All Things Feminine

Closing All Things Feminine

2011-02-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

After months of debating with myself, I've decided to consolidate my blogs. I'll be closing All Thing Feminine. If you'd like, I'd appreciate it if you instead followed my blog at http://hillsidecottage.blogspot.com! Thank you!

Promoting Modesty in Toddler Girls

2011-02-10T14:13:00.005-05:00

I hate when I do a poor job trying to convey a thought on my blog. I did a REALLY bad job with my last post. Sorry.

I got some upset comments about my last post on toddler modesty. I'm gonna have to say, yes, I agree, anyone who finds toddlers "a stumbling block" is a pervert. I shouldn't have worded it that way. Chalk it up to typing while half asleep and in a hurry.

And no, I don't think toddler tummies are eye-covering shames. If anything, they're great razzberry targets!

Let's just say thank God for edit buttons!

But the question remains, how do you promote modesty in your toddler girls? I left it at toddler girls because this blog is about All Things FEMININE.

Basically, the question arose due to someone I know who's toddler daughter loves to get nude whenever and where ever. Public or private. And she isn't just getting naked, she's getting naked with gusto and full-on show. She's not sure what to do about it, and frankly, I wondered myself.

Strength and Dignity

2011-02-02T17:34:00.002-05:00

Weakness happens. We get tired. We fall ill. We get frustrated. We make a mistake. We sin. We feel guilty. We grow weary. Things happen and when they happen it is so easy to fall into a pity party. It gets easier to whine and to perceive things as worse than they are. I'm very prone to this and felt rather weak and whiny this afternoon until the Lord laid a verse on my heart:

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing.

Strength - picking myself up out of the pity party, putting on my big girl britches and getting back to life.

Dignity - shutting my mouth to the whining, yelling, screaming, poor language and presenting myself with self-control, love and Christ-like behavior.

Clothing - God knows we're human. He knows that sometimes we need to just have a good cry out. When do you remove your clothing? In private, usually to change or to bathe. So, there are times, in private, that we can remove our strength and dignity and bare ourselves and our weakness to the Lord (He knows them anyway, so why not come out and pray about it). Then we can cleanse and change into fresh, renewed strength and dignity.

"Kill List" Normal Behavior?

2011-01-29T21:02:00.002-05:00

Recently, in a town about 2 hours away from me, a 12 year old girl was arrested and suspended because her "kill list" was found at school. Apparently, she wrote down a list of people, other students, she wanted to kill, at least in her mind. If that's not shocking enough, a local talk show host posted about this on his facebook page. The responses surprised me. Several adults responded that it's just normal adolescent behavior.

If this is normal adolescent behavior, then we really need to re-evaluate what we consider normal for our children!

Apparently, hate lists are quite popular now, but she gets the hand-cuffs because her list was labeled "kill." This is twisted! On one hand I see the ridiculousness and childishness of it. I'm reminded of the bullying brother in "Quiet Man" who always had his toady write down the names of people who got on his nerves in his book. No one respected him for it. On the other hand, I shake my head at what childhood has allowed to become.

I certainly hope that the people in her life don't just punish the symptom, but get to the root of this and pull it out! This girl obviously has deep issues that need to be addressed if at 12 years old she feels the need to write up a kill list/hate list.

We have got to stop not raising our children. We have got to stop thinking that as soon as they hit an age where they can basically care for themselves that we don't have to parent anymore. We have got to turn off the TV, shut down the computer, get off the cell phone and be with our children!

Reading To Her

2011-01-21T06:41:00.003-05:00

This painting is perfect to illustrate this post! My daughter makes the same face, the low, furrowed eyebrows, when she's not happy with something, but not screaming about it.

I've been praying about ways to connect with my daughter. For a while, she was kind of left on her own. I was trying to do some preliminary homeschooling with her older brother and had her new baby younger brother to care for. She, being just 2 and not really one I could do a lot with, just was kept occupied on her own or sent for long naps. She also wasn't really cuddly and wouldn't sit still for anything. But it broke my heart that she was like this untamed wild child. All I could do was keep her out of mischief, look forward to her naps, and endure the wretched screaming and tantrums. It was HARD! I'd be trying to breast feed my new baby and she'd be screaming and flailing about, often hurting herself in the process, over some little perceived infraction.

On top of that, her defiance grew. If I asked her to come to me, please, she would (and still does, but is better about it) stick her little nose in the air, say an affirmative "no," and run the other way. Again, often caring for a new baby left me helpless as she disobeyed and I was stuck on the chair or bed with a happily nursing infant.

There's a verse in the Bible about a child being left alone grieves his mother and it's true. I was grieved by my daughter's behavior. Out of control, self-serving, disobedient......and so unhappy.

Some people try to smooth it over and call it "age appropriate behavior." Some of it is. But, it shouldn't be tolerated. It should be trained away. And the rest is out and out sin. Her unhappiness reveals that, too. And her unhappiness and distance from God, even at just the age of two makes me cry out for her. And I am ashamed to know that much of it is my fault. Oh, I know, it's HARD with a new baby. And last year, hubby was away from home for much of the year due to his job moving him from town to town at the drop of a hat. But, that stuff can't be helped. I basically went into "survival mode" and gave up on her, just making sure she'd live through one more day. It was like giving a tomato plant just enough water to survive, but it never puts out good fruit, instead of cultivating it more fully to allow it to thrive and put forth fruit.

And the ultimate cultivation that I was ignoring during my survival mode days was praying for her. I didn't do a lot of praying. I was so exhausted that I'd fall asleep almost every time I'd start to pray.

So, I've been praying for her and asking God to show me how I can connect to her better, build that lost relationship and start training her up in the way that she should go.

At Christmas, a friend gave my daughter a devotional for little girls and God immediately led me to read it to her before her nap every day. Meant to bless her, I'm finding it is blessing me even more!

I'm doing other things besides reading to her, but our mother-daughter relationship is blossoming. I have my daughter back. She's still my wild mustang, but I feel the Lord is leading me in other directions for raising her up.

And I look forward to it! I love having a daughter.

Organic Bras

2011-01-10T06:57:00.002-05:00

Frankly, I'm sick and tired of the bra choices in the big box stores. I don't bother shopping Victoria's Secret. For the price of the bras (and the immodesty the company in general feeds us) it's not worth my time. They fall apart just as fast as Walmart bras and they're made from the same materials.

I've been wondering lately if anyone makes organic, natural bras. Well, I found a company and their prices are comparable to Victoria's Secret. I haven't actually tried any of their bras yet, so I can't tell you how they fit, wear and last. But, for your reference, here's the link.

Penelope's Wardrobe Revisited

2011-01-09T16:02:00.002-05:00

I LOVE Penelope's wardrobe in the movie "Penelope!" I had a hard time finding shots of her clothing online, but I did find some today!

Check it out HERE!

Children Are A Blessing DVD Giveaway

2011-01-06T07:23:00.001-05:00

Generation Cedar is giving away a copy of Children Are A Blessing DVD! You can enter HERE!

A Book For Every Christian's Bookshelf!

2011-01-05T17:46:00.003-05:00

I was blog surfing one day and came across a blog hosting a giveaway of a book. I read the review/testimony and knew I wanted to look into this book more. The blog hostess was pro-choice, but after receiving her copy of this book, "The Miracle of Me" by Amy Pedersen and reading it, she reevaluated her stance.

Amy Pedersen put this book together when she could not find simple, adequate books on baby development during her own pregnancy. This book is unique in that her simple, lovely week-by-week poetry is written as if the growing baby inside is speaking to you. The book features beautiful pictures of a real, in utero baby growing.

This book is an excellent gift for moms-to-be, but it is also suitable for teaching children about a growing baby. It also can be used as a straightforward, lovely resource for pro-life awareness. You'd be surprised at how many women don't realize just how real and developed an unborn baby is so early on in the pregnancy. So many think the baby is just a "glob of tissue."

