tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76019574663343392622024-03-20T08:11:37.162-07:00Mama SarahsSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-79402305236012218532013-04-18T20:18:00.001-07:002013-04-18T20:18:32.735-07:00For The Love of Cows<p>If there is one farm animal that I love it would be a cow and so I decided to do some prints for my newly remodeled kitchen. I found the images online and printed them on some really heavy fabric. Put them on a frame and then used some tack nails to hold the edges down. After a little stain around the edges I was very pleased with my new cow prints. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C__PX5TviZI/UXC3AlysIoI/AAAAAAAAAww/uar5MkYmshY/s1600-h/IMG_20130418_120342_535%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130418_120342_535" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130418_120342_535" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YwZ-aY0kaZw/UXC3BdGc1II/AAAAAAAAAw4/BU7HCs_UYE4/IMG_20130418_120342_535_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="464"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E0vYlrl48hg/UXC3Cbnn7VI/AAAAAAAAAxA/luedka3bIoA/s1600-h/IMG_20130418_120514_385%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130418_120514_385" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130418_120514_385" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W6IAALRr0JQ/UXC3DaiLpII/AAAAAAAAAxI/LxNVV2__7Rk/IMG_20130418_120514_385_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="464"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S3ECk7E-00s/UXC3EIierqI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/i35MR5PmZvE/s1600-h/IMG_20130418_120407_439%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130418_120407_439" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130418_120407_439" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IhE7GiTOsPQ/UXC3E_MqUsI/AAAAAAAAAxY/QjoV5SeuO-Q/IMG_20130418_120407_439_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="464"></a></p> <p>Our kitchen is still in the process of being finished. I haven’t quite got it all pulled together but I am so excited with all the changes that have recently happened in our home. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T0baWwjpdwg/UXC3G1TEmXI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ZkIJYq3OATY/s1600-h/IMG_20130418_120441_172%25255B31%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130418_120441_172" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130418_120441_172" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hbz1zpVzYZw/UXC3O4J_JfI/AAAAAAAAAxo/j41bfIFN9co/IMG_20130418_120441_172_thumb%25255B32%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="810" height="485"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GymVg3V9z6k/UXC3cnu1h9I/AAAAAAAAAxw/E8gS0IG6_PE/s1600-h/IMG_20130418_120429_099%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130418_120429_099" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130418_120429_099" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fLMBetU-rCg/UXC3h3YlvTI/AAAAAAAAAx4/6njGQfJl-6w/IMG_20130418_120429_099_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="810" height="445"></a></p> <p>Have a great day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-49857229479138921802013-03-22T16:22:00.001-07:002013-03-22T16:22:47.320-07:00Army Life (part 1)<p>Hard as it is to believe it has almost been one year since my husband and I had a conversation about joining the military. The desire goes back a long way for my husband and in fact it goes back to him being a young teen and knowing that he wanted to be a Marine. Through various circumstances he never joined. The conversation would come up from time to time during our married years but it was something that I was never willing to accept. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OTYMrUVgAYM/UUzntDrW49I/AAAAAAAAAvk/tM4o_H14Q_g/s1600-h/_facebook_2102527724_%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="_facebook_2102527724_" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_facebook_2102527724_" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--IWWoTQdhk8/UUznt9FQrOI/AAAAAAAAAvs/d7OGmN2Pl1w/_facebook_2102527724__thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="784" height="550"></a></p> <p>The conversation came up again last year and after 13 years of being married I finally gave in to the idea of my husband at least talking to a recruiter. I had this serious thought in my head that at the age of thirty-three, four children, being a pastor and my husband not being in the greatest shape at the time that it would never pan out. He met with the recruiter and a waiver was required because we have four children. I really thought a waiver would never be granted but it was. Then I thought that he would never pass the physical requirements but he did. I could see the happiness in his face and I knew he was finally getting the chance to do something that he really wanted to do. He officially signed and I truly believe I was oblivious to what was fixing to happen to our lives. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NJ6DIOgiCEY/UUznuU1HQjI/AAAAAAAAAv0/G2IZYAzZEQ0/s1600-h/638_510218545663759_1301085177_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="638_510218545663759_1301085177_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="638_510218545663759_1301085177_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LLElL-sZiWU/UUznvaFjIkI/AAAAAAAAAv8/vZ3PfilDarA/638_510218545663759_1301085177_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="784" height="529"></a></p> <p>For those of that you don’t know my husband is also a pastor and so the next step was telling not only our church but the family as well. We weren’t sure how our church would respond but at a monthly business meeting it was voted to keep him on as the pastor and they viewed this opportunity to send him into the world on a mission for the Lord. It was agreed upon that the church would find someone to step in and fill the pulpit for the time that my husband would be away. The days grew closer to him leaving and several going away parties were held in order to shower my husband with the love of those around him and to let him know how dearly he would be missed. </p> <p>I personally went through many emotions in the days leading up to the time for him to leave and October 30, 2012 I stood in the parking lot surrounded by family and watched as my husband was whisked away. I knew what was coming. No communication other than letter writing. I didn’t know how I was going to cope but I knew there would be a way because after all so many other Army wives do this all the time. Right? I spent hours crying day after day. I walked around in a fog not knowing how to function without him around. I was used to living for that moment that he walked through that front door every evening and all of a sudden it was gone. There was no more waiting for the weekends to be together or riding to church on Sundays together to hear him preach the Word. For the first three weeks that he was gone I cried every day at random moments. I missed tripping over his shoes, doing his laundry, hearing his laugh, staying up late watching our favorite shows, being wrapped in his arms, feeling his kiss, watching him play with our children and so many other little things. </p> <p>On a day I will never forget I got a packet in the mail from where he was going through boot camp and for the first time I was about to get a glimpse into his world. Some very dedicated and wonderful volunteers created a Facebook page and they updated with photos from six of the various training exercises. There was shout outs that opened every Thursday and the Chaplain on base would show them on Sundays at one of the church services. I could ask questions and the volunteers answered them. I finally felt like I had a bridge between his world and mine. After several weeks the letters finally started coming from my husband and I learned what it meant to live for the mailbox everyday. I have to say that I was very proud of my husband who took any spare moment he had to write home. One of my favorite letters came in the form of several small sheets of paper that he had used from the notebook they were required to carry in their pockets. He wrote to me while waiting his turn to shoot on the shooting range and I don’t know about other married ladies but that moment spoke to my heart. I was on his mind even when a lot of other things were going on around him. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gOnG0tbd-GE/UUznv4Jqs2I/AAAAAAAAAwE/kI50w6kolbA/s1600-h/_facebook_316713581_%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_facebook_316713581_" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_facebook_316713581_" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ReTuPExZ6G8/UUznwTS1YMI/AAAAAAAAAwM/5SLAK5KYtiU/_facebook_316713581__thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="784" height="529"></a></p> <p>I know it was in God’s plan that my husband be in the military but little did I know how all the pieces would fall into place.<sub></sub><sub></sub> I received a message through Facebook one day from a mother who wondered if my husband was a pastor. She had found me through the Battalion page that I mentioned earlier and after looking through my Facebook photos which by the way I thought was on the private setting she decided to connect with me. I was so taken back by the things that she said in her message that I knew I had to talk to her. I am not sure how long we spoke on the phone that night but I felt much better after spending time on the phone with her. Her son has been raised in a Christian home with his father being a pastor, he grew up being homeschooled and then finished his later years in a Christian private school. They had been praying that there would be someone in their sons platoon that was a Christian that could be an encouragement to their son. At the time we spoke we weren’t sure if their son and my husband were together in the same room but after sending some letters back and forth with my husband I learned that they were roomed together. Their son and my husband became great friends, worked together through some of the training exercises and were there to encourage each other. I had also made a new friend and enjoyed being able to share my thoughts with someone who understood the frustration of being cut off from the one that you love. </p> <p>The biggest surprise that I held onto for seven weeks was the fact that my husband would be coming home for Christmas. I knew before he left for boot camp that this would be an opportunity that he would get. It was a fantastic surprise for our children who had no idea that their daddy was coming home for two weeks. We spent an amazing two weeks together but letting him leave to go back was another emotional roller coaster that we all had to ride. Thankfully we knew that it would only be four short weeks before we loaded up and headed out on an eighteen hour drive to watch him graduate and accomplish one of his biggest dreams. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qRc0LQe8QGw/UUznxJtB2gI/AAAAAAAAAwU/GvQ4IXY89Ks/s1600-h/DSC_0170%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0170" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0170" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qmybx0laKDU/UUznxiIY_AI/AAAAAAAAAwc/e6IO4rCpjYw/DSC_0170_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="784" height="526"></a></p> <p>Getting through boot camp was so emotionally hard but through this journey I have seen God do some amazing things in my life. I have to believe that this journey has been life changing for me. God has used this time to grow me closer to him, do some healing in my marriage and make me realize where I was failing my husband. To be continued……</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-57016837293054245352013-01-23T08:49:00.000-08:002013-01-23T08:49:52.911-08:00Dissecting Owl PelletsAs a first time homeschool mother with four children this year hasn't been all that I had hoped it would be. It has been an adjustment to get used to being the teacher everyday and trying to get things done with two little ones in the home still. Thankfully with homeschool we can be flexible. One of the things that we have enjoyed doing this year is dissecting owl pellets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJItcHFspezpKGGqCuiQJhpXoNnHcoj8XkovJo1zCBKc5U-RgxSwguBjOzw7W6nhVmu6IWqIhvVYb1XXDJ_s_vaoNnZwZevTu8pT_6palNGyomZF0QFfpsHV5ft49-HE-TbnxVaXGt2b0/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJItcHFspezpKGGqCuiQJhpXoNnHcoj8XkovJo1zCBKc5U-RgxSwguBjOzw7W6nhVmu6IWqIhvVYb1XXDJ_s_vaoNnZwZevTu8pT_6palNGyomZF0QFfpsHV5ft49-HE-TbnxVaXGt2b0/s640/DSC_0129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Where we attend church we have owls and of course there is owl pellets everywhere. So we have been gathering them up and have plenty of them to dissect. Our oldest son loved doing this but our daughter was a little more along the lines of "yuck"!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDVNwWXoWvoW8ncBFo6MNEnHwSw-s0XFrEAzPZL-XTaebDGqc0UpwgAYdto0Ocy1ggnWuShQQvtKeEDxvr_dd9goz64oQ5Orq_P6U1Je9pha_GEEQo188CPNTACg5V6Mmm055Evf8eCk/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDVNwWXoWvoW8ncBFo6MNEnHwSw-s0XFrEAzPZL-XTaebDGqc0UpwgAYdto0Ocy1ggnWuShQQvtKeEDxvr_dd9goz64oQ5Orq_P6U1Je9pha_GEEQo188CPNTACg5V6Mmm055Evf8eCk/s640/DSC_0145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It is very interesting to pick apart the hair and feathers and carefully pull out all of the bones. We pulled up a chart and was able to identify some of the bones. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KAThYYgAKVmI9mfKNrgdOcyE9xLJDImeJ9FoAVt77VDgthduTSIqp50F1-UcK4-FD66k-6aP5SabB6SQHkquAcLFvM38t05vbxzc9Ej9azqIX0ySFU7mZwg2Tk6-uCeelh1yvSnn2BY/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KAThYYgAKVmI9mfKNrgdOcyE9xLJDImeJ9FoAVt77VDgthduTSIqp50F1-UcK4-FD66k-6aP5SabB6SQHkquAcLFvM38t05vbxzc9Ej9azqIX0ySFU7mZwg2Tk6-uCeelh1yvSnn2BY/s640/DSC_0153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SeaGg6BkJH-rJv_GE_axdUgMQTjqujTHuB3_vnMo7K_2b6gZQMfqOVxBI2hHdwWR9tMzNLSRkynTyIRUYrxkTZmERNgPwU6eo6_ZpG3dnbx56lOtEDyXTWjz-3ACorL63FwFy31MSTE/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SeaGg6BkJH-rJv_GE_axdUgMQTjqujTHuB3_vnMo7K_2b6gZQMfqOVxBI2hHdwWR9tMzNLSRkynTyIRUYrxkTZmERNgPwU6eo6_ZpG3dnbx56lOtEDyXTWjz-3ACorL63FwFy31MSTE/s640/DSC_0159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3HQrjzLaSViHb2AcfEVemt-pHeuNK6kh8UQkMl6TtnVF7Vcb88OoU4w_IwBiDSgDhLSJjf52rVbrzxQ0_i_vAENUzabA0vpQ9qiv36y5vBjxLqyMqZhLYBssPJZ4hccNebeiObYQt84/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3HQrjzLaSViHb2AcfEVemt-pHeuNK6kh8UQkMl6TtnVF7Vcb88OoU4w_IwBiDSgDhLSJjf52rVbrzxQ0_i_vAENUzabA0vpQ9qiv36y5vBjxLqyMqZhLYBssPJZ4hccNebeiObYQt84/s640/DSC_0160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLOi8jUgM2w-rYZ1OcwPvb8xMWPEvyZHaRxNGyudfbMH8zkIW6TPF8E0yLEg_s2-DwrKdLAawA6uw4qz9Hz_OHRjk3Vsm5Y5hsL655XU_ana_IAs_YWofLmaBsP7-KM1pyds2KV-DTmU/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLOi8jUgM2w-rYZ1OcwPvb8xMWPEvyZHaRxNGyudfbMH8zkIW6TPF8E0yLEg_s2-DwrKdLAawA6uw4qz9Hz_OHRjk3Vsm5Y5hsL655XU_ana_IAs_YWofLmaBsP7-KM1pyds2KV-DTmU/s640/DSC_0157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Life has been very busy and we have a lot going on that I will share in the future. It has been a rewarding year even though it has had some rough moments. I really am enjoying having the children home and being able to learn along with them. Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-1336556343576483122012-08-07T13:51:00.001-07:002012-08-07T13:51:07.245-07:00gearing up for the school year<blockquote> <p>we are enjoying the last few days of our official summer break. our children are in for an entire new learning experience this year as we delve into the world of homeschool. i am nervous about teaching them in a way and some days i feel very unqualified but i believe that God has called me to be their teacher. today we started with some simple things like math and multiplication. our daughter is 10 and has always struggled in math. in public school there is no time for struggling students who don’t grasp a concept. my heart broke a little this morning when i realized that she doesn’t even fully know all of her facts. so how can she progress to harder math if she doesn’t know the simpler things now? public school passed her through 4th grade sending her straight for 5th grade unprepared. i hated math and know i think i know why. i never fully grasped the concept and things just kept getting harder. so we are starting with some basics and getting those well established before we move on. i want my children to love math but more importantly i want them to love learning. so we officially start school august 20 and i am excited to embark upon a wonderful world of learning doing the charlotte mason way of teaching. i am excited to watch my children’s world open up with all the new things that they learn. to celebrate the new year the children thought we needed a chalkboard and so i lovingly built and created this beauty for them and i am slowly watching my dining room evolve into the cutest little school room. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ufDT6Sr3wsk/UCF_te8H0PI/AAAAAAAAAts/kXf0S45fTGM/s1600-h/080312162152%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="chalkboard homemade" border="0" alt="chalkboard homemade" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3CkatfIEdSc/UCF_uVvxEPI/AAAAAAAAAt0/dqzxs_aci_s/080312162152_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="620"></a></p></blockquote> <p>happy learning!</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-21325364377608791612012-07-18T06:04:00.001-07:002012-07-18T06:04:56.747-07:00shuckin’ corn<p>i don’t know about you but i sure love summer and all the things about summer. okay so maybe the heat is the only exception especially when it is over a 100 degrees but i am thankful that those days seem to be over for now. i also love going to the farmers market and we have some of the best sweet corn sold at our farmers market. seriously, you have to get there early if you want in on the corn. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xCZFNqThLz0/UAa0MbsT5XI/AAAAAAAAAsY/BT61pvEIz_Q/s1600-h/DSC_40638.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_4063" border="0" alt="DSC_4063" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x4hgObCwSfg/UAa0OD1BeUI/AAAAAAAAAsg/euFgAmZ_Gn0/DSC_4063_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>can you guess what else i love about summer? how about these barefoot, corn shuckin’ beauties! they love eating corn on the cob and boy howdy let me tell you what! they can flat out do some serious corn shuckin’.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b7ReXmZ7mtk/UAa0PmW5-cI/AAAAAAAAAso/ClHskSPfC5E/s1600-h/DSC_40508.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_4050" border="0" alt="DSC_4050" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hIa9fVt6WLM/UAa0Q0Tr2oI/AAAAAAAAAsw/9M0q1P1_uYE/DSC_4050_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="605"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-394Rw7VWWiI/UAa0VJoSVFI/AAAAAAAAAs4/UgSt25yC1jk/s1600-h/DSC_40518.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_4051" border="0" alt="DSC_4051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O6fX_4FDESI/UAa0XPjs4fI/AAAAAAAAAtA/TifjyHvwtS0/DSC_4051_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="605"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WSpKaOqwOFY/UAa0ZeRqsCI/AAAAAAAAAtI/pKXCpUAuDG8/s1600-h/DSC_40648.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_4064" border="0" alt="DSC_4064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hw5ppHDCanM/UAa0bBL3yII/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ppHRALDj97E/DSC_4064_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>what is better than eating corn on the cob? how about eating corn on the cob outside? that is exactly what we done. took our meal outside and enjoyed a feast of homemade sloppy joes and fresh corn on the cob smeared in real butter. yum! yum!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WwgiLhE54GU/UAa0cuO26dI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Ce0Pprm4Ef8/s1600-h/DSC_407011.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_4070" border="0" alt="DSC_4070" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KiYvfnpA0mU/UAa0d1xamwI/AAAAAAAAAtg/W8WFT9Fcmac/DSC_4070_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>it has been such a wonderful summer so far and i have enjoyed being with my family so much. i am beyond blessed to have these guys around me everyday and what an honor to hear their sweet voices each day. as a family huge changes are on the horizons for us and so i am soaking up every moment of togetherness that we have. i am off here….my sweet husband has a date night planned out and it is a surprise for me. </p> <p>have a blessed day!<br>sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-31704590650677590032012-07-11T13:00:00.001-07:002012-07-11T13:05:05.996-07:00a glimpse of my day<p align="center">canning…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f3gK0AKEqZM/T_3cR32XkJI/AAAAAAAAArA/5OybIoyLGZw/s1600-h/DSC_4008%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tomato harvest" border="0" alt="tomato harvest" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p9379utpZO0/T_3bbKPD7_I/AAAAAAAAArI/oVMVQo_s6pk/DSC_4008_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="920"></a></p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-16916953809817304992012-06-20T13:44:00.001-07:002012-06-20T13:44:20.849-07:00a pinterest winner<p>i love pinterest for several reasons but partly because of all the fabulous recipes that i have found. this cake appeared earlier in the week on my page and i knew it was a must pin kinda recipe! i whipped it up today making a few changes and oh my stars…….it is soooooo good!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-scD5gm4pijQ/T-I2BbN5TAI/AAAAAAAAAp8/U8kdSgLecfY/s1600-h/DSC_3256%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="death by chocolate cake" border="0" alt="death by chocolate cake" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-juf_0kp6-No/T-I2DEl4LRI/AAAAAAAAAqE/DRHwLoD2WwI/DSC_3256_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>layers of super moist chocolate cake, homemade chocolate buttercream frosting, chocolate chips and the ultimate mocha brownie mix in the center. it is rich and a little slice will conquer your chocolate craving.