Slow Cooker Thursday

I found this recipe a few years back but had never tried it until this week. I have doubled the recipe. This is by far the easiest tapioca pudding recipe I've ever seen. Just make sure you stir frequently or you will have some big lumps. ENJOY!!

Slow cooker Tapioca Pudding

8 cups milk (whole)
1 1/3 cup white sugar
1 cup small pearly tapioca
4 eggs, lightly beaten

Stir together milk, sugar and eggs in slow cooker. Then add the tapioca (you do not need to soak them for this recipe, but I did rinse them) Cover and cook on medium (my crockpot does not have this setting) for 3 hours, or on Low for 6 hours (this is what I did) stirring occasionally. Serve Warm.

For more slow cooker recipes visit Sandra at Diary of a SAHM's blog.

Wordfilled Wednesday

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

Solomon wrote these words to tell us that God has a plan for everyone. God takes us through many seasons in life. Some good some bad. When we face the bad times we need to keep our eyes on God. The problems or trials we face might seem to us like we are not doing what God wants us to do. Do not let these lead you away from God, or create walls between you and God. We need to realize that these "seasons" are only temporary. If we are in the Word everyday, spending time with our Father, we are doing what he wants from us. Do not let your heart harden through the "cold seasons", the "spring thaw" is just around the corner.

For other Word filled Wednesday posts stop by The 160 Acre Woods and check them out. OR better yet join in on this.

(Picture is from Best Bet posters)

Gratituesday

Every day should be a day of gratitude. The Lord gives us so much each day to be thankful for. Sadly many people, including me, often forget about the daily blessings. So my gratituesday post is about daily blessings from the Lord. We go about our day many times grumbling about certain things in our lives, not enough of this or too much of that, ect. We tend to over look the small things in our lives.

My challenge to you for this week is to list 6 things you are grateful for. I will give you the first one, family. I want you to think of something small or out of the ordinary. For example, noise in the house, the sunsets, leaves falling, ect. If you really have trouble coming up with something to be thankful for then start by listing a characteristic of God starting with "A". Then before going to sleep at night thank God for these things. You will find that over time your list will grow from 5 to 50...ok maybe not that many but you get the picture. It really helps to go to sleep with thankfulness in our hearts instead of complaints. This has really helped me sleep at night.

To read other Gratituesday posts stop on by the Heavenly Homemaker blog. You will get a lot of ideas for your list there.

Simple Woman's Day book

For Today...school, watching my niece and nephew, ladies Bible study.

Outside my Window... sun is just starting to show itself. Birds are busily eating away at the feeders.

I am thinking... I'm glad all of us are feeling better. We were all sick (except our daughter Katie) this past weekend.

I am thankful for... blessings each and everyday from our Lord and Savior.

From the Learning Room…South America. We are learning about Brazil today.

From the kitchen... crockpot tapioca pudding, Sheppard's pie for supper.

I am wearing... sweats and tshirt, slippers.

I am reading... my Bible, "The secret to contentment".

I am hoping... the doctors will finally get my sister's medications corrected and she will be better.

I am hearing... the dog prancing around buffing (her way of trying to get my attention) my son trying to convince my daughter that tapioca is fish eggs...LOL

Around the house... housework, it takes me much longer to do housework and it doesn't always get done everyday. The children have been helping as much as they can. They pick up the dinning room and living room. They help load and unload the dishwasher. But I'm pretty picky about the dishes....I usually have to redo them. So I just do them. I've been cleaning as I go.

One of my favorite things... autumn scented candles....cinnamon, pumpkin, my new favorite scent is Yankee candle Frosted Pumpkin. MMMMMMgood!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Bible study tonight, midweek service Wednesday, Saturday ladies craft day at church! I'm so excited about this. My daughters are going with me, it will be an all day thing.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...our homeschool group had their first field trip ever (we are a new group) we went to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch. We had so much fun.

For more daybooks stop by Peggy at the Simple Woman blog.

Show and Tell Friday

To see other show and tell Friday posts visit Kelli's blog.

My Grandfather had such an impact on my life as many Grandfather's do. He was first and foremost a child of the King. I use to spend many summers at their home. They lived up on a hill in the woods. I still love to go there to visit my Grandmother.

Another thing about him was his tremendous talent as an artist, he also loved to make things out of wood. My favorite of his paintings are the barns. I love the country and everything about country living. Below are a few of the ones he had given me over the years for college graduation, birthdays, and just because. I look at them and I am swept back to when I was a child visiting them.

My Grandfather had a studio down in the basement. The room was known as the dungeon. We knew NEVER to go in there. I think it was probably one of my cousins who told me many "horror" stories about that room. I remember when my Grandparents first met my Husband they were so smitten with him. Growing up no one was allowed down to Grandpa's rooms. What did Grandpa do the first time we visit them? Take Matt down to show him all his "toys" as he described them. My Husband loves woodworking as well. No one could believe that Grandpa was sharing this with him.

This is one they gave me for my college graduation. I think I have a barn painting in each season. I just noticed that as I was posting this.
The painting above is of my Husband's ancestors' barn. It was were his family had settled back in the 1800's. The ironic thing was that my Grandfather painted this barn before he even knew my Husband. They gave it to us when we announced our engagement.

This is my aunt's barn. She had morgan horses, I'm not sure, but I think she only has one left. It was always fun riding them when we were kids.
This is one from their area. Next time you are out and about take the time to stop and look at some old barns. They sure don't make them like this anymore! Have a great day!!

Slow Cooking Thursday

I got this recipe from Cooking Light, one of my favorite magazines. My 14 yo daughter and I rush to the mailbox to see who is the first to view the recipes. She usually wins...LOL

Pork Roast with Three-Mushroom Ragout

1 (3 1/2-ounce) package shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 (8-ounce) packages button mushrooms, cut in half
1 (8-ounce) package cremini mushrooms, cut in half
1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges
1/2 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil, quartered (about 6)
1 3/4 pounds boned pork loin roast (I used a 2-3 pound roast)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 cups cooked medium egg noodles (about 4 cups uncooked pasta)

Discard shiitake mushroom stems; cut caps into quarters.

Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes, and thyme in an electric slow cooker; stir well with a whisk. Add all mushrooms, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Trim fat from pork. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper; place on top of mushroom mixture. Pour 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes over pork. Cover with lid; cook on high heat for 1 hour. Reduce heat setting to low; cook 7 hours. Remove pork from slow cooker; cut into slices. Serve over noodles.

Yield: 5 servings (serving size: 3 ounces pork, 1 cup sauce, and 1 cup noodles)

To see other Slow Cooking recipes stop by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom blog and check them out. She also has a cooking blog too. Who needs cookbooks when we have Sandra???!!

Word Filled Wednesday

This is a great way to pair a scripture verse with a favorite picture of yours. For more word filled Wednesday posts stop by 160 Acre Woods blog and check them out. Be prepared to be blessed!!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

This passage was my Grandfather's favorite passage of scripture. It should be a reminder that no matter what we go through here we are to keep our eyes on the heavenly Father. Even though there will be days when everything seems to be going wrong (health, money, family ect) we need to remember that these are only temporary! One day we will be in glory with perfect bodies, no pain, no worry! There is a light at the end....Jesus Christ, just put your trust in him.

Gratituesday-Broken Friendships restored

Last night at my ladies Bible study we talked about being content in our relationships. I must admit it was a difficult one for many of the women including me. About 5 years ago I lost a very good friend. We were in college and a misunderstanding happened that destroyed our friendship of almost 13 years give or take a few. We did not talk at all for over 5 years. I thought about her often. I had tried to email her about 3 years later and the email was no longer good.

Then in 2005 I was saved. The Lord had been laying her on my heart a great deal. I could of just picked up the phone and called her...but no not me. Well 6 months ago we began going to a new Church, it just so happens that the Church the Lord led us to is next door to her parents house. Boy does he have a sense of humor or what! So every time we pulled in the driveway to Church I saw her parents house. Still I did not make the attempt to call her.

