Snow - - - Finally!

"It's snowing!"

Nothing sends more excitement through this house than those little words. Especially when the snowflakes are huge! We may be the only family in our neighborhood so excited to be out in the snow that we shovel the driveway while it is still snowing - three times!















Finally, after a few hours we had enough snow to sled on.















And to try our balance at snowboarding.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Christmas Eve at Home

We went to Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Grandma and Grandpa. Caitlin and Joshua both loved having their own candle and Caitlin sang Christmas hymns at the top of her lungs, enjoying every minute of the service.

We left from the church for home. We had gifts under our own tree to open and the thought of gifts was enough to keep both Caitlin and Joshua wide awake on our two hour journey.





















Caitlin got a "night robe" as she calls it. Extra special because it was made by her Mama. She was full of hugs and thank yous. The happiness on her face explains it all. She also found in a package a "work apron" - another one of her words. She wanted to wear a work apron while she cleans her room and helps around the house.
















Each of them got a gift with an audio CD, a book and a "stuffy". Caitlin was very excited to get "Understood Betsy" on CD and some horse books. Joshua opened his package to find a dragon theme. An adorable stuffed dragon along with Dragon Stories on CD and "St. George and the Dragon" picture book inside.

Joshua's favorite gift by far was his tennis racket. What do you do with a tennis racket in winter? He is already for spring and we haven't had much "winter" yet.

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's House

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's is alway fun. There is a lot of excitement about being with cousins and opening gifts and eating Christmas goodies.

There wasn't much snow to play in but the lake was frozen so the cousins cleared off a slippery path to run and slide on after gift opening. They have fun finding things to do together.

Grandma and Grandpa are special people and it is always a blessing to make memories with them.

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

Matthew 2:2

Dance Recital

The first recital of the year is always a ballet recital. Caitlin's song was "Hushabye Darling". It was so beautiful - music, costumes and young ladies.

They send forth their children as a flock;

their little ones dance about.

Job 21:11

Birthday Morning

The morning after Caitlin's party was her actual birthday which we celebrated again...

this time with Birthday Breakfast Waffles.

May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Psalm 23:25

Happy Birthday, Dear Caitlin

Twirling, singing, dancing, full of life and joy.
That's what this little girl is made of.

Celebrating 8 years of life with family made today a special day. The day began with the Christmas play at church; Caitlin being an angel and Joshua a shepherd. Both did great on their parts. Then coming home to a house full of family and food. What a fun day - first, to celebrate the birth of Jesus at church and then to celebrate another year of life with Caitlin.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

So Much to be Thankful for

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

Pumpkin Cranberry Scones

This is a wonderful Autumn taste for anytime of the day, but especially with tea.

Pumpkin and Cranberry Scones
· 2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour plus 1 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt )
· 1/2 cup brown sugar
· 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp. ginger; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp allspice; 1 tsp cinnamon )
· 1/2 tsp additional cinnamon
· 1/4 tsp baking soda
· 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
· 1/3 cup buttermilk (or sour milk ~ 1/2 tsp vinegar added to 1/3 cup milk...allow to sit for a minute)
· 1/2 cup pumpkin (if canned, be sure there are no spices or sugar added)
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Mix together flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Cut butter into small pieces and cut into flour. Mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Mix in dried cranberries. In a separate bowl mix together the pumpkin, buttermilk and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together (don't over-mix).
Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead gently 3-4 times, and then shape/pat dough into a circle about 1 1/4 inches thick. Slice in half, and then cut each half into 4 equal pie-shaped wedges. Brush with egg glaze (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk), and sprinkle with mixture of cinnamon and sugar..Bake on a cookie sheet at 375 for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Makes 8 scones. Serve warm with Pumpkin Spice Butter

Pumpkin Spice Butter
1/4 cup (half a stick) butter, softened1/4 cup pumpkin puree1 tbsp brown sugar1 tsp cinnamon1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Combine all and mix till creamy.

Happy Birthday, Grandma

November 5, 2006. Grandma Reve came to visit on her birthday this year. I think she knew what we would have for breakfast if she came. We always celebrate birthdays with Birthday Breakfast Waffles. YUM! Caitlin and Joshua thought it was great to have Grandma here on her birthday. They love Grandma and they love celebrating birthdays.

Birthday Breakfast Waffles

1 whole wheat waffle
1 scoop Julie's Organic Vanilla Ice Cream
1 scoop red raspberries
1 drizzle of pure organic (or Krengel Sweet) Maple Syrup
1 dollop of whipped cream
a few sprinkles for festivity
1 candle for the person celebrating their birthday

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Psalm 145:7

Advice from Mrs. Sharp

"...never forget the three P's of perfect family life: setting priorities, planning, and prayer. These three elements are essential for parental peace of mind.
"...by incorporating routine, rhythm, and ritual into your life, many happy moments and memories will flower."

