Life Lately

Sweet Gracie enjoying God's world.

Happy Earth Day! I hope this finds you well. In our little corner of the world, it is raining today. It's pretty much the first rainy day we've had all month. The local weatherman said it's one of the dryest Aprils on record. I'm not excited to take a rainy walk but I am grateful that the pollen is getting washed away.

Here are some things I've been learning lately:

Earth day is having its 50th anniversary. I didn't know Earth Day existed until I was a freshman in college at Ball State University. Apparently, I was introduced to more than just beer and sorority life. Oh, and my elementary education classes.

The dog I rescued seven years ago really thinks she's a therapy dog. Sydney, our Australian Kelpie, never leaves my side. Like NEVER. When I get up to use the bathroom, she comes with me. When I go downstairs to do laundry, she follows me. If I go on the back deck, she wants to come too. If I'm sitting on the couch, she's under my feet or beside me. The ONLY time she isn't by my side or behind me is when we go on walks. Then she leads me. 

Sometimes it drives me crazy that she won't leave me alone. (I bet some mamas of littles can relate.) Other times I appreciate her loyalty and remember that she thinks it is her JOB to make sure I am looked after... Sydney reminds me of a scripture verse that is a good one to remember during this pandemic.

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

I'm thankful God is always with me and I want to walk in trust just like my cat Thor does on our skinny railing.

Sometimes you just need to turn it around. Literally! For two weeks I thought my sewing machine was broken so my mask-making project screeched to a halt. It turns out, I was putting in my new needle backward. Ugh! If we're grumpy or discouraged, maybe we can flip our mindset around, "Pollyanna-style." Let's try to be glad and look for the good! 

CURRENTLY:

Reading- Secrets of Willow House, the first in a series by Susanne O'Leary. I recently finished The Stories We Tell by Patti Callahan Henry. It was SO good!

Watching- "Murdoch Mysteries" on Amazon Prime. We're on season one and there are 13!

Photo source

Needing- My diffusers going and candles lit. I'm going to need to order more Young Living essential oils soon and another citrus soy candle from Target. My Anthro-candle-diffuser-oil recipe was not a big hit with my husband, so I'm not using it, but maybe you'll enjoy it.

I really wanted the "real thing" so I went onto the Anthropologie site to possibly order a Capri Blue Volcano candle, but after shipping it would be over $40!! I just couldn't do it. 

Creating- I am finally working on photo albums. I will have to write a whole other post on that.

Loving- Playing games and laughing with my adult kids on Zoom (hopefully once a week.) The other thing I'm loving is our new downstairs bathroom color. We Mike painted it a pretty pinky-peach called Embrace. It looks a bit like pink grapefruit and goes good with the new shower curtain I picked from Target. 

Thanks for stopping by to read "See Jane Learn." I hope you're safe and well and making the best of this STAY AT HOME season. 

In His Grip, 

xo Jane

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Proverbs 16:24

What I Learned This Winter (Dec.'19-Feb.'20)

One of my sweet friends from bible study gave me the nudge last weekend that I should get back to sharing what I'm learning and what God is teaching me. Last June I realized I didn't have much to share that would be at all interesting to my little group of followers. One month slipped by without a post, and then another and then I hadn't written in 9 months. Anyone who has been pregnant knows that 9 months feels like a significant period of time. I don't keep a journal, and yet when I was writing my "See Jane Learn" blog on a regular basis I was keeping track of my thoughts and processing my feelings.

So...today I'm joining Emily P. Freeman and some other writers to share some things I learned from December to February. (And maybe a couple things from the Fall too.)

One of my favorite outings this winter was attending the Harbor Dance production of the Nutcracker with my daughter and granddaughter. It was special because Sarah danced in it when she was a little girl and it was at Stadium High School which is where my Grandma Grace Pande' Young went to school over 100 years ago. (Photos above.)

Here are 6 things I learned this winter:

1. Instagram can be helpful.
Most people have a love-hate relationship with Instagram. If you get inspired by beautiful images it can be a good thing. If you develop envy or realize you're wasting hours each week scrolling, it can be bad. I have learned that it can also be used to unite us and draw us together for the good of others. 

