Morning Thoughts

I don't usually go out each morning and help with the animals. All three children have designated duties and they do them quite well without me. But this morning I discovered how much I am missing. First, my children amaze me. Our farm is not set up for easy living at this point. We don't have water available in that area right now. But, they've invented ways of getting water to every pen and they've got a system. I didn't stand in the way. Then, I realized I was missing the warm sun coming up over the pasture. Historically, I've always been a sunset kind of gal, but the newness of the day, and the farm "waking up" moved me this morning. I scurried back to the house to grab my camera. Why I ever walk out the door without that thing is beyond me.

And finally, the sounds of the animals as they waited. Each one knowing it's time. They expect my children. They depend on them. And when all is said and done, there is a hush .....

It was a spiritual moment as I pondered my own hunger and thirst, not for the physical, but for my daily bread from the Lord. I depend on it. ~ And when I am full, there is peace.

God's best to you this morning ~

Essays by The Deliberate Agrarian

The Deliberate Agrarian is offering a book of his published essays for a very generous price. There's only 500 or so left, you better get over there and get it while the gettin's good!

Perspective

Oh, that Amy. She's always got something thought provoking to say. Pop over when you have time, her latest post is a good one...uh, well ...they all are for that matter.

Click here.....

Bliss

Celebrating seventeen years and counting...

The New Chicken Tractor

Technically, these aren't exactly chicken tractors, but we don't know what else to call them. They were inspired from original chicken tractors we've seen online, but we do not put wheels on them. They're built with the idea that chickens can free range, yet safe from wild critters. Many times, however, we let the laying hens out and they roam all over the place. They know the 'tractor' is home and lay their eggs there. The bigger one (not pictured) has laying boxes. This smaller version was made from cedar posts we cut from the land. It's easy to pick up which is nice because it houses the Cornish Rocks and they'll need to be moved daily.

I don't know if you can see it, but Phillip makes a hinged door that drops down. This helps keep the chickens contained while we're changing out the water and such. We used some heavy gauge wire this time as well. Over time, the dogs and other nighttime critters push on the chicken wire and it really gets stretched.

I really like this one. I think they did a real fine job.

Maximum Production

I don't remember exactly how many chicks we bought way back but, as of yesterday, the survivors are all producing. Yes, just seven. It's sad, but that's farm life. And get this, the last feed I bought was Scratch, not laying pellets. I dumped the Scratch in on top of what little pellets were left and we're nowhere near scraping the bottom of the barrel so the only "help" these eggs got was sunshine, bugs & grass. And, ...well, Scratch. The cost of a 25# bag of Scratch ($5.75) vs. Laying Pellets ($7.29) is $1.54. I'm hoping this is the norm. We'll see how today goes.

Meanwhile, the Cornish Rocks continue to grow. And Eat. Since I'm a newbie when it comes to meat birds, I'm watching their every move. They even sleep differently! They sleep with their necks stretched WAY out. I just thought my layers looked dead when they slept. These birds sleep all sprawled out. Probably because they're disproportioned and growing oh-so-very fast. Many times, we walk by and tap the tub with our boot just to make sure they're all still breathing. Phillip & Douglas are working on a new chicken tractor for them. I'll post their handiwork when they get it done. I can't wait to see it myself. They're making it out of cedar trees harvested right off the farm.

Another Blessed Year

Happy Birthday

~ Phillip ~

You bloggy friends already know how much we love him.

Do You Know Granny Miller?

Oh wow ~ I just stumbled upon Granny's blog. Have any of you been over there? She's a plethora of homesteading information. Since we bought 25 Cornish Rocks a few weeks ago, I've been paying closer attention to my homesteading bloggy friends and who they're linking. A girl can learn a fair bit reading the experiences of those who've gone before her. I appreciate them so much, especially the ones with pictures.

Granny and I have something in common. After all the clicking and reading, and reading and clicking, she made the most profound statement. I hope I never forget it...

"I often find myself online instead of living."

I am thankful for all this information at my fingertips. Truly I am. But, it's distracting. Oftentimes we clutter our minds with the "noise" that we hardly ever have time to enjoy living. I will pray for Granny tonight. I know of which she speaks. I hope she takes all the time she needs.

Counting the Cost

I don't know how many other 11 yo. boys read it, but the guys in my house sleep with visions of tractors, implements, hay, cattle, and 4WD trucks dancing in their heads every single Wednesday night. For they know the dawn will bring the newest edition of the blessed Thrifty Nickel.

For some time now, Douglas has been wanting something to "give himself to" - not his words, but we know what it looks like. He's the kind of guy who wants ownership. Responsibility. Leadership. When she was little, one of my younger sisters used to say, "I want to be the boss of something." This is Douglas. Oh sure he feeds the goats, and tends to an assortment of things pertaining to country life, but it's not his.

So last week, as he was scanning the cherished classifieds, he decided he wanted to buy a calf. I have to tell you, this was quite a decision because he'd been saving up all summer for a new bike. My ever-so-patient-and-great-with-kids husband knew this and challenged Douglas to count the cost. If he really wanted a calf he'd have to calculate the entire cost; fencing to shore up our dilapidated fence, milk replacer, hay, etc. He'd be the one to make the decision.

Well folks, I was completely blown away by the determination of my son. He made a few notes and called Tractor Supply. He and my husband went to the local dairy where they sell newborn bulls for pennies on the dollar. They "shopped". They prayed. They spent hours talking about it. Then one day, it happened. They drove up with a newborn calf. The very weekend of his purchase, there was an ad on our local homeschool loop for a really cool mountain bike at a garage sale price. I printed it for him to read, but it didn't take long for him to come back and say, "No...I'm buying a calf tomorrow."

And here they are....

He's for profit only. Douglas calculated all of his expenses and he's slated to profit about $300 next year when this one goes to the sale. As a result, he's Mr. No Name, though I call him Bucky and Laura calls him Fajita Beef. Even without a name, it's gonna be hard. We love him already. We're just that way.

Multi-Tasker

Me: "Can I help you Laura?"

Laura: "Nope. It's easy Mom, you just hold 'em both with one hand."
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Fresh Eggs

I don't know which is sweeter, the surprise of farm fresh eggs a bit earlier than we expected, or these precious little hands. We were thinking we'd get our first eggs by late September, but the kids found these in the manger where our goats sleep at night. Apparently, the hens have gotten in there during the day and have made a comfy-cozy nest. It's been a long time since we've had our own farm fresh eggs.

Hello Gustav..

Six Sweet Years

Gustav Who?

All our attention was on a little girl who turned 6 today.

Pray for the Drews Family

It's this kind of tragedy that quickly puts life in perspective.

I've seen Marsha around the blogosphere for several years now. Her joy in motherhood, homeschooling and life in general is contagious. She is loved by many. Please pray.

Father, give us ears to hear your voice when we can't see the way. Provide a shimmer of light in this darkness. We reach for your hand knowing you're there. Thank you for your faithfulness, O Lord. We trust You are holding the Drews Family in the palm of your hand. ~ Amen

Sending ((hugs)) this evening...

TGIS!

Since our co-op started last week, our school year is well underway around here. The Big Kids had homework in addition to the daily schedule and chores I have for them. My big First Grader is reluctantly learning to write, spell, & add. She's seriously contemplating this idea of sitting down, being still, and paying attention. The biggest question in her mind is, "Why in the world are we doing this and what does it have to do with having f-u-n?" ~ sigh~ Anyway, I float around between the three while doing all sorts of other things Mothers do.

But thank the good LORD for Saturdays! None of us really stirred until 9:00a.m. Sarah said she'd been reading for two hours. I believe it; that girl's always got her head in a book. Laura woke in the wee hours of the morning and managed to wiggle her way beside me. She was dead to the world in that position. Phillip is working today and left way too early for mankind on a Saturday. Poor guy.

We're going grocery shopping later. How's that for interesting?

Hope your day is great!

Fresh Air

Breathe deep the Word of God.

It, alone, is completely sufficient.

Now Sit Still!

Sit still my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor deem these days –these waiting days- as ill!

The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,

Hath not forgotten thy great need today!

And, if He waits, ‘tis sure He waits to prove

To thee, His tender child, His heart’s deep love.


Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord’s will!

While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way

Corrodingly within, because of His delay –

Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest

That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.



Sit still my daughter! Just sit still!

Nor move one step, not even one, until

His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!

How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet

Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!

And waiting days not counted then too long.



Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?

‘Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!

For lack of losing all how much is lost!

‘Tis hard, ‘tis true! But then – He giveth grace

To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

J. Danson Smith, Streams in the Desert; February 5th

In The Garden

Thanks be to the Lord for His goodness

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Wordless Wednesday

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ONE Seriously Busy Week!

Last week was fabulously busy. For the first time in 13 years, I worked outside our home. Yes, the entire week - all day. And each evening we participated in a Child Evangelism 5-Day Club at a local apartment complex. It was an incredible time. I believe a seed was planted in many of the kids there and at least two accepted Jesus as their Saviour.
As I was cleaning out my files one night last week, I thumbed through a folder titled, "Bible" and wanted to share a quote from Amy Carmichael.
God bless your Sunday ~
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"If monotony tries me, and I cannot stand drudgery; if stupid people fret me and the little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Amy Carmichael 1867-1951

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!

May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!

May He send you help from the sanctuary

And support you from Zion!

May He remember all your meal offerings

And find your burnt offering acceptable!

Selah

May He grant you your heart's desire

And fulfill all your counsel!

We will sing for joy over your victory,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners

May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;

He will answer him from His holy heaven

With the saving strength of His right hand.

Some boast in chariots and some in horses,

But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.

They have bowed down and fallen,

But we have risen and stood upright.

Save, O LORD;

May the King answer us in the day we call.

Psalm 20

Dear Gayle,

This post is in response to Gayle's comment left about the meatloaf recipe. I knew someone would eventually ask about the El Pato tomoto sauce, or at least wonder without leaving a comment. So, as soon as I posted it, I found it online and bookmarked it. Here's the Link: El Pato Tomato Products. It's basically tomato sauce with chili peppers.
And yes, we grow potatoes here. They've been harvested for a while now and we just have them on the back porch. I can see why some folks would say they don't grow down here as we have very humid climates - you moreso than me, but they're planted very early in Texas. If I lived in SweetHome Alabama, I sure would try it.
For those of you who have never been blessed by Gayle's transparent wit, you're missing out. Unfortunately, you'll have to sign up on Blogger and let her know you want to be added to her readers, but if you make it that far, I think you'll be blessed.

Y'all have a great weekend!

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressable comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor to measure words, but to pour them all out, just as it is, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keeping what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away.

(Dinah Mulock Craik, 1859)

~*~
If you are blessed with such a friend in your life, the Lord has given you a treasured gift.

MIA

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not a consistent blogger. Life is just vastly different from our traveling days. I must admit, I miss those days in some ways.

I spent the last week with my sister. Some of you know she's gone through a heartwrenching, devastating divorce. She finally made the decision to move out of the home she and her husband built about eight years ago and I went up to help her. It was very good to be with her and my neice. We had some good times and crying moments, but we all saw the Lord in our midst. He is truly carrying her/them/us. I say us because it's affected our entire family - on both sides actually. We love her husband, my BIL, so very much. Love doesn't turn off like a faucet.

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I made lasagna for dinner this evening. I used the 'oven ready' pasta this time and it turned out fine. The only thing I'd do different next time is add a tad of water (or make my sauce a bit juicier) because the pasta soaks up the moisture.

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Beginning next Monday, I will be taking my first-ever photography class! Woo-hoo! I spoke with the instructor this morning and discovered that she obtained her college degree in photography. Needless to say I'm beside myself with excitement!

Tales from a Tiny House

We were blessed with bunk beds yesterday! Yes, a friend gave us their old set. What a blessing. Before I knew Phillip would be able to pick them up last night, I'd already planned a day of adventure ripping up the carpet in the girl's room. It was a team effort and in the end, I think we made a memory. Brayden was tagged "city boy" because touching the carpet pad grossed him out, but that's okay - he's gotten my kids several times over with - "You don't know what [enter any kid-slang known to kids] means? C'mon!" or "Man, everybody's seen [enter any kid movie here]" It's all in love though. They've had a blast together. Today's his last day here. We'll be heading to Papa's tomorrow where he'll spend one last week before he heads home. Boy will he have some tales.

So, back to yesterday. Before we ripped the carpet up we had to move the girl's beds out, so what would any ultra-organized, compartmental, clean-freak Mom do? Throw it all in the living room. Who comes to visit anyway? As my brain beeped "DOES NOT COMPUTE" and my irritability escalated, the joy in my children bubbled over with the thought of actually sleeping in the living room - in their own beds! How cool is that? As the Lord and I chatted throughout the day, I was reminded of what joy can come in the small things. In my heart, I had a vision - to them chaos was C-O-O-L. It was a good day.

And since I'm on a Tiny House Tangent (of sorts), I'll take the time to share that it looks like our tiny house will be "home" for us indefinitely. We had hopes that our circumstances would improve with Phillip's latest promotion, however, in the end he decided to resign and no longer even works for the company. Without going into details that would totally bore you, I'll just say that his company was/is conducting business in a way that is not consistent with our business practices, code of conduct, and convictions. The last few weeks, as Phillip sought the Lord, his very soul was crying out. Thankfully, the very next week, Phillip began working with a friend he's known most of his life. The income will not cover our family's monthly expenses, but we're moving forward living out our Faith. Remember, it's dead unless we actually practice it.

Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. Proverbs 16:8

Wordless Wednesday

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and

Check out my photography blog!

What are you wearing?

Good Sunday Morning!

I hope this finds you with a heart of worship as you prepare for church this morning. I don't think it's ever easy to make it to church, especially with little ones. The enemy works overtime to ensure the obstacles are larger on Sunday than any other day. But over the years, I've learned how essential it is once the dust settles. It really doesn't matter to the Lord what our hair looks like or the clothes we wear. He wants our heart anyway. I truly hope I've been a positive example of this before our children. The Lord has had to do some work on me. You see, I grew up in a denomination where dressing up was the norm. Making sure I didn't wear the same thing twice in one month was of great importance. I look back and have to laugh....most of my married life, I've worn just a few outfits every single Sunday. One black skirt and/or split skirt can last a very long time, believe me! I remember the stress I put myself through as a teen and young adult before my feet ever graced the threshold of the church! LOL...I can just imagine the Lord groaning something like, "Oh Angela, just come. Come to me and I will give you rest."

I'm thankful those days are over. It's not about me.

What are you wearing today?

Happy Friday!

I've finally recovered from our 6-day Arizona Wedding Trip, but I'm sad to say my house is still in shambles. I had the blessing of an out-of-town friend visit most of the day yesterday so I was more than happy to leave the mess for lunch out, a long chat over Starbucks, shopping, and then, last but certainly not least, the Lord's perfect timing showered us with more blessing as we shared dinner together with both husbands in tow. I'm filled to the brim with love and encouragement this morning.

Douglas just came in to inform me that he walked up on a chick-slaughter out near the chicken pen. It's sad, but we all know it's going to happen sooner or later. We've had so much animal death out here on the farm that we all know it's just a way of life; especially with chickens. Douglas is more determined than ever to have the .22 loaded and ready for the times he sees the wandering "neighborhood" dogs. I really can't say much as the two we own are part of the culprit pack and one was even caught redhanded with a chick in its mouth. I'm proud of Douglas though, I keep blogging (as you can tell I'm real worried...) and he's in charge of the scene. Laura came in tear-free and said something like, "Mom one's half breathing!" Life goes on. We're good.

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Part of my quiet time this morning included Proverbs 30. It's chocked full of good stuff, some of which I'll share.

Proverbs 30: 2 says "I am the most ignorant of men...." Immediately my heart agreed. I've been most stupid along the way The most of which has been pride-related. And oh how the good Lord will humble us.....

But then it goes on to say in vs. 6, "Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." Oh my. Can you even imagine what the Christain community would be like if we left our interpretations/opinions out of the equation?

And vss. 8 & 9. These are actually ones my dear hubby quotes quite often. They say, "Keep deception and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion. Lest I be full and deny Thee and say "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be in want and steal and profane the name of my God." Oh Father, teach us how to be content.

Have you spent time in the Word today?

Thankful Thursday

* At long last, my son is old enough to sign up for theatrical sword fighting. He's been wanting to do this for about four years, but hasn't ever been old enough. As it turns out, they've lowered the enrollment age to 10 now (it was age 12 for the longest) so he's IN! He's beside himself. The added blessed surprise is that his grandparents offered to pay for the classes!

* My youngest sister will be getting married this weekend. She's been a single parent for about nine years. I am grateful the Lord put someone in her life that cherishes her and is committed to a forever-marriage. It won't be easy as the family will be a blended family with three children, but nothing in the last nine years has been easy either. It's been a blessing and privilege to watch her strength and fortitude. We will be heading to Arizona soon for the blessed event.

* Have you heard? My hubby works from H-O-M-E now? Hee-Hee...Alrighty, I know you know, but I'm just SO THANKFUL for this transition we're in. We're cramped in this tiny little house, and he'll still have to travel, but it's just oh-so-very-neato that we're h-e-r-e (!) at home, working together on all sorts of domestic stuff.

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Around Our House

We got a second flock of chicks last weekend bringing the grand total to 22 including one guinea. Sometime in the Fall we'll have farm fresh eggs and I couldn't be more thrilled. Chickens are one of my favorite farm animals. There's just something about watching chickens that's very therapeutic for me. Several years ago, Phillip constructed a chicken tractor which now houses the first, older flock. They've finally learned how to get up on the roost at night and they're devouring the fresh grass out there. We move the tractor every few days which serves as a pasture-mower and green food for the birds.

We also got baby bunnies last week. The farm is growing right before our very eyes! Each child was allowed to pick their own. Sarah's bunny, Joey, is pictured below. She lovingly named her bunny after the friend we got it from whose name is Jo Lee. Jo Lee wanted her bunny to go to someone she knew and so hoped that one of us would pick hers. He's really pretty with nice markings.

God Bless You ~ Angela

Berry Pickin'

I think we have a choice in the matter of memory making. As I take a quick scan of my own childhood, the joyful memories are sporadic, like specks of bright spots dotted on a dark matted canvas. Thankfully, those days are over and the memories of the last (almost) 17 years of marriage and motherhood has filled the dark spaces of my heart with unfathomable joy. The longer I live, I'm realizing more and more that time's awastin'. And alot of that time I've wasted - with worry, fret, doubt, fear, jealousy, anger......pride. And I still haven't arrived. I can only hope that I've done something different. Something more joyful. Something filled with love & ....g-r-a-c-e. I pray we've shown them the Hope that will sustain them in the midst of storms. And those storms do come.

So....memories. We have a choice in what they'll remember. Will it be your impatient attitude, your To-Do list, your busy schedule, your homeschool calender, your attitide about your husband and/or your troubled marriage, your haughty spirit, your jealousy, your pride? O friends, time's awastin. They'll be gone in a blink of an eye - G-O-N-E. Those of us with bigger ones know - I'm beginning to feel it on a consistent basis now. Time is fleeting.

After begging persistent asking, Laura finally got her wish. Saturday evening we piled in the flatbed and Phillip took us to the pasture next door to pick blackberries. It's been a tradition around here, but since we haven't been here in two years, Laura's berry pickin' experience has been way too short. She eats more than she saves but that's part of the fun. A few were big and plump. I wish now we'd made a contest out of it as to who could find the plumpest. Laura kept saying, "OH this one looks like a good one, I will see how it taste'es"

Here's the little cutie showing off one of her plump beauties.

Go make a memory - today

Wishful Thinking

"You know Momma, horses caaan be pink if you spray paint them."

