Life @ 40 Acre Farm

In Christ Alone

2012-01-27T10:34:00.000-06:00

A blogger friend of mine posted this quote on her facebook wall several weeks ago:

‎"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." - Johann Sebastian Bach

This song, "In Christ Alone" is one of my favorites!
I love hearing my husband play it on piano and sing the beautiful, theologically-sound lyrics.
The Lord refreshes my tired and world-wearied soul with the reminder,...it is in Christ alone!

Christ's "Unmerited Favor"

2012-01-24T11:55:00.000-06:00

Christ's Unmerited Favor!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
~ John 3:16 ~

We can't earn it!
We don't deserve it!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--

not by works, so that no one can boast.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~ Ephesians 2:8-10 ~

A fellow blogger and friend, Sally, at Diamonds in the Rough, recently posted an interesting entry at her blog that caused me to think about the term "unmerited favor" and its being used in a rather disturbing way.
"Someone was shown unmerited favor because their house sold."
Another, "...was shown unmerited favor because they were healed from an illness."
And I've heard other examples.
But really it causes me to want to ask these people...What about Stephen, who was martyred (stoned to death) before many because of his being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51-60) and preaching the truth of Christ crucified before the Jewish leaders. And what about the thousands that were hung on crosses in the Collesium or even torn apart by wild animals for the cause of Christ. Were they shown "unmerited favor?"
What about Nate Saint and Jim Elliot???
We know personally of a group of missionaries that live in Mongolia on next to nothing and are seeing God do wonderful and merciful things with this people group spiritually! It has nothing to do with physical prosperity or gain, but soul changing and eternal life-giving change through the power of the Holy Spirit!!! None of this can be attributed to man...none of it!

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death.
~ Revelation 12:11 ~

Sally's post refers to the words of the great theologian Charles Spurgeon on the Sufficiency of Christ.
I went ahead and googled Spurgeon and did some reading.

The Sufficiency of Christ
Remember, sinner, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee–it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee–it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that is the instrument–it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not to thy hope, but to Christ, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Christ, the author and finisher of thy faith; and if thou doest that, ten thousand devils cannot throw thee down…There is one thing which we all of us too much becloud in our preaching, though I believe we do it very unintentionally–namely, the great truth that it is not prayer, it is not faith, it is not our doings, it is not our feelings upon which we must rest, but upon Christ, and on Christ alone. We are apt to think that we are not in a right state, that we do not feel enough, instead of remembering that our business is not with self, but Christ. Let me beseech thee, look only to Christ; never expect delieverance from self, from ministers, or from any means of any kind apart from Christ; keep thine eye simply on Him; let his death, His agonies, His groans, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look for Him; when thou liest down at night look for Him. ~ Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892 ~

This quote so eloquently proclaims that it is in Christ alone that we give all glory and honor! He truly is our all in all...we can add nothing or do anything without Him. His grace is sufficient!

And to all other teachings that instruct the convert that they can have "unmerited favor" with God by working up their faith or praying harder or memorizing more of the Word of God...I say to that fellow Christian, "Run!"
This soul-stirring video says so much more than I ever could:

In Christ Alone,
my All,
prayerfully, Julie

Workin' Some Calves

2012-01-16T11:12:00.001-06:00

The kids got out and helped Tim put eartags in the calves this morning.

Oh and they were a big help! They helped Tim get the calves cornered into a couple of panels. Middle child assisted in loading the tagging gun. She has serious dreams of following in her dad's footsteps to be a veterinarian someday.

Ta-da! "Look Ma, I got my ear pierced!"
(Momma bawling in the background)
"I always knew he was the black sheep...errrr, I mean rebel in the family!"

Tim had to play cowboy to catch our smallest and newest calf, Bingo.

Catching her was pretty easy, but keepin Mama at a safe distance was another thing altogether!

"Watch out Tim!"

And finally, Bingo is tagged.

"Momma, that was a bit brutal."

"Yes, I know Honey, there are plenty of hoops to jump through in life, just wait...I heard the man say that he would be castrating calves next month."

And Bandito watched the whole thing while enjoying the Oklahoma early morning sunshine!

Our week has started off productively, I hope yours has too!
Blessings, Julie

Grrr, I Morphed...Again!

2012-01-14T08:15:00.000-06:00

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
~ James 1:19-20 ~

Remember last year, right before Christmas, this post (I deleted part of the post but the comments are still there), when I lost my cool, calm composure and tore the face off of an unsuspecting Christian brother...well, I've been at it again. And interestingly, it had to do with the children...again.
In this particular case, I know that many of you would side with me as far as my being disturbed about what happened and that it shouldn't have happened, just as in the case last year.
Confused???
Well, what I mean is that while I had every right to be concerned, upset, and every right to say something, it was HOW I said it that caused me to sin. I wasn't nice,...there was absolutely no gentle-spiritedness involved on my part, and I left her wondering "Who let the pit bull in?"
Soooo...
I'm all about humbling myself now and seeking to apologize as soon as I get the chance.
I could write a book on the art of a sincere apology...(sigh)...although it would be horribly lacking in good grammar...and that's another subject altogether.
I'm a serious work in progress...(sigh).

And so, I conclude this post with this verse, I think it's rather fitting:

Confess your trespasses[a] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
~ James 5:16 ~

Humbly and in need of more self-control...and a muzzle...the pit bull,
Julie

I think this may be a much more pleasant picture than the first one.

And About That Wolf

2012-01-09T09:59:00.000-06:00

For the past several weeks I've been looking back at some of the past entries that I've posted here over this last year. It was last year, January a year ago, that I posted this video:

It still pains me to watch this.
Because of the truth that is so plainly spoken and yet so plainly ignored by too many.

This morning my husband and I were once again discussing this subject.

And I'm still left with these questions:
Why do those in church leadership continue to allow someone in their pulpit that they know to be dishonest, deceptive, and divisive concerning the flock?
Why do they allow that particular man to continue on in wounding and scattering the sheep?
And why, please tell me, do they choose the one who is so heaped up with sin, rebellion, and has an unrepentant heart over those that are serving their King in the lowly/humble positions given to them?

Could it be pride, arrogance, self-preservation, or even apathy???

Interesting, not one of those words has anything to do with being a child of the King Most High.
My prayer is that our Mighty God would open the eyes of His people, increase their faith, and make them bold so that they would rebuke the devourer.

Fervently praying for those in bondage and deception to be delivered and return to their fist love! Julie

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
~ II Chronicles 7:14

Just A Few Things...

2012-01-07T18:28:00.001-06:00

Here are just a few things the girls and I have been working on for our next craft fair:

This is an 8X10 mixed media art on canvas entitled "Grow."

This 11X14 mixed media art on canvas is really one of my favorites. It's simple and pretty.

And this particular piece is one that I toiled over, LOL. I began painting it this past week and knew it was going to be a bit offbeat and that's probably why I call it, "Abstract Blue Horse."
It's 16X20 and this is the first time I've worked on a canvas that large.

Anyway, that's just a little sampling of what we're doing here.
Blessings! Julie

A Bird Poem in Free Verse

2012-01-05T07:07:00.000-06:00

A small girl walks outside.
It is time to feed the birds.
It is cold and she shivers,
but she trudges on.

Icicles hang down from branches of trees nearby.

She smiles watching a bluejay land on the ice.
She shivers again and begins pouring the feed.
A chickadee watches with interest.
The bluejay also stops to gaze at the small intruder.

She smiles at the birds.
They are her friends.
More birds fly down to lower branches,
watching the girl.

The chickadee peeps impatiently.
The girl smiles again,
backing away from the feeder.

