Indeed My Heritage

MY BLOG HAS MOVED!

2011-01-16T19:00:00.000-06:00

I'VE MOVED!

SAME BLOG. DIFFERENT LOCATION.

Here is the new site:

Indeed My Heritage

visit my photography blog at its new location!

christine anne photography

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

2011-01-13T13:06:00.000-06:00

At the end of a busy day, how much do I think about exactly what I'm doing when I prepare for bed, climb under those covers, and rest my head on my pillow? Well, I've been thinking a lot about that lately. :)

After my back pain flared up due to a fall, I thought about bed constantly. I couldn't wait to simply lie down and try to ease the pain. The pain would ease throughout the day, but after days and days of waking up in the morning, stiff and sore and facing a 15-minute ordeal simply to get out of bed and get my body in a vertical position, I knew something was up with the bed. Finally, I refused to sleep there, choosing a sleeping bag on the floor instead.

sleeping on the floor--messy but helpful

Though I was stiff from the hard surface, my back began to heal, and today I deal with a little soreness and stiffness if I sit (or stand) for any length of time.

My dearest Fernando and I went shopping for a mattress, and after a long search, with lots of research, we found a solution to the bed issue. That solution arrived last week.

On Saturday, the guys combined their efforts not only to replace our bed, but to give our master bedroom a whole new look, quite by accident, I might add. :)

Of course it's messy--we're getting ready to move things around (that's my excuse, anyway)

The first step, of course, was to remove the old mattress. This thing was a monster of epic proportions. The photos speak for themselves.

(disclaimer--the mattress stain you may have noticed was from a mug of Fernando's coffee...)

Then my sweet Thomas cleaned the headboard, footboard, and railings of our existing bed frame. And oh, my, did the carpet need a really good vacuuming!

Here's the "quite by accident" part. Fernando asked me to show him exactly where the frame for our "new" bed should be placed. Comments and suggestions flew, and the next thing we knew, we--I mean the guys--were moving every piece of furniture in the room, some just a foot or two, and some clear to the other side of the room. As you saw in the image of our bedroom at the top of this post, our bedroom is long, but very narrow, which presents a host of problems with a king-sized bed and just four pieces of furniture--dresser, TV cabinet, skinny bookcase, and my project desk.

My project desk experienced most radical relocation.

Fernando's "side" of the bed was the most interesting area to clean out. He is an organizationally challenged stuff collector (I love my husband, and I'm trying to be kind here--he's okay with me sharing this). As he started to go through the bookcase that was "his," he stopped, placed his hand lovingly on one of the shelves, and murmured, "Wait. Before we start, I need a minute alone (*sniff*)." Giggles all around. Dad's Shrine to Stuff was emptied, and all of his, well, stuff, was put in what was affectionately called Dad's Doo-Doo Box (sorry if that's an offensive term).

Here are a couple of things among the more interesting finds in that corner of the room:

Four opened boxes of Kleenex

A ten-year-old strip of negatives

Then it was time to fit the mattress supports, then the mattresses, into our existing bed frame.

Danny helping with the mattress cover

Ahhh, my first night on the new bed was strange (the smell of new sheets, sleeping on the opposite side of the bed, etc.). But I woke up refreshed, without additional back pain. I am a happy girl.

Here is what is left to do:

This is now cleaned off, but there are a few similar piles around the room.

I'll post more photos of the "finished" room once we organize our little piles. :)

At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant.

Jeremiah 31:26 nasb (taken slightly out of context by me)

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

My Week -- What He Deems Best

2011-01-08T10:34:00.000-06:00

This is my time to reflect on the past week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

Home Life

What a quiet few weeks. Being on the "injured reserve list" is no fun; but, the Lord is ever patient with me. He has drawn me to the foot of His throne. Each day He brings into my life what He deems best. My slowly healing back is the cross that I would bear as I slowly and carefully do His work each day. This is currently His best for me, and I gladly accept the fact that He is working in my heart.

The guys have stepped up to help around the home. It's so interesting that without other girls in the home, there really are a LOT of areas that fall to my jurisdiction, and a lot that needs to be delegated when this manager is unable to fulfill her duties. :)

My wonderful Fernando has helped in so many ways, and has again and again endeared himself to my heart. In addition to his usual daily work, he worked on his compound bow, to fix and tune whatever needed fixing and tuning.

I'm able to stand (and then sit) for short periods of time, so his help in the kitchen has been gratefully received! That was especially true on New Year's Day, as he and all the guys came together to help make Antoinette's French Toast Apple Crunch for brunch--which ended up being at about 12:45pm! I don't remember what title she gave this recipe, so I came up with my own descriptive name. Everyone loved it, which is not a common occurrence in our home. Antoinette's recipe now has a place in my recipe binder.

slicing the apples [photo by Danny]

Antoinette's French Toast Apple Crunch

My Kitchen and Garden

The photo above with my dearest love tells it all.

My Project Desk

Still sits empty. But here is some detail on a card I had made a year or so ago. I thought I'd have to use a generic card for Bryan's graduation, but I found this extra card and was able to use it to give to him on his special day of celebration. :)

Behind the Lens

The photography business is slow during the winter, but that's okay with me. I trust the Lord to bring me clients as He sees fit. Sweet Fernando drove me to the bank right before the new year to help take my business display down.

My business display at my bank!

Heart Thoughts

I have had a particular hymn running through my head these past few weeks, and wanted to quote it here. I plan to play this on my flute during communion in our church service on January 9. The author of this hymn is Lina Sandell, 1832-1903, from Sweden. According to 101 Hymn Stories, while she was on an ocean journey with her pastor father, tragedy struck. A sudden lurch of the ship caused her father to fall overboard; he "drowned before the eyes of his devoted daughter." The author of the book describes:

Although she had written hymns prior to this tragic experience, more songs began to flow out of her broken heart which reflect a simple, child-like trust in Christ and a deep sense of His abiding presence in her life.

With that in mind, read the words of her hymn. I have to include all three verses; I couldn't pick just one because each one ministered to my heart. May they inspire you, as they have me, to trust Him.

Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best--

Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev'ry tribulation

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation

Offered me within Thy holy word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E'er to take, as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- Gourmet Granola

2011-01-07T12:53:00.000-06:00

My amazing friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls @ Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

A bowl of homemade granola

I'm slowly recovering from my back injury, and I'm happier this week! I'm able to move around a bit more freely, and because of needing to stand frequently, I have found myself in my kitchen more often. My practical farm-girl heart says, "If I need to stand, I may as well stand in the kitchen and do something!"

One morning, I enlisted the boys' help to make granola. I posted a photo of this once a long time ago, but this time, I have photos and the recipe!! :)

cinnamon, coconut chips, pepitas

Christine's Granola

This is a double recipe; the amounts are easier! I usually triple the recipe to have extra throughout the week. I list alternate ingredients (and notes) in parentheses, just in case you don't use what I use. :)

1 cup sucanat (or brown sugar)
1/2 cup coconut oil (or other oil)
1/2 cup honey
1 t vanilla
24 oz. rolled oats (sorry I don't know how many cups this is; I use a scale)
1 T cinnamon
1/2 t sea salt

Optional Ingredients (I use the above for plain granola, and add the below for "gourmet" granola; you can add as many or as few as you like!)
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds; I use raw Mexican)
1 cup coconut chips (from my bulk co-op, they are sweetened coconut shavings and totally yummy)
1 cup chopped nuts (I use a combination of raw walnuts, pecans, and slivered almonds)
1 cup raisins or other dried fruit (a friend just gave me dried cherries!!)

Combine sucanat, coconut oil, and honey in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until sucanat is dissolved (it will be shorter if you use brown sugar). Stir in vanilla. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients--I usually add the dried fruit after baking--in a large bowl and mix to combine.

Pour the liquid mixture into the oatmeal mixture, stirring until completely combined. Spread into a baking pan, and bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Remove to stovetop or potholders and stir in raisins. Stir the mixture as it cools (it will become one single clump if you don't!). Store in an airtight container; I use canning jars.

Stir to lift oats from the bottom of the bowl--this will help thoroughly combine the ingredients

See? Warm granola + cold milk = large clump :)

Glass jar storage

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--How Many Are Your Works!

2011-01-06T19:28:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and share a cup of tea with me as we encourage each other in the Lord.

To participate, click on Ruth's button above.

I'm having...flavored black tea in my Pfaltzgraff tea cup. The tea was a sample given to me by a neighbor, and it is passionfruit flavored. Since it was such a little sample, I used half the amount each time I made tea, and steeped it longer, so that I could stretch it out and make it last longer! It's a delicious tea.

I'm feeling...still achy with my back, though I finally learned today that I should sit on a pillow when I'm at the computer desk. So that's what I'm doing right now! I still need to stand and walk around frequently so my back doesn't stiffen--very painful--but it is slowly healing and I feel so much more capable of running our household now!

On my mind...is our state's homeschool convention this coming June. I know it is a long way off, but it is on my mind since I just finished organizing and sorting through all the workshops I will be managing for families homeschooling special needs children. I have volunteered for a number of years now at ICHE (Illinois Christian Home Educators), and for the past two years have served as the Coordinator for Struggling and Special Learners. One part of my responsibilities includes finding and scheduling special needs speakers for our annual state convention each June. The fun part of that responsibility is getting to manage everything at the actual convention--all my speakers and this year I will be handling 12 workshops. I love logistics. :)

I leave you with...a short verse from Psalm 105, which we read at dinnertime devotions tonight. After David exclaims all the works on God's hands--all the things He created--during the first 23 verses, he then exults:

O LORD, how many are Your works!

In wisdom You have made them all;

The earth is full of Your possessions.

Psalm 104:24 nasb

We shared a lively discussion of His creativeness in forming all of His creatures, including man. We spoke of His creativity in making this earth, in telling the sun and the moon where to go, and in commanding the sea to come so far and then no more. And He knows me--such knowledge is too wonderful for me!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

2011 Food Storage -- Week 1

2011-01-06T10:15:00.000-06:00

Overview

I've already worked on this week's assignment. When I first decided to accept this challenge, I figured it would be pretty easy for me, the "pathetically organized" personality, who already has some food canned from her garden, and some extra stocked in our Bomb Shelter (that's what we affectionately call that particular corner of our basement!). However, after reading this month's assignment, I was overwhelmed--what had I bitten off? Didn't I have a ton of other stuff I'm working on? How was I ever going to find the time to work on this? Maybe I should just not do it...

As Fernando and I chatted about this, though, I saw his enthusiasm for the project. He has a very clear view of politics and our nation's plight. He is very perceptive when it comes to all things political and economical, at both the state and national levels. Gosh, even I know that our Prairie State could declare bankruptcy in the next five years.

Usually when we get talking about something, the creative juices flow. Something he says, or even something I hear myself say, nudges me in a direction I hadn't anticipated. And so, this project will result in hours being racked up for Thomas--Home Economics 101!! I am thrilled that, as we spend time together creating and implementing our storage plan, we can count all the time we spend as credit towards his high school diploma.

For a summary of my week, I'm going to copy the parts of Lori's assignment below in purple, then comment on each one.

PART A ~ PRAYING

Always, always, always pray before undertaking any kind of project for your family! Ask God to watch over you. Ask Him to help you make wise decisions. Ask Him to lead you. And, if you are married, ask your husband if it's all right for you to do this.

This will be ongoing! We definitely need His wisdom, His leading, His plan, for this undertaking. I jumped on board before even asking my husband, then I asked him about doing this. :) Yep, it was backwards. And I was prepared to drop out if Fernando was opposed. But surprisingly, as I said, he was enthusiastic and encouraging. I've said it many times before--when my husband encourages me to do something, I know it's the Lord's leading. The Lord worked this situation out nicely.

PART B ~ THINKING

Take a walk through the house and decide where you will keep your stored food. How much space will you need?

Thomas mentioned that the only under-bed space was Dad's and Mom's bed. But our room remains warm in the summer, even with air conditioning, so that may not be the ideal location. Since we already have our Bomb Shelter in the basement, we decided that we would carve out some extra space in that area. There is a "train table" opposite the Bomb Shelter shelving, a project-of-many-years construction that will remain for Fernando to work on and finish with future grandchildren (see--I'm thinking ahead!!). We have several Rubbermaid boxes filled with stored clothing underneath that table, so we'll spend some time in the near future sorting through that, de-cluttering and simplifying it. After all, Thomas is our youngest and we have no need to keep certain clothing items any longer. We will move the remaining clothing boxes elsewhere to free up enough space for food.

We're not really sure how much space we'll end up needing. Once we finalize our menu and get an idea of how much product we'll need for three months, and how much space that product takes up, we'll be able to figure out the space issue. (Fernando has already talked about building the food to a six-month supply, but we'll stick to three months for now.)

Decide realistically how much additional money you have or could free up to spend on this food you'll be storing.

We plan to skim a little off of our weekly stipend, and see how much we can save up. Currently, I set aside a certain amount each week in four areas:

Bulk co-op. We have a friend who organizes a bulk co-op on a monthly basis. This portion of money goes toward all of our grains, dry beans and legumes, pastas, oils, etc.
Meat and eggs. We found a source for farm-fresh eggs and meat, Nature's Choice Farm. We already have grass-fed beef stored in our freezer, so this portion of my grocery money is spent on eggs and non-beef meat--poultry, fish, etc.
Costco. I purchase certain canned goods--tuna and olives, for example--and other items here. Plus, I get good prices on some organic products.
Weekly perishables and other. This portion of money stays in my wallet, for use at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Meijer (which now stocks some good organic products!). With this portion, I purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, cheeses, sour cream, butter, ketchup/mustard, etc. This is the portion of my grocery budget that causes me the most trouble--when this runs out, no more purchases for the week.

We use CASH for all of our grocery purchases. We initially used cash when we were first married, then gradually switched to using our Discover card. The "cashback bonus" feature was nice, and we always paid our full monthly bill. But we were spending beyond our limit each month.

