Pj's Flutterfly's

Praise

2011-10-17T18:09:00.000-05:00

Prayers of thanksgiving

Resound from my heart.

Almighty God,

I lift my soul to you in gratitude and

Song.

Eternally.

No where, have we been promised that life would be easy...that being a Christian means all our troubles are over and if some one has led you to believe that.....then it's time to find some new material to read.

Some times life just plain does not work according to plan...not our human plan...not the way we think it should be. Tires go flat, money doesn't go far enough, the roof leaks, the dog bites. Such is life. No, it's not easy..but ya' know what? God did make us a promise and he keeps it every second of the day. He promises that you will not be alone...that HE will be there with you through every step of your trials.

When my life gets tough, it is easy to hold on to my God...to know he is there...I see his majesty with every sunrise, hear his wrath and power in every storm, and feel his comfort in the light of the Son. So, I chin-up, take a deep breath and Praise my Savior. I will make it because God is carrying me.

Silly Story

2010-05-09T18:10:00.001-05:00

I have tried to teach my children not to be bored. Occasionally, they forget and I hear those words "Mom, I'm bored"....

Well, Emily slipped up so I had her help me write a new story. I write a few lines...she adds a few lines...until the story is done or they find something un-boring to do. Here is our silly story creation:

In July, it's hot and dry.

So, I grabbed the cat and went out back.

On the way, I.........

Kissed a Frog...

That was sitting on a dirty log.

He looked at me with certain dread.

I thought for sure that I was dead...

But then the frog, he ribbit and croaked..

He told me that my shirt was soaked..

and if I would just bring him a dollar,

He promised he wouldn't tell or hollar.

It made my day that he felt that way,

And I thought, well...what the hey.

Since he had such a good attitude,

THE END

On the firing line

2010-04-20T11:53:00.000-05:00

Rachel is a member of two different shooting sports clubs. For 4-H, she's on the Junior squad, and for the Skeet shooters she's on the Pi sqaud. She's also completed and earned her Hunter's Safety Ed certification.

What's this called?

2010-04-20T11:46:00.001-05:00

Rachel is trying to teach her birds too many tricks at one time. But hey! at least she's paying attention to her pets.

This is not a piggy back ride. The 'big' bird is a two week old 4-H bird and the rider is a one week old Cherry Legger.

More 4-H

2010-04-20T11:39:00.000-05:00

4-H is keeping us busy. The girls led the Pledges at the annual Banquet. They are also Honor Members again. Rachel competed in Indoor O'Rama performing "It's a long road to freedom" acapella. She didn't win, but she did a very good job for her first time. Emily went on to District competition in Broiler BBQ and placed 3rd. Also a good job. Next week will be Outdoor O'Rama and both have plans to compete in dairy foods and baked goods.

Broiler BBQ comp.

2010-04-20T11:32:00.000-05:00

Last month was our County Broiler BBQ. Both girls competed and Emily took first place! I wish I could have got a photo of her when they announced her name. Those pretty blue eyes were dancing. She was so thrilled that she pulled me in front of her and tried to hide.

Spring

2010-04-20T11:29:00.000-05:00

You know spring has finally arrived when you start finding the wild flowers popping up. After all of this years snow, I'm more than ready for green things.

Calendar Op

2010-04-20T11:27:00.001-05:00

Rachel loves trying to pose her chicks. These are the new 4-H birds at 3 days old. She wants to train one to do tricks and has settled on teaching one how to beat a drum.

Here we go again

2010-04-20T11:24:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again. Our chicks have arrived for this year's 4-H Poultry Chain. Twenty Five one day old fluff balls. This batch seems to be much more aggresive than past years, but they are going to fit into our schedule just fine. It's kinda funny to have birds that want to stay up all night though.

Holy Snowflake Frosty!

2010-02-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

Ok...I was just feeling fine until I read the forecast for tomorrow.

http://www.4029tv.com/weatherblog/index.html

I don't need 4-8 inches of snow...I've still got leftovers from last week.

snow for my princess

2010-01-30T16:06:00.001-06:00

So, guess who's not going any where? LOL Yep, that would be me. Snow in Arkansas is usually limited to a dozen flakes or so. This year, I think we're making up for all those years of no snow.

I'm not sure who likes it more....the Huskey's or the twins. You should have seen Bob. He tried so hard to find his ball buried under all of it. He still hasn't...and both he and the girls have dug all over the circle yard trying to locate it.

I love how this old cedar trees weighed down with snow always shelters the rabbits. It makes such a great wind break that they're nice and warm....as much so as if i had a heater in there.

Wally and his ladies were not as fortunate this storm. The wind direction must have changed during the night and caused the drifts. In any case, he's not letting his girls far from his sight. They are still laying...ten eggs today from 7 layers. I got 6 yesterday.

The poor guineas and wyandottes...They're my free range birds. Guineas, for those of you that don't know; are an African bird. They do not know what to think of this snow. They wouldn't walk out of thier coop....more to follow.

Mr. Wyandotte. It's a good thing he doesn't weigh much and can pratically stand on top of the snow. Otherwise, it would be past his belly.

Mrs. Wyandotte...and the Guinea is "Miss Ginny". I laugh when I see these two. The only thing missing in the photo is a fence that they can gossip over.

Looking out at the woods from the back yard.

more back yard...

Camalinda rode around on Rachel's arm until I made her put him down. The snow is deeper than he is and he does not wish to try and tunnel through it.

From the edge of the woods looking out over the house towards Uncle Tim's mountain. If the sun were shining, it would be blinding. The twins wanted to know if this was a blizzard. They were both sure that it had to be. Nope. just a heavy snow......The stinkers had to get confirmation from grandma that it was not a blizzard. They've come to the conclusion that this is more snow in one day than they've had in their entire lives.

