First things first, we'll move on to read Nehemiah 7- 10 until next Friday. So do your best to read chapters 7- 10 every single day, and more if you get the chance.
I have a new Bible hero!!! I want to have another son and name him Nehemiah. The first time I read these first chapters of the book I fell in love with it. It was a 'Mister Man' kind of thing. I can't even put my finger on one particular thing that was so awesome. It was all just so good. It made me want to tell people on the street corners about our awesome God. It made me want to start living my life in Christ with renewed vigor. I wanted to build me a stone wall! Mister man, what can I rebuild???!
bstone wall rebuilt. There is also a need for us as a body of Christ to gather together and get serious about rebuilding God's place in our lives. We have work to do. Do we have a mind to work??
These people, the Israelites, took such a difficult, labour intensive task and gave it their all. They had a lot on their plates and watched as God worked through circumstances to provide, protect, and give strength. I loved how many times Nehemiah called on his great and awesome God. I believe Nehemiah believed in his God the same way Daniel did. They knew God was in control. They knew what they had to do and that it had to be done whether it was dangerous or not.
Yes, after this weeks reading I wanted to charge hell with a squirt gun. Mercy! BRING IT ON!!! Go Nehemiah go! I can't wait to see what else is in store in this great book.
Due to busy days, Awana, homeschool outing in the morning, company coming for lunch and so much more, I only have time to write this short and not very deep review. It is Thursday night as I write this and I know I will not have time for writing tomorrow. I look forward to seeing names pile in on Mr.Linky.
If you don't have a clue why I'm writing a book review on Nehemiah but want in on the action please check out my sidebar and you'll catch up on all the latest BRF news. We are a small group, but oh-so-cool.:)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Now more than ever.
Mister Man I love this song! Its a personal testimony of mine right there its words and in what Gloria says. I really hope and pray that in many years down the road that I'll say "Now more than ever I cherish the cross. More than ever I sit at His feet."
Listen to one of my all time fav's and be oh-so-totally blessed!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Singing along.
The Booth Brothers are our favourite lately. We know pretty much every word to each song by heart and everyone likes to sing along. Including this guy. :)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
To the lost lady...
Hey lady that was lost last night. No problem that you chose our door to knock on and our phone to use, I just wanted to explain a couple things to you. I don't want you thinking ill of us.
*First of all lady, my sunporch is looking more like a mudroom these days. I'd like to say it doesn't always look like that.... but we've got a lot of junk to get rid of. It's only there until April, honest lady. (Oh, sweet spring clean up day!!) You see lady, all that stuff had to be piled there because there is no room in the barn to store it. That brings me to my next explanation lady.
*We bought a cow. She has taken ownership of all of our previously used storage space in the barn. Yes, its embarrassing that we have so much stuff, but we're workin on it lady, honest. But that tells you why our sunporch is piled high and, you also may have noticed a slight aroma. Yep, that's barn smell travelled in on many coats and boots. That brings me to another explanation lady.
*All those smelly coats and boots are my children's. I have 4, and they all like to help daddy in the barn. They had just come in from doing their chores a few minutes before you arrived, hence the muddy floor and... um... aroma. You see lady, we were out a little late yesterday afternoon at a homeschool thing and it made for a late supper and chore time. And yes, that brings me to yet another explanation.
*We homeschool. So while you were phoning all your friends to save you from this messy smelly place, and looking around my living room, and seeing the pile of books and container of writing utensils, that would be our homeschool materials that we had to leave in the rush to make it to our afternoon engagement.
*Also lady, I've got to tell you how pleased I am that my kitchen was cleaned up. Really it was! Honest! That pail and all those big jars had just been disinfected and set to dry for milking time in the morning. If you had come a little later they would all have been put away too. You just had a bit of bad timing lady.
*And as for me lady, I was upstairs reading to the kids. That's why I didn't come down, we're reading Nehemiah. We're really into it, very cool book. Have you ever read Nehemiah lady?? You should. In fact lady, you should join up with Book Review Friday and get saved and.... and ....Well lady, that's all the stuff I would have said to you if I had answered the door instead of hubby, or if I caught you before you ran out the door to escape our crazy home.
That's what I would have said. Honest.
*First of all lady, my sunporch is looking more like a mudroom these days. I'd like to say it doesn't always look like that.... but we've got a lot of junk to get rid of. It's only there until April, honest lady. (Oh, sweet spring clean up day!!) You see lady, all that stuff had to be piled there because there is no room in the barn to store it. That brings me to my next explanation lady.
*We bought a cow. She has taken ownership of all of our previously used storage space in the barn. Yes, its embarrassing that we have so much stuff, but we're workin on it lady, honest. But that tells you why our sunporch is piled high and, you also may have noticed a slight aroma. Yep, that's barn smell travelled in on many coats and boots. That brings me to another explanation lady.
*All those smelly coats and boots are my children's. I have 4, and they all like to help daddy in the barn. They had just come in from doing their chores a few minutes before you arrived, hence the muddy floor and... um... aroma. You see lady, we were out a little late yesterday afternoon at a homeschool thing and it made for a late supper and chore time. And yes, that brings me to yet another explanation.
*We homeschool. So while you were phoning all your friends to save you from this messy smelly place, and looking around my living room, and seeing the pile of books and container of writing utensils, that would be our homeschool materials that we had to leave in the rush to make it to our afternoon engagement.
*Also lady, I've got to tell you how pleased I am that my kitchen was cleaned up. Really it was! Honest! That pail and all those big jars had just been disinfected and set to dry for milking time in the morning. If you had come a little later they would all have been put away too. You just had a bit of bad timing lady.
*And as for me lady, I was upstairs reading to the kids. That's why I didn't come down, we're reading Nehemiah. We're really into it, very cool book. Have you ever read Nehemiah lady?? You should. In fact lady, you should join up with Book Review Friday and get saved and.... and ....Well lady, that's all the stuff I would have said to you if I had answered the door instead of hubby, or if I caught you before you ran out the door to escape our crazy home.
That's what I would have said. Honest.
A mind to work...
