After a long and unplanned sabbatical, there's only one thing that can get me back in the saddle... 

 

...sharing some adorable photos with you! This is Little Running Squash on a bag of wood shavings tooting her little heart out on a recorder...which should always be played outside. Ever since moving to the farm seven years ago, I have felt just a smidge of regret that the little ones have not had a "play structure" to climb and swing on. But on more than one occasion I have been delighted to find that some farmhouse ingenuity more than compensates, and I am the blessed recipient of the joy and laughter.

And I should mention that this particular musical entertainment lasted a very long time...

  

We had a Charlotte Mason moment on the farm when we discovered (for the first time) a Monarch caterpillar that Joshua harvested from the field. Violating what every good home~educating mother knows about documenting discoveries, this is all we have on our nature study. Documentation neglect aside, we were able to observe the amazing transformation from the caterpillar... to chrysalis... to butterfly...

 

 If there is anyone else out there feeling overwhelmed by life and unable to get on top of the enormous responsibilities, take joy in the small accomplishments of your day and try to free yourself from the guilt of what remains undone.

"And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought..."

            Isaiah 58:11

When Pink Is No Longer Pink, And The Farmhouse Is Quiet...

It was that first mother~cry "no!" and the blood was there, and fear that the baby was not.

The weekend was long, but this morning the ultrasound confirmed what my heart already felt...Little One has been with Jesus for three weeks (unknown to us) and any day I should go through the process of labor and delivery long before we had planned.

We are sad to walk this road and end with empty arms, but I am choosing two thoughts:

* We love and accept children as a gift from God Himself, no matter how counter-cultural that may seem...

* This life is a blessing to our family, for as many weeks as the Lord saw fit to allow

"I will carry you, while your heart beats here.

Long beyond the empty cradle, through the coming years...

I will carry you, all my life.

I will praise the One who's chosen me to carry you. "

                                           ~Angie Smith

When Pink Is PINK and We Give Thanks...

It was at the college Bible study when I thought God said eight. Ok, perhaps it wasn't God, but I do remember thinking eight would be a great number of children. I had just recently become a Christian, and for the first time ever, I was surrounded by people that loved the Lord, not a man. Introductions into the world of Biblical womanhood, being a Godly wife, loving and educating  children (and lots of them), demonstrating modesty and femininity, eating healthy...these topics and many more were changing the way I was thinking.

Saved by grace, but now traveling the long journey from brokenness and rejection, I had no idea there was more carnage up ahead. Through selfishness, sin, infertility and a marriage on the edge of failure, He spoke Hope.

"I will restore to you the years the locust have eaten...And ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you..."            Joel 2:25,26

One miracle at a time (with the exception of the twins!) God gave us eight babies! God has blessed us over and over again in many ways, and it is true that He has restored the years the locust have eaten. We eat in plenty and are satisfied, and we are again praising the name of the Lord our God, who had dealt wondrously with us...He has blessed us with another little one.

The farm is growing again...which makes me wonder about "eight"...

Last Farm Giveaway of 2010!

Join my sweet daughter Jenna  for her final farm giveaway this year. This is a custom gift of sorts, as you can win a gift certificate and CHOOSE YOUR OWN PRIZE! Tomorrow is the last day, so take a few minutes and look at all the neat things you could add to make your house a home...or that one piece you have been saving for...or some wonderful way to bless your husband and family...

...and speaking of blessing, you have all been a blessing to me in so many ways this year! I don't spend much time on the computer, but when I have a few minutes, I come away encouraged with thoughtful ideas, prayerful messages, or practical tips to implement here at the farm. Many times you have shared your hearts, spoken words of love, and prayed for my family in multiple ways. 


Today I received a phone call from a blogger-turned-beloved-sister-in-the-Lord...who could believe it? Across the many miles and with just a simple typed message a few months ago, the Lord has knit our hearts together. Isn't God GOOD? I'm so grateful that we can use this method of communicating to "meet" one another and encourage each other. Thank you for all your lovely comments over the months!


May God rain down His blessings upon you all this year!

From the farmhouse~
Kathy

A Quiet And Peaceable Life

A very practical thing to be thankful for here on the farm...firewood. It is absolutely FREEZING tonight, and I'm so thankful for all the hard work that went into splitting and stacking our "heat" last summer. While I don't have any kiddos that love this particular summer chore, we are all very glad now.

"...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."    1Timothy 2:2

There is a certain desperate chaos lurking around every farmhouse corner but my heart is for the beauty of that quiet and peaceable life. I am amazed at how quickly the month of December filled up with all manner of nothingness, but I'm feeling the distinct pull of being purposeful and deliberate with our life.

One of my friends has asked me about schooling the littles, and I just don't push them with heavy preschool/kindergarten curriculum. I can tell them that policemen are our friends...that God has ordained them for our protection...and that pretty much sums up social studies, right? I'm being a bit facetious, but it really doesn't require sitting on a rug in a circle, or at a desk. It's just talking along the way...it's looking for meaningful opportunities such as copying a scripture verse. I dot the letters, my five year old traces over them. She wants to practice her letters. Both she and her four year old sister ask for schoolwork, so we spend time

"with our school"  but there's no pressure to push through a curriculum. We're working on learning our letter sounds, and after having the experience of teaching five children to read (all at different ages) I know she'll learn at the pace that God designed for her. No stress for her, no stress for me.

 Which brings me back to living that quiet and peaceable life. Every mother wonders how we went from this twirling duo, (who knew they'd be doing this same thing down the center of the barn twelve years later???)...

...to this. Life is exciting, busy and our world is getting much larger. So when I feel the rising pressure, I have to reground myself in what is really important...that knowing Jesus as Lord is the most necessary accomplishment in life, that living a quiet and peaceable life centered on Christ is essential, and that the education of our children must not only reflect this, but all too soon, the "growing season" is coming to completion. So we master academics but lose their soul...will our years have been well spent?

Today I got overly frustrated (nicely put) when one middle child had an attitude about area and perimeter. I missed my moment of the gentle art of learning. Instead I traded that for apologies and hugs a bit later, and the truth is, next year at this time we will have mastered it and moved way beyond. It just wasn't worth it.

 A rather long-winded answer to the question, but this little face gives me hope to repair my mistakes quickly and try to stay focused on the present joys of loving all my kiddos, delighting in our lifestyle of learning, and striving to live that quiet and peaceable life.

Freely We've Been Given...

"Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

I have little faith. Growing up was framed with post-depression, "pull-up-your-bootstraps-and-do-it-yourself" mentality with the understanding that if I wanted to "be anything" at all, it was up to me. Fast forward through college, into married life and the constant collision of world views. It isn't that I'm confused about my world view...it is decidedly CHRISTIAN. It's just that I wasn't raised in a George Mueller sort of faith-building lifestyle.


Why little faith? Because today, when I face financial and economic uncertainty, when trials of life threaten to overwhelm, when there are days that I literally look to the heavens and say audibly, "Hello???", I forget I serve a loving and tender God, ever near, ever living to care for His own. So kind and faithful (even when I don't deserve it), that this week my kiddos and I gathered on the floor to give 

THANKS

for an unexpected gift

from a never-before-met new friend

whom we will forever love.

Farmhouse Hugs

"...thus says the LORD, who created you...He who formed you...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, not shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior"  

Isaiah 43

I love this verse. It's a bit well used and familiar, but it encourages me every time I meditate on it. I love that God promises deliverance through the pain and stress and difficulties of life. I see the preposition THROUGH, not AROUND. Isn't that beautiful?

I love that God has brought new friends into my life that genuinely care for me and my family and our needs, not out of compulsion, but out of a heart of love.

Thank you for your prayers...

Kathy

My Greatest Gift Ever...

