Life is More Robust With Children

My children are gone to Mexico on a missions trip...

My Christmas tree has been standing undecorated and judgementally naked in the corner for 2 weeks. My house is quiet and my washing machine has only done one 1/2 load of clothes all week. I have learned to have sympathy for the lonely senior citizens that call my business and want to keep me on the phone for long periods of time to chat and listen to a friendly voice. I feel like one of those old people today. I would make friends with anyone that would listen.

It's snowing- but the kids aren't here to make it seem as magical and fun. It seems cold and messy.

I decorated the tree last night. Children make that seem worthwhile and fun too. It was lonely doing it alone. I also made 3 dozen cookies...and for once- my cookie jar has stayed full for more than 24 hours! I'm not complaing nor whining....I'm simply observing. Life is so much more "robust" with children. I keep finding myself talking outloud....but no one is here to reply...and mind you they rarely do respond or reply...but it's odd to speak and realize I'm the only one here.

Four children take up 95% of my life. Seriously. Do you know how odd it was to get up for church Sunday morning and be ready a whole hour early!!! LOL. I cooked dinner Monday night and fried FOUR porkchops! It's a habit! I'm sick to death of porkchops! LOL.

The lonliness can be good too....reflections of the past year, the growth and lessons...and the quietness of a house sure makes me appreciate the festive atmosphere that children create.

It seems like with all this spare time I have recently inherited....I would be lightyears ahead on the whole Christmas planning, purchasing and preparations....but, it's the farthest thing from the truth!!! Christmas just isn't Christmas without little ones around.

Life is so much more approachable when you look at things under the influence of childrens chatter and enthusiasm!!! I hope I find the spirit of the season in the next few days and will have everything done and ready and festive for the kids homecoming from the mission field!!!!

I heart faces-Autumn Beauty Photo Challenge

This weeks photo challenge is Autumn Beauty. I couldn't help but think of the pictures my 13 year old took last week. ;)

This week is going by slow....and I can't wait for the weekend....but I started the week thinking about the weekend. :)The funny thing is- I don't have ANY plans for the weekend! LOL.

Jakey has been full of funny sayings this week. Today he said, "Mommy, if there are bulldogs- are there also buffalo dogs?" ??? Where does he come up with this stuff?

Gabe is still floating around on cloud 9-twitterpated to the gills.

Sarah completed Wilton's Cake Decorating Course #2 today. I'm soooo proud of her!!

Rebekah and I found out that our two fave music artists are doing a joint show next weekend. Amazing! :) Too bad we can't be there.

The Place of Many Bridges

Jacob at our Autumn Campmeeting's Hallelujah Night bonfire.

Things have been chugging along here at a nice pace.I feel like I'm standing in a meadow of many bridges....each bridge leading to another chapter of my life...one that I can put off by not crossing that bridge. I may just stand in this pleasant (though static) meadow for awhile. The bridges lead to change...and right now, I'm just standing...content to be emotionally stagnant.

Our Autumn Campmeeting was one of the best in several years, in my opinion. Our Hallelujah Night (during campmeeting) was great. The kids had a lot of wholesome, old fashioned fun.

Jakey poses in his "Soldier King" costume. Not many of the children dress up at our Hallelujah Night, but Jakey wanted the costume so much...because it had a sword! :)


Here's a picture of my Dad in his shop helping Jacob (not my Jake- another Jacob) and the younger children work on their derby cars.

Jacob in all of his dirty-face glory beams about winning 3rd place in the derby race.


Aside from church- I live under a rock. However, my sheltered little domicile has had a lot of activity under it lately. My son has a girlie friend. He walks around in a twitterpated daze. He has a perpetual cheezy grin pasted across his face. He'll be sweeping the kitchen with a grin...and I know it has nothing to do with my choice of broom doing a superb job. Gabe informed me through his love-glazed eyes looking through rose colored glasses that I've NEVER felt the way he feels. I just smile at him....and secretly wonder if I'll ever feel that way again? I wonder if that bridge even exists.

Speaking of being in love: Today is Friday, which means that I have baby Howie. His weekly visit is the perfect ending to my work week. He smiles at my goofiness...my funny, squeaky words like " Howie-Zowie- Aunty Cass' baby-ka-schmammy." He understands me...and we grin foolishly at eachother. He's a bundle of happy snuggles that smiles in his sleep. Who could resist such pure love?

Jakey went to school with the big kids today. My mom is the teacher of our small private church school and he wanted to do preschool with 'Momert' (the Grandkids call her Momert...long story). Of course, my mother- the most giving, tireless, wonder woman of the world said- SURE! What's another child to look after and teach?
So, Jakey went to school- with a packed lunch and his little alphalfa style cowlick sprayed down. It was a test run for next year....and yet, I still got all teary eyed. I'm glad Howie was here....because I think I would have outright cried. I can wait for next fall. I don't want to cross that bridge either.




