Memoirs of a Paper Queen

If I were queen, I would only use Pyrex, like this piece from Modred12. I love it.

Do you remember where you were 14 years ago today? I do.

Let's see if this helps. It was 14 years ago today that Princess Diana was killed in that tragic car accident in a Paris tunnel.

It was a Sunday.

For me, the school year was just beginning, and I was sitting in Sunday School that morning listening to my peers whisper about her death. I was annoyed because--while I had learned about the accident the night before--I thought she was still alive. One of the boys in my class was a little too eager to clarify for me that the princess of people's hearts had died.

I was devastated. I owned a book of paper dolls featuring Princess Diana. (FYI: It came with a paper tiara. Open the paper slits, fold the tabs, and adjust to fit. Go from commoner child to dazzling princess in seconds.)

Anyway.

Something that has always intrigued me during the past 14 years is the way that Diana is remembered. She was a humanitarian, style icon, and international personality. She is still considered the UK's favorite royal. But listen for it. Whenever people discuss Diana--whether they are reporters or historians--their voices change when they remember Diana as ... mother.

Argue it all you want. But I am convinced that--on the list of prized accomplishments--motherhood is still queen.

Seems like only yesterday--

Bananas Over My Baby Shower

Forgive me for writing a short post.

Tonight my dear friends threw me a sock-monkey-themed baby shower. I am humbled by the love that has been shown to my family during the adoption process. 130+ people gathered to eat egg rolls and open gifts and discuss blessings. (Life can't be better than when you are surrounded by 130+ of your favorite people.)

Simply put, my heart is full of gratitude and my house is full of kid stuff.

I anticipate opportunities to encourage other people like people have encouraged me.

So, so happy ...

A+ Guide to Managing Motherhood

What's not to love about this awesome 1960s red vinyl gym bag by sevenbc? Almost takes me back to highschool P.E. (Almost.)

Tonight: 2 things. A little something for everyone ...

First, in the spirit of the new school year, I am pleased to announce that I am now posting free eBooks on our Facebook page. I have the privilege of knowing many fabulous authors who publish many fabulous books. I am excited to start sharing their eBooks with those of you who have bought into the eReader revolution. I hope you'll check out the selections and enjoy!

Second, to the readers of this blog who recently sent children to their first day of school ...

This year will be challenging. There will be homework to monitor and grades to encourage. Sports will swing into full gear soon enough, and party invites will roll in. Conferences will require your attendance, and music practice will need your support. Two months from now, when the furnace of responsibility really heats up to a painful roar, remember this:

You are equipped with everything you need.

The only difference between the first day and the last--and all the days in between--is the level of enthusiasm and hope for the future.

It's a funny thing the way students think the challenges of the school year are theirs. The older I get, the more I realize that the real challenges belong to the mothers ...

Happy school year.

P.S. I Love You

This love (pillow cover) is all we need. By sweetharvey.

I love keeping things simple. There is something really attractive about simplicity.

The photos I love most are of simple things. The rooms I love most contain the least amount of stuff. To-do lists that simplify life are extraordinary.

You get the idea.

This morning I was reminded of the most challenging--yet simple--demands on my life:

1. Love the Lord your God.
2. Love your neighbor.

Loving other people shouldn't be a difficult duty. Yet sometimes--when looking at all of the responsibilities in life--the task compares to finding a straight pen in a cluttered desk drawer. It's possible, but the view is obstructed by other attractive things.

Sure. I have lots of work to do this week. There will be meals to prepare and articles to edit and books to read and people to visit. I have a stack of thank-you notes ahead of me that could rival the height of the Seven Summits.

But herein is my goal for this week:

Love.

U.S. Route 23 and Other Blessings

I could really use this fantastic retro avocado green suitcase from TheFancyLamb tonight! Check it out!

The sign in the entryway of my home reads, "An attitude of gratitude creates blessings." It's one of my favorite things--and a great reminder as soon as I enter my house that my attitude makes a big difference.

Tonight I am thankful for safety.

Though "safety" isn't quite as shiny as a new kitchen gadget, nor is it as cool as a new iPhone app, it's my favorite thing.

Tonight I was driving "quickly" on U.S. Route 23--trying to get home in time to see my husband before putting my child to bed--when the van I was driving quick working. As in, right in the middle of the road it stopped.

Dead.

I couldn't even coast off onto the non-existent shoulder. I was stuck--half on the road, half off the road--with cars and trucks rushing past. With each vehicle that approached my van, I prayed that the driver was paying attention. (And I made a few mental notes about my own occasional distracted driving.)

I'll put it right out there: I was scared.

