Livin' Out Loud

Need to blog...

Memory lane....

I am so very THANKFUL....

Adding to the herd...

Congratulations on your yellow belt Mikala!!

Couldn't resist!!

Teaching Gwenny to milk Wilma

Learning from my child...

That was then, this is now

A Beautiful View....

My interview with Anna Deskins

Prairie Life Update from the Country Kitchen: Updated Photos

Prairie Life Update from the Country Kitchen: Blessings!!

Prairie Life Update from the Country Kitchen: Summer!!

Prairie Life Update! News from the country kitchen

New life on the Prairie!

Final Baton show

The faces of Gwen...

Passover Study: The 4th cup is Thanksgiving and hope!

Passover Unit Study: The 3rd Cup=REDEMPTION

Passover Unit Study Resources

The 2nd Cup: Deliverance

Passover study: The first cup

Passover Unit Study!

Mama's and babies

February update from the Country Kitchen!

Praying for Japan....

Time for a little F-U-N!!!!!

True Religion

Prairie Life-Homestead improvements

remembering….

Birthday wishes...at least some come true....

Happy Chinese New Year from our crew!

Prairie life: Update from the country...

Sensei says....

Prairie life: News from the country kitchen

Winter break 2010 fun!

Sanctus Real - Lead Me

Merry Christmas to You and Yours!

HIS Plan, and a Promise Revealed...

It's coooold out!

Working for brown

Gwen sings of love

Gwen sings of love II

Lawn mower is working, Daddy's our hero!

Gearing up!

The challenge.....

Gwenny!

Gwenny II!

Country Livin'...silly me moment #1

Chores!

Small but mighty takes 1st place!!

The missing piece...

Life with Kylie: Kylie & Mikala wanted to help decorate our pumpkins today,they had a blast

Gearing up for Prairie Life...

Floors and paint...

Let the renovations begin!

We are moving!!!

Birth to Now Timeline...

Mamas' boys

no more braces!

I AM God's Masterpiece...say it with me!!!

"Here's my heart Lord..."

miki turns 6, Happy Birthday Baby!!!

POLL TIME!! Need your help plz!!!

7-yr old girl needs a home quickly!

Bramwell, West Virginia Mission Trip Part 1

Bramwell, West Virginia Mission Trip Part 2

MercyMe Won't You Be My Love

Mission trip!!

Bramwell, West Virginia MISSION TRIP!!!

Happy 4th!

Mikala Does the Hoedown ;-)

Our newest Family Member...

Miki loses her first tooth!!

14 years of Sunshine....

Please vote!

Memorial Day Fun!

Have a wonderful day!

The end of the year busys...

Kata Tournament 2010

Two Graduates and a Lady

Final Choir Performace for Mother's Day

Need help...

STUDY PROVIDES NEW LEADS INTO GENETICS OF CLEFT LIP AND/OR PALATE

Happy 5th Birthday Nicholas!!

How does your garden grow?

Pretty Little Spring Flowers

A weekend Alone with Gwenny!

Belated Easter Pictures

Last week of our Unit Study...

HE HAS RISEN!!!

Plastics

Happy GOTCHA Gwenny!!

Unit Study week 5!!

Unit Study Week 4

Lets play a game.....

Family FOREVER

Unit Study Week 3

Unit Study: Days 5 and 6 (I think....)

2012-01-15T16:46:00.001-05:00

I have so much I want to put down here, and no time to do it!! I really hope to get back here soon. Does anyone else find blogging and moving furniture like therapy?

2011-12-15T12:04:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love memory lane? Isn't it wonderful that technology allows up to preserve such wonderful memories this way?!

2011-11-23T11:24:00.000-05:00

For:

The beach that we are blessed enough to live within a drive of.
A church, and a wonderful church family.
Rainbows, and the promise they serve.
Our prairie.
Dogs, goats, chickens, turkeys, pigs, bunnies, fish, birds...and the companionship and food they provide.
Fantastic friends, who even though I moved away, they understood I was following my dream and supported me all the while!
Family! Nieces, Nephews, Sisters and Sisters-in-law; for Brothers and Brother-in-laws, for Moms and Dads and Grandparents too!!
An awesome, awesome husband who works so hard and loves even harder.
Children that bless me with there smiles and tears; who fill all my days with overflowing JOY.
The freedom to serve and worship an awesome God; a God who GAVE His Son for ME.

2011-11-16T10:52:00.001-05:00

Last week we took a drive to a "farm" sale that was being held about 45 miles from home. We ended up meeting some very nice like-minded people! It felt so good to be able to share what we're learning, and to learn from others... My soul has been thirsty for conversation with others who are doing what we do!
We met a man who owns a sheep farm and since Glenn is very interested in learning about sheep (for food and lawn control!), we decided to take a drive out to his ranch. OH MY is all can say!! These guys are just SO cute!!! The babies will not be ready until December, so we did NOT come home with sheep, but.....

Triplets!!

I just love this picture! I love the way they were staring me down lol!

My handsome man and beautiful daughter...

Beautiful daughter #2!

We did end up visiting another farm...I had been looking for a buck to add to our herd of goats and we met a woman who had several for sale. I just fell in LOVE with these little ones!! They were male and female, and we could have brought them both home for a very reasonable price BUT they were soooo tiny...and cute!! BUT NOT practical...we use our goats for milk and these guys would definitely be hard to hand milk..so we did NOT come home with them :-(

This handsome guy was a great size, but not for sale.

Here is a picture of the greeting committee..

This beautiful doe was promised to another, so we didn't bring her home either....

This is Winter and SHE came HOME!! Isn't she gorgeous? AND she is pregnant! What a great personality she has, and her Mahhh! is SO different than any of those in our current herd! She is adjusting to the others beautifully and finding her place in the pecking order...so far I think she is going to be second in command behind Wilma, but its too early to tell.

2011-11-08T12:07:00.001-05:00

2011-10-30T12:31:00.002-04:00

This is my baby with my baby lol...Logan and Spec...this dog has the best personalty and it SHOWS!!

2011-10-30T11:19:00.000-04:00

I have been teaching Gwenny to milk the goats. We are hoping to have 4 in milk by spring next year and it will be helpful to have another one of us who is comfortable, and proficient at milking. She is loving the time we get to spend; just her and I. Wilma is a great goat, she never needs to be tethered and as long as she has grains in her bucket, she is happy to be milked!

2011-10-29T12:47:00.000-04:00

We are so very proud of our boy...he has done something that ~~I am sad to say~~ neither my husband nor myself has been able to do so far. Last January he announced that he was going to commit to reading the entire Bible in a year. He started reading 3 pages everyday. Now, I must also point out that this is not a child who likes to read...it has always been a struggle trying to get him to read. On the other hand both Glenn and I are avid readers! So you see how AMAZING this accomplishment truly is, but it gets better....Some days he would start reading his 3-pages and keep going...4....5....Today he finished the Bible; in-its-entirety!!! Just 10-months after he started!!

