Clothed With Scarlet

Teacup Tuesdays - Mema's Shelf

Mema Simpson.  She was my Daddy's mother.  Bobbie Louvena Quarles Simpson.  Her sisters called her Vena, most other folks called her Bobbie. 

Mema was born March 29th, 1911.  She was the second born of seven children.  The oldest child, Mattie, died around age seven.  Mema's mother died when Mema was only ten years old, leaving Mema as the primarly caretaker of her five living siblings while Granddad Quarles worked as a blacksmith.  Mema's father married again and four children were eventually added to their household. 

Mema married in 1934 to an Army tail-gunner in training.  Joe Scivally Simpson.  He was the youngest of eight children, born November 1st, 1910.  Their son, my father, was born October 15th, 1949.  I was the only grandchild for over six years.  Mema & Papa lived a little more than an hour from us so we visited often. 

I have so many memories of them and their home.  Mema died when I was ten but my heart overflows with memories of her.  She remained particularly close to some of her sisters, Aunt Neva, Aunt Ruth and Aunt Vada.  Those four women traveled and enjoyed many a day together even as old women.  I can remember being in the front seat between Mema and Neva with Ruth and Vada in the backseat many a time.  :0)   She liked to listen to this song, One Day At A Time, sung by a woman named Christy Lane.  And she liked to listen to The Old Rugged Cross.

Mema was a small woman of only four foot, eleven inches.  She got her hair fixed every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. by Roberta.  We often shared a bologna, mustard and onion sandwich for lunch.  Her fried chicken was the best that I remember eating.  The wall-heater that heated their entire home warmed me better than any heater I recall.  Her high heels that I used to play dressup with fit better than any other.  At bedtime we would stay up way too late and talk and she would tickle me until I ran out of giggles. 

This teacup and saucer shelf hung in her dining room.  Papa died when I was fourteen.  Five years later when I had a husband and a house of my own, this teacup and saucer shelf became a part of my home.

There is a groove in each shelf that is designed for the saucer to sit safely inside of and a nail that is stained to match the wood for each teacup to rest on.  I don't know where Mema got this shelf or who made it.  It hangs in my dining room and I see it many times each day.  What a privilege to have cups that overflow with memories and a shelf that brings a sweetness to my heart every single time that I see it.

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 19, 2008

Music: One Day At A Time

The Sword is Sufficient

The last three mornings have been cool and comfortable. 

A Texas August is never cool and comfortable.

I am learning so much lately.  I have been chasing after God for a few months now.  I want more of Him.  I was, long ago, tired of my will and my ways.  I fail myself, I fail my husband, I fail my children, I fail my Lord. 

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;"  ~~II Corinthians 3:5

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  ~~Hebrews 4:12

 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  ~~John 1:1

God has been showing me the power of His word.  He has been teaching me how sufficient His word is.  He has been showing me how insufficient that I am.  Do you understand?  The little bible with the maroon cover that lays upon the table in my home...it is not an it..."it" is Him.  He is sufficient.  Sufficient for every problem, every question of the day...

We have a tendency to want to "gulp" down a bit of God's word in the morning or in the evening and then we try to sustain ourselves on that small taste all day long.  We find ourselves in a "hamster wheel" just running and running and getting so tired. 

We are starving ourselves of Him.  How can we rest in His sufficiency when we run all day long and leave Him, our bibles, sitting on the table, touched...opened only briefly each day? 

What would happen if we opened God's word morning, noon and night and often in between?  What would happen if we put down everything but His word?  What would happen if we quit trying to "binge on God's word" and started consuming it?  What would happen if we began to nourish ourselves by simply reading His word.  No "bible studies", no devotionals, no watered-down forms or versions or outlines...

Just the sufficiency of The Sword...

I think it would be cool and comfortable...

...I think it would be like breathing in the coolness of the last three mornings. 

