Remembering World War II

Step back in time with me, to the area of swing dancing, big band. red lipstick and the world at war. World War Two has always been one of my favorite time periods. I love the fashion, the hairstyles, the music the movies and the amazing character of that generation. Honestly, who can go wrong with Bing Crosby, The Andrew Sisters, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and also Nat King Cole, Roy Rogers, and all the rest?  My grandpa served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S Columbus and later the U.S.S. Relief . I will always remember my grandma telling me how they pulled everyone out of class and gathered them in the gym to announce that America had declared war.

Last Saturday we drove to Linden Tennessee to go to Remembering World War II. As a second generation navy brat I had to wear my sailor dress (What can I say, the love of the sea runs in the family). We had such a great time!

If you felt like doing some shopping several of the business were open along with vendors selling 1940's dresses, hats, hand  knit socks & washcloths, baby clothing, posters and lots of other things.

The stories from the vets were so amazing to listen to- especially since I never got to meet my grandpa or hear his stories. The music was wonderful. They don't make it like that anymore. Next year they should set up a tent and teach swing dancing.

The costumes were beautiful, quite a few two-foot sailors were running around looking as adorable as could be. Seriously, I was born in the wrong era! Red lipstick, heels, adorable dresses, victory rolls- count me in!

The parade was worth the two-hour trip to see the veterans of World War II  beam as they drove them through the streets in old cars, motorcycles, military trucks, and fire trucks. It was so sweet. I wish more towns would do this. As a military family, I know first hand how it feels when people honor your loved one that served their nation.

They were giving rides on the military trucks, fire trucks, and motorcycles all day.   I really wanted to ride one, but sadly didn't get a chance- good thing there is always next year right? It looked like fun, though!

The reenactment was thrilling (ear plugs are recommended on their site for a reason) - if you homeschool and are working through this time period this is definitely worth going to! After all how many time do you get to watch World War II trucks roll up Main Street? Ok yes- I have to admit that I really did want to fire one of the big guns attached to the trucks. Unfortunately, it wasn't allowed so I made do with firing my Cannon, don't worry its a camera, not a real cannon. But that would be fun! Right, about now you are  probably understanding why my dad names his gray hairs after my twin and me :) . Ah, who am I kidding he would be right up there with me. It's so neat to watch the massive Nazi flag cut down, and Old Glory raised instead.

Priceless As Rubies

Hello beautiful, yes you. The one reading this. You are beautiful. I know you don't believe me, you think of the sweat pants and a t-shirt that you threw on when you realized you overslept this morning and your hair that you hastily threw into a scrunchy bun so you could make breakfast for the kids and get them ready for school. You think of the dark circles under your eyes where you were up all night with a sick little one. You glance at your unpolished nails- the ones that you don't bother painting anymore because by the end of the day they are all chipped from washing dishes, cooking, cleaning, playing with kiddos and whatever else life has thrown at you. Beautiful? Hardly.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14

But you see your beauty, your worth isn't found in those things. Not in the size of your jeans, or the condition of your hair, not in the makeup that did or didn't make it onto your face. Not in your education, not in the number of zeros in your bank account, not your relationship status on social media. Nor in your career choice or your 'super mom' abilities.

You are beautiful because He made you. He created you in His own image. You are worth more than rubies, you are His daughter. He died to save you, and that makes you PRICELESS. He doesn't see the sticky floors or the messy hair. He doesn't care if its 4 PM and the kids are still in the PJ's because He loves you. You're his beautiful masterpiece.

Some of the most beautiful and touching paintings and photographs are the ones where the subject isn't 'perfect'- they aren't super mom. Their makeup isn't perfect. They're tired, they don't feel beautiful- but they are beautiful!

For we are God’s handiwork... Ephesians 2:10

Dill Bread Recipe

2/3 Cup Warm Spring Water

 2 Tablespoons Oil or Butter

3 Cups Organic Flour

1 Tablespoon Organic Raw Sugar

1 Tablespoon Organic Milk Powder

1 Tablespoon Dill

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Dried Minced Onion

1/1/2 Tablespoon Yeast

2/3 Organic Cottage Cheese

Place warm water into the bottom of your bread maker, add oil or butter, and follow with flour. In separate places add dill, salt, yeast, onion, milk powder and cottage cheese. Put on dough setting. When finished pull out and shape into dinner rolls, place in a loaf pan or a big bowl to make a round loaf. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.






From The Cottage {September}

Here is a little look at what is going on in our little corner of the world. 

The stray neighborhood cat we have dubbed Luna because of her great big eyes that look like full moons lounges in our flower urn on the front porch. The flower long gone.

The beautiful pink blossoms are still going strong in the garden.

Grandma's roses are still blooming in the hot September sunshine.

Luna telling me she wants to eat. 

The vegetable garden is still producing wonderful organic produce.

The flock is happy to see me this morning as I come to deliver their breakfast.

Making sure I do the job just right.

Tomatoes heavy on the vine as they wait for me to pick them.

Herbs, lettuce and Kale I am going to put in the garden today.

Aren't these peonies gorgeous?

Proof of our labor.  Jars and jars of freshly canned pear slices sit and cool on a towel on the counter.

Aprons sit at the ready for the next project to be done.

A pot of fresh coffee sits hot and ready for us to enjoy.  The mug is a gift from our Texas cousins.

Baskets of freshly picked pears from our orchard sit waiting for us to bring them in the kitchen and can them.

My new eShakti dress.  You can buy one like it by going to their advertisement on the sidebar.  If they still have them in stock I recommend this style.  It is so fun and very comfortable and very well made.

The last pear of the day.

Breakfast, Coffee and scrambled eggs.

Dew on the web looks like a diamond necklace as it sparkles in the morning sunshine.

Grandma's beautiful roses.

Butterfly getting it's breakfast.

A family of deer in our front garden eating pears off of our trees.