From the house

We have all been quietly submitting to the seasonal flu. Mounds of soiled bedding and towels. Piles of books. Horseopoly. Observing the changing creation. And of course, rest. So not much to speak of in our neck of the woods. Just enjoying the quiet snowfall....from the house.

One wants out. The other wants in. Go figure.

Merry Christmas...

A change of plans again

I came down with a migraine last night and was up until 6 a.m. I had to reschedule our breakfast quiche with my dad. Bummed. I guess I just need some rest and relaxation. I love you dad.

He is Ever with Me

I am quite reflective today. No, not shiny. Just deep in thought. About life. Burdens. Responsibilities. People who matter most.

My little Benjamin is anemic. He was quite sick last week. We are driving around back and forth to doctor's appointments and blood draws (three so far), no answers as of yet. He is handling it with courage. My sweetie has been gone for most of the season working overtime, and getting little recovery before he is back at it again. Although we have managed to enjoy a few crafts, many of the traditions that I do with my children each year for Thanksgiving and Advent have been passed by. Watching the days come and go have been frustrating to say the least, and I slowly came to the acceptance that this year would have to be different. Hard for me to let go. And hard for my family to watch it I am sure.

However......My kids are smiling and singing loudly. My husband is lovingly working hard for us. And My Lord and God, He is ever here with me.

Isa 41:10 Do not fear; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

Thank you Lord, that you never change. You are always the same. Yesturday, today, and forever.

Finally 6!!

This little mechanical mind has always kept me on my toes.

Full of smiles. A lot of heart. Boundless energy. Thoughtful prayers. A true love of serving.

It was pure torture counting the days til his birthday. It just couldn't come quick enough.

Happy Birthday, Clayton. You make me proud.

I can't wait to see all that God will do in you.

Big Boy

Sam received a much needed haircut the other day. I began with scissors, but a 20 month old will only sit for so long (like maybe 2 seconds). So, out came the clippers for the first time on his virgin head. Curls were gone, and we were covered in hair. Now he is a big boy.

Must be time for potty training....

25 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. I love being outside.
2. When I was little, I chipped my front tooth on a tether ball pole.
3. I have played soccer most all of my life.
4. My favorite color is green.
5. My dog weighs more than I do.
6. I should have been born in a small rural village in Europe with cobblestone streets and fresh markets. Surrounded by generations of smiles.
7. I couldn't figure out what the big thing was with chocolate and women until I was pregnant with my fourth child.
8. I love vintage and french decor and clothing.
9. I am very patriotic and I cry at the drop of a hat in gratefulness for the sacrifices made for our freedom.
10. I have a very hard working husband who NEVER complains and is good at everything he does.
11. I miss sleep and it misses me.
12. My weakness...homemade bread with lots of butter, real butter.
13. I get extremely frustrated while playing Wii tennis.
14. I live next door to my grandparents and love it.
15. A good book is a close friend to me.
16. I learned to ride a 2-wheeler when I was 5 yrs old and I refused to let anyone help me. I was going to do it on my own no matter how many fits I threw. (I had to keep up with the neighborhood boys)
17. I like to sweep my floors not vacuum.
18. The one thing that always needs cleaning in my house is the back slider door.
19. I have a strong conscience. I can't even drive the wrong way in a parking lot without feeling guilty.
20. I love old hymns and the stories of the people behind them, Bebo Norman, and I love Amos Lee. My favorite artists are those with heavy soul, acoustic, romance, and heart.
21. Fun shoes, great jeans.
22. Would love to live self-sufficient some day.
23. Something I admire most in others is a grateful heart.
24. God created peonies for me.
25. I pray to live more compassionate to those around me, more tender to my sweetie, more sacrificially to my children, and more surrendered to my Lord.

A New Song

I was just reading my evening devotion and shutting down the computer for the night. I thought I might share a word. This makes me think of Psalm 103.

“O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.”
- Psa_107:8

If we complained less, and praised more, we should be happier, and God would be more glorified. Let us daily praise God for common mercies-common as we frequently call them, and yet so priceless, that when deprived of them we are ready to perish. Let us bless God for the eyes with which we behold the sun, for the health and strength to walk abroad, for the bread we eat, for the raiment we wear. Let us praise him that we are not cast out among the hopeless, or confined amongst the guilty; let us thank him for liberty, for friends, for family associations and comforts; let us praise him, in fact, for everything which we receive from his bounteous hand, for we deserve little, and yet are most plenteously endowed. But, beloved, the sweetest and the loudest note in our songs of praise should be of redeeming love. God’s redeeming acts towards his chosen are for ever the favourite themes of their praise. If we know what redemption means, let us not withhold our sonnets of thanksgiving. We have been redeemed from the power of our corruptions, uplifted from the depth of sin in which we were naturally plunged. We have been led to the cross of Christ-our shackles of guilt have been broken off; we are no longer slaves, but children of the living God, and can antedate the period when we shall be presented before the throne without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Even now by faith we wave the palm-branch and wrap ourselves about with the fair linen which is to be our everlasting array, and shall we not unceasingly give thanks to the Lord our Redeemer? Child of God, canst thou be silent? Awake, awake, ye inheritors of glory, and lead your captivity captive, as ye cry with David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

Let the new month begin with new songs.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I Shall Not Want

Samaritan's Purse is a ministry we love so dearly. They are a humanitarian aid and relief organization that provide medicine, food, shelter and other desperately needed assistance to people in the U.S. and around the world in the name of Jesus. Many of these people have been living in these dire circumstances for years due to famine, war, and natural disasters. They build and rebuild communities and respond in emergency situations as well.