The road to the pond....

and the pond...completely frozon over, but not thick enough for skating. No animal tracks either so the bear and deer are not moving out of their dens yet.

They're ready for snow ice cream. Good thing about country snow is it's pretty clean.

Rach, trying to get even, caught in the act of shaking the tree so that it would dump snow on Emily.

How come grown up's don't appreciate snow the way kids do?

I guess I'm more of a chicken.....I'd just as soon not be in the snow.

Miss Ginny has decided to roost in a tree. Mrs. Wyandotte was under her on the ground and not at all happy that she couldn't quite get high enough to join her.

All of the schools are closed, a good number of the businesses, church has been cancelled, some of the towns are even keeping their officers home unless called out for an emergency. We ended up with a total of one inch ice buried under 6 inches of very wet heavy snow. The kind that is perfect for making snow forts and snow balls and snow angels.... It seems like much more trying to walk through it. I do wish I had a 400 mm lens for my camera. I'd love to photograph some of the song birds. They are most lovely against all the white.

QT Posters

2010-01-23T15:13:00.000-06:00

Here's one for ya! Every year in Scouts, I have 'my' girls make body posters. This year the twins helped and made some too. After they finished them, we cut them out and taped them to their bedroom doors. Just another fun thing to keep us busy.

Snow!

2010-01-23T14:24:00.000-06:00

The new year brought snow. Anyone care to have it? I've seen enough of the white stuff to last me the rest of my life. Chickies weren't to excited about it either. They wouldn't come out of thier coop for days. They acted like they were afraid to step on it. As you can see in the photo, the girls tried to 'encourage' them by putting Carmalinda outside.......first chance he got, he flew straight back into the coop.

I should also mention that the bantams started laying. Surprised all of us because of the extreme cold and lack of sunlight.

no news is good news?

2009-12-26T13:24:00.002-06:00

Just in case any one is looking for me...I thought I'd let you know that I can't get my home computer to go online. It makes for difficult communication...such is life.
I've got some neat photos to post when I get it figured out.
We woke up to snow..about 2 inches...on Christmas morn. No big deal if we didn't live in a southern state. The girls, of course, are thrilled. It took them all of 3 seconds I think to start throwing snowballs. After the second one hit grandma's window..if figured we might best put a halt to their exerberance.
The poor chickens and guineas!!! They are afraid of the white stuff and will NOT come out of their coops. Rachel tried to put her banty rooster out and oh how beautiful his red feathers look again the pure white...but the little guy just stood there trying to find a way back in to the nesting boxes. Today, a few patches have melted here and there and when we opened the doors to the coops, they all flew out in one big cloud of feathers. Straight into the trees and what ever clear ground they could find. They are not happy.
I leave you with prayers and best wishes. Ya'll stay warm and safe.

12 Days to Christmas

2009-12-14T13:00:00.001-06:00

I don't see how we're going to shop for any gifts this year, but that doesn't mean we can't still celebrate Christmas. What are we celebrating anyway. Surely, it's not financial viability.

We started out by attending a 4-H Knitting workshop. I think we all learned a bit. I still can't knit, but I did pick up some information that helps. The girls got it and that's what counts most.

At home, we made a Pineapple Upside Down cake for the pot luck that evening. I'm including the recipe here. It's from my grandmother's cookbook...can't tell you which one, cause it's so old that it's fallen apart and the title/cover is missing. I think it might have been one of the first Betty Crocker's---but I'm really not sure. All I know is this is the one I use. It's quick, easy, and always good.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

1 8 1/2 ounce can sliced pineapple

3 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 maraschino cherries, halved

***

1/3 cup shortening

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Drain Pineapple, reserving syrup. Halve Pineapple slices.

Melt butter in 8x8x2 inch baking pan. Add brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the reserved pineapple syrup.

Add water to the remaining syrup to make 1/2 cup.

Arrange Pineapple in bottom of pan. Place a cherry half in center of each slice.

Cream together shortening and granulated sugar till light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla: beat till fluffy. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt: add to creamed mixture alternately with the 1/2 cup reserved pineapple syrup, beating after each addition. Spread over pineapple.

Bake in moderate oven (350 F) for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool 5 minutes; invert on plate. Serve warm.

Later, we attended a "Girls Night Out" with Girl Scouts. Especially for mom's and thier daughters. The food was great! There wasn't even a single crumb left from our cake. The twins and I did a couple crafts together, and they both loved being able to play the Wii. That's something they seldom have the opportunity to do since we don't own one.

Announcing!!!!!

2009-10-27T22:37:00.003-05:00

This year's Book Arts Bash is now underway. (http://www.bookartsbash.com/ )

The Bash is an amazing opportunity for budding homeschool novelists to showcase their writing. Last year, over 300 homeschoolers entered their writing. Judges like Lois Lowry (The Giver)and Robert Pinsky (former US Poet Laureate) judged and critiqued these homeschooled writers.
This year the Bash organizers have made it even easier to enter the Bash. Entrants simply send a .txt file to the Bash. Because all entries are digital, entrants will have the opportunity to share excerpts of their entries online.

All judges will all be best-selling novelists, such as Holly Black (Spiderwick Chronicles) and Sara Gruen (Water for Elephants).

The top three entries in each age group will then be sent to leading literary agents in New York and Los Angeles for constructive critiques. The top entry in each category will also win $100.

The Bash starts accepting entries on November 1.
The deadline for novels is January 1.

