New Online Shop

Excited for this:

www.ShopSpottedOwl.com

Best Breakfast Ever

Fruit & Nut Yogurt Parfait

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup cut strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 oz pecans, chopped
Stevia, to taste

Mix strawberries and blueberries, add stevia to taste.  Measure yogurt into bowl, top with fruit and nuts.  Enjoy!

Patio Garden

I thought it would be fun to try a few container plants this year.

I've wanted a lavender plant for a few years now, so I could dry the lavender and make little sachets.  So I got this lavender plant.  I really need to read up on them, I'm not sure if it's doing very well or not.

The lavender plant led to the tomato plant and other herbs.  Oregano, basil, cilantro, and Rosemary.  I'm willing to bet they need to be replanted in their own containers.  Again, I need to read.

We enjoyed our first tomato with dinner Friday night.  There is just nothing like homegrown tomatoes!  Yum

Nut Butter

I LOVE these little jars!

Cashew Walnut Butter

1 cup raw cashews
1 cup raw walnuts
3 tbs coconut oil*
1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt

Place nuts in food processor and begin to process.  Once the nuts are pretty fine, add the salt and oil, continue to process.  I started with just 2 tbs oil, but wanted it a little creamier, so added one more.  Adjust oil and salt to your taste.  I stopped and scraped the sides several times to make sure it all got good and mixed together.

I'm not really sure how to store it so I will probably keep it in the frig.  I know the coconut oil will solidify making it hard to spread, but I've also heard the raw cashews can turn rancid pretty quickly.  I'd rather have it and hard spread than not have it at all.  I will probably heat it a little if I really want to spread it.  "Where there's a will there a way," huh?!

*next time I will try a little less oil and process more.  I think it might get creamier without so much oil if I process it a little longer.

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Aren't those little half pint jars too cute?!

2/3 cup sugar
6 tbs coconut oil
4-10 drops essential oil

I measured out (regular) sugar in a small bowl and added the coconut oil.  Mixed a little bit.  I put about 5 drops of peppermint oil in and mixed it up really well.  Peppermint oil, if used in excess, can be a skin irritant, so I only added enough to give it a little bit of fragrance.  I probably would have chosen a different essential oil, but peppermint is all I had a the time.


Seriously, it only took me about 5 minutes to get everything out, take it to my shower where it is waiting for me, and come back and clean up.      


I was inspired by this blog post here; I originally saw it on Pinterest.  See Pinterest is good for something!  I just saved myself a little money by whipping up my own body scrub.  

Wildflowers

Brown-eyed Susans

My favorite things to look for while camping are wildflowers.  I knew the Brown-eyed Susan, and Queen Anne's Lace, but I'd never seen the Meadow Pink or Prairie Spiderwort before.

Queen Anne's Lace

Meadow Pink

Prairie Spiderwort

Spring Camping

Lots of nature lovin' going on this past weekend.   We stayed two nights at Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit.  We stayed in campsite 85 in the Deer Haven area; and you guessed it, we actually saw a couple of deer our last morning at camp.  

We chose campsite 85, because of this big beautiful oak tree.  Rick actually had the stuff to hang a swing in it.

I enjoyed lots of butterflies and watching the many, many moths fluttering around that big tree.  Of course they don't cooperate that well for my camera.

We also enjoyed cardinals and blue jays, two of my favorites.  Not a fave, but ran over a rat snake on the park road.  We've never seen a spider like this one.  It had a fake look to it, except that is was moving, very black and shiny, and it had pincers that were just about as long as it's legs.







It was hot and muggy most of the time, which of course we expected, so the a/c on the new trailer got used a lot.  And with the new trailer came some extra amenities, which of course comes with extra responsibilities.......

Mug Hugger

My newest project.  Couldn't find a pattern that fit the way I wanted it to, so I made my own.  Made a few of these up and will put them on my Spotted Owl shelves at the the craft shop in town.  

For the Birds!

Cedar Waxwing

It is sometimes a little sad living in a city area that used to be considered rural.  I've seen our area go from just about being in the middle of nowhere, at least it seemed that way, to having Target, Starbucks and just about any other big retail outfit practically in our backyard.  And believe me, I do take advantage of the convenience.  But I also enjoy the natural state of things, probably more than the convenience.  So I guess in many ways I'm able to have it both ways.  