Operation Christmas Child is just one of the projects they facilitate. We pack shoe boxes filled with necessary items such as toothbrushes, combs, pens, pencils, paper, shoes, clothing, candy and toys, and take them to the local collection center, they are packed into large shipping cartons and driven to processing centers. From the processing centers they are sent to very needy children in hospitals, orphanages, remote villages, slums, prison courtyards, etc., all over the world. Each child receives a gospel book in their own native language, and is invited to participate in a 10-week discipleship course through a local Samaritan's Purse supported church. Upon graduation, they receive a graduation certificate and their very own bible. For most children, this is the only present they have ever received.

Although we have been packing shoe boxes for years, this year our family had the privilege of serving at our local collection site. The children could not wait to go. I have so enjoyed hearing their prayers at night and all the things that are on their little minds. My prayer is that our hearts would yield to the work that Jesus is doing in us. To be completely satisfied in nothing but the love that comes from a relationship with Him. To be completely grateful for the grace that He gives beyond measure. And to be cheerful givers of the abundance He provides.

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Psalm 23
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

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I Cannot See!

There is always that temptation in my life (of which I find myself taking quite often) to figure things out, to make things happen in my timing, in my way, or to my benefit;

"This is how I see things, and this makes perfect sense to me."

But God says in Isaiah 55:8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways, says Jehovah.

I want to look ahead down the road and see. I want to have control.
God is lately challenging this area of my heart again. There have been many circumstances over the years, especially in pain or discomfort, that He has allowed me to choose to trust Him or not.

I want to trust Him when I can see where He is taking me, and what will happen along the way.
He wants me to trust Him when I cannot see.
This is faith.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Jesus is our eyes.

2Co 5:7 states "for we walk by faith, not by sight".

For we walk by faith, and not by sight. Faith is a grace which answers many useful purposes; it is the eye of the soul, by which it looks to Christ for righteousness, peace, pardon, life, and salvation; the hand by which it receives him, and the foot by which it goes to him, and walks in him as it has received him; which denotes not a single act of faith, but a continued course of believing; and is expressive, not of a weak, but of a strong steady faith of glory and happiness, and of interest in it: and it is opposed to "sight": . . . . .it is but seeing as through a glass darkly; it is not that full sight, face to face, which will be had hereafter, when faith is turned into vision.

The rest and peace of heart that comes from trusting in Jesus.

Heb 4:9-11 So then there remains a rest to the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Therefore let us labor to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of unbelief.

Lastly,
Isa 43:1-3 But now so says Jehovah who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame kindle on you.
For I am Jehovah your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

I love being blind.

Nothing Without You

Take these hands and lift them up

For I have not the strength to praise You near enough

For I have nothing, I have nothing without You

Take my voice and pour it out

Let it sing the songs of mercy I have found

For I have nothing, I have nothing without You

All my soul needs

Is all Your love to cover me

So all the world will see

That I have nothing without You

Take my body and build it up

May it be broken as an offering of love

For I have nothing, I have nothing without You

All my soul needs

Is all Your love to cover me

So all the world will see

That I have nothing

But I love You

With all my heart

With all my soul

With all my mind

With all the strength that I can find

Take my time here on this earth

And let it glorify all that You are worth

For I am nothing,

I am nothing without You

Some of My Favorite People

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ECLECTIC CULTURE FARM, now MAPLE VALLEY OFF-GRID FARM

I have been following this blog for over a year now. A true inspiration and a joy. A courageous God loving family who moved their 5 children to an off-grid 40 acre Amish farm. I have learned so much. At times I wished I could show up on their doorstep and be God's hands for them in their trials. They have fought through 1 Year with laughter and tears, and are celebrating! You can follow them at:

Living off-grid at Maple Valley Farm

An ever growing love of life, farm, earth, Jesus and learning...

http://eclecticculturefarm.blogspot.com/

My favorite post is Thursday April 16, 2009 when she challenges the goat to see who will have their baby first! I also love the ice cutting with the team of horses. If I never make it to their neck of the woods, I look forward to meeting them in heaven.

I hope you are inspired as much as I am:

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"Do not part with your dreams or aspirations

for when they are gone

you will still exist,

but you have ceased to live."

-Henry David Thoreau

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My Tank is Full

I awoke yesturday morning to a beautiful blonde 8 year old smiling, fully dressed, leaning over me on my bed.

"We are going to the pumpkin patch" she whispers.

Looking towards the clock I see Starbucks on my nightstand.

