Looking Back and Going Forward

I remember where I was that night, very well. We were still living in the brick house that belonged to my mother. That evening all the kids came for dinner. We talked, we laughed and before the clock struck midnight, we unplugged the computer….just incase!

You probably remember that night, too! We had a little cash on hand, a pantry well stocked, bottled water, and extra batteries! We were as prepared as we could be, given all the circumstances. Y2K or not, we would be okay for a while.

This past decade has seen many changes in our lives. We’ve added eight grandkids! My hair is grayer, dh’s beard is longer. Mom passed away, along with dh’s brother, my best friend, and numerous others we were close to. They are missed.

We scaled down, moving back to the mobile home we had “loaned” to DS#1 and his family. We started raising chickens, rabbits and goats, along with our Border Collies and “herd” of cats! And now we also have horses. Our life is different, richer in some ways, poorer in others.

We decided to home school, began eating a more natural diet (no more Crisco!), and started a home based business. We live within the grace of each season….we garden, we gather, and we put up! We are healthier, if not wiser; happy and tired.

We enjoy slow cooking and cooking outdoors. We love watching the animals and look forward to each year’s new additions. We daydream together and share what we have with others. We study and pray. We take each day, one day at a time.

What will ten more years bring? What changes will we see? Only He knows. Our present and our future is in His Hands. May we find favor in His Sight.

Happy New Year! May you be blessed in ways you never dreamed!

Blessings,
Cheryl

No Pouting Here!

Santa’s done come to town!

And he did very, very good!

For those of you who didn’t do or don’t know about the Secret Santa Soriee Georgie and Amy organized…..it all started back in October, when over a hundred of us signed up for the SSS. Since I like surprises (as long as I don’t have to cook for said surprises) and love getting something in the mail that isn’t a bill, I naturally signed up!

Hence the excitement began and we were blessed with the opportunity of getting to know fellow bloggers a little bit better, while they got to know just how weird some of us really are! LOL

Okay, moving right along to the good part….

After the mailman left the package from my “Secret Santa” at my daughter’s house two days ago…I finally got it!!! And there is someone named Smith in North Dakota that has made me a very happy person! My box full of goodies could not have been a better fit!

First there was a little spiral bound “thought book” to start each day with a thought that blesses. Among all the wonderful thoughts, is a reminder that I love.

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” ~ Abe Lincoln

My little book contains 101 of these positive quotes to start each new day! Excellent!

Then there was a cute little note pad with magnets to hang on the fridge. I probably won’t hang it there, because it is just too cute and too sweet. If I place it on the fridge one of my daughters or granddaughters is sure to accidentally “borrow it.” It is going in my purse.

Next there was a set of two (the smaller one nestled inside the larger) wooden boxes with the word “BELIEVE” inscribed on a tile insert on the lids. These are beautiful, heavy wooden boxes with neat metal hinges and clasps. I love them. Youngest son already asked if he could borrow one for his ammo (pellets) box? NO ~ hands off! These are mine.

Then I got a wonderful Gifts in a Jar Cookie Cookbook. Each recipe includes gift tag artwork to be used for the instructions. I have to say, I love the gifts in a jar concept and love being gifted with such wonderful delights. I had rec’d a much smaller version of this gift a couple of years ago. This book is about 5 times larger, with many more recipes and ideas.

And when I say we really enjoy the gifts in a jar ~




I really mean it! This is a picture of “Brownies in a Jar.” My cousin gives me two of these every Christmas and it is one of the gifts we all look forward to. Notice I said two…..she gives us two….and you are only seeing one, ‘cause we have already made one disappear!

Finally, there was CHOCOLATE! Some Russell Stovers and Nestles Crunch, both….and one of the Russell Stovers had a coconut cream filling…it was wonderful and no one fought me for that one! LOL

So, Smith in Dakota….you are the BEST! You really helped to make my Christmas special. Praying you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and 2010 is a very blessed year for you! Thank YOU!

Sorry, the above mentioned CHOCOLATE could not be reached for comment and was unavailable for pictures.

Merry Christmas,
Cheryl

On Blogging, Old Age, and Christmas

Ernest Hemingway could have been speaking of “blogging” (as well as letter writing) when he said, “It’s such a swell way to keep from working and yet feel you’ve done something.”

It seems I have sit here and "wasted" way too much time! But, "help, I sat down and I can't get up!"

I think it is because I dislike winter. I dislike the shorter days, the cold temps, and the fact you can’t buy a good watermelon (or a good tomato) in December or January…which btw, is when they sound really good to me!

And I really dislike looking at the stack of dirty dishes I should be up washing! So, here I sit…and sit…and

Tomorrow evening, I am cooking for dh’s brothers, their significant others and my sweet mother-in-law. Really, I am only doing this for her and dh. Granny is 91 years young. This is my “gift” to her.

So, I need to get myself busy, wash the dishes, move the clothes in the washer to the dryer, start another load, pick the chicken (I did managed to cook tonight) off the bone and a few other things, that if done tonight will make tomorrow go much smoother.

