Introducing...
Faith Caroline
June 9 2011, at 12:51
9lbs, 21 inches
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Mother's Day
This is Kate, updating for Mom. This year we had a really good Mother's day, and we all had a lot of fun. We are all so grateful to have such a incredible Mom! God really blessed us :).
We love you Mom!
All of us, except Hannah who couldn't make it.
Mom's boys
Bleeding hearts, aren't they so pretty?!
Okay, this is a video I made...just for fun, and it has most of the pictures in it. I hope you like it, this is the first video I've ever made :)
(Hint: pause the music on the blog.)
for more pictures, you can go to my blog --> here.
Kate
Friday, February 11, 2011
Winter
click on the above picture and it will take you to my picasa web album to watch the video, couldn't get the video to load on here any other way.
This is what happens...when Mom is tired and goes to bed early, and Dad comes in to say goodnight to Mom before having Bible time with the kids.
This is also what happens when the dishes crew is tired of doing the dishes and decides to liven things up a bit....
Or what happens when the children watch entirely too much "jostie flicks" on youtube (another large homeschool family from Canada that our dear friends, Seven Sisters shared with us).
If you'd like the watch the original video my kids were copying off of you can go here:
Jostie Flicks Rythym & Muse
Hope you have a wonderful, terrific and silly day with your family....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Happy 11th Birthday Alaina!
Baby Alaina :)
Esther & Alaina-2002
Easter 2009
July 2010
We love you Alaina Josaphine!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tasty Tuesday ~ Brownie pudding dessert
~Brownie Pudding Dessert~
*1 1/4 cups flour
*1 1/2 cups sugar {divided}
*1/2 cup cocoa {divided}
*2 tsp. baking powder
*1/2 tsp. salt
*3/4 cup milk
*3 TBL butter, melted
*1 1/2 tsp. vanilla {divided}
*1 3/4 cup boiling water
Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, 3/4 cup of the sugar, 1/4 of the cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, melted butter and 1/2 tsp. of the vanilla. Stir until smooth. Spread batter evenly in 10" round cake pan (We use our Pampered Chef round stoneware pan) . In small bowl, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup cocoa; gradually stir in boiling water and remaining 1 tsp. of vanilla. Pour evenly over batter in the pan. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean. We sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and serve hot with vanilla ice cream. Yum :)
Notes: This is one of our family's favorite recipes. My 86 year old grandmother requests it when she comes.
My mom, when she was battling cancer and would come to stay with us, would request it (and after we were in bed she was caught in the kitchen eating right out of the pan with a spoon ☺).
For a period of years, when my dear friend Lorraine would come for the day to visit and help me out, I would make it for our lunch dessert (until neither of us wanted to look at it again for a while!).
Opening the tattered page to this recipe in my cookbook brings good memories from the many times we have served it.
Another dear friend has a daughter getting married this week and I just drove a hot pan of it and a carton of ice cream to her home to help relieve the last minute wedding stress ♥ (of course this friend is my self-proclaimed sister in chocolate, so it only seemed appropriate)
So, to all my chocolate loving friends near and far...enjoy!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Multitude Monday
{0053}
God gives us such multitudes to be thankful for.
Our home...I am grateful for shelter from cold and excessive heat. For places for each of us to sleep, for a large table that fits all of us to eat...and another large table where we do a lot of our school. For 3 bathrooms with as many as use them! We live here 24 hours a day, and are in more than out. Everything gets used and used well. Thank you Lord we have a place to gather and have rest.
Our home...I am grateful for shelter from cold and excessive heat. For places for each of us to sleep, for a large table that fits all of us to eat...and another large table where we do a lot of our school. For 3 bathrooms with as many as use them! We live here 24 hours a day, and are in more than out. Everything gets used and used well. Thank you Lord we have a place to gather and have rest.
{0054} Psalm 1 tells us
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
What a blessing it is to have Bible's in our homes in freedom, unlike many other parts of the world. What a blessing to be able to sit in our family room and memorize scripture each morning, to hide God's word in our heart (Psalm 119, that we might not sin against thee).
What a blessing that God openly rewards us for memorizing and meditating upon His word. What a blessing it is to being going through a trial and have His word come to mind...reminding us of truth and His continual and abiding faithfulness to us.
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
What a blessing it is to have Bible's in our homes in freedom, unlike many other parts of the world. What a blessing to be able to sit in our family room and memorize scripture each morning, to hide God's word in our heart (Psalm 119, that we might not sin against thee).
What a blessing that God openly rewards us for memorizing and meditating upon His word. What a blessing it is to being going through a trial and have His word come to mind...reminding us of truth and His continual and abiding faithfulness to us.
Books ...ahhh, books can be wonderful things. From devotionals, growth in my Christian life, cookbooks, scrapbook idea books, large family help-books, storybooks to read to my children, books on herbs and plants as medicine....books indeed are wonderful. I love to learn and such a wealth of knowledge is to be beheld...thank you Lord for the multitude of books you have put in my path.
{0056} God is so good to put the solitary in families. Here I am an only child...with 12 (almost 13) children.
Quiet? Seldom. Blessed? Yes.
So many personalities, likes and dislikes, gifts and talents...that put us together like a puzzle and make us fit.
God in His infinite wisdom knew who to put here and at what timing, to create the birth order. 3 boys didn't come until after 8 girls. He has this as part of His plan, part of the tapestry of our lives He is creating. He makes all things beautiful, in His time.
Thank you Lord...for our puzzle, our lives, our plan that you are unfolding each day. I am grateful...even amidst the noise, busy-ness, laundry, dishes, toys and mess. There is no better place to be than in the center of God's will for your life.
Quiet? Seldom. Blessed? Yes.
So many personalities, likes and dislikes, gifts and talents...that put us together like a puzzle and make us fit.
God in His infinite wisdom knew who to put here and at what timing, to create the birth order. 3 boys didn't come until after 8 girls. He has this as part of His plan, part of the tapestry of our lives He is creating. He makes all things beautiful, in His time.
Thank you Lord...for our puzzle, our lives, our plan that you are unfolding each day. I am grateful...even amidst the noise, busy-ness, laundry, dishes, toys and mess. There is no better place to be than in the center of God's will for your life.
{0057} Many terrific and up and coming chefs in our home. I am super blessed to have a great cooking staff of daughters.
They prepare all the meals (sometimes with a little help if learning new techniques or recipes, and sometimes totally alone) Monday through Friday.
Some show an enormous amount of diligence and are in the kitchen by 6 am making our breakfast and then want a 'real' recipe for lunch and not leftovers. So we save nicer lunch menus for her and keep the leftovers for our other chefs who are grateful to not have to make 3 'from scratch' meals a day.
Thank you Lord for help with kitchen and hospitality responsibilities. What a priviledge it is to serve alongside the girls as they cook and learn. What a wonderful ministry they will have through their whole lives serving others in the area of cooking. No matter what your job or calling, us ladies usually get the responsibility for nourishing the ones we love with meals.
They prepare all the meals (sometimes with a little help if learning new techniques or recipes, and sometimes totally alone) Monday through Friday.
Some show an enormous amount of diligence and are in the kitchen by 6 am making our breakfast and then want a 'real' recipe for lunch and not leftovers. So we save nicer lunch menus for her and keep the leftovers for our other chefs who are grateful to not have to make 3 'from scratch' meals a day.
Thank you Lord for help with kitchen and hospitality responsibilities. What a priviledge it is to serve alongside the girls as they cook and learn. What a wonderful ministry they will have through their whole lives serving others in the area of cooking. No matter what your job or calling, us ladies usually get the responsibility for nourishing the ones we love with meals.
{0058} A dear older Mom who comes and helps us each week encouraged me in my 'food gathering' practices. She mentioned how the Proverbs 31 woman brought her food from afar, and as she was reflecting on the meaning of the verse, she immediately thought of me.
Which brings me to why I am thankful to God. As I read (see books ☺), I learn about what our family should and should not be eating...and that motivates me to do the very best I can for them, to give them the best possible health. I am so grateful that God has put in my path, places to go and buy healthy food at good prices that I know is better for my precious bunch.
We are blessed to live close to Amish country and I have several kind Amish friends who sell their milk from their cows to us. We also are able to get fresh farm eggs each week...from multiple local sources. The beef we get each year is from a homeschool family we know that raises it (and then on top of that, God has provided a gift each year for the past 4 years to pay for it...no small expense). I belong to a organic produce co-op and a health food co-op where I get great prices for well grown and processed food.
Thank you Lord for opening doors and windows to show me where to gather our food 'from afar'. Even so, we are one sure reason our Wal-Mart stays in business. ☺
Which brings me to why I am thankful to God. As I read (see books ☺), I learn about what our family should and should not be eating...and that motivates me to do the very best I can for them, to give them the best possible health. I am so grateful that God has put in my path, places to go and buy healthy food at good prices that I know is better for my precious bunch.
We are blessed to live close to Amish country and I have several kind Amish friends who sell their milk from their cows to us. We also are able to get fresh farm eggs each week...from multiple local sources. The beef we get each year is from a homeschool family we know that raises it (and then on top of that, God has provided a gift each year for the past 4 years to pay for it...no small expense). I belong to a organic produce co-op and a health food co-op where I get great prices for well grown and processed food.
Thank you Lord for opening doors and windows to show me where to gather our food 'from afar'. Even so, we are one sure reason our Wal-Mart stays in business. ☺
{0059} Love...a wonderful thing.
I have a super husband that absolutely loves snow! So this picture if perfect for him.
Love...God is the author of it. And what a mighty fine job He did of showing it to us.
John 3:16; for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.
Other thoughts that come to mind when I think of love...3 young adults from our church that have been in courtship relationships have all gotten engaged in the last 40 days. So wonderful to see these happy engagements and how the Lord is working in their lives.
Love. I remember when I was younger and read the paper (time?), there used to be a little comic that I believe was precious moments. Each day it said "love is..." and had a cute picture below and the rest of the saying. I cut those out ALL the time, I just loved them. Now where they are today...probably long lost in the trash. Anyway, those little comics come to mind as I think on "love is"
Love is...going to sleep with little baby James next to me having to hold my hands(I am his blanket ♥). When he is sleepy he climbs on my lap and grabs for my hands and lays his head down on my chest. Aren't babies the absolute best ever?
Love is...secret servants. In our house around Christmas time, we start drawing names for secret servants for each week. You never know what you'll find done for you; hot tea made and left on the counter with a sweet note...your bed made with a cute picture and piece of candy on your pillow (who needs fine hotels?)...a note on your pillow with a poem leading you all over the house on a scavenger hunt that winds you up at an empty 5 gallon brown rice bucket (yes, we buy brown rice by the 25 pounds) with a pair of 'fuzzy socks' in it...the very think you *really* wanted. Secret Servants has helped us get our eyes off ourselves and thinking of what would be a blessing to those we live with and how to make them smile.
Love is....a wondeful husband and daddy who goes to work each day so I can be a stay at home mom managing the very full household we have. And being understanding when (even as frugal as he is) sometimes a mom just needs ice cream or oreos for survival. ☺
Love is...a darling firstborn son who draws me an endless stream of pictures. Most of them are him and I. And an equally darling 4 year old son who also loves to give me pictures and sweetly asks "mom, is it okay if you don't have one of your arms and James doesn't have a leg?"
*smile*
and finally....Love is...this super 16 year old daughter who keeps my blog going by continually taking, editing, and putting pictures on it for me and then says "mom, it is minimized on your computer so when you get time you can go write"
I have a super husband that absolutely loves snow! So this picture if perfect for him.
Love...God is the author of it. And what a mighty fine job He did of showing it to us.
John 3:16; for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.
Other thoughts that come to mind when I think of love...3 young adults from our church that have been in courtship relationships have all gotten engaged in the last 40 days. So wonderful to see these happy engagements and how the Lord is working in their lives.
Love. I remember when I was younger and read the paper (time?), there used to be a little comic that I believe was precious moments. Each day it said "love is..." and had a cute picture below and the rest of the saying. I cut those out ALL the time, I just loved them. Now where they are today...probably long lost in the trash. Anyway, those little comics come to mind as I think on "love is"
Love is...going to sleep with little baby James next to me having to hold my hands(I am his blanket ♥). When he is sleepy he climbs on my lap and grabs for my hands and lays his head down on my chest. Aren't babies the absolute best ever?
Love is...secret servants. In our house around Christmas time, we start drawing names for secret servants for each week. You never know what you'll find done for you; hot tea made and left on the counter with a sweet note...your bed made with a cute picture and piece of candy on your pillow (who needs fine hotels?)...a note on your pillow with a poem leading you all over the house on a scavenger hunt that winds you up at an empty 5 gallon brown rice bucket (yes, we buy brown rice by the 25 pounds) with a pair of 'fuzzy socks' in it...the very think you *really* wanted. Secret Servants has helped us get our eyes off ourselves and thinking of what would be a blessing to those we live with and how to make them smile.
Love is....a wondeful husband and daddy who goes to work each day so I can be a stay at home mom managing the very full household we have. And being understanding when (even as frugal as he is) sometimes a mom just needs ice cream or oreos for survival. ☺
Love is...a darling firstborn son who draws me an endless stream of pictures. Most of them are him and I. And an equally darling 4 year old son who also loves to give me pictures and sweetly asks "mom, is it okay if you don't have one of your arms and James doesn't have a leg?"
*smile*
and finally....Love is...this super 16 year old daughter who keeps my blog going by continually taking, editing, and putting pictures on it for me and then says "mom, it is minimized on your computer so when you get time you can go write"
{0060} I am grateful to God for Hannah being able to go work in Chicago for 2 weeks a month for a Chiropractor who treats her scoliosis in exchange for her work, and the for the wonderful family who takes care of (and pampers) her and lets her stay in their home when she isn't working. I am also thankful she is willing to do the hard work it takes to help, putting her school work to be done late at night or on the weekends. God always provides and has so much to teach us along the way. I know this is valuable training for Hannah in many areas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)