This is a great opportunity for homeschooling parents to help their children find relevance in their writing curriculum. Your children have a chance to win cold, hard cash and more importantly, they have a chance to have a top notch, industry professional critique their work.

For more information go to: http://www.bookartsbash.com/

October Surprise

2009-10-11T12:32:00.000-05:00

There's always beauty after a storm if you look for it. Friday night we had close to 7 inches of rain and even though I am on top of the mountain, every thing is soggy, swampy, and flooded. Walking across our squisy yard I found this lovely iris. Guess she doesn't care that she's blooming out of season. She's put on her best dress anyway.

NOARK Carvival

2009-10-03T21:37:00.001-05:00

Today, we were back at NOARK. This time for an outdoor sports carnival.

Our activities included BB Shooting, Baitcasting, critter ID, Search and Rescue information and demonstration, Archery, Outdoor Cooking, Tomahawks, Hides and Tanning, Can you believe it? I got sunburned. Not bad...but bad enough that my face hurts.

Girl Scout Service

2009-10-03T21:15:00.001-05:00

The last weekend in September is our Troops first camp out of the year. This year we went to NOARK, hiked the trails so we could learn how to use a compass and map out points, learn some new cooking skills, and just have fun.

The girls made me a birthday cake while I was busy outside setting up our night time activities but I didn't get a picture of it. We were so hungry, that by the time I remembered...it was all gone. Good job girls. The frosting was perfect!

Following our camp out, we went over to War Eagle and studied the water. We have added it as a monitoring site on a service project we are doing. Our main site is the White River close to where we meet. Anyway, we are recording water temperature, phosphorus, and animal content. War Eagle, for all it's traffic and usage....and close proximity to a major highway....showed no signs of 'bad' or poor water quality. We found every water critter that good water is supposed to have, no bad ones. Yeah!!!! And along the bank, we found tracks of humans, dogs, raccoons, birds, squirrels, and an unknown (bobcat?) track in the mud. We picked up the litter on the way out just cause we'd rather come back and find no 'human' tracks....

nature hunt

2009-10-03T20:55:00.002-05:00

A few photos from our recent trip to the woods. I was trying to find mushrooms in every color of the rainbow....never did find a green one. found a few surprises though. I should note, that the photo titles are not the technical names of the mushroom itself. I can accurately identify very few of them and do not eat any of them unless they come out of a can. Better safe than sorry.

"Gopher Guts"

"Oyster Shells"

"Blackheart"

"Bronze"

"Lilac"

"Fan"

"Red Flag"

"Yellow Glow"

"Chocolate Truffle"

"Twin Towers"

"White Cap"

"Buttons"

"Sprinkled"

"Flower"

"Parasol"

"Ice"

This one was a BIG surprise. It was very cold to touch. And....by the time I found this last one, we were all starving and the girls thought it looked like a snickerdoodle cookie. Hence, it's name.

"Snickerdoodle"

Field Trip!

2009-10-03T20:30:00.001-05:00

Last week, we had the opportunity to tour a working mine. Very cool. I was impressed that they have not had a lost time accident since feb. of 2000. Way to go around all that rock and heavy equipment.

We had nice weather too...albeit a tad windy. All of us had trouble keeping our hair out of our face.

Except when we were in the van.

Along the way, we learned that they never discover fossils because they don't take the time to look for them. Rachel and I found a few small ones as we were waiting for our turn to ride the 'kitty kitty'.

We also learned that they have to keep pumps going 24/7 or the place would flood over night once they dig down to a certain level.

Here's tonka digging just a bit deeper.

The next door neighbors often come over and sun bathe.

So, Emily has finally reached 5 ft. in height...but next to the kitty's tires....man, I wouldn't want to have to change one of them.

The crew was really awesome. They showed us thier complete operation, from setting the blasting areas, to loading the trucks, to dumping it into the crushers...and finally, the finished products going out the door.

We were also pleased to hear that in about 3 years when they have finished mining....this area will either be restored to a natural state...or most likely....will become a new lake for us to play in.

Chick diaries-Week 11

2009-10-03T19:50:00.001-05:00

Our babies are toddlers! and man, oh man do they eat...about 3 coffee cans of grower ration per day. I think they'd eat more if I let them at it.

Rachel is very attached to Camelinda..but we're both pretty sure 'she' is really a rooster. She is debating whether or not to change his name. What ever gender Camy is...it's a very tame and gentle bird. If Rach sits still for just a minute, Camy will come up to her and sit in her lap. She doesn't mind being picked up and hauled all over the place.

The training has went pretty well. They love being out of the coop and free to roam where they may. Most evenings they put themselves to bed, leaving me just one or two I have to chase in. This is a good thing. Especially since I've seen coyotes near the edge of the woods almost nightly over the past few weeks. I'll keep them on grower rations for another 5 weeks or so, and then switch thier feed to laying ration. That means in about 8 weeks we will start getting eggs.

I've got to get a good photo of the rooster. He's so big and pretty....and might I add....hen pecked. All as it should be.

In Training

2009-08-22T19:10:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, our chicks made 6 weeks old. They are drinking about 1 gallon of water a day, and a 3 lb. coffee can of feed. Training has begun to prepare them for being free range birds that I don't have to constantly worry about.

The objective here is to open the door in the morning, let them roam all day, and then close the door at evening and trust that they've put themselves to bed. So far, so good.

A few days ago, I locked a couple of each breed outside of the coop for the afternoon. They were not happy being seperated from the security of thier coop and thier sister hens and they did not venture more than a few feet from the coop's door.

They were all really uncomfortable, although after a time they did finally start scratching and looking for bugs.

The next day, I brought out a few more....
and the next ....a few more.

It was funny, when I finally opened the door they were all back inside faster than greased lightning.

