Glimpses of Us Girls at the Forest Cathedral

One of the most beautiful things I see many a day and count my blessings for are our daughters helping in the home. They are so good about just stepping up to the plate and creating delicious meals, healthy ones too. Michelle had just gotten home from her nanny job and stopped by the grocery store too. Perfect afternoon! We're still working on the kitchen as our entire home. That's okay it will be finished soon as God sees fit.


Beautiful hands, helping out at home. Don't you just love this?



"Look Mom, I got a great deal on these veggie burgers!" I love the way homeschooling allowed our girls to have the time to learn how to shop and peruse clearances and sales coupled with sensible couponing. Talk about life skills! : )



Lea decided to pick up the brush and clean the windas (windows) ; )



Back yard and front yard windows, she had them covered!



Marianna had just gotten home so she and Michelle decided to dance with the cat. Rebecca is amused in the background. Marilla the kitty not yet a year old is enjoying it? Hubs and I rescued Marilla the kitty last summer. She was a tiny little kitten who had bolted out under a freeway overpass. Hubs pulled over and I rescued the little gal.



Mornings are bright here, Rebecca is getting her healthy morning sun along with studying too.



Our view on good days, I just love these cows. When I talk to them they are calmed by my voice...I think it's great. No we don't eat them, they are Mr. Lundy's cows. Plus I am a vegetarian. Bet ya didn't know that did ya. Did you know I am prolife too in the way of unborn babies? I choose life. Lea is a counselor at a prolife clinic as I once was as well. Jesus is paramount in all of the above causes.




This particular day, there were several mommies with their babies, one mommy was licking her little calf and taking care of it. So darling. See them all laying down?



An evening to the Smalltown...Hubs and I decided to get out to our old stomping grounds and get a bite to eat. Isn't this a lovely scene?




This is Esther our toy poodle, she sits by me with our other three doglets during my morning prayer time. She is such a sweetheart. Marianna planted the rose bushes, aren't they pretty?


Well,well,well, tis I. : ) I don't like it that I wasn't smiling, this was a Sunday after church in Midtown Downtown visiting a church. I was a bit disappointed in the sermon that day. It's tough visiting churches sometimes, sometimes our homechurch is the best in the west I tell you. Hubs was climbing the entrance ramp, we had just gotten a bite to eat at a Mediterranean restaurant. Live music and the works. We get these wonderful pita sandwiches there for under $3.00 with olives and the works. It's a wonderful experience there. Our family loves it and sometimes this downtown establishment opens the windows so the patrons can enjoy the fresh air...This place has all kinds of neat candy, breads, deli, salad bar,coffees and some of the nicest and flavorful looking and tasting gelatto ever. Lately they have been having beautiful live music too. This place is quite an experience! :)




The following photo was taken last week one night...

Starry starry night... paint your pallette blue and grey....I loved this song ever since I was a little girl... I think it's about Vincent Van Goh. Things don't change in people even today we have those very same spirits who persecute and shun people. But we know God wins. God always wins. The loving Father always wins.



Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up. : )

That's the wrap for now, have a sweet evening to All! Love in Christ, ~Amelia

Muffie and Po-Po Ride Again! And What I've Been Up To and Have been Thinking.

Come on Muff let's get this well fixed!


Hard work right Muff?



I think we got it Muff!



All in a day's work at the Forest Cathedral. Muff is quite contemplative on the day's events.



A beautiful eve at the Forest Cathedral. What's for supper?

Thought you all might enjoy seeing what it's like many evenings here at the Forest Cathedral. Muff is the smallest of our four little doglets, he weighs in at probably eleven pounds. : ) He loves his Po-Po. When Po-Po is home no one else exists. I think it's cute...

Where did we get Muffie? Mar.-Mar. found him four years ago on primary voting day. He was sitting in the intersection in the middle of the road, bless his heart, he was matted up, and his collar was rusted shut because of the elements. Mar. made a U-turn and rescued the little fella. His full name? Muffie Buttons Huckabee. Kinda cute don't you think? Actually we started calling him, Muffin because he looked like a little Muffin. : ) Thus: Muffie Thus: Muff


What have I been doing today?
Well...A lot, but it's the type of thing where it's not showing much. I've gone through some baskets of clothing, washing and drying putting up out of season clothing etc. I am so very behind since I had a huge bout of sickness since January. I will catch up. It's a cinch by the inch but hard by the yard so I'll go the "inch" way. Yes siree bobbie.