I think it would be like feeling comfortable on an August morning in Texas...

~~~ 

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 15, 2008

Music:  Big Snow in Salzburg

 

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 15, 2008

Music:  Big Snow in Salzburg

 

Lunch anyone?

I like lunchtime.  It is a wonderful break in the day's activities.  It is a time to nourish our bodies and nourish our hearts.  I have not yet made it a consistent habit but opening God's word at the lunch table is good for everyone I think. 

As I was nibbling my sandwich today, I thought it might be fun to post my favorite lunch meal and then see if I could get a few of you to post your favorite lunch and the recipe if we need one.  :0)  I find that the midday meal is the one that needs a little "spice" sometimes...so a couple of new ideas might do us all some good. 

My favorite lunch is a bologna sandwich.  Really, it is.  I like sandwiches a lot.  Now I will take a bologna sandwich with just about anything on it but "the perfect" bologna sandwich is made like this:

two slices of fresh white bread

a thin coating of mustard on one slice and Miracle Whip on the other

layer bologna, lettuce, tomato, fresh onions, salt, pepper and the most important part (that makes it so yummy) is fresh sliced jalapenos

You must slice it in half.  This is the only way to make sure that all of your goodies stay in the sandwich.  I like plain potato chips with my sandwich but I will eat any fruit, fresh veggie or chip that we might have on-hand.  An occasional slice of pepper-jack cheese is yummy and avocado slices always makes a nice addition to any sandwich that I eat.  ;0)

So...what is your favorite lunch meal?

You can post a comment with your favorite and the recipe or just leave a link to your blog or website.  Everyone...make sure you check the comments on this post!

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 17, 2008

Music:

The Little Girls' Room

Let's see...

We moved back to Texas May 21st.  There are still boxes in the garage.  Mostly books and off-season clothes that need to be re-boxed and labeled.  It is so hot here.  The weather is just the opposite of Washington weather.  We lived on the eastern side of Washington.  Very little rain there...  The last seven months we spent in Washington the high temperature was 50 degrees and we saw that only twice.  We acclimated to the climate nicely.  About two weeks before we left I was taking the trash out in short sleeves and no shoes and it was 42 degrees.  Ha!  A dear friend that we met there had moved from Phoenix about three years prior.  She was serious when she said that 40 degrees would be a heat wave. 

The girls and I have had a hard time getting used to the heat again.  It hovers around 100 and has since early June.  Funny....the girls and I are back to wearing a sweater when it is 80 in the morning. 

Our new home has four bedrooms:  two very small ones, one small and the master is moderately-sized.  In Washington, all three girls shared a room.  Here, Addison and Kennedy share and Bailey has her own.

Addison's bed...

The walls were already painted a lovely light green so their pink and green pretties went well in their room.

Mrs. Bohot gave Addison the piggy bank before she was born.  The little pink wooden house is one of my favorite material possessions.  My Daddy gave it to me several years ago.  It is actually a recipe box and a music box.  It plays My Favorite Things.  The little rabbits were given to Kennedy & Addison by Mrs. Bohot before we left Texas.

This pretty little rabbit was mine when I was a little girl.  I think Mother actually got her for me somewhere along the way.  I must ask Mother about Miss Flopsy's history.  ;0)

Under Miss Flopsy is a small light so that Addison can look at books while in her crib.  The girls get to look at books in their beds before "lights out".  This came about when we were in Washington with all the girls in one room.  I wanted Bailey and Kennedy to be able to look through books without disturbing Addison's rest.  We purchased small shelves at Michael's and my ever-so-smart husband decided that headlamps would be the best option.  They are battery operated and came with a headstrap.  You know, so that men can wear them and have a hands-free flashlight.  We use rechargable batteries and it works so well.  The lamps are attached to the shelves with heavy-duty Velcro.

This is a mosaic.  It has a sweet story behind it.  Bailey was a baby.  The pastor's wife at our church made the most beautiful mosaic crosses.  Each year we had a nice dinner for the ladies and there were always door prizes.  Mrs. Sweet donated this cross.  Mrs. Jakubauskas and I went to the dinner and she won the cross in the drawing.  I admired it and said something like, 'If you ever suddenly find that missing from your wall, I'm the guilty one.'  ;0)  I couldn't get a good picture of it.  It is in shades of purple and so lovely.  Guess what I got from Mrs. Jakubauskas for Christmas that year.  Now don't feel sorry for her, I had selected the broken ceramic pieces from Mrs. Sweet's collection for a cross to be prepared for Mrs. Jakubauskas about a year prior.  :0)  So she has one of Mrs. Sweet's lovelies as well.

This is Kennedy's side of the room.  That big horse on the bed was a gift from Mother & Daddy last December.  Kennedy's named her Furry.  She is so soft that I would dare you not to find yourself petting Furry if you ever happen to come to visit and lay your hands on her.  Furry travels with us on any lengthy journeys.  Mother convinced Kennedy to pack her in the suitcase instead of bringing her on the plane when we flew back to Texas.  She went to Walmart with us a couple of weeks ago.  She was strapped in the seat next to Kennedy.  :0)  Kennedy asked if Furry could come into the store with us but I required that Furry remain outside.  As I was getting out of the van in the parking lot, I looked over at the minivan parked next to us and I saw a toddler seat....in the seat next to the toddler seat was a large stuffed giraffe.  :0)  I should have left a note on their windshield.  I am sure that the other momma would have gotten the same giggle I got out of seeing the big horse in our seat.

The girls got these little pink straw hats last February.  They were very sincere in wearing their pink cowgirl boots and pink hats in Washington.  Momma had nothing to do with this.  There was many a smile put on many a face in the state of Washington at the site of three little pink cowgirls.  The picture above is something that I bought when Kennedy was a baby.  I thought it was nice...Sweet Sisters...it is actually an old advertisement for strawberry jam.

I bought the ceramic when Bailey was a baby:  "Blessed are those that rejoice in the little things."

The fabric heart was purchased for my infant girls by Mother:  "Angels Sleeping".

This is above Kennedy's headboard.  Her shelf with her light, a cross that Mother bought for me several years back, pretty flowers arrived via Mother while we were in Washington and one of Kennedy's horses.

Mother bought this simple creamy metal towel rack (actually) that has worked nicely for a quilt rack.  The crocheted blanket was made for Bailey by a friend of Mother's.  Bailey used the blanket on her bed while in Washington.  The little white box was also a gift from Mother.  It makes a nice place for doll clothes.

The floor area where the ironing board is at changes from week-to-week.  Currently, the baby-doll bunk beds are kept on this wall.  :0)

These are my ballet shoes.  I took ballet only for a short time.  I think I was about six.  The tiny birdhouse is has a mosaic roof, also made by Mrs. Sweet. 

The bedroom stays mostly free of toys.  There is a small toy basket under Addison's bed.  The other toys remain in the garage in boxes.  The boxes are brought in only one at a time and then returned to the garage at the end of the day.  It is a wonderful way to keep toys under control, but that is an entirely different post.

:0)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 3, 2008

Music:  My Favorite Things

Menus - Breakfast & Snacks

Our breakfast menu is working out nicely.  If you missed that post, you can read it here. 

We did switch our Thursday and Friday morning menu.  We have cold cereal on Thursdays and save the pancakes or baked goods for Friday.  Had I have been thinking when making the menu, I would have done this in the first place.  We do our cooking and baking on Thursdays so we now make sure to enjoy the fresh baked goods on Friday mornings.

This has completely eliminated the habit of the morning-begging for cold cereal. 

