The Day God Opened My Eyes

 

~Reposted from 2010~

When we moved to the farm six years ago, I wanted to bring our wooden play structure with us. Husby said "no way", and I translated that into..."we'll just get a new one, I guess". I'm not the only one that makes those giant LEAPS of assumption, am I? Fast forward six years, and there is still no play structure, though there are three more little ones. I still think it would be very valuable.

Since I'm not technically saavy, I can't scan a photo of Josh and Jenna swinging on the swingset when they were 2 1/2. So imagine two little blonde-haired cutie pies swinging back and forth with all the energy they have, and I'll tell you a little story about the day GOD OPENED MY EYES.

From the kitchen of our little Craftsman style home in the village, I could look out to the backyard and see the swingset. While I did the dishes that sunny summer day, my very well-behaved, obedient twins were swinging merrily and, no doubt, singing hymns. They were trained to first-time obedience, had impeccable manners, and I was quite proud of the progress I was making with them. So far, parenting was working out fairly well, and I was certain that my methods of control were paying off. Not only did they need to use "please" and "thank you", but I did not allow disrespect or rude speech like "hate", "fat", "shut-up" and grossities like "poop". We instead, used formal and appropriate terms such as "B M". Bowel Movement...I know, laugh at me, but that's what it is.

I was enjoying the sweet sounds and cheery little voices...I was loving mothering.

Hmmm, what hymn are they singing?

And then my parenting world was shaken. With all their might, Josh and Jenna were swinging to the heights saying "Poopy, poopy, poopy!" And back again,"Poopy, poopy, poopy!!!!" And again...and again...and again.

Can you believe it??? They had no idea I could hear them, and that's the day God opened my eyes and began the GREAT CHANGE in my parenting. Now, I'm the first to admit that I am far from wise regarding this whole idea of parenting, and the more children I have, the less wisdom I seem to have. But on that day I began to see that all my efforts were sincerely and earnestly aimed at their OUTWARD BEHAVIOR, not their HEART.

I know there are multiple authors who have dealt with this issue, so I don't need to delve too deeply here, but suffice it to say that the Lord used that little incident to get my attention and show me the need to minister and disciple my children to love the Lord, not simply follow a set of rules and laws.

The twins and I love this story, it makes us laugh. We laugh at their naughtiness, we laugh at my legalism-doesn't-work approach to parenting, and we laugh at ourselves. But I also love the humor God used to open my eyes to a better way. HIS way of reaching the heart of His precious children.

Who Is Teaching My Children???

*Reposted from April, 2010*

Unintentionally, I've taken a small sabbatical from blogging. It has felt like college days all over again...remembering that feeling of back-to-back exams during finals week, and just believing that "if I can get through this week..." I can return to some normalcy.

But guess what? I did make it through last week, and "normalcy" doesn't exist. After having my family up for Easter, then preparing for my sister's baby shower last week, I am scrambling to get caught up (will that ever happen???) with the house, paperwork, laundry, decluttering, spring cleaning, changing clothes from winter season to spring...piles and piles and PiLeS of clothes. Progress can be a bit elusive, but there is some good news... giant stacks of clothing are leaving this house and never coming back!

 ...the farm is busier than ever now that nine little Wilber's have arrived. Some one of us will soon have pictures up of their arrival, and the three little girls right in the middle of the hog pen taking charge and making friends.

Remember the snake habitat? This was the day of capture, and brave little Natalie in charge of transport. For those animal rights people out there, yes, they were set free after a delightful time of education into the life of humans. We don't do much with formal "lab" studies in our science time (OK, None), so I free myself of guilt and instead embrace the hands on approach! My children are naturally curious and don't seem to be afraid of spiders, snakes, placentas...you name it, they are willing to try it! But again, progress can be difficult to measure...and stepping outside the "norm" sometimes requires our schedule to be flexible...and flexible can sometimes make us uncomfortable...

Little Running Squash is LoViNg the outdoors and wants to keep up with the others. I'm not teaching her a foreign language, she doesn't know her alphabet, and she isn't a fan of vegetables, but she's happy, energetic, and loves her family. She can put toys away, pet a hog, and sing any song you sing, so why get bogged down in early pre-school education? :)

I'm still trying to get a weekly menu together (don't give up on me, Renee), rooms remain slightly unorganized, I'm not sure if my dining room will ever get painted, my sewing pile is taller than me, I haven't been able to do that "early to rise" part of life yet, and our daily schedule needs a major overhaul, BUT,

"All my children shall be taught by the Lord,

And great shall be the peace of my children.