2011-10-24T14:50:00.000-04:00

Same girl, same outfit, five years later!

2011-10-24T14:40:00.002-04:00

This is the bush outside our kitchen window. Isn't it beautiful? It blooms twice a year, spring and fall. The flowers are huge, about 6-8", and the bush is about 10' tall. The blooms are white in the morning and as the day goes on they slowly change to pink, only lasting one day. Does anyone know what type of bush this is?

2011-10-10T10:13:00.000-04:00

Recently I was contacted to do an interview with Anna Deskins regarding our blog. It was pretty cool! She interviewed several Mommy bloggers and its fun to read the differing responses to her questions! Anna has recently published a children's book called The Adventures Of Smitty, you can preview it here.

2011-10-09T16:20:00.002-04:00

End of Summer fun!!Homeschool co-op. We are studying Biology for Gwenny and Mikala, and Anatomy and Physiology for Logan class. This is our first time doing a co-op class and they have integrated 4H into it! The kids are really enjoying the classes.

Gwenny is taking a cake decorating class. She has learned how to put together a pastry bag with different tips and how to create flowers from a chocolate paste frosting!

Logan is taking Intermediate Hebrew and working for his black belt in karate this year.
It has been a busy time trying to juggle all the new things we are doing this year, but I can really see that the kids are enjoying everything.

2011-10-09T16:05:00.004-04:00

Its been a looong time since I have posted, and I am feeling a bit like a bear who is waking after a long sleep!

So, how are we doing? Good. We are doing pretty darn good!

August was a hard month. We lost two of our dogs, Sammy and Copper...within weeks of each other and no clue as to why. It sent me into a bit of a tailspin for a while. I kind of held my breath wondering if anything else was going to happen, it was tough. Then life had a way of taking over again. We had a little "home" vacation time, we had school to get started, co-op was beginning and Gwenny joined a cake decorating class.

The grocery bill is up from $250 to $300 a month for our family...a sign of the increasing costs. Try as I might, I cannot seem to get it back down to $250/mo and so I have resigned to 300 being our new number.

Last month we had the pleasure of receiving the gift of bread for the animals...lots and lots (and lots) of bread! We are still laughing over this because instead of bringing the VAN to pick up the bread we brought the car! We thought it was to be 3 pallets of bread...it was 3 STACKS! Do you know that our goats and chickens were in heaven?! They LOVE bread. Funny thing is that the pigs were not as thrilled!! What a blessing though indeed, we were able to use the bread to feed the animals for over two weeks, saving us approx $30 in feed costs! Thank you to the Joyner family for thinking of us!!

Happy recipients!

2011-07-27T11:35:00.002-04:00

Summer is in full swing here on the Prairie! The grass is green and HIGH!I am losing weight trying to keep up with it lol...nothing like a push mower in 95 degrees to help a girl get slim. We did have a riding mower, but the deck broke...and then this week the push mower started leaking gas so its looking like its going to be a while before I can get back out there to mow...Poor Glenn's fix-it list is growing and growing. I try to do what I can to fix things here and there, but there are some things I just cannot do.

The kiddos are on a "Summer School schedule". What that means is that on days when we have nothing going on (there aren't that many around here lol), they have reading time, craft time, a little math, and a themed writing to do. AMAZINGLY, the themed writing has been a huge hit. They have really enjoyed trying to out do each others stories since everyone shares what they've written at dinner. I have been doing a Bible reading before we eat and then prayers, once that is complete, we start eating and enjoying everyone's written story. It has really worked out better than I expected!

We have made a few changes out on the "animal side" of the property. The chickens and turkeys are now free-ranging along with the goats. This is to help with lawn-maintenance on the tha side and to give the birds a boost of nutrition. We are truly trying to give everyone the healthiest living possible. The kids (the goat kind), and the piglets are getting huge! It is so hard to believe that we have been here for 8 months! One thing we have really learned out here is that each and every season brings us a new challenge! In fall we learned that the spiders are HUMUNGOUS, and the love-bugs absolutely awful...in winter, its cold and windy...very, very windy....in spring the love-bugs come back and the rain is no where to be seen (the pond was completely dry!)....summer brings rain, lots and lots of rain...lots of challenges come with that...keeping feed dry...keeping animals dry...I love it here.

2011-06-28T14:51:00.001-04:00

UPDATE TO THIS POST!! Logan has decided to stay in karate!! It was completely his choice and after talking to his Sensei he has decided to stay!

WOW! Its been SOOO long since I have done a real update!! We have been very busy growing...kids (goat and person kind heehee), piglets, puppies, turkeys, chickens and gardens! I am happy to report that with a few exceptions all are doing well and thriving, and getting big! We have finished our official school year and have gone into "summer mode"...which does include some learning but we're very relaxed about it. Logan has succussfully gotten through his first year of high school, Gwenny is moving on the middle school level (can you believe it??!!), and Miss Mikala is already working well into 2nd grade level.

My grocery spending has had a bit of a hick-up, I must admit, in large part due to the new extreme couponing shows on TLC. Dear husband thought for sure I could pull off what those girls do (God bless him!!) but I am sorry to say, I ended up spending double my first month trying this....we now have a years worth of shampoo, lotion, tooth paste and body wash though ha ha. The next month I pulled back a bit, I realized what wasn't working (basically, and sadly, no double coupons here) and I went back to my regualr shopping method only using coupons that I could use on stuff that we need and many times found that the generics were still a better deal. I haven't given up, but I am much more aware of what the local limits are and actually ended up shaving $10 off the budget last month, not bad.

I have some updated pictures in slide show fashion below...you see that Logan has turned 15!! He is finishing up a Driver's Ed class and will be getting his Learner's Permit soon...watch out!! Recently, he expressed that he wanted to give up karate (he is 1/2 through his brown belt, and only has about 6 more months before he'll test for his black belt). My heart broke in two. We have been a part of our dojo for almost 5 years and I will be sad when that chapter of our life closes but after talking to his Sensei he has agreed to stick it out for a while longer. He teaches in the younger kids class and has said its not something he's enjoying as much as he hoped. That made me sad because I see him growing and changing...maturing through the leadership experience he is getting.He's very good with the kids! He has been taking a Hebrew class since last year and has really, really enjoyed it He is now taking an Advanced Hebrew class and I see him heading more and more into adulthood, and making his own decisions. Pray for me, its so hard to let them go!!

Well its time to figure out what I am going to cook for dinner...off to the country kitchen I go!

2011-05-26T13:07:00.000-04:00

I was awakened just in time this morning! Sausage had 4 piglets, and one is STRIPED!!!