~ Laura, age 5, lover of horses and all things pink.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Jocelyn!

I shutter to think about the times she's probably looked up to me - The times she's actually taken that "oh-so wise Big Sister advice" when all the while, in so many ways, she's been more level-headed than I ever thought about being. She's one of those middles, you know the type - balanced, steady. There's so many things I admire about her - many things she doesn't even see in herself.

When we were little, she and I would play school all the live-long day. Mother boasts to this day about her singing the ABC's and knowing how to add and subtract before she was three. By the time she'd reached the age to finally attend real school, Montesorri kindergarten was absolutely boring. Things got harder, though, as she diligently trudged through a tough nursing school program during her college years. Today, she has blossomed into an accomplished, mature, beautiful woman who loves the Lord.

When I called this morning to send her birthday wishes, I discovered she'll be in our neck of the woods this evening on business. (yay!) We plan to meet her for a birthday dinner. Oh, will the kids be ever so excited when they hear the news!

She's pictured here with my girls, who love her so dearly.

Happy Birthday Jocelyn

You are loved....

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for my Beloved, Phillip.

He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me.

He knows me. He's got me figured out.

He's one of the very few people I honestly trust.

He makes me a better person.

He's my friend.

Many years ago, we were encouraged to pray together (out loud). At first it was awkward. Though we were married, I wondered if I knew him well enough to actually pray with him. It sounds weird to actually type that, but the longer I live, the more I realize that so many couples really don't know each other at all. Praying together can be that missing link, in my opinion. It's intimate. It's real. And it's beautiful. Today, I'm thankful we took that giant, awkward step to pray together. When we're apart, we miss it. When life seems too crazy, it's the first thing we want to do when our heads hit the pillow at night. Try it. And then write me. Your testimony will encourage others.

Blessings ~ Angela

*Phillip does not sit around posing for pictures. I steal them when I can - shutterbug that I am. This one was taken at the state park last weekend as he watched the kids swim.

Hattiesburg Hiatus

It's been over a week now that we stole away to spend time with hubby. We headed home Monday morning, only to make a U-turn in Jackson when Phillip called to inform us the steering went out on his truck. So we're here for week two and so very glad to be spending extra time as a family.

We found a beautiful state park with a nice swimming hole. Only the most adventurous can stand the freezing cold water, but it's nice to be out of the hotel no matter what we're doing. Last Sunday, we went for a drive down to Gulfport and frolicked at the beach. It was very beautiful and not what I expected at all. Yes, you can definitely see remnants of a disaster, but what I saw most was regrowth and beauty. I had nothing with which to compare my observations as I'd never been to Gulfport - or Biloxi, etc., but I was pleasantly surprised to see vacant lots with debris cleared away, new shopping centers, and beautiful southern-style homes being rebuilt right along the water.

A Trip to the Alamo

About three weeks ago, we went down to visit Phillip for a week while he was on a job in San Antonio. We made a trip to the Alamo and the Riverwalk along with a gajillion other folks who were there for Spring Break. We've never had to stand in line to get into the Alamo! Phillip had time to pop over to RiverCenter Mall for a Starbucks run with time to spare. Needless to say, we stood in line more that day than anything else, but if you're going to stand around outside in San Antonio, Texas for any length of time, I'd say March is the month to do it. A cool front had made it that far south and it was very pleasant.

The Alamo

Downtown San Antonio

A river really does run through it...

A boat ride down at the RiverWalk

RiverWalk: Boat View

Mommy & Lollie

Springtime in Texas

Good Morning ~ Happy April!

It's Springtime in Texas and I've been out capturing the beauty of it all.

Today is also the first day of Leah's" Bible Reading Challenge. If you haven't already joined us, head over and sign up - it's not too late and there's a drawing for a p-r-e-t-t-y cute prize if you make it with her to the end of the month.

Blessings ~

What Makes YOU Smile?

Michelle has posted a fun question and it even comes with a prize! I actually had to give this one some thought - not that I don't smile, I do, but I wanted to post something that was real and made me smile on the inside, you know - one of those smiles from the heart. I was looking through my pics and found this one. It's the entrance to our gated community.

