This is the last week of the Farm Girl blog-a-thon hosted by Tina at the Garden Goose.  It has been so much fun posting through this blog-a-thon and meeting farm girls at heart just like me. 

Shiloh at six weeks when we brought her home.  So cute!!

Shiloh in her rain coat.

How can you resist those sad, brown eyes?!

• 3 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

Tina at the Garden Goose is encouraging each of us to share our farm girl side.  This has been so much fun for me.  This week's theme is Getting Crafty.  I love crafts and have learned to do quite a few different things.  I can crochet, cross stitch, knit, some sewing and I just love to create things all the time.  I love to give gifts that are handmade.  To me that means so much more. 

Here are some pictures of things I have made.

This is an ATC I made at my friend's house.

This is some trim that I am crocheting for my curtains.

I crocheted these little flowers in one afternoon.  I need to make more to embellish some projects I have in mind.

I made this journal for my dear friend!

These are my latest projects.  I have a cross stitch quilt I am finishing up for my mom and I will take pictures and post those when it is finished.  It has taken me quite some time to complete and I will be thrilled when it is finished.  I hope my mom will enjoy it.  Once that is finished I will get busy working on all the projects that have been dancing around in my head.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit.

"To share with other farm girls and to learn about the Farm Girl way of life visit: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/ ")

• 6 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

It has been busy here this week and I am only now able to post my new farm girl blog post.  This week's theme was gardening.  How appropriate for this time of year.  You can visit the Garden Goose for more information on the Farm Girl Blog-a-thon.  This year will be the first time we are planting a garden here.  I used to plant a garden every year at our other house but have never tried one here.  Well, this year I really want to give it a try here.  Along with gardening for the first time here I will also try to can as much as I can for the fall.  I will be planting a square foot garden.  I have the book waiting to be picked up at the library.  I have borrowed it before and just need some final details to plant it.  This is what it should look like:

Here is what I am planting:  green beans, peppers, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, strawberries, and a raspberry bush.  I grew cantaloupes one year and they were some of the best I have ever eaten.  Unfortunately, a rabbit took bites out of most of the ones that grew.   I don't know if I will try that this year. 

We have some very pesky squirrels here and I would enjoy any tips you could share to keep them out of the garden.  We have a dog and that will help some.   We are also putting chicken wire fencing around and  on top of the garden.  I hope these ideas work.

Once everything is built and planted I will post pictures.  I will also keep you updated on the growing, the squirrels and the canning.  I am so excited to be working on a garden again.

"To share with other farm girls and to learn about the Farm Girl way of life visit: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/ ")

• 1 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

I was delighted to recieve this book from Kregel Publications.  Scientists of Faith is forty-eight biographies of prominent scientists who were Christians.  This is a great book for us, as a homeschooling family.  It is on our read aloud list.  Today, we do not hear about Christianity and science together.  The latest discoveries seem to try to disprove every word of the Bible.  This book is an excellent source to bring scientists and Christianity together. 

The book is broken up into sections, each highlighting a certain time period.  It begins with a look at science before the 1500's with A New Look at the Universe.  In this section, Christians who influenced the course of science during this time period, have been chosen.  The next section highlights the time from 1500-1830.  These scientists lived at a time when things were changing rapidly.  You can find the stories of great scientists such as Johannes Kepler, Blaise Pascal, Robert Bowle, and Antoine van Leeuwenhoek.  The last section is titled, Science Without Limits.  This section begins after 1830.  The discoveries of John Herscel, Gregory  Mendel, and George Washington Carver are highlighted.

It is great to have a book that brings science and the Christian faith together.  This book will help to arm defenders of the faith with information on various Christian scientist's contributions in their field.  It is a great beginning for those who seek to refute the latest discoveries by some of today's more humanistice scientists. 

The author writes, "Christians and the Christian worldview were crucial to the formation of the early sciences...... If science, technology, and medical advances, properly used, are examples of God's grace to us, then those who brought them into being should be credited for them.... None of these men were perfect.  I have deliberately shown each one's faults because that is how the Bible depicts the saints.  I have chosen to respect all Christians who have honored the living God with their lives and work, regardless of their theological differences.  They began their search for truth with  the assumption that God exists, that His Word is true, and that He has created an orderly univers that reveals Himself."

I recommend this book for all families.