Today, I just opened the door and walked away. All but 4 ventured out on thier own and immediately started after the grass and what bugs they could find.

They were having a fine ol' time investigating thier surroundings and some of my guineas even flew up on top of the coop to get a better view of life.

You've had a bad day?

2009-08-20T22:04:00.001-05:00

well now, this little lady...one of my blue ribbon chicks...has absolutely no sympathy for you.

I wouldn't either if I was sporting the diaper rash she is....

all you chicken aficionado's...any ideas? it's not 'egg block'. She's perfectly normal except she has a slightly swollen vent area and is totally chapped.

Chicken Diary Day 34

2009-08-12T20:48:00.001-05:00

Our ladies are now 34 days old and in thier own coop. As you can see, they're ready to get out but it will be awhile before I let them free range.

They've grown a bunch! Here's Mr & Mrs Wyandotte. He's lost all his green dye, but I know he's the boy because of all the white on his gullet. None of the hens have as much. You can also tell the rooster because his comb is beginning to grow ...it's the bright orange on the beak.

They're also getting their colors in. The little rusty colored one in the middle is one of the Bantams.

And these pretty girls....Rachel and my guinea!!!

They've escaped the coop a few times now and are quite tricky to catch....especially when they fly into the cedar trees. It's funny. Rachel spends her time trying to get in the coop and the chicks spend their time trying to get out.

the girls wanted me to mention that while we were in the coop taking photos, a doe and her twin fawns came into the yard. We watched them for a few minutes before they ran off. I guess our sudden movement from trying to get a good photo was more than the mama could handle. I want a 400mm lens worse than ever!

OMG!!

2009-08-12T20:23:00.001-05:00

Do you see it!!!!
Ug.....there!! right under her nose!!!!
How can you miss it? It's almost as big as her nose.
Man, she's only ELEVEN, and she claims it's not fair that she got her first zit before Emily did.

<snicker> I told her...twas certainly fair...emmy got her first boobs before her. ....

Service and Honor

2009-08-10T23:27:00.000-05:00

The first Friday of August! The Military Order of the Purple Heart Day....

and a rare opportunity for my children and I to publicly thank all those families, past and present, who have sacrificed to keep us safe, and free.

It means a great deal to me that my daughters and I can raise the Flags on the Avenue of Flags at the Veteran's Administration, and participate in the ceremonies for the Purple Heart recepients. It is a long drive for us. It begins, literally, when the rooster crows, and we gladly drag our selves out of bed and head for town. Thank you Veterans for the opportunity to HONOR you and all you have done for our country.

Do I have to kiss this thing?

2009-08-10T23:14:00.000-05:00

CPR training for Girl Scouts....

yep, we are CERTIFIED, but don't go getting stupid and testing us cause some of us have reservations.

tradition!

2009-08-10T23:09:00.000-05:00

Tradition.

Do you remember the song from Fiddler on the Roof? I do.

We have many traditions in our family, and one of them is visiting Terra Studio's in Durham. There's something new there every time we go, and it's a wonderful magical place to hike or pic-nic. When we are there, a family must is to visit the little people and have our photo taken with the guardian dragon and in the tree house. The first year I took the twins, they weren't tall enough to look out the window's on thier own and one of thier older sisters was holding them up inside. Now look at my babies!!!!

You can take a virtual tour of Terra's if you like. They're located here: http://www.terrastudios.com/ and if you're ever in my neck of the woods, be sure to drop in and we can take a pic nic over and feed the fishies.

Sing another one

2009-08-10T22:58:00.001-05:00

I got to take my baby girl to her first real concert. I had forgotten what a wonderful artist Micheal English was. Rachel and I fully enjoyed the music and our girls night out.

New game.....

2009-08-10T22:53:00.001-05:00

We learned a new game at 4-H Day Camp....

The Objective: to WIN

The Tools: 1 ice cream bucket of water, sponges, an empty pop bottle, and sisters

The Method: Divide game players in to two teams. The team leader lays down and holds the empty pop bottle on thier forehead. All other participants soak thier sponges in the water and then squeeze them in to the pop bottle. First team to fill thier bottle WINS....

oh...the photo....well, their team was not winning and tried to find an advantage. Their offense TOTALLY soaked Emily. Did she complain? No, are you kidding. It was 96 F. She loved every drop of it.

Go Faster Sewing Connection

2009-08-10T22:44:00.000-05:00

What better activity than spending the morning learning to use a sewing machine during the 4-H Clothing Connection Workshop.

The Go Faster Daze of Summer

2009-08-10T22:40:00.000-05:00

Whee! We've had a whirlwind of activity lately and tons of photos to show off.

This one is from our field trip to Rick's Bakery in Fayetteville, AR. You can take your own tour at www.RicksBakery.com

Chick Diaries Week 2

2009-07-30T16:04:00.001-05:00

So....what can I say. The ladies and gent continue to grow. They have doubled in size again.

No longer can I close them up in my hand. They're also starting to show some character and individuality. Wings are totally grown in, most have got their tail feathers

and the guineas are starting to loose the fluff on thier necks...eventually the poor babes will be bald-headed.

I wasn't going to include this shot of Emily cause she's sooo covered in chocolate cake batter from creating her cake...but it is so typical of her.

Another change this week is we gave them a much bigger brooder box. The old one had become too small ...ok...so now they're in a box that a water heater comes in. I cut it down about 1 ft. so I can reach into it. The guineas are very happy with it and like to fly up and perch on the edges of it. Not quite what I had in mind, but as long as they don't start venturing out away from the box, I can live with it. I don't think it will be long before they try to make it to all of my house plants and hide in them.
They're going through 2 quarts of water a day, and about 4 cups of food.