Happy Monday!

I will share my Thankful Thursday with a photo...

Thank you, Lord, for my Mother's daily presence in the lives of my children. Each day she teaches them something new. Her love for learning overflows into the lives of my children and I'm so very grateful for such a rich, meaningful, relationship she has with them.

Thankful Thursday

As we reflect on Holy Week, I'm always brought to tears as I remember God's sacrifice for me, a sinner. The older I get, the reality of God's amazing grace becomes more concrete in my heart. - Probably because, for a number of years, I tried so hard to be "holy", or "good", - "perfect" - and failed. I don't think we'll ever be able to fathom God's grace until we've tried hard to be sinless. Then - we know. We are truly a people in need of a Saviour. Only by the power of His spirit are we able to "be" anything. "Apart from Him we can do nothing." I am thankful to truly know Him. Nothing on earth compares.

The Gift of Friendship

Yesterday, I received a special gift - an afternoon with one of my most favorite friends. My heart leaped for joy as she headed out here knowing what blessing awaited. This morning, as I reflect on the gift of genuine friendship, my heart is overflowing. You know, in life there are very few genuine friends. My mother has used the term "fair weather friends" all my life, and now that I'm an adult I, most assuredly, know the fullness of that term. O how I pray I am a real friend to those who cross my path.

Pinecone Bird Feeders

It's a gorgeous day in East Texas and we've been out basking in it. We went for a nature walk to check on a bird's nest we discovered the other day. Sarah determined it was an old one so we decided to snatch it for a collection we're starting. As we walked, we decided to make pinecone bird feeders when we got back. I took a few pictures for fun and thought I'd share the process. So many of us with older ones can tend to focus so much of our time on academics, schedules, and for some even college fills our spare time, but don't forget the little ones if you still have some. We made these all the time when Sarah and Douglas were younger - not so much with Laura. She kept saying over and over...

"THIS is F-U-N!".

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Here's what you need:

Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy), birdseed, pinecones, string or yarn, a pan, and a rubber spatula.

First, tie the string to the top of the pinecone.

Pour some birdseed into a pan (or bowl).

Using a rubber spatula, spread the peanut butter all over a pinecone. Don't worry about getting it into every crevice, just give it a good coating.

Next, roll the pinecone into the birdseed. I usually take some in my hand and press the seed into the pinecone making sure it's completely covered.

And there you have it! Pinecone Bird Feeders.

"Go Ye Therefore"

I just discovered that we have two sets of friends spreading the Gospel in Africa. Our dear friends from church will actually be returning today from Liberia after a month-long medical/teaching mission, and I've recently learned of another family with whom we used to worship and attended an indescribable Sunday School class together several years ago. Time passes so quickly and our paths haven't crossed in recent years but nevertheless the Barret Family is our family in Christ and it's been such a blessing to learn of how God is using their family in a mighty way. Because I know their hearts, reading the blog entries have brought me to tears several times. If you're looking for a blessing that transcends the everydayness of life, visit the Barret's blog. You'll live on a higher plane today, for sure.

The Barret Family in Uganda

"Go ye therefore, making disciples of all nations..."

Matthew 28: 19-20

Mud, Baby Chicks, & Chocolate Cake

Well it's raining again. I won't mull over it, you can see from my last post what I think about it. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm thankful. It's so good for our garden, the flowers, "God's Creation" as I've always explained to the kids. It's just the m-u-d. Ug....Last Friday, I got ready to attend the second study of The Truth Project, went to town to get the kids a pizza and got stuck in my own driveway. Once I got to the pizza place, I discovered this plastic-shield-bumper type thing had cracked in half and I'd lost part of it somewhere along the way. Anyway it wasn't all that bad, I was able to get out myself, but the entire 17-1800 ft. of driveway (which BTW is mostly a pig trail) was a complete mud bog. Since I'd already seen the first 4-5 lessons of The Truth Project, I decided I'd just stay home. Yes, it was THAT bad. Phillip wouldn't come home until the wee hours of Saturday morning and I'd be stuck - literally and figuratively - walking home in the dark - and mud.

