Good morning from Coffeeland.
Well, not really, I’ve only had one cup, but I believe it’s enough to help me to crank out a post this morning. I’ve been in a little funk and have tried to inspire myself to write a post but it just hasn’t happened. In fact, I even went back and read some old posts thinking I could find one to post as a “recycle” and it took me about two seconds to realize that I don’t enjoy going back and reading my blog. I’ve told you before that I have these constant mind battles, or shall I call them flesh battles, with myself over blogging. For some reason, I’ve pressed on through them all, maybe it’s my flesh? Maybe it’s not? Anyway, I came here to see if I could muster up a random post with some depth…
This is Raiger in her superhero cape. She saw me stretching this week, as in, leaning over and touching the ground because my legs feel like they may fall off due to exercise induced pain. Occasionally I find myself stopping what I’m doing and leaning over to touch the ground, it makes me feel like I’m good at Pilates, even though people who are good at Pilates grab their legs and wrap them around their heads. Anyway, she looked at me funny and wanted to know if I was pooping. No, Paige, I’m not pooping, I’m stretching. Kids are hilarious in case you didn’t know. Last night when I was reading them one of our new favorites Make Way for Ducklings, she wanted to know why I had hair in my nose and why my eyes were short. Well, I was looking for some depth to this post and I so far I’m not quite there.
I have a new motto in my kitchen: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Please observe the 2nd attempt at Peppermint Patties in pictures…
Same recipe, new method… way easier! The little candy mold was $1.99 at Michael’s {and they have cute heart shaped ones at Walmart for $1.75} the only thing I wish I had done differently was to have purchased 2 or 3 molds instead of just one. I filled & froze, filled & froze, filled & froze… if I had 3 molds I could have just filled & froze once or twice. I filled the little mold, froze, then filled with peppermint filling and topped off with chocolate and then froze again for a few minutes and then they popped right out… beautiful and still delicious! So, if you want to try and haven’t yet… try this route it will save you time & heartache!
I also feel the need to report that my throw has greatly improved {my candle scent throw} not by any action of my own. If you remember, I told you the candles I made a few weeks ago had a terrible throw {as in you couldn’t smell them burning or not burning}. Guess what, they smell REALLY good now. Apparently when you use soy wax it can take up to 2 weeks for the candles to cure and the wax to fully absorb the oils. The only one that didn’t improve was the grapefruit one, I can burn if for hours and still not smell a thing, from what I’ve read the whole process can be very trial & error. Encouraged by the new found smell, this weekend I strapped on my denim jumper, braided my hair and laced up my boots, put on some primitive music and made a few more candles. My sister-in-law got the one above {Vanilla Coconut} for her birthday on Sunday and with it was a sticker that said don’t burn until Feb 18. It already smelled pretty good to me so hopefully in a couple weeks it will smell even better. I’m almost ready to give a tutorial on the matter, was really hoping for a candle maker to come out of the closet for me with some great professional tips but so far no one has ‘fessed up. Next week is teacher appreciation week and I foresee some apple shaped bowls waiting to be filled with apple scented wax.
I’ve had several emails recently {which have unfortunately gone unanswered, my apologies} regarding the quote that used to be at the top of my blog and I’d love to share it here again because it’s beautiful and encouraging from a book that has been a constant source of encouragement to me as I press on in my role as a stay at home mother, The quote is from page 3 of Sally Clarkson’s Mission of Motherhood.
“And the fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes, and send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully.”
I also love her quote towards the end of the book on page 193 that says,
“A wise woman has learned to imitate lots of other wise women; the creativity comes in adapting their ideas and her needs. I have gathered a wealth of ideas over the years by reading, watching people, copying the ideas of others, scaling them to the needs and ages of my children, husband, and friends. I have also learned a lot by experimenting along with my children. We have learned together, with lots of failures and successes– and a whole lot of fun.”