I had to let y'all know that my sister over at Seven Meadows has finally posted again. She should post more often, she's good. She even knows how to spell and use punctuation properly. She is my idol. :) Seriously, go check her out. I'm even overlooking the fact that she totally offended me with what she said about my kids in her post. I'll get her back sometime. :)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Creativity
We had a homeschooling bowling adventure today. It was fun. We were all supposed to bring a snack for a social afterward. I had nothing but a coffee cake. A very good coffee cake, but what kid is excited to see that on a snack table?! I had no other ingredients to work with so I had to make the cake look inviting and this is what I came up with. A pedestal plate (cuz I have a thing for pedestal dishes), and scrapbooking paper (cuz I never have those cutie little doilies on hand).
I cut out a circle of wax paper so that the cute paper wouldn't get soaked with grease spots and it made it look cute. At least I think so. :)
I cut out a circle of wax paper so that the cute paper wouldn't get soaked with grease spots and it made it look cute. At least I think so. :)
Production is good.
Although her milk production is down just a bit from the beginning, which we were told would happen if we switched to hay instead of silage, we are still very pleased with all that #59 is giving us. She's a good cow as cows go. :) In fact I've almost stopped screaming every time I milk her and she moves toward me quickly. *hint* : not a good idea to scream when inside a stall with a big cow, they become a little nervous. But I'm making progress. :)
There is just so much you can do with all the milk a cow gives. Seven knows much more about it first hand. I haven't made my own yogurt and cream cheese and stuff yet, but I will. I've made butter a few times. Who can resist when you get this much cream????! Since the cream line is hard to see in the picture I'm pointing to it.
Yep, that's where the cream line is. Crazy.
And here is the one responsible for it all. Ain't she a beaut!
There is just so much you can do with all the milk a cow gives. Seven knows much more about it first hand. I haven't made my own yogurt and cream cheese and stuff yet, but I will. I've made butter a few times. Who can resist when you get this much cream????! Since the cream line is hard to see in the picture I'm pointing to it.
Yep, that's where the cream line is. Crazy.
And here is the one responsible for it all. Ain't she a beaut!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
I deserve a medal.
I took my children skating at the pond around the corner this afternoon. Be proud of me. I hate being cold. I hate winter. I am totally out of shape. I don't even have winter boots. Seriously, feel sorry for me. But I took the kids out, me in my sneakers and them in their skates, and let them skate themselves silly. They've wanted to go skating with me many times before but I always had an excuse. Today they didn't even bother asking. When I suggested it they didn't believe me.
"Did Dad tell you to take us?"
"Are the cousins going to be going?"
"Did you really think of it all by yourself???!"
I finally convinced them I thought of it all by me onesies. How could I resist doing something so nice for them when they're just so darn cute!?!
"Did Dad tell you to take us?"
"Are the cousins going to be going?"
"Did you really think of it all by yourself???!"
I finally convinced them I thought of it all by me onesies. How could I resist doing something so nice for them when they're just so darn cute!?!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Book Review Friday Continues
Hello everyone. I finished up in Leviticus and I hope you did too. I enjoyed the last chapters the most out of the whole book. I learned a few things and understand a few things more than before. I also have way more questions than I understand out of most of it. I'll continue to do some digging for answers. I'm pleased as punch with myself that I can finally say that I have read the book of Leviticus a few times through. It took me a number of years being saved to get around to it, but it's finally done. :)
Lets move on to another Old Testament book. I'm starting into Nehemiah 1-6. I would suggest doing a light reading of Ezra before you begin into Nehemiah. We've done Ezra before and its all tied in together. Ezra was so good I just want to do that one all over again. I keep reminding myself that I'll get back to it, there's undiscovered territory before me and I won't want to miss out on that. So Nehemiah it is! :)
Please join me in Book Review Friday and reap the benefits that you can only discover by becoming a biblical bookworm. I'll have Mr.Linky back up and running next week for everyone. If you have no idea what BRF is just check out my sidebar and use the links there. :)
Check ya later.
Lets move on to another Old Testament book. I'm starting into Nehemiah 1-6. I would suggest doing a light reading of Ezra before you begin into Nehemiah. We've done Ezra before and its all tied in together. Ezra was so good I just want to do that one all over again. I keep reminding myself that I'll get back to it, there's undiscovered territory before me and I won't want to miss out on that. So Nehemiah it is! :)
Please join me in Book Review Friday and reap the benefits that you can only discover by becoming a biblical bookworm. I'll have Mr.Linky back up and running next week for everyone. If you have no idea what BRF is just check out my sidebar and use the links there. :)
Check ya later.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Who can resist a tag?
I've been tagged by Amy at www.ourdevinefamily.blogspot.com. I can't say no. :)
Here are the Rules: Post the rules on your blog, and then give your answers. List one fact about yourself for each letter in your middle name. Each fact must begin with a letter from your middle name. If you do not have a middle name, use your maiden name(or create a middle name).Once you are tagged, update your blog with your middle name and your answers. At the end of your post, tag one person for each letter of your middle name. Leave them a comment on their blog telling them that they have been tagged, and that they need to come read your blog for details.
E - Electrocardiogram : A machine to show how your heart is behaving. I've been hooked up a couple of times in my life. A small hole was found in my heart at the age of 16. While hooked up to the machine I was so proud that I could get that number on the screen up over 200 beats/minute. It's fixed now and sounds much more serious than it was. Fun times.
L - Lists : I am a list lover. I make many lists for all sorts of things. Whether I follow through on the items listed means nothing, it's the list that counts.
A - Arachnids : Deathly afraid of them.
I - Invite : I have been known to invite large crowds to our home. At one BBQ we decided to have there were a possibility of 76 people coming over. Since the church was invited why not invite the whole neighborhood?! Only half that came though.
N - Never : I once said I would NEVER own a cow.
E - Embroider : I want to learn.
I now shall tag 5 others to join in.
Erin
Jenn
Seven
Anne
Kristi
Amy B
Here are the Rules: Post the rules on your blog, and then give your answers. List one fact about yourself for each letter in your middle name. Each fact must begin with a letter from your middle name. If you do not have a middle name, use your maiden name(or create a middle name).Once you are tagged, update your blog with your middle name and your answers. At the end of your post, tag one person for each letter of your middle name. Leave them a comment on their blog telling them that they have been tagged, and that they need to come read your blog for details.