• 0 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

This is week 3 of the Farm Girl Blog a thon at the Garden Goose.  The theme this week is In the Kitchen.  We are to share the latest kitchen creation or a new recipe we have.  Unfortunately, I am not good at remembering to take pictures of the new things I try.  Last week, I decided to bake some cupcakes.  They were golden cupcakes and while they were still warm from the oven I cut out a bit of the top of the cupcake and put a chocolate in the cupcake, put the cut part back on and then iced it.  It was awesome.  What a great and awesome treat.  We all enjoyed this special treat. 

Cooking is not my favorite thing to do but I do enjoy baking.  I love to make new and tasty treats for my family.  I could just stay all day in the kitchen baking, especially on fall days.  The only problem with that is who can eat all those yummy treats in the end.

I just borrowed a new book from the library on bread baking.  It is called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.  

The bread on the cover is just gorgeous.  If you are a bread lover your mouth will water.  I am going to soon start trying these recipes.  I have always wanted to bake good bread at home.  I will have to remember to take pictures as I do this. 

Look at those yummy breads!!  Now imagine baking them at home.  How wonderful the whole house will smell.  Is there anything better than fresh baked bread just out of the oven?

"To share with other farm girls and to learn about the Farm Girl way of life visit: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/ ")

• 4 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

I was visiting the Garden Goose and came upon this wonderful Farm Girl Blog-a-thon.  I do not live on a farm but in my heart I am a farm girl tried and true. 

 I am joining this blog-a-thon a week late but I just couldn't resist.  I have always felt that I am a farm girl at heart.  I have never lived on a farm but have always desired to.  I still dream of it daily.  I would love to raise some goats, sheep, and chickens. 

 I can see a very large garden just outside my kitchen farm window.  There would be many varities of vegetables and herbs growing in my farm garden.

 Someday I will live out in the country on a farm but until then I will dream in color.

The first week of the Farm Girl Blog a thon featured aprons.  I know I missed this but I can't help post about it because I absolutely love aprons.  I love vintage aprons and the new splashy aprons.  Nothing plain!  Here are some of the aprons I love:

• 15 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

And I am so glad it is.  We have had quite a few days of sunshine now.  It has not warmed up but at least it is sunny.  It is supposed to warm up this week and I can't wait.  I am not a fan of the cold weather.  It has also been a very wet winter for us.  I am ready for sunshine and warmth.  Saturday was supposed to be rainy but we woke up to sunshine, so dh and I headed outside to do some yard cleanup.  The flower beds look wonderful now.  There are some little green leaves starting to come up.  Soon, it will be in full bloom. 

As I was reading through some blogs today, I came across another wonderful blog and homeschool magazine.  This magazine is by The Heart of the Matter, it is available for free online.  I have peeked through it and can't wait to have some time to read it all.  It looks wonderful and filled with very informational articles.  If you have the time it is worth going through.  I think you will truly enjoy and benefit from it.

While traveling through blog land I came across a most beautiful blog, My Romantic Home.  This blog will make your heart sing.  It is filled with so many beautiful pictures of this lady's home.  It is an inspiration to all of us as we try to make our homes beautiful.  Of course, I love that most of the things she purchases are from thrift stores and flea markets.  One of my favorites is the furniture transformations she does. 

I hope you visit these wonderful blogs.  If you do, don't forget to leave a comment and tell me how you liked them.

Blessings!

• 2 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

Yesterday I came upon a wonderful blog, The Sparrow's Nest.  I was so excited as I read this wonderful blog.  It is beautiful and I know that many of you will enjoy visiting it.  While reading this wonderful blog I saw in interview with Christa-Taylor.  Christa~Taylor is a young woman who began her own company designing fashions that are both modest and stylish.  The clothing is both beautiful and well made.  This is an answer for so many moms who are looking for clothing for their teenage daughters.  I am so happy to find this site and I have some things already chosen for my wish list.  If you go on over to The Sparrow's Nest you will find that she is hosting a contest.  The prizes are: first place $50 gift certificate and second place a $25 gift certificate.  The contest ends Monday, April 14.  Hurry over!!  You can also read a wonderful interview with Christa~Taylor while you are there.  I truly enjoyed the interview and just wanted to learn more.  This great company is a blessing in so many ways and is run with a Christian world view.  Ladies, don't wait another minute.  Pass the word on.