As I read through the book, I felt my heart swelling with even more love for my children. Tears began to flow as I read each and every weekly miracle of a growing, unborn baby. This is truly a remarkable book.

I encourage you to visit Amy Pedersen's website at www.themiracleofme.com and get this book! It is well worth the investment!

Red Toes!

2010-12-26T20:36:00.002-05:00

With the arrival home of hubby for the Christmas holidays, I was feeling ever so feminine. On Christmas Eve, my daughter and I made a special trip to Target and bought red nail polish. I have not owned nail polish for around 8-10 years! I don't bother doing my fingernails because they chip within an hour or two. But, for some reason, having my toenails painted really makes me feel so pretty and special. Last year, a family of teenage girls at my church got a hold of me and did my toe nails for me and I just loved it!

So, now I'm sporting red toes (by the way, those aren't my toes in the picture) despite the fact they my toes are buried in warm socks and/or slippers this time of year.

I Can't Help It!

2010-12-13T07:27:00.002-05:00

My baby is just turning 6 months old. I admit that I am rather overwhelmed at home with 3 littles and hubby's crazy work schedule. And yet, lately, my mind has been wandering to being pregnant again. I'm glad I still have that desire. For now, I'm thoroughly enjoying my almost 6 month old. Yesterday, I spent part of the morning just smelling his belly! LOVE that baby smell!

Best Face Forward!

2010-12-08T21:37:00.003-05:00

I've spent years YEARS searching for facial products that work! I've spent money on poison (chemical-laden man-made stuff) and I've spent money on hype. I've spent money on fancy shmancy organic concoctions, too. Yesterday, I've finally settled on a face cleansing routine of natural products that are amazingly simple and not ridiculously expensive.

I wash my face with Scottish Lye Soap from NoSweat Soap Factory.

I tone my face with Rose Water.

I moisturize my face with Sweet Almond Oil.

For those wondering about my skin type, I have fair, slightly sensitive skin that's oily in summer, dry and flaky in winter and acne prone year-round.

Raising Homemakers Voices from the Past Giveaway!

2010-11-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

Enter the Giveaway here!

Respectful Daughters

2010-11-29T09:55:00.002-05:00

I realized something this past weekend. I was talking to another mom who told me her 7 year old niece will not let her mother do her hair, but will sit still for anyone else (among other things). I immediately thought, "Wow, that little girl has no respect for her mother!" And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. MY daughter has little to no respect for me!

She's only 2! When did that happen!?

It happened when I used the excuses:

"She doesn't understand, she's too young."

"She's just 2....all 2 year olds act like this."

"She's just a headstrong, difficult girl."

It happened when I figured it was just easier to let her go than correct her, especially as I battled through this past difficult pregnancy. Not only was I floored most of the pregnancy, but hubby was sent away for work. No one corrected her.

Yet, even now, I find it easier to chide her brother not to tease her than teach her the self discipline to not scream her head off at every little instance.

She IS just 2. She IS a headstrong, difficult, strong-willed, self-willed girl. But 2 year old, headstrong, strong-willed girls can still be respectful, loving, caring and unselfish.

And it starts with me and it starts today.

Vision Forum Baby Conference MP3 Giveaway Ends 12/6

2010-11-22T08:41:00.001-05:00

The Legacy of Home is having a Giveaway for Vision Forum's Baby Conference MP3! How cool is that!? The giveaway ends 12/6.

A Peculiar People - The Botkin Sisters

2010-11-20T22:30:00.003-05:00

Today, as my mind was wandering hither and thither, my thoughts fell upon the Botkin sister, Anna Sophia and Elizabeth. I thought in particular about why in the world people attack them. Now, I don't know them personally. I've never met them. They don't know who I am from Eve. From reading criticisms online, one theme that seems to repeat itself is that people can't believe these young women are for real. Do they really act, dress and behave the way they do in front of the camera? Or is it all an act for Daddy Botkin?

As I pondered this, I thought that perhaps these criticisms come from people who just can't wrap their heads around young women being poised, confident and genteel. Instead, we picture young women like this:
Or this:

The Bible does say that we're a peculiar people....

Through All the Rough and All the Tumble...

2010-11-19T21:30:00.002-05:00

She's still my little girl.

Today, she stepped on a toy and skinned the bottom of her foot. After torturing her by cleaning and dressing the wound, through tears and sobs she gave me this grateful little look and said, "Dank you, Mommy." Oh, my heart!

So, You Think Michelle Duggar Has a Lot of Kids?

2010-11-15T05:23:00.002-05:00

Emily,Duchess of Leinster (nee Lennox) had 22 children in the 18th century! (She buried 12 of them, but not all of the 12 were in infancy).

On the other side of the coin, her sister, Louisa, had no children (though not of her and her husband's own choice.) Caroline had 2 and though she loved them, they were a disappointment to her in adulthood. Sarah had 1 (that I know of) illegitimately.

$1.00 Experiment for Gleaning the Harvest

2010-11-08T08:27:00.001-05:00

Head on over to Feelin' Feminine and please contribute $1.00 to Gleaning the Harvest!

She Makes Pie Crust

2010-11-06T08:18:00.003-04:00

You can get this print at www.art.com

My 2 year old daughter recently has taken an interest in helping in the kitchen. As soon as she sees me in there, she grabs the little chair, pushes it to the counter, climbs up and says, "Hewp Mommy Cook?" I'll be honest, it's been a bit of a trial to allow her to help. I would when I could, but it always ended in me having to send her out the room in a trail of tears and and upset because she would not do as she was told, would eat the batter and would make terrible messes beyond that of just a 2 year old helping. Even gentle correction and firm rules would throw her into a tantrum. It actually got to a point where I dreaded hearing the little chair scrape across the floor in eager anticipation to help.

It seems, with parenting, that when you're about to give up completely or nearly completely disheartened is when the light switch turns on.

Yesterday afternoon, I heard that chair scrape across the floor and the usual, "Hewp Mommy Cook?" I welcomed my little daughter to the counter, but inside prepared myself for the usual meltdown. I was making pie crust for a chicken pot pie for dinner. The flour and salt were already in the mixing bowl and I had just pulled the butter out of the fridge. To my surprise, she turned the butter to the side that marks the tablespoon increments and told me that I could cut there. I thanked her and told her that her job was to cut the butter into the flour with the pastry blender. I showed her how to do this the other day with biscuit dough but it ended with her screaming because I had to remove the cutter to scrape the cold butter off and back into the flour with a butter knife.

Once the butter was cubed and added to the flour, my daughter manned the pastry blender like a pro. As I went for the filling ingredients, I saw her, knife in hand, carefully scraping the stuck butter off the blender and back into the flour. As I prepared the filling, I let her cut in the butter to her content and she did a wonderful job! I told her so and told her it was time to stop using the blender and to add the cold water and stir. She behaved through this, too, eagerly counting with me as I added 5 tablespoons of cold water to the coarse crumbs.

She did get a little upset when I had to work the dough into a ball, but quickly recovered when it came time to roll it out. I let her use the rolling pin and with my help, she did a wonderful job! The dough rolled out beautifully and had excellent marbling within. I complimented her excellent blending job. It was the best behaved pie crust I've ever worked with!

As I set the crust into the pie plate, Daddy poked into the kitchen and our daughter proudly showed off her work. I cut the extra crust off the sides and filled the pie. Using the extra crust dough, we rolled and cut pumpkin shapes to top it with and she watched carefully as I rolled out a snake with the very last bit of dough and made a pretzel shape for the very middle of the pie.

It baked up beautifully and was probably the tastiest chicken pot pie I've ever made! It felt so good to have her help me and do so well. Now, if only I can get her to sweep the floor, even just playing at it, without potentially putting holes in the wall or knocking someone upside the head with the cast iron handle of the little broom!

You Have a Harp!