Crisis came about three or four years ago, when we were almost $1,000 in the red for the month. One day, Fernando came home from work, walked into the family room, and announced, "We're going to use cash for groceries. When the cash is gone, we will not purchase more. The Lord will provide." And He did. Within one month, our grocery budget was back in the black! God is good.

I wanted to share that because cash is how I will be operating when I purchase food for storage. For example, if there is some extra cash at the end of the month in our Costco budget, I can set that aside for extra purchases. I am simply going to make another envelope for "food storage" purposes, and keep it with my current envelopes of cash. I also realize that the money for the bulk co-op is already for purchasing extra. I should be able to use some of that money for items I find I need once lists are made.

PART C ~ DOING
Research.

I have sources and a plan for purchasing already in place. I will research as I encounter ingredients I can't store well. I anticipate having to deal with--what takes the place of an egg? Sour cream? Buttermilk? Cheese--oh, my lovely cheese? *sigh* I'll research these as I have need, and post results!

Okay, this post is now pretty long. My next post (next week) will focus on our menu plan, which we've already started. I think I'll let it sit and mellow a bit, then look at it again and get more family feedback, before we make the final decision on what we'll be committing to eat over and over again! :)

Thomas works on the menu plan

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

March On, Young Man!

2011-01-04T22:51:00.000-06:00

Our family had the privilege of attending a celebration of Bryan's homeschool graduation. What a happy time celebrating God's goodness in the life of a young man seeking to follow Him! No more words for me; simply enjoy these few photos, and hop on over to Lori's blog to read the details!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

2011 Food Storage Challenge with IllinoisLori

2011-01-03T13:45:00.000-06:00

Okay, Lori, I'm ready to take a baby step! Um, I do have one of those basements that Lori mentioned, with an area that we affectionately call "The Bomb Shelter"--shelving on which we store garden canned goods, beans, wheat berries, oats, and other dry goods in bulk. We haven't done it for food-preparedness reasons; we have gradually built up our food storage supply simply because there are five men in our home!

Still, I'm intrigued with the idea of storing a little extra to feed my family come hard times when food may be scarce due to the economy and high prices, or another unseen force. So I'm gamely answering the call! I can't wait to read about this month's challenge.

If this idea intrigues you as it did me, click on over to Lori's blog to see what's going on and find out how to participate!

Back to life,

Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- Take Refuge

2010-12-31T10:29:00.000-06:00

My amazing friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls @ Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

My farm girl's heart just aches--along with my back!--this week because I am not able to do all the things I need and want to do. When I think of this meme each week, I desire to share something I've done, or made, or baked, or accomplished during the week. But this week, besides some laundry and a few meals, I have not been a woman of accomplishment.

I confess, when I'm healthy I can sit at the computer for hours, and I'm really good at procrastinating; however, I am essentially a doer. My husband tells me, "Sit and relax with me." And if we're not engaged in conversation, my mind is making lists--what's for dinner tomorrow night, I need to put garlic powder on the grocery list, do I have the money for the food co-op on Sunday... My organizer/planner has space along the right-hand side for sticky-note grocery lists and to-do lists. Sometimes I even add extra sticky notes on dates gone by so that I have room to write my notes!

Many of you have been praying for healing for me, and I humbly and gratefully thank you! But for right now, the Lord has a better plan for me. My Bible studies throughout this week have focused on healing, resting in His love, and acknowledging Him in my circumstances. I continue to keep my focus in those places. He is my refuge.

But let all who take refuge in You be glad,

Let them ever sing for joy;

And may You shelter them,

That those who love Your name may exult in You.

Psalm 5:11 nasb

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 36:7 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--It Will be Healing

2010-12-29T16:23:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above.

I'm having...Earl Gray in my Pfaltzgraff teacup (Ocean Breeze pattern). This is loose tea that I've had for a long time. I don't know why I haven't enjoyed this tea more recently--it is delicious and hits the spot on this chilly end-of-December day!

I'm feeling...the same as the past several days. I continue to slowly recover from my fall up the stairs two weeks ago. Afternoons and evenings are more relaxed, since I have worked out the stiffness by lunch time. But when I first wake up, I'm so stiff and sore! I'm trusting the Lord to work His healing in me, unless He has a better plan. When I see the splendor with which He displays His creation--such as in the frosted trees in the photos below on our drive to the chiropractor this morning--I know without a doubt that He is working in me!

I'm thinking about...the few priority items to do this week--pulling together the rest of the special needs portion of our state homeschool convention (ICHE--Illinois Christian Home Educators) for June 2011; and getting our own homeschool lesson plans in order for the rest of the school year (mostly for Danny who will be graduating next June). I also have to update my business accounts, and get some house cleaning projects completed. The first two major items will be done by tomorrow--and I always say "Lord willing!" :)

I leave you with...verses in Proverbs. As I ask the Lord to heal me, I realize that He brings healing in various ways. These verses in Proverbs have to do with healing:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 nasb [emphasis mine]

Healing and refreshment come from doing these things:

Wholly trust in Him with my situation
Don't trust my own understanding of the situation
Acknowledge Him in everything I do (or try to do, or even can't do!)
Don't think that my wisdom is best
Give the Lord my reverent respect
Turn away from sinful desires

I'm asking the Lord for strength to do these things. May you be blessed as you follow Him!!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Simply Christmas

2010-12-27T06:11:00.002-06:00

Our family went home for Christmas. Home, because it is where I (mostly) grew up. Home, because it really is a second home to all of us; it is a haven and a safe place where we can relax and just be ourselves. This time it was for Christmas!

Christmas morning dawned, beautiful and promising.

The view through my kitchen window.

The gift for our family gift exchange was wrapped and ready. This year we participated in a puzzle exchange.

What a blessed time we had to be able to focus on each family opening their gift! No rushing through presents, not being able to see someone open that gift I thoughtfully chose. Everyone shared in the laughter and mirth.

I had this puzzle made from a photo I took of them tubing last winter.

My (goofy) dad tries on his new bike helmet (a special gift from Mom).

Dad's gift to Mom--an artist's rendition of the church near their vacation home.

Time for our homemade Italian Christmas feast!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Open Heart, Open Home

2010-12-26T16:55:00.000-06:00

What a special Christmas weekend! Since our Christmas was much simpler this year, we wanted to do something special for Christmas Eve. The Lord blessed us with the funds to purchase a huge turkey--20+ pounds of free-range yumminess!!

When both Fernando and I mentioned having another family over to share in His bounty, one name instantly popped into our minds. That family said yes, and so we made preparations for the day.

Due to my still-aching back, my chauffeur--Jacob the sweetheart--drove me on errands, one of which was to the grocery store. We couldn't resist purchasing these tangerines, since the boys have an Uncle Matt. How fun!

On Christmas Eve, early morning snowfall greeted my eyes as I came downstairs for a cup of tea.

Soon, our wonderful friends arrived; they greeted us with carols us before coming in to our warm house. We joined in, singing with them in four-part harmony. :)

We shared a day of games, laughter, dinner, laughter, dessert, laughter... You get the idea. :)

Finally, it is important to make sure that the family driver is well-rested for the nighttime trek home. So we let him sleep. But as I've warned in the past, if you fall asleep during normal non-sleep hours (in public, of course!), you will have your photo taken. Thomas decided to have a little extra fun, and brought all of his singing birds down to keep an eye on the slumbering captain of the car.

As his sister gently nudged him back to consciousness, many hands happily squeezed the birds for a cacophonous wake-up call. Birdsong and laughter--what a melodious end to the day!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- Merry. 1. Full of cheerfulness...

2010-12-24T08:13:00.000-06:00

My amazing friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls @ Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

Today, I wish all my friends and family a very Merry Christmas! I wanted to share a few photos of our home and its decorations...

Merry. 1. full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit.

Merry. 2. laughingly happy; mirthful; festively joyous.

May you have a merry spirit as you celebrate and reflect on the birth of our Savior!

All blessings from my heavenly Father to you and yours!!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU--This is My Comfort

2010-12-18T21:07:00.000-06:00

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

This Weekly Wrap-Up is going to be short and sweet. Well, short, at least. I need to get to a couch to give my back a break. It is really aching now, but oh, how I've missed blogging this week! The Lord had other plans for my life, however, and I am content in that. Without further ado...

Home Life

The Lord allowed my back to "go out" on Wednesday morning, to the point I was in utter agony by that evening, and immobile until some time on Friday. When I could focus, I spent time in Psalm 119. God's Word is a balm.

My view from the couch as my guys made Wednesday dinner. :)

Jacob and Danny finished college classes and finals by Tuesday. Everyone is happy. :)

Danny is happy.

Jacob is happy, too.

My Kitchen and Garden

I baked whole-wheat peanut butter cookies on Tuesday, right before injuring my back. God's timing is impeccable. :) (They turned out yummy, by the way.)

My Project Desk

...sits empty for the time being.

Behind the Lens

My first piece of official mail for my business!

The hilarious thing is that this particular piece of mail was from the county clerk's office, who returned my assumed business name application. Apparently, they do NOT accept temporary checks. Now that I have my "real" checks, I have to re-submit the application. *rolls eyes*

Heart Thoughts

My heart has focused on the Lord this week. That focus always gets keener when I'm experiencing trial, for which my back pain definitely qualifies. As I lay in bed Thursday morning, wondering if I'd ever be able to get up to take a shower, I carefully read Psalm 119. Here are a few verses that stuck out to me, and that I leave you with (all from the NASB).

My soul weeps because of grief;

Strengthen me according to Your word.

verse 28

This is my comfort in my affliction,

That Your word has revived me.

verse 50

It is good for me that I was afflicted,

That I may learn Your statues.

verse 71

I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous,

And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,

According to Your word to Your servant.

May Your compassion come to me that I may live,

For Your law is my delight.

verses 75-77

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Prayer Request

2010-12-15T12:11:00.000-06:00

God is good.

I have a prayer request for my dear online friends. This morning I woke up with a slightly sore back, but by the time I had taken a shower and gone downstairs, I could barely move. Thank the Lord I already had a chiropractor appointment scheduled this morning. Plus baking cookies is out of the way.

I had fallen "up" the basement stairs yesterday, wrenching my left arm and "rug-burning" my right hand. It may have been the cause of my back going out. But whatever the cause, I am in considerable pain.

We had recently defrosted our two freezers, and all the ice packs--including the squishy one we use for "ache" issues--were still lying on the floor of the basement. It's now getting cold in the freezer, so I must wait for some relief. Thank you to those who will pray for me; I deeply appreciate it. I'm going back to the couch to lie down now...

God is good.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Counting My Blessings #2

2010-12-14T06:32:00.004-06:00

Join us at Tamara's blog by clicking above!!

Food Report

We have been blessed in our grocery budget lately--meaning that we haven't had to spend as much as we normally would! The Lord has seen fit to bless us in two ways: 1) through food stored up either by canning or in the freezer, and 2) through others. We have thanked Him (and them!) more than once as we enjoyed tasty meals and side dishes. And once again, several potential big bills are looming, and my mind wonders how we're going to pay for them, even as the Holy Spirit reassures my heart that I am His. Do not fret, dear child. You are mine.

We enjoyed blueberry muffins for breakfast once last week, with blueberries picked this past summer and stored in our freezer.

We used this tasty hors d'oeuvre as a topping for our spaghetti one evening. It is a cream cheese, pesto, and dried tomato molded dip for bread or crackers. Boy, was it tasty on our Italian! Danny and his dad "fought" over the last portion for tonight's leftover pasta dinner. :)

We made the usual two pounds of spaghetti, a mixture of regular organic and whole-wheat organic. My five men can eat a lot!

We also pulled out of the freezer a package of fresh-sliced mozzarella cheese to use as a topping for our pasta. We were blessed with a number of packages, and this was the last one. Since I'm part Italian, I savored every bite of this; there is nothing like the taste of fresh mozzarella. :)

Below is the finished product on my plate, sans the cream cheese/pesto topping.

I was also able to add some sliced hot Italian sausage to the spaghetti sauce, part of which came from my canned supply of sauce. Every time I looked in the freezer, I found another package of this wonderful sausage from Nature's Choice Farm. It reminded me of the account of the widow whose jar of oil never ran out. I remember purchasing a few packages of the sausage, but we've eaten it once a week for the past month. Either way, God is good.

Thank You, Lord, for feeding our family with good food!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU -- Contented Celebration

2010-12-11T12:27:00.000-06:00

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

Saturday, 11:24am--starting this post. (I want to see how long it takes me to get this posted!)

Home Life

As I listen to Jacob's less-frequent cough, I thank the Lord for health. No one else has caught his cold, which is a good thing since next week is finals week for Jacob and Danny. Will I ever be especially glad when Danny walks through the door after completing his Rhetoric final. He agonized his way through the class, and obsessed about every essay paper assigned. But he's pulling an A so far, and as long as he gets his outline prepared for the final exam, he should be fine. (The students are allowed to bring an outline for the in-class essay final.)

Jacob is an excellent student, and rarely asks for my help--except for commenting and making suggestions on his papers, proofreading them, and typing them for him (he can't stand typing!). He offered me Trader Joe's dark chocolate peanut butter cups to type his final Psychology essay. That was a no-brainer "yes" for me!!

Joseph likes to read through his brothers' papers, too!

Christmas decorations are all up, or at least the ones I'm willing to put up! If you step into my home, you'll be greeted by a cheery Christmas-y foyer, and you'll see the tree--with my grandmother's manger set nestled at its base--in our front living room. If you step beyond the hallway, however, the rest of the house is as it appears each and every day. I just don't have storage space for lots of decorations, and I'm also way too practical to have lots of decorations!

