What I Learned This Fall

Happy December! Only 22 more days until Christmas! Our family is rejoicing over our own little gift from heaven; Gracelyn Love Vanderlinda, who arrived on November 20, eight days past her "due date." I'll share more details below. In just a few hours she'll be a whopping two weeks old!

I'm joining Emily P. Freeman and other bloggers, to share "What I learned this Fall." Below are nine things I learned:

Our town has free lending libraries just like in "Chesapeake Shores!" If you've watched the Hallmark series, you know I'm talking about the cute little book holders where people donate a book and take a book. I love this more than schlepping over to Half Price Books in Tacoma hoping to get a bit of money for my books. If your town doesn't have them yet, check out this post on how to make one.

Photo source: Pinterest

Hazelnut shells keep slugs away!
While looking for some new plants at a nursery for our side yard, I noticed hazelnut shells were surrounding the potted plants and trees. They are a chemical-free solution to a big problem here in the PNW. 

Don't judge too quickly:
While in Spokane this Fall, I went shopping with my son. We put money in the parking meter and were floored when we came out and found a ticket on our windshield even though we still had time left.

I snapped photos "for proof" and we went in search of the mean/misguided traffic policeman. Well, we found him and we plead our case. He listened patiently, and then calmly explained that the ticket was given because my son's license plate tabs had expired-back in February! Yikes...

The Fall purse search is over! 
I have a hard time finding a purse due to my must-haves. Do you call them purses or handbags? I don't really like the designer's name on the outside of the bag (unless it's a Kate Spade, which I can't justify spending that much on...) I do need it to be of a small-medium size, it must zip closed, and I want both wrist handles and a cross-body strap. I know that my list can be challenging on a budget. Trust me, I've been on the lookout since my birthday in August. I was in Kohl's last weekend picking up nursing bras for my daughter (great place to buy them!) and I took a peek in the accessories department. I looked for a while before spotting "the one" in the clearance section. It had all the necessary criteria, was marked down from $69 to $20, and Lauren Conrad kept her name inside. Score!

Missing church leads to missing church:
For various reasons, or perhaps excuses or laziness, I've missed three or four Sundays at my church home. This is unusual for me. I LOVE worship and my husband and I have been regularly attending for the last thirty years of our marriage. Anyhoo...whatever kept me away left me feeling unsettled during the week. Something wasn't right. Duh, I hadn't spent intentional time in the presence of God with my church family. Whoever claims they are a "believer" but doesn't really show up to join others to worship and hear the word taught, is only hurting themselves. I MISS it when I miss. Advent started yesterday, and I loved seeing our Sanctuary gussied up with beautiful trees and lights to honor the birth of Jesus. (Our Tuesday morning lifegroup had fun decorating it together last week.) If you don't have a "spot" to call your own, I hope you'll consider popping into Chapel Hill on a Saturday night or Sunday morning to get to know Jesus. We'll all do our best to make you know how welcome you are!

There are LOTS of go-into-labor suggestions:
My daughter was eight days overdue when the baby arrived. She never did end up going into labor but needed an unplanned Cesarean. As the days marched on past her due date, she was given lots of interesting ideas. Did any of the following work for you? Eat fresh pineapple...eat salty meat like salami...run or crawl up and down stairs...do deep-knee bends...play music down near your private area...

Her name fits:
My sweet Grandchild was named Gracelyn Love and she was born at 12:08 early on a Tuesday morning. She is SO loved and her first name is a version of her Great Grandma Grace and the middle name of her Mommy's sister. She is already bringing our family so much joy! I smiled when I reread  this old poem:

[Monday's child is fair of face

Tuesday's child is full of grace

Wednesday's child is full of woe

Thursday's child has far to go

 Friday's child is loving and giving

  Saturday's child works hard for his living

 And the child that is born on the Sabbath day

Is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.] 

My favorite view has changed in the last two weeks:
It used to be the view out my window. I love the Harbor, mountains, trees, and boats. 

Now I prefer to spend all my time gazing at my Grandbaby's sweet face. Isn't she adorable? 

Despite everything, God is STILL in control:
Things have seemed a bit out of control lately. My Mom was put on hospice back in August, and yet she's still on Earth and she just celebrated her 92nd Birthday. I thought for sure my daughter would deliver her baby by her due-date, and SHE thought she'd be in the Midwifery building when the time came, not the OB/ER. The citizens of Anchorage did NOT expect to end their Fall with a massive Earthquake last Friday. The people of California did not think the wildfires could move so quickly and devastate so many. 

