Whispering Ways

Boston Baby,

2012-01-16T01:41:00.000-05:00

hum that to Santa Baby, la la la la la la la la . Ginger is the best sport for any pictures I want to experiment with , shes my girl! She is a permanent baby with a heart defect and is the sweetest bestest cuddler of them all!

All grown up

2012-01-16T01:37:00.000-05:00

My great neice has been a big part of my life, especially when she was younger. For while she stayed with us and became just like one of my own. Another treasure! So, here she is about to turn sweet 16!

happy Holidays photo style

2012-01-16T01:33:00.000-05:00

MY favorite photo of the season!

This is my neice and her boyfriend , it was alot of fun getting to do their photos for them!

Daisi's day

2012-01-16T01:17:00.000-05:00

Daisi was an awesome girl for her first photo session.

Merry Christmas !!!

2012-01-16T01:10:00.000-05:00

Yeh, I am late but I am still listening to some of my favorite Christmas music so in my heart, I am right on time! This is Little Bit and Louie. Little Bit claimed Diamond when Diamond was babysitting her. Her owner had to move and could only take two of her three babies and Little Bit was so much in love with Diamond it was a no brainer. As hard as it was, it sure made it easier knowing Little Bit made the choice! She just had dental surgery last Monday and is a new WOMAN! LOL. Those pearly whites and fresh breath are to die for!
Louie gives Annie a run for her money for the grump award. he is going on 8 years old and the most bone possessive aggressive food guarding freak I have ever seen! He keeps us laughing as we have to watch his ZONES!

The only ones who would sit still!

Annie Bo Bannie!

2012-01-16T01:02:00.000-05:00

Annie update! OK, if you do not know her rescue story catch up through the labels and read all about her. Headed into year 4 of being with us and she will remain a permanent fixture on our couch is Annie. She is doing great, our grumpy, growly, drama queen. She loves her walkabouts so much, sunning in the morning on the balcony, afternoons in the chair and evenings on the couch!

HA, got it off!

Merry Christmas to the cats

2012-01-16T00:49:00.000-05:00

We bought the cats a almost 7 ft tall condo activity tree. Just like human kids they sure loved the box! This is Eva Diva, forgive me if I repeat, the downfall of long lulls in between blogging is the fact, HECK I cant remember what I have already posted! Eva had an accident a couple months ago. She followed Diamond outside , leapt onto a gate that was not completed. It fell on her , crushing her head. My dear little Diamond has only cried , maybe two times , in the few years she has been here but what a sad, sad wail we began hearing as she tried to get in the house. Everyone from every direction began running when we realized it was her and she was crying! Really ?!
Eva Diva looked dead, and the boys went out to prepare to bury her when she moved. The Hunk grabbed her and ran, loading her into the van. An overnight stay at the vets with a fractured skull, she returned home the next day. We sat ICU crate up at the foot of our bed and for the next month Eva had to live in there, isolated and very still.
CLose to her months ending date , we allowed her to be free in the bedroom as we slowly got her ready for returning back to the activity of the home. As you can see in the pics, she has made a full recovery!

Patience enjoying the new hangout!

Sheamus

2012-01-16T00:37:00.000-05:00

Sheamus is growing up. Our baby rescue kitten is posing pretty and keeping the household ALIVE to say the least. This is our daredevil and curious one who gets into everything!

How much

2012-01-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

Sugar can you get in and on one cake? A holiday fun cooking time for Diamond and I. She is an avid baker now and was overly blessed with baking utensils, ingredients and cookbooks for Christmas. We decorated this with marshmallows, red hots, gumdrop slices, peppermint pieces and peppermint candy. It was a Funfetti cake!

Morphing Chicken

2012-01-16T00:25:00.000-05:00

This is one of our Golden Comet hens. She began losing some feathers and new ones growing in, no big deal except the new ones growing in are feathers like our Barred rock hens??? OK , explanation anyone?

BLogging Break

2012-01-16T00:20:00.000-05:00

It seems the holidays are a great time to take a break from alot. Truly proved true for me and blogging. I always face a new year with a huge eraser as well and attack the calendar! Taking a step back and looking at our family, whats working, whats building relationships , what needs to go, what needs tweaked. So, It is January 15th and I am settling into the new schedule of our loves for this beautiful New Year 2012.

I have gobs to share with pictures and catch up. I always think I am going to just delete this blog but something keeps me going, for some reason!

So , HAPPY NEW YEAR, lets talk!

Last weeks HIGHLIGHTS

2011-11-21T20:01:00.000-05:00

Annie celebrating three years of being rescued!

Feller snoozing away!

Shea at 6 weeks!

My parents

2011-11-21T19:52:00.002-05:00

2011-11-10T14:15:00.001-05:00

Our science study

2011-11-10T14:14:00.000-05:00

We are loving this book, a biography of Johannes Kepler. Each day we spend time visiting the years in the 1500-1600's, traveling through Austria, visiting old seminary's and learning of the controversies in new thoughts and ideas as they unfolded in the lives of brilliant men from the past.

This book has led us into great discussions in astronomy, constellations, mathematics and more. We are also reading a kindle download called The Great Astronomers. Makes for a fabulous science study!

Fall on the Farm

2011-11-05T18:29:00.002-04:00

2011-11-05T18:28:00.002-04:00

She sure did not like the leaves falling in her face!

Beautiful Willow

2011-11-05T18:27:00.000-04:00

The first week of October, after finding this baby pregnant, cold, disoriented, frightened and very hungry, I had one sad dog on my hands. She sat and stared at one spot over the driveway for a week. NO light in her eye, no pep in her step. Well, into her second week and days after the babies were born I began to notice a change. One evening, Willow picked up her pace and jumped completely up onto me as i was sitting on the couch and kissed me! From then on, she has trotted or pranced about, a spark in her eye!

Today we went on her first walkabout the farm. She is able to take breaks from the babies , she had a blast!

Oh the happiness to watch her act like this!

Blessed Willow.

When farmers get bored....

2011-11-05T18:22:00.001-04:00

We are safe !

2011-11-05T18:20:00.002-04:00

Puppies we helped this week!

More Autumn

2011-11-05T18:16:00.001-04:00

Willows babies

2011-11-05T18:14:00.000-04:00

We have never ever had puppies born on the farm. YAY SPAY AND NEUTERING! SO, this was quite an experience. Early on the morning of October 1st, Diamond came running in to my room yelling, " She's had her babies!". There were six and one had slipped off a blanket onto cold concrete and was stiff with its mouth open. Without thinking I stuck it in my shirt, kept rubbing it between my hands and soon it warmed up and was just fine. Willow allowed us to help her out and rearrange as needed. After she was finished, she had a total of nine. Eight boys and one girl!

SLACK ATTACK

2011-11-05T17:45:00.000-04:00

So, i forget I even have a blog at times and when the fall allergies attack most of the family, forget any spare minute to update and be on here. It has been BUSY and that's unusual for us really. But, on October 1st I found the pregnant hound dog and TA DA she has had NINE babies! LOTS of PICTURES to follow!! Then two separate families needed help homing their puppies. After arranging appointments for the mama dogs to be spayed, I agreed to network. We placed and transported BOTH litters of 7 this past week!! Then we have had sickness, regular school days, our co op meetings, just great stuff but everything seems even greater this gorgeous time of year. Look at what I have been getting to see around here!!

Cherished; A book review

2011-10-24T13:43:00.000-04:00

Cherished, an enjoyable read that gave a behind the scenes look at the way God orchestrates and moves in our lives. I enjoyed the book. Had some stop, set the book aside, thinking moments so it was not an absolute shallow , no brainer read. I would read another book by this author!

Thomas Nelson (August 30, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Cash Tate was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. Her mother, a manager with AT&T, and her father, an educator, divorced when she was young. Even after the divorce, one thing her parents agreed on was the importance of education. She attended both public and private Catholic schools, and college was a given. Tate chose the University of Maryland.

After completing her undergraduate degree, she distinguished herself as a law student at George Washington University. She was invited to join the Journal staff, and a summer job at a respected law firm in her beloved Washington, D.C. followed by a one-year clerkship with a federal judge in Madison.

Tate’s law career took off in Madison. Once the clerkship ended, she was hired on at a large firm. In spite of her success, she was plagued by constant feelings of discontentment and loneliness for the racially diverse environment she left behind in D.C. She began seeking faith, simply as a means of maintaining sanity. After she and Bill married, the couple began attending a local AME church, and they both felt Jesus calling.

When her children were young, Tate left her thriving law career to stay home. A passionate and persuasive communicator, she tried her hand at writing. More Christian than African-American shares her story of finding her identity in Christ rather than in her race, which had been a major focus for her. Her first novel was Heavenly Places, followed by Faithful and her newest release, Cherished. Tate was a speaker for Women of Faith in both 2010 and 2011.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Kim Cash Tate explores Psalm 103:12 as she takes her readers down the path to God’s forgiveness and reconciliation in her newest novel, Cherished. Readers will discover that God can still use them in spite of their worst choices. And He doesn’t just forgive them, but they are truly cherished!

Tate’s story will show her readers how God can bring beauty from ashes. She has a unique way of weaving her characters’ lives together, leading back to one great point—God’s tremendous mercy and grace. In the words of one of her characters, “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I felt like it would take a while to work my way back into God’s good graces, but it was like…”—she flung wide her arms—“…He just embraced me.” We too can be embraced by the same great love when we learn that true forgiveness for ALL of our sins is right before us.

Growing up in Saint Louis, Kelli London dreamed of becoming a songwriter and glorifying God with her songs of praise. But after falling into sin, she walks away from her dreams. Heather Anderson’s life has spun out of control—first an affair with a married man and then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band. Broken and alone, she discovers the only one who can save her. Brian Howard grew up as a science geek. But after making the worst mistake of his life after high school, he finds forgiveness in Christ and is being led down a completely different path. Now he must choose whether to continue pursuing his PhD in biochemistry or to become a full time Christian rapper.

Product Details:

List Price: $15.99
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595548556
ISBN-13: 978-1595548559

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Kelli London took her place on the piano bench and waited for her cue, grateful that her jittery hands were hidden from the crowd. She shouldn’t have agreed to do this, but she loved her brother and had never seen him happier. How could she say no to singing at his wedding?