It has been a peaceful season, since we aren't shopping for gifts this year. We, along with our extended family (a small crowd at 11 people), decided to celebrate Christmas differently this year. There is no hustle and bustle, and so far our outside activities have been minimal. It's very nice. :)

My Kitchen

I've been enjoying cooking a bit more, because it warms the kitchen and I can fend off feeling cold for a little bit. (I'm almost always cold all winter long.) I have a Nutri-Mill recipe for whole-wheat peanut butter cookies in my plans for the next few days. That might be the only cookie recipe I prepare this month! We'll see how it goes.

We've been blessed with some fresh vegetables and fruits, and a few other food items, over the last few weeks. We have used them to create and enhance some delicious meals, and we are still in the mode of giving thanks for what the Lord has provided. God is good. He has blessed us beyond measure, and we need to remember Him in this abundance.

Enchiladas for dinner

I turned my portion into Enchilada Salad!

Though my vegetable garden is "closed," I still have a few little purple onions in the fridge, and I slice them up for salads and things. Though they are little, they are strong! Plus we continue to enjoy the various salsas, jalapeños, tomatoes, and apple products that I've canned this year.

My Project Desk

I actually altered a blouse this week! I have hooks/eyes to sew on between the front buttons, but I have taken in the sides. I found this blouse at a resale shop some friends took me to a few months ago, and it was brand-new with the tags still on! It is a very tailored, very well-made blouse, and I hope to wear it for a long time. Photos soon...

Behind the Lens

I have been busy getting my ducks in a row with Christine Anne Photography. I now have a business checking account, and have filed my business name with the county. Once I hear back from them, I have to publish a notice in the local newspaper for three weeks, then make sure the newspaper files (I can't remember what document) with the county. Then I'm official! It seems like a long process for this little business.

I try to take pictures of something every day, but life happens, and my business is not my life. It really is a hobby, and a passion, and I don't want to lose the heart of my love of capturing people and things on film. I do have some upcoming business opportunities, about which I'm excited and nervous all rolled into one! I'll tell you about it soon. For now, enjoy this photo of a cinnamon-oat muffin to which I added blueberries.

Heart Thoughts

Since we're wrapped up in the Christmas season (hey, that's a nice pun!), I thank the Lord for His peace and His perspective during this time when our culture has mega-commercialized the greatest event in history and in our faith. But we are to enjoy this season of reflection, waiting, and celebration, no matter our circumstances. We are to be content in the current situation in which we have been placed. For truly the Lord has led us here--or has allowed us to walk here--and we need to remember to celebrate with joy and contentment.

...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

I know how to get along with humble means,

and I also know how to live in prosperity;

in any and every circumstance I have learned

the secret of being filled and going hungry,

both of having abundance and suffering need.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11b-13 nasb

I frequently quote "I can do all things..." when I am faced with a challenge, but it is interesting that in context, it is linked to contentedness. Contentedness is the secret to the knowledge that I can indeed do all things through Him who strengthens me.

End Note: It's only 12:26pm!! I thought I'd be working on this post over a couple of days--thank You, Lord!! :D

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- My Farm Girl Day

2010-12-10T13:13:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

I'm so tired this morning. And actually, I can't even say it's morning any more; It's 12:17pm as I start to type this post! I was up several times in the night with an upset stomach, though I'm feeling mostly better. I have a pot of homemade chicken soup on the stove warming right this very minute.

Cross It Off the List! My Farm Girl heart is happy to be back home after a morning of running errands--which is a great Farm Girl thing to do! The most important errand ended up being the easiest--getting Joseph's handicapped state ID card. Usually, our driver services facility is crowded and agonizingly slow--I completed two New York Times Sunday crosswords while I waited one time I was there. But today, Joseph and I walked in, showed our paperwork, and were able to walk right up to a representative at the counter! And she was so nice--sometimes they're not. :)

There was no charge for the ID, since it's for a handicapped person, so we went right to the picture-taking area, and the guy behind the counter there was very nice! He told us that Joseph would be able to ride public transportation for free (not that he would ever need to do that, but still...), and get into museums and such for free or at reduced prices. The man was so friendly, it just made my day.

Afternoon of rest. After completing the rest of the errands, I'm home, and happy to be here. My tummy is getting a little upset again, so I might grab some blouses to alter and curl up on the couch. It's so bright and sunny after the snowfall last night, and perfect curling-up weather. I'm getting the boys to do laundry this afternoon. :)

Fun with Friends. Tonight, we'll be going out to Lori's for Game Night. My Farm Girl heart loves the fellowship of other believers!

Well, since I started this post, I've been interrupted by hubby coming home for lunch--a good interruption--and lunchtime. Now it's back to the "Farm Girl Day" plan!

I hope you're enjoying a perfect Farm Girl Day today!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk -- His People to Deliver

2010-12-09T05:58:00.002-06:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...a cup of Earl Grey decaf at my dad's and mom's house (this past Sunday), in one of my mom's mugs. She has a nice variety of tea/coffee mugs that she has pulled together over the years.

I'm feeling...pretty good. I actually went out for a walk yesterday in the 15-degree (F) weather to the bank to open a business account for Christine Anne Photography. I was glad to hang out at the bank while working with an account representative just for the chance to get warm again!! :) I love my bank--they offered me the use of a "business table" in their lobby that I can reserve for free for two weeks to display my business! So last night I ran out to Kohl's with a $10 off coupon and bought a couple of photo frames for display purposes. And frames were 50-60% off! Yah-hoo! I love sales with coupons.

On my mind...oh, you know me; I'm always making mental lists, and I don't think that will ever end! My mind is always thinking and organizing; sometimes I do wish I could turn it off! I do have a couple of books to read to consider whether our state homeschool organization (ICHE) should carry them in our bookstore. And winter is a great time to read! I'm also looking forward to Jacob's and Danny's college semester ending next week. Poor Jacob got a nasty cold/flu bug this week, so we "drugged him up" and sent him to those classes he couldn't miss. He is feeling much better now, thank the Lord!

I leave you with...two verses of our church's "hymn of the month." We are singing this hymn each week as we await the celebration of the birth of our Savior. I love these words!

Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light

Break forth, O beauteous heav'nly light,

And usher in the morning;

Ye shepherds, shrink not with affright,

But hear the angel's warning.

This Child, now weak in infancy,

Our confidence and joy shall be.

The pow'r of Satan breaking,

Our peace eternal making.

He comes, a Child, from realms on high,

He comes the heav'ns adoring;

He comes to earth to live and die,

A broken race restoring.

Although the King of kings is He,

He comes in deep humility;

His people to deliver,

And reign in us forever.

God's goodness and blessings to you during this special time of waiting!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Mindful of Others

2010-12-08T06:16:00.006-06:00

As we are in the rhythm of the Christmas month, I'm stopping for a moment of reflection. Our sons have been commenting lately about how commercialized this season has become, and I have to agree. Just turn on the TV or radio, and watch--or listen. Walk into any retail store and be immediately assaulted with Christmas deals.

A Christmas without gifts?

We have exchanged gifts every Christmas I've been alive. Fernando and I have explained to the boys that it's a symbol of the gift that God gave to us in Jesus, God become man, to die for our sins. I don't have an issue with gift-giving at Christmas--after all, we have spent the whole month of November thanking the Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed on us, and entering the Christmas season naturally puts us in the mood to share tangible thanks with others.

But this year, we have much less money to spend. My sister-in-law was recently laid off. Our boys--the only children in the family--are all older (Thomas, the youngest, is 14), and they really don't want to make a "wish list" for Christmas. Most of the adult family members (and there are only seven!) agreed that too much effort and energy have been put into making lists, and searching for/purchasing/wrapping gifts for each other.

So we are doing something different this year. We "adopted" two needy families, and got together and bought gifts for them. One evening, eight of us tromped through Target, searching for things that each family member needed, and adding a little something special for each one.

Our family was so blessed to participate in this endeavor together. Although we won't be exchanging gifts on Christmas day, we agree that we've already received gifts galore from our Lord--a warm house, family, food on our table, clothing on our backs. Everything else is just a want. We are happy.

May the Lord's peace settle quietly deep in your heart during this advent season!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Counting My Blessings #1

2010-12-07T19:58:00.001-06:00

Join us at Tamara's blog by clicking above!!

Yes, I'm posting late today. But it has been busy around here--a good busy. We've had normal family times, too, throughout the week. I can't say quiet times because our home is anything but quiet with five guys here!

Today I thank the Lord for a husband whose name means brave. He was brave to take those scissors and cut someone's hair--his first time ever!

We were both a little shocked at the almost eight inches he cut off, but we both can now say that we like what he did with my hair. ;)

photo courtesy of Danny

Back to life,

Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Night of Laughter

2010-12-06T16:44:00.001-06:00

Looking back on past blog posts, it seems I use the phrase "my dear friend ___..." quite a bit! I'll try to refrain from that in this post.

My wonderful friend Lori (how's that?) and her family have been hosting Friday Game Night throughout this autumn, and we've been happy to attend every one of them. This past week was extra special since her house was packed with people--laughing, smiling, cheerful people ready to play and have fun together. :)

I started the evening with a headache (actually, it had lasted the entire day), but by evening's end I was headache-free, albeit exhausted and ready to fall into bed (which I did upon returning home!). I laughed so hard, pretty much all night long. I must've lost two pounds from all the calories expended. :D

Anyway, I'm glad I brought my camera with me, since there were so many interesting game faces displayed. The photos above show those serious chess-player faces, absorbed in the moves and the strategies of the game. But behind them some hilarity came to light...

I knew when these ladies showed up, that I'd be laughing a lot. A minute or so after taking the above shot, I found myself sitting in the dining room, an unwitting player in the game of Curses.

Now, don't worry--though it's not a specifically Christian game, we weren't dancing around a cauldron or anything. I won't explain in detail; I'll just state that you had to act out what was printed on the "curse" cards that other players gave you. If you forgot to act something out, you "broke" the curse; once you broke three curses, you were out of the game.

photo courtesy Stephen Martin (I think)

Though it's hard to capture the "acting out" part of the game, hopefully the next several photos will help you understand the silliness involved!

Bryan was required to bite his tongue while talking,

and at the same time play "air guitar."

Bryan could handle it for only so long...he broke in the end (giggle)...

Enjoy (most of) the rest of the evening's photos--I'm posting some special ones on my photography blog. Check them out there!

Had to post one photo of Lori's Christmas tree. Lovely!!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--French Coconut Pie for Katia

2010-12-03T06:43:00.002-06:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

My dear online friend Katia requested this recipe, and I decided to post it today for her. I have been in baking mode since Thanksgiving week, and I love to create a warm kitchen and to fill the house with wonderful aromas. It seems there are so many events/reasons to bake during this month. I love it!

Though I don't have a photo of just this pie, I'll re-post one of all of our Thanksgiving pies. Yummm...

Back "row": pumpkin, pumpkin pecan, French apple.

Front "row": pecan, lemon buttermilk, French coconut.

French Coconut Pie

3 beaten eggs
3/4 cup sugar (I use cane juice crystals)
1 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon flour (I use freshly-milled whole-wheat)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cider or white vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar)
1 cup flaked coconut (I throw in a little extra!)
1 9" unbaked pie shell (I make a whole-wheat crust)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except coconut and pie shell. Beat together until well-mixed and add coconut. Pour into pie shell and bake for ten minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for 40 minutes or until filling is set (top will be slightly golden). Serves eight.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--A Child Will be Born

2010-12-02T07:04:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...a cup of Provence rooibos, a "red bush" tea with fruity flavors. Yum! I'm using a winter mug that I think my mom gave me for Christmas. I've had it for a while and it's nice to have a little bit bigger mug of hot tea on a c-c-cold day. :)

I'm feeling...okay but I know I have lots to do. There's something niggling at the back of my mind, and I keep feeling that there's something I forgot to do, someone I forgot to call... Maybe that's just me, though. I have a pretty detailed to-do list, which I check often.

On my mind...are the bags of gifts sitting in front of our fireplace, and our bare Christmas tree in the front living room. Most of my family (extended) gathered here for dinner on Tuesday, then headed out to Target en masse to purchase gifts for two needy families for Christmas. My dad chose two families from a program (at his church) which helps needy families at Christmastime. We had fun going all over the store, looking for shoes and coats, then some fun things for the seven children on the list: boys and girls, ranging in age from 22 months to 16 years old. Boy, was that interesting trying to figure out what a typical 16-year-old young lady would like! Now we need to wrap the gifts and get them to my dad so he can bundle them all up and bring them to his church.

We were so excited about participating in this program this year, since the whole family decided to not exchange Christmas gifts this year. What a peaceful feeling I have, knowing we don't have to figure out what people want, search all over, spend a ton of money, etc.! We will enjoy this quiet and thoughtful advent of Christ's birth.

I leave you with...Scripture for the advent season.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God,

Eternal Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Another Thanksgiving post

2010-12-01T06:48:00.002-06:00

Toldja I took lots of photos on Thanksgiving!! But wait a minute, Danny took some, too! Here are a few he took.

And here are the rest that I took. I hope you had a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Thanksgiving Pie R Squared

2010-11-30T11:12:00.000-06:00

Time to blog again! I was so glad to have taken so many photos on Thanksgiving. :)

After the guys woke up from post-meal naptime, the younger guys started tossing out hints. Thomas was the first, because he's 14 and a growing young man, and is almost always hungry, and is always up for eating dessert, especially Thanksgiving pie.

Yep, there were six pies total. My mom made a traditional French apple pie, and a pumpkin pie. I added a pumpkin pecan, lemon buttermilk (my favorite), French coconut (Danny's favorite), and a traditional pecan pie. Six pies. Nine people. You do the math. :)

So the pies were divvied up, doled out, and deliciously enjoyed. Oh, we also had fresh whipped cream and Andy's frozen custard. We love Andy's. :)

Enjoy the photos.

My kid brother, who got me hooked for good on photography. His camera is better than mine...

