Blog (OLD)

One mama’s journey through goodbye…..

May 2, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 29 Comments

Edited to add: I’m linking this post with Emily’s Tuesdays Unwrapped so welcome to all you friends of Emily. She’s the best!

It’s been a busy week for our family as we anticipate the fast approaching graduation of my son, Taylor. He was honored with many of his classmates this week as being among the class to receive more honors and scholarships than any other class in the history of West High School.

He graduates with first honors….with a weighted GPA above 4.0 (I’m still not sure how that’s possible)

and will attend East Tennessee State University on a music and academic scholarship, while his best friend Andrew was honored with all the same acolades and will attend King College (only about 20 miles from Taylor’s college) on an academic and cross country scholarship.

He was honored as a member of Who’s Who and was recognized as the male ‘senior of the year’ by his music teacher for his participation in Chamber Choir. It makes a mama proud. And brings a mama to tears. (and in retrospect, makes a mama wish she had insisted on that hair cut)!

To top off the week, his band, The Verity, was invited to play at the World’s Fair Park last night in Knoxville. The girls and I met my mom, my nieces and my nephew to tour the Sunsphere and enjoy downtown Knoxville before the concert started.

My mother’s best friend from childhood, whom I also call my 2nd mom, is the owner of the historic Thackston School, which burned a few months back and had to relocate the Holiday Inn Convention Center; conveniently located about 50 yards from the World’s Fair ampitheater. Her son, John, just happens to have the best view of Knoxville, with his office in the top of the Sunsphere. Needless to say, it was a fun field trip.

This is the view of the ampitheater from John’s office.

So, despite the intermittent rain, we had a ball.

I think the boys did too. This was a beautiful venue.

Everything these days is covered with a haze, a mixture of sadness and joy. I’m filled with pride and yet, always on the verge of tears. I feel so blessed to take this journey with him and still apprehensive that when the time comes for me to step off the trail, I won’t be ready. He won’t be ready.

I know that this is only the beginning for him. The world lies in wait; ready to embrace another generation of our youth. It’s my job to let go, to give him gladly to a world that is hurting and in need of strong minds and compassionate hearts. And I will find a way to let go.

Because deep down, I know that what we give away from open hands and hearts, always comes back to us. The sadness turns to joy. The tears are a baptism of sorts. Drowning out the need to control….to hold too tightly. It is necessary for this goodbye—-this death to the way things have always been—before new life can spring forth.

I will say goodbye to this way of life. To this way I have mothered you. But I will not say goodbye. I will hold you in my heart always. Rejoicing with you in your joys. And bearing your burdens with you in my heart….and on my knees. I will be here for you. Always.

Because Painted Wood is Pretty

April 30, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 21 Comments

As promised, here are a few of my favorites from the “Because Painted Wood is Pretty” linky party. To see my new kitchen and all of the links, go here.

This is my friend Kelly’s house. She lives in a beautiful house in the historic district of town and if I could go take these doors off the hinges and bring them back here, I would. I would have nowhere to put them, but I’d take them anyways. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Then, there’s Sarah’s piece, which she painted and then added fleur de lis. Love IT!

And Annicole’s kitchen, which is TODIEFOR!

You mark my words (I used to love to hear my ‘mamaw’ say that) I will paint something this color before summer is out. I love this changing table from A Familiar Path.

And this is where TidyMom keeps her TRASH. I would crawl up in this beautiful primitive piece and sleep. She has other beautiful painted projects that you should go see.

You must see this beautiful transformation at Saucy’s Sprinkles…or as they call it in the business….this ‘flip’. The whole project is amazing. You’ll have to check out the whole house.

I’ll conclude with the only kitchen that has more blue and looks more retro than mine:

Thank you all for sharing. If I featured your project today and you’d like a copy of The Verity CD (my son’s band) just send me an email! You can hear them play here.

The boys are playing at the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville tomorrow. We’re all pretty excited about that. Taylor is graduating with first honors so I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures at the banquet and at Honor’s Day tomorrow!

I was pondering showing you my modest bathroom redo, but it’s sure to be quite a let-down after the kitchen. I’ll probably show you anyway. Stay tuned!

Retro Cottage Kitchen is STILL at it……

April 29, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 36 Comments

Y’all have no idea how much fun this Retro Cottage Kitchen has been for me. First, just the fun of watching it all come together, then the fun of the big reveal and the linky party. I’m exhausted! But I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your kind words and encouragement. And those of you who joined Mr. Linky, I love all your projects and plan to feature of few of them later today or tomorrow!

A few thoughts from the Retro Kitchen:

1. The little girls (7 and 8) have been walking around ON the countertops trying to pick their favorite cup. I think Elea has settled on the flower fairy mug and Emme is still undecided. Picking out a glass or bowl to use for dinner has become an epic adventure.

“NO, Mom, I don’t want to use that bowl today, I used it yesterday.”

Moral of the story: Open shelving may have its’ downside.

