The cookies are break and bake
Baby Belle is injured for goodness sake
The gifts are in sacs to save some time, but
The sentiment is true from this heart of mine
Stockings are hung, and we will fill them last thing…..we will rush and we will hurry, around the house for sure, we will scurry. No matter our rush, or our level of stress, our hearts are full, this home blessed.

If you see me in the middle of a train wreck, metal warped and cars burning… Walk away. Don’t stand there and stare, gaping and gawking about what should have been done. Shaking your head, and wringing your hands about what could have been done. Walk away. Come back another day, when skies are blue , and you want to listen to what I have to say. If all you can do is watch in the middle of my pain, then walk away.

The day starts out with a fresh perspective, a robe on my body, and coffee in my mug. I make a to do list a mile long. And then I start school with Z. By lunch the shininess of this new day has worn off, and by 3 pm , I am an old, wrinkled, haggard nag … barely standing. Or at least that’s how I feel. These days can be so long, but time is so short. I am praying for joy, for energy, for creativity. At the same time I’m old and wise enough to know to be grateful in all THIS. My gratitude list looks something like this:
The time I have with Isaiah
The freedom to teach at home
The health to get up everyday
The laughter that my family shares
The mercy that is sufficient when laughter gives way to yelling.
The faith that good wins, God wins.
The desire to create, to grow , to do more
My children, the people that they are!
My grandaughter and all that she is. The fulfillment of a promise , that God restores what we have lost. Time, love, joy!
My husband … Words can’t express
My heart, it’s accessible , it doesn’t hide, sometimes it breaks, but on it beats. Day after day . And I am grateful. That’s the long and short of it.

I have had a longing to do something artistic. Yes, I know… juggling is an art form. Teaching Isaiah at home definitely takes some creativity. And being married to Thomas…the most creative man on earth? Yes, it’s an art I have mastered. And still I wanted to make something. I want to make a song. But for now , I am making necklaces and bracelets that come from the creator himself. Wood beads, stone, horn, antlers, and bone. Natural, and bohemian! Statement pieces for those who like their look to have a natural element. It’s a newborn business, yep, I’m selling these! I can hardly sleep for thinking about the creative process. It’s fun to do something new, to create something. To remember that we are all artists. Deep down I believe that I’m still on the path to creating my song, my sound. I’m just enjoying some beautiful scenery along the way. You can find my baby business on Instagram @foxandibes and etsy will be up and running this week. If my life is a canvas, it’s incredibly colorful and full of life right now.
If you are wondering about the name fox&ibes , it’s the name of a mother daughter duo that I was introduced to many years ago. If you know me at all then you know that my heart beats , and breaks for the mother daughter relationship in general. So beautiful in all its complications. Anyways, that’s it. I loved those ladies names! And I love the idea of creating something WITH and for my daughters. And for you too!

They spit venom through their braces, wide lipped grins hiding their dangerous natures. Pony tails and sleepovers give way to insults and harsh words. They are the pretty ones, the ones from good families, the ones you want to be friends with. Look out for them, go your own way Belle! 🎶 don’t you worry your pretty little head, people throw rocks at things that shine🎶. You sparkle, you are kind all the way through. I see you. Those girls don’t. They can’t.
Mean girls are sad little girls that turn into mean women. Keep your heart soft, and your eyes open. You are a beautiful lighthouse .

There is a connection between mind and body, yes, I knew that. I know that it relaxes my muscles , and nervous tensions when I get rubbed. A massage…. a good remedy for physical relaxation . What surprised me was the body / spirit connection. I knew that my spirit was lean, and tired, and trying to give out to my family without enough nourishment to go around. I did not know that getting a massage, and a facial would feed her, revive her, fill her up. I lay there in those heated sheets, with lovely fragrances all around me. I relaxed, in my body , in my mind, and in my spirit. I felt overwhelming gratitude toward the Lord, because somehow it came directly from him , through Erin! She had to listen, she had to be generous and obedient… She did her part in helping me receive a beautiful gift for my birthday ! Peace. It’s priceless. With homeschool not getting done, and floors to be vacuumed , not to mention war, and injustice all around, peace feels like such an extravagance . Such a luxury, peace, but I know Yeshua came to bring peace, not just calm in the storm , but a peace that can’t be measured. I felt that , he gave me some for my birthday. Peace deep down in my spirit. I’m grateful.

I said all of these things at one time or another , but not nearly often enough .

I’m sorry
I love you
I was wrong
That’s our song
Stay
Let me kiss you
You are magical
You are beautiful
Thank you
It’s all going to be alright
Forget yesterday
It’s a new day
Come snuggle me
Let’s take a walk
There is no one like you
You smell good
I see you
You try so hard
I forgive you
Please forgive me
Let’s dance
YES