When it is raining, remember a day of kite flying

It has been raining all weekend here, which is not unusual for Ferndale this time of year.  So, when it's raining outside, what better than to think about a fun day without rain.  This is from a post that I did in 2008.  I love looking at how much the girls have grown and thinking about the fact that we have two more blessings, our sweet George and Abby.

Genesis 2:3

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

. . . . . . . . . After church we had a very quiet afternoon at home.  Over lunch we watched the movie "Cars," and several girls took a nap on Daddy’s lap.   Later in the afternoon, Dad took Anne on a bike ride, to which she realized she was extremely out of shape!  While riding their bikes they witnessed someone else flying a kite, so he took the girls outside to fly their kite.  While they were out flying the kite, they had a little mishap and the kite ripped.  It was a very simple kite to begin with so it really wasn’t able to be fixed. So, being the ingenious man that he is, he came in and reconstructed another kite, bigger and better! 

All the supplies were laid out on the floor and the construction began!  A strong warning was issued when it came to the duck tape – do not put it on your legs as it will do a better job shaving than a razor would. . . . .  Plastic was flying, a frame was fabricated and the old tail was sacrificed for the new kite, string was strung and TA-DAH – a new kite emerged.

Now all they needed to do was figure out if it would fly? 

May your Sunday be restful and full of God's love,

Michelle

StoneGable giveaway

StoneGable Christmas Dinner Giveaway

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Retail value over $400.00

 

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The giveaway ends November 24th.

one tough cookie

For all the days you wish you could be somewhere else as well as doing something besides having to drink a not so good tasting smoothie designed to light up your insides like a Christmas tree.

But you were so willing and sweet natured about those smoothies, even if it took 2 hours to drink through the mountain sized container.  Even when the older gentlemen next to us kindly cheered you on, you simply smiled your squished-up-eye smile at him and gave him a little chuckle.

You had no idea what you were in for, but you were ever so brave.  I brought the book we've been reading together to comfort you while we waited.  You slowly took in all around you while constantly sipping on that smoothie.  Each time you looked down a little more was gone out of the cup.

 

We got to the back and met Mr. Sam who would be taking care of you.   Still you were brave and smiling until you realized what was going to happen - a needle, like the feeling of a shot, was going to be placed in your arm.  Your sweet hand reached for mine and my tears began to flow.   I tried to get you to look into my eyes and to take your eyes off of the needle, but your tears just kept streaming down your face.

How I wish I could've taken the pain away, told you that it wasn't going to hurt, to let you know that I too have had that needle, and have felt the pain; the only difference being that I got you as a precious gift for that pain.  The tears made your eyes red, but you kept still the whole time.  Mr. Sam said he was so proud of you and that it took him less time than usual to put in your IV. 

Your tears subsided, but the pain in your arm was a constant reminder that the day was not over.  It was back to the CT Scan machine where you could lay down with "Superman" arms so that the dye would get into your organs to help them take better pictures.

You laid so still and held your breath when you were suppose to.  I watched from a small room off to the back, praying that God would comfort you during your ride through the "donut."   From my quiet devotions I remember the verse  . . .  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding;  I do not understand why you are feeling this pain in your side and I do not understand what it will take to find out the reason why, but I know that GOD does.   God is the author of ALL. . . .

You got off the table and Mr. Sam pulled your IV out.  You didn't even flinch this time.  He wrapped a big bandaid around your arm and off we went. 

But not before stopping for some chicken nuggets, frys and a BIG apple juice on the way home.  No more smoothies for you today.

more counting of my One Thousand gifts. . . . .

#126  little boy and "dot dog" every morning

#127  going into a closet to hear the rain pitter patter on the roof

#128  oil lamps burning at night

#129  little feet in handknit slippers

#130  silly snuggles in the morning

#131  long sweaters on chilly November days

#132  better tasting smoothies than the ones you have to drink for a CT scan

#133  medical technology that was able to see inside a little girl

#134  such a strong and brave little girl who made it through her scan

#135  doctors who can diagnose her illness

#136  holding onto her little hand to give her strength

#137  wiping away  her tears, knowing that God gives us the strength to endure trials

Sweet pumpkin cookies

I'm anxiously awaiting to try this recipe.  It's just another use for the many jars of canned pumpkin we have stored up in our pantry.  The littles one and I are going to make these for our homeschool Thanksgiving celebration tonight.

Read the rest over at Raising Homemakers

May your weekend be filled with sweetness. . . .

Cold days and soap making

We awake each morning to a heavy blanket of fog engulfing our house, while the sun desperately attempts to peek through to see if we are getting up.  Most of our chickens have gone on vacation for the winter months, but we are still getting just enough eggs for our family which is such a blessing and one I'm ever so grateful for. 



Come see our new addition to the family;  his name is Charlie.  Hannah received a sweet dusty, grey and white  6 week old kitten for her efforts in helping out around the house.  She helped momma out, so momma put in a good word for her.  Abby loves to tote him around all over the house.  Charlie has been very generous to her by not scratching her with all of the "excess" loving she's been giving.


I attempted to make my first batch of soap last night.  The recipe comes from the West Ladies at Homestead Blessings.  What a sweet group of godly women sharing their talents with the world.  Their Homestead Blessing DVD's are great to watch while nestled warm under a comfy quilt and enjoying a cup of hot tea.

I carefully ordered my supplies  and laid them out all measured as the ladies recommended.  Please be sure to have vinegar close by if you happen to splash lye on your skin - the vinegar neutralizes the lye.  Their recipe calls for 4 cups warm water mixed with 12 oz. lye.  Over a very low temp burner, add in the rest of the ingredients:  48 oz. shortening, 12 oz. coconut oil, 16 oz. olive oil.  Continue to stir these ingredients until well blended and trace begins.  The term "trace" simply means that when you pull your spatula or wooden spoon out of the mixture, a pattern "traces" across the top.  This went very smoothly for Anne, Hannah and I, and it seemed to trace rather quickly.

Before pouring into the mold, add in any additives.  We added 2 tsp. cinnamon and 1 tsp of cinnamon essential oil.  Rosemary, eucalyptus or lavender are also very nice.  If you want the soap to be an exfoliant, add in 1 1/2 c  finely ground oats.

Pour the mixture into a greased, plastic or wooden mold; we greased ours with the remaining coconut oil.  Cover the box and place a blanket over the top.  The soap needs to cool down slowly.  In about an hour, the bars are ready to be cut.  After several hours remove the bars, place on a drying rack and let cure for 4 weeks.

I'd love to say that our bars came out beautifully, but I'm still waiting for them to harden to be able to remove them from the mold.  The top had hardened, but underneath is still fairly liquid in consistency.  I'm not sure if we didn't let it saponify long enough, or if it wasn't warm enough in our house?   It was a fun evening with the girls and it was such a joy to learn something new and to once again create something with my hands.

The wearer of many hats

Women today wear so many hats, from chauffeur, cook, housekeeper, seamstress, diaper changer, gardener, nose wiper, nurse, doctor, story teller, teacher, entrepreneur, snuggler, tear wiper, shoulder to lean on, it's a wonder we can keep it all straight.  It reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman and the many character traits that she exhibits.




Proverbs 31:10 - 31
A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.   The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.   She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.   She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.   She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.  
She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.   She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.   She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.   She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.  
She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.   She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.  Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.  She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.   Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.   She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue. 
She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.   Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:  Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.  Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.   Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates. 
One verse always stands out to me:   She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.   Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:  Many daughters have done worthily

With all that she does, how would she ever have the time to be lazy or idle, but thankfully, ours is not a works based  reward system.  God does not reward us according to how much we accomplish on this list, but rather that we are looking to this list with joy to "wear our many hats" with a sweet, loving joy every day - looking well to the ways of our household.  May you enjoy wearing your many hats today! 