This one particularly strikes a chord with me, especially when it comes to blogs & creativity. While, as I mentioned above, I struggle sometimes with writing my own, I really like others. There are an endless number of wonderful resources out there and I find such encouragement from other blogs, even a simple picture will strike an idea in my mind and I’m thankful to have so much inspiration my fingertips. I find encouragement on how to be a better mother, wife, photographer, seamstress, and decorator. So many fuel my creative side but it’s also really easy to get lost in la la land and spend too much time looking for inspiration that my little ones are left alone while I am busy “looking” for things to do with them instead of actually doing things with them.
And just for kicks, one more {pg. 220} where she is speaking of the impact Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables has had on their family,
I believe it is the clear picture they present of a redemptive family where love and forgiveness are given in the midst of petty failures and frequent mistakes, where home is a secure haven in which to be comforted, encouraged, inspired, and trained.
Ahhh good stuff, good stuff!
Ok, this post is taking way longer than I ever intended for it to take, the kids woke early, we got off to preschool, I’ve been to Walmart for Magic Erasers & dryer sheets, now I’m back home and it still hasn’t been posted… so I will wrap up with this random tidbit of information.
It is 2011 and we now have caller ID & call waiting.
Next month makes 9 years of marriage and 9 years without caller ID or call waiting. I broke down this week and added them to our phone line. I was just going for call waiting then the customer service rep told me it would only be 60 cents more a month for call waiting so I got a little crazy and added it too. Now when our phone rings I run to it and watch with excitement to see who it is and then it takes everything within me to not answer by saying, “Hello, Erika!” or who ever’s number shows up, because you’re supposed to pretend like you don’t know who it is even though you really know who it is, right?
natalie @ this old southern house
February 10, 2011 at 12:25 pmlucky duck–we still don’t have call waiting/caller id. what can i say, i’m super cheap.
oh, and i don’t have a microwave.
feel sorry for me yet? (though i must admit it’s because we took down the one that used to be above our old stove and not because i couldn’t afford it…and things taste better when not reheated in a microwave. but i digress.)
love your candles, can’t wait to see the how-to.
brandy
February 10, 2011 at 12:28 pmThat quote has never left my mind and I finally ordered the book from Amazon. It arrived yesterday and I am ready to dive in. I love, love my life but I am feeling a little run down and inadequate lately. I have a very strong feeling that this book will reaffirm what I’m doing here (at-home mommy of four, ages 10mos-8yrs)! Thanks for sharing it!
Kate
February 10, 2011 at 12:30 pmI’m SO ordering that book. Loved the quotes you posted. You are right, full of good stuff.
Tonia
February 10, 2011 at 12:35 pmWhat is it about looking back and reading?? I am certain I know exactly what you are talking about! Sometimes I blog with emotion, and then when I look back I feel like I have an immediate GOOFBALL stamp upon my forehead. But thats growing right? I think I do much better when I just stick with taking pictures of my kiddos and leave out all my momma drama. Your blog is always a breath of fresh air and a joy! Have a good weekend!
Jenni Roberts
February 10, 2011 at 12:36 pmI love your blog – it’s encouraging and hilarious and adorable and I’m glad you write it.
Jessica
February 10, 2011 at 12:38 pmSometimes I wish their was a post tree but theres not:) Let me know if you find one. This book looks so good…I need a new read. My husband and I will be married for 9 years and May so congrats. I really enjoy your blog it is always full of regular stuff for regular people…I mean this in the utmost from of a compliment!
Carolyn
February 10, 2011 at 12:45 pmI love your blog too. I second Jenni Roberts’ comment and Jessica’s! Regular stuff for regular people done in an ‘un-regular’, refreshing and charming way.
Stephanie
February 10, 2011 at 12:49 pmahh… nice to know that the blog bug will suck you in too… i’m stuck in lala land trying to figure out what do with the kids camped out in front of pbs… all the while i should just be “doing” instead of researching… thanks for the encouraging post. i needed it today.
sara h
February 10, 2011 at 12:51 pmNow I’m getting anxious for a candle tutorial- anything to make my house smell better! 🙂
lizziefitz
February 10, 2011 at 12:57 pmThe second quote reminds me why I blog 🙂
Cait @ Hernando House
February 10, 2011 at 12:59 pmI second what Jenni said! And also, those peppermint patties look SO GOOD!