2010-11-03T05:46:00.002-04:00

I've been wanting a spinet piano for quite some time now. I even wasted time online scouring craigslist for used ones. Since our house is so small, in order for us to fit even a spinet, we'd have to make some major furnishing changes, which include getting a wall-mounted flat panel TV so we can get rid of the big, clunky TV armoire. (Yeah, getting rid of the TV all together in favor of a piano is ideal, but that would mean both adults in the house would have to agree. Hubby grew up in a home where the TV was always on. It's hard to break that habit.) So, instead of just paying the money for the piano (and tuning), we'd be paying for a lot of other things, too.

So, I decided I'd have to be content to not have one for now. In the deep corner of my heart, I still ached. Especially when the day came when my 4 year old came up to me with an Erie Canal coloring book and asked me to teach him the song that was on the first page. I taught it to him a capella and felt that desire for a piano. If only I had a piano, then I could plunk out the tune for him to sing along to.

Then, I heard a voice deep within me say, "You have a harp!"

I do! I do have a harp!

After the kiddos went to bed, I grabbed my little 2 1/2 octave harp, tuned it and taught myself the Erie Canal song and played a few tunes I used to work on years ago. I'm no master. I've never had a lesson. It's not a great, fancy harp. But that night, it sounded so pure and good. The next night, with kiddos tucked into bed, I pulled out the harp and played song after song for them. "Ginko Ginko Tar" is my 2 year old's favorite. (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star for those who need a translation.) I've changed the words to it. Instead of "Like a diamond in the sky" we sing "Jesus put you in the sky."

I'd still like a piano, but now it isn't harping (pun intended) on me. Perhaps someday. But for now, it's nice to revisit my harp and hear my children sing.

Television for Girls

2010-10-26T08:41:00.004-04:00

So, last year I went nuts at the local stores and bought a bunch of Angelina Ballerina DVDs dirt cheap for my daughter. They looked pretty, feminine, and were about England and Ballet. Then, we watched them. Angelina has tantrums like my 2 year old used to. She's dramatic (very dramatic) and screams and cries and stomps and back-talks and throws things and tears apart her bedroom. It was really uncomfortable watching a cartoon mouse act exactly like the behavior I was trying to correct in my daughter!

However, I decided to keep the DVDs (though we rarely watch them) because there is so little for little girls that isn't in some way kinda smutty or too worldly or involves some sort of sorcery. Even old-turned-new-again like Holly Hobbie and Strawberry Shortcake I'm not comfortable with. Not a fan of Dora the Explorer. Sorry. Tinkerbell, no thank you. Disney Princesses, gag.

So, we're down to Little Einsteins and Wendy in Bob the Builder. Not bad.

Then, I thought why in the world am I racking my brain for something my daughter can watch? Less TV is better anyway. Having nothing to watch is a great reason to turn off the TV.

That aside, though, what is there that's decent for a little girl anymore? Why is there such an emphasis on being hip and modern, cool and stylish, girl-power and boy-bashing? Whatever happened to hopscotch and tea parties?

Mysterious Black Ankle Boots

2010-10-26T07:12:00.002-04:00

Where, oh where are those cute little patent leather black ankle boots for little girls? Winter is coming and my daughter needs appropriate footwear for church! At my usual footwear stomping grounds all I'm finding are those chunky "ugg" boots, cowboy boots and boots that are totally inappropriate for a 2 year old girl. (Since when does a 2 year old need knee-high heeled boots!)

When I do find a cute little ankle boot, the price is too high or it has some sort of colored design on them so they won't go with all her dresses.

It really is getting harder and harder to dress little girls like little girls!

Just a little rant...Glee Girls in GQ

2010-10-22T12:20:00.004-04:00

Warning: Not for young readers.

Years ago it was Britney Spears. Then it was Lindsay Lohan. A few weeks ago it was Miley Cyrus. Katie Perry's Sesame Street appearance also made the headlines. Now, it's the girls from Glee.

The media is acting the same, and so are many parents, but this situation is different. Britney, Lindsay and Miley were all Disney brats with an understandably young fan base (though, I wouldn't let my daughter watch Mean Girls or Hannah Montana). Sesame Street is meant for preschoolers.

Glee, on the other hand.....

I was reading in the paper today about how the Glee girls are getting flak for posing for GQ. Parents are apparently outraged. But why? Apparently, the fan base for the TV show Glee is as young as 8 and 9. WHAT!? I stopped watching Glee in the first season because I (almost 30) found it too disturbingly adult. In the few episodes I watched, it was riddled with sex, sex moves, sex talk, MILF references, lying pregnant girlfriend, cheating, lying non-pregnant wife, crushes on married people, talks of erections and ejaculations, multiple partners, homosexuality...the list goes on!

And parents are upset because the girls posed in panties for GQ.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?!

You're worried about your daughters being affected by these girls posing for a men's magazine, but you're not worried about them being affected by a pregnant high school girl who cheated on her boyfriend, got knocked up by his best friend and then blamed it all on her boyfriend because he's the steadier guy and more likely to take care of the kid? You're not worried about your daughter being affected by a bratty, selfish diva with 2 dads trying to seduce the boyfriend of the pregnant girl even though she believes he's the baby-daddy. You're not worried about your daughter being affected by the hot guy male chauvinist who sleeps with every girl (and older woman) he can, but oozes charm.

But you're worried about two adult women who are in one of the most adult programs on TV posing in underwear for an adult men's magazine.

Sheesh! You know what, you fools? Don't let your daughters watch this garbage!

Eloise Wilkin Books

2010-10-13T07:38:00.002-04:00

Here's a great list of Eloise Wilkin books!

http://www.loganberrybooks.com/most-wilkin.html

Bride

2010-10-10T19:16:00.000-04:00

I love being called Wife, but I LOVE being called Bride!

Giveaway!!

2010-09-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

http://raisinghomemakers.com/2010/the-baby-conference-audio-giveaway/

Baby Conference Giveaway!!

A Sudsy Experiment

2010-09-24T10:02:00.002-04:00

This is a friend of mine. She runs No Sweat Soap Factory, and make true Scottish Lye Soap using a 200 year old family recipe.

Hubby and I have been buying her soap for about as long as we've been married, but we only really used it for re-enacting and poison ivy outbreaks. Today, in my efforts to stop playing an expensive roulette of beauty products and to reduce clutter, I conducted product research in my morning shower.

Experiment #1: Wash Face. Every commercial product I've used to wash my face leaves it feeling stripped, dry and itchy. Even Burts Bees and those expensive specialty gentle and sensative skin soaps do. The lye soap did not.

Experiment #2: Shave Legs. I usually use Skintimate Shave Gel. It's the ONLY product I've found that prevents nicks and razor burn for me. My complaint is that it is chock full of chemicals and a pain in the butt to recycle where I live. The lye soap gave me a smooth shave with no nicks or burn.

Experiment #3: Wash Hair. I tried washing my hair with apple cider vinegar and baking soda. The results were horrible. Not only did it take me longer in the shower, but it left my hair feeling a strange, tangled mix of greasy and gritty. Now, this session, I only washed the top of my head. I only wash all of my hair once a week. The rest of the time I wash just the top to remove any oily build-up. The results were good! I was pleased.

This lye soap can also be used for your body, regular hand washing and laundry! It is also gentle enough for babies.

It is unscented and all natural.

So, pay a visit to No Sweat Soap Factory and give it a go.

Grooming a 2 Year Old Girl

2010-09-22T20:47:00.002-04:00

Forget frills and finery. I'm happy to keep her hair tidy, her face and hands clean and her shirt unstained! I have begun doing a "redo" in the late afternoon. I'd like for her to sit at the dinner table and not look totally unkempt. But, I'm realistic, too. She's a very active little girl! It would only upset the both of us if I kept her like a china doll at all times.

Overwhelmed

2010-09-17T10:32:00.002-04:00

I think with all the roles mothers and wives have, it is not uncommon to have days where you feel as if you're pulled in so many directions and you're going to be pulled apart.

I had one of those days yesterday, but pretty much managed to keep myself together.

Today, I unraveled.

By 10 AM I was done in. I grabbed my infant, curled up in a chair and shed silent tears.