Sarah Ban Breathnach's - Mrs. Sharp's Traditions


A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-
and how good is a timely word.
Proverbs 15:23

Chilly Morning...Warm Breakfast

Our house had the yummy warm smell of apple pie this morning. We didn't make a pie but breakfast was almost as good as pie. Caitlin said many times how yummy breakfast was.

After getting three bags of apples at buying club this week I was on the lookout for recipes with apples in them. I found this recipe in a cookbook called "Breakfasts".

One of our goals has been to put our favorite recipes with photo in a binder so the children will each have a "cookbook" of their favorite recipes.

This was added as it was given two thumbs up.

Apple Autumn Nuggets

10 apples - cut in 8 wedges then each wedge in 3 chunks
2 1/4 cups water
1 tablesoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon ginger

Bring to a boil in a large saucepan. Boil gently until apple pieces are soft (not mushy), but still keep their shape.

Top with granola, raisins and organic cream.

YUM!

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 10:14

A Party in Sherwood Forest

Last weekend Caitlin and Joshua had their cousins over for a couple days. My sister was going to pick them up on Saturday which was also her birthday so we planned a little surprise party.

Since our children love to dress up we planned a Sherwood Forest theme party. The boys worked on their Robin Hood outfits.












The girls made a Maiden Marion outfit out of a large tshirt, tulle, ribbon and silk flowers . It was fun to see Caitlin and Chinyere have so much fun creating. We will have to plan more project get togethers.












And the result.....
A very happy surprise party in the Sherwood Forest.













Happy, Blessed Birthday, Linda - and many, many more!

I thank my God everytime I remember you.
Philippians 1:3

On My To Do List...

This weekend my To Do List includes cleaning out the garden. I took this photo a couple weeks ago when we woke up to snow...in the middle of October!












It will be a chilly job today. But the satisfaction of looking into a garden ready for spring planting will be exciting.

A time to plant and a time to uproot.
Ecclesiates 3:2b

Owl...Eagle..?...Hawk!

Last week the Caitlin, Joshua and I were so excited about seeing an owl in our backyard. It was behind some branches and autumn leaves so we didn't get a good look at it.

Today we saw the same (we think) bird but it looked more like an immature bald eagle. It was in our yard eating a mouse when we first noticed it. It flew up to a branch and sat for awhile. Quentin was able to get a quick picture through the screen before it flew away.

I've been reading that an immature Bald Eagle is sometimes mistaken for a hawk or Golden Eagle because of the color of their eyes and beak. Their eyes and beak are brown until they are 4 to 5 years old. This eagle still has a lot of brown feathers on his head but the front of the face was very white. When he took off we were able to see the very white feathers on his legs. I think tomorrow we are going to hike around and see if we can spot a nest.

The photo is a little fuzzy but our excitement isn't!


















But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

50's Sock Hop

We had fun at the Sock Hop! It was a beautiful (and unusually hot) autumn day for celebrating Lori's birthday. Lots of swirling skirts and greased back hair that day. Fun, music, laughter, friends and family. A wonderful celebration of life!
















Lori's children put together a beautiful day to honor their mom. Here is a photo of Lori, her mom, her children and their families.















Happy Birthday, Lori!

Her children arise and call her blessed.
Proverbs 31:28a

Poodle Skirt

Caitlin is an early riser and this morning she was busy sewing a poodle skirt for her Auntie Lori's special "Sock Hop" birthday celebration.












Felt is a very easy material to begin with. I'll have to find more felt projects for her to practice her new sewing skills. I am most impressed with her concentration. She didn't even look up as I snapped a couple of photos.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Proverbs 31:13

Honey Harvest

The end of summer brings a honey harvest. We went on a family field trip to Uncle Ike's farm for the Honey Harvest Festival this month. Here are some of the highlights of our day.













Here is a peek into the hive.













We carefully cut the wax caps off the honeycomb. The wax is put back by the hive and the bees recycle it.













The honeycomb is spun to extract the honey. The honeycomb is kept intact for the bees to use again. This way more energy is used to make honey. The honey was strained...



















...and then bottled. Yum!

We brought home two different kinds of honey. One darker than the other. One tastes sweeter and the other more mellow. Amazing and delicious.

How great is our God. He thought of everything!

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Psalm 119: 103

Resurrection Joy!

Celebrating with cousins.

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 1 Peter 1:8

Reflecting...

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Palm Sunday

Joshua and Caitlin learned about Jesus riding into Jerusalem this morning. We learned that He rode a donkey becasue it symbolized peace. In Biblical times royalty rode a donkey in times of peace and a horse in times of war.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest." Matthew 21:9