She watches as the birds enjoy their meal.

~~~ Written 1/4/12 by my oldest daughter.

I Love This!

2012-01-03T22:50:00.000-06:00

I took this New Year's Eve evening.
And I haven't played with it at all...really.
Oklahoma sunsets are unique, addictive, and inspirational...and....
I'm so glad I've got them right out my back door!
Blessings, Julie

Hope For A New Year

2012-01-02T20:09:00.000-06:00

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. ~ I Corinthians 13:12
This past year was a tough one for our family. Though we didn't understand much of what happened and why it happened, the Lord led us through guiding and comforting the whole time.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13

I am hopeful for this year. Our Lord's grace is sufficient in all things!
So although there were quite a few thorns in 2011, I'm refusing to be discouraged and seeing the bigger picture!

Be encouraged, Julie

A Video: Greedy, Racist, Fascist Evil Republicans

2011-12-17T17:09:00.000-06:00

Homesick

2011-12-11T20:59:00.000-06:00

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14

But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached to you.
I Peter 1:25

So much time, money, and effort is invested into what is of little worth.
I get caught up into it also.
And then I'm reminded by my Lord...reminded that this is not my home.
Praise God, this is not my home!

A Crafty Post!

2011-11-21T16:57:00.001-06:00

Wow, it's been over a month since I've posted here!
The kids are outside playing in the freshly fallen leaves and this seems as good a time as any to do a little catching up.
The girls and I have been crafting. Several months ago a friend told us of an opportunity to sell crafts at a local craft fair. She manages her girls business, Sewing Kits 4 Kids and they sell their products online and at craft fairs. If you have the time please click here . I really am proud of these girls!
And here is a little more information about their business:

We thought it sounded like fun, a lot of work, but fun. My two girls had sold decorated flip-flops at a state-wide 4H event during the summer, so they had a little bit of experience. We had even gone so far as to call their little entrepreneural effort "Frou Frou 4 U."

The girls selling their decorated flip-flops during a state-wide 4H event last summer. There were several other young entrepreneurs selling their hand-made products there also.

The craft fair was in October and the girls sold decoupaged glass vases and homemade Christmas ornaments. Although they didn't sell a lot, they learned a great deal. We're doing another craft fair in December. This time I'm going to be selling some of my own creations. The girls and I are excited and busy, busy, busy crafting!

And just gotta add that our great big mama cows are having their calves. We've got three thus far and are expecting two more.

This is Pippin.

And just a little more news...we've finally found a new church home! We're delighted and excited about this new opportunity to serve and witness as well as be a part of God's leading!

Have a fantastic week and God bless!
Julie

First Frost!

2011-10-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning and noticed God had dressed the pasture with jewels.
What was just green yesterday, now sparkled and radiated with trillions of fractured light.
I had to get out there!
It was cold but I suited up appropriately, grabbed the camera, and rushed out with a, "Please don't let the cows out until I've come back!"
I'm afraid of them, the big mommas, that is. There are five of them now and they wouldn't blink an eye at mowin' me down. In fact I think it would make them happy, give them some sort of satisfaction in knowing they were able to fight back against the establishment! Their cloven hooves can't hold a protest sign so they'll take whatever victories they can get.
And of course my imagination is getting away with me.

So once I'm out and surrounded by an abundance of frost laden flora, I click away!

It's at times like these that the wonderment of childhood returns.
And where does that go anyway???

Sad. Sad, that as we grow older we desire so much of the unlovely.
Hmmm,...in Heaven, I believe the wonder of childhood and awe in seeing things with new eyes will return.

Until then, I'll be looking for those sweet glimpses of wonder here and know that so much more awaits!

Seeing Him and His loveliness in the simple,
Julie

I Don't Know Nothin' 'Bout Birthin' Calves!

2011-10-18T09:29:00.000-05:00

Just right up front I gotta say that I really don't have much to say.
Well other than we're outrageously busy around here with old mother cows
'bout to birth babies, the rest of the critters, 4-H, educatin' kids, choir, scouts, getting ready for a craft show, and numerous and other sundry stuff.
Probably just like your homestead, huh?

And regarding the big old cows birthin' babies...we're excited! We've never experienced this part of the whole cattle scene before. Well, I should probably correct myself there. Tim has.
He's delivered many a calf. I was there for some of them. One of our premarital discussions over money took place while Tim was performing a c-section on a heifer. Imagine if you will, little ole me pouring a bucket of antiseptic solution over a huge gaping incision that Tim had just pulled a calf through and moi asking rather nonchalantly, " Are we going the route of joint checking accounts or seperate?" You got the picture. And that's really the way our lives have rolled ever since!

Have a wonderful week!
Blessings, Julie

Tim Tebow: A Book Recommendation

2011-10-06T07:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday evening I finished a book.

Tim Tebow's "Through My Eyes" was an interesting read, although I must confess that I did resort to skimming through much of the play-by-play paragraphs. The book will never be a huge literary classic and many won't read it as Tebow's vocal Christian beliefs on and off the field of football naturally offend.

Of course I must mention that it isn't just his belief system and fame that caused me to gravitate towards reading his memoirs but that he was homeschooled. I guess that really shouldn't come as any surprise coming from a conservative Christian, homeschooling mom. Honestly, the search for God-honoring role models in a society where too many Christians have given into the lure of the world and it's norms can be a bit tough.

I'm proud of Tebow and even prouder of his parents. They didn't give in to convenience, an easier road, and their own selfish desires but sought the Lord's plan for their family.

I highly recommend this book for boys and young men. Tim Tebow's top-notch work ethic and gut-level honesty shine through brilliantly!

Oh,...and I just wanted to add that in the past I too was a bit put-off by Tebow's crying on the field and sidelines, but after reading the book, I've found that I understand that it's more about a healthy release of emotions.

This article was an interesting read regarding Tebow's crying in public:

Researchers Use Tim Tebow in Study Defending Crying in Football

The last chapter of the book had a quote that pretty much summed up why I think I like this book so much:

"There have always been people saying that I couldn't do something, starting with that Mindanao doctor who said that I couldn't be born, but through it all, there's only been one voice that mattered. And I could hear Him loud and clear."
~ Tim Tebow: Through My Eyes ~ (page 256)

I know, I know,...an unusual post for me. But I have a son that is quickly growing more aware of the world around him. He became a Believer just this past August, PTL! And so I feel it is my duty to search out those that can be positive role models in the field of sports as my little guy is becoming more knowledgeable and interested.

Blessings, Julie

A Beach Vacation

2011-09-27T07:39:00.001-05:00

The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
~Psalm 93:4~

     Our family just returned from a week-long vacation at the beach in Dauphin Island, Alabama.
This is our third time to vacation at the beach as a family. But this particular trip was a bit different as another family shared the beach house that we resided in. Our family of five was joined up with a family of seven bringing the total residents in our house to twelve. And may I just add that I now have a better feel to the dynamics of a large family. The other mom and I rotated kitchen duty so that we both had days off to completely enjoy the beach, kiddos, and fish with our husbands.
     Walking along the beach while the surf pounds on the sand and the salty water foams up and around my feet and toes and then receeds quickly back to its source causes me to think upon the greatness of our Lord. How Great Thou Art is a song that comes easily to my lips as I stand and watch the mighty waters rise and fall with a mighty crash!
     A week wasn't long enough...I'm already dreaming about the next time.

Blessings to you and yours as we embark upon a new week, Julie

Perseverance

2011-09-14T07:38:00.000-05:00

Even though we were really dry this past spring and summer, and much of my flower beds were utterly destroyed by dogs and chickens seeking damp, cool earth for a respite,...our faithful Four O'Clocks survived.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.   ~Romans 8:28~

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:   ~Philippians 1:6 ~

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.    ~1 Corinthians 15:58~

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.    ~Galatians 6:9 ~

Blessings, Julie

Honesty, It's Such a Lonely Word

2011-09-13T07:34:00.000-05:00

Honesty, It's Such a Lonely Word ~Billy Joel~

The second Republican Presidential Nominees Debate was aired last night.
We were at Boy Scouts and 4H.
And besides we don't subscribe to cable television so we couldn't have watched it even if we had been at home. What about online? Fuhgeddaboudit!!! Our internet provider just doesn't provide that much band width, power, umph...whatever. I try to only talk about what I know. And I know not the inner workings of internet provider service and lingo. Suffice it to say, we can rarely watch a youtube video unless it's midnight or four in the morning. I may have exaggerated a bit there and so sorry as this post is about honesty after all.

Anyway, getting back to my original point, there was a debate last night. And from what I've read thus far it was all about, "Let's dog-pile the top dog and throw out lots of innuendo so that the American public will be distracted and he'll spend all of his debate time defending himself!"
I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm so disgusted with this status quo, politics as usual behavior. While there were some that didn't join in with the rest and I'm sure their particular views weren't questioned as they don't make for good "TV." The majority of the debate seemed to be (from what I've read) discrediting and bashing the understood frontrunner. How are we supposed to trust these people if they keep resorting to sound bites and scare tactics? Please give me the truth. I can handle it.
Do you remember Joe Wilson? You know, the South Carolina congressman that had stomached enough propaganda during a speech given by Obama early on in his presidency and shouted, "You lie!" Congressman Wilson merely did what so many of us feel compelled to do when we've had enough.
While I know there are no perfect debates in politics, I desire that these guys/gals would voice their stances on social and fiscal issues without being maliciously maligned by their peers. A civil dialogue if you will where these social servants could defend their past decisions albeit bad ones without a fellow politician manipulatively throwing out remarks that aren't true.

((Sigh)) I'll stop there. I just needed to vent a bit.

Blessings, Julie

Reflecting on Critters Past & Present

2011-09-12T10:24:00.002-05:00

This is Annie our foul-tempered, back-porch cat. Don't let her mild mannered sweet and cuddly looks fool you, she's scheming on how to get her claws in you!

Living out here in the middle of nowhere and seldom getting to town has been made a bit easier by the companionship of our animals. And the number has gone up dramatically since moving to the country a short five-and-a-half years ago.

                                               My all-time favorite three-legged dog.

And I must add here that I believe that when moving to the country there is that whole nature abhors a vacuum thing goin' on. Before you know it, you're running a full-blown menagerie! People know you've moved to wide open spaces and they want to unload FREE animals on you. And then there are the dog dumpers, don't even get me started on that vile class of people!

We moved in with a hermit crab. Katy was it's name. And I must confess that when the odorous thing died a couple of weeks after moving in, I was a bit relieved that I would no longer have to clean out the bowl where it resided. Have you ever seen one of those things come out of it's shell...cringe-factor BIG time!
But it wasn't long, maybe a month, and we had acquired a couple of puppies for the girls. They were birthday gifts.
The dogs couldn't have been more different. The black lab/pit bull mix was born an old man. He didn't play much and just wanted to be petted constantly and nap.

      This is our lab/pit bull mix. He's large and intimidating...and smells of dead armadillo.
The other, a lab/shepherd mix felt it her duty to chase every piece of hoofstock in a mile radius. Her exiting the premise was due to the very large, roughened rancher that leased the land across the road appearing on our doorstep one evening and announcing that he would shoot her if she was spotted chasing his goats and cows again.
"Adios, Shelby!"

It was also during this time that an acquaintance of ours was moving and gave us a cat (our foul-tempered, back porch cat) and a couple of goats.
The goats didn't stay long due to their escape artist ways, but the cat has become a permanent back porch fixture. She's not nice. We warn people not to pet her. The dogs are even frightened of her.

   Strawberry is one of our Welsh ponies. She's a bit of a diva, definitely not a wallflower!

Before the first year was up, there were calves and a horse added to the mix.
And then later cats were needed as the foul-tempered cat decided to quit her mouse exterminating job.

The veterinarian on the premisis didn't spay our little female cat, Ashes. So she in return graciously presented us with a litter of kittens. It was her last.

Over the next few years we would see many calves come and go, some favorites, and some nearly drove us over the brink. If you've ever dealt with onery livestock you have empathy and can relate regarding that last statement.

                                    His name was Peanut, it should have been Trouble.

Presently the critter count stands at eleven hens, four horses, four calves, three dogs, and two cats.
I'd say that's enough...wouldn't you.

Have a fantastic & blessed week!
Julie

Chickens were on the list from the beginning but didn't become a reality until a year and a half ago. And then the real drama began!

                                                     Homestead Revival: Barn Hop #27

The Trailer

2011-09-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

I took this photo one evening while the sun was setting.
The side of the trailer you see was facing the setting sun on the western horizon and the sky was aglow with brilliant color.
We had just had a thunderstorm and my husband and I were back at the edge of the property discussing a multitude of things.
I couldn't resist the photographic opportunity and ran back to the house for my camera. I'm glad I did.

Blessings, Julie

The County Fair 2011

2011-08-31T18:59:00.000-05:00

Our local county fair took place last week starting with Tuesday and running through Saturday.
While we didn't have as many fair entries for the Exhibit Hall, there were shows that we had been preparing for all summer.
The first being the 4H Junior Horse Show.

Both girls were in the same age class and also competed against each other in all their events.

She's in her "happy place." This child is a true horse lover!
I was very proud of both of them!
At different times the ponies acted up or stubbornly refused to do what the girls were asking of them, but both girls disciplined them with a firm hand and without losing their composure.
The girls placed in nearly all their events with my oldest daughter getting top scorer in her age class.
Tim did a fantastic job coaching them and so much credit goes to him also.
I was just the cheerleader. Actually, some very good friends showed up to help support the girls and I got to visit with them while we all watched the horse show. Believe-you-me, living way out in the country and rarely getting to visit with friends for an extended period of time leaves this homeschoolin' mama seriously unsocialized!

Back to the fair, Thursday the children and I spent most of our day out at the fair enjoying the Exhibit Hall and seeing how our entries did. Both girls placed with some of their photos as I did with mine.

This picture of a Robber Fly placed first in the Animals and Insects Category.

My little guy had fun with some friends and learned the art of shooting a clothes-pin with a rubberband.
We ate fair food (Yum!) with some other friends and had great conversation.

On Friday, all three children were to show their calves in the Bucket Calf Competition.

The barn was full of calves and youngsters getting ready for the show! We had a total of 32 kids participating.

This was our youngest's first year and our oldest's last year. All three kiddos were in seperate age divisions.
The participants of this program must buy a calf in May, journal it's progress once a week, turn in their journals and worksheets regarding all financial information concerning the calf in early August, and then go through an interview process with a judge prior to their showing the calf on the day of the competition.

My Little Guy...after his interview with the judge. He looks glad to have that behind him!

Showtime! Little Guy leading his calf to the arena.

There are several awards given out to participants that excel in the interview, showmanship, and herdsman. Our oldest won the interview award and our middle child tied for second. The middle-child also came in second in her age division for showmanship. All three kiddos did great and our youngest had no problem as he had seen it all done for the past several years.

All three kiddos with their calves after the show.

Later, when the bucket calf competition was all said and done, the girls went to the Exhibit Hall to compete in a couple of 4H activities. They both particpated in Consumer and Horticulture Judging.

This was rather interesting to watch as the girls scrutinized different objects ranging from table runners to jars of preserved jelly and then judged which to be the best and why.
We were pleased with the results and wonderfully a bit surprised.
Exhausted, tired, and hot we were ready to go home.
But we had to wait around as the local paper was taking pictures of all the entrants that had entered and received a grand champion placing.
I had received Grand Champion on one of my photos. It was in the Digitally Enhanced category.

My Grand Champion photo.

After getting my picture taken, the girls and I loaded up and headed home. We had a great time but were so happy it was all behind us for another year!
Here are some of my blog posts from past years regarding our county fair:

Cowboy Kids - Sept. 9, 2010
A Whole Lotta Bull - Sept. 1, 2009
What's On My Plate - Aug. 24, 2009

Now to get ready for a beach vacation!
Have a great rest-of-week, Julie

Sharing a Few Photos

2011-08-24T16:35:00.000-05:00

My favorite time to take pictures is either early morning or in the evening.

The three pictures that I've posted here were all taken just a little after sunrise when the sunlight is still soft and the backlighting seems to cause a bit of a glow around the subject.

Our county fair is this week. Last night the girls rode their ponies in the 4H Junior Horse Show. They both did very well.

All three children will be showing their calves on Friday. It will be the first time that they've all shown in the same event. And it will be the first time our youngest will show.

I entered several photos.
But the competition is stiff.
We shall see.

This last photo was taken after a thunderstorm we had recently. Did you notice the lightning in the background? That was neat to capture.

I didn't enter any of these and will find out how I did tomorrow regarding the entered photos.

As a family we all look forward to this week but are so glad when it's behind us!

Blessings, Julie

A Quote

2011-08-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Why do bad things happen to good people? That only happened once and He volunteered for it.
~RC Sproul~

The Skinny

2011-08-10T21:06:00.001-05:00

A Little Catch-up on the Chickens, the Children, and Church.

1. The Chickens

This past spring, I put twenty fertilized eggs into an incubator that our local extension office had let us borrow. Twelve chicks hatched out and stayed in the schoolroom for almost five weeks. I then kicked them out to the coop. They did great for four days and then on the fifth day, that morning, I went out to feed them and every last one of them were GONE. There was evidence from the coop door that an animal had pushed the chicken wire up and had gotten in. We think the dogs took part in this little soiree as there were little piles of feathers amongst their large cow bones out by the cellar.
I'm still not speaking to them.

After the baby chick massacre we had two hens go broody, a Wyandotte and a Buff Orpington. The Wyandotte hatched out two chicks and the BO hatched out one chick. Just two days after the Wyandotte had hatched out her two, I discovered that one of them had been killed and eaten by a very large and still digesting his chicken nugget, rat snake. The husband and I pounded on him with two hoes and he is no more.

