Seeing the Big Picture

I am slowly making my way through Philip Yancey's book, Where Is God When It Hurts.  This is a real mulling-over book, because much as we would all like it, there are no easy answers about pain and its role in the lives of so many we know.  Pain is not always a consequence for wrongdoing or some great cosmic joke, and many times we don't know the reason for it or the many reasons are complex.  A trite, holy answer will almost never suffice.

Our response to the difficulties in our lives seem to really determine our success in managing them.  In the midst of pain and problems, it's often hard to see His purpose.  I found this quote to be a real encouragement to be patient and wait to see how He will use hardship:

"The symphony he is composing includes minor chords, disonance, and tiresome fugal passages.  But those of us who follow his conducting through early movements will, with renewed strength, someday burst into song."

God does love us immensely, but His purposes are not the same as ours.  Yancey earlier in the book made the point that we often view God as a sort of benevolent grandfather rather than a heavenly father.  Seeing my parents and in-laws as grandparents, and being a parent myself, that was a very vivid illustration for me.  We often feel sorry that God isn't giving us more and more good things and pleasure, but He knows us like no other.  He'd rather give us the best things--whether it be through good times or bad--than let us settle for the comforts of ease all the time.

Comfort for a Bluesy Day

My Modern Day Perry Mason

It's been one of those days.  What with the election last night, all the doomsdaying on the news, and some terribly cranky children, I admit to feeling a mite tired and overwhelmed.  Now my normal approach to this would be the chocolate stash, but I happen to be a little depleted.  Option number two is on right now.  I'm watching Judge Judy.  Now that would be a career I could really endorse.  Having the legal authority to penalize and make fun of stupid people with an audience there to cheer you on is really living the dream.  When life seems like there's no justice or security, it's time to watch Judge Judy let the one-liners fly.  Imagine the fun of seeing a moron, rolling your eyes at the moron, then publicly declaring said moron to be moronic in a crowd of like-minded silently cheering grinners.  Also a grumpy policeman accomplice to grunt in agreement and do my fetching for me...I couldn't dream of a better day job.  Vive Judge Judy!  We responsible, tax-paying law abiders are living vicariously through you!

From the Mom of Girls

You know, I never thought of myself as someone who would have a whole flock of girl babies running around.  I grew up with three brothers in a not-so prissy farm-type atmosphere, so imagine my surprise when I found out that we would have another girl in September!  I've decided to embrace the giggly, hairstyling, chocolate-loving, nail painting aspect of my mothering with gusto.  In fact, Cara recently had her first sleepover, complete with giggling, beading, dressing up, and Barbie movies.  (Minus the presence of the manly contingent of our family.)

All this rambling is completely beside the point, actually.  On to today's review...

I'm sure you recognize this ultra famous, many times over printed Renoir.  It's called "Two Young Girls At The Piano".  I have to say, I've always liked this painting...its color and innocence.  It has taken on a new meaning to me recently, though, when I think about what my household will be like in a few short years.  Soon I'll have a whole troop of sweet girlies playing piano and singing together, and what a joy that will be!  I hope the girls continue to have a sweet, sisterly affection for each other through the teen and adult years.

Continuing on the Reading Theme...

I found this painting quite some time ago.  In fact, I think it was before we even knew we were having baby #4.  This struck a chord with me, of course, because I love to read aloud with my kids.

This painting is "Jungle Tales" by James Jebusa Shannon.  You can just see how thrilled they are...and look...no pictures...small print!  I've seen this look on my children's faces on occasion during read aloud time.    Forget the millions of lesson plans for 'listening skills'.  This is how learning to listen is truly accomplished...turning off the television and reading aloud on a regular basis.  

As always, my reviews have pretty much nothing to do with the actual skill of the artwork.  I just find art I like or art that makes me feel something.  I figure, if it makes me think or remember or laugh, it's a medium worthy of attention.  Doesn't this make you think of things you do with your children to build camaraderie and have fun in a calm and quiet way?

PS...this post has also been a good exercise for me.  Apparently I've forgotten how to spell 'camaraderie' correctly.  Thank you, dictionary.com!  Must be time to start up with the word of the week again...

A Reading Update

We've been enjoying our time off school the last couple months.  The older babies have been reading here and there for their library reading program, as well as our usual Bible and reading aloud time just after lunch. I'm very pleased to announce that we've begun to read an abridged version of Swiss Family Robinson together after lunch.  It's been a big hit--full of animals and imagination and excitement.  In fact, I have to say, it was one of my personal favorites growing up.

