happy late Mother's Day!!

my lovely family

Happy belated Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is not huge to me. I get my mommy highs at unpredictable times...

I suppose I could celebrate being a mom more.

I asked for the gift of time this year.

I was blessed with that for sure.

Lee-babe, you did a great job on that end!

Chelsea planned ahead and bought me a gift the day before-sweet girl! One of the rare occasions she had money on her and the freedom to spend it-and she spent most of it on me and her sister. We could all learn from this, I suppose.

Lee gave me peppermint patties( a favorite of mine) and a new can opener.

I didn't need gifts but that was sweet.

I look around me often and realize how deeply blessed I am.

Lee and I planted our windowboxes that are on our deck. And did lots of other maintenance jobs (mostly Lee)!

It was a sweet day in all its quietness. A good day.
                                                               ~pilgrimama

resting and grateful



my couch

This past week has had many wonderful moments.
I once again got to experience the amazingness that is the sunrise service on a hilltop!
I made hotcross buns again!
Curry was prepared for the annual Easter lunch for one and all at church....
Bread animals were shaped, eggs of different types made their way into the house.
Lots of unleavened bread was eaten and glasses of grape juice drunk!
Singing, silence, washing of feet.
So much illustration of The Great Story.
We rejoice that our Jesus is not Dead but Alive.
And that is beyond words wonderful.
But, can this mama say that all this remembering and illustrating and celebrating also involves a lot of energy?
So, today the above picture shows another thing I am grateful for in this time.
A soft place to rest!

Soon  I will show you pictures of things that were made,Lord willing!

Happy Monday!
                                                                :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~pilgrimama:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

re: a joyous holiday to all

Dear Julia Charlotte,
           Christmas morning here! The living room is cozy and twinkly lights are all around. The tree has a moderate little pile of surprises under it. And it's softly snowing outside. Amazing to have it snow on exactly this day in our part of the world where snowfall can be erratic!

Last night we carried on our new tradition of reading stories of the manger scene etc. before bed. Our pastor and his daughters brought us a basketfull of treats as we were reading. So sweet!

I made blueberry banana pancakes topped with Cool Whip and served up chocolate milk with new snowman straws.
A breakfast for dinner tradition could happen maybe. Or maybe we will just see what God provides!
This year we were brought the pancake batter and given some of the other food items on our dinner table.
I must say that as Lee and I have been working ever closer toward being footloose and debt-free  I often thank God for all the providential ways we have been provided for even when we have had very little extra from a logic point of view. What could seem like random happenings to some I call occasions to thank God for all our needs being met!
God is good!    Have a joyous holiday!
                                                                                                            Somewhat Sleep Deprived,
                                                                                                         Pilgrimama

re: Thanksgiving

Dear Julia Charlotte,
         We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Wishing the best to you and yours!

                                                                               Pilgrimama

re: Thanksgiving-here we come!

Dear Julia Charlotte,
        Two pumpkin pies and one Apple pie have been made. The green beans are in the fridge waiting to be tipped.. My part of the family Thanksgiving feast is close to done! Even if I did spend half of the day in bed with a stiff neck and upper back.
My children are  super !   They helped clean up from the birthday party last night and make this whole day work!

                                                                                               Thankful for my lovely children,
                                                                                                Pilgrimama

Happy New Year!

First of all, a happy new year to all!
I am thinking of a different theme or format for my blogging this year. I would like to try writing here in letter form...
Thus,the Dear Julia Charlotte letters!


Dear Julia Charlotte,
It's with pleasure that I enter into a correspondence with you! From your letters I can tell that you are thoughtful...with a touch of whimsy. I like that in a friend.
I would like to converse on many topics throughout this year,but first I would like you to know a little more about me,other than my interest in letter writing.
At present,I am 27 years old and amazed at how fast 30 is creeping up. I am dark eyed and dark haired. I am not exactly slender. I wish I was.
I live in town,beside a little creek,which is sometimes rushing,sometimes trickling,and sometimes dry.Right now,it's dry.
The house I live in is "earthy" imperfect and cozy. I live on the top floor and while not large,it is plenty of room for us. The layout is amazing! I also enjoy the way the bottom floor usually has interesting tenants and sometimes friends. It comes in handy.
I am the mother of four children,all healthy and full of energy. I love being their mother but some days it takes almost every bit of my energy! Today my baby,(who is two) had the "runs". Yesterday too. And in the night. Since, I am still unpacking and arranging from our move this was most unhandy. It was very messy too.
My husband and I volunteer once a week at our friend's project which is a community center and a soup kitchen. Tonight one of the homeless men asked me to go out for a cigarette with him. He said he would smoke mine! I,of course had to decline.
I would like to keep adding to this letter,but my little ones want me and my bed is covered with things that need to be put away.
I will enclose a picture of my two sons making music for our household.
Your friend,
Pilgrimama