Do you put things off? I think each year I get worse. I don’t really think it is an age thing so much, as maybe I am just giving in to my true lazy self. I wonder which is worse…old age or discovering you are really lazy? However, being true to oneself is a good thing…Right?

Today is December 22 (okay, it has only been the 22nd for about 19 minutes), and I still need to write out at least four Christmas cards. Obviously, they’ll be a little late.

I can remember Granny Dorothy saying things like, “Well, Christmas just sneaks up on me anymore.” And I would think something like…why? It comes at the same time every year. Now I am discovering how wise Granny really is….Christmas is one sneaky holiday!

Remember in the movie, The Little Rascals, Darla is sitting there saying (about Alfalfa), “Please, don’t let him say my name … please don’t let him say me name.”

Now I feel like saying, “Please don’t let it be old age…please don’t let it be old age.”

Maybe, it is that seasonal dysfunctional disease or somethin’. Come spring, it will all be better. I promise!

Oh, and relax! It is only 367 days, 17 hours, 30 minutes, and 19 seconds until Christmas 2010. Now, don’t you feel better?

Be joyful everyone!
Cheryl

Friday Fragments

I hope I am doing this right. It may take me a couple of tries to iron out the kinks or give up! Either way, maybe I'll learn something! LOL

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

Wow, I did it! That's what I like about blogging. You guys force this dog to learn new tricks. *smile*

I was going to get a lot done today. Instead I had three extra kids, so someone else could get something done. Maybe that is what being grandma is all about.

If you where going to make something disposable, what would you pick? I'll tell you what I'd pick....SOCKS! I get tried of matching up socks. I think the dryer eats about a third of them anyway!

The kids watched The Jungle Book today...not the cartoon, the other one. Which ended in a big fuss over the name of the wolf. So here is a bit of trivia for when you are faced with the same situation. Mowgli's animals friends are Baloo the bear and Bagheera the black panther and the wolf's name? Grey Brother.

My friend Frannie now has a Candy Cane Coiffure for Christmas ~ Bold red stripes in her blond locks! She is so cool...she is a hoot and I love her. She is in her mid 60's! What fun!

Liz Curtis Higgs asked, "If your heart is full, is okay that your mind is empty?" My vote is YES! It is that time of year.

I miss so many people this time of year! I become a sentimental blubbering basket case....then it passes and I think about all the good memories from years gone by and I am happy. Then I have to cook supper and ......oh never mind. I think holidays are an emotional drain sometimes.

I went out and cut Granny's hair tonight, so she is ready to receive her Christmas visitors in "style" now. (Granny lives across the pasture. She is 91 y/o.)

I still have about a dozen presents to make. I keep telling myself, I work better under pressure. Self is getting a good laugh.

All and all, it has been a good week. For one the temperature has slowly come back up from the teens of a few nights ago to 56 today with lots of sunshine. Secondly, Tiger Woods is no longer on Yahoo each time I check my email. And last, dh nearly has the new well house done. Life is good.

May the next few days, be ones of great joy for each of you and may your families be blessed. Remember, the most important present you can give is "presence."

Merry Christmas!
Cheryl

Fa la la, la, La la la la.....

Just a few quick updates. It is that time of the year, when we seem to meet ourselves "coming and going" as they used to say. And life around here is no exception I have lots of good intentions, but time seems to be traveling at the speed of light toward December 25th, fortunately for me, we celebrate our family Christmas with everybody on January 1st. *smile* We made a point to start doing this *tradition* when the grown kids started getting married. We didn't want them to feel pulled between which house, what time, and guilty over being one place, while feeling the need to be somewhere else. So we started our own thing!


The lovely necklace pictured here is from The Silver Cottage website. I am going to try to add a link to the site....but you all know I am not very good at that. If my attempt doesn't work and a web search doesn't show you were to go, leave me a comment and I'll try to point you in the right direction!


I haven't finished my shopping for this Christmas and I am already planning what I want to buy for next!!! But now I know about this site, so I can order anytime during the year and hide my gifts away....(Okay, there have been a couple of years when I hid them a little too well! But I am going to get better organized... .really!). Anyway wanted to share the lovely work this stay at home mom does! Be sure and look at the bracelet made with two strands of beautiful Amethyst chips and drawn together by a single dragonfly with an adjustable length. Gorgeous!


I have to go to the post office either tomorrow or Tuesday....well, since it is 1:28 a.m., make that later today or tomorrow. But, I still have to package three gifts and finish the Christmas cards. Maybe while I am filling up on coffee in a few hours.....What? You asked why I'm not working on cards now? Because I am working on laundry...lots of laundry and I only sit down and work on this post in between folding loads of clothes.


Elijah is still awake and we are also watching Five Mile Creek and talking about the "land down under".....so we are throwing in a bit of schooling here in the middle of the night! Doesn't everybody live like this?


Jenny (DD#1) is coming tomorrow afternoon, to bring Teamer and pick up Joey and Mac. Hopefully, (and I may be dreaming) I will then get a little more done on the house.


I am planning on preparing an early holiday dinner for Granny D. and all of dh's brothers and significant others, however I still have to figure which day/evening will work best.