Rachel thought up this shot. This little cochin is the Queen of her heart. She's named her Camamelina or something funky like that. Their colors are really starting to fill in and look very promising.

I haven't named any of my birds yet.

Diary of a Chicken

2009-07-18T10:55:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy week for our birdies. They have managed to double in size, and they have begun getting feathers. Wing feathers grow in first.

The Guinea Sisters are so funny to watch. If you seperate one out from her sisters, she stands there stretching her neck and peering off into the distance trying to spot the others ....Boy are they loud. They started trying to run after bugs at two days old. It took them awhile to figure out what to do with the moth they caught.

Mr. Silver looks so much smaller than Mrs. but it's because he's all hunched down and she's already showing tendencies of ruling the roost. You go girl!

These gals are doing well also. We did loose one Sunday night. She wouldn't eat for nothing and just wanted to sleep. I don't think she was internally developed enough. Notice the feathers on their legs?

And just an FYI....the chicks do not have the run of my house. They are out of the brooder so I can take photos!

They're here!!

2009-07-10T16:37:00.001-05:00

Woo hoo!! The babies have arrived and they are so cute.

I love the constant peep peeps of thier calls. Anyway, let me introduce you to our newest additions:
Mr & Mrs Silver Wyandotte

The mister is the one with the green head. The hatchery marks them with a bit of food dye when they sex them. It will go away in about a week and then I won't be able to tell the boy from the girls until he starts getting his crown and spurs.

The Pearl Grey Guinea Sisters

I expect these gals to work for thier keep. They are very fond of ticks and chiggers and I've got plenty to go around. They are also a built in alarm system and scream bloody murder when disturbed. I'm hoping I can train them well enough so they can free range during the day and let me pen them for protection during the nights.

Cochin Bantam Family

Banty 2

These miniature chicks are a bribe. Yep, that's right. I'll stoop that low. Rachel adores this breed and I'm using them as incentive to get her to do what I want. The more Banty points she earns...the more of them she can have. At this point, one Bantam is her's and the rest are mine. We'll see how well it works. They're a 'standard run' so I won't know whether they're boys or girls for about 3 months.

I'm sure I'll have more pics to share as they grow.

The Arts of Living

2009-06-30T14:09:00.001-05:00

Recently, we've been doing a lot of hands on studying of the old crafts, arts of the Ozarks, and girls in general. I, personally, have a very strong belief that we must; as directed in the Old Testament, pass the knowledge to our children. More than just the stories and traditions, more than just our faith, we must teach them our ways. The humm drum day to day skills that we use to do what we do. And we must instill it deep enough that they in turn pass it down to the next generation. Not only is it a way to connect our decendants to thier heritage, it will someday, be our decendents preservation.

Okay...so, in doing that we spent an afternoon at a wonderful presentation Shiloh museum hosted for the community. "A stitch in Time" so to speak. The crafters ranged from quilt makers to lace makers...wonderful ladies who took the time to actually speak and teach and share thier love of the old with a new generation.

Awhile back we had toured Laura Ingalls Wilder museum in Mansfield, MO and I had bought Rachel a drop-spindel as a souvenier. How lovely to find a lady who took the time to show her step by step how to use it.

Rachel already had somewhat of an idea from my instruction, but it wasn't something that had held my interest for long so I couldn't really give her anything other than basics. This lady answered all of her questions and gave her plenty of practical tips to help improve her spinning. She came home and spent the next two days practicing. She also brushed the dog to get more hair to spin.

Miss Emma was taken in by the smocking. She's only recently been open to any kind of sewing instruction even though she's helped with several different projects over the years. I was pushing her into it before...now she has her own interest.

The demonstrator not only showed her how to do the stitch...she allowed Emily to use her things and smock a piece of her own from beginning to end and sent her home with pieces to practice with.

Me, I reflect fondly on all the different 'arts' I can choose to do and am thankful that my daily comfort and survival is not tied in so dramatically to me actually 'doing'. One hundred years ago, few things in a home were bought even in wealthy families. The lace maker also shared an interesting thought with me. She uses lace making with her ADHD sons as 'therapy'. As the mother of an ADHD child (and myself too), I can see how this would be a good tool.

Countdown.....

2009-06-29T13:13:00.001-05:00

Ten days to baby chicks!!

Yes, the anticipation is growing. Babies are precious to begin with. Such hope and possibility all in a tiny little adoring package.

At this stage of the game, the new additions are all snug and warm in thier shells, half formed. In another week, they will begin 'pipping'....I wish I could be there to see them emerge from thier shells and totter around the first time. I am content to wait on the hatchery though. I know they will ship healthy little ladies to me and they will arrive one day old and raring to grow.

I have some decisions to make while I wait...

Do I put the brooder inside or outside? As warm as the weather has been lately, I bet I could put it outside and thereby save myself some clean up hassle.

Where am I going to place their new coop? I don't want it too far from the house so that I will be able to hear them. Since our neighbor logged his land, we've had a zillion predators move onto our place. The good thing is part of the new birds will be guineas, who will sound the alarm at the approach of anything and everything that makes them the least uncomfortable.

Do I share? ummm...gotta think about that one some more.

"Far-then-well"

2009-06-16T15:56:00.000-05:00

As the last rays of the days sun filtered through the forest, the Council of Evinrue gathered to say goodbye to their champions.

With hope and trepidition, Lady Jazelle and her handmaiden Nareena accepted the blessings and gifts of the little people.

"What adventures lie ahead?" they wondered,as they hugged the Elder goodbye.

Only the absence of the animals and fairy folk portrayed the danger that faced them all.

