My First Quote

As I was unpacking some boxes recently, I ran across the first quote I ever remember writing down. I was somewhere between 12 and 15 years old, and I taped it to the side of the drawer in my bedside table so I could see it every day. I can say it by memory, and it still stirs and calls to my heart.

Photo by Andrew Sisson

The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. - Henry Varley

Us Girls

Hello from the Nitchfield ladies! It's been such a fast and lovely summer.

We've noticed that some of our morning walks are getting cooler. This makes at least one of us very happy.

We've put up some of our garden produce. Daddy did the pickles and salsa. We girls did the corn, green beans and diced tomatos.

Me and my little "helper".

Visitors

Well, I'm not sure they really count as visitors since they're all related, but we've had some fun company around here recently. Not long ago Becca and Elli joined us for some girl time.


It was lovely having a few days just relaxing and doing girl things - watching a recording of a musical B & E helped with, cooking yummy things and playing games.


We introduced them to Five Crowns, while I got to try out Becca's new book game, involving trivia from Pride & Prejudice, Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, Little House on the Prairie, Jane Eyre, and other favorite stories. It was great fun, and marvelous just to be together!


This past weekend Nate dropped in for an overnight stay. It was wonderful. We had plenty of time to catch up with each other, look at pictures, talk, eat, talk, laugh, talk, melt the piano bench cover and talk. I miss having this guy around.


Thanks for coming by, all you guys! Let's do it again soon. ;-)

Country Baby

Now for a little update from Alaina the country girl (Sorry, that's location, not music.), and some pictures we got the other evening while waiting for Daddy to get home.

As a pro - level crawler, Alaina is probably clocking a record speed of around 3 miles an hour, although she doesn't keep up that pace for very long - thankfully.

Baby loves animals, stroller rides, and chewing just about anything. The favorite food thus far seems to be bananas. She still has a thing for ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Her primary temptation at the moment is usually related to touching things she's not supposed to.

Alaina loves to be sung to, and has a variety of favorite songs. For some reason "Father Abraham" is especially interesting to her, and she'll usually stop crying to listen. Sometimes when we're singing, she'll try to sing along.

Her piece of advice to share?

"When in doubt, just chew on it."

I am convinced

that neither death

Photo by Andrew Sisson





nor life





nor angels





nor principalities





nor powers





nor things present





nor things to come





nor height





nor depth





nor any other created thing





will be able to separate us
from the love of God




which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Quote of the Week: Names

Mankind is governed by names . . . the senate and people would submit to slavery, provided they were respectfully assured that they still enjoyed their ancient freedom. - Edward Gibbon in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Flowers

One of my new favorite things about summer is that as soon as the weather turns warm, my husband begins pickling me nosegays. It's wonderful! As different plants go in and out of bloom, he keeps me supplied with fresh flowers from our yard.


Most of these are ones he has transplanted or grown himself from seed! He never ceases to amaze me with his gardening prowess.



I like to dabble in flower arranging now and again, gleaning tips from books and friends (thanks Becca and Martha!). This is my attempt from early this spring. Kind of wild, I know, but I was so happy to get some color inside!


I've read that plants with hollow, milky stems (like dandelions) last longer if you singe the end. Well, it's true! The greenery on the left was treated, the greenery on the right was not, and wilted quickly. (I just had to include that tip for those who like to play with flowers and fire!)



Here's a triangular arrangement featuring our newly transplanted mini - iris.

Becca and Elli supplied these roses (more on them later). You don't have to use a vase - try a pitcher or teacup. This little grouping is sitting happily in a toothbrush holder.

Hope you're inspired!

Fun and Fried Fish

Two weekends ago we drove down to Kentucky for one of the highlights of our summer - the annual Family Fish Fry hosted by Kirk and Lee!

Renee and Emily enjoying the beautiful day. With a shady sky and gentle breeze, it couldn't have been nicer outside.

(Conner, Troy and little Kirk) The kids still managed to get in a little slip and sliding . . .

. . . and keep the dogs happy. (Charles and Emily's dog Benny)

Alaina was in charge of the crawling demonstrations.

Kyle enjoyed some informal baseball practice (which was quite impressive, I hear!)

Mama Phillips and other spectators. Once again, we had a wonderful (and delicious!) time with the family. Thanks Kirk and Lee for hosting such a special time!

Quote of the Week: Practical

With systematic housekeeping, most of the time you live comfortably. [Without it] the only time you get to experience anything like a well kept house is immediately after emergency measure are taken. The rest of the time - most of the time - you live badly. - Cheryl Mendelson