As for me, I'm continuing through Agatha Christie's autobiography, a really intriguing read.  She has a light style, but I've actually learned quite a lot about the culture of her time and class.  I'd highly recommend it, and I'm only halfway through.  In fact, Hercule Poirot has just begun to develop.  There are so many adventures to come!  It's also full of all sorts of quirky observations, such as her assertion that when in love, a woman has her beauty heightened; she glows.  A man looks uglier because he's feeling so smitten and worthless.  Hmmm...I have seen this on occasion, but I'm not so sure it's a hard and fast rule.  At any rate, it's a very interesting thought!

I also recently bought and finished a book of a more practical nature.  It's called Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman.  I plan to review it soon (well, as soon as I get around to it anyway), and I've already begun to implement some of her suggestions with success.  It has been great food for thought for me personally, as well as an encouragement.

I'm very excited about what the school year has to hold for Scott and Cara.  I'm really looking forward to the day when they can sit down and read a chapter book on their own, and they'll be quite a bit closer after this year's worth of learning.

I don't know about you, but there are some books I associate with certain events in my life.  I remember what I was reading when we were house hunting, during visits to family growing up, during my early married years (ie...before kids when I had time to read on a regular basis).   What a joy to look back at this summer and remember what we were all reading!

Marcus Stone

Have you ever seen the artwork of Marcus Stone?  Here is my favorite, called Profile of a Young Girl.

I love the softness and light accents in her hair.  The innocence of the pink ribbon and rose really stand out against the darkness of the background.  It does look very fresh and young and innocent, doesn't it?  It reminds me of my sweet Cara picking flowers and putting them in her hair and clothes now that Spring is here.  It's one of the sweetest delights of girlhood!

I Relate to this Christmas Painting...

From the safety of February, it's sometimes fun to reflect on the Christmas season you just passed. There's a lot of sentimentality and lovey-dovey feelings about Christmas.  I love that.  Really, I do...but sometimes Christmas feels more like this...

"In the Kitchen preparations for Christmas Eve dinner in a Paris Restaurant" by  G. Marchetti

I know that feeling of chaos...minus the lobster, of course.  Also, my sous chefs are a lot smaller and a little less skilled, and they talk way more about cars and princesses.

They probably eat a lot more when the chef's not looking, too...or at least the not-so-subtle dusting of powdered sugar across my son's face makes me think so.

Here's to a painting for the year-round entertainer!

Drumroll, Please...

I have just officially drawn the winner.  I awoke this morning with purpose, and since the kids aren't awake yet, I was able to draw a winner at a decent time!  By the way, the receptacle I chose was a borrowed tupperware container from the avalanche cupboard.  I took my life into my hands to do this for you all!!!

Without further ado, the winner is Lindy!!!!Hip hip hooray!

Send me your email address and I'll send you your very own copy of the Praying Proverbs 31 (crazycreativemag@gmail.com).

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Time to make some coffee...

A Review of Praying Proverbs 31...and a giveaway...really...

I've just finished reading my first e-book...yes, I'm that far behind the times.  If I had to wait until almost 2012 to finally read an e-book, I began with a bang.  The book I read was written by my friend Tracy, my former bridesmaid, college chum/coworker extraordinaire, and author of one of my favorite thoughtful blogs, Homekeepers.  (I wish I could have crammed one more thought into that sentence...)

So without further ado, here's what I thought of Tracy's book...

The premise of the book is how to pray for and instill Biblical virtue in our daughters.  Although this book is specifically written as prayers for daughters, it was not a hard leap toward praying for the character of my son as well.  In fact, it's the type of book that causes you to really stop and think about your spiritual goals for your children.  So, if any of you are thinking this book wouldn't apply because your children are grown or you have no children or you only have boys, you couldn't be more wrong.  It's a great read for anyone who cares about the spiritual purity of another.

