Weather or Not, Happy End of 2011

It never fails. When something fun is supposed to happen or it's a time to celebrate... maybe a holiday or the like, there is something bad going on. Like tonight it's the weather. Freezing rain, then snow, then 50 mph gusts of wind. I was going to go to a church party but instead I'm going to watch a movie with the family at home. That can be equally as fun but it is still rather disappointing to have plans changed. 

Nevertheless, it is New Year's Eve. The end of another year. I can't even remember what happened this year. It seems like a month has past since Christmas. I think that with all of the change and unexpected occurrences I've experienced in the past three years nothing will shock me anymore. Maybe it's like a catastrophe callus? 

Sadly though, I have no doubt that my "ability" to forget the unpleasant past will likely leave me vulnerable to many more troubles.

Therefore, I truly hope that you are having a wonderful New Years Eve, eagerly awaiting the adventures of 2012. One must be hopeful... and dream for peace and happiness. 

And so with that, I am off to watch a movie with my extraordinarily wonderful family.

For Auld Lang Syne (times long past) my dear.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

A friend of mine, inspired by "Courtney Jo's Song", drew this incredible sketch.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICTURE

....to see more of Nate's awesome artwork click here:
The Sketchbook of Nate

New Song

Here's a song I just wrote. I've actually been working on if for quite possibly anywhere from 4 to 6 months (although I'm not exactly sure when I started scribbling down lyrics). I just found the tune for it a few days ago, I patched it up with a few more words here and there and added a bridge (which is the "different" sounding part towards the end). It's a song for my dear friend, Courtney. 

For My Sister

My dearest friend's brother posted this song on Facebook. I've always liked Mumford and Son's music... they always have a song that says exactly what you need to say.... "Sister don't let go of us."

Merry Christmas

Whatever be the reason for Christmas, today is a day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. I wish with all my heart that you are surround by people who truly care and love you and I hope your day is filled will all goodness, and cheer. Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

 

"Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand." - The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

365

This is officially my 365th blog post. It's weird to think that if I had blogged everyday from the day I started blogging, I would have already reached this number years ago. Nevertheless I feel like I've blogged a million times! Most of the people I started blogging with have long since disappeared from the Blogspot realm. It has been quite a journey. 

Today, is my Christmas Eve, simply because we are celebrating Christmas tomorrow. We decided that we weren't going to skip church for Christmas. Honestly, for me it will truly and simply be a day to enjoy with my family. This is very good but it doesn't feel quite like Christmas. Not without the lights glowing from the tree that create a gingerbread house effect. We haven't had snow for the past two weeks we haven't had snow and that certainly doesn't help either. Thankfully, today, we received an inch!!! I hope it stays for a few days so that we won't have to dream of a white Christmas. =) 

In years past we've had a tree and presents and ....well the whole big deal (minus Santa Cause, mistletoe, reindeer, etc.). But this year, our tree sits out in the cold, waiting to be placed on a stand. I somehow feel that it will find it's way off the porch and into the it's regular resting place (the burn pile) without ever entering our house. We have decided to take a step back from our regular 'traditions' to evaluate just exactly what Christmas is. There is a lot of conflict out there as to the real meaning of Christmas. Not only is the whole Christmas tradition taken from pagan traditions (that I know of), but Jesus Christ wasn't even born in December! He was born sometime around September. Therefore this year we are going to determine, for what purpose do we celebrate the way we have been celebrating and whether or not we should make some changes. I'm looking forward to what we will discover.

Anyways, that's enough sap for one post. ;)

P.S. In celebration of my 365th blog post, click 'here' to read my first ever blog post. ....it's not that exciting. ;)

here

Snow Covered Tree

I couldn't go to sleep last night, so, by naught but the glow of icicle lights, I took out a drawing pad and some charcoal pencils and sketched a snow covered pine tree.

It's nothing incredible.... just a simple sketch. The scanner was too small to scan the whole picture, and therefore the edges are trimmed off but that is the gist of it anyways. ;)

I'm Dreaming of A White Christmas

After a wonderful, perfect snowfall two weeks ago we have a warm spell and it is raining outside!!! Raining! 40 degrees and the snow is almost gone. Unbelievable! This muddy and wet weather is simply dampening the Christmas spirit (pun intended). Haha....