E - Electrocardiogram : A machine to show how your heart is behaving. I've been hooked up a couple of times in my life. A small hole was found in my heart at the age of 16. While hooked up to the machine I was so proud that I could get that number on the screen up over 200 beats/minute. It's fixed now and sounds much more serious than it was. Fun times.
L - Lists : I am a list lover. I make many lists for all sorts of things. Whether I follow through on the items listed means nothing, it's the list that counts.
A - Arachnids : Deathly afraid of them.
I - Invite : I have been known to invite large crowds to our home. At one BBQ we decided to have there were a possibility of 76 people coming over. Since the church was invited why not invite the whole neighborhood?! Only half that came though.
N - Never : I once said I would NEVER own a cow.
E - Embroider : I want to learn.
I now shall tag 5 others to join in.
Sweet things.
Making cupcakes is nothing new. I make them often. I like sweets and I usually have to do up a double batch of every recipe so that the kids will have a chance at getting some. Seriously.
This time when I made cupcakes I did some different stuff to them. I'm not creative so I have to copy all the cool ideas from you people out there. I copied this idea from the Nesting Place, www.nestingplacenc.blogspot.com , who copied it from someone else. I only had yellow and blue food coloring and I do not have any cake decorating stuff, so I put the icing in a plastic sandwich bag and cut a small piece out of a corner to squeeze the icing through. Here is my finished product. :)
Aren't they cute!?! I'm excited for the next baby shower or party to come along so that I can take some cutie cupcakes and cookies. But since there are no parties coming in the near future we packed some up on a pretty plate and shared them.
Maybe I should make another batch. Another double batch. :)
This time when I made cupcakes I did some different stuff to them. I'm not creative so I have to copy all the cool ideas from you people out there. I copied this idea from the Nesting Place, www.nestingplacenc.blogspot.com , who copied it from someone else. I only had yellow and blue food coloring and I do not have any cake decorating stuff, so I put the icing in a plastic sandwich bag and cut a small piece out of a corner to squeeze the icing through. Here is my finished product. :)
Aren't they cute!?! I'm excited for the next baby shower or party to come along so that I can take some cutie cupcakes and cookies. But since there are no parties coming in the near future we packed some up on a pretty plate and shared them.
Maybe I should make another batch. Another double batch. :)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Passions
I plan on posting a picture of Twink in all her glory soon, very soon. My she's a popular cow. :) But first I have to get this other post written. It's been going through my mind since we read Psalm 1 in Book Review Friday just a couple of weeks ago. Mom & Seven, you have no need to read further since I basically said it all to you two yesterday. :)
Psalm 1:2,3 "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper."
What do you meditate on? What is your passion?
There is no focus on reading and studying scripture much anymore. I know that we as moms and wives lead busy lives. We have a lot on our plate. Life is exhausting sometimes. Many women out there are looking for a great quick devotional book to use in those precious 15 mintues of quiet they might find during their hectic days.
My friends listen up. If you only have 15 precious minutes in your day to use in study do not make the mistake of reaching for a devotional book or 'The Daily Bread'. Use those 15 minutes to saturate yourself with the pure unadulterated Word of God! Don't waste time on reading what someone else got out of a passage (and a small passage at that). Open up your own Bible and just read, get to know it a bit.
Happy thought indeed.
And remember, you can't say that you don't have time to study your Bible if you read a couple blogs a day or slept in this morning, or chatted with someone on the phone for a few minutes. If you don't have time to read your Bible then you don't have time to do all those other extra things either. Its the truth.
There are a lot of older Christian women out there who have been saved for years and don't know the Scriptures at all. Many are knowledgable of basic Christian principles and certain verses here and there, but they wouldn't be able to point you to any of them in writing. I love it when I see a Bible open up and there are underlinings and writing all over its pages. They are getting to know the Word!
We also need to study to show ourselves approved so that when we are called on by others going through trials we know where to point them. We know whether its Phillipians or Exodus or Psalm 27 that our friend needs to read, because we've read and studied them. If we know our Bibles we also can't be deceived as easily by false teaching.
If Christian women continue to lean on everything else but their Bibles for their spiritual growth they will lose focus and be led astray without knowing it and their children will be lost as well. It's the truth. Even if they read every book by solid Christian teachers and teach what they read to their children, they have completely missed the mark. We and our children need God's Word, it's the only thing that convicts and changes hearts. It's the only thing with a godly lasting effect. As good as Andrew Murray, John MacArthur, Charles Spurgeon, and John Piper are (and I love them all), they are no substitutes for the real thing. Don't bother with them until you've taken the time with the genuine article. You'll be amazed at how God works through a simple little habit of reading scripture all by yourself.
A couple weeks ago my sister listened to a sermon taken from Leviticus 10. the sermon was called 'strange fire'. She loved the message and wanted to tell her hubby about it when he got home from work. She thought she'd test him a bit first and she told him she listened to a message in Leviticus and asked him if he knew what chapter. He figured it was probably chapter 10. The she asked him what he thought it would be about. And he knew right away that it was probably about Nadab and Abihu and their strange fire.
I want to be like that. I want to study and know. I want to be gleaning knew insights and giving the Lord lots of ammunition every day to win the battle in my heart. The prospect of really knowing God's Word is very exciting to me. I love my binder and my other notes from Book Review Fridays in the past. They are a testament to what I have learned and also a great resource to use in the future. (check out the sidebar for Book Review Friday information).
I want to be like that tree in Psalm 1, firmly planted, getting fed by the river of God's Word, alive and thriving, giving fruit, prospering no matter what weather comes my way. The only way to do that is by delighting in the law of the Lord.
That becomes my passion more and more every day.
Psalm 1:2,3 "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper."
What do you meditate on? What is your passion?
There is no focus on reading and studying scripture much anymore. I know that we as moms and wives lead busy lives. We have a lot on our plate. Life is exhausting sometimes. Many women out there are looking for a great quick devotional book to use in those precious 15 mintues of quiet they might find during their hectic days.
My friends listen up. If you only have 15 precious minutes in your day to use in study do not make the mistake of reaching for a devotional book or 'The Daily Bread'. Use those 15 minutes to saturate yourself with the pure unadulterated Word of God! Don't waste time on reading what someone else got out of a passage (and a small passage at that). Open up your own Bible and just read, get to know it a bit.
Happy thought indeed.
And remember, you can't say that you don't have time to study your Bible if you read a couple blogs a day or slept in this morning, or chatted with someone on the phone for a few minutes. If you don't have time to read your Bible then you don't have time to do all those other extra things either. Its the truth.
There are a lot of older Christian women out there who have been saved for years and don't know the Scriptures at all. Many are knowledgable of basic Christian principles and certain verses here and there, but they wouldn't be able to point you to any of them in writing. I love it when I see a Bible open up and there are underlinings and writing all over its pages. They are getting to know the Word!
We also need to study to show ourselves approved so that when we are called on by others going through trials we know where to point them. We know whether its Phillipians or Exodus or Psalm 27 that our friend needs to read, because we've read and studied them. If we know our Bibles we also can't be deceived as easily by false teaching.
If Christian women continue to lean on everything else but their Bibles for their spiritual growth they will lose focus and be led astray without knowing it and their children will be lost as well. It's the truth. Even if they read every book by solid Christian teachers and teach what they read to their children, they have completely missed the mark. We and our children need God's Word, it's the only thing that convicts and changes hearts. It's the only thing with a godly lasting effect. As good as Andrew Murray, John MacArthur, Charles Spurgeon, and John Piper are (and I love them all), they are no substitutes for the real thing. Don't bother with them until you've taken the time with the genuine article. You'll be amazed at how God works through a simple little habit of reading scripture all by yourself.
A couple weeks ago my sister listened to a sermon taken from Leviticus 10. the sermon was called 'strange fire'. She loved the message and wanted to tell her hubby about it when he got home from work. She thought she'd test him a bit first and she told him she listened to a message in Leviticus and asked him if he knew what chapter. He figured it was probably chapter 10. The she asked him what he thought it would be about. And he knew right away that it was probably about Nadab and Abihu and their strange fire.
I want to be like that. I want to study and know. I want to be gleaning knew insights and giving the Lord lots of ammunition every day to win the battle in my heart. The prospect of really knowing God's Word is very exciting to me. I love my binder and my other notes from Book Review Fridays in the past. They are a testament to what I have learned and also a great resource to use in the future. (check out the sidebar for Book Review Friday information).
I want to be like that tree in Psalm 1, firmly planted, getting fed by the river of God's Word, alive and thriving, giving fruit, prospering no matter what weather comes my way. The only way to do that is by delighting in the law of the Lord.
That becomes my passion more and more every day.
Monday, February 18, 2008
I have conquered.
I milked #59. Oh yes, I did. To all of you who thought I couldn't do it I took a picture of the finished product as proof.
I cleaned the stall, fed and watered the cow... and then it was time to milk it.
Really there was no problem getting the milk out, that was easy. It's my aim that I need to work on. That jar is supposed to be full and maybe a bit besides, and it would have been full but.... all the milk that is not in the picture is nicely soaked into the knee and sleeve of my coveralls and the shirt and jeans underneath.
Now don't roll your eyes at me too much over that, It's not entirely my fault. #59, or Twink I should say, has chapped teats that are causing multi-directional spraying while milking. It was as messy as it sounds.
But its done. My hands, shoulders, and legs are killing me, but the milking has been done 3 times in a row by yours truly.
I cleaned the stall, fed and watered the cow... and then it was time to milk it.
Really there was no problem getting the milk out, that was easy. It's my aim that I need to work on. That jar is supposed to be full and maybe a bit besides, and it would have been full but.... all the milk that is not in the picture is nicely soaked into the knee and sleeve of my coveralls and the shirt and jeans underneath.
Now don't roll your eyes at me too much over that, It's not entirely my fault. #59, or Twink I should say, has chapped teats that are causing multi-directional spraying while milking. It was as messy as it sounds.
But its done. My hands, shoulders, and legs are killing me, but the milking has been done 3 times in a row by yours truly.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Book Review, or the lack of...
Well ladies, I'm a day late and a review short. Just in case there was someone having a hard time coping because there was no Mr.linky to post a review for Leviticus on I thought I'd better check in and say hello.
I've been taking care of 4 sick chillins these past few days and there isn't time to think through and type a review. I'm not going to put up a Mr.Linky today, or for a while, but I'm going to keep reading in Leviticus 21-27 this week and finish that book up (phew!). I'll keep letting everyone know what I'm reading each week so you all can keep up if you want. I'd love to see reviews too, there just won't be a Mr.Linky to link to. :)
Please keep reading. It's sooo important. If you have time to read a Christian book, a magazine, watch TV, surf the net, then you have time to read your Bible. To read the amount that I usually put up here on my blog you only need about 20 minutes a day (if you're slow like me). :) Soon you'll find yourself engrossed and wanting more.
(I'm admitting to you all that my goal is to read the last 7 chapters in Leviticus at least 3 times completely this week. I'm not sure how this week will pan out and I just want to get this book done. Maybe that's my tiredness talking. :)
later gaters.
I've been taking care of 4 sick chillins these past few days and there isn't time to think through and type a review. I'm not going to put up a Mr.Linky today, or for a while, but I'm going to keep reading in Leviticus 21-27 this week and finish that book up (phew!). I'll keep letting everyone know what I'm reading each week so you all can keep up if you want. I'd love to see reviews too, there just won't be a Mr.Linky to link to. :)
Please keep reading. It's sooo important. If you have time to read a Christian book, a magazine, watch TV, surf the net, then you have time to read your Bible. To read the amount that I usually put up here on my blog you only need about 20 minutes a day (if you're slow like me). :) Soon you'll find yourself engrossed and wanting more.
(I'm admitting to you all that my goal is to read the last 7 chapters in Leviticus at least 3 times completely this week. I'm not sure how this week will pan out and I just want to get this book done. Maybe that's my tiredness talking. :)
later gaters.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
happy valentine's day
Okay ladies, it is time for our second annual valentine's list, 14 things that spark your day. Are you ready? I'm even using Mr.Linky for something other than a book review! If you blog about 14 things that spark your day please add your link to our amazing Mr.Linky friend down there. I'd love to check it out! :)
1. clear & clean kitchen counters.
2. chocolate
3. kids that think they are in heaven because they got a chocolate bar on Valentine's day.
4. book reviews on fridays. they really do. :)
5. french vanilla cappuccino.
6. any of the martins cd's.
7. fresh milk sitting in my fridge.
8. hubby doing devotions with the kids.
9. watching old movies.
10. country magazines.
11. warm blankets.
12. blazing fire in the woodstove.
13. packages in the mail.
14. whatever treat hubby gives me for valentine's that I'm not supposed to know he has. :)
Well, there are 14 of mine. Now let's see what's on your list...
1. clear & clean kitchen counters.
2. chocolate
3. kids that think they are in heaven because they got a chocolate bar on Valentine's day.
4. book reviews on fridays. they really do. :)
5. french vanilla cappuccino.
6. any of the martins cd's.
7. fresh milk sitting in my fridge.
8. hubby doing devotions with the kids.
9. watching old movies.
10. country magazines.
11. warm blankets.
12. blazing fire in the woodstove.
13. packages in the mail.
14. whatever treat hubby gives me for valentine's that I'm not supposed to know he has. :)
Well, there are 14 of mine. Now let's see what's on your list...
Party details.
So, just how does one go about throwing a 'Have A Cow' party??? I thought you'd never ask!
If you ask my family to come to a party you really don't need to plan anything, they are the party. :) So we started by letting the Grandparents, cousins, & friends (the friends being the ones who informed us of a cow for sale in the first place) know when the cow was arriving, and then planning a potluck lunch directly after said delivery. The rest just took care of itself as you shall see.
The cow was due between 11 & 12. The cousins arrived around 9:30, no one wanted to miss a thing. Grammie arrived after 10 and the friends I mentioned made it just in time for the potluck to begin. I've already shared a couple pic's with you, but here are a few more. :)
Here is some dip that I whipped up before hand. Just beat 2 avacados, add a bit of sour cream to make creamy, and stir in 1 or 2 Tbsp of ranch seasoning mix. Mister man it was good!!
We have punch at nearly every family get together. If you want a fail proof punch recipe look no further. Just combine 1 can frozen juice concentrate (I like raspberry) and poor in 1 1/2 - 2 bottles of 7up. That tastes great, but to really make it yummy add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream. It'll make it a sure hit. :)
We had lots of good food from everyone. My neice made the 'Have a Cow' peanut butter cake which you can see in my previous post. Soooo good! And, I flatter myself, my #59cupcakes were pretty good as well. :) Everyone was excited to bring cow-ish things....
Grammie brought some yummy squares decorated with a cutie cow. As everyone arrived she had them write their names on paper for a prize draw. The draw was for the cutie cow on the squares, which was really a 'grow a cow'. Shortly after our meal she drew a name out of our brand new milking pail and one of my little guys ended up winning. :)
Then #59's arrival is announced with happy yells and lots of chaos from 13 people trying to find their boots, coats, mittens and head outside so as not to miss any important happenings. It's not everyday a cow gets delivered to your door.
Then mysteriously all the cows on the cake disappeared. One cool aunt had planned a fun surprise...
...there were enough little cows for each of the kids to choose one to take home as a keepsake. Pretty cool I tell ya!
From that point on it was just tidying up, kids playing outside, ladies drinking tea, and visiting the afternoon away. All in all it was a very easy and relaxing day for most of us. Hubby on the other hand was shoveling his guts out just about the whole morning after the storm, and also getting the barn finalized, and milking the cow and everything else that goes with it.He enjoyed it all but... well...he was pretty tired by the end of the day. :)
If you ask my family to come to a party you really don't need to plan anything, they are the party. :) So we started by letting the Grandparents, cousins, & friends (the friends being the ones who informed us of a cow for sale in the first place) know when the cow was arriving, and then planning a potluck lunch directly after said delivery. The rest just took care of itself as you shall see.
The cow was due between 11 & 12. The cousins arrived around 9:30, no one wanted to miss a thing. Grammie arrived after 10 and the friends I mentioned made it just in time for the potluck to begin. I've already shared a couple pic's with you, but here are a few more. :)
Here is some dip that I whipped up before hand. Just beat 2 avacados, add a bit of sour cream to make creamy, and stir in 1 or 2 Tbsp of ranch seasoning mix. Mister man it was good!!
We have punch at nearly every family get together. If you want a fail proof punch recipe look no further. Just combine 1 can frozen juice concentrate (I like raspberry) and poor in 1 1/2 - 2 bottles of 7up. That tastes great, but to really make it yummy add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream. It'll make it a sure hit. :)
We had lots of good food from everyone. My neice made the 'Have a Cow' peanut butter cake which you can see in my previous post. Soooo good! And, I flatter myself, my #59cupcakes were pretty good as well. :) Everyone was excited to bring cow-ish things....
Grammie brought some yummy squares decorated with a cutie cow. As everyone arrived she had them write their names on paper for a prize draw. The draw was for the cutie cow on the squares, which was really a 'grow a cow'. Shortly after our meal she drew a name out of our brand new milking pail and one of my little guys ended up winning. :)
Then #59's arrival is announced with happy yells and lots of chaos from 13 people trying to find their boots, coats, mittens and head outside so as not to miss any important happenings. It's not everyday a cow gets delivered to your door.
Then mysteriously all the cows on the cake disappeared. One cool aunt had planned a fun surprise...
...there were enough little cows for each of the kids to choose one to take home as a keepsake. Pretty cool I tell ya!
From that point on it was just tidying up, kids playing outside, ladies drinking tea, and visiting the afternoon away. All in all it was a very easy and relaxing day for most of us. Hubby on the other hand was shoveling his guts out just about the whole morning after the storm, and also getting the barn finalized, and milking the cow and everything else that goes with it.He enjoyed it all but... well...he was pretty tired by the end of the day. :)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Would you like to meet her???