<em> <a href="http://blog.babygizmo.com/2012/03/ultimate-death-by-chocolate-brownie-cake/" target="_blank">this</a></em> is the where i found the original recipe. i chilled mine in the fridge for a few hours and it was easy to cut and held together well. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nPt7myVXNbM/T-I2E9c8RJI/AAAAAAAAAqM/2ncWdRQByd0/s1600-h/DSC_3255%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="death by chocolate cake" border="0" alt="death by chocolate cake" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v_bul4GOyVc/T-I2F-bsSlI/AAAAAAAAAqU/R9XxjxQPMhU/DSC_3255_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="605"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VDbEt1j0kGI/T-I2HQoZKhI/AAAAAAAAAqc/9V7cycYPDD4/s1600-h/DSC_3263%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="death by chocolate cake" border="0" alt="death by chocolate cake" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6pmkQUIc0Ac/T-I2I6skN9I/AAAAAAAAAqk/_H_qpcVfk1s/DSC_3263_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="605"></a></p> <p>have a blessed day!<br>sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-87911863146494134192012-06-17T18:34:00.001-07:002012-06-17T18:34:45.046-07:00fathers day<p>no better way to start fathers day than spending the day in church as a family and hearing snippets of my husbands sermon while taking care of several little ones in the nursery. i am so blessed to be married to a Godly man who loves me and cherishes me. i am also so blessed to have him as the father of our children. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x2OhzlJ8QXE/T96FeuNZvzI/AAAAAAAAAo4/GP7ARtgCglc/s1600-h/blankenship2012_0176%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="blankenship2012_0176" border="0" alt="blankenship2012_0176" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MrDwzG8Az5A/T96Ff15oVcI/AAAAAAAAApA/3eMAp1NwW_g/blankenship2012_0176_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="616"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WfMKrDKYPO8/T96Fhnn9hVI/AAAAAAAAApI/Ep_wkPjga5M/s1600-h/blankenship2012_0179%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="blankenship2012_0179" border="0" alt="blankenship2012_0179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KId_6mh5iy0/T96FjO50o2I/AAAAAAAAApQ/whdHJmfkvFE/blankenship2012_0179_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="616"></a></p> <p>our children are blessed to have him as their father. he loves them and provides for them. he builds tree swings and gives great underdog pushes. he teaches them how to hunt and all about things in nature. he reads stories and takes them for ice cream treats. he does one on one time with them. our children adore their father. the list could go on forever as to what he does for them but i hope that more than anything they grow up to realize what a great example he was to them and how he showed them the love of God in every day moments. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RBo_6fdyyvk/T96FlcRCAwI/AAAAAAAAApY/OqukZne3yRI/s1600-h/blankenship2012_0203%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="blankenship2012_0203" border="0" alt="blankenship2012_0203" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ktjaQ2JrQnM/T96FnE4LMBI/AAAAAAAAApg/14vYYyahhpU/blankenship2012_0203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>my dear husband. there are no words in this world to say what you mean to our family. you are the rock that we lean on. the man that we look to for protection. the strong arm that we can cry on. the provider for our family. the great adventurer. the one who makes us laugh when we are mad. the one who brings joy to our days. thank you for all that you are and all that God has created you to be. early in our marriage i dreamed of being a mommy to some precious child and yet here we are today with four beautiful children. thank you for all four of these amazing gifts. i pray that God continues to guide you in being a Godly father to our children. thank you for what you do. we all love and adore you. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ER2B4milzEw/T96FqV5Iu3I/AAAAAAAAApo/euXIsjGfy_E/s1600-h/blankenship2012_0050%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="blankenship2012_0050" border="0" alt="blankenship2012_0050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ionL658G2Vc/T96FszHgJzI/AAAAAAAAApw/n10uVWbvBfM/blankenship2012_0050_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>happy fathers day!<br>sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-72872846723328030372012-06-13T15:07:00.001-07:002012-06-13T16:16:35.726-07:00a walk through our yard<p>i love summer and all the flowers that are in bloom. i love looking at all the beautiful gardens that are so full of gorgeous flowers. it is easy to think that you can just go out and plant a beautiful garden but it really isn’t that easy. it takes several years for everything to mature and fill in. today i thought i would show you a few glimpses of what is blooming here around my yard. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xWmGgK2M550/T9kfAMLnn8I/AAAAAAAAAoA/5MSXs2YELUg/s1600-h/DSC_3146%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="red dahlia" border="0" alt="red dahlia" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1FOBJzw5GFA/T9kO_QlvHEI/AAAAAAAAAoI/ydsOzOuFt-o/DSC_3146_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>these beautiful dahlias were marked down at our local lowes for .50 each. they were so sad looking when i first got them but i brought them home and gave them some loving care and a little deadheading. they are all in bloom now and are so lovely…all 14 of them. i couldn’t leave any of them behind. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aOh7CQsz5u4/T9kPAdYDTDI/AAAAAAAAAoM/JLhXc8GXCHk/s1600-h/DSC_3132%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="white phlox "david"" border="0" alt="white phlox "david"" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-prINMp3uZks/T9kPBbvPbgI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/lM9XmwTxIRc/DSC_3132_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="605"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mgfqjAxdVZo/T9kPCp4yLII/AAAAAAAAAoU/1RK9dbbn4f8/s1600-h/DSC_3142%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="shasta daisy" border="0" alt="shasta daisy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bt698LLFDec/T9kPDfQYVDI/AAAAAAAAAoY/7lbZzAASk2M/DSC_3142_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="605"></a></p> <p>my newest flower addition is the white phlox. they are tall and in full bloom. if you can’t tell i do have a theme going on of red and white flowers with some blue flowers in the mixture. blue flowers are so hard to find in a true blue form. i simply love the way white and red look with the green leaves and then dark brown mulch that i use. the other flower is the white shasta daisy. a simple yet beautiful flower. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f4Atq85eCK8/T9kPFM8yTHI/AAAAAAAAAoc/J7oiHRCO_UQ/s1600-h/DSC_3140%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="butterfly bush" border="0" alt="butterfly bush" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yScGeSg69mo/T9kPGblqvaI/AAAAAAAAAog/IPXjGoedToc/DSC_3140_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>one of the newest additions this year is the butterfly bush. this flower is a huge attracter for the butterflies and bees. they are all over these plants and speaking of bees…..we had a little bee business going on yesterday and that of course led to a little science lesson for my children. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PO1869NijXU/T9kPIF-5J9I/AAAAAAAAAok/HVeLAjoAs-Y/s1600-h/DSC_3128%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mating bees" border="0" alt="mating bees" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PDw_p7mBAG0/T9kPIwf3OqI/AAAAAAAAAoo/EBGZtKoba64/DSC_3128_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="551" height="405"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1DK5XUK1s1I/T9kPJt8VymI/AAAAAAAAAos/EvbbT79TxBg/s1600-h/DSC_3126%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mating bees" border="0" alt="mating bees" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bPXWznUkaN4/T9kPKZZeDgI/AAAAAAAAAow/GwSDOf0CLdQ/DSC_3126_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="405"></a></p> <p>have a blessed day!<br>sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-19372262475442286772012-06-09T15:51:00.001-07:002012-06-09T15:51:38.464-07:00cedar log raised garden bed<p><font size="3">I have been gardening at my inlaws house and have a rather large area but they live about 20 minutes away. I love to garden and would enjoy having something here at our home so my dear husband got busy. We have some land that he cut a few cedar logs off of and brought them home to build me raised beds. I am so excited!! I have two so far but the plan is to put one more in. They are 4x10 foot beds and with them being raised beds I am able to plant so much more in them compared to a traditional garden. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mgSGTwXRGDc/T9PTD5XmrBI/AAAAAAAAAk0/zEv4eJoh2hs/s1600-h/060912171625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mgSGTwXRGDc/T9PTD5XmrBI/AAAAAAAAAk8/NfToiU3dHcQ/s1600-h/060912171625%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raised cedar log garden beds" border="0" alt="raised cedar log garden beds" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kaxseR6tABM/T9PTM8mZVWI/AAAAAAAAAlA/FPtgugKohZ4/060912171625_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="779" height="530"></a></font></a><br><font size="3"> </font><font size="2">(cell phone picture)</font></p> <p><font size="3">My dear husband put so much work into these and I truly love them. They are easy to work around and I told him the other day that I didn’t know if I ever wanted to go back to the traditional large garden area. I am loving the ease of raised beds. Our cost to build them…free….other than the sweat and labor we put into them. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A_U9nn7oO4I/T9PTO0DrrlI/AAAAAAAAAlI/-ZNv8lOYKmM/s1600-h/DSC_3102%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raised cedar log garden beds" border="0" alt="raised cedar log garden beds" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hRJK56PjGMw/T9PTQFq01XI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/4SDPlDzbOqw/DSC_3102_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="540"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YOfo1UjejYw/T9PTSl--lBI/AAAAAAAAAlY/Bs5Pd6lUGxg/s1600-h/060912171521%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raised cedar log garden beds" border="0" alt="raised cedar log garden beds" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uWdpayL4pYw/T9PTT-svJdI/AAAAAAAAAlg/IOT9kt55pYM/060912171521_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="540"></a></p> <p>I was also very blessed to get two large truckloads of compost for free. Our town offers free compost twice a year from all the tree limbs and such that they compost all year. I mixed the compost with some garden soil and I now have a very soft loose dirt mixture. It didn’t take long for me to get busy planting vegetables. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bleFqQ-i1Is/T9PTVGkgbCI/AAAAAAAAAlo/TKjiWar-Z0s/s1600-h/DSC_3081%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_3081" border="0" alt="DSC_3081" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9KADyWOPypU/T9PTWAMhSYI/AAAAAAAAAlw/M8iXFzd-YD0/DSC_3081_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="604"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-94HDjgqCSPs/T9PTXTTFz1I/AAAAAAAAAl4/MyZudmTemvQ/s1600-h/DSC_3082%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_3082" border="0" alt="DSC_3082" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DlVz54JUgnM/T9PTYm6DeGI/AAAAAAAAAmA/hU2XAKF5wR0/DSC_3082_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="605"></a></p> <p>Of course my garden area here is getting a much later start than most people already have but there was a plus side to that as well. I bought my tomato and pepper plants at a huge discount compared to what they originally were. Everything has been in the ground 5 days and has really taken off. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KmDBzxKELA0/T9PTbI2PWJI/AAAAAAAAAmI/FL-RUZBNfUg/s1600-h/DSC_3083%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_3083" border="0" alt="DSC_3083" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GJyVNuFLUig/T9PTdNrwfBI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/xLL1C4jsXcY/DSC_3083_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="805" height="549"></a></p> <p>I planted this summer squash on Tuesday the 5th of June and it is already all poking up through the ground. I also have several green beans just below the dirt surface. I found it so interesting this morning that only one of these squash plants were poking through the ground this morning. We left to go to do some work at the farm and when we came back all of them had come up. I guess they all appreciated the drink of water that they received this morning. I have seen on pinterest where they grow squash in an upside down tomato cage and that is what I will be trying with ours this year. I am hoping for great success. </p> <p>Happy gardening!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-29613526500395672972012-06-08T19:47:00.001-07:002012-06-08T19:53:07.649-07:00family sign<p>I have been wanting to make a subway art sign for our family for quite some time now. I finally got around to putting it all together tonight with the words that I thought were fitting for our family. I am in the process of working on our family gallery wall and I have plans to use this as my inspiration when I go to painting the one I want on the way. Life has been so busy here with gardening and other daily chores along with the many summer activities that I have neglected a lot of the home do it yourself projects that I love so much. I hope to be back to regular blogging soon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6PgBT7O9GNs/T9K5VNuFSkI/AAAAAAAAAkg/mp63xRdKEzo/s1600-h/white%252520page-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="family subway art" border="0" alt="family subway art" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yoSRdhPFHGc/T9K5XpKO_GI/AAAAAAAAAko/cG4OW_w4gyc/white%252520page-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="804" height="994"></a><br><br>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-80268833183404067482012-05-22T12:37:00.001-07:002012-05-22T12:40:18.989-07:0005.22.2012<p>sunshine in the sky and the warm breeze draws me outside this time of the year to enjoy all that nature has to offer. we are in desperate need of rain and higher temperatures are coming in the next few days. today i chose to spend my time outside listening to the laughter of the children and the birds singing high up in the trees. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-luGyrSUatck/T7vqwlRE68I/AAAAAAAAAj8/gegqA6RgLGs/s1600-h/DSC_2997%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="picnic table galvanized buckets" border="0" alt="picnic table galvanized buckets" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qcOTs-8Q7sY/T7vqzdoKLjI/AAAAAAAAAkE/rvltfX_ep4g/DSC_2997_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>it was the perfect day to write down some recipes out of a cookbook that i borrowed from our local library. i get tired of fixing the same things over and over again so today i took the time to write out some new recipes that i hope will become family favorites. the children are home from school and i created this play for them to eat outside. it’s much more fun to eat outside on nice days then it is in the house and if messes happen they are much easier to clean up. i hope that someday my children will look back and cherish their summertime moments. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CXFEAH9PUEU/T7vq1EdOmmI/AAAAAAAAAkM/99M13F05f1A/s1600-h/DSC_3016%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="galvanized bucket" border="0" alt="galvanized bucket" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OR1BK_fRI6g/T7vq2bsrVOI/AAAAAAAAAkU/5ICV7YKsa8U/DSC_3016_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>take time to enjoy the little things in life. summer is beckoning. go. enjoy every moment. </p> <p>have a blessed day!<br>sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-36037868074744739592012-05-19T08:45:00.001-07:002012-05-19T08:45:53.923-07:00weekend finds<p>yard sales are like a big ole’ treasure hunt to me. i love to go early and i love a great deal! sometimes things are way overpriced or at least they are for me. today was a great yard sale day at one of my favorite subdivisions. they do a yearly yard sale that starts at 6 am but trust me when i tell you that if you aren’t there by 5:30 scoping things out then you will miss out on things. i was there early and still managed to miss one yard sale that sold some very old wooden utensils and galvanized buckets but i still walked away with some great stuff. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eUh7nJgXdZA/T7e__4ZPGCI/AAAAAAAAAi4/IzgbprWFYLw/s1600-h/DSC_2927%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="solar yard lights" border="0" alt="solar yard lights" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ZGN6XghQi0/T7fACvlOCnI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Gb2uiUgFdcY/DSC_2927_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>i purchased eight of these solar yard lights for a $1.00. they were all thrown in a five gallon bucket with a price tag that said $1.00 but i couldn’t believe that they really wanted that price for all of them but sure enough they did. they make a great addition to my front flower bed. see that little minnow bucket behind the first light? that little treasure cost me a quarter. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tfxnMwo4PoA/T7fAEdyxglI/AAAAAAAAAjI/8G-_8m8vHjY/s1600-h/DSC_2924%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="galvanized can" border="0" alt="galvanized can" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8gyFBcj7BCs/T7fAFtl7oiI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/e3uJwugY0hk/DSC_2924_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>this galvanized container set me back a dollar but i also scored some free wood at the yard sale that will be used for a great project around the home. can’t go wrong with free wood!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cnahsO_unmQ/T7fAHbMhPdI/AAAAAAAAAjY/7mnas6f68Nw/s1600-h/DSC_2922%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vintage coca cola boxes" border="0" alt="vintage coca cola boxes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5cV-nR-39Hs/T7fAJApkS6I/AAAAAAAAAjg/Ypem4eRcK_Y/DSC_2922_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>the same yard sale that had the yard lights for $1.00 also had these great old wooden coke containers for $1.00. you can bet i snatched them up in a heartbeat. i love the colors and the worn faded look. how i wish i could still buy a coke from out of one of these. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AAF5rJFGUUI/T7fAKgcKR2I/AAAAAAAAAjo/UDio3VwP_Vk/s1600-h/DSC_2917%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vintage ball mason salt and pepper shakers" border="0" alt="vintage ball mason salt and pepper shakers" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gDYzwvbeef4/T7fAMIQgirI/AAAAAAAAAjw/1EgY-xrfn3E/DSC_2917_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>my sweetest find of the day that i love most would be these little ball mason jar salt and pepper shakers. how cute are they? everyone that knows me would tell you that i dearly love old mason jars so i was thrilled to add this to my collection. the price tag on these was a great deal at only fifty cents. i am afraid if i keep collecting i am going to run out of room in my home but that will give me a great reason to open my own little shop someday.</p> <p>do you enjoy yard sales? what great finds have you found?</p> <p>have a blessed day!<br>sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-75852273782328114572012-05-18T20:10:00.001-07:002012-05-18T20:10:18.684-07:00buttermilk pancakes<p>summer is officially here. the children are out of school and we are enjoying the days of being together. morning routines of sleepy children walking into the kitchen and asking the ever famous question, “what’s for breakfast” so today I share one of our favorite recipes. all compliments of the wonderful paula dean and her southern cooking. :) I love some southern style cooking. how ‘bout you? </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZeOOXKpy3QQ/T7cO6Zod1II/AAAAAAAAAhk/dKkHQT1Xd90/s1600-h/DSC_2875%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="old blue bowl" border="0" alt="old blue bowl" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IRVruZVzaLw/T7cO8G6f0_I/AAAAAAAAAhs/AR0DvYA54Qw/DSC_2875_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>grab your pretty bowl and get ready to whip up some of the tastiest buttermilk pancakes that you will ever feast on. be prepared to hear your children tell you just how wonderful of a mother you are. all because of buttermilk pancakes!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-skuALcPmT8Q/T7cO9QJM6qI/AAAAAAAAAh0/G6LYgbzzIz8/s1600-h/DSC_2879%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2879" border="0" alt="DSC_2879" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zAohUbSCgSs/T7cO-XpzlMI/AAAAAAAAAh8/kFLUVzYlB0Q/DSC_2879_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z9tNbwk3J6Y/T7cO_k35eTI/AAAAAAAAAiE/xiPrkeRT8vA/s1600-h/DSC_2882%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2882" border="0" alt="DSC_2882" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HrhdQU0Vl60/T7cPAg3oCKI/AAAAAAAAAiM/hHnc2GdoPis/DSC_2882_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>go ahead and grab your cute little kitchen helper as well. it’s good for children to be in the kitchen and learn how to cook and learn how to listen to instruction. this cute little helper was barely awake when he grabbed the favorite kitchen stool and climbed up to help. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eR_MnGGh5Ps/T7cPB2mdDsI/AAAAAAAAAiU/KTtmwqe5L94/s1600-h/DSC_2880%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="old blue bowl and fresh farm eggs" border="0" alt="old blue bowl and fresh farm eggs" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0uBgkC4QGLA/T7cPDPABTNI/AAAAAAAAAic/X2Zx02wcw7c/DSC_2880_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>buttermilk pancakes</p> <p>2 cups all purpose flour<br>1/4 cup sugar<br>2 tsp. baking powder<br>1 tsp. baking soda<br>1 tsp. salt<br>1 3/4 cup buttermilk<br>4 tbsp. butter melted<br>2 large eggs<br>1 tsp. vanilla extract<br>maple syrup for drizzlin’ </p> <p>in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. in medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, butter, eggs and vanilla until combined. fold the buttermilk into the flour mixture just until combined. a few lumps are fine. pour batter onto hot griddle to form pancakes the size that you desire. once tiny bubbles form on one side, flip the pancakes over and cook until lightly browned. slather with some peanut butter and maple syrup if your anything like our family. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zn9ayH9U4QA/T7cPE2BHHtI/AAAAAAAAAik/dHuH16y5UHw/s1600-h/DSC_2885%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="buttermilk pancakes" border="0" alt="buttermilk pancakes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-486gX7dgelg/T7cPGS4vyuI/AAAAAAAAAis/moTf5I0lySk/DSC_2885_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>enjoy your pancakes by the light of the morning sun gleaming through the kitchen window. yummy!</p> <p>have a blessed day!<br>sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-90862410420262561142012-05-16T05:52:00.001-07:002012-05-16T05:52:03.134-07:00patriotic garden in the making<p>I love my country and when trying to decide how to do my flower garden I decided to go with a patriotic theme. All red, white and blue flowers with flags thrown in the mix as I collect them. This is just the beginning and as I find perennials that I love and that match the theme I will add them in. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-szSBCSo5O-s/T7OiaK0cLxI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/hCf6hpLQuFg/s1600-h/DSC_2529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2529" border="0" alt="DSC_2529" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pGFuKNlkVvM/T7OifvSbDFI/AAAAAAAAAfY/8WTimQlPefI/DSC_2529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="410"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wO9s5BC1zRc/T7OiiPl5ERI/AAAAAAAAAfg/G1JdnLHofxI/s1600-h/DSC_2533%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2533" border="0" alt="DSC_2533" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r3VvdmkQX2U/T7Oijz4PyLI/AAAAAAAAAfo/UoqUqZhALU8/DSC_2533_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="410"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lem7wWT5qto/T7OioTVS1VI/AAAAAAAAAfw/UA8TGijG5wE/s1600-h/DSC_2534%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2534" border="0" alt="DSC_2534" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HomDGIcavsk/T7OipFyPJrI/AAAAAAAAAf4/tpYVVYxkdA8/DSC_2534_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="410"></a><br>Delphiniums and Geraniums mixed together is one of my favorite combinations so far. I love the bright blue of Delphiniums against the red and white of the Geraniums. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_4nQGVb7Umw/T7OiqrEIiXI/AAAAAAAAAgA/ZH2LArtuXnw/s1600-h/DSC_2532%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2532" border="0" alt="DSC_2532" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j0ycCgjrZwg/T7Oir0ZnHTI/AAAAAAAAAgI/tmQoMdBE_r4/DSC_2532_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9j7WOWX36eY/T7Oit9Ir9XI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/jLL9VE3tWsU/s1600-h/DSC_2865%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2865" border="0" alt="DSC_2865" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0I3I6YEcR4A/T7OivWEv5LI/AAAAAAAAAgY/vbzXaoQO0X8/DSC_2865_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NBnVmgTJGWg/T7OixNwWBuI/AAAAAAAAAgg/6Ge1MLvkqqE/s1600-h/DSC_2868%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2868" border="0" alt="DSC_2868" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PP5iqDMW8Lg/T7OiyvWGAZI/AAAAAAAAAgo/NYMpulhISvw/DSC_2868_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><br>I love planting in galvanized containers and with us possibly moving in the near future I have tried to plant everything in containers so I can take them with us. The plants in the container with the White Verbena will eventually bloom with beautiful red flowers. I have been trying to plant flowers that will also be a stopping spot for hummingbirds.<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZPCyx35WO7E/T7Oi0zCxLuI/AAAAAAAAAgw/e_Dgw4An5F4/s1600-h/DSC_2859%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2859" border="0" alt="DSC_2859" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wT7-TqBRGto/T7Oi2BO910I/AAAAAAAAAg4/dcMwNXEnJvI/DSC_2859_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AYjz_czMHu0/T7Oi3sC6vcI/AAAAAAAAAhA/u_7XBOafkfE/s1600-h/DSC_2862%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2862" border="0" alt="DSC_2862" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VbyIewHNK7E/T7Oi4humHzI/AAAAAAAAAhI/lU8gVnZYHk0/DSC_2862_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ynlK3AMLD2M/T7Oi6i_MWPI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/felPqRb9pE8/s1600-h/DSC_2863%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2863" border="0" alt="DSC_2863" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k9KFpwSn83g/T7Oi8D3bUYI/AAAAAAAAAhY/GPTWMBH7-cI/DSC_2863_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a><br>Someday I hope to have a beautiful patriotic garden to enjoy and for the butterflies, hummingbirds and bees to enjoy. It will take some time for everything to fill out as most of my perennials are still very small but I can’t wait until they do. :)</p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-12281194461419996642012-05-09T15:15:00.001-07:002012-05-10T19:46:59.810-07:00scrumptious cheesy chicken quesadillas<p>I had a hankerin’ today for a good ole’ quesadilla. I got busy in the kitchen and whipped up these and boy were they yummmo! Everyone gobbled them up and even my sweet momma stopped by and had a few slices. They are easy and they are good. What more could you ask for?<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KRT5lNcdMFw/T6rsXLDLOuI/AAAAAAAAAe8/8UCyIfxtYx8/s1600-h/DSC_2818%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2818" border="0" alt="DSC_2818" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DNAls0jZQSw/T6rsYpzhqjI/AAAAAAAAAfE/JmTv_V15zpI/DSC_2818_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas<br>3 cups shredded cooked chicken<br>14 oz can rotel with diced chilies, drained<br>11 oz can mexicorn<br>8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened <br>2 tsp chili powder<br>1/2 tsp garlic powder<br>1/2 tsp onion powder<br>1/4 tsp oregano<br>2-3 tsp cumin (adjust to your liking)<br>1/2 tsp sea salt<br>monterey jack cheese<br>tortillas<br>butter</p> <p>Turn oven to broil. In large skillet combine softened cream cheese with rotel and mexicorn. Add chicken and seasonings and stir so that all ingredients are well combined. Allow to simmer on low for 15-20 minutes. Take one tortilla and lay it on baking sheet. Layer a little bit of cheese and then the chicken mixture followed by a little more cheese. Top it all off with another tortilla. Spread a small amount of butter on the top tortilla and place the quesadilla in the oven. You must watch them closely as they brown very quickly. Once quesadilla has reached the level of crispness that you like take it out of the oven. Flip it over and butter the other tortilla. Place back in oven and allow to brown. Once that side has browned take quesadilla out of oven. Cut into wedges and enjoy!</p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-88351107113742005002012-05-09T06:23:00.001-07:002012-05-09T06:23:26.437-07:00in the garden<p>Sunday evening and Monday morning we were blessed with rain. I love being in the garden after a good rain when the soil is still moist and weeds are easy to pull. Yesterday I was excited to find vegetables that loved the rain and proved that by growing taller. So I took the time to snap shots of what it is going on in the garden. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aW6IcpsVAEg/T6pvR1lrMXI/AAAAAAAAAcY/c45MtE4AMB4/s1600-h/DSC_2745%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2745" border="0" alt="DSC_2745" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n-lk-F9NOe0/T6pvSisrRkI/AAAAAAAAAcg/nuoUF-BlSAA/DSC_2745_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="394"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MBUz0ViQeNs/T6pvT-zLbsI/AAAAAAAAAco/eEV59VCynUA/s1600-h/DSC_2744%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2744" border="0" alt="DSC_2744" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ioAsRj88Q7w/T6pvUiVOC-I/AAAAAAAAAcw/tmNj-l6OyjQ/DSC_2744_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="395"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PXVyvBK7lsY/T6pvWv9bkMI/AAAAAAAAAc4/qcRp7vqXbZM/s1600-h/DSC_2741%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2741" border="0" alt="DSC_2741" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1_fNs6E8644/T6pvYiP3U5I/AAAAAAAAAdA/OPg48YTbSwE/DSC_2741_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="577"></a></p> <p>Sugar Snap Peas were planted March 17 and are doing very well considering we had some very hot days so early on in the year. This weeks weather is looking much cooler so I am hoping that they will take off and really start growing. I planted the bush variety of peas that said they didn’t need to be staked. However after watching the peas try to grab each other and vine around the mulch I finally decided to just go ahead and stake them. A little ladybug at work is always a welcoming sign. I love her bright red color against the greens and browns. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IiA30SKhXKE/T6pvaEMH3sI/AAAAAAAAAdI/xFvWh38J5gA/s1600-h/DSC_2749%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2749" border="0" alt="DSC_2749" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9AlGz3QNztw/T6pvb9pCY-I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/byvbiyNt-Dc/DSC_2749_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TjTgFxmeqHc/T6pvdvyGnAI/AAAAAAAAAdY/LwBV22Ov4sc/s1600-h/DSC_2728%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2728" border="0" alt="DSC_2728" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z5ZENzhV8dY/T6pvejByTrI/AAAAAAAAAdg/v5Cyeg085aI/DSC_2728_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="389"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a3B76CDbD6E/T6pvg-cRIfI/AAAAAAAAAdo/qy8YCH_Z75g/s1600-h/DSC_2758%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2758" border="0" alt="DSC_2758" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5SEYEQENY2A/T6pviRMh-FI/AAAAAAAAAdw/4UQ5Im-Xo68/DSC_2758_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="390"></a></p> <p>Myself and one of sweet little bug lookers picked the fewest potato beetles that we ever have this season. When we first started hand picking them it took quite awhile to get them all. This is the 5th time to have hand picked them and thankfully they weren’t on every plant and we only got about 20 of them. I think handpicking them is working!