Only by finding them and returning them to Evinrue could they stop the spell.

Only by holding on to their magic could they break the curse and stop everyone from growing up.

~I might have to make this the theme for my next book.

Hidden Treasure

2009-06-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

Seeing fields of wild flowers always makes me think of one of my grandmother's. She only had one leg...the other was wooden. And so i always knew her as a 'disabled' person..yet never thought of her as 'handicapped'. Grandmother was very talented...a nationally known illustrator, an accomplished musician, and one of the strongest women i've ever known.

Among her many talents was also one of hybridizing new varieties of flowers, especially iris, daffodils, jonquils, day lilies and African violets.When her flower beds became over grown, she would thin them out and put all the ones she'd culled into paper sacks. I thought she was nuts...why didn't she plant them into a new flower bed? or give them to a neighbor? Her varieties were much sought after especially by the locals...Why even cull them to begin with? All of my questions went unanswered as she would fill the sacks and have me carry them to a cool spot in the garage.

On town day (once a month for us) she would have me load the sacks into the car and we would drive the back roads that led to the highway into the city. Windows down, and inching her way, she would instruct me to throw the bulbs out the window one at a time, onto the road's side.

Today...30 years later...I drive many of those same roads and it lightens my heart to see all the flowers my gma planted. Every spring it is a delight to see them return...more abundant each year. It was years before i realized she was not throwing them away...that she was planting for the future, and in her quiet way...trying to build and contribute to her community.

~compliments to my daughter for her lovely photo and the use of.

Do you see what I see?

2009-06-16T13:07:00.000-05:00

I've been to the mountain,

and I've been to the sea.

I went to the desert,

and brought it back with me.

People think it has no beauty.

It's as barren as a thing can be.

But they didn't take the time

to see what they could see.

Cake

2009-06-12T16:25:00.001-05:00

As for cupcakes,
I don't really care.
Vanilla, or chocolate.
Just put them there.
Sprinkled, or plain
it's all the same to me.
I might eat only one,
but then again,
could go with three.
They're good sligthly warmed
with puddings and cream.
Oh, with extra icing
Is simply a dream.
So, at the next party
Please don't leave me out.
I'd have to have a fit,
scream a bit and shout.
Just pass me the cupcakes,
if you so please.
I'll have one of those
and two of these.

Adventures of a homeschooler

2009-06-12T12:12:00.003-05:00

Science is so easy when you homeschool. Just take a look at these photos from our adventures.

This first one is a Snapper Turtle we passed on our way to an afternoon activity. They live near water, bite!, are a pest to fish, and make a great chowder if you're brave enough to be the predator.

Next, we passed a pair of these....now, don't panic. The ol' saying that the only good snake is a dead snake simply is not true. We need snakes in our enviornment, and while I can not put up with them in my home...I'm more than happy to see the pair of these Black Snakes live so close to me. Their presence means I am less likely to see the venomous snakes. She sure is a beauty.

Farther along on our adventure....Rachel begged for my camera and took this photo of two moths...I'm not identifing them just as yet, because miss Rachel needs to figure it out and let me know...can't have her reading over my shoulder and using crib notes.
Imagine my delight when I went to feed chickens and found this little lady making a nest in my back yard. She is a Box Turtle, totally harmless, habitat is mainly woodsy areas, and she doesn't get big enough for soup unless you've got several of them. The girls think she's about 16 yrs. old. What do you think?

and finally...can you guess the name of this beauty we found at the park on the swing set?
It's a Leopard Moth, and while it's hard to discern, it's "eye's" and antenae are the prettiest color of blue. They have several broods of babies each spring and summer, and while they are quite common, most people never even notice them because they like to stay on the underside of wood. Any wood...play equipment, woods, pic nic tables....

Take a look around you today. There's no telling what you will find. God, is all his awesome imagination has created beautiful and fabulous creatures.

Question....

2009-06-07T17:27:00.001-05:00

Is half way far enough for a 50 yr old out of shape woman who's tremendously afraid of heights?

hope so...cause that's as far as i got.

You didn't think i was going to let the daughter's outdo me did you?

Bizarre

2009-06-07T17:22:00.000-05:00

Ironic too.

funny how they'll climb to the top of a 60 ft. cedar tree, but can't make it more than half way up a Climbing Wall with safety ropes attached.

Advertisement Plug

2009-06-07T17:19:00.000-05:00

Coming back from the zoo, we HAD to turn around and come back to this little place in the middle of Alpena, Arkansas!!!

The sculptures are fabulous and oh how I want several of them for my own yard!! It was sad that the business itself was closed so we were not able to learn more about the crafters. They do have somewhat of a website though. CajunCarver.com Ya'll go look at some of thier creations. The photo's do not do them justice. We'll be stopping by again on our next trip thru Alpena.

Dreaming

2009-06-07T16:56:00.000-05:00

In a perfect world

I could spend all day with you

Never waste a moment being sad, ugly or blue.

You would always be there royal, regal and true.

I know the world's not perfect

and you are only bronze.

But a moment of my heart I'll give to you in song.

One day I'll be safe to walk amongst the fierce and free.

Rachel asked me to take her photo with this statue at the zoo. She wanted to imagine what it would be like if the tiger was really "Aslan" from the Narnia books.

tree hugger

2009-06-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

no poems, no verse or prose....

just recording the adventures

of this wild climbing rose.

i remember i had to save her

when she climbed her first tree

she made it two feet and started

crying for me...

MOMMMY!!! help, I'm stuck

and I can't get down.

Please get my feet back on the ground.

