Grief

Grief comes from many sources...loss of a animal is ours this morning. As we labored with our favorite cow Ruth and waited with anticipation and excitement we talked about how much delight we will be getting from our newest member of our little farm. Alas, it wasn't to be as the sweetest little calf you ever saw was stillborn. We were devastated and tired and worried for our Ruthie. This morning is bittersweet as yes we have a cow to milk but no dear little calf to give it to.

We have cried over this precious animal and have wondered why...our hearts are broken.

As my husband was feeling the devastation he said something very sad. He said, "Here I am bawling over losing a calf and people happily abort their children every day...and go out for coffee afterwards"

We are moving forward and in the days to come put this pain to rest and look forward to the next birth from Rosie-girl.

The Lord never said life would be easy here...but He did say He will comfort us in our time of need so we are expecting His comforts today as we heal from this blow.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings...

Hugs...

Mom and Dad learning to chill out...

Merry Christmas to all....My husband does everything with "artistic" flare. I knew when I asked him to help me make some snow people they would turn out spectacular! Didn't he do a marvelous job!

Generosity...James 4:17

Generosity is not something we are born with...we have to learn it and then practice it till it becomes second nature. There are those who "give", but not with joy of heart or thanksgiving that they have the ability to give. I know of only a few families who portray what true giving is. In one particular family charity and generosity is probably the characteristics you would see most. In the past few months I've been able to watch as their oldest son is learning to be generous. This Christmas he blessed us with a gift, which he bought with his own money...from his heart! Yes, I am using it as our main tables "center piece" - as a reminder of James 4:17.

I doubt he will ever know how much this gift will bless us....you see we always purchase "cold" cereal for Christmas morning since we eat hot breakfast all year long. This is precisely what is in those packages on my table - our Christmas morning breakfast! How do I know that? Well, this young man has a sweet little sister and she, with her big blue eyes looked up at me and said, "Mr. Griffin do you want to know what your gift is?" and with the biggest grin she announced "CEREAL" - Only the Lord knew that we'd be having our daily warm breakfast and foregoing the cold cereal this season...See how much the Lord cares for us...see how he worked it all out through a young man who is learning what James 4:17 means! Generosity, charity and good will should be the flavor of Christmas not the horrid packages and gifts and stress that it has become!

May you be blessed this year by someones generosity towards you! Thanks for stopping by...and by the way yes I am "Mr. Griffin" to this endearing little sweetie and I will miss it when she grows out of calling me "Mr. Griffin"...it's just the sweetest thing in the world!

Living at a "ski lodge"

What fun we've had these past few days in our little winter haven. My husband said that it's like we are living in our very own private "ski lodge" - I'd have to agree. I truly love the place that the Lord has us and am enjoying every moment of the "beauty" all around us...

We've had a great time making mini snowmen, maybe we'll be able to make a larger one since as I type we are being sprinkled, once again, with "diamonds"....Enjoy the pictures - and as always thank you for stopping by - enjoy the snow!
The song writer with her "mini snowman".

Chicken Keeper and his silly hat...looks like a little nome....goofy guy!

Snow Angels...Keeper of the home even made one and was brought back to many fun memories of making snow angels...fun!

Keeper and Little Man...yes, that is our pool in the background...another unfinished project that was left...there was a bit of water left and my funny "song writer" suggested that we use the antique skates I have as decoration and take turns going skating...a novel idea! If we could have I would have done it in a minute - I love to ice skate!

Winner!!!!

A dear friend of mine came up with this amazing idea...cut out paper trees and give stickers for acts of kindness that are worth $.05. Next Sunday the children will redeem their "trees" and draw a siblings name...thus using the "tree" money to purchase the person they drew a Christmas gift..what a grand idea huh!

She also came up with the "prize" muffin...which brings me to the picture of our "song writer". The idea is a few times during the season to make muffins with a special something in one like an almond or 10-15 chocolate chips in the center...the one who gets the "prize" wins...and gets a prize. Our "song writer" won the first round of prize muffins...and her prize was a sticker for her tree and the last chocolate stick...it was great fun!

Thanks for stopping by...Merry Christmas to all!

Salt...

Well...this was a big disappointment - my usually beautiful french bread flopped! I was on the phone with my sweetie and was distracted...and forgot the SALT! It amazes me that even this little bit caused such a flop. I have to tell you that I was sooooo upset, I stormed into the front room and ranted about how this "life" we've chosen is just too much and I'd rather go back to purchasing bread from the store...I got over my "pity-party" and considered more deeply about this...I asked my-self this question...Am I "salty"?...God clearly tells us that we are the salt and if we loose our "saltiness" then we are not doing anyone any good and should be thrown out and trampled underfoot (Matthew 5:13) - ouch! I want to be salty for those who the Lord sends in my path...I'll remember this "flopped bread" any time I "don't have time, or am too tired, or whatever excuse I come up with to not read my word so that I can stay salty"...

...Are you Salty? Have you forgotten the beautiful covenant that you entered into with your Lord? If so, he is waiting for you to return to your flavorful, salty self...turn off the computer and seek His word - He will show Himself faithful to you and teach you what you need to be "salty"!

Thanks for stopping by...

Hide-n-Seek

"Oliver" is a wonderful hide-n-seek player...he always has us looking for a long time...here is one place he wished we would have found him fast...hehehehehe...our "knight" was delighted as he discovered his dad...

Thanks for stopping by - I have lots more to say but will post later.

Hugs to all

Thanksgiving weekend....

We are thankful for good friends....food....and music....

Thanksgiving was a delight this year. We felt as though, even though we are facing some trials, we had the deepest and richest day we've had in a long time. A beautiful family joined us and there was good food, wonderful fellowship and the BEST part of all was that we enjoyed our very own orchestra concert. One piece brought tears to my eyes...amazing that music can do that isn't it. These young adults play beautifully. We were impressed by the way these young adults carry themselves and hold their own in conversations.

This family loves the Lord and has such a joy that radiates and if you are around them...well you can't help but capture some of the joy that they have - we were truly blessed to have them here.

We enjoyed roast chicken and duck, rolls, squashes, green bean dish, bon-bons, scalloped potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauces, spicy olives..mmmmm, squash bread - I'm sure I've left something out...oh, yes pumpkin pie and and coffee...we were all quite full!

The next day was our annual tree hunting day...starting with coffee at Starbucks then off to the tree farm to find the "perfect" tree...

I'll post more about our Christmas traditions later - but for now enjoy this lovely picture of our tree...my husband is the tree "picker". We all "hunt" but he has the last say...he thought this tree was darling with the added bonus of pine cones covered in sap, which make them look like they are covered in snow!

Thanks for stopping by...And may I be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas...

A thought for the ladies....

Womb Cleaning Pad wrapped up in itself...

The backside or the leak barrier....

The front or the part that catches the "stuff"...

So what would you do with $100 extra a year? I could do a lot with that...What if you weren't able to get those monthly "things" you need...here is my soulution and I love it!

I have been making and using these "womb cleaning" pads for about four months now and felt that I should tell you about them. First, they will and do save us money each month. Second, they are VERY comfortable. Third, you can use whatever you have to make them...I've used old t-shirts, socks for the inside linner, old flannel, new material if you want. I've used an old changing pad, the kind for on the go diaper changing. Forth, (my favorite reason) there a no nasty chemicals in them...just clean and fresh! There are so many pros to using these - give them a try! One more thing - this is a great first sewing project. My daughter is making a set of pads for herself and learning how to sew in the process...

A friend of mine suggested I try them and so I googled "cloth mentstral pads" and a lot of sites came up. Some where you can purchase all ready made pads - but why purchase them when you can make them yourself....here are a few sites with the free patterns I used:

http://www.askpauline.com/ - this pattern I like the best. www.crafts.sleepingbaby.net/PADS.html - this pattern is very easy to use and this site has a picture of a square pad which I use this one for those heavy days/nights.

I've never had a problem with leaking. If I'm going somewhere I just bring a plastic zip lock bag with me and store them in there till I can get home.

Which brings me to washing them...here is what I do. I have a small trash can with close-able lid, I put them in there and when my womb cleaning is completed I put them in the wash, by themselves, and do a vinegar cold water short wash first, then I will use "charlie's soap" and wash on a heavy wash with hot water/cold rinse. Dry as normal...or let them air dry. That's it simple, economical, and if your wanting to "save the environment" well there you go...a very "green" way to go!

Thanks for stopping by...

Ahhh this is the life...

Our cows are so happy...they seem to love the pasture and their "palace" barn... Ruthie is letting us brush her and we can almost brush Rosie...they really seem to like our children!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at what we are up to....

Legos Are A Great Thing....

You have to love legos...especially when mom says no to the electronic babysitter...heheheheh! It makes me so happy to see my children playing with legos...they love to build and create!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Good Study

We love this "Ruby doll kit" a proverbs 31 study from Doorposts. I started this with my daughter in the summer. We only do about one step per week and she loves it!

Doorposts has a lot of inexpensive books, crafts, etc..., they are family owned and very scriptural.

Thanks for stopping by!

French Bread

2 1/2 cups warm potatoe water

1 tbsp. yeast

1 tbsp honey

2 tsp salt

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups fresh soft wheat flour or all purpose

3 cups fresh whole wheat flour

Mix all ingredients except the soft flour for one minute in large mixing bowl. Then add the soft flour until the mixture cleans the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto floured surface and knead for 10 - 13 minutes. Allow dough to rise 30 minutes in greased bowl.

To shape loaves: Divide dough into two parts, roll each part into a 12x15 rectangle. Roll up tightly along long side. Pinch the edges to seal. Place on greased cookie sheet or stone. Let rise for 60 minutes.

When done rising slash the tops with serrated knife three times. Beat one egg white with water till foamy. Use either pastry brush or hands to lightly coat top and sides of loaves with egg white mix.

Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Living in the country has perks...

Sometimes I'm reminded why we live in the country - here are a few pictures that are worth a thousand words...I'm a blessed woman!

I brought these flowering kale in from the garden for a bit of color and little man was sitting on the counter watching me arrange the flowers. I went to set them on the opposite counter and when I turned he was laughing and looking at his hand...an inch worm, to his delight, had followed us into the house...what fun that was for him.

Concentration Camp....

As we approached the cow farm my heart sank! There were green pasture all around...but not one cow in the pasture. Instead they were housed in a horrid confined place that was at least 2-4 feet thick with cow waste! The smell was horrid and the cows were covered in waste - it was awful!

My heart was sickened as those pictures on the milk products at the grocery store depicting pastured cows came to my mind...what a farce! It is amazing to me that what God intended for good we, once again, distort and ruin! The cows provide our country with dairy products and meat and they are housed in "cow concentration camps". We are happy to have rescued two ladies out of that mess and in turn they will provide for our family.

Look at that bale of hay...what fun!

Here little man is drawing out the names for our girls. The names that were drawn out were "Rose" and "Ruth".

Ruth and Rose having a yummie corn stalk snack! They will be spoiled for sure and loved very much. Both girls are expecting in the next few months - that will be a treat and an experience for sure.

So I don't know how to turn this picture around and I couldn't figure out how to erase it...so you'll just have to do a little stretch to see it!

Thanks for stopping by...out to the garden for fall clean-up....

Always wanting what we can't have...

We always long for what we can't have and my children are no exception! I haven't bought boxed cereal for many months now and my children sometimes really miss it...I do too for the fact that it's easy to serve! Well I had a dessert that called for rice krispies and they were elated at the idea that there would be enough left over for each of them to have a bowl or two...

It was interesting to me as they are normally served a hot breakfast...eggs, toast, oatmeal or wheat flakes...and they like it but they really miss the cold morning breakfasts...isn't that a hoot!

Thanks for stopping by...chat to you later!

P.S. In case you are wondering they do get cold cereal for breakfast on their birthdays and Christmas. I look at cold cereal like I would candy...moderation! I'm going to preach now...it's just not good for you at all...really think about it. How can it be - it's cooked till it's "crunchy" - which means there is nothing left that's good at all...then there is the processing plants - gross! Even though they claim on all the boxes the vitamins and minerals etc.., but they have to add synthetic vitamins and minerals that the body can not process very well...there you have it your very own nutrition class...heheheheheheh

A Hmmmmmm Moment...

With all the deep hatred today of "color" be it black, white, red, olive I stumbled upon this and found it to be a wonderful picture of the song..."He's got the whole world in His hands..

During our morning reading time I have been reading the book "Great Women in American History". This weeks lady is Mary McLeod Bethune. She was a black girl who grew up knowing both slavery and freedom. During an evangelistic trip to the Dakotas she meet a five year old girl who insisted that she wash before dinner because her skin was so dirty. The child's mother was horrified, but Mary just smiled. HERE IS THE PART I FOUND WONDERFUL: Mary held up a vase of flowers saying, "Look at all the different colors of these flowers. God made men just the way he made the flowers, some one color, some another, so that when they are gathered together they make a beautiful bouquet." Isn't that a beautiful picture...

Thanks for stopping by...

Thankfulness

Seems fitting that we start off our blog site with thankfulness. So here is a bit of what we are thankful for:

Hope for a few new mooooooving friends...the cows will be coming home soon!
Family - in this upside down world we are thankful for a family that is keeping the bonds and yokes of the Lord...
Friends to keep us in line...
"Keepers" Hair...oh, some of you will laugh as you know that the keeper of the home often, too often, complains about her hair...no more I tell you!
Boys growing into godly young men who will change the course of this country and stand for what is right!
Girls that will be pillars when it really matters most!
CHOCOLATE...CHOCOLATE....CHOCOLATE
A bountiful harvest
The Sound of Music...who wouldn't be thankful for this movie...
Coffee
The list could go on...but I'll stop by saying this...Be thankful - we have so much!

Welcome!

Fall...don't you just love fall? As we have enjoyed many days here lately I've noticed that fall has been different this year. I think it has to do with the peace and joy I feel in my heart. I see new things that I've never noticed before - like the wind blowing the leaves off of the trees...why have I never noticed that before I wonder? I'm sure I have but for some reason it just seems so beautiful and peaceful to me this year....hmmmm just something to ponder.

Have a delightful day tomorrow...