Anyway, this is what it looked like a week ago....

 

 Hope you're enjoying the last month of the year!

Choose Your Friends Wisely

So here is fairly amusing video. It is clear that we females have a totally different mindset on friendships between guys and girls. I think it's the way God made us to be but society has completely smudged standards and what used to be black and white is now grey. The guys doing the interview do a pretty good job of showing that men and women do not think alike.

My Grandma watched this video and afterwards made some good points:
Guys will often be friends with a girl because they like a girl, but this leaves room for women to be manipulative. Whenever we want someone to "go to a movie, or go shopping, or buy us food, fix our car or give us attention", we can summon one of these "friends". She said that a lot of guys will be nice and do kind things for quite some time in hopes that a girl will eventually like him. So it can be very easy for a girl to mess around with a guys feelings just because we want a "friend".

That is the wise opinion of my Grandma who has been around a while. ;) What do YOU think? ...I'd like to know.

That Fluffy White Stuff

The first of December has rolled around once again. Every morning when I wake up, I peep through my bedroom curtains to see what kind of weather the day brings, and this morning I was delighted to see a thin white blanked covering the earth. It is only appropriate that it should snow on the first of December! Not that I'm extra excited for Winter to come but seeing that it is not to be stopped I figure I might as well get used to it, right? 

 (My silly Elf picture)

Besides, winter isn't so bad in December. It is quite festive and exciting when the towns are lit up with beautiful displays of Christmas decor and the snow just completes the jolly spirit. It would be nice if it all melted sometime after January.... and the rest of the year was a warm summer, but, this is the Midwest after all. We might as well enjoy the "white Christmas" most other people can only dream about. 

I've been listening to Christmas music all day... some good old Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Vince Gauraldi.You just can't beat jazz. ;)

I turn on my Christmas lights every night now. It makes the Abode look like a gingerbread house from outside. It's rather cheery!

....and then there is always this Julian Smith video that always makes me laugh:

Anyways.... I am off to milk the cows. =) 
Happy December!
Be jolly everyone!

Truths About Wisconsinites.

ARE YOU WONDERING IF YOU'RE TRULY A WISCONSINITE?! YOUR DOUBTS CAN END RIGHT NOW!!! To know for sure, whether you live in WI or not, read the following:

Wisconsin, according to Jeff Foxworthy:

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you may live in Wisconsin.
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't even work there, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you've worn shorts and a jacket at the same time, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Wisconsin.
If "vacation" means going anywhere North of Milwaukee for the weekend, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both doors unlocked, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Wisconsin.
If the speed limit on the highway is 70 mph -you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Wisconsin.
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Wisconsin.
If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly", you may live in Wisconsin.
If you actually understand these jokes, repost this so all of your Wisconsin friends and others can see, you definitely do live - or have lived - in Wisconsin.

22 Degrees Tonight!

....Baby, it is COLD outside! Inspired by the awesome book, "Goodnight Moon" I have developed a quick poem that sarcastically romanticizes my feelings on going outside to work tonight and my overall enthusiasm of the rapidly approaching winter weather:
 

Hello mittens and long underwear,
Hello guys-are-lucky-because-they-can-grow-facial-hair.
Hello scarf and hello hat,
Hello "Thank you Lord for every ounce of my fat!"
Hello sunshine without any heat,
Hello five-layers-of-socks-on-my-feet.
Hello short days that are spent feeling numb
Hello "I can't feel my fingers and thumbs".
Hello Season that fills us with cheer,
Hello people, Winter is here!

Lately

It has been about a month since I have posted last. Quite unusual really, but I confess I have been attempting to juggle so much that I just haven't managed to blog.

The weather is cold, the trees are looking grey and scraggly, and we've already had two snow falls.

I have been in a very creative mood. I've been writing poems and songs quite a bit lately. I have started playing my violin again... and that is slightly terrifying endeavor since there is no way to sugar coat the fact that I haven't practiced in ages. I sounds like I haven't practiced in a while. Nevertheless I enjoy the challenge! I am also starting to practice/learn the harp. I am borrowing my sister Emily's lever harp since she doesn't have time to play it at this point in her life. The harp is so beautiful.... and unlike the violin you don't have to work very hard to make it sound angelic. The challenge is the fingering. It's like a small piano that somebody propped up on it's side and it is a strange feeling when you're used to a piano!!