But it was the song Cedric had asked her to sing, one he’d heard only by chance. He had no idea what it meant to her. He didn’t know that singing it would unleash memories of the last person she ever wanted to think about.
Laughter rose from the pews, and Kelli looked up, wondering what she’d missed.
“. . . and I’m sure Cedric wants me to get to the vows ASAP,” Pastor Lyles was saying, “so they can get to that kiss they’ve been waiting for.”
Kelli had only met the pastor once before, at her brother Lindell’s wedding last fall, but it didn’t take long to love his spirit and his style. A black man in his late fifties, he’d started Living Word Community Church decades ago and watched it grow into a multi-ethnic megachurch. At least a couple hundred members were here today. Kelli guessed none of them thought twice about the various hues and accents that had gathered to see this black couple wed. She loved that spirit too.

Cedric was shaking his head with a shamefaced grin as the pastor called him out. Cyd was smiling up at him, gorgeous, beaming like the bright light she’d become in Cedric’s life.

Pastor Lyles continued. “But I don’t think he’ll mind one last song, and it’s a special one, written by his sister.”

Kelli drew a deep breath as Cedric and Cyd smiled over at her, Lindell and Stephanie too—the flip side of last fall. Then Stephanie and Lindell were the bride and groom, and Cyd and Cedric were maid of honor and best man, which was how they met. Kelli loved the story, how Cyd turned forty on her younger sister’s wedding day, thinking she’d never marry herself. Now here she was—a June bride. It was romantic that her brothers would now be married to sisters, but it somehow added to her melancholy, that each of them had found the love of his life.

Kelli gazed at the piano keys, and knowing they had to, her fingers tapped the first notes. She fought to stay in the moment, in the church. Her eyes swept Cyd and Cedric, imagined the lyrics were just for them . . .
I will love you till the stars don’t shine

And I will love you till the oceans run dry

I will love you till you know every why

I will, I will

Her eyes closed, and he was there. A shiver of remembrance danced down her arms. She could still see that distant look in his eyes, could even hear him, that tone of indifference that echoed forever in her head. Kelli opened her eyes to capture another image—any image—but he was everywhere now. And her heart allowed itself to be crushed all over again.
I will love you like an endless stream

A million miles won’t take your heart from me

I will love you every breath you breathe

I will, I will

Almost to the bridge, Kelli could feel her emotions cresting with the song. She closed her eyes again as they took over, filling her voice, magnifying her range, powering her through. She played the final chords with the salt of tears on her lips and bowed her head at the last note . . . and heard—applause? She looked out and saw the guests on their feet and Cedric and Cyd fully turned, facing her—Cyd wiping tears from her cheeks. With her own anxiety about singing it, Kelli hadn’t given thought to whether people might actually like the song.

She pulled a tissue from the box atop the piano, dabbed her cheeks, and blew her nose, then muscled a heart-heavy smile to acknowledge everyone’s kindness. When she moved back to the front pew beside her mother, only then did the guests stop clapping and sit.

“When did you write that?” her mother asked, patting her thigh. “That was beautiful.”
“Thanks, Mom. I wrote it . . . a long time ago.”

She turned her gaze to the ceremony, her heart beating a little faster still, puzzled by the response to the song. It coaxed a different memory to the surface, and as Cyd and Cedric exchanged vows, Kelli thought about her long-ago dream of writing music that God would somehow use. Then the better part of her brain kicked in,

reminding her that she’d left songwriting behind, that she knew better than to dream.
That all those dreams had turned to dust.

“Kelli! Girrrl . . .”
Kelli looked up—midpivot in the Electric Slide—and saw Stephanie threading her way through the line dancers in her champagne-colored dress. Soon as the song started, it seemed everybody left tables and mingled to claim a spot on the parquet floor. Kelli waved her sister-in-law over.

“I’ve been looking for you.” Stephanie scooted between Kelli and Devin, a nine-year-old cousin, as rows of people sidestepped to the right. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you . . . girl, you sang that song. I had no idea—hold up, am I doing this right?” She was headed a different direction from everyone else. “Why am I even

out here? I hate this stupid dance.”

Kelli laughed. “Back, Steph. We’re going back.”

“Oh.” Stephanie checked Devin to get in sync, then leaned her head Kelli’s way again, her voice elevated. “Anyway, I told Lindell I couldn’t believe he didn’t tell me about that song, ’cause I would’ve had you sing it at our wedding. And he said he’d never heard it . . . and then I couldn’t believe that.”
“I know. Crazy, right? This way, Steph. Pivot left.”

Stephanie was behind her now, and Kelli turned to make sure she was following, but Devin had it under control.

Like a traffic cop, he moved his hands left, then right to direct her which way to go next. “And pivot,” he announced, to the amusement of those around them.
Side by side with Stephanie again, Kelli continued. “Lindell and Cedric had already moved out of the house by the time I started writing songs in high school, so it was easy to kind of keep my music to myself.” She shrugged. “Cedric overheard it because I didn’t know he was there.”
“Hmph,” Stephanie said. “If I had that kind of talent, everybody would know about it. They’d have to tell me to be quiet.”

The music switched, and they could hear people near the center of the floor cheering, “Go, Cyd! Go, Cedric! Go, Cyd! Go, Cedric!”

Kelli and Stephanie craned their necks, moving toward the action.

“Oh, goodness,” Stephanie said, laughing. “Look at your brother. He’s at it again.”
Kelli laughed too, remembering Cedric and Cyd on the dance floor at Stephanie and Lindell’s reception. Now the two had cut a wide swath in the middle of the floor with a different line dance, this one a little livelier.

Kelli and Stephanie worked their way to a spot in the inner circle.

“Have you seen this version?” Stephanie asked.

Kelli nodded. “But you know Cedric’s gonna add his own twist.”

Instead of a simple sidestep, Cedric led Cyd in bouncy moves to the left, with a slide before going right. And instead of a normal pivot, they did some kind of kick, kick, turn—with Cedric twirling Cyd into a two-step before moving back to the line dance, all of it seamless. The crowd was fired up.
After a couple of rounds, Cedric spotted Kelli and pulled her to the center.
“I don’t know if you can hang with a twenty-five-year-old, big brother.” Although Cedric was a fit forty-two, Kelli didn’t miss an opportunity to tease him about his age. “I’d hate to embarrass you in front of your guests.”
“Oh, you got jokes? We’ll see about that, baby sis.”

Cyd led the cheers this time as Kelli whipped some different moves on him. Cedric paused, then mimicked every last one to let her know she couldn’t show him up. Lindell dragged Stephanie out there—literally—and Kelli was in stitches watching them try to copy what she and Cedric were doing. Soon everyone on the

floor had joined in again, and then the music switched to Motown, which got its own cheers.
Cedric draped one arm around Kelli and the other around Cyd and led them off the floor. They stopped at the bridal party table, which had emptied of all but Dana, one of Cyd’s bridesmaids.

“Why aren’t you on the dance floor?” Cedric asked. “We need all the forty-and-over folk representing.”

Dana glared at him. “Let’s see how well you ‘represent’ with some heels on. My feet are killing me.” Then she nodded toward the dance floor. “My husband left me. He’s out there with the kids. And last I saw, Scott wasn’t representing too well either. He looked almost as bad as Stephanie with that Electric Slide.”

“I heard that, Dana,” Stephanie said, walking up with Lindell. “I could learn the dumb dance if I cared to. And since you’re trying to clown me, I might do it just to keep my black rhythm points. Can’t have a white guy showing me up.”

Dana got a kick out of that, laughing as auburn wisps fell about her face. “How about a white girl? Let’s tell the deejay to play it again and see who’s got it.”
Stephanie eased into a seat. “Uh, no thanks. I always told you, you’re one of those black white girls. You can go on the dance floor.”

Dana eyed the dancers out there. “Well, pray for Mackenzie. I think the poor thing takes after Scott. Look at them.”

Kelli’s heart was smiling. Because she lived out of state, she didn’t know these women well—not even her sisters-in-law—but from her brief interactions, including last night’s rehearsal dinner, she could tell she would like them.
Cyd pulled out a chair and sat, her beautiful gown, passed down from her mother, swishing over the sides. “Ahh . . . think I can get away with sitting like this for maybe five minutes?”

Cedric massaged her shoulders. “You’re good. The Jackson Five’s got everybody occupied.”
Dana touched Kelli’s arm. “The bridal table was talking about you earlier.”
“Me? Why?” Kelli took a seat.

“Are you kidding? That song. It was beautiful.”

Kelli blushed. “Thank you.”
“That’s my little sister.” Cedric beamed.

“Mine too!” Lindell said, giving her shoulder a squeeze. “So proud of you, girl.” He looked at the others. “Just got her master’s too, from UT–Austin.”
“I heard,” Dana said. “Is your degree in music?”

Kelli shook her head. “One’s in communications and the other’s in public relations.”
“Wow, two?” Dana nodded. “That’s awesome.”

“Well . . . not really. Just means I didn’t know what I wanted to do.” Kelli didn’t mind admitting it. “But I’m done being a professional student. I’m looking for a job now—”

“—in Texas.” Cedric’s tone made clear what he thought of that. “What part of Texas?” Stephanie asked. “Are you trying to stay in Austin?”

“I’ve been looking at possibilities in Austin and Houston . . .and Dallas.”
“Mostly Dallas, I’d bet,” Cedric said. “That’s where her boyfriend is.” He looked around playfully. “Where is he anyway? I wanted to meet him, see if he measures up. What’s his name? Miller?”

Kelli smirked at her big brother. “Miles. Miles Reed. He wanted to meet you all too, but he had a conflict.”

“I’m sure we’ll get another opportunity,” Cedric said, “if I can get you to move back to St. Louis.”

Cyd perked up. “Ooh, Kelli, I’d love that. Any chance?”

“I . . . doubt it.” Kelli hedged to be polite; her mind had said a fast no. She hadn’t lived in St. Louis since she left for college, and the distance had been good. Her mother had relocated to Little Rock to care for her mother, so Kelli had gone there on school breaks.

“How’s the job market in Texas?” Cedric asked. “Improved any?”

Cedric knew the answer perfectly well. He was a VP at a head-hunting firm. He’d made some calls for her, but nothing had materialized.

“Not exactly,” Kelli admitted. “I’ve been looking since early in the year, and, well . . . it’s nearing the end of June.”

Lindell rubbed his chin. “I’m thinking you can be unemployed in St. Louis just as well as in Austin.”

Cedric gave a big nod to his brother. “Better than in Austin. In St. Louis, you can be unemployed and hang out with your brothers.”
Cyd raised a hand. “And sisters. Don’t forget about us.”

“All of us,” Dana said. “We’d love to plug you into Daughters’ Fellowship.”

“What’s that?” Kelli asked.