2. I was talking to my sister on the phone yesterday while I looked at pictures of my kitchen on my computer…….while SITTING on the sofa. I could just walk into the kitchen and see it for myself, I guess, now couldn’t I? But in the picture, there are no dirty dishes, nor are there children with dirty little feet walking all over the countertops, nor is there a 50 pound golden retriever jumping onto the island to try to reach the brownies. I’ll stick with the pictures for a few more days.

3. My blog friend, Rhoda, from Southern Hospitality, that I met at Blissdom this year, is FEATURING RETRO COTTAGE KITCHEN ON HER BLOG TODAY! (capital letters indicate screaming and doing hitch kicks). I’m already verklempt at all the nice people who have come over from ChattingattheSKY, the Nester, 320 Sycamore, Our Suburban Cottage, A Soft Place to Land, and others. I may be impossible to live with after all this fun. I truly am thankful and appreciate your generosity!

4. I’m still waiting for Hobby Lobby to restock the vintage glass knobs and I have two more cabinet doors to paint and hang. I thought I’d better confess that in case you decide to pay me a visit. And consider yourself warned, children will likely be walking on the countertops contemplating which pretty plate to use for lunch!

5. The most common phrase I’ve received about my kitchen is, “It’s sooo you.” I take that to mean that you can easily envision me wearing and aqua skirt with a cute white ruffly button down, a yellow and orange scarf, and a dark green military jacket…..all as one outfit. And I’m pretty sure I have an ensemble like that. My eclectic tastes are pretty easy to spot.

For all you new friends visiting, I thought you might like this post (about my son Taylor leaving), or maybe this one (about southern women)….to see if you might become a subscribing friend to lifeingrace. Thanks for visiting!

Where angels fly

April 26, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 24 Comments

I had every intention of showing you my ‘redecorranged’ bathroom today. It’ll have to wait. My son, who is JUST FINE, was hit by a drunk driver on the interstate late last night. He walked away unscathed from a potentially life-threatening accident. That kind of news changes your plans. It changes the way you look at your children. It changes the color of the dogwoods. It makes all things new.

Taylor,

May I never take for granted the strum of your guitar,

the strength of your beliefs,

the things that remind me of the little boy in you,

the amazing songs you write,

those baby blues,

and the sweet sound of your voice.

God has given me a gift. I am blessed beyond measure to be your mother. And I see you with new eyes today. I will pray for you from a vulnerable heart. I will cry tears of joy and purpose to be thankful.

And when the time comes—- and it’s coming very soon—-to let you go……..

I will remember that you are the Lord’s planting……entrusted to me but for a little time. May he multiply the days, restore the years, keep you safe and give the growth. And may you become ‘an oak of righteousness’ for His sake and His glory. Strong and true.

I couldn’t be more proud. Love you long time,

Mom

I’ll end this emotional day by playing this song for Taylor and Caiti that I used to sing to them every night before bed.

Tales from a Homeschool Conference

April 24, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 8 Comments

As many of you know, Steve and I took the ‘little’ girls with us to Cincinnati last weekend for the Midwest Homeschool Conference. Because this is our first year homeschooling and our first conference to attend, we were a little afraid at what we might find. Since we’re only taking two of our children, will they believe we even homeschool at all? If we ask around for a good brewery, will we get kicked out? Are denim jumpers required? But we were pleasantly surprised. There were all kinds of different people there and most seemed, for lack of a better word, very ‘mainstream’.

I knew from the outset that I wanted to go to EVERY last one of Susan Wise Bauer’s talks. I love all her books and feel certain that without her curriculum (The Well-Trained Mind) and without her history program (Story of the World), I could not enjoy homeschooling as much as I do. I would most certainly lock myself in my bathroom more often than I have. So, we went to almost all of her sessions and I finally got to introduce myself to her. I gushed on profusely about how amazing she is and how she has become my new hero. She said to me, “I do think you are my number one fan.” Yes, I’m highly excitable and I’m most certain that I invaded her personal space. But she was very warm and ever so friendly in person and I would drive five hours anytime to hear her speak. She was inspiring and encouraging and I left there with a renewed sense of why we have chosen this ‘less traveled’ path. Some of the highlights from her sessions:

1. Relax. If your children say to you, ‘Mom, are you mad?” very often, you probably have this worried look on your face all the time. Have fun with it. They ARE learning. Alot more than you think. And they are safe and being protected from many outside influences. Relax. Just relax and breathe. (Those last 2 relaxes are for me).

2. Avoid the common mistake of compartmentalizing school. Don’t say (which I said daily in the past), “Hurry and finish school and then we’ll…..”. Learning is a lifestyle, not something to be done before other more fun things can be done. Instead, it should more like, “Let’s do your math and then we’ll go for a walk….then we’ll read some and then we’ll have lunch…..then we’ll go to ballet and then we’ll plant some flowers. Don’t use school as punishment.

