Darlene Schachts Blog

Gardening, Gardening, Gardening...

2008-07-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hubby is on vacation for two weeks, and so we are doing whatever is relaxing and fun. We aren't going to far away lands, but we plan to enjoy some R&R around home.

So for my first day of vacation, I gardened. I finally figured out what to do with the bricks, which was to create a flower box that lines the sidewalk to our front door. I've only got two plants in it so far, which I snagged from our shade garden in the backyard.

My sister popped in for a minute, and taught me a few things about pruning, so I spent about two hours doing that. Wow, did I ever meditate on God during that time. Pruning mirrors life circumstances in so many ways.

Now, I'm physically exausted, since I've been in the garden for the last six hours. So my feet are up, and I'm vegging out on the laptop. Should be a great two weeks!

Creative Mode

2008-07-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm in creative mode big time this month. I've been creating all kinds of elements for CWO, the kids and I have been back and forth from the hardware store with bricks, I've thrown a few writing coals in the fire, and my house is a mess. What brings this on?

Maybe it's the blond hair. Maybe its the sun. Maybe it's all the sleeping in. Even my kids are big sleepers, which makes for a very relaxing day around here.

So this morning I plan to move and stack bricks until something whimsical happens--if it happens. Perhaps a staircase for the garden or a cobblestone path. Not sure yet, but I'm sure with iced cap in hand the kids and I will have fun.

Not so much fun when we clean the house later--blech--but I'm sure we can get creative there too!

To Cute to Pass By

2008-07-14T22:05:00.001-07:00

Great conversation starter, huh? I've heard that when my dad takes his pup for a walk, he talks to anybody and everybody along the way. His Jesus hat and belt buckle have sparked a few conversations, but I imagine this little pup would spark a few more.

When I got the email, I wasn't sure what to do with it. I just knew it was too cute not to post on my blog.

If you're one of those people who dresses their pup in goofy outfits and matching shoes, like I'm not, you will enjoy their website at: Snooty Paws

Trip to Walmart

2008-07-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Motherhood is such a blessing. I love spending the summer months with the kids.

I got up and went to Walmart with them this morning. It was nice not to be in a rush. We all took turns looking at things we wanted to see (I think I got the most turns ~ wink). I bought a touch lamp. It's not as cute as the vintage lamp I have right now beside the bed, but I love to write or read late at night, and I do that in bed. My light isn't too fun for Michael who's attempting to sleep so I've been trying to solve the light situation.

I bought a small battery operated clip on lamp two weeks ago, but it's run out of batteries twice already. And besides that, the light it's giving is just too dim. I need to see my book.

So we all bought a little something, and finally the tummies were gargling for lunch, so we left. Sure is easier than the old days when babies would start screaming for a nap, or a feed. Wow--way easier!

Plenty of Action

2008-07-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

I stand corrected. Jayleigh proved that I do indeed have three readers. Not too shabby. LOL

Hubby and I went out to a movie tonight with a friend. Her husband was gone to a concert, so we did dinner and a movie. When the hubby comes along we don't do the chick-flick thing, it was all guns and car chases--plenty of action to keep him satisfied for a week. I think it was called "Wanted." We are huge movie goers, in fact it seems that's practically all we do for entertainment these days. That and eating. Both good relaxing fun.

Oh...I also went swimming today. Haven't been to a public pool since last summer, but I always have fun when the kids and I go. Michael doesn't do public pools unless we are at a hotel, then we might get him in.

I have some publishing ideas whirling around my brain that I hope to move on soon. Too much excitement for one day! Goodnight.

Chickn' n Ribs

2008-07-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Maddy and I went to my parents for lunch today. Mmmmm.... mom made barbequed ribs and chicken. I loved it. I didn't eat too much since I'm watching my weight. Ha! I'm eating crackers as I write this. Mindless eating sneaks up on us when we least expect it.

I'm hoping to get out in the sun to read for a while today, then I'll be changing the tagline on my blog header. To what you ask? Well... all two of you readers will have to wait to find out.

I'm thinking of teaching a writing class in my area this winter. I'm just about ready to take the plunge, but my courage isn't strong enough yet. I'll be thinking about that today too.