In righteousness I shall be established;

I shall be far from oppression, for I shall not fear;

And from terror, for it shall not come near me."
Isaiah 54:13-14

So, dear friends, if any of you are feeling just slightly behind in your homeschooling due to being a momma of many, or perhaps you have the amazing miracle of life in your womb or in your arms, or illness has you down, maybe your domestic responsibilities threaten to overwhelm, or you are facing personal or financial loss, some may be burdened by moral failure...this is my comfort:

...That no matter how weak and incapable I am feeling, my children are ultimately being taught by the Lord. Could there ever be a better teacher??? Even at my best, I will always choose to defer to HIS educational plan, knowing that it is far superior to anything I could accomplish. Remember that He gave us these precious children, and He loves them dearly! He won't abandon us as we fulfill our responsibilities!

How about resting in this promise? **sigh of relief**

Enjoy your week~

Kathy

How Can I Get Into the 21st Century?

Can I just say how FRUSTRATED I am that I have NO IDEA what AF means, or BFP, AMA, OP, or multiple other acronyms floating around on certain "helpful" internet sites? And it seems to me that a very simple solution is to consider the more "mature" audience who might not have a clue and include a list of definitions...
...and what does "bump" mean???

Trying to appreciate my simple ignorance~
Kathy

Farmhouse News...Joys and Sorrows

Thank you everyone for your prayers, sweet comments and suggestions. We made it through whatever illness we had, with only a few coming down with the virus. Jenna had it the worst, but yesterday did not require a nap, and today we received the most thoughtful care-package from our new, dear friends to speed along our recovery.

Sunday also held sorrows for us as we had to put down Joshua's goat after a very aggressive infection took over. We knew she was sick, and I even said "Be prepared...", but we never expected the suddenness with which it happened.The farm is strangely quiet, and though some may not realize why, for us (and especially Joshua), the death of an animal is just plain painful. I remember years ago when we would talk of goats, I couldn't imagine that they actually had "personality". Now that we are officially owners and breeders of goats, there is clearly a uniqueness about each one that is very endearing, coupled with the daily contact, care and milking of the herd. As you can imagine, a bond is formed that only grows over the years.

As the farm momma, I want to say something wise and encouraging, but all I can really think of, is that God cares for the sparrows, and other living things as well. This is sad for us, yet my children are learning important lessons for life that are rooted here on the farm, guided by the tender hand of the Creator of the universe.

Some Thoughts on Raising Sons...From Fear To Free...and a Hot Dog

What is a momma to do when her little boy is no longer a little boy...when that little energetic toddler turns into a young man ...when, independent of that adoring momma, he's quite good at something he loves?

She turns some of that nurturing into good old-fashioned boastin' on her boy! Now, with all due propriety and modesty of course, instead of doting on him or restraining his emerging manho*d, heap on the praise! Let your little man know just how proud you are of his work... let him know how amazing his talent is...tell him he is essential to the success of the team...make sure he knows how SWEET his play at the plate was (has anyone ever seen that before in Little League???  

Make sure he knows that OF COURSE, when he is drafted by the Tigers as their next greatest catcher, OF COURSE you'll be at every game eating a ball park hot dog...cheering him on to another victory.

Another Baby!

The best news of the week is... ANOTHER BABY!! On Saturday, my sister Emily and her husband Brandon had their first little one. His name is Brogan and he is so beautiful! I took some of the children to see him and as you can tell in the picture, it was instant love. There is something so amazing in the birth of another baby...that "something" that makes my own mother~heart do crazy things like...wonder if the Lord will bless us again. I love that babies remind me of all that is good and right, of all that is beautiful and hopeful, of purpose and fulfillment. Such a gift from our creator God!

Did you know statistically Christianity is dying, in part because as a group, we(Christians) are rejecting the very blessing of God? According to Voddie Baucham of Grace Family Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, Christianity is dying because Christians are limiting their families to two children, parents are rejecting their discipleship role in the life of their children, and the children are leaving the faith. Not having children and not passing on the faith is crippling Christianity and will eventually destroy it.


There is no doubt that a family requires sacrifices of time, money, earthly treasures and more, but there is not one single thing this world has to offer that can or will ever produce the joy and fulfillment that a houseful of children can give. And by God's grace, it is a houseful of children that will go on to love and serve our God, passing on the truth of the Bible to the next generation!


Before someone gets sidetracked with the legality of numbers, I don't mean to imply that there is a certain number that denotes "godliness". Rather, like so many other issues, it is a matter of the heart. And like so many other issues, making choices because of our selfishness should never be a part of the equation.


So here's to Brandon and Emily and baby Brogan! May this be the beginning of another army for Jesus!


*Be sure to read Joshua's comment...I completely agree!

M.I.A.

Goodness! We've been without internet connection for several days and have discovered how "disconnected" we feel without our computer! We missed our "friends" and feel out of the loop with everyone's life :) but true farmhouse confessions: it was good to use our time in other ways that sometimes get neglected because of the blogworld. But we're back on now, and planning some wonderful giveaways between our three blogs, so keep watching!

It was a very busy weekend as Anna and Natalie were in a wedding. They were beautiful in their dresses, and when the moment came to head down the aisle, they did it! Right up to the last minute, anything could have happened, right? At five and three, would it be sweetly following momma's instruction, or would we panic at the last moment and not be able to face all those eyes?? Thankfully, they were just perfect, but can you believe that I didn't have the camera??? Not one single picture of those two...what was I thinking???

Today I spent some time trying to bring a bit of order back to the house after being away for much of the weekend. Though not caught up, we will be able to start the week somewhat fresh and in reasonable shape. I'm going to sign off here tonight and finish washing the milking equipment (NEVER ending), put some more laundry in, and finish washing the kitchen floor. I love the feel of a clean wood floor, and for a special treat to myself I'm using Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day geranium scented cleaner. Easy to please, right?

Have a blessed Monday, friends!
Kathy

Momma Thoughts and Wishes

What could be more encouraging to a three year old, than the freedom and opportunity to BAKE? There was a day when my goal was to avoid as much as possible, those things or activities that created extra work for me. When the twins were not quite two, my sister asked me if I would EVER let them splash in a mud puddle. If you think that is silly, let me confess (again) that I actually had to make myself allow them to play in the mud. And you know the rest of the story...they had fun, I brought them in and cleaned them up, and eventually God was able to change my heart toward the PURPOSE of parenting.

But it hasn't been quick or easy. More confessions include not letting Jenna play with her Vision Forum doll because I didn't want her hair messed up! Remember, neat and tidy, perfect home, perfect children...

Early training also included not allowing the twins to cross the threshhold into the kitchen. They were so well trained, but YIKES! Can you imagine how much relationship and fellowship I missed because I was so focused on the mechanics of parenting, and not the ministry of parenting?

There is so much regret, but on a positive note, nothing is impossible with God! Though far from perfect, and still wishing I could get on top of an organized life, there is progress. I now look for opportunity to involve my children in as many activities as possible. It is not efficient or expedient, but it is training, it is fellowship, it is equipping them for the future!

We are a family that samples the work of our hands! I know self- control is a virtue and needs to be taught, but there are plenty of opportunuties for that!

In the name of training, I had my four year olds washing floors. Now the concept is great, and I still give opportunity for the three and five year old to wash windows and floors (they love it), but discipling them and coming along beside them is so much the better way...not just instructing and inspecting! How easily we forget that they are relatively new to this big place called earth. Really, they don't even notice that their boots don't match...

...and what about the giant leap of dexterity and success when a button can be buttoned??? They are so young and tender, and I wish I was better prepared emotionally to LOVE my children, not just love my children...to enjoy them being little ones, not trying to make them into minature adults...

But here is living proof, though my mistakes are many, there is laughter and love today, even if Jenna never was allowed to play with her doll...

Humbly exposing my mistakes~

Kathy

Thoughts From a Tired Momma

This is quick tonight, then I'm off to bed. Yet again we are fighting a virus that I'm beginning to wonder if it's H1N1. I don't really know, but some reading I've done indicates it lasts for months and can travel from system to system. That would describe our winter: a three week cycle of illness (x 10 people) which is equal to a momma totally wiped out.

On the surface the day seems wasted, but even as I struggle to meet needs, I guess there is opportunity to serve with a sweet spirit (very fragile, I might add), or get grumpy and irritable. I was thankful for the Holy Spirit keeping my focus on serving sweetly, though I felt myself slipping as the requests and voices continued with a distinct repetition and my head pounded incessantly. So there! Every day, every situation is an opportunity to live in grace and show the love of Jesus!

Desperate for relief, I found a recipe for SORE THROAT SPRAY. I made a small bottle and will see how effective it is.

SORE THROAT SPRAY

Mix approximately equal parts of warm water, raw Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) and honey to sweeten. There's no science with measuring, though the first attempt brought tears to my eyes! With a little more water and honey, all three littles were clamoring for some of the "spicey" spray!