I remember so vividly the many Mother's Days that I sat with empty arms listening to yet another message on the gift of motherhood, while I wept silently inside fearing I would never be a mother. I would never know the awesome experience of carrying a baby inside my womb and feeling the kicks, the twirling, the little life moving about, hearing the steady heartbeat on the monitor...I would never know the extreme joy of bringing forth life, of that first sticky moment when baby was placed upon me...the sleepless nights, all the firsts of development and growth, the giggles and tears, the squishy fat rolls, the delicious smell of a nursing baby, that voice calling "momma!", the questions and conversations, the hugs, those shared moments of youth and young adulthood...

...I grieved over what I thought I would never know.

But God, who is rich in mercy...showed Himself strong on our behalf and saw fit to bless us with eight beautiful children! We have trusted God with the fruit of our womb, and He has blessed us beyond measure.

But the greatest gift, by far, is when one of my children decides that they love God because of who God is. Not because of what I have said or done, not because of a special training technique or book, and even in spite of multiple mistakes and sins on my part.

When my child falls in love with Jesus, that is my greatest Mother's Day gift...ever.

Farmhouse Beans

I've hit my wall this week, and haven't really had the time or energy (or creative thought) to blog. Mostly I'm tired and discouraged with the messes, but I'm even struggling with a serious case of self-pity (ugh!). So, tonight, if you ever find yourself in this situation, here is a beautiful verse to meditate on and memorize...it's lovely, hopeful, and the very thing to hear from God when swirling in self-pity.

"God is good, and doeth good"

Psalm 119:68

There!

That being said, I am sharing a very easy, delicious meal to incorporate into your busy lives. This can be made into a giant pot for a night of fellowship with other families, divided for your freezer, or modified for the single man (hello, Elliot) who may need some tasty variety in his diet. Mostly, it is healthy, and surprise of all surprises, my whole family LIKES it!

FARMHOUSE BEANS

1 lb. hamburger, browned and drained

1 lb. bacon, diced, fried and drained

1 lb. brown sugar (yikes!, but a key ingredient)

1 quart canned tomatoes

1 large jar Great Northern beans, drained

(or 2 lbs. dried beans, soaked and drained)

salt and pepper

chopped celery

chopped onions

chopped garlic

worchestershire sauce

Heat in a crock pot, serve in bowls as stew or on buns. Adjust amount of liquid depending on how you want to serve it.

Farmhouse Backyard, Sunshine and Putting the Toy Company Out of Business...

Last week was absolutely amazing weather here on the farm! For a couple days, we actually had what I feel is the perfect day: 75 degrees, sunshine, fluffy clouds in a bright blue sky, no humidity...just gorgeous. Of course, we made the most of it, and as I headed out to hang laundry, Natalie and Anna were bounding up from the barn with their newest toy...an up-to-the-shoulder sterile glove!!! Who would have thought that for pennies, such fun could be had on a spring day?

Thanks goes to Josh and Jenna for finding something creative for the little girls to do while they cleaned the barn :)

Never to underestimate the willingness of the little ones to help, the twins equipped Natalie and Anna with a couple of scrub brushes and away they went, cleaning the hog feeders. Honestly, these moments are some of the best rewards of our life here on the farm!

A different day, a different mission...how many frogs can we catch down at the pond? I LOVE that these girls aren't afraid to handle these cute little creatures, and that they really think these froggies are capable of having a race...

And finally, who would have thought that this perfect little egg would be randomly laid in the middle of the pasture, untouched by the horse, the cow, and the little steer jumping for joy? Anna was pleased as pie that she discovered this treasure...

...and I, once again, was reminded of the passing joys and treasures that children bring every day of our lives. I'm trying so hard to imprint these memories in my mind for the future...

I hope you have sunshine tomorrow, and I hope you find something to rejoice in!