The Lord intervened, we stopped at the grocery store about 3 months ago after Church and who did I run into....Yep my friend. We stood there and talked for a good 45 minutes. All the while my Husband and children are sitting in the car. We exchanged phone and emails and said we needed to get together. That night I sat down and emailed her about what had been going on in my life. I apologized for everything that had happened. I had been praying for the Lord to send me a Christian friend who could relate to everything in my life. The best news of all was that she had been saved during that time as well!!

So sometimes I believe that the Lord will take friendships away for the good of everyone involved. If we have offended someone it is up to us as Christian women to go to that person and humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness. Here is what Juanita Purcell, the author of our Bible study says on this topic. "All our broken relationships do not need to be restored, but they all need to have forgiven written over them. We don't forgive someone just for that person's sake but also for our sake so we can be free from an unforgiving, bitter spirit."

I am thrilled to say that we did mend our friendship. Our daughters are good friends now and do stuff together often. She and I do things together often as well. So if you find yourself in a similar situation, give it all over to God. If it is his will the friendship is restored it will happen. Just be patient and wait on the Lord.

Matthew 18:15
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Have a great Gratituesday! For other posts visit the Heavenly Homemakers.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...we will be working on organization of bedrooms. Our daily lessons will be completed along with some add fun activities. Tonight I will be going to our ladies Bible study at church.

Outside my Window... beautiful colors of red, gold, yellow, orange leaves that are beginning to fall ever so gently to the ground.

I am thinking... whew what a busy weekend we had. It was our missionary weekend at church. It started Saturday with a men's breakfast which my Husband and Father attended, Saturday night there was a potluck supper at church where everyone signed up for a different country dish. There was so many different dishes. It was great to try the different ones.

I am thankful for... all of the freedoms we have in this country, all the men and women fighting to keep those freedoms. May God bless each and everyone of you and your families.

From the Learning Room…we are starting our study of South America beginning with Brazil. I have just completed our first quarter report and need to deliver it to the school. We are also starting our election unit study.

From the kitchen... homemade applesauce going into freezer containers. I have run out of canning jars from all the items we have canned this year. God has really blessed us with food for the winter.

I am wearing... long pants and sweatshirt, socks, slippers. It is very cold today. I love it!

I am reading... my Bible (Habakkuk) I'm reading through the minor prophets. There is so much there! The world that Habakkuk saw is so much like our world today.

I am praying... for pain relief and also when I get in to see the surgeon in 2 weeks, he will give me a surgery date finally.

I am creating...a home management binder. Thank you Sandra for the idea. I am also creating blankets for my children and my nephews and niece for Christmas.

I am hearing... the children doing their lessons. They are listening to a broadcast about the office of president.

Around the house... many tasks that need to be done. I'm working on them slowly. Home improvement projects are ongoing.

One of my favorite things... crisp cool mornings with frost on the ground that crunches when you walk on it. It is so refreshing to walk around our yard first thing in the morning.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... our first field trip of the school year on Friday to an apple orchard to see cider being pressed. Then to a pumpkin patch for a hayride, cider and doughnuts.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... a view from our lawn of the changing leaves.

Stop by the Simple Woman blog to read more daybooks.

Friendship award

I received this very cute award today from Heart 4 my Home. When you get a moment go on over and read her blog. She always has such great things to say. On a cold NY autumn day a cup of friendship tea is just what I needed.

Thank you so much for this unexpected award! I really appreciate it.

Now along with this award I need to answer a few questions:

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood? All of my friends have moved away, Florida, North Carolina (2). Only one of my childhood friends is a Christian. Sadly we do not keep in touch any more. The other 2 who are not Christians do not talk (email) me as much.

2. What do you value most about your friends? Christ like faith, Honesty, simplicity. Really the only person I really enjoy or want to spend time with is my husband.

3. Are your friends your sounding boards? I am not one to sound off about things. Sometimes I sound off to my Husband but not often.

