Friday Family History: Getting Started

Family history research can seem daunting--after all, Grandma had a grandma, and she had a grandma, and so on, and so on.  The good news is that family history doesn't have to just be an endless quest for names and dates; family history comes alive with piecing together life stories, and the telling of the stories can occur bit by bit.

Thursday Thoughts: Why I Blog

Recently, I've read a few posts on other blogs which answer the question, "Why do you blog?"  My very first blog post attempted to explain, but as time has passed, my purposes have become a bit clearer to me.  It's time for an updated answer.

source

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: Youngest Daughter's Creative Sculpture

Thanks for inspiring, creative youngest daughter, for whom art seems so effortless.


You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party 
All My Bloggy Friends
A Peek into My Paradise

Tuesday Time to Tackle: Water Heater Woes

Sunday morning, I noticed a small wet spot in the hallway.  It confused me.  Drexel sleeps in a crate, and he is housebroken.  The ceiling was dry, so the spot wasn't due to water dripping from above.  I got a towel to dry the carpet.  No matter how much I stomped on the towel, I kept drawing up water. 

Monday Morning in the Kitchen: Lemon Chicken

I served this dish the other evening.  John took one bite and said, "I remember this!"  Sometimes old favorites get forgotten, and that's what had happened to this Lemon Chicken recipe. 

Sunday Musings of the Spirit: June 2013 Visiting Teaching Message

When I read the title of the visiting teaching message for June--Joy in Family History--I knew I would love the message!  It can be found here.

Family history really does create a bond between the generations.

 

 (If you missed the story about Grandma Whitehead, and how I obtained her photo--featured in the picture above--you can find the account here.)


Thanks for family history.


You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party 
All My Bloggy Friends
A Peek into My Paradise

Friday Family History: Remembering on Memorial Day Weekend

photo source

For many Americans, Memorial Day means barbeques and picnics, camping and get-togethers.  Memorial Day ushers in the summer season.  Though it is filled with fun activities, the real purpose of the day is more somber, as we remember those who have given their lives in service for our country.

Thursday Thoughts: Be Nice!

My two oldest girls had the same kindergarten teacher.  This teacher had only one classroom rule:  Be nice.  She figured that one rule covered nearly all situations, and I have to admit, her classroom operated smoothly.  

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(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: The Chicks are Growing!

Thanks for the promise of fresh eggs.


You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party 
All My Bloggy Friends
A Peek into My Paradise

Tuesday Time to Tackle: Disneyland

Have you ever had one of those days where the stars seem to align (metaphorically speaking--I'm not a believer of astrology) and all of a sudden you have a no-obligations day on your hand?   Well, that happened to me yesterday, so I grabbed oldest daughter and we went to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Monday Morning in the Kitchen: Shepherd's Pie

For fun, try asking your children which recipes they remember you fixing often.  You might be amazed.  

Today's post is at the request of oldest daughter.  

Sunday Musings of the Spirit: Sabbath Day

Thanks for the Sabbath day.




You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party 
All My Bloggy Friends
A Peek into My Paradise

Friday Family History: Cats

Oldest daughter has always loved cats.  She and her older brother would play "Cats and Legos" when they were younger, she would sleep with a stuffed kitty every night, and the first pet of her own was a calico named Crystal. 

Thursday Thoughts: Exercise Update

If you have been following my blog, you might remember that I signed up to run a 10 K to be held later this year.  I will humor myself and imagine that you have been wondering, "So, Kristi, how is the training going?"

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: Anticipating Harvest

We've already harvested a bunch of artichokes, and clearly are falling behind.

I'm having a hard time picking strawberries before Drexel does.

"Only two things that money can't buy, and that's true love and home-grown tomatoes."

I need to plant more lettuce, so I can extend the season.

The pomegranate seems well-established now, and is blooming on an annual basis.

Thanks for bits of beauty in my garden.


