It's Tasha Tudor Day!

 

 

I mentioned before that Tasha Tudor is one of my great inspirations.  I just love her old-fashioned charm, her feminine ways, her skill as a gardener, and most of all how her life exemplifies that a woman was created to give life in all its forms.  Though I know she was an imperfect woman and her spiritual beliefs seem to have been misguided, her simple life inspires me.  The life which she shares through her beautiful illustrations always makes me think that her children and grandchildren had glorious memories--from her marionette theaters that sound like something from "The Sound of Music" to the luminary-lit Christmas Eve walks to her creche in the woods.  If I had unlimited time and such a piece of property, I would love to re-create such memories for my own dear ones.

 

I am unsure who declared the tradition of "Tasha Tudor Day," but I believe it's been marked ever since her death in 2008.  This year I actually remembered it, so I decided to hold our own little commemoration of the day.  I pulled out some of my favorite titles from the bookshelf and read them aloud.  Then I took out my "Victoria" magazine that featured her antique dress collection.  We ooohed-and-aaahed over the beautiful frocks.

Baking something special was a must for this occasion.  Though I do not have a wood cookstove, I baked up some recipes from this cookbook of some of her favorite recipes.  I made the cheese souffle for dinner (with a few adaptations), challah bread, a simple caprese salad with my garden tomatoes (they're finally here!) and for dessert the English Toffee Bars.  The only thing that would have rounded this out perfectly was to brew a pot of tea.  But I settled for iced tea instead.

 

 

 

 

I didn't have time to sit and peruse all of my favorite Tudor books, but I enjoyed my very small remembrance of a woman whose life reminds me to take joy in the beauty of small moments and that every effort to create precious memories is worth it!

Twenty-One

In our culture, twenty-one is somewhat looked upon as an age of maturity.  Though a 21st anniversary is not necessarily thought of as a milestone, I am coming to think of these years as a sort of maturing.  I don't think I will ever forget that John Piper, in "This Momentary Marriage," (a book well worth reading!) says, to paraphrase, that one doesn't know much of anything about marriage the first 25 years.  I once heard a sweet older couple in a church we were part of (who had been married 60 years) echo the same thing.  Yes, I think my Tender Warrior and I will both admit we have a lot of growing and maturing ahead of us.  And isn't that the beauty of it?

Warrior was traveling during the week, but returned home just in time for celebrating.  Special occasions afford me great bursts of creativity in the kitchen.  This was my companion cookbook for the day, "Barefoot in Paris:  Easy French Food You Can Make at Home."

You see, I recently watched livestream videos of "The Reformation of Food and Family" conference.  In case you can't tell, we have some people who are passionate about food here.  We would have loved to attend the conference in person, but it wasn't possible.  We very much enjoyed the messages we did hear.  And I was especially appreciative of the inspiration of Chef Francis Foucachon, a native French chef, in his messages concerning what we can learn from the French about food.  One of the greatest things I took away from that was the concept that the whole meal is an experience and not simply a fueling station; not merely something on the "to-do" list to be hurried through to get to the next thing (a distinctly American notion).  Having been to France and a few other European countries, I can attest that this is true.  You do not go to a restaurant that is full and wait for a table to open up.  Meals are very social and slow; not something gobbled down and generally not an experience where the pop music and air conditioning are designed to get you to eat and move on so someone else can have your spot.  Having made a little French detour on our way back from the Black Forest in Germany, we enjoyed one of those French restaurant "experiences" where the meal is brought out a course at a time over a long course of time!  We really liked it, but we left our gracious hosts/dearest friends a little worried returning so late with their car! (This was in the days before cell phones).

In the past I have been a bit timid when it comes to French cooking.  It always seemed kind of overwhelming in time and ingredients.  But I decided to revisit it.  And with the help of Ina Garten's book, it has been both manageable and enjoyable.  An anniversary is an especially good time to spend a little extra thought in beauty surrounding a meal.

