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.

Abortion

I have added a new icon to the right...as if you couldn't see it! To some of you it will be offensive...a subject we shouldn't talk about...really?

God's word says that we "Shall Not Murder"...these individuals are striped of their rights...they don't get a fair trial nor do they get an attorney to plead their case...their voice is never heard...

I want to strongly encourage you to rent the video "Silent Cry". It is done by a very prominent abortion doctor. He wanted the world to see that there is no harm done to the "fetus" (which in Latin means unborn child)...his eyes were opened...his heart was broken!

This new health care that is being pushed for will help fund abortions...and the money they collect from "We The People"...by choice or force will be paying for it..."We The People" should be weeping in the streets and crying out...it will be on our hands...on our hands...oh, what have we done...Nancy Pelosi was quoted saying..."We will get health care passed. If there is a wall...we will scale it, if there is a fence...we will go over it" - they are determined to get the health care passed. One has to ask why? Why are they not listening to "We The People"...do you realize that over 75% of the American population do not want government health care? What are you to do...pray and seek the Lord...repent for the sins of our country...ask Him to show you what to do...He will be faithful to you!

Hugs to all and thank you for reading...

40ish...40 something...

Well I have moved out of the thirty something group and on to the 40 something group...

It was a strange day as I was very emotional...my poor husband didn't seem to know what to do with me...eventually I got my emotions under control and we headed out.

We had a nice brunch at my new favorite restaurant in Hunters, the only restaurant in Hunters...but still my favorite! Then a nice quiet walk in the woods. We ended the day with a quaint birthday dinner and special cake that my daughter helped decorate...very relaxing day.

My dear husband had been saving up to purchase me a nicer range...but after seeing my frustration with my computer he decided to take the savings and buy me a new computer. I'm so excited about it and will have it next week....so this means back to blogging with pictures - I can't wait!

Hugs to all of you...hoping your day is filled with delight and peace and praise for our Lord.

A Must...

I want to encourage all of you to go to the Above Rubies web site and request their free magazine...it's so helpful! I signed a couple of you up for it already...eeek! I know it will bless you...

I also want to encourage all of you to sign up for NOgreaterJoy free magazine...they are amazing! If you go to the bottom of my blog you can just click onto the advertisement for No Greater Joy...and then just sign up.

I have had these magazines sent to me for several years and have gained much wisdom from them.

Hugs to all...

Refuge...Rest...Reassurance....

A dear friend of mine reminded me of something so valuable...something I have let slip by and have replaced with complaining and ungratefulness...

She reminded me that a home is God's blessing to us...especially women (Titus 2:8-12 - being a keeper of the home is something He requires of us ladies). It is our place of refuge, rest and reassurance. It is our duty to provide that refuge, rest and reassurance to all that enter into our home...

As I was pondering this and asking for forgiveness of my complaining and grumbling...I was reminded that a home is what you make it...it could be a tent, an RV, trailer, mud-hut, or big and elaborate...but in order for it to be a home the "keeper" of the home must give all her heart, her thanks and praise to the Lord...if not all those who enter will feel unwelcome and leave as fast as they can...

I have been filling my "home" with uncontentment and with that comes strife and frustration...anger...deep depression...fighting...bickering...I have seen these character traits in all of my family members lately...and no wonder when I get real personal with myself I realize it's my fault as the "keeper of the home". I have allowed myself to be pulled away from praising into complaining...from thankfulness into unthankfulness for all that the Lord has provided for us...yes, even this place we need to call home...so home it is!

I guess I haven't wanted to call it home because it seems so permanent...so long lasting...but as in Luke 12...the Lord's prayer instructs us to say "let the Lord's will be done"...so be it long or short...it's our home and the one the Lord has blessed us with at the moment...

Have you allowed things into your "home" that the Lord would wish you to get rid of so He can be praised and glorified by all who enter your home? Be real with yourself and let the goodness of the Lord Almighty cleanse you and perfect you as you make your home a refuge, rest and reassurance for those who enter...

Blessings to all of you Keepers of the Home!

Here we go again...

My computer came back to life for a moment in time...and now it's complaining again! So here I am posting from a computer that does not have my pictures on it...so again you'll have to wait for a photo update...hopefully not to long of a wait though.

But while you wait I want to share with you what the Lord did over this Christmas season...He gave us gifts...three of them...

The first gift he gave came in the form of space to move around...our dear friends we are staying with asked us to take care of their wonderful horses, cats, and German shepherd...we gladly accepted and they also asked us to please use their home for our Christmas celebrations...complete with a huge tree and all the trimmings...we were overwhelmed by the offer and felt so thankful....thankful for the use of a nice, open kitchen, a large table, a open living room and large TV...it was wonderful to be able to roam without knocking something down or bumping into each other...