• 1 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

The Old Schoolhouse magazine is the best homeschooling magazine I have ever read.  From the first time I was handed a copy I couldn't stop reading it.  This awesome magazine is filled with product reviews, encouragement and real life stories of everyday homeschoolers.  It is great to read about all the different methods of homeschooling.  The homesteading and Natural Schoolhouse sections are filled with wonderful tips on healthy living and eating.  The Homeschool Units are just fantastic activities that are fun learning to do with your kids.  I cannot say enough good things about this magazine.  I keep every copy and reread each one.  The vast information is highlighted and bookmarked for easy reference.  I don't want to lose out on this wonderful resource.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Spring Promo is in full bloom.
Subscribe now to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and receive
25 BONUS gifts valued at over $550!
The Winter Promo sold out, don't miss out on the free gifts this time!
Pluse, ONE lucky subscriber is going to win
a $150 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store just for subscribing before
midnight, Sunday, April 13th!

Don't miss this!!!  The contest will end soon.  Go on over.  Don't wait another minute!!  Visit theCompany Porch for more details

• 2 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

I have been hoping for some spring weather in our area.  It has been quite cold here and very rainy.  It would be nice to have some sunshine and warmth.  The days that have been sunny have still been quite cold.  We are promised some sunshine and warmth for the next couple of days.  I am really looking forward to it.

We are plugging away at school hoping to get many things accomplished before the end of the school year.  There are always things we continue to work on in the summer but not as structured as during the school year.

With spring I begin to think of pretty things.  One of my favorite things is Victoria magazine.  I am sure many of you are familiar with this magazine.  It has come back in print and is filled with so many beautiful pictures and articles.  It will inspire you to bring lovely things into your home and your life.  The feminine quality is not as admired in this day as in years past.  We need to bring this love of being feminine back.  There are many little things we can do to add a feminine touch.  My dear friend has many lovely things that she sews and creates.  They are a picture of femininity.  If you would like to see some very beautiful, lacey and feminine items visit her Etsy shop, Firstlove. 

This spring when everything is new and lovely again let's take the time to bring some lovely touches into all we do.  If you have never looked through the pages of Victoria magazine, take the time to do it now.  It will transport you back in time to a period of loveliness.  It will make your heart long for some of that loveliness in yourself and your home.

• 2 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

From the first time I saw this book I wanted to read it.  I have heard many good things about this book.  There is a contest at My Cup Runneth Over at Heritage Acre Farms to give away a copy of this great book.  The contest runs until Thursday at midnight and a winner will be chosen on Friday.

Here is an excerpt from this wonderful book:

**Excerpt **Pull up a chair, dust off the cookie crumbs, and join Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald as they lay aside stereotypes like the “Stepford wife” and dispel such myths as the 1950s “perfect homemaker.” Laughter and tears will flow, and hopefully you will be infused with a renewed vision for victory as a wife and mother. Discover what it means to be a passionate housewife “desperate” for God alone!

• 4 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

I pray you all had a blessed Easter Sunday!!  We had my husband's family over for coffee and dessert.   I invited my parents but they did not come.  The church service was great!!  It is amazing the love of our Lord that He died for me, a wretched sinner.

This post will be a mix of all that has been happening here.  As the school year is coming to a close we are busy, busy trying to get everything accomplished.  I know there will be things that will not be done and there are things that we have already moved on from but I am hoping to end the year well.  Shortly, I will post some pictures of extra projects the kids have worked on this year.  I love having the time to work on hands on activities.

My dd has a dear friend who is very special to our family.  This dear lady is like a surrogate grandmother to dd.  She has been a blessing to us for so many years.  Recently, we sent her a little package of some stitchery I had made.  When she responded to thank us she was so upset over the loss of her dear sister, she was her best friend and they were in contact each day.  My heart breaks for this dear lady.  If you remember her please keep her in your prayers.  Her name is Isabel.  She is a blesssed Christian friend.  This wonderful lady has opened her home to us many times.  It is a blessing each time we visit.  She lives in a little seaside town here in little RI.  Her home is a historical home.  It belonged to Priscilla Alden, daughter of John Alden~one of the Pilgrims of Plymouth.  It is amazing each time we go there and I never tire of seeing it.

Here is a picture of the framed stitch work we sent her:

We hope to visit her again soon. 

The last thing I want to share is my longing for spring here.  The calendar says spring is here but the weather is not cooperating.  We have had some very sunny days but no real warm up.  Today, started off sunny but the clouds are rolling in and they are saying we will have on and off again rain showers until Saturday or Sunday.  The temperature is also going to be dropping.  I do not enjoy the cold and long for some warm sunshine.  I am hoping that we will be blessed with some very soon.