 

 

I did not get  any pictures of the chocolate-orange mousse though.  I had wanted to make Creme  Brulee, but my kitchen torch didn't arrive in time.  I am eager to try that one out!

 

A couple of years ago, I watched a movie that was recommended by someone I respect. 

 



It was primarily recommended because of the concept of beauty surrounding a meal and how a meal brought a community together.  Being a foreign film, it was kind of different as far as film goes.  But the highlight was certainly watching Babette prepare an incredible gourmet meal and the lengths to which she went to prepare it.

We finished our days of celebrating together with some family music time and then a special horseback trail ride.  They were lovely days spent together and I am so grateful.  I am truly grateful for such a dear husband to walk this life with.  I am thankful to my Lord for allowing me the privilege of marriage to this man and how we are both challenged and stretched beyond the natural inclinations toward our self.  I love every year of this journey together, even with its struggles.  And each year I find I truly want more of the mystery of all that God designed and intended marriage to be.  Sometimes it feels that we have only scratched the surface thus far.

My friend, Lisa, has written an incredibly encouraging message, "A Deeper Desire," for women in marriage over here.  These are lessons I have learned as well (and continue to).  I encourage you to read it with an open heart.  You really must!

"But if we set our face to make of marriage mainly what God designed it to be, no sorrows and no calamities can stand in our way. Every one of them will be, not an obstacle to success, but a way to succeed.    The beauty of the covenant-keeping love betwen Christ and his church shines brightest when nothing but Christ can sustain it."

 

"And may the marriage-watching world be captivated by the covenant-keeping love of Christ."

 

~John Piper, "This Momentary Marriage"

Scenes from a Week of Joyful Noise

We just returned from an amazing week at Booher Family Music Camp!  We decided early this year, upon learning of it, that we would make this our family vacation for the year.  I haven't been so inclined to tent camp with babies and little children.  I know they love the adventure.  I just don't love the work.  Nor do I like not sleeping well on the hard ground and hearing strange noises outside my tent.  Tender Warrior and I have done a fair bit of camping in our time.  And even some wilderness camping.  But with a family to care for, it's not so appealing.  Though I adore being in God's creation and the quiet, I just find the work and the dirt overwhelming at this stage of life.  I do like yurt camping together.  Because I just like that door that can lock and that little heater, and that shelter from the rain, you know.

I was willing to make the concession to tent camp on this one.  Do you want to know what was a major motivation for me (no puns intended..really)??  FOOD!  That's right!  I would not need to plan food for an entire week!  (Insert happy dance here).  And I don't mean just food to get by.  We were downright treated to the very best camp food in the country.  I was told it would be so, and it was true.   The kitchen crew that served was a huge blessing.  And we had nutritious, home-cooked style food in abundance.  I hear that Grandma B. goes to great measure to ensure the food is good.  There are rules here.  Like "No macaroni and cheese or spaghetti and meatballs."  I wish I had taken pictures of food.  Because there were glorious salads, fresh fruit, amazing entrees, hearty breakfasts, homemade biscuits like I've never had, and amazing homemade cinnamon rolls. 

Food was truly secondary though.  I relished the idea that our family could have some good quality music lessons together under some of the very best musicians in the country.  Tender Warrior took his guitar and Country Girl, Adventure Girl, and Young Warrior took their violins.  This mama doesn't have so much time to devote to music lessons at this stage, though I treasure making music.  I grew up with the clarinet.  Because it was the only instrument we owned and I was the oldest, so when band came around, that's what there was to play.  I was good, as far as band goes.  But I never loved it.  I always wished I could play flute or something beautiful.  I was surprised to see one clarinet player (who doubles as a fiddle player) at camp.  And I thought to myself, "Wow!  I never knew one could make this kind of music with a clarinet!"  Now, I am thankful we own many different musical instruments, so I get opportunities to play here and there.  Even though I feel handicapped because I can only read music and don't have a solid foundation in chords and theory.

I did steal a few moments to play in this beautiful place.