"He stayed home today."

Knowing my husband, he NEVER stays home. He could be on his death bed and he will still get up and go to work.

Upon going downstairs I see my sweetie cooking breakfast.

"It's my Birthday!!!" I sing, and he begins to dance.


All the children have made me hand written sweet cards all rolled up like a scroll, tied with my special craft string and little flowers from the yard. Jumping around,excited for me to open them.

We all enjoy potato pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs with pepperjack cheese.

A brand new french press is waiting on the counter and it is tshirt weather. YES!

We then drive to Country Mercantile and spend the day browsing the market store, wandering through the corn maze, admiring pumpkins, climbing the hay bale pyramid and eating a fabulous lunch in the cafe.

In no hurry. Nowhere else to go. Lots of other things to do.
But not today.

Who doesn't love ice cream?

Giving Good Things

Quite often people ask me what curriculum I use for homeschooling. Each year has been different, since my children are young I have been making an effort to research and try different types in order to find the best fit for our family.

In the past I have used My Father's World http://www.mfwbooks.com/ and http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/ . I love http://www.amblesideonline.com/ , it is free and is a very thorough resource, as is http://www.simplycharlottemason.com/ . Both follow the modern philosophy of the famous educator Charlotte Mason.

Currently I am teaching through Beautiful Feet Books http://www.bfbooks.com/ . And so far I am loving it!! We are studying Early American History, keeping a thorough notebook with their best work on all we learn, and I am able to teach all the oldest kids together.

For spelling and penmanship/copywork we went with http://www.queenhomeschool.com/ and the boys also have some fun Brainquest books, boggle spelling games, and flash cards.

For Grace who is in the 2nd grade we are using Emma Serl's Primary Language Lessons which was orginally printed in 1911 and reprinted by Lost Classics book company.

For geographyand science, we are mostly just incorporating that in our History studies, but I found this fund book A Child's Geography by Ann Voskamp http://www.achildsgeography.com/ based on Mark 16:15 "Go ye into all the world..." The book in it's own words says:

"Knowledge without love is an empty, heartbreaking gong. It would be a very sad state if our young geographers knew much of His world... but had hearts that were indifferent ...What are we without love?...We are called to be Christ's hands and heart to a hurting world."

For Math, I have not made my final selection. Grace is finishing some concepts from last year. We have had fun with the Cuisenaire Rods and Pattern Blocks with books through Learning Resources. These help with problem solving and logic, spatial relationships, counting, etc with a hands on approach.

We will be studying a famous composer, a famous artist, and a well known hymn, hopefully once per month. All of which can be derived from ambleside online or simply charlotte mason schedule on their websites.

With all that being said, I would like to emphasize;

1 Corinthians 13
The Greatest Gift

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

This is the greatest gift you can ever give to your children.

"Welcome Autumn"

When the weather begins to change, I can feel myself smile inside.
I absolutely love fall.

I have been pouring over recipes for the "comfort food" that I love this time of year. Heidi Swanson has a fabulous vegan blog http://www.101cookbooks.com/ . She is a wealth of information on cooking with natural foods, how to build a whole foods pantry, she has great photography (which I appreciate), and she highlights many good cookbooks and chefs as well.

Tonight I made her Rustic Potato Chowder; and everyone loved the Spinach and Zucchini Soup (including the kids).

I think I'm needing to make some good rustic bread, pull out my sweaters from spring, and make sure my camera is ready to capture this season with my loved ones.

These days will never come again.

A Few Black and Whites...I Just Couldn't Resist

I Love This Little Man

On My Heart Today

I thought I would share a verse with you that the LORD has been bringing to my heart and mind lately....

Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

Although most of the book of Psalms was written by David, there are some that were not. This song in particular was written by Moses, an amazing man of God. The psalm brings great perspective and humility of heart.

I will be pausing here at Psalm 90 for a few days.....

Special to me

I know this pic is a bit blurry, however, I just love it so much!
Two very precious people.

Out of Hand

So, life has gotten a bit out of hand these days. More than ever I find myself praying for wisdom and patience. Wisdom on which way to direct my time, and patience to follow through in the manner God has intended. I have so many thoughts to share and handfuls of photos waiting to be posted....maybe tonight.
I am constantly reminded of His blessings to me.

Better get going, some of them are waiting......

Hours upon Hours

Meet Charlie. He is our new English Mastiff puppy. Just 3 months old and 30 pounds and quite the charmer. I won't go into details as to how the Cook family acquired him, but lets just say, "Suprise Mom!!!!!!" And Mom was surprised....

As I type, the dog is wrapped like a burrito in the backyard in a quilt, on top of the childrens pincnic table sleeping. While the kids play all sorts of imaginative games around him. Two more large sheets were just drug outside and I am axious to see what will come of it. He is a mellow boy, sometimes I almost wonder if he is alive. Then I lean towards him and listen. He's fine, he's snoring.

I am sure you never find your kids like this

Blueberry pickin'

My man with my very tired baby boy

A very thoughtful child, with a tinge of ornery