Hello!

My name is Gena, and I'm an Amberlink hen ..... Mom's pride and joy. (shhh.....don't tell the others ..... they all think they are, but I know better!) lol Actually, we all are. She loves us ALL very much!

If you have a moment, get a cup of tea or coffee, and I'll tell you a little bit about myself.

I am an 8 month old white hen, with a red comb and matching wattle. I love to sing, especially while laying my eggs. I lay one a day and after a few days, I take a vacation day! I enjoy running around the yard foraging for good bugs and grass, giving high chest bumps to my sisters, taking dirt baths, sunbathing, and just breathing in that good 'ole country air. I also like playing outside with my 6 sisters while we chase Dexter (the dog) and show him who's boss!

I really like it when Mom comes outside to feed us and give us water. She plays with us and gives us big hugs and scratches our backs. (ahhhh!) She always makes sure our shed is warm and clean (until we mess it up) and we have something to play with. (to read about that, please click HERE!)

I LOVE cheesey grits, apples, homemade bread, cabbage, lettuce, cracked corn, toast, and so many other yummy things that Mom makes for us. We are excited that she is going to be getting us some seedless grapes soon. She said she can't wait to see us eat them. Somehow I think that it's more for ENTERTAINMENT purposes than as a treat, but hey.....food is food, right?

So.....who are YOU and what do YOU like to do?

Buk buk buk buk bukka~
GENA

Bull Dog Brittle

I had Bull Dog Brittle a few years ago when a sweet Georgia friend of mine brought it into work and I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! It is absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS and soooo EASY! I am making this today so I don't have a picture for you, but I will try and remember to take one. Today is a busy day here on the farm, so I am kind of scatter brained! lol (I know....what makes today any different!) :> )

As always my favorite recipe's are those that are delicious and easy. This is so good and so inexpensive to make that you will probably want to double the recipe. BTW....it makes an awesome gift too! :> )

For Bulldog Brittle you will need:

8 whole graham crackers
1 cup of chopped pecans
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup sugar

*Break crackers into fourths. Place on foiled lined cookie sheet pan, leaving space between crackers.

*Sprinkle chopped pecans over top of crackers.

*Melt margarine and butter in boiler. Add sugar, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil exactly 2 minutes.

*Pour over pecans and crackers. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. DO NOT BROWN. Let cool and break into pieces.

ENJOY!

WHEW!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it is CHRISTmas week already. We have been so busy with our musical at church, that so many other things had been pushed to the side, especially my house. On top of that, I have been sick with a bad head cold. This seems to be my new CHRISTmas tradition that I am not to fond of :> ( Thankfully, this time I have only been sick a little over a week. Last year, I was sick from the beginning of October till February.....so not cool!

Saturday evening and Sunday morning was our CHRISTmas musical, "STAR!" We could have used another week or two of practice to work on lines and lyrics, but we again saw for ourselves that NOTHING is impossible with God and we got through both performances. There was some great add-libbing done by some of the cast that was hysterically funny! I will try and post some pictures of the program when they become available to me. I'm usually the one behind the camera, but this time, I was in front of it, in the choir.

The chickens are continuing to be spoiled and are still gifting us with 6-7 eggs each morning. Yesterday Saturday morning, I opened the doors to let them out and they just stood there for about ten minutes looking at the snow, wondering "what on earth is THAT?" lol It was extremely funny to watch! I gave them a whole head of cabbage and they just went crazy. They are such sweet little ladies and I love giving them special treats!

During the holidays, we don't travel anywhere....we never have. We are homebodies and like it that way. Hopefully, we will have a white CHRISTmas this year. I'm really praying for it!

So what are your plans for the holiday? Do you stay home like we do, or do you travel to visit family and friends?

I Praise You, Father

Almighty God .... The Great I Am ..... Removable Rock ..... Omnipotent .... Powerful ..... Awesome Lord!

Precious Lord. . . . I PRAISE YOU, Father, and thank You for who You are. I PRAISE YOU for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. I PRAISE YOU for all that You have done and continue to do in my life and the lives of my family and friends. I PRAISE YOU for the BEAUTIFUL snowfall that you are gifting us with today, even though it has put a hold on the decorating of our church float for the parade tomorrow, I know You have a reason for keeping us all home at this time and I thank you for the extra special time with Kiddo this morning. Be with those in need today, Father....You know what is on their hearts. The spiritual needs, financial, health issues, whatever it is they are going through. Be with them, Father....meet them where they are. Place Your hand of protection over all of them....give them peace in their hearts. I ask this all in Your Precious Name....AMEN!