Sissy you do it and then you'll see

You can't make it any higher than me.

traveler

2009-04-09T12:31:00.000-05:00

This little lady was on my road coming home the other night.

I love how she seems to be saying :

'I'm choosing a different road to travel'...

"I'm going my own way, are you coming with me?"

Emailing: IMG_1193

2009-02-08T13:24:00.000-06:00

The storm passes:

Leaving us a captive of untamed beauty

under the shelter of a clear blue sky.

Her icy fingers cover all our ugliness.

Quietly, the time passes by.

A different time, perhaps-

She would nurture and provide.

Instead, she tries to rob us of our warmth

and places danger in our stride.

"Bah Humbug"

2008-12-09T13:51:00.001-06:00

Well, here it is: that time of year,

and I sit and struggle,

trying to find

Christmas cheer.

Where did it go,

that wonder of old.

The joy and the songs

that I used to hold.

I struggle against

the stress and the strife,

trying to survive

another day of life.

Avoiding the bustle,

the madness, the drills,

the unfairness of it all.

Overwhelmed by the bills.

And so, once again

I drag out the tree,

the box of ornaments,

and memories.

My treasures of old

tarnished silver, chipped gold

pulled from the storage,

dark and cold...

cold like my spirit.

what's happened to me?

Why can't I rejoice.

I'd rather be three.

We pull from the box,

stars, ribbons and bows.

Glittering lights, and their

hearts are aglow.

Ah, and as my children

Exclaim with each one,

I live once again

in the glow of the Son.

I remember that ball,

How it glittered and shined.

Lights catching the eyes,

reflecting in mine.

How they hypnotized my thoughts

And my wishes, they grew.

I never had doubts, I was sure.

I just knew.

Through the window of their eyes,

I catch again, with surprise,

The stirrings of hope and harmony

Of love and joy, and company.

The ember burns,

and grows and warms

and fills my December

with joyous songs.

Look through the eyes

of the child, my friend.

To find what is lost,

to hope once again.

~dec. 18, 2007

Practical joker

2008-10-10T15:00:00.001-05:00

Last night as supper was cooking, I went in to help my twins clean up thier rooms (AGAIN).....and while picking up toys, noticed a snake coming into the room from the crack by the door frame!!!!!!!!!! ACCKKK

Hubby, of course, is at work...so mom must deal. I captured it...and got it out of my house with both of us still alive and only slightly panicky.

Returned to cleaning.........and there was another one. OMG....this one, however; was coming out of the bathroom, and there was another coming up the water pipe to the tub where it comes out of the floor. Got those also.......EIGHT snakes later, totally traumatized, close to tears, and shaking like a leaf in a hurricane, I put supper on the table, fixed myself a very strong pot of coffee, drank the whole pot and tried to calm down.

Needless to say.....about an hour later....potty duty called and I went into the bathroom to find that one(or both?) of my dear 10 year old daughters had placed a "real life looking" rubber snake on the rug in front of the toliet.

Hey!!!........are you laughing???? my husband was when I called and told him about it. It's ok...I can *see* the funny in it.........I am just not impressed. I am not laughing. well, ok...a snicker....occasionally.

isn't that trick something boys are supposed to do???

Precious babies

2008-08-06T17:39:00.001-05:00

Precious babies delight the heart when all is dark and dim.

They shine a light that breaks the haze and gives us peace within.

How could I continue another day had I not the chance to see.

The spirit, and the enchantment that shines on thier face for free.

Lord, grant to me, a simple desire...

that i shall never be.

Without the company of those blessed.

with innocence and purity.

Peeps

2008-08-06T17:25:00.001-05:00

Hey Little froggie,

listen to me.

You'd have more fun

living in a tree.

High rise accomodations

aren't just for the birds.

Just wanted to mention that

in case you hadn't heard.

Oh! Leave me alone!!!

Go Away, I say!

Let me crawl in my home.

I don't want to play.

The grass is all brown,

the weeds are all drooping.

The dogs are panting,

and the birds have stopped cooing.

It's simply too hot

On this August day.

Rough draft

2008-07-23T17:21:00.001-05:00

You know, I'm getting old.

(And that's 'tween you and me.)

I'm feeling like I need to leave

some kind of legacy.

and so, I've set aside my family,

and my responsibility

I've decided to follow a dream of mine,

I've had since I was thirty-three.

A book! I'm going to write.

What kind should it be?

Possibly a mystery.

I've so many stories to tell.

A personal history?

That would do just as well.

And as I sit and stare

At the page in front of me.

The realization burns

like the embers of the fire.

I'd do just as well to simply retire.

All the letters in the world,

all the papers made from trees

won't do me any good today

cause i've not got much to say.

The Sentinel

2008-07-01T15:21:00.001-05:00

Silently poised, the Sentinel awaits.

Ever on guard, awaiting his fate.

Clad in his armor he watches and listens.

The sun in his eyes, on the water it glistens.

The enemy approaches! He sounds the alarm.

He must keep his fellows safe from all harm.

Quickly! To the walls! Prepare for the fight.

It might be for a season, it might be for the night.

Swept into battle, he makes his last stand.

His valor unnoticed by all other men.

Was his work with out purpose? Is his life all in vain?

Did he spare just one other from suffering pain?

Ah; dear sentinel, had you lived you would see

How your quiet watch sheltered me.

You'd know in an instant it's part of the plan.

And you'd not change a thing if you had to do it again.

The Pickle Tree

2008-06-28T20:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know what you're thinking. These are photos of a cucumber plant in my garden. But let me tell you what happened a few years ago and then you'll understand why I call it a pickle tree.