To keep peace in the house, so often Moms just bottle things up and shelve them for the time being. From time to time, we have to dust off that bottle and open it up and let it all pour out before it explodes and we have an even bigger mess to clean up. It's better for us to just open it and pour it down the sink in our tears than let it explode and get everything soiled.

Sometimes we can choose a quiet moment while the household is asleep and peacefully unaware. Sometimes, it comes to a head in front of others.

Just, as a word of advice, don't do it in front of your husband. It just confuses the poor guy. You're upset. He can't fix it. He feels helpless and may get frustrated or even angry.

But remember, never underestimate the power of a good cry.

Five Things I've Never Done and Five Things I Have

2010-09-10T21:14:00.004-04:00

1. I've never eaten an entire pint of ice cream in one sitting.

2. I've never smoked.

3. I never graduated college.

4. I never took pain meds during labor and delivery.

5. I never met my paternal grandmother, though she's still alive.

1. I've been to Scotland...twice!

2. I've eaten deer heart.

3. I've accepted Christ into my heart.

4. I've said the f-word....and I'm not proud of that. I HATE that word.

5. I've beaten my husband in a fencing duel.

Fed Up With Fake

2010-08-27T16:28:00.002-04:00

I recently went through all my clothing as my postpartum size and the season alters. Most definitely, I've decided that I'm fed up with fake. I don't like acrylic instead of wool. I sweat to death in polyester satin instead of silk. Rayon simply doesn't have the crisp coolness of linen.

Whatever happened to quality clothing being made from natural materials? Oh, I know they're out there, and you pay for them, but they must be worth it! After all, I still have some woolens from my mother's youthful closet. I have a LOT of clothing. Most of them were passed down to me. But, I think I'd rather have just a few natural fibered, well-made, well-fitting, classic, lovely items than boxes upon boxes of cheap, polyester, off-sized, half-worn garments I feel frumpy in.

I'm turning 30 this December. Maybe a new wardrobe is in order.

Suspicious.....

2010-08-21T07:52:00.002-04:00

I'm beginning to suspect that I was given pitocin without my consent during labor with my second child. I had an IV put in, and something hooked up to it. I figured saline, but I really didn't NEED it. I wasn't at all dehydrated. Labor was short and INTENSE. It was just like how so many women have described a pitocin labor. I had no pain meds given so I felt every severe contraction. And the contractions didn't stop. They were literally one on top of the other. I also remember the hospital being VERY busy. Labor and Delivery was packed with more women coming in. I was going to go fast and naturally without any sign of complication anyway, so why not speed things up? Baby was out in less than 3 hours and I was whisked up to recovery as soon as they replaced the sheets on a bed.

I'm also suspicious because this hospital is always pushing inductions and pitocin. Even my bill for my 3rd child has charges for pitocin even though I wasn't given any. My IV was never hooked up, I didn't want it and I didn't need it.

I may be just imagining all this, but something in my gut tells me to look elsewhere when I get pregnant again. Hubby is not at all for a home birth, so I'm considering a midwife. I would really like someone who's more of an advocate for me and someone who will actually deliver my baby. (My OB/GYN has only delivered my 1st born).

I would also like a place where I can have my own recovery room. I HATE having to share a room after giving birth. It really does hinder recovery.

My New Favorite Moisturizer

2010-08-19T16:18:00.002-04:00

In constant efforts to cut cost without sacrificing quality, I've been in search of a moisturizer that WORKS, doesn't cause break-outs, and is inexpensive. I finally found one I LOVE.

I simply pour a drop each of baby oil and vitamin E oil in the palm of my hand and dab it over my face. I LOVE it.

And no more buying thirty some dollar concoctions that promise all sorts and fall short.

I can also use the same stuff on the rest of me, too.

Me Singing

2010-08-17T15:21:00.002-04:00

A name for a daughter

2010-08-08T18:14:00.002-04:00

No, I'm not announcing a pregnancy! LOL, it's only 8 weeks postpartum! However, since I became pregnant with my 2nd son I've been mulling over girl names that begin with the letter A. Nothing really settled on me. I have:

Analeigh (Ah-nah-lee)
Ava (Ay-vah)
Avalee (Ah-vah-lee)

But then I suddenly came up with this name:

Avonlea Ann Scott (Ann without the e because Ann is a family middle name and to avoid a total cliche)

What do you think? Wouldn't Avonlea make a pretty girl's name?

Inspiring Mothers

2010-08-07T21:22:00.003-04:00

Two mothers I find inspiring are Michelle Duggar and Ma Larkin from Darling Buds of May. If I could choose to be any kind of mother, it would be a mother that's a combination of my own mother, my maternal grandmother, Mrs. Duggar and Ma Larkin.

Of course, we can't be anything different than who God made us and we should strive to be more like Christ, but I just love Michelle Duggar's patience, joy and quiet understanding. I love Ma Larkin's joyful, fun-natured, easy-going self. I love my grandmother's grace and my mother's steadfastness.

Courtship Stories

2010-08-05T15:16:00.002-04:00

I love reading stories about pure courtships and their subsequent weddings. It fills my heart with joy that there are couples out there who embrace purity and enter into wedlock in a God-honoring way. I love how they are fully committed to each other BEFORE making the public commitment. I love knowing how they loved each other enough beforehand to remain pure. I love how at the end of the stories, I always feel so encouraged in my own marriage because these people embrace how sacred and beautiful and Godly marriage is.

Grace

2010-08-02T13:40:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I think what women need to possess more than love, patience, beauty, and all those wonderful attributes is GRACE. I don't mean grace as in poise, but GRACE...you know....

GRACE GRACE GOD'S GRACE
GRACE THAT WILL PARDON AND CLEANSE WITHIN....

Grace that will pardon.

When you look up grace in the dictionary, my grandmother's picture is in there. Lately, I've needed to muster up a lot of grace. I've fallen so far short, but I keep getting up and trying.

An Interesting Reason Why Women Don't Advance in Careers As Well As Men

2010-07-26T06:31:00.002-04:00

While flipping through the various sections of the Sunday paper, I came across an editorial about women and their unrecognized work. Usually, it is a feminist rant about women being underpaid and demanding all sorts of unreasonable and rather unequal opportunities to launch women up over men in the career fields and to drag the poor, idiot of a housewife out into some "fulfilling" career. So, I was a bit surprised to read an article that was more like a normal, everyday woman's blogged musings. The general idea of the article is that women today are expected to be all things.

In the article, the author talks about the unsung and unpaid work of the wife and mother and the importance of their work with the world's children. She also discusses women in the career field and gives this idea as to why women in careers in general do not advance as well as men:

"Women are as capable as men in engineering and architecture, medicine and law - if they are given the same opportunities: a good education, and a wife to look after laundry, the cooking, the cleaning, and the kids."

The article is "Great Expectations" by Barbara DeMille, if you're interested in reading it yourself.

Dressing the new me

2010-07-08T07:21:00.002-04:00

I'm having a hard time finding clothing within my own wardrobe that fits my current postpartum body. My usual postpartum clothing doesn't fit! Yet my pre-pregnancy clothing doesn't fit either, or isn't conducive to breastfeeding.

What do you usually wear postpartum?

Right now I'm in an old navy t-shirt (shaped t-shirt, not guy-like t-shirt) and a pair of maternity denim capris.

Putting Away Maternity Clothes

2010-06-28T14:22:00.003-04:00

After all the pain, complaining, illnesses, and overall grumpiness, as I put my maternity clothing into storage today I felt a bit sad. Who would have thought that so soon after giving birth and ending a pregnancy I couldn't wait to be done with I'd be missing it so much.

Perhaps after having 3 children now I can finally see that such times are so precious. It doesn't seem so long ago that hubby and I started our family. I remember how I literally shook with excitement when I saw the results of my first pregnancy test! I remember laughing when the saw the results of my last pregnancy test...in the Walmart restroom...with my son and daughter in the stall with me. LOL!