We are blessed to live in a fairly quiet neighborhood and our house backs up to a field that belongs to a lady who own 10 or so acres.  There is also a good amount of trees lining the railroad tracks nearby.  We see coyotes from time to time that live in the thick, but never mind that the Hawks choose the cell tower to nest!  Anyway, it's a nice set up for us to be able to do a little bird watching or at least enjoy them, not sure if we are true birdwatchers or not.    

I've been really surprised the last few years how many different birds are in our little neighborhood. A few we've recently seen:

English Sparrow
Scissor-tail
Mockingbird
Cardinal
Blue Jay
Purple Martin
Dove
Crow
Grackle
Barn Swallow
Cedar Waxwing
Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

We've been keeping an eye on the Red-tailed Hawks here lately.  We were able to look inside the tower and see the young ones heads bobbing around; and now we can see at least one of the juveniles perched on the tower, not quite ready to make his first attempts at flight.

In attempts to draw in some hummingbirds, which we've seen from time to time, I made up some sugar water and put it in a feeder.  Haven't seen any yet.

We saw the cedar waxwings for the first time this year.  That was quite exciting.  Pretty little birdies.

Oh, and I saw a few bats the other day.  I know they aren't birds but it was a neat sighting.

Now if I could just see an owl, I would be beside myself!


Photos from Wikipedia

Help! ... Look Up

I don't know how many of you are like me right now, but I could use a little help!  Help in getting through these last few weeks of lessons.  I'm sure there are more than a few of us homeschool moms in the same boat.  Maybe some of you are finished already.  That's great!  And to you -- I stick my tongue out at you.  Just kidding.  I am a little jealous though.  But here at the Wade School for Boys (haha, sounds like a correctional institution doesn't it?), we still need to finish up, and I'm trying my best to finish strong.  Or at least finish!  :-)

It's just so hard to focus when the weather is so nice.  And then there's the rush to get to all the cool places before school lets out and it gets crowded.  Anyone with me on this?!  Don't get me wrong, I like people, just not crowds of people!  Anyway, where was I?  See how easily distracted I am?   Oh, yes.  Help.  Lots of it, please.  

I've marked my boys books to where they need to be in order to close out this school year.  Now they are working away to get to that point as fast as they can.  I'm just trying to keep myself focused so I can encourage them in their work.  I think it may be harder for me than for them!  

As some of us struggle through these last few days and weeks, let's try to look up for our help.  I love Psalm 121 and those first two verses tell us where to look for help.  I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help.  My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  

If it's your desire to finish up strong, and get 2011-2012 behind you - cry out to the Lord.  He hears.  He'll help.

Heart Work

No amount of effort will make our kids godly.  That is the work of the Holy Spirit and our daily dependence on Him.  - Sally Clarkson

A friend and homeschool support group leader shared that with our group after hearing Mrs. Clarkson speak.  I read the quote and the first thought that came to mind is, "how freeing!  The burden is off of me and on the Holy Spirit."

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:30  

There is still much work to be done in training our children in the ways of the Lord, but our focus needs to be on Jesus.  Faithfully walking with the Lord and sharing that walk, and God's truth, with our kids.  But the Heart work is His.  Not mine.

Week 2: Learning the New Testament

Well, week two proved to be a little harder than week one.  It was a challenge to remember the events and sequence, so a friend resorted to taking notes for us.  I know. We cheated.  But it's for a good cause!  I do hope to get this down really well and be able to present  it as a series of lessons to our Truth Town kids at church.  

Picking up where we left off last week, or I guess the week before last since I'm late in posting, is the next sequence of places and events and which event happened where.  (Not sure of some of the spelling.)

Jerusalem

    2nd birth
Sychar
    Woman at the well
Nazareth
    Rejected
Capernaum
    Selection of the 12
    Sermon on the mount
    Power over Satan
    Parables start
    Storm stilled
    Crowd filled
    Testing of Peter
    Transfiguration
Jerusalem
    Stones flew, Jesus withdrew
Periya  
    Counting the cost
    Seeking the lost

Joy Tastes Good

It's an awesome feeling when you take your crumpled up mess, hand it over to the Lord, who takes it willingly by the way, and ask him to straighten it all out and you begin to see Him go to work.  I've not made any drastic changes in the past several months as far as actual skills or other tangibles, but my kitchen skills have improved, not perfected just improved.  It's a step in the right direction at least.

