Harvest Party/Costumes

I have a bunch of pictures to share from today.
I was the Party Planning Momma for Kaycie's 1st grade class. Lindsey went with me and we had a great little party with the school kids.

This theater play structure is in the classroom and Lindsey loved it!! I'm thinking Christmas is coming soon.... I have an idea!!

My beautiful girl. She is so trained... All I said was, "Kaycie, look at Mom." And this is the face she showed me instantly. Do you think she knew I had the camera?

One of the crafts I had the kids do. Just paint a rock orange and add the face with black sharpie once it dries. Hot glue a stick on for the stem. Kaycie's rock was multi-sided so she added more than one face.

The $0.99 Baby Angel costume. All I bought was the wings at Goodwill. The tutu is actually off of one of Kaycie's dolls. Isn't she angelic?.....

My little angel did not want to keep her wings or headband on!! I tortured her for a couple minutes just so I could get pictures. Here Kaycie is helping me by holding our sweet angel in a death grip.

This is her "I'm not happy with you right now" face!

Daddy to the rescue!!! All it took was for him to lift her up and play "flying" and she was all smiles. (The costume did not stay on for the church party or trick or treating!) I just told Ken ,"At least it only cost us $0.99!

I know, I know!! He looks like Adolph Hitler. Believe me, this was not intentional. He wanted me to paint a mustache... I didn't mean to make it Hitlerish.

The little smile softens it up a bit, don't ya think?

Surprise, guess who is an Oregon State University fan?

Toothless Cowgirl! Yee Haw!!

Pumpkin Fun!

The kids have been begging to carve the pumpkins and finally Daddy gave in. So while I made dinner, he took them outside to get the job done.


The kids took the pictures so it should be interesting to see what they "focused" on.

I can't tell if Kaycie is having fun or a little grossed out. Pumpkin guts, ooooh!

Cheesy Boy Grin!!

Lindsey had a good time feeding the pumpkin guts to Daisy Goat. I'm sure they both loved it!

Kids can take interesting pictures. I'm not sure why Kaycie's head was in the way but I kinda like this one. It's a real-life perspective.

4 Little pumpkins sitting on the walk. The cutest one is on the left!

ok now there really are 4 little pumpkins sitting on the walk! Lindsey's is on top of Kaycie's. In the middle is Kyle's and Ryan's is the funny colored one.

After loading the pics onto my computer, I realized that they did not get any shots of Kyle. I guess that's what happens when Mom hands the camera off to everyone else.

Clinging...

Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

And in verse 9:
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."

I've been thinking and pondering on these things lately. I have talked to the kids about not conforming to the world, but I wonder "Do they know how to do this?"
Have I instilled enough of "Jesus" into them that they will know how to not be conformed?
I know that my kids are not perfect but I also know that they have hearts of love. They care about people. I just pray that they can care about people without compromising their faith.

There is so much going on in this world that I would love to hide my kids away from and make sure they never have to confront it. This is not reasonable... they have to face evil and respond to it with a Christian attitude.
I love the part in verse 9 about clinging to what is good. I get mental pictures of me hanging onto Jesus' robe as the waves try to pull me under. Or reaching out for him as the worldly crowds gather and swarm around me. CLINGING! What a wonderful way to hang on!

Are my kids prepared to CLING?
I hope that our family will all cling together... I hope that not one of us will conform to this world.

So, just my thoughts this morning.
Keep CLINGING!!

Peaches ~n~ Cream Muffins

I don't know why I haven't made these in a long time, they are some of my favorites. I just all of a sudden had a craving for them.

Moist and not too sweet, yum!

1 egg

1/2 cup milk or sour cream

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup chopped peaches (fresh, frozen or canned) just drain them well.

Beat egg; add milk and oil. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; stir into the egg mixture just until moist. Stir in peaches. Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes until they test done with a toothpick. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Makes 1 dozen.