What am I thinking?
I'm thinking happy thoughts, so glad the way God reveals things. Sometimes He reveals sad disappointing things, sometimes people act weird. Plum weird I say. But it really isn't our problem, as one of the agents at the office says as she smiles ...If that's what they like... (The word "like" must be said as in two syllables almost as singing). ; ) Also prayers were answered in perfect timing. God is so very good.

I feel so filled with joy that we live here again, it is wonderful. It's great fun going to the little towns riding through beautiful countryside seeing God's creatures caring for their babes. Mommy deer and their little fawns, mommy cows and their babies able to live happily in green pastures. It is beautiful. I was a fool to ever move from here in the first place. I knew I was making a mistake ten years ago before I even signed the papers to move back to town. Thank GOD I have the opportunity to be BACK! Hallelujah!

What am I reading? I'm reading a new book actually that my friend Jane B. Gaddy wrote. (can't remember the name just now. I just started on the book last night, it has a Southern clapboard house on the front. I like to nibble at delightful books and I'm kind of thinking this one will be a delight. Only past the forward.

I get tickled sometimes: when people behave as if I know nothing. Last fall someone asked if I knew who Dr. Denton Cooley was...I wanted to say, "Honey, I knew who he was when me and your mama were little gals." Sometimes my pride wants to get the best of me. Being a stay at home mom and wife is not easy at times...Sometimes I want to tell people like that...Do you know my heritage? Etc.? My great, great grandpa was a doctor in Germany for a king's court, our name started with Von don't you know. And by the way several of my cousins are specialists too don't you know? One of my surgeon - cousins was on fox news and has a dog in her office too just like I would do. : P And the Italian side isn't too shabby either if people must know. It really is sad that in our present society women who give their all and are living life to the fullest in their homes are made to feel somehow as if we are less or not living to the fullest when our position should be the most esteemed and realized as the most fulfilling. Why, if you ask our pediatrician, and look at his first book he gave to his patients one thing he wrote was women actually save money and have a nice simple life by staying home with their children. Homes are much happier and healthier like that for many reasons. I make no apologies for being a stay at home mother and wife. If women would put their all into their families unabashedly the world would sure be a better place. God's accolades are fine with me. And if you are a homeschooled student or homeschool parent and feel pressured to make a mark for pride's sake? For an answer to some fool 10 second question as in "What do you do?" or (horrors) "Where do you go to college?"and you are too whimpy to get it out? Shame on you. Pony up and get a grip and tell them you are, or you aspire to be a happy homemaker. If you're a homeschool mom keep the good Lord FIRST. Please stop the immature, insecure popularity games. I've never seen so many insecure, immature women! God will bless a homeschool where HE is FIRST. The rest will come naturally, not by trusting chariots or horses! So I feel better now. *smile* I just read it to hubs and he thought it was good. He thought maybe there are certain people who should hear that.

Perhaps some of the world's pros should be saying..."I know a GREAT stay at home mom and wife!" She is WOW. Her kids are fantastic! She is a sweetheart indeed!

So that's the wrap and the current feelings these days...I guess I'm in a funny little mood these days but that's just the way it is.

Enjoy your families, enjoy your home, don't let society dictate to you how you should live.

You've got to admit, this is probably the most down to earth blog you've ever seen. Yes, I like to be a first rate version of myself. I do try.

Love to All! ~Amelia

"Takes Genius - To Live Counter Culturally in this World" and Daybook Too.

I heard a preacher say that last Sunday on the radio and I so understand what he is saying...But ya know? Sometimes, in fact, almost most times we don't even try! Ain't it the truth? If you just live for the Lord and follow His ways you will be considered counter cultural won't ya?

Today I'm writing this blog in our living room with Lea, Marianna and Rebecca. We're watching "Oklahoma" in the background. Michelle is at her nanny job.


For supper? Michelle is making grilled veggies in pitas. A great recipe by the way.

I'm drinking at the moment: Green tea with Jasmine...The fragrance of flowers, loveliness.

I'm wearing? A blue and white cap sleeve pin stripe blouse with a blue chambray skirt.

I see outside? The sun trying it's best to come out...

I hear and see: The musical, Oklahoma and.....rumbling thunder with the sun-shining. Wow.

I'm thinking: I do not understand rude, thoughtless people. Just do not understand them when I see a habitual pattern. What in the world? Do they not think that they hurt people's feelings? Life's too short to dwell on it though.

I'm also thinking: Some people are SO very sweet and kind... that when they do perhaps do something that could be considered rude, I can think to myself and even say...They didn't mean nothing....My little Rebecca used to say that when she was a little four year old. She said one time when my dad spilled his pipe ashes on the carpet burning holes. (He still has no idea he did that) Rebecca said: Mommy, Grandpa didn't mean nothing....He didn't mean nothing Mommy. Is that not the sweetest?

