TNfarmgirl

Flip flops...and I'm not talking about shoes!

2012-01-26T06:49:00.005-05:00

Newt Gingrich claims to be a conservative republican candidate for President....conservative ...hhhmmmm......

Conservative? Seriously?
Evidently many of those who hold office or are running for office need a dictionary....so they can look up what conservative means...or maybe they should do something new, something unique....like listen to the people you claim to represent or follow the Constitution you took an oath to uphold.

Who is the only TRUE conservative, the only one who truly understands our Constitution, the only one who has...FOR THEIR ENTIRE POLITICAL CAREER consistently voted to uphold our Constitution?

Anyone know?

<--stepping down off my political soapbox now

Where is winter?

2012-01-25T06:59:00.004-05:00

I've hardly had the heat on at all this winter. We have only had about 5 days that were truly cold. Today, my windows are open, it smells like spring, the birds are singing and robins dot my lawn....what a beautiful picture except it's the end of January!

Does this mean snow in March? April? Where has winter gone this year?

Anyone else experiencing a strange winter?

New Beginnings!

2012-01-24T06:39:00.001-05:00

I love the start of a new year - so much to look forward too! January is a wonderful month to indulge in introspection. Changes to make, plans to implement....it brings an excitement to life! It's a wonderful time to assess our lives and relationships...both with each other and with our Father.

Seeds are ordered now and that always leaves me with the desire to get started in the greenhouse. However, since it is January, I think I'd better hold off! As my son and I planned the garden this year and began making the list of seeds that we needed, I found my mouth watering as I remembered how things tasted. Do any of y'all do that?

Cherokee tomatoes, black cherry tomatoes, the firsts...first summer squash, first watermelon, first cantaloupe and of course the first ear of corn! There now...I'm doing it again! I still need to order potatoes this next week...and I need to remember to pick up sweet potato slips when they arrive at the feed store.

My son has our garden plans on paper...and in his head....which beds to till first and get ready. I'm glad that he carries that responsibility. I work in the greenhouse and the beds are always ready to go when the plants are ready to be put in.....teamwork! We pray for another bountiful year!

Have y'all been planning your garden yet? This is the time - so that you aren't trying to organize things while you plant. If you need help figuring out what to do in your garden (and when to do it), you might want to have a look at my Perpetual Garden Calendar! It's also a wonderful help for those beginning gardeners. Just think of it as me holding your hand through the gardening season! You don't even have to wait - just download and get started!

I've been making some plans for new things at my website too! I'm very excited about it but can't really reveal anything yet. I will say that I'm working on some new recipes and making soap as often as I can to prepare. I'm excited....really excited!

Friday I made another batch of Pumpkin soap - I can hardly keep it on the shelves - in fact I ran out during the holidays! It's the hardest soap to make because it ALWAYS seizes in the pan...but this time, even though it seized, it turned out beautifully...and my house smells like fresh pumpkin pie!

Don't you just want to pick up a piece and taste it? My desk is right next to the soap and I'm tempted to snack!

Here it is curing on the rack! It will be ready in February!

Do you know what all of those bowls mean?

More soap balls to toss into orders so you can try new things before you buy!

I have a son getting read to graduate this June. I'm looking forward to that in a bittersweet way. He's looking forward to working and moving on with his plans for the future. He attained Eagle Scout last year so he has a lot of opportunities available to him. I'm looking forward to seeing where our Father leads this young man!

And my youngest...my B.A.B.Y.! will be starting high school next fall! Seriously? I'm sure it was just a few months ago that I taught him to read! He loves studying science, he's great at math, and he loves nature. He's so smart it's scary! He reads things for fun that makes his older brothers' heads spin! Mine too. He likes to be challenged, which keeps me on my toes as his teacher. I'm excited to see what plans our Father is going to reveal for him!

What things are y'all looking forward to this year?

Blessings,

His Endless Gifts!

2012-01-23T08:22:00.000-05:00

Today, I count the 1,000th gift that my gracious Father has bestowed upon me. But how can I stop...for I know that He will not stop. It only requires that I slow...take time...have eyes to see the good things that constantly flow from His hand....

#995 - #1015

the sight and sound of a thousand birds moving in unison

men from church guiding and molding my sons

this slow season of winter

the soft glow of candles

phone calls that turn burdens into blessings from His hand

the robin pulling worms in my yard yesterday

His response to my obedience

our first snowfall - so lovely!

our circle of friends - always encouraging

women who pray with me at the drop of a hat

the young adults at my church - what a blessing

daily memories of my grandparents

Mom doing well at 85!

the protectiveness of my sons

the ESV

men willing to preach and teach

communion

the promise of spring

the flicker of firelight

board games till midnight

a Sabbath rest

As I watch my Father's provision for my family in all things, He leaves me breathless...

Making changes!

2012-01-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do!

We had such a wonderful December that I'd like to share it with you. We attended several Christmas parties at the homes of friends. We did some special things as a family during our time off from school. We had a lovely worship service on Christmas Eve - baptisms, communion and lots of worship. It was wonderful!

We did some things differently this year. Please understand that what I'm about to share is how we see the Father leading us. Our Father leads us all a bit differently so there is no suggestion here that you should do the same and no condemnation to those who disagree.

Several years ago, my boys began studying the roots of the traditional American holidays. We were surprised to find so much paganism. We knew about some of the holidays but we were surprised by others.

Year before last, my boys wanted to stop celebrating "Christmas" and celebrate Chanukah instead. For many reasons, I didn't allow them to do so that year. But, I also assured them that we could do so the next year if they were still convicted. They were...so this year we put aside our normal traditions and began some new ones by celebrating the Festival of Lights. We all enjoyed it!

We lit a new candle on the Menorah each night...

We filled our home with light....

We played with the traditional Dreidal....

and wagered Gelt!

The last night before Chanukah, our whole family joined us for our traditional Snicky Snack night. We

ate our favorite foods and also some foods that we only have once a year (not so healthy!)...

Hot wings!

Holiday Cheese Dip!

Carmel Pecan Silk Supreme Pie!

And many other goodies the boys and I baked during the week!

It was a table filled with good food in a room full of people we love!

We filled our plates and enjoyed a family movie together!

The next day, we celebrated with a traditional turkey dinner (thank you Sue!)....

and once again, our home was filled with family and laughter. Things were different this year...but they were wonderful too! The boys are already making plans for next year!

I hope your holidays were filled with family, love and laughter!

Blessings,

Do you doubt?

2011-12-18T06:07:00.000-05:00

Haven't we all experienced doubt at some time? Worship Him who sees you as worth dying for!

Blessings!

My Gift to You....

2011-12-12T20:03:00.000-05:00

You, my wonderful readers, bless me all year with orders, kind comments, prayer and encouraging notes that fill my in box and my mail box! I hope to bless y'all this season with the ability to save a little money! I hope this will bless you and your family now and for many years to come!

I have decided to put both of my e-books and my calendar (PDF version) on sale at the same time at the lowerst price ever! Everything is 50% off! I don't think I've ever placed them all on sale at the same time before...or at prices this low!

Do you have a desire to garden but don't know where to start? Not sure what to plant...or when? Want to know exactly what to do each month of the year in your garden? Perhaps you need my Perpetual Garden Calendar! This calendar is filled with tips on seeding, planting, transplanting and harvesting. You'll also find some of my favorite family recipes for your garden bounty. You'll find a list of my favorite seed and garden suppliers too. Don't throw this calendar away at the end of the year...it's printed on 80 lb. cardstock and is meant to be saved and used year after year! This calendar is normally $16.00 but is on sale now for $8!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make a healing salve? Would you like to know how to make an effective cough syrup? Want to brew a cup of healing tea? Does the word tincture scare you.....bewilder you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps my e-book Herbal Medicine Made Simple would make a wonderful Christmas gift for you or for someone you love! Normally this course is $20 but you'll find it on sale now for $10!

Or perhaps you would you like to learn how to make your own pure, natural, herbal soaps? Find out what the "soap" in the stores is really made with! Learn how to create natural, healthy soap in your own kitchen in an easy, simple to follow, step-by-step method in my e-book Soapmaking Made Simple! Find out how to prevent disasters, salvage mistakes and where to purchase supplies inexpensively! This course is $20 but you'll find it on sale now for $10!

Have you ever wanted to take one of my classes but live to far away? This is your opportunity to take my classes and allow me to mentor you, long distance!

Or perhaps these e-books would make wonderful presents for someone you love!

This sale will begin today and end at midnight on January 15th! Normally, with the purchase of either, or both, Soapmaking and Herbal Medicine books you also receive 30 days of mentoring by email. But during this sale, I will extend the mentoring until the end of February! Double the normal amount of time if you purchase now! This will allow you to get through the busyness of the holidays and begin your studies when life calms down a bit! I'll help you walk through these courses until you are confident in your own abilities. Ask as many questions as you need to and I'll answer them quickly!

If you've taken one of my classes and would like to share your experience, please feel free to leave a comment!

May this season be a blessing to you and your family!

Sad, but often true!

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Let's truly worship HIM this week!

Philly Steak and Cheese - homegrown!

2011-11-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

One of the favorite meals in our house is a philly steak and cheese sandwich. I just cooked a small roast from a cow we raised ourselves. We like our roast medium rare. Here's how we build it....

Start with some whole wheat rolls (homemade I hope!) - sliced and grilled with a little bit of butter until nice and toasty.

Add some home grown beef!

Grill some onions from your garden - just a pat of butter in a cast iron skillet, heap the skillet high with sliced onions and keep turning them until they are golden!

Add a slice of cheese of your choice - Provolone is wonderful!

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Tennessee Splendor!

2011-11-27T17:27:00.009-05:00

This fall I decided to take the boys and my mama on a trip to learn some local history.

It was a gorgeous day and the fall colors took our breath away.

We hiked 1/2 mile to see this cabin - amazing how simply people lived!

We visited an old cemetery.

My sweet daughter-in-law came with us - she takes the most amazing pictures!

I loved this old feed trough - we hiked a mile to see this old farmstead.

This grist mill was still operating!

I love old barns!

Amazing! Our Father paints the most glorious pictures!

Can anybody guess where we were?

Blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

This year I was so blessed to have my entire family around my table! I pray that your Thanksgiving was blessed with friends and family!

From our home to yours...

Happy Thanksgiving!

What would it look like?

2011-11-02T16:00:00.001-04:00

A great article on what a Ron Paul Presidency would look like written by Bill Sardi and found here. Although here are some highlights, go read what Mr. Sardi wrote - there is So much more info about how your life could change under a Ron Paul Administration - please go...go now....read the article!

$1 trillion cut in federal spending(per year.
US would cease being the world's policeman and plunderer of foreign economies .
The Department of Commerce, Department of Education and other Cabinet positions would be eliminated.
A regular audit of the Federal Reserve

Demand an audit of the gold at Ft. Knox.
Abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service
A push for the federal government to get out of the real estate lending business.
A push for a currency that has limited stretchability by backing it with gold.

"Imagine Ron Paul appoints a new chief at the Food & Drug Administration who turns that institution upside down, who complies with the law (Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act) rather than repudiates or ignores it as the current FDA does, and works to allow health claims for natural medicines that work far more safely and effectively than synthetically made drugs, and at much lower cost. "

Ron Paul has publicly stated he would take a $39,000/year salary while in office .

"You can save your country, save your family, save your nation's future – vote Ron Paul for President."Bill Sardi.

I think we need to kill it....

2011-10-28T09:19:00.000-04:00

Although we've spent several days trying to put the garden to bed for the winter this keeps happening....

Sweet Bells!

Hot Habaneros!

Fiery peppers!

Sweet German Johnsons and Orange Jubilees!

The boys are also digging Kennebecs, Yukon Golds and Sweet Potatoes after school and between rainy days.

And this week we harvested 5 gallons of these....with many more still on the tree!

We are so grateful for the huge bounty our Father provided this year. However, I'm wondering if we will ever get the garden to bed for the winter so we can plant it again next spring. It may be time to kill it - just bite the bullet and till it under.

We have cover crop planted in some sections of the garden, but it is awfully hard to say goodbye to those sweet peppers and tomatoes! I don't think we've ever had our plants produce to the end of Oct. and through several light frosts - what a blessing. I've canned, frozen, and dehydrated for months now. I wonder if my canner will see its' winter resting spot or if it will just continue to work right on through till spring.

How about y'all? Anyone still harvesting His gifts to us?

Praising Him for an amazing gardening year!

Do you do this?

2011-09-30T10:52:00.000-04:00

Do you ever eat something out that you would love to make at home? Do you ever "analyze" the recipe and try to re-create it? This is one of my favorite things to do! It's a challenge and I know the end result, if I succeed, is a healthier and more economical version of what we enjoyed out.

We were recently at a wedding and they served an amazing black bean salsa! We loved it. So....I put a small serving on a plate, took it back to the kitchen (where I was helping....just so you don't think I lost my mind!) and began separating the ingredients as best I could so that I had an idea of what was in it. Between the visual and my taste buds, I was confident I could easily copy this recipe. The results were wonderful!

Yummy!

This is an easy dish to make. When I shared it with my mama, she decided to use it as a side dish!

Here's what I did!

1 can shoepeg corn (your own canned/frozen will do!)

1 can black beans ( or your own canned will do!)