You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party 
All My Bloggy Friends
A Peek into My Paradise

Tuesday Time to Tackle: Documenting Ford Anglia "Before"

Our sons attend college in another state, but they wish they could be here to help John with the restoration of his Ford Anglia.  Oldest son asked me to please post photos of the car in its current condition. 

Monday Morning in the Kitchen: Puff Pastry for Mom (Guest Post)

Two of my girls made me breakfast in bed yesterday, and oldest daughter offered to share her recipe for the yummy puff pastry creation she served. 

Sunday Musings of the Spirit: A Message for the Discouraged Mom

Happy Mother's Day!  What an emotionally-laden day this can be.  Some women pine to be mothers and are not; others feel inadequate in their role.  If you have ever been a discouraged mom, please watch this video:


For those of you who may not be mothers yet, perhaps these words by Julie B. Beck might be of comfort: 

"Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come, and “where [her] treasure is, there will [her] heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). By developing a mother heart, each girl and woman prepares for her divine, eternal mission of motherhood.

"In my experience I have seen that some of the truest mother hearts beat in the breasts of women who will not rear their own children in this life, but they know that “all things must come to pass in their time” and that they “are laying the foundation of a great work” (D&C 64:32–33). As they keep their covenants, they are investing in a grand, prestigious future because they know that “they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever” (Abr. 3:26)."

Thanks for moms everywhere, and for those with mother hearts.


You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party 
All My Bloggy Friends 

Friday Family History: Of Grandma and African Violets

I recently learned about the Grandmother Power Post campaign
from the Grandma's Briefs blog.  For my post, I decided to share an edited version of a tribute I gave at my grandma's memorial service four years ago.  I've removed any identifying information for those who are still living.

Thursday Thoughts: Death by Swiss Chard

Have you jumped on the green smoothie bandwagon?  It's so easy to throw leafy greens in the blender with some fruit and a bit of water and enjoy a healthy drink.  

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: Guide Dog Puppy Drexel at Almost 6-Months Old

I love fuzzy puppy faces.

"Is this photo shoot about over? I'm tired!"

Drexel helping me with the piano pedals.  He also started dusting (notice the wet spots where he licked the piano), but obviously didn't finish the job. I'm mortified my piano was so dusty.

Drexel the Adorable

Thanks for a sweet puppy.


You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party 
All My Bloggy Friends
A Peek into My Paradise

Tuesday Time to Tackle: Laundry Room Decor

I value function.  If a room works, I'm happy.  The laundry room in my house is a good-sized room.  When we remodeled our kitchen, we saved the old cabinets.  Some of these sit in our laundry room now, and provide a counter on which to fold clothes.  Still, after years of staring at a blank wall, I thought, "Why can't this room be cute as well as functional?"  

Monday Morning in the Kitchen: "Chopped" at Home

Youngest son introduced John to the TV show, "Chopped," and now we often will watch an episode or two.  The basic idea is that chefs compete to produce a dish that contains mystery ingredients.  The show starts with 4 chefs each making an appetizer.  Three chefs progress to the entree round, then the two finalists compete during the dessert round.

Sunday Musings of the Spirit: We are All Important

This little girl has deep insight.

 

Thanks for all.


You might find my posts on these blog hops: 

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
All My Bloggy Friends 

Friday Family History: Fun with Photos

I love stumbling upon old family photos.  How am I related to this person?  Do we share a resemblance?  Does the background of the photo give me any clues about their daily life?

Thursday Thoughts: Weekend Getaways

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I'm a big advocate of weekly date nights. Children need to see their parents making marriage a priority.  Children can feel secure knowing that their parents love each other, and love them. 

Besides weekly date nights, I also think it is important for couples to take a weekend trip together every now and then.  Granted, it is more difficult when the kids are young, but I highly recommend it if at all possible. 

John and I spent last weekend in San Diego, and we had so much fun. 

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: Scenes from a San Diego Weekend

 

Thanks for relaxing weekends.


You might find my posts on these blog hops:

Sew Darn Crafty Party,  Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop,  Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist