Loving The Crew

Everybody Can Do Something!

2012-01-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

Dear little Abbott needs a family!

Wishing YOU could adopt an orphan but are not in a place to be able to do it? Just remember:

"Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something."

Pray! Advocate! Give!

Don't know where to start? Click any of these links to find a little one that calls to you.

RR Waiting Children

Micah Six Eight

No Greater Joy Mom
Rachel's Orphan Blog
What It Means To Love

Choose a child. It's essential to pray for them. The Lord is the Father of the Fatherless (Ps. 68:5), Him who is not willing that ANY should perish (Matthew 18:14) and assures us that pure and undefiled religion is caring for the widows and orphans in their affliction (James 1:27). He loves these children. He wants to place them in loving families. Let's pray them home!

Share their pictures on Facebook and your blogs. Tell your friends about Reece's Rainbow, blogs you enjoy and the happy stories of children who come home. Donate items to different fundraisers, give-aways and auctions. There are many who would love to parent these children but have yet to know of the need! Be the one who speaks up for those who can not defend themselves! (Proverbs 31:8)

Many time money is the only thing standing in the way of a family taking these children home. The ransom for a child's life is $20-40,000 in many regions. It seems an unseemly amount, and yet many spend that much on a vehicle. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). He has the resources. He miraculously multiplies the $5 and $10 gifts that we, His hands in this world, can give. I've seem it time and time again as I watch fundraisers and advocacy sites. It is amazing. Be generous with your gifts. Be consistent with them, too. Remember the orphans. In Him, the fatherless find mercy (Hosea 14:4) and we are blessed, too.

One Lazy Kitty

2012-01-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of Ohren that I took a few minutes ago. That lazy little kitty has such a hard life! I imagine that he was all worn out from walking out of the bedroom he had been napping in a while before. Hard work, that moving.

Dear Little Abbott

2012-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

Playing outside, getting dirty.....

Cuddling and reading books with Mom......

Learning how to fix things with Dad.......

All things five year old boys do naturally.

I'm sure Abbott would love to do those things, too, but he can't. He lives in an orphanage in Russia.

What a beautiful little child he is. I'm heartbroken that he is facing being placed in a mental institution in the next year or so of his life. I'm praying for him to be snatched up by a family soon and be saved that unimaginable "life".

Will you join me in praying for Abbott? His grant is sitting at $2001.00. I am praying that this, too, will rise. The Lord consistently multiplies the small amounts that are given to these funds. It's an amazing thing. He shows Himself mighty over and over in the lives of these children and I truly want Abbott to be chosen this year.

Look here to see Abbott and the other children that are in his orphanage and the guidelines for adopting from his region. Could YOU be his family?

Micah 6:8

2012-01-02T22:16:00.000-08:00

Ah, one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible...meditate on it for a moment.

He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

What does the Lord require of you? How can you act justly today? How can you show the mercy that you love? What can you do to walk humbly with Him? Have you cracked your Bible today? Take just a moment with Him, right now. You'll be glad you did!

A New Year: Looking Backward and Forward

2012-01-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

So, it's January 1st and I am reading everyone's resolutions on Facebook. I don't usually make resolutions, since, like almost everyone else, all I do is fail to complete them. Of course, it is good to look over the past year and see what has been accomplished and where improvement can be made.

Last year I canned a lot of food and stocked the pantry fairly well. Of that, I am proud. We could eat off of our shelves for a while if we couldn't get to the store. This year I need to focus on making more meals-in-a-jar and meat based jars. I need to plan and ask my Honey to build a canning pantry so I have more efficient storage of our canned food.

Last year I tried a three-part Heritage Skill. I wanted to learn to make socks for my homesteading skill in crochet and knit, as well as learn to spin yarn from animal fiber. In two of those skills, I failed. Knitting is foreign to my fingers and I did not invest the time in learning it well. I did, however, find some patterns for crocheted socks. These are able to be fitted to the foot and are easily made, warm and durable. I made a few pairs for myself early last year and they still don't have holes. I am satisfied that, should trouble come, I could keep the Lambies feet warm. I count this goal as partially met. My friend that was going to teach me to spin was unable to due to health problems. I have shelved this part of the goal to be met in the future sometime.

I haven't decided on a Heritage Skill for this year. Any suggestions?

Last year, I was blessed to be a small part of Mike and Jamie's adoption of Zeb (RR name~Wilson). What a blessing! This year, I am committing to praying for one specific boy; Abbott. Isn't he a doll? I so hope to see him on the My Family Found Me page soon!

I am also planning on donating to and purchasing items from Hidden Treasures auctions and other fundraisers for the children with Down Syndrome in eastern Europe. Many hands are needed to enable these children to have homes. Each tiny contribution is multiplied time and time again by our powerful Lord and it is beautiful to see!

Last year, I learned about the Primal way-of-eating. I am enamored. I do not think of it in evolutionary terms as is written on most of the 'popular' blogs, but as how Noah and his family would have eaten. Simply meat, veggies and fruits. Healthy fats. No (or very little) grains. I went gluten free three months ago and hope to get closer to 90-100% "Primal" this year. I feel much better overall, have eliminated joint pain, though kombucha had a lot to do with that, and sugar comas are a thing of the past. Wellness Mama is a Christian blogger who eats this way and has excellent articles almost daily. Wheat Belly is a great book about the changes that wheat has undergone in the past century and why it isn't the staff of life we have been told. I highly recommend it.

What are your plans and goals for the upcoming year? Go ahead, inspire me!!
http://reecesrainbow.org/8104/abbott-3g

The End of 365

2012-01-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

I didn't get to 365 posts this year. I did, however, get to 230. That's more than Grandma may have gotten without the challenge! Have a blessed 2012!

Puzzle Time

2011-12-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

After a breakfast of homemade granola, we're doing a 1000 piece puzzle and watching Twelfth Night. What a cozy morning.

A Christmas Party

2011-12-17T21:31:00.000-08:00

The Younger Crew, a couple of cousins and a neighbor kid had a bunch of fun last night decorating sugar cookies. They also enjoyed some homemade pizza, sparkling ciders and a movie. It was a fun little Christmas party!

Cookie Decorating

2011-12-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Crew, a cousin and a neighbor

Movie Night

2011-12-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

Here's the popcorn, ready for movie night. Well, two thirds of the popcorn. Yeah, I fix a full five gallon bucket full when we have popcorn. Doesn't everybody?

The Crew's Popcorn

For each batch, melt 2 Tbsp coconut oil. Add 2/3 cup of kernels and pop. Top with 1/4 cup melted butter and lots of kosher salt. Enjoy.

My Newest Project and Randomness

2011-12-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

I've been in a crocheting mood, as I often am in the winter. As usual, that means I am making a scrap afghan. I may donate this one to the Hidden Treasure auction in February to benefit Moses, Noah and Jacob's adoption, should it get finished. I have been known to start a project or two and not finish them, despite my good intentions.

We're going to be doing a deep clean of the house this week. I created a nicely detailed list for each room so that we don't forgot any minor areas. I'm shooting for it to take three days or less. The Lambies are excited. /sarc

Why do I always get itchy to de-clutter right before Christmas?

My Honey is such a great handyman! It seems that there are more and more fix-it projects around here keeping him busy. I'm so thankful for the many skills he has and that he is passing them along to our oldest son.

Kittens grow fast. Where did our Baby Ohren go?

Children grow fast, too. My oldest daughter can go get her permit as soon as she feels ready.

I love that all our Christmas shopping is finished already.

I've been gluten free for 12 weeks now. I have had gluten accidentally a couple of times and purposely a couple of times. I don't feel deprived. I don't miss wheat in general. I do miss English Muffins once in a while. When I do, I eat one, then have a sugar coma.

Almond flour and coconut flour are indispensable .

Troubles loves Crinkleroot. I truly wish our library had more than two of his books.

Cross-lateral movements seem to be working wonders for Missy. She is talking noticeably better; in full sentences and clearly. She is progressing slightly in reading, too.

Merry Christmas To Me!

2011-12-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Is it wrong to order things you want for yourself in December? I may 'let' my Honey wrap them back up after I browse through them for a day or two....we'll see.

The Joy of Giving

2011-12-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Hidden Treasure auction for Lina has ended with a glorious number! $2120.00! Thanks to anyone who is reading here that has donated or bid. Look for another auction to begin in February. This time, it is benefitting THREE boys who are coming home as brothers. What a privilege it is to be able to assist their family in bringing them out of the orphanage and into their home.

Until then, More Than Conquerors is hosting a giveaway to help Sergei and the other Passed Over Ones at Reece's Rainbow. These children have lingered on the Waiting List for years. Think about that. While others are chosen, these kids have been passed over time and time again. They are all creeping ever nearer that horrible fate: being transferred. You see, at the age of 5-6, these little darlings are taken from the orphanages they call home, such as they are, and transferred to adult mental institutions. Most don't live a year after transfer. They are such desolate places. Little food, little care, little protection from the others.

Please, let's all give just a little to nudge their funds higher and alleviate the financial burden that a family would have if they chose one of these little ones. Just five dollars....just a cup of coffee!...can help save their lives. What stocking stuffer can do that?

Is there a better way to honor Christ in this season of giving than to include the orphans as you share what He has so generously given to you? Please pray for them, too. There is joy in giving. It makes us feel like we've done something and we have. But, oh, the power of prayer. That is the real game-changer. Will you be in prayer for them? Will you intercede on their behalf? The battle belongs to the Lord!

"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:17.

California in December

2011-12-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

Missy and Troubles would like to show off the leaf candy cane that they created this evening. Our leaves finally started falling a few days ago. They've been waiting not-so-patiently until there were enough to rake up and play in. Tonight was the night they got to play!

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!

Hidden Treasures

2011-11-30T22:21:00.000-08:00

There's an auction going on that you do not want to miss! Hidden Treasures is a blog that is fundraising for the children who are being rescued from the same orphanage that Katie lived in. The little ones are all so malnourished and desperate but each one has a family raising funds as fast as possible to come and get them.

The current auction will benefit lovely little Lina. She is five years old and only 11 pounds. She will thrive at home with her loving parents and siblings! Have you peeked at sweet little Katie today? There's pictures there that you will LOVE!

Look through the items and bid on your treasure. If you have an item to donate or would like to offer a gift certificate or other item, e- mail hiddentreasuresauction@gmail.com and let them know. I love this idea! Everyone can do something to help this precious little child!

The Passed Over Babes

2011-11-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

My friend Julia has blogged touchingly once again about darling little children who need a home. The Passed Over Ones...the ones who are STILL longing for a family, yet are languishing at an orphanage or even in a mental institution instead.

These who aren't as little, aren't as happy in their picture, aren't as lovely, according to the world's standards. The ones who have been on Reece's Rainbow for years. Years. Think about that. Think about them being passed over time and time again as others are chosen. Oh, how He loves them!

Julia and her friend Debby have put together a giveaway to benefit these children. Go over to her blog to see all of them....Donate just $5 to two children to enter. You can make a difference this "Cyber Monday". Rather than buying a passing fancy, make a difference for eternity!

The First One!

2011-11-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

After it hung on precariously throughout our Thanksgiving vacation, an hour and a half after getting home, Troubles lost his very first tooth! What an excited six year old we have tonight! More pictures of vacation coming tomorrow...stay tuned.

The Best and the Worst: Thanksgiving Edition

2011-11-24T17:59:00.000-08:00

I'm joining with Renee at The Baker's Dozen with a Best and Worst.

The Best News of the week? Katie is home and doing well.

The Worst? There are so many others waiting. Pray, browse their stories on Reece's Rainbow and advocate for someone!

The Best Thing about driving two cars to Grandpa and Grandma's house? All my Littles slept much of the way and I got to listen to my audiobook.

The Worst? Not getting to sit next to my husband as he drove.

The Best Thing about eating gluten-free for Thanksgiving? No sugar coma or bloating after feasting.

The Worst? Not having stuffing. We visit with family and I couldn't make and bring too much. I will make this stuffing recipe for a side dish at home soon.

The Best Part of the beginning of the Christmas shopping season? We are already finished shopping! No Black Friday fighting for us.

The Worst? Waiting until Christmas morning to see the children's faces when they see their gifts.

Tears of Joy!

2011-11-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

Giving thanks this day for MIRACLES!

Lasagna Casserole

2011-11-22T23:31:00.000-08:00

Excuse the messy stove....we cook here! These are the Lasagna Casseroles that I made for dinner tonight. The 9x13's are made with regular pasta and the pie pan is made with spaghetti squash. This recipe was approved by the Crew and added to The List. Even Poppa enjoyed the bite he took! It's very flavorful and much quicker to make than traditional lasagna.

Lasagna Casserole

1 lb ground beef, uncooked1 lb Italian sausage, hot or mild
1/4 cup onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (16 ounce) packages pasta shells, cooked
6 cups mozzarella cheese
24 ounces cottage cheese
2 eggs
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons parsley
2 quarts spaghetti sauce
Cook beef and sausage with onion, salt and half of the pepper. Add spaghetti sauce.In bowl, combine 3 cups mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, beaten eggs, parmesan cheese, parsley, remaining pepper and cooked pasta. Divide pasta mixture into two greased 9x13's, top with meat sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30 minutes or until hot.

Baking Day

2011-11-22T23:15:00.000-08:00

The Littles and I made Cranberry Bread! We read Cranberry Thanksgiving and we wanted to try Grandmother's secret bread recipe. There was measuring of flour and baking powder....

and zesting of the orange. Cutting in of butter....

and more. Later, after finishing the loaf, there was the washing of dishes....

Finally, after a long bake, there was delicious bread to eat!

We also made a dozen gluten free cupcakes so that Momma could enjoy some seasonal goodness, too. What great Lambies I have! I am so blessed to be able to spend each day with them.

Michael Pollan's 7 Food Rules

2011-11-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

Photo from Paleo Food List.

How better to Love the Crew than to feed them well? I try to cook with these rules in mind. If you'd like to eat better than the SAD diet, you can pop over to my recipe blog for ideas, research the low-carb, slow carb, gluten-free, primal and paleo ways of eating, begin to serve two veggie sides with dinner rather than starches and visit your local farmer's market often!

Michael Pollan's 7 Food Rules

1.Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.

2.Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce.

3. Stay out of the middle of the supermarket; shop on the perimeter of the store.

4. Don't eat anything that won't eventually rot.

5. It is not just what you eat but how you eat. Always leave the table a little hungry.

6. Enjoy meals with the people you love.

7. Don't buy food where you buy your gasoline or in the car.

Ransomed!

2011-11-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

Katie is out of the orphanage! Please join me is praising the Lord for Katie's release. Let's pray, also, for her health as they make their way halfway across the world. Pray for Katie to not be anxious, frightened or stressed; for her to tolerate her feedings well; for grace for her parents. Pray for wisdom for the doctors as she is admitted to the Children's Hospital when they arrive home. Remember, Katie is nine and a half years old. She is obviously very medically fragile. Let's flood the throne of the Lord with sweet prayers!

Fall Decorating

2011-11-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

Fall decorating is really not my thing...but these lovelies were going to the trash if they were not taken after our homeschool Thanksgiving party today. I brought some home and set up a little 'Harvest Corner'. The kids think it's beautiful! Maybe I should do this more often.

Our Most Recent Project

2011-11-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

What's been keeping us busy lately?

My Honey has been busy updating our computer lab. The Lambies have had one computer to share for schoolwork and fun. However, Dad and Mom just got new computers, so they got the 'hand-me-downs". Three computers would not fit on the desk, though, so Poppa went to work.

He wasn't working all alone, though. He got all the help he wanted (and maybe more at times).

Now there are three computers for them to work and play on! See the laptop hiding on the far side of the shelf? It lives on the pull-out keyboard shelf.

I love that My Honey can just build whatever we need when we need it. He is SO talented! Thank you, Lord, for giving him to me!

The Crew's Meals

2011-11-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

I don't usually post these, but thought I might for a change. Do you appreciate others' meal plans or prefer to plan your own? This is from last week. I make a general plan for the week's meals, but leave it flexible as to which meal to serve which day, depending on how the days go. I also allow for changes based on clearance meats I might find throughout the week.

Sunday:

granola bars and smoothie
BBQ'd hamburgers and hotdogs
leftovers/fruit/veggies

Monday:

cereal or eggs
sandwiches
Mexican (my husband and I eat taco salad, kids usually have burritos)

Tuesday:

eggs, any style
soup
Crockpot Pork Loin Roast, home canned green beans, salad

Wednesday:

Smoothie and oatmeal
leftover or sandwiches
Baked Chicken Thighs, sage rice, green salad and hard boiled eggs

Thursday:

sausage and eggs
leftover or sandwiches
Mexican (yeah, we do it often; it's super fast and easy!)

Friday:

Hot Cereal
quesadillas
Bacon Chickpea Potpie (not a family favorite; we won't have this again)

Saturday:

cereal and/or eggs
chips and salsa
leftover Bacon Chickpea Potpie

Moosey's Birthday

2011-11-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

Today Troubles declared that it was Moosey's birthday. Moosey is now six years old and it's high time for him to have a birthday party! Troubles made invitations with GirlofGod and invited all of his brothers and sisters, along with their favorite stuffed friends. They all brought gifts for Moosey. They sang "Happy Birthday" and cheered for him. Fun was had by all, as Troubles' imagination was fed by loving siblings.

2011 Costumes

2011-10-31T23:43:00.000-07:00

Here are the Crew's Halloween costumes this year.

We had a great time trick or treating with a couple of friends and their children. They made quite a long line as they traipsed from door to door!

This Is Not a Drill

2011-10-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Nor is this picture a set-up. Vic brought Ohren out of his bedroom very carefully so I could see him. He'd climbed into the Tech-Deck Bowl and fallen asleep with his teddy bear. I'm not sure how Ohren got the teddy into the bowl, but he does love it dearly and sleeps near it often.

Jack's a Lego Maniac

2011-10-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

Jack has been a Lego maniac again lately. This time, Polly and Troubles and he are separating all the Lego people out of the tubs and arranging them on base plates. I didn't know we had so many Lego dudes! Most were in pieces, so they were carefully rebuilt, with much attention paid to proper uniforms, expressions, attachments and accessories. Details matter to Jack.

Today Jack built a gym.

He created barbells, weight stacks, a bench press station, pull up bar and more. He is so creative! I can't imagine raising this boy without Lego.

2011 Fall Gardening

2011-10-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

The weather is cooling and so it's time to plant winter crops. I've not been all that happy with my western garden bed for winter growing because it gets little sun and so the green grow slowly. I've been planning a new bed for a couple of years and this was the year we did it! Isn't it beautiful?

Below is my older bed. I shoveled much of the dirt from this one into the new bed, since it will be more in use during the winter. At some point we will buy a truckful or two of topsoil and compost to fill it back up. For the winter, I have seeded it with carrots, lettuce and other greens and since I have the eastern garden now, I don't care how slowly they grow. These are just so I have plenty to share with friends and neighbors.

Here's a view of both beds, taken from the north side. The above pictures are from the south side.

I have planted roamine, butterleaf, salad bowl, Swiss Chard, carrots and spinach. I already have cute little sprouts peeking out from my first sowing! Every Monday or Tuesday I plant another couple of feet, so I should be able to have freshly mature greens all winter long.

Apple Days

2011-10-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

It's finally apple season in our valley. My Honey took me up to the foothills and we got several boxes of Red and Yellow Delicious and some Bartlett pears, as well. So far I have 28 quarts made, but I'd like to get up to about 100 quarts. I have 2 boxes left to process. In other news, I am running out of places to store jars. :)

Coconut Pancakes

2011-10-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

I finally made something with my coconut flour. I made these pancakes and they were pretty good. Not all of the Lambies liked them as much as wheat flour pancakes, but I think they will grow to enjoy them. They are silver dollar sized and only 2 1/2 of them, spread with peanut butter and maple syrup, filled me all day. The recipe is from Home, Health and Happiness.

Coconut Flour Pancakes

8 eggs
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 heavy pinch cinnamon, optional
2tablespoon honey
1/2 cup yogurt
Ghee, butter, or coconut oil for frying

Mix ingredients until smooth and let them sit for five minutes so the coconut flour can absorb the liquids. Put 1 teaspoon fat on griddle and melt over medium heat. When griddle is hot, pour 1 tablespoon of batter on for each pancake. Allow to cook until golden brown, 1-2 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding the teaspoon of fat each time or as needed to prevent sticking.

I've Failed...

2011-10-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Failed to keep up here, that is. I've been plenty busy, just haven't been taking pictures. I've built another garden bed, canned a lot, been to a few book sales, I've been babysitting my neighbor's kids more often...I'll try to get back in the groove of taking pics throughout the day.

Making the Food Money Last

2011-10-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Headmistress and the other Three Moms are blogging about food budgets this week. Even though HM mentioned most of my favorite ideas, I thought I'd share some tips anyway.

I blogged about the discovery of my favorite tip of all here. Go to farmer's market at the very end and offer to buy the perishables that will not make it to the next market day. You can often get lots of goodies. Be prepared to fix, freeze, can, share or otherwise prepare your bounty THAT day. Ripe food turns fast. I also ask different vendors for canning specials. Often they have bins of blemished fruit that they will sell inexpensively.

Learn to can! It is not inexpensive to begin, by any means, but Craig's List, garage sales and word of mouth can get you jars for little to nothing. Ask for canning supplies for your birthday, anniversary or Christmas presents. For water bath canning, all that's needed is a large pot and the basic canning tools. A pressure canner is more expensive, but priceless for making meals in a jar that will save many dollars when you need a dinner and you need it fast. I like my harvest yellow Presto canner. The new ones that you can get are flimsy and won't stand the test of time.

Put out the word that you will pick fruit trees. I have a list of folks whose trees I pick yearly. We get the surplus fruit to eat, can or bake with, they get a clean yard and don't have to watch the fruit moldering. I take canned goods to them as a thank you.

Buy meat that is marked down at the grocery store. I would love to buy organic, but I simply can't afford it. I watch for 25% and 50% off stickers and buy up as much as I can. Most goes into the freezer, some is eaten for dinner that night or the next and some shared with others. Use whole chickens rather than parts. Make your own broth. Use the bones from the meat you buy for beef stock. Collect vegetable trimmings in a freezer bag and use that for stock making rather than fresh produce.

Buy very little packaged "food". Meat, eggs, veggies, fruit. This is all we need to be healthy.

Grow a garden. It doesn't have to be more than some buckets alongside the garage. Lettuce is very easy to grow and will grow all year round in many places. Tomatoes grow like weeds in the summer. One zucchini plant supplies my entire family for most of the summer.

Make condiments from scratch. You can save SO much money, they taste ever-so-much better and have no mystery ingredients. I have many recipes here and here.

Cook your meals from scratch. Make the ingredients for your from scratch meals from scratch! For example, prepare dried beans rather than using canned (unless you canned them yourself), chop veggies rather than using frozen, cut stew meat out of an inexpensive roast rather than buying it pre-cut. You can think of many other purchased boxes and cans you can eliminate by making basic ingredients yourself.

Have a crockpot of beans prepared at all times to feed your hollow-legged teenagers. This has saved me tons of food dollars as my boys go through growing spurts.

Harvest Time!

2011-10-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Farmer's Market surplus harvest season has begun! Two weeks in a row now, I have been able to get large flats of green beans and peaches. I now have my goal for the year (as far as green beans go) met! I finished 21 quarts last week and 28 this week. With what I had canned earlier from my picking at a friend's garden, I am over 52 quarts. I made 20 pints of Vanilla Peach Blueberry Jam on Sunday. I have just about all the different peach jams I had hoped to make done. The freezer has many gallon bags filled with sliced fruit for smoothies, too.

On the canning docket for the rest of the week: making chicken broth with the carcass of the chicken we got Saturday, canning the Peach Honey that finished cooking today, making Chili con Carne with my friend M. who wants to learn how to pressure can, Mock Pineapple and maybe some Banberry Jam. I have to convert this recipe to Pomona pectin before I make it. I love these cooler days when canning is a pleasure!

Farm Fresh Poultry (with bonuses)!

2011-10-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

I found a source for local poultry for a reasonable price recently. I am very excited about it, as we eat a lot of chicken and I want to feed my family the cleanest meat I can.

Today was my pickup day. When I went to the farmer's market this morning, my poultry guy said that he had picked out two special chickens for me, but the killing team wasn't quite to them when he had to leave. He made arrangements to pick them up and bring the to me in the afternoon. WOW! Clean meat and superb customer service!

When we met up later, he handed me my bag and said that since I had asked for feet to be included, he had told that to the killing team. They packed a few extra in my bag since so few ask for them. I love to add them to my broth for extra flavor and gelatin. When I got the bags home and began putting things away, I found a surprise. If dead chicken offends you, stop reading here, for beyond is photographic evidence of my fortune.

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They included the heads, too!

There were actually 10 feet, already cleaned, and 10 heads, also clean, along with all the internal organs except the intestines. I am very pleased. The livers were large, beautifully colored and healthy. The hearts were bright and ready for dissection. My anatomy students are well-pleased to have a bonus project for Monday.

I did a chicken anatomy lesson on-the-fly, since we had a neighbor child over who had never seen the feet and heads, let alone the insides of a real chicken. He didn't want to touch anything, but he did listen intently. I also pulled a tendon in the feet to make the toes move. We just learned about tendons on Thursday, so that was very timely. It also brought to mind a story.

I wonder if he will tell his parents about what he saw at Mrs. Mommaofmany's house today? hehehe

I also have to share this hilarious photobomb that I caught. Jack makes the best faces. He often makes us laugh at his accidental expressions in pictures. This one was far from accidental, but too funny!

Chicken Stock

4 pounds chicken pieces, including necks and backs

2 or more chicken feet, if desired (they REALLY improve the flavor and nutrition of the broth)

1 large onion, quartered

4 carrots, washed and chunked

4 ribs celery, cut in half

1 leek, white part only, cut in half lengthwise

10 sprigs fresh thyme

10 sprigs fresh parsley with stems

2 bay leaves

8-10 peppercorns

2 whole cloves of garlic, peeled

1/4 cup white vinegar

2 gallons cold water

Place cool water, chicken (and feet), veggies, spices and vinegar in a 12 quart stockpot. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Cook on high until just boiling, then turn the heat down to medium. Skim the scum occasionally. Add hot water, if needed, to keep the bones and veggies submerged. Simmer, covered for 6-8 hours or up to 24 hours. (If simmering overnight, turn heat to very low and keep tightly covered.)

Strain stock through a colander or strainer into another large pot. Discard the bones and veggie scraps, but save the chicken meat. Put stockpot in sinkful of ice to cool quickly, then refrigerate overnight. Remove solidified fat from stock if desired. Keeps in fridge a week or more, or freeze for 3 months.

When refrigerated, the stock should be solid from all the gelatin.

You can also make this in a crockpot. Let cook on low for up to 24 hours.

New-To-Me-Books

2011-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

I got FOUR Paperback Swap wishlist books in the mail today!

The Voyage of the Armada by David Howorth will be used by my jr/sr highers when we study this period. I know almost nothing about the story, so I will likely read it before assigning it so I can hear narrations with an informed ear.

Prisoners of the Scrambling Dragon is by F. N. Monjo. I've liked everything I've read from him! We have most, if not all, of his "I Can Read" selections. This one is ninty-two pages so it definitely doesn't fit in the early reader genre.

The Story of Little Babaji is a remake of "Little Black Sambo" by Helen Bannerman. It's illustrated by Fred Marcellino. I have a beautifully illustrated, non-offensive copy of Little Black Sambo by Watty Piper and illustrated by Eulalie. However, I have wanted to add Marcellino's version to our library for a long time. I'm glad it finally came in!

My final prize is Washington's Birthday by Clyde Robert Bulla. I have many of his books, but he wrote over 60 so I am far from having a complete collection. This one, unknown to me, was autographed! I took three pics but could not get a clear one. Sorry for the blur.

It says: "For Kathy Knight, All good wishes, Clyde Robert Bulla" and is dated "April 25, 1983".

After opening all of these, I happened to check my e-mail and found yet another Wish List offer from PBS. "Captain Kidd's Cat" by Robert Lawson has finally been listed. I snagged it and now have no more credits. Click one of the PBS links, join, and post ten books you are willing to share. When you do I get a credit and can order another book. HURRY! Who knows which of my 192 wished-for books will be posted next!

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

2011-09-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

My daughters made Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies to take to church. Half are covered with powdered sugar, the other half have raspberry jam. :sigh: They look heavenly. Sadly, another daughter got ill just before we would have been leaving, so they will be be staying with us. I am trying to be gluten free, so I will not be indulging. Do you want to taste a bite? You can make your own; they are quick and easy!

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Chocloate Taffy

2011-09-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

EmBlem, GirlofGod and Trixie are going to a swim party tomorrow. They wanted to bring something special to share so they were browsing recipes and kicking around some ideas this afternoon. They decided to make Chocolate Taffy. It was messy, it was fun, it's also pretty tasty! I love the skills they are developing in the kitchen.

Picture Postcard Pretty

2011-09-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture from our 2011 camping trip. I want to cross-stitch it and hang it over my fireplace! I also want to build a cabin right here and retire. See you next year, Hidden Falls!

Ravensburger Games

2011-09-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

I scored six Ravensburger games, all but one unopened, for $2.50 at Just Between Friends. They are authentic, too. Most do not have English instructions!

Kinder Memory is easy, of course. In fact, Missy, Troubles and I have already played a game.

Halli Galli Extreme has English instructions, so it will be the next one we try. It seems to be the most complicated of the lot.

Lotti has been a little harder to find anything online. I found a video that shows how it's played, but it's in Spanish. It's helpful, though. I can halfway understand spoken Spanish. It's a color matching and memory type of game.

Packesel seems to be simple. I imagine you choose colors of sticks and see who can stack them on the donkey without knocking the pile over. So far I haven't found anything in English about it.

This is more like a puzzle than a game. You arrange the pieces so all the colors match and have to make it work in a honeycomb pattern. There's only on solution. This game reminds me of Scramble Squares, which we also enjoy.

The final game is Ligretto, the green set. There are several sets, in different colors, to allow more players in a game. The gist of this one is to stack all your cards in order as fast as possible. Each player plays are the same time as everyone else, so no one is sitting around being bored. It's also a very quick game, which I appreciate!

Camping 2011

2011-09-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Looks like a picture postcard, doesn't it? This is where I spent the last four days with my family!

We've camped at this site five times in the last seven years. Whenever we're here, we take a family picture in front of this tree. I'll have to scan past years pics and post them for Grandma.

This is on the trail leading from our campsite. The smaller children hiked here over and over. Many adventures were played near this brook!

I love our forests. We can drive an hour from home and be in a whole different world!

One day, my Honey and I will have a little cabin somewhere up here, breathe fresh air all the time, fish every morning and see views like this from our front porch. I miss it already!

Micropencil

2011-09-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Jack created the smallest, tiniest, winiest micropencil that anyone has ever seen. He was so proud of himself. He used it to do school all day, too.

Everything old is new again

2011-09-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

A while ago I lent my box of preschool activities out to a friend, so when we got it back last week, all the activities were new to the Littles again. Polly got out the wooden spools and built a pyramid.

Jack has been enjoying the peg boards and rubber bands. Missy is all about the counting bears; sorting, grouping, counting, and lining them up. Troubles pulled out the little bags of Legos right away. I love rotating activities so they are interested all over again!