Other than that life is pretty much the same as always. Strangely enough I am rather excited and motivated lately. I don't know what's gotten into me, but I'm not going to complain. ;) 

I am excited for the next couple of weeks. My Grammy from Ohio is coming on Friday and Thanksgiving is coming right up!!! Who doesn't love Thanksgiving? This year is going to be really great because we have a two day feast! It is going to be swell (pun intended)! =D

P.S. I'm horrified (as I am every year) that the radio stations are already playing Christmas music, therefore I'm writing a humorous Thanksgiving parody of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". ....we'll see how it turns out. ;)

 

 *the second snow*

The School House on Table Rock

Back in the days, there used to be a schoolhouse on our property. Of course it was not our property back then. The schoolhouse was located on the hill that we call "Table Rock". It's now covered with trees but apparently back around the time of this schoolhouse there weren't any trees on the hill. It was covered in long grass. We call it "Table Rock" because at the top of the hill there is a huge rock that is flat on top. You can climb up on it... it's round and fairly smooth, ...maybe like a table? ;) Yeah, anyway. Just some fun stuff. I love old pictures, and old stories of back in the days.
Here's a picture taken this October when we took a hike up to the big rock on the top of the hill.

Finishing Your Pie Crust

As I said in an earlier post, we had our very good friends from Ohio visit us in the beginning of the month. It turned out that Paul really enjoyed pie making and I had been planning on making an apple pie that weekend, so we took over the kitchen for a couple hours and had a good time baking! Anyway, when it came down to finishing up the crust Paul did it in a really neat way and I just had to take a video! 

Since it is pie season I thought that y'all may enjoy Paul's cool way of finishing a pie crust. I hope you enjoy it and try it out!

The Princess Project: Introduction

I don't know what made me come up with such a crazy idea, but I've decided to write a series of blog posts on lessons that can be learned from fairytale princesses. What that means is that I have noticed that there are so many young ladies (and even some older ones) that are anxiously (or maybe patiently) awaiting "Prince Charming". I don't know how it's all going to come about but when I get an idea it usually doesn't go away easily. We'll see how it goes, but I'm hopeful that maybe whatever comes about will encourage ladies that there is a better and a right way to wait for/go about relationships. 

I think there are some things we ladies (and even guys) can learn from the "Happily Ever After" stories.

I'm going to start with the most beloved and popular fairytale of all...... Can you guess which it will be?!

When September Ends

It is the last day of September and I keep asking myself, "Where did the time go?!?!". It seems like the beginning of the month was just yesterday. Maybe that means I was too busy?

It is also Fall now, and the landscape declares the season in colorful charades! This weekend we are expecting some old family friends from Ohio! They decided to make a spur-of-the-moment trip just to come visit! That should be very exciting I'm sure. 

I hope you enjoyed your September. Until next time.....

P.S. I have a song running through my head right now that goes, "wake me up when September ends", and all I can think of is, "why would anyone want to do that?!!? ..skip the summer and wake up just in time for the snow?! No thank you!" ;)

2011 National Coffee Day!

Yes, it is truly a day of celebration. 

A day when we drink our coffee with cheer. 

This day we brew a pot with great elation, 

 



Thankful to drink coffee every day of the year!

Beets Me!

"What didst thou do today?" says you....

"Beets Me!" says I.....

Yes, I peeled beets all day. 
Just thought you should know. ;)

It's definitely not the cleanest job! Your hands turn purple! My mom and I did a big bowl full that we plan to can now that they are "skinned". 

Oh my lanta! ...... MY HEART JUST SKIPPED A BEET!!!

Have heart my dear! ;)


O.K..... I'm being ridiculous. Actually this is all just embarrassing. In fact... I'm turning beet red.

Updated

In case you're wondering why my blog list shrunk, it's because I put all of the rarely updated blogs in a list down below. After checking numerous blogs that only had ancient posts displayed I decided it was time to make a museum list. ;) Haha! 

But never fear.... you can scroll down a bit and to the left you will see a list titled, "Bloggaphobia (rarely updated blogs)".  

I sure hope you're not one of them. ;)

Well, Personally.... ;)

During some quality family time and discussion my Uncle David got everybody to do this personality test. It's very commonly used in businesses and company's for their employees to better understand themselves so that they can do their jobs better, etc.... but it really does apply to anyone. It was fascinating to read the end results of the tests! Everyone was just nodding and grinning at how well the description for each family member's personality type fit them! I encourage you to go ahead and take the test... just for kix! ;)

Myers Briggs Personality Test

...then when you get your results go to this website and read the description:

Keirsey' Personality Zone

It's fun and it's pretty much right on!

Ambiguous Weather

It has been a while since I sat down to really blog about anything, and due to an after-lunch lull here I sit. Much is happening and has happened. Today, on the farm, we are quite concerned with the fact that it is going to frost tonight! Because we planted late we are just starting to really harvest our garden. We have canned quite a few green beans but the tomatoes have just started ripening in abundance. Eeks! Much to do and so little time! We are going to cover our giant garden in tarps and sheets before the sun goes down this evening. 

Fall has quite clearly arrived! We are supposed to have a high of 54 degrees for the next two days, and then we will have warmer weather again, 60's and 70's.... until it gets cold again. It can't make up it's mind.

I peeked out of a window this morning and noticed a big tree that turned yellow almost overnight! The soybeans are also turning a beautiful golden color.

Yesterday we bought 6 chickens. They aren't fully grown yet and Patrick and Janelle frequently come inside and comment on how cute they are! It will be very nice to have our own fresh eggs!

Starting Monday we are going to be going 100 miles an hour! Silage time! ....there will be big Case IH tractors all over the place and silage wagons. We will be harvesting the corn once again.

There is always more to say, but I must get back to work. Canning, picking, covering plants. Here we go!

My Mom Was Right

For years people have always assumed my mom's health issues were "all in her head", but today my dad was browsing the MSN home page and stumbled upon an article about dangerous, commonly used chemicals. Everything that my mom always complains about or notices where listed in the article (except for the very last thing mentioned on the list). 

11 Household Toxins You Should Banish from Your Home

You can click on the link above to read it... 
Or you can just read it here:

11 Household Toxins You Should Banish from Your Home

Cleaning house doesn’t mean nasty chemicals have to pollute your home. Your next home cleaning campaign or daunting do-it-yourself projects can be done without poisoning the air or tainting your local water supply. Most of our safer alternatives will even save you money, too.

Here are five chemical culprits to kick out of your house—and the nontoxic options that should move in instead.

1. Coal-tar driveway sealant

If you plan to seal your blacktop driveway this spring, avoid coal-tar based sealants. They contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which studies suggest can be carcinogenic, toxic, and mutagenic. When rainwater and other precipitation hit your driveway, the toxic chemicals run off into your yard and into your local drinking water supply. In fact, this situation has been compared to dumping quarts of motor oil right down a storm drain.

Better alternative: Gravel and other porous materials are best for driveways, because they allow rainwater to sink into the ground, where it’s filtered and won’t inundate water treatment plants. But if you do seal blacktop, pick asphalt sealant and stay away from any product that has coal tar in its name (or products simply called “driveway sealant”). Lowe’s and Home Depot have already banned the bad stuff, but smaller hardware stores may still carry it.

2. Synthetic pesticides

Chemical weed and bug killers both fit under this category and should be avoided both inside and outside of your house. (And dont' fall for the ones that pretend to be "natural.") Researchers link herbicides to various forms of cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; insecticides have been connected to brain damage in kids. “This is a good time of the year to resolve not to use pesticides on lawns and gardens,” says Phil Landrigan, MD, an internationally recognized leader in public health, director of Mount Sinai's Children's Environmental Health Center, and Rodale.com advisor. “A few dandelions or buttercups or other little flowers in the middle of the lawn are not unsightly.”

Better alternative: Combating an indoor bug problem is as simple as cleaning up crumbs, sealing food in containers, and using wood shims and a caulking gun to fill pest entry points. If you’re spending big bucks on chemicals for a turflike lawn, reconsider. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers kill the health of the soil and create a lawn that allows for little rainwater absorption, which contributes to flooding. Try replacing some sod with plants native to your area; they don’t require as much water and maintenance.

If you’re dead-set on the idea of a perfect grassy lawn, get out there and weed by hand or with organic methods. The extra exercise will help you burn off your winter love handles. Check OrganicGardening.com for advice on chemical-free lawn care, and see our story on chemical-free fixes for common lawn problems.

3. Antibacterial soap

The antimicrobial chemical triclosan in antibacterial soaps is believed to disrupt thyroid function and hormone levels in people; when it mixes into wastewater, it can cause sex changes in aquatic life. And health experts believe that overuse of this and other antibacterial chemicals is promoting the growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibacterial treatment.

Better alternative: Good old-fashioned soap and warm water will kill just as many germs, studies have shown. If you must use a hand sanitizer, pick one that’s alcohol-based and doesn’t list triclosan or other chemicals on its label.

4. Synthetic fragrances

Fragrance may be the most common type of chemical in your house. Used in laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, cleaning supplies and disinfectants, air fresheners, deodorizers, shampoos, hair sprays, gels, lotions, sunscreens, soaps, perfumes, powders, and scented candles, fragrances are a class of chemicals that may take you extra time and effort to avoid. But it’s worth it. The term “fragrance” or “parfum” on personal care product labels can be a cover for hundreds of harmful chemicals known to be carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, and reproductive toxicants, even at low levels.

Better alternative: Go the unscented route whenever possible, especially with soaps and detergents. Avoid any kind of air freshener or deodorizer, including sprays, gels, solid disks, and oils, suggests Anne Steinemann, PhD, University of Washington researcher who focuses on water quality and fragrances in consumer products. She’s also a Rodale.com advisor. “These products do not clean or disinfect the air, but they do add hazardous chemicals to the air we breath,” she says. “Instead of chemical air fresheners, freshen the air with better ventilation and by setting out some baking soda,” she suggests. You also can place a bowl of white vinegar in a room to dispel a funky smell.

5. Harsh cleaning products

Isn’t it ironic that we actually contaminate our air when we use harsh chemicals—some of which are carcinogens—to “clean” our homes? Ammonia can trigger asthmatic attacks, and harsh oven cleaners and drain openers can cause terrible damage to children who come into contact with them. “Every year we have these dreadful third-degree burns of the throat and esophagus because kids got into cleaners under the sink,” Landrigan says.

Better alternative: Take any cleaner whose ingredient list reads like a chemistry textbook to a hazardous waste disposal center in your municipality and replace the cleaners with ecofriendly ones that have simple, natural ingredients.

Better yet, save tons of money and pull out Grandma’s homemade cleaning concoctions, including:

• A general cleaning solution of one part white vinegar and nine parts water will kill 90 percent of bacteria and many spores, explains germ expert Donna Duberg, assistant professor of clinical laboratory science at Saint Louis University. Spray it on and let it dry to a nice shine on its own. The best surprise about distilled white vinegar? “Store brands work just as well as brand names,” says Duberg. “You can buy a gallon for $1.89 and make more than 10 gallons of cleaning solution. The only other thing you need is a spray bottle.” When you’re finished using a vinegar cleaning solution, dump it down your garbage disposal or toilet for bonus odor control.

• For a window glass cleaner, mix one part white vinegar with one part water and spray. Duberg says you even can use newspapers instead of paper towels to wipe the glass clean and save money.

• When cleaning in the kitchen after prepping meat, use hot, soapy water first (we like simple, unscented castile soaps) and then follow with the vinegar-water solution. For more great cleaning tips, check out green-living guru Annie Bond’s book, Home Enlightenment: Create a Nurturing, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Home (Rodale, 2008).

6. Nonstick cookware and bakeware

Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals commonly used to make surfaces stain resistant or nonstick have been linked to ADHD, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease. They're also potent sperm killers.

Better alternative: To keep nonstick chemicals out of your life, opt for safer cookware like made-in-America cast iron or stainless steel. If you already cook with nonstick pots and pans, replace them with safer choices when you start seeing scratches and chips in the finish.

7. Vinyl

Some environmental health groups have dubbed vinyl the "poison plastic," due to its harmful production process and its effects on humans. Vinyl is laced with phthalate plasticizers, linked to hormone disruption, stunted growth, obesity, and other health problems, as well as low IQs.

