Of Lazy Days and Bath Salts

      We've been having a beautiful February!  We had a white Valentines day, and just 9 days later the temperature is well into the 70's F.  I am loving this weather!  Just cool enough, yet not too cold, it's perfect for taking walks!
       Today was a "lazy" day.  By lazy, I mean a laid-back, fairly quiet, no extras need to be done kind of day.  So, being unusually bored, I started brain storming, and worked on creating a birthday wishlist.  My siblings had asked for one, as they know that I love presents, but never know what to get for me.  So I've been working on it.  Today I decided to add Bath Salts and other Spa stuff to the list of things I'm just aching to have ( I'm trying to put "small" stuff on my list, as it's easier for the children to get or make and it makes them happy ).  Then I decided to look up Bath Salts on the internet, and after that looked for instructions to make my own.  Needless to say, my research got a little out-of-hand, and I now have a glass jar full of beautiful orange bath salt, rosemary and orange scent.  Sorry guys, the bath salts are now on my DIY list. I could use more epsom and sea salts, though  ;-)
      Other DIY projects this week included painting the stairwell and hall a lovely mint green, crocheting a doily, and making doughnuts. We also harvested wild onions, and dried their green tops for later use.  It's been a good week!
      I hope you've had a wonderful week as well, and that you have an amazing weekend!  Be blessed!

My Brother

These are photos of my brother who passed away March 11, 2010. I will be remembering him this Valentines Day. We miss you, Aaron!

Small Miracles

     It's been a while since I had time or inspiration for a good blog post, but today I need to share.  When did you last have a small miracle?  I'm talking about those little day-to-day things that just seem impossible, or nearly impossible.  Here are the two latest miracles in my life:
     First, my sister's miracle.  Esther just turned 1 in January.  She isn't walking yet, but she is quite the little athlete, always scooting and climbing.  Two days ago, while sitting in the seat of a Wal-Mart shopping cart, she decided to climb out.  She was not buckled in yet, but my mother did, thankfully, have a good grip on the back of Esther's jacket.  As Esther began to climb over the side she lost her balance, and fell headlong toward the floor.  Mama, knowing that she couldn't just "hang" her by her jacket, allowed her to fall, but did slow her descent.  Sometime in midair, Esther managed to do a complete somersault, and landed gracefully on her feet.  We are all very thankful that Mom was holding on to her, and that she didn't hurt herself.  She didn't even seem surprised, after her landing, until Mama told her "that was a no-no!". Then she cried.  I'm almost ashamed to admit, I laughed a little when I heard of her reaction.
    Shortly after this (this is not the second miracle, but it was a bit funny), Mom stuck Esther into the cart, and  (unbeknownst to me) fastened her with the buckle straps.  She then left me with the cart, and went to get something in the next aisle.  Esther began to fuss, stood up, and reached for me.  Worried that she would fall, I immediately grabbed her, and carried her for the next 5 minutes or so.  When Mom finally returned, she was surprised to see me carrying Esther.  I told her what Esther  had done, and she was shocked. "But I buckled her in!", she said in surprise.  "Is that why the straps were hanging into the seat?", I asked, "She has strong fingers".  Yes, she had unbuckled herself.  So now we know; carry the baby, or she will escape/go climbing/get hurt.  I'm going to need a stronger back.  :-D
   The second miracle was a simple one, but quite touching.  My four year old brother, after watching me working at the washer and dryer, decided to help.  When the dryer stopped, he quietly got an empty laundry basket, and unloaded the dryer.  He then took it to the living room to be folded and put away.  This is the first time he's done such a thing, and it meant a lot to me.  Thanks, Isaac!
   These are the type of thing I give thanks for each day, while trying to live as though every day might be my last.                                                                                                                            May you, and yours, be blessed!

Trust in Me Now

This video isn't the greatest (no movement), but I really appreciate the words of this song. The second anniversary of my brother's death approaches, and this song says just what I need to hear and remember. Blessings!

January Happiness

I've found that when the weather outside is cold, damp, and just plain dreary, it's up to us to fill the month with joy and light. Here's how our family has been making January special.

First, there was the white hyacinth.  They had the plants on sale at Walmart, and each came with an amazing little vase that holds the bulb and can be filled with water so that your hyacinth can be grown in the house.  Mom just had to have one of those "special vases", so she bought one. And made me very, very happy.  I love hyacinths, and this one blooming on our kitchen table filled the entire room with it's wonderful fragrance!

   And then there are the edible goodies that make the children squeal (Ok, so I squealed too when I bit into this sticky bit of confection).  This was a first attempt at homemade whole wheat Baklava, and I must say it turned out very well.  My arms and back were not so happy as my mouth, as I rolled the filo out by hand with a good old fashioned rolling pin, but the work was totally worth it!  I think I'll try to make the dough just a bit thinner next time.  Maybe a few weeks of working out beforehand would be a good idea, so I don't get too tired while rolling it out  :-)
  We also celebrated my little sister's first birthday this month. We had quite the party, with chicken empanadas being the "main dish".  In Bolivia, we would have invited all her little friends and had a pinata (that n needs a ~, but there's no "enye" on this keyboard), but as we're in the USA we just had empanadas, sweet drinks, and cake.  And lots of presents for the birthday girl, of course!
   There have been a few rough days, but so far our January is shaping up to be a wonderful month.  How has your new year been?  Have you done anything special to make the dark days light? 
                                                Dios les bendiga!
       

Jamie Grace - You Lead (Lyric Video)

This song has been playing in my mind for the last week, on and on, on and on :-)  May you find it inspiring, as I have!  Blessings!

A "New" Year

    It's a beautiful, warm, breezy day.  The sun is shining brightly, the children are playing outside, and I am doing one of my favorite things, typing.
    The holidays have come and gone, and with them the scurry and worry of preparation and perfection.  Maybe you had a relaxed time over Thanksgiving and Christmas, but at our house the "holiday" is for the men and young children. Mom and the older girls were kept busy, working in the kitchen, tidying up between visits, and caring for children.  As the oldest daughter, I was included in this group.  There's no time like the holidays to better illustrate the fact that "A man's work is from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done".
  So now it is time to relax a bit, and enjoy the year while it is young.  I made no grand resolutions on the 1st of January as I know that I will learn and do a multitude of new things this year without planning on them! Instead, I am praying for strength to make it through this year, courage to face the difficult times, and grace to flow through my words and actions. 
   May you be successful in all you do and plan this year!  Be blessed!