By biggest problem was finding a little spray bottle! What I have is okay, but I thought it might be nice to have a few bottles available. Maybe each person should have their own??

Blessings and prayers for all my new friends~

Kathy

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

PMS-IS-BAD

It's been a tough week. No significant accomplishments, but plenty of defeats. Amidst all the busyness of our life here on the farm, I don't seem to advance much, and usually we move fairly peacefully from one day to the next. But surely you know what I mean when I say that sometimes...just sometimes, the chaos, and mess, and all that remains undone, and that which weighs so heavily, and the emotional needs that are relentless, and woundedness that remained unhealed (and on and on) and it all just escalates...and you lose it.

...I had a day like that. And since details are either boring or too graphic, let's just say it ended with me ~ AGAIN ~ having to humble myself and ask for forgiveness. I hate that part! Not the asking of forgiveness, but that I have said something, or done something, that has caused pain and hurt to someone I love. How I wish I could go back and re-do those moments! I so need to learn the virtue of SELF-CONTROL! I wish I could audibly hear the voice of the Holy Spirit:

"Kathy! STEP AWAY FROM YOUR MOUTH!!!!"

Of course, I would have to obey, and do exactly that. Close the yap.

I feel like my children are going to exhaust their "seventy times seven" times that they need to forgive, all on me! Okay, I know that's grossly out of context, but most of you know what I mean.

Wouldn't it be nice to just post easy, five-ingredient recipes?

Of Things Engraved Forever...

"Bless the Lord, O my soul,

...who forgives all your iniquities..."v.3

"Who redeems your life from destruction..."v.4

"The Lord is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger,

and abounding in mercy..."v.8

"He has not dealt with us

according to our sins,

Nor punished us according to our iniquities...."v.10

"As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions

from us..." v.12 ~Psalm 103

The children and I read in the book of Joshua today, and twice in one chapter, Jehovah was referred to as "...the Lord of all the earth...". That was noteworthy, not only for the Israelites, but for us. The Lord of all the earth. And tonight, juxtaposed with the lovingkindness and mercy of that same Lord of all the earth, is forgiveness so deep and infinite I can't wrap my mind around it.

I raise my hand tonight and say, "I'm guilty." Guilty of slipping into complacency. Of forgetting the great work of God in cleansing me. Sometimes guilty of believing forgiveness of one like me is even possible.

I find it interesting that when I lose sight of that amazing love, it is usually a person who redirects me and sends me fleeing to the arms of Jesus by their lack of forgiveness. By their pain. By the pain that I have caused. In all my teaching time together with the children, I try to honestly deal with life and choices, with consequences and fruit, with repentance, forgiveness and restoration. The truth is, that the children will each have to make decisions in their own lives and live with the results of their choices. My prayer, of course, is that they choose what is good, because even though they can and will be forgiven by their heavenly father, wrong choices leave scarring and wreckage that may be lifelong.

Bribery on the Farm...

Finally, we are on the mend! It's been over a week of "the sick-a-ness" on the farm, and it has left us wiped out! One of the challenges I struggle with, is meeting the needs of the children to the point where sometimes that is all that gets accomplished. This is the part of mothering that requires sacrifice, perspective, and God-given strength. Doesn't it seem that in the midst of illness, we move into "survival mode"? That's what I've been in!! Is there any way to get MORE ARMS?

Little Running Squash wants me all the time. She's happiest in my arms, nursing, and sleeping beside me. I try to "wear" her in the Ergo, which is helpful, and I'm re-thinking other parenting approaches...but more on that later.

Have you ever bribed your children? Surely others have stooped so low...When I was using this amazing reward system I reaped benefits I now get to enjoy frequently. My favorite, came again today when I needed it most:

"I will never leave you from the farm!"

"Oh Natalie, I love you!"

"Well, if I do leave, I'll go with you. Maybe to get chicken food, or dog food..."

"And we can wear our aprons together..."

"If you tie my apron, mommy, I'll tie yours."

Okay. There's that strength to keep on giving, and meeting needs, and nurturing even when it feels like there is nothing left give.

My Future...please...

"Mommy, you look like a GaWAMMY!"

"Really Natalie?"

"(giggle giggle)You look like a GaWAMMY!"

Ha ha...urgh! No matter how blessed a hoary head is, I just don't want to be that right now...yet...not for a while. I'm just not ready. Funny thing is (not so funny to me), apparently I look the part even though I don't belong in that group.

