Friday, March 27, 2009

Music to my ears...maybe not yours...and some other things to see...


So my older son took it upon himself to learn the basics of the guitar. He also decided that someday he would like to have "students" and a studio someday! (we know someone who is very important to my oldest son and this person does this for his living - and is very passionate about it...and shared with my son that he was self taught...and as they say - the rest is history...)
Here is my son with his first students, teaching them the very basics and loving it!
We got chicks and turkeys this week. Our knight bought six chicks with his savings and is learning how to be a good farmer.

Our children think baby chicks and turkeys are such fun and so cute! Ummm no they are not in our house - they have been moved to the barn - they just brought them in so they could show me and get a picture with them.


Something fun to do... a little cloth diaper/bib set for a baby doll! A dear friend gave my daughter a set for her birthday and she shared the pattern with me also. These are a snap to make and would be a great first sewing project for anyone wanting to learn basic sewing!

Thanks for stopping by - enjoy your day! A little something to consider...we just finished "Raising a Maiden of Virtue" from Vision Forum. I read a chapter a day in the morning to the children emphasizing to the boys the kind of lady they should look for someday and emphasizing the kind of Maiden my daughter should strive to become. I highly recommend this book!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Opsy....

Several of you have asked how my husband is doing. So here is an update about him and his wierd skin thing:

Out of all the doctors, four total, that saw him not one could figure out what he had!!!! They were all boggled and perplexed as to what it might be because it looked like so many things rolled into one...eeek!

We never did go to the dermatologists - personal reasons.

He has scarring and when it gets cold the scars are purple in color...does that mean I have my very own "mood" ring in a way?

He is humorous about it and says all he needs now is age spots to complete his collection...

Thank you for praying. I'm happy to have my husband - spots and all!

Lemon Tea Bread


Many years ago...probably 10...a dear friend of mine made this yummie bread and shared the recipe with me. I have not made it for years and decided to re-visit this recipe - glad I did!
1 2/3 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon finely ground lemon peel

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons poppy seeds


Lemon Drizzle: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon shredded lemon peel, 4-6 teaspoons of lemon juice (enough to make drizzling consistency)


1. Grease bread pan

2. Combine flour sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.

3. In another bowl combine egg, milk, oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, poppy seeds.

4. Mix in flour mixture till well mixed

5. Poor into pan back at 350 for 45-50 degrees

6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes then take out and continue to cool on wire rack.

7. After completely cooled drizzle with lemon drizzle and wait 5 minutes before serving....mmmm

This bread mixed up fast and fills the whole house with a wonderful, fresh smell. When made with half whole wheat and half white flour it is even better!

Enjoy!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Good Morning Cinnamon Rolls...

Ahhh...comfort food! These cinnamon rolls were so wonderful - best I've ever made! I really like making these because the recipe is so easy and you can prepare it the night before and let them rise in the fridge and then bake in the morning...mmmmm what a wonderful way to wake up the family!
2 cups warm water
2 tbsp. yeast
1/2 cup dry milk powder
1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup honey
2 large eggs
1 tbsp salt
6-8 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup vital gluten
1. Combine yeast, dry milk, vital gluten, and 2 cups flour in mixer.
2. Add water, oil, and honey - mix well for 2 minutes.
3. Cover bowl and let dough sponge for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add eggs and salt
5. Add additional flour till dough clings sides of bowl
6. Turn onto floured surface knead for only 5-7 minutes - this short kneading time keeps the dough very soft and manageable. A stiff dough will produce heavy, dry rolls
7. Divide dough into two equal portions. Roll out into rectangles, spread 2 tbls softened butter on each, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar, nuts and raisins can be added here also.
8. Roll up, seal the seam, cut into 1 inch thick pieces. (NOTE: I have found that using dark colored sewing thread works really well - just slip the thread under the dough and criss-cross it at the top and gives you a nice cut) put rolls into buttered pan.
9. Repeat with remaining dough
10. You have two choices here...you can simply put tight plastic wrap on the pans and put into the fridge to rise overnight and then bake them in the morning or you can raise them in a warm place until doubled.
11. Bake at 325 for 10 minutes turn heat up to 350 and cook for another 5 - 10 minutes. They should be slightly brown.
12. Frosting:
In mixer 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 tblsp flour, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and a dash of salt - mix till fluffy and put on top of hot rolls.
Enjoy with a glass of milk - untreated milk is best!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Some fun things...

Here is our little song writer with jammies that I made from....old sheets! It was a fun challenge. The sheets were so old and worn that I had to double the jammies so they would be modest. She loves them as they are of soft flannel. I used a pattern that is like the nightgown from the American Girl Samantha movie. I even altered the pattern a bit. It called for cap sleeves and I wanted to add sleeves with ruffles...and so I did! That was a bit of a challenge but it was also fun figuring out what to do!

Toddler Times...
It has dawned on me recently that Little Man is the most obedient when he is involved in our lives...what I mean by that is that he feels important and useful! Here he is helping vacuum the kitchen after breakfast. His big brother has learned that all the little people in our house do better all day if we as the older people encourage them to be useful! Little man "can" mop floors, vacuum, put dishes away and he is learning to make his bed...and all of this makes him so happy during the day!
Thanks for stopping by - until next post stand firm in God's word!


A Walk in the Park...


Here is my farmer with his favorite farm animal...Ruthie the Cow! I was on the phone when they came strolling by the house. They both enjoyed themselves on this sunny day. Ruthie loved the fresh grass that is growing between the berries and the garden.




Tuesday, March 10, 2009

What our little farm has been up to...

Here are my boys with swords and shields. They were made for them by a very talented young man! They are used often at our mini-farm...
Due to a family emergency we had company...three of the most manly boys you've ever meet! They were so respectful, helpful, and courteous - it was not at all hard having them here it was a true joy! I was so impressed with the older boys as everyday they kept themselves on track for school and never missed an opportunity to help with farm chores or house chores...We all missed them when the left.
Probably my favorite picture - Defending Hearth and Home...these young men will be a blessing to this generation - I truly expect them to rise above the status quo of teens and prove themselves to be men of valour.
Fun Times...we were so happy to have had sunshine most of the days that they were here.
Oh, Happy Birthday to our favorite Knight! It was such a delightful day and even more fun since the boys were here to share in his day.




Handsome Knight - tough and gentle all rolled into one!!!
So Mr. Knight is now learning the milking trade. He has been a huge help and is always so happy to help. One of our favorite parts about milking is training Dutches to be on a lead. We take her on a little walk each night - it is great fun and she is a real sweetie. It did take us about a week to get her used to the lead.
Here he is with his first catch in the small trap a friend gave him...he set the little bird free of course and set the trap for the next curious critter.
This picture is for one of my son's special friends...you know who you are - Enjoy!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Oh, Thanks for the warning Al Gore...

This is what we woke up to this March morning...it's been snowing here off and on all day! As I type this the snow is starting up again!

Now I see why we need to tax the American people more and more and more... all in the name of "global warming". As you can see its apparent that global warming is a real crisis....so yes please tax us more....goodness what a hoax that is! It's almost like a religion for those who really believe that global warming is a threat...
Well, I have lots to blog about and lots of pictures but I need to go out and help our son milk the girls. I will blog later and catch you all up on what has been going on in our little part of the world....the part that is not very warm - tee-hee
Hugs to all and as always thank you for stopping by.




Pslams 144:12 -

That our sons may be as plants
and our daughters may be pillars sculptured in palace style.


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