Well, our trip was great.  I would like to say that it went off without a hitch, but I wouldn’t be telling the truth.  On the way up North Sydney caught-up with a 24 hour stomach bug that stopped us in our tracks in Oklahoma.  It just happened to be Chaquota, OK, which is the hometown of Carrie Underwood.  Ali likes this artist so this was a great deal to her.  We had already decided to camp on our trip, but with chills running through Syd’s body, we decided to keep it in the van, which would be warmer.  It was a LONG, cozy night to say the least.  To look at Syd in the below pics, you would never guess what was coming, but it was on our way back to our site, a mere 100 yards, it all *just happened*.

But, we were able to get through it, regardless of the many trips to the restroom.  We headed to my mother’s home first.  We spent three days with them being able to celebrate my nephew’s 13thbirthday with him AND see my brother’s new, beautiful home.  I did, however, go wild and crazy, out on a limb [for me] and decided to get my hair done (GASP!!!).  I had the lady cut it in a shorter style that would make growing it back out to its original one length easier, but the wild and crazy part came when I decided to add (drum-roll please) blond and candy-cane red highlights.  It made me nervous (way out of my conservative comfort zone), but I figured I’m only young once and I had better do it while I still can!  In all honesty, I really don’t mind it.  I don’t think I’ll do it again, but this one time it was OK.  The cut is REALLY cute and I will keep it until the rest of my hair catches up.

I’m such a rebel :o)

Anyway — after a nice visit with my mother and step-father we headed to ‘the farm’.  My dad bought S.E.V.E.R.A.L. acres (281) not too long ago to have as (what I would consider) a hobby farm.  They happened to be at the farm on our way through so that’s were we went.  It was at this point in the trip *winter* decided to settle in, MY HEAD.  Yes, I couldn’t visit Iowa without bringing a little bit of winter back with me; in the form of a cold.  It has almost completely passed, but not before I shared it (sorry Susan).  The farm has considerably more to do so we played pool, darts, and went for a ride in the Bad Boy Buggy while Ali drove the four-wheeler.  She was able, at one point, to give Syd a ride on it and thought she was the biggest of sisters, being quite proud!!!

My dad and my step-mom have always had three Springer Spaniel dogs, two of which, we were able to see grow-up from babies.  They were from the only litter Annie Fannie ever had — I think Annie’s son Mr. P (Peanut) is still the coolest one from the bunch.  He was the runt and turned out to be the biggest.  He’s just so laid back and sweet.

But recently another member joined the clan.  A stray dog decided to adopt the bunch of them and so became the FOURTH dog, Rexy (or Reximus Maximus as my dad likes to refer to him).  He was a blast to be around.  He has so much energy.  If my dad could harness his energy I’m sure he could take the farm off-grid!

He sure does love his new owners!  He has no trouble displaying his loyalty to the two *humans* who save him and will forever be indebted.

Dad…

and Pam…

This picture really has no significance besides the fact that Ali took it and I thought it was an awesome still life to use as wallpaper on our computer.  She does a good job with the camera, doesn’t she?

After four days with my dad and step-mother it was time to head to our old home-town, Red Oak.  The three requests the girls had for me while we were there was to eat at Pizza Ranch, Wah Yung, and to find a chocolate Charelston Chew candy bar.  So we had lunch with friends at both places (on different days of course) and snapped some shots of our time at Wah Yung.

the (not so little) girls table…

The big girls (and Kharis) table…

Friends are friends forever…

All aboard…

Strike a pose Creighty…

I wasn’t suppose to do this, but I think it’s a really great picture of us and I just happen to like your PJ’s Susan!  I hope you can and will find it in your heart to forgive me!

and Susan in her usual pose :o)

this is who was under that blanket in Susan’s usual pose — little Levi.

and this is what Levi is doing when he’s not under that blanket in Susan’s usual pose….

Of course, here’s proof that the above statement is not completely true.  A proud pappa watching Chariots of Fire with his first boy (and all of his girls).  In all reality, little Levi is a really good baby.  He has his mamma trained well.  Poor Susan has a baby that likes to be in HIS bed at 8pm, sharp, and at two months old (AND NURSING) he is sleeping through the night.  Isn’t that awful :o)

And yet more friends…introducing Tanya…

and her 17 YEAR OLD SON Luke, playing his electric guitar.  I’ve known this family forever and I remember this kid doing back hand springs in the church basement…wait…he still does hand springs.  He should have been a kangaroo!!! 

and Melanie — I remember playing Alpha-Eggs with this one BEFORE she started school!  Where have the years gone?

looks like she might be a little directionally impaired :o)

Regardless, the girls had a good time together.  The other little girl is a neighbor girl.

we decided to go bowling (on the Wii) - I’ve decided I can’t bowl well, whether it’s at the lanes or computer bound — I’m not going to quit my day job!

Ali did a WHOLE lot better than I did!

This one is for you Tanya — let Jeff know I appreciate the wonderful memoirs!

More friends…introducing Heather…

I don’t know WHAT they were doing…

Nice pajama pants Sister :o)

It’s hard to believe we once called her “Little J”…

Saying goodbye is always hard…

And then of course there was the trip home, which was much more UN eventful than the trip up.  The girls found things to entertain themselves, like this picture where they put the crispy little snacks called Bugels on their finger tips like long fingernails - they were proudly displaying these gems to all the passing cars and making those people chuckle as well. 

We decided not to camp it on the way back home.  My wonderful hubby found us a hotel with an indoor, heated pool so we stopped and had some girl time.  Sorry I didn’t take the camera in with me.  I was just so relieved to be OUT of the van that it escaped my mind.  So you’ll just have to believe me when I say we could have taken just as many pics that eve! 

Our trip was overall a success and one that we will not forget anytime soon!  We enjoyed visiting all our family and friends, but all three of us were happy to arrive home Tuesday night.  I do have to end this [already] long post with what we arrived home TO.  My hubby is so wonderful.  He had baked cookies, brownies, and banana bread, given the dog a bath, cleaned the carpets (as well as the house), had the candles lit, and these were waiting for me…

and for the girls…

Everything is back to normal and we are just relaxing around here this week.  Next week we will continue our regular regimine; chores and school.

I hope everyone has had as much fun over the past two weeks as we have!  I want to extend our warmest thanks to Mom/Dan, Dad/Pam, and Susan/Marc for allowing our family to invade your lives for a short while — allowing us to stay with you.  We really enjoyed the visit with everyone and you all will be missed greatly!  That’s it for now — until next time, be Blessed!

In His Grace ~ Lori

I have so much to share about our trip, but I first have to share a brutally honest answer that came from my 13 year old daughter on the way home yesterday.

So, we were traveling down Hwy69 — my youngest asleep in the middle seat and my oldest in the back seat, just sitting.  We began having a conversation about following God.  I was trying to give her some guidance without going too far, but our conversation was interrupted by another driver being careless.  I noticed Ali readjusted herself in her seat to the point I couldn’t see her in my rear-view-mirror any longer — so I readjusted the mirror.  After readjusting the mirror, she began to ever-so-sheepishly grin.  This is how the next few minutes went in the car…

Me:  What’s wrong Al?

13yo:  Nothing (still grinning sheepishly).

Me:  Are you getting tired of this conversation?

13yo:  No Mom, if you’re not done yet, that’s fine.

Me:  Not done doing what Al?

13yo:  Lecturing.

Me:  Lecturing?  Really?

13yo:  Mmm, Hmmm.

Me:  When did it turn into a lecture?

13yo:  Oh, about 20 minutes ago, when you started talking.

An honest answer from my oldest.  So much for “guiding” her :o) 

Tomorrow I will purpose to post a longer note telling you all about the trip and give you some pics to look at.  Until then, be Blessed!

In His Grace ~ Lori

Hi all…

I wanted to drop in and let you know that the trip is going well and I’ll be back shortly.  I haven’t had as much time near a computer as I had originally thought I would, but it has been a blessed time, regardless.

We are heading toward home Monday morning and I’m looking forward to sharing some things with you as well as looking forward to being home with my wonderfully patient hubby!  It’s always grand  visiting loved ones, but home is always a welcomed destination.

Thank you all for your comments, prayers, emails, and notes — they are deeply appreciated and welcomed.  I pray all is going lovely for you and your loved ones and I look forward to catching-up on everything you’ve had to say over this past two weeks.  Until then — be Blessed!

In His Grace ~ Lori

This is a picture of the book I’ve been leisurely exploring (if you get the chance, it’s a really nifty book), however, the purpose of this post is not a book review, but rather to tell you a morning funny (take note of the author’s name on the book)…

So, while I was getting dressed this morning my 7 year old, came into the room very excited to tell me a funny - here is how the conversation went…

7yo:  Mommy, mommy - I have a funny for you.

Me:  Really, ok - I’m ready, let me have it.

7yo:  OK!  (insert clear throat) Knock! knock!

Me:  Who’s there?

7yo:  Mary Jane Butters.

Me:  Mary Jane Butters, who?

7yo:  Mary Jane Butters her toast, Mom!!!

She saw the book laying in the same spot it’s been for a week, but the joke just occurred to her and she was absolutely ecstatic that she could make up a knock-knock joke ALL. BY. HERSELF. 

I just thought I would share a morning funny with you - it’s off to get a dozen errands run before our adventure begins.  Hope you all have a great day and furthermore a fantastic weekend with your family!  Until next time - be Blessed!

In His Grace ~ Lori

Well, we have decided to go on an adventure.  An adventure back to Red Oak, where we will gladly see the above site on nearly every corner.   It’s been over a year since we’ve moved South and are yearning to visit the family and friends we left behind.  I am tickled to be going and the girls are having a hard time controlling themselves.  I hear little screeches and shrieks above and beneath their breath all day long, but how can I tell them to control themselves, when on the inside I am doing the same thing?  Like a child waiting to open the biggest gift sporting the large red bow.  Mighty Man will be staying behind as the Ohio trip to the farm left him with not enough hours to make a trip possible.  I will miss him terribly, but absence makes the heart grow fonder and oh how I love reunions after a time apart.

We will be leaving early Monday morning and will arrive at our destination sometime Tuesday [early?] evening.  Being born and raised in Iowa, I miss the change of seasons more than I could have ever possibly imagined and as I’m getting [a little, ahem] older and learning to appreciate the splendor and majesty of His glorious Creation, I long to see it more.  The weather, here in Texas, is great - but I miss the cold.  I know…call me crazy.  I’ve always said, for me, it is easier to be too cold than too hot.  You can always put another layer on to keep warm, but when it’s 110 degrees outside with climbing humidity - you can’t take enough OFF to get cool.  In a nutshell, I will be glad to be visiting this time of the year.  I’m packing my scarf and snow boots with a hint of hope  :o)

Regardless of the weather conditions where we are right now, the spiritual conditions are priceless.  A warm, gentle breeze engulfs me, daily, like a hug from arms of the Almighty.  He sings a sweet melody to me every morning, sitting upon the branch, outside my window.  The sun is His morning call and the moon is a lamp unto my feet in the darkness.  Where I am does not change who my God is.  He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He is Love.  And that love never fails.  I am, however, so incredibly blessed to be able to journey back toward the land and the people, to whom, I am so fond.    The land here is flowing with milk and honey, but Zion is upon the Horizon.  Look to it and see its beautiful face.

I don’t know if I will be able to post again before I leave, but know that when I return I will have, I’m sure, many musings to inform you of and pictures to share.  Each person we will be visiting, while up North, owns a computer so I shouldn’t have to wait, but rather be able to share a little bit of our great adventure with you - live.  I pray you keep Him in alive in your heart and look to Him.  He is beckoning you “come unto me, all you who are heavy laden…

I

will

give

you

rest

For

My

burden

is

light…”

Until next time, be Blessed!

In His Grace ~ Lori

The house is quiet and I am getting ready to head off to bed, but thought I would, first, stop by and type out a short note along with a few pictures of what has been going on around our place the past few days.

Fall and all of it’s crisp splendor has set it. Of course, being where we live, the days continue to be sprinkled with what most of us would call summer, but for us it is true reprieve as the temperatures are lowered by twenty degrees.  It is a time of year that is comfortable to be outside and enjoy His creation.  I was thinking it might be a good idea to take the girls [and schoolwork] to the park one day this week.  That is the true beauty of schooling our children at home - the flexibility of our day.