~~~

This same principle has worked wonderfully for snacks as well.  Instead of the children constantly asking for their favorite snacks, we simply follow the menu.  Of course Mommy reserves the right to override or add to the snack menu at any time.  ;0)

Snacks:

Monday:  cinnamon graham crackers; oranges; pretzels

Tuesday:  fruit bars; nuts; left-over pancakes (the recipe that we use gives us a sweet pancake and the girls love them cold, too)

Wednesday:  apples; cheese & crackers; pickles

Thursday:  vanilla wafers; carrots; pretzels

Friday:  baked goods; popcorn; chips & salsa

~~~

Our girls are allowed to eat fresh fruit or veggies anytime and do partake daily.  I took a few of their favorites and intermingled with healthy snacks.  The children have a morning snack, a snack before their rest at 2pm and a snack around 4:30.  A few months back I pushed suppertime back to 6pm with hopes that Daddy would make it home each eve for a hot meal.  Tiny tummies are very hungry before 6pm so the 4ish snack arrived with the later suppertime in our house. 

It is working well for us.

I pray that if you will enjoy a Friday filled with the Lord's presence.  Let's smile at our children and enjoy their tiny hands and their silly giggles.  Let's smile at unintentional messes and "heal" grumpy hearts with bear-hugs today. 

:0)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

June 13, 2008

Music: My Favorite Things

Breakfast - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days

Our last several months in Washington we enjoyed a large full breakfast every morning, as a family.  Mr. Klause suggested it as we were discussing our family's eating habits one evening but he did not want to cause unnecessary morning burden on his wife.  I agreed that a larger breakfast in place of a larger dinner meal would be a more healthy option for us.  I also shared that it would actually be easier to prepare the large meal early in the day when I am "fresh" in my day instead of late in the day.  It was a good theory and it proved to be true.  We all enjoyed the large breakfast meal and really enjoyed having the meal as a family every single morning. 

It was wonderful to smell the biscuits and bacon cooking...or the oatmeal...or an occasional batch of cinnamon rolls...

The move to Texas and the job change has caused our morning routine to change.  Mr. Klause leaves before the children wake now and the large breakfast as a family is no longer a part of our days. 

Unfortunately we have fallen into the habit of a cold cereal "sprinkled" with a good breakfast instead of good breakfasts "sprinkled" with cold cereal.

Mr. Klause and I have been discussing nutrition for our family again in recent days.  When Kennedy was a baby I successfully used a weekly menu and would like to do that again.  Not rigid menu plans mind you.

The girls and I sat down this morning to see about some planning and this is what we have come up with so far. 

Sundays: peanut butter & jelly (or honey) sandwiches --- This was specifically selected because it is a quick and easy meal that is filling.  It facilitates getting everyone ready for church and not having a morning snack while in church.

Mondays: eggs

Tuesdays: pancakes

Wednesdays: hot cereal or rice

Thursdays: pancakes or pastry --- The girls really like pancakes.

Fridays: cold cereal

Saturdays:  Daddy's choice --- We use a pancake batter that we make ahead and put into the fridge for the week so if we don't have pancakes on Thursdays then we can eat them on Saturdays.

Meal Options

EGGS:

     1) boiled eggs, toast, fruit

     2) scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits or toast

     3) fried eggs (rare) and toast

     4) poached egg, cheese & meat on an English muffin or biscuit

     5) ham, egg and cheese on a croissant

     6) omelets

     7) My Daddy's Breakfast Casserole (Look for this recipe to be posted soon.)

     8) breakfast tacos

     **** Hash browns, fried potatoes, fruit or gravy could be added to any meal.

PANCAKES:

     1) just pancakes

     2) add scrambled eggs

     3) add fruit to top our pancakes

     4) add a breakfast meat

     5) make pigs-in-a-blanket out of them

HOT CEREAL OR RICE:

     1) oatmeal

     2) Malt-O-Meal

     3) Cream of Wheat

     4) cooked rice with butter, sugar and milk added

     5) oatmeal bake

PANCAKES (see above) OR PASTRY:

     1) cinnamon rolls

     2) homemade bread with peanut butter and bananas

     3) muffins with bacon

     4) donuts

COLD CEREAL:

     - self-explanatory of course

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The concept of planning a generalized menu worked so well before.  It allows for direction and planning for shopping and ensures well-rounded nutrition and variety in the meals but allows for flexibility.

I'll let you know how it is going along the way and, of course, I will share any great recipes we find!  We would also welcome any other breakfast ideas or great recipes that you and your family enjoy! 

** If you are new to my blog, you can share your recipe or thoughts by scrolling to the bottom of this post and click on the word "comments" in the light grey print. **

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

May 29, 2008

Music: Little Brown Church in the Vale

How about a cup of tea? We can sit awhile.

A few of the rooms in our home have been decorated.

This is the "Sitting Room". 

When you walk into our front door there is a formal dining room immediately to your left.  We opted out of the formal dining room for a couple of reasons:  1) We have only one dining room suit; 2) the breakfast area is actually very large and quite suitable for dining; 3) do you see the carpet in this room above?  We have three children under age six that live in our house!  Can you just see the spaghetti, blueberry muffins and grilled cheese smudged and squished into the lovely creamy carpet?  ;0)

So...it is our sitting room.  It is very pleasant.  The girls and I spend a fair amount of time each day reading and this is a very inviting and comfortable room for reading.  The room is bright and open and it is next to the kitchen.  It is the perfect place for Bailey to do her math lessons and handwriting and such.  She can be comfortable in the middle of the floor, curled up on the chest or in a rocking chair.

 

The room is filled with things that remind us of those that are special to us.

All through our home you will see a collection of crosses that was given to me by Mother and my dear friend, Mrs. Jakubauskas.  The white ceramic basket on top of the cabinet was given to me by my husband's Grandma Chester.  The rocking chair and little ottoman were mine when I was a little girl.  My Mema Simpson (my Daddy's mother) bought them just for me.  Now, my children sit in the little chair every single day.  The wee little toy wooden rocker was given to me when I was pregnant with Bailey.  Mother gave it to me.  My beloved gave the clock to me several years ago for Christmas.  It plays such beautiful music at the top of the hour.

Isn't she lovely?  Can you feel the soft breeze that is blowing her skirt and her scarf?  Mother, Miss Melanie Hall and I picked this out last year after we moved to Washington.  The tiny lamp was something I bought just for Bailey's room when she was a baby.  The cross was given to me by Mrs. Jakubauskas as a birthday present.  The stitched handkerchiefs was from Mother; one for each of us gals to take to church with us.  Sadly, I cannot remember who gave me the candle holder or the vase...give me a couple of days to think on it!  :0(

The Raggedy Ann doll was mine when I was a little girl.  Sadie Rabbit belonged to Hope.  The two framed doilies on the wall were my Mema Simpson's.  Mother bought me the cream throw early in my marriage.

We bought my rocking chair to put in the nursery when I found I was pregnant with Bailey.  Mother & Daddy bought the beautiful sewing machine in front of the window.  The machine is still in a box; I'll get that out and put back together soon.  The small white wicker rocker was given to the girls by their Grandparents Slider.

Just before leaving Washington, several of us Mommies had started to work with lots of our little girls on stitcheries similar to this one.  The Hurd Family, dear friends, gave us this beautifully framed stitchery before we left.

And of course...my SIT LONG, TALK MUCH sign hangs just above the entry to the kitchen.  I am hopeful that all of my family and friends will someday be able to come to our home to sit for a long time and talk and talk!  ;0)

I asked the Lord many years ago if He would allow our home to be and teach me how to make a restful and comfortable place for my husband and children and I asked if He would bring family and friends to our home all the days of our lives. 

The world tells us that the house always needs to be perfectly straight and the dishes always clean before guests arrive.  I used to think the same thing.  However, I have learned that it is in seeing the imperfections of our lives that have allowed friends to become closer over the years.  It is like looking through the fence when my friends and family see only the neatly tidied home.  It, passively, sets a standard that neighbors, friends and family believe is normal in our home and it seems to create a wall between people.  A dear friend of mine was sure that I maintained a wonderfully tidy home and "had it all together" all the time.  She was "standing on the sidewalk looking through the fence" at me.  She was only seeing a sliver of my life.  It was a wonderful day when she came to visit on short notice one day.  She found food on the floor after meals with wee little children and she found a load of laundry at the top of the stairs that needed to go to the laundry room and many other things that I would normally get put away when I know guests are coming to visit.  It was that day that God blessed us with wonderful conversation and sharing of our lives and all that God has done and was doing in our hearts at the time.  It was that day that we actually became friends.  :0) 

Opening my home to others always blesses me!  I want their hearts to be blessed and I want them to be comfortable in the home that the Lord has provided to us through the hard work of my husband's hands.  But it is me that always receives the blessing of their time and their sharing... 

I happened upon an article yesterday over the matter: click here and scroll down to the article titled "Woman to Woman: A Messy House Ministry.  Now God is clearly orderly and we should keep our home orderly.  We should be good stewards of what the Lord has given to us.  I have found over the years that my home is much more pleasant with fewer things.  I have found, over the years, that our home is far more pleasant when there are routines that are firmly established and firmly adhered to; when I have been careful to manage my time and allocate chores to be done on particular days.  In my life, maintaining our home has been much like being a good steward of money.  If each dollar is "labeled" or "assigned" to something, then little money (if any) gets wasted.  Time seems the same.

It is not unusual to hear me say, "You are welcome to come and see us anytime!  However if you want to come to see the house, you should make an appointment.  ;0)"

"1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;  2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:  5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.  6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.  7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."  ~~I Peter 4:1-11

I hope you will come for tea soon!  I would be honored to have you.

