Surefire Way to Cool Down

What do you do when it's 100 degree day and there is just no relief in sight?

You go crawdaddin', that's what!!

And then you enjoy the bounty!



This is how it's done:

Catch as many large crawdads as you can and place them in a bucket with a bit of water.

Watch out for those pinchers.... they'll get ya!

Boil a pot of generously salted water and add the crawdad's (yes, alive still).

Keep at a quick boil until they begin to float with their hiney's facing up.

Boil for another few minutes.

Then crack the shells and eat em up!

You can melt some butter to dip them in but my kids just take them out to the pasture and start crackin and eatin.



"You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
And praise the name of the Lord your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to shame."
--- Joel 2: 26

I'm Still Here

I can't believe it's been this long since I last posted. I guess life gets busy (or maybe lazy?) and computer time takes a backseat to other things.
We've been enjoying our summer and relishing every moment at the river! Especially the last 4-5 days... it's been over 100 degrees!
We do not have AC so we are trying to be creative in ways to cool down. Having the river right here helps. I told Ken the other night , as we were sitting in the 90 + degree house, "Why are we sitting here roasting when the river is so close?" HIs reply, "I have no idea!"
So back to the refreshing coolness we went!!

It has been a challenge keeping the animals cool and safe in this heat. In fact, we have lost one hen. Last night I went in the hen house to check on them and Tansy had died sitting on her egg in the nesting box. Poor girl!
I tried to keep the air flow moving in there and had been watering the dirt in the chicken yard with the hose to keep the soil cooled down. She must have stayed in there too long.

Last night we laid out on the deck until 10:30 just watching the night sky. One of my favorite things to do! We spotted some shooting stars and satellites going by. We talked of how amazing it is that God placed each of those stars in the perfect spot in the sky. How He know each of them by name!!

On another note, the kids and I took a little trip home for a couple of days. We had so much fun seeing our friends and spending time visiting. We love and miss you all!

As far as quilting goes, I did start the quilting on Kyle's "United We Stand" quilt. I am really liking how it's turning out! I need to practice keeping my fabric taut to prevent puckers in the back. But it is hand made and thus, will have some imperfections so I don't stress too much about it.

We are planning a couple of mini trips during August. Summer is disappearing faster than I like!!
So that is our update for now. Just wanted to let you all know that I'm still around, just busy with summery things.

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork."
-- Psalm 19 :1

1/2 Way... Already?!!

Is summer really already 1/2 way over? Why does it always go by sooooo fast?

I'm already seeing school supplies in the store.... uuuughhh!!

I don't even want to think about school starting again!!

Just let me enjoy these days of sun and swimming.

The kids and I are reading through the Left Behind: Kid Series. So far, so good! They are really liking it.

Each day when Lindsey is down for her nap, we spread a blanket in the yard under the tree and I read out loud. It's so relaxing and wonderful!

The girls and I sat in the front window and watched hummingbirds and butterflies. What wonderful creatures they are!

Seriously, can someone tell me why it goes by soooo very, very fast!!?

"You have set all the borders of the earth;

You have made summer and winter."

Psalm 74: 17

A Fair and Free Fabric!

Today was the 4 - H Fair. The weather couldn't have been better and the kids had a great time!

Kaycie signed up to help at her clubs' booth for 2 hours. She ended up staying there for 3 hours... she was having soooo much fun. Here she is with her leader preparing to tie-dye:


Another fun project they provided for the kids at the fair was a cute little craft making pigs out of pinecones.
Lilly and Kaycie had a good time getting all the craft items ready:Her group also did facepainting! They were busy!!!

We took a little break and went over the carnival. It's absolutely INSANE how much it cost for 2 rides!!!! Unfortunately I had given the boys their money in the morning and they chose to blow it on ice cream, popcorn and creamosa drinks! So by the time we got to the carnival, they only had a few bucks left. Live and learn!!

When the money's gone, it's gone!!



The cool, crafty display at our booth:

This is what Lindsey thought of the fair after being there for 6 hours!:

The local quilter's guild was there finishing up some charity quilts. The ladies were so sweet and allowed me to oooh and awww all over there work!