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Saturday, while Phillip was sleeping, I decided to do something fun with the kids - get baby chicks. Though it may be a bit premature, as Phillip's promotion isn't official (thus having us home more on a consistent basis), we thought just a few would be easy to give away if the future held more traveling. Over the years we've truly enjoyed chicks and this time is absolutely no exception. I've realized that Laura probably doesn't remember much about having farm animals in the past so this is a real treat for her.

"No, we don't eat chocolate cake around here, why do you ask?"

Snow - In Texas

Everyone's talking about it. First it was going to be a major winter blast, then not so big, then we woke to blowing snow. The ground was already slushy so we're in the thick of mud, mud, and more mud around here. The last two years, I've lived in a mostly concrete environment so all this red goop is getting a bit old. Nevertheless, we were out in the muck this morning. These Texans never pass up the chance to trape around in snow - even if it's more muddy slush than the pristine dry stuff we experienced in Montana. There's such beauty in the white stuff - some sort of hush - some sense of peace. ~ The big kids are playing Monopoly and Laura is waiting (not so patiently) for me to play Sorry with her.

The pics below are of our plum trees with frozen blossoms. I still have hope that some will make it, but we won't have the bumper crop I'd hoped for. Plum jelly is a favorite around here.

I'll close with a quote from Laura. As she excitedly frolicked in the muddy snow - trying to catch snowflakes with her tongue, with bated breath she sadly exclaimed....

"Oh Mom, all our Daffofils don't deserve this!!"

Strength

"Strong Oaks are not grown in a greenhouse."

February Update

Seems kinda sad to post an update for the month, but I'm just not finding the time to blog these days. I knew being home would present a different lifestyle than the characteristics of traveling. Both are very good in many ways, but very different. ~ We've been home since December 24th. For those of you who follow us closely, you and I both know what a blessing it has been to be home for this long. Usually by the second week in January, we're getting settled into new surroundings with yet another Wal-Mart to remodel. ~ It seems that times are changing, as they always do. This Thursday, Phillip will have an interview-type meeting with the powers that be to discuss the possibility of him promoting to a project manager position over Wal-Mart. (not to be confused with his current position which is superintendent overseeing WM remodels on a daily basis) If promoted, Phillip will be able to work from home many days and only travel for 2-3 days at a time. Our family will be home on a regular basis except for the fact that the "traveling bug" has already bit and we're ready to go somewhere even as I type. I imagine if Phillip has to be somewhere exciting, the whole family will tag along. ~ And then there will be times when, after accumulating frequent flyer miles, I'll go with him by myself, though I hate to fly. If you think about it, remember to lift him up in prayer this week as he prepares his heart and mind for the meeting Thursday.

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Okay...what else? - We're in the midst of planting a gigantic garden. I shouldn't say "we" because it's actually our friend from church who sharecrops with us. It's mostly his garden as we haven't been here in two years. This year he bought a small garden tractor and has already put in 700 onion sets. Yesterday, Douglas and I planted potatoes and prepared a bed for asparagus. If any of you in the south grow asparagus, leave a comment on your experience with it. I'm excited about it, but have heard/read that it doesn't grow well in the south. I know we've got to wait two years before we really harvest any of it so I thought I might as well get started. ~ Our wild plums are blooming and they're just SO beautiful! I'm reading up on how to prune my one lonely peach tree, though it may be too late now. I'm hoping to add a few more eventually. ~ A few years ago, we planted a pecan tree and last year got our first pecan! I took of picture of it (of course - you know me...).

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It's time to close for now. My indians are getting restless. I know I should really wait 'til midnight to do this sorta thing, but you know (?) I'm tired then! And getting up early to blog distracts from my prayer/bible time. So...now you know. I'm closing with a sweet picture of my Gifts. We took a walk one afternoon a few weeks ago and they actually obliged their ole Mom. Aren't they cute?

Grace & Peace to you ~ Angela