More Farmhouse Confessions

Well, here's a struggle...contentment. On a blog I visited recently, the dear mother said she and her children DO NOT COMPLAIN (ouch!). And on another blog, the dear mother posted an absolutely BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN that every mother of many children ought to have :). And yet another blog posted a delightful view into her equally DELIGHTFUL PANTRY that seems quite suitable for every homeschool mother who is required/chooses to cook for her family with regularity.

So how does this affect me? Honestly, I find myself digging deep to focus on being content with what I DO have...to focus on the many blessings that we enjoy daily...to focus on the hidden beauty of simplicity (hidden~get it?)...to remember that we are on a journey of growing in Jesus, and perhaps our roots need strengthening, or perhaps our fruit just isn't ripening at the same speed as others.

No excuses here, because I truly do want to be admonished and encouraged and I truly know that we have fallen woefully short in many areas, but it is so dangerous to compare ourselves to others, and it is such a mistake to look at what others have and become discontent with what we have. Truth is, my husband works so very hard to provide, and how discouraging to him if I have a spirit of discontentment regarding our home and the condition of it! And what about the children? It is so important to cultivate a thankful heart so that they likewise, learn to be content not only in these years with us, but also to prepare them for their future spouse.

"Better a handful with quietness than both hands full..." Eccl. 4:6

~~~~~~

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

~~~~~~

So here's to quiet contentment, and trusting the Lord for all our needs, both with our physical needs, and the needs of raising and training our children. Take care while you read other blogs, too, for we can easily get discouraged with our perception of other women's lives!!

Love, Kathy

I Was Checking My Mental List...

...and I didn't accomplish anything today! Of course, that screams "Really? Are you sure?" Okay, perhaps it's better said that the Holy Spirit asked me those questions in the still, small voice that characterizes our God, and when re-evaluated I decided that many things were accomplished.

~Bible time was spent together this morning

~Words of encouragement were spoken

~Reminders of the truth in scripture were repeated

~Love was demonstrated

~Acts of service were done

~Admonishment was given

~Laughter was shared

~Playtime in the snow was fun with eachother

~Relationships were invested in

~Songs of praise were sung and enjoyed

• 
  

I realized again, that I am so blessed and privileged to be together with my children all day long... to be a part of the great journey of their life...to witness in the growth and development of their character. To be a mother. To be their mother.

So what if my "projects" didn't advance today. Maybe there will be time tomorrow.

What did you do today that made your role worthwhile? Be deliberate as you reflect on that good thing that did get done and thank the Lord. It has far more value than any project will ever have.

Chicken Poo, and the Making of Godly Character

Could chicken poo ever develop godly character? Not in and of itself, but the CLEANING of chicken poo and the process of "freshening" the coop sure has some great life lessons. Take today. Yet more complaints on the disgust of the job, the impossibilities of "getting it all", and the injustice of making children do the nasty jobs.

I couldn't help chuckling, then I began to wax eloquent. All the virtues of learning to do the unpleasantries of life while young would surely apply throughout the years. I'm quite certain that those youngsters who learned early to deal with the yuck, and do it cheerfully, are the better for it. Imagine the advantage of learning to bear up under the arduous and noxious tasks of childhood with a joyful, happy spirit...

Those will be the heros and heroines of the next generation! Those will be the courageous defenders of the weak! Those will be the trustworthy, reliable, and noble...

Let's hear it for chicken poo...

Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

Happy Birthday, Anna!

My beautiful Anna Caroline...I've spent the day reminiscing about what I was doing five years ago. God gave you to us after 3 1/2 years following Caleb. Perhaps the Lord knew I needed some time, and we were ready! In an effort to avoid another almost 11 lb. baby, we decided to induce you. But the first time, you wouldn't come! The second induction worked, though, and this time I enjoyed the modern miracle of an epidural! By this time I felt like an old "chicken", but it was a beautiful birth as you appeared after two easy pushes (quite unlike your brother).

You have brought so much fun and joy into our life! You are quiet and thoughtful...