And he would be my favorite back-up musician...he's had this guitar for 20 years and this is the first time he really had opportunity to take lessons.  I was so happy to see him learn to play it more and enjoy it so much (even if his fingers were mighty sore at the end of the week).

Most days during classes, I stayed at camp with the littles.  They started to want fiddle lessons too, when they saw the young children's class.  They got to play a bit in between other classes.  We did lots of fun things and enjoyed the quiet of the day while the majority of campers were away at classes at a nearby school.  Here's someone I know and love who wants to be a photographer.

These country scenes just make me LONG to have property like this.  It is one of our dreams.

And the music...oh yes, the music!  Spectacular!  God gave those Booher brothers amazing talent and they are using it for His glory!  And so are many others who gathered there.  It's quite a showcase of talent.

 And at camp, there are always recreational activities.  Ultimate frisbee, volleyball, foosball, a fun run, playing in the creek....

And a very nice tree swing from a giant oak tree.

Each night there were either jam sessions or family music nights of various kinds.  The band scramble was a highlight for all.  Students from various instruments were put together in a band with instructors and they had to come up with a creative music arrangement with only 2 afternoons to practice.  Here are my favorite cowboys who were part of the band, "The Lone-Star Rangers."  They sang and played, "Deep in the Heart of Texas."

And everyone together on final concert night.

And for the historical dance-loving mama that I am, YES!  There was even a ceili dance (that's Irish, if you didn't know).  I love a good ceili, though some of those moves are super high energy.  There was one dance we just had to watch because it was too advanced and confusing, especially for my favorite dance partner.  But we all got to do the Virginia Reel and all were delighted (yes, I know that's not Irish.  But it is historical and it counts one hundred percent in my book of dancing and was all the better for my resident Civil War history buffs).  Sorry, we were too busy dancing to take photos.  When we weren't dancing and took photos of that "Posties Jig" (I think that's what it was called), the people were spinning around so fast that they just look like kind of a blur anyway).

Wonderful memories for all to take home.   And it's been fun to be inspired and come home to lots of music practice.  Our hope is God will use it in some way in our lives and family to be a light to others.  I think we're ready for next year (even though we will miss one of our favorite Booher families who will be spending some time serving in South America for the next two years). 

I am grateful for that little bit of stretching outside of my comfort zone.  You can't really beat camping in a group or place like this.  To put children to bed with nighttime serenades just outside the tent can't really be topped.  And that stunning moonlight from the full moon.  Something about the scene and the setting reminded me of when I was at running camp as a teen (now that was entirely roughing it!)  I was even treated to a couple of long moonlight walks hand-in-hand with my Tender Warrior.  Now I wish I had a photo of that.

A Royal Birthday Tea

My Tender Warrior recently spent some time in Hawaii.  Yes, it was for work.  No, I didn't get to go with him.  Don't ask me how hard that was sometimes most of the time!  It fell during the time of my birthday even, which never sits very well with me. 

I had been wanting to have a tea party with friends for quite some time.  When all of the Diamond Jubilee and Titanic celebrations were taking place this year, I kept thinking of hosting an England-themed party.  So, I determined to host my own birthday party!

Birthdays have always been a big deal to me.  I wish I could think of something grand to do for every one of my dear one's and friend's birthdays all the time, but the truth is I can't.  So if you've ever felt slighted by me on your birthday, please don't take it personally.  Know that I probably thought very much about it but didn't have time to implement what I thought about!  I do have limits.

I do, however, do my best to make birthdays special for my husband and children.  We have had so many fun themed-birthday parties over the years.  The memories of them fill me with joy and make me smile!  I'm pretty sure they made my loved ones smile too.

So, I was determined to create something fun that would help me not to pout over the fact that my husband was missing my birthday this year (and spending it in Hawaii).  I may not have entirely escaped the pouting, but this did accomplish my purpose of bringing joy and something to anticipate!  It was great fun to plan.  I wanted to give all my friends the gift of delectable food and a sweet ambience with laughter and fellowship.  I did end up taking a few friends' offers to bring food because I started to realize that things were a little hectic without Warrior.  It WAS a busy week, and a crazy one for me.  But so worth putting this party together!

