summer 2011

summer 2011

Paul and I, all 16 kids and Ashley, Benjamin's wife...Christmas 2012

Paul and I, all 16 kids and Ashley, Benjamin's wife...Christmas 2012
family

Monday, March 23, 2020

winter, again?!...and the BEST cozy pic!


Yeah, it's been snowing all day...these are from this morning, it's deeper now. I didn't realize it would actually stick to the ground, but it IS beautiful, like Narnia out there. I am going to make sure to get out in it in a bit.

But first, here's a pic I took this morning:

Miss Charlotte Claire doing school work, Sunny-the-dog, Orange Guy-the-cat...just the lounging, and the comfort food, sums up our house right now. I made the waffles and delivered them to the kids while they did their work, Abigail too. She's on half day schedule, to keep them socially distanced in her office...who knew the vending machine business was essential? She's gone to work now. Evelyn is taking a calculus exam, and the other kids doing school work while Paul works from home in the kitchen.

I broke a glass this morning, dropping a heavy travel mug from the cupboard onto the counter, which knocked off a brand new glass...dang it. When Evelyn cleaned and organized the pantry, we found a box of beautiful glasses I had gotten for 90% off a while ago, because there were only five instead of six in the box. Well, now there are only four.

Life is different yet the same. Having more people here has made it more interesting, and I am really glad to see so many things about myself, things that are stirred up because of more personalities in a small space. It's easy to see ourselves as very nice and peaceful people, when we're all by ourselves. But add some opinionated daughters, a teenaged son who knows pretty much everything, a few more teenagers, mix them all up, spin them around, and wow, I am a jerk! I like the last word! I get offended when they refer to "boomers"! I get irritated about empty seltzer cans and when they stuff one more thing into the garbage can instead of taking it out. Wasting paper towels now seems like a capital offense, btw.

But I am thankful, so very thankful for these days! Not long ago, there were actually days when I was rattling around in this house, all by my lonesome, and those days will probably be coming again, at some point. So now I am surrounded by family, and dad-gummit, I am going to find salvation in it all, AND, I am going to enjoy it as much as possible!

Camille and I are going to start a puzzle, she finished her work for the day. Isn't it crazy that these girls homeschooled for five years, and here they are, back home again? And to have Abigail back home, 32 years old, I love it! She is a joy to have, she is thankful for everything!

I'll leave you with today's selfie...


And, last night's dinner, homemade chicken pot pie...

(I made three of them, there is only like half of one left...)

And, coffee drink by Jon, embellished with chocolate syrup and crushed Oreos by Evelyn, sampled by Miss Camille Anaya...


Stay safe, stay inside unless you can get outside for some fresh air, and most of all, look up!!! Pray and you'll receive, seek and you'll find...this really is an amazing time of grace!

6 comments:

Billie Jo said...

Good morning from snowy and icy PA!
Everything looks so cozy indeed.
We are doing much the same here.
I am really interested in that delicious-looking coffee drink!
And love your beautiful selfie!
Stay safe and cozy, my friend.

16 blessings'mom said...

Espresso and milk blended with ice, with whatever flavoring you like. They put Hershey's syrup in it too. And thank you. We went for a walk, and it's nice to be back in to the warm house! (I pretty much MAKE the kids go everyday!)

Anonymous said...

I am always in awe at how you can see yourself from the outside and be so critical of your own behaviour instead of everyone else's. Well done, that is a very hard to come by skill! It also inspires me to keep looking at myself that way.
Stay safe, deep breath and keep going for those walks, they also clear the head ;)

Simone

Anonymous said...

The coffee drink looks amazing I would not be able to resist!
We have been walking every day also. I need your willpower! I see the waffles And the chocolate coffee, and I wouldn’t be able to resist.
The struggle is real! Sugar is addictive, good for you! You are doing so well. Any tips?
Blessings from Orlando Florida~
Darla

16 blessings'mom said...

Simone, that is true, it's a hard to come by skill, but so vital to see my own sin in the situations!!! When we are all working on this, it's incredibly peaceful, and it get better and better!
Darla, I just don't do sugar anymore. It's almost impossible in the beginning, but the less you eat in general, keeping it low carb, the less hungry you get, and the physical cravings do disappear. I still admire the donuts, but don't NEED them, and it will always be a battle for me because I do love food, love bread and cookies, but just don't eat them anymore. But, if we get a fresh loaf of Italian bread, I'll eat the tiny little end piece with a bit of butter. I ate the homemade crust of the pot pie. I do make exceptions sometimes. I had a square of dark chocolate with a spoonful of peanut butter last night. Part of it is eating all of what you eat in one or two meals, without snacking through out the day. That keeps your insulin down, and you'll stop getting shaky and hangry. I drink a few coffees in the morning, one in the afternoon, and if I am really wanting something after dinner, I'll have some decaf and maybe a spoon of peanut butter. It's a struggle, a REAL struggle, but it's worth it.
Della

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your answer Della!!! The struggle is real but I am going to try to do the 1 to 2 meal plan. I have to do something I don’t want to be diabetic. Thanks for sharing your blog! You are an inspiration send a blessing for people who struggle with their weight. Because you keep it real. Have a blessed day. Darla