2011-05-25T11:30:00.001-04:00

2011-05-25T11:09:00.001-04:00

She takes my breath away

2011-04-14T12:48:00.000-04:00

Today we finished our unit study on Passover (kind of sad!!)...We hid the Afikomen, and let the girls search to find it. Gwenny was the prize winner, but of course there was a consolation prize for the good spirited Mikala!! Way to go Gwen!!

After, we sat down to say the blessings and review what we'd learned for Dad. We set an extra place setting for our unseen guest and read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Then we ate the yummy Seder feast!!

*Gwen says her favorite part of the Passover study was learning what Jesus ate for His last supper.

*Mikala says her favorite part was learning about the 4 cups.

*Logan's favorite part was studying the Hebrew translations.

2011-04-13T14:05:00.001-04:00

Today we spent loads of time in the kitchen, measuring and baking! We prepared Matzah which we will eat tomorrow with our other Passover foods. The kids are really looking forward to having the whole meal since each day we have broken the ceremony down, explaining all the significance for each cup and food served. On Sunday we will attend the the actual Seder dinner/ceremony for real!

The cup of redemption reminds us of the shed blood of the innocent Lamb which brought about redemption from Egypt.

In Luke 22:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:25 we see that Jesus took the third cup saying, "... 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"

This was not just any cup, it was the cup of redemption from slavery. Today, this is our communion cup! The 3rd cup comes at the end of the Seder meal, but is not the last cup.....

2011-04-12T16:55:00.000-04:00

Lets give credit where credit is due! Below is a list of places I visited to put together our unit study....

http://candacemercyisnew.blogspot.com/2009/03/mrs-katz-and-tush-passover-unit-study.html (loads of links for coloring, crafts etc)

http://www.crivoice.org/seder.html

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/1723/jewish/The-Passover-2011-Calendar.htm (helped me to better understand the dates and happenings)

http://www.chabad.org/kids/article_cdo/aid/354750/jewish/Passover.htm (videos, games and coloring pages for kids)

http://www.aish.com/h/pes/ (recipes!!)

http://www.uhcg.org/Festivals/cal-scriptures.html (scripture verses that correspond)

2011-04-12T14:54:00.000-04:00

Today we toasted the 2nd cup of Pesach. We raised our glasses in gratitude to God for the fact that we are free to live and worship!

We studied the Lasting Ordinances God set forth for us, (He gives exact instructions!!!!) as His people, in Exodus:

The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread

1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb[a] for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the door-frames of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.

12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD—a lasting ordinance. 15 For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat; that is all you may do.

17 “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 18 In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. 19 For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And anyone, whether foreigner or native-born, who eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel. 20 Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread.”

21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the door-frame. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. 23 When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the door-frame and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

24 “Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. 25 When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ 27 then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. 28 The Israelites did just what the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron.

I am amazed by how off our calendar is...and learning so much!

2011-04-11T12:50:00.002-04:00

Today we decorated our (plastic) wine glasses with tissue paper to create a stain-glass effect.

The first cup represents "freedom"....it celebrates God freeing the Israelites from slavery by means of 10 plagues...below you see our frog....(heehee)

....and here is the hail...

...and darkness...

We also used food coloring in a pitcher of water to represent blood in the water (the girls are still trying to figure this one out lol)....it was a really great day!!

2011-04-11T09:04:00.001-04:00

Passover is a traditional holiday of freedom, spanning eight days (seven for those living in Israel). It celebrates the exodus of the Jews enslaved in Egypt under Pharaoh Ramses II. The Seder is a feast for family and friends, chock-full of symbolic foods served to remind participants of this time in Jewish history.

The symbolic foods are placed on a special dish called The Seder Plate. It is here where you will find the Matzohs, (symbolizing the bread the Israelites didn't have time to let rise), and the Charoset, (the delicious mixture of apples, cinnamon, walnuts and wine symbolizing the mortar the Hebrew slaves used to erect Ramses' buildings). The Beitzah, a roasted egg, is also placed on the plate. The fact that it is charred symbolizes the sacrifice made in the holy temple in Jerusalem in biblical times.

For us, the wine and unleavened bread will also symbolize Jesus’ body and blood which was poured out to save us from our sins and ensure everlasting life!

Matthew 26:19

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. ..

26 While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

2011-04-07T11:07:00.004-04:00

Wilma had twins but we lost the one we called Cinnamon when she was two days old.... it was quite a blow but there was no time to recover emotionally because Betsy went and had her baby two days later! Betsy is a first time Mom and little Faith was breech so I had to jump in and assist...it was AMAZING. I am happy to report that both kids are doing well...growing and thriving (thank GOD!)

Wilma and Bootsey

Betsy and Faith

2011-03-14T10:31:00.002-04:00

WOW! I am so late with this post!! February was a good month out here on the prairie. We managed to get the goat pens finished and our goats are now home. We are still in the getting-to-know-you stage, so I am only seeing a little of their personalities right now, but little by little they are allowing me to be part of their pack!

Since February was such a short month we were able to stretch our grocery dollars pretty easily, and ended up totaling our costs at $250 for the month!! That includes: food, cleaning and laundry supplies, dog supplies, and toiletries! We only shopped once and that really seems to be the key...just simply staying away from the stores makes a HUGE difference! I am pretty sure I did not use the dryer for laundry through all of February, but have already used it once this month because I managed to get too far behind! Last week was so busy, and one thing about hanging laundry is that you need the time...so getting behind is not an option if it can be helped!! The kids were asked yesterday how they like it out here...if they miss their old home...and there were enthusiastic replies of "We love it!!", and "No!"...I do worry about the social aspects of being out here, but, so far, almost every other week, we have had one or another of their friends here to spend the night or visit...couple that with how busy we have been in learning so many new things and for right now, at least, I think they're doing pretty good.

B(ahhh)b

Mama Wilma, she will have babies soon!! to me, it looks like she's carrying twins....we shall see!

Mr. B(ahhh)b walking!

This is Mama Wilma! She is the leader, not shy at all but very cautious..yesterday she finally let me pet her. She is often pretty mean to Betsy, and if I am petting Betsy she will shue her away!

This is Betsy, I call her Bitsy-Betsy since she is small...she is so shy and sweet!

B(ahhh)b has such a personality!! He loves to play!

Our new little bunnies! Aren't they cute?!!

2011-03-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

Praying for Japan, and those who will be commisioned to minister to them in the days ahead... Hebrews 10:23-25 (New Living Translation) 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Japan Tsunami and Earthquake – Live Stream Video – NHK World

2011-03-12T09:55:00.001-05:00

It has been a while since we've had some family fun!! Gwenny and I spent time on the big rides...she is my thrill-seeker for sure!! It was great to see that Miss Mikala was FINALLY tall enough to ride most things too!!! We had a blast!