I had just come from working in the garden when one of my sisters and her family arrived for a visit. After a quick wash up, I was pouring all of us a cup of coffee when she noticed the bushel of cucumbers I'd harvested and asked me what in the world I was going to do with that many cukes.

While it was obvious to me...it apparently wasn't to her. Okay. Well, I told her...I'm getting ready to make pickle relish like grandma used to make. My family goes through at least 60 pints of it a year and I was almost out. Her next remark floored me. See...there's not THAT many years between us, and we were both raised the same way. I know she's blonde...but ummm....

"You can't make relish out of cucumbers" "You have to use pickles" she said.

I asked her where she thought pickles came from........"Uh....a pickle tree!" Sheesh, doesn't everyone know that.

I'll leave it to you to guess which sister it was. :)

What are you looking at?

2008-06-28T14:08:00.001-05:00

laughter

2008-06-27T12:22:00.000-05:00

laughter is tiny raindrops of happiness that spill over the soul and fill our hearts with hopes and memories.

laughter is a prism reflecting all the beauties in our lives...seeing christmas lights through the eyes of a child, accomplishing your goal, watching your children play with their grandparents....

laughter is a sauve for the wounded, a balm for the weary, and a blessing to all who stop to hear.

Silly songs

2008-06-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

Away down under, in the paw paw patch.

I met a girl who's shoes didn't match.

She dilly'd and she dallied and she stole my heart away.

And when i asked it back again,

all that she could say....

Away down under,

where the tall fern grow,

I met a boy that i didn't even know.

He flited and he skirted

and he stole my heart away,

and when i asked it back again..

all that he could say

Away down under

in the paw paw patch....

Beware,

stay away from there

if your shoes don't match.

What if?

2008-06-26T13:22:00.001-05:00

What if i stumble, what if i fall?

The Lord picks me up in no time at all.

He tends to my hurts,

and shines light on the way.

Giving me hope for another day.

Father, You are my comfort,

my strength, and my song.

I look to the day when you bring me home.

In the meantime, my mission you've given to me,

steadfastly standing and shining for thee.

Lord, and if i stumble, I am sure you will be,

loving and faithfull as always to me.

Once again, you'll pick me up

and wash off the dirt,

loving and teaching and healing the hurt.

Journey

2008-06-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

The passing of the seasons,
The swinging doors of time,
The many roads before us,
Which one do I claim as mine?

Forever onward trodding,
Back we can not go.
The path leads us forward
Where ever we choose to go.

The storms, although gloomy
are necessary to see
all the rays of hope
ahead of you and me.

The best we can hope for
During the rains and bright sunshine
Is a friend to walk beside us
who likes us most the time.
~pj johnson 6-4-2007 cr

Gossip

2008-06-25T22:22:00.000-05:00

Delighted to see you! Come sit for a spell.

Let me pour you some coffee. I hope you've been well.

Hey did ya' hear the news going round.

They found that ol' guy, looks like he drowned.

Makes me wonder to know if Ms. Catrina is safe.

Will she come back to town after her escape.

Thought I'd go by Miss Connies tomorrow.

She's been doing fine, but I'm worried of late. She's giving stuff away, and she cleaned up the gate. Boy, don't her gardens look fit for faeries! Yes, I'll give her a hug. She's had enough worries.

build it and they will come??

2008-06-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

Actually, the chicks are already here and they're not very fond of the crunched quarters they're currently in.

At this point, framing is finished, sides have been wired, there's a sweet suite of nesting boxes on the second floor, and it's time to paint. Good job twinados! It's time to move it to the field and get the chicks into it.

frustrations cont.

2008-06-25T16:18:00.000-05:00

lesson #1.....it hurts when you hammer your thumb instead of the nail.

Poor Rachel. She just is not a tool kinda person. Much more of a tree-hugger. She is determined though...chickie needs a new home.

frustration and building a new home

2008-06-25T14:38:00.000-05:00

So, I just learned something. You...well, *I* can't upload a ton of photos all at once on dial up. Sheesh, it took thirty minutes just to share this single one. Blogging might not gain the top of my list of favorites if that continues. Especially, since my main objective was to combine my photos with my writings. ok. enough said.

The building part....lol..I don't care what it is. If you start to build a new home, you are going to have frustration. It's the nature of the beast. In this case, we've begun building new arks for our baby chickens. Miss Em did a wonderful job assisting dad with all the sawing. In the background you can see the begginings of the frame.

I AM...

2008-06-17T14:14:00.000-05:00

I AM but a single breath in time. I wonder what lasting legacy can I possibly accomplish in such a short moment?

I AM a butterfly. I stuggle to break out of my cocoon so that I might flit from flower to flower and bask in the sun. I am anxious to spread my wings and drink life's nectar. I wonder if I have what it takes to keep trying because so often I am tired and it would be easier to give up. ....To stay in my shell and slowly fade away.

I AM a fisherman, casting about in the sea of life. I bait my hook and cast, hoping to reel in a dream or two. I wonder why; life, in her cruelness only sends me stick bass.

I AM a precious sterling silver tea set, placed on the shelf and forgottten. Tarnished with age and neglect, I wonder If I will ever again feel appreciated and useful. If only someone would take the time to pay attention to me, I would once again shine and grace the table.

I AM the foundation of our family. While so much is constantly piled on top of me; I remain strong and sturdy. I am the corner stone. Set firmly and squared, so that all that comes after me will not fall. ....will NOT fail. My children view life thru the windows that I hold. My husband can be confident that his castle will stand forever. My neighbors and community are assured that they have a safe house in thier midst. My God sees his banner flying high from the towers. But I wonder...am I enough? Can I stand thru another tornado. When the next storm assails my walls, can I still find the strength to stand?

I AM.