4. What is your favorite activity to share with your friends? Board games, suppers, crafts.

Now I have to pass this onto 5 friends:

Jen
Christina (HsKubes' Haven at Home)
Amydeanne (160 Acre Woods)
Sandra (Diary of a SAHM)
Happy Home

All of these women have touched my life in one way or another. The Lord has certainly blessed me with great friendships. I use to ask God to place Christian women in my life....boy has he done that. Thank you each and everyone for your kind words.

Slow Cooker Thursday

This is a great fall/winter recipe! This time of year I start getting excited for the holidays. Especially the Yuletide tour we go on every year at the living history museum near us. It is a guided candlelight tour of Christmas past. There are about 9 houses they decorate and have a scene that is acted out. This drink is one that they serve at the end of the tour. Great for entertaining and makes your house smell wonderful!



Wassail Hot Beverage

6 cups cider or apple juice
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 (64 ounce) can unsweetened pineapple juice

Combine all ingredients into crock pot.
You may use any heat selection on your crock pot and can simmer all day.

A picture of one of the houses all decorated.

To see other Slow Cooking recipes visit the Diary of a stay at home Mom blog.

Purity Book Giveaway

Practical Purity for Christian Young Ladies is having a book give a way. You know me I am all about books. I have heard about this one for some time now and have thought about buying it for a devotional to do with my 14 year old daughter. The book is "Pure" by Rebecca St. James, it is a 90 day devotional on purity.

In order to enter the drawing, here are the rules...

1. You must be a resident of the US or of Canada, (and you must have an address, no PO boxes).

2. Post the rules of the giveaway and link to this post on your blog. (If you do not have a blog please tell at least one person OUTSIDE of your family)

4. Leave Joy a comment telling her that you'd like to enter. The drawing will end on October 31st at midnight. Please remember to visit Joy when it ends to find out if you've won.

But you know what is the best thing about this giveaway? THERE WILL BE FIVE WINNERS!!!

It is so great to see young ladies taking a stand for Christ! Go on over and read some of her blog.

Word Filled Wednesday

Matthew 26:64

"Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."

This verse has become very exciting to me recently. For the past 5-6 months I have been devouring the Bible. I can not seem to get enough! I use to dread watching the news everyday. But now after reading this verse I am eager to watch and see how close the time of Christ coming back to earth really is. Did you know that right now many countries are discussing the one world currency? When the stock market crashed last week I sat the children down for a lesson about everything going on and how it relates to the Bible. I told them that all of this is in God's plan. They needed to make sure their hearts are right with God today not tomorrow. We may not have a tomorrow. I told them to keep their eyes on the sky because Christ's return is coming very soon! Well our daughter Hannah has learning disabilities and does not always understand what we are talking about, she went outside and was standing in the back lawn looking up to the sky and saying, "Jesus where are you....I'm ready to meet you." That just touched my heart. Children put things in such a simple manner, adults are the ones who twist everything around and make it more difficult. Are you ready for Christ's return? Do not wait until tomorrow. If you do not know for sure please contact someone...even email me.

To see more WFW posts go on over to 160 Acre woods and read more. Have a great WFW!

Gratituesday

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Last night at our ladies Bible study we were asked to write down 5 things we are thankful for. My list was: family, home, my Husband's job, health, our Church. Of course my list could of gone on a long time. Then we were asked to thank God for one thing during our prayer time. I got thinking where would we be without God's word? Although that was not something on my list it should of been right there at the top. No matter what we are going through, good, bad, trials, temptations, ect. God is right there with us. All we have to do is open the Bible. The challenge the author gave us in this lesson was to write down a characteristic of God for each letter of the alphabet. I am going to work on that this week. How about you? Be in the word of God each day. Let God speak to you as you meditate on his words.

Have a great Gratituesday. To read more posts go on over to the Heavenly Homemakers.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...we have some running around to do. Katie is going to a pumpkin patch with a friend. The other children and I are going to the library then putting a care package together for our missionary friends.