My dad has a sweet tooth. Is this seconds or thirds??

Lemon buttermilk pie with fresh whipped cream.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Our Day of Thanks -- Post-Mealtime!

2010-11-27T06:17:00.003-06:00

As I worked on editing the rest of our Thanksgiving pictures, I found yet one more thing to thank the Lord for--the fact that He allowed me to take so many photos!! Usually I have five or six, and that's it. But I get to post a "Thanksgiving, Part II" today! Yay!

Okay, back to the story. :)

The meal was prepared, cooked or baked, and set out on the table. My dad gave thanks to the Lord for not only the food, but family, and health, as well. Mealtime for our gang is always a talkative time, with laughter all around. We share family jokes about the rolls and butter (sorry if you're not family!). Mealtime is special.

There were a lot of leftovers this year! We always worry about making enough food, but there's always too much. Why is that, I wonder? What a blessing, though, to have leftovers to share! We usually share all the food among ourselves, making sure my bachelor brother has a good portion to take home.

Different people help each year to clean up. My dad chipped in with rinsing some dishes and loading the dishwasher.

What invariably happens after mealtime? You guessed it:

Our family warns you that you're fair game if you fall asleep! We photographers have turned it into an art form, especially when we're on vacation. Post-mealtime on Thanksgiving works just as well, too! Happy naptime!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- Our Day of Thanks Part I

2010-11-26T14:35:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and find out how you can participate!

I'm so glad Lori asked us to share our Thanksgivings today! I'm not so happy that I don't have the time to edit all the photos I took! That's okay, though, 'cause I get to share Thanksgiving over several posts--yay!

Every year, we spend a day or two in food preparation, then on Thanksgiving Day, pack it all up in the back of our Suburban and make the short 20-minute drive to my parents' home.

My mom already had a few Christmas decorations set out! She is so much better at it than I am. Besides the tree, I put one or two things out, and hope it looks good. :)

The aroma of turkey roasting in the oven fills the house as we all eagerly tromp on inside to greet Grandpa and Grandma. Everyone shares hugs, and Thomas takes the initiative of giving me one, too--he's so silly but he doesn't realize I appreciate it!

Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without some football on TV. My parents have a finished basement, which is nice since the guys turn on the TV down there, and the kitchen/family room area remains conducive for conversation and laughter.

Mom wanted me to take a picture of the turkey as it cooked. It already looked yummy, but had a little longer to go.

Mom makes everything from scratch--and so do I. I got her to show off her homemade applesauce, one of the guys' favorites.

Of course, having my camera meant I had to find some good photos! I took advantage of the side light from the lamp to snag this image of Danny. Nice!

Mom toasted me as we both worked to get all of the dishes ready. There was a LOT of food.

Jacob spent the waiting-for-dinner time reading a book I had recommended. He finished it by the day's end, of course. Typical Jacob.

The turkey was done!

The table was filling up.

Time for the meal! I forgot my tripod, so I'm (typically) not in the photo this year. And I got just part of Jacob!

Of course dinner was filled with delicious food and lots of conversation and laughter. My dad sure knows how to have fun!

And that's the end of Part I. Now it's time to go do laundry, and to prepare for a trip to Wisconsin tomorrow! (We're all excited about driving three hours to get a Christmas tree; how's that for weird?!)

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! "See" you soon!!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Final Blessing 21

2010-11-23T07:52:00.000-06:00

This post is the last post of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to read more!

As I reflect back on these days of giving thanks, I see just a drop in an ocean of things, people, and events for which I have thanked the Lord. Today, instead of naming specific things for which I thank the Lord, I want to share a few quotes on thanksgiving which our pastor shared with us on Sunday as part of his study on Proverbs 14.

Thanksgiving is acknowledging our dependence on the Lord.

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.

If you are not content with what you have,

you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.

God is glorified, not by our groans, but by our thanksgivings.

And my personal favorite:

When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my response is that I am thankful I have a cup.

Thank you, Tamara, for hosting this incredible meme this month. I have enjoyed participating with all the wonderful ladies, "meeting" you all, visiting your blogs, and being encouraged. THANK YOU!

From the rising of the sun to its setting

The name of the LORD is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 20

2010-11-20T06:58:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for my husband. Fernando is as unique as his name, and we're all sure that God created him, then broke the mold.

I have said that his eyes are the color of joy, and he brings laughter like a good medicine to our home. He balances me in every way!

He leads his family and his sons love him. So do I. :)

May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!

For your love is better than wine.

Song of Solomon 1:2 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for my husband.

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--Scrabble and Settlers

2010-11-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button above to visit her blog

and find out how you can participate!

Halfway through Settlers of Catan

Farm Girls know how to have fun! This farm girl loves board games, and playing with others. We try to play games often, but sometimes there are lulls. My favorite game is Scrabble. I love words!

Having fun teaching Mrs. M how to play! (She is laughing, honest!)

When friends come over for a visit, we tend to pull out the games. What better way to have a laughter-filled evening!

Mrs. M learned quickly, and started stealing cards from her own daughter. :)

The games always take longer, because we're joking, laughing, and telling stories between moves. But this is what playing games is all about!

Thomas and my oven mitts...

My guys and I are super excited because we get to play tonight!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 19

2010-11-19T07:39:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for the dinner hour, that blessed time of gathering around the table for physical and spiritual nourishment, of fellowship together as a family, of prayer and Bible study as brothers and sister (yep, just one "sister") in the Lord.

O magnify the LORD with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 34:3 nasb (emphasis mine)

Thank You, Lord, for our dinner hour.

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--Thanks Forever

2010-11-18T06:25:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...a cup of strawberry rhubarb tea (in the photo below). I drank out of this beautiful teacup that belongs to Lori when our family visited her house for Friday Game Night last week!

I'm feeling...a bit overwhelmed with to-do's. That hasn't changed since last week, though. I wish some of them would just float away! But that won't happen, either. And in the midst of the list, the laundry, and the dishes, and the...await me!

Lori's single-cup tea ball

On my mind...is our family get-together this Saturday evening! All 11 of us (with my dad as the patriarch) will share a "breakfast at dinnertime" potluck this Saturday. My sister-in-law plans to bring biscuits and gravy, which I can't wait to try. She is a great cook! We're getting together before Thanksgiving, because my brother and sister-in-law will be sharing that special day with her extended family, and will miss Thanksgiving at my parents' home. Thanksgiving will start to be on my mind next Sunday!

I leave you with...a Bible verse of thanks, in honor of this wonderful season.

So we Your people and the sheep of Your pasture

Will give thanks to You forever;

To all generations we will tell of Your praise.

Psalm 79:13 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 18

2010-11-18T06:20:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Tamara has asked us to share Thanksgiving traditions and memories, which I will do today. So today, I thank the LORD for Thanksgivings past, the wonderful traditions shared, and memories stored up.

Above is my mom's and dad's dining room, set with almost everything but the turkey. My sister-in-law is placing her dish on the table--she is an awesome cook! And my mom is simply amazing: she makes a turkey with homemade stuffing in the bird, so delicious! Plus, everything is from scratch: the cranberry sauce, steamed broccoli (everyone's favorite vegetable), several types of rolls and breads... I make sweet potatoes, lemon-garlic mashed potatoes, and one or two types of squash.

For dessert, my mom and I contribute several pies. She usually makes two or three, and I usually make a couple. We have French apple or cranberry-apple, pumpkin (I make a yummy pumpkin-pecan pie), lemon custard (a new favorite). There are only three ladies in our little 11-person clan, but we all love to cook!

The day is spent in food preparation, amidst laughter, conversation, and the guys sneaking in to try to snitch food samples. Our young men may pull out chess or Settlers of Catan or another game. We usually share prayer and eat around 2pm, so that we can relax afterward with cleanup, and more fellowship and laughter. We also talk about Christmas plans--in whose home will we have Christmas this year? (There are four to choose from!) What about gifts? Gift ideas?

Around 6pm, the guys are the ones who start tossing out hints about dessert! Out come the pies, whipped cream, coffee or tea...

Thanksgiving is a day of family togetherness, conversation, and laughter. Since we're a mixed bunch, specifically Christian activities (reading the Word, etc.) are not done. But we love our family and this very special day that we share together.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God

And a great King above all gods.

Psalm 95:2-3 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for Thanksgiving Day, and the opportunity to give thanks to You every day.

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 17

2010-11-17T07:51:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for the moon to light our night. It is the perfect distance from our planet--closer would mean too strong of a tide pull, further away would mean not enough. God is all-wise.

The moon is peeking out from above my watermark!

God made the two great lights,

the greater light to govern the day,

and the lesser light to govern the night;

He made the stars also.

Genesis 1:16 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for the moon.

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 16

2010-11-16T07:32:00.001-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for Thomas. What an incredibly fun bundle of energy he has always been! Now, I can think fondly back to the times when he learned how to flip the deadbolt on our front door, and would go out there and ring the doorbell. Incessantly. Um, I didn't let that continue for very long...

After learning to not go out the front door, Thomas would slip out the back door. "Jacob, go chase your brother again!" I would call as Thomas tore across the field as fast as his little legs could carry him. And there went Jacob, flying after him on his slightly longer little legs. Thomas always came back willingly.

Just a few weeks ago, Thomas ran out to get the mail. I heard the doorbell ring; he had inadvertently locked himself out. I opened the door a crack, and teased him, "What's the password?"

"Mom is brilliant," was his grinning reply.

"Works for me!" I let him in. :)

My son, keep my words

And treasure my commandments within you.

Keep my commandments and live,

And my teaching as the apple of your eye.

Proverbs 7:1-2 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for Thomas.

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 15

2010-11-13T07:56:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for Joseph. Just his very presence in my arms as a newborn was a testimony that God loved me. According to the Word, Joseph was a reward! God was good!

As he grew, we began to walk the confusing, blessed road of autism. But Joseph was still a reward. And God was still good.

God has kept our sweet, no-nonsense son to even today. And Joseph is still a reward. And God is still good.

Give me your heart, my son,

And let your eyes delight in my ways.

Proverbs 23:26 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for Joseph.

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--From the Hand of the Lord

2010-11-12T08:30:00.001-06:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button above to visit her blog

and find out how you can participate!

As I think back on the past few weeks, I have seen God's handiwork of provision in my family's life.

I have this picture in my mind of the farmer's wife, working hard every day ministering to her family. In plentiful times, she brings a casserole to a neighbor who just had surgery, and she donates some of her chicken's eggs to the church's food pantry. Her sons walk down the street (it's a small farm) to rake the elderly neighbor's yard. Good works abound!

In lean times, she makes do with what is on hand--food she has canned, or delicious meals using the dry beans in the basement pantry. And she offers thanks to the Lord. In even harder times, she graciously and thankfully accepts blessings from others. She acknowledges that it is the hand of the Lord providing for her family. Hmm, she sounds a bit like the Proverbs 31 woman...

We've had a few very lean weeks, but each time we've been blessed with a meal which has come from somewhere other than Fernando's paycheck, we've whispered, "God's provision." The Lord wanted us to know that everything--whether from money in our pockets or from others--comes from His hand. I pray that we whisper "God's provision" every day.

Again, please visit Lori's blog for Friday Farm Girls at Heart!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 14

2010-11-12T07:23:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank You, Lord, for color. Some animals see in black and white, but you made us to see in color--the reds and oranges and yellows in a sunset, the sweet green grass, all the shades of a blue sky, the purples in the rainbow...

Now that autumn is fully upon us here in the Midwest, I appreciate color even more. To my delight, as Thomas and I cleared out the dead brush from my front yard garden, I noted that even my blue oat grass glowed with autumn light as the sun hit that latening hour when dull, fading brown turns to molten shimmer.

As I cleared brush and leaves, I also discovered a few fading flowers on the beard tongue, hanging on until the hard frost arrives.

I love this little plant, which happily grows without much care. It is especially colorful when it begins to bloom in early summer: flowers appear, arrayed in bright pink, then with time turn to darker red, then purple, as they complete the blooming cycle. At any given time, all of these colors are displayed and create a bright and colorful corner in my garden.

There will be color in heaven!

The material of the wall was jasper;

and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

The foundation stones of the city wall

were adorned with every kind of precious stone...

...jasper...sapphire...chalcedony...emerald...

...sardonyx...sardius...chrysolite...beryl...

...topaz...chrysoprase...jacinth...amethyst...

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls;

each one of the gates was a single pearl.

And the street of the city was pure gold,

like transparent glass.

Revelation 21:18-21 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for colors!

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--The Riches of God

2010-11-11T09:33:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...a cup of organic Jasmine silver needle, loose tea given to me by my heart-sister Lori. A perfect perk-me-up tea to give me energy for the rest of the day! My tea steeper, from ingenuiTea, makes two cups of tea. Once the tea is brewed, I place it over my cup. As it presses down on the rim, it filters a stream of tea into my cup. It's the neatest thing!

I'm feeling...safe in His arms, for He is rich in mercy.

On my mind...I'm always making mental to-do lists. I have to go to the post office and the library today. Praise the Lord that they are across the street from each other!

I leave you with...portions of verses in Ephesians that I studied this morning with my heart-sister Dee.

But God, being rich in mercy...

Ephesians 2:4a nasb

...the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us...

Ephesians 2:7 (middle) nasb

...(but you are rich)...

Revelation 2:9 (middle) nasb

In these passages, the Greek word for rich is plousios; its derivative had the connotation of "flowing, abounding." God is rich, and has untold riches, but they're not just sitting there. They are constantly flowing, being transferred to and poured out upon His people. And those riches are not drained--they are a never-ending source and a constant supply. I'm not talking about money here! These are His riches:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us with

every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly places in Christ...

Ephesians 1:3 nasb (emphasis mine)

Back to life,
Christine

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captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 13

2010-11-11T08:48:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for hands to work, that set to the task and see it through. (Thomas' hands are featured in this post!)