Natalie DeShong
February 10, 2011 at 1:00 pmI have never commented on your blog before, but I feel like I need to today. I LOVE reading your blog! You are very encouraging and real and funny and I know that if I knew you in real life we’d be friends. Don’t get down on yourself, we all learn from each other. I sure learn a lot from you! Oh, and I just received my first Honey Bees Tee last week (Happy Camper) and boy, am I a happy camper! LOVE it!
Stacy
February 10, 2011 at 1:02 pmYour feelings about blogging are the reason I don’t have one. Anyhoo, I’ve been happily married for 24 years (next month), I have 4 teenagers and an 11 yr old. You are such a daily inspiration to me as a wife, mother, cook, and crafter. Thanks for sticking with it.
HannahJ
February 10, 2011 at 1:07 pmYay! Your posts are always inspring to me! I know what you are saying with a lack of motivation to post sometimes…I feel that too! I was extremly motivated by your peppermint patty trial #1- which I will be attempting this afternoon- yummy!
kaneil, the ritts
February 10, 2011 at 1:09 pmha! your little superhero is hilarious. my husband would LOVE those patties…he’s a junior mint/york nut. I feel ya on the blogging slump. I don’t know how some people can write decent posts every.single.day!
ashley
February 10, 2011 at 1:19 pmI LOVE your blog! I think everyone goes through “funks” with their blogging… I know I certainly do. But don’t worry – we don’t love it less! Your kids are beautiful and I just love what you write. I think I am going to go make some peppermint patties now…
Angela
February 10, 2011 at 1:24 pmThanks for pushing through your blog dry spell. I enjoy reading your blog and find it encouraging. (but I totally understand not loving reading back through. I find it like seeing myself on video. still haven’t watched our wedding video because I hate seeing myself that much). Oh, and totally can relate to the caller id/call waiting. We just got caller ID in the last year (after over 8 years of marriage). Still haven’t caved on the TV yet…but since we can watch TV on the computer monitor sometimes, it’s sort of cheating.
Jenny
February 10, 2011 at 1:28 pmSo funny that you tried the patties again. I saw your old post about them yesterday and within a few hours I had rounded up the ingredients, bought the exact same mold (unfortunately yes, only one, should have bought 4 or 5) and begun making patties. Of course, with all your helpful suggestions. (parchment paper, freeze the peppermint, etc.) I did use a clear condiment bottle to squeeze the chocolate into the molds and it worked like a charm! So easy! These were so yummy too – I even did as you did, and had one pre-breakfast this morning. Not my fault – it was calling my name and so I answered!
Love your blog – and your photos! I enjoy perusing when I have time.
Talysa
February 10, 2011 at 1:31 pmI too struggle with writing a blog. I want to for the sake of capturing and remembering our lives…and I too get so much from other bloggers that have genuinely helped me be a better mom and wife…but at the same time if you are not careful enough or strong enough you can easily get sucked into so much “fluff” that you lose sight of why you do this in the first place. I had reached a place of taking pictures and writing posts based on what others wanted from me rather than for the purpose I started with. God got my attention with this when my computer crashed…and I lost my pics…and realized that I no longer had our Disney trip pics. I thought no sweat I’m sure they are on my blog. Nope. I had failed to blog about it due to getting caught in posting for certain meme’s and blog carnivals. Shame on me. I vowed to always stay aware of why I am posting and what I am posting. And to never again let pressures “to be a savvy blogger” take me away physically or emotionally from my family.
I must get that book now…thanks for the recommendation.