Better alternative: When it's time to replace flooring in your home, opt for wood, bamboo, or cork that's Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or for real linoleum, instead of vinyl. Avoid plastic shower-curtain liners, as well as fake leather furniture, clothing, and accessories, to cut down on phthalate exposure. Phthalates also lurk in anything with an artificial fragrance, including candles and many personal-care products.

8. VOCs

A nasty culprit trashing your indoor air could emanate from your washing machine. Scented, petroleum-based laundry detergents contain high levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These hazardous chemicals are linked to asthma and, in some instances, even cancer, and they add to indoor air pollution. Pressed wood and particleboard cabinets and other furniture are big emitters of the VOC and carcinogen formaldehyde in the home, too.

Better alternative: Choose unscented, plant-based detergents, or go old-school and use castile soap or washing soda and borax to clean your clothing. For new paint projects, choose readily available no-VOC paint, and avoid storing paint in your garage or basement—fumes can escape even tightly closed lids and enter your home. If you have leftover paint, take it to a waste-collection facility for recycling, or donate it to neighbors or a charity. Avoid plywood and particleboard when buying new household furnishings, and keep VOCs contained by sealing any plywood or particleboard furniture with a product like AFM Safecoat Safe Seal.

9. Flame retardants

Flame-retardant chemicals can be found in electronics, carpets, carpet padding, and furniture foam. They've been associated with a wide range of health problems, including infertility, thyroid problems, learning disabilities, and hormone disruption. And the exposure to all these potential health threats could be for naught: Added to materials in the event they come in contact with a lit candle or cigarette, the chemicals only delay a fire, and for just a few seconds.

Better alternative: When shopping for new furniture, when you find product you like, call the manufacturer and ask if it contains flame retardants. If you see a tag that says "complies with California Technical Bulletin 117, avoid bringing home that piece of furniture (California requires furniture to be flame retardant). And since flame retardants and other household toxins make their way into household dust, it's best to invest in a vacuum that limits emissions. Take care when selecting electronics, too: Environmental Working Group lists electronics that are free of flame retardants.

10. BPA

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to male infertility, diabetes, heart disease, aggressive behavior in children, and other ills. It's so common in our environment that researchers aren't even sure what our biggest source of BPA exposure is. The chemical is used in some plastic bottles and food containers (even some labeled BPA-free), and the linings of most most canned food items. Some manufacturers are phasing the chemical out of their cans, but it's not clear if the replacements are totally safe either. Last year, scientists discovered that we absorb BPA from cash-register receipts through our skin.

Better alternative: Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and veggies, and bypass cans as often as possible. Don't store food or beverages in plastic containers. And say no thanks to receipts for minor purchases like gas and coffee, and at the ATM.

11. Dry-cleaned clothing

Sure, it's convenient to drop your clothing off with a dry cleaner, but the cleaning chemical of choice in this country remains perchloroethylene, also known as PCE, or perc. This chemical is classified a probable carcinogen and is linked to kidney, liver, and central nervous system damage. It's not something you want to wear or have holed up in your home closet. Although many states and cities are phasing out perc, it's still among the most widely used dry-cleaning chemicals.

Better alternative: You can work around "Dry Clean Only" instructions on clothing tags. You just need to know how to treat different types of fabric. Read Dry Clean Only? Nah, There Are Cheaper, Safer Ways for instructions on cleaning delicates like wool, rayon, and silk.

G.O.S.P.E.L.

I don't think I've ever shared this video before, but it's one worth watching. Check it out:

All That is Good and Beautiful

That all women,of whatever rank, profession, or degree, whether virgins, maidens or widows, that shall from and after such an Act,  impose upon, seduce and betray into matrimony, any of his Majesty's subjects by the use of scents, paints, cosmetic washes, artificial teeth, false hair, Spanish wool, iron stays, hoops, high heeled shoes, and bolstered hips, shall incur the penalty of the law now in force against witchcraft and like misdemeanours, and that the marriage upon conviction shall be null and void.

A bill passed by the British parliament in 1770.

Isn't that completely awesome!??!? It made me laugh. Not that it's really funny. Can you imagine what America (or any modern day society) would do if a law like that was passed? Most of the women wouldn't be married!!! haha  ...AND the uproar!!! NO MAKE-UP?!??! ...all of a sudden there would be a whole lot of women left without their rotten leaning post of vanity.  