Three officers, an hour, and a tow truck later, we were on our way. And I couldn't be more thankful that my son and I were safe. It's amazing the things I take for granted on a regular basis.

The car is in a nearby shop, we are gloriously stranded at my grandma's house (who can complain about THAT?), and there will be details to work out later.

But for tonight ... I am just thankful.

SPARK #5: The Joy of Procrastination

Forget gold. Pyrex should be the new standard for monetary policies, especially this set from sevenbc! Invest in Pyrex!

What we don't do in a day is often more insightful than what we do accomplish.

In the past 15 days, since becoming a mom, the biggest change is what I consider "a reasonable accomplishment" to be in any given day. Tasks that were once mundane are now great feats. Preparing an appropriate dinner (as opposed to eating out of a box or bag) deserves a medal. Preparing clean clothes for the family and ensuring everyone has time for a bath is newsworthy.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. I wouldn't have it any other way.

But I have noticed that many of my pre-motherhood goals are slipping by the wayside. It's a sort of metamorphasis, I think. Which leads me to this:

SPARK #5: What is something you intended to do today, but didn't? Why not?

And in case you believe this question to be ridiculous, think again. What you didn't do today is very insightful ...

Dinner Resolution(s)

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give these tropical blues, hand-printed, linen pillow cases by giardino a 12.

Ironically, while searching for a recipe for chicken cacciatore, I stumbled across an article from Fox that I'm thrilled to share.

(Don't ask how I arrived at Fox while looking for Giada De Laurentiis. I'm not even sure I could re-trace my steps if I tried. I prefer to take the scenic route when doing research.)

It's like the author climbed into my head and wrote this article. With one (glaring) exception, I love everything he said. I couldn't agree more with this concept.

The opening lines, by Dr. Dale Archer, read:

Each year, many of us choose to make a New Year's resolution in order to better ourselves, our loved ones and our lives in general. School days are here again, and this year I propose that you commit to a School Year resolution that will benefit all of the above. Your life will be better, your children's lives improved and you will give them memories that will last a lifetime. How much will this cost? Zero, yet it's priceless. It's time. Time spent as a family…at the dinner table.

I hope you'll consider making the resolution.

True Blue: Lost in Time

If I owned this pair of Fire King Turquoise blue cups and saucers by Modred12, I wouldn't have any dilemma.

I find something oddly refreshing about passing things down through generations. Sharing lends credibility to the concept of family, somehow ...

Check out today's In Print, featured on msnbc.com.

The article, by Michelle Leifer, begins:

When Allison Rinaldi got married two months ago, she didn’t need to think twice about her "something old." Since she was a little girl, she knew she’d be in the same dress that her great-great grandmother, grandmother, mother and aunt wore down the aisle. She even tried it on when she was 15 and thought, 'someday I'll wear it.'"

Check out the article and video interview here.

I'm wondering what I can pass down. I have an excellent notebook collection. And Luke and I have a couple of hundred decent books. And Keurig coffee cups. We have lots of those ...

The Peach Keeper

These are the peaches we picked. There's still time for you to get your own!

On Friday I announced that--for every 5 new people who joined the Facebook group--we would celebrate a (relatively unknown) holiday here on the blog. Well ... many new people "liked" our group (Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!) So today we are celebrating.

August is National Peach Month! So today I celebrated peaches with my family.

Early this morning, my family of 3 headed out to an orchard to enjoy a Red Haven peach harvest. (Let it be known that peaches are only 38 calories. And they boast immeasurable health benefits.) We picked until we could pick no more.

Once home, we colored with peach crayons, enjoyed peach iced tea, and read about the historical significance of the peach. (Did you know that the Chinese consider the peach tree to be the tree of life?)

Tonight, I threw together Martha Stewart's peach-blueberry cobbler using the peaches we picked (and the blueberries that jumped into our bucket).

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 3/4 pounds peaches, halved lengthwise, pitted, and cut into 3/4-inch-thick wedges (about 8 cups)
• 1 cup blueberries, (about 1/2 pint)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated, peeled fresh ginger
• Salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, (1 stick), cut into small pieces
• 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, plus more for brushing
• Sanding sugar, for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. with racks in upper and lower thirds. Stir together peaches, blueberries, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, the cornstarch, brown sugar, lemon juice, ginger, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Transfer to a 12-by-8 1/2-inch (2-quart) baking dish; set aside.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender or 2 knives to form clumps that are no larger than small peas.
3. Scrape vanilla bean seeds into the cream; stir with a fork to combine. Discard pod. Add cream mixture to flour mixture; stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Divide dough into 1o equal pieces; arrange over filling. Brush dough with cream, and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
4. Place a parchment-lined baking sheet on bottom rack of oven to catch juices. Bake cobbler on top rack directly over the baking sheet until topping is golden brown and juices are bubbling, 55 to 70 minutes. If topping is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Let cool on a wire rack 1 hour before serving.