This morning I went out to feed and discovered the other chick belonging to Ms. Wyandotte had gone the way of the first and yes, the culprit being a very large rat snake was still present digesting a much larger chicken nugget meal (and just gotta mention here that the whole scene was worthy of a nature documentary on snakes). Needless to say the husband and I were most helpful in seeing that another Mr. Snake would be enjoying no more meals via the coop.

So now we have the Buff Orpington raising her lone chick that I'm just sure is a pullet (yay me). This afternoon I went out to check on the whole lot and found yet another snake (very large garter snake) skulking about the coop and snuffed him out with my trusty hoe.

We are now at ten hens and one pullet. Which isn't really that bad as we've dealt with record breaking heat this summer and I was sure we would lose more. Mr. Incredible (the very large and very mean rooster) died, but he doesn't count, sorry, if that sounds callous but I didn't like him, you wouldn't have either...trust me on this one.

2. The Children

The children have dived headfirst into school. Actually we're doing some serious review work right now while I wait for our stuff from Rainbow to make it here.
They're also gearing up and preparing for the county fair that is at the end of this month.

Both girls will be participating in the 4H Horse Show and all three cherubs will be showing their calves at the Bucket Calf Show.

Honestly it's been a long summer and I think we were ready to have a full-time school schedule again.
We did keep up with math throughout the summer and some language arts though.

3. Church

Recently a friend of mine emailed me and very sensitively and tactfully inquired about how we're going about searching for a church. Her email touched my heart as it was evident that she in no way wanted to offend but was curious as to how we were going about making this very important decision.
We do have somewhat of a checklist if you will, but first and most importantly we're bathing this with prayer and I'm talking a serious soaking of prayer.
But getting back to the checklist, there must be truth in the pulpit with sound biblical teaching. Tim and I both are in agreement that we won't settle for mediocrity or the dumbing down of the gospel that is becoming widespread in too many pulpits today. I'll stop there regarding the deception of flock leaders.
We also desire to be a part of a fellowship where those in leadership are loving, transparent, and not arrogant. For us the leaders must be above reproach, not perfect mind you, but quick to repent and ask forgiveness if confronted with sin.
The churches we've visited have primarily been Southern Baptist Churches as that is where we believe we're to be. We're not the Seeker Sensitive types, so when we see these practices being implemented we steer clear.

Of course, there are other factors such as distance. We want to be active in whatever church the Lord leads us to. We were at our former church. We enjoy serving. And we live so far out in the country that we are limited as to how many churches are that close. Tim commutes an hour round trip Monday through Friday, so distance is definitely a factor.

Anyway, that's the skinny of what's up here and I do desire your prayers regarding our Lord's direction. A part of me believes we're still going through a great deal of forgiving and healing spiritually and won't be free to enter another fellowship until we've dealt with the baggage that we keep finding ourselves dragging around.

We haven't been popular regarding some, but we know we're on the right road and really that's all that matters.

Blessings, Julie

Oh and by the way, we've been getting rain and the temperatures have come down to the upper 90's in the daytime. Thanks for your prayers regarding the drought in Oklahoma. We're still experiencing drought but the recent rains have been so encouraging!

Life @ Forty Acre Farm

2011-07-27T13:34:00.001-05:00

The rooster died this morning.
That would be Mr. Incredible.
We ran him ragged yesterday evening in temperatures that were well above 100. No, we were'nt trying to run some pounds off of him but catch him to put him in the chicken tractor that Tim had built. Tim also wanted to show him at our county fair at the end of August...won't happen now. And yes one of my more recent posts had detailed his demise. Well, the evening before the "killin'" we wisely surmised the pot was too small. That was when Tim decided to keep him and show him at the county fair...won't happen now.

In early June, I put my mother in a nursing home. She's closer in proximity now. We visit her often.
She's not happy with me.
I'm dealin' with it.
Life is like that.
You've just gotta deal with it and not shirk your responsibilities. One odd thing though, when visiting her, I find myself observing the other residents. There are some that nearly seem unconcious, they're strapped in wheelchairs or strapped in mobil beds. They're silent, usually looking downward and seemingly oblivious to what's going on around them. Some are in wheelchairs, propelling themselves forward through the halls and nodding their heads at us or giving us sweet smiles when we walk by them. Many times what they say is unintelligible, I smile, pat them, and say, "I'm so glad to see you today!" (meaning every word).
And then there are many using walkers like my mom, that seem a bit confused like my mom, but are delightful to talk to and so so sweet, like my mom (she's just unhappy with me part of the time).
So here's where I'm goin' with this....I'm wondering what I will be like when I hit this stage of life???
Will I be like some I've seen that repeat the same phrases over and over and over. We've seen one woman that does this. She's either yelling, "Help me, help me, help me!" or muttering, "I hate, I hate, I hate."
When I am old and no longer in control of my faculties, will all the fears and grotesqueness of my life bubble forth upon the ears of my loved ones and strangers? And am I foolish to even wonder upon such things? Not a pleasant subject, huh?

And changing the subject, but I just wanted to let some of you know that Google doesn't like me. Yes, before it was Facebook. But now it's Google. I've tried to comment at some of your sites and it won't let me. This is very frustrating as bloggers like Homeschool on the Croft are so wonderful about leaving comments here but I can't comment back and I have tried. It's just so frustrating because just recently at HOTC site she had a post about a vegetable I had never even heard of nor seen before! I think this whole problem has to do with cookies of which the computer kind and I'm completely ignorant of, (sigh). And before I have one of my witty friends comment concerning the "cookies" term, let me just cut him off by saying, "No, I did not lose my cookies!"
But I also lost my "followers" gadget. Strange because when I first noticed it gone, I thought no one liked me anymore but then quickly decided it just couldn't be me. I mean what's not to like?! And by the way, that last statement is an inside joke between my husband and I. Believe me, you'd understand if you knew the full story...again (sigh, really really big SIGH).

There's a lot more "life" going on here. The whole chicken drama has been a bit much and I'll tell more another time and then there's the searching for a new church home which has been a journey in and of itself! But that's a subject I will probably have to tiptoe through. God is so faithful, generous, and loving and He provides what we need when we need it! He definitely won't leave us where we're at (spiritually speaking of course) if we're willing to move forward in Him.

Be a blessing! Julie

High Drama on the Farm

2011-07-25T08:14:00.001-05:00

Yesterday morning we woke up.
It's been hot, really hot, consistently hot for far too long.
And dry, really dry, consistently dry for far too long.
We're in a drought.
So wisely we try and get all the animals taken care of early before it's unbearably hot.
Walking back from feeding the calves at the barn, I gazed out at the pasture.
It was one of those "what's wrong with this picture" type of gazes.
I looked hard trying to make out why the two full-size horses looked larger than usual and why they were head-to-head?!

Why...that wasn't Bella and Rabbit out there, but two very large and very full-size bulls!
I quickly assessed that the red bull was from the pasture to the south of us and the black one from the pasture to the north of us.

I guess they had gotten a bit bored and decided to meet in the middle and have their own version of UFC Championships. And these guys would definitely fit into the heavyweight class!
And NO, I have never watched UFC fighting (we don't get cable). Everything I know about it I've heard from my sister and her family.

I added the butterfly (borrowed the idea from The Pioneer Woman) to alleviate the cringe- factor in my more
citified friends.

Back to the bulls, the red one seem to have more attitude and strength going for it and ultimately won the championship round and herded the black bull back over to the fence from where he had come from.

A couple of little upstarts (probably the black bulls progeny) ran over to the fence to check things out.

Words were probably said that shouldn't have been said and the red bull sent them packin'.

So what have we learned from all this?
1. Build better fences
2. But then even really great fences will not always keep trouble out.
3. And sometimes livin' on a farm isn't all it's cracked up to be.
You take the good with the bull....er I mean bad.

Speaking of bull and lots of it. And please excuse the cowboy vernacular, but we've sorta seen more than our fair share of "bull" this past year. Too much really. But we know that for whatever reason we've been allowed to travel this wearisome road as of late, it will work towards the Glory of the Lord and bring us closer to the heart of our dear Saviour. The choice was mediocrity, the world's offerings, or move forward with the Lord. Moving forward meant taking a stand and becoming unpopular. Interestingly that seems to be the path we're on, the race we're running if you will. Anyone that has ever run a marathon knows it can be grueling, but the prize is so worth it!
Character building takes fire.
It's good to be back,
Julie

Homestead Revivals Barn Hop!

Temporary Farewell

2011-05-25T13:05:00.000-05:00

Recently I came to the decision that I needed a long break from this (blogging).
There is a lot going on in our lives right now (good and bad) that's keeping me distracted from being able to sit down and post an entry now and then. And unlike many of you that can relate their daily lives so eloquently, I am at a loss as of late to be able to. Life seems to have gotten a bit too large and challenging. This is an egg that I can eliminate from the proverbial basket for the time being.
I will be back.
Blessings, Julie

Lots of Shtuff & A Planned Butcherin'

2011-05-13T17:50:00.000-05:00

This wonderful Red Spotted Purple butterfly visited me a couple of days ago and I just had to get it's picture. Okay, so it wasn't visiting me but checking out the "eats" around the place.

Here, it is on the bumper of my van. The van that nearly seriously injured and maimed (aren't those the same?) the children and I coming home from Shtuffmart yesterday.
The power steering went "bye bye" as I was pulling into the drive and I ended up underneath one of the water-sucking red cedars that poses as a dust barrier to the side of the driveway.
I've informed the husband that I will no longer be driving the death mobile or will the children be entering the unsubmissive monster until it has had a thorough goin' over.

So I'm without wheels for the time being, but we've got lots of shtuff, thank you, Shtuffmart. And do you remember the hair-raising adventure I had after getting back from a Shtuffmart run this past winter?

And another question concerning Shtuffmart. Why did they stop selling Campells Cream of Asparagus Soup? You don't know...neither did one of the friendly Shtuffmart workers. Oh well.

My son is in Scouts. This was taken at the Boy Scout Banquet this past winter.
I'm really proud of the little guy...the big guy, too, of course.
But I think you'll understand where I'm coming from when I share that he's really developed a love for reading!
That's a big deal for my husband and I as we're "readers."
The whole family is now officially a bunch of bookworms...I love it!

And now I must share that the large red cantankerous bird that goes by the moniker (wow, I've never used that word in a post!) of Mr. Incredible has run out of time. Remember, he's the beady-eyed rooster in the post right before this one.
Okay, here's a picture.

That's right, he's oooouuutttaaa here!
Today was his last. Tomorrow morning he goes the way of chicken and rice.
I will video. No not the messy stuff. But the husband trying to catch him. I'm too chicken (sorry, I couldn't resist) to get anywhere near him. He's a mean one.

Stay tuned for more later,
Julie

Birds On The Brain...Again

2011-05-02T14:53:00.002-05:00

We have been seeing a plethora of birds this past week on our little homestead. Just yesterday morning the children and I spotted a male painted bunting, a male indigo bunting, and a male blue grossbeak within inches of each other in one of the hackberry trees in the backyard!

I am yet to see an oriole, but have an oriole feeder out in case one happens by. So far the hummingbirds are enjoying it's offerrings.

And speaking of painted buntings, one crashed into our dining room window Saturday morning while the husband and kids were shopping for another calf at the local salebarn. The painted bunting was quite shook up and I knew if I didn't rescue him from the deck he would be a cat snack. So I carefully put him into a box to monitor him. After an hour or so, I noticed he wasn't moving much and had been bleeding a little from his beak.

He died just before the children and my husband got home.
It was quite interesting to get such a close look at such a beautiful bird and the kids thought so too. Yet we were saddened that he died.

Speaking of birds, I just have to mention my oversized, ridiculously ferocious yardbird, Mr. Incredible.
Mr. Incredible is our resident rooster and soon to be included in a chicken casserole of some type because of his cantankerous ways.
But currently we're keeping him around so that we can have fertilized eggs.
For the past several days I've been adding eggs to the incubator. We're hoping to hatch out a whole new crew of egg layers. I'm going to go ahead and get my egg license and sell eggs to a local health foods store.

A bird we enjoy but have yet to see is the Whip-poor-Will.
We hear these at dusk and at dawn.
I'm pleased that with the bird units we've done over the past years that the children can now identify many different types of birds and appreciate their beauty.
They are such a testament to our Lord's wonderful variety of beauty that He has so generously bestowed on His creation!

Seeing Him in the simple things, Julie

Regarding my photos: I would like to add that I'm so thankful my husband got me the macro lens that I'm using here last Christmas...it's really made a difference in my picture taking!

Life Around The Farm As Of Late

2011-04-28T12:48:00.000-05:00

We're really liking this Botany unit! This morning the kids and I found mosses and lichen specimens on a short walk around the house. We came back in and they drew and colored the finds to put in a notebook that each of them have started for our Botany unit.

Another beautiful moth took up temporary residence in our barn. This time a Luna Moth.

As you can tell by the long worn hindwings, this moth has seen better days and is probably close to death. We measured its wingspan and it was a little over four and a half inches.
After taking this photo, there was another Luna Moth in the barn just a couple of days later.

Yesterday morning a Summer Tanager was flitting about in the oak trees behind the house and I was able to get a quick photo. We've never seen them this early in the Spring and were pleased to get a glimpse of him.

My husband went to one of the local sale barns yesterday morning and purchased our first bottle calf of the Spring.
My oldest child had first pick of the calves this Spring and she named him Raymond.

These past few days have brought horribly violent weather to the east and northeast of us. Tornadoes and flashfloods have brought devastation and death. Please remember those in your prayers that have lost loved ones and homes.

Blessings, Julie

Botany, Eggs, & A Snakeskin

2011-04-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

Our Spring has gotten off to a late start. We've been dry here in central Oklahoma. Actually, most of the state has been experiencing drought.
Wonderfully, the past couple of days have brought rain. And it's amazing how quickly the flowers play catch-up!

I had purposely planned a Botany unit for the kids this Spring as we could take advantage of so much of the plantworld beginning the cycle of life.

When in grade school, I personally enjoyed drawing diagrams of the subjects we were studying...labeling them and coloring them with great care. My kids enjoy doing so, also.

It's interesting to watch them...and the learning process is made so much easier when it's a hands-on lesson.
I had gone out to the garden and found several different bean seeds and sprouts in different stages of developement. The children were able to put them in order of growth, label the part of the seed, tell me whether or not the bean plant is a dicotyledon or monocotyledon and then explain as well as show me how they knew that.

We're using Apologia's Botany for our core of study, but I've supplemented from other sources also and will omit the material from Apologia we've already learned. I'm excited about this unit and have lots of plans regarding instruction, experiments, and field trips.

Along with the flowers blooming in the pasture, veggies growing in the garden, and the trees leafing out, other signs of Spring abound.
Interestingly, we have a Wyandotte female chicken that has gone broody (she's ready to lay a clutch of eggs and hatch them out).
From what I've read chickens go broody more so in the Spring. She left her clutch of eggs for a short time to eat and another chicken hopped in the Wyandotte's nest to lay her daily egg. This confused the Wyandotte and she took up nesting in the nest nextdoor to the one she had been in.
Needless to say, the clutch of eggs that she had been on for nearly five days was abandoned after the interloper had laid her egg and went on her merry way.
So this morning I brought the eggs into the house so the kids and I could check to see if they were fertilized and how far along in developement they were.
There is a wonderful website here that shows pictures for every day of developement. We used this website to identify that yes, our eggs were fertilized and they ranged from three to four days developed. I didn't take any pictures but we're now excited about trying to hatch eggs out in an incubator we've borrowed from our local extension office. I'll definitely keep you posted on how that goes.

Speaking of eggs, I gathered eggs from the coop and from the nests that my free range chickens make in the yard just the other day. I cracked open three, one yolk ran, but the other two yolks stayed intact.
By looking at the two intact yolks in the picture below, can you tell which is the cooped chicken's egg and which is the free range chicken's egg? If you said the more orange one is the free range chicken's egg...you're right! The free range chickens get a more varied diet and their eggs are much more nutritous.

And speaking of the varied diet of a free range chicken, did you know they will eat baby snakes? I've seen for myself three baby snakes killed and eaten by two of my hens.
I'll transition there to the subject of these last two photos.
Last week my little guy came to me with a long snakeskin he had found in the backyard. When I told him I wanted to measure it, he said that the tail had torn off when he was picking it up off the ground. We went ahead and measured the majority of the skin.

After measuring the snakeskin, my little guy insisted on going and finding the "tail" so that we could get a full and more accurate measurement of the snake. He came running back with it just moments later and we were able to measure the tail and then add that to our measurement of the larger part of the skin to get a total of four feet ten inches long! There's a seriously long snake out there somewhere. I'm just hopin' he's of the nonvenomous type!

I really didn't want to leave you with visions of the monster snake "slithering around" in your head, so I posted another photo of the Irises that are beside the driveway to the house. I took these in the morning when the sunlight was just peering over the horizon of the property to the east of us. It had rained in the night and left behind some welcomed moisture on the blooms.

Seeing His blessings in the small things, Julie

Things Aren't Always What They Appear To Be

2011-04-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

Last week, Samuel came running into the house calling me to "Come look!...Mama, come look!"
He led me out to the front porch where he showed me a large brown moth that he had caught out at the barn.
I set the large moth up on the wall of the porch...and then...it spread it's wings out.

Wow! We were delighted to say the least! Who knew such a dull brown moth could really be so beautiful.
I went inside and quickly found our "Butterflies and Moths" identification guide and looked our gorgeous friend up.