Ps. I genuinely love your posts and your transparency. 🙂
Carmel
February 10, 2011 at 1:39 pmI love that book!! Keep up the blogging….you’re encouraging LOTS of people with your blog posts! xo, carmel
cat from constant in chaos
February 10, 2011 at 1:40 pmI LOVEd this post. I think I like the ones that aren’t deep, actually. 🙂 so, just keep on posting about whatever and we’ll love it! i know exactly what you mean about battles with/in the flesh. boy do i ever! God is so good, tho. and, I have to remind myself that my battles here on earth and with other people are not with “things” and “other people”….they are spritual battles and God is using those to grow me as a Christian, wife, mom, sister in Christ. Blessings to you, darby! So glad you got caller i.d. guess what! most of don’t have land lines anymore! ha ha!
Beth
February 10, 2011 at 1:45 pmI can’t wait for your candle tutorial! Your last paragraph made me laugh out loud 🙂 Thanks for the chuckle. Now I need to make some of those Peppermint Patties!
Jill
February 10, 2011 at 1:45 pmWell said, Darby. I recently started blogging when I learned to sew, but I keep feeling led to post more . . . yet I constantly struggle with the time it takes . . . all the while striving being the mother and wife God has called me to be. Your blog is such a source of encouragement to me and to many of my friends, and I pray we all find wisdom and encouragement from the blessing of Blog World without neglecting the most important things. I’m definitely adding Mission of Motherhood to my reading list. Thanks!
Melissa
February 10, 2011 at 1:53 pmLove that you just got caller ID and call waiting. My parents still don’t have either and it cracks me up. I have went the opposite direction and now don’t even have a home phone line as never use it.
Vickie
February 10, 2011 at 1:53 pmHi Darby, I just wanted to write to you and tell you that I can see where it would be a struggle to blog. Time blogging is time you miss with your family and I am sure it probably takes a lot more time than those of us that don’t blog realize. Mostly though I just wanted you to know that it is very inspirational to me to read your blog and motivating to know God more intimately. I am not a Mother of littles but I do have 4 grown children (2 twin daughters) and 8 grandchildren. I really look forward to reading what you have to say and your children are beyond adorable. Vickie
Beverly
February 10, 2011 at 1:54 pmDarby, I always love reading your blog! Thanks for pushing through and posting today! No matter if you share something deep, or just something random…it’s always encouraging to read. Can’t wait to hear more about your candles.
MorningT
February 10, 2011 at 1:56 pmWell you pulled together an interesting, creative AND inspiring post once again. 🙂
I think it’s fair to say that many of us struggle with keeping up our blogs and justifying the time to find or create material to keep it interesing for our readers. Funny, I don’t like to go back through my posts at all either, I pick everything apart. Sometimes it just flows, and other times~ not so much.
I’m excited to read about your candle tutorial as I’ve been wanting to try that myself. The peppermint patties look divine but I’m way out of my league preparing any sort of food in the kitchen.
xo~
T
Joy
February 10, 2011 at 2:05 pmThe pooping comment made me laugh so hard!!!! Oh my goodness. Kids are so funny.
I also really love the Mission of Motherhood. (But where the heck is it?? I can’t find it since my last move!! We move too much — military family. *sigh*) I recognized the quote immediately because for the first couple years after buying that book I would go back to that line again and again and think about it. Incidentally, I’ve been reading Anne of Green Gables and a couple weeks ago, read about Marilla teaching Anne to pray. I wrote about it on my blog (a few posts back) because the words so profoundly impacted me and reminded me of this mission again.
Melissa
February 10, 2011 at 2:11 pmHi-
I stumbled upon your blog through the “blog-weave” and you are one of my favorites! I look to you for inspiration for crafts/baking/quotes and all the bits you come up with! Don’t be discouraged, just be you! Thanks!
kt
February 10, 2011 at 2:17 pmtoo funny about the caller id and call waiting….we just added them last week as well…(a first in our 10+ yrs of marriage!) but only because to get better internet we had to bundle with our phone line and these perks came with it. don’t plan to use the call waiting (i find it rude…), but caller ID is too fun! 🙂
Niki
February 10, 2011 at 2:20 pmI love Make Way For Ducklings. As a former Mainer, it holds a special place in my heart! 🙂 And, don’t worry — perfectly deep enough to make this girl smile!
beki
February 10, 2011 at 2:35 pmJust keep being you, Darby, okay? Posts with depth? Girl, you have depth without even trying!!
suz
February 10, 2011 at 2:58 pmWild horses couldn’t keep me from reading your blog…. I love every little thing about it. Cheers.