1 small onion chopped very fine

3 garden tomatoes (not sure how this would be with store bought)

1 large bunch of cilantro chopped

2 garlic cloves minced (go easy on this)

Pinch of salt

1 small jalapeno chopped or 1 tblsp minced jalapeno canned (go easy on the jalapeno - this is a sweeter type of salsa!)

Mix well and let sit at least 2 hours for flavors to meld.

Enjoy with chips, on mexican dishes or simply as a side dish like mama!

We are getting a handle on things here and working out our new schedules....school is going well for the boys, the garden is in the process of being put to bed and cover crop planted. We are STILL harvesting tons of tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and peppers but everything else is about over. As usual, I'm happy to see it go and will be happy to see the canner put away...probably by the end of October sometime.

We have lots of plans for winter projects, have been busy with weddings and other fun things, out of town company twice and with more to come next month! I'm teaching another child to drive and seems like I am always grading math papers! In between all of that, I'm trying to make soaps and salves! Life is just a happy hum of busyness.

The taste of fall is here! Lovely breezy warm days and cool nights. The curtains are constantly moving at the windows...this is my favorite time of year and I'm loving every second of it. Our Father was so creative with the seasons - what a gift they are to us!

Till next time...may He bless you in all of your endeavors!

Changes and Challenges

2011-09-13T22:30:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how fast the time has flown since my last post. I'm still canning the last of the garden. Tomatoes are still coming in fast and furious as well as our favorite hot peppers.

School has started in our household and both boys are already working hard. There is a lot to do for Josiah's Senior year. I want to make sure all his bases are covered come graduation time.

There have been a few changes in our family that require a bit more of my time. I'm still working out scheduling so everything gets done. Challenging days right now...but challenges can be a good thing. It stretches us a bit and that usually helps conform us more to His image.

I won't be posting as often, so you might want to subscribe to posts. Although I love to write, it is a luxury I just can't afford right now on a daily basis.

I'll be back soon with a Black Bean Salsa recipe that is wonderful!

Blessings,

End of the season blogging break!

2011-08-25T23:34:00.000-04:00

My kitchen seems to be open 24 hours a day right now. It's the end of the garden season and I'm busy putting it all into jars for the winter....or drying it in the dehydrator...or freezing it.

The tomatoes are filling my sinks along with onions, cantaloupe and watermelon. There is still one last bed of beans to pick as soon as they are ready...then we will need to dig the potatoes and the sweet potatoes. I'll be working on corn tomorrow - hoping to get it all into the freezer.

Then there is school. When I'm not in the kitchen, I'm working on school plans. This is Josiah's last year of high school. We're finishing up his 4 year plan. Although he doesn't plan on college at this time, I kept Josiah on a college track. That way if he changes his mind, he will have all the subjects he needs for college acceptance. Personally, I think Josiah will become a famous woodworker - forget the Chippendale Chairs...one day it will be a piece of furniture by Josiah!

Elijah is only one year away from high school - oh my, they are growing up so quickly!

I need to do some work on my website - several pictures have vanished into cyberspace so I'm working on getting those replaced...in my spare time ;)

All of this to say that I'll be taking a break from blogging for the next week or so. I am finding myself way to tired by the time I get to bed to take the time to blog right now.

I thank you for your understanding and will be back before you know it!

Do you think they've gone wild?

2011-08-23T06:17:00.003-04:00

Remember in November 2012!

Remember in November 2012!

His Endless Gifts

2011-08-22T08:57:00.000-04:00

This week I am thankful for my Father, the giver of all good things!

#982 - #994

that He brings peace, no matter our circumstances

that He loves unconditionally

that He is just

that He fights the battles for us...if we let Him

that He protects and loves His children

that His ways are higher than our own

that He is always good

that He is always the victor

that He never fails

that He always forgives

that His eye is always on us as He watches over us

that He never sleeps

that He loved us enough to provide a way to spend eternity with Him!

that He never lets go

As I watch my Father's provision for my family in all things, He leaves me breathless...

King of Glory!

2011-08-21T12:32:00.002-04:00

Garden News

2011-08-20T08:16:00.003-04:00

So happy to say that the jalapenos are done! I had to grab my camera quickly before the boys got them all put away!

They believe there will be enough to do another round of canning...I may try a batch of jalapenos in a sweet syrup instead of the vinegar base....thinking things through.

Still working on the last bed of green beans, corn, tomatoes, dry beans, drying herbs, freezing melon balls, putting up potatoes, sweet potatoes and more. The pecan tree is loaded, the winter squash is doing well. It won't be long before we'll be planting garlic and cover cropping the areas that are finished.

The days are changing - seems a bit early to me for these cool nights and early mornings. The sky looks different, the air is different...fall is quickly approaching...it's my favorite time of year!

Are y'all wrapping up your gardens? Anyone planning a fall garden?

Blessings!

French Silk Supreme Pie - Part 2 - The Filling

2011-08-19T07:45:00.001-04:00

Today we finish making this wonderful pie. Your crust should be baked and cooled. Your chocolate curls should be in the frig waiting for you. (see previous post!)

Let's make the filling and you could be serving pie for supper tonight...I know I will be!

The very first thing we need to do is melt 3 one-ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler. We do this first because the chocolate must cool before it can be added to the filling mixture.

While your chocolate is cooling, you can assemble the rest of your ingredients. You will need 3/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla, cream for whipping and a bit of sugar to whip with your cream.

Next, place 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 cup of sugar into a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. I use my Magic Mill mixer - my favorite kitchen tool! Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl. You can see I used the same spatula that I stirred the chocolate with.

Now add your cooled chocolate. If the chocolate is warm, you will cause the butter to melt and the structure of your pie will be completely different - more like a chocolate cream pie (ask me how I know!) We are striving for a very high, light filling. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl often!

Now add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. I'm using my homemade vanilla - yummy!

Next you are going to add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one.

Scrape the sides of the bowl after adding each egg.

You should see the structure of your filling increase in size.

Your filling should not be soupy or "pourable". It should be thick and rich. You will have to scoop it out of the bowl and lay it in your pie crust.

Make sure you gently push it up against the sides of your pie shell. It will be higher in the middle than on the edges.

Fill the entire shell and then lick the spatula!

Now place this in the frig for at least 5 hours before serving.

I've served it in as little as 3 hours but it was better after 5.

Now for the "supreme" part - the toppings!

Place heavy whipping cream in your mixer and add sugar to taste - I usually use a bit less than a tablespoon. The goal is a hint of sweet but nothing that would overpower your pie. Beat on high until it forms stiff peaks - be careful! - if you over beat it you will have butter!

Aaaahhhh....look at those peaks!

Please! Don't ruin this amazing pie with the chemical concoctions in your freezer section! You can whip your own cream in just a couple of minutes and the taste and texture is far above anything that comes in a plastic tub!

Cover the top of your pie with your whipped cream

Be sure to press your whipped cream to the edges of your pie crust. This will hide any imperfections and prevent it from "shrinking" in the frig before serving!

Now...find those chocolate curls that you made! Using a spoon, sprinkle them all over your pie!

I think this one needs just a bit more...

That looks wonderful! Wouldn't this "wow" your family and friends?

Wait till you taste this amazing creation!

This recipe was sent to me by a dear young friend (thanks Lauren!) but you can also find it in the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook!

Next year, my boys want me to enter this pie in the county fair. After looking at the pie entries this year (only 2 pitiful specimens) I just might do that!

Now, I'm off to make one myself for Shabbat tonight!

Let me know what you think after you taste this divine concoction!

French Silk Supreme Pie - Part 1 - Making Chocolate Curls

2011-08-17T22:14:00.000-04:00

Today, we are making a French Silk Supreme Pie - at least we're getting started. The "supreme" part alludes to the toppings on the pie. I'm going to show you how to easily make chocolate curls for decorating - it's so simple. I always start with this part because the chocolate curls need to sit in the frig for awhile before using. You will NEVER touch the chocolate curls with your bare hands - you'll just end up licking all the chocolate off of your fingers...wait!....is that a bad thing.....?

You are going to need a large chocolate candy bar, aluminum foil and a potato peeler. I like to use a combination of dark and milk or semi-sweet chocolate.

Pull out a long strip of aluminum foil and lay it on your counter with 2/3 of the foil hanging off.

Now, you are going to pull up the corners that are hanging down and "pinch" them with the sides at the edge of the counter. You are making a "pouch".

Here's a side view - hopefully this helps you get the idea!

Lay your candy bar in the middle of the foil strip with at least 1/3 hanging over the pouch. Your candy bar should NOT be cold - room temperature is fine.

Place your hand on the candy bar to hold it in place and slowly pull your potato peeler across the edge of the bar. As the curls are formed, they will drop into the pouch below.

Repeat - as you vary the pressure on the potato peeler, you'll get looser or tighter curls. Try to do some of each.

Use long and short strokes.

Your "pouch" will quickly fill with chocolate curls, strips and even a bit of powder...don't worry - it's all good!

When the pouch begins to get full, place a bowl underneath, pull the foil down and allow the curls to fall in the bowl. It takes a lot of curls to decorate the top of the pie. Make what you think you will need...and then double that!

Place the bowl of curls in the frig until the filling is done.

Easy as pie!

Tomorrow the filling!

Blessings,

His Endless Gifts

2011-08-15T07:06:00.014-04:00

I'm off for a few days! Rest in who He is!

I'll be back on Wednesday and I'll be sharing the recipe for the French Silk Supreme Pie!

#975 - #981

that He is El Roi - the God who Sees

that He is El - the Strong One

that He is El Shadday - the Almighty, All-Sufficient God

that He is Yah Veh-Nissi - the Lord Our Banner

that He is Yah Veh-Shalom - the Lord Our Peace

that He is Yah Veh-Raah - the Lord My Shepherd

that He is Yah Veh-Sham - the Lord is There

Cheri

Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!

2011-08-14T06:29:00.002-04:00

Gramma's "Never Fails" Pie Crust - Pt. 2

2011-08-11T06:03:00.003-04:00

Some of you may be asking..."Why are we making homemade pie crusts when it is so easy to use those store bought things?"

Have you checked the ingredients in those store bought things? Here's what you'll find in the name brand, "unroll and fill" pie crusts...

"Bleached flour, partially hydrogenated lard with BHT and BHA (to protect flavor), wheat starch, water, salt, rice flour, xanthum gum, potassium sorbate and sodium propionate (peservatives), citric acid, yellow 5 and red 40."

And they actually call it homemade???!!! Do I hear a collective YUCK?!

Let's see if we can't do better...even though it might take 5 minutes more to create a pie.

Now that you know what ingredients you need, it is time for the recipe and a picture tutorial! We'll be making a single crust pie today.

Gramma's "Never Fails Four Crust Receipt"

Before beginning get a 2 cup measuring cup and fill it with ice - then with water. Set aside.

You'll need a good size mixing bowl and a pastry blender. I have used several kinds of pastry blenders over the years and I think my favorite is from Pampered Chef. You can use whatever works best for you.

You are going to place 4 cups of unbleached, all-purpose flour into a mixing bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon of pure cane sugar.

Add 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt.

Now, whisk all of your dry ingredients together until well blended. And set the bowl aside.

Measure out 1 3/4 cups unsalted butter or Crisco.

I'm using Crisco today because a bunch of young males (who will remain nameless but reside in my home!) finished off my unsalted butter...on bagels!

They said they thought it tasted funny.....Hhrrmmmpppp!

Put your unsalted butter or Crisco into your dry ingredients and begin blending using your pastry blender.

At first, the combination will be large "chunks"...keep going!

You are looking for small "pea-sized" pellets. Be sure to scrape the bottom and throw any loose flour back on top...same with the sides!

When you think it looks ready, it is time to get your hands dirty.

You can't tell if it's ready till you blend it a bit with your hands. Just run your hands through, squeezing a bit as you go to blend and make sure everything is well mixed - this should only take 3 or 4 seconds - don't blend it to death... you'll make it tough.

Set the flour mixture aside. Put your egg into a separate mixing bowl.

Add one tablespoon of rice vinegar.

Whisk together. Add only 1/2 cup of your ice water and whisk again.

Add this to your flour mixture stirring just until it's moist.

Don't overwork the dough or it will be tough!

Knead lightly right in the bowl for 10 seconds or less to make sure it is thoroughly mixed.

Turn out onto very lightly floured dough board - too much flour and it will be tough!

Form a large ball - cut that ball evenly into quarters.

Pat each quarter into the shape of a ball. Try hard to make them close to the same size.

Wrap each ball with plastic wrap and place into refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.

Anything you aren't going to use right away, put into the freezer. I put mine into a zip-lock freezer bag.

I have a note on the bag reminding the boys not to throw the bag away when it is empty - I can reuse it until the zip-lock doesn't hold anymore. (Wouldn't Gramma be pleased we are "makin' do"?!)

While you are waiting for your crust to chill, grease one of those glass pie plates we talked about in my last post.

Flour your dough board and get your dough out of the refrigerator when it is thoroughly chilled. The secret here is to use enough flour to keep the dough from sticking but not so much that you make the crust tough. The colder the dough the less it will stick!

I flatten the ball with the heel of my hand before I start rolling.

Begin rolling from the center out to the edges in each direction - remember you are making a circle!

Once around the circle and then I flip the dough and do it again - I want this fairly thin and much bigger than my pie plate.

Have a nice big circle? Good!

Fold that circle in half.

Now do it again.

Looks like a triangle? Good.

Place that triangle in your pie pan with the point in the middle - it sort of looks like a huge piece of pie!

Gently unfold and fit it to your pie pan - make sure it is laying directly against the glass - not "draped" you don't want to leave space between the dough and the glass or your crust will shrink! You should have plenty of "overhang".

You are going to use that overhang! Scrunch a bit of it up and pinch it between your fingers to make a pretty edge to your pie....if you are making a single crust pie. I use two hands to "pinch" but no one was home to take pictures. The pinch is between the thumbs and forefingers of both hands.

Do this all round the edge. At this time, scrunch together any tears and smooth.

Can you see my "patch job" where the crust was torn? No one will ever know....sssshhhhh!

Even after you have pinched your crust, you will still have overhang. Let's cut that off. You'll need a sharp knife.

Hold your knife horizontally under the edge of your glass pan. Move it along the edge letting the glass above guide you and cut off any crust hanging BELOW the edge of the glass pie pan. As you do this, lightly push the edges back to the glass if they are pulled away. Just a light pat around the pie usually takes care of any problems.

Don't throw the "leavings" away as Gramma said - I'll tell you later what she did with them!

Now..what a pretty pie crust! Take a fork and pierce all over your crust - this will help keep it from bubbling up. Be sure to do the sides!

Slide this beautiful thing into a 450 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes or 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it till you know how your oven cooks.

It's done when it has a light golden color!

Just wait till you fill and taste it! YUMMY!

You can do several things with the dough you cut from the edges. You can form a ball and put it back in the plastic wrap and freeze it. Sometimes, after baking several pies, I'll end up with enough to do another crust - or a lattice top.

Gramma used to roll it out, fill it with a thin layer of her homemade jam, fold it over, brush the edges with egg white and pinch them closed with a fork and bake it! I think they call those pop-tarts now but I'll guarantee they don't taste as good as what Gramma made!

Sometimes she would brush it with melted butter, cut it into strips, then sprinkle the strips with cinnamon and sugar!

Sometimes I'll add a pinch of garlic to the butter and substitute herbs from the garden for the cinnamon and sugar.

Yummy with a salad!

Let me know if you have any questions...and after you make one I really want to hear what you think!

Now...go bake a pie!

Gramma's "Never Fails" Pie Crust - Pt. 1

2011-08-09T06:50:00.024-04:00

Gramma was a hard working woman in her younger days. She was 6 months pregnant when her husband was killed in a gruesome mine accident. They hadn't been married a year yet. She was not quite 17. She had to work hard to earn a living to support my Dad. She used to tell me that to work in the garden, you had to get your hands dirty, to clean you had to get your hands dirty....and to make pie crust correctly - you had to get your hands dirty. So...when she saw a young woman who was lazy or spent her days shopping and attending teas or luncheons, her comment was always "there's one who don't know how to get her hands dirty" - it was the most scathing comment she used about a woman...well, there was also "that woman don't know how to make do" applied to wasteful women.

Ladies...you're going to get your hands dirty if you want to make a perfect pie crust. You won't be using a mixer of any kind - it changes the structure of your crust. However, this recipe is quick and easy...so easy that last night I whipped out two batches of this recipe in less than 30 min. There are 8 pie crusts in my freezer awaiting inspiration! Those will last me several months...great reward for an easy 30 min.

Before we get to the recipe and pictures, there are some basic things you need to know about the ingredients and equipment that will help you make a better pie. These are thing things I learned from Gramma. I'm asking you to trust me...if you follow my directions and use the correct ingredients you will never regret it! You will EASILY make the best pie crust you've ever made - tender, flaky and tasty! Just look at this crust....

The Flour - it is important that you use the right flour in baking and for pie crust that flour is All Purpose! Gramma told me to use Jewell All-Purpose flour and never to use bread flour. She told me that bread flour made a tough crust. She must have learned that from experience because she didn't know why. However, I've learned that bread flour is high in gluten - which is great for bread...but not for a tender flaky pie crust. You also don't want to use pastry flour. I learned that from experience. I thought it would be perfect for pie crusts - after all that is a pastry! It was very hard to roll out and get into the pan. If I added enough flour to make that easy...the crust was tough. It didn't hold up well to juicy pies either.

Be sure to buy a good quality flour. Some things marked "great value" really aren't....if you get my drift. As I said, Gramma always used Jewell but I don't know if they are around anymore. Here in the south my choices would be White Lilly or King Arthur's - I usually buy King Arthur's Unbleached All Purpose Flour.

Now, if Gramma was making a "meat" pie, or even a "veggie" pie, she always used her whole wheat pastry flour. It makes a heavier crust and she believed the heartier crust went well with a hearty supper pie. I have to agree with her :) It holds up much better to the weight and juices of a chicken-pot-pie etc.

The Fat - next ingredient we need to talk about is the "fat" used in your pie crust. Gramma used lard or when it was unavailable, she used Jewell which was like Crisco today. I don't like to use Lard...I have one child that avoids all things "pig" and lard can leave a "meaty" flavor to your pie crust. I prefer unsalted butter. Use a good brand of unsalted butter - I use Land o' Lakes. Cheap brands will not perform well. Don't use margarine - for one thing it is one of the most unhealthy things you can eat (it's not food - it's a chemical concoction...don't get me started!) and margarine will reward you with a very tough pie crust!

However, when I don't have that, I use Crisco. Plain Crisco - don't use the fake butter flavor stuff - your crust will have a "fake chemically butter" flavor. Again, brands matter! Spring for the Crisco brand.

The Acid - .Gramma always used a splash of white vinegar...when I asked her why, she told me it was because her mother used a splash of vinegar. I have since learned that a bit of an acid (vinegar, lemon juice etc.) inhibits the gluten in the flour from developing which results in a flakier pie crust. That's our goal! I don't use the white vinegar that Gramma used...I use Rice Vinegar - it's healthier. I believe Gramma's splash was between 2 and 3 teaspoons so I just use a tablespoon in place of the splash and it works perfectly!

The Salt - Use kosher salt - Gramma did but I don't know why. This crust is so good that I figure why mess with perfection!

The Egg - farm fresh of course - you want a deep orange yolk - spring for the "organic, range fed" healthiest eggs you can get - or visit your local farmer or farmer's market.

The Sugar - make sure it says "pure cane" sugar - if it doesn't it's beet sugar and most likely genetically modified and we don't want that in our pie....do we? My advice - not Gramma's!

The Water - the water must be very cold...icy cold! I fill a two cup measure with ice and then pour the water over it when I start my pie. By the time I use it the whole glass is frosty. Believe me, it makes a difference!

The Pan - you might be surprised at this, but the pan really does matter. Gramma's whole kitchen was filled with cast iron skillets and aluminum cookware - most kitchens back then were the same. Aluminum conducts heat the best. She had aluminum pots and pans, roasters, cookie sheets, and cake pans...BUT - Gramma's pie plates were glass. She said they made the best crust. I've tried all kinds myself but Gramma was right - just a cheap, plain, Anchor Hocking or Pyrex plate works best. You can pick them up at yard sale for 25 cents - no one makes pies anymore - they settle for the tasteless, chemical copies you can find in your grocer's freezer. I'm sure they are less than $5 at the big box stores. Trust me...you NEED a glass pie plate! And you will be greasing it with a light coating of Crisco - brand name - not butter flavored!

So...gather your ingredients and the right pan....next post we're making the best pie crust you've ever tasted with step-by-step pictures! Then, after that, French Silk Pie - a picture tutorial!

Get busy now!

His Endless Gifts

2011-08-08T06:46:00.001-04:00

We are in the process of changing some of our garden beds over from summer crops to fall crops...I wonder how long we can keep it going this year. My canner is busy - sometimes two at a time! Garlic is going in soon. So our busyness continues and yet we are trying...to slow...to still...to see...the marvelous gifts He showers us with each day!

#954 - #974

cooler weather - a bit of a break

dinner with all my boys and my daughter around my table

time alone with my mama

striving for official approval and getting it - a new adventure will begin soon

paleo-hebrew

Dr. Frank Seekins

hours spent with the boys studying the Word on a rainy afternoon

heating pads

medicine when we need it

a gifted chiropractor

hummingbirds outside my ktichen window

jalapenos to can

food from the garden every day

tomato sandwiches

t.e.n.s.

my church family

good records

family pulling together to accomplish a task - teamwork!

serving others

the privilege of prayer - amazing that we can talk intimately with the Creator of All!

His gifts are everywhere and we lift our thanks and praises to Him who is Holy! I am so grateful that my Father is there at all times - when things are going smoothly and when we experience tribulations. He is my provider, my protector and His eye is on my family...

He is faithful

He is forgiving

He never fails me or forsakes me

He goes before me and makes my paths smooth

His yoke is easy

He never lets go

He leaves me breathless....

Ten Realities

2011-08-07T05:06:00.002-04:00

Instead of music this morning, how about a study of a very familiar passage of scripture - with some added insight from an expert in paleo-hebrew....Dr. Frank Seekins...we really enjoyed this study!

July 16, 2011: Dr. Frank Seekins at El Shaddai Ministries from El Shaddai Ministries on Vimeo.

Blessings,

Lost Treasure and Gramma's Cookbooks

2011-08-04T11:15:00.000-04:00

Gramma was an amazing cook. I don't remember her ever using a cookbook as a little girl. She measured things by pinches, handfuls, saucers and cupfuls (meaning tea cup!). She made the best chocolate buttercream frosting I've ever tasted, melt in your mouth southern fried chicken and she cranked out pies that were to die for...seriously!

When she passed away and I was cleaning out her house, I found her cookbooks and her "receipt box". She had three "boughten" cookbooks. Here's one of them...

It doesn't show up well in this picture but the cover is a shiny silver (I prefer that red and white one - how about you?)! I was given a Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook when I got married decades ago. My mother also passed me her old copy when she upgraded to the newest version...I passed that one on to my daughter-in-law who is an amazing cook herself.

Gramma's book was from...

They had a great marketing plan back then. Apparently, they put an addition to your cookbook in every Better Homes & Garden Magazine...

and my Gramma's book was full of them, although she forgot to trim the edges!

This is a project for a rainy afternoon - you can't see the tabs in the cookbook because of these inserts!

One of her other "boughten" cookbooks was this one....from the 1940's...

I thought this page in the back was a hoot!

Having spent the last 8 weeks with my canner continually, I don't think I'd use the word "pleasant" in reference to canning! In reading some of the recipes, I can assure you that times have changed in the canning department! You can also see that people back then were much more patriotic and frugal!

Gramma had several small paperback cookbooks. I think "The New Art" came with her first electric stove...much easier than that wood cookstove! There were two "Mary Dunbar" cookbooks from the Jewel Tea Company. Gramma used a lot of Jewel products...and they delivered right to your door!

There was also a cookbook that her local church put together.

This book came from the American Stove Company and cost a dollar! It was printed in 1930. Gramma would have been 27 at that time.

I wonder if the scribbles in this book were from my father or his brother....

I love these old cookbooks - this was back when women cooked from scratch! I don't like a recipe that says get a can of this, a box of that and add a bottle of salad dressing....what's up with that? That's not cooking - that's combining!

Then there was her "receipt" box. They weren't recipes back then - they were receipts.

This is an old wooden fruit box - Gramma made do with everything. Receipts were written on scraps of paper, boxes were reused...times were tight and she saved every penny she could.

I found recipes in her handwriting, my Grandpa's writing, my great Aunt Genevieve's writing (always in green and a beautiful script!), my Mom's and even a few in my own writing! This box was filled with handwritten receipts and those clipped from the local paper which are amazing to read.

Many were written on scraps of paper, butcher paper, packing paper etc.

Waste not want not was in full force in Gramma's house.

But the most wonderful thing of all is that I found something that was lost...an amazing treasure!

Gramma's reciept for her pie crust!

Gramma made the easiest, tastiest, flakiest pie crust you've ever tasted.

I used to make a lot of pies...until I lost her recipe.

I tried other recipes - nothing was as flaky as Gramma's! Most were hard and tasted like cardboard.

Gramma made enough dough at a time for 4 pies. Back then you cooked in quantity!

The best part is that you can freeze what you don't use for the next time you want to make a pie.

Guess what I've been doing since I found her recipe again?

Coconut Custard

French Silk Supreme

and my boys are loving it!

Next post I'll share my Gramma's pie crust receipt and all the rules she taught me about baking pie crust!

Trust me, use this "receipt" and people will be amazed at your flaky tender crust!

Just don't tell them how easy it is....promise?

His Endless Gifts

2011-08-01T05:48:00.004-04:00

We are busy here on the farm - the days are hot and humid, the garden is producing well and this year we've done the best job ever keeping the weeds at bay. We are planning on a fall garden too so the dance with my canner will continue....we are thankful for the day of rest that He gave us as a gift. It helps us to slow, refocus on Who is important and count His gifts to us each day!

#932 - #953

the cool that comes with evening

Grandma's pie recipe - found again!

meals from the garden

corn reaching to the sky!

tomatoes eaten right after picking

golden nuggets from the earth - Yukons!

a greenhouse still going

friends to share life with

a son counseling kids at camp

cool...early in the mornings

crockpots - great for beating the heat!

the flavors that He gives us - just think...it could have all been the same!

a son playing before our minor league baseball team's game

prayer

french silk pie

granny smith apples from our own tree!

dogs who love their people

leftovers when it's too hot to cook!

my daughter-in-law - she's amazing!

friends who understand

grilling out

elders digging deeper - really wanting to understand and obey!