I’ve been blessed to find many beautiful fabrics lately.  A couple worthy of mention that I am currently working with are for a fall dress and pinafore that Sydney will be wearing soon.  Isn’t this a beautiful combination?  The flowered material is for a dress and the plaid is for the pinafore.  I have already finished the pinafore, but have only begun the cutting for the dress.  Sydney was quite excited that I made a hair scrunchy to match.

Ali has been a big help with the cutting.  She has pinned and done all the cutting for the dress.  She is such a keeper of the home - in the making. 

I’m in the process of getting rid of even more unnecessary clutter.  I had boxes in the upper corners that had no business remaining there, purses that no longer were carried, games that didn’t get played, etc.  I had the chance to give all my remaining public school teaching resources to a sweet, young gal that will be a new teacher within the next year.  She was so excited to get the material.  I remember being where she is now.  Finishing school and, in my free time, drawing ‘blueprints’ of how I would organize my classroom and the sheer giddy excitement felt to plan such things.  Oh glory!

I’m so glad the Lord gives us the desires of our hearts.  I would only mess things up if I tried to do things on my own.  Not only does He, himself place those things that He wants from us, on our hearts as [our own] desires, but likewise, He brings all of those things to fruition.  And not always, may I add, the way I would have thought it would happen.  His ways and thoughts are not our own, but far loftier.  He accomplishes those things He purposes with such a unique style; one that writes His name all over it; in glitter.

The girls surprised me with a few love notes this week.  Whether they’re sketched on a fast-food napkin or painted on a canvas, they’re special and I am cherishing each and every one.  I have started archiving each of these in a very organized manner.  I read of this idea at Jewels blog; Eyes of Wonder.  Using old-style, paper-paged scrapbooks I am archiving each picture.  At this point, each page is one month’s worth of art.  I have one for each of the girls and staple the stack to the page at the end of the month.  It’s working well and has given much, enjoyed, time for me to look through the many wonderful pages of art created especially for me.

Aren’t collections fun?  I’ve never really collected any one thing before, but I have found a unique fondness in these.  I came across a friend recently for the other wacky-faced-mug I found a while back.  The girls think it is so fun to look for these treasures at the thrift store.  I know it’s difficult to see, but the handle on this little mug is a telephone.

Imagination and creativity is something I pray my girls are engulfed with their entire lives.  It is so important to have the ability to make something out of nothing, even if you don’t need it to be that way.  Our girls don’t have many “toys”.  At one point we had an entire room dedicated to toys, but in noticing, the girls didn’t play with 95% of them.  We, over quite an extended period of time, purged the toys and replaced them with items that make those wheels in their heads turn.  Games, puzzles, marbles, dominoes, and ready for this one?  P.A.P.E.R and P.E.N.C.I.L.S. (insert gasp here).  We rid our home of TV and encouraged them to use their minds.  No video games allowed!  Creative play is always a must!  Just the other evening we walked in to their room to give hugs and kisses goodnight and they had made up a new game using marbles.  Needless to say, they were quite intrigued with it and disappointed when told to pack it up.  Here you see a couple of friends enjoying a friendly game of checkers :o)

Magnets - whether in the form of dolls or sticks are always a great idea.

Mighty Man and I have been in search of a set of encyclopedias.  Watching Craigslist we found this set for $5, but they’re not encyclopedias!  Still a great find - this is a set of great books, quite literally.  They’re called “Great Books” from the Britannica company and offer titles from Calvin, Plutarch, Aristotle, Austen, Homer, etc….  We were so excited to find this set!

Farm fresh eggs for breakfast anyone?

A bit of school.

I have so many things to be thankful for.  Not only am I thankful, but I’m secure in the possibilities of tomorrow.  Even with the hub-bub of what today brings - I’m so glad that we have Someone so great that not only has the beginning been written, but the end also.  Secure in the eternity He has provided for me.  That the Son is praying for me and cares about every little thing that happens to me.  Secure that I can ask for guidance about anything I might need.  Secure that despite all the mistakes I make on a daily basis, He, forever, loves me.  I am the apple of His eye and so are you. 