I'd say, overall, it's been a pretty peachy day.

(C'mon. You knew that was coming!)

Happy holiday--

Leaves of Grace

I'm enjoying the last few weeks of green leaves. It's easier with this green leaf clip trio by OrdinaryMommy!

I've (officially) been the mother of a 4-year-old boy for a week and a half. While it's been the best week and a half in recent memory, it has also been the most exhausting.

Even as I write these words, the sentences on my computer screen are bobbling up and down like the scan lines on an old television set. I haven't heard my alarm clock since the day my son came to live with us--we are most often awake hours before the alarm is scheduled to sound.

And this is what I am reminded of:

We need no less grace to live our daily lives than we needed to be saved.

The same grace that saves is the grace we need for gracious responses, for genuine love, for dedicated service.

A very real part of me believes--if parenthood highlights my inability to live in my own strength--glory be! Anything that forces a more realistic view of myself and my need for God is exactly what I need ...

ZZZ ...

Announcement: Happy Holidays!

I love this photo! Brightly Shone the Lights by sparksoffire

I love holidays. There's no denying it. But, let it be known, I don't just admire the ones that fall in November and December ...

I love the obscure holidays--the ones created in order to boost greeting card sales--and the ones intended for nothing more than our own entertainment. (Did you know there is a holiday on the 29th of this month called, "More Herbs, Less Salt Day"?)

I think holidays--even the silly ones that celebrate raisins or promote bad poetry--have a place in home management. Why? Simply put, they encourage us to enjoy the little things. (Or least, they encourage us to think about the little things!)

So here is what I am proposing. Each time the House Honcho Facebook group grows by 5 members, I will create a holiday post that is ripe with ideas for celebrating various days throughout the year. I may even recruit some of my favorite holiday connoisseurs to join the fun and submit their own suggestions.

Today the Facebook group is 564 members strong. If you want to see more holiday action here on the blog, please consider spreading the word. (Or join the group yourself!)

Happy holidays--

SPARK #4: Game Change

Rare, red vinyl pair of original Herman Miller, Charles Eames shell chairs by thevintagesupplyco. These chairs make sitting an art.

The house is quiet. In the battle of sleep vs. my son, sleep has prevailed. It's funny to think that the silence feels strange when only a few weeks ago, silence was the norm. So much can change in an instant ...

SPARK #4: Write about a change you have experienced in your life that has been impactful. 100 to 200 words.

And one more thing before I go:

Through the years, I've heard various of my friends complain that they don't have enough time to keep up with journals, baby books, scrap books, etc.--with or without children, life is busy. I get that.

But here is my encouragement to you. Even if you only take one day a week to document something important--a page in a journal or scrapbook, for instance--you will still have 52 pages at the end of a year. And that is not a shabby goal.

Perfectionism is too often the enemy of accomplishment.

I was reminded today--via the story of a sweet mother of 7 who is battling cancer--that life is short.

Go ahead--write something down.

Dear June: First Day Jitters

I can't tell you how much I love this wild bunch of paper animals from mibostudio. I plan to make them with my son!

Dear June

As you know, school is right around the corner. I am a single mom who will be sending one of my children to first grade while one stays home. During the school year I find it much harder to do things around the house because of homework and sports. But I have friends who seem to manage it all just fine. How can I stop beating myself up constantly for falling short of my friends? I read your blog every day.


M. Taylor
Oklahoma


Dear M. Taylor,

First of all, congratulations on the start of a new semester. Even though I haven't been a formal student in 8 years, I get excited about each new school year. Such anticipation of good things to learn and do--new beginnings are gifts.

As I've said to many of the writers who have sent letters to this Dear June column, priorities change at various points in our lives. It is understandable--especially for someone who must juggle all of the responsibilities that come with being a single parent--that the load can get heavy. And--though our homes are wonderful havens--keeping the nest spotless isn't as important as caring for the needs of the children (i.e., food and education and spiritual growth).

Let me challenge you with this. You said that your friends "seem to manage it all just fine." And perhaps they do. But keep in mind that little word, "seem." You don't live in their homes. You don't observe the day-to-day struggles that happen on their watches. You don't see how fast and furiously they might shove those toys in a closet as you are knocking on their front door.

Perception and reality are not one and the same.

