Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I Never Saw a Moor

I never saw a Moor--
I never saw the Sea--
Yet I know how the Heather looks
And what a Billow be.

I never spoke with God
Nor visited in Heaven--
Yet certain am I of the spot
As if the Checks were given--

~Emily Dickinson
I have seen the sea.


And someday I hope to see the moors.

And someday I will see the Heavenly realm.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Best Book You've Never Heard of...

I am joining a link-up sharing books of every shape and origin. Thanks Modern Mrs. Darcy, this will be fun!

The best book you have never heard of... how about The Wit of Martin Luther by Eric Gritsch.
So many people think of church fathers as heavy reading, deep theology, etc. This tiny book shares just how much Martin Luther had a sense of humor and zest for life (and a great deal of passion for his beloved wife Catherine!) So break away from weight of ages past and learn how to enjoy every gifts you are given with a hearty German appetite.
 

Amazon: The Wit of Martin Luther

The Best Book You've Never Heard Of | Modern Mrs Darcy

For All Fathers and Sons


                                


Be more than his dad,
Be a chum to the lad;
Be a part of his life
Every hour of the day;
Find time to talk with him
Take time to walk with him,
Share in his studies
And share in his play;
Take him to places,
To ball games and races,
Teach him the things
That you want him to know;
Don't live apart from him,
Don't keep you heart from him
Be his best comrade,
He's needing you so!

Never neglect him,
Though young, still respect him,
Hear his opinions
With patience and pride;
Show him his error,
But be not a terror,
Grim-visaged and fearful,
When he's at your side.

Know what his thoughts are
Know what his sports are,
Know all his playmates,
It's easy to learn to;
Be such a father
That when troubles gather
You'll be the first one
For counsel, he'll turn to.

With courage, and fire him
You can inspire him                          
Hot with ambition
For deeds that are good;
He'll not betray you
Nor illy repay you,
I you have taught him
The things that you should.
Father and son
Must in all things be one --
Partners in trouble
And comrades in joy.
More than a dad
Was the best pal you had;
Be such a chum
As you knew, to your boy.

~Edgar A. Guest

Edgar Guest is to poetry what Norman Rockwell is to art. Simple rhymes and rhythms that capture the miracle of everyday life; the joys, the struggles, the simple truths. This poem is equally encouraging to me as a mother to my son as it was to my husband.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Reading List: The Web Edition

Happy Birthday to my lovely sister-in-law Rayia!
My husband adores his older sister, who taught him so much about being a loving man. Thanks Rayia, for everything you give to Roman. I am glad we are all such great friends!

My reading this week has been a smattering of blog posts and articles from all over.
So I figured I would share some my favorites with anyone else who enjoys looking at links.

Petit Collage I am wishing I could spruce up my nursery space and toy collection with this company. Utterly darling. And just about everything is wooden, which I like more than plastic.

A Prayer for All the World's Sons {in honor of the Royal Baby}
I am looking forward to watching William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, raise their son George Alexander Louis. The couple seem to be setting the standards high, but we all have a world watching in our children.

I'm Trying Not to be the "Just Wait" Mom Hayley @ Carrots for Michaelmas has some great reminders for all mothers.

Le Petit Chaperon Rouge If you feel like a classic fairy tale in French! (Little Red Riding Hood) My kids enjoyed it! It is a video

So explore the world wide web of blogs. Maybe you'll find your cup of tea!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Raspberries


The sunshine is casting hazy light on emerald bushes
The ruby fruit glistens surrounded by silken strands
Of spider webs; the sweet notes of song birds
Are high pitched in the wind. On the dirt
Small feet are eagerly treading, and
POP!
In the mouth each raspberry is heading.
The dirt-covered fingers pull hard at a branch
Plucking with vigor sweet, tangy delights. The squeals
Drown the sounds of the geese flying high.
The sapphire eyes search for prize that misses
The bucket completely. The soft cheeks are stained
With the sheer joy of summer.
Each dew-washed berry, sun-ripened and hot,
Is melting my heart by a smiling result
For those toddlers teeth glisten pink on white.
As they beg with faces upturned for just one more berry
PLEASE!