The Lord has given me two hands, a dominant hand and a helper hand. I need them both in order to perform the many tasks before me in my day.

The helper hand may hold a nail, and the dominant hand may swing the hammer--but neither hand is more important than the other. I need them both!

I praise the Lord for the hands in my household, busy about the work of the Lord.

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,

But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Proverbs 10:4 nasb

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,

And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him.

Proverbs 12:14 nasb

Regarding the woman who fears the LORD:

Give her the product of her hands,

And let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:31 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for hands.

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 12

2010-11-10T07:19:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for teenagers, and more specifically, teenage sons! They are amazing, marvelous people, and I have enjoyed the presence of four very different ones in my home.

Danny, the 17-year-old

Since both photos are of Danny, I particularly thank the Lord for this amazing teenager. Boy, this little guy was interesting--we half-jokingly said that if Danny made it alive to his fifth birthday, we would have a Miracle Birthday Party. He did, so we did! He was Superboy--able to slide down a staircase in ten seconds flat, scale a chain-link fence barefoot before we could blink, climb on top of the washer or dryer unassisted, and fearlessly climb out onto the roof to make a bed for himself for the evening. Um--these were all before the age of four...

To see the young man of God that Danny has become is truly a miracle. He is tender-hearted--all little children love him--and yet practical, and can be heard singing (beautifully) at any given moment.

Each of our sons has his own personality and character, and I still marvel that the Lord used Fernando and me to create four completely separate and unique individuals to the praise of His glory.

Danny, 85% done with his college English essay

Our four sons are goofy and serious, loud and introspective. They're in each others' rooms, lives, and conversations. (They're in the fridge a lot, too!) God has forged their bond of brotherhood, both by blood and by the Spirit, for eternity! Thank You, Lord, for teenage sons! And thank You for Danny!!

Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants...

Psalm 144:12a nasb

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 11

2010-11-09T07:54:00.000-06:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for His food, both physical to nourish the body, and spiritual to nourish the soul. In our fallen state, our bodies grow weak and require food and water to function. The growling emptiness and the dry thirst remind us that we are weak, and that we need to rely on Him for strength.

Just as our physical bodies grow weak without nourishment, our spiritual souls require food. Fellowship with the Lord--in reading and prayer--and spiritual sharpening with our spouses, children, and the community of believers is vital to the growth of our souls.

He has made His wonders to be remembered;

The LORD is gracious and compassionate.

He has given food to those who fear Him;

He will remember His covenant forever.

He has made known to His people the power of His works,

In giving them the heritage of the nations.

Psalm 111:4-6 nasb [emphasis mine]

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

His Castle -- The Dining Room

2010-11-08T08:21:00.000-06:00

They say a man's home is his castle. I say that the "castle" belongs to the Lord, and our true home is in heaven. But for our time on earth, this house is Fernando's castle from the Lord. And I am its queen. :)

The care of our castle involved lots of daily, repetitive actions, as well as those once-in-a-while deep-cleaning projects, which is the subject of today's post.

Our dining room is not an oft-visited room. Our family eats dinner there, so the table is usually cleaned off on a daily basis. But as days go by, it seems that this or that gets placed here or there, and sometimes the "here" or "there" ends up being the dining room.

So on a day last week when I was feeling overwhelmed, I decided to clean. (I always clean when I'm overwhelmed.) Truth is, my goal was to clean the entire first floor! I keep a generally tidy home, so a few hours should be good to take care of the clutter and general mess (a.k.a. life) that occurs in our home's main living areas. Little did I know...

For the dining room--a generally tidy room to begin with--I figured I would tackle things item by item. Find a misplaced item, put it away in its home, find next item, etc. The china cabinet is organized, but stuff is peeking out from the top!

And there were a few things lying around on the floor; they had probably been placed on the table during the day, then swished off into a pile when one of the guys set the table for dinner. (It's nice when the watermark on my photo hides the clutter!!) *grin*

Time to get to work. That box smack-dab in the middle of the top of the china cabinet contains some ceramic pieces I painted (and had fired) with my mom when I was a girl. I like two of the pieces--ears of corn and a "bunch" of onions (is three a bunch?). A search ensued for a hammer and nails, and a pencil to mark the nail spot on the wall. Oh, yeah, and a tape measure because of course the items hung must be equidistant from the wall edges. I hung these two ceramic pieces over the doorway between the dining room and kitchen, on the kitchen side. They're perfect, because my kitchen is yellow and my dining room is green!

A close-up of a memento of my girlhood ceramic adventure.

Then, since I was in hanging mode, having all the needed items at hand, I hung two picture frames (actually, looking at the photo of the ceramic pieces, I think I started with the picture frames--oops!). This involved removing the stands on the backs of the frames. I have absolutely no counter space, shelf space, or table to place photographs on, and those little stand things just get in the way when the frames are hung. I framed the two photos I took, one of a monarch butterfly, and the other of a red admiral butterfly, and hung them above my sewing machine, which serves as a decorative table in my dining room until I figure out how to use it. I ended up hanging them a little too low for my liking, but I'll keep my eye out for some more garage-sale frames and add upwards to the arrangement.

Finally, I hung three trivets I had purchased a number of years ago (that phrase appears a lot in these "Tackle It" posts!) in the dining room opening into the foyer area.

I cleaned every other item off the top of the china cabinet, then tackled the stuff piled on the floor. A game bought at a garage sale found its home in our hall closet, and a cookbook went to its home in my pantry closet. Fernando's Bible found a home in the china cabinet "dry sink," since he does Bible study at dinnertime with us. All other clutter was cleared out and put away in its home (yes, the garbage can is a home sometimes!).

The photo above appears very blue, due to the weird lighting from the foyer and window, plus the fact that the front door, the curtains, and the tablecloth are all blue. Sorry about that!

But you can see that it is cleaned up and ready for dinner! And not only dinner, but dinner with company! In a praise-the-Lord moment, I must tell you that my son Danny striped the walls! He helped me paint the entire room with a flat green paint (its official name was topiary tint), then he helped me measure and tape stripes off with painters tape. I then left him alone with a can of topiary tint in glossy finish. He did a fantastic job!

Now when I'm working in the kitchen, I peek into the dining room and smile.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 10

2010-11-06T10:10:00.000-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today I thank the Lord for a garden harvest in November. I've had a vegetable garden for three or four years, but have never enjoyed its sweet (fresh) rewards into November, or even October! My tomato plants were usually done by the end of September, and that was that.

My garden harvest reminds me of God's bountiful blessings in my life--not only of food for the belly, but nourishment for my soul, my husband, children, family, heart-sisters, a warm house... Thank You, Lord, for working in my life to produce the fruit of Your Spirit!

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU--Heartily as to the Lord

2010-11-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

Home Life

My young men are staying busy with school. Danny, forced to work within the constraints of his textbook, is still agonizing over his argumentative essay due next week. He at least has a general idea of what to write about; he needs to get it into outline form and find some quotes from his textbook. Then he'll really be on his way. Everyone else is working hard, getting things done, and life is settled.

I think back to early September, when I was so overwhelmed with starting homeschool and assisting with college classes... Praise the Lord for steady routine! I still have a long-and-growing-longer to-do list, but with the Lord's strength, I am getting things done!

My Kitchen and Garden

I canned the last of the jalapeños, which Becki gave to me. Thank you, Becki! I had to use half-pint jars, since that was all I had left, and I canned 21 jars. My spicy-lovers are happy!

My Projects

Hmm, no craft projects to report this week. Just cleaning, organizing, keeping things de-cluttered. I will post soon about cleaning my dining room. It's nice to have a clean, tidy room that welcomes you when you peek in!

Behind the Lens

The Lord has brought several photography projects my way. I had three photo sessions in an eight-day span last week! I'm currently editing photos from my borrowed daughter's senior portrait session. She was so sweet--she sat where I asked her to, tilted her head, smiled, laughed. We had a great time together! I will post photos of her soon on my photography blog. Below is one of my favorite photos from a session I did last week with two sisters. This photo is of the little one. Precious!

I also just purchased a 50mm f1.4 portrait lens, and the bokeh is amazing (sorry for the technical language!). Bokeh is basically the blurriness of the background, so the focus is drawn to the sharp point of what the photographer wants the viewer to focus on. The below picture demonstrates this concept. Yep, I dream about this stuff!

Heart Thoughts

I connected to the Friday Farm Girls @ Heart meme at Lori's blog yesterday about the Lord's awesome power, and I'm still stuck on those thoughts. It's a good thing to be stuck on! The thoughts ran toward this--that my life is to glorify Him. I am not to think, "I'm going to do something outstanding for God," as if I'm going to do the accomplishing. I am simply to trust and obey, and to be outstanding in the realm in which He has placed me.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17 nasb

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.

It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Colossians 3:23-24 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--Out Standing, Outstanding

2010-11-05T10:29:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button above to visit her blog

and find out how you can participate!

Preface: I started a "phone Bible study" with my heart-sister in Georgia last week, but yesterday, I overslept! And her toilet was leaking, so she was a little distracted. At 1:00 the realization hit that I never called her for our 6:30am (central time) Bible study hour. Big oops, but we both laughed over our circumstances, and had an impromptu 15-minute study instead of our usual hour.

That said--and keep trusting me that this really is a Farm Girls post--here is the passage we studied:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,

so that you will know what is the hope of His calling,

what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might

which He brought about in Christ,

when He raised Him from the dead

and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,

and every name that is named,

not only in this age but also in the one to come.

And He put all things in subjection under His feet,

and gave Him as head over all things to the church,

which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 1:18-23

Keep reading! It's a Bible study but it touches my Farm Girl heart! Really!

Dee and I stopped on the phrases surpassing greatness of His power and strength of His might. We guessed--correctly--that the word power was the Greek dounamis, from which we get our English dynamite. From the phrase strength of His might, we discovered that the word strength is also translated as dominion, and the word might is simply His strength. Slightly confusing, but I think the Lord (through Paul) is emphasizing the incredible power, might, and strength that He possesses. Look at what the Lord did, through His power:

He raised Christ from the dead
He seated Christ at His right hand
He seated Him far above all rule, authority, power, dominion, every name named
He seated Him in this age and in the one to come
He put all things in subjection to Christ
He made Him head over all things
He called the church the body of Christ
He calls the church His fullness

That's pretty powerful! After we talked about how the Lord should be preeminent in our lives, and that our life is not about us, but all about Him, and His being glorified, Dee commented about a book that she is reading by Blackaby (Chosen to be God's Prophet, about Samuel I think). She paraphrased that our desire is to do something great/incredible for God, when He wants simply our trust and obedience. He will cause efforts to succeed, or fail.

When Dee mentioned our desire to do something outstanding for God, I remembered something humorous my dad said: "I know this farmer out standing in his field." Or was it, "...outstanding in his field?" *wink*

Obviously, I would love to accomplish something outstanding for the Lord! But the Lord wants me to be out standing in my home, outstanding in my home: loving my husband, nurturing my children, and yes, doing the dishes. He will work what He desires in my life. I am to trust and obey.

So, if you ring my doorbell today, you will probably find me out standing in my kitchen. :)

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 9

2010-11-05T08:42:00.000-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

This morning, I thank the Lord for sisters. No, I don't have any. Nor do I have daughters. But I have so many wise and wonderful heart-sisters! I share my life with my husband, and we are one in the Lord, but there's something about a sister who knows and understands.

I couldn't find a verse to describe my heart-sisters, but these verses show a little of how we love each other.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,

put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

bearing with one another, and forgiving each other,

whoever has a complaint against anyone;

just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Beyond all these things put on love,

which is the perfect bond of unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 nasb

Thank You, Lord, for heart-sisters!!

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--Girded with Strength

2010-11-04T11:33:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...a cup of Provence Rooibos, a blend purchased at SereneTeaz (I love their store!). It is slightly fruity with the typical rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss; meaning red bush, from Africa) flavor. I'm using my everyday china cup; teatime is special when it's fancy!

I'm feeling...tired but safe in the Lord. The name of the Lord is a strong tower!

On my mind...a to-do list that keeps growing! I cross off two or three things, only to add five or six more to it. Lord give me the strength and grace to get things done!!

I leave you with...a verse about a Godly woman--may it be me today!

She girds herself with strength

And makes her arms strong.

She senses that her gain is good;

Her lamp does not go out at night.

Proverbs 31:17-18 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 8

2010-11-04T11:02:00.000-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Many have blogged about thanking the Lord for the privilege of voting; I'd like to do the same today, now that most of the election results are finalized.

I thank God that in the USA we are allowed to vote for those who would lead us in government. Here in Illinois, we had some tough choices to make. Though I do not want to get into a political debate with my readers, I have a few personal quandaries: Do I vote for the republican candidate, even though he is almost as "dirty" as the democrat candidate? Do I vote for the upstanding Christian pro-life woman candidate running against the liberal incumbent, even though I believe that if she is a Christian, her ministry should be geared toward her husband and children? What about school district superintendents and judges, when we have searched for information about them, and found almost nothing? These are just a few of the questions that were floating around my brain in the days leading up to election day.

The four of us voters in this household did vote on Tuesday, and prayed that God would approve our choices--because ultimately, we have to answer to the Lord for how we voted. We prayed that the Lord would providentially allow Godly people to serve in leadership over us. We waited through the day on Tuesday, and watched the results on TV as they were reported to the news stations.

Almost none of the candidates for whom we voted was elected. It is frustrating to live with the realization that our taxes will rise (that was the newly elected governor's campaign platform). It is disturbing to see the character of the people elected into office both locally and nationally.

Jacob votes in his first national election

I hope the above doesn't sound like a complaint, for it is not. This election was a deeply thought-provoking one, and I've simply shared those thoughts here. When all is said and done, I am able to say that I voted my principles and my conscience, and that I followed my husband's lead in the voting booth.