“It started years ago with Dana, Phyllis, and me.” Cyd pointed toward the dance floor at her other bridesmaid. “Real informal. We’d do potluck and talk about—sometimes cry about—what God was doing in our lives. Stephanie crashed the party last year.” Cyd smiled at her younger sister. “It’s evolved into kind of a Bible study/gabfest.”

“Emphasis on gab,” Cedric said. “Amazing how two hours can turn into five—every single time. You’d think you’d run out of things to talk about.”
“Now, now, brother,” Lindell said, “don’t exaggerate. I think it was four and a half hours last time.”

Cedric and Lindell shared a laugh as the women pounced.

“We’re praying too, you know,” Dana said. “Getting that fuel we need to be the best we can be.”

“Lindell knows.” Stephanie gave him the eye. “I left the house with an attitude before that last meeting. Came back changed. Didn’t I?”

Lindell threw up his hands. “Hey, I’m not complaining. I might be the biggest DF fan at the table. Stephanie’s not the same woman I married.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Babe, that’s a good thing! I’m just sayin’.”

Kelli laughed as Lindell backpedaled. For years her brothers had been busy with their careers, living the bachelor life. Hadn’t occurred to them or her that they should live near one another, be a part of each other's lives. But now they were both settled down, with wives Kelli would love to know better. She’d always wanted sisters. And it was strange that she, Cyd, and Stephanie kind of looked alike—all of them tall with honey brown skin and long brown hair.

And Daughters’ Fellowship sounded great. Her own relationship with God wasn’t where it should be. She’d known that for some time. Just wasn’t sure how to get it back on the right track. The thought of getting together with these women, talking and learning from them, felt like water to her parched soul.

If only it were in another city . . .

Kelli sighed as she looked around the table at the laughter, the ribbing, the love. Did she really want to stay in Austin, away from all of this?

And what about Miles? They’d been dating almost a year. Although he’d graduated from UT–Austin last December and moved back to Dallas, the distance didn’t seem so great with them both in Texas. Still, they were already several hours apart. Would a few more make a huge difference?

Kelli looked up as her mother stopped at their table.

“Hey, it’s my gorgeous mother,” Cedric said, placing an arm around her.
“No, it’s my gorgeous mother,” Lindell said, hugging her other side.

Francine London glowed with pride. “You boys are something else,” she said. “And I didn’t come to see y’all. I came to see how my daughters-in-law are doing.”
“Oh, it’s like that now?” Cedric asked. “I get married, and I get kicked to the curb?”
Francine laughed, keeping her arms around her sons’ waists. “I’m wondering what’s gonna happen when you all start having my grandchildren. I’m not gonna like being all the way in Little Rock.”

“You need to move back too,” Lindell said.

Francine dismissed it with a shake of the head. “Your grandmother’s not doing well, can’t get around, so we’re better off staying put.”
“Well, help us convince your daughter to move back,” Cedric said. “We’ve been working on her.”

Francine looked at Kelli, nodding. “I was thinking about that today, how nice it would be if you could be around your brothers and their wives. You know I’m big on family.”

“Yes, I know, Mom.” Kelli cut them off at the pass. “So . . . which one of you would be willing to let your little sister move in?”

2011-10-21T08:40:00.001-04:00

On the morning to the History event, we were driving down the highway when we noticed something in the middle of the road. Pacing, sitting, walking into oncoming traffic, evidently fearful and very disoriented. Classic sign of a dog just dumped. And upon closer inspection, classic signs of a verrrrry pregnant dog just dumped.

I immediately pulled over and another car did so as well. The woman in the other vehicle was very helpful with her fresh from town breakfast biscuit which enabled us to lure the dog out of the middle of the highway, as passersby FLEW by and even honked rudely at this scared baby.
After our history trip we were attending a birthday party so I was dressed a bit above my normal farm attire. But, again, this is the reason I own nothing expensive as I never know where my heart will lead me. I took the cape off (not my super hero one, just a keep me warm one) and tied it around mama dogs neck to at least not lose her again to the cold, cruel highway. We were able to get her in the van, get to the farm, put her in a temporary kennel and get back on track to the field trip!

This is the saddest baby I have met. Her eyes were empty, she just accepted food and stared off into space. I named her Willow.

We, of course, made phone calls, etc. in the area she was found and gee, no owner came forward. Surprise! (not). Willow accepted our love very quietly and continued to stare across the pastures to the highway. She missed something, dare it be the crockhead who abandoned her. A dogs loyalty knows no jerks.........

2011-10-21T08:30:00.001-04:00

History field trip to a Colonial revolutionary site kicked in an exciting beginning to the Fall season. The handcrafts, tour of homestead, authentic garden and colonial cooked staples made for an interesting little morning.

My favorite was the garden. The self contained practical organization was so pleasing to the eye yet totally functional, keeping critters out of the food!

Irish soda bread, jams and assorted dishes cooked in a huge fireplace . The kitchen was totally separate from the main house. Fascinating.

Goin a prospectin'

2011-09-26T13:39:00.001-04:00

Our History Club learned all about the gold rush in our state in the late 1800's. We went to a spot where thousands of slaves had been brought in to mine. The mounds they had dug up were everywhere and an old foundation of some type of building as well. We all tried our hand at panning. Now , that is not a hobby or task for someone , like me, with ADD. No way! Phew! Irregardless , playing in the creek and hearing all the old stories was great!

New toy in the house

2011-09-26T13:34:00.003-04:00

Sheamus working out with his new punching ball!

and they are LOVIN' it ! We found this toy at a Salvation Army thrift store for 3.00 and as soon as we set it down the cats ran to it! So, my wonderful Saturday evening this past weekend was spent watching the babies play and capturing their antics on my FAVORITE camera that just got out of the shop on Friday. Happy, happy , happy I am to have this camera back and working. It took me a long time to save up to get it, then I dropped it at Disney World! GROAN and TEARS! The only material possession I am attached to dearly!
It is now fixed and I sold another camera to pay for the repairs! I sure hope AMY is enjoying her new camera!!! SHOUT OUT!

This is Sheamus and Eva Diva

Eva after Patience

The Fulfillment Principle

2011-09-26T11:58:00.000-04:00

The Fulfillment Principle: Experiencing Pure Joy in Your Life

Leafwood Publishers (July 5, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bob Westfall is president of the Westfall Group which serves charities and Christian ministries in financial stewardship and communications. He frequently speaks at national conferences and to charity boards, philanthropists, churches and other groups. Previously he served as the director of development for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries (WTB). He currently lives in Suwanee, Georgia, with his wife, Kim, and is the parent of four children.

Visit the author's website.

I sat down with this book , a very easy first read, a comfortable book to sit down with and realized quickly I want to go through this with Knox! Lots of nuggets, lots of the kind of reminders we all need to stay on track when it is so easy in life to get distracted. Straight forward friendly talk, I recommend for everyone but was very happy to have it to sahre with my graduate, young adult aged son!

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Bob Westfall asks readers, “Are you ready to dream God’s Dream?” in his new book The Fulfillment Principle: Experiencing a Life of Pure Joy and Fulfillment. He invites those who are overwhelmed and unfulfilled to realize this simple but profound truth: “When you use the gifts God gives you to live out the dream He has birthed in you, then you experience the joy of fulfillment that comes straight from heaven.”

Drawing on the challenge from Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, Westfall shows readers how the creator of the universe hands his children a clear, concise blueprint for pure joy. They will see the extraordinary impact individuals can have when they choose to use their gifts and not bury them. They will learn:

How to discover their God given talents
How to invest the talents God has given them and
How to realize a life of joy and fulfillment

The Fulfillment Principle is packed with stories, encouragement, and motivation to help readers pursue their God given gifts in order to experience the joy of a lifetime—for a lifetime. Fulfillment isn’t impossible or unreachable. It starts with the understanding that God created each of us with a glorious dream for who we are. Westfall encourages, “It is not up to you and me to worry about results. It is up to you and me to figure out what God wants us to do—and to do it. If he is with you in the dream he has placed in your heart, nothing can stop it from unfolding the way he wants it to, no matter how impossible it may seem.”

“The Fulfillment Principle will find you wherever you are on the path to joy, meet you there, continue on the journey with you, and lend some remarkable energy and inspiration along the way. Whether your joy has been wearied from circumstances, disappointments, waylaid dreams—or if you are simply searching for a way to expand the broad shoulders of already-present joy in your life - this book is for you,” says Bruce Wilkinson, a New York Times #1 bestselling author.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Leafwood Publishers (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0891122877
ISBN-13: 978-0891122876

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

EXPERIENCING TRUE JOY

God wants you to “enter in”

It is vanity to love that which passeth away, and not to hasten where eternal joy abideth.

— The Imitation of Christ 1:4, Thomas á Kempis

There’s something you want, we all want. In fact, our hearts ache for it. Some of us realize it sooner than others. Unfortunately, some of us never realize it at all.

It’s joy. It’s fulfillment.
It’s a pleasure and contentment and peace—an unending spring of living water—that runs deep within our very being.

Do you have it?
Books have been written about going from “good to great” and from “success to significance.” But this little book is different. It’s intentionally written not to give you a temporary high or take you on a mountaintop experience, only to let you fall back to reality again, unchanged, trying in your flesh to cling to the concepts you read in some manual.
The 100-proof fulfillment principle conveyed through the stories and scriptures in this book is bulletproof. Fears arise, uncertainty looms, storms hit, but the joy is there, inside you—a rock that can’t be rolled, a fire that can’t be quenched, a contentment that can’t be contaminated.
Many people have heard the story of the talents in the Bible. A man—who is a picture of Jesus—is about

to go on a journey. Before he leaves, he calls his servants— a picture of us—and doles out his possessions

to them. One servant is given five talents, one is given two talents, another is given one talent.
Before I get further into the details of the parable, however, allow me to jump to a segment of the story that most people overlook. I did, until the winter of 2001 when a life-changing nugget from this tale hit me like a semi-truck sent from heaven, proverbially altering the way I live and move and have my being.

You see, at the time I was experiencing some incredible personal challenges with my life feeling unfulfilled. I was successful at work, but feeling as though I had missed my mark and my calling.

The words I’m referring to—the ones that changed the landscape of my life once and for all—are those of the man who went on the journey, the man who represents Jesus in the parable.

When that man returns from his long trip, he sees that the men who were given five talents and two talents had invested the money, each making double what he’d left them. In response, the master says: “‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master’” (Matt. 25:21, emphasis mine).
Hold it right there.
“Enter into the joy of your master?”