The deck is too inviting to miss this golden opportunity of sun bathing, so I'll catch you all later.

What? I'm blogging?

2008-07-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Since my good friend Paula returned to the blogosphere this week, I figured that I can at least make an appearance myself. I usually assume that I don't have enough interesting stuff to say in the little time I have, so I avoid the blog alltogether. But perhaps I can make an effort to post a paragraph on a regular basis. Short and sweet. That should do it, huh?

Well now that I started, I'll continue... please check out my cousins blog if you have time: Joan and her husband Rick. Rick was was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's Disease or MND (Motor Neuron Disease) on February 1, 2008. I can imagine that they would appreciate the prayers of anyone reading. I've been following their blog for a few months now, and their journey is so heart-wrenching.

My kids are on vacation, so I'm enjoying plenty of sleeps! Hope you're enjoying your summer too. :)

It's Raining

2008-02-16T08:06:00.001-08:00

It's freezing rain today. We actually have a warm enough day to see rain, which is rare in winter out here. Nathaniel heard the rain on the window, and so he came up to me and said, "Mommy, remember you said that whenever it rains someone died?"

"What--I said that?" I asked him. I really don't remember saying that, but since people around the world are dying every minute, technically it's true. But still I don't know why I said it.

So I changed my thoughts, "I think that rain shows that God is crying for all the people who don't believe." I said.

Nathaniel (only six) says, "Maybe it's just frozen rain in the air coming down, Mom."

Oh. I never thought of that. :)

Over at the Cafe

2008-01-23T19:34:00.001-08:00

I'm posting over here today...

I Eat Eggs!

2008-01-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

I'm back to blogging. I'm sure that in time, you'll all realize just how boring this is, and you'll tell me to stay away for a while again. LOL

My kids and I woke up early today and went to McDonalds for breakfast. Graham got his sausage mcmuffin, and to his great disappointment there was no egg in it. I went to the counter and got a replacement egg--if you can call it that. Truth is, it looks more like a coaster, and bounces more like a ball, than an egg ever would.

Earlier on in his short life, he was allergic to eggs, but eventually outgrew it. My guess is that since egg was a forbidden food at one time, the avoidance played a great role in the fact that egg is now one of his favorite foods. He actually did a dance in the Dr.'s office the day he ate an egg the first time. With his little three year old arms held high in the air, he danced singing, "I eat eggs!"

One of my proudest moments. No one has ever danced for my food before.

Funky

2008-01-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

So, since Iris (www.eph2810.com) came back to blogging. She thought that I should come back too. Problem is, I don't really have all that much to say. LOL

I just got back from the gym with my sister. It's awesome to work out with a friend, and recently our nephews wife started going too. Awesome! She told us that another friend was there last night as well. That's even better.

Anyhoo, I'm about to grab something to eat and then relax for a while. I feel like I"m in a funk today. :( Not a bad funk, just a funk. First time I've ever used that word I think!

I've been studying the Holy Spirit today. Have a bit more to study on that. Actually a LOT more, but for now, a few verses to check out.

Talk to you later!

Live Well Wednesdays

2007-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not around as much these days, because I'm busy blogging over here on Wednesdays:

I'll still be around...

My Nathaniel

2007-11-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

My Nathaniel is a little stinker. Yes he is my "Gift from God." But at times, I've wondered if that was a gift of patience. Where Nathaniel is, stress is sure to follow close behind. But he's adorable, and he's my baby. :) Spoken as a true mother.

So the other day, my sister Bonnie was taking my kids out for the morning. Since a friend of theirs went along, they had to take two cars.

Bonnie asked Madison, "Who do you want to come in the car with us?"

Madison suggested that they bring Brendan's friend Nicholas with them.

Bonnie answered, "Well, I think that Nicholas would want to be with Brendan, why don't we bring Nathaniel?"

Madison quickly looks up, furrows her eyebrows and asks, "Why are you doing this to me?" Bonnie laughed because she knew that little brothers can be quite the annoyance at times, and decided to go with plan B.