I went through all of my boxes of clothing today trying to find mid-sized garments that'll fit my postpartum figure. There were garments that will probably never fit me again. There were garments that I'd probably never wear even if they did fit me again. As I approach 30 I realize my taste has changed. My body has changed. My convictions have changed.

I think I'm finally realizing that I am a woman and not a girl.

As I put the maternity clothing into storage I was thankful that at least I'm not getting rid of the maternity clothing yet. A future pregnancy is in the planning.

Is Motherhood Really That Overwhelming?

2010-06-24T07:19:00.002-04:00

Anna, thank you for your comment yesterday. You got me thinking, too. Why are so many mothers so overwhelmed? Why are they overwhelmed enough to consider not having any more children?

I think, and this is just my opinion, that part of it is that simply being Mom isn't enough in this society. I remember a conversation I had with my husband in which I stated that I didn't like sitting down and playing with our children because I felt like I was being lazy and not doing enough work around the house. I felt like I HAD to work and work HARD in order to keep up with his hard work for the family and to keep up with the other moms who are always running around like chickens with their heads cut off.

I felt this way until this pregnancy. I was floored, literally, by this pregnancy. I believe God made it a difficult pregnancy for me to help me come out of that thinking (and to help me ask for help instead of trying to be supermom). I now find pleasure in being Mom and being with my children. Breast feeding isn't an annoyance that keeps me away from a household project. Playing with my kiddos isn't being lazy. THIS is what I meant in yesterday's post when I said things are clearer and on a straight and narrow path. I AM a mother. My job is to mother. My job titles are Christian, Wife, Mother, Homemaker. Notice, homemaker is last. :)

Motherhood Times 3

2010-06-23T09:12:00.002-04:00

I am honestly amazed that since Baby Boy has been born life seems so much more simple rather than complicated. I don't feel pulled in a thousand directions. I feel like I'm on a clear, straight and narrow path. It feels good! Really good.

Where are you?!

2010-05-04T11:27:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. My laptop crashed and my desktop will not allow me to log into blogger. I took the time to not really bother blogging at all, but I think I'll start blogging again at www.taighbeag.wordpress.com. In fact, regular readers, if you ever see me disappear for a time, check out that blog. I may be posting there.

As for me, I am doing well. The baby is still inside.

Thanks to my sister for posting this post for me.

My Daughter

2010-04-11T20:08:00.002-04:00

Here is my sweet daughter at a re-enactment at 1 month old. This picture is so special to me because here is the youngest member of our re-enacting group with our oldest member. The loving contrast plucks my heartstrings every time I look at this picture. It is even more special because we nearly lost our dear friend last year to health issues.

Here she is now.

She will soon be 2. Having a daughter has been so special to me. It is almost like I feel that my son is more of Daddy's responsibility but my daughter is more mine. I know that's a poor way to put it because my children are equals and both our responsibilities and both of them need us and we love them both the same, but I hope you catch my drift. When I was pushing my daughter out, my husband held my hand, cradled my back and said, "Push, honey. This one's for you!" (Of course, our daughter is definitely Daddy's Little Girl.)

I stare at my daughter and hope and pray we will always be close. I pray we can work side by side, talk, sing, learn, and be mother and daughter friends. I want her to know she can talk to me and trust me; that she doesn't need to hide things from me. I want to help her cultivate her talents and interests. I want to teach her Truth and life lessons and skills.

Even though she is not yet 2, I am enjoying our special moments that we share just the two of us. After I fix her hair for the day, I usually pull out a spritz bottle of lavender body spray. She lifts her little chin (or I gently lift it for her) and she gets one spritz right on her tiny neck. Then she smiles and giggles and goes on her way to a favorite activity. If she sees me don my apron she usually wants to wear one, too. We love to color together. When I sing, she dances. She loves our mother-daughter excursions and willingly walks hand-in-hand.

I love my daughter so much that I hope to give her a sister in a couple of years.

I have a loving mother and a loving sister. They are special to me and I'd like my daughter to have the same.

New Soap

2010-03-20T15:49:00.002-04:00

What is it about a new bar of soap that seems like such luxury? I can hardly wait to pop in the shower! I like to switch out between different bars of soap and body washes. Do you have a favorite soap?

The Giveaway Winner is.....

2010-03-08T06:37:00.002-05:00

Using Random.org, the winner is Sherri!

Sherri, please e-mail me your mailing address at seamstresslady at yahoo dot com and I will mail that out to you as soon as I get out of the house. :)

Thanks all for playing!

Another Giveaway!

2010-02-26T09:12:00.002-05:00

I'm giving away this Victorian Garden Photo Album. It's vintage, but as far as I can tell unused.

If you'd like to enter, please leave a comment. Drawing will be March 8th.

A Blog for Sewing Ideas

2010-02-26T08:08:00.002-05:00

www.rufflesandstuff.com

She's got some great ideas for refashioning clothing. While some of my readership may not care for some the styles or modesty standards, it does give some great ideas and the blog is cute and feminine! Check it out!

Leave the Attitude, Please

2010-02-24T13:31:00.005-05:00

After some thought, I decided to rework this post a little, hopefully to clarify myself.

I browsed some online videos some Christian women have done on the issue of modesty for women. Frankly, I really didn't find some of them helpful, encouraging or edifying. I felt like a teenager being berated by an overbearing mother who would rather scold than explain in love.

It is a passionate issue and there are times I get on my own little soapbox and probably sound like I'm scolding or angry. Sometimes I am angry, especially when it concerns the modesty (or lack thereof) of little girls' clothing.

I am under the assumption that many of these video posts are intended for Christian women who are seeking modesty mentoring or they are intended for Christian women who ignore the issue of modesty. If that is the case, then why scold? Why get snippy with rules as to how low necklines should be or how long sleeves and hemlines should be? Why sound so angry about the positives of modesty, the beauty of it. Save your anger and scolding for immodesty. If you plan on giving guidelines or your personal modesty ideals, please do so in a kind way. In other words, stop talking to your viewers like they're your pouty teenage daughter who wants to dress like Hannah Montana.

I dunno...I guess it's not really what you say that bothers me, but how you say it. There's nothing wrong with sharing your convictions and concerns about modest dress. Many of these things need to be said!! Just please check how you say them. Are you trying to rally already like-minded ladies, or are you trying to reach out to those who could use a little help in the modesty area?

I love how http://feelinfeminine.com discusses modesty and femininity. It's fun, fashionable and lovely. I wanted to add that http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com also does a good job at discussing modesty.

Maternity jeans to skirt

2010-02-23T15:31:00.002-05:00

My favorite maternity jeans have a good sized hole in the knee now thanks to spending the last 45 minutes on the outdoor rug in the basement putting together a Thomas the Tank Engine set for my son. I do believe I am going to tackle turning the jeans into a denim skirt. I want something more A-line, though rather than a pencil skirt, so we'll see how it turns out.

The Harp

2010-02-22T06:53:00.002-05:00

David playing on the harp for Saul. You can get this print at www.art.com

Yesterday on the drive home from visiting my parents after church I recalled a hymn that I used to play on my harp but is rarely sung in my church. I started singing it and thought that maybe I should take up the harp again. My children love music, especially my daughter who dances every time music plays and sits quietly in the pew at church carefully turning the pages of the hymnal as if she can read music already. My son always pulls out the guitar and plays it like a bass and has asked numerous times for a violin. He also sings pretty well for a 3 year old.

Anyhow, I put the idea out of mind during the evening hours of yesterday. This morning as I read a chapter in Psalm that was suggested to me, I decided to go ahead and read beyond just the one chapter. Psalm 33 was there in front of me and I read verse 2 "Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings." Hmmmm.....maybe I should pick up the harp again.

To clarify, I'm not taking the Bible over-literally and saying we all need to pluck harp strings for the Lord. I just felt this was a confirmation of my thoughts yesterday. Besides, my harp has more than 10 strings.