Rough Morning

This morning has not been the best.
First of all, everyone seemed to be a little lazy about getting out of bed. Running behind always stresses me out!
We finally made it out the door, heading for school, when I realized Kyle has a field trip to the pumpin patch and he has no jacket or sweatshirt on!! It looks as if it will stay cold and possibly rain a little today. So a quick U-turn and back home. I ran in, grabbed a sweatshirt and back on the road again.
Got the kids to school. Started on my way home. And a little cat ran right in front of my van. I had no time to even touch my brakes. It was right in front of her home so I flipped another U-turn and went back. She was obviously dead so went to the door with tears in my eyes to tell the owner that I had just ran over her cat. Nobody was home. So my dilemma, what do I do now? Leave a note? Come back later? I feel awful even though there was nothing I could do.
So now here I am, hoping and praying that this is not how the rest of my day will go!
Sorry for the "downer" post today. Hopefully I can add a happier post later.

Sampler Quilt

Well, I have finished the quilt top! yeah!!

It is a little smaller than I had thought it would be so I may add another border to it. I think that I'm going to give it to my brother and his fiance for their baby (to be born in January) so it should be a bit larger.

But, anyway, here is the progress so far.

Just thought I'd add these pictures taken last Saturday on the way down the coast. What a beautiful day it was!

The Uniqueness of Christ

John 14:6 -- Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

This was my morning devotion today. Thought I'd share it with you:
by Jim Burns
No person who has ever walked this earth even comes close to comparison when placed up against Jesus Christ. He is unique. He is incomparable. He is our Lord. Here is what one unknown person wrote about Him years ago.

"More than 1900 years ago there was a Man born contrary to the laws of life. This Man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. Only once did He cross the boundary of the country in which He lived; that was during His exile in childhood. He possessed neither wealth nor influence. His relatives were inconspicuous and had neither training nor formal education.

In infancy He startled a king; in childhood He puzzled doctors; in manhood He ruled the course of nature, walked upon the billows as if pavements, and hushed the sea to sleep. He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His service.

He never wrote a book, yet all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him. He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined. He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students. He never marshaled an army, nor drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun; and yet no leader ever had more volunteers who have, under His orders, made more rebels stack arms and surrender without a shot fired. He never practiced medicine, and yet He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors far and near.

Every seventh day the wheels of commerce cease their turning as multitudes wind their way to worshiping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him. The names of the past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have come and gone, but the name of this Man abounds more and more. Though time has spread 1900 years between the people of this generation and the scene of His crucifixion, yet He still lives. Herod could not destroy Him and the grave could not hold Him.

He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils as the living, personal Christ, our Lord and Savior." --- Anonymous

Going Home

There is something about going home that relieves a homesick heart but also makes it worse. I'm not sure how that works. I just know it does.

The kids and I went to visit the grandparents on Saturday and then today went to our home church and surprised everybody. It's only been 4 months since we've moved away, but in some ways it seems like 4 years. It was so great to see friends and people that mean so much to us!

By 3:00 I knew that the time had come to say goodbye again and get on the road for the 2.5 hour drive home. It was a difficult thing to do, I didn't want to get in the car and leave and yet I know that our new home is where God wants us for now.
I wish I could see into His plans for our family in the future. I hope and pray that it will lead us back home. I don't know. What I'm sure of is that all I can do is follow His lead and try to obey Him in all ways. It's not always the easiest thing to do!

So tonight I sit here thinking over our day. God has blessed me with the best friends in the world! I'm so fortunate that they love me and my family and welcome us with open arms. Without friends, life would be so lonely and I'm thankful for technology today that allows us to keep in touch so easily. But nothing replaces the feel of hugs and the image of smiles and the sound of laughter when friends are together.

So for those of you who we visited today and the ones that we didn't get to see, just know that I love you all. I appreciate each one of you and thank God for the gift of your friendship.
Until we see each other again,
Lisa

Todays Update

Today has been a good day!

The boys had pooled their money together to buy a new Playstation game (Prince Caspian :Chronicles of Narnia) and Kaycie has picked out some fabric to start a Big Block quilt of her own. Because of this, they were all more than willing to get chores done early this morning so they could move on to their fun "projects".