I'm reading: Try Giving Yourself Away by David Dunn (1947) Oh my. Such a wowee book...I've been reading excerpts from time to time after supper at the table. Everyone's been enjoying it greatly.

The learning room: "The Sinking of the Bismark" along with brain storming with sisters for Rebecca's grad. party. I love, love, love being able to smile and being able to "get" Rebecca on her ideas...Being in the country is just awesome for parties. The ideas are endless!

I am thankful for: A Peaceful day here at home. Lime green tiny print gingham fabric I am making a spring-time casual dress from! A nice cool dress I am planning. Very feminine for the home.

One of my favorite things: Pondering something and asking God "Why?" and then I turn the radio on and Nancy DeMoss is talking about those "Why" moments. Note: I normally do not ask God why. But lately I feel like a little girl, and this question of Why? It just pours out of my heart to the Father. Mercy from my Father in Heaven would definitely be one of my favorite things. : )


Here are the pics I thought I would share with you on "Lea & Michelle's New & Improved Trash Day". This is from last week, this is what a morning here looks like. I hope you enjoy Michelle and Lea's new and improved "trash day". Now isn't this the prettiest trash day you've ever seen? : )

Okay, here we go Sister...


Here they come back...Everything looks A-Okay. (Love the reflection) What a nice morning!


Coming back into port...


All is Well on a fine morning in the country at the Forest Cathedral. : )

Hope all is well on your end of the country, rain or shine. Love, ~Amelia

P.S. I have a good ol' movie and easy-breezy Italian recipe on my thats-italian.blogspot if you want to see! : )

I also have some challenging and inspirational messages, many if not all on raising our young folks on my Vision For a Godly Home.blogspot

Enjoy and be blessed!

Contented Woman's Daybook

Today Outside my Window? Oh it is so beautiful today! I see glistening green trees and a white flowering tree, God planted in perfect sight. The green leaves glisten like little diamonds.

I am thinking... Some things perhaps need to change in priorities. Some blogging on other blogs may have to take a slow-down as God sees fit. I'll be darned if my family time is taken away because of a blog. (Many feelings on this, things noticed lately) Not complaining, just wising up? Life is a constant wising-up is it not? : ) But on the other hand, if we as bloggers do not glorify GOD in this present society with the gift of our typing fingers who will???? It's all about the Lord's leading in cadence.

I am thankful for... For my husband. We had such a nice time yesterday. I was having a little episode of sore throat feverish relapse after attending a shower Saturday so we stayed home and listened to a sermon and then went to get lunch and a wonderful spring day drive through a nearby two-hundred year old town frozen in time. I'm thankful for our girls. My husband and I are so very thankful for beautiful girls inside and out who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are not seeking peer approval of any kind. My husband and I watched Michelle go the mailbox the other day through the window...He shook his head and said..."She's beautiful. Inside and out. They all four are. A guy would be a fool not to see it." Thankful for a husband who will notice and verbalize that. It makes me feel good inside.

I am wearing... A hot pink cotton polo shirt, dark blue and white workout capris. Yellow flip flops, full makeup and my hair up in a Victorian bun. Glasses on my head. Lavender perfume on. (ready for a productive day!)

In the learning room... The School of Christ. The School of Christ...

I am remembering... I need to write several Easter cards to some folks today. Also several notes of encouragement as well. My giving of self. I need to make sure and remind dh to get salt for the water softener.

I am going... Probably for a walk today to the pond to read. I love that sun's vitamin D!

I am currently reading.. A wowee book. "Giving Yourself Away" by David Dunn written in 1947. This one is a life changer...I wrote about it in my Vision for a Godly Home blog.

I am hoping... My baby Becca gets well and God's healing power touches her body in some miraculous ways soon. She's been going through somewhat of a health crisis, she's a quiet girl, her still waters run deep at times. She's sensitive like her mom so the way people treat her affect her.

On my mind... Several sweet people at the shower I was able to visit with. Very nice ladies, jewels. A darling young lady I had the privilege of sitting with. Sometimes the quiet ones are the hidden jewels are they not? I reiterate...a privilege and as my daughter Marianna says, "I value that girl's respect". So true Marianna. Those sweet ones are the true saints of God many times, the ones who are overlooked. Christ is there and I'm convinced the Lord's angels are smiling upon them. It will always be that way in life. The sweet things often are the most overlooked. Angels themselves in disguise many times...