Almost Time...

2011-09-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's beginning to cool down.....my bike, and the forest, is calling my name.

SCORE!

2011-08-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

I stopped in at a church rummage sale this morning and scored this two and a half foot terrarium, complete with screened top, UV light, heating pad and large feeding/watering bowl. It was only $5! The children are split on what critter we should get for it. Suggestions are a snake, a scorpion and a turtle. We will see.......

Peaches!

2011-08-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today, I canned the flat of peaches that I got at the Farmer's Market on Saturday. I was in a hurry, so I raw packed them. I don't mind the floating. I peeled the peaches and my daughter Polly cut them into slices. It went twice as fast with help! Over the past few days, I've canned these, pizza sauce, elderberry syrup and mock pineapple. I'm on a canning roll!

New Goodies!

2011-08-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Borders is closing and it's finally marked at 50-75% off, so we visited. I figured that that percentage off would bring the prices down below normal retail. Wonder why they are going out of business? I would love to take home some of their bookshelves and will keep an eye on the prices. Right now they are still too much, but maybe in a few weeks......

They did have two of the books that were patiently waiting in my saved-for-later Amazon cart. I have some good reading ahead of me!

Humid Friday

2011-08-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

It was 102 today. Not too bad; in fact, that's a rather nice temperature for August for us. However, a layer of clouds rolled in this afternoon and things got sticky. What's better for a humid afternoon than a spin in the sprinkler? I'm happy to report that the humidity was forgotten and fun was had by all Littles present.

GggrrOOOWwwlLllL!

2011-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Are you frightened? He does look vicious! Our new kitten, Ohren, showed me this seemingly terrifying face as I was snapping pictures this evening. However, this is actually the beginning of a hearty yawn. He succumbed to an attack of BabyKitty-narcolepsy about 30 seconds later.

Chipotle Burritos

2011-08-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to make a great chipotle meat for a while. Tonight, I think I found one that will be the go-to recipe. It's really good. Hot, spicy and easy.

I paired it with homemade refried beans, shredded cheese and lettuce.

It made for some mighty fine tacos.

Chipotle Roast

3 lbs chuck roast, trimmed of visible fat

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin

3 chipotle chiles in adobo

1 (4 ounce) cans green chilies (I used homemade)

1 (7 ounce) cans salsa verde (I used Green El Pato)

1 cup sliced onions, optional

3 teaspoons minced garlic

1 cup beef broth or water

Place roast in crockpot. Place all the other ingredients in a blender and liquify. Pour over roast and cook on high for 5-8 hours, the longer the better. When done, remove from crockpot and shred. Put back in crockpot liquid and mix. Serve.

The Desicion

2011-08-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mike and Jaime had court in the region to adopt little Wilson (Zeb). They blogged about it here. Go...read...Praise the Lord!

Unwinding...

2011-08-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

...Playmobil style. We pulled out a police set that we bought months and months ago today, just because. Squeals of happiness ensued. Most of the afternoons free time was spent adventuring with police and firefighters. What a good way to spend an afternoon!

We also did some cooking this afternoon. GirlofGod used a new recipe and made chocolate granola bars. They will be breakfast. I made Vanilla Granola, a perennial favorite. Dinner was Cubed BBQ Beef over rice, (adapted from the linked recipe) Carrot Raisin Salad and Green Salad.

Poppa and I enjoyed watching the preseason MNF game while the Lambies swam and/or played outside. A little quiet time is nice!

Brave Trixie!

2011-08-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

(Photo taken by EmBlem at Avila Beach, 2011)

My daughter, Trixie. She lives all out. She holds nothing back and loves every minutes of life. I didn't get pictures of today's adventure, because she was on her own. She went with a veterinarian to do bovine pregnancy checks on a dairy.

Yeah. She's learning all about being a vet this year. The first lesson began with a glove....

This is a vet tech student demonstrating with Trixie did today:

Good for you, Dear, for learning all you can about things that interest you. Keep up the good work!

Liliana's Ransom

2011-08-18T10:11:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeye has brought to our attention sweet little Liliana. These pictures are not pleasant, but they are the truth.

This dear child is 11 years old.

10 tiny little pounds at 11 years old! She desperately needs to be brought home. Will you help?

There's a large giveaway at Adeye's blog. Let's fill Liliana's Chip-In account so someone can rescue her. Pray for her at the very least. Our God is mighty. Let's be His loving hands for this precious soul.

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Sneaky Momma

2011-08-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Somewhere between age eleven and twelve my eldest son stopped liking hugs. I still sneak one in once in a while. Could be he doesn't mind as much as he acts like he does.....I see that little grin!

The Crew in Shadowland

2011-08-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Not the best picture, since it was taken at dusk with my phone, but I do love this picture anyway. This was taken at Morro Bay after the baptism. I love spending time with my family! Time goes way too fast even though we are together as much as possible. I can't imagine if they were off at government school being 'socialized' all day. I would not have time to get to know them! May the days be slow and long and the years even longer. Amen.

Brunhilda-Polly

2011-08-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

My daughter GirlofGod is multi-talented. She has taught herself to do balloon animals, card tricks and other illusions and is mastering face-painting. She plans to sew herself a clown costume to wear when she performs. She did this work of art on Polly the other day. I think she has a great eye for color and a steady hand! I'll enjoy seeing how far she takes this interest in entertaining!

Baptized!

2011-08-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

We went to Avila Beach yesterday with our church for a picnic and baptism. My daughter Polly was among those making a public profession of her saving belief in Jesus Christ.

What a special day it was!

Blueberry RICH!

2011-08-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine who lives in Oregon sent us SIX pounds of blueberries! What a gift! I have visions of muffins, pancakes, pancake syrup, jam, breads, fruit salad, all speckled with blue. What will tomorrow bring? Who knows. I'll take some pictures and share the results, whatever they may be. I'm starting my search at this site. If you have any suggestion, recipes or hints, let me know!

Impromptu Nature Study

2011-08-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

I found a drowned insect in our pool skimmer and brought it in so the kids could see it. I think it's a Bush Katydid. I don't recall ever seeing one alive before. I didn't even know that they lived around here! It's marvelous how wonderfully camouflaged their wings are. How could that be chance? They are clearly designed by a Designer!

Busy Food Day

2011-08-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

We made lots of food with the Crew this afternoon! Poppa cooked hamburgers and hot dogs, as is Sunday tradition. Later, for Sunday Night Dessert we made homemade doughnuts. Yummy! We've not made them before, but I bet they make an appearance now and again.