After Natalie was born, I dropped her off at the entrance to the grocery store with my little sister, who was 24 at the time. By the time I parked and walked in, Mr. Grocery-store Greeter was cooing all over.

"So you must be grandma!"

Not exactly what a newly post-partum momma needs to hear. My eyes immediately connected with my sis, as this was the SECOND time within a few days that this mistake was made. Fighting back the tears, I headed to the produce section as fast as I could, listening, but not believing Andrea's explanation. Bless her heart, she tried to encourage me, but to no avail.

Age-wise, it could have been true. I could be Andrea's mother, and Natalie could be Andrea's daughter, making me grandma.

No thanks. Not yet. I'm loving being the momma, and I just don't want this time to pass.

Now, on the bright side, I'd love to look like Tasha Tudor when I'm a grandma. Isn't she the image of peace and grandmotherly-ness? Already my children are preparing me, (okay, requiring of me) to be soft and squishy, wear dresses and aprons, put a bun in my hair, and have cookies baking for the grandkiddos. NO NYLON SWEATPANTS, PLEASE!

In fact, Caleb just pointed to the picture of Ms Tudor and said, "That's what I want you to look like!" (How cute is that...)

I think I can do just about all they are asking...

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

On Being Sweet and Nurturing...

"...let's do our best to create a home our family feels loved in! It all starts with a sweet and nurturing attitude!..."

This is just what I needed this morning, and it came from Aunt Ruthie at Sugar Pie Farmhouse.

Personal confessions here at the farm...I haven't felt very sweet and nurturing lately, and I want to publicly excuse it due to reinjuring my back (great pain) and a sudden turn of personality in my 16 month old (I'm immensly exhausted). For the record, I'm TRying!

Little one decided to start screaming each and every time I lay her down in her crib; not just for a couple minutes, mind you, but for the duration of her confinement! And, for those of you tempted to say it will pass in 2-3 days, not so! We're coming up on two weeks straight, to the point of eliminating BOTH naps during the day...

Along with back pain, I feel myself despairing. Do you ever dare ask God "What do you want from me, Lord?" That was me, last night. Begging God for an end to the screaming, all I could hear was "Trust" and "Perspective". I couldn't think of a chapter and verse that said "Perspective", but I began to meditate on the goodness of God, and the mercy and generousity of His tender gifts of children.

But I also began to doubt and question my parenting skills. So today, when my own tears were almost non-preventable, I called the doctor. I began to imagine bulging eardrums, or swelling in the pericardium that caused great pain when lying in the crib...

The good news (albeit slightly embarrassing), Little One "simply" has an absolute mouthful of emerging molars, bicuspids, incisors, you-name-it-it's-comin'-through. The bad news...I'm $70 lighter. I'm thankful to have her thoroughly checked out and all my fears put to rest, but I hate that I spent the money in my hour of despair.

I don't know if there is any kind of lesson in all of this, but I am cast upon the Lord. And I am so thankful for the reminder to cultivate a sweet and nurturing attitude, even in the midst of trials.

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

A Serious Question for Momma...

"Mom, when was Laura Ingalls born?"

"She was born in 1867, sweetie."

"Oh. Isn't that the year you were born?"

"Actually, no. It isn't."

Much as I love Laura Ingalls, I am truly hoping this was simply a serious math error, not reflective of anything else...

It Had To Happen...

...eventually. For the most part it will be the momma's out there who understand and sympathize with the bittersweet-ness of this moment. With the twins sixteen years ago, it was pure excitement to reach the developmental milestone of walking. And imagine two babies...one on each hip! I'm quite certain there was even some relief.

With my next baby, there was the question in the back of my mind..."Will she ever walk? Is she okay?" Which quickly merged into the busyness of the next baby~now four little ones in 3 1/2 years. PLEASE walk!

When baby number five came, he was practically big enough to walk out of the hospital, and my memory is, that he always weighed more than I could lift. I was tired, and getting older...

I'm sure there was a bit of sadness with each passing milestone, as I clearly remember wondering if we would ever be blessed with another baby. The bouncy seat put away...the three month clothing too small...the exersaucer passed on to another friend...more outgrown clothes...each step "cheers!", each step a reminder of the swiftly passing time.

With our last three little girls coming in quick succession (three in 3 1/2 years), there is no question I've aged. But I've also begun to grasp the truth of "it goes by so quickly". Don't get me wrong...I'm not holding Laura back, I know this is good! But quickly flee these precious baby years...

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