Laura Kirch
February 10, 2011 at 3:22 pmI love your blog and check for posts daily. It’s inspiring, funny, and so much more. Thanks for your wonderful blog!
Susan R.
February 10, 2011 at 3:24 pmHoly cow! How come kids notice all of our imperfections? My youngest son came up to me and hugged me the other day and said, “Mom, everytime I hug you it feels like you’re going to have another baby.” I wanted to smile at him, give him a kiss and give him a good kick in the seat to boot, but I just said, “because after having five children, my body doesn’t look and feel the way it used to.” Darn it! I hate how that happens.
Jen
February 10, 2011 at 3:41 pmI stumbled across your blog from somewhere a while back and have been a loyal reader ever since. I love seeing your gorgeous pictures and your cooking and crafting ideas. The second quote really hit home with me and you are totally one of those “wise women” that I emulate.
Elizabeth
February 10, 2011 at 3:43 pmI love that book too! I first learned about it from the quote on your blog. About a year ago I purchased it and simply devoured it! Thanks for sharing those quotes. They are wonderful reminders.
Hannah
February 10, 2011 at 3:43 pmI remember one time you blogged about meeting Justin… But I don’t remember how he proposed, where you married or the rest of the story… Would be fun to know 🙂
Becky
February 10, 2011 at 4:14 pmOh my gosh – you mean you STILL have a landline??? Mrs. Millenium, aren’t ya? ha ha!
Mandy
February 10, 2011 at 4:14 pmDarby, I just love your blog, it is the everyday posts that are often the best I think. Thanks for the time you spend here, I think your comments speak for themselves that you nurture your readers whether you think you have “depth” in a post or not. : ) Can’t wait for the candlemaking tutorial and also thanks for the reminder about the motherhood book. I loved that quote and want to order the book for a few mommy-to-be friends, thanks for the reminder!
Mandy
February 10, 2011 at 4:16 pmThanks for sharing and you have NO idea how encouraged I have been over the years through your blog. From faith, to crafts, to fun, and so on! THANK YOU!!! I just know we’d be good friends if we shared a home town! Push through! Enjoy your weekend! Here’s to a cup of coffee I am making so I can just make it through the end of the day! Mandy
Dianne
February 10, 2011 at 4:31 pmFirst…the peppermint patties look yummy as i am sure anything from your kitchen is!
Second…please do not entertain the idea of giving up blogging. We enjoy everything yu say and i have loved watching those precious children grow up.
Last…go to http://www.tracyporter.com , it is her retail site…click on her blog then click videos…there are MANY but one is about candle making. 🙂
xoxo Dianne
Snekcip
February 10, 2011 at 4:38 pmLaughing oh so hard @ Becky!! Darby, I really do enjoy your blog! I adore your pics, admire you tenacity and applaud your sheer natural ability to make us laugh, ponder and even tweak our “Martha Stewart” side! I thought about blogging, but decided I can’t find the time or content to make it interesting. Thank you for your weekly post and mostly for the time you put into FTOW>
Courtney
February 10, 2011 at 5:51 pmYay for candy molds!!!! I want to buy that book for all my pregnant/mommy friends! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lora
February 10, 2011 at 6:00 pmI enjoy your candor. I’m not as crafty/foody like you but into redoing/renovating our house. I feel torn between starting a blog, and spending that time with the kiddies (9,7,4,4 months). I get the flesh thing.. I think that if I start a blog I will get obsessed with seeing how people react and think I need to present this perfect life as wife and mom which I clearly do NOT have because of my own failings. I do learn from you, thank you 🙂
Maris
February 10, 2011 at 6:22 pmDarbey, Thanks for all of your recipes. I did end up at the dentist with the caramels at Christmas to put my crown back on. So, I want be making those again even though they were very tasty. The peppermint patties are a hit. I froze the filling after making them into little disc and used tongs to dip them in the chocolate. I have shared them at work and church. Keep the recipes coming.