Where did that come from?
Everyone knows the part that says, “Well done, good and faithful slave.” And some people know about the, “You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.” But how many people realize that in this oft-repeated text, the creator of the universe hands his children a clear, concise blueprint for pure joy?

And we’re talking about you and me, entering in to his joy—a joy unspeakable and unending—right now.

Not tomorrow.
Not next week or month.
But today.
Not only pastors or missionaries.
Not only scholars and saints.
But you and me. School teachers and business people, housewives and home school moms, mechanics and mill workers, computer geeks and career women.

How many people realize that in this oft-repeated text, the creator of the universe hands his children a clear, concise blueprint for pure joy?
How do you get to that place where you can almost see God smiling as he whispers those words: “Enter

into the joy of your master”?
Perhaps the easiest way to get you there is by going in the opposite direction. . . .
Discussion Questions

1) Do you believe God wants you to have joy here on earth?

2) Read the parable of the talents in Mathew 25: 14-30. What, in your opinion, is the main overall message in this passage?

3) In the parable of the talents, what do you think the Master means when he says, “Enter into the joy of your Master?” Is it meant for you, today? How do you attain it?

4) Are you fulfilled in your current work or occupation?

INtentional Authenticity

2011-09-24T01:35:00.004-04:00

I always loved to hear stories of families who met together every Sunday afternoon, weekly for these big picturesque dinners involving laughter , good food, sharing. For my family those type events rather died out with my grandparents, when they left earth.
As my own parents aged, my siblings grew further apart and off into their own lives, work , etc. It amazes me how people are so movable these days. It is nothing to pack up and completely move across the country. I know jobs dictate so much lately and people do not have a choice at times.
So, this longing in my heart for those "family get togethers" has been with me and looked like it had no plans of leaving me alone.
In the past few months, more began brewing around me. God brought people into my life who had the same longings! MMM? Go figure?
As we became friends, shared, studied the Bible together and grew in our friendships a bit more unfolded. The keen desire we shared and a name for this longing, authentic real relationships.

There is alot more to this story that I will share over time. But, for now what has happened is so special. Every Sunday afternoon, we have a big meal, lots of friends show up, we eat, laugh, sing and have a moment of teaching,discussion from the Word of God. Simply calling this G2G, Get together, Get To God.

For very personal reasons, I am not attending a traditional church on Sunday mornings. Whoa? Novel idea? No, not at all. I can share a great link with you , if you are curious, www.lifestream.org

God has been working on my (our) heart for six long , unpeaceful years now and this past two months when I finally surrendered and leapt out of my comfort zone, the peace flooded my soul, as the old song goes!
The Hunk, Oh, he is on board right beside me. I am old fashioned and he is my main accountability friend, partner, spiritual leader. He just likes to be the quiet one! LOL

This song by Casting Crowns always touched my heart.... may we be real.

Is there anyone that fails

Is there anyone that falls

Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around

Everybody seems so strong

I know they'll soon discover

That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay

If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too

So with a painted grin, I play the part again

So everyone will see me the way that I see them

CHORUS

Are we happy plastic people

Under shiny plastic steeples

With walls around our weakness

And smiles to hide our pain

But if the invitation's open

To every heart that has been broken

Maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there

Are there any hands to raise

Am I the only one who's traded

In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing

And we know every line by heart

Only when no one is watching

Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free

If I dared to let you see

The truth behind the person

That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open

Or would you walk away

Would the love of Jesus

Be enough to make you stay

CHORUS 2x

But if the invitation's open

To every heart that has been broken

Maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone that fails

Is there anyone that falls

Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/casting-crowns-lyrics-stained-glass-masquerade-55r7px3#ixzz1YqT9qZVs

LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community

Creation captures

2011-09-24T01:19:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin time

2011-09-24T01:14:00.004-04:00

I have been knitting some really neat water bottle holders, of which I have no pictures because I give them away as fast as I make them! But, I took a break from the bottle holders to make a birthday gift for a new little girl in my life. Cindy Lou Whos birthday is coming up and she loves purses! So, I made her an Autumn pumpkin hat and a matching purse. Her mom just told me she had to sleep with it tonight! Awwwwwwwww.

2011-09-24T01:08:00.001-04:00

Tara is one ball of high force energy. Love all her unique poses she does for me!

2011-09-24T01:06:00.002-04:00

Puss in Boots from Shreks, cousin Patience!

My My Are we Feeling BETTER??

2011-09-24T01:02:00.005-04:00

Yes, they are sisters and yes baby Kira (littlest one) is feeling MUCH better!

The routine is down and they get plenty of house time along with their private naps in their spaces. When they are in the house, NOTHING is safe. Go go go!

Little Kira takes on everyone and is a big soul in a little bod!

We are worm free here us roar!!!

Two babes in need

2011-09-18T00:51:00.000-04:00

It has been a long time and we are not taking in any rescue animals on the farm anymore. But, I came across a situation that just could not be overlooked. Eight pups on a very skinny momma chained up. They were flea ridden and worm infested, very sad situation. I really stepped back and looked at the big picture , what could I do . I could not take all 8 pups. I decided to take the Moosewad largest at 8 lbs and the runt who is very sick at 2 lbs.

The picture is of the runt baby, 8 weeks old and weighs 2 lbs. She is fighting worms, coccidia and is anemic. She is rather lethargic and we are carrying her about in a baby sling, taking her outside for fresh air and hand feeding pureed liver and her food.

Her sister is an 8 lb mini moose named Tara, meaning home of the Irish warrior lords! oh yes. I am in a celtic appreciation season. She is alot healthier than sissy and doing well. So , follow the progress of Kira and Tara as they grow up on the farm!!

NAture

2011-09-17T01:00:00.000-04:00

Anything man did not make....and what a joy that can be when after a hectic frazzled week you can get out in it!
We usually have such a calm schedule but for some reason this past week brought many unplanned errands and needs popping up left and right. That is an easy recipe for stress and exhaustion, it was difficult to stay on top of a good attitude. But, WOW, I am glad Friday is here.

Today we had a get together with the children and went on a nature walk. It was 56 degrees! That in itself was my number one blessing this week, the change of the season into Fall! I am so thrilled it is here. The entire feeling of the farm is just exhilarating and the childrens excitement was infectious as they ran , and ran and ran!
We ran across so many things from decomposition of trees, goldenrod, wild morning glories, a frog, a birds nest, feathers, etc. We also talked about listening, being quick to listen and slow to speak. And how intentional one should be to listen to others. It was a good morning.

MY own action figure

2011-09-17T00:46:00.001-04:00

So this is SHAEMUS, a fictional character who is my fictional hero ! He saves the day, beats up the bad guys and talks with a wicked celtic gaelic irish accent. SIGH......So, i thought itd be cool to have him aorund a bit, so with a little creativity and a willing ginger son, Knox is now my walking action figure Sheamus! HA!!!

Fall is in the AIR!

2011-09-12T23:21:00.001-04:00

It's that time again! Cool air is breezing through the windows, yes! Fall! fall! Fall ! Fall!! We went to a fair the other evening. Just strolled and checked out all the animals , food vendors and the treasures enjoyed some rides. We sampled fried oreos...mmm...ick, did not like that too much.

I love BULLS! I want a bull just to keep in our pasture because they are freakin' awesome! Of course, the temptation to slap them on the butt and try to make it to the fence is a bit to strong for me to resist so the Hunk will not let me have one!

The sun set while we were there. Everyone stopped to enjoy a great last page of the day!

Waited soooo long

2011-09-12T22:45:00.000-04:00

You may have waited one month for me to make another post but I waited over 30 years for that there cone!
When I was young...er, my grandparents would take me to the local Dairy Queen and my favorite treat was a vanilla cone with Krunch Kote on it. I have not seen this topping since then until YESTERDAY! At a local fair I stumbled upon a vendor who had all the toppings and ice creams from the "good ol' days"!
Oh, my I ordered and watched in anticipation as he rolled the cone in the Krunch Kote and smiling, handed it to me thru the window as that cool blast of clean smelling ice cream air wafted out the opening into the heated night air.....ahhhhhhhhh.
I sat on a bench and savored the moment, I took the picture and then I began to enjoy the long awaited treat. The rest of the family walked off , as I trailed behind I was skipping on the inside, ahead of and around my grandparents in circles and delight. It was good.

A Whole New World

2011-08-11T12:30:00.000-04:00

I think this blog can be a bit more interesting if I used it 1.more frequently 2.as a sounding board. What does that entail? well, so much of my quiet time is sitting in my journal , Quiet and all alone. Lately, I have embarked on a very exciting Bible study and engaging, deep, stimulating discussions. This has opened up a whole new world...can you hear Aladdin and Jasmine singing in the background? if not google Disneys Aladdin and there it is! Lol

I am learning at an incredibly fast and almost overwhelming pace amazing things from Gods word. I have been a believer for many years. But, I was a dumb sheep. I just inactively listened to what I was told from pulpits. Come on, that was easy and they knew best right?
MMMMMMMM, not always so. Interesting.

So, the top keys I have used to unlock scripture are context and original languages. Finding how that word is truly defined in a passage will blow you away at times. But it will open up a whole new world for you! I welcomed that. It is so fun to learn and so liberating to reveal truths. Everyone is at a different place in their life, their relationship with God or lack of relationship with God. it is important to me to understand these seasons and periods in our journey. To be open to learn from one another, to be open to encourage one another. To listen without judgment, to love without criticism. I can handle that most of the time! But that's a tall order at other times.
How do you study Gods word? How do you love without criticism?

40 Days to Better Living

2011-08-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

40 Days To Better Living

http://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Better-Living-Optimal-Health/dp/1616262648

A 40 day advice manual on how to achieve a balanced life and better health by Dr. Scott Morris. This very highly visual book is the first in a series of health and wellness books coming out by Dr. Morris and the Church Health Center Staff. It might just mean to get the life you want, the optimal life , it goes a bit deeper than eating right and exercising.

It is filled with advice, spiritual encouragement and real life stories of those who have made the changes for a better life. It also talks to you as one who can customize your own path to wellness by using a 7 step Model for Healthy Living as a guide:

Nutrition

Friends and family

Emotional Life

Work

Movement

Medical Care

Faith Life

There is also a morning reflection and an evening wrap up and spaces for you to make notes or document your ideas and journey.

The book physically has a good feel to it, a very convenient size with bright glossy pages and photos. I like how it gently presents great ideas to make one think about their health and wellness with a non intimidating pace!

Just about caught up....