The introduction features a quick look into what exactly Biblical purity is and why we as Christians should desire it for our daughters.  I love that Tracy focused more on the heart attitude than the outward conformity.  Who doesn't know someone who did everything right and seemed like a perfect little Christian through the teen years, then promptly dropped all hint of faith once they left home?  I do, and I have to say that my children having an actions-only type of faith is one of my biggest fears.  The real reason for all the study and praying is to ask God's help in instilling a real love of the Lord in our children...teaching them to fear God rather than man.  I have to say the content of the book has been absolutely spot on for me as I think through what my children need to stay close to God.   It's been very timely for me especially as my children are all young right now.  It made me analyze my own motives and attitudes for what I do every day, and caused me to begin praying not only for my daughters, but for my own purity.

One of the things that surprised me about this book was the format.  I'm not sure why I didn't expect it to be in more of a devotional format, but for some reason I didn't.  For those of us who have small children everywhere especially, it was so helpful that Tracy divided the prayers and verses up into a month's worth of study.  Every week she highlights portion of Proverbs 31.  On a daily basis, she wrote a thoughtful prayer that relates to the weekly passage/concept, along with some prompts to get you thinking.  The questions were ultra-helpful in making the prayer seem relevant to my daughters, rather than just reading the thoughts of someone else.  It has been a built-in devotional for my month of reading...and it's not so much reading that you feel like you can't get it done in a day.  It's a brief, daily point with which I could relate.  It's just the type of devotional that is really practical and sustainable for a busy Mom.

It's a great book and you should try it.  You can order a Kindle edition for less than $5 off Amazon via the link in my side bar...this edition is also readable on your computer.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...the giveaway.  I will randomly select (or have one of my kids randomly select) a winner out of a hat, box, or other name-concealing receptacle to be announced one week from today.  What are your spiritual goals for your son or daughter?  Leave a comment on this post to enter to win your free copy of Praying Proverbs 31:  Prayers for a Daughter's Virtue!

PS--no matter how many times you comment, I'll only put your name in once (that means you, Christine!).  That'll make it fair for all you who won't be back to my blog every day this week...not that I'm discouraging that!

Little Old Man Thoughts On Laura Ingalls Wilder

We have just finished reading the book Little House in the Big Woods aloud at lunch time.  Our usual routine includes me reading a chapter or so as the kids are finishing up their lunches.  (It's a nice, calming influence at a somewhat tired time of day).

Cara has had plenty to say throughout the book, as any of you who know her would have probably guessed.  Every remark about hair or dresses or how much they love Pa brought forth a gush of excitement from my little girl.  Allie would usually grunt her agreement between mouthfuls thus, "Dash da ma ma nash na nee!"  Interesting.

My little old man, however, has remained eerily mute through the entire book.  He was listening I could tell, but he said nothing...until this week.  We had finally made it to the second to last page in the book.  Ma was making a large meal for the field workers.  Just as Laura Ingalls Wilder described all the food they had prepared being put onto the table, Scott had some input.

He put down his sandwich and blurted out in excitement, "Wow, Mom!  That sounds really good!"

Leave it to Scott to think with his stomach...even in a book review!

The Lord's Birthday

This painting reminded me what a special thing it is to have Christmas on a Sunday.  It is, after all, Jesus's birthday celebration, not ours!

This painting is "Christmas Eve" by J. Latham.  Is it just me or does it seem like a rare and somewhat foreign thing to associate Christmas Eve with a full church?

I love the lit stained glass windows.  I think I'll have stained glass windows put in at my house next time I have $10,000 to spare.  I love the sleigh with the excited horse.  I do not love the thought of walking kids to church wearing a corset and bustle.  I'm going to have a bustle that's built in if I don't stop dreaming of peanut butter balls and fudge.  <<sigh>>

Sentimental Christmas

Okay, grab your hankies, Moms.   This one will make you well up a little...or maybe it's just me.  Look at this painting titled "Her First Christmas" by Robert Gemmel  Hutchison.

Isn't that sweet?  I love her little round blushed cheek.  I remember all of my babies at this stage, overheated and exhausted with the excitement of the activity, lights, and dare I admit...even egg nog.  The toddlers run around smiling, squeaking merrily, until they collapse in a heap like this picture at the end of the day.  What a cool father Robert Gemmell Hutchison must have been.  This painting is way more creative and memorable than a "Baby's first Christmas" onesie or sleeper!  Not that I'm knocking it...I think all my kids have one!

Wipe your tears, Moms.  Remember your precious ones like this next time one of them tries to eat tinsel off your tree!

