly recommend this one.  It's not a one nighter...plan on spending a couple of months reading it little by little. 

thanks for reading,

Reb

That's not my problem!

Lately, I have needed some wise council on a few things going on in my life.  I was very nervous about taking to someone about them because I felt silly...foolish...weak....a tattle tale...a whiner....not dependent on the Lord,  I will stop here.  But I heard someone speak at a conference this past winter and what she said was clearly from the Lord...permission to seek wise council. 

I have learned many things from talking to this council,   things which surprised me about myself.  But one thought has truly changed my life,  my stress load and how I view my job here on earth...

IT'S NOT MY PROBLEM!!! 

They are simple words,  and I surely don't yell them,  although truth be told I would LOVE to.  But they are simple.   I have viewed  many situations, emotions,  outcomes to be my responsibility...not my emotions and outcomes but others.  And these 4 little words are to me a revelation.

 Many problems and situations out there are not mine to bear.  If someone woke up in a bad mood,  it is not my problem that they are not happy.  If someone did not finish a responsibility they took on,  and will/are suffering consequences,  that was not my fault and I am not to take on the responsibility for this
If I say something that is truth,  and not hurtful or intended to hurt, but to point out a situation that needs attending,  their reaction is not my responsibility.   I have so much I AM responsible for..my thoughts,   the intentions of my heart,  my words, my actions.   But someones else's is not mine to take...and I am actually hurting them (and myself) by taking it. 

This is probably a very simple, already-done-that-thought for most of you...but it takes me YEARS to get things.  It will probably take me years to learn  not take on everyone's STUFF.

SO.... if you happen to tell me something,  and expect me to somehow fix it or take the blame for it..BEWARE...

I will probably look at you very sweetly,  smile, and say...

IT'S NOT MY PROBLEM!!!

thanks for reading,

Reb

What's on YOUR list?

I have been thinking, as you ALL know,  about traveling a lot these days.  That brought to mind all the things I want to do in this life.  Some of them I most likely won't be able to do, and that's ok because I know in the life after this...eternity with Christ...there will be things to do that I didn't know even existed as a possibility and will blow all those EARTHLY things out of the water. 

UNTIL THEN,  here are a few I have been thinking about lately.

Take a class in specialized cooking. 

Go on a very long trip to Europe

Visit Taiwan,  the place of my birth.



Refinish a piece of furniture and like it when I am finished. 

Build a small cabin.

Go on a mission trip,  short or long term.

Build a two story library with a rolling ladder.   (Think Beauty and the Beast,  SIGH!)



Make a quilt

Write a book

Play Maple Leaf Rag  (with my eyes closed)

Have High Tea in NYC

Make my own soap

Have High Tea in London



Take a 50 state trip with my little family and see all the great wonders and historical sites of the 49 great states and one plane trip to the 50th out there in the Pacific. 

Take a ride on the Orient Express.

Go to the Orchestra in Prague

Learn to make cheese...maybe from my own goats and cows.



As I site here I could go on and on.  Some of these are attainable.   They require me to set aside time and learn and do.   Some,  well,  let's just say we don't believe in the lottery and I have no rich relations.   It is fun to think about and to even look online and see some of the places.  I am getting the idea though, that maybe I should just begin at home and do what I can,  then work my way up the list...or down...or pick and choose as they come. 

thanks for reading,

Reb

p.s.  As I reflect on this post,  my minds stray to the pleasant memories of all the things I HAVE done.  I think those memories reflect  in the things I want to do.  Maybe we are more strongly influenced by our upbringings than I have previously thought.  Gracious...I better start thinking of what I want my kids to desire when they are grown.  Gotta go work some things out. 

How did I get here and what do I do now?

It is 10:00 a.m. on a Wed. morning.  There is a very brisk wind blowing,  we are all wearing sweats, socks, jackets and drinking hot tea.  I have nothing to do at the moment.  What was that...nothing?  OK,  well something, but not what I HAVE done for the past 10 yrs.  HELPED SOMEONE WITH SCHOOL!!!  That's right..all my children are able to work on their own, read on their own, watch the math video on their own,  which leaves me with.....TIME ON MY HANDS!   And I do not do well with time on my hands.

SOOO,  you ask,  what am I doing with this time...?  Dreaming....about  this....




(It's in France...just so you know..)

AND this...




and even this,   with a little renovation...cause we are SOOO good at getting right on those projects..








I also can't get enough of this show...




When you can't visit all the nations of the world,  take a trip via the internet and see where they live and where they want to live.  My mom and sister and I Love this show.  If you have 20 min.,  go to HGTV to the full episodes and take your pick of country...France,  Spain,  England,  even Morocco.   Fascinating. 

But watch out,  you may become addicted to traveling and even dream of renovating homes,  eating at a pub or side walk cafe,  buying bread at a store that ONLY sells bread, and walking beaches,  mountains, and vast terrains.  It's got to be better than asking my husband to spend 1000,s of dollars on plane tickets,  new shoes,  hotels and food.  HMMMM,  is it better?  Is it even a good way to spend my new found time?  Let's just call it geography and count it for school. 



thanks for reading,

Reb

Favorite Show EVER!!

OK,  so...we don't watch a ton of tv around here...not much on that isn't steeped in perversion...and reason #200098  for homeschooling is to push back the age of exposure..BUT...

our favorite show is....

I specifically plan no lessons or errands or dates or..or...anything just to be home at 7 pm to watch.  I have not been a big fan of reality game shows,  but this....
only voices,  no instruments,  no extras.   And the judges are ..well..goofy.   But the singers...WOW!

We each have our favorites.  I am loving the girl group Delilah,

and North Shore.  OH BOY what a great group of men.

My daughter and son love Pentatonix.

We have others that we like but these are our favorites.  

If you have nothing to do on Monday nights and need a filler...of course you could immerse yourself in something profitable like the studying of God's Word and service to others,  or you could immerse yourself in the culture and follow along,  like we are...and waste your time...and fill your head with songs you had never heard before...and you will have to tell your young children not to sing that song, it isn't nice and was only cleaned up for the show...so pick another one like Bring in the Sheaves or something...so no one knows we watch this stuff on tv.

  Except now you do.

  Please don't judge me.

thanks for reading,

Reb

Food

I am back...my extremely talented husband somehow fixed this machine that hasn't worked for 3 or 4 weeks....and now there are so many posts I want to do I don't know where to begin. 

Sweet potatoes...boy howdy..



Travelling...I have been watching travel channels for days now...




Tables...still working on one

Chairs...still working on one...

And as a side note,  I REALLY DESPISE CRAFTING!!!!

Life..still happening.



Arkansas living...thought you might like to know what we do around here for fun...besides raise chickens..

Swim meets...had our first official USA meet...interesting..

But for now,  we'll just get on with the menu for the week...such as it is...

Mon.   Chicken Fried Steak which my talented 15 yr old will make,  probably with mashed tators and a salad



Tues.   Broccoli Quiche...apples and carmel sauce

Wed.  Some kind of grilled sandwich with fruit and raw veggies

Thur.  Curried Lentils and Potatoes from Hillbilly Housewife (if I find the link will post)

Fri.  Breakfast with Cinnamon rolls.  I Feel the NEED!!

Sat.   Probably pizza calzones...just sayin'

So there we go...a weeks worth of menu items.   Enjoy your week.

thanks for reading,

Reb