Isn't she a gem!? I know you're really jealous now. Don't you all want to run out and buy one of your own?
We had a good day here. We love partying at Watchthesky and this was definitely an excuse to party. Here are a few pic's from our 'Have a Cow' party. :)
Monday, February 11, 2008
A day of grace.
We had a storm day. That's a good thing. It means that #59 could not be delivered until tomorrow. Although we were sorry to have to wait to have a 'cow delivery party', I am sure it was God's act of sympathy for me. Yes, that blizzard we received today was sent just so I could have an extra 24 hours to prepare myself for having a cow. I bet you didn't know it was all about me. :)
I am ready now. I spent my day cleaning, organizing, doing laundry, baking, etc...
Everyone knows that it is much easier to tend to a beast like we are getting if there are fresh cupcakes on the counter and the laundry is caught up, everyone knows.
We may not have #59 in our barn right now but hubby has milked her twice up at the neighbouring farm today. So we have had our own fresh milk today. It was great to open the fridge and see that jar with the cream rising. Love it.
Anyway, hopefully there will be a picture or two of our adventure tomorrow, which I am ready for.
I'm ready. :)
I am ready now. I spent my day cleaning, organizing, doing laundry, baking, etc...
Everyone knows that it is much easier to tend to a beast like we are getting if there are fresh cupcakes on the counter and the laundry is caught up, everyone knows.
We may not have #59 in our barn right now but hubby has milked her twice up at the neighbouring farm today. So we have had our own fresh milk today. It was great to open the fridge and see that jar with the cream rising. Love it.
Anyway, hopefully there will be a picture or two of our adventure tomorrow, which I am ready for.
I'm ready. :)
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Til the cows come home
It is our very last night as a carefree cowless family. Oh my.
It may not be a big deal to you, but it's not coming to your house! I'm not ready. I think I need to stop reading "The Family Cow" too. Reading how to care for a cow is seeming more and more overwhelming and so I think we'll quit for today & take er as she comes. :)
Hubby is going to the farm for a quick lesson in hand milking (which apparantly the farmer thinks is pretty silly) in the early morning. After that #59, and a couple bales of hay, is due to arrive around 11:00am. As soon as they arrive life as we know it will be changed.
I'll just keep praying.
I think I'll keep chanting to myself too.... "We can do it! We can do it! We can do it!"
It may not be a big deal to you, but it's not coming to your house! I'm not ready. I think I need to stop reading "The Family Cow" too. Reading how to care for a cow is seeming more and more overwhelming and so I think we'll quit for today & take er as she comes. :)
Hubby is going to the farm for a quick lesson in hand milking (which apparantly the farmer thinks is pretty silly) in the early morning. After that #59, and a couple bales of hay, is due to arrive around 11:00am. As soon as they arrive life as we know it will be changed.
I'll just keep praying.
I think I'll keep chanting to myself too.... "We can do it! We can do it! We can do it!"
Friday, February 8, 2008
Book Review Friday: Psalm 1-8
First things first, it's back to Leviticus this week. Chapters 16-20 folks. Do not despair, we're a little over half way done the book. We'll come back to Psalm another week. :)
I am so glad we took a break and did a bit in Psalm. I loved it! I'm worried my review might end up on the lengthy side so feel free to skim or skip. :)
I've read Psalm 1 many times and memorzied it a long time ago. It's a good one. Something new came to my mind reading it this week though. It was what was written about meditating and delighting in God's Word day and night. That's what us girls in Book Review Friday are learning to do, really getting into the Word, and from what I understand we are all loving the process too. That's great and all, but then it talks about the product of the delighting and meditating. "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season." vs,3.
A tree planted by a river is going to grow. It has as much water as it wants from the soil around it, never lacking nutrition. As it grows it gets stronger and stronger and bears fruit. It withstands storms and droughts and the perils that nature throws at it. Although you cannot see where its strength comes from we know that its roots go deep. They know where life is found and they constantly grow reaching out for more. "It's leaf also shall not wither, And whatever he does shall prosper."
Then the verses explain what it's like for those who don't have a love for God's Word. They don't plant themselves, they just blow around wherever the wind takes them.
I got thinking about knowing God's will too. I can wonder about God's will for my life and just exactly what He wants of me each day. Or, I can plant myself in His Word and allow Him to direct. A tree doesn't gad about looking for the next best place to do a bit of fruitful exercise, it just keeps nourishing itself from drawing the water- getting stronger. Because it has stayed in one place and given its roots time to develop it can take the storms and droughts. It prospers because of the hidden strength. I want to be strong too and Christians literature, devotionals, and courses are not going to do it. Reading the Bible over and over and over again is what will make the difference.
Reminds me of a Proverb I love, 12:3 "The root of the righteous cannot be moved."
I also loved Psalm 3:5 where it said "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord." Many times in my day just doing the right thing is a tremendous sacrifice. It's hard for us moms to do good when our whole mind and body is screaming to ignore what God has laid in front of us, that we're tired..... or you've got a cow coming and so much to do... whoops! Got off topic there. :)
Anyway, I have to get going. Hubby is home from work and ready to sit and relax. I'll leave Mr.Linky here for anyone who hasn't given up on BRF for this week. It's been a busy day and many things still are not done, but I had to get a review up. It didn't end up being as long as I wanted. There are a bunch of other verses that I loved and wanted to write about. It's hard to keep writing with a husband behind you eating and waiting to use the computer. :) I hope you all enjoyed Psalm as well. :)
I am so glad we took a break and did a bit in Psalm. I loved it! I'm worried my review might end up on the lengthy side so feel free to skim or skip. :)
I've read Psalm 1 many times and memorzied it a long time ago. It's a good one. Something new came to my mind reading it this week though. It was what was written about meditating and delighting in God's Word day and night. That's what us girls in Book Review Friday are learning to do, really getting into the Word, and from what I understand we are all loving the process too. That's great and all, but then it talks about the product of the delighting and meditating. "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season." vs,3.