I don't see the kitchen as a place of drudgery and mealtimes as something to just "get through" here lately.  I do my best to greet my kitchen and meal times with joy and a heart of service.  My attitude has improved and so has the food.  Rick and the boys will even say so!  That makes me smile.    

So, let's see, since the beginning of the year I've learned how to make:
Green Beans, real green beans from the produce section, not from a can.
Omelets
Poached Eggs
Macaroni & Cheese from scratch!
Cream of *whatever* Soup substitute - love this stuff - no more cans!
Cream Gravy
Salisbury Steak
Chicken Stock - it was a cool thing to use my very own homemade stock in the cream of soup substitute instead of canned stock!

These things were all made from scratch, no mixes, boxes or anything. And the most important ingredient - a glad heart!  Nothing has really seemed to take longer than when I used convenience foods.  Maybe a little more clean-up, but I have a dishwasher so not really a big deal.

No cookbook, kitchen appliance, class or even Food Network could make the changes that needed to be made in my heart.  I prayed for God to do a work in me so that I'd be able to the work he has for me.  He heard.  He's working. 

Thanks and Praise.

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.  Psalm 34:8



Here is where I was in January:  Mmm-mm, Not So Good

 

Who's There?

Hoot Owl that's who!

http://www.craftsy.com/project/view/Hoot-Owl/40480

I know.  I'm a dork.

Week 1: Learning the New Testament

A friend asked if several homeschool kids could gather at a local church for a friend to practice her Walk Thru the Bible lessons as part of her training.  I thought it sounded interested.  Today was the first meeting.  wow!  Very neat.  The lessons are taught with simple hand motions and words as well as props.  Her focus for this group is the New Testament.  There are seventy-something motions and words that tell about the events, places and people of the NT in chronological order.  Here are the ones we learned today, minus the hand signs.  I'm trying to do them as I type :-)

400 years - Silent
Malachi - Matthew
Powers
Greece - Language
Israel - Hope
Rome - Roads
Politics
Sanhedrin
Scribes
Sadducee
Pharisees
Publicans
Zealots
Four distinct views
One Good News
Bethlehem - Birth
Nazareth - Carpenter
Jordan - Baptized by John
Wilderness - Tempted by Satan

It is surprisingly simple to remember, which I guess is the point.

I loved the reminder of how God was still working even during those silent years between Malachi and Matthew.  He used the Greeks to spread a common language, renewed the Jewish people's hope in God, and allowed the Romans to create a road system all in order to aid the spread of the gospel.  Silent but still working.

Oh and a bonus - this blew my mind.  It's not hard to remember 66 books in the Bible, but remembering how many are in each of the testaments is a little challenging.

How many books in the Old Testament?  Well, how many letters in 'old'? 3.  How many letters in testament? 9 - 39 books in the Old Testament.  How many books in the New Testament?  Well, what's 3x9?  27 books in the New Testament.  Super neat!  How did I not know this?!

Light it Up

Retro travel trailer muli-colored lights

We added a little something to our camp this past week.  Kinda tacky, but I love 'em!

We enjoyed our time at Tyler State Park this past week.  Well, most of it.  They decided that week would be a good week to some controlled burning of the underbrush.  They liked to have smoked us out!  Not real happy about that, but otherwise a good trip.  No injuries, like last time, so that's always a plus.

The burn ban had been lifted due to some good rains recently, so we were able to have campfires each night.  Campfires mean....roasted marshmallows, or in our case FLAMING marshmallows, which the boys thoroughly enjoyed.  Not really my fave, but I felt like I had to have one for the pure nostalgia of it.  What is camping without roasted marshmallows right?!  The boys' favorite thing was playing with the fire, of course.

Can't wait to plan another trip!  