Old Fashioned Potato Candy

My daughter Bean, from "Baking Blondies" made a batch of potato candy yesterday and it turned out WONDERFUL! She found this recipe on "CooksRecipes.com" but she had to change the amount of powdered sugar that she used to one bag due to the size of the potato.

For this recipe you will need:

1/2 (or 1 small) boiled potato
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
About 2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter

1. Mash potato, add butter, vanilla and enough powdered sugar to make a slightly stiff dough.
2. Roll out dough (on a surface dusted with powdered sugar) and spread on the peanut butter.
3. Roll dough up (as for jelly roll) to make a log.
4. Cut into pieces, let air dry for about an hour. Store in air tight container.

Makes about 2 dozen confections.

Things You Can Do to Keep Your Chickens Warm

Keeping a small flock of chickens in your backyard means they will need some extra attention to make it through the winter healthy, happy and warm. Where many large-scale farmers don't go that extra mile to pamper their chicks, those of us who have small flocks need to remember that a handful of chickens produce much less collective body heat than that of a large flock of 50 or more chickens. (You can tell if your chickens are cold if they fluff their feathers and stand on one foot...they're trying to stay warm.)

To help your chickens live through the cold weather, here are a few things for you to consider:

Add Light
If you live in extreme climates, adding a brooder lamp is a way to keep your chickens warmer. Besides taking the chill off the coop, your egg production should increase, as chickens like to have about 14 hours of daylight for optimal egg laying conditions.

Add Insulation
Chicken coop insulation can be as easy (and cheap) as sheets of foam or cardboard. I read of a lady who insulated her coop using scraps leftover from others cut and carry purchases at a home improvement store. It cost her less than $25 to insulate her entire coop this way. If you use regular insulation, remember to cover it up. Chickens love to peck at anything. Insulation isn't good for them to eat, but it does help keep them warm.

Patch up Holes
If your coop is drafty or has lots of open spaces, consider covering them up for the winter. Just don't cut off all their ventilation because they still need some fresh air.

P.U.P.
Yes, this means.....PICK UP POOP! Don't neglect cleaning the coop out in the winter. Chickens tend to stay indoors more when it's cold, and if you close up the coop more than it is in the summer, all that smell can irritate your chicken's lungs. Keeping your coop sanitary is a must, not only during the warm months!

Keep Water Unfrozen
If freezing water is a problem where you live, consider getting a heater for the water. They actually make heaters for chicken water containers. Tuck it inside your water container and it will keep your chicken's water from freezing. I don't have a heated water dish, but it is something that I am looking into since we have already had the water freeze twice already, and it's not even winter! :> (

Add Plastic
Chickens don't like to be wet or hang out in the wind. Adding plastic, a tarp, a shower curtain, or something similar to the outside of the chicken run, will cut down on those things significantly. I am going to staple 2 of the 3 walls of the chicken run, leaving one side exposed. This way they still have one wall uncovered so they can see out and still get fresh air.

Add Entertainment
Chickens need exercise! In the winter they'll be less likely to be running around foraging, so give them an incentive to exercise. Throw cracked corn or other grains into the chicken run and let them run around and scratch for it. Put their food and water containers at opposite ends of the coop so they have to walk from one place to the other.

Giving your chickens something to do will also cut down on them picking on each other out of boredom or grumpiness from being cooped up. One idea I read is to get a whole cabbage and drill a hole through it. Then, run a rope through it and hang it just out of the chicken's reach, making them have to jump up to get it, tearing off bits and pieces to eat. Not only is it nice to have fresh vegetables to feed them, they'll get their exercise as well.

Add Extra Bedding
In the winter months, add extra bedding to the coop and nest boxes. If you live in a cold region, add extra straw. If you live in a warmer region, add extra wood shavings.

Paying attention to some of these details will help ensure that your chickens survive the cold weather. As in most things with these easygoing birds, it doesn't take too much work to keep them healthy and happy. They will appreciate the extra pampering, and may even reward you with some eggs......even in the cold winter.

It's nice to know that with just a little extra pampering, your little sweeties will reward you nicely! :> )

This Is How I Want To Go

I was visiting my friend's daughter Brit over at "Toddler Mania" this morning. This is what was on her sidebar. . . . .

