Crafts, Projects, and Plans

I started the new year with several craft projects in mind. As of yet, I have not organized them in any fashion. Wish I could say this is not my normal way, but, ask anyone who knows me - organization is not my specialty. Yet!

So, how have I started the year being more organized? Well, my weekly schedule is now my screen saver. Having a bright orange schedule politely reminding me that I need to be about my home comforts is really working well. For one thing, it keeps me from spending too much time on the computer. You know what I mean, don't you? Just checking email once more. Or looking up that piece of information I really need. Or checking out airfares for summer vacation. What is it about this little electronic device that calls to me? And, of course, I must answer! But now, when I do, this message is there greeting me, basically saying, "Get busy and do your chores! Time for the computer later!"

So, now that I'm getting the house more organized, I'm ready to apply that to my projects. Here is the list of items I'd like to complete this year:

January - nothing! (I'm doing great, so far!)
February - 4 knitted dishcloths for friends (2 done; 1 in progress)
March - 12 knitted dishcloths (1 for each month) for a silent auction at church
April - purse/tote for my mother-in-law (knitting completed; need to assemble)
May - begin Christmas gifts for family/friends (have yet to decide what to make)
June - Work on Christmas gifts/Paint son's room

I think I'll just plan through June and see how things go. I'm really excited about finally getting around to some things that I've wanted to do for awhile. A major project I would like to do is design tatting ornaments to represent symbols of the church. I'll need to do some research on that first.

Time to get knitting. I might even try to post pictures of my projects. My goodness! I'm becoming quite savvy with the computer, aren't I? ;)

Cristiana

Home Comforts

We bought a fixer-upper a few years ago. It's coming together slowly. I really enjoy working on the house and started experimenting with various colors, carrying one color throughout the house. It's been a lot of fun, albeit a slow process. Hopefully I'll have all of the painting done by this summer. Then I'll begin to work on the outside - landscaping, etc.

During this time of year, we spend most of our time indoors. This winter has been particularly harsh and long. While we long to get outside again, we enjoy the coziness, the time for family...of course, cabin fever can be a problem at times, but, on the whole, it's a quiet time. It's as if we're resting, along with the rest of nature, just waiting for spring when we'll awaken and begin again. In the meantime, we read, play games, have long conversations, and enjoy each other.

I'm in a particularly sappy mood right now. We just have a couple of years left with our son at home before he graduates high school. I truly cannot believe the time has gone so quickly. He's growing into a fine young man, and we do so enjoy spending time with him. I'm going to miss him so much when he leaves (pause for a little sniffle!), but I'm sure he'll visit often...or else, we'll have to go to him. He'd be thrilled if we showed up just to hang out with him while he's away at school! :)

Cristiana

What Are You Doing with Yourself These Days?

I was asked that this morning, by a woman who was quite sincere in her question. I couldn't believe the words that came out of my mouth - Oh, I'm working online. It's a lot of fun. She seemed really happy for me, asked about the work, and left quite satisfied. I, on the other hand, felt terrible.

Did I lie? No. I do work a few hours per week online, but that's not my main vocation. Still, I didn't answer the way I should have. What I really "do with myself these days" (and all days!) is take care of my family and our home. Granted, I'm not best at housekeeping and my cooking wouldn't win any Pillsbury Bake Offs, but I work at it. So, why did I answer this woman by telling her about an online job? Because it seemed more important, more glamorous, more worthwhile than being a wife, mom, and homemaker? How sad! Sad because I felt she would look negatively on my "real" answer...and sad that I felt the need to answer that way.

As a result of this encounter, in the future, I'm going to make a conscious effort to explain my vocation to people who ask. In our present culture, I'm a mastadon of sorts, but I'm happy to be one. My family is the most important vocation God has given me, and I am thankful that I'm able to be home caring for them. Think I'll head to the kitchen now and bake some cookies!

Cristiana

Health Care...Not for All Children!

I watched President Obama sign the SCHIP bill that provides health care for all children (although I'm hearing that children means under 30 years of age!). Listening to him prior to and after the signing brought tears to my eyes. He spoke of children who didn't have such care; he talked about tucking his girls in at night... there was a lot of compassion there. What I didn't hear, though, was the compassion for the children who will never get health care, nor ever be tucked in at night. Those children sleep in a bed six feet underground...



As the president indicated, it says a lot about our country when we take care of those who are weak and helpless. What, therefore, does it say about a country that kills those very people? I find it so tragic that his first acts as president show his compassion for the terrorist prisoners who want to kill Americans and his lack thereof for the unborn...correction...some of these poor babies survive the abortion, only to be left on a table until they're dead.



What horrifies me more than a president who promotes abortion, is one who knows children survive these monstrous attacks, yet still insists they must be left to die!I don't understand that, can't wrap my brain around such a mindset. And I have a feeling it's only going to get worse.



Lord, have mercy.



Cristiana