My party had a mixed theme of British royalty and Jane Austen.  There are so many lovely ideas out there for Jane Austen-themed parties.  To begin with, I made these invitations, combining my themes by giving the Jane Austen silhouette a crown!

I spent a fair amount of time considering how to decorate.  I was really pleased with the final results. 

The Jane Austen banner tutorial came from here.  I half-envisioned it being a backdrop for friends to take fun photos.  I had a bench with some lovely props to go with it.  But I neglected to tell people early on.  Conversations were so lively among the ladies that I didn't want to break them up.  So by the time I thought to mention photos it was getting dark and I didn't think flash photography would be so nice.  Oh well!  It was a nice idea.

I created a welcoming spot on the front porch as guests arrived.

The table is always my favorite part to dress-up for tea time.  I borrowed my Country Girl's crown from one of her past birthdays and set it around a vase of roses which my children had picked from our garden for my birthday.  After all, one cannot have an England theme party without roses, in my opinion! 

Each guest had a place card with the title of "Lady" in keeping with a Royal theme.  I also used these little Jane Austen mini-books to decorate the table.

And then, there's the food! Some of my treats included finger sandwiches (which friends helped with), blueberry cream scones, lavender tea cookies, fresh raspberries, a tossed green salad, a wonderful chicken curry salad brought by a friend, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

The teas?  Well, since this was a Royal Party, none other than my English-themed Harney and Sons teas, of course.  The Royal Wedding Tea, which I mentioned here, and the Chocolate and Roses Tea were perfect for the occasion.  I also served a raspberry-infused Coconut-Lime Juice.

My little crowning glory was this Strawberry-Rhubarb Trifle.  Oh, almost anything strawberry-rhubarb is my favorite! 

One of my sweet friends gifted me by starting a round of blessings on my behalf.  How dear and encouraging it was to be uplifted by their dear words--even more so when it was a particularly difficult week!

And they insisted I get a candle for the trifle so all could sing "Happy Birthday."

We rounded out our evening with a couple of party games in keeping with our theme.  One was a Royal Family quiz.  Yes, I even had a guest who remembered Queen Elizabeth II's coronation day when she was a little girl.  I thought that was very sweet.  She won the Royal Family quiz, by the way.  We also played a little Jane Austen quiz.  I read quotes from her books and all had to guess which book the quote came from.

It was a late night full of laughter, fun, beauty, fellowship with people I love, food and drink, and even a few tears.  I couldn't have asked for more blessings!  Even if part of my heart was in Hawaii with my Beloved. 

Rooting out Weeds

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. ³ You therefore must endure^[a] hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ⁴ No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. ⁵ And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. ⁷ Consider what I say, and may^[b] the Lord give you understanding in all things.

~2 Timothy 2:1-7

I have this insidious weed growing in my gardens.  I don't know what it is and haven't bothered to find out.  I just know that I find it extremely annoying.  It is everywhere.  It's this clover-like weed with little yellow flowers and tiny little thorns.  It spreads like crazy, it seems.  As soon as I pull them up, I find them growing somewhere else!  As I was weeding this evening, I was reflecting on this and how it relates to the condition of my heart.  It's another one of those times where my studies in the Word with 2 Timothy are coming to life!  I love that!  (Love the lessons, though not the weeds)

                           

This past week in our Sword Studies, we studied the three examples Paul gives in 2 Timothy of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer.  I can identify fairly well with each example.  Though I am not personally a soldier, I live very close to one and know quite a bit about the world of a soldier.  I probably most identify with the athlete, having been a serious one at a stage of my life.  I also grew up on a farm and know about the work entailed in farming.  As I was weeding, you can guess I was thinking of the farmer.  And "hardworking" is sure a good description of a good farmer (and a good athlete and a good soldier)!