Tasha B.
February 10, 2011 at 6:37 pmHaha, thank you for verbalizing what I have never understood about Caller ID! Seriously? Why DON’T we just answer, “Hi, _____!” ??? Maybe we should cut loose and start a revolution to change the caller id etiquette. (sp?)
The Mom
February 10, 2011 at 6:50 pmWell you hit all the bases with this post. You had me laughing, then thankful that I was not the only one who has wondered why they have 1 mold, 1 small cupcake pan, 1 small bundt pan, etc, and then when I read the Sally Clarkson quotes and was in tears because the second one is kind of my life philosophy. So…you “done good” for not being in the mood. I think recycling posts is like recyling in general. You want to do it, you think you should do it, but you don’t like the smell of the milk carton as it sits waiting…even though you washed it out. You were actually on my heart this am and I prayed for you as I was stumbling around my kitchen trying to get ready for a day of Little One. At my age it takes physical, mental, and spiritual preparation to take care of a toddler! Be blessed this day!
ELK
February 10, 2011 at 6:55 pmEver since your first post on candle making, it’s been in the back of my mind. I may even give it a shot this weekend! Have a Joann’s coupon burning a hole in my pocket. I’ve been doing lots of research, and am so happy to hear about the “flow”. That would have been frustrating for me!
Shannon
February 10, 2011 at 9:12 pmCaller ID, yes. Call waiting, no. I don’t need another sales rep to be able to interrupt the one that I’m currently on the phone with. Aren’t those the only people who call your landline anyways. Landline? When will that term be a thing of the past? Incidentally, it is 2011 and I still don’t have text messaging (most people find that really odd). I wonder how long I can hold out?
emily mancini
February 10, 2011 at 9:30 pmYou are a great writer and encourager! I enjoy reading your blog, often feeling inspired afterwards. Hang in there! I get discouraged often with my jewelry, feeling inadequate and often not good enough. I think it goes with those who are right brained and creative 🙂
Tiffany
February 10, 2011 at 9:30 pmI bought that book at a garage sale last summer and it’s still sitting on my bedside table. I plan to get to it soon, thanks for the inspiration!
cousin
February 10, 2011 at 9:37 pmLOve that you finally got caller id:0 now you can screen your calls! How wonderful! Paige is absolutely hilarious! She cracks me up. Miss and love you!
carla
February 10, 2011 at 9:59 pmI’ve been holding onto my Amazon Groupon, waiting for the perfect item. Just found it – thank you for sharing!
Kelly Splittorff
February 10, 2011 at 10:40 pmPlease never never stop blogging. I really look forward to reading it and am a loyal follower. It doesn’t have to be deep to be encouraging.
~Kelly
Tracie K
February 10, 2011 at 10:42 pmLove your blog!!! I follow you all the way from California. Your posts are witty and inspirational.
Sarah Eaton
February 10, 2011 at 10:42 pmThanks for your transparency Darby! Keep blogging…you inspire in many ways!!
Jaime Scott
February 10, 2011 at 10:52 pmI made the peppermint patties today for the hubs for v-day and they are delicious! I used several of your suggestions (parchment paper, red food coloring, heart shaped cookie cutter, freezer before dipping, bakers melting chocolate) and didn’t have a problem. They came out super cute! Thanks so much! If you’re interested, I blogged about it (and linked back to you). You totally don’t have to check though, just mentioning it. https://jaimescott.blogspot.com/2011/02/snowy-days-and-peppermint-patties.html
Jennie-Marie
February 10, 2011 at 11:32 pmLove it and love you always sharing your thoughts. I’m off to get this book, sounds like just what I need to read right now. And ps, we still don’t have caller id or call waiting. We had it and got rid of it b/c we never use the house phone, maybe we will revisit it at the new house:) xoxo hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!