Outside my Window... the sky is dark with cool crisp autumn air. I love to sit here with the window open and feel the cool breeze.

I am thinking... about the messages we heard today at church, About really studying the Bible.

I am thankful for... a wonderful Husband, wonderful children and loving parents.

From the Learning Room…we have today (Monday) off because of a birthday holiday. The benefit of homeschooling is getting your birthday off...or the day after in this case.

From the kitchen... oatmeal with toppings of choice. Perhaps some cookies later in the day.

I am wearing... tshirt and sweatpants with slippers. My hair in a pony tail.

I am reading... my Bible, The Hidden Art of Homemaking.

I am hoping... for this pleasant weather to continue through out the week.

I am hearing... a couple of cars driving by and the cat trying to get my attention.

Around the house... still some old shingles to pick up. Work on painting the house.

One of my favorite things...spending the time with family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...homeschooling, pumpkin patch, apple farm to get apples for sauce.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Our cat "Cookie" waiting patiently to go outdoors.

To see other day book entries stop by Peggy at the Simple Woman and join in on the fun.

Happy Birthday to my Son

Tomorrow our "baby" will be 9 years old. Since we have family and friends coming in for the party we will be pretty busy and I will not be able to post. So I will post now.

Our boy is 100% boy. Anything and everything boy. He love to be out helping his Father with everything. He even helped with the roof. He is an aspiring firefighter/bull rider. Great combination I know. Those are his big interests right now. He wants to own his own ranch and is very excited about seeing one when we travel to Arizona in 2 years. He is very loving toward everyone. Even with a mostly female population in this house he copes very well!

This was when we went to our local baseball team's opening day game. We had fun, my Dad gets tickets for every game for working on their computers. We had fun...but it was very cold and rainy! But look at the faces of my men...they had a great time.

His favorite thing to do is go outside under our maple tree and draw pictures. He is...if I do say so myself....very good for a almost 9 year old.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "Bubbies" I love you very much. I am very proud to be your Mommy.

Show and Tell Friday

This weeks show and tell is our house make over project. We (I say we loosely, it was actually my Husband and Dad who did all the work.) finally finished the roof. The next step will be to paint the house. Most of it is scrapped and primed. The colors we picked out are cream with a slight yellow tint with burgundy trim. We are very excited to be almost done.

This is my Dad waiting for another set of shingles. We had to replace the whole front facing of the roof which took up more time. Andrew our 8 (9 on Sunday) loved climbing the ladders to help the men folk.

Here you can see the front facing is done...we found were most of the bees nests were at. My poor husband was stung pretty bad yesterday. The shingles are brown.

Below are the colors we have picked out. They are the closest I could find on the computer. I can not wait to be finished. We are also replacing 2 doors. You would not believe the deals you get if you wait for spring and summer to pass. We did not do this on purpose but a lot of supplies go on a deep discount to get rid of them. But if you do wait you will not have a lot of choices you may if you bought them early. But the Lord has provided the materials we have and we are happy with them.

Trim color House color

To see other Show and Tell posts stop by Kelli's blog and check them out.

Slow Cooker Thursday

To view other slow cooking recipes visit Diary of a SAHM and check them out.

Slow Cooked Oriental Chicken

1 broiler/fryer chicken cut up (3-4 pounds)

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1/3 cup soy sauce

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

2 Tablespoons water

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup slivered almonds

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken in oil on both sides. Transfer to slow cooker. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic and ginger; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

Reduce heat to low; cook 4-5 hours longer or until the meat juices run clean. Removed chicken to platter; sprinkle with almonds. Spoon juices over chicken or thicken if desired. 4-6 servings.

Word Filled Wednesday

Isn't it great that no matter what God is always with us! Just lean on God for everything, you will be greatful you did. Give it all over to him, he wants ALL of our lives.

To visit more WFW posts, go on over to 160 Acre Woods and check them out.

