1959 magazine

Another great find at a garage sale to add to my collection of old books, cookbooks, and magazines.

Take a little peak into a woman's life in 1959 from a McCall's magazine.

An electric range with a pull-out oven, for easier cleaning. That sounds like a great idea!

Japanese-inspired clothing patterns

"Let's Eat a Real Breakfast" article. A doctor recommends eating a full, well-balanced breakfast to prevent hypoglycemia, mid-morning fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. He suggests that protein be included instead of common breakfasts of just toast, juice, and coffee.  (still good advice today.)  I certainly hope that the photo included shows a wide range of breakfast choices, not just one breakfast!

Hmmm . . . now that's an interesting-looking dinner!

"A Wonderful Way to Live" - McCall's 1959 Idea House

Our house was built in 1960. Some scary similarities, like paneling that we painted over, and bathroom tile although ours is a more neutral color palette, thank goodness.  That tile is still in good shape (what kind of amazing mortar and grout did they use back then?), it's going to take some elbow grease when we rip it out someday!

August Woes

I'm not exactly sure why, but the past few summers my chronic health issues have flared up by mid-July and on into August. Summer is not my favorite season (Spring and Fall come first) in general because I don't like the heat. But it seems that summer doesn't agree with my mind and body too.

I try not to be discouraged, but it's difficult to struggle through my days instead of really enjoying them, especially when I have children to take care of.  Mornings are worse. Some days are better are others. But much of the time I don't have the mental or physical energy to do what I would like to do.

My summer goals of exercising and organizing have become dust in the wind. I do what I can when I can on better days (or even better hours). But I've had to let go of my weekly plans so that I don't have unrealistic expectations of myself, and then end up feeling like I've failed. 

This too shall pass. By September sometime, I usually start feeling better. Wonder if it has anything to do with lunar cycles and seasons? I've heard such theories.

Among others, 2 Corinthians has many verses that I hold on to during such times.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 is a favorite passage:

 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."

Paul had a thorn in his flesh that he asked God three times to remove.

But each time, God replied, 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9)

Learning to be content in weakness is difficult. But God is faithful; and if we're open and seek Him, it's IN times of weakness that we meet God in a more personal way and develop deeper character.

In and Out

More out than in actually!

I had thought I might have more time to do things like blogging during the summer, but life instead has been more busy in different ways.  Holidays, family visiting, park dates with friends, sleepovers, garden & flowers to tend to, swimming in neighbor's pool, day trips, boys' friends at our house, homework for Beth Moore's Esther bible study at church, planning landscaping, and on it goes, as well as some times of rest to recover from all the fun!  I may be taking more pictures than usual, but why did I think I'd have time to blog about them? I haven't even had time to download much of my photos yet!

So I may be scarce around here for the rest of the summer.  I need to spend my time and energy living life instead of at the computer blogging about it.  But okay, first, I will post 2 pictures from the 4th of July parade!

Rashed, Isaac, Noah, and cousin Brandon

Grandpa and Aaron

 





I've been reminded that homeschooling actually keeps you at home! Just me and the kids. A simpler kind of busy I guess.  Summer activities - not so much!  So I'll "see" ya when I see ya!

Lazy Days of Summer?

Whoever coined that phrase did not have children!

We're only 1 1/2 weeks into our summer schedule, and I'm exhausted!  Mostly because I spent all last week getting ready for the used book sale I participated in Monday at our local Home School Building.  It's a huge sale; approximately 200 tables worth of used books and curriculum set up in the gym.  It was hot, crowded, and rather mind-boggling at times, but I did sell a lot and made some money to use for next year's curriculum. 

In regards to my summer goals, I accomplished 2 out of 3 last week.  My first area of cleaning and organizing was our homeschool books, which was mostly accomplished before the book sale.  But I still have this past year's things to put away.  Also, I exercised 6 times! Two of those days I walked first thing in the morning - something that hasn't worked for me in the past.  It sure feels good to cross that off the list so early in the day!

This week I'm way behind due to the book sale and other various appointments and scheduled events.  Hopefully I'll be back in the game next week.  Oh, yeah, then family is coming.  Well, maybe the week after that?!

The kids are certainly enjoying their summer!

Summer Goals

With homeschooling done for the year, I've made 3 goals for myself this summer.

Putting it in print will help keep me accountable, I hope!

1. Extra, heavy-duty cleaning and organizing of one room or area of the house per week.
2. Walk or exercise regularly - my goal is daily, but I'll be happy with at least 5 days a week.
3. Try one new recipe a week from several cook books that I haven't had time to explore yet.

The cleaning and exercising are the most important to me.  Dealing with depression and health issues on and off for several years made regular, consistent exercise an impossibility, and anything beyond basic survival-mode cleaning usually didn't happen.  I have muscles and a house long-neglected that I aim to pay a lot of attention to now that I'm feeling better.

I still have to keep boundaries in place to keep from over-doing things and exhausting myself. But I'm hopeful that my health will allow me to meet my goals as much as possible. Wish me luck! 

Always Be Prepared

You never know when you might need to defend yourself or your family from the bad guys.  So even when doing school work, be prepared!

I love how boys are just born with a natural, God-given desire to protect, defend, provide, and conquer.  It's busy work raising 3 Knights-In-Training!

Sweet Shot Tuesday - June 1

The pier and lighthouse at sunset in Grand Haven, MI, over Memorial Dad weekend.

What a great way to end the day!