Garage Sales!!!!!

When we were kids, we were always curious about garage sales and would ask our mom if we could go look.
The response was always the same..."No!  We are not going to buy someone else's junk!"  It was right up there with her response to our request to keep the kitties that our neighbors were always sending home with us!!! It wasn't until I was a young mother and met up with a family who LOVED garage sales, that I realized what excitement lay beyond the sign "Yard Sale"! Ginger and her family shopped garage sales seriously. She and her husband  and their three sons lived on a social worker's income back in the 70's and so if they were going to buy anything, it would be at garage sales. They had a system and worked it well and one day invited me to go along. What an adventure! Sales were mapped out, snacks and drinks were packed to be passed out every so many sales, money was in hand and off we went.  Those three boys could drive a hard bargain for the things they wanted and I learned a lot from them. I also realized what a treasure hunt it could be and love it to this day!

This weekend  Leah and I hit three neighborhood sales, our very favorite! We each found many treasures. I came home with two basketballs, one football and a large antique basket.  I also got Sophie a 9 piece summer wardrobe for $9.00...all darling clothes !  I paid one dollar total for the items below, a pyrex baking dish, soap dish, beeswax and 2 old glass bowls.

I also got these 5 flower pots for one dollar.

A couple of weeks ago I paid one dollar for a box of kitchen odds and ends, many of which landed in the 

trash, but these dishes were the treasure in that box!

I think it really is the anticipation that  precedes each sale that is so much fun...you never know what you might find!  Sometimes, nothing. But sometimes, an item that you will treasure for years to come.  Some of my very favorite things are "someone else's junk" such as this beautiful dish that I use for my sugar bowl. I enjoy it every time I have a cup of tea! 

Life is an adventure all in all, I think. Even in the hard things which we might consider "junk", I believe that we find some of our most significant treasures, if we look for what God wants to teach us about Himself. If we seek for Him as if for Treasure, we will surely find Him!

Happy hunting!!

Diana

Spring Has Sprung!

This has been a busy family time for us! The rainy weather has kept us from doing too much work out in the yard and gardens, but we have been sneaking it in whenever possible. Allen has got the cold weather crops in. I need to clean out the herb garden and get it ready to plant. It seems that the chamomile is taking over in spots...we should have plenty for soap and maybe try our hand at some chamomile tea as well!

Susanna, our 15 year-old, was in her school's production of Rogers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella". She was superbly cast as one of the wicked step-sisters in this fun musical!they all clearly had fun with this play and we say an enthusiastic "Well-done!!!" it. Is always fun to see what these kids can do!

Sophie has been in a very 'crafty' mood lately! It has been a little hard for her to focus on her school work...even harder than usual!! She wants to make things. Last week she made a very cute felt picture for her friend. I thought it was both creative and lovely. Now, back to work, Miss Sophia!!

We had a lovely Easter celebration! Luke and Susanna were both in our church's Easter musical. It was very beautiful in praise of our Risen Lord. The whole family came over for lunch, along with several friends. We enjoyed a pleasant dinner and watched the little ones wade through the tall grass in hunt of the hidden eggs! Watching the joy of discovery on the tiny ones faces as they find eggs is so much fun for us big people.

Friday evening was Prom night. Both Susanna and Ben, our German exchange student, attended the prom. All of Susanna's five sisters, her sister-in-law, nieces and friend Amanda, who loaned the dress out of her exclusive collection of prom dresses, were here to help get her ready!

The results were truly breathtaking! She is a lovely girl, inside and out!! Ben looked quite handsome in his tux as did Daniel, Susanna's date!

This last week was my last week to teach Bible study until fall. To all of you ladies...well-done, good and faithful servants!! I am appreciative of the break, but already anticipating the next study! This is a good time for me to get some projects done, and I am trying to decide what to tackle first. I want to focus on organizing my soap business to promote some growth in that area. Gardening takes a bit of work, and maybe painting my halls should be on the list...they have taken a lot of wear and tear. It is also time for one of my very favorite past-times...garage sales!! Last week I bought a whole box of pretty white dishes for just one dollar!! The girls and I love treasure hunting and have trouble passing a sale by!

One of these days I will show you some of my favorite garage sale finds.

We have found that in the spring a young dog's fancy turns to soccer! Our little dog, Max, is an avid soccer player.  He puts his whole heart into the game...you have to love that in a dog!

From our friend, Mrs. Dunwoody

Soak colored cottons overnight in strong salt water and they will not fade.

To whiten laces, wash them in sour milk.

Save old cotton and linen rags in bags for spring cleaning and dusting.

Boil dingy whites (such as underwear or socks)in a pan with lemon slices.the lemon is a natural bleach.

"Prayer should be the key of the morning and the lock of the night."

-Owen Felltham

Thanks for reading,

Diana