~~~~~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

May 10, 2008

Music: Misc.

Afternoon sewing...

I recently started teaching the girls to sew by hand.

It is my goal to spend some time every afternoon stitching.

Why sewing?  :0)

There are many reasons.  It is good to be quiet.  How can we hear the Holy Spirit's whisper if there is constant noise, entertainment, talking, etc.??  The Lord has spent a fair amount of time with me over the last year or so teaching me the beauty of being still and quiet.  You can read this post on the matter:  Do You Ever Enjoy The Silence?

I think it wise to teach our children to be quiet.  Our world does not have to be continuously filled with action and noise.   I recently read an article and within it were the following words; it is the words of a woman with six little boys and expecting her seventh child; she too is speaking of teaching her children to be quiet:  "If we train our children at a young age to enjoy quietness, then they will eagerly embrace the discipline it takes to develop their own life with God, and the conviction to LISTEN and WAIT for His specific call and purpose for their life as they are in God's word and in prayer.  Our society is so entertainment crazy!  So addicted to noise!  So filled with artificial means of happiness!  And so plagued by the disease of boredom!  When we deliberately wean our children from the lure of these unnatural and false substitutes for true peace and contentment, we do them a great service and facilitate their being equipped for the Master's use!"

I agree with this woman.  I am not insinuating that we sequester ourselves for hours on end each day.  I am simply stating that it is very easy, in our society, to overdose our children on television, toys, entertainment, going to visit a friend, going here, doing this, doing that...  Our society is so busy going somewhere all the time. 

I want my girls to learn the self-discipline of sitting still...

I want my girls to learn to enjoy the work of their hands...