Slow Cooker Stock

To get the most out of my pasture raised chicken, which are quite pricey, I thought I would make my own chicken stock.  At almost $3 a quart for store bought stock it would definitely offset the cost of a more expensive chicken.

I placed the whole chicken in a pot, added celery, carrots, onion and salt and pepper, and then covered with water.  I brought it to a boil and then turned it down to a very slow simmer.  I skimmed off any foamy stuff that surfaced too.  I simmered it for 2 hours before taking the chicken out to strip the meat off.  It was practically falling apart.  

I cleaned all the meat off the bones and set aside to cool.  I'll freeze it and use in recipes as needed.  

I placed all the other chicken parts - skin, bones, whatever else - into the slow cooker  along with the water and veggies from the pot.  I added a bay leaf, fresh carrot and celery stalk and a little more salt and pepper to freshen it up a bit.  I turned the slow cooker on low and let it simmer for the afternoon and overnight.

I let it cool a little and filled my jars almost full.  I put them in the freezer without the lids until frozen, and then put the lids on for long term storage.

Now, anytime a recipe calls for chicken broth or stock I'll just take some out of the freezer.  

My Apple Bag

It needs a little work, but this is a produce bag I made made up on my own.  I'm tweaking it so I'll have a new pattern to add to my Craftsy pattern shop, and a new offering at The Crafter's Co-op, a little shop in our downtown where my sister and I have a few shelves.

I was inspired by a bag of apples I bought at the grocery store.  They came in a mesh bag and had 2 little holes on the label, I think for your fingers when you carry it.  It fit nicely on my little birdie hook, so I hung it up; being short on counter space it worked quite nicely, although the plastic mesh with label still on it wasn't all that attractive!  I figured I could come up with something at least a little better.  This is what I ended up with.

"For Real" School

High School seems so much more "for real" for some reason, and with that comes more pressure, or maybe I should say perceived pressure.  The reality is you just keep doing what needs to be done, just like every other homeschooling year.

Thankfully, Texas is homeschool friendly.  Actually, in Texas homeschools are considered private schools and are able to set their own standards and requirements for course of study.  However, I thought it best to stick close to what our local requirements are, with a few modifications.  I consulted my state's education website, as well as local school districts, to see what courses and credits they require.  I used this as a guide when considering my course of study.  If college is in the future, it is also recommended to see what their admission requirements are, which I've also done.  Two other helpful resources have been Debra Bell's book, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens and Janice Campbell's Easy Transcripts.

Once I had it all written out it my stress level dropped.  Now it's just a matter of working the plan.  Of course, some curriculum choices may change and a few blanks remain to allow for special interests or changes in interest.  It's still a big responsibility to make sure it all gets done, but just like most other things you just take one step at a time, and that first step of working out a plan is DONE!  And when you know what needs to be done - you just do it!

Course                       Credits Required

English                                    4
Math                                       4
Science                                   4
Social Studies                          3.5
Economics                                 .5
Foreign Language                    2
PE                                           1
Fine Arts                                  1
Speech                                      .5
Electives                                  5.5

Freshman Year

English I:  Excellence in Writing & Introduction to Poetry

Math:  Teaching Textbooks Algebra I

Science:  Apologia Physical Science

Social Studies:  Monarch World Geography

Foreign Language:  Monarch Spanish I

Physical Education:

Electives:  Bible & Guitar 


Sophomore Year

English II:  Notgrass

Math:  Teaching Textbooks Algebra II

Science:  Apologia Biology

Social Studies:  Notgrass World History

Foreign Language:  Monarch Spanish II

Electives:  Bible & Guitar 

Junior Year

English III:  Notgrass

Math:  Teaching Textbooks Geometry

Science:  Apologia Chemistry

Social Studies:  Notgrass Exploring America

Fine Arts: 

Electives:  Bible, Technology & Guitar 

Senior Year

English IV: 

Math:  Teaching Textbooks Pre-Calculus

Science:  Apologia Physics

Social Studies:  Notgrass Exploring Government

Economics:  Notgrass Exploring Economics

Speech:  EIW Speech

Electives:  Bible & Guitar

He is Risen

Why seek ye the living among the dead? from Luke 24:5


And then the two men in shining garments, continuing on, say something like - "He is not here, but is risen.  Just like He said. Don't you remember?"  