Mandy
February 11, 2011 at 6:18 amDarby, just got my Lands’End kids magazine and they have a t-shirt almost just like your bug jar one!!! But this one has some writing over it which isn’t near as cute as yours! Have you seen it? Great minds must think alike! I could NOT believe how similar it was!!!! Check it out here if you haven’t already:
https://www.landsend.com/pp/JerseyFireflyGraphicTshirt~217861_1187.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::LP5&CM_MERCH=IDX_00004_0000000010_0000000401&origin=index
Margaret
February 11, 2011 at 6:59 amLOVED this post…Linked it to some of my mom friends. My 3 babies are older (just barely) than yours, but I was still inspired…You get it! Great writing!
Kate from Party Resources
February 11, 2011 at 7:57 amThe treats look great, even if it took two rounds! Happy weekend!
Lindsey
February 11, 2011 at 9:00 amI do enjoy reading blog posts with depth. However, I also really enjoy posts about everyday life, especially those with pictures of cute kids. 🙂
Carrie
February 11, 2011 at 9:17 amWe are all in a funk too…maybe it’s the cold weather? cabin fever? the sick kids in my house? the pile of clothes in every room in my house? Thank you for sharing the book with all of us…that is our common bond…wanting the best for our children while raising them to love God.
Sending you big hugs and blessings!
xoxo,
Carrie
Ali
February 11, 2011 at 10:08 amYou have a great blog!
I tried the peppermint patties on Superbowl Sunday and they were a mess but, oh so yummy! Everyone loved the recipe I just couldn’t get the shape right after dipping in the chocolate! Thanks for the candy mold tip! I’ll be running out to pick up a candy mold so I can try again! They were so yummy! Thanks for the recipe!
I love Sally Clarkson! She’s the best! Have you been to one of her conferences!?! I’ve been 2x’s and loved hearing her speak!
Good luck with the candle making! I’ve never tried! Sounds fun!
~ Ali
WendyLou
February 11, 2011 at 10:29 amLove it all!! A candle tutorial? Ummm … yes, please!! Great tip for the peppermint patties, too. Now they look do-able. As for the caller id … don’t pretend you don’t know. I have a friend who answers, “Hey, Girl!” every time I call, and I LoVe it!! Makes me feel like she’s hugging me at her front door.
samantha
February 11, 2011 at 10:51 amOh Darby I absolutely love your blog, your humility, Darby doll, your precious kids, Help Wad…you are an inspiration! Keep blogging!
Maggie
February 11, 2011 at 11:19 amDarby – I always enjoy your blog and have to admit it is my favorite. You offer a potpourri of information that I find delightful and I love the photographs.
Beth
February 11, 2011 at 12:20 pmyou are hysterical.
Maggie P
February 11, 2011 at 1:16 pmI almost spit my drink out when I read the stretching comment! Hilarious! I (like everyone else) love your blog. It is truly inspirational. And it makes me so happy to read!
Dana @ House*Tweaking
February 11, 2011 at 2:18 pmYou may find writing blog posts difficult but reading them is effortless. I feel like I’m sitting at your table drinking coffee with you. Delightful! If it makes you feel any better, we don’t even have a house phone…much less caller ID or call waiting. And my cell phone is a Razr. I think I could count how many times I’ve texted on 10 fingers.
Jeni C
February 11, 2011 at 4:26 pmDarby I love you blog…always so inspiring. I really love the quote from Sally “I have gathered a wealth of ideas over the years by reading, watching people, copying the ideas of others, scaling them to the needs and ages of my children, husband, and friends.”…just today I asked your sister how she got the hole in Sloane’s yogurt smoothie and she sent me a message stating her husband drilled a hole in the top. I have to admit I felt a bit stupid, but so thankful for the idea.
Sarah {Monogram Chick}
February 11, 2011 at 9:32 pmI am so glad you tried again with the peppermint patties. I want to try them but was intimidated by the first run. Your new way seems totally do-able and is a project I plan to tackle this weekend, I like the idea of heart shaped patties for valentine’s day. Have a great weekend!