His gifts are everywhere and we lift our thanks and praises to Him who is Holy! I am so grateful that my Father is there at all times - when things are going smoothly and when we experience tribulations. He is my provider, my protector and His eye is on my family....

He is faithful...

He never fails or forsakes...

He never lets go!

He leaves me breathless!

Holy, Holy, Holy!

2011-07-31T11:18:00.000-04:00

Worship Him today for He is Holy!

Herbed Potatoes!

2011-07-29T06:23:00.000-04:00

We are harvesting our potatoes now and are enjoying them in a variety of ways. One of our favorite things to do is to make herbed potatoes. This is a quick and easy dish and if you are growing a variety of herbs, you never have to serve it the same way twice!

Here's how I make them...wash your potatoes and cut into small pieces (about the size of a quarter). Place the pieces in a bowl and when done cutting drizzle a wee bit of olive oil over the potatoes. Toss well to coat the pieces. Now the fun begins!

Pick the herbs of your choice, finely chop and toss in your bowl of potatoes. Toss again so that all of the potatoes are coated. Add some salt, pepper and garlic - we like LOTS of garlic.

Just recently we did an "Italian" blend with our Yukon Gold potatoes. I used a fresh red bell pepper along with garlic, basil, oregano, and rosemary. Once your potatoes are well coated, place in a shallow pan and bake until done. I like the potatoes to be a bit crispy outside and tender inside. I usually bake at 350 for an hour or so.

Here's what they looked like the last time I served them!

Now...doesn't that just make you hungry?

Other great blends are garlic and fresh dill, garlic and cilantro, rosemary and thyme, basil and sweet fennel, basil and oregano....the list is endless just use your favorite flavor combinations! Adding finely chopped onion never hurts either....

Enjoy!

Putting Up Peaches

2011-07-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

I've just finished putting up peaches for the year and thought I'd share a quick picture tutorial for those of you who might want to learn. I can peaches and I freeze peaches. Let's start with canning. I use the raw pack method.

Pick or purchase your peaches - make sure they are without blemishes, ripe and of course, flavorful and juicy!

Wash them to remove dirt, dust and the peach fuzz...seems like this year they were extra fuzzy!

As I wash each peach I put them in a colander to wait for the "dipping".

Get a very large pot of water boiling. I use my "pasta pot". It has an insert with holes so that you can put whatever you want to cook into hot water and pull it up again without dumping the hot water.

Here are the peaches in the insert.

Here is the bottom portion of the pot filled with hot water. I'm waiting for it to boil. You know that old saying that a "watched pot never boils". I think it's true - it took forever to boil!

While you are waiting for the water to boil. Fill a sink with ice water. It really needs to be ice water to help your peaches slip their skins. You will also make a syrup - the Ball Blue book has recipes for syrup from light to heavy. It's just a combination of water and sugar - easy! You will need this to be hot when you begin putting your peaches into jars.

You are going to "dip" your peaches in boiling water for 1 minute....just like tomatoes! The Ball Blue Book says to dip your peaches for 30 to 60 seconds. I found that it really took 60 seconds for this to work. I lowered the part of the pot containing the peaches into the boiling water for 60 seconds. Use a timer! Once that timer rings, take the peaches out of the boiling water (let the hot water drain off of them so you aren't adding hot water to your ice water) and drop the peaches in the ice water.

While they are sitting in ice water for a few minutes, get your next batch ready to go into the boiling water.

Take the peaches out of the ice water and put into a bowl. Now they are ready to peel and slice.

Look how easy the skins slip off - most of the time all I had to do was to rub my thumb against the peach!

Next!

Slice and prepare to can according to directions. When canning peaches, be sure to scrape out the red fibers - they can turn dark if you don't and your peaches won't be as pretty. As you slice, you also need to treat them so the air doesn't cause them to turn dark. The Ball Blue book gives you the instructions for making a dip of water and Vitamin C. I just sprinkled with lemon juice and tossed.

You can halve your peaches or slice them. I did a few jars of halves but sliced the rest.

You will place your peaches into jars, cover them with the hot syrup you made, check for air bubbles, wipe the rims of your jars, add your ring and seal - you know the drill! Check your canning book for details!

You will process them in a water bath canner. Quarts are processed for 30 minutes.

Aren't they pretty? And so easy to do!

I actually prefer frozen peaches for many dishes. So, although I do can some of them, I freeze most of them. This is also quicker and easier to do.

I don't like to slip skins of the peaches I am going to freeze because the process "cooks" a thin outer layer of the peaches. This doesn't matter if you are canning them where they are essentially "cooked" in the canner!

For frozen peaches, I wash them and then peel them with a knife - if the peaches are ripe this process goes pretty quickly. Then I slice them and toss the slices into a large bowl. As I add a "layer" of peaches to the bowl, I sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the peaches and a light sprinkling of sugar. This helps them to create their own "syrup" and helps prevent them from getting brown from the air exposure. I then place them into quart baggies and freeze.

Yummy! I see peach pies, cobblers, crisps, fruit salads, peaches over vanilla ice cream and more this winter!

Please be sure to check your favorite canning book and follow the directions for canning your peaches!

Peaches were selling in our area for 98 cents a pound. However you could purchase a 30 lb. basket for $16.00! Your home canned peaches will be much cheaper than purchasing the same amount of canned peaches at the grocery store. They will taste better too! And if you have a couple of peach trees, like we do, your savings will go even further! We don't get a lot of peaches from our trees, and some years we don't get any, but every little bit helps! If you have the room, and live in the right area, I encourage you to plant a couple of peach trees and look forward to reaping the rewards in the future.

Happy Canning!

His Endless Gifts

2011-07-25T08:14:00.000-04:00

This is the busiest time of year for me - I'm rarely out of the kitchen. It is so important that in these busy times we pause to notice the many gifts our Father gives us each day.

#915 - #931

the bounty that is keeping my canner busy

baby birds with wide open mouths

stars that fill the summer sky - diamonds on black velvet

Saturday afternoons spent reading

raindrops on windows

spider webs covered with dew - diamonds in early morning light

our horse - running through the pastures

fresh farm eggs

family visits

home made sausage - yummy!

a bounty of peaches

His promises to us - amazing!

studying the Word with my boys

old recipes

food on our table every day

planning new adventures -oh the joy of dreaming big dreams!

When we slow down and take the time to notice, we find He is leaving us love notes all day long! He is so gracious, so kind, so loving.

He is faithful...

He never fails or forsakes...

He never lets go!

He leaves me breathless!

Worship Yahweh!

2011-07-24T05:58:00.001-04:00

Blessings,

God's Gift of Jewelweed....Part 2

2011-07-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

*EDITOR'S NOTE* This is a repost from the archives - unfortunately the pictures have disappeared. I'm reposting this due to the calls and emails I've had recently about poison ivy - it must be rampant this year! You can order both Jewelweed Soap and Jewelweed Salve from my website. Read on and learn how to make a very effective TOPICAL oil or salve for poison ivy relief! Remember...Jewelweed is TOXIC if you ingest it!

In our last post we made a tincture of Jewelweed to be used on the skin only in treating poison ivy. Now we are going to make an oil which you can turn into a salve, use in a soap etc. The process is very similar.

You will need to let your Jewelweed dry a bit more than you did for your tincture. If you have moisture in your plants, your end product can mold. So, let it sit for several more days. Then you will cut or tear the Jewelweed up and fill a canning jar with the plant material - about 3/4 full.

These jars are ready for oil. I like to use olive oil because it has a longer shelf life but you can use any oil you like. Put the oil in a pot.....you want to use enough oil to cover the plant material. You will be heating this oil in a stainless steel, ceramic or glass pot - never aluminum or copper!

The oil needs to be very hot to the touch but not hot enough to burn you. Pour the oil over the plant material, cover and let sit. I let mine sit until I need to use it - usually well over a month but you don't need to wait that long.

I have even put my jars onto a sunny windowsill for extra warmth in the hopes of extracting a bit more goody! When you are done your jars should look like this....

When you are ready to use your oil, you will place a stainless steel strainer (not plastic or aluminum!) into a glass, stainless or ceramic bowl and pour the contents of your jars through sterilized cheese cloth. Be sure to wring all of the wonderful oil out of the plant material. It may appear a little cloudy...this is fine...you just don't want plant material in your oil.

Now that you have the oil...what are you going to do with it? You can leave it as an oil to apply to poison ivy, you can add beeswax to the oil to turn it into a salve, and/or you can add essential oils to it for additional healing properties!

Be sure to research any essential oils you are thinking of using to make sure that they can be used on rashes or on broken skin....and check to make sure there are no adverse warnings listed for your purposes!

Herbal medicine is a lost art in our society today but we can reclaim this wonderful tool! If you are interested in learning more about making your own medicine, you might be interested in taking my Medicinal Herb Course. The course covers all the basic forms of herbal remedies from tinctures to poultices and it also covers 10 basic and easy to find herbs. You will find lots of recipes and also receive a private email address so that you may ask me as many questions as you like for 30 days! I have tried to make the course very simple and straight forward...the feedback from my students has been very positive as you can see below:

M.S. writes: My favorite herb resource is your course, of course! (I know you mentioned it in your list, but I thought I'd add my appreciation for it here.)

My mother has 8 or 10 books on medicinal herbs, at least one of which you mentioned in your post, I think (same author, anyway). She's hardly looked at them, even though she wants to learn from them. I think she probably has the same problems with them that I have. I've looked through some of them numerous times, only to put them away, feeling at a loss for where to begin. I didn't even know what herbs to buy or collect, where to buy or collect, etc. And I am immediately turned off by the mysticism influence so prevalent in some of them.

Starting from the vantage point of zero knowledge, I needed more direction. Your course offered that, focusing on herbs that address normal family needs in the course of any given season or year and that can even be grown or collected here. The 10 herbs you cover hit many of our needs: colds, coughs, headaches, exczema (Is that spelled correctly? Too lazy to check!), bug bites, etc.

And as I've said in recent posts, I'm making good use of some of those herbs now!

Personally, I'm hoping you continue to put out more courses along the same line, or add supplements to this one, with more herbs, so I can continue to learn in such a practical, easy-to-use, and very applicable way.

Thanks for all your work on the course, Cheri!

I am happy to say that I hope to follow this wonderful suggestion and create a supplement to my course ....Lord willing!

Blessings!

Living with Boys

2011-07-21T22:08:00.002-04:00

Heard in my home this evening..."If I could stay up a little bit later Mom, I'll get up even earlier than you want me to so that I have time to ungrogulate".

Ungrogulate?

Hmmmm.....

Congratulations son....you've invented another word.

Definition? To become less groggy from lack of sleep because we stayed up to late.

I ~~promised not to~~ refuse to name names.

Blessings,

God's gift of Jewelweed....poison ivy relief!

2011-07-20T23:12:00.000-04:00

*EDITOR'S NOTE* This is a repost from the archives - unfortunately most of the pictures have disappeared. I'm reposting this due to the calls and emails I've had recently about poison ivy - it must be rampant this year! You can order both Jewelweed Soap and Jewelweed Salve from my website. Read on and learn how to make a very effective TOPICAL tincture for poison ivy relief! Remember...Jewelweed is TOXIC if you ingest it!

Recently I talked about gathering Jewelweed....hopefully some of you were able to find this wonderful plant. Now...what do we do with it? Come with me as I work up the Jewelweed that we gathered! In this post I will cover making a tincture and the next post we will talk about oils and salves.

The first thing I did was to spread all of the Jewelweed out as thinly as possible. It took up 2 tables in our home. Our goal is to let it wilt a little so that we don't have a lot of excess moisture in our plant when we work with it. This is imperative if you are going to be making an oil or salve with the plant. Jewelweed wilts very quickly so this won't take long.

The first thing we are going to make is a tincture. We will need the plant material, jars, lids and 100 proof vodka. We can work up a tincture quicker than the oil - it will need to be a bit drier before we work with oil. Next step is to chop the plant material and put it into the canning jars. I use 1/2 gallon jars. Most people will not need that much but then you don't have to deal with my son who gets poison ivy every time he goes outside....all year long! I usually try to tincture a gallon each summer. I also make enough so that I am able to give some of this away...invariably I will be at church or a meeting and there will be someone suffering terribly with poison ivy. I pour out a small bottle for them and send them on their way - they are always amazed at how quickly this works!

You want to fill your jars almost to the top but don't pack the plant material down...just fill them loosely. These jars are almost full enough.....I will add Jewelweed until the plant material is just below the neck of the jar. Notice that the entire plant is in there....leaves, stems and flowers.

The next step is to cover the herbs with the vodka. I fill them until the vodka is just a hair below the rim of the jar. Then cap them with a lid and ring...you want an air tight top!

Now...MAKE A LABEL!! Do not stop...do not pass go....do not sneeze....stop and make a label RIGHT NOW!!! If you don't you will not know what you have and this tincture is poisonous if you ingest it....make a label! The label should contain the following information....name of herb, date, where gathered and your medium (100 proof vodka) and in the case of Jewelweed please remember to add that this is toxic and for external use only! So my label will read: "Jewelweed, 100 proof vodka, 9/20/07, Gap Creek, DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY!! POISONOUS!!". The date is also vitally important because you don't want to use this for 30 days.