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9rnbMeo3-sk/T6pvkkBuuMI/AAAAAAAAAd4/T3QDBQ_jtVQ/s1600-h/DSC_2735%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2735" border="0" alt="DSC_2735" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JIjBG9aBCBc/T6pvlUO8EyI/AAAAAAAAAeA/3vpED_1IZ4M/DSC_2735_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="389"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_m2byxeV7r8/T6pvnSdhldI/AAAAAAAAAeI/oBYJPqrWCqY/s1600-h/DSC_2750%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2750" border="0" alt="DSC_2750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vQNElT6x2fw/T6pvoT7_tOI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/2gDkj2P2l28/DSC_2750_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="390"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9cL2Mc4IB8U/T6pvrFobBBI/AAAAAAAAAeY/RVjMzFOU9d8/s1600-h/DSC_2780%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2780" border="0" alt="DSC_2780" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xYHahgCcIP8/T6pvtSXg9KI/AAAAAAAAAeg/xFIQlFDDSOA/DSC_2780_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="567"></a></p> <p>Blue Lake bush beans were planted April 29. They have all come up out of the ground and look good other than the few that have some little holes where something has started munching on them. I will be investigating and watching closely to see if I can figure out who the guilty party is. I couldn’t find any little bugs yesterday when I looked. I have three rows of beans planted right now and plan to put out three more next weekend. I didn’t want them all coming up at the same time. :) Lettuce is up in abundance. I cut some off and it grows right back. Onions are all growing tall and some are starting to bloom. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0AKHWZG5IGk/T6pvwnLRyyI/AAAAAAAAAeo/kzW4PTDEDAg/s1600-h/DSC_2755%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2755" border="0" alt="DSC_2755" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gbMDfc8XtuM/T6pvzMMTn3I/AAAAAAAAAew/c2FFlaFoap8/DSC_2755_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="596"></a></p> <p>and it never hurts to have a beautiful surrounding while gardening. We are blessed to have such a gorgeous location for our garden. So what’s left? Tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers and more beans. I think that will be all I tackle this year. I am looking to go even bigger next year and my ultimate dream? Grow enough to sell at the farmers market. </p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-38393545069242119162012-05-08T20:54:00.001-07:002012-05-08T20:54:46.256-07:0005/08/2012<p>What a gorgeous day it was to get out and get some work done outside. The weather was just perfect so we drove down to the farm today to work in the garden. On the way out the door I grabbed my camera hoping to capture some of God’s wonderful creation and I wasn’t disappointed. So I wanted to share some of the beautiful images I was able to capture this evening. Enjoy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7aOn4EEnePg/T6np3oKO0pI/AAAAAAAAAY0/MPhH67S_p2Q/s1600-h/DSC_26441%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_26441" border="0" alt="DSC_26441" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kjkYFLKXzrM/T6np5EjOHBI/AAAAAAAAAY8/k4N2yrQRXnk/DSC_26441_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4n9S4PdiVLY/T6np7NDwAbI/AAAAAAAAAZE/OE_8sEqJR-o/s1600-h/DSC_26501%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_26501" border="0" alt="DSC_26501" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qAiICQUK1ac/T6np8w6a3ZI/AAAAAAAAAZM/DFJW_Q2UvYc/DSC_26501_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kS9LZe07VP0/T6np-rRAwrI/AAAAAAAAAZU/DsZP6xDaaDs/s1600-h/DSC_26521%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_26521" border="0" alt="DSC_26521" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pPSlxNIh4YY/T6nqAIshCwI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Sw91Xy14mC8/DSC_26521_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x2VZ4Hvzat8/T6nqBUJ1jUI/AAAAAAAAAZk/JVi7Ztcq2Rk/s1600-h/DSC_26851%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_26851" border="0" alt="DSC_26851" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LfL6A5BfTpE/T6nqCo0bOWI/AAAAAAAAAZs/XcoZImb_VBQ/DSC_26851_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HDN3yVHn-90/T6nqDvXGE6I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/fC2jKPWZHeE/s1600-h/DSC_26981%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_26981" border="0" alt="DSC_26981" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ntd2YMydYe8/T6nqE0O4s6I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/kiz-mR7S_oI/DSC_26981_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NLEbCn6dRXc/T6nqGAwDlMI/AAAAAAAAAaE/yru0SeDAM5w/s1600-h/DSC_27041%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27041" border="0" alt="DSC_27041" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l_TGkFI7xr4/T6nqHDTWP1I/AAAAAAAAAaM/UK2kFximAUo/DSC_27041_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1lVarCmTw5c/T6nqJqitZMI/AAAAAAAAAaU/gHi59198QE4/s1600-h/DSC_27021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27021" border="0" alt="DSC_27021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LG_QQ-G1x6U/T6nqMKfxL4I/AAAAAAAAAac/DE-wmf5_Uvs/DSC_27021_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X0Cb8G-L8Jg/T6nqOMQZz4I/AAAAAAAAAak/kmxeV59xH8c/s1600-h/DSC_27031%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27031" border="0" alt="DSC_27031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TYVnpnb_Yxk/T6nqPR1f4XI/AAAAAAAAAas/AaDb5srkXug/DSC_27031_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RKJtSxyerik/T6nqRDnoUyI/AAAAAAAAAa0/YehBH58uHMM/s1600-h/DSC_27131%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27131" border="0" alt="DSC_27131" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_kU3hiebBAY/T6nqSqrz2jI/AAAAAAAAAa8/i9LledhHHn4/DSC_27131_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YWw8DBfvrTg/T6nqUTMFMNI/AAAAAAAAAbE/5gK1f2wzHqI/s1600-h/DSC_27151%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27151" border="0" alt="DSC_27151" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s_MJR_qj-3E/T6nqVutUVPI/AAAAAAAAAbM/WAjD5qX7T90/DSC_27151_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2W3fZlwnx-k/T6nqYlA2GnI/AAAAAAAAAbU/CTOEen5Xu88/s1600-h/DSC_27171%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27171" border="0" alt="DSC_27171" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CD5jBQ8LzHI/T6nqZiNVIqI/AAAAAAAAAbc/iZV7arV7zJ8/DSC_27171_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sjkKAhfCmvA/T6nqahiE1MI/AAAAAAAAAbk/9SyWEmXZfDg/s1600-h/DSC_27191%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27191" border="0" alt="DSC_27191" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tmdadJtE634/T6nqbcem-rI/AAAAAAAAAbs/LxgNsetaktk/DSC_27191_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t0M4WvyckJQ/T6nqc5koU_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/ufju9133CK0/s1600-h/DSC_27221%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_27221" border="0" alt="DSC_27221" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q0w5P8BIR6M/T6nqd2PUhCI/AAAAAAAAAb8/FzzB2buSYBI/DSC_27221_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a4hsFCX3yno/T6nqfi7WEOI/AAAAAAAAAcE/RClXevvtvBM/s1600-h/DSC_28001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_28001" border="0" alt="DSC_28001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BbdqD2jeC6I/T6nqhKp6ZhI/AAAAAAAAAcM/vIbvO6Tn2g4/DSC_28001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>The colors and the beauty that surrounds me everyday is just breathtaking at times. There was one area where I was capturing photos of butterflies and there were so many of them fluttering around. I am not sure the name of the plant that they were enjoying but oh how I would love to have some near me. Take time to enjoy the creation that God has lovingly put together. </p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-47753611797299792252012-05-07T16:06:00.001-07:002012-05-07T16:06:02.537-07:0005.07.2012 daily life<p>Woke to the sound of majestic rolling thunder and bright bolts of lightning flashing through the dark skies this morning. The sound of heavy rain pounding the concrete sidewalk was a welcoming sound. It doesn’t matter how many times I water my flowers or the garden area it just never gets the nutrients like it does from the rain. The day stayed pretty cloudy with the sun making an appearance every once in awhile. It wasn’t a day for hanging laundry on the line so I took a trip to the library where I loaded up on plenty of gardening books. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GqAS6FHXiDI/T6hVQC2pOzI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/c_m9E_LwuGU/s1600-h/DSC_2620%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2620" border="0" alt="DSC_2620" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tC6ezdr_-BI/T6hVR1to7II/AAAAAAAAAYY/emOL9x02bck/DSC_2620_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>While I was get my library books scanned one of the librarians made the comment that I would never get any gardening done if I sat and read all of these books. I let her know that I was one of those people who skimmed the book taking the information that I felt I needed. There is such a wealth of gardening information out there and I have a feeling that no matter how much I read that I will learn more from just doing. </p> <p>Around here we seem to eat the same vegetables day after day so I finally decided to try something new and thankfully it was a hit with almost the entire crew. The children are sensitive to spicy foods so they picked out the cayenne pepper taste right away. :) It was a super easy recipe and I like easy on busy days. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a31_hR1gDQs/T6hVTgnEhCI/AAAAAAAAAYg/gmr3tTc6aTU/s1600-h/DSC_2627%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cast iron black eye peas" border="0" alt="cast iron black eye peas" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K53XMYEV6-o/T6hVVHP2oMI/AAAAAAAAAYo/0cpuYo-NfFs/DSC_2627_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Cast Iron Skillet Black Eyed Peas<br></font>4-5 tbsp bacon grease<br>2 cloves of garlic finely minced<br>3 tbsp minced onion<br>salt and pepper to taste<br>cayenne pepper to taste<br>2 cans black eyed peas<br><br>Heat bacon grease in skillet and add garlic and onion. <br>Allow to cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. <br>Drain black eyed peas and add to skillet. <br>Add salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste and let simmer for 10 minutes. <br>Enjoy!