2011-08-06T09:34:00.000-04:00

on my reading! No way, that never happens. But, I have caught up on some books I wanted to share with you. The stack by my chair is only about two feet tall now!

http://www.amazon.com/Days-Taming-Your-Fears-ebook/dp/B00547KVXA

30 Days To Taming Your Fears

Deborah Smith Pegues

With scripture to apply, a fear analysis and an action plan this book gives some very good practical and basic help to honestly look at fear and how it affects your life. The action plans are great ideas that range from common sense to "why didn't I think of that." Covering root causes of fear, Gods perspective on anxiety, fears and phobias. How to respond to fear triggers and how to neutralize fears so you can get on with enjoying your life.

Topics cover a wide range of health and safety fears, relational fears, psychological and financial fears.

If you are aware that fear has plagued your life in some way, I think it is a comforting easy read to get some basic ideas of help.

Bonded

2011-07-23T22:54:00.002-04:00

Be the hands, heart and home....

2011-07-22T23:25:00.000-04:00

I have always thought and knew , what an impact it would make in the lives of children everywhere if Christians/believers stood up to the plate and heeded Gods Word on caring for the orphans, children needing a family. I read this following post and my heart just pounded with urgency. Just yesterday, one of those statistics, was on the farm. I saw her laugh at animals, giggle at a kitten, jump on a trampoline and smile. I saw a little life needing a forever family.

From heart4adoption blog:
Yesterday we posted information on our "Adoption Alerts" page about a young girl who has been in the foster care system for five years. Five years! That is way to long and, in my mind, simply unacceptable. Statistics tell us that if the foster care system in America does not change by 2012, 75,000 former foster children will be released from the system and be homeless. Each year, approximately 30,000 young people leave the foster care system without lifelong families, most at age 18. We must have a sense of urgency when it comes to foster care. If by next year 75,000 foster kids will be homeless, we have alot of work to do to prevent that from happening.
We need our government to make the adoption process much easier than it is now.
We need the 800 million people in our country who claim to be Christians to step up and be obedient to Gods call to help the orphans in their distress.
We need prayer warriors who will commit to pray daily for the half-million foster children in our country. We here at heart4adoption cannot and will not rest until we do all we can do to find homes for these children. We will pray, hold events, post information, blog, do whatever we can to reach our goal. Will you join us in this mission? Will you pray about your role in regards to adoption? Will you pray for us, for the children? We can't do this without you. Thank you for reading and have a good night.

Favorite Pic of the WEEK!!

2011-07-22T22:54:00.000-04:00

I love , love , love the expression on the face of PATIENCE! LOL. She is living up to her name as she demonstrates much patience every day with little Eva Diva aka Evil Deeeeevil!!

Whats under layer number three?

2011-07-22T22:52:00.001-04:00

We decided to redo a hallway in the old farm house and it is quite fun. Taking the wall paper off has been like a treasure hunt, seeing what was under each layer from past years. The process was really easy as we used a steamer to take off the paper, the sprayed the remnants of glue with a mixture of white vinegar and water/ WA LA, it just peeled right off.

We are using many natural products for cleaning now and this fell right in to place with our homemade recipes for functional purposes. I am so excited to be expanding the herb garden and to really begin the journey into homemade, natural cosmetics and cleaners. This week we added lavender and started some indoor seeds of dill and parsley. I cant wait to share with you pictures from the new kitchen garden. We have the steps built from the balcony to the garden area and Prince Midas and I completed the fence. Now, we need to plan, diagram and build the raised beds and more! Slowly but surely this will be a homestead!!
Bees are next on the list!

This is the first of any work we have done in the house. It is in great shape and the sentimental feelings of leaving it the way mom and dad have made it to be is special to us.

Busy as the bees in the Butterfly Bush

2011-07-14T18:39:00.000-04:00

A beautiful week, a hot week, just a typical summer week. We have harvested from the garden eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, mint and basil. The children and I are working daily on the new kitchen dream garden area! The steps are complete and the fence is complete! Now, we need to build raised beds, landscape and more.
Lots of mowing this week and weeding, game playing, reading, listening to stories about Abe Lincoln at Gettysburg and Alexander Graham Bell, watched a couple movies, went to an ice cream social, read about Abraham in the Bible and are reading through the book End of the Spear. This has led us to many fun side adventures ; IMAX Amazon movie, looking at blowguns, medicinal plants, missionaries and more.
The medicinal plant topic was most I interesting as we are making our own hygiene and cosmetic supplies. Just beginning this venture and learning a lot. I cant do a whole lot until Inget my kitchen herb garden under way fully. But , we can make cinnamon bath soaks and cinnamon body powder! Our newest recipe is for a foaming Honey Vanila Bath Soak and it is yummy! All natural ingredients! Love it!

Love my Goat

2011-07-10T14:57:00.000-04:00

No, you read it correctly! This is Goat, our rooster. Yep, I know what your wondering , why do we have a rooster named Goat. It began three years ago wqhen we began our flock. We had three roosters, Eagle and Americauna, Barack a wyandotte and this Barred Rock. Well, Eagle took over the coop and ran the place. Barack was too unstable and had to be the one and only animal ever executed on the farm for malicious assaults on humans. Then there was dear Goat. He moved up into the goat pen with the goats. he ate with them, slept with them and spent his days with them , all day ling, in the pasture. This went on for two years. Then last year, we added to our flock of Golden comet hens a small flock of Barred Rock girls. As soon as Goat saw them babes from the pasture , he moved down to the coop and challenged Eagle.
Seeing his renewed interest in taking over the rooster position, we made arrangements for Eagle to be rehomed to another farm with his own hen. And now, in all peacefulness splendour, Goat reigns. He is wonderful, friendly, protective and proud. The waiting is over, he is fulfilling his destiny and answering his call. YAY Goat!!!!

Garden Galore

2011-07-09T17:46:00.000-04:00

Today brought in summer squash , watermelon and pumpkin. It is so easy to get fresh pumpkin puree stored up for future baking needs. Simply cut up the pumpkin, clean it out and of course, set those seeds aside for some roasting! Cut the pumpkin up in manageable pieces and place skin side up in a baking pan with a cup or so of water, bake at 300 degrees for one hour. When its done, cool , scoop it out and puree in blender. Then I just put in freezer bags and freeze.
It does have to be totally simple and rather quick for me to enjoy creating in the kitchen, so this fit the bill!

Veggie fiestas and Kitchen tweek of the week

2011-07-03T18:52:00.000-04:00

I should have , should have took pictures but I created a new dish and named it Fiesta Squash. We are having a lot of fun with vegetables and spices creating flavors and textures. This dish was the ultimate in tastebud experiences.
I took a 9x13 pan and covered the bottom is mashed beans, any kind will work to the texture of smooth, refried bean style. Then a layer of kidney beans ( not mashed). A layer of fresh tomato and avocado slices, set aside.
In a skillet we cooked till about tender summer squash, onions, black olives, chopped tomato with chopped green chilis. This is cooking in olive oil, adding chili powder, sea salt and cumin. So, this is spicy and heat hot, then when it was done I covered cold ingredients in the 9X13 pan. Served with all natural olive corn /nacho style chips. Even the Hunk, Mr. antiveggie ate this and enjoyed it.

I have made a pumpkin snack with organic canned pumpkin, 1/3 cup brown rice syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice...yep, i just shake to taste! Added just a bit of coconut milk, heated it and garnished with a few walnuts. Quick , yummy, satisfying sweet snack.

The kitchen Tweek of the Week is buying only real butter. No more nasty margarine's with all their added ingredients of man made synthetic nutritional doo doo, just cream and salt or even unsalted , real, whole butter.
The simplest way to make changes it to find out what is important to you and does it outweigh the alternative. For example, it was very important to me too find a way to feel better and lessen this pain naturally, if possible. And that outweighed the food situations and items I was addicted to. Then next step. gently ease yourself into one TWEEK a WEEK! Don't go crazy and go full force, only to burn out and feel overwhelmed. Say to yourself, " This week I will focus on drinking half my body weight, in ounces , of water." Next week, " I am cutting out all refined, bleached man made sugar and sweeteners." So on and so on. One step, one choice at a time can turn your life around. And the neat thing is, once you make a little change, you begin feeling goooooood, the next changes or TWEEKS coming up get easier and easier.
So, what can you TWEEK this WEEK? You know, I really need to focus on increasing my water intake. How about it? I will give a bit more attention to my ounces! What do you want to focus on , to get one more step towards healthy?

Simple ...Like Duct tape

2011-07-02T14:18:00.000-04:00

I am on a quest, well, more like a gentle unfolding one day at a time venture of awareness into natural simplicity. It is affecting every area of my life slowly but surely. Simple is best, no doubt about it. In eating, cleaning, giving, learning, fixing, growing, worshipping and i can go on and on.
So, why feature this gloriously red stool. LOL. Well, I could have ran out and bought a new one for 50 plus dollars but I was thrilled enough with a bright hot pepper red roll of duct tape! A quick fix and giggling the whole time thinking of all the male duct tape jokes !

And some good ideas for duct tape like
Desk Drawer Dilemma Duct tape is real handy for driving your co-workers, or better yet, your boss, nuts. Only a few feet are needed to tape someone's center desk drawer shut around the edges of the two sides and the back. It's doubly exciting if the drawer is just slightly open so that the victim can tell that the drawer can't be locked, but can't immediately see or feel what is holding the drawer shut if the tape doesn't cover the entire length of the drawer. At the same time it doesn't do any permanent damage to the furniture. Works best in conditions of reduced light. Avoid doing this to anyone who may have a bad back. The drawer pulling response can get really vigorous.

Sink Sprayer Shower This idea was sent anonymously (the boss still doesn’t know who did it). Every morning the boss gets to work about a twenty minutes before the other employees and puts on the coffee. Before leaving the office the previous night, the prankster took a small strip of black duct tape and taped the sink sprayer handle in the on position and aimed the sprayer so it would hit the boss square in the chest. The next morning, the employees were welcomed by their boss sporting a huge water mark on his suit and a big “you got me” grin on his face.

Tire Sniper Get some Bubble Wrap® with one inch bubbles (at most office supply stores or in dumpsters behind gift shops). cut a strip about a eighteen inches long and the width of a tire. Tape this to the tread of the front wheel of a parked car. When the car starts moving, the resultant popping sounds like a machine gun.

Frame A Friend Sometimes when you buy used videos from Blockbuster, they still have the little theft strip on them. So if you ever want to get someone good, just remove theft strip and duct tape it to the bottom of their shoe, then send him on a run to the video store.