My thankfulness to the Lord is for the fact that He is in control; He providentially moves the hearts of men, and knows the thoughts of a king. If we are living in perilous times, I am to rejoice! What can man do to me? Fear God, and worship Him. I am determined to live for Him, come what may. God is in control.

The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD;

He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs 21:2 nasb

The LORD is for me; I will not fear;

What can man do to me?

The LORD is for me among those who help me;

Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD

Than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD

Than to trust in princes.

Psalm 118:6-9 nasb

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 7

2010-11-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Today, though I have no photos to share, I do have a story. I am thankful for the Lord's provision.

In the past weeks, we have been borrowing from different categories in our budget so that we could purchase healthy food for our family. We have been trying to buy organic where possible, but just last week my husband informed me that we will no longer be doing that. We had drifted away from living on just what the Lord had provided for our food, and though our budget is financially just fine, we need to get back to the basic prinicple of, "This is what we have to spend--no more. Once it's gone, no more groceries."

So last Friday, Fernando gave me my grocery money for the week--$15. That was not easy to take, and I gulped inwardly as I wondered how that would be spent to feed five men and myself. We had gone through a similar circumstance a number of years ago, and we saw the Lord's provision in a mighty way then...

Thomas and I drove on some errands that afternoon, and at one stop, I rummaged through my purse for something. Was that a check? I pulled it out, and remembered that my mom had just given me a check to reimburse me for some Costco groceries I had bought her the week before. Forty-seven more grocery dollars! I showed Thomas how the Lord was providing, and we went on our way.

At church on Sunday, I excited shared this story with a wonderful friend, and she commented that she was trying to clean out her freezer, and would we like some items? Her daughter drove to our home on Monday with bags of blessings, and a frozen meal for us. Through these two faithful servants, the Lord provided again.

On Monday afternoon, my mom called and asked if she and my dad could come down and bowl with us. (We've been bowling together on a weekly basis for several years.) She told me that she had been cleaning out her freezer, and asked if she could bring a couple of pork roasts down and we could combine efforts and share a meal together. And yet again, we praised God for His provision.

The same dear ladies who shared from their freezer are also coming to supper on Thursday. We will be combining efforts and the Lord will provide for that meal as well.

When I looked at our calendar yesterday to prepare for the rest of the week, I realized that we will be attending a banquet on Friday, hosted by Illinois Christian Home Educators for homeschool support group leaders. (We are not homeschool leaders; I volunteer with ICHE as the coordinator for special and struggling learners.) This year, families have been invited to attend the banquet. Through this event, God is providing once more.

God took care of our week. We so easily fall into the trap of thinking that what we have is really ours, and we use things (or money) without remembering where it came from. This week, I stumbled once again into the reality that the Lord is my provider. Thank You, dear Father, for making this fact abundantly clear, over and above anything I could have imagined might happen as I stood there with $15 in my pocket last Friday. Thank You for Your provision.

Lifted a little out of context, this verse comes to mind:

Man did eat the bread of angels;

He sent them food in abundance.

Psalm 78:25

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about her Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 6

2010-11-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

We are to thank the Lord for everything, in every circumstance. I recall reading about Corrie and Betsie ten Boom, Dutch Christians who hid Jews during the Holocaust. Betsie had a simple faith, and told Corrie to thank the Lord for everything. In one of the concentration camps, Corrie explained that she could thank God for almost everything in their circumstances, but how could she thank God for the lice (I believe it was lice)??

A short time later, the sisters realized that they had the freedom to share Scripture, sing, and minister to the other women in their barracks because the German guards would not come past the entrance. Why? Because there were lice.

While we do not have lice, or fleas, in our home--I thank the Lord for that!!--I thank the Lord today for His amazing creation; namely, all the creatures He created, and yes, even for the ants that for some reason feel welcome inside our home every spring. On the subject of insects, Danny spotted this guy on our window.

God made praying mantises to be able to turn their heads 180 degrees to search for prey. He gave them excellent eyesight, with the ability to see up to 60 feet away!

Their life span is a mere 12 months

A praying mantis can cause us to stop schooling/cleaning/etc., and run outside, or to the window, to inspect and ponder God's amazing creation. Lori, I took pity on you and didn't post spider photos!! :)

I have no Bible verses to share about insects, as they all pertained either to swarms of them, or which ones the Israelites were allowed to eat. Here is one, though, about His creatures in general!

God made the beasts of the earth after their kind,

and the cattle after their kind,

and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind;

and God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:25 nasb

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about her Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 5

2010-10-30T13:30:00.001-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Thank You, Lord, for the sunrise and the sunset. You have set the sun in place, and it warms us and gives us light. You paint the sky with color each night, more beautiful than any man can create. Thank You!!

He made the moon for the seasons;

The sun knows the place of its setting.

Psalm 104:18 nasb

I took this picture deliberately with power lines and strip malls, because nothing man can invent can compare to the depth of beauty that God creates each evening. His creation stands in stark contrast to man's best efforts. Thank You again, dear Lord!

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;

You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.

Psalm 65:8 nasb

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about her Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU--Every Spiritual Blessing

2010-10-30T13:04:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

Home Life

This week, Joseph, poor thing, has had a sore throat and cough. He is fine other than that, and has done his daily activities as usual. But he did spend one entire day in his pajamas!

Jacob, Danny, and Thomas are working hard at their schooling. Jacob's and Danny's Rhetoric class at the local community college is going well, and they are currently working on another speech. This one is a little trickier, since it is about gender roles and the definition of a family, plus they have to work within the constraints of the essays given in their textbook. We're bathing this issue in prayer, and the Lord will be faithful.

My Kitchen and Garden

The garden has finally petered out. I thank the Lord for His bountiful harvest for our family, using just three raised bed garden boxes. I still have tomatoes in bowls all over my kitchen, and though I'd like to space them out as far as eating them goes, I know they need to be eaten once they turn red or I'll have rotten tomatoes! We're enjoying them while they last.

Here are the peppers we picked off my pepper plants.

Project Desk

I haven't been crafty lately, but I have accomplished some cleaning projects! My friend Helen and I called each other (for accountability) on Tuesday and spent the entire afternoon cleaning the first floors of our respective homes. I started in the dining room, and ended up there the entire three hours! It is amazing to me that I had to spend that much time in that room, since it is one of the cleanest rooms on the first floor. But, it contained its clutter. I will blog about the dining room in my Tackle-It post next Tuesday.

I decided I would just pick up each misplaced or "no-placed" item and process it--hang it up, put it away, throw it out, etc. I found a game I had bought at a summer garage sale, so I de-cluttered the hallway closet and put it away on the shelf with all the games.

I also found the cover for the hallway light fixture! Kevin, our handyman extraordinaire, had painted much of our first floor, and the cover never made its way back on to the fixture, probably because we were going to clean it! So Jacob kindly cleaned it, replaced a burned-out light bulb, and got the cover on. (Confession--Kevin painted about a year ago...)

I spent some time cleaning in the kitchen; boy, can this room get messy even when I'm not cooking! Below is the counter area next to the fridge, where we pour our drinks. Another unabashed plug for his services: Kevin installed the tin backsplash that you see in the photo.

I found the basket in a garage sale (50 cents!), so I used it here to contain Fernando's vitamins and other bottles which were spreading all over the countertop.

Behind the Lens

I finally figured out how to upload photos from Lightroom 3!! Here is one of my favorites from my photo shoot with Danny (17) and Thomas (14).

Heart Thoughts

I started a weekly Bible study on Thursday mornings with a dear heart-sister in Georgia. Our phone ringing at 6:30am is an alarm clock for the boys! We chose the book of Ephesians, which I have studied in depth before. I thought it would be a little easier for us to read through and study. *riiight* :)

Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly places in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3 nasb

We made it through several verses in chapter 1, and got stuck--in a good way--on the phrase heavenly places in verse 3. The word places is not in the original Greek, which is the word for heaven. We had a lively and thought-provoking discussion about why Biblical scholars would translate this word heaven in some places, and heavenly places (or, more accurately, heavenlies) in other places.

I'm still mulling over that word. It is good to meditate on God's Word!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 4

2010-10-29T08:48:00.001-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

In one of my earlier Thanksgiving posts, I referenced the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. I shared the verse about "summer and winter, and springtime, and harvest." I was reminded of this verse again as I ventured out into the cold breezy afternoon yesterday! We reached 76 degrees just a few days ago, and yesterday, I was wearing a sweater and actually used a coat. Which brings me to today's post.

The Lord's mighty hand created this earth and made it to spin. He also made it to tilt on its axis and rotate around the sun. This gives us our seasons. Just as I navigate each season with preparation (getting out summer clothing, for example), and anticipation (awaiting Thanksgiving!), I move through the seasons in life with the same disciplines--submitting to the Lord when trials come, patiently learning Biblical teaching, eagerly looking forward to what the Lord is doing in my life.

Today, I am thankful for the seasons--both the spiritual ones, and the physical ones. Especially autumn!

Please visit Tamara's blog to find out more about her Month of Thanksgiving,

to be encouraged by others' blessings,

and to participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--Yogurt Muffins

2010-10-29T08:25:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button above to visit her blog

and find out how you can participate!

I've been hooked on muffins for several weeks now. Meaning, once I found a new recipe, tried it, and liked it, I started finding muffin recipes everywhere! I shared in earlier posts about how I'm trying to keep my recipe binder down to just one binder--why do I need 25 muffin recipes?--and I'm sticking to my guns.

Several versatile recipes are all I need to change things up a bit. For example, I began with maple crumb muffins. Then when I didn't have the sour cream needed for those, I searched and found a recipe using cottage cheese. Yep, you guessed it--I was low on both of those ingredients, but I had some yogurt in the fridge! The search began, and I found the recipe below.

When I say versatile, I like muffin recipes to which you can add fruit, for example. I also like changing the flavor by adding lemon or orange peel, a different flavor yogurt, or extra cinnamon and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg. With these yogurt muffins, I didn't have lemon yogurt--the recipe was billed as "lemon yogurt muffins"--but I did have banana mango yogurt, so I used that. I made these a second time, and added blueberries to the batter. Serious yummies. I also doubled the batch, and, since I have only one muffin tray, I made mini bread loaves with the second batch in my four-loaf mini bread pan. We're saving those for Sunday morning breakfast when the household is bustling with church service preparations.

As I've written before, make "muffins for breakfast" even easier by prepping the evening before. Mix together the dry ingredients, cover, and leave on the counter. Set the butter in the bowl, cover, and leave on the counter to soften overnight. Pull out the mixer, measuring cup(s), and other tools. Set the muffin tins out and line them with papers. It's amazing how quickly breakfast comes together when I do this!

Here's the recipe. I usually use freshly ground whole-wheat pastry flour in my recipes, which means that the amount of flour listed is a little more than what the recipe called for. But just a little!

Yogurt Muffins

1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup cane juice crystals (or sugar)
2 eggs
3/4 cup yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
dash freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 teaspoons (or more) lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line muffin tray with papers. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the yogurt and lemon juice. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; stir into the yogurt mixture until just blended. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Allow the muffins to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing them from the tin.

Place the confectioner's sugar in a small bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until the mixture is drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled muffins, and allow the icing to set before serving. (NOTE: I dipped my muffin tops into the drizzle, then turned them upright and placed them on the serving platter.)

Again, please visit Lori's wonderful blog to find out about

Friday Farm Girls at Heart!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 3

2010-10-28T11:09:00.001-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway at Tamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

I'm wearing a sweater today! (That is totally unrelated to this post, but I wanted to share it.)

Today, I'm thankful for sons who love each other.

This is Thomas (14) and Danny (17), my two youngest sons. They have shared lives and a bedroom, toys and books, schoolwork and play. They are complete opposites in personality. Isn't it amazing how God does that with siblings? Danny even taught Thomas to read--I directed him, he taught.

They love each other. I thank the Lord for them every day.

Please visit Tamara at her blog to read more blessings, to be encouraged in thankfulness, and to find out how you can participate!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving--Blessing 2

2010-10-27T08:02:00.000-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway atTamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. I see Your steadfast love and abiding joy through the good times and bad, through the peaks and the valleys, in the huge things and in the minuscule cares of this world.

This year, a few friends picked my tomatoes while our family was on vacation. After returning home, and picking just a few bowls of tomatoes over the next week, I figured that those families had been blessed with the bulk of my tomato crop. I thanked the Lord and picked the rest throughout the season. My pole beans seemed to grow but not produce, either. I thanked the Lord, and decided that maybe I wouldn't plant them next year.

But here it is, practically November, and I've frozen about six one-quart packages of pole beans! What a late harvest for this part of the country, and for my little garden! God provided--and even if the beans had never come in, I have learned enough to thank Him anyway.

Several days ago Thomas and I finally ripped out all my tomato plants after harvesting every tomato we could find. Besides diced tomatoes, salsa, and tomato sauce, I have now canned two dozen jars of green tomato salsa--new recipe, absolutely spicy and yummy. And there are still four bowls of reddening tomatoes on my counter. (Yes, look, Lori , they are turning red!!) It is a reminder of the Lord's faithfulness (and grace) to me.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided--

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

verse 2 and chorus from the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tackle-It--Basement "Bomb Shelter"

2010-10-26T22:30:00.000-05:00

Have a project that needs completion?Want to be encouraged in getting organized and checking off items on your to-do list?Visit CelticMom by clicking on her button above to learn more and to participate.

Side note: I'm still trying to figure out my new photography editing software; so far, I can say decisively that I do not like it. It should not be so confusing to simply save a photo and upload it to my blog. The only way I could figure out--at this point--was to publish them to Facebook (of all places), then import them to this blog. If you see photos below, you'll know I was successful in at least that! Except that now, these photos--which are not beautiful by any stretch of the imagination, but are meant solely for this blog--are on Facebook for my friends to see! Sigh. That may very well be my next project...