He's a Polyphemus Moth, a member of the giant silk moth family and we know he's a "he" by his fuzzy antennae. The Polyphemus Moth can grow to a six inch wingspan. Ours is pretty close. After becomming moths, they only live for ten days as they cannot eat due to very small mouthparts. They mate, females lay their eggs, and then they die. We felt blessed that we were able to see this guy before he passed on.

Things aren't always what they appear to be, case in point, the Polyphemus Moth.
But this is a lesson I'm learning in my own life, my spiritual life as I've posted in a recent entry entitled, In Love We Journey On .
I'm learning that in order to line up with God's will, hear His voice, and heed His guidance, I had better stay close to Him.
And as of late that is where I desire to be more than any other place.
No, so much of this world is not what it seems and in order for us as Christians to stay above reproach we had better stay in His Word, meditate on it, fellowship with believers of deep spiritual maturity and that have a passion for the things of God, and pray without ceasing.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ~2 Timothy 2:15~

Blessings, Julie

An Announcement

2011-04-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

This may stun many of you and for that I apologize.
But for the past year something has been weighing heavy on me.
This past winter I finally figured it out after many sleepless nights with great abdominal discomfort.
Here goes...
I've become lactose intolerant ((sigh)).
This isn't easy and for those that cry, "Tolerance, Tolerance!", let me just say this wasn't of my choosing!!!
I'm a milk lover...and let's not forget about cheese, the other food group of which I'm a huge fan.
And may I add that paying high prices for lactose free milk stinks!
The kids are told not to touch it! We have something semi-precious in the fridge and sadly it ain't chocolate ((sigh)).
So other than her jowls, I've also inherited something else from my Grandma.

I love this old photograph! I was only around seven or eight years old.
I can remember her telling me in her precious southwest Oklahoma accent, "I just can't drink milk anymore, I blow up!" I understand now, Grandma.
As I'm growing older there is so much more that I understand and relate to...but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Middle-aged and lactose intolerant,
Julie

Loving The Difficult Ones

2011-04-01T07:13:00.003-05:00

This is Strawberry our little strawberry roan pony. I purchased her at an auction last summer. You can read the post here. She's stubborn, aloof, and seriously mean to the other horses.

She's difficult!

Several years ago I was involved in helping with a women's retreat at the church we were recently a part of.
The retreat was wrapped around Beth Moore's Bible Study "Loving Well"

Mrs. Moore did a great job with this particular part of her study...dealing with difficult people. I still refer back to this mentally from time to time as I encounter those that require more of me than I'm willing to give at times.
But in all honesty, isn't it the difficult people that cause us to have to love with more patience, more determination, more flexibility. Wouldn't it be the difficult people that stretch our love, cause our love to grow into a more...unconditional love?
Because honestly, the difficult people tend to drain us emotionally and mentally. So loving them with a love that can only be provided by God would mature our ability to love others as Christ loved us.
I mean think about it...I know my thoughts, I know how selfish I can be, I know how DIFFICULT I can be, and yet God loved me...even while I was dead in my sins!
That blows me away....because I know how much worse I was then as opposed to now...and yet He loved me, unconditionally.
Yes, thank God for the difficult people. He gives them to us to challenge us, grow us, and to help us to become more like Him!

You can view the rest of Beth Moores series on "Loving Well" at Youtube.
Correction: If you would like to watch the whole series, you can watch it here. At the end of each clip it shows the next clip in the series. You can click on it here without having to go to youtube!
I am so enjoying listening to this as I organize and clean the schoolroom this morning. The children are upstairs cleaning and listening to Adventures in Odyssey.
I'm having a great time getting things done that have needed to be done for quite some time while being encouraged!

Blessings, Julie

Here, It's Where I'm At

2011-03-25T13:44:00.000-05:00

Part of my morning routine is to head out to the chicken coop early while the sun is just peering over the eastern horizon, let the chickens out into their run, and then check the nesting boxes for eggs.
The hens lay throughout the morning, but there are always at least three eggs to be found by the time I get out there,...still warm...in the cedar-lined nests.
This morning, I tuck them into my barn jacket's deep pockets and then head out to the garden to see what may be coming up.

The asparagus I had divide several weeks ago and transplanted is making its way up and through the earth!

Not to be outdone, the green onions are also emerging. Wonderfully, we're all fans of fresh green onions on a crisp garden salad on a hot summers day!

Satisfied with the goings ons there, I stroll back towards the house, my hands in my pockets cupped around the still warm eggs.

The redbud trees at the edge of the driveway demand my attention. I take a few pictures and once again wonder why they're called redbuds when the blooms are most definitely not red.

Grape Hyacinth are blooming. These tiny little flowers that are some of the first to bloom in Spring, have always enchanted me with their durability and the ease with which they spread. So charming!

And then I head back into the house to prepare breakfast, educate children, work on a blog post, ponder the progress we're to make in the spiritual place our family is in right now, pray without ceasing, and work on the history fair that I have had the privilege to head up these last three years. The history fair is tomorrow morning.

My husband emailed this quote to me this morning,...I love it!

"Let it never be forgotten that the material part of a Christian Church is by far the least important part of it. The fairest combinations of marble, stone, wood and painted glass, are worthless in God’s sight, unless there is truth in the pulpit and grace in the congregation. The dens and caves in which the early Christians used to meet, were probably far more beautiful in the eyes of Christ than the noblest cathedral that was ever reared by man. The temple in which the Lord Jesus delights most, is a broken and contrite heart, renewed by the Holy Spirit."
~ J.C. Ryle

Isn't that great?!
Blessings and have a great weekend, Julie

Of Clothes Washers, Mental Illness, And Freedom

2011-03-22T07:43:00.000-05:00

Recently, we made a trip to my hometown in southwest Oklahoma, Frederick.
My mom needed a new washer and I was horrified to find out she had been making trips to the laundry mat since hers wasn't working.
She's a bit wobbly and frail. She's fallen multiple times and the thought of her trying to carry a basket of clothes while negotiating a curb and getting into a building, convinced me that we needed to do something quickly.
Wonderfully, Tim is very supportive of my mom and after discussing when would be a good time for the whole family to make a trip down there, we made arrangements.

Tim's parents live on the way, so the girls stayed with them while Tim, myself, and the little guy headed on down to my mom's with the washer in back of my father-in-laws pickup.
A couple of trips to the local hardware store for a washer hose and a new valve were all that was needed and Tim was able to get the washer installed.
He did a fantastic job! The Lord has blessed me with a resourceful and frugal man.
Mom was so thankful for the new washer and insisted we take some money for it. She's that way.

With each visit, I wonder will it be the last one that I'm able to observe her being on her own.
It won't be long before her independence comes to an end.

It seems she's aged dramatically within the past five years.
She's had a hard life and seen more misery, sadness, confusion, and lonliness than most.
Her eccentricities are still very much profound but more subdued since getting back on the medication that helps to keep the delusions and paranoia managable.

Is it strange that I look forward to the day that she'll be free from the bounds that have held her down tightly for most of her adult life? An illness that has robbed her from enjoying the loved ones she's been so graciously blessed with.

Her life, most of it, has been filled with fear, uncertainty, and the deception of her own mind's doing. But gratefully as she is in the twilight of her years, the worst is behind. It's been a long road, an ugly and even violent road at times.
Looking back I could get angry and many would. There was never baking cookies, confidential talks concerning those of the female kind...those that are usually privileged between mother and daughter, nor many words of affirmation.
She was without the support of a husband both physically and monetarily. I was five when my mother and father divorced, he never looked back.
She worked much of the time to keep food on the table and rent paid.

Our childhoods weren't completely devoid of all nurture, there were moments of clarity...but sadly these seemed so seldom.

I can remember Sunday morning church at our small Nazarene fellowship. The preacher, Brother Biddle, worked up behind the pulpit, his voice raised with passion for the lost and his every word with an "S" in it whistling, droned on as I sleepily sought my mother's lap. She would allow me, a small girl of probably six or seven, to lay over on the pew with my head resting in her lap. I can still remember her hands gently playing with my long brunette hair. Twining it through her fingers as she sat listening earnestly to the preacher.

Yes, I long for the day that she is free.
Free to sit closely and safely by our King. Free to enjoy Heaven's haven. Free to experience the gentle touch of Her Saviour upon her head as He lovingly speaks words of acceptance to her.
Until then, I will do my best within the Lord's will to make the rest of her journey here as gentle and sweet as I possibly can.

God's Love Knows No Limits

2011-03-16T05:29:00.000-05:00

My Progress

2011-03-09T17:24:00.001-06:00

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Today, I cleaned and organized all day.
And it felt good!
Doesn't it make a difference when the clutter is gone and you can actually remember enjoying your home?
Why do I let it get to a point of total chaos?!

Now, I've got to be honest...the house is still somewhat in a state of disarray, but a vast improvement has been made.

Progress seems to be what I'm all about right now, moving forward.
Funny, I seem to say that very thing to the kids often, "Let's move forward, people!"

Is it just me or do you too sometimes feel like you're in limbo? I've felt that way for awhile now, like I'm in limbo.
I haven't understood it and being a homeschooling mama with a sense of limbo goin' on is a bit frustrating and discouraging. So would limbo and stagnant be synonymous? Stagnant can be such a negative word with negative implications.
Hmmm, I'll think on that one.

Anyway, limbo or stagnant, I'm leavin' them behind and movin' forward!
I'm cleanin' house!
Working on thankfulnes, Julie

Take A Hike! Part 2

2011-03-04T18:00:00.002-06:00

Back to the hike, remember, we're in the ravine.
The kids are playing in the little stream that is fed by a spring further up toward the house.
The stream runs over a sandstone bottom and eventually waterfalls down into the lake.

I "play" too. But my play is a little different as I take a stick and turn over small rocks looking for life underneath. I'm still looking forward to that day when I see a salamander...none this day, but the water striders and crawfish that scurry here and there are appreciated.
The leaves, some floating atop the gentle water gliding, draw my attention.
This sycamore leaf, submerged, has been preserved by the cold temperatures of the water.
Its color, amongst dulled browns is welcome.

There are many varieties of trees in the ravine, the forest above, and around the lake that borders the western most part of our farm.
Many types of oaks, elms, and flowering trees like the red buds and hawthorns thrive in this wood. Sycamores that tower, willows and persimmons are all common here.
The lone green clothed are the red cedars.
The ferns are plentiful here on the damp rock. I've transplanted some to our yard.

So while standing here taking pictures, the boy decided to walk along the top of the wall of the ravine. No surprise there, huh?

"Hey! You! Get back away from the edge of that thar wall!"

The gray hairs abound.

On another subject, tomorrow we will be heading to our state's spelling bee. My oldest, who inherited her dad's spelling genes will be competing. We're excited...and nervous. I'll let you know how it goes. Did I say I was nervous...I am.

I hope you have a wonderfully productive and blessed weekend! Julie

Take A Hike! Part 1

2011-03-02T14:59:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, after lunch, the kids and I took a hike down to the lake.
It had been awhile since we had all been down there together...and it's always an adventure!

On the way, we stopped at the edge of a pond that borders our property and picked up freshwater shells.
I think these beautiful creations so fascinating and take great satisfaction in knowing that the children enjoy these wonderful finds also!

Before we get to the woods and ravine that lead down to the lake, there is a low area with an outcropping of rock. This is such an interesting place as we often observe a wide variety of animal tracks in the dirt here.
We enter the woods and the kids always make me nervous by walking right up to the edge of the steepest part of the ravine! I have the girls pose beside it and then we walk further along until we get to the place that we can climb down in it.
The ravine is one of my favorite places here at Forty Acre Farm. Many times I come here by myself, my only companions, the dogs.
When it is windy, and it often is here in Oklahoma, I climb down here and walk along the stream bed...quiet, all exept for the wind up in the tops of the trees. But here, sheltered down below there is always a hush, and a wonderful smell of fresh earth...and the faint gurgling of water as it finds its way to the lake...which is just beyond the ravine.

Goodbye Pharaoh...and Empress

2011-02-25T17:17:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, when going out to feed the chickens, the small bantam rooster, Pharaoh, flogged my Bata industrial boots (mucking boots)...it was the first time he had dared to do something so rooster-like.
Poor thing didn't know that I had been thinking how he and his mate, Empress, were more trouble than they were worth. His flogging performance sort of sealed the deal of their departure. But breaking it to their owner, my youngest daughter, wouldn't be so simple.

Pharaoh as a chick. See that glint in his eye...already scheming on me, he was.

You see, I've been wanting free-range chickens since we made our big move out here to the wilds of Oklahoma. And just last year that desire to have chickens came to fruition.
Last Spring we purchased six pullets and they're definitely high production egg layers! The three gold sex-links average five eggs a week per chicken and they're producing large to extra-large size eggs. The three white rocks have performed almost as satisfactory although their eggs are a bit smaller, but I've been happy with these six hens.
The newer crop of chicks we purchased last Fall, have started to mature. My oldest girl's Wyandottes have both started laying and one of my Buff Orpingtons has started laying. We still have another Buff Orpington that hasn't. We also have Mr. Incredible, our incredibly handsome Buff Orpington rooster, that seems to be a bit on the dull side...but that's okay because I'm not scared of him. And with that, we come back to Pharaoh and his queen, Empress...both of which would become cat chow in a heartbeat should I let them out with the rest of the chickens.
I'm a practical woman and Tim has indulged me quite enough with this chicken dream of mine. I can't ask him to build an extra coop for the small ones as an extra run and coop was built this past Fall for any hens that go broody and decide to raise some chicks this Summer.
Enough is enough...and all this was explained to my darling daughter as tactfully as possible. Yes, there was crying and pleading, but I wouldn't be moved from my decision. She understands now and is already planning how she can get back into the whole chicken project here at our little farm.
But I can't help but suspect that one day when she's all grown and she has a place of her own there will be bantams there, lots of them.
Have a safe and blessed weekend, Julie

In Love, We Journey On

2011-02-21T06:22:00.003-06:00

Tim and I have been on a journey.

It hasn't been pleasant.

In fact, it's been downright painful and confusing at times.

Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world.
C.S. Lewis

There have been tears, arguments due to conflicting emotions, fervent and even travailing prayer...seeking Him, seeking Him, seeking Him,...our King...and His will be done, His direction, wisdom, and guidance!
We have strived to be obedient in the situation, realizing the weight of it and how the decisions we make can affect not just us, but our children, and our friends...but yet we know that God comes first in all this, we must live out our faith, our belief, our salvation.

But through it all we've been driven closer to Jesus, our Lord.

Didn't He endure much for us?

And He is faithful to guide us, His children, when we faithfully seek Him with all our hearts.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17

Above Reproach

It is our desire to be peaceable, non-divisive, above reproach, and full of God's love, mercy, and grace in the decision we believe God has led us to make.

Dreams, hopes, and goals have been shattered like a shiny iridescent soap bubble...floating, floating,...then pierced by the wand that just produced it.
We're grieving, but we have a hope...an eternal Hope.

I am not one to be cryptic or even subtle in my communicating with others.
Please forgive me for coming across as "not getting to the point."
I will, but I had to lay the groundwork, the disclaimer if you will.

Transparency

And with that...
God is leading us out of the fellowship/church that He had directed us to five years ago.
This is not a decision that we came to quickly, but have been praying over it for quite some time.
We are not rejecting the relationships, the wonderful friends that have become like family and really aren't they???
But we've been guided out for reasons that we are not allowed to disclose.
That one is really hard for me, I'm a talker and like to get things out in the open.
I need transparency.
So this sounds a bit paradoxical but it is not.
We've been diligent to search the scriptures to see how this is done and we are not Biblically in the position to disclose our reasons.
Enough said as we've been counseled not to say more.
And so why would I air this out here you may ask?
Well, really I've not aired anything but that God has led us out of this fellowship and that we're believing that He is faithful to lead us elsewhere to further His Kingdom.

I am also reminded that we as Christians are to be broken bread and poured out wine as our Lord was...our lives should reflect His as He lived here on this humble planet.
It's not about me, or even my desires and plans to glorify Him, but about Him and His plans to use me to glorify Him.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind

What does He command me to do?

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
Matthew 22:37

If I am obedient in the greatest commandment, He is so faithful to carry out His purpose and His will for me.

He loves us and He's the King, The Lord, The Risen Saviour!
And I am my Beloved's and He is mine!

Please pray for us as we begin a new chapter on our journey here in the shadowlands, we truly desire them and need them.

For now, I leave you with this...a beautifully articulated quote from the theologian, John Piper.
Thanks to my wonderful homeschooling friend, Lesly, for posting it at facebook, I needed it!

‎"If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great."

— John Piper (A Hunger for God)

Looking Ahead

2011-02-20T17:47:00.002-06:00

We have a small spring behind the house.
When we bought the house a little over five years ago, it was described to us as a "frog pond."
But it is a natural spring.
And it's just a short walk from our back porch.
Many mornings I enjoy getting outside early in order to get some pictures while the light is good.

I enjoy taking pictures at dawn and dusk, it's about the light a lot of times for me.
The spring is all dried up right now as we've been experiencing drought-like conditions here.

But the rains will come soon, as they always do, and provide the much needed water.

There Will Be Showers of Blessings

The rains will come and warmer weather.
Dragonflies and butterflies will return!

The flowers will bloom once again!

Oh! Happy Faces, I long for you!

The cicadas, clothed in humble dull cases, will crawl from the earth.
And then they'll emerge anew, winged, to fly from bough to bough chorusing from the tree-tops!

I'm yearning for Spring and all her promises...I'm looking ahead.

Spring is also about new beginnings.
Our family is about to begin a new journey with the guidance of our Lord.

He is faithful, He is trustworthy,...I'm looking ahead!
Blessings! Julie

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:53:00.000-06:00

Hope your day is filled with love!
Julie

I Don't Understand