TP Trailer Take a six foot piece of toilet paper and attach a piece of duct tape to one end (half of the tape on the toilet paper, half hanging off the roll). Place the paper and the tape - sticky-side-up - on the floor at the entrance of the bathroom. When your "victim" steps on the tape, they will be dragging the toilet paper from their shoe. - Blame goes to The Duct Tape Guys

BACK TO NATURAL IDEAS

So, what have I done this week in response to my simplicity and natural call? Well, I am slowly making changes for overall health. This week I am continuing the green smoothies and vegetarian lifestyle with mostly raw foods. I replaced my toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion and lip gloss with all natural products. That was a quick fix. I am excited to begin making my own beauty/hygiene products at home. Learning a little at a time and incorporating one choice, one day at a time.

I added agava sweetener to my life , I currently use stevia only so this will be exciting experiment. We ordered spelt flour. Balsamic vinegar and honey are the staple for ward dressings right now, we are loving these. The boys still are demanding their cows milk but Diamond and I are completely switched over to rice and coconut milk. Oh, also completely on sea salt for seasoning.

Speaking of seasonings, wow , what a wonderful world of spices we have explored into. The kids love this part with their cooking and try all kinds of neat combinations. I love adding fresh crushed mint to the tops of some smoothies. Lots of mustard seed, dill and the usuals, chives, bay leaves, on and on.
The garden is giving us tomatoes, squash,and peppers right now. The eggplant is maturing!
As are the guinea keets! Remember them? They are 3 weeks old, we have 6 left. Successfully sold the others.

So thats been a bit of my week, what have you done this week?

Annie, time for a walk.......

2011-06-27T17:31:00.002-04:00

Her face said it all.

Cant Help but SMILE

2011-06-27T17:30:00.000-04:00

Can you believe this boy? Flash me a studly grin why dont'cha?

This is Tybee Wiggles and he is staying with us for a short time.

C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R and a half , this boy is. He is a delight to take care of and definitley cheers up every where he waddles to.

GImme FIVE?

As I was saying....

2011-06-27T17:11:00.000-04:00

So, a little storm brewed up. My MIL opened the door so quietly and came in , I had no idea it was her. She did not knock, so can't blame the dear chihuahua who is a neurotic, paranoid, post abuse survivor, If he was a great dane we would wear armour.
She was given a bandaid and the prognosis is very good. Probably better than her other health challenges that she tends to ignore the doctors advice on. :)
Storms, my balcony, special time with God , special daily regular time with God. It is needed. So, when times like these, the mother in law visits pop up on you in surprise, you are prayed up and Holy Ghost filled ready to handle it!

Look to the Hills

2011-06-27T11:37:00.000-04:00

I have a special place where I spend time with God. And the view is such a poignant reminder of a scripture, " Look to the hills from whence comes your help." The other night a storm was brewing , actually that is one of my favorite times to go to my God spot. It has become a habit , a precious one, when any storms brew to head to God.

This evening though was not to weep in need or beg for mercy, but to smile and savor His awesomeness through the mighty creation of weather. (oh boy, my inlaws just pulled in). I might totally lose my spiritual tone here....:).

My Dad, the Mayor, totally dislikes strong winds. I was raised in hurricane country , with special shutters that came down like an armory around your home. I was petrified as a youngster when a school bus I was on was caught in a wicked storm and the wind rocked it. How did I grow to like storms?
I am fascinated with the rumbles, the light shows and the smell/feeling of impending rain. I am thankful I am not afraid anymore. Fear had too many years of my life. I also love the analogies of storms in our lives, etc. Well, I am cutting this short as my chihuahua just bit my mother in law! (rolling eyes) , she did not knock and just came in. Could have been alot worse, could have been my old german shepherd.

Money Secrets of the Amish

2011-06-27T11:19:00.000-04:00

When Lorilee Craker learned that the Amish are not just surviving but thriving in the economic downturn, she decided to find out why.

A very, delightful and inspiring read loaded with tried and true common sense measures to tame your finances, build your savings and see through the eyes of simplicity.

For the past few months we have been simplifying and rearranging lifestyles, priorities and habits. This book truly gave me a hands on approach to some very desired and doable methods that I am looking forward to. You may find information you have heard a thousand times but also displayed in yet a way that offers a basic ooomph to apply it.

Lorilee Craker is blunt honest with her own thoughts and habits with a flair that will make you smile.

Enjoyed this book on a long Sunday afternoon but will definitely keep it on my desktop to reread, digest and refer to often....until the habits are ingrained.

Fathers Day Surprise

2011-06-25T16:08:00.001-04:00

The children had me take Daddy O The Hunk out of the house for awhile to run a few errands. To his surprise, when we returned they had their Fathers Day surprise all ready for him! Knowing his love for pancakes , they made a complete breakfast dinner. Sausage, Bacon, link sausage and more….all for Daddy! You should have seen his face as he walked thru the house and saw this pile of pancakes awaiting him!

Gods light Shines....

2011-06-24T14:15:00.000-04:00

through the smallest prism. Have you ever thought about yourself ? And if you have , has it been positive? Do you run yourself down and bet yourself up? You do know the enemy does enough of that, we sure don't have to. Feelings of ineffectiveness and total lack of confidence plague me and millions of others daily. Are we too small to ever be of any value to the kingdom of God? Sure we are IF WE THINK it is about us.
But it never is.
It starts and ends with Jesus and a life of worship is all about the light. Just like a light radiates through prisms , God can show through us.
Remember old dancing disco balls, reflecting every shimmer and shine. That's what it is like and I am so excited to share with you an incredible new book I have just read called Mirror Ball by Matt Redman.
If you have never read Unquenchable Worship or Face Down, two of his past titles, please grab them as fast as you can.
Savor, chew, digest and absorb this incredible insight to worship, real worship.
Mirror Ball is an encourager, no matter how inadequate you feel, God will work in and through you. Illuminating.

And go to youtube or Godvine.com and listen to some Matt redman today. He has composed songs such as, " The Heart Of Worship","Better is One Day" and many more.

beauty of days unfolding gracefully

2011-06-17T17:42:00.001-04:00

We gently awoke at different hours today. We completed assorted chores, we looked at what cooking we needed to do for upcoming events. A friends new baby means lasagna tomorrow for them, Friday evening at the grandparents and it is our turn for appetizers. tonight we are taking an incredibly yummy fruit pizza, zucchini brownies with vanilla ice cream and a new creation, the spiciest dip I have ever tasted and will not eat! All recipes and pics will follow!! My family are insane with their love of peppers, jalepenos, habeneros, cayenne , fresh from the garden. So, I created this chicken buffalo style dip for them. I can't even smell it without uncomfortableness!

After cooking, we drove the go kart, played basketball, read, played a us geography game, jumped on the trampoline, mowed, weeded, read more and now it is time for some more kitchen time!

Graceful unfolding of a gorgeous gift of a day, Thank you LORD.

Eleven more babies

2011-06-16T14:30:00.001-04:00

Yes, eleven more babies found this morning trying to maneuver behind mama guinea in gi ormolus grass!They did not have a chance. Now, we have 26 keets in playpens in the laundry room. It is chirpy for sure!
This is batch three. batch one was only two keets who are thriving. Batch 2 was 14! One baby dies last Monday. This last batch I am very tickled with as their are two pure whites and some new coloring we have not had before. two tone cream and brown!
The youngers helped Papa catch them and then set up the new housing pen , The Hunk ran to the feed store as we needed another heat lamp for this crew.
Really getting to love having these hatchings around each spring!

Garden update

2011-06-09T20:26:00.000-04:00

Everything is really thriving, well, almost everything. I found an assorted bunch of flowers all burned up from the high heat and hope I was able to save some of them. But, the tomatos, peppers and squash are doing great. I believe I have lost all my peas though!

Today I planted in the greenhouse some chives and lavender. Most excited that the lilac cuttings are looking healthy!

Buried gifts, believing lies

2011-06-09T20:23:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to learn something that really inspired me and brought hope. Colossians 3: 12.

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

What I learned from this verse is God sees me, us as holy and beloved, through it all. He has CHOSEN us. We are precious to Him, beloved. Just savor that word for a moment. But what lesson I learned is this. God created me, chose me and loves me. He placed inside of me the ability to exhibit the above characteristics; compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Look at what I can be! Through His eyes , what I am. But, I felt like such a failure because I struggle with some of those things. You know it can be so difficult to love someone who has hurt you, or bullied your children, etc. I must be so wrong.
But, no. Satan wants me to believe that lie and when I do, bury the gifts of love, compassion,etc. that God has placed in me. I HAVE the ability to reflect Jesus. I have the ability to be kind, loving and friendly. I am not a failure, I just failed to believe God, who does not lie.

What really matters? that question should be kept alive.

2011-06-09T20:12:00.003-04:00

The house is alive....with the sound of chirping

2011-06-09T20:11:00.000-04:00

FOURTEEN yes 14 keets found this morning. Momma gunea trampled a few, the one below was in the worst shape and is in icu at the moment. But, my, oh, my talk about livening up a quiet home. I find it lovely but some of the children do not find the constant chirping so endearing! :)
Already have five sold so that is a good thing!

2011-05-29T19:50:00.002-04:00

Find beauty where others overlook it!

Homemade goodness

2011-05-29T19:49:00.000-04:00

This is our first homemade mayonnaise and everyone adored it! We are making our own salad dressings and mayo now regularly and cannot believe the taste. They are just brilliant. And if I can pull that off, you sure ought to try!
The mayo we made was strong in olive oil flavor by choice. We used two room temp eggs, fresh from our coop, took the yolks and began beating them. Drop by drop we added oh, about a cup and a half of oil, a pinch of salt and some organic apple cider vinegar. Very happy it was this easy and no preservatives!!

The new Boss

2011-05-29T19:46:00.000-04:00

I have arrived

I have let me presence be known

I will conquer

2011-05-29T19:44:00.000-04:00

It is not just tolerance, it is accepting another by the Love of God and allowing God to work in their lives without legalistic, pharisee thoughts and expectations of our own making , on them, and where they are spiritually.

May Stuff

2011-05-29T19:36:00.000-04:00

The frontyard gardens are pretty well in and thriving. This picture was taken three weeks ago and it is astounding how everything is gargantua now. The container tomato plants are 3 feet high, we have been harvesting lettuce for a month now. Enough for three to four family large salads weekly.

We had to take the crew to the vets for rabies vaccinations. It involved our 12, the permanent sanctuary members who are unadoptable and need to retire here and moms yorkie rescue, Maddie. Everyone did well except dear Indy, one of the cats, he cannot ride and by the time you get to the vets he is foaming at the mouth and very sick.