I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with the childrens sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.

-- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Good Morning!

Good morning, everyone! I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving. We are now in full Christmas mode here so today, I'm heading out to work on things for the Christmas program with G-girl. Lots to do today to get things finalized.

Are any of you involved in the Christmas programs at your church? If so, what are you all doing?

Have a blessed day!

Happy Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving Menu

Good morning! It has been awhile since I last posted. Things here are great, just busy as usual. God has and still is, doing great things in my life. PRAISE THE LORD!!

I just LOVE this time of year, don't you? The wonderful food, the decorating, and just being with family and friends. This year, we are having two special friends from church coming over to have Thanksgiving dinner with us. We are really getting to know them and they have become so precious to us!

Yesterday we moved the furniture and shampooed the carpets so today I am putting things back where they belong, some of which the GARBAGE! lol In between getting the house back to normal, I need to do some baking; an apple pie, pumpkin crunch, and some cookies. I then need to chop the onions and celery to get it ready for the stuffing. Then it's getting the yams into their pretty little baking dishes and all brown sugared up. Everything else will be done tomorrow. It's certainly going to be an early morning, but I wouldn't have it any other way! :> )

Our Thanksgiving menu will be:

A BEAUTIFUL Butterball turkey
Sage Sausage stuffing
Mashed potatoes
Candied yams w/marshmallow topping
Corn pudding
Creamy Cauliflower (recipe to come)
Scalloped Vadalia onions
Fresh baked pepperoni rolls

Desserts:
Apple pie
Pumpkin Crunch
Amish Chocolate Chip Bars
Pumpkin Trifle, courtesy of Goose

Hmmm.....feels like I'm missing something! Well, if I figure it out, I'll just fill it in.

So, what's on YOUR Thanksgiving menu?

Dream Vacation/Destination

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls!"

Matthew 11:28-29

When the weather gets cold, many people are wishing they were somewhere warmer. My daughter, Goose, and her husband, Tang, will be going on an all-inclusive trip to CANCUN, MEXICO in December for ten days of total SUNSHINE & BLISS! (lucky dawgs!) They are soooo excited to finally be going on their "DREAM VACATION/HONEYMOON!" Goose said, "I can't wait to be lying on the beach, soaking up the warm temperatures and the sunshine while the rest of you are back home possibly shoveling out and FREEZING!" lol

Well, all this talk about vacations got me thinking about where I would like to go on my "dream vacation/destination" and it didn't take me long at all to decide. One day, I want to go to Jerusalem and walk along the same streets my precious Lord and Savior walked while on this earth. How AMAZING that would be!

IF you could go anywhere..........where would your "dream vacation/destination" be?

A Wedding Blessing

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh!"
Genesis 2:18, 21-24

To my precious sister, Barbara and her beloved Alex on their wedding day. . . .

~ May your joys be as bright as the morning, your years of happiness as numerous as the stars in the heavens, and your troubles but shadows that fade in the sunlight of love. May God richly bless your union this morning and pour out His Holy Spirit upon you both ~

Welcome to the family, Alex....

WE ♥ YOU!

What's Up

I started this blog for quite a few reasons and I PROMISED myself that I would write something down EVERY DAY. It didn’t matter whether two lines or fifty. Whether it be talking about my relationship with God, My Skippy Man, the kids, my feelings about homeschooling, (which I am COMPLETELY enjoying by the way and so glad that we did) my need for COFEEEEEE and chocolate, just venting, what's going on down at the farm, or letting you know of the encouraging blogs I have found along my travels.

However, during our revival, I was deeply convicted of many things......one of which is letting go of those things that have been getting in the way of what is most important to me.....God and my family. Some of those things include blogging and facebook, as well as other things.

I have also been making a conscious effort to start the day, before my feet even hit the floor, to give God PRAISE & GLORY, and to THANK HIM for all the blessings he has bestowed on my family and myself. This so sets the tone for my day and it always goes so much better when I start it with God!

Well, I am not going to make that same promise again knowing that I will not be able to keep it, but I will promise to make the best effort I can to keep my blog updated.

So if you don't see a post for a few days, don't worry, I'm okay. Actually, I'm doing better than ever!

Blessings~

Are You THIRSTY?