I also wrapped up yesterday's strawberry fruit leathers. They dehydrated all night and we perfectly done today. They were supposed to be a treat for the first day of school, but school has unexpectedly been delayed a week. Oh, well. They'll be a treat for a plain old Monday instead.

We also got six quarts of green beans canned. I just LOVE home canned green beans in winter! The Lambies had them topped, tailed and stringed in record time. Many hands make light work!

We finished the day with a swim and an episode of "Pawn Stars". It was a good day!

Mixed Fruit Jam

2011-08-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today I was blessed with a large amount of bruised-up peaches, nectarines and plums. I spent some time trimming off the ugly spots and ended up with a dozen pints of mixed fruit jam. I even have more to do tomorrow. I think I will freeze the trimmed fruit chunks for smoothie making.

There are only eleven jars cooling on the towel because one pint went into the fridge uncanned to enjoy this week. Don't hesitate to accept ugly fruit, my Thrifty Canning Friends. You can make a lot of good from it!

Green Beans!

2011-08-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

I got to go to my friend's house and pick green beans today. I ended up with a full gallon bucket! We had some with dinner, and I hope to get more at the farmer's market Saturday. I need to get some canned. They are our absolute favorite summer veggie. Here's one of the recipes I like to make with them. We haven't had it in a long time, though, since it has tomatoes in it. If you can eat tomatoes, you should try this...tonight. It's that good.

Sizzling Green Beans

1 pound green beans, topped, tailed and snapped

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 large tomatoes, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced

2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp EACH thyme and oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese

Boil beans in water for 5 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Heat olive oil in skillet and add peppers. Cook one minute. Remove pepper flakes. Add garlic tomato and seasonings, except cheese. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add beans and heat through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

2011-08-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

We made our very first visit to Six Flags today. We had such fun. However, I need to remember to bring a camera and not rely on my iPhone for pictures. Sadly, the battery ran out much too early. Overall impressions from my point of view.....X2 was not worth the wait, Ninja is not to be missed, Colossus is best ridden as many times as possible. Here's a first person POV of Colossus and one of Ninja for you to enjoy. I can't wait to go back!

Haircuts

2011-08-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Many of the Lambies got haircuts or trims today. Missy loves when I cut her hair short. She tells me she feels pretty and light when it's cut. I agree that it's pretty, but I will miss being able to French braid until it grows out!

By The Content of Their Character

2011-08-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is from this week's Ol' Remus' Woodpile Report. It's a very good thought.

"As Remus told you in Woodpile Report 8, nobody really judges a person solely by the color of their skin, at least nobody he'd wanna know. Martin King was right when he said we should judge people by the content of their character.

So let's do some judging.

We form entirely reasonable opinions by observing ordinary things about other people. For instance, are they considerate, courteous and pleasant or are they obnoxious, confrontational and crude? Do they dress to an acceptable standard, or wear offensive costumes? Are they thought well of, or are they habitual troublemakers?

Are they dependable and honest, or untrustworthy and criminal? Are they reasonably intelligent and inquisitive, or ignorant and incurious but deviously clever? Are they sociable and cooperative, or consumed with self interest? Do they speak intelligibly, or use gang slang? Can they disagree without insults, threats or violence?

Are their kids well behaved, or foul-mouthed junior street thugs? Do they value education, or are schools just their free day care? Are they self-reliant, or does the world owe them a living? Do they take personal responsibility, or is somebody else always to blame? Do they give others the benefit of the doubt, or do they see others as cunning victimizers?

Are they truthful about their personal history, or is it a pastiche of self-serving fantasy? Do they plan for the future, or lunge at short-term payoffs? Do they earn respect, or demand it? Do they believe race is irrelevant, or do they use race to extort preferences?

King had it right, judging people by the content of their character is reasonable and just. We should do more of it."

Milestone

2011-07-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

It's not the best picture, but it's the best I could get. I noticed that today's smoothie was Number 500 on my BlendTec. I like nice round numbers.....and green smoothies! Here's a recipe that I plan to try this week.

Primal Toad's Cinnamon Power Smoothie Recipe

3 Large Eggs (pastured only, please)
1/2 Cup Almond or Coconut Milk
1 Pear, Chopped (can sub other fruit, if desired)
3 TBSP (1/2 Medium) Avocado
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 Cup Ice

Blend and enjoy!

TIMBER!

2011-07-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last night, a branch on our Bradford Pear tree fell. No wind, no rain, no cause but a weak (unpruned!) tree, I guess. So today, My Honey and all of the Lambies are working on cutting the branch up and pruning the tree. I am taking pictures to document the fun and making a Big Breakfast to feed all the hard workers. I love my job!

ETA: Of course, after making, and eating, breakfast I joined the family in the work. It took several hours, but we got it mostly done. Our green can is full, it will get picked up Tuesday, and we'll fill it right away again. It will probably take a month to get all the branches and leaves hauled away. I wish we had a chipper! Then we'd have lots of free mulch rather than a pile that means an extra weekly chore.

Baked Burritos

2011-07-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

We had a yummy new 'recipe' tonight. I made the standard burrito fare: spiced ground beef, Spanish Rice, beans, shredded lettuce and cheese, and sour cream. If I had planned ahead, like KidCraze did, I would have made tortillas, but, alas, Costco provided those. I offered four dinner choices: tacos, taco salad, burritos and baked burritos.

Almost everyone chose the baked burritos. They are yummy and simple.

Baked Burritos

Spoon a measure of ground beef, rice and beans into a flour tortilla. Top with cheese. Roll and place in an ungreased baking pan. Repeat until pan is filled. Spread tops of burritos with butter. Broil for a few minutes until golden.

Dinner by Daddy

2011-07-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

My Honey grilled some burgers for us tonight. After I dressed mine, most of the Lambies started laughing at it. Even my Honey got into the game. I think it's a good looking burger, myself!

It's Getting Closer....

2011-07-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer to school time. I finally have all of this year's workbooks prepared. I like to take workbooks apart and have the Lambies copy problems into a notebook. Copying math is one skill that is easy to miss out on when homeschooling!

I have students in almost every book in the program this year!

5 Day Club

2011-07-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Most of the Lambies are participating in this year's local 5 Day Club, two as assistants and the rest attending. It's been making for quiet mornings! I love how excited the little ones are to share verses and invite neighbors to come.

The Lord is Good!