I received a new book to review yesterday. It is a devotional by Keri Wyatt Kent. It looks wonderful....there again, TIME.


Today was the first really nice day since I promised new pictures of Rodeo and I forgot. I still have the pictures on my "to do list".


If you haven't tried the Cast Iron Pan Candy on Suzanne McMinn's Chickens In the Road site....it is so good! I had eight kids here yesterday and we made it. The recipe is incredibly simple. A nice rich toffee and then we drizzled melted white chocolate over it...just because! It was like eating Heath bars....all the Heath bars you want. I think I sampled way too much!


Suzanne has lots of ideas to make your Christmas special, that are very economical friendly *cheap*. Many of her ideas will enrich your life, too.


Okay, not proof reading this tonight, so if you find mistakes just correct them and be joyful!


Enjoy the season!
Cheryl

Baby Has A Name ~ finally

Just wanted you all to know, our big, tag playing, puppy - er, I mean baby horse is now officially Rodeo! Since he is constantly in motion and wanting to kick up his heels, it seemed like a good handle. It was either that, or Pesky! I like Rodeo better.

I know, I should have taken a new picture to celebrate the occasion, but hey ~ it's two o'clock in the morning and like I said earlier, it's cold! Pictures will follow. Really, I promise!

Oh Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Brrrrr, my feet are cold! We were greeted this morning with ice in the feed buckets! Which was only made more curious, because the National Weather Map (courtesy of Yahoo) showed our temperature at a whooping 70 degrees! I’m not kidding! My feet told me, it was a lot closer to 32 than 70. Wonder what South Pacific island the weather dude was dreaming about?

We made it through Thanksgiving *correction* we grazed our way through Thanksgiving! On Saturday prior to turkey day, I taught a cooking class at the local college and we made a complete Thanksgiving dinner. Then I cooked Wednesday and Thursday for family members. Come Saturday after Thanksgiving, grown daughter #1 and her family came down, so we did what any red blooded American family would do, we grilled! And it was goooood! Since Thanksgiving we have pizza’d, taco’d. and had hamburgers! But now I am completely out of cranberry salad and I am going to be forced to make some more. I miss it. Dh misses it.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and your dinner was delicious!

DD#1 brought down a “new” cake and the recipe is so simple. If you have a thing for “salty~sweet” stuff, you’ll love it. I’ll post it at the bottom. If you are trying to lose weight before Christmas, you might want to just pretend you didn’t see it.

Today I started on some of the gifts that have to be mailed. Without giving out too much information *no pictures* we got out the sack of pine cones that have been piled in the corner of the kitchen for the last month, for the boys to do a project with. At the time, I was pouring candles, so I had this wild idea ~ and why not?

So I took a pine cone and dipped it in the soy wax, which was still fairly warm. After allowing the wax to drip for a minute or so, I sprinkled gold glitter all over the wet wax. Let me tell you, it came out so nice and it smells so good, I did 16 more! Dh was even impressed! I think these will look great set about in groups of three or four with a little greenery placed around them. And I figure the cost was mere pennies per pine cone!

Here’s this marvelous cake recipe…supper easy too!

Salty Caramel Chocolate Cake

Bake a Chocolate fudge cake according to the package directions. And let cool.

Icing

1 8 oz pkg. of cream cheese - softened
1 stick of butter - softened

Beat together, and add

1 small jar caramel (ice cream) topping

Continue beating and add enough powdered sugar to make it the right consistency to spread.

Then add 1 tsp. coarse ground sea salt.

Beat until well blended and spread on cake.

This makes more than enough icing for one cake, so bake two and share with someone. The sweet, salty taste is awesome.

Larry Has Left the Building

http://theprairiemaid.blogspot.com/2009/04/remember-i-told-you-i-had-to-go-to-bank.html


Larry Has Left the Building!

You may or may not have busted your seems laughing at my adventure with Larry. Anyway, Larry is no longer a part of my life nor is he a “thorn in my flesh.” Good bye, Larry.

After another trip over the fence, Larry the buffalo has been sold. If you happen down Oklahoma Hwy 19, you will never again see the sight of this old woman with a cane trying to chase Larry back across the highway and into what was formerly his pasture. You will no longer see a tall young brunette standing at the top of a hill attempting to flag semis down to keep them from making buffalo stew in the middle of the highway. You will not see 18 wheelers stopped in the middle of the highway with their drivers taking pictures of all the commotion with their cell phones *and laughing about it!*. Life may never be the same without Larry. Thank goodness!

I first posted of our escapade with Larry back in April. If you follow the link it may or may not take you there. (I really need an internet blogging book for dummies.)

http://theprairiemaid.blogspot.com/2009/04/remember-i-told-you-i-had-to-go-to-bank.html

In truth, Larry’s owners are in from Florida tying up lots of loose ends, making preparations to go back. Their daughter in Florida is very ill with cancer. If you think about it, please say a prayer for this family.

Once again, today (Saturday) was beautiful. It was a picture of what autumn is suppose to look like. Perfect. The forecasters are saying next week we will feel winter nipping at our heels, toes, and various other body parts. Time to put up the flip-flops! Drat.