Gratituesday-My Husband

I am so thankful for my Husband Matt. He works so hard to provide for our family so that I may stay home and be a keeper at home. This is what God intended for me all along. He does many things for our family. He is working 50+ hours a week, going to college (thank goodness it is online), he is involved in our church, now he is helping my Dad put our roof on along with painting our house. Not once have I heard him complain about anything he has to do. Does he dislike getting out of bed in the mornings...especially this morning where it was barely 30....yes, but he does not grumble about it. He is such a strong man physically, mentally and emotionally. Next to our Heavenly Father, he is my rock. I am trying to make our home a sanctuary that is warm and inviting.

I often hear women complaining about their husbands. It makes me very sad when I hear this. I realize that many that do complain are not saved, but I've even heard it in christian circles. So ladies, honor your husbands each and everyday.
Next month we will celebrate our 3rd anniversary, although we may not be able to afford going out to dinner I have plans to make it a wonderful night. I can't go into detail because he reads my blog...nice try honey!! LOL. I am so thankful to God for bringing us together...finally....we knew each other in high school, but someone was too shy to talk to me....but we know that it wasn't God's time for us to be together. He has stepped up and become a father to 3 children who are not biologically his.

To read other Gratituesday posts stop by the Heavenly Homemakers blog and read the ones listed.

My Favorite Things Monday

I've been invited to join in on My Favorite Things Monday hosted by Sarah at Everyday Elegance.

One of my favorite things is the smell of fresh baked bread fresh from the oven. After thinking about this I think I may have to go and make myself up a batch. Boy my Husband will be thrilled. I'm still practicing the art of bread making. I'm getting better and better. Bread takes a lot of patience....something I do not have a lot of. But God is working on me in that area.

Old Fashioned White Bread

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast

2 cups lukewarm water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon salt

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup vegetable oil

6-1/2 to 7 cups all-purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, oil and 3 cups of flour; beat until smooth. (I use my Kitchenaid mixer with the bread hook and it does great on this step.) Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.Turn onto a floured work area (instead of using my counter top I use my glass cutting board - which I just love when working with any type of dough); knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.Punch dough down. Divide in half and shape into loaves. Place in two greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 375* for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans. Tap bottom of loaf. If it makes a hollow sound, bread is done. If not return loaf to pan and bake for a few minutes longer. Cool on wire racks.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For more daybook entries go on over to Peggy at the Simple Woman and check them out.

For Today...We will be getting caught up on some school things. I will be going to my woman's Bible study at church.

Outside my Window... The birds are chirping at the feeder, the sun is just making an appearance over the trees. It is very crisp this morning. I love this time of the year.

I am thinking... God has given me so many blessings in my life. So many times I am ungrateful for them, maybe not on purpose. But if I'm complaining about something then I am not happy with what God has given me. I am working toward being grateful for even the trials in life.

I am thankful for... my Christian parents. We are now attending the same church. I enjoy spending this time with my parents. My Dad and Husband have become great friends recently. It is such a joy to see. My Dad is helping us put on a new roof.

From the Learning Room…everything Canada. We are working on Ontario first since it is closer to us than others. The children are working on fall projects, they will be finishing up their pictures made entirely out of leaves. Katie made an owl, Hannah made a nest, Andrew made a bird. They collected leaves that looked like different shapes then put them together like a puzzle.

From the kitchen... I am making Shepard's pie for supper. I'm going to make another batch of granola, then granola bars maybe if time permits.

I am wearing... sweat pants, sweatshirt, heavy socks, hair in pony tail. I love wearing warm clothes.

I am reading... The Bible, the book of Acts. The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer, this is such a wonderful book. I'm taking my time reading it and really absorbing it. I've learned that you do not have to purchase a lot of items to make your house a home. I'm also waiting for another book that I won off of 160 Acre Woods!

I am praying... for my siblings. Non of them know Christ as their Savior. It is amazing to me that we all grew up the same way and we all have such different views of Christ. I was only saved 3 years ago and I'm the eldest, so maybe by the time they are my age they will come to know the truth??!! I have become more vocal in witnessing to them. They all have had problems arise in their lives recently, the first thing they do is as for prayer. That is a very big step.

