Springtime Thoughts

It's been a busy couple of weeks again. I haven't had the time to sit down and devote much time to blogging. Me and Freckles went to Southern Cali a week ago for her speech tournament. It went well. But let me tell you, coming home was the best, in my opinion. I am so not a huge traveler having to sleep away from home and being put into a crowd outside of my comfort zone. The important thing is that she had fun. Once we got home, it took a few days to recoup and get back to the rhythm of our life. Later this Summer we are planning to take a trip to Washington to see our son and stop off along the way to see our parents and possibly a friend. I was going to go to Latvia with my mother and sibling but there was a falling out with the family which led to threats of taking the trip away from me and vindictive behavior from their side publicly on Facebook, So I decided to step back from it all and not take the trip with them. In the long run, I am very happy with my decision. After the time I spent living with them for 6 months a couple years ago, it had caused a lot of health issues, stress, anxiety and depression along with much hurt. This is now a season in which I need to focus on my Lord, my health and my husband and children. Sometimes, sadly you have to be silent and walk away from people, even if they are family. The company I keep will be those who nourish my soul, who pray for me and my family, who lifts me up and cheers me on. I have felt a peace in my soul since...And I am finding joy again. I feel like a dark cloud has lifted off me. And it feels so good. 

I have been spending a lot of time with my girl... Teaching her how to cook and helping her find creative ways to keep organized in her new room. We shop together and giggle...It really has been wonderful. She is such a joy! We have plans to do crafty things and do our special Bible studies...It is such a blessing to have a daughter that is also my best friend. 

Side Note:

By far Spring is my favorite season. Enjoying the blooming flowers and warmer days, listening to the littlest birds sing the prettiest songs. This is a time for renewal. It reminds me of the old things that passed away and God giving new life to those who believe in Him. His promises are real. I bask in His glory. Winter now passes and Spring blossoms. His creation is truly amazing and I am so blessed to be a part of it, for I know His promises of new life is for me.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

In The Nest....

 
We have been watching our little nest of friends for sometime now. Back in May Mama bird was preparing her nest in our plum tree. So sweet. Then just about 3 1/2 weeks ago there were four precious eggs inside the tiny nest. I thought it might be a hummingbird nest, but as we got a better look at the Mama, she was certainly not a hummingbird. She is small like one...Perhaps a Finch or a Sparrow? I am not sure.

Last week i peeked into the nest and there they were. Only three of the four eggs have hatched. Oh they are the cutest little things i have ever seen. Mama was close, I could hear her chirping. I made a quick visit, snapped a couple pictures and left so I wouldn't stress Mama out.

This morning i went out to see if i could get a glimpse of the babies. Mama was out...Maybe finding food for her babes. So I climbed the latter to see them. One was peeking over. Oh my gosh. They are adorable. Freckles said they look like little old men with their bald little heads with just a touch of fuzz on each side. They are all wrinkly and pink. I think I am happier than a bird with a french fry just looking at these babies makes my heart swell.
  
Only a face a Mama could love.
 
Within just a few days they are changing so quickly. By next week I am sure they will have feathers...Soon to leave their Mama's nest. makes me think of how quickly our children grow...Fast...Before we know it they will fly away and leave our nest. Thank God we have more time with our children than a bird does. Can you imagine your child growing up and flying away in just a matter a weeks.

What a brave Mama bird.
I hope to capture more of their growth and will share.
 If anyone knows perhaps what kind of birds they are...
Please drop me a line. I would love to know.
 Happy Monday!!!

Spring Nest Craft....

Today we spent the afternoon making some Springtime crafts. I found some fun ones on Pinterest and thought we could give it a try. It was fun making a mess just like back in Kindergarten. Except we didn't eat the glue today. I pulled out the supplies which I had on hand already...Easy as 1, 2, 3....

A bottle of school glue and a foam brush.

Brown lunch sacks, a bowl and plastic wrap...In my case it's foil  ( I didn't have any plastic wrap)...Still worked great. I pulled out the old paper shredder and let Freckles shred the bags into a box.

Don't forget you will also need a serious crafter like mine.

Okay...So, we lined the outer part of the bowl with foil...and started spreading on the glue and shredded papers...We then layer it with glue and more paper and more glue...It got a little sticky as we also used our hands to mush it all together.
 
Once the bowl was completely covered with paper and glue. We put it outside for the afternoon...about 1-2 hours in the sun worked for us til it was dry. We then carefully pulled the foil off the bowl with paper in tact. Now we had a paper bowl with foil inside. We left the foil there and filled the nest with some extra shredded paper and some of that paper shredded gift stuff you buy. We also added a few red paper scraps for color and pop. Lastly we added a sweet birdy we got from
 The Dollar Store craft section and a few vintage chenille peeps...

Voila...You now have a sweet Spring Nest.
You can fill yours with whatever your little heart desires...Easter eggs, candy...
whatever. It is totally cute and was totally fun and easy to make. Freckles gives it a five star rating.
Have a happy Spring Nest making day.

Happy Easter....

 
Christ the Lord is risen today!
Angels rolled the stone away
From the tomb wherein He lay!
Little children, come and sing,
"Glory, glory to the King,
Christ the Lord of everything!"

May your Easter be filled with His abiding love.
May His death and resurrection  prick your heart this day and forever!
Happy Easter to You and your family, from My family!

March Tid Bits

Tis finally Spring !!! What a grand time to hear God's wee feathered creatures chirping and singing their glory to their creator every early morn. It is such a delight to see the birds in our backyard roaming around, flying to and fro from their nests, preparing for their offspring.

These are the times we spend outdoors amongst all of God's glorious creations. This is to be my second favorite time of year, when the trees & flowers bloom, the sun shines yet warmer on our face, and new life is just beginning.

As for us...there are more activities to enjoy. My daughter started arena soccer for the first time. Her team is lovingly called the

She was so thrilled, yet got butterflies in her stomach right before entering the field. We told her just go out there and have fun and to make sure that she was kicking the ball in the right direction. She did sooo well. Their team even won !!! So we went out to celebrate with ice cream cones. Our Spring days have already been in the upper 70's low 80's. Youch !!!

Upcoming Events:

1. Swap & Shop Mom's nite out

2. High School Youth Day In Court

3. Showcase Science Fair

4. Wolf Center

5. A 5 mile walk with women of the church

6. Classics For Kids CLASSICS PHILHARMONIC

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Keep cool. I do hope this finds you all well and in good spirits.

Have a blessed week ahead !!

In Search Of A Place To Call Home....

Dear friends,

I am not one to ask much from anyone... but prayer.

We have yet to find a place called home in California. As I have told you a while back we are moving from Washington to California so that Mr. Darling can pursue Seminary.

The Lord has opened many doors of opportunity for our family which we cannot possibly turn down. We are completely relying on God an His people to help us through the next 4 years. In Faith we will go. We have a prospect house in mind here.

Which would greatly meet our needs. In walking distance of the Seminary. This home has three bedrooms, and a build on . Since we are in need of a place for Mr. Darling to study, for a schoolroom and a place for my art work... this house seems to have it. The picture above is the living room... the picture below is part of the add on which would make a perfect spot for my studio. There is an ajoining room perfect for the school, T.V. Room, then upstairs is a private room perfect for Mr. Darlings study.

And look, in the back there is even a wee house for our little girl to set up her spot. Big Brother is welcome anytime !!!

Well, I think it would be a perfect set up. I am just asking to pray that the application process will go smoothly, and we will be able to move in the next couple of weeks. If this be the Lord's will for us to build a nest in, I am humbly greatful. Thank you for your prayers.

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Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19