Who is this little fellow that was hanging out on our porch yesterday? Courtney saw him on her way from gathering clothes on our laundry line and couldn’t resist snapping a quick picture. Maybe we’ll do some bug study today? : )
We have loved our laundry line…I know, that this change in our lives is going to save us a ton of money. One of the online groups I belong to posted a clothesline poem that I wanted to share here. (I’m not sure of the author…if you know please pass it along so I can give proper credit!!)
The Clothesline
Do You Remember the Clothesline?
A clothesline was a news forecast
To neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep
When clothes were hung to dry.
It also was a friendly link,
For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by
To spend a night or two.
For then you’d see the fancy sheets
And towels upon the line;
You’d see the company tablecloths
With intricate design.
The line announced a baby’s birth
To folks who lived inside,
As brand new infant clothes were hung
So carefully with pride.
The ages of the children could
So readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed,
You’d know how much they’d grown.
It also told when illness struck,
As extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,
Haphazardly were strung.
It said, “Gone on vacation now,”
When lines hung limp and bare
It told, “We’re back!” when full lines sagged,
With not an inch to spare,
But clotheslines now are of the past,
For dryers make work less,
Now what goes on inside a home
Is anybody’s guess.
I really miss that way of life.
It was a friendly sign,
When neighbors knew each other best,
By what hung on the line!
To update you, I purchased my first package of diapers in over a month, this week. Courtney and I tried to put a $ figure on how much we have saved (we also, as I’m sure most of you know, potty trained Ben). We think, that in a month’s time we have saved somewhere in the neighborhood of $50.00! That’s a huge savings! When I think of all the ways I would rather spend that money in a year other than something that will be used and thrown in the trash, I get really excited! I do need to make some more…at the moment I only have made 8. I also need to construct diaper doublers so Emmie will make it through the night with no leaking. (We’ve still been using the disposables when we go out, and at night…I do think that we’ll end up going totally cloth though, this has just been much easier of a transition than I would have ever thought it would be!)
I think I’m ready for the next step of the “de-cluttering myself” challenge through my MIH group. Today, (well actually a couple of days ago!) we were supposed to start a notebook on ourselves. We are supposed to include things like our body type, beginning weight, and color analysis. I haven’t done this yet so I’m going to work on it today. One of the things that I have done is for two days, I’ve been without COKE (which I adore and have given up before but it is always calling me back!). I have had tea at dinner and water at all other times. I can tell that I’m feeling better already!
Prayer Requests:
This morning finds me feeling a little better but I’m still not 100%, maybe not even 75%. Please pray for my continued recovery.
Paul has been hard at work. Please pray for his continued efficiency and that we would have some important phone calls returned today.
Kim Greenlaw is still having some health issues. She has a procedure scheduled for next Friday that will hopefully help her. Be praying for her recovery!
Today, I’m Thankful For:
My husband. He works so hard, and those of you who know him will agree, that he never complains.
The growing men in my home. (Have I shared what a blessing I think this is? They are so respectful of me, and pamper me…I know that they are growing up to lead families of their own. I feel an awesome responsibility of preparing them for this crucial mission, and yet I get this brief moment in time to love them and snuggle them. I wonder, if when they are taller than I am, and perhaps there is a young woman at their side and children streaming behind, if I’ll remember the quiet times that I’ve shared with each of them looking at every detail of their face and thinking how wonderfully blessed I am just to be their Mom?)
The cool weather this week… it has been so nice to feel cool breezes this week. I know it’s not going to last long but I’m thankful for this week!
A good night’s rest.
My daughter, Courtney. I’m thankful that she understands that making mistakes is part of learning and is therefore not afraid to try something new. She has been cooking so many new things, and sewing, and thinking of all sorts of room decorating ideas. She is one of the most creative people that I know!
Tracy’s Task:
Today is Friday. This is the day to think about spending special time with your hubby over the weekend. I’m going to try to find some time to make us a special dinner (this doesn’t have to be extravagant!), put the children in bed and sit and enjoy a date with my dear hubby!
Your Comments:
I get lots of comments and questions in my email box…today I thought I would share a few.
From Christy (my dear friend!…you didn’t know you were going to show up on the blog today did you????)
“Hey Tracy, I enjoy reading your blog so much—–it keeps me in tune with your life when we both get so busy…I visited the sites that you had in today’s blog and I *think* I am a winter …Just wish I were a thinner squash!! LOL”
O.K., Those of us who know Christy know she’s not fooling anyone!! She is a MUCH thinner fruit than she used to be. She has been such an inspiration to me!!!! I, by the way, THINK, I’m a Summer pear.
From Shannon
“Tracy, I belong to MIH also! That’s how I found your site. I love this post! I am so very proud of my Southern heritage.”
Me too, Shannon! I think that life just seems to move at a slower pace in the south! I love it here!
From Gail
“8 people in a trailer. I applaud you and God Bless You.”
Thanks Gail! We are actually 10 people (including Paul and I). It’s really not too bad …it requires me to stay constantly on top of de-cluttering in my home. I do have to say that we are in constant prayer that the Lord would provide a larger home for our family, but we try to make the most of what we have and for the most part, I think that we are doing better and better (unless you drop by unexpected, LOL!).
What I’m Learning:
My homemade dishwasher detergent is NOT working. We ended up with some nasty looking glasses. What I did like was using white vinegar in place of jet dry. It works great!
Today’s Scripture Meditation:
Paul and I have faced some real temptation in the area of debt lately. I wanted to share with you (more for myself) what the Bible says about debt. I’m going to just share one or two verses a day.
Rom 13:7-8
“Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.”
(NIV)
This verse talks about lending but only to a fellow believer and without interest.
Lev 25:35-37
“If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit.”
(NIV)
