It has been awhile since I posted anything. It is a busy time for so many and I am among them!
We are excited that all three of our kids and spouses will be here for Christmas. If I don't get another gift, that will do.
Part of my family will be here for brunch--wonderful sister Ann and her family, along with my mom. We started a White Elephant gift exchange a couple of years ago and this has caused some of us year long searches for just the right gift! Keith and I think we have the perfect one!! Later on, the kids will stay for the big deal dinner. Hopefully Keith will be home and not get called out. He has been working the last several years over the Christmas holiday so that the guys with little ones can be home. It is my hope that this is the last one. That retirement will allow for him to be with his kids and grandkids on Christmas. Let's hope everyone in the area behaves themselves! Friday we will have "Game Night" with Keith's family at his sister's!
I still need to make a pumpkin pie and then start cleaning up after myself. Keith's favorite nut cookies are made, which took all afternoon. I still need to run the sweeper and put things away. Stephen arrives this evening...hopefully before the ice storm that is predicted gets here. Emily and Jon arrive sometime tomorrow afternoon. The Aaron, Andrea and Daniel will get come for brunch.
The sheets and towels I hung out this morning are still a bit damp and are thawing in the dining room as best as can be, hung on my clothes drying rack...it is quite a sight! They need to be dry so I can get them back on the bed! At least they will smell so sweet and feel wonderful! Thankfully, the neighbors decided not to light their fireplace. I don't know what they burn that smells so bad!
Remembering that all this busyness is preparing for family, but also harboring in my heart thankfulness for Christ's incarnation. He left his heavenly home and glory to die for us. It is very humbling to think about the Holy Son of God came here. That the good news was first given to shepherds, men who at that time were not even permitted to give testimony in court they were so distrusted. Born in a place where the animals are kept. Born to get his hands dirty working with wood. He became one of us...God with us. Emmanuel.
Best wishes to all of you for a blessed Christmas!
Wonderfully true is this fact: when you and I come to the closing scene of life we will find that Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matt. 1:23), has been there. Chares H. Spurgeon from the devotional. Beside Still Waters
O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds, and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejoice praise, adore, my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father; place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with them upon my redeemer's face, and in him account myself delivered from sin; let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace him with undying faith, exulting that he is mine and I am his. In him thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more. Excerpt from The Gift of Gifts from The Valley of Vision
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
All I Want for Christmas is... a Rototiller....
Here is a woman with a unique Christmas list! She has a great perspective on purchasing gifts that make sense instead of frivolous items. She has a list of common-sense, long-term use gifts, such as canning jars and lids, a chainsaw and clothes drying rack. I couldn't help but laugh. My poor husband is dealing with a woman who wants a gun and a big rototiller for the Ford tractor on her list! This is very well written and delightful.
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=83454
Maybe its time we all take a second look at what is really important. Not only do we need to re-order our lives to put Christ first, we need to get a better perspective on 'things' and 'stuff'. We are all going to need to ask ourselves hard questions. Our time here is more than the accumulation of "stuff".
I think we also need to be preparing to look after our neighbors. The idea of community needs to be recaptured. One place to start is with the old fashioned front porch...where we used to sit and talk with anyone who passed by, everyone knew each other's kids--and the kids knew it and we invited others to sit a spell....well at least when it warms up a bit. It is no longer healthy for us to isolate ourselves on the deck around back. How about entertaining others. Inviting folks over after church, picnics and game nights. A low-cost, very fun way to entertain and one does not need to be Martha Stewart! I am preaching to myself here! I am woefully lacking here. The desire is there, but I never get it done and I get all 'Martha' thinking that my house isn't good enough...pretty silly. Talk about a respectable sin!
Needless to say, we all need to take a second look at what we need to work on to be more Christ-like and informed. So, what's on your Christmas list? Chickens?
"Here, it is my duty...
...to be Christ in this world, to do what he would do, to live as he would live, to walk in love and meekness; then would he be known, then would I have peace in death." an excerpt from Christ Alone in Valley of Vision
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=83454
Maybe its time we all take a second look at what is really important. Not only do we need to re-order our lives to put Christ first, we need to get a better perspective on 'things' and 'stuff'. We are all going to need to ask ourselves hard questions. Our time here is more than the accumulation of "stuff".
I think we also need to be preparing to look after our neighbors. The idea of community needs to be recaptured. One place to start is with the old fashioned front porch...where we used to sit and talk with anyone who passed by, everyone knew each other's kids--and the kids knew it and we invited others to sit a spell....well at least when it warms up a bit. It is no longer healthy for us to isolate ourselves on the deck around back. How about entertaining others. Inviting folks over after church, picnics and game nights. A low-cost, very fun way to entertain and one does not need to be Martha Stewart! I am preaching to myself here! I am woefully lacking here. The desire is there, but I never get it done and I get all 'Martha' thinking that my house isn't good enough...pretty silly. Talk about a respectable sin!