Give your children and husband a kiss and a hug and tell them how blessed you are to have them in your life. . . . . .
Blessings,
Michelle

Giveaway at Farm Girl Ramblings

My sweet daughter Anne is giving away a beautiful button jar and tote bag that she handmade in honor of her 20th follower.  Please stop by her blog and enter her giveaway.  She would be tickled to get more comments and followers.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Michelle

Knitting lessons

The first part of our week was rainy and dreary.  Outside of my window it was wet, windy and cold.  There was no laundry hanging on the line, the ladies were nestled in the coop staying dry, a lot less eggs due to the cold weather, the heater was on and blowing, and  I was dreaming and wishing that we had a wood burning stove to cuddle up next to.  The candles were lit and the oil lamps burning, and we were thankful, ever so thankful to have a roof over our head, warm snuggly blankets to get comfy under and books to read to pass our time.  I spent the majority of my days finishing up my very first knitting project - a dish cloth.  While that doesn't seem like much, knitting has not been something easy to learn.  It takes quite a bit of patience.  I feel like all thumbs when I knit and I'm sure that will get easier as the days pass.  It is so pleasant knowing that I made that with my own hands - how satisfying it is to create something that I will use for a long time.


Proverbs 24:3-4
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.


I have still been overly busy sewing Christmas presents for the girls and for our family.  I made this dress for Lindsay.  It is made out of a soft corduroy fabric that we found on sale at Joanns.  When I sew outfits, I tend to find several patterns that the girls like and then I just keep making the same thing over and over with different fabric.  Adding in ruffles, lace or trim is also a great way to change up the same outfit.  Jumpers are always a big hit around the house and are the quickest to sew.
I'm in awe when I look at her.  I blinked and now she's three.  She's wearing the Christmas dress that I made for her last year.  What a blessing it still fits her - sometimes it's wise to make clothes a little larger than necessary.  The fabric is a beautiful cherry red rayon, one of many stacks that my sweet mother-in-law gave us last year when she cleaned out her fabric stash.   

I always get asked when I have time to sew so many outfits, so I thought I'd leave you with this bit of wisdom.  Having a little boy running around the house does not leave me much time during the day to sew, unless he happens to be occupied by his big sisters.  Most of my sewing is done in the quiet of the night after everyone is asleep.  I enjoy lighting some candles, playing relaxing music, and along with the rhymic hum of the sewing machine, outfits are created to be worn through several years.  May your weekend be blessed.
Michelle

Joy in our day

Yesterday, we awoke to the sun shining in the window.  Georgie was snuggled next to my shoulders while we slept peacefully until late this morning.  It is a rare morning that we get to stay snuggled in my warm bed and I enjoyed every moment of it.  The General Manager was up very early this morning to drive to Sacramento to see an old friend retire from the Air Force.  

We were headed to a craft bazaar in town in hopes of getting the remainder of our Christmas gifts for family. 



Each of the girls picked out a very sweet hand crocheted baby doll blanket and I almost can't believe I only paid two dollars each for them.  The workmanship was worth so much more and so beautiful!  Afterwards we took a trip into town to pick up my sewing machine that was being worked on.  Relying on electronics makes me want a treadle machine more and more, only because they are easier to maintain.  But, I know God will provide one when it's time for me to have one.  I still have many sewing projects on the table ready to be made into lovely garments for the girls for Christmas.   God was gracious in that the machine wasn't in the repair shop for too long. 

We stopped at the local thrift shop in town while we were there and what fun things we found.

a new rice cooker

fabric for a beautiful peasant blouse for Lindsay

new dress for mom


new pillow shams for our bed


a sweet candle holder

I can hardly wait for our next trip back. . . . .

Once home, the girls spent the afternoon playing "house" while I finished up my chores; laundry, ironing, and cleaning.  With an easy dinner of leftovers, we are enjoyed the shift in weather.  The wind had picked up and it looked like it was going to storm outside. 


Before we were done with dinner, we had unexpected company in the field next to our house.  The deer that visit our one blessed acre are so calm and serene and oh so brave to come so close to the house. 


I was able to snap a few pictures of them before they ran off into the creek and the field on the other side.   While I was waiting for the General Manager to return home after his very long day of driving to be able to catch up with old work friends, I was revisiting the sweetness of the day, my children's adorable faces (how did they get so cute), the blessed time we had spending the day together, their laughter and funny expressions.  I am so thankful for my husband, my children and my life.  God has surely blessed us abundantly.  I just love our * family* time together.   May your week be filled with many unexpected blessings. . . . . .
Michelle