I'm sure the women who made their way to the tomb that morning were not going simply to fulfill the rituals of burial but were also seeking some sort of comfort in being near the body of Jesus.  Comfort from life's disappointment, a tragedy, an injustice.  A loss of hope.    

I wonder how many times I seek comfort, encouragement and fulfillment among the dead things of this world?  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  1John 2:16  I don't really have to wonder, I know it's far too often.  

Why don't I remember?  Lord, help my unbelief.

His word is packed with promises, but they are only found in Him.  I know they are true, I've seen his promises at work in my own life and those around me.  Time and time again he does just what he says he'll do. 

Jesus, you told them you would rise again.  You kept your word.  Thank you, Jesus, for not being in that tomb when those women came.  

Smoothie Snacks

Brock loves getting creative in the kitchen.  I'm hoping someday I'll be able to turn him loose on dinners at least once or twice or week if he keeps up his interest in playing around with different foods.

Smoothies are a snack favorite of his.  We regularly make Green Smoothies, but today tried adding a little more to shake things up a bit.

For a basic green smoothie you need orange juice, banana, yogurt, and spinach.  Amounts depend on your taste, but I usually do something like:

1 1/2 c OJ
2 bananas
2 spoonfulls of plain yogurt, probably around 2-3 tablespoons, I don't really know I just use a spoon from my utensil drawer
1 small handful of spinach, just enough to make it green!
ice, I usually do a couple of handfuls

Be careful to not over do the yogurt or spinach or it will get a bitter taste.  If for some reason it does end up too bitter, just add a little more of something sweet to balance it out.

So for something a little different today, we made PURPLE smoothies!  We added strawberries and blackberries to the mix.  I cut back on the banana and only used 1, and I actually had french vanilla yogurt instead of plain and then all the other stuff as usual.  I don't fret if I don't have a particular ingredient I normally use, I just use what I have.  Seriously, it's hard to mess these up.

Yum!

Times Trick

I just saw the 9x finger trick on Pinterest.  I've used that for as long as I can remember, but it made me think of another trick.

Brock was working on these one day and he started explaining a new way to figure out the 9x.  I had never heard of this and as far as I know he figured this out on his own, if he saw or heard it somewhere he's keeping it a secret.  Either way it is quite helpful, a couple of more steps than the finger trick, but good problem solving practice anyway.

Let's take 6x9. Your tens place number will be one less than the factor that is not 9 (in this case 6), so that would be  5.  Your ones place number will be the difference between 10 and the number nine is multiplied by so that would be 10-6=4.  That makes the product 54.  It only works up to 10x9; but pretty cool, huh?

Goals and a Plan

I've decided it's high time I get down to business in the healthy living area. 

Goals

1. Be healthy as can be

2. Feel better, have more energy

3. Lose weight

4. No bondage (to food)

Plan

1. Smaller portions

2. Drink water

3. Less carbs

4. Tues/Thurs Workout with friends

5. Wed/Fri Treadmill

This is just my simple little outline.  I have these printed, as well as choice scripture, on index cards and posted on my frig and in my kitchen area.

I prefer "all things in moderation" as opposed to starving myself or denying all cravings.  That wouldn't last a week!  I can't drastically change our meal habits either, so I'm opting to make a few healthier substitutions and control portions.  I think exercise alone has helped a lot, as my diet isn't all that horrible to begin with, well, except for maybe my carb addiction and my Starbucks habit. 

I've steadily worked out twice a week since this past September.  I know that's not the recommended number of times, but it's more than I was doing!  I'm very thankful to the ladies that meet together, they are so encouraging and keep me motivated.  And thanks to Rick purchasing a treadmill, I'm easily able to add in a couple of more workout times each week.     

Also, I've been reading Reshaping it All and Made to Crave , both have been encouraging and helpful.

The One My Heart Loves

Part of Song of Solomon 3:4 was in the card I gave to Rick for our anniversary "I have found the one my heart loves."  I also wrote several things about him I am thankful for.  Among them  - loving me despite my shortcomings (thinking kitchen skills here), blessing me in big (new furniture on the way!) and small ways (cleaning the kitchen), and loving the Lord, most of all.