For now, I will focus on what I accomplished this past week.

Last week, I had canned some green tomato salsa, jalapeños, and pepperoncinis. But when I brought the jars to our basement "bomb shelter," as we call it tongue-in-cheek, I saw that there was absolutely no room for them. Empty jars were set haphazardly on shelves, certain items had two different resting places on the shelves, and my one-time organization had faded to general disorder.

Time for a project! Our storage shelf system is really just one individual shelf system, and my husband assured me that the shelves were rated to hold several hundred pounds. I think my food weighs more than that, as each shelf has gradually bowed under the weight. Fernando bought and cut some pieces of wood to shore up the shelves, and with a little modification--thanks for the help, Danny--this new "system" seemed to work on one shelf.

Danny and I worked together to empty one entire shelf, and he carefully placed the pieces of wood under the shelf.

We then undertook the fun task of organizing all the food I had canned! I had not realized just how many jars I had canned and collected in just a few years!

I also organized the jars in boxes and box lids to keep similar food together and contained. I thought it would be a little easier to tell things apart. Maybe I need to label the boxes...

The shelf is bowed up, but it will settle down with the weight

Well, at least one plain box is labeled! Apples. Yum. Speaking of which, there are even more apples waiting for me to process them!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Month of Thanksgiving -- Blessing 1

2010-10-26T10:12:00.001-05:00

This post is part of a giveaway atTamara's blog.

Please click on her tag below to find out more!

This is my first post in Tamara's Month of Thanksgiving. First and foremost, I am thankful for the gift of Jesus, whom God sent for me. The fact that He chose me as His child is awesome. My heart overflows with thanks to Him.

...giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified us to share

in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness,

and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:12-14 nasb

Back to life,

Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU--Shield, Anchor, Tower

2010-10-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

Home Life

Well, the week didn't start out well. But that's my perspective. You can read about Murphy's Law Monday here. God is good. :)

Our school schedule evolved a bit this week, with Fernando allowing Thomas to drop Spanish II. I have also rearranged Danny's schedule to better organize the time he is spending on each of his subjects. Since he will have almost enough credits to graduate high school at the end of this semester, I dropped a few requirements and will add a few different ones come January. It should help ease the load he's carrying.

My Kitchen and Garden

I was able to do some canning earlier this week. I'm so thankful for food put up! Whenever I go to the basement bomb shelter (that's what we call it), I thank the Lord for the canned apples, applesauce, spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and pepperoncinis gracing my shelves. Even typing that all out just now made me realize how blessed our family is. Thank You, Lord.

Behind the Lens

The Positive: I started our family photo shoot (for Christmas pictures and to update the boys' wall frames with current photos) this past week.

The Negative--or, The Negative Right Now. My photos are all sitting in Lightroom, my new photography editing software. After two solid hours of work, I edited a total of two photos. I don't even know if the changes will be saved when I return to working on the photos. In other words, I have never been more thoroughly confused in my life (except maybe that math class in college). I'm sure that in six months or so I will love Lightroom. Right now, however, it is not my friend. And because of these circumstances, I have no extra photos to share today.

Heart Thoughts

It has been an up-and-down week for me, partly due to constant mishaps and accidents, interruptions and frustrations; and partly due to hormones. *cross eyes* I have been on the Emotional Roller Coaster, with almost no time to get off and breathe before I scream down another plummet. Don't get me wrong, though. God is an ever-present help and shield, sure and steadfast anchor, and a mighty tower of refuge. I continually remind myself to keep my eyes turned toward Him, even on that downard plummet. :)

Scripture in my heart for this last week:

Our soul waits for the LORD;

He is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:30 nasb

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul,

a hope both sure and steadfast

and one which enters within the veil...

Hebrews 6:19 nasb

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

The righteous runs into it and is safe.

Proverbs 18:10 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--Easy Apples

2010-10-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week; please click on her button to the right to visit her blog and find out how you can participate!

I still have some apples left to process, so when I happened to flip through my recipe binder and land on this recipe, I realized it was time to make it. I found this recipe in a Penzeys Spices magazine, and since I love unusual recipes, I saved it.

It uses just a few ingredients, and is quick to put together. If I do a little prep the night before--set out measuring cups, bowls, and mixer, and pre-measure dry ingredients--it comes together in a jiffy when I come to the kitchen in the morning. And almost nothing beats the smell of baking apples, especially in the autumn!

Apple Puff

Makes two, which will be gobbled up.

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
4 eggs
1/4 t pure vanilla extract
1 cup fresh whole-wheat flour (or 3/4 cup white)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 t salt
2 medium baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 T cinnamon sugar (plus more to sprinkle on top)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place 2 T butter in each of two 9-inch pie plates and put them in the oven to melt the butter. (When removing them, rotate them so the butter coats the bottom and sides.)

Beat eggs, vanilla, flour, milk, and salt on medium speed for one minute. Toss the sliced apples with 2 T cinnamon sugar. Arrange half the apple slices in each pan so they cover the bottom in pretty much a single layer (it's pretty if you arrange them in a circle around the outside, then fill in the center).

Give the egg/flour mixture another quick mix, and pour half of it over the apple slices in each pan. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar to taste. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Serve right away, while still puffy. Top with warm syrup or butter.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--Character Exhibited

2010-10-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...peppermint tea. My tea cup is the Pfaltzgraff Ocean Breeze pattern, and matches our everyday dishes. It is shown below (not with peppermint tea!) with a breakfast of cinnamon apple puff (recipe tomorrow).

I'm feeling...tired but calm, and looking ahead to a day filled with activity.

On my mind...I'm asking the Lord for His grace today. So many mishaps and little accidents have occurred around here this week that I'm wondering what the Lord has in store for me today! And I'm praying that He gives grace to help me yield to Him throughout His plan for my day.

I leave you with...a quote I just found, which describes my week. May the Lord grant me grace to submit to His loving plan for me, be it easy or hard, simple or complicated, smooth or full of pits.

Character is not made in a crisis; it is only exhibited.

Robert Freeman

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tackle It--I break, I broke, I have broken

2010-10-19T15:35:00.000-05:00

Have a project that needs completion?

Want to be encouraged in getting organized and checking off items on your to-do list?

Visit CelticMom by clicking on her button above to learn more and to participate!

I wasn't going to post today, since I haven't completed any projects I could really take a photo of. But after the day I had yesterday, I felt that I needed to post.

Here is a synopsis of my Monday:

I got locked out of the house when I went into the garage to put some recycling in the bin and the door locked behind me. I had to open the garage door, go to the front door, and ring the bell until Fernando (who had been working out in the basement) ran up to see what was going on at 6:45am.

Thomas had a major attitude issue (a.k.a. sin) to deal with

As I squirted spot remover on a pair of grass-stained jeans, the squirter insert popped out and more than half a cup of smelly liquid spurted all over me and into the washing machine. I changed my clothes, and had to wash the load two times to get the smell out.

I decided to can the jalapeños and pepperoncinis that had been sitting in bins, then couldn't find the protective gloves. I sliced the jalapeños anyway, only to find the gloves after I was done.

Jacob grabbed a plate from the cabinet, and it slipped and broke.

Joseph left a lower cabinet door open, and Danny walked into it, cracking the door down its seam.

One jar of jalapeños broke in the canning pot, sending spurts of liquid out.

My parents came for dinner (chili was already made), and I overbaked the cornbread.

As I reached up to grab something out of the cabinet, I burned a chunk of my hair on the flame from the canning pot.

Fittingly, at the end of the day, Jacob hollered from his bathroom, "I just broke the soap dish...!"

The ten jars of jalapeños and six jars of pepperoncinis on the counter were testimony that something good really did occur on Monday. And that's why I decided to blog today.

Yes, it was a "project" that I needed to get done. But, more than that, I think we all have days like yesterday, filled with frustration and one more thing. Sometimes my agenda for the week--or for the day--doesn't coincide with the Lord's agenda. But that doesn't mean He isn't good. Why do I say God is good only when something good happens? If it is true that God is good (all the time), then God was good yesterday. So I declare: God is good.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU--First Pure, Then Peaceable

2010-10-16T09:36:00.001-05:00

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

Home Life

What a week. I have felt a calmness that can come only from the Lord. I'm amazed that I feel this way, simply because our days are busy, in my opinion. I've crossed off three or four items from my to-do list, only to write down five or six more. I think, like my friend Shani, that I need to just buckle down and schedule some of these to-do items, so they actually get done. Some of them require me to actually go out and do something, or get something--such as Joseph's handicapped state i.d. card (free, but we have to go to the driver's license facility with proper paperwork and identification). The rest require simply my time. Time? What's that?!

Jacob and Danny turned in writing assignments again this week. I think Danny is getting over his fear of talking in class, and talking to the professor! He even emailed her to get an "okay" on which historical references he could use in his paper, after she told him that his example of Corrie ten Boom was not well-known enough to be cited in the assigned essay. I must have read The Hiding Place dozens of times growing up, so I was somewhat taken aback that someone hadn't heard of Corrie.

Danny completed a few chemistry experiments. The sales rep at the hardware store lectured Danny for several minutes about the dangers of working with lye. Needless to say, I was nervous as he worked through the experiment. But everything went without a hitch.

Also this week, I cut everyone's hair. And I took pictures! I keep telling my boys to stop looking so handsome, but they don't listen. Jacob is still full of hair in the photo below, but he still looks good!

Future police officer/detective

My Kitchen and Garden

I'm still picking--my vegetables, that is! We've enjoyed almost two glorious weeks of summer-like weather, and my tomatoes and green beans have gone crazy. Plus, all the little green peppers on my plants are getting bigger. Even though they're not supermarket-sized, they will work for salads, chili, soup...

I also have canning on my radar. In fact, it's blipping away loudly as I prepare this wrap-up of my week! Today is canning day--apples, spaghetti sauce, jalapeños, pepperoncinis... (I won't get it all done!)

My Project Desk

Sadly, I haven't completed any projects this week. Up in my bedroom, my desk sits empty, waiting for me to work on something. But Fernando says homeschool is priority, and I'm trying to rest in that.

Behind the Lens

This week, I took the plunge and created business cards for christine anne photography. I wanted a photo to be imprinted on the cards, so I had to experiment. Most of the photos I've taken aren't suited for writing to be imprinted on them. I ended up outside for several different shots. After creating six different cards, Fernando and I both decided on one--yes, the same one! Here is a photo that didn't work well for a business card, but it's pretty enough for my portfolio.

Heart Thoughts

We've been reading through and studying James during our dinner hour (more like dinner hour-and-a-half!). Fernando has gone into depth with word studies, which is one of my favorite things to do. Here is a passage we studied this past week, with word definitions added.

James 3:17 nasb

But the wisdom from above is first

pure -- characterized by spiritual integrity
then peaceable -- peace-loving, peace-promoting
gentle -- characterized by a sweet reasonableness
reasonable -- showing obedience to God's standards
full of mercy and good fruits -- quick to forgive, having a concern for others
unwavering,
without hypocrisy --consistent and unwavering, undivided in commitment and conviction, doesn't make unfair distinctions

What a list. It shows me that I have so far to go in seeking the Lord's wisdom instead of instantly using my own frail human wisdom. God's foolishness is wiser than my greatest wisdom, and most times I can't grasp even His foolishness! I read verses like these with a hunger to continue to seek after His wisdom, and with a humility that acknowledges that without Him, I am nothing.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--A Versatile Breakfast

2010-10-15T10:08:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week; please click on her button to the left to visit her blog and find out how you can participate!

Since I've posted so many pictures of pancakes, I thought I'd share the recipe with you. If I haven't made preparations the night before, my boys will thoughtfully mix all the dry ingredients together for me in the morning. They'll get out the griddle, pancake flipper, and everything else I need to get breakfast on the table. I love my boys. :)

Night-before prep is easy with this recipe; just mix all the dry ingredients together, and place measuring cups/spoons out so that in the morning you can pull all the wet ingredients together quickly. Enjoy!

Whole-Wheat Pancakes

2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup cane juice crystals (or granulated sugar)
1 T + 1 t baking powder
1/2 (or so) cups rolled oats
1/4 cup lecithin granules (optional)
1/4 cup ground flax seed (optional)
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups milk (less or more, depending on how thick you like the batter)
2 T oil (I use olive)

Stir together dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients to dry; mix well (will probably be a little lumpy). Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto a lightly oiled griddle or heavy skillet. Cook until golden brown on bottom, flipping to cook other side when pancake has a bubbly surface and slightly dry edges. Serve with pure maple syrup, honey, butter, fruit topping, etc. You can also add about a cup of chopped fruit to the batter.

I have posted so many pictures of pancakes that I'm not going to post one today! And I know this has nothing to do with pancakes or even breakfast, but here is a garden photo from just a few days ago. My September harvest is still going strong even in October; praise the Lord!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--Joy of My Heart

2010-10-14T09:10:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...my regular Scottish breakfast tea, robust and enlivening for this morning. Since I have only a few different tea cups and mugs, and I've already shown then, here is a shot of breakfast on Tuesday. For some reason, I love taking photos of pancakes--goofy, I know. Thomas instigated things for this shot, however. He arranged everything on his plate and hollered, "Hey, Mom! Go get your camera before I pour the syrup!" How can a photographer mom resist that??

Blueberry-strawberry pancakes with strawberry topping and syrup

I'm feeling...calm but busy. We're in a decent routine, and home and homeschool life have settled into a comfortable rhythm. However, there are still several items on my to-do list, and they're tapping insistently at the back of my brain. And yet a few more have been added this week. I need to check a few of them off!

On my mind is...going out to get more cream! I ran out when I had my cup of tea this morning. For me, this is a crisis, as I always have my morning tea with cream. It's the same thing with ketchup for our boys--if we run out, panic sets in. ;)

I leave you with...a verse from Psalms that I came across this morning. It lifts me up, and I hope it encourages you, too!