2011-02-07T14:43:00.001-06:00

There is so much that I don't understand.

For instance those that believe there is no God, no Creator...how can they explain the origin of the universe...or even the origin of molecules, atoms, the smallest known subatomic particles that are the very foundation of our universe?

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:3

I don't understand how followers of Christ that are in authority positions intentionally deceive those within the body of Christ, misleading the flock into thinking their message or actions are of God.

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
II Corinthians 2:17

I don't understand how these same people who are entrusted with our Lords redeemed can claim they love the flock but when trouble arises flee the flock.

The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
John 10:13

I don't understand how a nation that allows the practice of infanticide, even nods their heads in approval of it can expect to be blessed by a holy God, the Creator of all mankind.

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters - See 2 Kings 16:3; Ezekiel 16:20; Ezekiel 20:31; Isaiah 57:5.

And again, I don't understand the great mercy that our God shows us.
But by repenting, turning from our sin, He will forgive...He is faithful.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

Prayerfully and a bit homesick for home/heaven, Julie

And About That Snowstorm

2011-02-03T17:02:00.000-06:00

It snowed here...a lot.
Twelve plus inches with wonderfully tall snowdrifts.
The university where Tim works is closed, which absolutely never happens.
It has been for three days straight...wonders never cease.
The temperatures have been unbearably cold. Last night it dipped several degrees below zero. Our highs have been in the single digits up until today.
My poor Buff Orpington rooster, Mr. Incredible, suffered frostbite on his comb which means no Grand Champion ribbon at the county fair for him.
I still regret I didn't name him Larry Boy (long sigh).
Rooster names are fun to come up with.
Here are a few photos I would like to share.

This is Sammo's puppy.
She loves the snow.

This is the gate that leads to the pasture.

I think bones are interesting, beautiful subjects for photos, and I keep many of the bones we find out here. I have another cow skull on the porch that the dogs drug up in the pasture.
And last year they brought us a beaver skull. It's in the school room.
I enjoy taking it to Sunday School also, especially when we have a lesson on creation.

When the storm blew in Monday night, the wind gusted up to forty-five mph at times and kept it up throughout the night and through Tuesday evening. We literally had blizzard-like conditions...something usually very alien to us.
Our cellar lies under these drifts.

Much of Central Oklahoma's roads look like this right now.
We haven't seen much traffic.

And here is some wonderfully striated patterning in the snow caused by the wind! I love the contrasts in shadowing and light.

I took this Tuesday evening after the storm.
It's a phenomenon known as a sun pillar.
You can go here to read the explanation for it.

Well, that's a wrap.
Gotta go feed some hungry people, it's my job.
And clean the kitchen...and watch the weather while I'm at it...and hope...and even prayer for an early Spring.
Blessings, Julie

Pupsicle!

2011-02-02T16:47:00.000-06:00

Loving One Another

2011-01-27T18:26:00.000-06:00

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

It is out of love, devotion, deference, and obedience to our Saviour that we must always strive to love one another. And maybe more importantly, the question is whether or not we are willing.

Being quick to encourage and show mercy when our flesh/sin nature dictates being critical and self-righteous.

Often, I am quick to be critical, unmerciful, and treat someone shabby when they are at their most vulnerable instead of allowing myself to be used of Him to encourage, edify, and simply love...love without conditions...and pour myself out as He poured Himself out for me.

Too much of the time I am puffed up with my own righteousness (as if I had any), my own view of how it all should be and put up walls between those that I feel don't deserve my love.

In my refusing to love and serve others, I am refusing to be used of Him, refusing the blessing of enlarging my spiritual heart, refusing to line up with Him, and instead isolating myself which does nothing but cause my world to be smaller, my heart smaller.

It is easy (most of the time) to love our children, our spouses, our friends, but we are called to love the rest of the family of Christ also.
This includes those that irritate us, are difficult, may be puffed-up with their own self-importance, and those that are living in iniquity.
We are not the Judge, but the vessels that are to tactfully and lovingly direct our brothers and sisters back to the one that can heal and bring about restoration. Yet, I find myself avoiding these people as I don't want to feel uncomfortable.

At times there is a chip on my shoulder against those that appear to have more, may have had the ideal childhood, the ideal parents, and I judge them harshly, foolishly believing they have no idea of what poverty, and abandonment really feel like.

Sadly, the walls are put up by me and many times I hold these people at arm's length justifying my behaviour and believing that these particular people are probably ungrateful and truly cannot understand the depth of love of those that have been brought out of great sin and pain.
This of course is deception.
Has the evil one so completely deceived me that I walk, talk, and carry on daily so utterly duped into believing that others can't possibly be as grateful to Him as I?
What conceit on my part and how my heart breaks to think that in all my silly thoughts the focus has truly been on me, not my King, not His purposes, not His will be done, but my will be done.
Tragically sad!

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:18

Recently, I posted an entry here that told of a confrontation between myself and a fellow brother in Christ.
He attempted to "correct" me in front of my children and I took offense.
Boy, did I take offense. But at the time I truly believed I was right to do so.
The Lord would let me know otherwise and faithfully He grieved my heart until I approached this man and apologized.
No, it wasn't easy, but I had to be obedient.
I apologized for my angry outburst and told him that I had already forgiven him for correcting me in front of my children. I went on to explain that my apology didn't mean that I was admitting he was right in the matter, but that I should have handled the whole situation in love and gentleness, not with angry words and showing obvious offense. The relationship has been mended and I can go on... progressing prayerfully, and with my Lord's help, faithful when I'm called to "love" again.
This "loving one another" is not easy...not for me anyway.
But wonderfully my Savior is Love, the creator and fullest expression of Love!
He will continue to guide me and show me His way, transforming me as I search and study His Word.
And it is that...His perfect and unfailing love, that I'm counting on.
Love one another, Julie

Our Days Are Numbered

2011-01-23T07:22:00.000-06:00

Strange, lately I've been a bit more melancholy than usual.
Maybe it's due to my being forty-six and female which really screams, "hormonal!" at many different levels.
It could also be this head cold (are there any other kind?) that seems to keep me in a chronic daze.

I've also considered that it may be caused by my mothers needing me more than usual of late. And her overall condition being one of dependency on me.
This past visit, where we tried to have her knee replacement surgery done, I was acutely aware of how old she's really become...how frail...and feeble, her body worn out.
I became more aware of her mortality.
And in becoming more aware of her mortality, I became more aware of my own.

Days of climbing stairs to the children's bedrooms remind me that these knees are not new.
I'm reminded of many years ago, sitting in my grandparents living room, and watching Barnaby Jones, my grandmother complained about her knees.
Not much later, she would have surgery on both of them and the picture is still crystal clear in my mind of her scarred knees, the walker, and the sighing, groaning, and moaning.
Our days are numbered. Not to say that with sadness but to alert me to the fact that I have little time to make a difference, a positive difference in the lives that He has entrusted me with.
I take so much for granted and blindly walk through life at times begrudging the housework, the responsibilities, even so sadly the time I must give to my family.
Selfish, selfish one...am I.
The time will not be returned...it is precious and fleeting.
My days are numbered, my time measured.
~Julie~

Figuring Life Out - One Thousand Gifts

2011-01-19T11:05:00.003-06:00

Her words haunt, inspire, and encourage.
Her words make me weep with regret and want to attack life with a gusto that I haven't experienced in so long.
Her words are poetic, gentle, stirring, and profound.
Open your eyes and see the gifts He has so abundantly and generously given us!

You can go here, to read more about Ann Voskamp's Book, "One Thousand Gifts."

This is definitely on my future reading list.
Blessings, Julie

A Video

2011-01-14T19:09:00.000-06:00

A good friend posted this on my wall at facebook.
He also posted it at his blog, Timothy Matters .
It's definitely worth a look.
And I must add...seriously convicting.

"Holiness" by Micah Stampley

Holiness, holiness is what I long for

Holiness is what I need

Holiness, holiness is what You

want from me

Holiness, holiness is what I long for

Holiness is what I need

Holiness, holiness is what You

want from me

So, take my heart and form it

Take my mind and transform it

Take my will and conform it

To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord

Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for

Faithfulness is what I need

Faithfulness, faithfulness is what

You want from me

Brokenness, brokenness is what I long for

Brokenness is what I need

Brokenness, brokenness is what

You want from me

Prayerfully, Julie

Brrrr! This Post Is Not About The Weather

2011-01-12T10:27:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday, I left my kids, Tim, and the bucolic farm life to drive down to Southwest Oklahoma.

On my way, I sashayed through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to see how the wildlife were faring.

"You guys faring okay?"
"Huh, what?! Faring...what's that supposed to mean?

Then I made my way further South and onto my husband's parent's house...where I spent the night.
The next morning, I was up dark and early at 3:50 AM.
I drove the forty miles on slick, icy (this is not a post about the weather) roads to Frederick to pick up my mom as she had knee replacement surgery scheduled thirty-five miles away at Altus at 7:00AM.
We arrived at the hospital in Altus at 6:30.

A nurse came in to take her vitals and start prepping her for surgery. She glanced at Mom's ankles and lower legs and noticed a considerable amount of swelling.
The surgeon was in Mom's room within fifteen minutes examining her ankles and legs.

Tests were ordered and to make a long story short, the surgery was canceled.
I drove Mom back to Frederick and then proceeded home encountering snow three fourths of the way home.
A wasted trip? No, I don't think so.
We're taking all of this one day at a time and trusting the Lord in it.

Gonna throw a fact out there. This AM it was 9 degrees with a windchill of -5.
Just a fact, a seriously cold hard fact.
Thanks for clickin' over,
In The Deep Freeze, Julie

Visions of Spring Dancin' in My Head

2011-01-03T18:30:00.001-06:00

Wonderfully, I've found that many of you presently are of likemind out there in the real world, the cold winter world. We're dreaming of Spring and all its offerings, blessings, and warmth.
I've been enjoying all the Spring gardening planning posts that I've been reading at some of my favorite blogs...and dreamin' and plannin' my own garden.

This year, one of my goals is that the children and I join one of our local farmers markets and sell eggs, produce, and flowers. I don't know that it will be wholly accomplished. We'll see.

But forgive me for being a weather whiner, long awaited projects are beginning to take shape during these frigid days, also.
Tim's parents came this past weekend to celebrate Christmas and his dad lent his muscles and building expertise to a play structure that Tim has been planning for quite some time.
He found the plans here.

A friend of the family came over to help and brought his whole family (wife and all five kiddos). We had a blast! And the guys got so much done.

With two tractors and plenty of muscle, the largest part of the project was completed...getting the six large poles in the ground.

The kids are excited and looking forward to the finished product as am I!
Tim's mother surprised the girls with sweatshirts and now they're the "Christian Chicks."

My mother has knee replacement surgery next Monday. I'm really desiring your prayers in this area as I've heard so many discouraging accounts of how hard it is to recuperate from this particular type of surgery. Please pray her knee would heal quickly without incident and that the Lord would continue to provide all that she needs. She's had such a tough time in this life and admittedly so much of it is due to unwise decisions and her mental health issues, but God is merciful and she's precious to Him, too.

A good blogging friend of mine, Sally, is having a fun and creative contest at her blog, Diamonds in the Rough. Recently, she posted a picture of her girls "getting into the Word" at her site. I commented, "P31's in progress." To which she commented back here that this was every morning before breakfast. In fact the motto at their house is, "No Bible, no breakfast."
I loved it!!! And I was challenged...really. So for the past two mornings we've all read our Bibles and then had Bible study and prayer afterward before breakfast. I am determined to keep it up. Keep me accountable and ask me sometime if we're continuing to read our Bibles every morning before breakfast, please.
Thanks for clicking over and God bless!
Julie

Schmorgasbord

2010-12-30T12:25:00.002-06:00

A post of this-n-that and a little something weighing heavy on my mind sums up my silly title.
So let's get down to business as I know there are facebook pages to be viewed, Craig's List to be summarized, and for you PW fans...checking to see if you've won a mixer, knives, or a Nikon camera!
Of course I'm drawing from my own behavior there so don't be offended.

First, for Christmas my dear husband gave me a new lens. A macro lens that I hope to finally get those tiniest of details that have eluded me for too long. Yes, I'm thankful and hoping to pay off our mortgage with the winnings from that particular picture that will thrust me into photography stardom...attention National Geographic.

But for now this amateur plays at Picnik, a picture editing site that is free. Being the frugal and freaky person that I am, money will not be spent on any photo editing in this household...not in the near future anyway.

Also, I have a question for some of you that have raised boys. When in public places and your little guy must go to the bathroom, do you take him into the Womens bathroom or let him go into the Mens bathroom? And at what age did you stop taking him into the Womens bathroom? My seven-year-old is still escorted by me or his sisters into the Womens bathroom, but he is getting a bit big. Any advice here?

The rest of this particular post has been deleted as the situation has been resolved, thankfully.
I appreciated all of the comments and advice, but felt that I probably shouldn't have aired the situation publicly.
Blessings to you and yours as we embark upon a new year!
Julie

2010-12-24T14:26:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and redeemed his people.
~Luke 1:68~

Blessings and Love!
Julie

A Trio of Tree Pics

2010-12-21T09:14:00.000-06:00

I took several pictures of the tree yesterday and enjoyed playing with these three:

I hope everything is peace-filled your way!
Blessings, Julie

What A Homeschool History Fair Looks Like

2010-12-20T12:25:00.000-06:00

The following entry was from last Spring and I originally posted it at my blog at Homeschoolblogger. But I thought it important to get it out to many of my friends in the area where we live as we've just scheduled the history fair for this upcoming year. I hope it's helpful in giving some ideas!

I have had the privilege of heading up our local homeschooling history fair for the past two years. Last year was my first time to do this and we had a huge response. Sixty-two participants worked on projects that were creative, informative, and many downright amusing (see the Charles Shulz board further down).

My purpose for this particular post is to direct first-time participants over here so that they can see what the finished product looks like.

These two boards are neatly done and I like they way the pictures are matted with contrasting colors, makes them much more noticeable.

Also, notice how the subjects of these boards are front and center as well as in larger font than the other writing on the boards.

You gotta love this! This young man nearly papered his whole board with "Peanuts" comic strips by Charles Shulz, his subject.

It's always a good idea to also include some props in front of your board, not necessary of course, but it does add a little more depth and interest to the project.

But you do want to be careful there aren't too many as they can distract from the subject and cause your display to look cluttered.

This is fun, makes you smile.

This project was done by a mother and her four-year-old daughter. This particular woman is a wonderful seamstress and a fan of Victorian era clothing. Both the daughter and mother wore civil war era clothing while presenting this project. What's not to love here?!

Love it, love it, love it!

These two board were done by a young man (he did the Weapons of the World Wars) and his twin sisters. Please notice all the media in front of the boards. They had a documentary of World War II going while presenting their projects.

This board is neat and to the point. I like that the child has obviously done an activity that had to do with his subject matter. You can see the hand-made shield in front of the board. Did you also notice the hand-written report that has been fixed on the board? Kudos to this parent because I know personally the hours that it takes for a child to write something like that out by hand. In a later picture, I'll point that out with one of Aubrey's boards. I felt it was important at the time because we were working very hard on penmanship. Now, I'm fine with her using the printer for a lot of her writing that needs to go on her board.

This particular board is Aubrey's last year project. She obviously did it on the Mount St. Helen's eruption. She included a cut-away diagram of what a volcano looks like as well as a time-line of the months prior to the eruption.

She included a story of one of the victims of the blast which gave the project some added interest and emotional depth.

Aubrey enjoys drawing and painting so I had her make a before and after picture of the mountain.

The notecards have "fast facts" or "bullet points" about the geography of the mountain, statistics concerning injuries and fatalities, as well as damaged caused by the blast.

This project was done by two young ladies on the life and works of theologian and author C.S. Lewis.

Isn't this wonderful!

Can you tell I'm so proud of these kids?!

This was done by a five-year-old boy. He knew all about his subject, too!

Absolutely adorable!

This project reminds me of something that I wanted to share on my particular philosophy on preparing a board for our fair.

I'm totally okay with parents helping their children with these projects. I feel that working together on these projects promotes discussion on the child's subject, which also promotes reinforcement of what the child has learned. I also feel that the parent can guide the child to compose their pictures, charts, and written work on their board so that it is more aesthetically pleasing. As the child ages, the parent will give the child more freedom as to how they would like their presentation to look. If the child is a very independent child, as the one that did this particular project is, guide carefully as to not quench their creativity.

These next few pictures are a few projects from our 2008 history fair.

I love the duct tape and masking tape on the shield and what a fun project for a young man, Leif Ericson.

This project was done by a five-year-old boy who wore a wig with braids and dressed in a light brown tunic with moccasins. Costumes really do add a bit more to the whole experience!

But again, not necessary as I'm aware that many children don't want to bring too much attention to themselves.

Oh, the book lover in me absolutely adores these projects!

This young lady has also arranged many of Burnett's works very neatly in front of her board. Lovely.

This board, Interesting Facts of the American Revolutionary War, was done by my middle child, Lillie.

It captured her personality perfectly!

She put a picture of her brother up on it (he was four at the time) with a frock glued to his body and the caption, "Boys wore frocks until they were five-years-old back in the 1700's." There was a bubble glued next to his head that said, "Get me out of this get-up!"

This is Aubrey's board from two years ago. Her subject here is Daniel Boone. She did a time-line and glued a hand-written report onto her board along with lots of pictures.

The internet has many sites for getting coloring pages on a wide variety of subjects. You can see here that Aubrey has colored one with Daniel Boone as the subject.