I want my girls to know that their work should be done unto the Lord...

I want my girls to enjoy working with their hands and then giving the fruits of their labor, in love, to someone else...

I want them to learn the attention to detail that sewing requires...

I want them to learn the patience that sewing requires...

I want them to learn to perseverance to complete a project...

I want them to enjoy the simplicity yet the beauty of something that is hand-crafted...

I want them to learn to enjoy the silence so that they may enjoy the fellowship of their Heavenly Father.

~~~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

March 7, 2008

Music:  Will Goodwin

Teacup Tuesdays - Dragonfly Teapot

I last shared the set of Dragonfly Teacups that my Aunt Joni bought for me several years back.  You can read about them here.

Here is the teapot that matches. 

Aunt Joni bought this for me when she bought the teacups of course.  When I posted about the cups, I thought I had the pretty matching teapot packed away but, silly me, there is was tucked back in my tea cabinet. 

I now have my Snowman Teapot, Peter Rabbit Teapot, Dragonfly Teapot and a lovely teapot with streamers and flowers that Mother gave to me.  My kitchen and dining area are a bit small so I have been rotating my cups and pots, mostly according to season. 

Thank you again Aunt Joni.  :0)

These two beautiful women are:  my Aunt Joni and my Mother.

:0)

I just have to share what Kennedy just said to me...

She stands looking over my shoulder as I type this post.  She sees the photo of Aunt Joni and Mother above and says, "Oh Momma, it is family!"  I said, "Yes, that is your Aunt Joni."  Kennedy said, "Momma, can I meet her one day?"

Kennedy has met Aunt Joni but she doesn't remember.  Maybe Kennedy will see Aunt Joni soon...

~~~~~~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

February 19, 2008

Music:  Wings of the Dragonfly

Teacup Tuesdays - Dragonflies

The beginning of my teacup collection...

Aunt Joni had come to visit right after we bought our first home.  She wanted to get something for me...a housewarming...

The cups and saucers are a beautiful jade green.

And they are covered with dragonflies and flowers.  I use them all the time and think of my sweet Aunt Joni every time I hold one my dragonfly cups in my hand.  I have wanted to post this set for sometime but I was without a good photo of my Aunt Joni.  Until....last week.... 

My lovely Aunt Joni is on the left (my Mother is on the right).  My earliest memory of Aunt Joni...I was about seven.  She hasn't changed; she looks just the same!  :0)  I traveled to visit and stay with Aunt Joni and Uncle Rick several times during my childhood.  Aunt Joni makes the very best fruit salad ever! 

Thank you Aunt Joni for starting my teacup collection.  I had no idea how wonderful it would be!  :0)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

February 5, 2008

Music:  Lord of the Dance

The Importance of Taking Tea

Do you take tea?  Regularly?  If not, you should consider it.  If you don't like tea, then hot cider or hot chocolate or coffee or even some warm milk with a splash of coffee creamer is tasty...

There is nothing spectacular about tea.  It is more about stopping for a little while.  We get so busy in our days that we forget to just stop and sit.  Afterall there is laundry to do and meals to cook and clothes to iron and lessons to teach and now there is snow to shovel...  ;0)   

It is too easy to allow the day to zing right past me and then find that I didn't even sit with Kennedy in my lap today or Bailey and I didn't even have a face-to-face meaningful conversation today.  I refuse to be a group of people that live under one roof.  God's plan for our family is far more than simply accomplishing the daily tasks.

Stopping to 'take tea' doesn't have to be a big ordeal (although it is fun).  It is the time taken together while preparing the water and then waiting for the tea to steep.  It is the time simply sitting with our children as we sip our tea.  I firmly believe that if our home were blessed with sons, they would enjoy tea just as often.  I think I would make it a mission to find a big ol' manly mug for my sons to use at tea time (but of course never at a tea party).

I encourage you to enjoy a cup of tea with your children today...

Oh yes...many folks ask me about allowing the children to use the nice and breakable teacups and saucers.  Even little Addison, at 18 months old, uses our glass teacups.  Here is why:  Teeny & Broken

~~~~~

P. S.  I have always kept my Teacup Tuesdays posts in the Household/Hospitality category.  I have now added a category just for Teacup Tuesdays.

~~~~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

January 30, 2008

Music:  Bird of Peace

Teacup Tuesdays - Hello Baby Bear

This tiny little bear is peering into a tiny little teacup...

...it has a pair of zebras, a pair of sheep and a rain cloud...

...a pair of elephants, a pair of giraffes, the sun and a rainbow...

My cousin, Mrs. Goodwin, sent us a box of new teacups as a housewarming when we arrived in Washington.  This little cup was sent just for Addison.  She loves to drink out of her teacup and the two handles are perfect for her.

You can see some of the other teacups that Mrs. Goodwin sent to us:

Teacup Tuesdays - Hearts & Flowers

Teacup Tuesdays - Peter Rabbit

This was Addison's first teacup, it will always be very special.

~~~~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

January 29, 2008

Music:  Winter

Grandma's Apron

This hangs in my kitchen.  Here is what it says:

Grandma's Apron by Tina Trivett

The strings were tied, It was freshly washed, and maybe even pressed. For Grandma, it was everyday to choose one when she dressed. The simple apron that it was, you would never think about; the things she used it for, that made it look worn out. She may have used it to hold, some wildflowers that she'd found. Or to hide a crying child's face, when a stranger came around. Imagine all the little tears that were wiped with just that cloth. Or it became a potholder to serve some chicken broth. She probably carried kindling to stoke the kitchen fire. To hold a load of laundry, or to wipe the clothesline wire. When canning all her vegetables, it was used to wipe her brow. You never know, she might have used it to shoo flies from the cow. She might have carried eggs in from the chicken coop outside. Whatever chore she used it for, she did them all with pride. When Grandma went to heaven, God said she now could rest. I'm sure the apron that she chose, was her Sunday best. I miss you Grandma...

** Mrs. Trivett wrote explains her poem: 

"I wrote the poem years ago for my Grandmother when she passed. She was a sweet dear lady who lived to be 96. She was from Kentucky, wife of a farmer, mother of 13 children. She may have treated herself to a few puffs from a corncob pipe once in a while, but she was also very dignified.

"She wore a fresh, crisp, clean apron over her dress every day. The pockets held little treasures like chewing gum and mints. When she passed, I was in the middle of a snowstorm in the North Carolina mountains, and could not attend her funeral in Kentucky. That's where the poem 'Grandma's Apron' came from.