The next two gifts were found at our post office. A couple we know prayed and felt most assuredly that the Lord impressed upon them to send us a monetary gift. It was such a huge blessing to our family. We were so surprised by their generosity towards us. BUT the Lord was not done...as I was waiting in line out came the post office lady with an enormous box and handed it to me...it had our address on it but was from a name we did not recognize at all. I thought for sure the post office had made a huge mistake. When we opened the box we realized that it was for us as there were presents, wrapped and marked with individual names....we were so moved. We all thought who, who, who could this be? It finally dawned on us who this family was...a family that knows a mutual friend of ours...they e-mailed back and forth and got ideas from the friends of ours and sent our box. It was filled with gifts just perfect for our needs and wants...just perfect!

Those gifts were just a reminder to our family that the Lord has not forgotten us, our situation, our struggles....He knows and sees and understands...As I type this I know He is leading our family to stand steady...wait for the Lord's timing...He is the orchestrator of all things...

So we wait for His hand to move upon our situation...wait for His hand to reveal His mighty plan in our lives...wait for Him...wait....wait...wait!

I hope you enjoyed this post - even though there were no pictures available to look at...but can you imagine the smiles and joy we felt realizing we were not forgotten...not in the least!

P.S. - We've been having the head of our household read and explain the Declaration of Independence...it's powerful and moving and I want to challenge each and every one of you to read it, memorize it, to ask your self what You, the people, are to do in the midst of tyranny...it will encourage you....next we will be studying the Bill of Rights then on to the Constitution...Can't wait.

Hugs to all...

Picture Journal...

Well, my husband fiddled with my computer and fixed it! I'm so delighted with him and so thankful that he took the time to work on my computer - it really blessed me!

This brings us to a much promised photo journal...it's a long one and I hope you enjoy the update!

This is what most of our potatoes look like...huge!

Just Dad and the birthday boy out for the birthday breakfast...look at that huge grin!

Birthday Hike.

Ahhhhh....love my hat!

Our silly cat Margaret Thatcher went on this loooonnnngggg hike with us...silly cat!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our huge 50lbs turkey...see the pans holding up the racks and catching all the drippings...what a mess...what a delicious turkey!

Giving a horse report...all on her own she researched and wrote down facts and wanted to present it...funny girl!

Just look at this beautiful stove! We would love to build a farmhouse with this stove as the center...I just love it!

Our Christmas Tree...a much loved tree!

Last week I wrote about my traditions and disappointments....this week I feel that the Lord reminded me that He only inhabits the praises of His people...and that complaining is as witchcraft...convicted and my shame brought to light I asked for forgiveness and thanked him for the hot water I was enjoying...and our little place...and our little tree!

I hope you all enjoyed the update...may you find praise for our Lord everyday...all day!

Merry Christmas

Hello All,

This holiday season brings us to a new level of trust...and frustration...and fighting "tradition" depression...I'll explain.

For as long as I can remember, the day after Thanksgiving we have always gone out for our tree. This is something my mom and I did and I carried this into my married life...it has been something we look forward to all year as I make a huge deal about it. My husband has always picked the most unusual tree and the children would each get a turn sawing it down.

We'd bring it home, hose it down and set it up to dry while we ran through the house putting up all the other decorations and getting hot cocoa and treats ready for the decorating event....

I was certain that we'd be in our own farm by now and truly expected getting our tree and doing the tree tradition...I was wrong and have been fighting depression and hopelessness...

Through this I feel as the Lord is saying to me "trust me"...and this is hard! I feel as though He is showing me that I have put a tremendous amount of faith, trust, and hope in my "traditions" to make our family have a wonderful Christmas instead of the real reason for Christmas!

To our delight, the friends we are staying with had a surprise for us! The day after Thanksgiving they had us come over to pick up our tree! They had pulled out of storage a mini table top tree! I was overwhelmed and was filled with joy as I saw my children light up with enthusiasm and planing which one of their ornaments they would pick to go on the tree.

We cared our humble little tree back to our "home" and set it up...it took all of five minutes! I thought now what? We found our Christmas movies and popped one in and started off our holiday - maybe not what I expected or wanted but I'm willing to see what the Lord wants for us during this time. He is gracious and will comfort us through this time and show us what He wants to cleanse us from and show us what the truth about this holiday is.

I fully expect to be filled with His joy and strength. I truly am looking forward to our family being a blessing to those who need hope and joy and strength!

We decided to choose three families whom we've gotten to know a bit and, with our friends we are staying with, will be blessing them with caroling and gifts of food. We are all looking forward to this - probably me the most as a new tradition might just be being started. (I have to give credit for this inspiration to some dear friends of ours. They never failed to show up at our house to bless us with caroling and gifts of food - it really blessed our hearts and made us feel so loved and cared for...so we are caring on, here in Eastern Washington, with their gift of giving of yourself)

May you find ways to bless others this Christmas season...maybe a smile and a heartfelt "Merry Christmas" to the store clerk who is really tired of saying "happy holidays"....maybe a hug to someone...maybe a gift of food...the Lord will show you ways to bless others in His name!

May all the joy and peace of this season fill your hearts...

P.S. - unfortunately my computer is now needing to go to the computer hospital and I can not upload any pictures....so as I promised before, weeks and weeks ago, when I get this new problem fixed you'll have a lot of fun pictures to look at...the latest our mini-tree!