Proverbs 31:30 "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."  

A Beautiful Day

Fried green tomatoes for lunch, a banana smoothie on the side (full of healthy vitamins) and cup of coffee! What a combination! 

It's a beautiful, sunny, late summer day in the great North. Driving down the road through the country is amazing this time of year. Everybody's corn looks like a million bucks with all of the rain we've gotten. The cows are starting to freshen here on the farm. It seems like we have three new calves every three days. We've had a few cases of milk fever and mastitis. Right when you think everything has resumed to normal it get's crazy again. Life is good! The garden is starting to produce lots of wonderful veggies (and even some flowers.... my favorite part!). Canning is coming up soon. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it all at the same time. 

I have been spending some extra time playing music these days. I have my violin back from the shop... looking shiny and new! You can barely tell that it had a huge hole in it! It's fun to get back into play the violin. It's a big challenge since everything you do while playing matters. I'm also busy practicing piano for church. I play the hymns ever-other Sunday. I share the job with another girl from church. It's definitely a good motivation to keep practicing and improving my skills, but I'm also really thankful for it giving an excuse to build a better friendship between Rachel (the other pianist from church) and I. 

Anyway there is much to be done! TTYL!!!

Status

Facebook can be really boring at times, but lately there have been quite a number of interesting, inspiring or simply comical status updates. Enjoy!

Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossiper, Martha was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sara was impatient, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old, and Lazarus was DEAD.... Now, what's YOUR excuse? Can God use you or not? ~~~ God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the CALLED!!!

"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"
--- Michael Hyatt

 "In the Bible, Ruth patiently waited for her mate Boaz. While waiting on your Boaz, don't settle for ANY of his relatives; Brokeaz, Poaz, Lyinaz, Cheatinaz, Dumbaz, Downlowaz, Cheapaz, Lockedupaz, Goodfornothinaz, Lazyaz or Marriedaz! And especially his third cousin Beatinyoaz. Please...wait on your Boaz & make sure he respects Yoaz!"

"In a world of seemingly inescapable obscurity we strive desperately to understand our place within the structure of human society." -Max

"Criminals thrive on the indulgence of society's understanding." - Casey

A Couple of Cute Things

July 14th: Mom looks out the window and sees Patrick and Janelle creating smoke and asks them, "What are you guys doing?!?!" Patrick says, "We're trying to light this seed on fire. Mom: "...well what kind of seed is it?" Patrick: "I don't know, but it's the seed that looks kind of like gun powder."

July 12th: Patrick and Janelle have officially adopted a baby bird with a broken wing. They have named it "Fledg". ;)

July 7th: Dad: "I wonder why the Earth is round....?"
Patrick: *without even blinking* "...so that you don't fall off."

July 6th: While weeding the garden this morning, I heard Patrick matter-of-factly tell Janelle, "did you know that if you open up a sunflower at night it glows in the dark? ...yeah, one time I used one for a lantern."

Communication is the Key.

Over the short time that I've been alive it's taking me a while to learn a few basic things. One of which is that when communication is maintained things will run much more smoothly. Of course I don't mean negative communication, but rather the kind that entails honesty, and openness. If you look around to a lot of the deeply rooted problems in families, between friends and just with people in general, it usually stems from a lack of proper communication. It is most likely because people don't understand the freedom of being open and being honest. Granted when you're in the presence of people who will only tear you down or hurt you it makes communication a risk. ...but then again, how do you get anywhere, how do you change things without communicating the problems at hand? 

God says in John 8:31-32, "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 

John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

In all reality, the ways of this world are destruction and the only peace and joy can come from the Lord. God is everything that is good. He has communicated everything that we will ever NEED to know in His Holy Word. If we learn and let the Lord work in us we will be able to properly communicate with those around us. If the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance) are the things that we embrace, it will transform our lives. In the way we treat one another, in the way we listen to others and in the way we speak to people.

Communication is the key. 

Be honest.  Be open.  Never fail to try. 
Don't be afraid to really talk. 

God is the Author of Honesty. You cannot lose.

....once I get the time?