Jessica
February 11, 2011 at 9:36 pmI have never posted before but I just had to today! You are an inspiration as a mother and a Christian woman! I am 4 months pregnant with my first child and I can only strive (and pray) to be the kind of mom and wife that you are. Love your blog…and your children and beyond precious!
Michele
February 11, 2011 at 9:53 pmYour blog is one of “those blogs” for so many of us. I find a ton of cool ideas from your blog. You are funny, witty and clever. My husband always asks me how real are other bloggers. I don’t know about some, but I think you do a pretty good job sharing who you really are…or at least it comes across that way. It’s a good balance of encouragement without getting on your sassy horse and being preachy. Blogging is a blessing and a curse, but I hope that it’s mostly a blessing to you.
Sara
February 12, 2011 at 7:15 amYou know why I like reading your blog? You don’t try to act perfect. There are so many blogs that reach from design/mothering/homemaking and when I’m done reading, I feel inadequate. Why aren’t I painting a landscape in my son’s room, building a treehouse outside, cooking a dinner for twelve while my children are smiling in the background?
Well, you never show it that way. You see the squirming, you talk about the challenge, the pantless Rover, and we can see the counter hasn’t been set up like a photo shoot. Its your life in real time. You aren’t trying to be superior. And yet you offer fun tips and ideas, and helpful insight into parenting.
I know why you feel like it’s in the flesh. It makes you feel ‘on’ and self conscious. Like in a play, the stress of performing. But from my computer, its more like a peek into your journal. You’ve never made it a performance. For me, I see it as a service to fellow mothers, that we don’t have to be perfect, we just have to enjoy our family…and I’m glad you share.
Emily
February 12, 2011 at 3:15 pmGreat quotes, definitely ones to live by!
Your daughter is too cute, cape and all!
As for the caller ID thing: the first time my Granny (now 88) called me when I had caller ID I answered: “Hi Granny”! She was so blown away that I knew it was her! I had to fill her in on the technology! Too funny!
Corie
February 12, 2011 at 8:58 pmI was introduced to your blog when I worked night shift in the neonatal ICU. Some nights were very long and we would pass our time on the computer. One of my frieds told me about it and said “I just love this girl, she is so creative, the best mom, and loves Jesus. I hope I am like her when I become a mom.” I could not agree with her more! I love to check your post when I get a free moment!
Mary-Stewart
February 12, 2011 at 10:55 pmOh how I love to read your blog! I have never commented before, but tonight I thought it necessary. Thank you for sharing your ideas, gifts, talents, your life, with all of us. It is so refreshing to know there are other mothers/wives/women out there that are in the same walk of life dealing with the same types of things and trying to trust and follow the Lord all the while. 🙂 Congrats on biting the bullet on the call waiting! I haven’t had a land line since I think 2001, but I do remember how awesome it was, and how un-awesome it was to call someone who did not have it!
taraf
February 13, 2011 at 12:41 pmI made the peppermint patties with my four children this weekend…so easy and fun! They taste amazing….thank you.
Kelly
February 13, 2011 at 2:51 pmOne of my favorite books ever. Profoundly changed my thoughts on mothering.
I love, love, love your blog and am so grateful you are willing to share glimpses into you sweet life. I have middle school girls, but am still inspired by your down to earth-ness (is that a word?) with your little ones, and your lack of pretense. Your life and home and children are beautiful just as they are, they don’t seem staged or contrived. I come away feeling inspired to cook or sew, or just love on my home and family after being here, so thanks!
(And I found candy molds when I lceaned out the pantry, so I’m thinking mints for valentines’ might be fun!)
kel
February 17, 2011 at 11:30 amyou’ve inspired me Darby…both on the mission of motherhood (i love my three babies more than pie!) and on homemade candles. please share your recipe! and thanks for blogging…your love of family, God and the daily miracles about us are inspiring and often times are a genuine bright spot in my day.
Barbara
March 22, 2011 at 2:44 pmWill you post your recipe for the candles? Interested in giving it a try. Thanks!
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May 21, 2014 at 8:04 amI was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of
content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
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