A tree planted by a river is going to grow. It has as much water as it wants from the soil around it, never lacking nutrition. As it grows it gets stronger and stronger and bears fruit. It withstands storms and droughts and the perils that nature throws at it. Although you cannot see where its strength comes from we know that its roots go deep. They know where life is found and they constantly grow reaching out for more. "It's leaf also shall not wither, And whatever he does shall prosper."
Then the verses explain what it's like for those who don't have a love for God's Word. They don't plant themselves, they just blow around wherever the wind takes them.
I got thinking about knowing God's will too. I can wonder about God's will for my life and just exactly what He wants of me each day. Or, I can plant myself in His Word and allow Him to direct. A tree doesn't gad about looking for the next best place to do a bit of fruitful exercise, it just keeps nourishing itself from drawing the water- getting stronger. Because it has stayed in one place and given its roots time to develop it can take the storms and droughts. It prospers because of the hidden strength. I want to be strong too and Christians literature, devotionals, and courses are not going to do it. Reading the Bible over and over and over again is what will make the difference.
Reminds me of a Proverb I love, 12:3 "The root of the righteous cannot be moved."
I also loved Psalm 3:5 where it said "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord." Many times in my day just doing the right thing is a tremendous sacrifice. It's hard for us moms to do good when our whole mind and body is screaming to ignore what God has laid in front of us, that we're tired..... or you've got a cow coming and so much to do... whoops! Got off topic there. :)
Anyway, I have to get going. Hubby is home from work and ready to sit and relax. I'll leave Mr.Linky here for anyone who hasn't given up on BRF for this week. It's been a busy day and many things still are not done, but I had to get a review up. It didn't end up being as long as I wanted. There are a bunch of other verses that I loved and wanted to write about. It's hard to keep writing with a husband behind you eating and waiting to use the computer. :) I hope you all enjoyed Psalm as well. :)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Choosing
We are off to start school in 2 seconds but I just saw this and want you all to see it too. Please check out the link, it's short and worthwhile. I know there are some pregnant ladies out there, 3 of which are my sisters, that are feeling more tired than usual these days and I know you'll love what this lady says. :)
I Chose You
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
My spurt of the moment.
Okay, I'm ready to sell #59. Any takers?? We haven't even officially paid for her yet and I'm tempted to throw in the towel.
I've been reading "The Family Cow" to the kids in preparation for Monday and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed again. I go in spurts. One moment I'm all set and ready for this adventure and the next minute I'm thinking we're insane. Usually the insane feelings come when I'm tired and life is hectic. Cuz, well, life is hectic... and now we're going to have a cow on top of it all! But lets think about the benefits shall we:
* Great character training for each of us as a family.
* Ultimate homeschooling adventure in our backyard.
* Kids learn the importance of working hard and doing a job well whether they feel like it or not.
* I don't have to ration milk anymore to make it last for a week.
* We will have all the milk and butter we want.
* We'll be saving a lot of money (if nothing goes terribly wrong) on milk & butter.
* Our gardens will grow very well with our own home grown manure. (ewwwww!)
There are more benefits but those are the main ones we're thinking of. I'm not going to list the disadvantages because I just might get depressed, and I'm thinking that the value of the benefits totally out-weigh them anyway.
One thing that worries me a bit is that in our book we're reading the author says no one should get a cow if they don't like animals, if you don't have dogs or cats already, and love the idea of having a cow. Mercy, I'm totally unqualified then. Good old #59 is a means to an end for me. I hate animals. They are dirty, smelly, hairy things that cost money and tie you down (just being honest). Hubby isn't excited about getting the huge bulky animal either, just the product she'll produce. That product being two-fold with milk and cream, and also hard working young men.
I have learned in the past few hours that we will be milking at 7am & 5pm everyday, and we won't be purchasing silage. Apparently silage isn't the best buy for just a cow or two, hay is... just in case you wanted to know. :)
I've been reading "The Family Cow" to the kids in preparation for Monday and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed again. I go in spurts. One moment I'm all set and ready for this adventure and the next minute I'm thinking we're insane. Usually the insane feelings come when I'm tired and life is hectic. Cuz, well, life is hectic... and now we're going to have a cow on top of it all! But lets think about the benefits shall we:
* Great character training for each of us as a family.
* Ultimate homeschooling adventure in our backyard.
* Kids learn the importance of working hard and doing a job well whether they feel like it or not.
* I don't have to ration milk anymore to make it last for a week.
* We will have all the milk and butter we want.
* We'll be saving a lot of money (if nothing goes terribly wrong) on milk & butter.
* Our gardens will grow very well with our own home grown manure. (ewwwww!)
There are more benefits but those are the main ones we're thinking of. I'm not going to list the disadvantages because I just might get depressed, and I'm thinking that the value of the benefits totally out-weigh them anyway.
One thing that worries me a bit is that in our book we're reading the author says no one should get a cow if they don't like animals, if you don't have dogs or cats already, and love the idea of having a cow. Mercy, I'm totally unqualified then. Good old #59 is a means to an end for me. I hate animals. They are dirty, smelly, hairy things that cost money and tie you down (just being honest). Hubby isn't excited about getting the huge bulky animal either, just the product she'll produce. That product being two-fold with milk and cream, and also hard working young men.
I have learned in the past few hours that we will be milking at 7am & 5pm everyday, and we won't be purchasing silage. Apparently silage isn't the best buy for just a cow or two, hay is... just in case you wanted to know. :)
Monday, February 4, 2008
#59
I really never thought there would come a day when I would care whether a cow had weak udder suspension or was sickle hocked, but it did. We bought a cow today. Talk about shocking! Our little homeschooling family went down the road a ways to check out a few Jerseys. We were undecided between cow #65 & cow #59, but decided to go with the latter. She's nice.... I think. :) If you had told me a few years ago that I would have chickens, a big garden, and then a cow!!!! I would have laughed in your face. My how things change.
Actually it is a cow shared between families. My sister's troop is in on it too. Our plan is to supply both families with milk, cream, butter and lots of other good stuff with our shared ownership. Call us crazy, but we're doing it anyway. The only thing is that until last night we knew zip about cows. I mean nothing. Zilch. I've been reading up on them and asking a million questions. I've learned many interesting things in the past 24 hours. Things like:
*If you lift a cows tail up it is unable to kick. Good to know.