Being the “redneck” I am, I sat Shawn, who is 11, outside to trim his hair today. Baby (the six month old colt) was in the yard and wanted to help. It was interesting, funny and I am thankful there were no truck drivers with cell phones around! Trying to give a haircut in the middle of a zoo is a difficult task. No wonder Noah had long hair.

Today was a good day to be with family, rest, and just enjoy life. Since it was Sabbath for many, we were compliant with much of the world. Becoming Jewish might be easier than becoming Amish and having to do without electricity. Which brings up another point, I am 4 days without eating pork. And yes I continue to cook bacon and sausage for my family…..doing without sausage is a snap, doing without bacon when you are having to smell it while cooking….let’s just say it is a good thing there was nothing to make a BLT with! I might have caved. I want to say, overall I am feeling better. And I hope my resolve will last. If dh insist we butcher “Ham” (or whatever his name is) down in the pen, it is going to be difficult. I see a lot of tuna in my future. But you know what they say…. “tuna goes a long, long way.”

Okay….that was then, and this is now….or at least it is Monday! And the weatherman was right. However, he will not be receiving a prize from me….unless he can talk warm weather to coming back!

Do you realize we only have something like less than forty days until Christmas? Which means we don’t have much year left either. Where did 2009 go? It all seems like one big blur! I would really like to do May and June over, when it was warm and not hot….just NICE.

I have my SSS shopping done, finish, ….except for a couple of little things I will have to add just before sending. When do we send those? I need to look that up. So many dates to remember….when I shake my head, I think it is already starting to rattle.

I do *plan* to post again before Turkey Day….but much to do before then, including teaching at ECU this Saturday. We will be preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. So I get to do this X2. Just to say, incase I don’t make it back, May you and your family be blessed this Thanksgiving!

You can read my latest post at www.dailyjesus.info if ya want!

Blessings,
Cheryl

The Lost Post

I wasn't going to post today. Just too much going on (but, I'll have a great post in a few days!). LOL However, I found this picture of the red panda cubs born at the OKC zoo on June 18th. They are now big enough to start exploring their digs! Aren't they adorable? There is one for you and one for me....I meant to say, there is a boy and a little girl. Awwww I think I'm in love! (When I first saw them, I thought they were little red foxes!)

Hey, if you could have any baby animal, what would you pick? giraffe, elephant, gold fish, laughing hyena....maybe you already have one of those....the gold fish, I mean!

Anyway, I posted the picture and ended up writing enough to sufficiently bore you and then the internet ate my post!! Blah! I hate that.

So for now, I am leaving you with these little sweeties. I have to get dinner (we actually say supper around here) on before the troops riot! I will be on dailyjesus.org *I think it is .org* later this evening. We are doing a 24 hour live prayer thing, beginning at 9 CST. Stop by if you get the chance.

If I don't *see ya* tomorrow, have a blessed weekend!

Just for You!

This one is for you, honey!

BTW ~ Sorry, I forgot about the Corp's birthday yesterday! Number 233 (I think!)

Much love!

Thank you, Veterans!

I have been going crazy since last night! There is a poem I have, penned by a veteran, and I was sure I could fine it on the internet. Not! So, sometime I have to go through stacks, drawers, files, and unearth the thing or I am going to have a major melt down!! I loved that poem.

In the meantime, let me just say thank you to all the veterans who have served our country! Lots of hugs to their families, also. He who serves (or she), their family also serves!

I am preparing a special dinner for my hero tonight. He was and always will be a Marine, but now his main roll is Papaw!

Oh….four blogs! Yeah, did you notice I don’t post very often? Because I’m busy making lists and thinking of all the things I need to be doing!! LOL

School went well today….kind of. (Just incase anyone that might desire to read the home school blog….I don’t have time to go there! But I did tell the boys it is Veterans Day today!)


Semper Fi

Cheryl

P.S. Sorry, this wasn't posted earlier today!

Running As Fast As I Can

I have been busy, busy visiting all the other blogs out there in blogland, especially those who are signed up for SSS this year. It keeps me busy! I try to visit four or five every time I sit down at the ‘puter for a break…my breaks are running a little ~ l*o*n*g. So, ground me! (Just don’t take my computer!)

Anyway, I go and read and read some more and marvel at all you creative, witty people out there. You are awesome….but then I have to run back here and try to think of something clever, before (hopefully) you follow my cookie crumb trail and find me out!

This takes a lot of energy! Which some days is in short supply. Maybe it is a supply and demand thing and the demand is overwhelming my supply. Yeah! That’s it.

So, before you look around, here is the scoop.

I have four blogs…’cause I am slightly crazy! Actually, this was the first (Prairiemaid). Then I was teaching at our local university during the summer. It was a kids cooking class through the continuing education department and I decided I should start a blog for the students to follow and if they lost their copies of the recipes we did in class, they could find them on the blog. Thus, Kids in the Kitchen was birthed….or hatched.

Well August rolled around and since we home school, why not do a home school blog? I was *thinking* the boys might take over this particular blog at some point, but because the computer doesn’t fit very well on the back of the 4-wheeler or maybe it is the fact there is no electricity at the pond, so far they aren’t really interested. *I’m blaming it on the beautiful weather we have been having!* I do have a granddaughter who is also home schooled and she reminds me (regularly) that I need to put something NEW on there. *Yes, Gabby, you are absolutely right!* And I promise, I well….soon!

The fourth blog my sister and I decided to do in order to keep in contact with our long lost cousins scattered both near and far. At the time, Bobbie *sis* had been laid off and she had all this time, so I figured we would have fun with it and when we sent this years Christmas cards out to relatives we could say ~ Guess what?!!! Check out our family blog! Sis, went back to work. *Really, I’m happy for her. Really!*

So when you come stalking around and see that I have done absolutely very little, just know I have good intentions and one of these days when you come by for a visit there might (possibly) be something new!

I’ll get right on that after I finish feeding the thundering herd here (the two legged kids), check on the baby….Oh Baby….his picture is at the top….we never get in a hurry at naming our animals. We have to see how they are going to act, so their name fits…Oh Baby! Then I have orders for about 40 candles to pour and I promised my mother-in-law *Granny is 91* I would be out to help her a little later today, then I have to deal with the evening milking…did I mention we have Alpine milk goats? Oh yeah…then I have some papers to study…and I have to get the boys home schooling papers ready for tomorrow…did I brush my hair today? What about my teeth? Eek!

Hey, I did get the top of the refrigerator cleaned off this afternoon!!! Woo Hoo….I am on a roll!

Blessings ‘til next time!
Cheryl

The Perfect Christmas Gift

Something they want ~
Something they need.

Something to eat ~
And something to read.

It’s That Time of Year!

Whether you hate it, or embrace it, it is that time of year! I know you know what I am talking about. The time when we finally begin to pack away the summer things and start to unearth the winter things ~ unless ~ (Well, we who live in Oklahoma, and we know who we are, march to a different drum! Our weather does not always follow the predicted path. As a matter of fact, I am beginning to wonder if we will need to have the a/c running on Thanksgiving Day?) Maybe, I’d better not pack all the summer stuff away just yet.


Anyway, I seem to be making very little sense. That’s what this time of year does to me.


Even though, I make endless lists trying to give some type of order to my life, chaos still seems to be staring me in the face. I make grocery lists, shoe and clothing size lists, lists for what I am thankful for, lists of what needs to be done, Christmas lists, Christmas card lists, etc. ~ my life is beginning to be ruled by lists and check marks or perhaps I should say, the lack of check marks!


And because life as we know it, is hectic, my blog(s) are not getting a whole lot of attention from me. Actually, I am off visiting other blogs, and let me just say, *love your blogs, ladies!* I am slowly working my way through the list of SSS gals and you girls are so awesome, so creative!!! I get busy reading and don’t want to leave my computer or my new friends! Hugs to all of you!! And, if I haven’t been there, I will be (after all, you’re on the list!).


I spent last Monday shopping in Norman. Hobby Lobby was one of my main stops, along with Mardels and the Super Target. It was fun and I actually got a few gifts bought, plus I discovered lots of *ideas*.


This post would not be complete without mentioning the terrible tragedy at Ft. Hood this past week. Let me just say, I am praying for everyone who has been affected by what happened, especially for the families of the victims. May God surround you with His love and comfort.

Who Am I?

Like the picture? Me too, although other than the fact we are in the month of October, the picture has nothing to do with today’s post. The table is my friend, Frannie’s. Miz Frannie decorates for everything! She’s wonderful, energetic, dynamic, a little crazy and very creative! I want to be Frannie when I grow up (I know, I am running out of time!).

So, here is the question of the day. Can you describe yourself in five words?

See, I’ve been thinking about this and it is difficult, because I tend to want to “explain” me!

I can describe the weather ~ chilly, windy, cloudy, windy and windy! Why is it windy in October? It should be windy in March.

I can describe my kids ~ five, two girls, three boys, awesome, hard workers (well, the grown ones), loveable!

I can describe my husband ~ loyal, a little controlling at times *but in a good way,* talented, a true best friend, funny, and likes to take the road less traveled. Okay, I know that was 6, but loyal and a true best friend are nearly the same.

So, how do I describe myself? Looking inside me is hard. Sometimes, it is almost uncomfortable. Ya know?

Anyway, here goes:

Christian
Wife
Mother, grandmother
Teacher
A country gal, through and through!

Oh yeah, I had another email from The J. Peterman Company! Man, I love their catalog!

Okay, all this wind is getting to be too much. It can stop “sweeping down the plain” anytime!

Hmmm, maybe I should have added packrat to the list! Just thinking out-loud.

Blessings,

Cheryl

Getting A Jumpstart on the Holidays!

For those of you who are already hearing sleigh bells and sipping hot chocolate, this is a unique website, you are going to love! Be sure and visit the kitchen and look through all the great recipes with just a click! Enjoy!

Okay, the banner doesn't work and I don't have time to track down the cause, so here is the link ~ http://www.northpole.com/Village.html

Hope this works!

