A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey...

So this is a glimpse of what a land flowing with milk and honey might be.

Because it is spring we are receiving, every day, at least 4-6 gallons of milk. We are making lots of keifer, yogurts, cheese, butter as when spring grass is gone milk production will go down as well.

We also harvested our honey this past week and got 7 gallons from three hives! It tastes wonderful - I've never had anything quite like fresh honey.

Thanks for stopping by - until next post God Bless.

A Big Day...Daddy-O's Birthday!

This great guy turned 43 today...We had ham from our recent slaughter of our pig and milk and our first farmhouse cheddar from our milk - it was interesting!

We didn't have cake as he requested sugar cookies.

Determination

If any of you are so priveledged to know my husband than you are aquainted with his determined spirit...some of you are laughing at this as you might recall the many times you were caught up in a project with him and he was determined to get it done...clearing brush...fixing a roof or getting a room re-done...but at least you got it done in record time....

Determination is a quality not many men possess. Why is that? What has happened to our country, society, families and the list can go on and on....

Our three boys have shown much determination this past week and we are so proud of them!

Last week our oldest accomplished a 100% on his science test. This is a huge accomplishment as this science is a very in-depth curriculum that requires determination and drive to master it! He was rewarded with ice-cream. Some may think that rewarding for a good grade is not necessary but if you knew the struggles and frustration he has gone through you might have joined us in our ice-cream celebration. It was wonderful that he was able to prove to himself that with determination you can accomplish great things!

Just today our "knight" was determined to learn to ride his bike with out training wheels...it took him all of 15 minutes to master it and then he was off down the driveway at record speed! I think he fell once but got back up and kept on going...

And last is our little guy who has accomplished a task that I'm so thankful for...going potty with out being told or taken...this took determination on mine and his part for the past weeks and now he just goes - I'm so thankful for this!

Hope you enjoyed the update! Hugs to all.

Tea for Two

This past weekend our men had a trip to make that would keep them gone most of the day so I decided to make it special for my maiden and I. I'm so glad I forced my self to take a two hour break from "doing" and just be still with my maiden!

We had a tea party and I really actually did not move off of the blanket for two hours. It was delightful. We braided our hair, collected our tea cups and molasses cookies and headed out to the field. We also brought along some books. We talked of all kinds of things. I even think we both fell asleep for a little snooze in the warm sun. This day will be a cherished memory for both of us.

Sweet

Here is a lovely picture of our maiden growing up in our house...enjoy! These are wild lilies that grow around "our" woods...and these flowers, I was told, will be in maiden's wedding someday!

eeeeeekkkkkkkk! Big boys love to tease their mommies....

And this is what my oldest son presented me with...as I opened my door this is what greeted me. I might add that this was being held where my face would be - nice!

Ahhh...little boys love their mommy forever....

Look at what I was presented with today...flowers from my knight!

I love Spring time for this very reason...flowers for children to pick their mothers and anyone else who finds favor with them...

At one time in my life, before precious children, I found these "flowers" pesky weeds and now every time I see one of them I smile as I relish each time one of my children so happily and proudly brought me "flowers"....I will cherish this always!

Happy Easter

The sun was glorious streaming down our property this evening. Hubby and I took a mini walk and took some great pictures and thought you would all enjoy this one.

This is our favorite "Jersey Girl". Her name is Ruthie. She provided the cream that went with our peaches for Easter and we were so thankful.

cheese....

Standing by the cheese press which is used for making hard cheeses.

Turning the cheese and wrapping it back up in butter muslin.

Keifer cheese draining for 24 hours...tangy taste!

Well our lifestyle has taken us down yet another path...learning the art of making cheese! It is quite a process but so far what we've made has been worth it. We've made keifer cheese, mozzarella, ricotta and our latest, as you can see, is farmhouse cheddar. We won't actually get to try the cheddar for one month as it has to cure.

Potatoes are not all brown...