2011-07-25T08:48:00.001-07:00

It's official! The Warners get to bring Joshua home! His x-ray was clear this morning, GLORY TO GOD!

Breakfast Sausage

2011-07-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today I made breakfast sausage. Friday, I found a large pork butt roast....15 pounds large. It was use or freeze by the next day, so it was marked down to just .85 a pound. I didn't end up getting to it Saturday, but as we all know, there is a little wiggle room on meats. Properly packaged and refrigerated, it's fine for a day or two past its date.

I cut the meat into strips that would fit in my grinder and used the "Shake and Bake" method to cover it with seasoning. Then I fed it through the grinder. The result was a well mixed sausage. I portioned it into 2-ish pound servings and into the freezer it went. Well, all but one. Eggs and sausage sound good for tomorrow's breakfast!

Homemade Breakfast Sausage Spices

2 tbsp of dried sage
1 tbsp + 1 tsp of salt
2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dried marjoram
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 pinches ground cloves
4 lbs of ground pork

Friday Breakfast

2011-07-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

I surprised my Lambies with a sweet breakfast today.

PB & J Bars

1 cup all purposes flour
1 cup quick oats
½ tsp baking soda
½ cup softened butter
¼ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ cup peanut butter
¼ milk
½ tsp vanilla
1 ¼ cup fruit jam

Topping:
½ cup all purpose flour
½ cup oats
¼ cup brown sugar
1/8 tsp baking soda
3 Tbsp soft butter

Beat butter till smooth. Add the sugars, beat well. Add eggs, milk, peanut butter, vanilla, beat well. Stir in dry ingredients, Spread in a greased 9 x 13. Spread jam all over the top. Combine ingredients for the topping. Sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, till done.

Larry-Boy!

2011-07-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Polly made this funny little creature with her play dough. I thought it looked a bit like Larry-Boy in disguise.

Play Dough Day

2011-07-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today, we made play dough! It's a good summer activity that is easily done. Here's the recipe we used:

Homemade Play Dough
4 cups cheap white flour
4 cups water
2 cups cheap salt
1/2 cup cheap canola oil
8 tsp. cream of tarter
food coloring and essential oils as desired

Mix everything together in a large saucepan and stir with a wooden spoon, over medium heat, until the dough forms. This only takes a few minutes. When the dough forms, plop is out onto a counter and knead a few times until smooth.

If you want different colors, wait to add the food coloring until now. Separate the dough into as many different colors as you want and add different food coloring to each. Knead it in and add drops until the color you want develops.

Innocence Update

2011-07-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted pics of "Innocence". Here it is, with my iPhone for scale.

A close up of the beautiful focal point.

Here's a close up of where I am currently working.

ETA: Did you see the error in this section? When I sat to work again, I found it and had to remove a single stitch. You can click the picture to see it bigger, then click again to magnify even further.

URGENT: Please Pray

2011-07-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Little Joshua's family is in country and trying to bring him home. However, it has been found via X-ray that he has pneumonia........or it could be TB. They can not bring him home while there is a question and diagnosis and treatment are going to be hard to come by. Read their blog for more details. Financially, an extended stay will ruin the family, as you can well imagine. On top of it all, Lisa's sister died unexpectedly yesterday.

As things seem to fall apart around them, pray that The Rock of Ages shows Himself strong in their lives and moves mountains to get this precious little boy home. Pray comfort and peace for the family in the face of death and confusion. Pray for quick answers, quick provision and quick healing.

Everyday Bread

2011-07-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

I made six loaves of my Everyday Bread tonight. Between two and four will go to friends this week, and we'll enjoy a couple ourselves. I love the smell of baking bread. It must be one of the best scents ever!

Everyday Bread
I have a Bosch, so the method would be different by hand. This recipe makes six 8 " loaves.

Combine:
6 cups warm water
3 Tbsp SAF yeast
2/3 to 1 cup honey or brown sugar
2/3 to 1 cup oil
6 cups freshly ground wheat flour

Let sponge for 15-20 minutes.

Add:
2 Tbsp salt
Mix and add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl. You can use some white flour here, if you want a lighter loaf. Knead 7 minutes all together.

Turn out onto an oiled surface. Divide into 6 parts. Shape into loaves and put into lightly greased pans. Place in oven and let rise for about 20 minutes. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned. I bake at 325 on the convection setting for 22 minutes.

Pizza Night

2011-07-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight was homemade pizza! I haven't made it for a while, so it was a treat for the Lambies. My recipe makes three large pizzas and there are usually only crumbs left over.

Tonight, the children didn't even finish off two of them. My big eaters were saying they were too tired to have an appetite. Well, they're all off to bed and now I have one lunch already made for the week!

Guest of Honor!

2011-07-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Grandpa brought the Lambies that were visiting up north home today! He also stayed on for dinner, sleep and a fishing trip tomorrow. We're so glad to have him visit!

Kicking It

2011-07-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

We have friends over today. Everyone was tired of playing, so I put on "Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution" on Netflix. We're learning about mussels, the function of a horses' frog, ostriches and more. So many interesting facts to absorb!

Spend the Time!

2011-07-12T21:52:00.001-07:00

I read this poem over at Larger Family Life. What a reminder! It almost brought tears to my eyes, especially in light of one of the posts I wrote on facebook tonight: "While I'd rather be stitching, Troubles is insisting that we learn everything possible about spiders THIS VERY MINUTE!"

To My Grown Up Son

My Hands were busy through the day;

I didn’t have much time to play

The little games you asked me to.

I didn’t have much time for you.

I’d Wash your clothes, I’d sew and cook,

But when you’d bring your picture book

And ask me please to share your fun

I’d say: "A little later, son."

I’d tuck you in all safe at night

and hear your prayers, turn out the lights,

Then tip toe softly to the door...

I wish I’d stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past...

A little boy grows up so fast.

No longer is he at your side

His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,

There are no longer games to play,

No good-night kiss,

No prayers to hear...

That all belongs to yesteryear

My hands, once busy, now are still,

The days are long and hard to fill,

I wish I could go back and do

The little things you asked me to.

Debra Barone

Handicrafts

2011-07-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

I guess I should get back into the habit of this daily blogging, huh? I'll try today.

Polly and Troubles have taken an interest in plastic canvas in the last couple of days. With some help from big sister EmBlem, Troubles completed his work, "Female Lion". The design was done freehand, without a pattern. Polly should be finished soon, and if she wants, I'll post her project, too.