A week in the mountains...

Farmer boy gets a chance to drive through the woods on this Artic Cat "toy". What fun that was for him!

Here is our calf...all grown up now! Duchess is getting ready to be de-horned by this local "cowboy". It took all of 30 seconds, a large heavy duty wrench and a horrific amount of blood that I decided not to share...If you really want to see the gory pictures I'll e-mail them separately to you...

SPRING IS IN THE AIR...And with spring comes an overwhelming feeling of needing to be outside...not inside doing bookwork! So today we did our weekly spelling tests looked up the different types of evergreens and headed out for an hour and half hike into the mountains...it was marvelous! A great find were the bones - which the children thought were fascinating! I think the favorite thing about this hike was the huge rock formation we came upon. It was a great hike, a perfect way to get the "spring fever" bug tamed!

Here Farmer Boy and Little Man are standing between two different evergreens that are prolific here...Hemlocks and Pines.

See the curved trunk at the bottom.

Happy Spring to you...thanks for stopping by!

My Life on a Taffy Pull: Job-As in the book of the Bible

This is a wonderful post and I just had to share - be encouraged...
My Life on a Taffy Pull: Job-As in the book of the Bible

Target Practice....What Fun!

For those of you who have an older brother you might know what these little brothers are experiencing...great fun! Not to mention the brotherly bond that is happening here...just look at our youngest grin as big brother patiently helps him shoot the BB gun....I was so impressed when I walked over to the "gun range" as older brother was going over gun safety rules, what is expected of them at the "gun range" and so forth! Because he taught them to be respectful and serious while using a gun they were and had a wonderful time...and thank goodness no one lost an eye!

I have to brag a moment here...This young man is a marvelous big brother. He amazes me sometimes and is so caring towards his younger siblings...

Thanks for stopping by!

Future Farmer of America

We were so blessed today! After a long day at the library we came home to this sitting outside our little place...a tractor for the boy who loves, loves, loves tractors...this was such a blessing to him and to me as I just felt so loved by the Lord! He knew that we would like, not need, but desired a fun bike for our little man to trek around the trails with us and He provided it...









Some other things I'm pondering is this...why do you suppose many who claim to be Christians shy away or try to avoid conversations about scripture? I have been amazed at this as I really felt the Lord put upon my heart to take my word with me to the library and share what I've been reading and what the Lord is doing in my heart. I felt I was to share with one lady in particular...she listened but was quick to tell me that she has read the Bible from cover to cover...when I asked her if she reads it daily she said "Why no...besides I prefer the Aramaic translation...you know the language that Jesus spoke..." I was flabbergasted...and asked her what she was talking about? She went off to explain and really lost me...she didn't want to discuss scripture, what the Lord is doing in her life....she wanted to discuss interpretations etc..., I tried to encourage her to read the Word and be filled...I shared with her that we really think the King James is the best and she would really glean from it...

I asked my husband later about this and he explained to me that first of all...Jesus didn't write anything down and second the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Koininea Greek...not in Aramaic language...it was written so that Jew and Gentile could learn, be convicted, and redeemed through the Word of God...

I wonder what your thoughts on this are? I am going to keep bringing my Bible to the library...following the Lord's leading as I know they don't reject me...they reject their Lord...I also stand on this promise that His word can not return void....

Shouldn't the Word of the Lord consume us? Shouldn't this be what we are passionate about? Shouldn't the truth be what comes out of our mouth most of all to whom all we meet? Shouldn't we be ready to give and answer in season and out? Shouldn't we be speaking His Words to everyone we meet?

Many happy blessings to you and your family...God Bless all of you!

Let Your Guard Down...

Hmmm let me see...Let my guard down? Sure why not - after all it is a movie recommended by someone trustworthy right?

These words have been ringing in my head all week long as we foolishly followed them...and went against everything we have cultivated in our family...and everything that God puts in His word... We borrowed a movie on the good word of a very trustworthy young man.

So we put it in and I was busy cooking and heard a few remarks...than a few more...then my husband turned it off....we viewed it together and were shocked at what was in the movie! Many, many "not so funny" comments and other things that maybe a young man might over look and not "get" but Satan certainly "gets" it....after all his goal is roaming around seeking out whom he may destroy and devour! I was so glad that my husband turned it off...it may have encouraged our sons to head down a very dark and lonely path...and might have left our lovely daughter wondering if she was really "lovely".

God's word commands us to be on our guard against ungodly things, to think about things that are pure, to(as moms) be the keepers of our home...and the list goes on! My husband and I stand convicted and will keep our guard up...even when it comes from a delightful young man who may not have seen what we saw or heard what we heard in the movie....

I want to challenge each of you, the keepers of the home, to be on your guard...seeking the word and asking the Lord for guidance and direction! Keep your home in line with what God's word says - it is so important!

Simple Ponderings

Purpose...Homeschooling with purpose...life with purpose(not to be confused in any way with the fad of the "Purpose Driven" stuff). A few weeks ago a friend and I were e-mailing and she mentioned that some families whom she knows don't really seem to have purpose for homeschooling the children...they just are "getting them through" the school years.