The liquid in this tincture is going to turn a lovely red....I have taken a picture in the sunlight to show you, however, do not store your herbs, or herbal products, in the sunlight!

Now, you are going to put your tincture away in a dark cupboard or pantry for 30 days. If you are in the pantry for something else, give the jar a good shake. I tip mine over and back up a couple of times. If you forget to do this the world will not end...I promise!

You can begin using this in 30 days. I usually wait until I need it....then I pour out enough to fill a small brown bottle, which I also keep in my pantry. Label the small bottle just as you labeled the large jar! Once you have poured off enough from the large jar that it leaves part of the plant material showing, it is time to strain. You don't want it to mold on you and ruin your product.

Take a stainless steel or ceramic strainer (no aluminum or plastic please!), line it with sterilized cheesecloth and place it in a stainless steel or ceramic bowl. Pour the entire contents into the strainer. Let the liquid flow through until all that is left in the cheesecloth is the plant material. Now, gather up that cloth and squeeze every drop of liquid you can from the plant...I often have one of my older boys come do this after I have had a go at it. Their hands are much larger and stronger than mine and I am amazed at how much more liquid they can squeeze out of something that I thought was dry!

Then you will place this wonderful liquid into a dark brown bottle. You can find these at Mountain Rose Herbs...there is a link in my sidebar. If you are making huge amounts, keep the extra liquid in large canning jars and place them where they aren't exposed to light. However, you should still have a brown (or blue) bottle in which to keep the portion of tincture that you are currently using. REMEMBER TO LABEL ALL THE BOTTLES!!!

Congratulations...you just made the stongest form of herbal medicine there is...a tincture! Now...you may be asking...how do I use this? Remember....we do NOT ingest this tincture....we wash with it. If you have been out and even think you might have been in poison ivy....come home and wash all exposed skin with this....it helps break the bond of the urisol oil from your skin. If you break out with poison ivy, wash with this frequently during the day. For really stubborn patches, or large patches, I have soaked a cotton cloth with this and then placed it on Elijah's arm and bandaged it into place. When it dries out I re-apply as necessary.

It has greatly shortened the length of an outbreak and the severity. What used to take weeks to resolve...now takes a week or less...sometimes just a few days.

Let me know if ya'll have any questions....next post we'll talk about making a salve for poison ivy!

Driving with Bees

2011-07-18T08:12:00.000-04:00

I hate driving with bees. Have you ever found there was a bee in the car as you were driving along?

Now imagine getting in the car knowing that there were 6,000 bees in there with you!

This post could also be called "Things A Mother Will Do For A Child"....or "How Motherhood Makes You Do Stupid Things!"

Josiah had the opportunity this year to serve as a counselor at a Christian camp owned by some friends of ours. This is a good thing.

Josiah had a bee hive that was SO strong and SO full of bees that he was concerned it would divide itself and swarm. This is a good thing.

The protocol for this is to split the hive yourself before the bees decide to do this thus preventing a swarm and any loss of bees. You divide the hive, making sure you don't take the queen, and the new group of bees will make their own queen. This is also a good thing - it is like getting a free package of bees. Bees are expensive. We are saving money. Keep telling yourself "free bees...free bees...free bees..."

It gets ugly when you discover that you have to MOVE the new bee hive several miles away for a month so that they "re-orient" themselves. If you keep them at home, they will just go back to their former hive. So...essentially you have to provide a vacation spot for your new hive for a month. Which means you have to TRANSPORT them somewhere...IN YOUR CAR!

The owner of said camp is also a beekeeping friend of Josiah. Said camp is 30 minutes away from home. Well over the miles needed to keep the bees happy. Josiah and said owner decided that he would BRING HIS BEES TO CAMP for their ~~vacation~~ re-orientation and so that Josiah could keep an eye on the new hive and feed them. This is a good thing?

Of course you realize by now that all of this means that I have to chauffeur the bees to camp! My children don't like me to drive wearing beekeeper's gloves, hat and veil. They say it is embarrasses them. This is a bad thing.

I'm just thinking of survival. Better to look silly than be covered with a thousand stings.

However, Josiah pointed out to me that the bees would be in shock (I think that means they will be angry) and probably quiet (I think he is lying to me to make me feel better) on the trip. He also promised to duct tape any and all openings, put them in a plastic trash bag for the trip and cover the whole thing with a sheet so that any escapees would still be under cover. This is a good thing.

I wonder how they will feel at the end of their vacation on the drive home.

Hopefully not as tired and grumpy as we usually are.

I comfort myself with the idea that when Josiah gets home we will be extracting honey from our hives. This is a good thing.

Tattler-tale!

2011-07-15T07:51:00.144-04:00

I read recently that regular canning lids contain BPA in the coating of the lid - that's right..the part that comes into contact with all of my canned food! So...I'm raising organic food, canning with distilled or spring water (to avoid the nasty chemicals in the public water supply) and then I'm topping it with a lid filled with nasty chemicals which contaminates my food. Isn't that just great?! I began looking for an alternative for this year.

I found Tattler Reusable Canning Lids!

I decided to give them a try and see if I liked them. I LOVE them! They are just as easy to use as regular canning lids and you can use them over, and over, and over! They are BPA free. I've used them for water bath canning, pressure canning and I even tried them with my vacuum sealer. The lids work with the traditional metal rings you've used for years.

They come in both regular mouth and wide mouth sizes and fit all standard canning jars.

Here they are on some of the relish I've canned this year. These are the regular mouth lids.

These are the wide mouth lids on my recently canned green beans.

They are dishwasher safe, you don't have to worry about acid corrosion contaminating your food, you can reuse them indefinitely and they are made in the USA! They've been around since 1976. AND...the lids are guaranteed to last a lifetime or they will replace them for free! The rubber rings are reusable and have been reported to last through 10 to 20 years of canning. You can re-purchase the rubber rings separately if yours are ever damaged.

During use, there are two things to remember: once you tighten the metal band on the lid, turn the metal band back 1/4 inch to allow it to vent. And, once your jar comes out of the canner, remember to tighten the metal band completely. You will also flip your seal the next time you use it - apparently you will be able to tell by the mark left on the seal from the edge of your canning jar.

One small caution....make sure you only have ONE seal per lid. During my first use of the Tattler lids, I came up short one seal! I checked the trash, the garbage disposal, everywhere I could think of....Doodle took a look at my jars and sure enough one jar had two seals on it! It was my fault for not being more careful and once I realized it was possible, I just checked more carefully during use. It never happened again and I've gone through 6 boxes now.

I like the fact that I'm not throwing a ton of metal lids in the trash each year. The Tattler lid helps us reduce our waste.

Evidently there was a huge shortage of canning lids in the mid 1970s and the Tattler Lid came out of that crises. I like knowing that even if there IS a shortage of canning lids again one year, I will still be able to can my food each summer because my lids are reusable. It gives me an added sense of security that I will be able to provide food for my family no matter what the manufacturing industry or the economy does!

Then there is the cost savings! These reusable lids cost more initially....but you only have to buy them once! Using the prices of conventional canning lids locally, I discovered that with the regular canning lids I will recoup my cost with the 4th use of the regular lids and the third use of the wide mouth lids. From that point on, it's all free! I use many more wide mouth lids than I do the regular lids as do most of the friends I have that can food. So...the savings comes a bit quicker!

I figured those costs on the purchase of 3 boxes (a dozen lids in each box) of Tattler lids - the smallest purchase possible through Tattler. My savings will go up if I buy the Tattler lids in bulk. For me, it's a win-win situation.

I'm so impressed with these lids, I've become an affiliate! If you decide to purchase the Tattler lids, please click on the link above or on the picture on the right under the heading of "Where I Shop". I am so grateful to all of you who purchase through my blog! It does not cost you a thing, but I receive a small commission that contributes to my ability to stay home with my boys! I pray that our Father blesses each of you!

Happy Canning!

Salsa - A Picture Tutorial!

2011-07-13T08:44:00.002-04:00

Today we are going to make salsa together! I've never found a "canned" salsa I like. If you have a recipe you love for canned salsa - please send it my way. I thought I'd share how I make salsa and have it fresh year round. First the recipe...then the secret!

Gather your ingredients: tomatoes, tomatillas, onions, garlic, cilantro, salt and jalapenos (missing from this picture but you'll see them soon!). You'll need a cutting board, a large wide knife, commonly called a chef's knife (I use a Henckel 8 inch Chef's knife - a gift from my mama). This is one knife you don't want to skimp on - buy a good one! You'll never regret it. You will also need a tomato knife or other thin sharp knife. I have had a tomato knife for about 10 years and am amazed at how well they core and slice tomatoes! I'd never want to go without one again! I also use a mini food processor to make my salsa. I can control the texture better with this than with my large food processor. Mine is by Black & Decker. You will also need a garlic press, measuring spoons, a bowl for mixing and some chips for tasting!

We'll start with the onions...I used one large Vidalia onion...cut the ends off and peel...

then cut into sections about this size.

Place them in the bowl of the food processor.

Pulse a few times until they are "minced".

Dump them into the bowl. They should look like this.

Next, take your tomato knife and core your tomatillas. I used four tomatillas for this batch - adjust according to your own tastes.

Then cut them into sections like this.

Place them in the food processor.

Top them with fresh cilantro from your garden. Be sure to wash it! I often find spittle bugs in my cilantro! I used a very large bunch of cilantro.

See the tomatillas hiding underneath?

You are going to run the food processor continually until the cilantro is finely chopped.

Add it to the bowl!

Wash, core and slice your tomatoes. The sections should be about this big. I used 6 or 7 tomatoes.

Place some in the food processor.

If you are making a very large batch, you will need to do this several times. Don't overload your food processor. We want a "chopped" texture - not pureed!

Place them in the bowl. Add a bit of salt. I used 1/4 of a teaspoon here but go by taste. We don't use a lot of salt in our house. This was fine for a fairly large batch of salsa.

Pour the tomatoes in the bowl - notice they are "chunky"!

Now for the garlic...y'all know how to open garlic cloves easily?

Lay a garlic clove on your cutting board - lay a wide flat knife (called a chef's knife) on the clove...

Bring your fist down hard and smash the knife! Make sure your knife is flat so you don't cut yourself!

Your garlic clove pops right open!

Put the clove (or more!) in a garlic press. We like a lot of garlic so I used about 6 large cloves.

Add it to the bowl!

Now for the jalapenos - I don't have fresh ones yet so this is a jar I canned last year.

I take the whole jar and dump it into the food processor.

I process them until they are minced! We use a LOT of minced jalapenos.

Then I pour the whole thing back into the jar for storage in the refrigerator. Now I'll be ready next time I make salsa, or Mexican cheese dip or homemade re-fried beans!

Take a tablespoon (or more!) and add it to the bowl.

This amount is completely dependent on how hot you like your salsa. I used quite a few tablespoons!

Mix well and get out the chips - it's time to have a taste testing!

If you find the tomatoes were terribly acidic, you may want to add a pinch of sugar to offset that. Usually less than 1/4 teaspoon will do the trick!

Enjoy!

Now for the secret! All summer long, I take tomatoes from the garden, wash them and put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer. I do the same with my tomatillas. I also put cilantro in zip locks in the freezer. When the tomatoes and tomatillas are frozen solid, I "pour" them into a 5 gallon bucket in my chest freezer. They will sound like billiard balls rolling around. I have found that 5 gallons is enough to get us from summer to summer. When I want salsa in January, I take out the amount of tomatoes and tomatilas that I want and let them thaw in a 9 x 13 pan. This helps contain the "water" that comes out of them.

When they are thawed, I slip the skins right off, use my tomato knife to cut out the core and place the rest in the food processor and proceed as usual. I purchase a couple of tomatoes from the grocery..not for taste but for texture. Your frozen tomatoes will provide all the taste! The store tomatoes will make the texture just like your summer salsa straight from the garden. I also use my cilantro from the freezer. This is a wonderful treat to take to potlucks or dinners through the winter. No one will know how you managed to pull off such a delicious, flavorful salsa with the tomatoes available in the store at that time of year!

Another advantage? One less thing to can during the summer months!

Enjoy!

His Endless Gifts

2011-07-11T08:16:00.001-04:00

After spending a week in the shop, my computer is back and I'm so thankful. Today, I have a picture list of His gifts to me. It's been a busy week even without my computer!

#884 - #914

a computer problem fixed - still under warranty!

my married son's birthday with family around my table once again

finished canning sweet relish!

finished canning dill relish!

A day spent here with my family, swimming and boating and swimming again!

His provision for us...lettuce, cucumbers, onions, strawberries, brassicas...

corn and sweet potatoes (a first for us!)...

beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, more cucumbers...

hot peppers, dry beans, squash, zucchini...

sweet peppers, canning tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes...

purple coneflowers

cilantro

dill

zinnias

sunflowers

peaches - freezing as fast as I get them

green beans - canning as fast as I'm able

sweet pickles - just beginning

dill pickles - done!

I love the summer break from teaching...although it is almost time to start lesson planning for next year! However, summer means much time spent in the garden and long days in front of the stove with my canner. About this time, I am tired of canning however I know that come winter, I will be so thankful He provided a bounty to preserve.