Hugs!

Cheryl

Some of My Favorite Things

Happy Thursday, everyone!

In surfing around the net ~

From Mama’s Losin’ It, prompts for a weekly blog post. Here they are, take your pick!!

The Prompts:

1.) If You Give A Mom A Moment...

2.) What's the message you would craft

3.) Your Fall favorites.

4.) If your pet could talk, what would you want to know?

5.)If you could only focus on three things in life and pursue them fully, leaving everything else, what would they be and why?


I could really run with a couple of these. Take #4 for instance ~ (does she realize how many pets are running around here? Duh! Nah, ‘cause she doesn’t know me.)

Like, why do you keep trying to escape? Bad baby! The boys can't play right now, they have school.

Then there is #5, but it is out as in O-U-T, because the kids are makin’ so much noise I can’t think! Doesn’t it say something in the Bible about being delivered from the “noisome pestilence”?

So, to be safe, I am going with door # 3. I love fall. I would probably love fall even more if I wasn’t homeschooling four boys! (That takes us back to the “noisome pestilence”.)

Some of my favorite things of autumn

*County Fairs

*Apples ~ apple pie, fresh apple cake, caramel apples

*The awesome fall colors

*Crisp cool mornings ~ haze coming up off the pond, dew drops sparkling in the bright morning sun

*Long, (dare I say “quiet”) walks in the woods

*The smell of wood fires

*The soothing taste of apple-cinnamon tea

*Chicken roasting in the oven

*Bonfires with friends

*The boys making homemade root beer

*Pouring candles in all the new fall fragrances for the holidays

*FAMILY

*Serving the family fresh cinnamon rolls, hot from the oven

Okay, now I am hungry! Why do I associate fall with so many food smells? Maybe, because I didn’t cook all summer? I did, but cooking in the summer is different than cooking in the fall. In the fall, we can use the oven and the heat actually feels good! We can make the switch from salads to simmering soups and once again enjoy fresh baked bread…okay, okay ~ I am thinking way too much about food! Anyone for a slice of rum cake? It’s still warm!

Thanks for the prompt(s). You rock Mama’s Losin’ It!

http://mamakatslosinit.blogspot.com/2009/09/writers-workshop-fall-favoritesa.html

May your day be filled with blessings!

Secret Santa Soiree

Wanta have some fun? It is time to start thinking about the holiday season! At least, it is for me, ‘cause I’m a little slow at getting everything together, ya know?

Here’s the fun part ~ Georgina (aka Decisionally Challenged) is organizing SSS ~ Secret Santa Soiree! You can go here for all the details:

http://networkedblogs.com/p11783450

This is the second year for SSS and from all indications, last year was a total blast, wonderful, make my (holi)day kind of success!

If I get your name, I promise not to send Aunt Martha's fruit cake!!! Hey, I don't even have an Aunt Martha!! But I do promise to get you somethin' special!

Now hurry and go sign up!

Meeting the Author, Robin Jones Gunn

Earlier I posted a review of the book Coming Attractions by Robin Jones Gunn. Today, I thought you might enjoy meeting Robin and getting to know her.

Robin was born on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. When she was five, Robin’s family moved to southern California, where they lived next to an orange grove. Robin is a middle child sandwiched between a brother and a sister. Her family attended church regularly, her dad taught history to junior high students, her mom directed a pre-school at their church.

Later, Robin attended Biola University for two years and when she was 21, traveled to Europe to attend a Bible school in Austria. While there she worked for a mission organization in Germany. She and her husband married while he was finishing seminary and they then began a journey together doing youth ministry for 22 years. They are the proud parents of one son, one daughter and now a daughter-in-law. Over the years, their family moved a number of times, their favorite “duty” being the year they spent in Maui. Robin and her husband now make their home in Portland, Oregon, where he works as a counselor.

When asked her favorite hobby, Robin’s answer is, "Travel, travel and travel!" When she has time to read, she enjoys Hawaiian history or poetry and hymns. You might notice, much of her knowledge acquired while traveling she has incorporated into many of her books. In Coming Attractions she sent Katie off to Africa and is planning to follow her there in real life. Robin will be going to Kenya, Lord willing, in November to teach at an International Writers Conference www.littworld.org

(stay tuned….there’s more!)

Blessings,

Cheryl

Eeeek! Guess What?!

Yeah! Eeeek....that's me! But while I do sometimes cause that type of response (you know, "hurry/ put it up/ stop/ you'd better not...Mom's coming!), that is not what I am “eeeking” about now.


I wasn't suppose to post my review of Coming Attractions until August 31st! I just found out today. Can I help it if I was finally on top things for a change? After all, that doesn't happen all that often. And since I finally was "early" with something, I hate to take it down, only to repost it next week. It just doesn't seem right!


What to do, what to do?


For now, I am leaving it as is. Next week, I may write a whole 'nother, other review! Just warning you ahead of time. Be prepared!

Book Review ~ Coming Attractions

Coming Attractions – Robin Jones Gunn



Recently, I was very blessed to be selected to review Robin Jones Gunn’s latest book in the “Katie Weldon Series”, Coming Attractions. This was a first for me!