I felt that returning to the harp would not only give me an opportunity to praise the Lord, but that He would bless me in that in improved musical skills. I am self-taught after all and not at all good at it. Also, it would be a beautiful thing to share with my children.

I went on to read in Psalm 33 verse 3 "Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy."

Oh, I am so picking up the harp again!

My Wish List

2010-02-19T07:06:00.003-05:00

I'd love this DVD about the Eden String Quartet, but also any of their CD's!

The Peasall Sisters! I have one of their CD's and have loved them since first hearing them on "O Brother Where Art Thou"

These two books I've been wanting ever since my daughter was born.

It's a shame books and DVDs (and CDs) like these are unavailable not only in the local libraries but also in local bookstores and even the Christian bookstores!

5 Generations of Womanhood

2010-02-15T14:52:00.004-05:00

From left to right: My Mother, Me, My Great-Grandmother, and my Grandmother

My own daughter.

And the winner is.....

2010-02-14T22:02:00.005-05:00

I wrote the names down on paper, folded them equally, shook them up, threw them in the air and let them land on the floor. Then I closed my eyes and the first paper I found bore the name:

Aurora!

GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-02-09T10:48:00.002-05:00

Somehow I ended up with 2 copies of the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Victoria. I always wanted to do a giveaway and thought this would be a cute, small start.

If you'd like to enter the drawing for the issue, please let me know in the comments section.

The drawing ends this Saturday.

Keep and eye out! I do plan on another giveaway of a Victorian-style photo album that I have.

Another Maternity Dress

2010-02-07T17:52:00.003-05:00

I found this maternity dress on ebay for only 99 cents!! I always pin the faux wrap chest up higher than it lays naturally to avoid indecent exposures.

Maternity Dress Search

2010-02-06T14:09:00.001-05:00

I bought this one on ebay!

Sunny Spot for Daughter

2010-02-04T15:21:00.002-05:00

While it is yet winter, the sun has moved to a position in the sky that affords plenty of sunshine through the enclosed porch's windows. This warms the porch nicely (or a small space heater helps it along) and I've begun creating a cozy spot for my little girl to play.

The window seat is all cleared off and fixed up. I dragged her toy kitchen into the space and pulled a small wooden hutch up from the basement. When Spring finally arrives I should be able to remove the two trunks of re-enacting clothing and give her even more space for perhaps a table and chair for entertaining or her baby doll stuff.

Must Buy Dresses

2010-02-03T19:52:00.002-05:00

Ok! I can't take it anymore!! I have to buy some maternity dresses! I can't stand wearing the same 2 pairs of jeans day in and day out! Must...be....feminine............

I've put a few inexpensive dresses on my ebay watch list. I had to go through many a page to find them. It is HARD to find maternity dresses with longer sleeves! Why must maternity dresses be weirdly short and sleeveless? It IS February in the North East people!

I'm heading to Goodwill on Friday, too, so we'll see what I find.

What Have I Done

2010-02-01T20:08:00.003-05:00

The bold doesn't show up on my blog, so I'll star the ones I've done. I added number 100.

1. Started your own blog**
2. Slept under the stars**
3. Played in a band**
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity**
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain**
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo**
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch**
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning**
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables**
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight**
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort**
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse**
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset**
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community**
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke**
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been inside an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain**
53. Played in the mud**
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business**
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason**
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check**
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy**
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt**
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job**
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper**
85. Read the entire Bible**
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox**
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one**
94. Had a baby**
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone**
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Eaten Haggis in Scotland**

Baby showers....

2010-01-29T07:48:00.001-05:00

You can get this print at www.art.com

I LOVE going to baby showers where there are other pregnant ladies and ladies with their little babies in tow. What a feminine outpouring!

If You Were to Cover

2010-01-25T14:49:00.002-05:00

This is completely hypothetical and really just a fun little game (with no disrespect meant to anyone who covers or does not.)

Here's the game:

God just told you that He wants you to start covering your head. He allows you to pick out any style of covering you'd like, whether it's the Amish cap, a sunbonnet, one of those headband thingies, a kerchief or even just a baseball cap....anything. How would you prefer to cover your head? For me, I really like the look of the hijab (below) or similar Ottoman stylings (middle).

If you do read this and you do cover, please feel free to share what you use to cover your head.

Thank you!

Pink

2010-01-18T20:09:00.002-05:00

As Valentine's Day nears I find myself indulging in bits of pink throughout the house. The tissue box in the bathroom is pink. I made my daughter a pink flannel nightgown, and a matching one for her dolly. Today I wished I had some pink scented candles to place here and there. I wouldn't mind a few pink throw pillows in the living room, either. I have a pink maternity dress I can't wait to wear!

Now, hubby and I do not celebrate Valentine's Day. Our anniversary is close to it, so it just seemed silly and redundant. This year, though, I am such in the mood for what Valentine's Day brings. Besides the pink throughout the house, I want to fill a pint mason jar with candy hearts.

Are you doing any cutesy, silly little things because of Valentine's Day coming up?

Etsy Find

2009-11-02T09:49:00.001-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31802065&ref=fp_feat_11

I saw these on Etsy. Aren't they adorable!?

I'm so excited!

2009-10-26T15:39:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited about all the new babies, pregnancies and adoptions I've been hearing about and sharing in, including my own!! I've got some extra excitement because we are in NO position (according to the world) to have another baby. Our finances are just enough for the 4 of us. Our house is too small for a 3rd baby. But I KNOW my Lord provides for us one way or the other. Whatever it is, it's HIS perfect will. So, I'm excited to see exactly what that is!!

Hubby and I are in awe of His works lately!

What's more feminine than ladybugs?

2009-10-20T09:03:00.002-04:00

I finished my daughter's ladybug quilt for her crib! It's handsewn, so it took a while.

Pray for Hubby, Please

2009-10-14T06:43:00.001-04:00

Hello dear readers,

Please pray for my husband, Dave today (Wednesday). Tomorrow morning he has a hard-earned interview for a career he's been working very hard towards.

Today, I am lifting him up in prayer and asking everyone I know to do the same. Tomorrow, I'm leaving it up to the Lord in faith. Please pray that he in known at these gates and finds favor with the committee. Pray that he gets accepted. And join me in praise that he passed the test to get the interview and for his growth in the Lord.

Thank you.

Vintage Prom Gown

2009-10-01T12:33:00.001-04:00

I'm selling this vintage prom gown on ebay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1950s-Prom-Bridesmaid-Gown-Strapless-Tulle_W0QQitemZ300352626933QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45ee6960f5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Vintage Wedding Gown

2009-09-29T15:45:00.001-04:00

If you want to see pictures of the vintage 1950's wedding gown I purchased at a garage sale for under $10.00, please visit my ebay blog at www.piseagsebay.blogspot.com. I'm selling the gown on ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300351430098&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Colors of Autumn

2009-09-29T06:33:00.002-04:00

www.bodenusa.com

It is just so easy and common to wear black, navy and gray for the cooler time of year. Simple. Basic.

This year I am compelled, driven even, to wear colors. Wines, Reds, Royal Blues, Greens, Purples. They are the rich, varied shades of Autumn we tend to miss as gray clouds hover seemingly just above our heads. They are the colors we overlook as we stare at the gray pavement ahead of us on our drives. They are the colors we forget when we're trapped under artificial light facing yet another black-wearing wage drone.

I've tossed every catalog that's come in with page after page of blacks and grays and washed-out "colors." I've kept my Boden catalog, though, which is the epitome of what I'm talking about! Of course their clothing prices are more than I'm willing to pay, but the inspiration is perfect.

The nice thing is, I've been given some clothing recently and they all are colorful and perfect for this season.

Computer Glitch=New Blog!!

2009-09-11T15:14:00.001-04:00

Due to a computer glitch, I am no longer able to post to this blog from my own computer. So, to remedy this I've created a new blog found: HERE.

Thanks to everyone for being so patient!

Week In Feminine Dress

2009-08-10T12:41:00.005-04:00

I decided to go for a Week In Feminine Dress again. Here's Sunday:
Here's Monday:

A Room of Her Own...