~~~~~

I do so love aprons.  They are practical and useful and can be so lovely.  Wearing my aprons has cut back on my laundry as they keep my daily clothing from being soiled. 

My girlies and I have decided that we want to make seasonal aprons.  It will be a work in progress and should be lots of fun.

~~~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

January 24, 2008

Music:  Touch of the Master's Hand

Doilies

This beautiful doily was handmade just for me by Mrs. Hunter.  I just love doilies!  They give such warmth to any room. 

I am thankful to have "run into" Mrs. Hunter online.  If you might want one of these lovlies for your own home or if you happen to want to bless someone you love with one, here is how you can reach Mrs. Hunter:

Send an email to her at:  nnannysh@yahoo.com or just give her a call at 817-480-1922.

If you have any difficulty reaching her, please just email me at mrs_klause@yahoo.com and I will find her for you.  ;0)

posted by Mrs. Klause

January 21, 2008

Music:  numerous by David Nevue

Teacup Tuesdays - Beautiful Butterflies

Of all my teacups, this one is probably the most practical.

It is shaped just like a regular coffee mug but it has an insert to put my fresh tea (or teabag) and then a lid.  It is fabulous for steeping my tea.  The beautiful yellow-green background with butterflies is my favorite part of the cup though.  This cup "looks" just like the sweet lady that gave it to me.  Every single time that I see this cup, I think of Mrs. Jakubauskas.

The miles now separate us tremendously.  The time that we spend loving and caring for our husbands, our children and our homes leaves little time now-a-days for us to visit on the phone.  However, God blessed us with a friendship that was, is and will always be a gift to me.

Mrs. Jakubauskas gave me another teacup last year for my birthday, I would love for you to see that one too.  You can find the teacup and the story of how our friendship began here.

~~~

I do miss you Mrs. Jakubauskas.  Praying for you and your family always...

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

January 9, 2008

Music:  Clair d'Lune

Teacup Tuesdays - Let It Snow

Look at my new teapot!  She arrived this Christmas.  The Bohots sent her to me.  She has been put to use almost every single day so far.

She is blue and white and has pretty little snowflakes all over her and of course the snowman.

Thank you Mrs. Bohot!

:0)

~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

January 1, 2008

Music: The Snow Lay On The Ground

TIME TO TIDY UP!, December 28th, DAY 3

Good Friday Morning.  It is a beautiful morning here.  The snow continues to fall and it is so peaceful.

Before I go any further I was hoping that some of you ladies would pray for a dear friend of mine.  She flew to her father's bedside in an intensive care unit last night.  He is very ill.  He and his family all know the Lord.  Please pray for God's perfect will...pray that God would be glorified...pray that any that do not know Him would clearly see Christ amongst that family and feel the very presence of God.  Thank you so much...

We Christians can easily get caught up in selfish prayers.  We usually don't mean for them to be that but oftentimes, they are.  We pray for our laundry list of items that we want or want to happen. 

"5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."  ~~Matthew 6:5-13

Sometimes I have to stop and think upon how much I love my own children.  I love them with all that I am.  I want THE BEST for them, not just something good but THE BEST.  I want to watch over them and allow trials and pain if it helps them to grow and to learn.  I want to spend time with them every day and all day so that we may know each other and love each other more and more.  I want to correct them when they are wrong because it will save them frustration and even agony later in life.  Our love for our children gives us just the slightest glimpse of the Lord's love for us. 

Our lives are like a tapestry woven by the very hand of God.  If we submit to Him and wait on Him, then it is His perfect plan woven into the tapestry.  When our humanness and sinful nature take over and we step forward with our wills, our selfishness, our anger...any of our sins...the Lord takes our decisions and continues to weave for He promises  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." in Romans 8:28. 

Our lives and our hearts are amazingly intricate.  He knows and sees all that we are and all that we will become.  I am human and I will sin but I deeply desire to see the tapestry that contains each strand of His perfect will instead of the tapestry that Our Heavenly Father can weave with the discolored and broken threads that I give to Him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are just arrived today, this post is Part 4 of 4.  Here are the links, in order, of what we have been up to around here:

Praising, Thanking, Working & Playing Together

Time To Tidy Up, December 26th, DAY 1

Time To Tidy Up, December 27th, DAY 2

Our laundry is already in process.  I do laundry once each week.  It is wonderful!  We spend the day getting it done and then don't have to think about it again for a week.  Once a more scheduled school time started, I tried to do a load of laundry each day but I always ended up with a sour and/or wrinkled load.  So...schoolwork simply migrates to the laundry area when necessary.  It works well for us.

I always do the towels first because the morning is also filled with schoolwork.  That way if the load in the dryer happens to sit for a half hour, wrinkles aren't a concern.  I start the first load before anyone wakes so the water is finished running before my beloved is up for a shower.  I have to set my oven timer for the duration of the wash cycle so that I don't get busy and forget that a load is washing. 