I've never had the chore list get done quite as fast as it did this morning! I did have to resend Kyle back to a room he didn't sweep well and Ryan forgot to clean the sink in the bathroom (all in their huge hurry, I'm sure). All in all, they did a great job.

I always love it when everybody pitches in to get the chores done sooner.
Windows got washed, bedrooms vaccumed, bathrooms cleaned, floors swept and mopped, laundry put away, shelves and electronics dusted, and dishes done. Can you believe that!!!?

The boys were allowed to play the new game for awhile. And Kaycie and I had a sewing lesson. She was soooo excited! Here are some pictures of the learning:

I had her practice on some scrap fabric. She did a really good job. Her foot wanted to press the pedal a little too hard a couple of times but she finally got the hang of it.

Here are the fabrics she chose. Can you tell which one was the inspiration fabric? (Horses, of course!!)

Here she is actually sewing ALL BY HERSELF!! My little homemaker in training!

The first completed row of Big Blocks. yeah!

Here are a couple of pictures of Kaycie and Lindsey cuddled up in the sunshine reading books. Just because it's cute.

Then tonight Ryan had a local TV performance with his African Drumming Club. So we went to the TV studio and they did a great job. But as I went to get my camera, waddya know, I had forgotten it in the car!! So I'll hopefully get some pictures of his drumming in the near future to share with you. Now that I think of it, they probably wouldn't have wanted me to take pictures in the studio anyway. The flash may have interfered with their cameras.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

ok, I have to admit that most of the time we drink the gritty store bought envelopes of hot cocoa. But on those cold mornings when the kids are home from school and we have nothing to do but lounge around in our jammies, I'll make Homemade Hot Chocolate.
It's smooth and rich and soooo good!
The kids are home because of Parent/Teacher Conferences today , so we decided it was a great day for some good old-fashioned REAL hot chocolate!






In a medium saucepan, heat a heaping 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate pieces, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup milk just until boiling; stirring constantly.


Slowly stir in 3 1/2 cups milk and heat until drinking temperature. We like to add a dash of peppermint extract to ours while it's heating. You could also add some cinnamon and nutmeg to make it spiced hot chocolate.

And of course, don't forget the marshmallows at the end.

Autumn Morning Beauty

"Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns." Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it. Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord." 1 Chronicles 16:31-33

"O Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who covers Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain." Psalm 104:1-2

"Who gives the sun for a light by day, The ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, Who disturbs the sea, and its waves roar (The Lord of hosts is His name)"

Jeremiah 31:35

The Power Of God

I've been reading a book called Sacred Legacy: Ancient Writings from Nine Women of Strength and Honor by Myrna Grant.
It's been very interesting. I have learned some things about Christian women throughout the ages.
The story of Perpetua touched me so immensely. If you've never read her story, you should. It's amazing!

Anyway, in the chapter about Hildegard , Genius Reformer (1098-1179 A.D.) I had to reread this section over and over to capture what she was saying. But the wording is beautiful and finally the meaning of her words sunk in. It's an amazing description of the power of God.

Here it is:
"This blazing fire that you see symbolizes the Omnipotent and Living God, who in His most glorious serenity was never darkened by any iniquity. He is incomprehensible because He cannot be divided by any division, or known as He is by any part of His creature's knowledge; inextinguishable because He is that fullness that no limit ever touched; wholly living, for there is nothing that is hidden from Him or that He does not know; and wholly life for everything that lives takes its life from Him..."

Country Kids

I realize that I take pride in the fact that my kids are growing up "country". I love the simpler way of life that we face every day. I love the slow pace and the quietness. I love that my kids play in the fresh air and get dirty. I love that they are learning responsibility by taking care of animals.

I know that people raised in the city are proud of the fact that they are "city" but I think that we have the "better end of the deal" here in the country!

What could be cuter than this little face?

Good thing Grandpa turned off the electric fence!

She loves to pose, can you tell?

Home-grown pumpkins-

Picking sweet corn with Grandpa.

She could get lost in there!

Harvested corn, cucumbers and squash to have with dinner.

Crazy Cat!!

Does Diego look comfortable? Crazy Cat!!