The clock is still ticking my friends and I have another day planned so I must be headed off to bed.  I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and pray you find solace in His arms and blessing in His grip.  He loves you dear one - this be sure to never doubt.  A warm thank you for taking your time to stop by and visit.  Until next time, be Blessed.

In His Grace ~ Lori

My heart was touched by an angel today.  An angel named Misha.  I was reading from the blog of a family who is fostering, with plans to adopt, a 15-year-old Russian boy suffering from severe abnormalities and disabilities.  As a previous foster-parent myself, knowing what “state” children have been through and go through after abandonment - I feel urged to help this family.  And who better to turn to than my Brothers and Sisters.

God tells us in James 1:27 to take care of the orphans and widows.  You have a chance to do just that.  Sow into the Kingdom as this incredible, God-centered, family journeys through life with Misha.

In one of her posts Melissa (Misha’s foster mother and blog owner) states that all of their provisions would be met if 2700 people would contribute $10 each.  That, my dear friends, is a value-menu trip through McDonalds drive through for us.  I think we can handle that! 

Be one of the 2700 to sow into this young man’s life.  A young man that does not know who God is yet.  A young man that has already been through so much.  Read all about it yourself, but be prepared to be Moved!

I pray you will all click the link below to read about Misha.

Help Misha

It’s been a laid-back week for us here around our home.  Lots of baking being done by little hands.  Alisha has taken quite an interest in domestication around the home.  I’ve been, heartily, praying for this.  She picked up a couple cookbooks at the library this week and became inspired to make some sugar cookies and frost them.  They turned out to be a wonderful snack at our Thursday night bible study meeting.  I found a great deal on metal cookie cutters at the thrift store a while back - a one gallon sized ziplock full of wonderful shapes for $1.99.  Little sister is decorating the cookies with a few ‘tastes’ of frosting.  She had to go wash her hands six different times as she kept forgetting not to lick her fingers.   As you can see - her fingers went to her mouth in this picture.

Another cookie adventure is that of the Oreo.  Oh how I love Oreo’s dunked in milk until the cookie becomes soft.  Mmmm… the girls have taken after me with this one :o) 

Another bit of joy we had was imagining pictures in the broken cookies of this bag.  This was one we thought looked like an angel.  Do you see it - the head, body, and two wings?  I told the girls this was proof enough for me that Oreo’s were sent from Heaven above. 

Ah, the sheer delight of scraping that soft, sweet frosting on to your tongue.  As you can well see - Sydney was enjoying her treats.  What you don’t realize is why she is making the face she is making.  Notice the holes in the front of her mouth.  I tell her those are milestone gaps, but regardless of what they are called - she is not able to scrape the frosting as easily as she use to.  In this particular photo, she is trying to do all the scraping with one incisor.  Silly girl.

I don’t exactly know where the years have gone.  I recall just the other day both of my gems being able to sit on my lap as I read to them a story of Jesus.  Today, only one “fits” on my lap, and the other well…it’s difficult, at best, for her to sit on my lap.  Young mothers - if I had to give one piece of advice, it would be - cherish these moments you have with those God has entrusted to you.  Throughout the past couple of years - I feel I have lost time.  Drawings I didn’t archive.  Funnies I didn’t document.  Pictures I didn’t save (or take).  And now - entering into a new season - one that will take me through the next several years of my life, waiting patiently for my treasured one’s, treasured ones to arrive - all the decorating I spent time on…it no longer exists.  The meaningless “education” I made sure they had - it doesn’t make a difference.  The enamoured blog posts I’ve authored, are simply letters on a screen.  The memories I missed, doing all of these empty calorie things, I will never regain.

Our children will learn to be whomever we show them to be, but we will never be able to give them the fullness of Life if we have them stuck in a certain curriculum or a certain approach.  It has taken me many years to realize that as long as I teach my children the basics - reading, writing, and math - the rest will fall into place, through the experiences of life.  Alisha hadn’t caught-on to measurement.  I beat myself (and her) over the head with worksheet after worksheet, lesson after lesson, with no avail.  She stepped into the kitchen and the good Lord took over.  She now understands measurement.  Sydney didn’t comprehend the meaning of art.  She limited it to what she created with crayons, until she took the picture above.  Life experience, love, patience, and God will take care of the rest.  Just learn to enjoy them - even the muddy footprints on the carpet - there will be a day, not very far away, you will give anything to see those muddy size two footprints - anywhere. 