~Caitlin Mallery






Friday, July 26, 2013

In Action






Rain, rain
Let's go play
its a sunny, rainy day.
Rain, rain
It's so fun
boots, umbrellas, everyone!





Thursday, July 25, 2013

Reading to my Children

No book is really worth reading at the age of 10 which is not equally worth reading at the age of 50. ~C.S.Lewis

I want my children to read, a lot. So I try to read to them on a daily basis. It has had the desired effect so far, they both love to look at books. Saoirse is just starting to turn pages, so very reading actually gets done, but she is learning to handle books. She likes the books that are as big as she is:
These books have beautiful illustrations with a variety of stories and poems from all cultures.

I loved looking through them when I was little and now Saoirse does too.

This is the only one I have, but someday I hope to have the rest.

Go to Amazon to find more of this great collection.

Currently the two books below are Ethan's favorite books.
The inscription in the front of my copy reads:
Dear Caitlin, Happy 5th Birthday! Love, Aunt Andrea
in her lovely script. 
Some books are worth holding onto.

Ethan loves this collection of train stories (and I like it better than Thomas the Train.)


What books do you read to your children?


Simple Mom: Twaddle-free books for preschoolers

Sidenote: Check out this gorgeous video


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Growth


Growth is unpredictable,
often imperceptible,
confusing, metaphorical
to the one who growing is.
To others may be visible
good and bad divisible;
the question is rhetorical:
are you doing well?
Look not to the oracle
rather to the miracle
do not be satirical
for God knows best indeed.
So if your feeling miserable,
wicked, and abominable
look at each past obstacle
and see the how God has led.
Your growth becomes a chronicle
massive, unconventional,
purposed, and intentional
the godly person made.

~Caitlin Mallery

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Reading List Quotes

...if there is God in this place -- expect to see God.  Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

How does it save the world to reject unabashed joy when it is joy that saves us? Rejecting joy to stand in solidarity with suffering doesn't rescue the suffering. The converse does. The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even the here and now, They are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world. Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

...Michael asked,"Can anything harm us, mother, after the night-lights are lit?"
  "Nothing, precious," she said,"they are the eyes a mother leaves behind to guard her children."
She went from bed to bed singing enchantments over them, and little Michael flung his arms round her."Mother," he cried, "I am glad of you." J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan





Monday, July 22, 2013

A White Rose

The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
O, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.
But I send you a cream-white rosebud
With a flush on it's petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

~J.B. O'Reilly


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Instagram Moments

I'm siIIining in the raaaiin!

I'm haaappppy agaaaiin!

Men working hard.

Visiting goats.

I like her in navy blue with polka dots.

One of my more creative summer meals. It can be challenging come up with stuff.

What a boy!

My potty training corner.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

The First of First Ladies


The past has so much to offer us. Search for the truth others learned to help you learn to live a your life well.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Ezra 10:4


Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act. 


Thursday, July 18, 2013

How We Spent the 4th of July

Looking adorable!

Looking crazy!


Feeling pretty!

Watching the Parade.

Collecting candy

Seeing friends in the parade

BBQing at Grandpas

Staying cool in the house.

Eating yummy desserts!

Then Roman had to work that night, so I put the kids to bed and watched the neighbors set off their fireworks. It was a great day!


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Summer Fun

Something is exciting!

Keeping cool in the shade.

Lunch outside just taste better.

It's bright Mummy!

Whipped cream is the best dessert EVER!

Trying to master the pedals, but he can't quite reach.

Sprinkler time.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Nature Photograhy

Roman and I went down to the Swan River for a little walk and some fishing the other day. Didn't catch anything but certainly enjoyed the summer day!
Wild roses smell heavenly.

Forget-me-not is such a lovely flower.

A creek running into the river.

He is just amazing!

We feasted on gooseberries.


The wild mile of the Swan River