He is faithful...

He never fails or forsakes...

He never lets go!

He leaves me breathless!

Canning Sweet Relish

2011-06-28T12:07:00.000-04:00

This is my first year canning relish. I don't normally buy relish but, recently, I've been working on a copy-cat recipe for Big Mac Sauce. I used to love Big Macs but we quit eating fast food over a decade ago...so...I'm working on memory! In the process of creating my sauce, I bought both sweet and dill relish and found out that my boys like them both. However, when I read the ingredients I cringed. Lots of yucky stuff!

I decided to try canning my own relishes this year. I started with a recipe in one of my canning books. I made a small amount and thought I could come up with something my boys might like better. I created my own recipe for sweet relish and ran it by my main "relish eating" son. Once I got his approval, I canned it.

Here's the recipe I ended up creating myself:

Sweet Relish

7 cups chopped cucumbers

1 large red bell pepper chopped

1/4 cup canning salt

Cold water

3 1/2 cups sugar

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1 tblsp. celery seed

1 tblsp. mustard seed

Remove both ends of the cucumber. Chop the cucumber and red pepper. (I used a food processor and pulsed several times.) You want small pieces but not a puree. Place chopped cucumbers and red pepper in a large bowl and mix well. Sprinkle with salt and cover with cold water. Let stand 2 hours.

Drain thoroughly and press out excess liquid. Combine sugar, vinegar and spices. Heat to boiling. Add drained cucumber mix and simmer 10 minutes.

Pack hot..into hot half-pint jars.

Leave 1/2 inch head space.

Remove air bubbles.

Wipe jar rims.

Adjust lids.

Process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

And here's the results, I'm really pleased and can mark one more thing off my shopping list.

This recipe is really good. My mama says she is eating it with a spoon. Seriously.

She can't wait to try it on beans with cornbread. I think my Green Tomato Relish is better for that.

I'm trying to be more organized in my canning efforts this year. I can a lot but I haven't kept good track of what we run out of and what surplus we end up with. I've been reading a lot about canning and have really had my eyes opened about this possibility of food storage.

I'm keeping an organized list of everything I can this year and what dates I put it up. I'll keep records of when we run out which will let me know next year if I need to can more or less. It will also help me plan our garden next year - what do I need to plant more of or less of. I am hoping this will make me more efficient in my attempts to save money and provide quality food for my family.

I've also decided to can more ordinary things. For instance, I make a lot of soups and stews. I typically fill a huge crock pot and end up freezing the leftovers for another time. No more! Now I will be canning the leftovers. Why did I not think of this before? Less freezer space, no worries if we loose electricity and my boys can open a jar and have a quick and easy dinner when I'm not here.

I'm also trying to collect all of my favorite canning recipes into one binder. This makes things easier to find. I'm also making notes on my recipes about how many batches I typically make. This will also help me be more efficient next year.

I'm very thankful for the bounty of our garden this year. It's been a really weird year weather wise so far but our garden has continued to produce. We praise our Father who has been so gracious to us despite the challenges!

What are y'all canning now?

The Biggest Basket of all....

2011-06-23T07:37:00.001-04:00

I'm just a bit busy right now...juggling life it seems. It's canning time and instead of spending my time with y'all, I'm chopping pickles, picking beans, shredding zuchinni & squash, washing canning jars, trying some new lids I can't wait to tell you about, and hanging out with my canner.

Today, we have our family party for Siah's birthday. It will be wonderful to have my whole family gathered around my table again. I baked and decorated a cake yesterday. Once everybody leaves, I'll be back at the stove canning again.

I just wanted to share some pictures with you. I had occasion recently to make the largest gift basket I've ever done....isn't it beautiful?

There are 16 bars of soap, 4 lip balms, a sack of salve, a large tube of Aches Away salve and a jar of Jewelweed salve!

This basket will go up on my website as soon as I can leave the stove!

It will sell for $125

All of this bounty is contained in a very high quality wicker basket with wire supports in the bottom.

It's heavy!

This basket was created for a gentleman....don't you think it makes a lovely gift?

It's raining men!

2011-06-17T08:23:00.001-04:00

My third-born son turned 18 a couple of days ago. I can hardly believe it - three men I call son. Doodle is shooting up so fast that I believe he will be as tall as me before the end of the year. Before I can blink they will all be men.

Because of scheduling conflicts - Josiah's family party will be delayed so that all of us can be there but yesterday was still his birthday and I wanted it to be special. When asked what he wanted to do, he just wanted a day to sleep in and relax. Easy peasy! He also wanted to go to home group that night. Jeremy has been teaching that class for many months now and that night was supposed to be the last class. Supposed to be!

Josiah had asked me not to bring a cake or make a big deal out of his birthday at home group. So, of course I ~~complied~~, ~~agreed~~, nodded and completely ignored him. He knew he wasn't going to get off that easy...nobody does.

I had a plan!

Months ago an unexpected package arrived in the mail (aren't those the best kind?). It was from a faithful customer who has become a sweet friend. When I opened the package, it contained the most beautiful tallit I have ever seen...and it was a messianic tallit! All of my boys loved it but within minutes of opening it, I knew what I was supposed to do with it!

I tucked the shawl away and began to make plans...over the last few weeks, I've made phone calls, written emails, run secret errands and ordered a fabulous cake to pull this off! I never could have done it without everyone's cooperation and willingness to help me make this a special night for a special young man!

Here's how it all turned out!

I asked our elder if we could have a surprise party that night instead of regular home group. Right after worship he asked Josiah to come sit in a chair....Josiah had no idea what was about to happen! Does he look a bit nervous to you?

Another dear friend translated the Hebrew on the atarah, the embroidered piece in the "collar" area when placed around the shoulders. The translation turned out to be ""Blessed are you oh Adonai, Eloheinu, King of the Universe, who has fulfilled all of Torah through Yahushua the Messiah and has covered us with His Righteousness".

I had asked Tootie if he would join with the men in our group to bless Josiah and present him with this beautiful prayer shawl. I left the rest up to him and he amazed me - what a blessing - his family's love for my son is very evident. He presented the prayer shawl to Josiah... while sharing the above translation with him.

Josiah could hardly keep his eyes off of this beautiful tallit!

Then several men were asked to read the scriptures found on each corner of this tallit and to pray for Josiah! His older brother Jeremy led...

And the rest of the men followed, each reading a scripture and praying for Josiah as the rest of us joined in prayer...it was such a special time of encouragement and love!

I asked a dear friend in our church to bake a "guitar cake" for the occasion. This was something Josiah had seen before and wanted me to make for his next birthday. Let's just say that I felt this was beyond my capabilities...I'll make the cake for our family celebration. This woman's talents are amazing..if you are local and need a special cake you need to meet this special lady!

All lit up!

Just before slicing! Not only was it beautiful but delicious too!

Then we enjoyed great food and fellowship! Notice he is still wearing the shawl!

I'd say he's a contented young man - don't you think?

I stand amazed that my heavenly Father used another one of His daughters, over a thousand miles away, and prompted her to purchase and send this special tallit to my boys!

I told Josiah this..."your Heavenly Father sent one of His daughters, over one thousand miles away, shopping for you...He sent her to a certain thrift store, on a certain day, at a certain time to find a particular gift He had for you...when she saw it He reminded her of you, prompted her to purchase it and mail it to us...don't ever doubt Yahweh's ability to gather from the far corners to bring you what you need and what will bless you...He is Jehovah Jireh!".

How blessed we all are by our friends and church family.

Blessings,

Lavender...with a TWIST!

2011-06-15T14:59:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you combine both Lavender and Grapefruit essential oils?

You get one of my new soaps...Lavender Twist!

This is one time I really wish these pictures were scratch and sniff! You won't believe how refreshing this scent is. I combined the underlying sweet, floral scent of lavender with a burst of fresh citrus - it is amazing! It took some experimenting to get the ratio of these two essential oils just the way I liked it but I am extremely pleased with the results!

This soap has quickly become my favorite bath soap but I also like it at my kitchen sink too! In fact, I find that I'm reaching for it over and over again when I need to replace the soap in the kitchen. The boys think I have a fixation with this soap but they're ~~tolerating it~~ getting used to it. They do, after all, get to pick their own personal soaps and the soap for their bathroom sink.

If you're local, feel free to visit my kitchen sink to give this soap a try....yummy...it's worth the trip!

Blessings!

Yahweh!

2011-06-12T08:04:00.000-04:00

Is Tennessee Senator Corker a true conservative?

2011-06-11T08:26:00.000-04:00

If you don't live in Tennessee, feel free to skip this post.

I read recently how Sen. Corker has "seen the light" and is touting conservative values now. How convenient (and often) this happens just before election year....

I hear he's a nice guy...independently wealthy too. Neither qualifies him to be a Senator.

I call his office (and Sen. Alexander's office) on a regular basis. I'm treated like a country hick without a brain...because, if I had a brain, I would think them WONDERFUL...of course. I was recently told by Senator Corker's office that he was trying to "keep a balance" between freedom and safety". Balance? Willing to trade a little freedom to get a little safety? NOT ME!

I don't care what he says...I care how he votes.

Let's look at his voting record (courtesy of the Conservative Index and Freedom Index issues of The New American Magazine) and you tell me if he's a conservative.

Minimum Wage.
The minimum wage bill (H.R. 2) would raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over the course of two years. The bill would also provide $8.3 billion in small-business tax incentives. The House passed its version of H.R. 2 on January 10. The Senate passed the minimum-wage increase by a vote of 94-3 (Roll Call 42) on February 1, 2007. It is unconstitutional to prohibit citizens from working for less than a government-set wage.
Bob Corker voted YES.

COPS Funding.
Joseph Biden (D-Del.) offered an amendment to the fiscal 2008 budget resolution (Senate Concurrent Resolution 21) that would authorize a $1.2 billion increase in federal funds to support the Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. The Senate passed the Bide amendment by a vote of 65-33 (Roll Call 110) on March 23, 2007. Providing federal aid to local law enforcement programs is not only unconstitutional, but it also further federalizes the police system.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Guest-worker Program.
Senator Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) introduced an amendment to strike the guest-worker provision of Ted Kennedy’s substitute amendment (S. Amdt. #1150) for the immigration reform bill of 2007 (S. 1348). Kennedy’s so-called guest-worker provision would create a renewable two-year guest-worker program, issue a guest-worker visa, and set an adjustable annual cap on the number of guest workers permitted in this country. The Dorgan amendment was rejected by a vote of 31-64 (Roll Call 174) on May 22, 2007. The guest-worker program would constitute a large increase in legal immigration for our country, which would ultimately displace more American workers from their jobs and depress wages.
Bob Corker voted NO.

SCHIP.
H.R. 976 would reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to the amount of $60.2 billion for five years. The proposed amount would expand the program by $35.2 billion and cover an addition 6.1 million children. The Senate passed H.R. 976 on August 2, 2007, by a vote of 68-31 (Roll Call 307). Taxpayer-financed federal health insurance is unconstitutional. After successful passage of H.R. 976 in both the House and Senate, President Bush vetoed the measure on October 3, 2007.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Protect America Act.
The Protect America Act (S. 1927) would amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to allow warrantless electronic eavesdropping on communications where at least one individual is based outside of the United States. The Senate passed S. 1927 on August 3, 2007, by a vote of 60-28 (Roll Call 309). Warrantless surveillance of American citizens is a violation of the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition “against unreasonable searches and seizures.”
Bob Corker voted YES.

UN “Peacekeeping” Increase.
During consideration of the foreign-aid appropriations bill (H.R. 2764), Senator John Ensign (R- Nev.) introduced an amendment to strike a provision in H.R. 2764 that would increase the limit on the U.S. share of UN “peacekeeping” operations from 25 percent to 27.1 percent. The Senate rejected the Ensign amendment to H.R. 2764 on September 6, 2007, by a vote of 30-63 (Roll Call 317). The United States should not be funding UN “peacekeeping” period — let alone increasing the amount.
Bob Corker voted NO.