Her husband Jerry was on the other side of the driveway, unaware of what just went on. So she walks over to him, "Jerry," she says, "I'll take Madison and Brendan and Nicholas in my car. You can take Graham and Nathaniel, ok?"

Jerry quickly looks up, furrows his eyebrows and says, "Why are you doing this to me?" So much for plan B.

Yep, when it comes to my baby, that pretty much says it all...

So Bonnie took Graham and Nathaniel in her car, and has since noticed the premature gray that set in.

Those Pills

2007-10-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Graham is my most inquisitive son. He's a real deep thinker, so when things don't add up, he's sure to speak up. He's also one to form convictions and stick to them...

My sister is 44. She and her husband don't have children. They decided this early on, and so my sister has pursued a career instead.

So Graham asks, "Why doesn't Aunty Bonnie have kids?"

"Well," I answer, "she and Uncle Jerry decided not to have kids. She's very busy working, so she decided to do that instead of staying at home."

"But," Graham continues, the gears are churning in his eight year old brain, "why aren't the kids just coming out of her tummy like they are with the other ladies?"

Good question, I thought, so I said, "I guess she took some pills call birth control. If you take birth control pills, then you won't get pregnant."

"Is that right?" Graham asked, "If YOU took birth control pills then we wouldn't have been born! You would stop a life from coming into this world."

"Yes," I said, "And there are a lot of people that believe that. Like Mrs. K, she agrees with you, but some other people don't. You have to decided what you believe about that. God says that children are a blessing from the Lord, but everyone needs to decide what they believe."

"Well, my wife is not taking birth control," he says, leaning back on the seat. "I want to have lots of kids."

Meanwhile, six-year-old Nathaniel has his own take on the whole situation, "I'm eating lots of those pills when I gwow up!" he says, "'cause I don't evew want to get married!"

Mosaic by Amy Grant

2007-10-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Win a copy of Amy Grant's new book, Mosaic

When I recently received the opportunity to review Amy Grant’s new book, Mosaic, I took it without hesitation.

Amy's ministry of music had a great affect on my early years as a Christian. Both her lyrics and her music had a way of bringing me into a deep state of worship with God. My sister and I spent countless hours singing and worshipping as together we grew in friendship and faith. Curious to know more about this famed singer, who's matured age to age, as I have, I opened the cover of her book, Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far, and began to read...

Mosaic provides a doorway into the life of an ordinary girl who found herself blessed with an extraordinary career. Like transparent glass set together piece-by-piece, Amy records bits of her life down on paper. Taking us into her world, this best-selling Christian music artist of all time, shares stories from her early years, telling us what led to both her first recording contract and concert. We also get behind the scene stories of some lyrics written, and through pieces of her life we see a different side of Amy.

Filled with pictures, this beautiful hardcover book is a keepsake for Amy Grant fans. Through it we meet her parents, her family, and her friends, along with wonderful stories about familiar people among who are George and Barbara Bush, Kevin Costner, and Billy Graham.

The stories are personal and heart-warming, but perhaps the most heart-warming to me was a journal entry I read that Amy wrote to a friend living with cancer in July 2006. Here is a portion of it from p. 179/180:

Don’t go
Not yet.
I cannot hear you say we’ll not make music on the hillside
When we are old and gray.
Or discuss our stretching skin or your gorgeous,
voluminous hair.
I so enjoy your regal face,
and the lines collecting there.

This beautiful woman—now forty-six—lives with the same concerns that many of us do, when it comes to balancing our time, accepting our aging process, and getting enough sleep. Amy writes, “Like everybody else, I wish I were in better shape or had planned an upcoming event a little more thoroughly. I wish I were neater. I wish I weighed what I weighed when I was in the thirties. But all those things are for another day. This day—at a hundred and forty-five pounds, at forty-six years old, with a few gray hairs and not quite enough sleep—this is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” p. 144

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the book, go to CWO at:
http://www.christianwomenonline.net/index2.htm
I'll be giving away three books, so you have a great chance of winning.
Click the email link in the review I've written over at CWO and I'll put your name in the draw.

I heard that Shannon Woodward over at Windscraps will also be reviewing the book sometime this week at her blog, so if you're interested, you can pop in over there too!