A Band of Merry Kiddos

I've been hunting around for some Christmas artwork to add into my very random collection of artwork.  I wanted to find some pieces that are relative to the holidays today...no small task when I only post artwork with expired copyrights.  At least I thought it would be hard.  Amazingly, I was able to find a plethora (use that word today--it makes you feel smart) of paintings of interest.

Here's the first...

It's called "Christmas Caroling" by Kate Greenaway.  I've done one of her pictures before because the kids in them are just so cute and they remind me of my own chubby-cheeked cuties.  Just a minute...(pause)...okay, I'm back.  I just needed to go squeeze my squishy little girl.  She was the only one I could catch!

I love their over-sized coats and the clear sky.  Wouldn't you love a crew of kids singing to you on Christmas eve?  The instruments may be a little much considering their age, but then maybe that's a personal quirk of mine since I've taught fifth grade band before.  However, when I try not to hear beginning violin scratches along with the painting, I find it completely charming.  No one carols anymore...

What do you think?

Charlotte's Web

Here's a book review for those of you who have the little ones around.  We've made it a habit after our school time is over to do some reading aloud together...well, minus Hurricane Allison, of course.  The first book we started with was Charlotte's Web by E.B.White.

Would it surprise you to hear that I never read this book until college?  I had no idea that it used to be the book every first grade teacher read to her class, and is now pretty standard for kindergarten teachers.  It really is a great book!  It has an interesting plot, including good and evil and cleverness (and vocabulary!), yet it still maintains a sweetness and innocence which is becoming a thing of the past for the little guys.  I won't go into the ins and outs of the actual story, since most of you probably already know it, but I have to say, I really enjoy the descriptions in the book.  Even without Garth Williams' classic illustrations, you can just imagine what Fern looks like feeding the pig, Wilbur, from a bottle.  You can practically see Templeton's bulging body after gorging himself with loads of chocolate, ahem, fair food.

I guess it comes down to this:  it's a well-written, classic book that kids of today still enjoy!  It also has a great ending...unlike this book review.  Try it with your kids...they'll love it!

A Picture For Us Girls...

After girls grow up, get married, and have children, life changes a lot.  One thing that gets better with age is friendships.  There's nothing quite like the depth of a relationship formed through the ups and downs and dishes of family life.  This picture reminds me of my friend, Christine and me...in a land without email and phones.  It's called "Chatterboxes" by Thomas Benjamin Kennington.

Nothing helps pass a dreary day of housework like some chat and humor with a buddy!  As a side note, I love the heap of 'stuff' piled in the corner.  Way to keep it real, Mr. Kennington!

Any other thoughts, readers?

The Mystery of the Blue Train

I finished another book this week.  It was an Agatha Christie--The Mystery of the Blue Train.

Doesn't it look exciting?  It was.  Poirot mysteries are one of those things I return to on a regular basis when I've overwhelmed myself with too much non-fiction reading.  I've read many of them in my time, but I have to say, I can still never guess who did it!  It's part exciting and part shocking.  I am honing my skills, however, to be able to identify who the killer is not...I was able to successfully eliminate two of the candidates fairly quickly, but was still horrified when I discovered the real killer plus accomplice.  Seriously?  That's what makes her mysteries so timeless!

For those of you who have never read an Agatha Christie novel, you definitely should.  They're easy to read, and very suspenseful without being dark or dwelling on evil too much.  It's all a very civilized type of villiany.  The real charm, however, lies in the sub-plots of the stories.  This one had a paid companion, just turned rich, who stumbled into love.  The books always have a good share of good virtues also.  For every dastardly villian, there is usually a loyal and kind character as well.

And now, for the most important bit...if you're reading an Agatha Christie for the first time, start with an Hercule Poirot novel.  I sometimes wish I knew him in real life...although he would be entirely horrified at the state of my housekeeping.  He's intelligent, tries to be modest, a neat freak, Belgian (not French), and has a magnificent mustache.  He's everything a private investigator should be.  Miss Marple is pretty good, too, but in more of a Cranford meets crime sort of way.  I enjoy her adventures, but I LOVE Poirot's.  You'll probably find copies of Agatha Christie novels in any used book store or library...try one out and let me know what you think.

Ooohh...Pretty...

Do you want to see a lovely painting?  Sure you do...it'll brighten your day.  Take your mind away from the laundry and dishes and small creatures yelling your name and look at this...