*They need about 15 gallons of water a day. That means we'll have to carry that much out to her since we don't have plumbing in the barn. Oh joy.
*They are unable to spit.
*They don't see colors.
Not that any of you are interested in cow trivia. :) But besides these facts I am understanding that this is a big undertaking for us and we need to get ready for lots of extra work around here. That means that mommy has to get life organized if she's going to stay sane. My, I have some things to put in order. It doesn't take much to stress me out. The thought of me and my kids and my home smelling like a barn yard is stressful to me.
To relieve this stress my husband and I have plans for the next week. Purging, organizing, and preparing. #59 is being delivered on Monday. I'll let you know how it goes. It's exciting.
I wonder if #59 is excited. hmmmm?
Saturday, February 2, 2008
My lot in life.
There is a problem with blogging. With the exception of the few close friends that read your blog and know you very well, you can seem to be something to your readers that you are not. I would never want anyone to think I am ignorant to my own faults, which are many. This is to remove any preconceived ideas you may have about me if you have read my blog but not visited me in my home. I'll just list a couple areas of less than admirable qualities shown in my day to day life, because I'm not humble enough to make any more than that known. :)
My sunporch is a mess 98% of the time. I usually have a couple loads of laundry waiting to be folded on a couch somewhere. I have a VERY hard time getting out of bed before 7am. My children do help around the house but it means that we end up with dirty dishes in the cupboard after they've washed them. They haven't learned to put their own clothes away yet... which means messy rooms most of the time. I'm very impatient. I only have 2 pieces of furniture that match.... and I hate them. My yard is usually a mess with toys and tools. There is always dust under our beds. My kids argue and are unkind at some point everyday. etc....
Lots of bad stuff about me, eh? :) It's the truth and here is a picture to prove my children's washing capabilities. What is even worse is that another one of the kids dried and put this glass away after it was washed!
Oh, and I forgot to mention one more thing. We seem to have a bad habit of losing 1 piece of every puzzle we do. We just finished this one and as you can see we are missing just one little annoying piece!
That's the bad stuff, but we have lots of good stuff too. So don't think too ill of me and my homelife. We are a work in progress here at Watch the sky. :)
My sunporch is a mess 98% of the time. I usually have a couple loads of laundry waiting to be folded on a couch somewhere. I have a VERY hard time getting out of bed before 7am. My children do help around the house but it means that we end up with dirty dishes in the cupboard after they've washed them. They haven't learned to put their own clothes away yet... which means messy rooms most of the time. I'm very impatient. I only have 2 pieces of furniture that match.... and I hate them. My yard is usually a mess with toys and tools. There is always dust under our beds. My kids argue and are unkind at some point everyday. etc....
Lots of bad stuff about me, eh? :) It's the truth and here is a picture to prove my children's washing capabilities. What is even worse is that another one of the kids dried and put this glass away after it was washed!
Oh, and I forgot to mention one more thing. We seem to have a bad habit of losing 1 piece of every puzzle we do. We just finished this one and as you can see we are missing just one little annoying piece!
That's the bad stuff, but we have lots of good stuff too. So don't think too ill of me and my homelife. We are a work in progress here at Watch the sky. :)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Book Review Friday: Leviticus 11-15
First things first, we'll move right along in our journey through Leviticus.... later. :) This week I'm totally throwing you off your guard and telling everyone to read Psalm 1-8 until next Friday. Is everyone breathing a sigh of relief?? I thought a break from Leviticus would be a great idea. Psalms has been on my mind lately but I've been diligent in reading our assigned book and not had the time to read Psalms. So Psalm 1-8 it is and I'm really looking forward to it. :)
Now for my oh-so-short review. I read it everyday. I did. I only had one thing cross my mind in my reading, and you all have mentioned it before I believe. There is no doubt that we cannot do anything to make ourselves worthy of Christ.If I get a disease, I'm out. If I get the runs, I'm out. If someone else gets the runs and I shake his hand, I'm out. If I am a woman there is a week out of every month that I would have the constant reminder of how unclean I am, and I'm out. In reading I was thinking that these guys must of listened to all these regulations and thought, "How in heaven's name am I supposed to keep track of all this stuff!?! I'm just one big fat sin all the time!!"
I'm glad that Christ is my mediator and all is taken care of. I'm still being reminded more and more every day of the cost each one of my sins is to Him. Every thought of impatience, every reaction in anger, my laziness, my selfishness, etc... I'm just one big fat sin myself all day long.
But God is so good to me.
Okay, that was it. No big spiritual revelations today. :) I'll look forward to reading anyone else's. As usual, if you have a review but no blog, just email me and I'll post it for you. Easy sneezy. :) Here's Mr.Linky for all you bloggers who would like to take part.
I'll apologize for the lateness in which I post. I'm a mom, and today was grocery & errand day. It's just the way life works sometimes. :)
Now for my oh-so-short review. I read it everyday. I did. I only had one thing cross my mind in my reading, and you all have mentioned it before I believe. There is no doubt that we cannot do anything to make ourselves worthy of Christ.If I get a disease, I'm out. If I get the runs, I'm out. If someone else gets the runs and I shake his hand, I'm out. If I am a woman there is a week out of every month that I would have the constant reminder of how unclean I am, and I'm out. In reading I was thinking that these guys must of listened to all these regulations and thought, "How in heaven's name am I supposed to keep track of all this stuff!?! I'm just one big fat sin all the time!!"
I'm glad that Christ is my mediator and all is taken care of. I'm still being reminded more and more every day of the cost each one of my sins is to Him. Every thought of impatience, every reaction in anger, my laziness, my selfishness, etc... I'm just one big fat sin myself all day long.
But God is so good to me.
Okay, that was it. No big spiritual revelations today. :) I'll look forward to reading anyone else's. As usual, if you have a review but no blog, just email me and I'll post it for you. Easy sneezy. :) Here's Mr.Linky for all you bloggers who would like to take part.
I'll apologize for the lateness in which I post. I'm a mom, and today was grocery & errand day. It's just the way life works sometimes. :)
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