2009-07-26T20:39:00.002-04:00

I wasn't sure whether to post this here or on my other blog about my cottage at www.hillsidecottage.blogspot.com because it has to do with my cottage, but it is also about something feminine for my daughter.

My cottage is rather small, 880 square feet with only 2 bedrooms. I gave birth to a boy first and then God blessed us with a baby girl who is now just over a year old. The poor dear is pretty much thrust upon an all-boy world. She shares his room which is done over in a John Deere farm theme. His toys pretty much take over the house when he's playing and they're all very boyish toys. Being a year old, she finds toy tractors fun to play with, but I really want to start cultivating in her the joys of girlie toys, too.

I've begun brainstorming how (and where) I could put together a girlie play area for her...a spot of her own. In my minds eye I have this picture of a corner of a room with a pretty pink rug, a little-girl sized easy chair and a baby-doll sized nursery set.

(Just as a tangent, I was trying to figure out how I could fit their toy kitchen into my kitchen, but it just doesn't work because the radiator is so big.)

I'm wondering if a sort of play house would be a good idea. She likes quiet little nooks to just sit in and think when brother gets a bit overwhelming.

Right now she still uses the pack and play, but she's starting to out grow it. Christmas is coming....perhaps I could brainstorm something.

If you have a special spot for your little girl, please share it with me.

A gift from hubby

2009-07-23T20:54:00.002-04:00

My husband is spoiling me rotten! First he gets me a gift certificate to a day spa and then he treats me to getting my hand henna'd!

Now, I'm racking my brain trying to think of something really great to do for him......

Too Old for Pink

2009-07-14T20:55:00.002-04:00

I think I'm too old for pink. For some reason, I just don't feel right wearing pink. It feels too youthful....like I"m trying to dress like a teen or something. I think I need to trade in my pink stuff for a more dusty rose or mauve. What do you think?

Botkin Sisters DVDs

2009-07-09T09:32:00.000-04:00

Does anyone have the Botkin Sisters DVDs that I could borrow? (Return of the Daughters, Training Dominion-Oriented Daughters, What is Biblical Womanhood). I'd be happy to pay shipping costs. You can e-mail me at seamstresslady at yahoo dot com.

Thank you.

Return to Femininity

2009-07-05T15:45:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted here in a while probably because femininity hasn't been part of my life for a while. It's summer time and there so much yard and housework to do that my uniform has become jeans and t-shirts. Illnesses have kept me in bed in the morning, so my hair has been thrown up into messy buns in a hurry.

While I don't mind crawling on my hands and knees through a muddy garden pulling weeds in torn jeans and a t-shirt, the day after day of it all really gets to me and I long for a flowy dress and the scent of flowers.

I lay in bed last night contemplating what to wear to church and find my wardrobe lacking. Body changes, age and simple changes in taste have all contributed to a wardrobe that doesn't always suit me or can no longer be considered modest. Even today at church I realized that if someone were to look over my shoulder (which wouldn't be hard since I'm short), they could see right down my blouse!

A quick hunt of vintage dresses on ebay proved fruitless (all the nice ones are too expensive.) I do believe it is time to haul out my sewing machine and see what I can produce for myself. I think it's time to pull out every scrap of clothing I have and evaluate it.

In other thoughts, I've noticed my actions and speech haven't been too feminine either. I listened to Nancy Campbell speak in a commericial for the Family Table DVD and her speech is so beautiful, graceful and easy to listen to. Loud, brassy females always annoyed me growing up. I certainly don't want to be remembered as being one.

So, my quest for femininity returns anew.

My Grandmother

2009-05-29T12:10:00.002-04:00

I love my Grandmother. She is the epitome of grace and so elegant, even in picnic casual. She never says an ill word about anyone. She speaks with kindness, thoughtfulness and has a sweet sense of humor. She loves our Savior with all her heart and while saddened at so many souls that are so lost, she is a walking witness and excited for Christ's coming return. She cares daily for her ailing husband, my Grandfather who is pretty much vegetative, but she doesn't complain. She loves him and stands by him. Sure, she has to shed tears and cry out to our Lord, but it isn't bitterness. She keeps house perfectly and it's always a pleasure to visit her in such a relaxing and beautiful abode. She is well loved by all. God must have a special place for such a woman in Heaven. For now, He has her in a special place here on earth...surrounded by her family who hold her in a high esteem that she herself is humbled by.

For those who've lost children...

2009-04-28T15:21:00.002-04:00

"Two in Heaven" A prose by Fanny Fern

"You have two children," said I.
"I have four," was the reply; "two on earth, two in heaven."

There spoke the mother! Still hers, only "gone before!" Still remembered, loved, and cherished, bythe hearth and at the board; - their places not yet filled; even though their successors draw life from the same faithful breast where their dying heads were pillowed.

"Two in heaven!"

Safely housed from storm and tempest. No sickness there nor drooping head, nore fading eye, nor weary feet. By the green pastures, thended by the good Shepherd, linger the little lambs of the heavenly fold.

"Two in heaven!"

Earth less attractive. Eternity nearer. Invisible cords, drawing the maternal soul upwards. "Still small" voices, ever whispering, Come! to the world-weary spirit.

"Two in heaven!"

Mother of angels! Walk softly! - holy eyes watch thy footsteps! - cherub forms bend to listen! Keep they spirit free from earth taint; so shalt thou "go to them," though "they may not return to thee!"

c. 1884 (approx.)

You know you're a country girl when....

2009-04-11T20:11:00.001-04:00

sitting next to each other on the table is an issue of Grit magazine and a cosmetics catalog and you pick up the Grit magazine. :)

I will be off line until the 27th in order to get projects done around the house.

Make 20 People Happier This Year

2009-04-06T19:37:00.002-04:00

This idea popped into my head a few weeks back. It's a simple way to make the lives of 20 people just a bit happier every year. All you need to do is buy a book of stamps (and perhaps some blank notecards, if you like). Throughout the year, hand-write random notes of kindness to people and post them. Perhaps you've really enjoyed a Christmas present and just want to let the giver know that it's still appreciated. Perhaps you've not been in contact with someone in a while and you just want to let them know you're thinking about them. Perhaps you could send a note saying that you've been praying for them. You could send a child a congratulatory note on something they've accomplished. Send a recipe to someone. Send a mother a note reminding them you're available to babysit or help with the chores. Be creative.

As a side note, Anonymous asked if I had an historical wedding....ummmm.....not really. Hubby and I's wedding was probably 2 steps above elopement. It was small (15 people including guests, wedding party and pastor), fast (10-15 minutes) and inexpensive. We did dress in 18th century clothing, hubby in kilt and red coat, me in an 18th century gown that I had made. A few of our guests dressed in period clothing, too.....but nothing major.

True Women's Liberation

2009-04-04T20:04:00.006-04:00

I have found true women's liberation in my wellingtons! Now, I am FREE to tramp about the muddy yard, do garden work, hang about the farm and still look and feel feminine doing it because they're just so cute!! Every country gal should have a pair.

Hats

2009-03-19T07:14:00.002-04:00

Visit: www.dirtybillyshats.com He's a fellow re-enactor who makes gorgeous hats!!