3. Educate Yourself. If you’re embarking on trying to educate yourself (like I am, using her book The Well Educated Mind), don’t be discouraged. Just because you can read the newspaper doesn’t mean you can easily read great works of literature with ease. Be patient. Even if you can only get through ten pages of Plato, that’s better than no pages of Plato. Just keep turning the page.

4. Surround your children with great books. Buy books for gifts. Read to them. Read yourself. Have them read to you. There is no substitute for great books. Keep them everywhere.

5. Sing. Dance. Laugh. Enjoy the fact that you are blessed enough to be able to stay home with your kids and teach them. If you enjoy it, they will too.

6. Don’t ask your children repeatedly to do tasks that are highly frustrating for them. If they cry everytime you ask them to narrate or write something, there’s probably a reason why. Break writing down into tasks. Have them narrate back to you verbally what happened in a story and you write it down. Then separately have them take dictation of short sentences. Eventually they will be able to do both steps together but this was a lightbulb moment for me. I have a child who cries everytime I ask her to narrate. But I do it anyway, thinking maybe she’s just being lazy. SHE DOESN’T HAVE THE SKILLS TO DO IT YET ALL AS ONE ACTION! Oh, thank you for this tidbit Ms. Susan. You will save us many tears.

7. If they’re crabby, feed them a sandwich. If that doesn’t work, have them take a nap. Children are physical beings and most of their melt downs are related to physical needs. Don’t neglect the physical needs while trying to push harder with the mental tasks. The brain needs food and rest.

8. Establish a regular ‘rest’ time. Even if they’re older, they can go to their room and read. When you’re with your own children all day, you all need a break from each other. Even mom. Especially mom. Susan says she has kept this up even as they get into the teen years. Her mother (who homeschooled her) would say, “Don’t talk to me from 1-3, unless you’re seriously injured”. I think this is wise. We must pace ourselves. This is a long, hard but rewarding road.

Another highlight of my trip was visiting one of my favorite stores ever….. IKEA. And I’d like to thank the Creation Museum for that. We were so looking forward to going to the museum and were sure we’d need more time than just one day. I think the concept is good and I happen to agree with the main theology points of the museum (God created the world in seven days, young earth etc) but there was something lost in the translation I think. I’ll summarize by quoting Steve, “It’s like a bad mixture of Dollywood and Jesus 81”. Enough said.

And last but not least, I got to meet Darcy from Lifewithmy3boybarians. This was certainly one of my favorite bloggers to meet. Sadly, the picture of the two of us did not turn out well. Of me at least. I had just had my hair colored and it was a sort of orangish-yellow. So I’ll spare you the fright but I will tell you she is a beautiful, strong, kind woman who you should meet if you get the chance. She is DARLING in person and I feel so fortunate to count her among my friends in real life now.

Don’t forget, I’m making my big Retro Cottage Kitchen reveal on Monday and you can link up with me and show us your painted wood projects. I think to warm us up, I’m gonna show you my bathroom redo this weekend. So go get some paint and paint something wood. K? BTW, I did figure out how to use Mr. Linky. I’m pretty darn proud of myself.

Love to all!

Post-Edit:
I forgot to add one of the key things I learned:

9. Think LONG and HARD before you join a co-op. I was contemplating Classical Conversations and after hearing her reasons for not joining, decided to postpone it indefinitely. Co-ops can be very time consuming, especially if you’re required to teach. Spend that time preparing for your own kids instead. They also can foster unhealthy peer groups which is probably at least part of the reason you’re homeschooling to begin with. I think co-ops that are just for field trips might work for us, but we’ve decided against joining one for now.

faq

April 23, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 5 Comments

1. What is your faith/denomination?

We belong to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod—-ie. the conservative ‘branch’ of the Lutheran church. My husband grew up Lutheran while I journeyed through fundamentalism and then pop American evangelism before embracing Lutheran doctrine and practice. I often blog about my journey of faith in Christ. I recently wrote a post on Lent (new to me as a former Baptist) which you can read here.

2. What type of camera do you use?

Nikon d90. I love it and really still BARELY know how to use it. I shoot in auto mode almost exclusively, which I am a wee bit ashamed to admit. I edit photos on iPhoto but plan to get photoshop soon. My advice for taking good pictures is: 1. Take a lot of pictures and a few of them will be great 2. Take pictures close up. Even closer.

3. How is been hard giving up your career?

I have written about this here. But I will say that staying home with my children has been THE most blessed gift my husband could have given me. I feel honored to do it and eager to learn to do it well. I’ve never been more sure of anything—than that this is what I was made to do.

4. How do you manage to do it all?

I’m so glad you asked because it gives me a great opportunity to say absolutely, unequivocally that I DON’T MANAGE TO DO IT ALL. Not by a long shot. My bathrooms are dirty, I haven’t showered in two days, I have 76 unmatched socks sitting on top of my washing machine. My husband shakes his head at the outlet covers that I still haven’t replace from my kitchen remodel!

5. Do you have any outside help?

Not unless you count these two ‘merry maids’.

6. Where did you get your necklace?

I bought it here. I love her stuff. And I love buying from mom-artists.