I have inherited Your testimonies forever,

For they are the joy of my heart.

Psalm 119:111 nasb

inherited -- to get as a blessing
testimonies -- admonitions, ordinances, or warnings
joy -- exultation, rejoicing, gaiety, gladness, rejoice greatly

The Lord's commands are a joy, not meant to put me under His thumb, but meant as my inheritance of blessing!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tackle-It--What if the Shirt DOESN'T Fit??

2010-10-12T13:02:00.001-05:00

Last week's warm weather prompted me to pull out a few new blouses that I had recently bought at clearance prices for next summer. When I bought them, I knew I'd have to tailor them a bit. Again, my caveat: I AM NOT A SEAMSTRESS! I have just figured things out on my own. My figuring may be wrong, but it works.

Isn't the blouse above pretty? I love the sleeve and its button closure. Unfortunately, these types of sleeves do not fit around my arms, which just happen to be larger. I personally think that clothing manufacturers do not realize that when they make a size large blouse, the arm opening in the sleeve should also be large. (Yes, I wear a large. I'm broader in the shoulders and, well, too blessed to wear a medium.)

As I searched for and tried on and discarded and searched some more for feminine blouses that I can wear during the warmer seasons, my mind's wheels were turning. Could I somehow alter the armholes so they would work for my arms? I unbuttoned one of the blouses' arm buttons, and the fit was comfortable. Could I somehow make this opening larger? Hmmm...

I purchased a few blouses, brought them home, and went to work on the first one. I first removed the button from each of the sleeves.

I placed each side of the closure end to end, and sewed it closed. That created about a half inch more of room.

Then I had to somehow cover up the fact that I sewed the closure shut. I knew I'd have to sew one button over the button hole to make it look like it was closed with a button. Well, how about using three buttons? I sewed one button over the hole, a second one over the seam, and a third one an equal distance to the right of the second.

The sleeve pulls on my arm just a teeny bit when I reach my out straight out in front of me. But it is not at all uncomfortable, and the solution was a good first try. I have sewn only this blue blouse so far, with about three more to finish. Hopefully I'll get this technique down and have four wonderful bargain blouses for this lovely warm weather so late in October!

Back to life,
Christine

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captured by Christine Anne

Time to Play Tag

2010-10-11T19:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, Lori, I'm playing the tag-game-thingy now.

Do you have any special Christmas goodies that you like to make every year?

Not really. But we have family traditions in the food department. What can I say; I'm Italian!

We usually get together late morning to share a brunch of breakfast egg casserole, fruit, homemade whole-wheat cinnamon rolls, fresh orange juice, coffee, and tea. Then for dinner, we partake of homemade manicotti, braciole, homemade sauce with meatballs and sausages, handmade Italian bread, and salad with a variety of homemade dressings. My mom makes several kinds of cookies, and I make a few, which we share for dessert. Even my bachelor brother makes cookies!

Do you send Christmas cards? Photo? Letter?

When we were first married, I sent cards, in which I wrote lengthy notes. Then, we began sending cards with a letter included. And I still wrote lengthy notes in each card. At some point, I started writing our family Christmas letter and sending just that with a family photo.

Do you have a favorite Christmas or birthday gift that you received as a child?

I remember receiving my first Bible when I was 16. I had become a Christian that year and asked for one for Christmas. I was thrilled.

What was your favorite subject in school? Is it your favorite to teach?

(I thought this was about Christmas...) Let's see. I loved English and grammar, and especially spelling. No, it's not my favorite to teach, since my sons do not like grammar or spelling! I intensely disliked history and science in school, but I love teaching those because the boys like those subjects, and I get to re-learn (or learn for the first time) things I forgot. History is fascinating when seen through the Lord's eyes in the light of His providence.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

Neither? Both? I don't wake up early any more, but I can if I need to, and when I do, I love sitting at the computer at 6am with a cup of tea. On the other hand, late night is nice when everyone goes to bed (but these days there's usually one guy still hanging around), and I can sit quietly and read or work on something (or surf!). No matter what time I go to bed, I have to do at least a little of a crossword puzzle. In ink.

What is one thing you wish you had more time to do?

Photography! Oh, and read books. Scrapbook. Make cards. Play flute. Garden. There are seasons for all of them, though, and I'm content to wait for each in its season. Oops, it said "one thing."

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Anything from Andy's is absolutely awesome. Fernando just did an analysis of our spending habits (with Discover Card, which we use--and pay off monthly--for everything except groceries), and our second highest fast-food restaurant YTD was Andy's. And they sell ICE CREAM. That should tell you something about our family!

Do you make your bed every day?

Lori, here's my moment of truth. No.

I guess I have to tag a few people to make this official. Therefore, I officially tag Miss S and Jay and Allie, the young-folk bloggers out there!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU--Seek Her as Silver

2010-10-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

Home and School

We experienced a busy week this past week--small projects, a greater focus on homeschooling, and general home "management" duties (a..k.a. chores). Fernando asked Joseph to help out more with chores, and he is willingly working around the house. Jacob and Danny continue to chug along in their college Rhetoric class. Thomas continues to check his attitude as he and I work more closely together throughout the week. Parenthood isn't any easier now, that's for sure. Someone once told me, "You can't have quality time without quantity time." And Thomas and I have quantity time in abundance!

It also helps when Thomas gets to play with matches. Come to think of it, he's really enjoying science this year...

Physical science: Observation

My Kitchen and Garden

I already posted about my adventures in canning earlier this week, so you can click here to read about it if you wish. My vegetable garden continues to be the Little Engine That Could! This week, I've picked another overflowing bowl of tomatoes, plus more green beans and the rest of my basil.

Three raised-bed vegetable gardens

Tomatoes on the vine

Tomatoes, green beans, and basil

My garden-wise friend Becki gave me several cayenne peppers, which are currently drying and will soon be crushed for adding to homemade salsa.

Cayenne peppers redden as they dry

Speaking of spicy, here's a photo of the enchiladas we had for dinner a week ago.

My Project Desk

Fernando was extra thoughtful this week; he not only built me shelves for a couple of kitchen cabinets, but he hung a few things that needed hanging. He's my hangman!

I found this wrought-iron scroll at a garage sale, and we decided it nicely dressed up the photos of our sons:

Main hallway

Then, he hung this funny sign in our back hallway, which leads to our mud room/pantry/laundry room. We have had the sign for almost two years!!

Behind the Lens

I've been experimenting with shooting into the sun. What appears on the finished product is not what I see when I peer through the viewfinder! Surprises--sunspots and glare--sometimes turn an ordinary scene into something amazing. Here is an example, with more to be posted on my photography blog later today.

Heart Thoughts

At church, Pastor Fraley has been teaching through the book of Proverbs. As I look back on all that I've learned--and my compulsive notes all over my Bible pages--one passage stuck out, as a reminder. I'll quote a little of it here:

My son [daughter], if you will receive my words

And treasure my commandments within you,

Make your ear attentive to wisdom,

Incline your heart to understanding;

For if you cry for discernment,

Lift your voice for understanding;

If you seek her as silver

And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will discern the fear of the LORD

And discover the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

Guarding the paths of justice,

And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Proverbs 2:1-8 nasb with my [insert]

This passage goes on for several additional verses describing the results of seeking God's wisdom. One aspect of the first verses is that I have to want wisdom. I have to be intentional and deliberate about it. Pastor Fraley talked about "seeking her [wisdom] as silver" as a very difficult process. Isn't gold more valuable? But silver is normally covered with gray or black material, making it very hard to find. And once you've found it, the actual refining process is difficult and drawn out. Such is the path of seeking wisdom. It requires diligent investigation into God's Word. It was good to have this reminder to seek Him this week.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG--Soup's On!

2010-10-08T08:37:00.000-05:00

Please click on Lori's button to the left to visit her blog and to participate in Friday Farm Girls at Heart!

During the fall and winter months, it's so nice to have soup for dinner. In past years, we designated Tuesday night as soup night. I haven't gotten into the Tuesday groove yet, but we've had soup several times now. Homemade chicken soup is the best, and the easiest to make!

At our Farmer's Market, Fernando and I visit Eric, from Nature's Choice Farm. They raise 100% grass-fed cattle, plus free-range chickens and pigs. We buy their farm-fresh eggs and whatever meat we can afford Their prices are high, but as I've heard, good food isn't cheap, and cheap food isn't good. This time, I asked Eric for the biggest chicken he had. Well, they raise 'em big on their farm--it was nine pounds!

On Sunday evening, I put it in a large pot, covered it with filtered water, and simmered it all night.

Chicken simmering on the stove

About lunchtime, I removed the chicken and bones from the stock, and let everything cool down a bit. I strained the stock, return in to the pot, and de-boned and chunked up all the chicken. I froze three portions of cooked chicken for future meals, and saved a portion for my soup.

Late afternoon Monday, I got the stock boiling again, with a little salt and organic chicken soup base added. Once it was boiling, I added carrots chopped by Joe! He was so sweet to help me pull out the rest of our garden carrots and wash them, too.

The remaining garden carrots

I kept this soup simple, but I love to add chopped onion, celery, and any other vegetables that I have on hand. The stock simmered for several minutes until the carrots were tender, then I added cooked whole-wheat egg noodles (I like to cook my pasta separately, then add it to the stock).

Since you can't have chicken soup without herbs, I picked some fresh garden parsley.

Freshly chopped parsley

Thomas, my official kitchen helper for the year, added the parsley. Not only is he my kitchen helper (it's home-ec class!), he has become my photography assistant, since I can't add parsley and take a picture at the same time. :)

Thomas adds the parsley

When we have soup for supper, we always have a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. This tradition was established growing up in my family, and it is now cemented in our own family!

Soup's on! Time for supper!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--Come and See

2010-10-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...my usual, Scottish breakfast tea, in my usual morning tea mug. :) Since you've seen it before, here is a picture of this morning's breakfast: blueberry pancakes with apple-chunk filling, drizzled with syrup.

I'm feeling...tired but hopeful. My back aches in several spots--consequences of working in my kitchen for three days straight--but I'm hopeful that I can begin to see our life at home as God sees it.

On my mind is...seeing with His eyes. I get so bogged down in the everyday stuff, that I usually fail to see God's hand in it. I have been spending more time with Thomas, my baby, and I keep stumbling around trying to understand him. I'm now praying that I see Thomas' unique and special personality through the eyes of the Lord, who loves Him so much more than I will ever be able to.

The verse I leave you with is...in Psalms. Since I've talked about seeing with God's eyes, I thought I'd share this verse that invites me to come and see!

Come and see the works of God,

Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.

Psalm 66:5 nasb (emphasis mine)

Back to life,
Christine

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captured by Christine Anne

Can It, Lady!

2010-10-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay. I've been "canning it" all week!

This year, my garden is blossoming and growing into mid-October! I've never picked vegetables beyond this point in my few past years of gardening. God is good.

Saturday was spaghetti sauce day. I had been using a 16-quart pot, without a canning insert, to can for the past few years. Only two jars have ever broken, so I wasn't too concerned about not having a proper "canning pot."

So I prepared my tomatoes; here's how I do it: I put an eight-quart pot of water on the stove to boil. Meanwhile, I rinse then core the tomatoes and set them aside. It's much easier than trying to core them after their "bath."

Peeled tomatoes and steamer basket

Once the water is boiling, I lower my steamer basket filled with tomatoes into the pot. See my steamer basket in the photo above? I tie twisters to the handles so they stay upright! The lid still fits on the pot, and I can quickly grab the handles and lift out the basket after one minute of boiling. I transfer the tomatoes to a large pot, then hand-smush them. (That's my technical cooking terminology.)

Hand-smushed tomatoes

Back to Saturday and the story. I left the sauce simmering on the stove, and Fernando took me to the farmer's market and garage-sale-ing. As we wound our way back through town, we spotted yet another "yard sale" sign. There hadn't been much of interest so far, but this particular one was different. They had a back porch stuffed with, well, stuff. And among that stuff was a huge pot. I lifted the lid, and saw a wire canning insert and canning tongs. Wow. I negotiated my way through the haggling process, and ended up purchasing the canning pot, insert, tongs, a bag of bands and seals, and about three dozen jars for $15. Did I say God is good? *big grin*

My "new" canning pot!

What perfect timing. I took it home, cleaned it up, and started my adventure in canning spaghetti sauce. I had asked Fernando to decide if I should can more salsa (I already have over two dozen jars in the basement), or spaghetti sauce. Even though he's Mexican, he enjoys our weekly spaghetti dinners (or pasta of some sort), so he opted for the spaghetti sauce. I'm half Italian--yum.

Spaghetti sauce

On Sunday, I went to work on the apples from Honey Hill Orchards. With Jacob's help, I chunked those up and mixed them with an ultra-light syrup. Two jars didn't seal, so we had a breakfast of Autumn Harvest Baked Oatmeal with apples poured over. Seriously yummy.

Chunked apples in ultra-light syrup

On Monday, I decided to try my hand at applesauce. It had been several years since I made it, and I've never canned it. But with a few tips from Lori, I thought I'd try. Double-serious in the yummy department.

Cinnamon applesauce

Danny kindly picked a whole bowl of green beans, and those ended up in the freezer. I got four nice quart-sized bags full.

Danny's green beans

Green beans in the freezer

In hopes of making green-tomato salsa, I had also bought some cilantro at the farmer's market. My gardening-guru friend Becki told me to hold off on picking those green tomatoes (I'm glad she did!), so I decided to chop it up and freeze it until it's time for green tomatoes.

Chopping the cilantro

On Tuesday, I went to my chiropractor.

I still have about three pecks of apples to process. Jacob decided--for the entire family--that most of these would comprise chunked apples in syrup. And I have decided to make some apple pie filling with whatever's left over!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne