Treats

Mmmm.
Looks good doesn't it?
Kayla and I were inspired yesterday to make this for home group last night.
And do you know, I was too sugared out to have a piece.  We had a little valentine party at CC and with all the sweet treats, I just didn't want anymore.  I will say it was a lot of fun to make!

There's a used book sale going on at the mall this weekend so we went early this morning.  I have some pretty good finds to share.  I've been reading a book by D.E. Stevenson and have really enjoyed it.  So I was looking for more of her books and found three!!  (I thought of you Melissa)  Also found The Child from the Sea by Elizabeth Goudge.  I've never found any of her books in the library so I'm excited about this one.  I also found a couple books that I already have but bought them to give away.  How much fun is that- to be able to give someone a really good story to take home?

As I was searching the many titles they had, I found myself thinking of so many others who love to read and how great it has been to get recommendations from ladies who know a good story when they find one.  Now that's a treat.

A Fun Break

When the mailtruck passes by, the mail has come and that's a good thing.
When the mailtruck pulls into our driveway, it can only mean one thing.
Especially when the next sound you hear is the doorbell.
Package!
It's also a surefire way to put a stop to any math or reading or anything else that was being done at the time.
And really, what a fun way to take a break because who can wait to open a package?
Thanks Mimi and Papa!

It's Only 11:15

Y'all.
I have the castle cup out.  And it's only 11:15.
I slept later than I should have (7:00), which I thought might lead to a challenging start to our day.
But we ended up getting started earlier than usual.
Everyone has worked cheerfully and is now playing quietly.
And we are done with the bulk of our work for the day.
We'll do a good review this afternoon and make some valentines.  Maybe we'll even make it to the library.
Maybe I'll get to the pile of laundry that needs to be put away.
Have a clean house when Brian gets home?
I may be getting ahead of myself but hey, I'm feeling optimistic.
And thankful.

Some Favorites from the Week

What's better than the cutest three-year old cowboy?

One that says, "Mommy, how can I help you?"

"She's a peddler roaming the grounds of the house."-Jack

It makes me laugh, at least on the inside, when I upload pictures and find strange ones like this.  Kayla? 

We're closing out our week with homemade pizza.  Kayla pretty much made the dough herself.  She's really a great help to me- and she enjoys it.

Finished When Crickets Cry last night.  It's a good read.

Starting Still Glides the Stream by D.E. Stevenson.  I love the title.  

"Praise to the Lord!

O let all that is in me adore him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!

Let the Amen Sound from his people again;

Gladly for aye we adore him."

       from "Praise to the Lord, the  Almighty"

  Joachim Neander, 1680

The Old Fashioned Way

Some guys from church gave Brian these free-range eggs on Sunday after church.
Brian joked that they paid the preacher the old-fashioned way.
We could get used to that.

Taking 5

I like to reserve this cup for quiet moments in my day.  Which means I don't get it out too often.  (Smile)
It's so pretty and reminds me of some Charlotte friends.  In particular, a book club I attended just once but thoroughly enjoyed.
The day has not been quiet nor peaceful.
I thought I'd take five.
So, I got out my castle cup this afternoon along with a book I'm reading.
When I made my coffee, it was quiet.
When I took the picture, it was quiet.
When I sat down to enjoy both coffee and book, it was no longer quiet.
I waited too long.
No matter.  I enjoyed my coffee anyway and will get to the book tonight after everyone is sleeping soundly.