Here is a picture of our favorite potatoes - the "cranberry" and "blue". They both have a wonderful smooth texture and deep flavor! Here I'm getting them ready for baked potato soup. I love using all of our different colors of potatoes for roasting with olive oil as it makes a beautiful presentation...

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

Butter..Yummie Butter

Per request...a bit about making butter...

First we have to skim the cream from the milk. We have found it is best to let the milk sit, in the fridge, for 24 hours - that gives us the best cream.

Here's our evening cream...mmmm This will set out till morning becoming cultured or slightly soured. We purposely leave lids off because if you don't the "gases" can not escape and the bacteria from the air, which is needed to culture, can not get to the cream.

Using a modern woman's best friend to shake the cream....it takes about 45-60 minutes depending on the cream and if it's been cultured or not. Cold cream doesn't make good butter.

Butter in a pool of buttermilk...which is nasty by the way...although some claim it's really good! We personally think that someone in our house is just saying that it is good to be "different" - If you tasted it you would agree...yuk!

So here is the time-consuming part...butter washing! It's actually very relaxing and takes about 20-30 minutes. Washing the butter consists of of putting in cold water and "squishing", not smearing, the butter with a slotted spoon to the bottom of the bowl, then poor off that water and do it again and again and again and again until the water runs clear. Now you have to get as much water out as possible - I seem to always have a bit of water left. Now salt and put into mini containers to mold. Set the containers in the refrigerator overnight and then I usually take the butter out of the mold and freeze in freezer paper.

The taste is far superior to anything you can purchase at the store. One draw back is that it doesn't seem to do well for frying There is a weird smell - so it fries fine but the smell is strong...but we just use bacon grease...and I wonder why my jeans don't fit!

I've used it in cookies and breads - anything calling for butter in baking and it works fine.

Thanks for stopping by - hope you enjoyed a bit of old fashioned culinary art...

Special Day...Special Girl

Last week was our sweeties birthday. She is a delightful girl...she loves deeply, trusts deeply~! If she counts you as a friend you will have a friend for life...she will love you to the very end with no strings attached...she's a keeper!

She only saw one gift for her on our "gift" table and was completely content and happy about it...it made me so proud of her! Little did she know that a really special gift was on it's way to her and would arrive a few days after her birthday...a special doll just for her.

As you can see her new "friend" is always with her. It's adorable watching her and her new friend - it warms my heart and shouts in the face of your typical cheap toys...NO they don't have to play with "pop" culture toys and YES they can play and learn to be the mommies they will need to be...so be it!

So sweet!

Reading to her friend...hmmm bonus as reading class just got more fun!

A Room With A View...

A room with a view...this is what I see out my kitchen window. This is a blessing as our new lifestyle requires me to spend a lot of time in the kitchen...I'm a blessed woman!

Update of Dave...

Well, after much concern and worry we still have no idea what is plaguing my dear husband. I can tell you that the boils and blisters have now "melted" into red blotches and patches. He is not in any kind of pain and they don't itch...strange but true. The Dr. still has absolutely no idea what this was and his best guess is that at first he did have blood poising and then he had a sever allergic reaction to the first set of antibiotics that he was on...weird!

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, your rod and staff shall comfort me" - you've all heard this verse...we have also - but it means so much more now!

As I was pondering the events of the last week this verse came to me and it struck me that we had walked through the shadow of death valley...but that the Lord put his "rods and staffs" around us to comfort us...can you guess what I think those rods and staffs were? YOU, all of you who prayed and encouraged and held us up when we felt like that we had been forgotten, all of you who held fast to the promises of the Lord, all of you who prayed with out ceasing...YOU were the rod and the staff that comforted us as we walked through that dark and dreary shadow of death...thank you for being the rod and staff for us - thank you a million times!

May the Lord continue to use each and every one of us as rods and staffs for there are many walking in the shadows of death and need comfort!

Hugs and until next time - God Bless!