So...if you haven't started already...

- separate your loads;

- start the first load;

- go set your timer (30-45 minutes).

We will take care of our usual morning routine:

- breakfast, breakfast cleanup (as a family), brush teeth & hair, dress, make all the beds...

We do all this morning routine as a family.  I have found that if I send a child down for dressing then she most certainly will get distracted.  Same for bed-making... 

By that time, we can rotate the laundry.  Bailey is five and she can take care of the towels from start to finish.  She likes to race the clock and can usually get a load of towels folded and put away in less than eight minutes.  Kennedy is just learning to fold washrags and she does a fine job.  Addison likes to put clothes into the washer and then she likes to shove them into the dryer. 

After morning chores are done then we will get our house clean.  Join us if you like...

"See" you soon...

~~~~~~~~

- Let's get that first load folded and then rotate wash to dry and put a new dirty load in to wash...

I sure am thankful for an indoor toilet!  How about you?  Let's clean the bathroom first.  It is quick and easy and for those of you that don't like to clean the bathroom, you can get it out of the way. 

Now in my house...here is the conversation that just took place:

Mommy:  Okay girls...who wants to clean the toilet?

Bailey:  I do!  I do!

Kennedy:  No!  Me!  I want to clean the toilet Mommy!

Bailey:  Oh Kennedy, we can both do it.  We have two toilets.

Kennedy:  Oh yea.  {giggle}  You can clean the downstairs and I will clean the upstairs.

:0)

So...fold, put away, rotate the laundry and go clean your bathrooms and I will meet you back here in a little while.

~~~~~~~~~

Bailey (age 5) is working downstairs.  I pour the chemical into the toilet and then she is fine from there.  She has become quite proficient at cleaning the bathroom.  She will clean the toilet, the countertop and sink and empty the trash.  We will clean the shower stall after Addison wakes up.  We always save the floors in the entire house for last.

I came upstairs to find Kennedy (age 2) wiping the toilet.

I clean alongside as I teach her how to clean the toilet.  I do my best to NEVER criticize as the girls work.  Instead my goal is to be a good example.  With Kennedy she is just learning about cleaning toilets so I will simply teach her the order:  clean the entire top of the toilet first, then the top of the lid, then the bottom of the lid, etc.  Teaching her the order will prevent her from cleaning the icky parts and then putting the rag to the not-so-icky-parts.  Also good hygiene is discussed and the importance of handwashing.  With Bailey I might say something like, "When Mommy gets in a hurry I often miss spots.  Are you working at a good pace or are you getting in a hurry?"  If she is in a hurry, she recognizes it and corrects it. 

After all the cleaning, the girls sit down for a snack...

I will take five minutes and go to check their work and clean any spots that they have missed.  If I notice something that Bailey needs to improve on then I will mention it next week.  'Thank you for being such a good helper by cleaning the bathroom.  Last week I think you forgot to put the cleaning supplies away.  When we do a task, it is very important that we do it completely and do it well.  If you need help getting the supplies put away, just let me know.' 

Sometimes I fail miserably and criticize and become to harsh with my words.  This is always a mistake.  I am learning that self-control is a tremendous blessing...a blessing in my life and a blessing in the lives of others.  I am also convinced that controlling one's tongue is not possible without the hand of the Lord...

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."  ~~Proverbs 25:28

"16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."   ~~Galatians 5:16-26

~~~~~~`

Let's get the next load of laundry folded and rotate again. 

Oops...don't forget to get that clean laundry put away.  There is no reason for mountains of clean and folded laundry to stare us in the face at the end of the day!  And there is certainly no reason for Momma to squawk at the children when they knock over a stack that could have been put away from the beginning.  (Been there, done that...not the best way.)

We are going to dust now.  Our furniture looks like a herd of zebra came through and left all their dust behind.   ;0)

Then we shall stop for lunch.

Smile Momma...  Swish, dust, fold...  Have fun as you care for the home that you have been blessed with...  If, by chance, a spot of grumpiness or impatience begins to creep over you...this is what I do:  STOP, DROP & PRAY (Aloud!  Our children need to learn how to talk to the Lord.).  Then I ask my children to forgive me for (whatever my hideousness was) and let them know that my example was not a good one and tell them how I could have handled myself.

I am so thankful for God's grace...I sure do need it...

~~~~~~~~

We had an extended lunch!  Our neighbor called at the last minute and invited us over.  She is so sweet!  She even sent us home with cookies and candy.

~~~~~~~~~

Back to the laundry...

Unload dryer, rotate the loads, fold and put away...

We will vacuum quickly before putting Addison down to nap and then sweep and mop.

WE ARE ALMOST FINISHED!!  Yippeee!!

~~~~

Well...I think all we lack is the tub and shower.  Have everyone put on their swimsuits over their sweaters and give everyone a brush, sponge or paper towel ... turn on some good music and put in a good 10 minutes of elbow-grease and we will be all done!!

~~~~

I am glad that so many joined us in getting our homes back in order.  Have a blessed weekend.

posted by Mrs. Klause

December 28, 2007

Music: Lord of the Dance

Time To Tidy Up, December 27th, DAY 2

Good Thursday Morning!

---- This post is Part 3 of 4.  Here are the other links in order:

Praising, Thanking, Working and Playing Together

Time To Tidy Up, December 26th, DAY 1

I don't know about you but when I read the Word of God I am energized.  Peace settles within me and joy begins to flow...  For many years sitting down to read God's word was not what it should have been.  I wanted to enjoy my bible more but sometimes it seemed another thing to do.  Oftentimes I have read as a matter of obedience.  I love the Lord but I still lack...I want to love the Lord WITH ALL MY HEART.  I have prayed that the Lord would teach me to love His word.  Loving His word is loving Him...  John 1:1 clearly states this:  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  It is shameful that I lacked love for my Lord (and still do), but He is teaching me more and more every single day. 

Psalm 100 - "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For th eLord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

~~~~

Step #9 - Make sure your kitchen it ready for the day again!