This little girl was found in the middle of the road two weeks ago and was brought to us. She is pretty much ruling the roost, has everyone at her bidding and kills us with cuteness. Her name is Eva, for now.

Seasons

2011-04-30T22:39:00.000-04:00

It helps me so much to look at my life in seasons. Just as the seasons change, bringing different experiences and environments to us , so does life. I am in a very interesting one now, to say the least.
Slowing down. LOL, Thats a novel idea I have never tried and I would not be doing it now if my body was not placing some restrictions on me. It has taken a large amount of time to figure out how to pace myself as most days are painful but I am learning. We are savoring this new pace. Activities are carefully planned and attended and due to the decrease in them, greatly appreciated.
With this season is also some school changes as we have one graduating this year!All I can say is when these new seasons come your way, it is so natural to sometimes fight and be angry. Yes, it is so frustrating to not be able to walk long distances, need frequent breaks, after any exertion icing my back, etc. But, I find joy when I sit back and smile, and think .....this is just for a season. What can I learn? Who can I help? How can I accomplish what I need to, changes to, God, what do you want me to accomplish now?

Spring shearing

2011-04-29T22:50:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know , I know! You can ask me to babysit, nurse, care, love, train and rescue but do not ask me to groom your pet! Best I could do to get ol Banjo and his fluffly tangled hair straightened out!

2011-04-29T22:48:00.000-04:00

My new buddy , although I cannot get him to eat the corn I lay out for him yet!

2011-04-29T22:46:00.000-04:00

Every where I turn on the farm there is something blooming! This year I have lilacs, rhododendrons, roses, day lilies, petunias, heather,marigolds, pansies, and even some perennials I do not know the names of yet. Our veggie garden is in, although due to my physical limitations this year, alot of them are in containers. We have planted three different kinds of lettuce, carrots, leeks, onions, habenero, jalapeno, red peppers, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, pumpkins, blueberries, strawberries and peas. Maybe something else I have missed!!

Just Annie

2011-04-29T22:41:00.002-04:00

A very Blessed sight

2011-04-29T22:40:00.000-04:00

This past winter my Dad fought cancer, one week before Christmas he had surgery and the recoup began. Then weeks of radiation, daily trips every morning and also a wound center for a horrid leg wound where they had to obtain bone for the cancer surgery.
Praying the way through, what a blessing it was to take this picture of him a few weeks ago. Right where he loves to be in spring, tilling up the garden! May God be thanked and praised for this special spring moment.

A wonderful blossoming

2011-04-29T22:36:00.001-04:00

Spring here is absolutely amazing this year because we have had so much rain. Blooms are so full on the rhododendrons and lilacs. But, the one most exciting blossoming power here is Louis, the yorkie. He came to us as his owner was very sick with cancer and did pass away. Louis experienced a deep depression and we got him through that. Thinking he was ready for a forever home, he went to some dear friends of ours for a home visit. The first few days were fine then he began again sinking into the deep depression, not eating, would not come out from under a bed. I immediately went to him and brought him home. He is so happy and this means he must be a permanent sanctuary retiree here on the farm.
He loves being outdoors and assists with all gardening work. Louis carries sticks and helps dig holes from planting. His new found love is chasing bubbles, as you can see in the picture. Lots of kisses, running to us to be picked up and hugged. We have a new blossom opening up and I am so proud of him!

Nothing is as should be

2011-03-25T18:41:00.000-04:00

The cats eat the dog food, the chickens eat the cat food...... hovering, waiting till they (the chikens) can get in the bowls of cat food! And no, they don't meow yet....

Just beauty

2011-03-25T18:37:00.001-04:00

Having the opportunity now to slow down and get back to what is most important in my life has been so meaningful! Days like this, pictured here, the children and I went on a hike followed by Meeko, the cat. As we enjoyed time together creekside, Meeko, curled up for a nap on the backpacks. It was surreal. Peaceful, smiles, laughs, babbling water, children exploring Gods beauty all around them. I am so thankful for restoration and refreshment from nature, from God, where true rest only comes from.

Why spelling is important...

2011-03-25T18:33:00.000-04:00

Diamond was none to happy when I had to question her about this sentence in her grammar......and she has never misspelled LIKE again!!!

Egg Creations

2011-03-25T18:29:00.000-04:00

Prince Dazzle Me Midas and Diamond are expanding their culinary skills and it has been very nice to have two more chefs in the house! Dazzle though creates dished that have to come with volcanic warning signs and I have yet to be able to eat something he has invented due to its spiciness. But, when it is a family friendly affair we get some scrumptious dishes. Due to the abundance of egg blessings on the farm they went to work learning how to make various scrambles and their newest , quiche.
A very simple quiche recipe making it so kid friendly and oh so healthy is the crust secret. They use whole wheat tortillas cut to fit a glass 9 inch pie pan. Then creating the filling is the fun part and art of making eye catching, nutritional and tasty meals. Loaded with veggies, they mix eggs ( more whites than yolks) , skim milk, homemade sour cream and spices. Wa la! A beautiful handicraft for the children to share to the delight of all the family!

I'm Baaaaaack!!!!

2011-03-24T00:31:00.000-04:00

Spring Greetings! it is simply wonderful here on the farm , buds are bursting everywhere. Some daffodils have popped up. We have had loads of rain so the drought level is not as dangerously low. In fact , there was a tornado watch this evening and raining now.
The first week of spring brings with it farm clean up week. Sweeping, raking, pruning, clearing, burning, hauling, shoveling, planting, tilling and more. The apple trees had to be topped this year. there once was a whole orchard and that just was untouchable for awhile but this year we have put forth an effort to save what is left of the original farm orchard, which is only three trees. We are adding to our tree family this year planting a pecan, walnut and a couple dwarf fruit trees.
The big garden is tilled but my main project this year is a container kitchen garden and constructing a kitchen garden area for berries, herbs and Stevia. The containers are almost completed , lots of my favorite butter crunch lettuce, YOU HAVE TO TRY THAT VARIETY!!! It is hard to eat any other kind after tasting that delicacy. leeks, onions, catnip, spinach and peas so far. Tomatoes also! This year I went with Fantastics. Germinating is onions,spinach, carrots and squash. Will get pictures up asap!
Happy Gardening!!!!

BLogging will be minimal

2011-02-21T23:54:00.000-05:00

I have alot of things going on right now that really need full focus so the blogging will be set aside. I was going to delete but oh, hated to do that with all the fun stories and pics on here. SO, for right now it will be in slight hiatus!

I hope you will check back periodically! THANKS

A Springy feeling kind of day

2011-02-14T17:01:00.000-05:00

Every single creature on the farm loved the first day it was almost 70 and the sun was shining bright. The dogs were out playing and sunning, the kids decided to build a tepee and the chickens took full advantage as well. Poor dear Goat , out barred rock rooster, was dethroned a few weeks ago by our Americauna rooster, Eagle. Goat has been the king of the coop for a year or so, but the other day a guinea chased Goat into the coop and eagle witnessed it. He took full advantage of the situation and kicked Goat out for being a wieny. So, now in the morning Goat has to get out of the chicken yard and he and a few of his girls hang out around the farm while eagle patrols the coop yard perimeter keeping Goat out. The chickens are like a soap opera , just alot cleaner!

Veggie Scrambles

2011-02-14T16:06:00.000-05:00

Egg white scrambles are great any time of day and the whole family loves them. For those of us needing to lose weight , we use only the egg whites. This veggie scramble is made with celery, asparagus and onions topped with fresh tomatoes. Mrs. Dash has an amazing array of new spice flavors that are adding alot of pizazz. The kids are loving southwestern chipotle and a lime one. Spices help add so much variety to our foods without adding fat in flavor!

We are experimenting with veggies in ways we have never cooked them before. This weeks favorites were roasted asparagus and roasted butternut squash. The asparagus was placed on a baking sheet with olive oil and sea salt, roasted in oven at 400 until bright green. Total HIT! Even the Hunk, who despises most veggies, tried and liked.

The roasted butternut squash was seasoned with thyme. Oh my goodness, crisp on the outside and so creamy ,warm on the inside. We actually went to the grocery store again just to buy more !

The initial costs of eating healthy can be a bit scary but we have learned a few things. One , when eating proper portions the food lasts longer and eating real food , you are satisfied and full longer. It takes a few days to adjust but it has been amazing to see the difference in the childrens eating habits and desires.

Todays snack was grab your own. OK, Prince Midas grabbed an organic carrot, Diamond grabbed natural peanut butter and celery and Knox a yogurt! YAY!!

For the past few years I messed up, I was the one who drove them to the crap fast food places, I was the one who bought the worthless junk and allowed them to eat. I will no longer contribute to the delinquency of a minor!

So, another change, we are changing SHAPES!!

Changing Shape

2011-02-13T13:18:00.000-05:00

I love that everyone has their own God shape. Individuality, talents, personalities and more. I observe this daily in my children and tell them to embrace their God shape. How to bloom where your planted , how to thrive with the roots you have been grown on. Roots can cause us some major pain in our lives, I refer to it alot as baggage too, the past. The past forms alot of peoples shapes today. The shape you are in emotionally, spiritually and physically too. Physically we so abuse our bodies trying to deal with roots and past. I am sure you are thinking of many ways you have abused your body in a way to squash and bury negative feelings, to bring comfort. Whats your drug of choice?

Mine is comfort food, stress eating.In the past five years, through the international adoptions our family were blessed and a negative drama involving animal rescue I have gained 50 lbs. I have chronic pain daily and many times am put down flat with back pain. Ice packs are my bestest buddies. I have failed in the past to stand up and protect family boundaries, in other words, ever have a problem saying "no"?

It's time to change shape here on the farm. It's time to let my body and self know that I deserve to take care of myself, I deserve to have a dream I buried a very long time ago. My children deserve to know nothing is more important on this earth, to their parents, than them, MY decisions will be made based on overall health, health for our bodies , health for our family. I already have moments of shaking in my boots because I know carrying out these decisions is going to be nothing but hard work. Am I up to it? Huge suck in breath and hold it moment!!!

One day at a time, one meal at a time, one cup of water at a time, one walk at a time, one workout at a time, one healthy decision at a time......its doable.