Simplicity

2007-10-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've lost that loving feeling... If you've ever been there, you'll know the one I'm talking about. You scan through the pattern books, till you see the right one. The cute teenaged model is wearing a calico jumper--and you have to have it. You scan the isles for the right spool of thread, a bargain peice of fabric and some colorful buttons. You wonder if you should forego the zipper since you remember seeing one in mom's sewing basket, that you think might work.

You finally find the fabric you love, you check the price. Seeing that it's 30% off, you hold the roll close to your chest and make your way to the cutting table.

I forgot that feeling til just this morning, when an image triggered my memories. I wonder when my daughter will sew her first apron or tote bag. I hope to share that experience with her, and fall in love with the simplicity of it, all over again.

Mommy and Nathaniel Day

2007-10-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today is Mommy and Nathaniel day. He's all grown up in grade one now, and both of us are missing our alone time that we've had the last few years. He's been feeling under the weather this week, so I let him stay home today, even though he started feeling better by the time I brought the others to school.

I wanted to go to Subway for lunch, so I asked him, "Do you want to go on a date with me?"

He is so cute, but I wonder what was going through his brain when he said, "right now? But I'm still just a kid!" lol

That cute boy wants to marry me when he gets older. :) Maybe that's why I miss having him around--because we adore each other so much.

Incase you're wondering...it was roasted chicken with bacon and cheese. Light on the mustard, heavy on the mayo--the way a sandwich should be! :)

I Met Ruth!!

2007-09-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Again today, I noticed another one...Loni from Joy in the Morning is giving away a real neat book from Crossway Publishers called, His Loving Law ~ Our Lasting Legacy. Visit Loni for your chance to win:

Joy in the Morning

And finally, I'm getting to the post that I've been waiting to write all week, but as per the norm, I kept getting distracted....

Last Saturday I attended a Bloggers Brunch and was able to meet several Manitoba bloggers in person. Heather Plett organized the whole thing, and she was every bit at wonderful as she is on her blog. She put so much work into the brunch including door prizes and fancy stationary. I'm so blessed that we have someone out here willing to put the work into getting something together for us. Every blogger needs a Heather in her town.

My favorite part of the afternoon was that I got to meet Ruth from "It's True Sighed Roo." Wow!! She is totally awesome. If it was an internet dating club, I would have married her. lol She has such a natural smile and kind mannerism that makes her personality every bit as magnetic as she is online. I talked about Ruth all night, while my husband nodded off to sleep.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find a woman from my church there. I didn't expect that at all. Apparently she blogs with some of the same women that I do. Who knew? :) If you want to meet her you can find Jobina over at www.thewestmans.blogspot.com

We did take a photo, so I hope that I can get a copy to post here soon.

Happy Birthday Iris

2007-09-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

If I were to list the blessings God has sent me through blogging, Iris from Sting my Heart would be one of the first things I'd add to that list. It's her birthday today, and although I wish I could be in Arizona celebrating alongside her, I can't. So this blog post will just have to do...

Happy Birthday Iris. I love the friendship I have with you. And I thank God often that He brought someone with such a caring and gentle heart into my life. I pray that your year will be filled with blessings and stress free moments in abundance. You are loved, dear one!

------------------------------------

I also wanted to mention the book, "Created to Be His Helpmeet." Candace Cameron Bure has recommended it to me saying that it's one of her favorite books, and she quotes it often. Since I haven't picked up a copy of it for myself yet, I was excited to see this note this morning...

ENTER to WIN a copy of "Created to Be His Helpmeet"
by Debbie Pearl at By His Grace and For His Glory!

Bringing Healthy Back

2007-09-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little under the weather today. And I'm hoping that this isn't the start of a cold that's been going around--yuck! We'll see...

Anyway, I'm over at Bringing Back Healthy today. BHB is a team blog that Paula created to encourage dieters daily. I've written 5 tips for losing weight that work for me. Hope you stop by...

Let's hope I can bring some healthy back to this body by tomorrow! I have a Winnipeg bloggers luncheon to attend--wahoo!