This painting is called "The End of Dinner" by Jules Alexandre Grun.  Isn't it lovely?  Perhaps some day after the kids are all married off and chasing my grandchildren, I'll throw elegant dinner parties like this one.  I LOVE the lighting of this!  Not to mention the lace and flowers and stylish updos.  <<Sigh>>

Actually, what charms me most is the tone of formal, yet comfortable conversation.  I can almost hear the men chuckling and the ladies chit-chatting and admiring the china.  Some of them probably do useful things like painting china in their spare time.  What a happy thought...if I lived in another time, I'd probably be able to  paint roses on china...or violets...I love delicate teacups.  They're not too well adapted for all the bulls who live in my china closet, though!

Here's a secret...I love thinking of china and flowers and elegant dresses, but when it really comes down to it, I'd rather be here in my pajamas with my ugly mugs watching the ones I love tearing around the house, playing and giggling...but don't tell anyone.

What do you think of  the lovely conversation piece?

A Review of BELOVED BRIDE

I have just this afternoon finished reading the book Beloved Bride: The Letters of Stonewall Jackson to His Wife by Bill Potter.  It's a pretty short book, but has taken me a decent amount of time to read because of the craziness of our household of late.  However, it was well worth the wait.

This book, as the title suggests, is an edited record of many of Stonewall Jackson's letters to his wife.  They were apart for most of his war time involvement, as well as for stretches of time while she was traveling to see relatives or for the sake of her health, etc.  The title and cover suggests that this book will be highly romantic...and it is, in a sense.  Stonewall Jackson loved his wife deeply, and wasn't afraid to say it or write it, but he was no swarthy, dark-eyed charmer.  The letters reveal a mature, kind sort of marital love that has a charm more for someone who is married and understands how romance adapts.  He is eternally kind in his references to her.  Probably the most endearing thing he does is call her by many super sweet pet names...Esposita, darling wife, Little One, Most Precious Darling, My Pet.  Read all at once, they have a bit of cheese factor, but it's very natural and tender in his writing to her.

Romance aside, the tone of the letters impacted me greatly in a spiritual sense.  He was one of the godliest men I've ever read of!  There is an air of intense thankfulness to God for everything...even things I'd find really difficult to thank God for.  His main concerns were spiritual, for his men, for his family, for himself.  He didn't talk about his successes, he talked about God's blessing and grace to himself.  He was a fantastic example for a young man to follow!  The final chapter of the book is a listing of maxims that Jackson wrote for himself through life.  Reading those made me realize that it took a lot of effort for him to become such a man of God.  He worked his whole life on courtesy, devotion, thankfulness, charity, and many other biblical virtues.  When my son is old enough, I want him to read about Jackson. 

For me, the most poignant portion of the book was Anna's description of Jackson seeing his baby girl for the first and only time.  She recorded some tender specifics of his love and affection that really brought tears to my eyes.  Shortly after the nine day visit, Jackson was fatally wounded.  His wife was there to care for him the last few days of his life, and the description of those days made me think that God must have really been happy to have him in heaven.

This was a fantastic book--not just for women to read, but boys and men as well.  Most people think of Stonewall Jackson as the quirky, fierce muscle of the Confederate army.  His letters show the side of him that those around him saw every day...lover of God, lover of family, lover of country.  I highly recommend this quick read!

This painting is what I'd dream of as an Edwardian woman...

It's title is "Drinking Coffe and Reading in the Garden" by Edward Killingworth Johnson.  Other than the corset, I think this might be the ideal kick-off for a vacation...coffee, beautifully tended garden, book, serenity.  If there was chocolate included, it'd obviously be an afternoon on vacation.  I love her expression...so totally at home in a rose garden.  I wonder if she was sore after posing like this for who knows how many hours...

I get sore just thinking about all that mowing and weeding.  If only we all had an expert gardener and property manager at our beck and call.  <sigh>  Have to say, though, as enticing as this is, I still prefer my messy garden filled with kids running and screaming.  She will never know the joy of helping a child pull up a carrot you've taught them how to grow.

New Mommy Art

I've just recently discovered the art of Kate Greenaway.  She has a lot of illustrations that are lovely, but I think my favorites are her paintings and drawings of little girls.  This one reminds me of today's outing to a friend's house for a tea party.  Cara primped and sipped tea with two of her lovely friends.  The boys stuffed their faces quickly and escaped to make car noises.