Musings on Life and Beauty Archives - Page 80 of 146

Spectacular Sunset

January 26, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

We enjoyed the most incredible sunset last week… the cloudy haze overhead created amazing effects.

The color was everywhere. In fact, the sky was so ablaze with light and color that our driveway and house looked pink. The beauty of it drew our entire family outside to marvel at its wonder.

I often constantly worry about all the things we’re not getting to, all the lessons I’m not teaching well enough, all the ways I’m falling short of being the mother my children deserve to have. As I looked around at my family during this impromptu pause in the evening’s activities, I thought that at least I’m doing this. At least they’re sensitive and appreciative of such beauty. At least we paused to appreciate it together.

As I studied the changes in light and color during the ten minute masterpiece, I couldn’t help but think about how I’ve kind of resisted some of the current color trends (perhaps I see it most in fabric and quilting) including oranges and grays together. But here it was, the very combination I’ve been turned off to, in such gorgeous display that I couldn’t help but love it.

Heavenly Father is so many things. He’s my Father, my God. He’s perfect, omniscient, omnipotent, loving, and on and on. But he’s also the Master Artist, Master of light, color, shape, form, line, symmetry, balance. I never tire of the art lessons I receive in just looking around. I know it may be silly, but I love Him for that. I love Him for nurturing us with such beauty.

Once again, through a sunset, I marvel that He loves us that much. That he loves us enough to send little gifts of thoughtfulness by painting the sky just before dark.

I am so indebted to Him!

Hopeful Homemaker

“Nothing to Wear”

January 25, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

My three-year-old daughter received mostly clothes for her birthday and for Christmas.

The fact that she wanted them is a big hint that she’s got older sisters.

I could only laugh when the little girl who has a dresser full of new, clean, adorable clothes, who wears jammies like this:

lay in a heap on the couch crying, “There’s nothing to wear!”

“OH MY,” I thought. Talk about being a product of placement in family! She’s definitely the 4th girl in this house. This was only the 4th outfit for the day.

Yeah, we’re in for it. But she’s so cute. Even cuter than her clothes. I love this little one.

First Piggy Tails

January 21, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

She’s growing so fast. New words every day. Climbing to higher heights (literally) every day. More independent every day. More a toddler every day.

Her hair is now long enough for sweet little piggy tails. She looked adorable. She liked them too, but not enough to hold still for a picture.

In fact, she couldn’t get away from me fast enough. She grabbed her blanket and left the room as quickly as her little legs would allow.

She’s been fighting so much junk since Christmas that she just hasn’t entirely been herself. I keep hoping for more sleep, for the return of her sweet baby self. And then last night it dawned on me that I might not get that sweet baby self back; this might be partial evidence of a new stage… a more independent, less snuggly, more demanding stage. I hope not. My heart’s not ready for this.

I was out of town briefly again this week, and when I came home my older children told me in no uncertain terms that they’d so enjoyed having a “cool Dad” that they didn’t particularly like the return of “Mom who wanted to talk about homework.” It’s nice when the big kids don’t like you very much to have a little one that still loves you. Or so I thought. She wanted her Dad, too.

I’m so not ready for this stage.