Debt Limit Increase.
This bill (House Joint Resolution 43) would increase the national debt limit to an astronomical $9.8 trillion, an $850 billion increase. This increase would be the fifth time the national debt was raised since 2002, representing about a $3 trillion increase in just the last five years. The Senate passed House Joint Resolution 43 on September 27, 2007, by a vote of 53-42 (Roll Call 354). Raising the public debt limit by $850 billion facilitates continued, gross fiscal irresponsibility.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Amtrak Reauthorization.
This bill (S. 294) would authorize $11.4 billion for Amtrak funding over the next six years. That amount would include monies for operating subsidies ($3.3 billion) and capital grants ($4.9 billion). If passed, states would be required to provide a 20 percent match of funds. Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) opposed the reauthorization of federal funds to Amtrak. According to DeMint, Amtrak routes are so unprofitable that each ticket is federally subsidized by hundreds of dollars. Amtrak was created in 1970 and has been operating under annual federal appropriation funds since 2002. The Senate passed S. 294 on October 30, 2007, by a vote of 70-22 (Roll Call 400). Spending billions of tax dollars for federal grants and subsidies for Amtrak transportation is unconstitutional.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Mukasey Confirmation.
When Michael Mukasey testified at his confirmation hearings for attorney general, he repeatedly refused to say that waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques reportedly practiced by the CIA constituted torture and were therefore illegal. (Waterboarding is a form of controlled drowning.) He also stated, incredibly, that the president could operate outside laws passed by Congress if “what goes outside the statute lies within the authority of the president to defend the country.” The Senate confirmed Michael Mukasey as U.S. attorney general on November 8, 2007, by a vote of 53-40 (Roll Call 407). In so doing, the U.S. Senate demonstrated its willingness to tolerate torture — which is anathema to American values — and its willingness to allow the president to trump laws passed by Congress in the name of national security.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Children’s Health Insurance.
H.R. 3963, the five-year, $60 billion SCHIP Extension bill, passed 64-30 on November 1, 2007 (Roll Call 403) and then went to the president, who vetoed it. (H.R. 3963, a bill to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program, was rejected in the House, 260-152 on January 23, 2008 (Roll Call 22) when the House failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority of those present to override President Bush’s veto. The bill would have authorized the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at nearly $60 billion over five years, expanding the program by $35 billion. It also would have put an additional tax on cigarette manufacturers, would have undermined private insurance plans, and would have pushed us further down the slippery slope to socialized medicine. ) The Constitution does not authorize federal involvement in healthcare, even for children.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Head Start.
H.R. 1429, a bill to reauthorize the Head Start program through 2012, was adopted 95-0 on November 14, 2007 (Roll Call 409). (Head Start provides educational activities and social services for children up to age five from low-income families. The program received $6.9 billion in fiscal year 2007. $7 billion was authorized in the fiscal 2008 omnibus bill, but H.R. 1429 increased funding to $7.4 billion for fiscal 2008, $7.7 billion for 2009, and $8 billion for 2010. The income level at which families are eligible to participate was raised from 100 percent of the poverty level to 130 percent ($26,728 for a family of four). Some members opposed the bill because Head Start grants will not be allowed to faith-based organizations that hire employees on the basis of religious preference.) Having been adopted in both the House and the Senate, this legislation was cleared for President Bush, who signed it into law. Federalized educational system is an unconstitutional and wasteful bureaucracy. (there were no “nays”)
Bob Corker voted YES.

Peru Free Trade Agreement.
The Peru Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 3688) is another in a series of free-trade agreements to transfer the power to regulate trade (and other powers as well) to regional arrangements. A prime example is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). However, as noted by the House Ways and Means Committee report on H.R. 3688, the Peru Free Trade Agreement is the first U.S. FTA to include “in its core text fully enforceable commitments by the Parties to adopt, maintain, and enforce basic international labor standards, as stated in the 1988 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.” The ILO, or International Labor Organization, is a UN agency. The Senate passed the Peru Free Trade Agreement on December 4, 2007 by a vote of 77-18 (Roll Call 413). So-called free trade arrangements threaten our national independence and harm our economy.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Warrantless Searches.
S. 2248, the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, passed 68-29 on February 12, 2008 (Roll Call 20). The bill would amend the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to effectively give the executive branch of the federal government a blank check to eavesdrop on telephone calls and e-mail messages between people in foreign countries and those in the United States. The bill includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies that have collaborated with federal agencies in the warrantless surveillance of American citizens. Warrantless wiretaps are a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures, and requires that any searches be conducted only upon issuance of a warrant under conditions of probable cause. Moreover, Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution forbids “ex post facto laws” - laws having a retroactive effect.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Farm Bill.
The version of the five year, $289 billion farm bill is considered here. (H.R. 2419 would authorize the nation’s farm programs for the next five years, including crop subsidies and nutrition programs. The final version of this legislation worked out by House and Senate conferees (known as a conference report) provides $289 billion for these programs, including a $10.4 billion boost in spending for nutrition programs such as food stamps.) The Senate passed the final version of H.R. 2419 by a vote of 81-15 (Roll Call 130) on May 15, 2008. Federal aid to farmers and federal food aid to individuals are not authorized by the Constitution.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Farm Bill (Veto Override).
H.R. 6124 would authorize the nation’s farm programs for the next five years, including crop subsidies and nutrition programs. The final version of the legislation provides $289 billion for these programs, including a $10.4 billion boost in spending for nutrition programs such as food stamps. After this five-year, $289 billion farm bill was vetoed by President Bush, the Senate passed the bill over the president’s veto on June 18, 2008 by a vote of 80-14 (Roll Call 151). A two thirds majority vote is required to override a presidential veto. Federal aid to farmers and federal food aid to individuals are not authorized by the Constitution.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Funds for War, Welfare, Etc.
The Supplemental Appropriations bill (H.R. 2642) was agreed to 92-2 (Roll Call 162) on June 26, 2008. Such bills fund unforeseen needs after an annual budget has been approved. However, regular use of emergency supplemental bills to pay for never-ending wars, domestic welfare, and infrastructure programs has made the annual budget a misleading indicator of spending intentions. This $186.5 billion measure includes $161.8 billion of additional funding for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The remaining $24.7 billion is for domestic programs including tornado, flood, and hurricane relief efforts. It would also expand veterans’ education benefits, expand unemployment benefits, and delay shifting some Medicaid costs to the states. Congress continues to fund a war it never authorized under Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution. Also, the federal government is unconstitutionally involved as an individual and corporate insurer at taxpayer expense.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Warrantless Searches.
H.R. 6304, the bill to revamp the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), would allow warrantless electronic surveillance, including monitoring telephone conversations and e-mails, of foreign targets, including those communicating with American citizens in the United States. The final version of the bill would not explicitly grant immunity to telecommunications companies that have assisted President Bush’s warrantless surveillance program. But it would require courts to dismiss lawsuits against such companies if there is “substantial evidence” they were insured in writing the program was legal and authorized by the president. The provision would almost certainly result in the dismissal of the lawsuits.The Senate passed H.R. 6304 on July 9, 2008 by a vote of 69-28 (Roll Call 168). Warrantless searches are a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures, and requires that any searches be conducted only upon issuance of a warrant under conditions of probable cause. Moreover, Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution forbids “ex post facto laws” laws having a retroactive effect.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Global HIV/AIDS Program.
This legislation (H.R. 5501) to authorize $48 billion to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria overseas. (The bill would authorize $48 billion for fiscal 2009 through 2013 to combat AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis overseas. Currently one third of the funding for HIV prevention is required to go to abstinence education. The bill would change that allocation to balance funding between condom, fidelity, and abstinence programs. It would also authorize $2 billion to fund programs for American Indian health, clean water, and law enforcement.) The Senate passed H.R. 5501 on July 16, 2008 by a vote of 80-16 (Roll Call 182). We have assigned pluses to the “nays” because foreign aid is unconstitutional.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Bailout Bill.
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) passed 74-25 (Roll Call 213) on October 1, 2008. (This bill authorizes the Treasury Department to use $700 billion of taxpayer money to purchase troubled mortgage-related securities from banks and other financial-related institutions, on terms set by the Treasury Secretary, who now has authority to manage and sell those assets. The bailout plan also expands FDIC protection from $100,000 to $250,000 per bank account, extends dozens of expiring tax provisions, expands incentives for renewable energy, provides a one-year adjustment to exempt millions of Americans from the alternative minimum tax, and requires health insurers who provide mental-health coverage to put mental-health benefits on par with other medical benefits.) The bill establishes an unconstitutional merger of government with big business — in other words, fascism — and greatly increases the national debt and monetary inflation by forcing taxpayers to pay the price for the failures of private financial institutions.
Bob Corker voted YES.

SCHIP.
H.R. 2 would reauthorize the “State Children’s Health Insurance Program,” commonly referred to as SCHIP, for over four and a half years and increase the funding for the program by $32.8 billion. (H.R. 2 would reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, commonly referred to as SCHIP, for over four and a half years and increase the funding for the program by $32.8 billion. SCHIP is designed to provide health insurance to children of families whose incomes are up to four times above the poverty level (and therefore would have too much income to qualify for Medicaid), yet would have little income to buy private insurance. Often SCHIP crowds out private insurance: the Congressional Budget Office found that between 25 and 50 percent of children who enroll in SCHIP dropped their private insurance to get “free care.” Because SCHIP, like Medicaid and Medicare, pays doctors and hospitals only a fraction of the actual cost of care, the unfunded costs get passed to holders of private insurance. Additionally, SCHIP would apply to 400,000 to 600,000 children of legal immigrants whose sponsors had agreed to cover the children’s healthcare needs for at least five years after arriving to the United States. ) The Senate passed H.R. 2 on January 29, 2009, by a vote of 66-32 (Roll Call 31). Federal healthcare programs are unconstitutional and would likely lower the quality of healthcare.
Bob Corker voted YES.

IMF Funding.
During consideration of the Fiscal 2009 Supplemental bill (H.R. 2346), Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) offered an amendment to delete $5 billion provided by the bill for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF is an adjunct of the United Nations and grants foreign aid to qualifying countries. The Senate rejected the DeMint amendment on May 21, 2009, by a vote of 30-64 (Roll Call 201). Foreign aid is unconstitutional, and this is deficit spending.
Bob Corker voted NO against the amendment to delete funding.

Fiscal 2009 Supplemental Appropriations.
The Senate version of the Fiscal 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill (H.R. 2346) would provide an additional $91.3 billion in “emergency” funding for the current fiscal year over and above the regular appropriations. The spending would include $73 billion for the Defense Department (including the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan), $1.5 billion to address potential pandemic flu, and $5 billion for the International Monetary Fund, a UN agency that lends to qualifying countries. The Senate passed H.R. 2346 on May 21, 2009, by a vote of 86-3 (Roll Call 202). The spending is over and above what the federal government had already budgeted, Congress never declared war against Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of the spending (e.g., foreign aid) is unconstitutional.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Supplemental Appropriations.
The final version (conference report) of the fiscal 2009 supplemental appropriations bill (H.R. 2346), would provide $105.9 in “emergency” funding. (This final version (conference report) of the fiscal 2009 supplemental appropriations bill (H.R. 2346) would provide an additional$105.9 billion in so-called emergency funds over and above the regular appropriations for 2009. This outrageous supplemental package would include $79.9 billion for defense funding (including for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan), $10.4 billion for foreign aid programs, $7.7 billion to address the national flu scare, and $5 billion for International Monetary Fund activities. This supplemental bill would also include $1 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program. A day prior to the House vote, Representative Ron Paul (R-Texas) urged his fellow lawmakers to reject the bill, stating, “I continue to believe that the best way to for discretionary spending for the two departments and their related agencies, a 25-percent increase from fiscal 2009 levels. The bill would provide $1.5 billion in federal grants for Amtrak and $18.2 billion for the Section 8 Tenant-based Rental Assistance program.) The Senate adopted the conference report (thus sending it to the President) on June 18, 2009 by a vote of 91-5 (Roll Call 210). The spending is over and above what the federal government had already budgeted, the United States never declared war against Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of the spending (e.g., Cash for Clunkers and foreign aid) is unconstitutional.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Cash for Clunkers Funding.
H.R. 3435 would authorize an additional $2 billion for the “Cash for Clunkers” vehicle trade-in program. Under the “Cash for Clunkers” program, consumers would trade in their old cars for more fuel efficient vehicles. (Congress passed the original Cash For Clunkers in June (see our July 20, 2009 issue). After running out of funds almost immediately, Congress quickly introduced yet another bill (H.R. 3435) that would provide an additional $2 billion for the “Cash for Clunkers” program. Under the program consumers were offered rebates of up to $4,500 if they traded in their old cars for more fuel-efficient ones. The vehicles traded in were destroyed, meaning cars not ready for the junkyard would be taken off the road, reducing the stock o
used vehicles and inflating the prices of used cars.) The Senate passed H.R. 3435 on August 6, 2009 by a vote of 60-37 (Roll Call 270). The federal government should not be subsidizing the car industry and because it is unconstitutional and wasteful.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Energy-Water Appropriations.
The final version (conference report) of this 2010 spending bill (H.R. 3183) to appropriate $34 billion for energy and water projects ( The final version (conference report) of H.R. 3183 would appropriate $34 billion in fiscal 2010 for energy and water projects. The funds would provide $27.1 billion for the Energy Department, $5.4 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, and $1.1 billion for the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation.). The Senate adopted the conference report (thus sending it to the President) on October 15, 2009 by a vote of 80-17 (Roll Call 322). The Department of Energy is not authorized by the Constitution.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Bernanke Confirmation.
On January 28, 2010, the Senate voted 70 to 30 to confirm Ben Bernanke to a second four-year term as Federal Reserve Chairman (Roll Call 16). With Bernanke at the helm, the Fed, which can create money out of thin air, has pumped trillions of newly created fiat (unbacked) dollars into the economy, even though this reckless expansion of the money supply (inflation) will diminish the value of the dollar and further hurt the economy in the long run. Bernanke’s Fed has also kept interest rates artificially low, encouraging excessive borrowing and malinvestments. And Bernanke has called for the Fed — which already possesses the power to create booms and busts through its control of the money supply and interest rates — to be given new powers to manage the financial sector. Bernanke is accountable for the economic havoc at the Fed; which is a central bank that should not even exist.
Bob Corker voted YES.