I really just posted this picture to show Aubrey's dress that she wore while presenting her project. Tim's mother sews beautifully and the girls have thoroughly benefitted from her talent!

It is wise that the child is well-versed on their project as parents, relatives, observers, and friends are encouraged to try and visit as many of the projects as possible and talk to the children about their project.

History fairs are a lot of fun, educational, and a great tool for showing relatives or friends units or projects that the child has been working on at home.

Again, I feel so honored and privileged to get to be a part of it!

I hope you're having a productive and blessed week, Julie

Up On The Housetop!

2010-12-16T14:56:00.002-06:00

No, no, no, this isn't a post regarding hooved and antlered creatures that naturally inhabit some of the northern most regions of our world and where in Sweden, according to Globe Trekker, they're rounded up annually, some culled, and made into such dishes as Reindeer Blood Dumplings.
Actually, to be quite honest, the whole reindeer flying and Santa thing has never been a part of our celebrating Christmas. For me, Santa and all his magic just doesn't compete with the son of God being born of a virgin in a barn with a mission to save those that would believe in Him for salvation (please don't theologically pick that last phrase apart). And Tim and I didn't want to put the jolly, red-suited man in competition with our King for our kiddos attention during the formative years. Now, we in no way have kept them from watching such classics as, "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" or "Frosty the Snowman," but have explained from the get-go it's all fiction.
Nor, have we openly criticized those that lead their children to believe in Santa Claus.
Anyway, we celebrate Jesus year around. Christmas (Dec. 25th) just gives us a good excuse to spend money on a few frivolities we wouldn't normally feel comfortable spending our hard-earned money on as well as singing such cool songs as Silent Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
Our family has also become very involved in the ministry, Operation Christmas Child and the children truly get excited about giving!
But, hey, if Santa is your thing, far be it for me to judge you, I'm not.
It really is NONE of my business.
Just givin' you a tiny peek of what we believe and how we attempt to live it out.
Now...back to the housetop!
One morning, a couple of weeks ago, on a weekday, the children and I made a trip to town.
It was a Stuffmart run...we were low on groceries and stuff.
And I, like many of you, am not a fan of Stuffmart.
It is a necessary evil.
But arriving back home to our little house in the woods, loaded to the gills with stuff, and hungry (we hadn't eaten lunch yet) the children and I began to unload the van.
All of us had made one trip and were working on the the second load when I, ahead of everyone else, made it back on the porch, arms full, fumbling to turn the door handle realized...it was locked.
Huh?!
Setting the bags down, I turned my full attention to the door handle and tried to turn it again. Sure enough...locked! ((Gulp))
"Who did this?!" I screeched. (like it made any difference)
Turns out, my seven-year-old little guy had done it.
Well, my purse was inside with the keys and cellphone.
The neighbors house was too far of a walk and besides they weren't home. They both work.
So we were stuck at the house trying to find a solution to getting into the house as well as getting all the newly bought perishables in the refrigerator and freezer.
Me being the paranoid being that I am, knew right away that any windows on the first floor would be locked.
We checked anyway and just as I had thought, all locked.
Now normally all windows on the second floor are locked, also.
But, this past summer had been sooo hot that we put an A/C window unit in one of the windows upstairs to cool the second floor more efficiently.
That window would not be locked.
Attention Thieves: We have guns and know how to use them in case you may be discerning this as an open invitation to break into our home.
So taking a deep breath and praying fervently that this whole incident would not be the main topic of our annual Christmas letter, I began to search for the extension ladder.
Also, I need to let you in on one of my eccentricities, there are many. Probably one of the more amusing being that I CANNOT open a biscuit tin. The sudden "POP!" scares me and the suspense of not knowing when its going to explode is just too much.
But that has nothing to do with anything here.
Actually, I'm terrified of heights.
The extension ladder was found but in seperate pieces. Argh!
I drug the two pieces over to the side of the house and put it together hoping it was correct.
The girls held the ladder at the bottom for me while the boy ran around to the other side of the house where he couldn't see.
I began the ascent slowly, praying more fervently at every rung. When, I came to the "extension" part I stopped, closed my eyes, and prayed harder than I can remember praying in a long time. I asked for a miracle in case I had the ladder all wrong.
I then slowly propelled myself upward, cringing.
It was okay, it held. I then went up another rung and was now within arms distance of the eaves of the house. Two more rungs up and I was heaving myself up and over the guttering and onto the roof. I lay in a prone position for awhile trying not to cry hysterically and thanking God at the same time.
Not looking over the edge, I yelled down to the girls that I was alright and about to try and get the A/C unit out of the window.
Standing up and negotiating the incline up to the window, I started contemplating how I was going to get the unit out of the window. Upon reaching it, I used my left arm and shoulder to steady the air conditioner while reaching up with my right arm and pushing the window up. I didn't anticipate the unit coming forward as quickly as it did, nor the weight of it...it was heavy. But I braced myself against it and eased it out and onto the side of the house. It was still plugged in so it was somewhat tethered to the wall. I yelled down to the girls to move away from the house in case the unit didn't stay put (came unplugged) and went tumbling off the roof and down to the ground. I then jumped up into the now open window and crawled inside.
It was over...although I buggered (a word borrowed from my grandpa) my right wrist up pretty badly.
I can't say I'm laughing about the whole incident yet.
But it made for a quite an eventful afternoon, one I hope to never repeat.
I know that they say the best way to overcome your fears is to face them head on. I faced my fear of heights that day and you know what, they still scare me silly!
P.S. Tim later informed me that the extension ladder was not put together correctly.

My Montage

2010-12-14T08:01:00.001-06:00

Officially it's not winter, but it sure feels a lot like it here.
Owning a farm, albeit small, has its disadvantages when the temps dip below the freezing mark. Animals must have water and don't have the ability to break ice on their own. I'm sure it has to do with the whole opposable thumb thing. So as responsible pet and livestock owners the job of breaking ice falls to the capable humans...Us (better defined as husband and I). He breaks ice for the larger animals and my job is to break ice or provide water for the chickens. Which I may add...again....don't appreciate it. We've already gotten rid of one youngster that thought it his duty to peck me (showed him) and now I have another that is thoroughly misguided. Yesterday, while reaching into the coop to get their feed dish, young Mr. Cockerell gave me a sharp peck on the arm. I was cold, it was early, and I haven't got the Christmas tree up, which adds up to harried middle-age woman jerking young cockerell off of his feet before-he-knew-what-happened and giving him a good hard shaking.
Honestly, it made me feel lots better.
Chick-fil-A's motto is, "Eat more chicken."
Mine is, "Shake a chicken."

But other than farm stuff, there is all the other hullabaloo regarding raising kids. As of late, I feel more like a taxi driver/schedule organizer. Yes, yes, I know that it's my duty as a mother. But we've fallen into the trap of too many activities.
Spreading oneself too thin is one thing but when a whole family spreads itself too thin it makes for a miserable ride! Yet the kids seem to keep excelling, much to my amazement. Shame on me for not having more confidence in their abilities to overcome. And really maybe it's just my tirades they're having to "overcome."

Anyway, all that to say that middle child did wonderfully at the county 4-H speech contest. She won Reserve Grand Champion on her speech, "The Basic Anatomy of a Chicken and What to Feed it."

Both girls did fantastically at our local spelling bee. The oldest placed second in her division and middle child won first in her age division. Both girls will be competing at regionals. This is the third year in a row for the oldest to compete at regionals and we're hoping this is the year she'll win it and progress to the state bee.

Lately, we've made frequent trips out to Southwest Oklahoma to see my mom and arrange surgery for her knee. My sister and I took guardianship of her this past fall and have been busy with seeing that she is being provided with her medicine and the care that she needs. It is an answer to prayer that my husbands parents live just a short distance (35 miles) from my mom so that the children are able to stay with them while I tend to my mom personally.
Nick, the gimpy-leg dog, is still in the tack room mending from his multi-fractured leg. We will probably stay home this Christmas so that our wonderful friends/neighbors (6 miles away) don't have to come let him out three to four times-a-day to do his business. There are limits.

This past weekend the whole family took a road trip to see Tim Hawkins the Christian comedian. The added bonus was getting to see some dear friends that we don't see often enough. I cry everytime I see them, I know...odd, but he baptized me and married Tim and I. She, his wife, is one of the most gentle spirited and wisest of women that I've ever met. And their daughter, joyful, ever-youthful and someone to whom I owe so much. But she would be surprised to even think that.
I'll wrap it up there...except to say I have a post rattlin' around in my head that will detail an afternoon a couple of weeks ago where I had to climb to the top of the house to save the day.
Stay warm and cozy!
Blessings, Julie

That's No Bull!

2010-12-06T13:52:00.001-06:00

                                   Otis at eighteen months
I was just outside to let the chickens out to freerange, when I noticed our large (appr. 1000 lbs) 18 month old brangus steer, Otis, hurrying around the barn towards the trough. He didn't act at all interested in what may be in there but stood, head up and alert, looking around with an air of agitation. He then bellered loudly several times with an expectant expression on his bovine face, turned quickly and exited as quickly as he had entered.
I couldn't help but stop and observe all this with a bit of amusement and curiousity as number one, Otis never moves this fast and number two, Otis never seems to get excited about anything except food.
While standing there I realized his little sidekick, Peanut, wasn't with him.
Peanut is our "mistake" calf.
Last May, I asked Tim to buy me a beef calf to bottle feed and raise hoping one of the kids would someday show it.

                                                                     Peanut at two weeks
Peanut let us know real fast that he had other plans.
Peanut, short for Peanut Brain, is our juvenile delinquent calf. Barbed wire means absolutely nothing to the little lame brain, he goes through it.

                                                        Peanut currently
We've caught him time and time again in the barn trashing the place. He goes through dog food and chicken feed like he's poppin' a peppermint in his snout!

Any tool left on the barn floor is a target and Peanut doesn't miss.
So as I stood there watching Otis's odd behavior, I realized he was looking fervently for Peanut.

                                                         Peanut and his surrogate mother, Otis.
We had laughed that it seemed Peanut was attracted to Otis early on and stayed at his side like a calf does with his mother.
But to see that Otis needed Peanut, too, was rather comical.
So turning back towards the house and shaking my head, I thought, "Wow, I've seen it all."
I was met by one of the dogs carrying what looked like the hind leg of a deer.
Hmmm, farm livin', it's definitely never boring.

Hmmm, Where Were We?

2010-11-19T20:22:00.004-06:00

Oh yes, our beloved Nick had been shot/hit-by-a-car/kicked-by-a-horse.
Let me explain.
Upon first seeing Nick, I had thought he had been shot. Wrong!
Turns out the x-rays showed blunt force trauma to the back left leg and no bullet or bullet path. So the observing veterinarian diagnosed, "Probably hit by a car."
But later Tim and I talked more about the horrible open wound (I thought it was where he had been shot) that was on the outside of his back left leg and after also discussing that the x-rays showed no damage to his lower back or pelvis, we've concluded he may have been kicked by a horse.
Anyway, all that to say, his back left femur was broken in six places.
Tim's friend put pins in the leg last Friday and we're hoping the bones will start to fuse back. Tim brought him home last night and it was such a sweet homecoming. He limped to each one of us, licked our hands with much tail wagging and whining while we lavished praise and lots of petting on our sweet Nickaroni.

Now, regarding Facebook rejecting me/deactivating my account. I guess there must have been a glitch in the system somewhere because I was back on that evening. Still, the whole situation has caused me to be a bit disgruntled and I've deleted all my photo albums there as well as any personal information. Janes comment left me a little paranoid.
The 4-H County Demonstration Speech Contest is tomorrow. So you know what that means. Mama has been busy writing speeches and encouraging (that's a nice way to put it) children to work on said speeches for the last week.
The oldest will be giving her speech over making homemade suet for the birds. The middle child will be demonstrating with her Bantam pullet the different parts of a chicken as well as what you feed it. And last is the youngest childs speech on how to plant a bean plant. It should all be very interesting, tense, and a bit suspenseful as the kids have never attempted public speaking while holding a live animal. This may be the one we talk about for years, who knows.
And so, how am I? Well, I've told the kids that after lunch tomorrow, I'm heading to bed. It's just not right that there are those around here that are afforded the opportunity to nap and lounge.
"Who?!" you may ask.
Well, just look here...

And here...

I'd say that's proof positive that I'm due for a little R&R!
Blessings and nighty night, Julie

Facebook Has Rejected Me?!

2010-11-16T09:51:00.000-06:00

Yes, I enjoyed using the social networking site Facebook. It was a means for me to observe pictures of my extended family and keep up with relatives, if you will. None of us are true letter writers.
Yes, at times, I did status my frustrations with different politicians and political issues and comment quite candidly my opinion on such important subjects as the consumption of chocolate or whether-or-not I would be attending certain homeschooling events.
So imagine my surprise when clicking over this morning to find that my account had been deactivated. HUH?!
No explanation, just deactivated.
Rejection of this type is something I'm just not used to.
Maybe it's a mixed blessing...I don't know, but I guess maybe it means I won't be checking over at their site anymore to see if anyone else agrees with my devotion to bacon or talking smack with my OU supporter friends.
And maybe in the words of Martha Stewart, "It's a good thing."
All I know is that right now...at this very moment...I'm feelin' horribly and ridiculously rejected!
But, this too shall pass.
Julie

A Day @ 40 Acre Farm

2010-11-15T10:54:00.000-06:00

Most days, my day starts early.
I've been amazed that as I've gotten older how much more I enjoy the early morning hours.
My body clock is set at 5:30 AM.
After waking, two cups of coffee follow.
I enjoy my coffee while surfing a bit online.
Then just as the sun begins to peer over the eastern horizon, I suit up...coat, scarf, and hat.
It's Fall and the morning temperatures are a bit brisk.
After running the puppy off of the front porch (she knows better), I head towards the barn and chicken coops. We have two coops that are seperated by a wall of chicken wire currently as the older hens could quite possibly peck one of the younger chickens to death.
After feeding and watering the birds, checking for eggs as the red Sexlinks tend to lay early, and giving the little Welsh pony, Trixie, a li'l bit of scratching, I make my way back to the house.

Looking out the kitchen window to the west, I pause to admire the sun spreading it's shine slowly over the lake and woods in the distance.

I just have to get some pictures so I rush to grab my camera and station myself on the backporch, clicking away. This is not an easy feat as the backporch, foul-tempered cat, Annie, continuously rubs and bumps her head against my lower leg.

I find that if I pause too long to admire...the time gets away quickly.
So...it's back in the house.
Most days it's cereal for the kiddos.
Of course they don't approve, but who asked them, right.
So the cherubs are up now and there's plenty of conversation, noise, and bustle. It's not uncommon for someone to wake up with a negative attitude. Is it wrong that at this time I relish the fact that I secretly gave away all of his Sillybands to some recent toddler visitors???
Out here, far far away from all that is civilized, I have to take what I can get, don't judge me too harshly.
Back to my morning, school starts as soon as children have made their beds, brushed their teeth (we brush after breakfast), and gotten dressed.

Here, my oldest seems to be saying, "Mom, I know you and Daddy are very frugal, but can't we use textbooks like other homeschoolers?" My boy looks on wistfully.
These are actually photos of the kids observing different kinds of rocks during our Geology unit this past summer. Afterwards, they painted volcanoes.

Our school schedule usually looks like this:

Bible Reading & Devotion
Saxon Math
Language Arts & Spelling
Science or Thematic Unit

We're currently working on a 20th Century unit and are stuck at 1910. Well, not stuck, but stopped there for the time being. Seems our afternoons have filled up lately with the extra curricular. This afternoon it's a Geography Coop twenty miles away and then Cub Scouts this evening.
Most evenings, when Tim has gotten home from work, we all try to get as much done outside before it gets too dark.
Yesterday, Tim brought up quite a few roundbales from the pasture. The horses and cows had started eating the ends out due to the increasing lack of green grass.

We sell most of these and Tim even put one out in the median of our drive for a friend to come pick up later this week.

We also needed to bring one to the barn and put a roundbale feeder on it.
But not before the kids had a bit of fun with the feeder.

Okay, now we're ready to get the feeder on the roundbale.

That's done and now time for some more fun!

We've had quite a day!
The sun is setting...

and the kids are basking in it's departing rays.

My last chores outside are to get the older chickens back in their pen, fed, and watered. The younger chickens then get my attention as I have to make sure they have plenty to eat and drink and shut them up in their coop securely. I'm quite pleased that I haven't lost one yet to predation but am bracing myself to not be too overly upset when the inevitable happens as I've read it's quite common.

Now, it's inside for the evening meal, supper, and then soon to bed!
While this is not everyday, it is an average day for us.
Blessings to you and yours!

A Nick Update & Twin Chickens Hatching Video

2010-11-12T08:33:00.004-06:00

Our Nick is at a friends clinic and awaiting surgery.
We had originally thought he was shot but turns out that the x-rays tell a different story.
Looks like he may have been hit by a car.
The back left femur is broken in at least six places requiring an amputation of the leg or to be pinned.
We're going to try the "pin" route.
Tim won't be doing the surgery as it is a very tedious surgery and he hasn't performed it in over eleven years.
So a friend will likely perform it.

This afternoon the children and I will be heading into town to run errands. We will be sure and visit our Nick. I'll keep everyone updated on his convalescing here.

Get Well Soon, Dear Nick!

While lurking around the blog world, I came upon a wonderful video!
Funny, one day while cracking open one of our X Large Jumbo size eggs which was unsurprisingly a double yolker, I had made the statement to the children that a double yolker could never live. Now why I made that statement, I don't know...but ignorantly, I did.
So imagine my surprise when I came across this wonderful video.

Hope you enjoyed that!
Blessings and have a great day, Julie

Definitely A Country Living Con

2010-11-10T12:45:00.000-06:00

The dogs were gone all day yesterday.
This is really quite normal, even though we don't approve.
But living in the country and I mean way out in the country, we need them loose. They're a part of Ranch Security and yes, I'm borrowing the term from the "Hank the Cowdog" series.
But seriously, along with the guns that we possess, the dogs are a valuable part of keeping the place secure.