Needless to say, we all need to take a second look at what we need to work on to be more Christ-like and informed. So, what's on your Christmas list? Chickens?
"Here, it is my duty...
...to be Christ in this world, to do what he would do, to live as he would live, to walk in love and meekness; then would he be known, then would I have peace in death." an excerpt from Christ Alone in Valley of Vision
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
An Afternoon With the Amish
Since gas prices have fallen, I wanted to get in a visit to some of our Amish friends in New Wilmington. This was to be a short afternoon visit since my daughter-in-love and grandson were going along.
When I know an Amish visit is on the horizon, I am like a kid at Christmas! It is a big event for me to get to visit them. A very special day.
There are two young women that I visit with, Lizzie and Sarah. They are a closer age to my daughter, but we really seem to click. Maybe its because they know so much more than I do. I love learning how they do things. They laugh at me because I volunteer to do the dishes. For me it is an accomplishment to say that I can do dishes in a dry sink. Lizzie has also shared with me about what she grows in her garden, berries she grows and different things that she has canned. Today's visit was primarily a fact finding mission on chickens.
Lizzie greeted us at the door and the smell of wood burning in her cook stove was the first delight. The house was warm and cozy--a bit warmer than what I'm used to--but warm with friendship, too. After a bit of a visit, she heated up some venison chili that she had recently canned. Of course, it was wonderful. When Sarah and her boys arrived, we laughed about the time I was with Lizzie to get peaches this summer and I saw the Amish women dressing chickens and she allowed me to de-gut one...much to the shock of even Lizzie. I couldn't let down all my 'english' sisters by gagging! Sarah couldn't believe I actually did it. We all enjoyed Lizzie's retelling and had a great laugh.
Poor little Daniel had a rough day. His poor mom, probably more so. Not being used to so many HOT things around, Daniel was constantly being followed by his mom or I so as not to touch one of the stoves. He did manage to touch one. Thankfully, it was not that hot and he didn't get burned badly. Needless to say, it was not a relaxing visit for his mom. It was so cute--we should have had a camera--to see Daniel sitting with his new little Amish friends on the sofa looking at books together. What a picture. The boys seemed to think Daniel was dressed a bit strangely, though. LOL
Lizzie took me on a guided tour of her very roomy and insulated hen house. It was very nice. Although I have only been in two of them in my life. Hers would be considered a 'high end/upscale hen house in my book. She raises Golden Comets. They are very lovely birds! A soft golden, light to medium brown that lay brown eggs. I learned that I need a hen house of some sort, a feeder and something for water, that saw dust is good for the floor, that vinegar in their water when they are molting seems to help and that I should get about 5 birds. Quite frankly, I'm not sure I'm ready for chickens. Keith is very sure he's not. While I did de-gut one chicken, I didn't kill it or strip the feathers off. (I was happy to learn that my friends can't kill their birds either, their husbands do it.) We would need to do a bit of work to prepare a place for them. I guess I'm afraid of trying. It all seems a bit scary. If I had someone around to make sure I was doing things right, I would feel more confident.
As always, our visit seemed so short. There is so much I want to learn from these ladies. They are a delight and a visit there is always fun and relaxing. I come away feeling energized and loved. (They are always working hard and put me to shame.)
On the way home, we talked about whether we would make 'good Amish' or not. My daughter-in-law said she wants to keep her flush toilet--I want my hot shower. If I could figure out a way to have one foot in each world, maybe I could make a go of it. :-)
Perhaps we can make another visit after the holidays and I can get another Amish 'fix' to get me through the winter.
When I know an Amish visit is on the horizon, I am like a kid at Christmas! It is a big event for me to get to visit them. A very special day.
There are two young women that I visit with, Lizzie and Sarah. They are a closer age to my daughter, but we really seem to click. Maybe its because they know so much more than I do. I love learning how they do things. They laugh at me because I volunteer to do the dishes. For me it is an accomplishment to say that I can do dishes in a dry sink. Lizzie has also shared with me about what she grows in her garden, berries she grows and different things that she has canned. Today's visit was primarily a fact finding mission on chickens.
Lizzie greeted us at the door and the smell of wood burning in her cook stove was the first delight. The house was warm and cozy--a bit warmer than what I'm used to--but warm with friendship, too. After a bit of a visit, she heated up some venison chili that she had recently canned. Of course, it was wonderful. When Sarah and her boys arrived, we laughed about the time I was with Lizzie to get peaches this summer and I saw the Amish women dressing chickens and she allowed me to de-gut one...much to the shock of even Lizzie. I couldn't let down all my 'english' sisters by gagging! Sarah couldn't believe I actually did it. We all enjoyed Lizzie's retelling and had a great laugh.