I added this spring wreath to the door (made by me):

I am hoping to invite the warm spring sunshine here so we can have some beautiful flowers.

Blessings!

• 3 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

This year we have been blessed with the wonderful field trips we have taken.  I wish I was better with remembering the camera but I do have pictures to share with from two of the field trips. 

The first field trip we took was to the Museum of Science in Boston.  The museum had a special educator's day and we were able to enjoy this great museum for a fraction of the regular cost.  The kids had a great time as they explored the many different floors and exhibits.  One of the favorites is the Lightening Show.  You can not be sensitive of hearing if you would like to enjoy that.  Ear plugs are definitely in order.

DS enjoys a model of the pyramids.

We enjoyed the transportation exhibit.  DS loves trains.

DNA~ What else can you say?

The next field trip is to Historic Slater Mill.  This is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the United States.  Samuel Slater was born in England and it was there that he gained a comprehensive understanding of the mill industry.  Samuel Slater emigrated to the U.S. secretly because England did not want to share their textile and mill knowledge with the Americans.  Once, he arrived he was able to find funding with Providence investors.  With the ability to both build and operate these textile machines, he built the first water powered textile mill in Pawtucket in 1793.  The Blackstone River provided the necessary power to run the mill.  Slater employed whole families in his mill.  The families lived in mill housing, attended mill schools and churches, and shopped at the mill stores. 

The field trip began with Mistress Louise as she instructed us in Fiber to Yarn.  During the program the students learned how cotton, wool and flax were transformed into thread that would make all the clothing in this time period.

I especially enjoyed our tour through the Wilkinson Mill.  We were able to see the different machinery used throughout the 18th and 19th century.  I loved each and every piece. 

Although the water levels were a bit high, we were allowed to go into the wheel house and they turned on this 16,000 lb replica of the wheel that provided the necessary power to run the mill.  If the wheel needed to be repaired it would take 3 or 4 weeks.  During this time the employees would be out of work.

At the end of the tour we visited the Sylvanus Brown House and were able to see many of the period furnishings and how families lived and worked. 

If you would like to see even more wonderful pictures visit my dear friend Bethany's blog. 

I hope you enjoyed touring our field trips.  I hope to have many more updates with field trips that are coming up.  I know we have enjoyed this learning time immensely.

• 3 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

My dear friend, Heidi, is having a Countdown to Spring Giveaway!  She has many wonderful books to give away, a Math Galaxy cd-rom, and a one year subscription to The Old Schoolhouse magazine.  Check out her blog for all the details.  The contest will run until March 20.

• 2 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

We have been working hard here.  The school year is ticking away and there are still many things left to accomplish.  We have been really hitting the books and getting alot of work accomplished.  It has been a bit hard because we have had some field trips and gym class to go to but we just keep plugging away.  I think seeing all the exciting things I want to do for next year has helped to refocus on finishing this year well.  Sometimes, when the spring arrives we end up with spring fever and want to just give up on school.  I am trying to have fun and accomplish our goals at the same time.  It can be trying and difficult at times but I am confident we can do it.

On Saturday, I went to a giant warehouse book sale.  Many of you have heard of CBD (Christian Book Distributors), well they have a huge warehouse sale twice a year.  Saturday was there first this year and they will have another in September.  I sat for many long hours the previous weeks making and remaking our curriculum list for next year.  I was able to buy almost everything on Saturday but it made for a long day.  There is a warehouse code for where everything is located and it is spread out through a huge warehouse.  It took from 9am to 2pm to finish shopping.  It's almost like a marathon.  But I love curriculum!!  I get so excited over all the new books.  I am looking forward to finishing this year well and planning next year to be even better.  I will be praying diligently for God to lead me with each one of our children. 

That's been about all we have been doing.

Blessings

• 3 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

This Sunday's message was on praise.  It was a wonderful message that blessed me.  Our Pastor went through some Psalms of praise and prayer.  They were so appropriate for me right now.  The song "Praise You in This Storm" just keeps coming to mind and blessing me.  I have always loved this song and I wanted to share the lyrics here.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

No matter what our storm is our God is in the midst of it with us.  We need to praise Him through these most difficult times and know that in His infinite wisdom He will work all things for our good.  We cannot trust in our own ways and what we want because we are fallen, but He is perfect and all knowing!!  Praise Him!!  Lift your voice to Him and give Him the praise He is worthy of.