We all have hopes and expectations that don't always line up with circumstances and our reality, but we can trust that God is with us through it all and knows how the story ends. Sending prayers to all who've been affected by the recent natural disasters.

What did you learn this Fall?

In His Grip,
xo Jane

Enough

Happy Weekend! I had an unexpected day off from my new, very-fun job as a Nanny yesterday, and so I finally got a chance to head over the bridge to go to one of my favorite groceries. 

My original plan was to head to IKEA and research some items for my daughter's wedding reception, but I realized it would be quite tempting to only look and not buy. Enter plan B. I invited a friend to join me for a trip to Trader Joe's.  I had my list of go-to items and I finished my menu-planning as I took notice of some healthy, easy dinner products. (My friend appreciated the gluten-free options.) 

I'm a list maker. I always have an ongoing grocery list on the kitchen counter, and on my phone, I type in lists for Target and IKEA, so I don't forget things. Some of these things are "needs" but many are just "wants.

I seem to have developed a pattern of going clothes shopping only when I'm on vacation. It's fun to go to stores out of state, and I like to find unique items. Last month I mentioned a few stores I planned to pop into while I was in Indiana visiting my family. I found a striped top I loved at the "Restyled" boutique in my childhood town, and my oldest sister treated me to a Fixer-Upper style plant pot from "Amanda's" consignment shop. I realized I cannot afford to shop at "Evereve." Even though I appreciate their mission, which is to provide a positive shopping experience for Moms, it's just not in the budget for this empty-nester- mom whose husband hasn't received a paycheck for a month. 

As we lean into lean times, I realize how easy it is to get sucked into the world-view that we don't have enough. That we need the latest, newest, trendy fashion or decor item. Really though, I have ENOUGH. 

How often do I feel entitled to more things, Just like the little girl in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory?

Veruca Salt: Daddy, I want a squirrel. Get me one of those squirrels, I want one!

Mr. Salt: Veruca dear, you have many marvelous pets.

Veruca Salt: All I’ve got at home is one pony and two dogs and four cats and six bunny rabbits and two parakeets and three canaries and a green parrot and a turtle, and a silly old hamster! I WANT a SQUIRREL!

I am blessed with clothes, food, cars and a home. And so, I remind myself...shopping is not a hobby! Knitting, hiking, writing, reading, gardening, cooking; those are hobbies.

 I have so much to be grateful for.

Knowing that gift-giving is one of my "Love Languages" doesn't mean I always need to put emphasis on THINGS. I can give the gift of my time, and I can also give the gift of prayer. 

I love using the ECHO app. It allows me to keep track of prayer requests, and also gives me the option of a notification. At certain times of the day my phone chimes and reminds me to pray for my Mom or my husband. In the morning during my quiet time I swipe and pray for all the needs of friends and family members. The ECHO app also makes it easy to send and share prayer requests to others. 

What is your attitude about shopping? Is it a chore or a pleasure? Do you make lists or wander aisles? Are you good at sticking to your budget? Have you become best friends with the UPS driver since you order most things from Amazon Prime? 

During this Lent season will you join me in the quest to be content and thankful for all we have, to live within our means, and develop a healthy attitude toward shopping. 

If you're not familiar with the Veggie Tales Children's video called "Madame Blueberry" you can watch it here. It's about a depressed, materialistic berry who always wants more STUFF.

Enjoy your weekend! Easter is coming...

In His Grip,

xo Jane

photo sources: veggie tales/YouTube

"Daddy, I Want a Squirrel." photo credit www.alicia-logic. “

Some Favorites Right Now

I am heading to my childhood hometown of Carmel, Indiana tomorrow. I look forward to quality time with my Mom, sisters and extended family. I'll also get to catch up with a friend or two. I love meeting people who have been to or lived in Indiana. It's sort of a "me too" moment but in a good way. 

God has been using the gifts and talents of others to teach me a lot of soul lessons lately.
Here are five of my current favorites that might help or teach you too:

 

1. Podcast
I've always enjoyed reading the work of Emily P. Freeman, but I just subscribed to her kinda-new podcast series, "The Next Right Thing."  Trust me, you will love this. My pastor-friend recommended it to all the Mops Mommies last week. I've been listening to them on my walks and while I get ready in the morning.