Poor little Daniel had a rough day. His poor mom, probably more so. Not being used to so many HOT things around, Daniel was constantly being followed by his mom or I so as not to touch one of the stoves. He did manage to touch one. Thankfully, it was not that hot and he didn't get burned badly. Needless to say, it was not a relaxing visit for his mom. It was so cute--we should have had a camera--to see Daniel sitting with his new little Amish friends on the sofa looking at books together. What a picture. The boys seemed to think Daniel was dressed a bit strangely, though. LOL
Lizzie took me on a guided tour of her very roomy and insulated hen house. It was very nice. Although I have only been in two of them in my life. Hers would be considered a 'high end/upscale hen house in my book. She raises Golden Comets. They are very lovely birds! A soft golden, light to medium brown that lay brown eggs. I learned that I need a hen house of some sort, a feeder and something for water, that saw dust is good for the floor, that vinegar in their water when they are molting seems to help and that I should get about 5 birds. Quite frankly, I'm not sure I'm ready for chickens. Keith is very sure he's not. While I did de-gut one chicken, I didn't kill it or strip the feathers off. (I was happy to learn that my friends can't kill their birds either, their husbands do it.) We would need to do a bit of work to prepare a place for them. I guess I'm afraid of trying. It all seems a bit scary. If I had someone around to make sure I was doing things right, I would feel more confident.
As always, our visit seemed so short. There is so much I want to learn from these ladies. They are a delight and a visit there is always fun and relaxing. I come away feeling energized and loved. (They are always working hard and put me to shame.)
On the way home, we talked about whether we would make 'good Amish' or not. My daughter-in-law said she wants to keep her flush toilet--I want my hot shower. If I could figure out a way to have one foot in each world, maybe I could make a go of it. :-)
Perhaps we can make another visit after the holidays and I can get another Amish 'fix' to get me through the winter.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Are You Able to Survive Another Great Depression?
Here's an interesting test to give yourself.
You Are 80% Likely to Survive Another Great Depression
You have been saving for a rainy day... or a rainy few years.While most people may not have as grim of an outlook as you, they're also not as prepared as you.If society collapses, you'll have plenty of food and resources for you and your loved ones.And plenty of ammo for anyone who wants to steal from your stockpile!
Our little homestead did OK at 80%, I would feel better if we were at a higher percentage. No doubt, Keith retiring (I marked "NO" for employment, just to see how it looked) had something to do with that. Give it a try and see how you do.
You Are 80% Likely to Survive Another Great Depression
You have been saving for a rainy day... or a rainy few years.While most people may not have as grim of an outlook as you, they're also not as prepared as you.If society collapses, you'll have plenty of food and resources for you and your loved ones.And plenty of ammo for anyone who wants to steal from your stockpile!
Our little homestead did OK at 80%, I would feel better if we were at a higher percentage. No doubt, Keith retiring (I marked "NO" for employment, just to see how it looked) had something to do with that. Give it a try and see how you do.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Molasses Cookies
There has been a light snow falling most of the day here. It's my favorite kind of snow--the kind that doesn't stick to the road. Not that I'm out driving anyway, but I don't have to shovel it either...yet. It just seems to float. The flakes are big and fat-the kind you can catch on your tongue. Just beautiful.
The snow picked up a bit as I was taking out Molasses Cookies from the oven. With Christmas music playing, a nice snow and the scent of spice in the kitchen, it was special. It was almost like living in a Christmas card.
The Molasses Cookie recipe is from All-recipes.com and if you want to read the reviews and see more just click on the title above and it will take you right to the page. (Mine don't quite look as fat as in the picture, but they sure taste good!)
Here's the recipe with my own additions:
Crackle Top Molasses Cookies
2/3 C. butter, softened
1 C. white sugar
1 egg
1/4 C. molasses
2 C. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 heaping tsp. of cinnamon
1 heaping tsp. of ginger
1/2 heaping tsp. of ground cloves
A mixture of clear sanding sugar and regular white sugar (or just plain sugar)--for rolling cookies
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large bowl mix butter and 1 C. sugar. Add egg, beat well. Stir in molasses, 2 C. flour, baking soda, and spices. If necessary, add more flour to make a firm dough.
3. Shape dough into 1/2 inch balls. Roll in sugar mixture. Place 3 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 mins. or until tops crack. Remove from baking sheet and cool on waxed paper.
This is a stiff dough. It will be a workout if you mix by hand. Use your heavy duty mixer, if you have one. Don't try your hand electric mixer...I almost killed mine.
Be sure to try them warm.
The snow picked up a bit as I was taking out Molasses Cookies from the oven. With Christmas music playing, a nice snow and the scent of spice in the kitchen, it was special. It was almost like living in a Christmas card.
The Molasses Cookie recipe is from All-recipes.com and if you want to read the reviews and see more just click on the title above and it will take you right to the page. (Mine don't quite look as fat as in the picture, but they sure taste good!)