This is one of the Psalms our Pastor shared and I wanted to share it with you.

~*~Psalm 30~*~

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.

O Lord, you brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Now in my prosperity I said, "I shall never be moved."

Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

I cried out to You, O Lord; and to the Lord I made supplication:

"What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit?  Will the dust praise You?  Will it declare Your truth?

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!"

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Be blessed today and know that our Heavenly Father is by your side.

• 4 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

 We are back to school this week.  I am glad we had last week off, I was able to get many things accomplished.  It is good to be back on a schedule, especially for the kids.  I am pretty happy with all we have accomplished this school year. I can hardly believe that it is time to look into what we will be using for next year.  I always get a fresh wave of excitement when it is time to start looking through all the homeschool catalogs.  I love it when the new school supplies start arriving in the mail.  It's like Christmas to me. 

This year we have been able to work on more projects.  It has been fun.  Dd14 worked on a yurt, the first mobile home, and a model of the hanging gardens.  Ds 10 has worked on a viking boat and a salt relief map.  I love to do these kind of projects.

I now have all the things in my craft room organized.  It is now time to get to serious work on the many projects I have floating around in my head.  I look forward to creating many beautiful things.  I will share them with you here.  My hope is to start an Etsy shop to showcase what I make.

• 2 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

Good Morning, Friends!

I am beginning to dream of spring.  It is supposed to be very cold here today and tomorrow.  I am planning of planting a garden this year.  Not anything too big but just some veggies to grow organically.  I am excited thinking of this and can't wait to get started.  I know I still have some time to wait.

We are not doing school this week.  We are taking a much needed break.  It has been nice to get some projects completed.  Yesterday, we went with a friend to a great bookstore, almost like a book warehouse.  So many nice books.  I love books and when I have to pick just a few it can be very difficult.  So many choices.  I did pick up some lovely crochet books, a Victoria magazine book, and some books for the kids.

Today, I have some organizing to do.  I completely cleaned out the bathroom the other day.  I even cleaned the window  and washed the curtains.  Today, the kitchen cabinets are on the list to do.  I also want to go through dd14's clothes.  I am sure that we will have things to add to the thrift store pile when I am done with these projects.  I hope to be able to get rid of all those bags tomorrow.  They are starting to take over the basement. 

Well, with so many things on my to do list I better get off here and get busy.

Blessings!

• 3 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

I am so excited to finally have some pictures to share.  It makes it all come to life.  Of course, I wish I could write in such a way that it would create a beautiful picture in your mind but for now I will just show you the actually pictures.

I have been cleaning out my craft room and reorganizing.  I have many new projects I want to start but I need to have some order first.  This first picture is one load of things to donate to our local thrift store.  There are many craft items as well as some household things I just need to get rid of.  This is my second load.

 The pictures below are tons of goodies my dear friend, Bethany has blessed me with.  She gave me fabric, lots and lots of fabric, lace trims, beautiful papers, etc...  So many goodies and pretties to work with.  I will be busy.

This picture is a crocheted trim that I am making to add to my living room curtains. 

These are scarves I made with Incredible ribbon yarn.  They are the same pattern but one is longer than the other and you can wrap it around your neck or tie it.  So pretty I think.  I love this yarn.  It is so different from any other yarn.  I also like the colors.  These are light scarves.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  I hope to have more to share with you soon.  I will be busy with some other projects.  I also need to take some pictures of the things the kids are working on. 

Blessings!

• 8 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link

Do you love lace? Lace is just so beautiful.  It is something that is forgotten these days.  Lace takes me back to a different time.  It is just so pretty and feminine.  I love to look at it and touch it.  I love to have it in my home and find new ways to use it.  I guess for me it is eyecandy.  Well, if you love lace then visit my dear friend, Bethany, at Love from my studio.  She is having a great giveaway.  She has a wonderful pile of lace to give away on her blog.  She creates the most beautiful things and she uses lace in so many wonderful different ways.  Her creations are absolutely amazing and beautiful.  Go on over to her blog and check out this great giveaway.  While your there take a peek at the pretties in her Etsy shop.  I think you will love what you see.  She is definitely a gifted and talented lady.  I hope you enjoy her beautiful work as much as I do.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway and let all your friends know.

BTW, I am busy taking pictures and hope to have them uploaded either tonight or tomorrow morning.  Then I will post some of my pretties.

Blessings!

• 3 Comments • Post a Comment • Permanent Link