Autumn is quickly leading into winter. I have my favorite cookbook, "The Pioneer Woman's Winter Cookbook" out on the counter...tabbed with favorite recipes to make.I also have a Christmas list growing by the day of things to start purchasing.

THis weekends plans include going with my friends Dale and Robin to Hill Billy Hideaway. Its a little country restaurant that serves "Homestyle Southern" foods and has country and bluegrass style gospel singing and comedy on Saturday nights. It's my grandpa's favorite- and I have a feeling I'm going to love it too. I really can't wait.
On Sunday we're having an all out birthday bash at my sisters. We're celebrating FIVE birhtdays at once with a birthday dinner of Martha Stewart propotions!

I've made a deal with one of the men in our church to come and blow all the leaves off my yard (way tooooo many to rake!) in exchange for a homemade lasagna. :) Bartering is what it's all about these days!

My KAH girls had their award ceremony last Friday night and performed a skit acted out directly from the text of Proverbs 31. They were awesome....very well done...very creative! I can't wait to share the video! The girls have completed the Proverbs 31 badge...which was a whopper of a project! It took us over a year!

Pray for us. My children will be going to Mexico in December. I have some big decisions that have been put into motion, and some bridges that are better off left uncrossed.

Shine all your light,
Cass

That's Life

I had a rough day. Not in a physically challenging kind of way.
I was determined that I was going to chill out this evening. I made a good dinner, we dined on the back deck (doesn't dined sound better than "ate"?)...just the kiddos and I.
As we "dined" on our dinner I was calculating the time, energy, and money that it took to plant our small crop of greenbeans late this summer. We've had one dinner from the small plot of ground. By my calculations- our small pan of green beans tonight was worth about $27. Ha! And ya know what? They were good! But not $27 good. Next year- we'll expand our garden. Do bulk
So, after dinner, our $27 side of greenbeans and clean up...I was determined to sit back and relax. I went into the bathroom to run my bathwater. As I started the jacuzzi jets-I noticed how dirty the toiletbowl was. How could i possibly sit back and relax with that???
Soon after, I climbed into the bubbling inferno of hydrojets with my Southern Living magazine. I laid back and closed my eyes. I tossed the magazine over the side and decided to just veg. After a minute or so I opened my eyes. WHAT IN THE WORLD?? I was surrounded with black goopy crud all in the tub. DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I drained. Rinsed. Rinsed again. First the toilet and now THIS!
After an hour I had done three cleansing cycles on the jacuzzi...by then I was tooo tired to take a relaxing bath- and besides after filling the tub up that many times there wasn't any hot water left AND Jakey was insistent that it was past his bedtime.

I laugh now. I laugh to keep from crying from sheer exhaustion and frustration. All I can do is chalk it up as one of those things and say THATS LIFE! Btw- if you want to know HOW to clean your jacuzzi jets....here's the mixture:
½ cup of bleach, 2 tablespoons of diluted Cascade dishwasher granules in a little bit of water. Fill the tub above the jets Start jet massage and let run for approx. 10 minutes. Turn off and let stand for about 10 minutes. Empty tub. Let stand for another 10 minutes Fill the tub above the jets with fresh water Start jets for about 5 minutes Stop the jets and empty the tub Repeat this procedure at least twice initially and maintain a regular maintenance schedule for optimum performance of your jetted unit.

I is Me.

About a year ago I was going to have a small sign made for my kitchen that said, "Country Girl at Heart". My sister asked Who is that for?? (lol) She laughed when I told her it was me. She wasn't being mean...she just looked at me like my body was possessed by another being.

Then- I post on FB that I would like to build a chicken coop and have chickens. BOTH of my sisters chime in regarding how this notion seems so UNLIKE me.

So, I'll keep my secret desire for a pet lamb to myself for awhile. ;)

Yes, I admit...you are more likely to come to my house and find me working on a blog, downloading a new texture filter for Photoshop or scrolling through my phone at FB updates. LOL. However- that doesn't reallllly define me. Not really. Right? Just because that's what I do- doesn't meant that's who I am? Okay. That wasn't a good argument. (sigh)



I've had lots of changes in my life. Most recently, I've moved farther into the country and although I am living squarely between two houses-both within shouting distance.. my property goes wayyyyyyyy back....like to my sisters house. (grin)

My little "trial gardening" stint has gone well....and next Spring I plan on enlarging the plot from 3 little rows to 3 BIG rows. :) I'm pacing myself.