My friend has plans for their children way into the future...plans to help them in what they are interested in right now...even though it may change....several will be doing on-line college courses to get them ready for the life God leads them...I was amazed at the insight, intelligence and wisdom in this...gearing school right now towards future interests...amazing concept. They still do the required basics but they are always thinking..."what do I need to help them accomplish the long term goal" They have set many home schooling goals and the children love it and thrive under it....something else to ponder -setting reachable goals!

It got me thinking on a CD we required our oldest to listen to before he was given his Covenant Ring. It was "What to Expect From Your 12 Year Old". I remember being shocked at how many young men, ages varying from 9 on up, were purposeful in their life and accomplished many good things for the Lord.

I've been pondering that for a few weeks now and wondered if I was just "getting them through" school....sad to say but I think that maybe yes...no purpose other than finishing school which in that there really is no value, hope or promise of a bright future.

So this last week I've really asked the Lord to show me what I should be focusing on. You know what He has showed me...to know my children deeper and then to school them accordingly.

I want my children to be so thankful that they were home to learn instead of feeling like they missed out...I really believe the Lord has laid this on my heart - especially at the critical age of our oldest son...who is really thinking about what he wants out of life. I've encouraged him to begin saving for his "all-in-one" farm he wants to start.

Of course this is all in pale comparison to the great purpose we all have...to raise our children for His glory to build His kingdom! This is by far the most important thing we could ever do...I've even counseled a young mom who was overwhelmed at the prospect of home schooling to start with just reading and studying the Bible.

May the Lord keep us and guide us as we seek His best for ours and our children's lives. Thank you for stopping by.

Seven Heaven....

Happy 7th Birthday to our wonderful Knight!
He had a glorious day...filled with lots of fun surprises...like picking out a knife at our favorite country hardware/diner. The owners seem to really like his personality and just wanted to bless him...then it was off to a new park we found that is just down the road...it was freezing and cold but we had so much fun....

Presents....and cake were next! Just look at the wonderful cake his sister created for him...an African theme! I had to help some but she did most of the work...the trees are pretzels with green licorice one top, a water fall, and an eagle's nest complete with M&M eggs...he was so excited about the cake creation...good job big sister! We were all anxious for him to open one gift in particular - Daniel Boone Season 4! This series is a family favorite!

A birthday pic-nic of hoggie sandwiches, soda, chips and cookies...a perfect lunch!

Gorgeous place isn't it...summer here might prove to be very fun indeed!

Love that grin...love that young man!

Breakfast with Dad...traditions are wonderful!

Black licorice...a knight snack...or a cowboy snack depending on the moment.

He requested marble cake and her is an aeriel view of the cake...

Papa Murphy's Move Over...and 100% Spelling Day

With great success I made pizza. I used the whey off of the cheese...it's the greenish watery stuff that separates out from the curd. It was the best pizza I've ever made...I've had better homemade pizza(and the chef who makes it knows who she is....)...but it's the best I've ever made! I was so delighted with the crust. I used olive oil and garlic for our sauce and used our herb cheese(see last post), sauteed onions, and chopped up ham...it was wonderful and there were no left overs...so move over Papa Murphy's! Oh, and I even rolled up cheese on the sides...mmm!

100% Spelling! This is normal for this guy! I have to say it's because I'm just relaxed about spelling. I only require he master 10 words a week and so he writes them twice along with making up a fun sentance. I find this method works best. Its not a "proven" method as I kind of combined a few methods, taking what I liked about this one and not about that one...and well the proof is in the pudding!

He is such a lover of school...always over-achieving and begging me to do more school...he loves it. Math is his favorite by far and sometimes I find him doing four pages of math and wanting to do more...sad to say I've had to put a limit on his daily math papers or he would do only math...all day long!

We find him to be our most gentle child and don't know if he even can muster up a mean streak...he's just sweet and very loving!

Good Job Mr. Knight! We all love you so much!

Queso Fresco...Herbs de Provence

This is by far our favorite cheese...It has seven different herbs in it...rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, fennel...and some others. This cheese has a delightful mild, creamy texture with a wonderful "bouquet" of herbs to complete it. I would think it would be fabulous on thin butter crackers...shredded over a mixed garden salad or even used in flat bread.

If you want the full directions just let me know...

I start with boiling the herbs for 15 minutes. The next picture is showing you the curds and whey following with the cheese press and finally the beautiful cheese...Thank you for stopping by.

Happy Valentines Day...

Hallmark reminds us that February 14th is "Valentine's Day", a day set aside to celebrate the joy of love. Our culture lures many hungry hearts to spend tremendous amounts of time and money seeking the elusive fulfillment of romantic love.

For many Valentine's Day is a painful reminder of the satisfaction that seems to be beyond their grasp. Perhaps these lonely hearts would be surprised and encouraged to know the true origin of Valentine's Day.

It began in the third century during the reign of an oppressive Roman Emperor, Claudius II. Clauduis ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods and made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. This did not stop the brave Valentinus, a Christian of such courage and conviction that he would rather die than deny His Lord, Jesus Christ. Eventually, he was arrested and imprisoned for practicing his Christian faith.

During the last week of Valentinus' life, a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked to brink his daughter, Julia, to Valentinus for lessons. Juila had been blind a birth but had a quick mind. Valentinus taught her history, arithmetic, and most important about the Lord, Jesus. She saw the world through Valentinus' eyes. one day Julia asked her teacher, "Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?"

"Yes, He hears every one." Valentinus replied.

"Do you know what I pray for every morning? I pray that I might see, I want to see so much and to see everything."

Valentinus answered, "God does what is best for us if we only believe in Him"

Julia replied, " I do believe, I do"

She knelt and grasped Valentinus' hand and as they sat together praying and worshiping there came a bright light. She exclaimed "I can see...it's beautiful...praise the Lord"

Valentinus kept on praying and thanking the Lord for His mercy.

On the eve of his last night he wrote Julia, urging her to continue to seek the Lord and to trust Him at all costs...he signed the letter..."From Your Valentine."

He was executed on the following day, February 14, 270 A.D.

See the Lord and trust Him at all costs...From Your Valentine! Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S. These cookies are my favorites. I love making them for my family...and I only make them once a year...on Valentine's Day! We gobbled them up with hot tea...mmmmm delicious! Let me know if you want the recipe...it's really easy!

Tea for two or three or four...you get the point!

She loves her tea set! She bribed her brothers with treats...they had such a fun time!

What else are tea sets for? To have tea parties with the beloved childhood dolls. Here is our maiden with her two favorites...Julia and Nan!




















Okay...so most of you are wondering "what on earth is the white thing on the wall?" You see we are living in a very tiny...very tiny trailer and we remodeled it to fit some of our belongings...it's our big mattress up against the wall. It comes down every day and goes up every night! It's a hassle and has been very difficult on all of us...but as you can see from my children's faces they are finding joy in all things...love that!

Our Maiden turns NINE...

She loves to decorate cakes and thus wanted to decorate her own cake....she baked it, dad frosted it, and she put her creation to work...making a mountain with a running horse going up it...wonderful!

The day started off with the traditional "Breakfast with Dad." She choose pizza and hot chocolate...for breakfast? Okay, her day...her choice!

After they got home, we packed up a fun picnic lunch and headed out for a 3/4 mile hike at Fort Spokane...

This is the view from almost the top. What you are looking at is soldier quarters.

Look at this interesting tree...look closely and you can see it shooting up in the back.

After our wonderful hike we drove a bit to the park to have our picnic lunch and play.

This is what she saw when she walked in the door from our hike...she was elated!

"Oh, Dad and Mom...my first tea set...thank you so much!" She has wanted a tea set for a very long time. We found this little set at an antique store.

Happy Birthday to a most delightful daughter! We are enjoying the Lord working in her all that He wants her to be...she is becoming a "Pillar in her Father's house"...and we are blessed by it!

We Are Back

Our ladies waiting for the lunch...from left to right...Duchess, Ruthie(our favorite) and Duchess's mom Rosie...we really love our ladies - they are so sweet and gentle - if you have land and ever thought about getting milk cows - Jersey's are the way to go!


A fun time with big tumbleweeds on our afternoon walk...see I started taking a very long break for lunch...like a two 1/2 hour break...so we can get out of the tiny "box" we are now living in and for fresh air...and to get a clean head for going back to school after our break. It is working out wonderfully for us!


My wonderful 13 young man...there are so many reasons I'm thankful for him...he is a blessing to his father and I!


My Family - I am so thankful for them...and the time we get to spend with the head of the house...

Just look at that grin..."I did it...I can do it" he said

Our littlest man loves to help...feel needed...here is his newest skill....sawing the twine for the alfalfa...look at that proud grin!

This is the view I have just outside our door...gorgeous isn't it! I may have a very tiny place to call home at the moment but the Lord sure did make up for it with the view and acreage we roam around on...

Cramped quarters...but still learning! Here is a game my daughter made up for him...he has to find the write numer to match the fish...he loves it! He can also find colors - she is such a talented young lady - I was so proud of her...I told her what I needed and she did it - joyfully!

The only amount of snow we've gotten....so much for the sleds we purchased...maybe next year!

Oh, how I love sharing our pictures with you...enjoy! I've pondering being thankful and praising at all times, in all situations...no matter what! So today I'm thankful for the mud, the children that the Lord has blessed me with that came back from our walk...COVERED...in the mud! Thankful that I don't have to do laundry by hand...really thankful for that

One thing I thought I might do is start a "Know Your Rights" section...what you think about this? I want to talk about our rights and learn more about them...because if you don't know your rights you don't have any! Most of you who know us are smiling...yes, we are very patriotic...and are discusted to see where our country is going...

First Right of an American...
1. To worship the Lord God in ones one way...without interference from the government.