...and infectious with your giggle. Sweet green eyes that dance...I love it when they squint with delight!

...I'm thankful you love to be outside. Gardening, feeding the animals, picking flowers...

...being a farmgirl! You are momma's big helper in the kitchen, and we love to wear aprons together. Twirling is our favorite...and now you come to me asking for alone time. I love that...and I love you. Thank you for five wonderful years~

Happy Birthday, dear Anna!

Surprises on the Farm...

More than once I have said "I am blessed beyond measure" on my blog, and today it happened again. After not finding sleep until 2 am, I of course, did not wake up very promptly. The first blessing was little Natalie crawling into bed with daddy, Laura and I.

"Can I climb up and cuddle with you?"

"Uhh huh..."

"I love you so mthutch!"

"I love you too, sweetie"

The second blessing was Jenna coming in to get Laura from our bed when she heard Laura squawking. What a joy that my 16 year old daughter is not only extremely capable, but she loves what she does. She is definitely blooming where she is planted...and I love it!

Good...just a little more sleep...

The third blessing was Josh coming in with an enthusiasm that is absolutely infectious around here...

"Momma! You have a surprise this morning!!!"

"Hmmm?"

"We've been featured on Lynnette's blog!"

THAT is a surprise, and a BLESSING. When I began blogging, I never imagined that God would use cyberspace in the way He has used it this past week. We all go through trials, and we are in the midst of a fiery trial right now. Lynnette has blessed my family and I beyond measure with her love, counsel, and kind words of encouragement...and it seems a little funny to say this, but...

She's like a sister to me, AND I'VE NEVER MET HER! I don't even know where she lives, yet God has reached down from heaven and joined us in motherly and literally sisterly love.

So, back to the point...she also featured Josh. And the blessing comes in when we received so many sweet thoughts of encouragement at just the precise time they were needed. Blessing number 4.

It's been a fun day for all of us, as we've read so many comments from new bloggers. Thank you LYNNETTE, and thanks to all who came by to visit! Don't forget to count your blessings!

Love, Kathy

Merry CHRISTmas!

Silent night! Holy night!

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace-

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

On a not-so-spiritual note, today was like every other Christmas Eve since I can remember. Though I determine to never do it again, I find myself with way too many details still "on my plate" at this late hour. Like so many of you, between a desire for simplicity, the constraints of limited budgets, and being already overwhelmed with too much "stuff", I chose carefully and prepared early this year, and yet I still have one project for a daughter that remains undone in the sewing pile! Oh, the memories! How many Christmas Eve nights crocheting faster than my hands would allow to get those silly slippers finished for my momma...sweet thing requested them year after year. And the crocheted casserole pads? Did anyone else make those for gifts? Bless all my relatives for using them. I remember a granny-square toaster cover (!) made with pastel pink, green and white yarn. What was I thinking? My dear momma used that faithfully much longer than she should have. Imagine how vindicated I was when Pottery Barn brought those colors back a few years ago (though in the girl's bedroom, not the yellow kitchen)?

In any case, I need to go finish sewing, and though it is late, I find myself smiling because I am doing this not of compulsion, but because I love to give, and I really think someone is going to be very happy. After Christmas, I shall post the finished product!

A very Merry CHRISTmas, to you, my friends!

May you know the pure light of the Lord Jesus, and the redeeming grace that He alone can give!

Love, Kathy

By Highest Heaven Adored!

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and Life to all He brings,

Risen with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by,

Born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Yesterday I had took Josh with me to hear my father sing in a chorale group. They, together with the symphony, sang beautiful songs of the Christmas season. As I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I realized that in this public setting, with this religiously-neutral organization, they still sang open praise to the great God of this universe. As the music hall joined the choir with this finale, I couldn't help closing my eyes and fighting to hold back the tears of my own praise and wondering if the multitude really knew what they were singing. Amazing thankfulness that Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, was the object of public praise.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Late For This Year Or Early For Next?