The measuring stick for our accomplishments cannot be the accomplishments of other people. What we are capable or incapable of is as unique to us as our own genetic pattern.

The most important grade on your "home management" report card is the one that is given in the area of "effort."

Grow Old With Me

It's been a wonderful two weeks here in Thailand. In a few hours, I will board a plane with my family of three and head home.

Admittedly, nothing sounds better right now than my bed and a hot shower.

Little sounds worse than the 25-hour plane ride ahead of me.

I have a whole host of new ideas for this blog. I look forward to sharing photos of my little boy. There is a sleugh of topics we still need to discuss. I have announcements to make and contests to unveil.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to be ...

Coming Soon

I saw the above sign hanging in a shop in Thailand. I wanted to write in marker beneath the sign, "Promise?"

Admittedly, I have often wished for a hurdle-free existence.

The words, "Why must this be so hard?" are not foreign to my lips.

When I look over the landscape that is my life, I acknowledge that the road has not been easy. At many times in my (relatively young) life, I have experienced hard struggles: health, emotional, spiritual.

(Disclaimer: I do not own the trademark on difficulty. I know many people whose lives have been much more complicated than my own.)

But here is what my life has taught me thus far: Without the difficulties, I would not know grace. Without the trials, I would not understand mercy. Without the temptations, I would not experience deliverance.

It is a difficult thing to verbalize--indeed it goes to the core of our most painful situations--but trials are God's goodness in our lives. Without them, we wouldn't know how much we need God.

And to live a God-free life would be the worst existence of all.

Life is hard. But God is good. And if difficulty is the price I must pay to know God and love Him more, then bring on the hurdles.

Friday Favorites: A 5-way Thai

My time here in Thailand is winding down. Truthfully, I am looking forward to going home. Home always looks best when I've been away awhile.

Tonight ... 5 things I will miss about this beautiful country.

#1: I will miss the view from my room.

#2: I will miss the breakfast ... rice ... served every morning at 7:00.

#3: I will miss the pink taxis. I look for them every time I'm on the road.

#4: I will miss the incredible flowers. Living in Bangkok is like living in a florist's shop.

#5: I'll miss the driving. It's insane. And a bit like riding The Raptor at Cedar Point.

Still, there's no place like home.

SPARK #3: To the Moon and Back

Today's SPARK challenge is all about love. Write to or about someone who has changed your life. Any age. Any stage. 100 to 200 words.

I began a journal for my son on Monday when he came to live with us. (See the photo above.) Here is a snippet from that first page ...

"Buddy, I would say it was love at first sight, but in reality, we loved you long before that. Nearly 30 months ago we heard about you and saw you for the first time. There was never a question for either your dad or me that we wanted to adopt you and love you for the rest of our lives ..."

XOXOXO,

Keys to a Guest House in Thailand

Tonight, in lieu of thinking--which seems a tad harder than building a pyramid by morning--I am going to post 5 photos from a tiny guest house I visited over the weekend here in Thailand. Make yourself at home ...

Living in a Glass House

The photo above was taken in a bathroom in Thailand. Notice, the shower is on the wall. There is no shower door or curtain. There is simply a drain in the floor.

Guess which one of the following is fictional: The Toilet House (a house built in the shape of, er, the commode), a house made of glass that slides in and out of a garage, a house that includes a snore room.

You guessed it. All three homes exist. Apparently I live in the wrong neighborhood.

Tonight's In Print comes from an article on Today.com entitled, "That's It Honey, I'll Be in the Snore Room."

I'm trying to decide if it's practical or indulgent that builders are catering to the snoring habits of today's couples.

7 days in; 7 days left--

All Thai'd Up

Today I (officially) became a mom. So forgive me for keeping this post short.

There is a reason I consistently mention in the daily e-mail that cords are the fastest route to clutter ...

My View: Two Paths Diverged

The above photo, taken by my husband, is the view from our room. (I want to take it home!)

As the sun begins to rise in the western part of the world, my Sunday in Thailand is coming to a close. And here is what I am thinking about today ...

God is good.

He is good, not only when He gives us what we do not deserve, but also when He does not give us what we think we need.

How often have we prayed and asked for something, only to learn later that we wouldn’t have wanted what we thought we needed had we known what God already knew?

These last couple of years have not been what I thought they would be. (Who am I kidding? These last few days have not gone as I had planned.) But here is what I believe with all my heart:

God's sovereignty always dictates that my future will be better than anything I have planned. Seeing the end from the beginning, God will always direct my path so that each step will coincide with His goodness.

Every disappointment--every single one--is an indication that God has something better in store for my life. How can I be sure? The "something better" is God's best. And nothing can beat that.