There are things I wrestle with.  Insidious weeds like to take root in my heart and choke out the seeds of the gospel.  I'm not always sure how many of them get there and others I can have some idea about.  I find that some of these weeds have strong roots.  I'll pull them up from time to time and sigh a breath of deep relief, only to have them grow back again.  Not only that.  It seems they can spread sometimes and become bigger.  Just like that clover weed in my garden, it annoys me terribly.  For I wish that I could pull it up and have it be gone forever.  Somehow it doesn't seem to work that way.  It usually comes back. 

I think the enemy knows our weakness.  In fact, I am convinced of it.  I am regularly attacked in that particular place of weakness.  In my ear I can't help hearing Dorcas Lane in "Lark Rise to Candleford" as she always says--"It is my one weakness."  When I pull weeds in my garden and ask the Lord why it is that I can't seem to uproot this weedy seed in my heart permanently, I tend to think it is time to get out the big guns.  You know, some Spiritual Roundup or something.  Surely it exists somewhere.

How do I continue to be that hardworking farmer?  I keep working on those weeds.  I must take my thoughts captive (hard as it may be).  Part of cultivating good fruit seems to be the inevitable pulling of weeds.  It is one way I "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."  And who can forget elsewhere that Paul says that His power is perfected in my weakness?  Ouch.  Must it be so?  I rather like operating from a position of strength better.

To help counteract these weeds, I find the best solution is to feed and cultivate the fruit.  Where more fruit lives, there is less space for weeds.  The biggest antidote is to feed on the Word of God.  Over and over and over again until it sinks into my heart.  I'll admit there are moments I do this and think, "It's not working!"  That usually means do it again.  And do it until it starts to sink down deep into the roots.  This summer the verses I am memorizing are really being called into action many times.  And I have to keep saying (or singing) them over until I "get it."  It really does work if I keep at it.  Must be why this is called a spiritual discipline?  I think so!

.  It is a race that is run with perseverance.  It's not a sprint, but a marathon.  Like a soldier, I must arm myself.  Like an athlete, I must train hard and diligently.  And like a farmer, I must work hard toward that harvest.  By faith, I am trusting that the harvest of righteousness will come.  I do not work in order to receive any righteousness.  I am justified purely in Christ alone.  No, I work hard because He has saved me and can use me to point others toward Him.  Yes, with me He is very longsuffering!

¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. ¹⁶ However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

~1 Timothy 1:15-16

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

~2 Timothy 2:15

Truly, one of my greatest joys in gardening is that it provides me with endless lessons about my life in Christ.

Strawberry "Julius" Drink

It's been strawberry-picking time around here recently.  Though the weather has not always been cooperative and the strawberry yields seem down this year locally, we still managed to pick our quota for the year!  I credit my very helpful pickers (my children) entirely.  I was happy to manage a couple of bowlfuls while keeping Littlest Warrior occupied, but if it depended on me I would have to pick an entire day or two, I am sure! 

On our Pancake Saturdays we like to often make a special drink. Sometimes that's just plain orange juice.  Often I make an orange "julius"-style drink.  So, when it's strawberry season I love to make strawberry "julius" (I write that word in quotes because I know that it is trademarked).  It's very simple and easy with the right tools!

I love, love, LOVE  my Blendtec blender!  I use it every day, often several times a day.  One of its most useful purposes is to make smoothies and these "julius" drinks.

You'll need:

4 cups whole (2 cups pureed) strawberries
1 cup milk
1/8-1/4 cup sugar (depends on just how sweet your local berries are.  Ours are very sweet!)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups ice cubes

Blend everything together and enjoy!  One blender full will make generous glassfuls for 4 people.  We make two blenders worth and usually have some leftover (for only a little while!)

**Nutrition tip:  Did you know you can throw those strawberries in your blender with the tops on?  They add chlorophyll to pack some extra nutrients in this fun fruity drink.





The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance

At our state home education conference last weekend, I listened to Heidi St. John speak.  I have heard her recommended several times.  It appeared that I was as enthusiastic as just about every other woman at the conference to hear her speak particularly on, "The Busy Mom's Guide to Daylight, or How to Fit your Size 16 Day into a Size 10."  The room was jam-packed.  Must say something about how busy we are?  But that's another topic.  Sort of.  It's really rather related.