Case in point: Eva Love Sherbondy. I first learned about this sweet Wisconsin child from the community of bloggers/Instagrammers that I follow who had asked everyone to pray. Her parents, Dugan (a pastor) and Lindsay (artist at Lindsay Letters Co.) shared about the tragic golf cart fall that left Eva (pronounced Ava) with traumatic brain damage. Over the last 6+ months, tens of thousands have joined together to pray for miraculous healing and to send encouraging words. This family's ongoing story of the slow healing journey, faith, and trust in God during this incredibly hard time is such a testimony.

 Eva before her accident.

I had my friend Jenny who makes jewelry at Fairwells Jewelry create a bracelet with Eva Love's name on it so I have a visual reminder to lift her up in prayer every day. 

One of the cool things the Instagram community does is #evasarmy and #evasky. I took this photo out of my kitchen window and it makes me think of her.

2. Predictable is comforting.
Anybody else out there a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies? The storyline is basically the same in every movie; high school sweethearts finally reunite, guy meets girl and they don't get along until they realize they DO get along, an enthusiastic character gets the whole town to rally and discover Christmas cheer, etc. Every movie includes tree decorating, cookie baking, hot chocolate sipping, and caroling. No one ever mentions the reason for the season (the birth of Jesus) but the overarching theme is always loving your neighbor. The movies always leave me with a warm, fuzzy feeling and with all the bad news that is on television it's comforting to know that they'll be a happy ending (and of course, a kiss.)

3. Attending baby storytime at the library is one of my favorite things!

Almost every Monday my daughter takes her baby to the library for storytime. She invited me to join them and I cannot begin to explain how uplifting that hour can be. All those babies! They all have different personalities and watching them react to the stories, songs, games, and fingerplays is a hoot!  She loves the egg shakers, colored scarves, and is a really good listener since her parents read stories to her every night. The minute our little Gracie learned to walk she was wandering all over the room; standing right by the teacher, saying hi to all the Moms and children, sitting by the window, etc. As a former early childhood educator, I believe storytime is such a great experience for pre-literacy and learning to follow directions, and is really fun for grandparents!

Gracie Love wanting to see the story up close.

 In the Fall before Gracie could walk.

4. Before there was Marie Kondo, there was Fly Lady and she's still relevant!

Since becoming an empty-nester again (my daughter, son-in-law and grandbaby moved out at the end of the summer) I have been on a quest to organize, purge and develop good housekeeping systems. Last month I was going through my files doing a purge, and I came across my "Fly Lady" notebook from almost twenty years ago. Have you heard of her? Just like Marie Kondo has the tag line "does it spark joy?" Fly Lady's saying is "shine your sink." Marla Cilley, aka the Fly Lady, teaches that if a sink is empty and shiny, then you'll be motivated to clean the rest of your kitchen which spills over into the rest of your home.  It makes me think of the children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Completing one small task has a way of making us want to be more productive. I smiled looking back over the notes I had printed off and bound and thought back to those crazy days when I had four busy, MESSY kids at home. I did my best but looking back I wish I had learned how to let go of more stuff since it is difficult to organize clutter. UGH. You can find out more about the Fly Lady system on her website.

5. We're learning a new rhythm to Empty-Nesting.
The first time we became empty-nesters, we were getting used to being back in the Pacific Northwest and we both had new jobs. After that we were busy moving to our current house, planning weddings, having kids move in and preparing for our first grandchild. 

Fast-forward to this Fall/Winter, and we have gotten into a new rhythm. When my husband isn't traveling for work, we have enjoyed spending our late afternoon and evenings cooking together (Right now we're trying Home Chef. In the past we've used Hello Fresh.), taking Sydney for walks, going out for drinks or dinner, and watching shows we've taped. Weekends are for projects, errands, getting together with friends, seeing our local kids and enjoying church. Which leads me to the times we don't want to do the same things.

I am a reader, he is a puzzler. He likes "Game of Thrones", I like "This Is Us". He's an avid golfer. I'm kinda not. Maybe someday? If he wants to watch one of his series he plugs in earbuds and I keep my eye mask handy to block out the screen light if I'm tired. Because we've been married for 36 years we've learned we do some things together and some apart. 

For two months my table was occupied with my husband's 2000 piece puzzle. I'm proud of him for finishing it, but grateful to look at my table and now only see a vase of flowers.

I'm learning to embrace this slower, quieter season while it lasts.