I have forgone blogging as much lately for all of the above stated reasons.  I don’t want to miss making memories with my children, my family - in order to punch out a post.  I want each of my times writing to you, to mean something to my children - in the future.  The cost of eggs today aren’t going to be of importance to them in ten years.  What will be of importance to them in ten years are the traditions they can look back upon, helping them establish their own families.  And the hiding away of God’s word for them to pass on to their own treasured Gifts.

As of right now, the house is asleep - preparing for another day of fun.  This weekend holds plans for a long bike ride, family movie, game, along with lots of hugs and kisses.  Prepare your hearts to love those around you and make the effort to spend as much time with them as you possibly can.  The only things you can take along with you wherever you go are memories - make lots.  Until next time, be Blessed.

In His Grace ~ Lori

Have you heard about the new deal through Omaha Steaks, linked with Geico?  What a fantastic deal!  Here’s the scoop.  Omaha Steaks is giving away FREE burgers with a purchase of anything through the website.  However, Geico is giving away a FREE giftcard of $25 to Omaha Steaks for signing on to their website - are you beginning to see the correlation?  Here’s how you do it…

1) Go HERE to sign up on the Geico website. Trust me - you do NOT have to use Geico, you do NOT have to switch any of your insurance. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!!!  It just gives you a username for their website, and they will email you within an hour or so with a link to a gift card code. Check your spam folder if you don’t get the email after two hours or so. The gift card number is really long, so double check when you write it down.

Next thing to do?

2)  Go HERE and type in your email address. Omaha Steaks will send you an email confirmation right away, and there is a link within the email to start shopping. After you get your gift card code from step one, use that link to order the and it will automatically give you 12 free 4 ounce burgers. The 12 free won’t show up in your cart until you check out, so don’t panic.

3) When you get your gift card code and go to the link through the link in step two, you’ll be at the Omaha Steaks website. In the left hand sidebar, click on the link for “burgers/brats” etc. Scroll down until you see the option for “eight 5 ounce steak burgers” for 12.99. Add that to your cart, then checkout. I actually bought brats instead of burgers since they were the same price (Note: I hear the $12.99 option doesn’t work for everyone (it did for me), so - if you get through the next step and it doesn’t work, go back and get the $14.99 option. It will cost you $2 more out of pocket, but you’ll get that much more meat.)

4) At checkout, you enter your address etc and you should see the 12.99 burgers, plus the 12 free burgers you got from doing step 2 above. At the point where they ask for payment, you’ll see that they add in about $14 for shipping - don’t worry, your gift card code will cover that. Before you enter your credit card (or paypal - one of the payment options is “pay by paypal” if that is easier for you), enter your gift card code and hit “apply” or whatever the button says next to that. That should take your total down to roughly $1.98. Then enter your actual payment method and you will only be charged $1.98 (it may be a few cents more or less depending on your address, it was $1.98 for me)

It sounds more complicated than it really is.  Start to finish it only took me about five minutes to complete, once I received my gift card code. 

This is an awesome deal!  If you haven’t had the opportunity to try Omaha Steaks, this is your chance!  They have a really good line of products. 

By the way - this comes out to, only, $.36 per pound!  WOW :o)  Until next time, be Blessed!

In His Grace ~ Lori

I will praise You with my whole heart;

Before the gods I will sing praises to You.

I will worship toward Your holy temple,

And praise Your name

for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;

For You have magnified Your word

above all Your name.

In the day when I cried out, You

answered me,

And

made

me

bold

with

strength

in

my

soul.

Psalm 138:1-3

I am so incredibly thankful for all He is doing in my life.  I am forever indebted to this Man.  He, who came and died for my faults, my sins, my iniquities.  I am here today, because He made it so.  He made me who I am and continues to mold me like clay in the Potter’s hands - into a vessel of Beauty.  He is my endless Source of wisdom; my El-Shaddai.