And not to mention, they keep the predators (coyotes, bobcats, racoons, and foxes) from killing our free-range chickens.
Last night only two dogs made it home. The oldest and the youngest.
Our highly athletic Nick was still gone.
This morning, not-so-bright and early, Tim and I went outside to see if he was back. He was not.
We went about our morning chores taking a break every now and then to call and whistle.
Quite honestly, I made myself hoarse.
A couple of hours later, Tim left for work and Nick still was not home.
I know I've said derogatory things about Nick and even posted an entry at the other blog that didn't quite play up his best features.
But, I love that pup. He's my tried and true hiking companion. Always behind me on the trail and occasionally sticking his sharp Collie nose into the back of my leg. We connect in an odd master/dog sort of way.

Around 9:30 AM, as I was making my way into our schoolroom, I looked up and out the front window that faces the driveway and saw Nick limping up the drive. He had his back left leg pulled up and wasn't putting any weight on it.
Not being one to be subtle, I exclaimed, "Oh my!" and ran out the front door...of course the kids were following close behind.
He laid down in the side yard. I told the kids to put the other two dogs in the kennel so we could get a closer look at Nick. But I already had a pretty good idea of what we were going to find....a gunshot wound.
The children were able to get the dogs in the kennel and came over to where Nick was lying on his side in the grass. Upon closer inspection, yes there was what looked to be a gunshot wound in his upper left thigh. There was fresh blood and dried blood on his thigh, leg, and foot.
I called Tim at work and he told me to give him 1000mg of moxicillian. I crushed it and an aspirin up into some catfood (we were out of dogfood), warm milk, and diced bologna. Nick ate it.
Now we wait until Tim the veterinarian gets home and gives our Nickaroni a more thorough examination.

Just A Little Bit of What's Up Here

2010-11-07T19:21:00.000-06:00

If you're a regular visitor here you may have noticed some changes here and there.
Yes, I can be fickle about how my blog appears.
I want it to be pretty...but not too pretty.
So that's the reason for the variety of background colors that have been applied over the last week.
I was trying to find one that suited me and I think I'll stick with this for awhile.

In other news, it's getting colder here and there are leaves covering our frontyard, backyard, and sideyards.
We're the little house surrounded by woods, so in the fall we get hit hard with falling foliage.
I can see a LOT of raking in the childrens future.

Just gotta mention how pleased I was with how the American public responded at the polls this last Tuesday. Now lets see what happens. Hopefully, the TEA Party will keep up its driving force and hold these new Republican Senators and Congressmens feet to the fire.

Also, I wanted to mention that my mother is doing wonderfully. I've mentioned here before that she is mentally ill and had been off of her medicine for over twelve years.
She is back on it now and our relationship has improved drastically.

Today has been a bit of a hard day for reasons I won't go into. Nothing major mind you, just stuff that should probably stay at our Lord's feet. I have a tendency to pick it up and try to work it all out in my own strength, though. Yes, I can be a control freak.
But, I'm dragging the whole mess right back to Him and trusting that He will work it all out to His glory.
Blessings, Julie

What I Should Be Doing

2010-10-26T15:17:00.000-05:00

I Should be cleaning my house, it's filthy.
I should be making banana nut bread because the over-ripe bananas in the fridge are nearly past their prime.
I should be educating my children and I won't go into detail there or I might embarrass myself...further.
I should be checking on my chickens as their wonderfully ambitious egg laying efforts have gone south lately.
I should. But I'm not.
Instead, I've chosen to play on the computer while my children watch a "How to Draw Animals" DVD on the TV.
We don't have cable.
I don't know why I threw that in...except it's funny when I'm talking to some people about "doing without" during tough times and they always seem to mention they don't have cable.
"Oh, we don't have cable." they say with all seriousness.
Like I'm going to respond with, "Oh, man, that's gotta be tough, you poor soul!"
Paleeze, "doing without" is going without meat every other day or something akin.
And it goes without saying that TV rots your brain and robs kids of their imaginations.
Excuse me a moment while I switch the TV back to the DVD player, I think the kids are watching Curious George, again.
Back to me.

So I took this photo of one of our cursed Honey Locust trees that grow around the house and pasture, played with it and came up with:
Honey Locust in Color!

Pretty cool, huh?
Okay, now I'm starting to feel guilty.
Enough time playing here.
I should be doing something of significance.
Have a great week!
Julie

Where I'm At, Sort Of

2010-10-22T17:27:00.002-05:00

The first sentence in a new entry can be the most difficult one.
And for me, a homeschooling mom, I tend to be a bit too tough on myself regarding what others perceive of my writing ability. I mean wouldn't you agree that we homeschoolers are held to a higher standard...
Or maybe it's because I can be a bit intimidated by some of the heavy hitters, you know, those bloggers out there that generate a ridiculously large number of comments...you know, like The Pioneer Woman (unfairly talented in a big way) or Tim Challies at his site Challies (very provocative...the comments are as good as his posts), and now I've stumbled upon a new one. Her name is Amy Scott and bless her heart she's a Calvinist, just like Tim Challies, but I love her. I mean I love her style of writing, her honesty, her humor, and oh boy is she one smart chickadee. Her site entitled Amy's Humble Musings is one I find myself clicking over to quite often. You're probably already aware of her site and once again I'm the proverbial kid that has missed the bus or if you need a better word picture the last one in line, the last to hear the "big news",...oh well, enough! I think you got the picture...word picture...picture...whatever.

And now for some photos for your visual entertainment:

I call this first one, Deception I.

This is Deception II.

Okay, so I know what you're thinking (okay, not really). Why did that quirky woman entitle these photos Deception I and II ???
I'll wait till the end of my post to reveal the answer.
Another photo!

Yes, we have a cow's skull hanging off of a post at the corner of our calf pen. It's there to remind them what happens to naughty little calves that push their luck (don't believe in it) too far.
Actually, I just think it looks cool.
The horses don't though, because they keep knocking it off! They're such dumb broads (sorry, it's the kind of mood I'm in today, you'll understand after this next picture).

Next photo, Jules!!!

Those that know me just groaned, really, they just groaned.
Because now it's all becomming very very clear why this post has such a cynical and dark tone.
That's right, you got it...another animal has been purchased and now resides here at our increasingly-growing-smaller due to over-population little farm.
Wailing and gnashing of teeth couldn't have prevented this from happening, it was beyond me.
He is a two-year-old gelding.
Tim wanted him.
And really Tim deserves him.
He's a sweety. The horse or Tim, you ask? Well, both...but I was actually talking about the horse.
I'm still trying to wrap my feeble brain around the whole concept of having yet another mouth to feed, but I'm comin' around, I think.
So the next time your kid asks for a fish, a hermit crab, or even a puppy for crying out loud...remember me and remember, It could always be ....a horse ((gulp)).
That's all for now except for my explanation regarding the leaf pictures entitled "Deception I and II''.
It's not a falling leaf but is hanging mid-air attached to an upper branch by a spider web.
Last picture...it's bright cheery and helps me to remember that everything in my life is really great.
I am blessed, really!

Oklahoma Fall Color: Part 2

2010-10-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

A truly bright colored plant that adorns our Oklahoma landscape during the fall months is Smooth Sumac.
This species of sumac is actually found across much of the United States and the variations of red, orange, and...I've even seen fuschia colored leaves...give our countryside and pastures that extra splash of color in our Autumn landscapes.
I personally find that Smooth Sumac is that welcomed bright spot in the Fall foliage comparable even to the flowering Eastern Redbud in the Spring.
So, if I may ask, what do you enjoy about this particular season?
I've put a poll in the margin out of curiosity. Please participate if you have time.
Fall is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the beauty of our Lord's creation.
Be refreshed! Julie

Oklahoma Fall Color: Part 1

2010-10-08T08:54:00.001-05:00

When my husband and I were first married, we moved to eastern Tennessee.
I was lonely.
Neither one of us had relatives or friends there.
And I was a new mom and VERY hormonal.
Oh, and we were poor...okay not REAL poor like third world country poor, but lots of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches poor.
Did I mention I was lonely and hormonal???
I'm sure my husband deserves some serious kudos for putting up with me through those lean years and well, visa versa.
We were determined not to go into credit card debt.
And we didn't.
But for all the hardships we perceived, we were surrounded by lush Tennessee beauty.
Eastern Tennessee in the Spring is a Thomas Kinkade painting...breathtaking to say the least.
Dogwoods, Redbuds, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and every imaginable flowering plant carpet the hillsides and forests. For a brief time the kudzu is not as obnoxiously making it's predatorial presence known.
Sometimes, I miss Tennessee's lush plant-life.
But just sometimes.
Because I adore the wide open space we are afforded here.
No kudzu here...yet.
And no hillsides to block the sun's rising and setting, ahhh.
The native grasses are golden right now and the leaves just beginning to change into their Fall wardrobe.
Maybe, I'm just an Oklahoman at heart, but I wouldn't want to be anyplace else but here.
Where ever you may be, I hope you're enjoying our Lord's creation also!
Blessings, Julie

Obsessions: Another Chicken Post

2010-09-27T16:57:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to figure out just how many roosters we actually have.
I found this information about observing the differences of sexes in chickens at a young age at The Poultry Site .

Cockerel at 5 weeks of age

Comb
Medium size, pinkish
Legs
Sturdy, long
Tail
Stumpy, curved
Back
Downy with thin line of stub feathers down centre
Side of neck, crop and flanks
Feathering poorly advanced
Wing bows
Bare, showing wing covert quills
Carriage
Erect and alert

Pullet at 5 weeks of age

Comb
Small, yellowish
Legs
Finer, shorter
Tail
Longer, straight
Back
More advanced feathering along centre & flanks
Side of neck, crop & flanks
Feathering well advanced
Wing bows
Covered with small feathers
Carriage
Lower set

It seems that if my observations are correct, that we may have three roosters out of the five Buff Orpingtons.
If so, we will keep the dominant one and name him Mr. Incredible.
The others will either be sold or given away.

Wanna rooster?

And I've just got to give out some major kudos to my six girls out there in the hen house!

Most day we're getting six eggs and we've had two double yolkers within a three week period.

Anyone got some great egg recipes out there? I'm running out.
Hope your week is off to a great start!
Blessings, Julie

Laminin: It's What Holds Us Together

2010-09-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

This is one of the most powerful videos!
It's a bit lengthy, but worth it.
Watch and be amazed at our Lord's mastery!

Anyone Seen My Marbles?

2010-09-16T05:05:00.006-05:00

So yesterday we had to drive into town because both girls are in homeschool band and I had about a gazillion errands to get done.
While the middle child, who, by-the-way is in beginner band, wowed everyone with her talent playing the xylophone, our oldest child received knitting lessons from a fellow homeschooling mom. I also made good use of this time by working with my youngest kiddo on his reading skills.
When beginner band was over, my oldest with clarinet in tow joined her fellow intermediate band players and I whisked both middle and younger into the van to go get a fraction of those gazillion errands accomplished.

First, the library. Easy enough as I had all fifty plus books and assorted DVD's, video cassettes, CD's, and books on CD in the front passenger seat so that all I had to do was pull up to the book- drop and slamdunk them as quickly as possible. And I've just gotta ask here...am I the only one that feels some kind of displaced pressure to get this done as quickly as possible?
Just asking.
Both kiddos sat calmly in the back discussing things like who's turn it was to check eggs when we got home and Wipeout, a primetime show they never get to watch unless daddy is supervising them.

Finished that errand and we were off to the Farm Bureau office to deliver our Bucket Calf Program thank you cards for the program sponsors...that are a week overdue. Sigh.
There, we were pleasently surprised that the girls had made more money than originally thought on showing their calves. So what followed was the middle child wanting to know how much she can keep.

The bank was the next stop so that I could withdraw grocery money (cash) for the next two weeks. We're avid Dave Ramsey fans and have budgeted this way for the last seven years. It works for us.

Then back to the church where homeschool band lessons are held to pick up oldest daughter.
En route, I called my husband to see if he would like to meet us for lunch at one of our favorite Chinese buffets. Yes, he would, good...things were clicking right along.
It was during lunch that things started to unravel in a very unsuspecting way.

Cue the Twilight Zone music:

Idle chatter and the normal food eating noises.

Someone (probably me) mentions chickens (we are after all at a Chinese restaurant where chicken is in every dish possible) and quite honestly I still cannot remember how our local farm store came into the conversation and my husband mentioned that they had chicks on sale. But that's all I heard...

CHICKS ON SALE

My mind raced and started to quickly review all the opportunities that adding more chickens to our little flock of six would provide for our family:

More eggs (selling eggs at our local farmers market and to friends)
Meat (We have friends that have butchered their birds and I've wanted to since observing them do it)
Hatching out chicks (I would like to eventually sell baby birds)
Showing chickens at the county fair and winning the big bucks (I hear you laughing, Misty)
And last, but certainly not least, the educational experience (no explanation necessary, right)

My head was spinning with the possibilites...but first, I had to get the go-ahead from my husband, of course.
I had that they were on sale on my side.
I asked and he okayed.
The kids were giddy!
I was giddy.
My husband, not so much giddy...but agreeable to the whole nutty idea of purchasing more livestock that we had not yet made room for. Sigh.
Okay, so after lunch, the kids and I rushed to our local farm store to check out their bargain chicks.
And may I just add here that baby chickens are everything that the word cute was meant to describe!

The kids each wanted one and made hasty promises to pay me back with their county fair earnings.
Oldest picked out two Silver Laced Wyandottes, Middle picked out two Bantams, and Youngest picked out a single Buff Orpington (his fair earnings were a bit measly this year). I went ahead and picked out four more Buff Orpingtons and we called it good.
Total: 9 new chicks to add to our 6 hens at home. Bringing the chicken population to 15.
Can you say, lunacy?

Oh, and I forgot to mention that seven of the new chicks were "straight run." For those that may not know, straight run means that you don't know whether your chicks are male or female. I'm hoping that one of the BOs is a rooster so that we can breed those and I'm okay with one of the Bantams being a rooster, BUT THAT'S IT! Anymore roosters and they'll be a part of that butcherin' I mentioned above.
(Deep Sigh)

So as I sit here typing this and praying (really) that I don't lose this post to cyberspace, I'm accompanied by nine little creatures scratching, pecking, and peeping in a tub with a heatlamp hanging overhead. The kids have been thoroughly entertained with holding them and just observing.
Me? Well, I'm completely taken with their sweetness but still...but still questioning my sanity.

Hope you're having a perfectly sane and productive day,
Blessings, The Chicken Lady

Cowboy Kids

2010-09-09T06:30:00.007-05:00

Cowboy kids are rough and tough, and can be a bit rebellious at times.
They like to wear their hats to the table and hear mom say, "You know you're not supposed to wear that to the table, get it off!" just so they can have the satisfaction of knowing someone recognized they have a cowboy hat on.

Cowboy kids enjoy entering 4H livestock shows so that they can stand out in an arena and pose with their bovine buddy.

Cowboy kids like to answer questions about their bovine buddy and do it with pride and a smile on their face!

Cowboy kids have many friends, but there is usually that special friend that they call their BFF.

Cowboy kids need a faithful steed that will perform to her utmost ability when called upon to do so!

Cowboy kids don't blink an eye when their faithful steed doesn't perform to her utmost ability but laugh and allow Daddy to edit the photo so that the whole family can get a good laugh at their expense.

Cowboy kids can be downright ornery, mischevious, and dirty (requiring multiple baths within a 24 hour period) but on the other hand, for the most part, are precious, loving kiddos that will one day look back upon their cowboy kid days and be thankful that they were allowed to be a cowboy kid.

Have a great day! Julie

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses!

2010-09-08T15:40:00.010-05:00

There are times that I desire to write here and cannot due to several factors that seem to always make theirselves, themselves, whatever selves known.

The first one being our computer. Seems the poor thing has seen better days, is old, and has jumped the shark.

We've added more RAM and other expensive technically sounding shtuff that I know absolutely nothing about...but to no avail, because in all of reality it doesn't matter how fine-tuned your PC is if your internet provider is not living up to their end of the bargain ((sigh)).

Their story, "We're updating equipment." Hmmm.

Another factor...my precious mom, bless her heart, has gotten to the point that she MUST be back on medicine (she's mentally ill) in order to keep her car, her house, and most important of all, her independence.

This predicament has kept me hopping now for the last two weeks.

Actually her illness has always been a part of my life, but occassionally, as now, things come to a head and others must step in, namely me, for which she resents me greatly and may I just add that that last statement was a gross understatement and run-on sentence deluxe!

I'm not angry or even being sarcastic...really...I'm being honest.

For those that have had to deal with mentally ill family members you know exactly where I'm coming from.

I've found with age, that I'm caring less and less what others think (thank you, Lord) and just doing what has to be done.

It can be hard...but the prayers of friends and family and the comfort, guidance, and peace that only the Lord can give make it doable.

So with that little grammatically incorrect essay, I feel I have adequately explained my absence from the blog world.

Hoping for an excused absence as your veiwership is valued,

Julie

P.S. The above picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post. It was one of the only photos that I had access to on my hard drive due to photobucket failing to upload numerous and sundry times and besides I thought it was perdy.

What Can it Mean???

2010-08-09T12:26:00.004-05:00

We have chickens, young females (pullets) that are approximately four and a half months old.
Three are White Rocks and three are Gold Sexlinks.
One of the White Rocks is much more vocal than all the other chickens.
Whenever I go into the coop to feed, she starts cackling noisily and making a screeching noise whereas the others keep up their tock, tock, tock as they steadily feed or meander around. Occasionally, one of the Sexlinks will quickly run over to the noisy chicken and give her a quick peck as if to say, "Pipe down!"
This morning while we were out by the garden working with the ponies, my husband and I heard a great commotion coming from the coop. I quickly started for the coop to see what was the matter. My husband shouted to me that it may be a snake causing the chickens to fuss and be careful.
When I got to the coop, the lone, noisy White Rock chicken was the only one in the coop. She was perched on one of the roosts, flapping her wings, and cackling noisily. I walked in and looked around for any sign of an intruder but none was to be seen.
Hmmm, what could it all mean???
Later, while we were eating breakfast, I called a good friend that has raised chickens for ages.
I asked her about my obnoxious little chicken, trying to get some insight into her odd behavior.
The friend asked me several questions concerning the overall health of the bird and then said she may just be a very vocal bird.