6. My Mom was right.
When my Mom was still alive she would often joke about how young she felt in her head even though her body didn't look or feel young. I really get it now. I turned 60 at the end of the summer and I still feel around 35 inside my head. Maybe it's because I hang out with MOPS mommies a lot? I am young at heart and still discovering what I'm passionate about. My mom also thought you should always be learning. (She was a teacher her entire life.)

My friends spoiled me with a celebration on a yacht.

I took a 6-week class our church offered this winter. The purpose was to help us learn more about the way God created us and live into His call for us. We learned about our personalities (we also took the Enneagram test), our spiritual gifts, and our natural abilities and how God can bring all those things together to serve others. It was really interesting and fun and helpful. If you live in Gig Harbor the class is being offered again starting tomorrow. Go to the Chapel Hill website to find out more. 

Thanks for taking the time to read See Jane Learn to find out what I've been up to in my little corner of the world.

What have you learned this winter?

In His grip and grateful for grace,
xo Jane

Some Favorites Right Now

Happy Weekend!  This little sweet pea had to wait 9 months, but Hazel finally cut her first tooth! Her infectious smile is one of my favorite things! Below I've listed some other current favs.

We kicked off the weekend with a fun date night; pizza at our local Tides Tavern, followed by live music by Luke Stanton at Kimball Coffeehouse. Last night we had some good friends over for dinner and my live-in chef whipped up Tuscan Salmon and Bananas Plantains Foster. Tip: don't use Plantains-too chewy! Our day was spent doing yard work, housework and being grateful for the Spring sunshine!

Here are some of my favorites this week:

1. Shopping Discovery:
"Mighty Leaf" Green Tea Tropical is available at Target! I used to buy it occasionally at the Nordstrom Coffee stand after discovering it while eating lunch at the Cafe'. It was over $10 for a box. Target's price was $6.99 in-store and online I discovered other spots to order it from that are even cheaper.  Still a bit spendy, but you get 15 pouches and it is a delicious treat hot or cold!

2. Listening to the Dais Podcast by Rachel Hollis
Y'all, Rachel's book, Girl Wash Your Face, made the New York Times bestseller list this week! I'm so excited for her and I highly recommend you read it! She has done lifestyle vlogging for years and just recently started doing business-themed Podcasts. Although they are especially geared to women entrepreneurs, I feel that anyone will benefit from listening. Perhaps Rachel Hollis will convince me to become a businesswoman someday?...

3. Stitch Fix leggings for the win
I haven't done a "Stitch Fix" box for months. (Remember, my hubby was unemployed for 5 months.) I've talked about their personal styling before and how easy it is to return unwanted items. As I was updating my profile (I no longer need retail-job clothes, I need Nanny outfits and cute date tops.) I was surprised to discover this was my 14th "fix." What?! Guess I've been receiving shipments off and on for the last seven years.

I've never purchased all 5 items at the reduced rate but I always buy one or two things. This time the only keeper was a pair of legging pants; cute and comfy. The tops she picked out for me were either too close in color to what I already own, or just not pretty enough to justify spending the money. I will be even more specific in the future. Note: they really apologize if you don't LOVE it all...

Here are my tips if you've never tried Stitch Fix:
1. Be very truthful about your style and SIZE when filling out your personal profile.
2. Make a Pinterest board of favorites so the stylist can see what you love.
3. Write a detailed note on each order of what you need or hope for. Ex. Once I said sneakers and a cross-body purse, once I said ALL tops, once I asked for cute summer dresses.
4. If you love what your stylist sends, ask for the same person by name for future boxes.

If you use my referral number you will get a $25 discount. By the way, they now have fixes for men and maternity too!
Here is my referral Link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3186352?sod=w&som=c

4. I'm Hooked on a new TV series:
I binged on the new NBC show called Rise. It's about a high school drama teacher and is WAY more realistic than "Glee" ever was... It has the same producer as "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood" and stars Josh Radnor who you'll know if you were a fan of "How I Met Your Mother." One of the lead High School singers was the voice on "Moana." Check it out, but be prepared for some heavy situations.

5. I stumbled onto a New Skincare Line, "Farmacy"
While at Sephora with my daughters last weekend, my cute daughter-in-law introduced me to the "Farmacy" line of skincare products.