********************

Today was a simple day.  Errands were run, chores were done, meals were made, sewing was accomplished, hugs and kisses were given, schoolwork was done - a wonderfully productive day.   I find serving my family to be a joy.  I am blessed to have a job ministry that I can, honestly, say I love.  Each meal I make, each hem I sew, each cheek I kiss - I love it all and desire nothing else.  No corporate ladders to climb, no luncheons at five-star restaurants to attend, no six-digit salaries to earn.  Even on the sparce days that seem to be off kilter and each shortcoming stands out like a sore thumb -

I. Love. Where. I. Am.

Daddy and I are still praying for direction as to where the Lord would like us in the long-term.  We are perfectly content where we are, right now, but know this is not going to be permanent.  We desire land and self-sufficiency.  We are, however, purposed in keeping it “cash on the barrel”.  Daddy says he will not go into debt again for a mortgage.  It seems like a steep climb as, in today’s market, buying land and a house - cash - outright, seems impossible, but with lots of saving, Grace, and increase - I believe it will happen.

Other news around the homestead - I am learning to sew.  Da. Da. Da. Daaaa. (insert cymbal crash here). This has not been something I’ve talked about up until this point, but I am, in fact, teaching myself to sew.  I have successfully made LadyBug a nightgown (she gladly modeled for me below) as well as altered another for Alisha.   I am teaching the girls, as I’m learning, and I think they will be making their own skirts in the very near future.  I have a goal set to learn to make my own patterns.  I am still in the *research and development* stage right now :o)  

I have discovered a fantastically cheap way to obtain beautiful, durable fabric - sheets.  The nightgown above is made from this lovely, blue-flowered twin sheet that I found for $.98.

There is still enough to make several little-hands projects come true, like a bonnet.  Here are some other beautiful fabrics (and sheets) that I’ve come by next to nothing.

I have also been working on some other skills.  I have, for a very long time, wanted to learn how to crochet and knit.  I found a free self-teaching guide to both and embarked on crocheting since I already owned the needle and yarn.  It has been a great adventure since I am a visual and hands-on learner.  Reading and looking at pictures just aren’t the same.  The girls have caught on to the chain stitch and learning to perfect it.

The heat is finally beginning to give-up.  The nights are truly ‘cool’ at 53 degrees, but we are still reaching highs in the mid to upper 80’s throughout the day.  I love being able to have the windows open, allowing the outside air in.   I truly enjoy Fall.  Although we don’t get the drastic change of season where we are, it still affords me a sigh of relief the first time I don’t have to run an air conditioner.  A landmark of fall is being able to make meals that warm not only the belly, but the soul as well.  Life seems to slow down, allowing a glimpse of each and every moment, in detail.  I miss seeing the fall colors, but I still live vicariouly through old pictures like the one below.
 
And a couple more pictures before I forget.  I promised to take pictures of the girls room - keeping my promise - here are those pictures.

This early 1900’s chest was an adorable find at the local Goodwill.  It has a new-to-Ali-purpose; her hope chest.  Preparing herself for her future role as a Help Meet - she is looking forward to filling this sweet little treasure chest with things for her life of advanced years.  Helping her as she decides on certain things to place within - moreso important are those things she is currently hiding away in her heart.  Another chance to make treasured memories with my *little* girl. 

Sydney is now on the look-out for her own :o)

Oh my, look at the time - how the time gets away from me.  I enjoy sharing with you so - I thank you for stopping by and visiting with me.  I enjoy hearing from each of you.  The little notes I receive are a blessing.  Whether you come by every day, week, or even every month - your presence is appreciated.

I hope each of you are finding happiness in each and every moment of your day; cherishing the small things and giving thanksgiving for all things.  I pray the Love you receive is given back to your beloved ten-times fold.  And if your burdens are heavy, remember, He knows the circumstances.  He has known the end from the beginning and has already provided an escape.  Wait on Him - He will show the way.  He understands a heavy heart - He wants to be leaned upon.  He is a pillar of strength.  It is in weakness that He is his strongest.  Let go of worries and lay them at the foot of the cross for Him to take care of.  He loves you dear friend and will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Until next time - be Blessed.

In His Grace - Lori