Now for the truth. I am familiar with RJG’s work via Gardenias For Breakfast and the Sisterchick books, which by-the-way, I considered were for her older (cough), more mature readers (cough, cough). And I assumed (wrongly) the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon story lines to be penned for the younger crowd. (Let me say again, wrong! Wrong! Wrong!)

What I love most about Robin’s books is the way I am absorbed into the story so completely, I almost fail to realize when little nuggets of gold spill off the pages and into my heart. The sliver of soap in Sisterchicks in Sombreros and the meaning of aloha in Sisterchicks do the Hula will always be treasures of gold hidden deep in my heart. And so it is with Coming Attractions!

I love the characters. Their individual personalities ring true throughout the book. Just when you think you might know where the plot is going, there is a gentle twist, uncovering new surprises! And I love that the friendships, while tested, remain strong and believable.

I don’t want to reveal too much about Coming Attractions, as you need to read this book for yourself. But there were two nuggets almost back to back and I do want to share them.

“I don’t think many of us know how to accurately measure success,” Eli said. “That’s because God’s ways aren’t our ways, and his thought aren’t our thoughts. So much of the kingdom of God is measured on a different scale than the one the world uses to measure value.” (pg. 191, Coming Attractions)

“So, if I love God, and I mean really love God with abandon, then I must come to love myself, my life. I need to love my story at the heart level. That’s what I believe life is for all of us. A story being written by God. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. When I start to love my story, with all its messed up twists and turns, then I can love other people who are living out their own stories with all their messed up twists and turns.” (pg. 192, Coming Attractions)

I love these nuggets. They bring God’s word into my heart in a new and different way.
Buy the book! I have an entire new series, make that three series, to buy!

Blessings (and happy reading!),
Cheryl

Monday ~ August 10th

Like all good things, summer 2009 is quickly coming to an end. I will certainly miss the lazy days of summer, but look forward to welcoming the cooler days of autumn with all their radiant beauty!

We have been hunting, gathering, ordering and unpacking school materials for the past week! A little more organization and we will be ready to tackle the new school year. (Whatever happened to starting school the Monday after Labor Day?) I think the boys are more anxious than they let on. I catch them looking through their new books and Elijah has already started reading our new "library" material.

Once we are back on track, with routines and schedules, I hope to be back on track blogging! Okay, as much as I ever get "on track."

For now, I am off to the feed store because the animals don't like it when I try to put them off!

Til next time,

Cheryl

Is It Nearly August, Already?!!

Even though you may not be able to tell it from the picture, we have been busy the last three months!

Because I am still running behind, trying to catch up (and failing, I might add), I won't be posting much until mid August....which will be here in about 30 minutes.....just kidding, but it will be here before we know it. In the meantime, I'll post a few pictures of how we have enjoyed the summer.

Stay tuned, enjoy the pictures and I look forward to visiting with you in about 3 weeks!

Remember, I told you I had to go to the bank and grocery? Sounds simple, right?DD#2 went with me...or I went with her since my van is "ill" and we decided to run to the little town just west of us about 11 miles...little, no stoplight, little.

On the way over there, on the highway in a low spot between two hills was a buffalo. I immediately knew who this rogue belonged too. His owners live at the top of one of the hills. So I called them...no signal...I love cell phones. While I am calling and in a mild panic, we are also trying to keep "Larry" (his name) off the highway. He is nervous as a grasshopper in the chicken coop and insisting on darting back and forth across the highway.

So, while he is kind of off to one side, we do some darting of our own up to said owner (Walt and Penny)'s house. They are not home. However, in their driveway I could get a signal. So I called Penny's cell and asked "Where are you?!" To which she replied.... Ada (Ada is about 17 miles east). I told her what was going on. This is when I learned Larry's name. She said, "Well, I have an appointment in a few minutes. Just try to keep him off the highway." Well duh....sure!

So we go back down the hill, traffic is picking up. Another friend stops....a friend who graduated with DS and is rather "dizzy". But she uses her SUV to help try to block Larry on one side of the highway. Two more *neighbors* stop. One had heard a buffalo was out on the highway via the CB from a trucker.

Between all of us, with DD standing in the middle of the highway trying to slow traffic, one of the neighbors managed to cut the fence enough to hopefully put Larry back in the right pasture. it took a while, and Larry refused to use the hole made for him....he jumped the fence (I didn't know buffalo could jump either).

Then the fence had to be wired back and we then preceeded to the bank and grocery like normal people.

You city dwellers have such a cushy life.

Oklahoma Food Co-op ~ Delivery Day!

Wow! I haven’t been here in a few days. The holiday was more than a little hectic around our place. We were suppose to do a petting zoo for a church at Newcastle, but at the least moment, I had van trouble. We had company on Resurrection Day and that night my gall bladder had a “fit.” So, interesting few days going on there.

Anyway, today is co-op day! Yea! The third Thursday of every month is pickup day for the Oklahoma Food Co-Op. And I am writing this because, if you’re missing out on the co-op, you are missing it!