I want to write. Blog. You know.. that kind of thing. Life seems to be busy though. No time to squish in more than a sentence or two. *sigh*
I want to write about a race, waiting.. and numerous other things. Bah. It shall happen eventually.
It's a curious thing, blogging. You never know who is going to read your stuff... or if anyone ever does. Maybe that's a good thing. ;)
Anyway, time to get back to work. Later.....

God Bless America!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!! 

I sure hope you're out there somewhere in America right now celebrating this great country's 235th year of existence and independence! I am very proud to be an American. 

...and maybe it's not so much that I'm proud but that I'm privileged. Although this earth is not my home, I am blessed to live in a country where I am still able to praise and worship my Lord, Jesus Christ. Really, when this day rolls around every year our freedom in America is really because of our freedom in Christ. It's just like it says on our penny's: "In God We Trust".

I know the U.S.A. has it's fair share of troubles. Economy ups and downs (mostly downs these days), inflation, 3 trillion dollars in debt..... Oh and of course having Obama as our president. The list is much longer, but you get my drift. 

Nevertheless, I am quite amazed by some of my fellow citizens. I have been watching my friends on facebook and listening to the radio.... observing... and I am surprised at how unpatriotic a lot of people are. Where is the spirit?!?!? People get more excited about Santa Claus.... and play more Christmas music. Common! ...there are plenty of good patriotic songs. Why aren't the radio stations playing them more? 

So here are some of my favorites:

My all time favorite!

"I thank god for my life

And for the stars and stripes

May freedom forever fly

Let it ring...

Salute the ones who died

The ones that give their lives so we

Don't have to sacrifice

All the things we love..."

And of course.... you have to have the funny commercials right? This one is a crack up! (Note: so as not to alarm you, there is a swearword at the very end)

 

I have had a wonderful day! Was able to hang out with my lovely cousins (we had ice cream with red, white and blue sprinkles!!) and I went tubing down a river with my sister, brother-in-law and a bunch of friends! Although I didn't make it to the fireworks show with my family tonight I our new (and wealthy-er-) neighbors 1/2 a mile away had quite a nice little show that I was overjoyed to see! ...and now we're having more ice cream.... (mine is going to melt if I don't go eat it!). We, as in we have our missionary guests with us still. Mrs. Johnson grew up in Germany. She met Mr. Johnson when he was stationed over there in the military. She says she is very glad to be an American citizen now. ...God Bless America! 

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

  HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Summer

As I stated in my last post, it is officially summer!!! After a very enjoyable 10 day visit my relatives left this morning. Towards the end of the visit the weather was finally more agreeable. It was sunny while we were at camp. We go camping every year at an Assemblies of God Church camp. We know the people who own it and they always give our clan a good deal. We stay in cabins and use their huge kitchen/cafeteria, and they are located right on Lake Nebagamon so we get to canoe, kayak, boat, swim, fish..... whatever! It is just for the weekend but this year we were able to stay longer than we have been able to in the past and we even had a few extra friends along which always makes it fun.

....now that the relatives have left there is tons of work that is to be caught up on. Today my parents and I have been weeding out the flower beds. It's pretty toasty working out there but there is a nice wind blowing that keeps working conditions bearable.

Remember my TLC garden that I posted about? ....well, one of our dogs (I have yet to discover which one it is) decided to dig everything up along the walls. I am quite dismayed and am not sure whether I want to go to all the work of putting it back together this year. It's mostly frustrating because all the ferns I had planted and were actually growing very nicely, are gone. *sigh*

Nice weather naturally means cooking inside is torture.... which means you get to grill more often. Tonight it is hamburgers. Tomorrow it's supposed to be 104 (with the heat index) and we will be grilling chicken. I have sun tea brewing out on the deck.... another bonus to the summer heat! 

The song, Knee Deep by The Zac Brown Band has been playing through my head.

Anyway, tomorrow we are expecting some missionaries who will be staying with us for a few days to work on the farm (they are setting up a farm operation similar to ours for a Teen Challenge program in the country that they are ministering to). This weekend is also the celebration of the 4th of July! My country's independence day. I'm hoping for some good fireworks displays and fellowship with friends and family! 

And with that I wish you a very happy Independence Day weekend! 

Until Next Time,

Mary Ellen