Audit the Fed.
During consideration of the financial regulatory reform bill (S. 3217), Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) offered an amendment to audit the Federal Reserve. The Senate rejected the Vitter amendment on May 11, 2010 by a vote of 37-62 (Roll Call 138), after unanimously adopting a watered-down audit-the-Fed amendment offered by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) Sanders had much earlier introduced legislation in the Senate that mirrored the audit-the-Fed legislation in the House championed by Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas). When Sanders caved and offered his watered-down amendment, Vitter stepped in and offered an amendment for a full Fed audit along the lines of Paul’s (and Sanders’ earlier) proposal. The Sanders amendment allows for a onetime audit of the Fed’s emergency actions taken in response to the 2008 financial crisis. However, unlike the Vitter amendment, the Sanders amendment (in Paul’s words) “exempts monetary policy decisions, discount window operations, and agreements with foreign central banks from [GAO] audit.” The vote on the Vitter amendment is used here to rate Senators on their position on auditing the Fed.
The American people need to know what the Fed is doing and because this may represent a first step in eliminating the unconstitutional Federal Reserve.
Bob Corker voted NO.

If you vote AGAINST auditing the Fed...

If you vote FOR Bernake...

If you vote FOR any legislation that curtails my constitutional rights in order to "keep me safe"...

If you vote FOR spending money unconstitutionally (which is most of it right?)...

I'm voting AGAINST you and I'll campaign diligently for any true conservative that opposes you.

Remember friends, everyone becomes more conservative right before an election. How did they vote during their entire term?

I think both Alexander and Corker need to go. We need true conservatives to protect the liberties of the people of Tennessee.

Remember this voting record when you go to the polls.

Politcal rant over.

I feel better now.

Is there a baby in the house?

2011-06-10T14:31:00.000-04:00

If there is, or if you just need a very gentle, healing soap, let me tell you about one of my new soaps!

Baby's Bath Bar!

I'm very excited about this soap for babies - although you don't have to be a baby to use this soap! It takes a wee bit longer to make because I infuse the oils with healing herbs. I chose herbs that are known to be gentle and have healing properties that are beneficial for the skin.

I also filled Baby's Bath Bar with a healthy dose of Shea Butter to help moisturize and protect baby's skin. I topped things off with Lavender essential oil because of its gentle and healing properties.

I've been wanting to create a soap for babies for some time, but not having a baby in the house kept it from being a priority. But...with a son married last year...well....you just never know when the need may occur! sshhhhh.....I never said a word....they might think I'm ~~nagging,~~ ~~pushing~~, looking forward to a grandbaby!

So if there is a baby in your house...or if you're just looking for a very mild, healing soap....visit my website to read more about Baby's Bath Bar!

While you are there, you might want to check out the home page for another hint of things to come!

Blessings,

The soap formerly known as....

2011-06-09T21:46:00.000-04:00

Baby's Breath has a new name. Baby's Breath has always been a true spanish castile soap. Pure castile soap is getting harder and harder to find. Oh, you'll see lots of soaps labeled "Castile" but I challenge you to pick up the bar and read the ingredients....you'll find palm oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil...I've even seen *ack* lard!

A true castile is made only with olive oil. Some people don't like it because it doesn't produce a heavy, bubbly lather....but oh! the moisturizing capabilities!

I've renamed Baby's Breath.

It is now called....

Pretty self explanatory don't you think?

Oh...there just might be another teeny-tiny reason I've renamed it....

I wouldn't want it to get confused with a brand new soap created especially for......babies!

Check in tomorrow to learn all about it!

His Endless Gifts....

2011-06-06T07:06:00.000-04:00

As summer gets into full swing on our farm, we see so many gifts from our Father! With such tender care from Him, how could we not desire to worship Him passionately?

#856 - #883

a garden fully recovered - miraculous!

our first squash

canning plans

the beautiful sunset last night

worship with friends

laughing with my sons till I cry

Shabbat

food from the garden every day

the gift of a fancy dinner out!

teaching from the Word

music

projects completed

school all done for the summer!

reading together

inspiration

Anna's enthusiasm - she makes me smile!

finches outside my window

lightening bugs last night - amazing!

flowers growing tall

fresh baked bread

summer fun!

company from Germany this week!

Lauren's sweet & gentle spirit - she blesses me!

friends always only a phone call away

Godly advice

praying friends

the song of the river

daybreak - so peaceful

We are learning to see His gfits as a continual love note that reminds us that He is always here. He is faithful and He loves us passionately! Will you worship Him with gratitude by counting His gifts with me? You will discover that He is your source. He is your healer. He is your provider.

He never fails...

He never forsakes...

He leaves me breathless....

How Marvelous!

2011-06-05T09:51:00.000-04:00

Worship Him today!

Of Retailers and Restaurants

2011-06-03T10:15:00.002-04:00

Dear Retailers and Restaurants,

I spent the day yesterday visiting some of y'all. Here's what needs to happen:

For the retailers:

1. Change the music. The majority of people in your stores were over the age of 40. Do you really think we want to hear that selection of music? Does most of your revenue come from 15 year old teens? Or were you playing it for the pleasure of your staff?

2. Turn down the music. Most of us have no desire to shop in a "disco" environment! Often the noise volume helped us decide to shop at your competitor's quieter store.

3. Hire help. When you are a huge anchor store with two levels, I believe there should be more than 3 people working on one level. Seriously.

4. Do some market research. Gear your stock towards whichever demographic spends the most money. I highly doubt it is really 12 to 16 year olds.

5. During this time of year, please try to offer something in between the teeny-weeny bikini and the frumpy "old-lady" swim suits. Some of us actually like to swim, be modest and fashionable at the same time. I'm just saying.

6. Just a note about the people behind the make-up counters. Do they have to wear ALL of your products at the same time? They certainly don't look like real women...or what the average woman wants to look like...some are scary enough to make small children cry. Perhaps you might try... *gasp* ... the natural look! As it is, most of us consider that area of your store comparable to the clown show at Ringling Brothers and keep on walking.

7. Could you assign someone to bring order to your departments? Simple things like picking clothes up off the floor and putting your racks in order so customers could find what we are looking for without feeling like we're cleaning a child's room. We do that enough at home.

8. Tell your staff to stop calling customers names. "Honey", "sweetie", "sugar" and "sweetheart" are nice to hear from your hubby but not from the pimply-faced teenage boy working behind the counter.

For the restaurants:

1. Turn down the music. It's supposed to be "background" music. Some of us actually like to talk to each other while we eat. Without raising our voices.

2. Tell your staff to keep their hands to themselves. Why should a waiter feel it necessary to touch a customer every time he comes to the table? Stop that!

3. Without naming names...when two people order an "all you can eat" garden salad (with olives and hot peppers) and delicious garlic breadsticks from a wonderful Italian Restaurant, bring more than two cups of salad at a time. Oh, and the breadsticks shouldn't be the same consistency as a baseball bat. Warm would be nice too...

4. We don't want cute and silly waiters. Cute and silly are just irritating. Irritated people don't tip well. We want polite and efficient. We tip for polite and efficient. Understand?

*Added suggestion from Debbie S.* Thanks Debbie!

5. Please don't set the A/C to below freezing with the ceiling fans going, as well. When I'm freezing and covered in goose bumps, I'm not going to linger over your coffee and high-priced desserts! Just sayin'.

You'll thank me in the end.

Thus ends my yearly shopping rant.

His Endless Gifts....

2011-05-30T22:02:00.000-04:00

So many gifts...

#837 - #855

plants recovering

tomatoes in the greenhouse

Torah study with my boys

Halleluyah Scriptures

a day on the water with friends

brothers having fun together

riding behind

a little boy growing up

the excitement he expressed when he heard the words "jet ski"

godly men who counsel, teach, love and mentor my boys

the beauty of lakes ringed by mountains

His creation - beauty everywhere!

chatting with friends all through the lazy afternoon

picnics

lightening bugs - thousands this year!

godly men helping my boys pick out their first vehicles

moonlight

peonies

We are learning to see His gfits as a continual love note that reminds us that He is always here. He is faithful and He loves us passionately! Will you worship Him with gratitude by counting His gifts with me? You will discover that He is your source. He is your healer. He is your provider.

He never fails...

He never forsakes...

He leaves me breathless....

In an instant....

2011-05-28T15:22:00.002-04:00

We had just spent the day working in the garden - all of the aisles were mulched, weeds were gone, plants had been taken from the greenhouse and planted in the garden. The cukes were lush and blooming, we were tasting our first snow peas, there were little squashes and zucchini throughout those beds. The peppers and potatoes were growing and the bush and pole beans were full and blooming. We had been enjoying strawberries and lettuce everyday - it was by far the best looking garden we've ever had....

We were all cleaned up and looking forward to an evening of family time.

Then it happened...

The sky darkened, the wind began to blow and the rain fell. I remember thinking "this will be wonderful for the plants we just put in the garden!"

Then I heard the wind pick up, the roar began....and the loud rattle....hail. BIG hail.

Lots. of. hail.

The drain pipes couldn't keep up with what fell on the roof!

I wonder if Faith thought she was being shot at again?

We found her shivering and shaking.

Our yard filled with hail.

Good thing these beds weren't ready for the tomatoes!

They are still safe in my greenhouse.

Our poor garden!

Our squash and zucchini took quite a hit.

Our straw aisles were filled with ice!

The cucumbers took the worst of it!

Our lettuce was shredded for us!

We harvested what we could right away.

I think the onions will recover.

Before the storm had completely passed, we were busy pulling the ice away from the plants!

It was a gentle reminder that we aren't in control of anything! Weeks of work were undone in minutes. We depend completely on our Father for our weather, our garden, our food supply! We've repented of any pride we may have had, and we've replanted again in the greenhouse.

We are thankful for His protection and provision. We heard later that a tornado went through our area (about 5 miles away!) and we caught the edge of the storm. Our front doors will be repainted since they were hit hard by the hail. Our garden will be replanted....truthfully it was disappointing but not earth shattering. Our family has helped with clean up from the tornadoes that went through our area weeks ago - my boys have seen first hand those families that lost everything.

This keeps us mindful of Who holds us in His hands. It reminds us to lean on Him for everything, to pray continually for all aspects of our life, and to be grateful for all He gives us each day.

Singing the hard hallelu-yah!

Do you have a shelter from the storms?

2011-05-22T09:06:00.001-04:00

Blessings,

Catching up!

2011-05-20T10:46:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been a busy week. Josiah's surgery went well. We had a few complications when we got home and ended up in the ER that night for bleeding that wouldn't stop. But, all is well now and he is recovering nicely.

Before his surgery, we had the pleasure of seeing two friends graduate from high school. They had been home schooled all their lives. As I listened to their parents speak it was very bitter sweet. Time flies so quickly...are we making the most of it?

Josiah has one more year of high school and the time I enjoy teaching him will be over. Elijah begins his eighth grade studies next year. Such a short amount of time left with my boys. Although I am looking forward to that new season for each of my sons, gone will be the hours we get to spend together...bitter sweet. It was a good reminder to make the most of it.

We've been busy moving plants from the greenhouse to the garden. Potatoes are growing, peas and pole beans are climbing the trellis, the cukes look great, bush beans and squash are blooming and we're harvesting lots of greens and strawberries. The garden looks wonderful and I'm perusing my canning books looking for new ideas. I want to greatly increase the amount of food I preserve this year. It starts next week with jams and jelly's. My canner will be busy off and on until fall. I'm going to attempt some new things this year - canning meats, soups, stews, potatoes and more.

A sweet friend came to be a "slave for a day"...her words not mine! We enjoyed fellowshipping while we worked in my herb border - it's weeded, covered with wet newspaper and the mulch goes down this weekend. I've already started picking and drying herbs for winter.

I had a call yesterday and am excited that someone special just received an unexpected leave and will be visiting from Germany!

I have family coming in July and again in September!

The boys are looking forward to a barn dance this weekend with friends...it's a beautiful barn! It will be a lovely evening spent with good friends!

Life is good, we're happy and we are blessed by our loving Father who provides for us, protects us, loves us passionately...we who are so unlovable!

May your weekend be a blessed one!

His Endless Gifts....

2011-05-16T08:13:00.000-04:00

Please pray today for Josiah. He's undergoing oral surgery to remove 4 impacted wisdom teeth and two additional teeth. Wow! Six at once! It will be an uncomfortable few days for him to say the least.

I'm grateful today for the peace that I have...

#824 - #836

that He goes with us everywhere - even into surgery

pain medicine

caring doctors

brothers who take over

peace that passes all understanding

anesthesia

ice packs

soft foods for tender mouths

praise music

restful sleep

the lighthearted phone call from friends who are praying

a body who prays for my children

my elders - always there for us

We are learning to see His gfits as a continual love note that reminds us that He is always here. He is faithful and He loves us passionately! Will you worship Him with gratitude by counting His gifts with me? You will discover that He is your source. He is your healer. He is your provider.

He never fails...

He never forsakes...

He leaves me breathless....

The Joy of the Lord!

2011-05-15T07:48:00.001-04:00

Won't you trade in your sorrows today?

Blessings!

Meat Glue? Seriously?

2011-05-14T09:15:00.000-04:00

One more reason to either raise your own meat, buy from a farmer you trust, pay a farmer to raise something for you or buy organic.

It's all about the money...selling you something cheap while making you think it's something else...and charging you more for it? Should this be legal? Call your representatives and demand labeling.

Not only are you being cheated...your health is in danger! It's time to ask questions people...lots and lots of questions when you are shopping for meat.

Are you as disgusted as I am?

Blessings,