Here is the company's description:
 'We harness the healing powers of farm-fresh ingredients with cutting-edge science to create clean formulas for naturally glowing skin!

I wanted ALL the products, but I could only purchase one, so I chose the "Dew it all" eye cream. I love their packaging, smell, and affordable price.

Do you remember the story of The Princess and the Pea? My husband often refers to me as a princess and it's not always a compliment... Well, now I am sure I am one! The other day I was kneeling with baby Hazel at her house and I felt a sharp pain in my knee. See if you can discover the reason in the photo below:

Do you see that tiny little un-popped kernel hiding in the carpet? It felt like a ROCK to my old knee. Yep, I must be a princess. I do know I am the daughter of the KING.

"And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18

I have my laptop back 24-7 so I will attempt to write and post more often.
(I mentioned earlier this week that I no longer had to share my MacBook with my husband...)

Thank you for stopping by "See Jane Learn!" Enjoy your week!

In His Grip,

xo Jane

Here's the Truth

Happy weekend friends! Our town has an annual art festival happening downtown, so we wandered down the hill. Did I mention how much I love living downtown? In ten minutes we can walk to our "main drag" on the waterfront! But then we have to walk back up...

I am being challenged right now. My daughter decided to do the month-long eating program called Whole 30 and my husband wanted to encourage her and be an accountability partner, so he chose to do it too.

I want and need to lose weight. I need to curb my sugar addiction. But~there's a part of me who has NEVER wanted to do this program. Giving up ALL dairy and bread? NO alcohol?! I've gone without wine during my four pregnancies, haven't I already done my "Time?" It's just not much fun for summertime and socializing. They claim they can change my life...

If I don't continue than I'll be a "quitter." I don't want to be a quitter and I want to prove to my family and myself that I can DO this, but I don't WANT to!! I feel a bit like Paul in Romans 7:19

"I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway."

I was on a bit of a rant Thursday. Usually I'm a cheerful person and try to say encouraging things. That day however, I found myself out-of-sorts. I accompanied my husband and one of his co-workers on an overnight business trip to Portland because...why not? I had two days off work, I love Portland, free hotel stay and I could see my friend who happens to be my daughter-in-law's Mom!

What I learned is that Portland is not the place to go if you are on a strict budget AND attempting the Whole 30 eating program. After my black coffee, eggs and bacon, I started my window shopping since I had two hours to kill. First I headed over to Nordstrom to see the Anniversary Sale. Now WHY did I think that was a good idea? Even the mark-downs weren't in the family budget! Besides, I'm trying to become more of a minimalist so more stuff isn't the answer. Oh but the shoes... so many cute ones! Do you check out their annual sale?

As I walked around the downtown area all I could see were food trucks and restaurants containing things I couldn't eat or drink. (There was also lots of construction.) I had cheated the night before and had a glass of wine (Oregon Pinot Noir!) so I was determined to stay focused. I had a salad and chicken, then Ubered over to meet my friend for Pedicures and to catch up. The salon (Rex) was lovely and we had fun sans food or drink.

I discovered an hour later that my sandal had totally moofed (is that a word?) my big toe polish. Boo! By the time we made it back to the Harbor after spending three hours in heavy traffic I was DONE. (Ask my poor friends who actually sat with us while we gobbled our appropriate food down at a local spot around 9:00 p.m.) Note to our waitress: Next time, do not make a cranky mama wait 45 minutes for her SALAD when she's had a rough day and is hangry~your tip will be low and you're lucky I didn't yell!

As I contemplate the "should I quit the Whole 30 plan and just cut back on most things??", I'm reminded of one thing I successfully completed this summer and it took way more than 30 days.

I watched all seven seasons of "Pretty Little Liars!"

The show is described as "Four friends band together against an anonymous foe who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets, while unraveling the mystery of the murder of their best friend."
I know, it's ridiculous that I got sucked in as a 50 year old mama (yep, I'm now 57) but it was addictive. At the time it started, I had just moved to a new town in Illinois and my daughter and I enjoyed watching it together. It was totally out of my normal genre of shows, was totally unbelievable, had millions of text messages, and didn't exactly follow my beliefs and values. They touched on the topic of sexual orientation which definitely wasn't my favorite part, but I kept watching to find out who "A" was! My daughter Sarah stopped watching...I did not. NO ONE else I knew watched it, so I didn't have anyone to talk to about it!

I was a bit blown-away by how the writers wrapped things up.  I won't spoil it for you in case you'd like to binge watch it on Netflix. The fashion and beauty were always fun to see, lots of twists, Ezra was quite good-looking, coffee was always involved, cocktails once they turned 21, and ALWAYS loyal friendship. Through thick or thin, the girls stuck together. (Well, except toward the end of the series.)

While we were in Los Angeles last Fall we went on the Warner Brothers back lot tour.  I'm still recovering from learning that the towns of Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) and Rosewood (Pretty Little Liars) are the same sets with the Chapel removed. What??!!

I have a group of friends I do life with, and we send a lot of group text messages. We however, don't lie and we do a lot of praying together. We ALL need friends to encourage us, love on us, and hold us accountable.

"You use steel to sharpen steel,

    and one friend sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17 MSG

Back to the Whole 30 issue... besides my family, I do have friends who have done this program and survived. Also, I suppose if I want to look like the cast of Pretty Little Liars, I should embrace the Whole 30 eating plan?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

To be continued...

P.S. If you ever watch PLL, let me know who your favorite character was, and if you were surprised by the conclusion.

In His Grip,
Jane

(Top Photo source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28116149)

5 Favorites for Friday

Hello Friends and Happy Friday! Only two weeks until "Good Friday" and Easter weekend! We're hoping to head over to Spokane to celebrate Resurrection Sunday with most of our kids. The fact that our song-bird daughter will be helping to lead worship is definitely worth the drive East...

Our bible study table wine tasting adventure was a blast. I think this needs to be a yearly tradition.

Here are 5 of my favorites this week:

1. We love our stemless champagne glasses. We try to keep a bottle of our favorite Wycliff bubbly on hand (there's a Rose' now too!) and last weekend we were able to invite our next door neighbors over on the spur of the moment for a toast to Jacquie's new job. Cheers to new jobs, friends, and glasses that are affordable and don't tip! 

2. Check out the blog "True Worth." Maria Furlough is a Mommy of five (Gideon is in Heaven). She is currently writing a book about her experience of losing her son and she's just started doing occasional videos where she shares her peace from scripture. I learn so much from her and she's only 34~I could be her Mama!

We interrupt this blog post for a cat issue... Apparently Thor has been eating some Easter basket grass that he found downstairs. Why do I still have my adult children's baskets and have saved the fake grass? Anyway, poor little guy "got sick" on the kitchen floor. Thankful it was an easy spot to mop up, which made me decide what my third favorite is:

3. SWIFFERS! What did I do before they invented Swiffers? I need the dry ones to quickly get rid of the dog and cat hair (although my battery-charged Dyson does a fabulous job) and the wet ones to quickly mop the floor.

http://cdn.messenger.pgsitecore.com/en-us/-/media/Swiffer/Images/Products/Primary/Sweeper_hero_01_v3.png?h=940&la=en-US&w=940&v=1-201605191546

4.. My husband and I are hooked on the show "Designated Survivor" starring Kiefer Sutherland. Have you seen it? SO good! Love the cast. It's on ABC on Wednesday nights but of course we record and watch it whenever Mike is home...

http://televisionpromos.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Designated-Survivor-ABC-TV-series-artwork-Kiefer-Sutherland.jpg

5. The song Even If by Mercy Me. It's the one my head keeps singing when it isn't singing all the songs from "Beauty and the Beast!" The lyrics are powerful! I love to be reminded of God's faithfulness especially at times when I need to trust my loved ones to God's plan; my Mom had to be readmitted to the hospital. Praying the new meds will help her lung infection clear. It's hard to be so far from Indiana...

I do want to add a not my favorite to my list. In an attempt to be healthy and reduce toxins that might cause Cancer, I ordered some deodorant that a friend recommended called Piper Wai natural deodorant. Ick..the smell, feel, not to mention lack of feeling dry. No thank you. Guess the hunt is on or I'll stick to my Dove.

This weather report makes me smile. I'm off for a Spring Break with my two daughters on Sunday. We are looking forward to time together in Sunny, Southern California. Thanks for reading "See Jane Learn" and I hope you have a happy weekend!

Grateful for Grace and In His Grip,

xo Jane

Having Some Irish March MADness

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I was hoping my Ancestry DNA test results would be back, and I'd know whether or not I am part Irish, but alas, I'm still waiting... I do have a temper, love green and my hair was strawberry blond as a child.

This has NOT been my favorite week. I was thrilled to have most of my children home last weekend, but I was dealing with a sprained/tender ankle, and then on Monday I woke up sick. Apparently I've caught the mean virus that has been going around our Harbor town. Because I have asthma, colds always go straight to my lungs. I managed to get through my shift on Monday at the store, and Bible Study Tuesday morning (hope I didn't spread my germs friends!), but then all my energy left. I have spent the last four days on the couch next to my "I'm sick" stash; Kleenex, inhaler, diffuser, throat lozenges, cough syrup, Tylenol, water, tea, OJ, Chicken noodle soup, etc.

Photo source: Pinterest

Of course my orange furries have been keeping me company but my coughing scares them. My coughing fits are so bad my husband had to sleep in the guest room. To say I'm "under the weather" is an understatement. Boo.

Since the March Madness Basketball tournament is in full swing,  in the spirit of the game and my grumpy mood I made my own MAD list:

1. I am MAD I had to cancel my hair appointment~I was SO ready for my hi-light touch-ups!
2. I am MAD I've had to miss two of my work shifts which forced my friend to cover for me.
3. I am MAD I had to miss MOPS this week. It was going to be a great meeting.
4. I am MAD that I don't have enough energy to take my doggie for a walk even though it finally stopped raining. We're both going stir-crazy!
5. I am MAD that my husband's travel schedule is crazy right now~HE needs some couch time and I miss him.

OK, enough grumbling... I am thankful for my cozy house and Wi-Fi. While I've been sequestered in my home I've passed the time reading, knitting, and enjoying the Spring Home Tour 2017 that was put on by 22 bloggers, "Country Living Magazine" and HomeGoods. I've gotten quite inspired!

http://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/spring-home-tour/

I've also been binging on Victoria, the PBS series.

PBS.org

It's SO good! I've watched four of the seven episodes. If you loved "Downton Abby" and "The Crown," you'll love this too. Great scenery, characters, costumes. The actress, Jenna Coleman is really good in this role. Here's a fun fact; her natural eye color is brown but they went to a lot of editing trouble to make them blue. Why? In real life were Victoria's eyes blue?...

Speaking of eye colors, the combination of my blue eyes and my husband's brown eyes gave our four children beautiful eyes. The youngest two have rich brown, our oldest daughter has hazel, and our first-born son has green. My Grandma Grace often said "eyes are the windows into a person's soul."

Mitch's eye photographed by Sarah at Simple Joys

St Patrick's Day always makes me think of green beer, which makes me think of our wedding post-reception party. WHY? Our wedding was in June and at the time Michael worked at a restaurant. They had a leftover keg of green beer that hadn't been tapped, so he got to bring that to my parent's house. After our country club reception a bunch of close friends came back to my parent's home and we continued the celebration. Doesn't every June bride toast with green beer? I even finally got the Chi Omega candle ceremony that happens when a "sister" gets "pinned" by a Fraternity Boy. If you were Greek in college, you know what I mean... Michael didn't go to Ball State but he was a Frat boy and he was DEFINITELY worth waiting for. I am one lucky wife!

Due to this nasty bug I won't be celebrating with green beer or my favorite Reuben sandwich. I might have to go through drive-through for a Shamrock Shake. My fingers are crossed that I'll be well enough to work Sunday. In the meantime, let's think Happy Irish thoughts!

The Shamrock image at the top of the page can be printed off to color (if you find yourself sick and bored today too...) http://www.allfreeadultcoloringbooks.com/st_patricks_day.html

Here's an Irish saying I found to cheer myself up:

PHRASE:	Beidh biseach ort go luath
PRONOUNCED:	beg bishock urt guh loo-ah
MEANING:	You will be better soon

http://www.ireland-information.com/irishphrases.htm

I LOVE this Old Irish Blessing! You can listen to it sung by a choir. Beautiful!

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. May God be with you and bless you: May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness From this day forward. May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home And may the hand of a friend always be near. May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you, May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.

Hopefully you are well and will have a restful weekend with friends and family!

Grateful for Grace, and 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