"Blessed are those who hunger and THIRST for righteousness, for they will be filled!"
Matthew 5:6

Yesterday at church, our THIRST Revival Conference started and all I can say is WOW! I must admit, my toes are sore from being stepped on, but you know what....that is EXACTLY what I have needed.

Last night we talked about SUBSTITUTIONS we use for God; things that we do instead of meeting with God....people that we run to first when things happen instead of taking it to God.....my idols. I was amazed at how many I actually had, and I didn't like it one bit! We were then given a styrofoam cup to write down those things that were keeping us from having the intimate relationship with God that we should so earnestly be seeking, and encouraged to place them at the feet of Jesus.

My soul is being refreshed and my heart has found it's joy again, but my THIRST has not been quenched. I am so looking forward to another evening of meeting with my personal Savior!

PRAISE GOD!

On-line Math Resource

For some information on a great on-line Math resource, please go HERE!

Heavenly Humor

"He who sits in the heavens shall laugh!"
Psalm 2:4

For the past week or so, I have come to realize that I have taken things, situations, circumstances, and even people, a little too seriously. That I haven't been smiling/laughing enough. As I was reading my devotional book, I came across a particular one I would like to share with you.

It asks the question: Is laughter theologically correct?

We rarely think of a knee-slapping, rib-tickling, belly laugh when we think of being spiritual. But is that God's perspective?

In Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose, a villainous monk named Jorge poisoned anyone who came upon the one book in the monastery library that suggested that God laughed. Jorge feared if the monks though God laughed, He would become too familiar to them, too common, and they would lose their awe of Him. Jorge probably never considered the idea that laughter is one of the things that sets us apart as made in God's image.

In Spiritual Fitness, Doris Donnelly tells us that humor has two elements; an acceptance of life's incongruities and the ability not to take ourselves too seriously. The Christian faith is filled with incongruities - the meek inherit the earth, the simple teach wisdom, death leads to life, a virgin gives birth, a king is born in a stable. Many, but not all of life's incongruities are humorous.

Humor also helps us let go of an exaggerated sense of importance to face the truth about ourselves. Anxiety over our own efforts can obscure what God is doing in our lives. "Lighten up" can be good spiritual advice!

How can we renew our sense of humor?

• Be on the lookout for humor. Almost every situation contains some element of humor in it
• Spend time with people who have a sense of humor - their perspective will be contagious.
• Practice laughing. Take a five-to-ten-minute laugh break every day.

You can benefit from laughing. Humor requests a sense of honesty about yourself - without arrogance or false humility. Humor has also been proven to be good for your health. Take time to laugh each day - it is good for the soul as well as the body!

A Day Out

Last week, Skippy, Bean, Kiddo, and myself, decided to go out for a drive. We left early in the morning and just took our time, not watching the clock and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful countryside. We started out the day with a trip to a nearby meat processing plant, and then over to a local orchard where we had a great time drinking cider and picking apples.

From the apples we got that day, we canned 36-1/2 pint jars of apple butter! Oh, how WONDERFUL they housed smelled of apples and cinnamon!

I had a lot more pictures of our day and canning, but for some reason I can't find them. I hope you enjoy the few pics I was able to find!

Amazing Biscuits

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed are those who take refuge in him!"
Psalm 34:8

This is a recipe I make for biscuits that Bean says taste like the ones you get from KFC. COOL! I double this recipe, add extra salt, roll them out thicker and use a wide mouth glass to cut my biscuits. I just like them like that.

For this recipe you will need:

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup milk (or you can substitute buttermilk if desired)

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the leavening (baking powder) and salt

Cut shortening into flour mixture till mixture resembles course crumbs. Be sure to use solid shortening instead of cooking oil or melted butter. The best utensils to use for cutting in shortening are a pastry blender or a blending fork. Mixing by hand tends to soften the shortening, making a sticky, difficult-to-handle dough.

After cutting in the shortening, the mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Avoid usinga liquid shortening. This will produce a mealy biscuit rather than the flaky, tender ones which are more desirable.

Gently push the flour-shortening mixture against the edges of the bowl, making a well in the center. Add the milk all at once, pouring it into the well.

Using a fork, stir the mixture quickly. Stir just till the dough follows the fork around the bolw and forms a soft dough. Too much mixing may result in biscuits that are tough and not as light as desired.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 10-12 strokes. This helps develop the biscuit's structure and evenly distributes the moisture to make the biscuits more flaky. For ease in kneading, curve your fingers over the dough, pull it toward you, then push it down and away from you with the heel of your hand. Give dough a quarter turn, fold toward you, and push it down again.