Have you Seen These?

2007-09-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these mugs yet? An advertiser of CWO sent me a mug a few weeks back, and it's so cool, that I had to write about it. It looks like an average mug with a dim image of the cross, but when you put hot water in it, the sun rises and the verse appears. Too cool!!

After watching it with the kids a few times, I dried it off and repackaged it, (yes I'm a regifter) for my friend Linda. Linda entertains ALOT, and so I knew that she'd love it. Apparently she's been giving tea to everyone that comes over just to show them the mug. Check it out at www.mugsoftruth.com and if you want a good gift idea, buy some of these for Christmas this year. Greg Plunk is the owner, and I've gotten to know him through CWO. I'd love to see him succeed as he's such a kind man, and their product is awesome! See how nice I am when I get free gifts? lol

Major Hottie Alert!

2007-09-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

The term "hottie" has been Maddy's favorite word since Zac Efron appeared on our TV screen. If you don't know Zac Efron ladies, Google him, and you'll see that he is. I think he's the new David Cassidy, but saying that has just aged me three decades. He's the latest teen idol since his role as Troy on Disney's "High School Musical."

Anyway, some teenaged guys whistled and waved at Maddy and I the other day. I still get a wave every once in a while, but it's only when things are moving by quickly. And it's more like a drive by shooting than an actual pass. I'm not comfortable with the whole thing around the young ones, so I passed on the torch, "Oooh you're a hottie," I teased Maddy as we turned in the driveway.

"No," she said. "Dad's a hottie! You just take one look at him and your brain is yelling, 'Major hottie alert!'"

I just sat there stunned for a minute--did I hear right? My daughter just called my husband a major hottie? lol

Yep, that made his night!

A Teenager by Any Other Name...

2007-09-13T21:07:00.001-07:00

A teenager by any other name, wouldn't smell like such a stinker!! Why does God make them so tall and so strong? How can I fight this giant that lives to torment me? Sigh.

I'm a pretty friendly neighbour--especially when my friend Donna walks by. I always like to wave at her to show her I see her heading home after work. Yesterday Donna was all dressed in her office high heals with hair done to the max, as per the norm. Me? Oh, I was in a royal blue terry bathrobe, barefoot, and wearing a pink towelled turban--but that didn't stop me--Donna's my pal, and I only slipped out for a second.

"Hello Donna!" I waved from the front step with one hand, while holding my robe with the other.

'CLICK' ...silence

"K-WHA--? What was that click I just heard behind me?...BRENDAN!!! Unlock the door!!"

My teenager thinks it's humorous to see me standing in a terry turban on the front steps with shower smeared mascara marking my face. I looked like Edward Scissor hands mother an hour after she gave birth.

Argh teenagers! Can't live with them. Can't live without them. But a few more times--and that last part will change. :)

Before the Snow Flies Again

2007-09-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a cold morning, and I wondered if I'd ever see another deck day this year before the snow flies, but God heard my thoughts and brought sunshine.

He invited me out on the deck to sit for a spell, and we did. With feet up on the orange lounge chair I supped with my Lord, flipping through pages of Philippians, then 1 Peter, until finally ending our chat somewhere in the pages of Proverbs. He had much to say, while I listened intently. Finally with the warm sun on my face I began to nod off. It was time to pick up King James and head back in the house.

In my Father's house there are many mansions. Little corners, nooks, decks and stairwells, where for eternity we'll sit and sup with our Lord in the warmth of His light. Until then I'll wait Lord, perhaps You'll send some more deck days my way, or perhaps you'll return, before the snow flies again.

Chilly Out Here

2007-09-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

My friends went to Florida last week and said that they were boiling hot. Sounds good right about now! On Saturday we had an iffy day. If the sun was behind the clouds it was quite chilly, but when it came out it was an awesome fall day. My husband got a sunburn on his head and looks like he's embarrassed, but he's cute--no make that adorable.

Anyway, the weather changed so drastically overnight. The last couple of days the wind picked up, and shorts are out of the question. It's gotten quite nippy outside. :(

The good news is that Spring is only six months away! I hope I have a few more deck days before then.