"A very vocal bird?"
Surely, there had to be more.
But my friend laughed at me and said I may be reading more into the chicken's behavior than what was really there.
((Gasp!)) Me...reading more into the situation than what is really there...surely not!
I mean, I guess it's possible. I have been told I tend to over analyze things...think too much.
And by the way, have you ever noticed the first four letters of the word analyze are anal.
Hmmm, I'm gonna stop there.
The end...
And if any of you happen to have some input on my overly vocal bird, I would appreciate it!
Curious and Analytical in OK,
Julie

Free Indeed

2010-08-08T16:27:00.006-05:00

A couple of days ago, Tim took our little Strawberry out to the pasture to meet the other horses. I was sorely dissappointed in those girls!
Talk about cliquish, goodness gracious those girls were snotty!
Poor little Strawberry couldn't bear the ostrasizing those girls were dishing out and with a toss of her gorgeous blonde head broke away from Tim and ran back to the house and barns.
I of course gave her plenty of lovin', told her she was special and soon enough those goons would figure it out on their own.
Not being a part of the group can hurt and somehow I think I'm reading way more into Strawberry's predicament than is really there.
There will be a few scuffles, kicks, and nips and before we know it, Strawberry will be a part of the horsie crew.
But isn't it interesting what we will sacrifice, give-up, or comprimise to be a part.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Blessings, Julie

Harses, Harses, Harses!

2010-08-04T10:30:00.003-05:00

Here at Forty Acre Farm, the pace has picked up a bit these last few days.
By that I mean we've begun to pay much more attention to our equine friends.
As of this past Saturday, we had two resident horses, Bella the large, black quarter-horse and Trixie our little Welsh pony.

Bella is lame, but is papered with a great lineage. We hope to have her bred, sell the foal, and Bella. She has the most wonderful temperament but her days here are numbered. It's just not practical to keep her.

We bought Trixie, our little white Welsh pony, last fall. And as ponies go, she was every bit as stubborn as we were warned she may be.
But Tim has done an excellent job in working with her and encouraging the girls to ride.
I have been so pleased with the progress that our little Trixie has made along with both girls learning how to ride.

Early on in their training, (both the girls and the pony) one daughter was thrown, but her love for horses was not to be deterred and she immediately got back on. I've admired her dedication and at the end of this month she will show Trixie at our county fair.

The whole family is excited but there is still much to be done as both girl and horse are still in training.
Of course, with only one pony and two girls wanting to ride...there have been some moments when one girl had to be left out. Not a big deal really, but this past Saturday that little difficulty was remedied when I received a phone call from a friend that was at a horse auction.
She told me about a deal that was just too good to pass up. I headed out into the hay meadow where Tim was swathing (cutting hay) and we conversed. With Tim's blessing and an ultimate bid the kids and I headed to the auction so I could get a gander at this little pony that I was called about. Wonderfully, there was a gentleman there, a friend, that has all the horse sense necessary in judging a horse of worth. He declared the little roan mare to be sound and near perfectly "put together." I valued his judgement and prepared to bid.
With temperatures above 100 and the auction being performed in full sun we waited for the little mare to come up for bid.
Once she did, the bidding went fast and we had a horse.

I was told by another gentleman there that he believed the little horse to be a mixture of Quarter-horse and Welsh pony. I can totally see that as our little Strawberry (the name we've given her) is very quick-footed like our Trixie.
Another thing she has in common with our Trixie is stubborness.
So we've begun training our little roan Strawberry to have good manners and to get used to having a saddle on her back.
It definitely hasn't been easy but we're already seeing progress and it's encouraging that she's obviously very smart.
So that's what's up here along with a multitude of other things...just like your place, too, I'm sure!
Hope your week is going great!
Julie

Summer Fun!

2010-07-26T20:21:00.002-05:00

Summer just wouldn't be the same without kids playing in the water!

This is one of my favorite pictures of my six-year-old little guy.

I think it's because when I look at it, I can't help but smile.

Stay cool! Julie

Thanks!

2010-07-25T06:20:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to get a quick post out to say, "Thanks," to all of you that have been so encouraging and complimentary regarding the photos that I post. Isn't it amazing how we will stumble upon something and find that we truly are able to express ourselves and creativity through that particular medium!

Photography has been that "creative" outlet for me these past couple of years and I'm finding that I want to get so much more involved in it. But priorities for now will keep me reined in...and that's okay!
But really, I wanted to just let my friends know that I appreciate their kind words,...you guys are the best!
Love, Julie

What's Up Here

2010-07-13T13:44:00.006-05:00

We're full-swing into summer now and it's definitely heating up around here.
My green beans and peas have finished producing and are now ready to be tilled in.
I had thought of planting a fall garden, but as we're a bit busy this week with Vacation Bible School it won't get done within the next few days.

Obviously, I've had time to take pictures.
We've had quite a few skippers flitting about and enjoying the zinnias out by the vegetable garden.

Last week I took a short walk to the spring that is in our back pasture and took some pictures of damselflies and dragonflies.

I found this picture to be a bit comical. This sweet little damselfly looks as if it has spectacles on.

Too cute!

Back at the vegetable garden, where I've planted Mammoth Sunflowers, I took this picture of one my large beauties. The texture here is gorgeous and I love that the moisture from a recent rain shower is still present. The bumblebees and carpenter bees congregate regularly on these and I was rather surprised that I was able to get a couple of pictures minus any bees.

Sunflowers just scream summer.

Along with ice cream, swimming pools, shorts, cicadas, butterflies, bumblebees, hotdogs, sandals, and fresh salads straight from the garden, yum!

Along with trying to get a fall garden in the ground, I'm expecting my school related order from CBD (Christian Book Distributors) to make it here soon. I'm excited...is that odd...but really I am.

We're going to start using Apologia this year for science and will also be working on a rather lengthy unit covering the twentieth century in the United States.

I can honestly say I'm looking forward to it!

I hope your summer days are comfortable and productive!

Blessings, Julie

Busy As A Bee

2010-07-11T09:07:00.003-05:00

Curiously, on your washer, does it have the setting "heavy load?"
Ours does. And when it goes in to the spin cycle, the washer literally rocks back and forth quite violently.
In fact, the floor vibrates throughout the entire bottom floor of the house.
This picture of our washer "rockin' and a rollin' " seems to be the perfect picture to describe the week that lays before us.
VBS, Retirement Home visit, Horse Workshop, and did I mention VBS???
But wait, there's more....we are infested with ticks and chiggers here at our little acreage and the grass needs a mowin' like you wouldn't believe.
Okay, enough...no more whining, I promise.
I hope your week is a one of leisure...really...relaxation, napping, workin' at your favorite hobby...just whatever.
Meanwhile, I'll be busy as a bee!
Chigger bitten and itching like there's no tomorrow, Julie

Cicadas...Buzzin'...Buzzin'...Buzzin'

2010-07-10T12:08:00.004-05:00

Life at our forty acre farm includes a wide assortment.

The smaller variety and more vocal are the cicadas.

Here, in the summer, it is quite common to find their shells attached to trees, picnic tables, and on the sides of the house.

Yesterday morning, I was determined to find one emerging from it's shell so that I could get a picture.

And yep, I did.

Meet one of our newest tree dwellers...

Stanley Cicada...or maybe...Cindy Cicada.

Anyway, he/she is now a part of the choir that sings in the treetops during a hot summer day.

And really, I don't know if summer would be quite the same if they didn't.

Stay cool and comfortable as those summer temps rise!

Blessings, Julie

The Father of the Fatherless

2010-07-03T06:26:00.004-05:00

Today is my dad's birthday.
I don't know how old he is...I just remember that it's the third of July.

I really don't remember him, though.
He never really cared about me or my sister and brother.
People have tried to convince me that he did, but the plain and simple truth is that he didn't.

He remarried when I was five and didn't even tell his new wife that he had been married before or that we, his children, even existed.
She found out through an insurance claim.
Child support was never paid, we lived in poverty due also to my mother being mentally ill.

After my dad's wife found out his secret, they agreed not to tell their children about us.
The secret was kept for many years.

But my dad started feeling guilty after his mother died...our Granny (we actually called her that).
You see, no one contacted us and we found out through a friend seeing my grandmother's obituary in their local newspaper.

I don't blame the family for not letting us know, as my dad's wife can be volitale and they were hoping to avoid any confrontations.
Still, I believe that it was this event that triggered my dad to get in touch with me when I was in my late twenties.
We corresponded by letters than phone for several months.
In the beginning he kept our communicating from his wife, but she found out.
At first she was angered, "betrayed" she said, but then decided that it was okay and they would have to figure out a way to tell their sons about us and our dad's past.
One son was already grown, the other a child,...both were curious about us.
A trip was planned, teary hellos and hugs were expressed in the airport upon my arrival, it was all so touching...Oprah-worthy even.

But all was not resolved, more lies were created and what was supposed to be a process of healing became confusing and deceptive.
I believe that there can come a point in our lives where it is okay to step out of another's life.
My dad and I have not talked for nearly fourteen years.
It's okay...and...I have forgiven him.
Julie

Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds-
his name is the LORD-
and rejoice before him.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
Psalm 68:4-5

Cats...More Cats...And More Cats

2010-06-23T13:45:00.005-05:00

Just to let you know, there are quite a few cats here.
This wasn't planned mind you, but the veterinarian (my husband) didn't quite get things taken care of quick enough with our young female, Ashes.

Honestly, it has been an enjoyable experience having three tiny balls of fur romping on the front porch. The children love playing with them and as my husband says, "Every child should experience a litter of kittens."
Still I watch Ashes with them and feel a bit sorry for her.
There are times when her face says it all.

"Hey, watch it with the teeth back there!"

She has been a good mother, good to keep the kittens away from our backporch cat that is foul-tempered and good to let the kittens nurse whenever the kittens paw at her.
But even though this has been such a wonderful and educational time for the kids, I will be so happy to see the little ruffians go!

Then Ashes, your kitten bearing days are over.
But we will have the memories.

I alluded to the backporch cat.
Her name is Annie.
Annie is El Supremo among the critters at Forty Acre Farm.

Even our Pittbull/Lab mix that runs down rabbits and eats them whole, bows in submission to Annie.
One of the other dogs (we have three,...sigh...), a Collie/Australian Shepherd mix, learned his lesson with Annie the hard way.
One day while the children were jumping on the trampoline, this particular dog sat by the trampoline and commenced to barking excitedly. Annie who was still a frontporch cat at the time, leaped from the porch, ran to the dog, and literally jumped on him, yowling, biting, and clawing him!
As soon as the dog disentangled himself from her he went flying out to the pasture, yelping with his tail between his legs. Annie even followed for a short distance, yowling the whole time.

She's quite a sight when she gets her dander up.
What's a dander?

Then last but not least, there is Bandito.

Bandito is Ashes brother, they were litter mates.
He's huge...which is strange because his sister is a small cat with a slight build.
But Bandito is very large and heavy. When he comes running across our wooden porch to be fed, he sounds like a medium sized dog.
He has the most wonderful meow that I have ever head, too.
Bandito is one cool, calm cucumber and probably one of the more attractive cats I've owned.
With all this being said or typed that is about cats, I have to admit that cats really aren't even close to being my favorite animals.
But I'm thankful for our li'l kitty crew!
Thanks for visiting and have a blessed day!
Julie

My Kind of Phototherapy

2010-06-13T19:45:00.002-05:00

I enjoy taking pictures.
And many times when I'm trying not to think about the ridiculous amount of things I need to be doing and should be doing,...I pick up my camera and head outdoors.
It's called denial and sometimes, forgive me, but it keeps me sane.
Living way out in the country like we do and staying at home with my kids to educate them can cause me to seek outlets that help me to express my creativity in my own personal way. Photography happens to be an outlet that I take great satisfaction in.
Admittedly, I have much to learn. The camera I use is up for the challenge, I just don't have the time to invest into it right now. So for now many of my pictures are raw or SOOC (straight out of the camera) if you will.
Within the last two weeks, I've taken some photos around the farm.

This is looking through the oak trees at the back of the house and across the pasture toward the woods, then lake.
After walking through the trees, this is a picture of the pasture, a spring, and the woods and lake on the horizon.

The wildflowers in the pasture always catch my attention and cause me stop and take pictures of their pretty faces.

It's always wonderful to see the wide variety and we have studied about some of them in school as there are many that were used by the Native Americans and pioneering families for food and medicinal purposes.

I'll never tire of these extraordinary beauties that continue to remind me of our Creator's generous use of color, texture, and scent.
Once we're out of the pasture and into the woods, a trip into the ravine is a must. You see, a picture of the Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly is something that I've been anticipating for quite some time.

In case I haven't told you, it's work to get down here. The pasture, woods, and ravine are inhabited with ticks, snakes, and more than our fair share of poison ivy. I literally get "suited up" before making my way down here. On my feet are rubber mud boots that come up to my knees and my jeans are tucked into them. I liberally spray insect repellent on myself.
There are always surprises awaiting me on these nature walks.

They vary from observing a juvenile bobcat closeup without it being privy to my presence, finding a coyote skeleton perfectly cleaned of all flesh and hair, to happening upon tall, scarlet red cardinal flower growing along the banks of the stream that runs through the ravine.

For me, this is all I need for entertainment and it recharges my battery so that I can carry on doing what so many of us homeschooling mothers do. Please don't hear me wrong here. I love being with my kids full-time but I also need moments that I can fill that creative well that exists in me.
Next time I'll share pictures of the yard, garden, and some of our critters.
Thanks for dropping by, Julie

Remembering

2010-06-09T15:59:00.000-05:00

My oldest child is currently at church camp. It's her first time to attend. We are going to visit her this evening and I've been looking forward to it all day.
But along with looking forward to seeing her and missing her, memories of long ago have taken me back to my early church camp days.

The first time I went to church camp was at a Nazarene church camp somewhere near Anadarko, Oklahoma. The cabins were crude with wooden bunks that creaked and swayed when you got in and out. The windows had screens, no glass. And the days and nights were filled with the sound of cicadas. It was hot and there were many fans set up strategically around the cabin to catch what little breeze may waft in during the midsummer evenings. Strange, I don't remember the worship services or Bible classes. I think that I was only eight or nine years old.

The times that I went after that were to a large church camp in south central Oklahoma near Davis.
Falls Creek is a popular camp for Southern Baptist churches and is highly attended throughout the summer. Since I've been, they have built a new tabernacle, an indoor one at that. Can it be a tabernacle and be indoor?
Falls Creek was a different experience everytime I went.

I first went when I was in the fifth grade. I can remember watching all the girls and boys pair up. Also the hills were quite memorable...thinking back it seemed every destination was uphill. The tabernacle was open to the elements and the heat was oppressive. Spiritually speaking, I don't remember being convicted of my need for a saviour.
Then I went again when I was eighteen. I had a boyfriend at the time and he was there. Sadly, my sole focus was on him not Him.
Again, I went the next summer without a boyfriend, but with friends. I listened to the Word preached and felt the need to surrender, I was convicted deeply, and knew I needed Jesus to be Lord of my life but wasn't ready to give up the lifestyle I was involved in. Looking back, I realize that had I made the right decision in trusting Jesus, my life would have changed dramatically for the better. Hindsight is 20/20.

The next time I attended camp I was in my late twenties and it was at Siloam Springs, Arkansas. I was a sponsor and a Believer. I remember nights of giggling girls and one girl in particular that had to sleep with me because she was terribly homesick. I remember walking to the tabernacle and smiling at all the adolescent goings ons. I remember great worship services and learning a hilariously funny song called The Gorilla Song.

I remember being young and enjoying the youth around me.
I'm praying my oldest will have only fond memories of her camp experience, no regrets.
Remembering days gone by, Julie

Almost Summer

2010-06-04T17:36:00.000-05:00

It's been hot here.
I'm never ready for this kind of heat.
It seems to zap me of all energy, inspiration, and good manners.
Okay, the last description there was a bit of an exaggeration. I'm a manner freak...or some would say. And now that we're on the subject, I would like to know why manners aren't taught to most kids nowadays?! Is it really that hard??? We homeschool and you would think that I would see lots of mannerly kids in the circles that we socialize in, but honestly there are still a few that portray about as much etiquette as a baboon!
Sorry about that...remember, I'm hot right now and when I'm uncomfortable I tend to get real honest.
My kids are no angels, but they are required to speak when spoken to...and look at the person that is speaking to them. I make my kids apologize when they've purposely hurt or even accidentally hurt another child. My children are required to ask nicely using the words "please" or "may I" when they want something.
Sure it takes lots of consistency, but isn't that what parenting is all about...training.
We have a puppy.
She wants on the porch and is not allowed on the porch. Therefore we are constantly scolding her when she steps up on the porch. It works when done on a consistent basis.
She has made a wonderful little place for herself now in my front flower garden right in front of the porch. I'm fine with that...I've learned enough after all these years to know how to pick my battles. But my point is that with consistency a child will learn and exercise what we've taught them.
Oh my, I hadn't met to "blog" about manners, it's the heat I tell ya...it made me do it.
Stay cool, Julie

Life at Forty Acre Farm

2010-06-03T08:17:00.000-05:00

Forty Acre Farm is a hobby farm.

My husband has a real job thirty miles away.

We have four bottle-fed calves along with four steers out on the pasture.

There are two horses, one a Welsh pony and the other a quarter horse.

Recently, a long desired dream of having chickens was fulfilled and we now are the proud owners of three white rocks and three gold sexlinks.

The critter crew also includes three dogs, all mixed breeds and three cats. Actually there are more than three felines as our mama cat has a litter hidden somewhere and we're still not privy to how large her brood is.

Along with taking care of the animals, I homeschool our three cherubs, and labor in our consistently changing vegetable garden.

We lead rather busy lives most of the time around here. And there are numerous projects that are always begging for attention.

Our family is devoted to living conservatively and living out our faith in Jesus Christ.

Life can be hard here sometimes in more ways than one, but the goal is worth the effort.

Thanks for visiting, Julie