Beauty day 8-the written word

It happens every year.  I start making my cookies and open up my cookbook to this page. 

And, I cry.

My late sister-in law Jane wrote this out for me 14 years ago in a letter she sent to me.  She was encouraging me to go forward with a cookie business, so I could continue to stay home with Amy.  She sent her most complimented recipe and I make it every year.  Honestly, they are not my favorite.  This recipe is though, it is in her handwriting and I can't get that anymore. 

We lost her 12 years ago to breast cancer and I still miss her.

Handwritten messages from those we love are a thing of beauty.

Beauty Day 7-chaos

I am a simple gal.  I really don't like loud noises.  I have trouble when all 4 kids are talking to me at the same time, or even just talking /yelling/singing at the same time.  This is probably due to the fact that there is usually music on too, while I am making dinner/cleaning up/doing laundry/ yelling at the dog all. at.the.same.time.
And, don't even get me started on the running around I do taking kids to lessons, games, friends etc.  Granted this chaos is by choice. ( I could always say no, and we could hole up in the house for days.)

This chaos is my life right now, a season really.  A season that will be gone all too soon.

 I know this because my firstborn is in high school and I went to a college preparation lecture last week for her.  What?  my baby going off to college?  OK it isn't for 3 more years but, still.  I digress.(and cry a little!)

Our chaos is a thing of beauty for me, and I have to remind myself of this daily.  I always wanted a big family, with lots of kids to run around and raise.  God blessed us with our brood and my mission right now is to raise them.  While it is hairy at times and I am exhausted most of the time, I wouldn't trade it for anything!

The chaos of a big, active family is a thing of beauty for me!

Corkboard turned Card Holder

Corkboard turned Card Holder

This is a great idea Ann and I will be making this week.

Beauty day 6- leftovers

Lunch today was made from pasta leftover from another recipe, sauce leftover from spaghetti, sausage and cheese leftover from homemade pizza night. It was actually yummy too!

       Leftovers mean we have more than enough to eat and that is a thing of beauty.

Beauty day 5- a mess of a yard

This is our neighbors pretty snow covered yard.

This is our front yard.  4 kids sledding down our front yard, really messes it up.

But  3-4 hours of play and memories made are a thing of beauty.*

*hopefully, they are good memories. The neighbors may disagree, Andrew was in crying 3 times and I was yelling at the kids to stop arguing more than once.

Beauty Day 4 - a grandparents love

I attend many youth sporting events.  Many.  As I sat watching Andrews basketball game today I sat behind a Grandma.  Her teenage grandson saw her and gave her a hug, and then sat with his arm around her for awhile.  I went to The Nutcracker later in the day and watched grandparents hugging their dancer granddaughters.

 They were so proud of them, even if they didn't dance or play well. Just being their grandparent is enough!

My parents love, loving on their grandkids.

My grandparents are all in heaven, but they sure loved me.  I knew it too.

A grandparents love is a thing of beauty.

Beauty Day 3

Joe and I went on a double date last night. We saw Sara Groves in her "O Holy Night" tour. She is a gifted musician. This video of hers is one of my favorites. I love lyrics, songs with meaningful lyrics are my favorite. A beautiful voice is a wonderful thing.
A voice used to glorify God is a thing of beauty.