They had 3 huge baskets sitting on their table with a paper sign saying "Free Fabric". No Way!!! I began to dig through and one older lady handed me a ziploc baggy and said "fill it up!" This is what I ended up with:

A couple hundred assorted prints and colors in 2.5 inch squares, some rectangles, odd size bits, and 1/8 yards. She told me to go ahead and take more but I didn't want to look greedy so I slowly backed up to allow some other women to take a baggy and start digging.

A great day... a fun day... an exhausting day!!



---- " There are many who say,
"Who will show us any good?"
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season
that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety."
-Psalm 4: 6 - 8

My First Coin Quilt

This is the top, all put together. It's been a fun quilt to do. Very easy and quick... I like that! I get to see the end result with only a short amount of work.

I'm sure I'll do another one of these when I have scraps that need used up.
This coin quilt is entirely done with scraps. The white sashing and border is from an old sheet that wasn't being used anymore.
I'm thinking I may use the rest of the sheet for the backing. That way the quilting will show up real nice. And it seems so fresh and clean!

And another thing accomplished today:

This was my skirt. I bought it at Goodwill about a year ago and have never worn it (just a bit too snug for my liking).

So today I cut out one of the panels and sewed it all back together. It took all of 3 minutes and Kaycie has a new skirt... And she loves it!

I was able to repurpose and reuse today for the quilt and the skirt. I like that both items were virtually FREE!! New creations!

And the best part about today: THE SUN WAS SHINING AND IT GOT HOT! Yeah!! Finally able to spend more time at the river with the kids. I love summer!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." --- 2 Corinthians 5: 17

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Check out these broccoli plants:

(They look a little sad. It's only because they are waiting to be transplanted. My Dad gave them to me last night from his garden. I just wanted you to notice how big they are!)

Now look at this broccoli plant:

This little one is in my garden. I planted my broccoli the same time my Dad's broccoli was planted. What's up with that?!

I think my garden soil needs some "help"!!

But then on the other hand, check out my tomatoes!! They are doing great!!!

Do you see all those tomatoes in there just waiting to ripen up and turn red? 5 of my 8 plants looks like this!

The weird thing is that my tomato patch and broccoli patch are right next to each other. So why is the soil good for one type of plant and not the other?

Here is a shot of my Shasta Daisies. They are so pretty right now. I think these may be one of my favorites... so cheery and bright!

Oh, and the strawberries have been so good lately!! yummmmy!! (These are not from my garden, they are from the store... but don't they look good all the same?)

We've had some rain the last few days, so I'm sure my garden is HAPPY and growing like crazy this very second!

We are looking forward to a bountiful harvest (maybe not broccoli) and can't hardly wait for some fresh cucumbers and corn on the cob!!

"The Lord will guide you continually,

And satisfy your soul in drought,

And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."

--- Isaiah 58:11

Good Steward-- Thinking On This

I've been thinking lately on what it means to be a good steward of the blessings God has given me.

It's something that I need to be more aware of. How do I use the things that God blesses me with? And do I use them wisely and for His glory?

The thought first started with our finances. We have struggled in this area. I know we are not alone with this problem but I don't want to be a family that overspends just because other families do. For example: Just because someone else may jump off a cliff doesn't mean I have to.

Sometimes it's a very hard decision to make. We are not going on a planned trip for 5-6 days this week because we just don't have the money to go. Sure, I could put it on the credit card and believe me I thought about it. But then I felt like God was reminding me that doing that would not be a wise choice with the money He has given us.

So our little vacation was cancelled. We are bummed. But I feel better knowing that I followed God's voice and heeded what He was telling me.

I want our finances to be used for His purpose. If that purpose is to provide for my kids' college education, so be it. If it's to save up for a family vacation, so be it. If we are meant to pay off our vehicles, so be it.

Another area I've been thinking about being a good steward in is our time.

Does God want me to spend my time watching TV? Should I spend more time sewing? Do I need more time in the Word? How about some quiet time to just listen to His voice? My time should always honor Him and please Him.

What about our property/ our home? Can I be a good steward of my home? Do I take care of the inside as well as the outside?