A truism for every day around the farm...Give Thanks

While bustling around the kitchen with family and friends Thanksgiving Day, I set to "work" two daughters and two creative sisters. This is a classic for me...I get an idea (usually plagerized; but isn't that what Martha Stewart encourages?), gather the supplies, and then it never quite comes to fruition.

So in the midst of our chaos, why not try to complete that craft project???

It began with felt squares of various "earthy" colors, and a selection of natural do-dads for the letters and embellishments. Some were purchased for convenience and cleanliness (I didn't feel right about using chicken feathers), and the rest were gathered from the farm.


A casing was created by hot-gluing the top over approximately two inches, squares arranged in preferred color order, and the creativity began to emerge! The letters are beautiful and homey and original. One of my favorite touches...the letters are strung with baler twine scavenged from the barn. Credit goes to my dear sister for making the twine into a piece of art.



The real beauty, however, is the message:



GIVE THANKS

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

Psalm 106:1

On the Farm...

Preparations are under-way for Thanksgiving at the farm. We like to clean and organize before everyone arrives, and bake, bake, bake! I can't seem to stick with the planned menu...I just keep adding more. With all the children helping, we seem to want to try just about every delectible recipe out there. Our first responsibility is to make the traditional Pecan Pie to honor my momma's southern heritage, Pumpkin Fudge to bless my brother-in-law, and someone else has volunteered to make the Apple Pie, Cranberry Tart and Pumpkin Pie. Who knows? Maybe we'll think of something else!



In addition to the turkey, we will bake a delicious ham~children-loved and farm-fresh from the summer. Now that is a reward...knowing our meat came from the farm.

If anyone is looking to try a new sweet potato recipe this year, I humbly submit our third-generation recipe as, well, the best. Besides, marshmallows in my potatoes make me nervous...

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 c. mashed sweet potatoes (bake your own~approximately one large potato =one cup)

1/2 c. brown sugar*

1/2 c. white sugar*

1 c. milk

1/2 c. butter

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. vanilla

2 eggs

2 c. corn flakes (crush after measuring)

1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Add milk, sugars, butter, salt, vanilla, eggs and 1/2 of the crushed corn flakes to the mashed potatoes. (We add the butter to the warm potatoes to easily soften/melt it) Mix well on high. Put in large, greased casserole. Sprinkle with remaining cornflakes and pecans. Bake 15 minutes if warm or 30 minutes if cold at 375.

*The sugars can be reduced some, based on personal preference

What are some of your favorite recipes?

Have a blessed day tomorrow as you prepare for Thanksgiving, and do remember to enjoy the labor.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

After the Blessing...

After receiving the blessing of children, a whole new reality set in. I remember strangers, with twins older than mine, wearing the badge of "survival" as I faced yet another foggy day. Older women with teens wistfully encouraged me to enjoy each day...their youth goes by so fast. And my own dear momma telling me gently that perhaps it is time to "call it a day and make some lemonade and cookies...go sit in the shade of a tree."

Somewhere over the years, all the physical needs of my little people have turned into emotional needs and spiritual needs, and the ever-present needs of emerging adulthood. Exhausting. Completely and wonderfully exhausting. Countless hours are spent in heart-probing discussion, challenging conversation and comforting encouragement. We laugh, we cry, we face struggles and temptations head-on. We talk of dreams and the death of dreams. We probe the depths of ought to's and ought not's, walking in the flesh, or walking in the Spirit.

Our one great Standard? The Word of God. Do we fail? Absolutely. But there is that opportunity to again experience the redemption and forgiveness of God. And last night as the conversation drew to a close, there was a decided peace which of course, is from God alone. But it gave me cause to realize again how important it is to build genuine relationships with our children so that they come to mom and dad for insight, encouragement, counsel, direction.

I am so jealous (vigilant, concerned for : Webster's 1828) for their heart and so very thankful for the time I have at home with them.

The days are going by much too fast.