Tonight I sit in my chair feeling convicted and fighting the tears. I look around me and see so much...stuff. I see a corner of the living room that is dedicated to the kids. The entire corner is made up of almost all new items (purchased within the last few months). Some "essential" and other bits "extra". I see a beautiful tree covered in lights and while we lack ornaments, we still have a tree. The kids are watching a movie. A quick scan shows nutcrackers adorning the mantle, 2 buildings with a couple trees taking space on the buffet (the start of a village), snowmen covering the piano. Yesterday afternoon we filled our bellies with burritos courtesy of a local joint. Despite feeling warm and tucked in I have a sense of sadness. We have SO much. We have so much and yet friends of ours are struggling. They have been full of grace and hopeful during the ordeal of looking for a job. Tonight they were served another blow. A position he was interviewing for is no longer open. He didn't interview until next week.

Christmas is coming and I keep thinking about what I want to make for the kids. If a moment is taken to be truthful, making things can often times be just as grandiose as buying things. The mister and I have always wanted to have simple Christmases and we've managed to so far. The plans this year would still be considered simple by some but by others, like our friends who are struggling, our Christmas would be flamboyant. No, they'd never say it but for the price of what we'll pay for lumber and hardware, they could feed themselves for a couple weeks. Where does it leave me? Rethinking Christmas and our spending. E's hand spun, hand knit sweater is just about done and then I can begin working on J's. What more do they really need? Maybe a trip to the book area of Goodwill is in order?

Essentials

January 2011 will be the start of essential living. It'll be time to dive in hard, pay off debt and spend money on essentials. Problem...often I make purchases that at the moment seem "essential" to me but in reality they are so far from it. Guess it's time to write down guidelines for the "essential" category.

Finding Balance

I feel like I'm in a constant state of trying to find "balance". Balance in everything. I'm also always in a state (in my mind at least) of trying to simplify. Most of the time I fail. Occasionally there is a moment of success. How does one who give up consumerism? How do you save money to go towards paying down debt and saving for a dream? How does one find balance between fixing up a house not knowing if it will eventually be a rental or one that will be sold? How does one find balance in teaching her children at home when not wanting to be real "schoolish" and yet wanting a little structure? Where is the balance between wanting to make things for others and becoming selfish about the time used to make those things?

Blackberry Ink? Who knew?

Homestead Blessing's is giving away a copy of their new DVD: The Art of Crafting. Check it out! I am completely fascinated with the idea of blackberry ink. What a fun albeit messy activity to do with the kids.

For Grandma

Along the fence line there are thorn less blackberries

Sugar snap peas, lettuce sprouts, pablano peppers, green peppers, jalapenos, zucchini, mustard greens and green beans fill this bed.

Butternut squash, sugar snap peas, lettuce, leeks, broccoli riab, spinach, radishes

We are feeling incredibly blessed right now. While so many others have put there garden to rest for the season, mine is still producing. No, it's not warm here in the NW but for whatever reason, the weather is still favorable for our garden. Yesterday Em and I harvested green beans, yellow summer squash, radishes, jalapenos, a green pepper and snacked on some yellow pear tomatoes. There is plenty more to harvest but we're only taking a bit at a time to enjoy the freshness. My Grandma has asked for pictures of the garden and the blog is the easiest way for her to see them. Grandma, you were thought about yesterday. xoxoxoxo