Are you worth it? Are the dreams you dream worth it? The answer is a screaming YES!

woweeee cant keep up

2011-01-17T19:29:00.000-05:00

I have so many pictures i want to share but here we are with the flu. It hit like a mack truck, both myself and Knox, at just about the same moment on Saturday. We were out of town diong some volunteer work and began feeling dizzy.By the time we arrived home , 2 hours later, the fever was spiking. Diamond is still getting over her virus and cough and Midas began the fever and cough this morning.
The body aches with this one are over the top! Thanks to ibuprofen and Tylenol it seems to be under control. So, when back on my feet I will update you on alot of happenings!

A Different Kind of Christmas

2011-01-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

Dad recovering and quarantined, Diamond sick, no get togethers, no candlelight Christmas eve service. What kind of Christmas is this? It was hard to muster up some celebratory spirit as nothing was "like" our traditional Christmases. So, I finally dove in with the change of thoughts ADAPT. Does not seem to complicated but it was a new thought for me. Instead of hundreds of cookies, we baked a couple small batches. The intimate precious family gathering to celebrate was just us, with little Diamond on the couch coughing. We went to bed Christmas eve, kind of down , I will admit. The Hunk worked eve and Christmas day , the first Christmas eve not spent at my parents in my life! All I needed was some good cheese for my whine.

Then, Christmas morning arrived. We had agreed everyone wanted to sleep in and not get up early. As I pulled back the curtain to look at the grey day. I know my body filled up with an air of excitement and my eyes grew wide. Snowflakes were falling! Fast and furious! Big, sloppy, perfectly wonderful beautiful flakes! And they fell all day.

I took it as a completely personal Christmas touch from my Father. And I thanked Him for the most perfect gift to cover our Christmas in!

Robyn Star 1978-2011

2011-01-06T15:54:00.000-05:00

On October 22, 1978 beautiful tennessee walker filly was born . She lived her life providing hours upon hours of loving, gentle service to her first owner, to providing therapy riding , fulfillinga homeschool girls dreams of owning a horse and then retiring on our farm. At age 32 Robyn began to slow down. The eyes no longer could see, the legs gave out and cause too many stressful moments of collapse and then cushings disease. Within the past two weeks the falls were more frequent. In fear for her safety we faced a decision. Now, this is a bad place to be. On one hand I do not believe we have the right to choose any living beings death date. That is Gods place. On the other hand, out of compassion and love for Robyn I could not bear the thought of her falling, of the pain, sufferring, the dropping of weight as she was struggling to eat. And we did not have the resources needed to provide for her the extra safety measures and warm shelter she needed . We fell short.
With the vet in agreement we did choose to have her put down on Tuesday , December 4th. I am not confident in that decision but at least when you err, make sure you err on the side of grace. And I can say, the motive for that decision was one of love, grace and care.

A character for sure

2010-12-24T14:08:00.000-05:00

This is Patience, the cat dumped out a couple weeks ago on the coldest night of the year! She is the most interesting feline I have ever met. Could it be the totally NON typical behavior? Or am I so cat UNsavvy that I had no idea a cat could be this sociable. Patience demands attention, climbing all over you anytime night or day. She prefers to sleep wrapped around your neck but gee if she must , she will stretch across your lap upside down and be content. She loves belly rubs too. And her normal nap buddies, oh no, not the other cats but curling up with one of the dogs is her cup of tea! Which is ok, except Annie was not too sure about giving up her spot on the doggie couch.

Little Bits turn

2010-12-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

Little Bit enjoying her new sweater as well!

Knify Knitting

2010-12-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

I finally sat down long enough to whip up Tia a sweater. These little ones can be made in just a couple hours!
Tia is doing very well. She will be operated on in Jan. sometime for spaying and a hernia. She is a happy girl , who daily displays great appreciation for being rescued with her avid wiggles!

More and more puppies

2010-12-24T13:57:00.000-05:00

Last week brought 11 puppies abandoned . These three were brought to the farm by a couple good samaritans. They appear to be shepherd, schnauzer and shar pei mix! What a combo. The two little guys are still available but the baby girl was adopted the first day. They were found abandoned by a bridge a few miles from our home.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

Best wishes and prayers to each of you! We are experiencing an odd type of holiday. No Christmas eve family celebration tonight, the first time in all my years not being with my parents on Christmas eve. Dad is home and recovering but we have sickness in our home , so we cannot be at theirs or visit him. We did see him through his bedroom window the other day! Our littlest Diamond is sick , flat on the couch with cough, cold and sore throat. Her and I stayed home from the in laws celebration this morning too. The Hunk works the next three days. It is the type of Christmas when you cling to the festive spirit and do not let circumstances eat at you!
Jesus is born and risen, let the party go on!!!! Thats all that really , really matters!

This will make blood boil!!!

2010-12-14T11:54:00.000-05:00

Late yesterday I received a message if I could help with some puppies who were in need. Here is their story. The happy ending is out of the 6 saved, 3 are already in a new home and the other three are safe, warm, fed, loved and in foster care!
The simple principle you reap what you sow, I believe in that. Without wishing evil on anyone but wanting someone that callous and hard hearted to wake up , to learn about love and compassion.....I hope his furnace dies or his agony frozemobile breaks down. AND a hand of applause for my dear friend who stepped up and took them from Nimrod the neanderthal. You will understand after you read the story...

I was working today 12-13-10 when a guy and his son came into my work and seen my co-workers puppies, the little boy said we have 6 puppies in the truck. I said 6 puppies? Why are you riding around with 6 puppies in your truck? he told me that his dog had 12 puppies and some didn't make it. I asked the son to go get me one of them so I could see it, when he brought it to me it was shivering, wet, and scared! I loved on it a little bit and asked to see all the other ones thats when we went outside and he told his son to get in the back and get them~! I peeked over the side of the bed of the truck to see at least 3 inches of snow (he lives in spruce pine) these puppies were covered with snow, all of them trying to fit under the tool box in the truck. I asked why they were in the back of the truck and he told me ( I shouldn't have asked cause after I learned the story I was furious!) he said that sometime yesterday 12-12-10 it had gotten so cold that they tried to find cover under their trailer, tore down the underpinning and had climbed up in the heat vents somehow...which tells me they didn't have anyway to stay warm outside! He got mad at them and threw 7 of them in the back of his truck (I guess the others already froze to death) where they stayed all day and all night yesterday then they rode all the way from 45 minutes away and arrived at my office about 430. I asked what he was going to do with them, he said he was going to try to give them away and if he didn't he was going to put them in a bag and see how well they could swim in the river! I thought how CRUEL I was FURIOUS !!!!I could not let them leave knowing that may happen to them. I told him to bring them all in and I would take care of finding them FUREVER homes! When they got "all" of them inside there were only 6 don't know what happened to the other one ( froze prob)!

A WOW Recovery

2010-12-14T11:49:00.000-05:00

Each day has brought with it glorious news of Dad's amazing strides in recovery. Today , 4 days after his 11 hour ordeal in surgery he is in his own room. He has been off pain meds since Monday at 2 pm, he is in physcial therapy, the swelling is down and more. Thank you for all the prayers you have spoken on dad's behalf!

A Speedbump

2010-12-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

This week brought our family a major life speedbump. Not the kind you can drive around one end or the other but yoiu have to go right on over , me personally, I prefer full speed.
My dear, wonderful Dad is facing the most physical challenge of his life. Today at 11:00 am they removed a tumor from his jaw area. He is still in surgery as I type this. Ten plus hours, reconstruction, trach, feeding tube through the nose and then some. MY dad is the King of Privacyville and this type of situation is really a nightmare for him to bear. After he gets through a few days of ICU, then a couple week hospital stay the challenging part begins. Home health care, unable to walk for 6-8 weeks as the bone to reconstruct the jaw came from his leg. Then after 6 weeks both chemo and radiation begins at the same time.

This is a first for our immediate family. And the first for me , as GOD has truly shown me something I never got. His peace, that kind they talk about, you know, the peace that passeth all understanding. Yep....always heard about it, always wanted it, never experienceed it until now.
It truly is present, it is not keeping on a strong face for the chlidren, for dear Ruby with her limited capacity of understanding where Papa is and what this entails. How big her fear is and her Down syndrome mind is grasping to believe it will be ok. It is the kind of peace that no matter when I wake up, I can smile first at a loving Heavenly Father who is right there watching me sleep and second, that He is also right on top of Dad's situation. His plans are to prosper Dad, not to harm him. A peace that you can go about the day awaiting news with hope, no fear. God does not give us fear, remember that. So , if you are afraid your headed in the wrong direction. Change your mind to thoughts that are good, positive , pure and faith filled.

So, if you have read this far please add my dad to your prayer list, personal, church, etc. He has a long, hard few months ahead of him. Thank you so much!

YES DECEMBER

2010-12-04T06:39:00.000-05:00

And yes, they are calling for some snow! What an exciting way to begin the new month and the Christmas season. The temperatures are dropping. The smell of the woodstove is a daily blessing and pulling out the winter coats, scarves, hats and such is wonderful as well.
We put our tree up , traditionally on Thanksgiving day. The excitement of Diamond and Prince Midas seems even more enthusiastic this year, their 5th and 4th Christmas with us. I cannot contain my gratefulness to God for their being here!
We are wrapping up a few weeks of school, preparing to take our holiday break. Decided after a few weeks of being unable to find books and buying duplicates, to organize the books. Well, we are on day three of moving books and book cases, school materials to one main location. Hopefully we will complete this mission in a couple more days. I looked around my desk area, in an immediate diameter of about 4 ft. I counted 105 books. I have one 8ft high pile I am taking to co-op and saying, TAKE WHAT YOU WANT!
I don't know about you but I cannot function with clutter. It clutters me! Found some really neat stuff too! :)

So, how are you planning on celebrating Christmas this year? Plays, concerts, caroling, candlelight services, parties, gifts, nothing?

I am focusing on the celebration part by savoring and rejoicing in every little experience and moment. Every tingle of excitement in being able to find that perfect blessing for someone, every twinkle of every single light i see, every chorus of every Christmas carol (which have been playing nonstop since before Thanksgiving in our vehicles and home!), A slow, deliberate choice that this season comes and goes in the blink of an eye and I am not going to miss a second. If I allow impatience with crowds, worry over money, or any NEGATIVE aspect to seep in, the joy is robbed. So, stand in JOY this holiday season.

Elvis Haiku

2010-11-26T22:00:00.001-05:00

My Small Dog Elvis

Is a Baptist, I think

He bites me When I dance.

Author unknown

Cant control Licker

2010-11-26T21:57:00.000-05:00

My little dog is my best friend

by my side

sun up to days end

If we have to be apart , I sure do miss her

But when I come home

She attacks me with her kisser!