On the lightly floured surface pat the dough to 1/2 inch thickness (or use a lightly floured rolling pin, if desired). Add a little flour to the surface of the dough if necessary to keep the dough from sticking.

Cut dough with a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter. Dip cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticking. Press the cutter straight down to get straight-sided, evenly shaped biscuits. Be especially careful not to twist the cutter or flatten the cut biscuit edges. If you do not have a biscuit cutter, a glass with the edges dipped in flour works just as good.

Using a metal spatula, carefully transfer the cut biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet. For crusty-sided biscuits, place about 1 inch apart. For soft-sided biscuits, place biscuits close together in an ungreased baking pan. Re-roll scraps of dough and cut into biscuit shapes.

Bake biscuits in 450* oven for 10-12 minutes or until biscuits are golden. They should have doubled in size during baking. Serve immediately. If desired, bake biscuits halfway through the freeze. Bake later at 450* until golden brown.

Do you have a favorite biscuit recipe that you would like to share?

Faulty Assumptions

"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?"
Obadiah 1:3 KJV

A traveler at an airport went to one of the little shops and bought a small package of cookies to eat while reading a newspaper, waiting for their flight. Gradually, she became aware of a rustling noise. Looking from behind her paper, she was flabbergasted to see a neatly dressed man helping himself to her cookies. Not wanting to make a scene, she leaned over and took a cookie herself.

A minute or two passed, and then she heard more rustling. He was helping himself to another cookie! By this time, they had come to the end of the package. She was angry, but didn't dare allow herself to say anything. Then, as if to add insult to injury, the man broke the remaining cookie in two, pushed half across to her, ate the other half, and left.

Still fuming later when her flight was announced, the woman opened her handbag to get her ticket. To her shock and embarrassment, there was her pack of unopened cookies!

It's so easy to make assumptions about what is happening around us. We expect things to be a certain way based on past experience, what we know, or have been told about a situation. Assumptions are not always wrong, but they are never to be trusted. Too many times they lead to embarrassment and even destruction.

The Bible tells us that assumption is based on human reasoning and the driving force behind it is pride. As the verse above say, it is pride - we think we know everything - which allows us to be deceived.

Pride caused the woman in this story to assume she was right and the gentleman was wrong. Instead of seeing him through God's eyes and praying for wisdom to handle the situation God's way, she ignored the man. In the end, she was completely blind to his kindness toward her.

When you find yourself in a conflict with others, avoid prideful assumptions by walking in God's love. See other people and situations through His eyes. After all, your vision is limited, but He knows exactly what's going on!

Good Morning!

Good morning! I am enjoying a nice hot cup of tea and an Apple Toaster Struedel (I cheated this morning and had the frozen kind) while doing my Bible Study. Care to join me?

In our study, we are reading "Fresh Wind Fresh Fire: What Happens When God's Spirit Invades The Hearts Of His People" by Jim Cymbala, and it is AMAZING! This book is a great testimony as to how God wants us to be; loving, forgiving and merciful, with the people in most need of God.

Within the framework of telling the story of his own ministry, Jim Cymbala illustrates the awesome power that can only be tapped when we communicate with God through prayer. This book will also inspire you with testimonies of what God can do in the lives of everyday people when His people pray!

I am truly looking forward to the follow-up book, "Fresh Faith!"

The Brick

"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you!"
Matthew 5:42

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.

As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'

The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, he said. 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything
was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message:

'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Mmm....mmm.........Mousse

I found this recipe for Nutella Mousse the other night while I was looking for something to make for dinner. After dessert, I asked My Skippy Man if he liked it. His response was.........

"DO WE HAVE ANY MORE?"

Now that's what I like to hear! :> )

For this SUPER EASY and addictive recipe, you will need:

16 tablespoons of Cool Whip or whipped topping of your choice
4 tablespoons Nutella
1/4 cup chopped almonds or nut of your choice

Add ingredients together and mix. EAT! lol

WAIT.......I'm sorry, I have a confession to make. I did not follow this recipe exactly. When I made this, I just kept scooping Cool-Whip, Nutella, and nuts into a bowl....it was like my arm had a mind of its own and just kept scooping. LOL!

Okay, I feel better now!