2. Non-fiction Book
I'm reading Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. The author is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, a writer, and speaker who somehow has looked inside my mind and heart to past feelings of rejection.  Everything she teaches us brings the reader back to the truth of God's love. Thankfully she is recovering both relationally and health-wise from her recent struggles with betrayal in her marriage and the diagnosis of breast cancer. 

3. Fiction Book
We are now officially in the season of living without a paycheck.  I'm reading Delicious! A Novel by Ruth Reichl, and the descriptions of how people "made-do" during WWII is quite fascinating. Knowing that lots of families have been through times of "making-do" and that God will provide, is helpful. When I'm with my Mom I want to ask her to recall more memories from that time-period in her life. I love history and historical fiction. Plus, this book has delightful food descriptions!

4. Healthy App
Are you drinking enough water each day? I now have the app called "Plant Nanny." Each time you record drinking a bottle of water, the pretend plant grows. It appears I have a brown-thumb for cell-phone plants too. It was fun the first couple of days to get the reminders that my plant was thirsty, but then I turned off notifications so now I'm not doing as well... It appears I have a brown-thumb for real and pretend plants.

5. Worship Song
The song "Reckless Love" just keeps running through my head. It was written by Cory Asbury, Caleb Culver, and Ran Jackson of Bethel Music. (He will leave the ninety-nine to come after you...) 

I am looking forward to seeing lots of my very favorite faces this weekend. 

My sweet IN family at Christmas.

I also plan to enjoy a few favorite Midwest dishes and possibly stop into three of my favorite shops; Evereve, Altar'd State and the boutique called ReStyled. Oh, there's also a great consignment shop called "Amanda's Exchange"! I know, my shopping budget is slim-to-none, but even looking is fun!

  Created by Pam1415253

Thanks for stopping by SJL (See Jane Learn.) I hope you get to enjoy some of your favorites this weekend!

In His Grip,

xo Jane

Five Favorites for Friday

Happy Fri-yay! Here is my list of five favorite things. This week I'm giving you links for you to check out on your computer or smartphone, or on your TV.

1. Favorite Lent Blog and free devotional prayers:
One of my Pastors introduced me to Ann Voskamp and I think you'll agree that her writing is very challenging. I printed off her free 40 Day devotional journey cards too. I wish I'd printed them in color, but I was saving our printer ink. I'm going to cut them apart as Ann suggests and maybe make a Lenten/Cross Easter tree. "Now is the time to Take Back what it means to humbly and genuinely live the love of The People of the Cross."

2. Favorite Non-Profit You Tube Video:
My oldest sister Annie is the Indiana director of VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Services) and teacher of blind/low vision children. In this video on You Tube, she does a great job of sharing the importance of early intervention and care for little ones who are blind or have vision impairment. VIPS is located in Kentucky and Indiana and helps SO many families. If you want to know more about the program or donate to their cause, you can check out their website here. I'm really proud of her!

3. Ikea USA Pinterest Page:
The first time I walked into Ikea was back in 1997 when our realtor told us it was a great spot for a date... SO much to look at! Love the prices and Scandinavian design. My husband and I have had a lot of practice putting together furniture with that one little tool... Have you checked out their Pinterest boards? SO many fun ideas! Do you "do" Pinterest?...

4. On-line Shop:
I discovered The Adopt Shoppe from some blogs I follow. I love Kate's story; she buried two babies, has two biological children, and she and her husband felt called to adopt two. Her online store sells
"little billboards for your heart. all for His glory." and it helped to fund her adoptions. I think you'll love her creative, sweet items.

5. HBO Series:
Oh my! Have you seen Big Little Lies? I have not read the book, written by Liane Moriarty,             but the first episode of the TV series had me on the edge of my bed seat! It has a great cast (Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Laura Dern, makes me REALLY thankful to be finished being a parent of school-age children, and I'm enjoying glimpses into expensive beach-front homes. Apparently there will be 7 episodes. Don't tell me what happens~I've only watched the first episode!

Photo source~http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Big-Little-Lies-Miniseries-Cast-42577341

We're expecting another RAINY weekend here in the PNW. Happy to be home tonight and ready to crack open a bottle of red wine and make a yummy Hello Fresh dinner with my man. I hope you all enjoy your first weekend in March!

In His Grip, 
xo Jane