So I was visiting her booth at the conference before her workshop.  That is a strategy of mine.  Because you know a speaker's booth will be packed after said workshop.  I picked up this book, The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance.

I bought both of her books, actually.  They looked easy to read, practical and even fun.  I think that's a perfect blend for a "busy homeschool mom."  I brought them home and I read this one in the course of two afternoons.  I really liked that easy-to-read part.  Does that mean everything she wrote was "easy?"  Easy topics, easy solutions, easy-to-do?  Definitely not!  Not without the Spirit of God at work in our hearts, anyway. 

I really like Heidi St. John's style of communicating.  Probably because it isn't just like mine, but I completely "get it."  I have a tendency to be quite serious and I rather need people to encourage me to look at things less intensely.  Heidi St. John touts her style as "being real."  And I think that's exactly right.  I very much relate!  I read this book and I laughed, I cried, I learned, and I probably said "Amen" a few times. 

Being that she is my age and has been married close to the same amount of time, she carries a good deal of credibility to me.  I'm going to go out on a bit of a limb here and suggest that one will MOST identify with this book and relate to its message if you have been homeschooling close to 10 years and have been married close to 15 years.  That does not mean you cannot or should not read it or learn from it now.  I really wish I had learned some things written here MUCH earlier!  But I am beginning to think that there are some things you learn with time and maturity that no one can tell you earlier in a way that you will truly understand.  Maybe that sounds confusing.  I write as one who spent most of my adult years thus far learning as much as possible about something before I "got there."  I am sure I carried quite a bit of pride in doing so.  But the last few years have humbled me greatly.  Tender Warrior and I have endured trials in our marriage, just like you have.  I believe it's where God wants me to be to make me truly teachable as well as truly influential.

This woman carries a deep passion for marriage and I so appreciate that!  She has been impacted by divorce all around her.  Many of us who have been married any length of time can relate to this too.  Heidi St. John shares some poignant stories of dear ones in her life and I cried as I read.  I also came away with a greater passion for my marriage and the marriages of my friends and those around me. 

I heard the same message shared in a little different manner from my sweet friend, Lisa, who also spoke at the conference.  (You too can be encouraged by her over at Club 31 Women).  Her exhortations to take care of my husband and keep him as my first love (next to my Lord) really move me to strive for something even more beautiful than I have right now.  And isn't that how it should be?  We should never be complacent!  We must always keep vigilant watch over the health of our union. 

I love how Heidi St. John uses humor mixed with truth.  She does not "sugar-coat" things even though she can make you laugh in the same sentence that you say "ouch" at a revelation in your own relationship.

The word "intentional" flies around home education and discipleship circles a lot.  That is really what is being communicated here.  We must remain intentional toward our husbands.  It is VERY easy to slowly fade into the busy routines of every day.  And it is VERY easy to find escapes and replacements for the first love in our home.  Every mom is busy, but it is true that parents who choose home education will have strains on their marriages that are unique.  We need to keep a pulse on the heartbeat of our home that is our marriage.

I was very grateful for Heidi St. John's reminders that the internet is a dark place and that it is often a dangerous place.  She described it in her workshops as a "magnet for unhappy people."  Be careful!  Guard your time wisely.  Put your energy into your own marriage and check your motives for why you want to be on Facebook connecting with friends from the past (I'm not saying that's all wrong--just that we can have subtle motives that include something like, "I want to feel liked and significant to somebody" or "it's easier to talk to so-and-so online than my own husband.")

Overall, if you've been home educating several years (or have just been very busy with children in this season of your life) and are starting to notice yourself being pulled into what she calls, "the homeschool vortex," this might be the perfect little read to inspire you to remember "That Girl" whom your husband married.  This book is definitely real and will help you love your man well!  I highly recommend it to busy homeschool moms everywhere.