A Field Trip, A Yard Sale, And Other Stuff

WOW, have we been busy! It started last Wednesday when Bean reminded me we were having a yard sale at our house on Friday and Saturday, and that I hadn't started getting things ready yet! EEEEEKKKK! I forgot! lol So, after we got home from praise & worship practice, we jumped right in.

Thursday morning, Kiddo and I and a group of home-schoolers from our church, went on a field trip to a HOMESCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA at The Frontier Culture Museum. I took so many pictures, I can't possibly post them all, so I will just post a couple.

~These are our kids~

This is Kiddo, running through the sheep field. Why you ask?
I DON'T KNOW!
lol

I decided to make a slide show of our trip, but it won't be finished for another day or two. I will post it as soon as I am finished with it! We all had such a WONDERFUL time and they weather was absolutely GORGEOUS! Thank you, Father, for giving us the perfect day for our trip!

Friday morning, the first day of our yard sale, I woke up in so much pain in my feet and legs that I was hobbling around like a little old lady. When I got dressed Thursday morning, I never gave a thought to the shoes that I was wearing. I wore a pair of old what boat shoes which apparently was the WRONG thing to wear. I had no support and the soles were too thin. Not good when you are doing a LOT of walking! :> ( PRAISE THE LORD, I woke up Saturday morning so much better with hardly any pain in my legs and feet at all.

As for the yard sale, I keep saying I'll never do it again, but that never really works. However, this time, I am keeping my word. We had a good time, got rid of a lot of stuff, whether by being sold or given away, we made $36.00, and NOTHING was brought back into my house. WOO HOO! After that, I had some things to attend to out of town that took up much of what was left of our Saturday evening.

Then on Sunday, we had church in the morning, a play and dessert theater that afternoon, choir practice for the Christmas program after the theater, and then another out of town errand. By that evening, I was BEAT! I think I was in bed by 9:00! lol Yesterday was filled with getting caught up on household chores and unfinished schoolwork from Thursday and Friday.

So what have you been up to lately?

Lord I Pray

"If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

Lord God, you, who makes all things possible, hear our cry. It may not be all of our nation, Lord, calling out to you in prayer to change our ways, but father it is "many" of us. Lord, there are so many of us who love you, who are doing your will and want to make a better America.........grant us, oh Lord, victory on this day.

We pray for those who do not yet know you, Father. We humbly pray that "YOU" will be made first and foremost important in our great Nation once again and that the words "ONE NATION.....UNDER GOD" will once again mean something!

Father God, you know what is ahead for this country. We ask you to make all of us here and in America be obedient to Your will, Your ways, and Your moral values so that we may see this economy turn around, jobs be created and protected, and that we are safe from terrorism and attacks of any kind.

We praise YOU Father, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, LORD of lords, Prince of Peace, and we give YOU all honor and glory. And we ask this in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ.......... Amen!

Commitment

Many women have issues with commitment. Their fear of failure causes them to drift in and out of relationships, jobs, and obligations without ever really settling anywhere. Committing your life first to God, will help you commit later to others.

Give Him your love, your life, your heart, and ask Him to help you walk out your commitment one day at a time. Everything else will follow!

Thankful Thursday

As most of you know, I am a lover of music and sometimes the words to a song can express far better than I, what I want or need to say.

"THANK YOU" by The Katinas is a beautiful song, thanking our Precious Heavenly Father for the things that He has done for us.

Please take a moment not only to listen to the wonderful words and beautiful music of this song, but the actual video itself.

Your heart will be touched............I know mine was!

THANK YOU, JESUS

Headin' Out

Today we are heading out for a field trip with some amazing homeschool families from our church. If you'd like to see where we're going, please click HERE!

See ya soon!

Things I Love About My Husband

There are so many things I love about my husband I could type all day, so here are just a few things:

1) He loves the Lord.

2) He loves his family.

3) He has a WONDERFUL sense of humor ---->

4) He works so hard so that I can be a stay-at-homeschool-mom!

5) He has put up with being married to me with all my quirks and my wEiRd sense of humor for almost 24 years.

6) He eats whatever I cook......even if it stinks. Now that's true ♥!

7) He is a GREAT husband and father!

8) He loves to take walks with me.

9) He is handsome and looks great in his carpenter pants.

10) He gives EXCELLENT back massages.

I ♥ YOU, MY SKIPPY MAN!