Here's the recipe with my own additions:
Crackle Top Molasses Cookies
2/3 C. butter, softened
1 C. white sugar
1 egg
1/4 C. molasses
2 C. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 heaping tsp. of cinnamon
1 heaping tsp. of ginger
1/2 heaping tsp. of ground cloves
A mixture of clear sanding sugar and regular white sugar (or just plain sugar)--for rolling cookies
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large bowl mix butter and 1 C. sugar. Add egg, beat well. Stir in molasses, 2 C. flour, baking soda, and spices. If necessary, add more flour to make a firm dough.
3. Shape dough into 1/2 inch balls. Roll in sugar mixture. Place 3 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 mins. or until tops crack. Remove from baking sheet and cool on waxed paper.
This is a stiff dough. It will be a workout if you mix by hand. Use your heavy duty mixer, if you have one. Don't try your hand electric mixer...I almost killed mine.
Be sure to try them warm.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Joys of Fresh Bread
Something about today led me to make bread and rolls from scratch. Is it the dreary, dampness to the day or is it that winter turns me into a baking machine? Wait till Christmas cookies start!
There is something wonderful about making bread. It warms the heart and the kitchen.
There is the whole idea of creating something wholesome for the family. From the beginning, you can choose your own ingredients. Eggs, which type of flour, oil or shortening, a bit of applesauce, leftover mashed potatoes, oatmeal, there are so many possibilities to create a delightful loaf of bread or basket of rolls.
Kneading is so satisfying. When your lump of sticky, dough becomes a soft smooth ball, there is a sense of achievement and a connection with the past. This is something that my grandmothers did. And can there be a more wonderful fragrance to fill the home? Fresh baked bread is such a comfort food.
I must confess that my rolls don't look like the ones in the store, neither does my bread. They are not 'perfect' very often. It is just something I really like to do.
So, while sewing needs completed and the sweeper needs run, I am enjoying making bread and rolls.
Someday, when I grow up, I would love to make bread to sell. Until then, I will enjoy the practice.
There is something wonderful about making bread. It warms the heart and the kitchen.
There is the whole idea of creating something wholesome for the family. From the beginning, you can choose your own ingredients. Eggs, which type of flour, oil or shortening, a bit of applesauce, leftover mashed potatoes, oatmeal, there are so many possibilities to create a delightful loaf of bread or basket of rolls.
Kneading is so satisfying. When your lump of sticky, dough becomes a soft smooth ball, there is a sense of achievement and a connection with the past. This is something that my grandmothers did. And can there be a more wonderful fragrance to fill the home? Fresh baked bread is such a comfort food.
I must confess that my rolls don't look like the ones in the store, neither does my bread. They are not 'perfect' very often. It is just something I really like to do.
So, while sewing needs completed and the sweeper needs run, I am enjoying making bread and rolls.
Someday, when I grow up, I would love to make bread to sell. Until then, I will enjoy the practice.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Early Family Christmas
Yesterday my dear sister, Ann, and I had our annual Christmas lunch. She takes a day off work and we get away for the day and talk and laugh...alot. We enjoyed lunch at Panera, Target shopping for the "little boys" in the family and a few more errands and then finished with a Pepsie at Arbi's. Nothing fancy, just relaxed and fun. It's just us. We can be ourselves and discuss whatever. It is something I look forward to each year. Our Christmas gift to each other.
Since our mom's remarriage several years ago, she and I have been a life line for each other. And now that our mom's second husband has died, we depend on each other for some sense of sanity, which with me can be a stretch. Mom can be quite a handful for such a little thing. She has a hefty dose of stubborn Irish temperament.
And for those of you who think that your kids will never get along; I tied Ann to the clothes pole when she was young because she was always getting me in trouble. See, there is hope.
O God, I cannot endure to see the destruction of my kindred. Let those that united to me in tender ties be precious in they sight and devoted to thy glory....Grant that the promising appearances of a tender conscience, soft heart, the alarms and delights of thy Word, be not finally blotted out, but bring forth judgment unto victory in all whom I love.
An excerpt from The Family in The Valley of Vision
Since our mom's remarriage several years ago, she and I have been a life line for each other. And now that our mom's second husband has died, we depend on each other for some sense of sanity, which with me can be a stretch. Mom can be quite a handful for such a little thing. She has a hefty dose of stubborn Irish temperament.
And for those of you who think that your kids will never get along; I tied Ann to the clothes pole when she was young because she was always getting me in trouble. See, there is hope.
O God, I cannot endure to see the destruction of my kindred. Let those that united to me in tender ties be precious in they sight and devoted to thy glory....Grant that the promising appearances of a tender conscience, soft heart, the alarms and delights of thy Word, be not finally blotted out, but bring forth judgment unto victory in all whom I love.
An excerpt from The Family in The Valley of Vision
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