2011-03-03T13:13:00.000-05:00

2011-02-17T07:33:00.000-05:00

2011-02-12T08:37:00.001-05:00

I was looking through some saved documents and came across this picture of Miki…it was taken by a family who was in Changsha picking up their daughter. We had sent the family some things to take to Mikala and this was the blanket we sent her…she still sleeps with it today, 5 years later.

2011-02-09T10:50:00.002-05:00

Gwenny is 10!! I can hardly believe it!! She had some simple wishes this year...She wanted to make a Thanksgiving feast for family! She wanted to help do all the cooking and have have family come and enjoy the feast along with a game night.....sounds simple, right?? Well Miss Mikala caught a cold and decided she'd share with Logan, Gwenny and me!! Just 3 days before her birthday feast and we're all stuck on the couch with boxes of tissues between us! We called Granny and Pop-pop and told them not to come...no need to share beyond our house!!
Since we had a beautiful, huge turkey thawed, we went ahead and cooked it all anyway and had a pretty darn good feast! Isn't she precious!!??

2011-02-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

2011-01-31T10:13:00.001-05:00

Well its the end of the month which means that it is time to shop again. So how'd we do? Pretty darn good!! I did the shopping at the beginning of the month with the plan to try and not shop again until February...in mid January we hit the local Flea Market and purchased some veggies (cheat #1). Yesterday, we all had a hankering for hamburgers and since we were already in town we decided to pick up some hamburger meat and buns (I am completely out of flour since last week!), ice cream...cookies....sausages....(cheat #2)ok-not so good!! BUT in my defense, I actually did have hamburger meat and sausage in the freezer...and I could have thawed it...but this was more convenient(and no flour to make buns!!)...oh well, still pretty proud that we did that well!! My pantry and freezer are now pretty empty, so we will see if we can do better this month-I have high hopes!!
The kiddos had a good month. We found some more horses on the next block that LOVE attention...they come right up to the fence and listen intently when we talk to them. The girls couldn't have been more thrilled and have announced that they love to take walks now (yipppppeee for me!!). Logan told me the other day how much he likes my "new laugh"....I was like.."whatever do you mean?" ...Gwenny said, "Yea Mom, you laugh a lot more now!!" Hmmm...hadn't really noticed that, but I AM happy, happy, happy!! This is sooo the life for me!!

2011-01-27T06:46:00.001-05:00

"A wise man practices his karate even when unable to attend class..."

2011-01-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

Our family has several goals since we've moved. The ultimate goal is to cut our cost of living, and to reduce our dependence on commercial goods. While we know we will never get away from consumer buying, we feel that our life has centered too much around this and not enough on what God has naturally provided us. We really want to equip our children with the ability to live with what has already been so graciously provided, to work for what they need and to spiritually know that God has and will provide all that is necessary.

We actually started about a year or so ago. We made a few little changes such as using glass pitchers and avoiding commercial products packaged and stored in plastics since plastics can leech chemicals that are harming our health. By not buying already made tea and juices, we save $$ since buying tea bags and making our tea is cheaper.

We started gardening, and are raising chickens and rabbits to help supplement grocery costs. This January I started to produce all of our bread and we are now line drying our clothes. This year we hope to stop buying dog food and to add goats and pigs to our livestock.

The last two months I have only gone to the grocery store every-other week, and am working toward shopping only once a month (which I think I may succeed at this month!!) Going shopping less will keep us from frivolous spending and teaches me to use what we have on hand instead of looking to convenience foods for last minute meals.
I would love to hear from others on how they save money, recycle and reuse, and live off the land!

2011-01-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

2011-01-02T13:06:00.001-05:00

This song sends me straight into prayer! "So Father, give me the strength To be everything I am called to be Oh, Father, show me the way To lead them Won't you lead me?" As a mother, I have never heard a song that asks of God everything I would or could ask for..."beacuse I can't do this alone...." AMEN I look around and see my wonderful life Almost perfect from the outside In picture frames I see my beautiful wife Always smiling But on the inside, I can hear her saying "Lead me with strong hands Stand up when I can't Don't leave me hungry for love Chasing dreams, what about us? Show me you're willing to fight That I'm still the love of your life I know we call this our home But I still feel alone." I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes They're just children from the outside I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine They're independent But on the inside, I can hear them saying "Lead me with strong hands Stand up when I can't Don't leave me hungry for love Chasing dreams, what about us? Show me you're willing to fight That I'm still the love of your life I know we call this our home But I still feel alone." So Father, give me the strength To be everything I am called to be Oh, Father, show me the way To lead them Won't you lead me? To lead them with strong hands To stand up when they can't Don't want to leave them hungry for love Chasing dreams that I could give up I'll show them I'm willing to fight And give them the best of my life So we can call this out home Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone Christian lyrics - LEAD ME LYRICS - SANCTUS REAL

2010-12-22T12:22:00.001-05:00

2010-12-16T14:01:00.001-05:00

This may be the most important post I will ever do...I pray that I can honor God and comfort someone out there who may be wondering..."Do miracles truly happen?"....

Meet our Gwenny...she will forever be known to me as our 'Leap Of FAITH'.
We came to know Gwen through a friend of ours (thank you, thank you, thank you!) She became ours through another friend, again, THANK YOU. When we committed to Gwen we were aware that she had a serious virus...WE WERE SCARED...It was not something we were sure we could handle..but the pull to her was just too great!
I began to try and educate myself and our family about her disease.
She had hepatitis B. Its known to be a life-long disease that attacks and eventually kills the liver, causing scaring, cirrhosis, and cancer. Extremely contagious, it is easily passed from mother to child, and in third-world countries where the vaccine is not at all commonly given, this disease continues to be passed and passed.
Often, very young children can "seroconvert", clearing the virus completely and living a long virus-free life...as the child ages this becomes less and less of a possibility (in a natural state). Sometimes, the virus can be cleared with the aid of some very harsh medications, boosting the bodies ability to fight the virus into submission.
Gwenny came to us with billions of virus circulating in her blood. We (she!) were blessed to know that her liver was showing no damage. With her age, we hoped her body would get to a place where it would be optimal to treat her, but her liver seemed to be living in peace with the virus! We were scared for her, for her future...how do tell your child that they can never drink alcohol, that they must always be cautious of passing this on...that someday if she decides she wants to be a Mommy she will likely pass this onto them? That for her whole-life she will endure blood-sticks, probing and prodding to her liver?
Choosing to parent under such circumstances is not something to be taken lightly and as an adoptive parent, I can tell you that this was a challenge we were not sure we were up for. BUT Gwen was ours and we knew it...so we learned as much as we could, and prepared to help her body fight the good fight. We PRAYED. Especially when she had her 6 monthly, blood draws...we'd lay hands on her, and we'd pray for her healing...we told her to picture God healing her...slowly, steadily, her labs began to change...We KNEW God was at work! We KNEW HE could heal her...and He DID. Gwen's labs have come back CLEAR of all virus! Our pediatric GI (thank you Gainesville team!!), said "Merry CHRISTmas!" to me this morning, and boy are they ever right!
Please feel free to pass this on...a diagnosis of Hep B is not something you share (due to ignorance/fear of catching), but I PROMISED I would scream from the mountaintops if she cleared, and scream I shall.
God Bless.