I love the way that verse continues "I held him and I would not let him go..."

Getting Ready for High School

High School?! (Gasp!)  Wow, time does fly.  I've spent a little time this past week gathering resources to plan Braden's high school course of study.  I found our state's, as well as our local school districts, requirements for graduation.  I know I don't have to follow it, but it is a good guide to work from.  Plus, it will provide the needed credit hours required for entrance to most colleges, should that be in his future.

I'm most concerned about grade and record keeping.  I've not kept grades or formal records in these younger years, just worked to mastery and kept current lesson work on hand.  I found the HSLDA high school section of their website helpful.  They recommended Transcripts Made Easy .  I downloaded the ebook.  I'm hopeful it will be easy to follow.  Kathleen Duncan was also a recommendation, but I don't see her seminar schedule in my area any time soon.  I'll keep watching though.

Any 'high school help' recommendations would be appreciated.

Framed Menu

This is my new kitchen friend.  A crafter friend of mine makes and sells them.  As soon as she posted this addition to her shop, I knew I needed one!  

You just write on the glass with a dry erase marker and wipe away with a cloth.  Super easy, and cute too!

It gives me a little motivation to put some thought into a weekly menu.  Plus,  I think the boys like having the menu posted.  They ask about having it updated when we near the end of the week. 

Praise Ye the LORD

Psalm 148

 ¹Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

 ²Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

 ³Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

 ⁴Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

 ⁵Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

 ⁶He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

 ⁷Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

 ⁸Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

 ⁹Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

 ¹⁰Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

 ¹¹Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

 ¹²Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

 ¹³Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

 ¹⁴He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

I had no idea the stars made any noise at all.  This was so mind blowing, I had to share.

Espresso for Your Spirit

Book Review:  Espresso for Your Spirit, Hope and Humor for Pooped Out Parents by Pam Vredevelt

I really expected "Espresso for Your Spirit" be mostly fluff.  Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book.

The short chapters are just the right size to give busy moms a little shot of encouragement, like a shot of espresso puts a little pep in your step.  The author shares personal stories of trial and triumphs while in the trenches of child rearing.  This is not a step by step, be a better parent handbook.  It is basically just one mom sharing her stories and wisdom with the rest of us.  I loved that about this book.  I found I was able to easily relate to the author.  She often left me with something to ponder or just the thought of, "oh yeah, I've been there;" it was nice to know someone else had too.

One particular area this book impacted me in was noticing God in the little everyday things.  It is so easy to think God only cares about the "big stuff."  Not so!  He is at work and uses those seemingly unimportant moments to make himself known to us.  I just need to pay closer attention.        

The chapters are followed by alternating sections of "A Taste of  Hope" and "A Sip of Humor."  The sections featuring hope are filled with scriptures or meaningful quotes.  The humor portions are mostly short, funny stories or a few jokes to bring a little smile to your face.   I particularly loved the quotes.

This would be a nice book to read with a friend or small group.  It includes a section of "Koffee Klatch Questions" at the end of the book.  Two questions go with each chapter's reading to spur on conversation regarding the topic presented in the chapter.  It's a nice addition to the book.

I was almost guilty of "judging a book by its cover."  I passed this book up a couple of times because I thought it was one of those "gift" books, which I don't usually care for.  The cover design and title give it that "feel" when you first look at it.  However, that is not the case.  This is a "for real" book with wonderful encouragement.  Grab your cup of coffee and enjoy!  

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you would take a couple of seconds to rank this review.  The only other thing you may have to do is click a link in an email to confirm your ranking.  Be sure to un-check that little box and you won't receive any other emails.  Thanks for taking the time to do so, it will allow me to be considered for more book options in the future.

Birth Days

Brock's birthday is tomorrow and that prompted a little birthday talk as we were sitting around tonight.

They were being silly......

Me:  "Braden, you were born on a Saturday."

Braden:  "I was born to par-tay."

Me:  Brock, you were born on a Sunday morning."

Brock:  "I'm holy.  Me and Jesus were meant to be together."

 That made me laugh!  I thought it was cute.  Apparently, all of us not born on Sunday are just plain heathen!

All in good fun!