Noticing that... I've got to get going!

Pondering these words... Jesus answered nothing ...

From the kitchen... Yikes. Not sure yet, I had better go take a peek into the fridge to see what is on hand. I may try a brown rice pizza for a change if I have the goodies for it. Edit: *Ehem* Yes we have no "bananas". : P We will have a pasta dish tonight. Hubs will be happy...

From the working room...Sewing today, if I can fit it in. I love creating my own clothing. I keep it very, very simple and jazz things up with belts and such.

Around the house... Very quiet. Doglets sleeping, nice music from Christian radio.

One of my favorite things... Spring. Hope. The Father's Presence I feel so strongly today. He's always here but there's something about today.

Photos I would like to share..



Is this not the sweetest thing? A mommy and her baby calf right by our backdoor.


Isn't this cute? Our kitten, Marilla watching the mommy cow through the window.

Mommy and youth in the front yard by the pond...





These were taken a couple of weeks ago. Mr. Lundy's cows were here to visit and so glad we had not put in the garden yet!

My Musings by the Pond

Yesterday: Spring has sprung when I paint my tosies. They say, flip flops are the Southern girls glass slippers! : ) These one dollar flip flops are the best in the west. Soft squishy and mold to the foot. Perfect! I was getting a little sun trying to get well after a wearisome shopping trip trying to take back a skirt with a d.o.a. zipper and of course the poor little wallymart in little-town doesn't quite know what to do with "dot com" exchanges. Poor little clerk in the store was a nervous wreck bless her heart. But I did feel a sore throat and headachie feeling trying to come back after a 30 minute refund. I was tired before we left and I should have listened to my bod, I should have listened to God! I do not want a relapse and have gotten a touch of one. Poor Michelle is not feeling well either so those germies are floating around too.


I tried to take some pics of today it is SO beautiful this evening! Hopefully I can get those up soon. The pics don't do it justice though. My thoughts today were that anyone not spending the day in the country is really, really missing life....really missing life. It's just off the wall gorgeous...timeless beauty.

This was also relaxing for me yesterday, reading one of my very favorite books by the pond. "First We Have Coffee", a darling, sweet, sweet book. And you have my clear nail polish for my finger nails. I like clear on my finger nails.


Dreamie pic of home sweet home. I love the reflection.


A beautiful evening sky.




Here are some favorite songs of late, we've discovered Sarah Jarosz and are so enjoying her neat music, much of it is bluegrass, so artistic and sounds so very neat playing outside.

One of my husband and my favorites: 'My Muse'.

"My Muse" We think of the Lord. : )


"Run Away" Hubby and I laugh and say that's us in the country.



An official video of "Run Away". Interesting, not sure what to make of it but it turns out innocent enough? : )


Well I better run now, it's our one year anniversary of being here in the country and it's St. Patty's day too, so yes we are all wearing green. : ) Homemade pizza and a huge salad is done, made by our four daughters.

Enjoy your evening. May we all Live the Life. Pray I'll have sense on what to do and what not to do as far as activity. I can't believe how weak I am after being sick. A good reminder in some ways of our strength being in Christ.

Love to All, ~Amelia

Zuzu and Janie's Trash Day. Uh Oh...

Okay...Here Goes. Finished Product. Sort of? Dad wasn't home, had an early appointment so the two sisters home from work did the duty of trash day....(horror music plays) ... Normally hubby has been loading the trash into the trailer for the girls and away they go to the road for pick up. It's cute to see them (normally) : / Okay sister, let's get it in any way we can... "No not that way, this way." "Are you kidding?" "No listen - it will work I tell you..." Hmmm...If we figure out trash day on a muddy wet day we can solve the world's problems I tell you. I think we got it! Ta dah! (sort of?) Well to make a long story short, Zuzu on the riding mower with Janie riding in the back holding on to the trash can and trailer...ran into a huge muddy pit. Uh oh. The trailer comes undone as well. They try and they try bless their hearts and finally Zuzu has to run to work.  Janie hops on the riding mower and tries with all her heart to hold on to the trailer as the trash cans decide to fall off. Tears ensue and I can surely understand.  just say she met the fedex man with mascara under her eyes. Poor Li-Li! Today Joycie and I went to the little town to return something at the little wallyworld. It was fun.  J. bought several beautiful rose bushes and then stopped by the grocery to get some little extras. I became very tired and exhausted at Wallyworld so for the grocery I sat in the car reading the sweet local paper while J. flew in for the items. While I was sitting in the car looking at the paper I see this darling bride with such a sweet countenance. Oh my goodness. It was Hubby and I's old friend's daughter. It was so very hard to believe. So glad to see such a sweet countenance and she married well from the looks of things. (married well as in Christ reigns) : ). On the way home it was so pretty outside, i was feeling better so we took a drive through the little old historical (very very historical) town on the way home...Oh. my. goodness. Breathtaking. Huge oaks on the river, old church from the 1800s and many registered homes on old gravel streets much like I grew up. Neat. Many carriage houses still standing....Relics everywhere. On the way home, we were coming down the ranch road and stopped when we spotted a nice size turtle crossing the street and becoming miscombobulated.  J. got out and gently picked up the turtle and put him back in the grass safe and sound all the while stopping to pick some daisy dukes mind you. : ) Great times. Who can complain? Iced tea in the car on a beautiful spring-like day. Tonight for sup? Enchiladas. A song I heard while I was laying down that makes me smile. We also listened to Sara Groves, the song Compelled. I love that song. This morning as i was praying I had this on my mind an have had this song on my mind: Better run. Just wanted to get my thoughts and pics down of the trash day in the country. Enjoy? Love, ~Amelia