</p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-24998305800321890612012-05-06T19:59:00.001-07:002012-05-06T19:59:09.741-07:0005/06/2012 daily life<p>What a hot weekend for the beginning of May. We loaded up Friday evening and spent the evening at the farm. Enjoyed dinner with the family and it was an early evening of going to bed. Early evening to bed means an early morning rise and early it was for me. I laid in bed waiting a bit for the rest of the crew to rise. Once everyone was up it was time for breakfast and then it was out the door for a day of work in the garden and around the farm. </p> <p>Considering that I only get down to the farm once a week to work on the garden things aren’t looking to bad. I had gone down this past Tuesday after learning that I had been invaded by a very unwanted enemy bug called the Colorado Potato Bug. I am trying to garden as organically as I can and therefore the best option for preventing these unwanted bugs is hand picking. I picked twice on Saturday but didn’t get near as many as I had on Tuesday. I am thinking my efforts are working. Thankfully the garden is also full of lots of beautiful wonderful ladybugs and that is yet another reason that I don’t want to use any chemicals. I don’t want to take the risk of killing them along with the gorgeous butterflies that are out which I hope to capture soon on my camera. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BNUeh5DxrKA/T6c6KzXaCcI/AAAAAAAAAW8/x6TKJV36eCA/s1600-h/050512095218%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="colorado potato beetle" border="0" alt="colorado potato beetle" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rKQoZzu4D4Y/T6c6Mqj4FyI/AAAAAAAAAXE/KF_94-tnzMs/050512095218_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="553"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rPkUJS6fjZk/T6c6OWEs0NI/AAAAAAAAAXM/-vK7AazNL2g/s1600-h/042112092931%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lady bug" border="0" alt="lady bug" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kDj8EpArEOE/T6c6PjNNTqI/AAAAAAAAAXU/FfT6ZiWsqbc/042112092931_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="553"></a></p> <p>The children are very curious as to what is growing in the garden and all the various bugs. A few of our children enjoy picking the bugs off the plants and asking lots of questions. One of them just so happens to be the little beauty pictured below in her dress that she managed to get dirt on first thing, barn boots and a hat to protect her little head and face from the hot sun. I can’t express the joy that I feel to have my little ones in the garden with me and learning about all the various things that they do. I am a very blessed mother. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HxB8j1flcBg/T6c6R6onzQI/AAAAAAAAAXc/nYYQ2HXuVsk/s1600-h/050512095141%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="050512095141" border="0" alt="050512095141" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dP5mNlCMAG0/T6c6TWMnUmI/AAAAAAAAAXk/UH0G0P8m6OA/050512095141_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="553"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wFG3qhoJCag/T6c6WBkYbJI/AAAAAAAAAXs/9IbjXZOExzk/s1600-h/050512095317%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="050512095317" border="0" alt="050512095317" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PEW39H5TRzg/T6c6XvjBCdI/AAAAAAAAAX0/QVTMi2nHLjE/050512095317_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="553"></a></p> <p>I am also very blessed to have an amazing husband that does the cultivating and tilling in this garden. Once he is done helping me he usually is off to work in another area of the yard. This is his parents land and they have been very gracious to allow us to use this garden area. My husband helps with the yard work and is currently clearing a path down to the creek that borders their property. The plan is eventually clear it out and put large stones in as stairs so that the creek is easy to access. The cool creek will feel good after a long hard day in the hot sun. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uN5XY121Vpw/T6c6b88H4PI/AAAAAAAAAX8/UXqNk-S31Xs/s1600-h/050512115851%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="050512115851" border="0" alt="050512115851" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EVngatiOkKw/T6c6e71XmWI/AAAAAAAAAYE/TibdsV_86xY/050512115851_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="620"></a></p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-71181274059391328752012-05-03T17:53:00.001-07:002012-05-03T17:53:00.830-07:00the ultimate chocolate chip cookies<p>I love to bake and in my life time I have made many chocolate chip cookies. I guess you could say I am a chocolate chip cookie snob. I like them soft and chewy with just a bit of a crunch to the edge. Early this year I finally stumbled upon the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fLBr0EEtPPI/T6MoShV2_-I/AAAAAAAAAV4/uQ4drycujJc/s1600-h/DSC_2567%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2567" border="0" alt="DSC_2567" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kSwBXSljMRo/T6MoTkQWY1I/AAAAAAAAAWA/X8DafEDsqSc/DSC_2567_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ntm1z93tFcE/T6MoUgR-oUI/AAAAAAAAAWI/eHN0gU96mN8/s1600-h/DSC_2572%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2572" border="0" alt="DSC_2572" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z5cjRzYou1g/T6MoVsOMiII/AAAAAAAAAWQ/eYuTTELgepA/DSC_2572_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>Seriously these are so good!! I often hold onto recipes and then when one comes along that I think might be better then I try it. If it is better then out goes the old recipe and in comes the new one. With this recipe I highly doubt that I will ever find a replacement. Around here they go quickly like as soon as they are cool enough to grab. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DhNpkbmmQi0/T6MoXG3c7RI/AAAAAAAAAWY/SvPX2FX4cMk/s1600-h/DSC_2573%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2573" border="0" alt="DSC_2573" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0bs7_AheBYU/T6MoYojC_vI/AAAAAAAAAWg/f47wkxlYRYs/DSC_2573_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="845" height="570"></a></p> <p>The other thing I love about these cookies is that if they last until the next day they are still soft. Rarely do they last more than two days in our home. They are devoured very quickly and I am okay with that. As a mother I love to hear, “mom these are the best cookies”. It just kinda makes my day! Now I wish I could credit the original source to these cookies but I don’t know where I found the recipe. So if you know please pass the information along and I will make sure to give the credit to the right person. In the mean time I am forever grateful that I found it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sX5h8po8npk/T6MoZ9fNwJI/AAAAAAAAAWo/YfjZcv1QB-s/s1600-h/DSC_2584%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2584" border="0" alt="DSC_2584" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZFqmoUG53Rc/T6MoawNnsqI/AAAAAAAAAWw/SfVV37Vl6sc/DSC_2584_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie<br></font><br><font size="3">3/4 c. unsalted butter (room temperature)<br></font><font size="3">3/4 c. brown sugar<br></font><font size="3">1/4 c. granulated sugar<br></font><font size="3">1 egg (room temperature)<br></font><font size="3">2 tsp. vanilla<br></font><font size="3">2 c. all purpose flour<br></font><font size="3">2 tsp. cornstarch<br></font><font size="3">1 tsp. baking soda<br></font><font size="3">1/2 tsp salt<br>1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Preheat oven to 350 degrees</font> <p align="center"><font size="3">Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy and light in color. Add egg and vanilla and blend in. </font> <p align="center"><font size="3">Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chips. </font> <p align="center"><font size="3">Using about a tablespoon size drop dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until barely golden brown around the edge. The tops will not brown but do not cook more then 10 minutes. </font> <p align="center"><font size="3">Let cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes and then move to cooling rack. Makes about 3 dozen</font> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-87658023368823886872012-05-03T07:45:00.001-07:002012-05-03T07:45:15.718-07:00clothesline flowerbed<p>I have the mentality that if I am going to have to work that I might as well make it enjoyable. One of the daily household chores for a family of 6 is laundry. Lots of laundry! By choice I do not have a dryer. It is one of those things that I have learned to live without and I don’t even miss it. It saves money on the electric bill and of course I don’t have to buy dryer sheets. Love it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C97KIapFGvk/T6KZoEs4mtI/AAAAAAAAAUk/H9MXazV35AY/s1600-h/DSC_2540%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2540" border="0" alt="DSC_2540" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V8Zk4V8pGo0/T6KZppLgutI/AAAAAAAAAUs/ScW9HbGgKCE/DSC_2540_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ThyBfmplkxs/T6KZslfn4AI/AAAAAAAAAU0/8FmT5NYwA3E/s1600-h/DSC_2537%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2537" border="0" alt="DSC_2537" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZS_3sk4alt8/T6KZuCUgbNI/AAAAAAAAAU8/PdgORuKWVR8/DSC_2537_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>My dear husband finally got around to putting up my metal clothesline poles the other day and I was sure appreciative. For the longest time I have just had the clothes tied around a couple of big trees. It worked okay but with the huge trees my clothes stayed in the shade almost all the time and took longer to dry. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RtYmJitOe4I/T6KZycvXmhI/AAAAAAAAAVE/7Unilh51JAo/s1600-h/DSC_2538%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2538" border="0" alt="DSC_2538" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OflQ2jHnTVw/T6KZ0Q2mWjI/AAAAAAAAAVM/HD7VDGKMuUI/DSC_2538_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yz9SbcfREIU/T6KZ3f95N5I/AAAAAAAAAVU/n10mULmA7HI/s1600-h/DSC_2539%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2539" border="0" alt="DSC_2539" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9pXLTgFof_I/T6KZ4_pglsI/AAAAAAAAAVc/yrZpg-obCFs/DSC_2539_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>Once the poles were in the ground I decided that a little bit of beauty needed to be added to the area. Once again my dear husband helped dig the spot out and then I got busy planting. When I am in the kitchen doing dishes or working this is the view from my kitchen window. I get to watch the clothes dry in the breeze and watch the butterflies and hummingbirds drop in for a visit. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V6WsUPEtt0g/T6KZ7jUYibI/AAAAAAAAAVk/8jaANj_Lo44/s1600-h/DSC_2541%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2541" border="0" alt="DSC_2541" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q5uCb7zjhu0/T6KZ-vh0wDI/AAAAAAAAAVs/BGarrKbJ9gI/DSC_2541_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="845" height="570"></a></p> <p>For me it is the little things in life like flowers that bring beauty and joy to the everyday task. I love being a stay at home mother who gets to enjoy the love from my children everyday and the beauty that surrounds me. <br><br>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-13511567575108489912012-05-02T11:20:00.001-07:002012-05-02T11:20:57.096-07:00lettuce harvest<p>It’s my first year growing lettuce and I just cut my first large batch out of the garden. I can’t tell you what a rewarding experience that is. After buying it as the store for so long it felt great to walk out to the garden and know that what I was eating was 100% organic. The seeds cost less than one bunch of lettuce from the store. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-meG46SdkExY/T6F6y8Fp6RI/AAAAAAAAATg/_sWl22xirPY/s1600-h/DSC_2548%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2548" border="0" alt="DSC_2548" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mS0Z5yd1ops/T6F60mmgHdI/AAAAAAAAATo/8O_BNqFaxx0/DSC_2548_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ydFXFzt6rN0/T6F62-aG0sI/AAAAAAAAATw/bXp5KpUVW3k/s1600-h/DSC_2554%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2554" border="0" alt="DSC_2554" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kupnxlx0Poc/T6F64rWAS9I/AAAAAAAAAT4/0I9poxKStVI/DSC_2554_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>Bringing it home and washing it all up knowing that I planted the seeds and God made them grow is just the beginning of my garden love. There is just something so rewarding about bringing in the first harvest from the garden. I really am not sure what kind of lettuce is on the top but it is an organic kind from Seeds of Change. The beautiful purple color is mustard greens and this was my first year to eat them. I love them! They add a wonderful flavor to whatever I am eating. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IQIUic--9jU/T6F661gICzI/AAAAAAAAAUA/8ASBgoLZ5mM/s1600-h/DSC_2549%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2549" border="0" alt="DSC_2549" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cql4DAiQLD8/T6F68cmEYxI/AAAAAAAAAUI/46Nb7zWsRQI/DSC_2549_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>So how do I enjoy the lettuce and mustard greens? Just one of the ways is on a very tasty sandwich for lunch. Pile the lettuce high, add some cheese and ham along with a slice of tomato and enjoy. Don’t forget the sweet tea!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mjtOCgPCxK8/T6F6_5oX54I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/c4XblQLtT3k/s1600-h/DSC_2557%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2557" border="0" alt="DSC_2557" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Ojtm3qDnOg/T6F7BnFeRcI/AAAAAAAAAUY/v8F3oTZXwP0/DSC_2557_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>Are you gardening? What do you have planted? I went today and purchased 48 Arkansas Traveler tomato plants so that means I will be one busy lady for the next several days. I think I am hooked on gardening!</p> <p>Have a blessed day.<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-61323551441814984242012-04-10T16:49:00.001-07:002012-04-10T16:49:47.017-07:004/10/2012<p>Last week was such a whirlwind of a week for us. We journeyed through the week with a sweet couple from our church who lost their home in a fire and the wife was badly burnt. She lived from Sunday to Friday evening and we were there as she drew her last breath and entered into the arms of Jesus Christ. What a sweet moment for her but she will be greatly missed by all. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NdD36MjumNo/T4TGuCa1JsI/AAAAAAAAASA/ruIjpOw7bDY/s1600-h/DSC_2400%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2400" border="0" alt="DSC_2400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e9vM737FxkE/T4TGwNimcyI/AAAAAAAAASI/4tKYZhwVsJU/DSC_2400_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="589"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-card7TEzQB4/T4TGxjKmwoI/AAAAAAAAASQ/12j4AMpGTww/s1600-h/DSC_2413%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2413" border="0" alt="DSC_2413" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v58FKykQu1Y/T4TGzGSK-ZI/AAAAAAAAASY/4tg_IMazlpI/DSC_2413_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="588"></a></p> <p>I had taken Friday off from doing home daycare in order to spend the day with family that had come in from out of state. With us being called away to the hospital we missed being with family but this is just one of those times that ministry has to come first. I am thankful that my husband and I both have family to help us out when the need arises. We spent Saturday on the farm tilling in the garden and pulling lots of weeds. The ground was so dry and the sky was so cloudy. I was praying for God to send rain and finally decided to start watering the garden. I got a little over a row finished when it began to sprinkle and then God poured out the blessing of rain in a mighty way. I am so thankful that he always provides for us!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c7K15PYdxhk/T4TG0y9fk_I/AAAAAAAAASg/icMjWZTps5g/s1600-h/DSC_2415%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2415" border="0" alt="DSC_2415" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4GFi2GYPfZs/T4TG2Q97GmI/AAAAAAAAASo/e35zb4xfzbM/DSC_2415_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jjpl92P3ClA/T4TG4QM-ouI/AAAAAAAAASw/D6Di1rVDyls/s1600-h/DSC_2424%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2424" border="0" alt="DSC_2424" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I8-oAixcAlw/T4TG5lFFi2I/AAAAAAAAAS4/D8In50uikVQ/DSC_2424_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="620"></a></p> <p>On Sunday we enjoyed a beautiful sunrise service at church and then enjoyed a delicious breakfast with our church family. After Sunday School and then regular service we spent the rest of the day with family celebrating Easter and the reserecution of Jesus Christ. It was a beautiful day to be outside and enjoy the company of our wonderful family. Our children went home with grandpa and grandma so my husband and I went looking for a location to have our family photos done in a few weeks. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ICgWJhC9uG8/T4TG9NdCyLI/AAAAAAAAATA/kJLG_awHN84/s1600-h/DSC_2429%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2429" border="0" alt="DSC_2429" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-24PeE7omhCI/T4TG_a0URyI/AAAAAAAAATI/exsSG0-oOR4/DSC_2429_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>We are so blessed to have family that lives in a gorgeous area with creeks flowing behind their homes and a lot of wooded areas. Our photographer was looking for a place that included woods and a shallow stream. I am looking forward to having our photos done outside in Gods wonderful creation. We are such a blessed family and I am thankful that God chose me to be the wife and the mother to my amazing crew.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SbZ2WNE3Zec/T4THCvcU6SI/AAAAAAAAATQ/6nbOS948s3Q/s1600-h/DSC_2430%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2430" border="0" alt="DSC_2430" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oE3HsTmd43c/T4THGSzTMjI/AAAAAAAAATY/xBn6j5Y_W7w/DSC_2430_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="553"></a></p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601957466334339262.post-51043320402793904052012-04-04T10:00:00.001-07:002012-04-04T10:00:04.880-07:00creating my junk garden<p> </p> <p>I have been working on creating a more appealing space in a large flower bed that is located right under our big picture window. We currently have our home up for sale and I really want to be able to take my plants with me when I leave. When I purchase flowers I almost make sure to get perennials and this year I decided to put everything in containers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XwvY5_j6SXA/T3x1aYgeRVI/AAAAAAAAAQw/AaQ9W2UeCLA/s1600-h/page2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="page2" border="0" alt="page2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a4J3xh4pVus/T3x1fB-qVGI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/vunwWtmdzoc/page2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="820"></a></p> <p>I have found my many galvanized buckets at yard sales, auctions and several others small flea markets stores. Some of them already have holes in the bottoms but if they don’t I make sure that I put a few so that the water doesn’t just sit in the bottom of the container. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jM0gNd52kGQ/T3x1iSI1KBI/AAAAAAAAARA/09yUEEssvzE/s1600-h/page1%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="page1" border="0" alt="page1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vfsa9ihcxqU/T3x1k4EmJnI/AAAAAAAAARI/sqb_aZGbzog/page1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="820"></a></p> <p>Some of the containers have special meaning to me. I have both of the washtubs that my grandmother used and the washtubs that my husbands grandmother used. A wooden work bench was built by great uncle and there is an old wagon frame that belonged to a dear friend of the family.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nrnHdaz8vAg/T3x1qoxxM7I/AAAAAAAAARQ/pUrVpqeVTEI/s1600-h/page3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="page3" border="0" alt="page3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jQvIkh5jcS8/T3x93EUpXKI/AAAAAAAAARY/NxqFfbmqoaw/page3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="820"></a></p> <p>I have started to incooperate a few bird houses and have plans for a few more feeders and a bird bath. I love sitting by the window and watching the birds eat and hearing them sing. I also want to try and plant flowers that the butterflies will enjoy. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pFuGh67E0Hg/T3x98K8-8nI/AAAAAAAAARg/WyJyt_mxGoU/s1600-h/page4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="page4" border="0" alt="page4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hQuAgoscQ_A/T3x9-g8cPbI/AAAAAAAAARo/vQ9_-I5gWNg/page4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="820"></a></p> <p>Pansies are one a very beautiful annual that I do enjoy planting. They are easy to care for and I love the colors. I have several empty wood boxes and large wash tubs containers to fill still but I am planning to plant small raised beds for lettuce and maybe some herbs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C9a1VcFgjBs/T3x-A7ovw_I/AAAAAAAAARw/-CVvIFoHxwk/s1600-h/page5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="page5" border="0" alt="page5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ftM_7shVzyo/T3x-D9lW8qI/AAAAAAAAAR4/J082Pp1VzIc/page5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="820"></a></p> <p>Our 4th grade daughter brought home this River Birch tree that we have started in this galvanized washtub. We don’t want to plant it in the ground at our current location so we will replant it at a later time. She was very excited to be one of the children chosen to get a tree for Arbor Day. I am thankful that spring is here and everything is in bloom.</p> <p>Have a blessed day!<br>Sarah</p> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202459941023803028noreply@blogger.com0