Teeny Tiny Hearts and Flowers

I've been playing around with size 3 crochet thread and a very small hook.

I found the sweet little heart pattern on Pinterest and have just been improvising on the flowers.  

Well That Was a Flop

First recipe from my new book failed miserably.  I did it correctly and the presentation was nice.  I even chopped the green onion and cilantro for garnish.  I didn't mind it, but the guys said it tasted awful.   It was a spicy honey glazed chicken.  I think it was the honey in the sauce, apparently dh doesn't care for honey.  I'm not giving up though.  I will keep trying.

In addition to my plan to actually plan, I joined a fruit and veggie co-op; picked up my first bag today.  For $6 I got green beans, red potatoes, oranges, fugi apples, pears, grapefruit, roma tomatoes and some kind of little red peppers, not sure what to do with those.

I will juice some of it, Brock loves to juice.  I want to make green beans with the potatoes in it.  I have to say I've never made "real" green beans before.  I will have to search for a recipe.

Here's the Plan, Stan

What's the plan?

Uh, to actually get a plan.

Right now, I'm reading Feminine Appeal, Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney.  This was part of my morning's reading:

"Proverbs 22:3 advises, "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."  Planning is a method of "hiding" ourselves and our families from trouble.  Yet so often we "go on" with our lives without stopping to plan.  As a result we reap the same consequences over and over again."


So, yes, getting a plan is the plan!

Last week I mentioned my need for developing my skills in the kitchen.  Most of the problem is due to the fact that I simply don't have a plan.  I don't sit down and make a menu for the week.  I don't have a list when I go shopping.  Whatever happens, just happens to happen!  

Well, I have a plan, I think.

Shani recommended Saving Dinner by Leanne Ely.  I was able to download a copy to my handy-dandy Nook and read through it.  It is mostly recipes and shopping lists organized a week at a time, with tips and tricks thrown in as well.  Looks great.  Today I picked a week and made my adjustments, printed it out, and did my shopping.  We'll see how it goes.   My goal, whether I use the book or not, is to have a menu plan and shopping list for each week.

I know the book and the lists aren't magic or anything.  It's really going to take me putting forth the effort to make the changes that need to be made in order to do good for my family, and to glorify God in my role as keeper of my home.

Count it All Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  James 1:2-4

"She's the only one I know who smiles while she's in labor." This was spoken a few days ago about a sweet lady who was about to give birth to her fourth little girl.  The verses above came to mind.


It's really a beautiful scene if you picture it.  A mother laboring to deliver another little miracle into the world, all the while smiling and praying, letting her body do what God created it to do.  It's painful and hard, but she smiles in anticipation of the end result.  She relaxes so as not to tense up even more preventing her body from doing its work.  The more she yields to the contractions, the tightening and the stretching, and, yes, even the pain, the faster her body might finish its work of delivering the baby.  Fighting the natural process might prolong her laboring.  

In the end the baby joins the family and rejoicing begins.  For mom, the pain lingers for a bit, but soon will be forgotten.  A few scars may remain, but they only bring back memories of God's blessing.   

For years I struggled to understand the above scripture verses.  I'm not sure when I finally came to an understanding, but that sweet picture of a smiling mother in labor helped to illustrate its meaning for me.  

God sometimes uses trying circumstances and trials to do his work in us, further conforming us to His image.  How do we meet those challenges?  Do we cry, "foul," or "injustice," thinking this shouldn't be happening to me; or do we say, "Father, do your work in me," in anticipation of the end result? 

  

  

Pink, Red & White

I decided to put a few "Valentinesy" things on my shelves at the craft shop. Shown here are pink and red cloche hats and one of the stringy knotted scarves made with several different yarns.  I took three up there, all were a little different.

I'm not sure what I'll do with the flower yet.  I think I might add a pin/clip combo fastener to the back, so it can be used as either a brooch or a hair-clip.

Adventures in Camping

I can't wait to get some lights to hang on the awning

I received  my picture books today.  They bring back some good memories, and some not so good memories of our fall camping trips.