It is awfully frustrating to start lunch with a mess from breakfast.  So...let's make sure breakfast is cleaned up!

Step #10 - Schoolroom (for those of you that don't have a schoolroom, keep reading)

WHO MADE THIS MESS!?  Oh...we all contributed a bit...  Kennedy took her bag down to find her crayons; Bailey sat in the floor with the owl clock while Addison wrote in her pad of teddy bear paper; Mommy & Daddy put things onto Mommy's desk that were in the way during meal preparation...

When the work begins to pile up and your temper begins to flare up, its the time for a song!  Whistle while you work!  Be a merry maker!  Keep the sense of humor alive!  Put on that grin and start right in!  Hum a merry tune!  Do your best!  When there is too much to do, don't let it bother you!  Whistle while you work!  :0)

The schoolroom is likely to be a mess since most of us haven't had any lessons in about a week.  Or you might have used the schoolroom for all kinds of Christmas crafts or wrapping.  Let's get it cleaned up!

- Clear out the trash first (a great job for the 2-4 year olds);

- Make your piles outside the door of everything that goes to another room (if you carry something to the laundry room, it is possible that you will get distracted and start another task -- STAY IN THE ROOM YOU ARE WORKING IN!)

- Books to the bookshelf (any age can help with this one, Addison does a good job at 17 months);

- Pens, pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, glitter, tape...  put it all in a container of some sort and set it aside for now;

** Can you see the floor and desktops yets?? **

- Games, Lincoln Logs, blocks, Betty Spaghetti, trainset, dominoes, cards... all those things that probably found a way out of their boxes....  Put all that away now. 

- Any stacks of things that you have made in the schoolroom (pens, pencils, books beside the bookshelf, etc.) ... put those stacks away now.

Now...time to put the stacks outside the door away!  Task you Littles with quick errands and make sure they report back as soon as they are finished so that no one gets distracted.  Momma, you report back to the children too, let them know when you get back from taking the dirty laundry.  ;0)

*** Don't have a schoolroom?  Pick another room...same procedure:

- trash first;

- make your stacks for other rooms;

- then begin to put back what is out of place!

---- READY?   SET!   GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ---- 

Okay...WHO BOUGHT THAT LITE BRITE ANYWAY?  I AM ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THERE ARE 4260 PIECES!

*** Now Mommas...I encourage you to keep your children with you while you work.  There are certainly times when we might pop in a movie for the children while we clean or complete a task.  However making this the normal procedure is not good for anyone.  We begin to create a monster... 

The children begin to see it as their "right" to lounge and be passively entertained while Mother does the work.  The children will begin to complain when we ask them to work.  Mother will begin to see herself as a victim.  She will begin to have pity-parties with thoughts to herself like, "Why am I cleaning this up again?  Does anyone else ever bother to pick up their dirty clothes?" 

It does take more time to complete a task with their are lots of little hands helping.  However...think of their hearts and their souls.  What honors God?  Working is simply a part of this life.  Your sons and daughters will have keep up their home every day of their life.  It should be a blessing and not a curse.  What a blessing to have a washing machine and dryer and clothes to put in them!!  What a blessing to have a yard to call your own for mowing!  What a blessing to even have toys and books to put away! 

When we work with our children at our sides, we tie strings with them.  We teach them how to work with a cheerful heart.  We teach them about serving others as our family is our first mission field!  Just don't forget to stop and play Momma.  Work a bit and then play a bit...  But you stop and play with them!  The children will just love it. 

Don't be a gripe or a mean old task master.  Truly!  Whistle while you work.  All the gals (you too Momma!) pull your hair into pigtails for the day.  Be silly Momma!  Have fun with your work!  You and your girlies can make (or buy) some matching scarves to wear over your head to keep your hair out of your face.  Everyone tie on their aprons.  The boys...give them manly tasks...carry out the boxes; carry out the heavy trashbags; lift the books onto their shelves; change the lightbulbs...

Teach them to love their home and to love to serve their father and their brothers and sisters... 

Back to work...

Lite Brite piece number 2172, 2173, 2174, 2175... 

Whew...okay...that wasn't so bad.  :0)

It is not perfect.  The floor really needs to be vacuumed but that will wait until later today or tomorrow.  The books are on the shelf but not organized back to their normal state.  But I don't want to do the detail work right now...  I had to resist the temptation to get caught up in the detail though!

This handy shoe bag hangs on the back of the schoolroom door.  We keep the markers, crayons, pencils, glue sticks, notecards (and so on) here.  The crayons, markers and colored pencils are all mixed together.  I started to organize those and had to stop myself and remember that I don't need to spend 10 minutes on that right now.  There is more to do in other rooms!!

Step #11 - Lunchtime!

- Make it quick and simple and finish out lunch with a good game or some coloring.  I'll let you know what we decide on.  ;0)

Well, we had some lunch and then sang and had a parade and did Looby Loo (that is kind of like the Hokey Pokey).

We spun in circles...

We wore hats...

Addison giggled and played with us and made sure everyone "talked to Daddy" on the little pink plastic phone.

Logan watched from the sidelines.  He was a bit unsure of all the foot stomping during "When You're Happy & You Know It".  :0)

Step #12 - Bedrooms

Now some of you made have already progressed in some of the bedrooms if you don't have a playroom.  But for those of us that haven't made it there yet...

- Start in the master bedroom (that should always be our place of rest);

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