Michelle Takes Mom Shopping! So Fun!

My sweet daughter Michelle took me shopping the other day and it was so much fun. I really, really, needed that and was ready to go with no one needing to twist my arm I assure you! Oh my it was great going to my old stomping ground, a gorgeous drive, trees, cattle etc., the mall is quiet and oh so nice. Plum luverly and it made me feel like a human being again. I also wondered how in the world I could have ever moved from this area? Thank God I'm back.

I'm realizing I had better keep my tent pitched to our new but old area here. : )

Michelle was so, so sweet! She treated me to a very nice Chinese buffet lunch and then off to the mall. Michelle has been firmly reminding me I needed a nice denim skirt and she was going to take me to Cato's to get one by George! Not only did I find one nice belted denim skirt but a dark denim one too suitable even for a Sunday morning church service. So I found TWO denim skirts! Yay! I've been wearing my homemade one and it was almost falling off of me after being sick and changing my diet vegetarian last summer. : )

Before I left I put one of my fave outfits on.


It's almost time to go and I can't get a good shot. I look serious here, it's a serious thing trying to look decent for a picture isn't it? : P The only decent shots had toothpaste splatters on the mirror, yep, when you've been sick for over two months you just don't worry with cleaning toothpaste spatters.


I tried to wear comfy shoes but pretty ones. After being sick for so long, I'm realizing I must live life and enjoy it....dress up and enjoy it. My daughters and I agreed that we think undergarments should be pretty too. Do you remember the director of Gone With the Wind? He made sure one of the actresses had a beautiful petticoat that rustled and crinkled. The actress made the remark that no one would see the petticoat or know it was there. The director said...You will know. : ) I have even found a like-new beige lace vintage full slip on ebay, probably from the 50s? They just don't make them like that anymore. It's beautiful.

Another thing I've learned and am learning is to quit working when I'm tired. And rest. Just stop and rest. I'm not a high energy person and never have been, so it doesn't take much to tip me over to either physical or emotional exhaustion. Around 3 or 4pm I wind down.

On the way home from shopping it was such a lovely evening I had to pull my trusty camera out and get some shots getting home from our great day!











Home! : )

For supper today: I made a Cajun bean soup with rice for supper, my girls made baked potatoes with it.

In the works: I cut out and completed sewing a darling pink linen with maroon leaf print long skirt. I even snuck in an order of ballet pink flat shoes to match from ebay to go with the skirt. It will make such a cute outfit with a white whispie earthy feminine top, perhaps lace leggings too.

It's a wonderful life, thank God I'm on the upswing, I tire easily but God is with me in a major way and thanks to Him I'm getting better.

Here is a cute song hubby and I heard last night at our datenight restaurant...Can't Hurry Love by The Supremes. (Hubby took me for Chinese too for datenight) Do you get the impression I like Chinese food? : ) It's funny isn't it? The Supremes at a Chinese restaurant. *big smile*

This song makes me smile and want to be-bop too, this gets me going:


I listened to my Christian radio station today (Chuck Swindoll was good today) and the soundtrack to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with Becs while she studied and I sewed. Our family watched Susan Thomas F.B. Eye tonight. Such sweet programs. The girls sing the theme song as their anthem. Such a fun time!

It's late, that's my update. More to come to show and tell about life.

Time capsule for the week of March 12.2012.

It's a wonderful life!

Love to All, ~Amelia