In August, we were blessed to get a pop-up camper.  Now, you may think that August in Texas is not exactly the best time to go camping, and you'd be right!  That's why we got one with a/c, and plus we waited until September to take our first trip.  ;-)

Our first trip was to Tyler State Park in east Texas.  We weren't there 4 hours and Rick hurt his foot.  He jumped in the lake, the water was a little more shallow than he thought, hit his foot just right and landed in the ER.  The raccoons were vicious.  I'd swear they were following me and one got right in my face as I got a drink out of the cooler.  We had to tie down the cooler lids each night to try to keep them out.  The boys had fun "'coon hunting" with their sticks though.  They just chased them away.  Rick bore the pain and we made the most of it.


Our second trip in October was much better.  We went to Lake Bob Sandlin, another east Texas State Park.  No injuries this time, and that makes for a more pleasant trip!  We enjoyed fishing and walking the trails.  There were a few historical markers too, which I always like.  I particularly enjoyed the birds.  We saw (and heard) a woodpecker, cardinal, and even a bald eagle swooping down for a fish from the lake, that was really cool.  We heard an owl one night too.

I hope to get in a late winter camping trip this year.  If not, I'll be content with a few trips in the spring.  We'd like to go back to Tyler State Park, forego jumping in the lake, and try to see a little more of the park.    

          

 5x7 picture books from snapfish.com

All the pics in this post are from Lake Bob Sandlin

      

Mmm-mm, Not So Good

  "She looketh well to the ways of her household..." Proverbs 31:27a


I've never been very good at putting my goals down on paper, or one to make New Year's resolutions for that matter.  Not sure why, never really thought about it.  I do have a little something I'd like to work on though, and it just so happens to come to my attention at the beginning of this new year. 


One area I lack inspiration in is the kitchen.  Oh, sure, my family is fed, and occasionally I'll get a 'this is pretty good' out of one of them. Oo-oo and the other day dh said my fried chicken tenders were better than chicken place in town!  Apparently, I've made some improvement over the years.  But then there have been times I've had to scrap whole meals because the meat was burnt - or the oven catches fire.  Maybe I had forgotten didn't have an ingredient because no forethought was put into the meals for the week.  Perhaps the meal was just meat and a veggie with no particular taste to it.  Dh jokes that he survives on cereal.  He's in a habit of eating a bowl every night before bed.  I take it good naturedly, and he loves me just the same; but there is obvious room for improvement in the meal department.  


I want to "look well to the ways of my kitchen."  


I do enjoy baking and am pretty good at it, but it's the meal times that are particularly lacking.  I definitely think attitude plays into it. It's hard to get passionate about something that you aren't all that good at.  And sometimes I see it as no more than an interruption to my day.  "What?  I have to stop what I'm doing and feed these people?"  Seems very selfish now that it's typed out in black and white. But that's the truth.  Not all the time, but often enough.   


I know providing meals for my family is part of my ministry here on this earth.  God created me to keep this home -  and that includes the kitchen part!  


I am purposing to change my attitude when it comes to preparing meals for my family.  I need to see it as the ministry, the privilege, that it is.  Be thankful for the family I have and the opportunity to show love by cooking good food for them.  No, I may not have a natural bent for cooking, but I need to seek out resources that will inspire me to try harder and find the joy in cooking.  (anybody have any good links? or resources?)  Maybe the old saying "you get out of it what you put into it" will apply.  I may never be a gourmet chef, but it's more about the attitude anyway.  
  
So that's my resolution that I'm not really setting or putting down on paper.  Or did I just do that?!  :-)    

New Year Treats For My Sweets

It seems to have become a tradition that I make a few treats on New Year's Eve.  Of course the 'sweets' are Rick and the boys.

I've never made the Chocolate Crackle Cookies before, but I must say they turned out yummy.  Rick says he needs coffee to go with them.  They are pretty sweet.

I used a recipe that came on a container of cooking oil.  Actually, that is why I bought that particular product - I wanted the recipe!

I make the Chex Mix more for myself, I guess.  We will all snack on it, but I think I like it more than the guys do.

It was always a holiday tradition growing up.  My Oma made it every year.  And, yes, Cheerios do belong in Chex Mix, or Party Trash as we called it growing up.  I just use the seasoning recipe on the cereal box and just add my own mix of cereal, pretzels and nuts.