As I was weeding in the garden tonight and then moved on to shoveling out dandelions in the kids play area, I got to thinking on this again.

Is God pleased when I take care of the things He has given me? Is He pleased with me as I have dirty fingernails and my hair falling out of its ponytail as I kneel in the garden? Sure He is!!

My children were running and laughing in the pasture. My hubby snoring in his chair after a long day at work. And me shoveling dandelions. Why did I all of a sudden think, "Am I being a good steward for God?"

" As I work at removing unwanted weeds from around my home, am I using my time wisely? Am I being a good steward?" And then I felt Him tell me , "YES!!"

My children are happy. Bellies full from dinner. A large freshly-mowed pasture to run in. Each other to play with.

My hubby is full from dinner also. Content to relax in his chair. And peaceful as he dozes.

I'm full. My tummy and my heart.

The bitter smell of dandelions mingles with the scent of the mowed grass. My back aches with each push of the shovel.... yet it pleases me.

Thank you God for the blessings You give me. Whether it be a full tummy, happy children, or even dandelions to shovel. I want to be a good steward of all that You provide. Help me to use those things wisely and for Your glory.

"Honor the Lord with your possessions,

And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

So your barns will be filled with plenty,

And your vats will overflow with new wine."

--Proverbs 3: 9 & 10

The Bat-Mobile?

They are pretty similar... ha ha!! The only similarity is the Batmobile and my Mommy-Mobile are both black!!

Yesterday marked the end of baseball season. About 8 weeks of practices almost every night. About 8 weeks of traveling here & there for games.

Needless to say my Mommy-Mobile has SUFFERED! And she suffered greatly!!

It was time to give her a thorough cleaning. I'm sure some of you know exactly what I'm talking about when I say , "We have been living out of our van!"

The photo above shows all the stuff tossed out of the van.
-- 2 strollers (umbrella stroller and large stroller)
-- 1 large bag of toys for distraction
-- 1 dog leash
-- 1 large food-keeper bag (gotta have snacks, at ALL times)
-- 2 packed diaper bags (wipes, diapers, extra clothes...)
-- Multiple books
-- A huge stash of pencils (we wondered where they had all gone!)
-- Shoes (I think Kaycie alone had 3 extra pair of shoes in the car)
-- Sleeping bag, blankets (it's the Oregon coast, ya never know what the weather will be like!)
-- Bags of extra clothes for everyone
-- Empty water bottles
-- A soccer ball
-- 2 umbrellas
-- 2 First Aid kits (that definitely need to be restocked!)
-- Socks (Why were there 3 mateless socks just hanging around in there?)
-- 1 peed-in diaper (Somehow it missed making it to the trash can... oops)
-- And 2 full bags of GARBAGE!!

Good grief!!! That's a ton of junk!

The Mommy-Mobile got a good vacuuming and the cup holders and dash wiped down to a dull sparkle.

Now she feels more like the infamous BatMobile!

vroom.... vrooom!!!

(I have decided to add a verse at the end of every post that somehow pertains to what I've posted. Mainly so that I can search out verses that relate to everyday life and apply it. Just another way to add scripture to my everyday.)

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
--Ezekiel 36: 25 & 26

A Hot One!

It's supposed to be a scorcher here today.... 90 degrees! That's pretty hot!!

I've been out to take care of animals, making sure they all have plenty of fresh water and shade.

I've also been in the garden, trying to get as many weeds out as possible before the heat causes me to wither.

I'm getting some laundry out to dry. Love the smell of sun dried clothes... mmmm!

Need to get some cookies baked before it's too hot and I won't want to warm up the kitchen.


Last night I started cutting out strips to make a Coin Quilt. I've wanted to make one for awhile now, we'll see how it goes. Maybe during nap time, I can get some of it put together...


Once that is all done, it will be a lazy afternoon at the river. Yeah!!

The boys both have ball games in Newport tonight. It will be much cooler in town then in our little valley here. (we are about 30 minutes inland).

Lindsey had the right idea last weekend at my Mom's house when it was warm outside. Just play in Grandma's fountain to cool down!!

Hope you all have a relaxing, fun summer day.... wherever you are!