The Oklahoma Food Co-Op is made up of farmers, ranchers, craftsman (craftspeople ?), photographers – just all kinds of producers around the state and consumers who want to buy great quality, locally grown (or made), healthy products!

We buy about 70% of our meat through the co-op, all of our coffee, some cheese, soaps, yogurt, honey, the list is long and grows each month. This month we are also buying homegrown, chemical free strawberries and tomato & pepper plants for the garden. I am looking forward to some great strawberry smoothies in the very near future.

To join the co-op, you go to the website, http://www.oklahomafood.coop/ There you can either join or look things over. The co-op is open for orders on the first of each month. Orders have to be completed by midnight if the second Thursday of the month and delivery day is the third Thursday. And it is great! These producers have some of the very best products that are made in OKLAHOMA!

Have a blessed day, everyone!

Dogwood & Redbuds ~ It's SPRING

My oldest DD and I went to Tulsa yesterday to pickup a motorcycle. Traveling through the countryside, I was amazed at how much greener the Tulsa area is, in spite of being two hours northeast of us! Isn't it suppose to get warmer, greener, warmer the further south you are, first? I mean this is ridiculous! (We found ice in the water buckets this morning....it's suppose to be spring, already!)

Anyway, through some areas, the trip was spectacular! I love to see the redbud and dogwood blooming side by side. The two of them together shout spring and of good things to come!

All together, we had an interesting trip. It isn't everyday you drive over two hours to try to cram a motorcycle in a mini van! This fact was highlighted when we were leaving the Whole Foods Store in Tulsa. A young man (mid twenties) passed by the van...turned, did a double take then smiled real big. "You've got a motorcycle in your van! How cool is that?!!" In my nicest "grandmotherly" tone, I replied, "Doesn't everybody?"

Darling daughter says there is definitely some material for Jeff Foxsworthy there!

We....er, I spent too much money at the Whole Food Store, but I now have a fridge full of beautiful veggies to enjoy over the Passover/Resurrection week and some yummy lotion. It's ylang ylang...I love it. DD#1 doesn't appreciate ylang ylang....so I only have to share with dh...I'm not telling anyone else I have it!

Have a very blessed week!
Cheryl

Pb & J or a Nice Cozy Fire?

If you read about our excitement here earlier today in my other blog, Kids In the Kitchen, this is the horse that Mac managed to stick her hand in his mouth. He’s got good lines, huh? (THE HORSE!! ~ not Prairie Man). His name is about a mile long, but I call him Smokey. PM calls him Trigger….so all the kids and grands call him Trigger. I am so out numbered around here.

I woke up freezing again this morning! PM had left two windows up. I was already in a bad mood. We didn’t make it to Norman to the Medieval Fair and I really wanted to bungie jump this year….NOT! The Medieval Fair is a great place just to look….great “people watching place.” And even worse, we missed going to the Fur Trade Rendezvous down at Fort Washita. That is one of my favorite Okie events. I have this secret desire to redo/recite our wedding vowels at the Rendezvous one of these years….in era costume…..and I would be skinny. Okay, it’s my dream!!!

Anyway, as I am making the 1,176th peanut butter and jelly sandwich this morning, in his most innocent voice, PM asks me, “Now had you rather be down at Robbers’ Cave (he likes Robbers’ Cave) in a cabin or here make pb & j sandwiches?” So, I am thinking, this has to be a trick question. If I answer the way I want, someone will show up and take my Mamaw’s license away……and if I answer the other way……so, I asked, “does the Robbers’ Cave offer include a fire in the fireplace?” ‘Cause I was still freezing! Come on spring!

Tomorrow, I'm off to Tulsa. Check-out "Decisionally Challenged." You can find it in favorites, too!

Blessings & hugs,
Cheryl

I meant to share this photo earlier and forgot. Anyway, here it is. Isn't lovely?
This awesome picture was taken by Sherri Walker.

Spring and Oklahoma

We have been experincing spring like weather (off and on) for nearly six weeks. The only problem is the "off" part. Oklahoma weather can be a bit "disfunctional"......that is probably a big understatement!

I just looked at the extended forecast and it is showing a freeze for next Monday night. Blah!

This past week has been "interesting." I've lived in the country for most of my life, but this past week I learned two new things; how to band baby billy goats (so they are no longer "billys") and how to worm horses. When I was walking to the round pen to check the horses poop (sorry), I was thinking I should have brought my camera along. I could have taken pictures of parasites for a future post. But there were no parasites to be seen, just a little undigested hay and grain (looked alot like the grass tracked in on the carpet.) Anyway, that was good news!

Today is our wedding anniversary, number 36! Unbelievable! He is still "the one." Unfortunately, we are not doing anything to celebrate. We have 6 kids (Elijah, Teamer, Ra'Shawn and Jailen (who are always here) and two of Jenny's - Joey and Michaela), so not a lot of celebrating. I complained to one of my friends about not being alone with Prairie Man and she promptly reminded me, "being alone with PM is the reason you are not alone tonight." Point taken. We'll celebrate another time. (I did make him a Banana Cake. Does that count?)

Til next time,
Cheryl