So, although you see me as a blogging geek- wearing Lisa Loeb glasses, fully integrated and wireless, app loving, i-pod wearing girl...in my heart I love red rainboots...and potting sheds and the idea of having a chicken coop...with a window box. It may not last long....but at least I'll know that I tried. :)

Back to the case inpoint: I am me. I may not fit in a box- (in fact, I know I don't-cuz, Jakey and I were playing hide and seek...and....well, that's another blog) and I may not subscribe to Farmer's Almanac- and I don't fore-see me growing acre's of organic cotton or becoming a working farm hand ...
There's that little part of me that wants an adventure outside of the office... to dig, watch things grow and maybe- just maybe one day get outside and collect eggs in the wee morning hours...right after I had a grande caffe' vanilla light latte and have updated my Facebook status. :)

From The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...September 29th from Casandra's Daybook Journal

Outside my open window...blue sky, blustery winds...Jacob said that the trees were "hyper!"

I am thinking...I need to figure out WHY I keep waking up with kinks and cricks in my neck and shoulders.

I am thankful for...my stay at home job.

I am wearing...my black sweater (first time this year!), a burgundy tanktop and my favorite white lounge/ pj pants with burgundy hearts on them. :)

I am remembering...To thaw out dinner.

I am going...to take Jakey on a hayride at the pumpkin patch this Saturday!

I am reading...I FINALLY finished A Flickering Light by Jane Kirkpatrick last night. :) The story of her grandmother's life as a photographer in the early 1900's.

I am trusting...That God will direct my steps....a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

On my mind...I.R.S.

From the learning rooms...Preschool with Jakey- we're learning about Mexico. I'm also planning our KAH class for Friday. We're learning calligraphy and about "Abiding In the Vine".

Noticing that...my daughters are maturing faster than mommy's ready for them to.

Pondering these words..."

Photographs that make one take in a breath while being drawn into the image. It is what I want in my life too, those moments of sharp breathing, perfect clarity, fully drawn in." from the book A Flickering Light.

From the kitchen...On the menu tonight: baked chicken breast and rice casserole, yeast rolls and salad.

Around the house...aerating the yard and planting new grass seed

One of my favorite things~taking pictures that freeze a moment- or lead us to the next.

From my picture journal...


A picture I took of Baby Howie earlier this week....

Girl's Day Out

Yesterday, my neice, sister, "utter" sister Christi, my girls and I all went to the premier of the Mandie & The Secret Tunnel movie in Greensboro. If you have daughters then you're probably familiar with the Mandie books.



The Christian stories are wholesome, adventuress and exciting...a mix between The American Girl series, Little House on the Prairie and the TV series, CHRISTI, based on the story by Catherine Marshall. I like having something positive to give my girls to read. Mandie & The Secret Tunnell was filmed in NC, and told the story of a small band of Cherokee indians who were saved from the Trail of Tears in the 1800's. The indians integrated with the white family that saved them. The movie is based on the search for a family will- which turns into unraveling a mystery that is intwined with many years of half- truths, hidden alcoves and family secrets.
Although the movie was a tad confusing in the beginning with the director trying to set the plot and characters....I was a little lost betweeen the switching timelines and characters; however, the storyline quickly gained momentum and interest and was well worth the experience.

After the screening, the cast was on hand for a friendly "Meet & Greet" signing autographs and taking photographs with young girls. There are more Meet & Greets happening around the country- and if there isn't one near you- the DVD is available online for only $15. :)

The Contrariness of Time

All summer I've had a series of countdowns: moving day, baby shower, Rob's wedding, the baby's birth, company coming and school starting back..... counting down- mentally checking off months, weeks and events that lead up to "moment".

It's been one of those summers of HURRY UP & WAIT!

Now, for all of Father Time's dilly-dallying all summer- he sure has hit high gear with the turn on September's calendar month.
This week alone (and it's only the 3rd!) we've had a baby born, school start, company will be here tomorrow and Spanish lessons start tomorrow too! It's been NUTS.

Why can't events pace themselves throughout the year? Why does everything sit back and jump on ya all at once?

Cougars and Other Things

The engagement and wedding to Mr. Pilot is called off. It's okay. It's all for the good. So, I'm looking for a newer model. Hmmmm....does that make me a cougar? (lol)

The good news is my credit union has a "dating service" where they'll find the best match for me and just let me pick from the ones they find me. :) If not- I'm okay with what I've got. It's good, comfortable and decent. And...mine. ;)

The upcoming week is going to be nuts. Nuts-I tell ya!

Saturday is my yard sale. I have 3 people coming over to sale stuff with me. :) I plan to soak up some rays at the same time- because I'm as white as a pale albino. Seriously, my brother asked me if I live in a dungeon. Sad. ;(

Pete fixed my fountain for me. I'm grateful. ;)

I'm Engaged To A Pilot

On Saturday I stopped in at Vann York Honda to look at a Honda Pilot that I had seen online. I ended up bringing the Pilot home over the weekend. :) I am "engaged" to the Pilot- but not officially married to it! (ha!)
Tomorrow afternoon, if the interest rate and pricing are agreeable I will enter into a binding agreement with my Pilot that will marry me to a monthly payment. (grin)

Today was a beautiful day. I woke up early and repotted some plants, planted some mums and sat on the back with Lady Templeton drinking coffee and listening to the birds. A cathedral of trees and a choir of nature. ;)

The girls and I, with Drea's help, planted three rows of late blooming vegetables this evening. I am looking forward to the rewards of our labors. ;)

TOUCHDOWN

Jakey and I are leaving to dinner. We have been home ALLLLL week and need to look at something other than these walls. :)

Volker text me earlier this afternoon to let me know he has touched down in NYC. :) He should be on his way to San Fransciso by now. So excited.

Countdown.

This morning Volker leaves for Frankfurt. He's flying to NY in route to SF and then back to NY. From NY he will drive to PA, DC and many other in between locations on his way to NC.

Kerri will arrive here on 9/4-and Volker will roll in sometime on the 5th.

I feel like our adventure begins when Volki's wheels take off from German soil. I can't wait to hear of all his adventures, discoveries and experiences in the USA.

Pray for my friends travel safety! :)

Gatepost Watermark!

I'm so excited. I've got my first REAL photo shoot...someone who ASKED ME to do their photos instead of me asking THEM. :)
Also, since I've started posted pictures online I'm having a watermark made for my photographs which will be on all photos.

My portrait business will be Gatepost Portraits- so my watermark is going to be an iron gate. I'm really excited. :) I feel like I'm finally making headway in obtaining a dream. :)

Deep Waters

Have you ever heard the saying, "Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink?"
I happened to have watched a televangelist the other day. I won't name names, mainly because I don't remember it, but also because I'd never want to offend a little one who may find nourishment from the milk of the word that's said from these people.
However, I was watching this person 'minister' and my heart was grieved. Sincerely grieved....not in a fault-finding, judgemental way, but a sincere, heartfelt sorrow. To think that this person is on TV presenting their ministry as a well-spring of living water....and yet when you really watch and listen and judge their spirit- you find a dried up well. This person is on TV because they've found a local niche on a cheap station, late at night where they can sell their books, crosses and god-forbid...the holy water colon cleansers that they've marketed in the name of God to old ladies with insomnia....and clogged colons.
I'm pretty sure that at that moment I felt the same stirring that Jesus must have felt when he turned over tables.

I heard someone tell the story of visiting an orphanage in Uguanda to see their sponsored child. He toured the orphanage and played games outside with all the children until dinner time. The dinner bell rang. They lined up at a pump and washed their hands in hot, brown water. He followed the chidlren inside and sat down at the table with all the children. When he saw the cup he was expected to drink from he was sickened. He said he was served a dirty glass, full of the same hot, dirty water they had washed up in. He looked up at the little children seated around the table- and they drank willingly and greedily- without thought.
It was all they knew. It's the only water they ever had.
Some of our American churches have become that way. They drink greedily from the half dripping, luke-warm, rusty pumps behind their pulpit. The young Christian has a sincere desire to grow in the Lord, drinking deep because they don't know anything different.
I was speaking to a friend about their new youth group at her church....the new youth leader was newly imported from a big city church, with all kinds of new plans,game nights, music concerts to attend and even christened the youth group with a new trendy name and mass produced cool T-shirts. She used the term "innovative outreach".
But I HAD to ask it......Are we REALLY giving our youth anything PROFITABLE (other than a cool t-shirt) when all we do is get them together for Wii Sports tournaments on the churches big screen??? For heaven sakes, the Boy Scouts offer better than that! At least they can read a compass! Is this what our youth ministries have turned into?? Are we equipping them for the ministry? Are we imparting to our youth a sincerity to grow in the grace and knowledge of God? Why aren't our kids WORKING in the ministry? Why aren't our kids BURNING with a desire to hit the streets with tracts and Bible books? Why are they blending so well with the WORLD? Why does a youth prayer meeting sound so far in left field? Many Youth groups have turned into a collective "half in-half out" haven of luke-warm activities to ease parents minds, and give the kids an outlet for social interaction with a set of "church approved friends". We need to invest into our children's spiritual future. Don't just assume that because their playing games with kids in the same church that you attend that thier getting spirtually fed. Our youth are wandering far out to sea....far from the shore....there's water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.

Sometimes, I feel like that man did sitting at the long dinner table in Uganda. Looking at the fellow diners with tears in his eyes. He said that at that moment- with all his heart, with all of his soul more than anything in the world he wanted to put in a fresh, deeeeep well that would pump cold, cold water into the hands of those children.