My Sister's Blog

2009-03-13T19:31:00.002-04:00

Visit my little sister's blog at: http://thefreewheelinme.blogspot.com

Books My Mother Gave Me

2009-03-11T14:34:00.002-04:00

It's fun to go to my parents' house. I almost always leave with something! Yesterday, I left with some books that my mother gave me:

"The Hidden Art of Homemaking" by Edith Schaeffer
"A Midwife's Tale, The Life of Martah Ballard, Based on Her Diary 1785-1812" by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
"My Goodnight Book" by Eloise Wilkin (I should clarify that my sister actually gave me this book, but it was at my parents' house)

Anna R. Brown c. 1900's

2009-03-07T19:53:00.004-05:00

I have a habit of collecting old books. While Spring Cleaning my shelf of old books, I found this book on Eugenics from the 1920's. Here is some of Chapter 2 entitled "Mother-Home"

Anna R. Brown, in discussing the subject of college-bred women, has this to say: "Very few lives are free-free to go and come, travel, read, study, write, think, paint, sing, at will. In the lives of most women these gifts are an aside in life, as it were, an underbreath. Most of us are beset with loving calls of toil, care, responsibility and quiet duties, which we must recognize, heed, obey.
"We must love our mothers more than Greek dialects. If the instinct of daughter, sister, wife or mother dies out of a college-bred woman, even in the course of a most brilliant career otherwise, the world will forget to love her; it will scorn her, and justly. If she does not make her surroundings homelike wherever she is, whether she be teacher, artist, musician, doctor, writer, daughter at home, or a mother in her household, and if she herself is not cheery and loving, dainty in dress, gentle in manner, and beautiful in soul as every true woman ought to be, the world will feel that the one thing needful is lacking-vivid, tender womanliness, for which no knowledge of asymptotes or linguistics can ever compensate. It is better for a woman to fill a simple human part lovingly, better for her to be sympathetic in trouble and to whisper a comforting message into but one grieving ear, than that she should make a path to Egypt and lecture to thousands on ancient Thebes."

The book is entitled, "Nature's Secrets Revealed Scientific Knowledge of The Laws of Sex Life and Heredity or Eugenics" "Vital information of the married and marriageable of all ages; a word at the right time to the boy, girl young man, young woman, husband, wife, father, mother; also timely help, counsel and instruction for every member of every home together with important hints on social purity, heredity, physical manhood and womanhood by noted specialists embracing the story of life and how to tell it; also a department on the ethics of the unmarried"

By: Prof. T. W. Shannon, A. M.

Published by: The S.A. Mullikin Company, Marietta, OH 1920

Resurrection Sunday Dress

2009-03-03T19:57:00.001-05:00

I started my daughter's Resurrection Sunday dress today! It's going to be so cute! The fabric I chose is a dandelion yellow background with carrots printed all over it. Remember The Magic Schoolbus books and Miss Frizzle, their teacher? This dress already reminds me of something she wears!

Maymorning

2009-02-27T19:55:00.005-05:00

I just love this song. "Maymorning" is a song by the celtic band Runrig. It's so uplifting and a great song to blast in the car while driving on the first sunny spring day you can open the car windows! We haven't quite had that day yet, but the temperatures have been creeping upwards and the heaps of snow have been melting. South-facing slopes in the valley no longer have snow and are often bespeckled with deer grazing. Spring is just around the corner!

I'm alive again on a May morning.
Gonna wipe the slate clean, follow my dreams.
All the yearning buds are here again,
With the promise of a new life to come.
Spring is here again.

The sun is melting over the hills.
All the roads are waiting to be revealed.
This day in history has brought us to here.
Now it's all there for the taking.
The day is what you see.

The light's returning. The work is in hand.
All the cynics have vanished from where we stand.
All the chances wasted are drawing us near.
All around there's new life rising from the winter fields.

I'm alive again.

Basic Wardrobe 1964

2009-02-24T19:27:00.002-05:00

I posted this on my other blog at one time. It's a listing of a lady's basic wardrobe from 1964. Just follow this link to my other blog to view it. http://hillsidecottage.blogspot.com/2006/06/basic-wardrobe-1964.html

2009-02-23T20:14:00.002-05:00

Go to http://joyfullyathome.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway.html to enter Jasmine's giveaway of Vision Forum's True Beauty CD collection from last year's Father Daughter Retreat!

Something Feminine

2009-02-23T14:02:00.003-05:00

Here's a picture of my dear little girl wearing the dress I made for her out of scraps from the fabric dollhouse I'm making her.

Sharing a Beautiful Blog

2009-02-20T12:16:00.005-05:00

http://www.aspiring-homemaker.blogspot.com/

Godly beauty and femininity that'll leave you with a big smile on your face and inspiration in your heart. I wish more young ladies were like her.

Bliss!

2009-02-19T14:00:00.002-05:00

I received an issue of Victoria magazine AND a Victorian Trading Company catalog AND a Soft Surroundings catalog in the mail today!! Nothing like a blissful overload of femininity and beauty!

Movie Review

2009-02-14T20:06:00.003-05:00

I watched "Arranged" today. What a good movie! It's about two women, an Orthodox Jew and a Muslim, who teach together at a NYC school and who are both facing arranged marriages. I highly recommend the movie. It would be a great movie for a mother and teenage daughter to watch together. (I don't recommend too young a daughter because there are several s-words uttered and a party scene that shows drinking, provactive dress and dancing, making-out and pot-smoking. The Jewish woman attends a party with her worldly cousin and is exposed to all this, but wisely finds it appalling and leaves.)

Otherwise, the movie is so refreshing. Rarely do I walk away from watching a movie and feel so uplifted. Usually I feel drained and troubled. Not with this one. I want to buy it and add it to my small collection.

Motherhood: Dirty, Painful, Wonderful Business

2009-02-14T10:31:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I dropped a folded up pack~n~play on top of my foot. Today, my curious son wondered what would happen if he slammed a can of madarin oranges on my hand. Earlier, I rinsed out a messy cloth diaper in the toilet bowl and changed the stinky disposable diaper garbage pail.

I've been kicked, hit, bit, jumped on, elbowed, tripped, puked on, peed on, snotted on, cried on, bled on and pooed on. And this is all after having the baby. I haven't even touched on pregnancy, labor and delivery! Mothers know what a painful, dirty mess that is!

And I wouldn't trade it for anything and neither would my dear hubby. We're both even crazy enough to add to the pain and mess!

Because, through the stained clothes and "why does the couch have that funny smell" and "Ouch! Don't do that to Mommy" there's such an amazing amount of love and sweetness that makes every bit of pain and mess seem so trivial.

It's something more than just focusing on me or hubby and I just focusing on each other. It's being a family, complete. It's fulfilling God's plan for mankind....knowing we are doing what He calls good. It's the ultimate destresser when that tousled little head rests upon your chest and finds total comfort and security in you. It's when the sticky fingers move your face in line with his and you're greeted with a kiss. It's that tiny little human standing in the crib, smiling as big a grin as she can make when you walk into the room.

So as my son repeatedly crashes a plastic airplane into me, I thank God for letting me be a Mother.

Sewing Up a Storm!

2009-02-09T14:07:00.003-05:00

I've been sewing up a storm, lately! My list includes:

18th century frock for my daughter
18th century frock for my dear hubby
18th century jacket for me
fabric doll house for my daughter's birthday
A quilt for my daughter
Breeches for my father's birthday

Soon to be adding:
18th century garments for my son
Vintage-style clothing for me
18th century stuff for hubby and I

I'm having a blast!

Who chooses a mate better?

2009-02-04T15:13:00.003-05:00

This morning, a though occured to me: Why does it seem that when a man is looking for a mate, he tends to have higher expectations, but when a woman is out looking for a mate, she tends to lower her expectations? I see this all around me. Of course, there are exceptions in both instances, but the majority speaks.

So, who chooses a better mate? Men or women? Neither. God does.

And girls, seek God first in all things, ESPECIALLY for your future husband.

Winter doldrum cure

2009-01-29T19:04:00.003-05:00

This winter has been hard on me. We're having an old-fashioned winter with plenty of very cold temperatures and LOTS of snow. On top of that, my health hasn't been tip top so far this 2009, having suffered my 3rd miscarriage (2nd emergency D&C), and a cold. I've been feeling rather blue about winter, but rather than hanging balloons for a pity party, I started thinking about ways to embrace winter.

Today, I pulled out my collection of January Victoria magazines and instantly felt lifted. I just poured through January 1999 and found a couple of recipes I'd like to try. There's also an article about daybeds that has ideas on making your own "snuggery." Isn't that a splendid word?! Snuggery. Add that to wikipedia!