2010-12-07T11:31:00.001-05:00

Woke up to ice this morning!!

2010-12-07T10:19:00.001-05:00

Logan had 15 fights last night for his black stripe...I see a brown belt in his future!
We are very proud of you Lo!!

2010-12-03T13:37:00.001-05:00

One year ago....

2010-12-03T13:37:00.000-05:00

NOW!

2010-12-03T09:06:00.001-05:00

Glenn was able to finally get the lawnmower to start yesterday and fun was had by all....until the belt flew off! UG! lol

2010-12-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Created a power-packed drink for my girls, who are supposed to do their 5 fights at karate tonight! Started with vanilla yogurt, threw in a baked sweet potatoe (skinned), ice, quick oats (uncooked), a little protein powder, and just a tiny bit of coffee...wasn't sure how it would come out but it was REALLY yummy!!

2010-11-29T10:12:00.001-05:00

We DO have a riding mower, we just can't seem to get it started!
So...the challenge is to mow 1.25acres using a PUSH mower (NOT self-propeled either!) As you can clearly see the acre has grown as tall as Gwenny!!
Yesterday was a b-e-a-utiful day, so I set out to get this pending chore started...I did not ask for help from anyone...just plugged in my headphones...set the dial to praise music and started singing my way through the brush. Low and behold!! I learned something...something PRICELESS!!! If you look like your having a great time, your kids will want to join the fun, AND the amazing thing?? They had a great time too...faces were....SMILING!!
I am SO, absolutely, sore today...but it was worth it!!

2010-11-29T10:04:00.001-05:00

2010-11-29T10:02:00.002-05:00

2010-11-19T13:56:00.001-05:00

Ok I attempted to make biscuts this morning from scratch...had all my ingredients ready and my station prepped...I floured the surface, rolling pin and my hands....FORGOT to add a little flour to the dough, and as soon as I began to roll the dough I was thinking, "OHHH, NOOO!" I forgot to add flour to the dough too!! What a MESS lol...Here's hoping there will be many more "silly me" moments to come as we learn to live the simpler life!

2010-11-17T07:56:00.001-05:00

Miss Miki's favorite thing to do in the mornings!!

2010-10-23T08:12:00.000-04:00

Last night was Mikala and Gwenny's first Karathon! A karathon is a competitive battle of strength, agility, and endurance. Both girls did REALLY well, but last night it was Miss Miki's turn to take home 1st place, she rocked!

2010-10-21T09:04:00.002-04:00

We had such an awesome Bible lesson today that I just had to share! I truly hope this will inspire someone; maybe help someone to "see" that the missing piece is Jesus....

2010-10-19T11:18:00.000-04:00

Life with Kylie: Kylie & Mikala wanted to help decorate our pumpkins today,they had a blast

2010-10-19T10:26:00.002-04:00

We have been busy bees!! Almost all the flooring is in, we have one little area to complete but have a floor and trim repair to do before it can be fully completed.The repair will take a bit of time, but is well worth doing now rather than later.
The dog run and temporary chicken coup are almost completely finished!! I say "temporary" chicken coup because we hope to have the final coup built on the other 1.25 acre that has yet to be cleared and cleaned up...(see pics)
Our goal is to get everything in a livable condition so we can move in and complete things from there, rather than driving back and forth on days off! Yesterday I was so sad to leave! Its wonderful to look out and see so much space...so much wildlife....I love watching Bella and the kids running all over, discovering baby bunnies, and birds they have never seen.

2010-09-26T13:46:00.001-04:00

Painting is DONE....flooring is taking FOREVER...I will be happy when I don't have to look at another piece of flooring!!!!

Kids Bathroom

Diningroom floors (and Bella)

2010-09-26T13:03:00.003-04:00

We are moving just an hour west and north. For a looong time we have wanted a place for chickens and goats, maybe a horse...and lots of room to garden...a place where we can listen to the sounds of the birds chirp and watch the butterflies flutter. We have finally found it! Its a lot of work, and it will take some time to officially live there, but we are ready!!

2010-09-12T07:54:00.002-04:00

2010-09-07T13:57:00.002-04:00

I remember doing this when Logan was in first grade. I remember thinking about this project when we adopted our girls. I worried what it would mean to them. Would it bring on anxieties? Would it make them feel weird to have gaps in their timelines? When we did Logan's it was required to be much more extensive than they required for Miss Mikala. At first, I was grateful for that! Then I realized I need not worry, she had FUN doing this... looking back...remembering.
We have always talked about the girls adoption stories, so for them its just who they are.
Its THEIR story....now Gwen is asking to do one too!!
I feel so blessed to have two girls who are so proud of who they are and where they come from!!

2010-08-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

2010-08-17T12:22:00.001-04:00

2010-08-11T07:27:00.001-04:00

(disable the music at the bottom first)

2010-08-08T12:59:00.000-04:00

2010-08-02T08:27:00.000-04:00

2010-08-01T12:05:00.001-04:00

Miss Miki turns 6 tomorrow!!!! Here are our photoshoot picks...We can't decide which we like best!!!

2010-07-30T06:16:00.000-04:00

Waiting Children in China

for more information please email me at waitingchildreninchina@hotmail.com

Thursday, July 29, 2010

7 Year Old Girl- Agency List

This little girl is desperately and urgently in need of a family. She recently had a disrupted adoption (while still in China) and the agency has a limited time to place her. They are offering a $1000 reduction of fees in order to place her quickly.

Her special need is listed as Microtia and we have gotten confirmation that this is her ONLY need... her file is completely accurate. The claims of the disrupting family have been checked out and were found to be false.

The agency has until Sunday to place her, after that the SWI may not refile her paperwork. If you are interested please contact me at the email address above and I will share agency details as well as additional photos of her.

2010-07-26T10:16:00.001-04:00

2010-07-26T10:14:00.003-04:00

2010-07-24T08:08:00.000-04:00

2010-07-15T07:31:00.000-04:00

Its almost time for Logan and I to leave. We are packed and ready!! This is our first, ever mission trip and I pray that we can leave a piece of God with those we meet over the next week. Sure am going miss my girls and my best friend (Glenn)!!!

2010-07-09T07:17:00.001-04:00

Heading for West Virginia in one week!! We need Walmart and Lowes giftcards pleeeeaaase!! Help us help someone here in America who needs it!!

You can send you girftcards to http://www.sunlightcc.org/giving.html

Or our mission team is traveling through Global Outreach (.org) and you can send your donations there.

Ways to Give
Sunlight Community Church - Port St. Lucie, FL

www.sunlightcc.org

Sunlight Community Church - Port St. Lucie, Florida
Below is a video of a past Mission Trip from a different team...gives us a peek at whats in store for us!!

2010-07-07T06:10:00.001-04:00

Despite the really awful weather, we had a really nice 4th. The rain didn't stop Glenn and Dan from entertaining the kiddos.

2010-07-03T08:41:00.000-04:00

2010-06-20T08:06:00.001-04:00

Introducing Bella
What a wonderful puppy she is! She is curious and sweet...and full of energy!

2010-06-19T09:08:00.002-04:00

Yep, and there's another that is ready to follow...Tooth Fairy better stock up her funds!

Not sure why, but I am adding some additional thoughts....

I miss China, I miss the baby that was placed in my arms there...she is growing up too fast...and I think I left a piece of my heart back there in that little room.

It changes you forever, doesn't it?

2010-06-18T10:31:00.001-04:00

We have been blessed with 14-years of his bright smiles every morning...HApPy BiRtHdaY to my Dear Son!

2010-06-09T07:39:00.000-04:00

AmeriFace Nominated for $100,000 Award!Share Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 8:46pm Please SHARE this correspondence! AmeriFace has been nominated in the PACIFIC Region for the $100,000 APX Gives Back charity program! Endorse (vote for) us in Phase 1 to help AmeriFace move on to the finals! Only the top 15 non-profit organizations in each region will move on to Phase II, so be sure to vote by June 12...vote NOW and remember, you can vote once EVERY DAY! http://www.facebook.com/#!/apxalarm?v=app_121215224555298&ref=mf Click on the APX GIVES BACK tab and be sure to SHARE with all your friends and family on and off Facebook. Making a world of difference in a world of facial differences...AmeriFace, the leader in Cleft/Craniofacial support!

2010-06-01T07:18:00.001-04:00

Thanks Madeline and Christian! We had a wonderful time...though I wondered if that game of Uno would EVER END!!!

2010-05-31T07:58:00.000-04:00

2010-05-31T07:33:00.001-04:00

Wow! Lots has been going on! We are finishing up our school year, and going to a reduced school schedule for summer. We're still going to maintain some work in various subjects just to keep those important skills sharp! We have taken our end of the year test, and I am still waiting for results ~~(very impatiently).~~
Logan and Gwenny entered a Kata Tournament at Karate and took home 1st and 3rd places for their divisions out of 3 Dojos!! Then we had the Baton Recital to finish the year there, which was great fun! And finally, Gwenny and Mikala were awarded their orange belts in karate on Saturday WHEW!
I think we can offically start summer vacation!!

2010-05-23T09:55:00.001-04:00

We initially only signed Logan up for the Kata Tournament Saturday, but our Sensi was disappointed. He felt Gwenny was more than ready and after watching her practice, we broke down and signed her up as well.

She was set to compete again 2 higher belts and one that was her own level. It was with utter amazement to realize just how good she is! She took the first place slot for her age group, and we couldn't be prouder!

Logan was placed in the Men's division, much to our dismay. While he competed again belts of the same rank, these men had many years of experience on him. Still, he tied for 2nd-TWICE, and ended up in third! WAY TO GO LOGAN!!! Not too shabby for a 13-year old!

2010-05-16T09:23:00.003-04:00

Congratulations Logan...you are now offically a high schooler (sigh).....and Mikala our now 1st grader! WHERE DOES THE TIME GO????

2010-05-15T06:23:00.002-04:00

2010-05-06T08:13:00.000-04:00

Logan and I need your help!! We need to raise $900 in 2-months so at we may go to West Virginia on a MISSIONS trip..we are willing to WORK..we can babysit, mow lawns, trip hedges, wash cars...will posisbly do more but thats just what I can think of now! (any suggestions welcome) Please say you'll help us!

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=6865077

2010-05-05T06:11:00.000-04:00

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NIH News National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) For Immediate Release: Monday, May 3, 2010 CONTACT: Bob Kuska, 301-594-7560, <[log in="" to="" unmask]="">STUDY PROVIDES NEW LEADS INTO GENETICS OF CLEFT LIP AND/OR PALATE

A consortium of scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health reported today that it has identified two human genes that, when inherited in a slightly altered form, may play a role in causing cleft lip and/or palate (roof of the mouth), one of the world's most common congenital malformations. The finding, published online by the journal Nature Genetics, is unique in the study of congenital malformations because of how the discoveries were made. They come from the largest genome-wide association, or GWA, study to date on cleft lip and/or palate.

GWA studies allow researchers to survey the DNA of people with a shared condition to measure hundreds of thousands of different points across the genome that can be indicative of a nearby gene alteration. By working as a consortium and through the consent of more than 1,900 affected families from eight countries, the authors were able to detect variations close to genes called MAFB and ABCA4. The variations suggest that altered forms of these genes may be related to clefting. Had the researchers worked alone with their limited numbers of DNA samples, they likely would have lacked the needed statistical power to identify genes that are less frequently altered or have modest effects on the risk of developing a cleft.

As is standard for GWA studies, the discoveries were independently replicated by studying 1,965 more affected families from 12 countries, or a total of 8,115 people. Researchers later obtained additional DNA from participants born with a cleft, sequenced portions of the MAFB and ABCA4 genes, and identified protein-altering changes in some of these samples. Interestingly, they also found in studies with mice that MAFB is expressed early in the development of the head and face, including during the fusion of the roof of the mouth, an indication the Mafb protein is needed for the normal development of the palate. The scientists also confirmed in the GWA study the role of two previously reported genetic findings. "We confirmed that the previously identified gene IRF6 and a suspected segment of chromosome eight seem to be frequently altered in people born with clefts," said Terri Beaty, Ph. D., lead author on the study and a scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. "This finding pulls together past work, while the potential new genes help to move the science forward."

About 70 percent of babies born with a cleft lip/or palate have the isolated form, meaning they have no other associated birth defects. Among whites, isolated clefts occur in an estimated 1 in every 1,000 live births. The frequency seems to be even higher in some Asian countries, such as China and the Philippines, but lower among people of African descent. Though usually correctable with several surgeries, families undergo tremendous emotional and economic hardship during the process, and children often require many other services, including complex dental care and speech therapy.

Families and physicians have long hoped for ways to prevent the problem before a baby is born, but solutions have been difficult to find. Isolated clefts arise early during fetal development from disruptions in the dynamic but still poorly understood interplay of genes, diet, and environment. The current study is part of the now four-year-old GENE enVironment Association studies consortium. The consortium was formed through the NIH-wide Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative, which supports studies to further scientific understanding of the interactions between genes and environment.

The cleft lip and/or palate GWA study was supported by the NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, which also funded many of the research groups that contributed the samples used in the replication studies. The families in the GWA study were from the United States, Norway, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Denmark, the Philippines, and China. Approximately 50 percent of participants were Asian, 45 percent white, and about 5 percent African or other ancestry. The majority of the GWA genotyping was performed at the Center for Inherited Disease Research at Johns Hopkins University. The families in the replication study were from China, the Philippines, India, United States, Denmark, Hungary, Spain, Turkey, Ireland, Argentina, Colombia, and Guatemala. Replication genotyping primarily was done in the labs of Drs. Beaty, Murray, and Marazita. Investigators at NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and National Human Genome Research Institute contributed to this effort. "The study's multi-national nature was instrumental to its success," said Dr. Mary L. Marazita, Ph.D., a scientist at the University of Pittsburgh and an author on the study. "Drs. Beaty, Murray, and I had long-standing international collaborations that allowed us to assemble the very large sample sizes necessary for these genetic studies, which would not have been possible in any one country."

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is the Nation's leading funder of research on oral, dental, and craniofacial health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) -- The Nation's Medical Research Agency -- includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit . http://www.nih.gov/

TO HELP:

AmeriFace and World Give Day 2010 - AmeriFace announces partnership with GiveForward.org!

http://p0.vresp.com/rAPAZP

2010-05-03T11:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks Nicole, the kids had a fantastic time bouncing and swimming!!

2010-05-01T11:10:00.001-04:00

Glenn has such a GREEN ~~(not me)~~ thumb! We started last year with just one small garden. I am losing count but I think he has created 5 areas now...Fresh green beans can become very addicting!! I am so proud of what he has accomplished for our family!!

2010-05-01T10:40:00.001-04:00

2010-04-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

We had such a wonderful time at the GEMs camp! I am sure Gwenny and I will always remember this time we spent together!

2010-04-20T08:30:00.001-04:00

2010-04-20T08:09:00.001-04:00

WOW! How time has flown by! Just before Easter Logan caught a cold....passed it to Mikala....who passed it to Gwen....who passed it to me....and I decided, wouldn't it be nice to have Dad share in this family event? Hmmmm...it was a BAD cold that has taken forvever to get rid of. I am happy to say that we are all now healthy and well again!!

Here are the pics from our last week of the unit study. We finished our notebooks, and I think they came out wonderful. In the last week we picked "wash each others feet", which was something the kids were not looking forward to, but are now asking when we can do it again! Oh, and I managed to get a picture of the cardinal inside the birdfeeder Logan made!! We'd been watching her for days and I was thrilled to finally capture her image!

2010-04-04T07:40:00.002-04:00

Matthew 28:7 "Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

I invite you to respond back to my greeting...

2010-04-04T07:32:00.003-04:00

Ever notice that triangle on the bottom of plastics? Here is a guide....

Plastic numbering scheme:

#1: PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): easily recycled, not found to leach. Used in water, juice and soft drink bottles. We recycled this type of plastic and make it into other products; bags, packaging, and more. Call us at 800-720-2247 about what we can create with this material.

#2: HDPE (high-density polyethylene): easily recycled, not found to leach. Used in milk jugs, plastic shopping bags, detergent and shampoo bottles.

#3: PVC or Vinyl (polyvinyl chloride): not recyclable; soft PVC can leach toxic phthalates. Used in some cling wraps, children's toys, fashion accessories, rain gear, building materials, detergent and spray bottles.

#4: LDPE (low-density polyethylene): recyclable at recycling centers; not found to leach. Used in most plastic shopping bags, cling wraps, some baby bottles and reusable drink & food containers.

#5: PP (polypropylene): Recyclable in some curbside programs, but in most cases this can not be recycled in the United States. This material is not found to leach. Used in the Green Bag™ Reusable Shopping tote and among other things; baby bottles, most yogurt and deli takeout containers, Tupperware- and Rubbermaid-type reusable food and drink containers. This material is being recycled in Australia where the bag was first in use.

#6: PS (polystyrene): recyclable in some curbside programs, can leach styrene, a neurotoxin. Used in rigid foam drink cups, takeout food containers, egg containers, some plastic cutlery and more.

#7: Mixed: This code applies to all other plastics, notably PC, or Polycarbonate, this is where you might find the infamous, bisphenol-A (BPA). Polycarbonate also don't recycle. But #7 also includes the relatively benign new copolyester Tritan plastic. This is where it gets tricky. A lot of different plastics fall into this category and to understand what has BPA and what does't is difficult.

Whats Next:

#?(7): PLA: Adding to the confusion, the burgeoning crop of bioplastics falls under code #7, as well. These include PLA, or Polyactide, made from plants (biomass). As a material, it's renewable and hence more environmentally friendly than petroleum, with which all the above plastics are made. And it's used with increasing frequency in water bottles, bags, supermarket takeout containers and other packaging.

At the moment, PLA is not easily recyclable, but that is not the purpose of the material. Most commonly, PLA can be composted in industrial-strength composters, at high heat best for universities, hospitals and other large institutions. We have heard that under the correct conditions you can compost this material in your own backyard. PLA will decompose, slowly, eventually, in a compost heap or landfill, where it can release methane, another greenhouse gas. Estimated composting time is 3-6 months on PLA. What is the final bi-product of composting PLA? To our knowledge good old fashioned soil (organic matter).

ECOBAGS.COM believes that PLA is the best option for the packaging and trash needs in our society. If you have any need or interest in this material please call us and we can guide you

- 800-720-2247 -

Stay away from things labeled with a 3, 6, or 7. Do NOT heat anything up in these...do not store things with food or drink in your hot car with these numbers.....and I wonder, do you think that some of these are always stored cold? Or do you think that some of these may sit in hot warehouse, travel in hot trucks that might sit in parking lots for hours before they are finally put on store shelves?

2010-03-30T08:08:00.001-04:00

How Blessed we are! This has been an amazing 2-years!
Join us as we take a look back....
Gwenny is truely a Shining STAR,
and we cannot imagine life without her brightening up our lives!

2010-03-29T10:23:00.002-04:00

Last week we had the plessure of having a guest for some of our projects, which made it all the sweeter! Thanks for joining us Torrie!!
I haven't mentioned this, but throughout the last weeks we have been required to make sacrifices that are personal to each of us. For me it has usually been impatients or yelling..something along those lines. The kids have been great about making sacrifices. Even Mikala!

2010-03-22T11:31:00.004-04:00

Making homemade pretzels. This was FUN...messy, and yummy!

Our neighborhood scavenger hunt. We were on the look out for items that remind us of the new beginnings and symbolize the life of Jesus.

Hanging their birdfeeders

2010-03-20T07:27:00.000-04:00

Where were you 4-years ago today? I was in the most amazing place, having the most AMAZING child placed in my arms......

2010-03-20T06:52:00.001-04:00

Happy 4 year GOTCHA.

2010-03-15T12:29:00.001-04:00

Ok, I have been so bad about posting daily that I am going to switch to weekly and see how that goes! Last week we spent most of our unit study days working on things related to Spring. We planted wild flowers and made bird feeders! I promise to try and do better this week....

Devotion - God-Shaped Hole

Mark your Bible with the Bible Memory Verse, and read before lesson: Psalm 16:11

Timmie and Kylee were two 4-year-olds who were friends. Timmie and Kylee were playing together one day. They decided to put together a new puzzle. The puzzle was pretty easy. They were having a lot of fun. But, then, Timmie had a hard time. He couldn't find the one big piece that went right in the middle of the puzzle. He tried many pieces, but none of them would fit into that spot. He tried to force a piece in by pressing it in really hard - but that didn't work- it wouldn't go in the hole because it was the wrong shape. Finally he got so flustered that he just stopped and watched Kylee for a while, hoping she would find the right piece. Soon Kylee had put the last piece in...all except that missing piece. Now what would they do? The puzzle looked funny with the big hole in the middle. It wasn't complete. So they got busy looking around the house for the missing piece. After a little while Timmie decided to go look in the original box. There it was! He ran back with a big smile on his face, and filled in the missing piece. Finally it was complete! They took it to mom. She was so proud of them. She put plastic over their puzzle, and hang it up to show their hard work. How happy they all were.

I hoped you liked the story. But there's something we can learn from the story. It tells us something about the way God made us. You see, people are a lot like puzzles. We all have an empty place in our heart too. Sometimes people look for a bunch of different things to fill up the empty spot in their hearts to make them happy. They want their family to fill up their heart. So they spend lots of time together. And, that's great! We all need our families. And it is important that we spend time with them. But, they still can't fill up the empty hole in our hearts. Or - maybe they try to get a lot of friends to fill up the empty hole in their heart. So they find people that they have things in common with, and people they like to be around, and they make lots of friends. But, sooner or later....those friends disappoint them. The friends are not perfect. And, the friends cannot fill up the empty hole in their heart either. Sometimes people just try to buy all kinds of toys to fill up their heart. They think the more toys they have, the happier they will be. When all of the pieces fit together, they do start to feel happy - at least for a little while. But, then they realize these things really don't make them happy...not deep down inside. Something is still missing. They feel empty because there is still a big hole in their heart, and they haven't found the right piece that fits. And other people try to fill up their heart with doing all kinds of fun things. They live for good times. They go from one fun activity to another. But after a while, they just get tired. They find that these fun things don't make them happy for long either. Just like in Timmie's puzzle, when there was a big piece right in the middle that was missing, they feel empty inside.

Do you know that there is someone who can fill that hole? There's only one person that can fill up the empty hole in our heart. God is the only one who can fill up the empty hole in our hearts. If God is missing in our lives, there's going to be a big, empty hole in our heart. You see, that is how God made us. He made us so that we would not be complete without him. We can try to look for happiness by getting a lot of toys. We can try to make ourselves happy by having a lot of friends. Or we can stick around our family and do lots of fun things with them to try to make us feel happy. Or we can go from one fun activity to another, filling up our day with fun. And all of these things are good things.

But, if God is not the most important one in your life, there is a big piece missing. If you don't have God in your heart, you will feel empty inside. You won't be complete without God. Some people waste a lot of time looking for other things to fill them up, when the only piece that will fit in the empty hole in their heart - is God. You see, the hole has the shape of God. Nothing else will fit. So, no matter how hard you try, nothing else will work to fill that empty hole. So, won't you ask God to come into your heart? Let him fill you up and make you complete.

How do you do that? Well, the answer is found in the Bible: John 3:16 says: (Read verse)

If you are really young, and don't understand everything about Jesus yet, just know that God loves you very much. If you keep seeking God, and praying to him, you will understand more as you grow up.

If you have already heard about Jesus, you know that God loved you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay for your sins. When you believe in him and ask him to forgive your sins, and turn from your sins, he will come and live in your heart. When you are ready to make him your leader, and make him the most important one in your life, you are accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. And, He will send his Spirit to come and live in your heart. He will lead you and guide you, and help you live right and please God! He will fill up the big empty hole in your heart and give you real peace and lasting joy. And on top of all that, he promises that you can live with him forever in heaven! That's right - he promises that you will never really die.

If you want to make Jesus your leader, say the prayer in the right-hand column. If you don't understand everything yet, no worries...just say the simple prayer below on the left side. God will teach you more as you grow up.

Here's a simple prayer for all of you who don't understand everything yet.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving me.
Help me learn how to follow Jesus.
Please help me understand more about you as I grow up.
Thank you for caring about me and helping me learn about you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

You can pray this prayer if you have decided to follow Jesus:

Dear God,

I believe that you sent your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay for my sins.

I am sorry for all the wrong things I have done. Please forgive me for all the wrong things I have done.

I am to turn from my sin, and ready to let you be my leader from now on.

Please fill the empty hole in my heart with your Holy Spirit.

Thank you for forgiving me and coming to live in my heart. Help me to obey you in everything.

In Jesus' name, Amen!

http://biblekidsfunzone.com/devotions/Godshapedhole.html

2010-03-07T06:34:00.002-05:00

~~Hum I did get a bit lost here just in case if anyone is paying attention~~
This week we continued listening to the The 12 Voices of Easter from Back to the Bible. We heard from the voices of The Thief. Faith, Affirmation, Courage and Adoration. We watched an Easter-related show on the Discovery Channel which cover history ~~and theories~~ on the 10 Commandments. I thought I had DVR'd the actually movie, but should've know it was too soon for it to be aired, so we will look for it again as Easter draws closer.

The kids pulled papers from the vase regarding the Jewish tradition of cleaning house before Easter, and instructed to spend 15 minutes cleaning windows...~~.thinking about placing that one back into the vase...~~ They also chose a slip instructing them to make Hot Cross Buns....we found a simple recipe and the kids really enjoyed tasting the finished product. Mental note: Add cooking class to credits for this Unit Study....

QUICK-AND-EASY HOT CROSS BUNS

1 c. whole wheat flour (white flour can be used)

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. shortening such as butter

1 tbsp. honey

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 c. raisins

1/3 c. milk

FROSTING:

1/2 c. confectioners' sugar

2 tsp. milk

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl. Cut in the shortening with a fork until it looks like coarse crumbs. Add the honey, cinnamon and raisins and toss lightly. Make a well in the middle and pour in the milk all at once. Stir it around quickly with a fork and form a ball.

2. Divide the ball into 6 small ones. Grease a baking sheet and place the 6 balls on it, about 2 inches apart. With a knife cut a deep cross through the top of each ball. Bake them at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

3. When the rolls are slightly cool, dribble the frosting mixture of confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla over each.