I am hearing... the children singing....all different songs at the same time! But it is still such a joyful sound to me.

Around the house... the garden is getting to the end of the growing season. There is still more tomatoes to harvest and put up for winter. I'm thinking about making some ketchup, anyone ever done that? Brussel sprouts that we have planted for the first time this year. I'm told they are sweeter after the first big frost. So we are waiting for them to mature. I'm thinking of just freezing them, is that possible? There is also many old pieces of shingles lying on the ground that need to be picked up.

One of my favorite things... autumn mornings. The smell of crispness and autumn in the air. It is so refreshing to me. I love to get bundled up in the morning and sit on our deck to watch the morning appear. No matter how the day ended yesterday, God makes a new one for us the following day. Each one to me is better than the day before.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... working on school and some projects for that. Preparing for Andrew's birthday party this weekend, finishing up the roof (not me..LOL) Start painting the house. I can't wait to post before and after pictures of our house!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... these are irises that have been given to me that were from my great grandparents garden. They bloomed so beautifully this year.

Show and Tell Friday

Welcome to my show and tell Friday post. This platter is from a set that my Great-Grandmother gave me. I believe it was one she received when she was married to my Great-Grandfather. I was so touched when my Aunt delivered them to me. We lived right next door to my Great-Grandmother while growing up. I remember going over to her house after school and getting all kinds of goodies from her. She had this one red tin that was always filled with baked goods. She used this platter all the time. Even for those goodies we always went over for. She didn't believe in leaving the "good china" for only company. She always told me family is the most important company you will ever had. I'm sad to say that I do not live by that....I'm afraid to use the dishes with children. I keep the platter out and use it for roasts and such. My Great-Grandmother is still living but does not remember much anymore.
To see other Show and Tell items visit Kelli's blog.

Difficult Times

As many of you know we homeschool our children who are ages 14, 11, 8 (will be 9 on the 12th of this month). Our oldest who is 14 has been VERY difficult lately, well not lately but recently. She refuses to do any of her school work. It really started mid way through last year 2007-2008 school year. She barely passed last year. Yes we have taken away all privileges, TV, radio, computer, and now her Ipod. I am at my whits end with her. It is getting in the way of the other children in learning. I try and not get angry with her...she thrives on confrontation it seems...but today I lost it with her. She didn't do anything (school wise anyway) but sit in her room all morning. I am at the point where I just want to send her back to school. She tells me she does not want to go to school but still refuses to do any of her work. She has a lot of learning disabilities and struggles with her studies. She was doing very well for a few weeks when we began this past August, but has just declined greatly! We have tried the sit down and lay it on the table method, my Husband has talked with her one on one, I was going to ask my Mom to talk with her, they relate very well to each other, but my sister is in the hospital...another family issue...I can not ask her. I am seeking advise from any of you seasoned homeschoolers out there. Or those of you who were homeschooled through high school that might have some advise for us. We have been praying over this issue for some time. We do not want to send her back to public school but I am feeling as if we have no other choice if she refuses to do the work. Especially since the school district we live in is so concerned with sports instead of academics they let kids slide through school, my husband and I know first hand...we went there also.

We are going to try one last time to reason with her....we are taking a family vacation in 2 years where we are driving across the USA to Phoenix Arizona for my Husband's graduation from college. If she were in public school she would have to stay back with grandparents so she could go to school. He will be graduating in the spring when a lot of testing will be going on. So as you can see we have been talking about this for some time. If you do not have any advise for us could you please remember us in your prayers over this situation that I know God will work out for us and the decision we make, we will be at peace with.

Word FIlled Wednesday

James 1:22

" But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

Are you a "doer" of the word? We can read, read, read and read some more but until you actually start living what you read you will be deceiving yourself. You will also be missing out on the many blessings God has in store for you. You need to put into action what God's word is telling you.

To read more Word Filled Wednesday posts stop by the 160 Acre Woods.