Just For Fun--

A friend of mine who also has a blog presented this challenge. Dump the contents of your purse and answer some questions about it. She did it and it was quite funny what she had in her purse and what she had to say about it.


If you want to join the challenge, let me know how it goes. I'm curious about what other women have in their purses.

Ok, the contents:

-library card application for Benton County

-my wallet

-receipts that need to be entered into the checkbook

-dental floss

-beeswax chapstick

-cell phone

-a bunch of pens (that's where they have all gone!)

-keys to the gun safe

-checkbook

-Ricola lemon-mint throat drops

-a McDonalds gift card (I wonder what the balance is?)

-an almond hershey kiss (It won't be going back into the purse, it's already gone!)

The questions:

What is the smallest item? The hershey kiss.

Anything illegal? What a weird question, Of course not!!!

Anything embarrassing? Nope

Any surprises? Well, the hershey kiss was a lovely little surprise hiding in the bottom of my purse! I had also forgotten that the gun safe keys were in there.

Most important item? My wallet- has debit card and credit card, ODL, other important stuff.

Well, that's my purse. This challenge does double-duty because now I will clean it out a bit!

Scripture for Punishment?

I have a question-- Does anyone else make their kids copy down scriptures for punishment?

For example:
Over-reacting with anger-- Proverbs 29:11
"A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back."

Lying-- Proverbs 12:22
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. "

Speaking "snotty" to siblings-- Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Arguing about no more TV or computer-- Psalm 119:37
"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your ways."

And the all-time favorite--Matthew 7:12
"Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them..." (The Golden Rule)

As you can see, we have a few "favorites". When they have behaved inappropriately and we deem it necessary they usually have to spend some time writing a verse (usually a page full) pertaining to the offense. I have done this with my kids for some time now, but always wonder if using scripture for punishment is wise.
I want the Bible to be pleasure reading for them but I also want them to realize that it's not just Mom and Dad making up these rules. God has set these principles in place for a reason. For us to learn and grow!
I'm just curious what you all think about this form of discipline and if you have ever used it.

Pork Chop Supper/ Apple Brown Betty

Ok, I'm going to share a couple more recipes. This is what we had for dinner tonight and Yummy, it was good!

Pork Chop Supper:
6 pork loin chops (I used bone-in)
1/2 cup flour
2 tbsp oil
1-2 tsp dried thyme
salt & pepper
5-6 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes (I used Yukon Gold potatoes so I didn't peel)
5-6 carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 onion, cut into wedges
3 cups beef broth
Coat chops with flour and brown on both sides in heated oil. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Add potatoes, carrots, and onion. Pour broth over all: bring to boil. Reduce heat: Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes until veggies are tender.

Apple Brown Betty:
6 slices white bread, toasted
3-4 cups peeled sliced baking apples
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon (I used a tad more)
1/4 cup butter, melted
half-and-half cream, optional
Tear toast into bite size pieces; place in a greased 2 qt. casserole. Top with apples. Combine sugars and cinnamon; sprinkle over apples. Drizzle with butter. Cover and bake at 350 for 1 hour, stirring after 30 minutes. Serve warm with cream on top.

The next time I make this Apple Brown Betty, I will double the recipe. It disappeared in no time flat at my house!! So good!

Let me know if you try any of the recipes.

To Quilt or Not To Quilt?

I have decided to tackle one of those projects that I've always wanted to do (and actually complete!). For years I've wanted to start quilting but for all kinds of reasons just haven't ever taken the leap.

So today on a last minute trip to town, I felt the car pulling towards an adorable quilting shop that I have never been to. I walked in and immediately was overwhelmed and mesmorized by bolt after bolt of beautiful fabric.

I eventually chose to do a small sampler quilt as my first project. It helps to learn different techniques and block styles.

The hard part was picking out the color scheme. Oh my, what a choice!

I finally decided on a pretty combination of rose, pink, cream, and sage green.

So here I go! Another adventure in "homemaking"!

Kaycie will be my assistant as she loves doing anything crafty!

I'll keep you updated on progress.