Off the Beaten Path...

Confessions of a Wayward Blogger

2011-02-05T00:22:00.000-06:00

I confess. I have not made time for this blog since last summer. Our lives have changed quite a bit, and at the time seemed really hard to blog about. Now it doesn't feel so painful.

We closed our business at the end of June. It just couldn't financially recover from the recession. It is a hard thing to tell your employees, your family, and your friends. It meant a lot of inevitable changes for our family.

I am now teaching PreK in a charter school. It was hard to give up homeschooling our youngest and enroll him in public school. Very. But I am grateful for God's provision, and the transition went as well as it could have. We have all survived. :)

Steve has been doing some business consulting and contract work. His new schedule has allowed us to keep our sanity. lol. He has picked up the slack from me being back in education and all the extra hours that entails; as well as making sure football, racing, and life schedules were manageable and remained as intact as possible.

God is so good. He has provided for us each step of the way. And even though I know we still have more transitions ahead of us (new career for Steve; a possible move for our family), I know we are in God's hands; HE is our source, and it will all work out for our good. I trust Him. Completely.

So, these "snow" days we've have allowed for some down time and opportunities to catch up here and there.

I am back. Sort of. :)

Last Week in Pictures

2010-05-13T00:37:00.002-05:00

I've been posting "recent happenings' for awhile now, and several family members have expressed their interest in them, so I am going to try to make these kinds of posts a regular feature of my blog. Here are some more recent happenings:

C and I took a trip to the Tulsa Rose Gardens.

The roses were plentiful and gorgeous.

And then we perused the Teaching Gardens.

We both enjoyed exploring all the gardens, but I think C's favorite was the water garden with the gold fish..

Thought you might like one last look at C's mohawk....because I think a haircut is coming soon.

Tulsa's roses aren't the only ones in bloom right now....OURS are too!

I love the color of these hybrid roses. They are blooming more this year than last year I think.

These are C's favorites.

We've opened the pool for the summer. YAY! C's really the only one that doesn't think the water is still too cold. lol.

This is the celebration dance (C and friend) when Matt won his heat race this past Friday night.

This is Matt's "It's about that time" look when getting ready for his feature race.

I must say we had a very scary moment during Matt's feature race and clear evidence that the Lord continues to protect Matt. He was in the lead (lead for ten laps) when his steering column came off completely while he was still at a speed of 90+ mph. He had no steering so the only thing he could do was hit the brakes. His car then slid into the infield and came to a stop. Seriously, folks. He didn't hit any cars or the light pole in front of him on the infield, and he didn't get a single scratch on him or have any major damage to his car. We are very thankful for his safe stop. Upon investigation, the two bolts that hold the steering column had been jarred loose - at least that is my understanding. So, he didn't get to finish the race, and the guy in 2nd eventually won. Matt is SO CLOSE to a feature win! I'm proud for him and continuing in constant prayer for his safety out there.

Kyle's Saturday tournament was not his best...

...but he still earned 4th place. Not bad for an off day.

And last, but not least...we had a wonderfully fun Mother's Day cookout at our place on Sunday. This impromptu picture shows 3 generations on both sides.

Left to Right: Art and Elsie (Steve's parents), Grandma Mary Renfro (Steve's maternal grandmother), Tim and Barb (my parents), Mike (my dad's brother), Matt, Steve and K. And in front: Grandma Mamie Carroll (my paternal grandmother) and C.

It was a wonderful day for me. I truly enjoyed having our much-loved family present for Mother's Day!

Aprons and Time with my Mom~

2010-05-07T07:20:00.000-05:00

When my mom and I get together, we like to do occasional projects. Our last couple of projects have been sewing aprons. My sewing is a little rusty, and my mom is a great seamstress...so it has been both fun and beneficial for me to learn from my mom. :)

We used the Butterick Pattern B4945, and fabric from both Hancock's and Hobby Lobby.

Mine is strawberry covered and just in time for summer. :)

My mom's is covered in cowboy hats to match her rustic kitchen. :)

More Recent Happenings...

2010-05-06T08:52:00.000-05:00

Life is in full-swing this spring. It's a busy, but good time of year. Here are a few highlights of the last couple of weeks:

My parents came to Matt's races! They came early and squeaky clean, then left l-a-t-e and with chunks of mud in their pockets. Ha. The races can last until midnight, and the exceptionally wet day made for a lot of thrown mud.

Didn't get a lot of great car shots at this race...but I did get this one of Matt and Steve just after Matt won his first heat race ever. Yay, Matt!! He's happy and so is his dad. :)

Kyle has been spending every Saturday afternoon in a 9 hole golf-tournament for the last 4 weeks or so. Though golf can get expensive, I love that there are so many affordable opportunities out there for kids that want to play. So far, he has placed 3rd in two tournaments, and 1st in two. He has two more and then his other league starts and he'll be playing 18 hole and two-day tourneys for the rest of the summer. Most will be here in OK, but some will be in Texas. Roadtrip, anyone?!

Here's one of Kyle's first place tournament trophies! Go Kyle!

C recently wrote a letter to John R Erickson, the author of the Hank the Cowdog book series. He told him how much he enjoys reading about Hank and laughing about all the trouble he creates on the ranch.

Much to C's delight, John R Erickson wrote back! The envelope was hand addressed, as was the card inside. C was over-the-top excited that he had responded. Isn't this cool?

You can bet that C will read EVERY one of those 55 books (don't think he has many to go), and will be a fan for life. ;)

Happy Boy, C. He is hamming it up at the race track. ;)

The Many Faces of Steve

2010-05-04T08:12:00.000-05:00

This post is from my original blog back in '05. It's pretty funny so it bears repeating. This is something NOT to do while driving. Um, yes....he took these of himself while driving to work one morning. lol.

Bird Shots

2010-05-02T20:11:00.000-05:00

These were all taken on the golf course during my son's tournament last week. :)

Scissortail Flycatcher

Meadowlark....loved that I caught him singing!

Green Heron

Ice Cold Tea and Mason Jars

2010-05-01T02:01:00.000-05:00

This is a "keeper" idea from Suburban Homesteading that had me thinking, "Why didn't I think of that?!"

Although it's great to keep a pitcher of ice cold water or tea in the fridge for easy access, what about those days when you are running errands, out working in the garden, or just busy with family extracurricular activities? Enter the mason jar idea. It's pretty simple to fill these little babies (or big ones for the guys) with tea or lemonade and store them in the fridge (or ice them down in a cooler).

The inspirational blogger at SH says, "I make several of these and stash them in the fridge so I’m never out of a refreshing drink. Instead of grabbing a can of soda, I grab a cold jar of real lemonade in a reusable container, which not only tastes amazing, but feels more authentic than any processed beverage."

Suburban Homesteading's recipe for "Masonade" is to fill a jar halfway with warm water (to aid in the dissolving of the sweetener), add the juice of one lemon, stir in some sweetener (sugar, honey...or any sweetener of choice), fill it to the top with ice, add your lid, and then shake, shake, shake to mix well.

To assemble the tea--just fill from the tea pitcher or you can steep a tea bag right in the mason jar, add sweetener if desired, add ice, screw on the lid and there you go--portable drinks.

Why I love this idea:

1. We always pack meals for my son's dirt-modified races, and iced down mason jars are downright satisfyingly ICE COLD and delicious.

2. Since I finally kicked my soda habit this year (Yay, me! Thank you LORD!), these are sooo helpful. I personally like to fix caffeine-free, herbal raspberry iced tea with a little honey and I can grab one and go any time!

3. They are frugal. Making tea or lemonade in reusable mason jars saves us a lot of money on race days or other times when portable drinks are helpful.

4. They bring great satisfaction to the farmgirl in me. There's nothing like a mason jar to give you the down-home, farm fresh goodness of a homestead...be it a rural or a suburban one!

A Recent Hike at Redbud Valley Trail

2010-04-28T16:25:00.002-05:00

A delightful morning of hiking with my son...no further words necessary!

Spinach and Avocado Salad

2010-04-25T06:57:00.009-05:00

This delightful recipe I'm sharing is from ALL YOU magazine (Feb 2006) and it is fantastic. The dressing has a slight Mexican flair to it, and being a BIG fan of avocados and spinach, this simple, especially yummy salad is something I crave. And any recipe that has me craving vegetables is a good thing!

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 Hass avocado, peeled, pitted and thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
11 ounces baby spinach (I actually use less spinach in mine)

Preparation:

Whisk lime juice, oil, cilantro, sugar, cumin, salt and pepper in a large serving bowl. Stir in avocado and red onion. Lay spinach on top. (Salad can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 hours ahead.) Toss just before serving

Who IS this chick??

2010-04-22T00:30:00.001-05:00

Look what I found.

This was me back in 2005. *sigh*

Yep, that was before 3 moves, selling two businesses, and a thyroid conditon tripped me up a little bit. Oh, and I was running 2 or 3 miles a day too.

Will I ever see this person again?

Oh, I don't mind my additional wrinkles or the onslaught of many more gray hairs so much (ahem..not TOO much anyway-lol), but I do mind the extra poundage I've acquired!

Hmmmm....suddenly I feel motivated to put down this bowl of ice cream (well, maybe just one more bite...)and go set my alarm for an hour earlier. LOL. I'll let ya know how that works out for me. ;)

Pictures of Recent Happenings In Our Neck of the Woods...

2010-04-18T23:20:00.000-05:00

Matt, next to his reserved sign at the racetrack.

K and I at the racetrack. Do you see how my soon-to-be-fourteen-year-old is bending down slightly to have his photo taken? I can't believe how tall he's getting!

Matt racing his 360 modified on a Saturday night.

Be still my heart...

Oh my. Can he look any cooler??

Being sixteen doesn't mean you can't hunt for easter eggs at my parents' farm with the best of 'em.

A boy and his daddy-caddy...

...and a 3rd place finish at the weekend tournament. Go Golf-Master!

Scrumpdillyicious Salsa!

2010-04-15T15:26:00.000-05:00

Friends, if you're like me, you're picky about your salsa. I know I am and my husband is even pickier. But I am telling you that the recipe for salsa that I found on Hannah Keeley's site the other day is the best ever. We have went through over a quart of this fantastic tomato-y stuff since last week. NO KIDDING. Seriously, folks, you have to try it. You'll thank me. Honest.

Hannah's Blender Salsa

Garden Rambles...

2010-04-14T23:40:00.001-05:00

Hurray! The warm weather is finally here to stay (I think) and it's time to play in the garden. :) Fun, fun, FUN! Transplanting plants, planting seeds, tending seeds already planted, and just enjoying getting my hands in the dirt! And my 9yo son enjoys gardening almost as much as I do. I love it! It's so fun planting with him. My grandmother always says, "If you want your garden to grow well, let a child help you plant it". I think she's right!

Even though I've gardened for a few years now, I still consider myself a novice gardener. I didn't have much patience for such things when I was growing up. And often, my dad's huge garden was where I was sent when I was in trouble. Why? Because picking up ROCKS builds character (so he said~lol), and is a pretty good deterrent for fighting with my brother. LOL. Once, my brother and I were sent out to the garden to pick up rocks because we had been fighting. We decided to continue it in the garden. Those rocks we were picking up? Well, we started throwing them at each other! That ended when he pelted me in the face with one and I burst out crying. I don't remember what transpired after that, but I do remember that school pictures were the next day and my eye had a big scab underneath it and was a little black. Ha! But I digress...

Now, I have found that gardening is one of my favorite things to do! I'm really not into flowers as much as vegetable gardening. And I love that my dad is a wealth of information...and a great source of plants! And I love calling him with my questions or just to share the sheer excitement of whatever plants I've purchased or whatever seeds have just sprouted. We swap seeds, plants, and stories. It's awesome! My garden is miniscule compared to his, but it's just right for me (and C). :)

So how about you? Do you like to get your hands in the dirt? Or is the Farmer's Market more your style? Do you like tending a flower garden instead? Are you a novice, or a seasoned gardening veteran? I'd love to know!

If only...

2010-04-08T22:27:00.002-05:00

It's hard to imagine that my dear niece, Casey, would be twenty years old today...if she was still with us. Wow. There are so many if onlys. If only we'd had more girl-time while she was here. Painting our nails and hanging out, listening to her music and laughing at silly things. If only I had taken more pictures of all the fun we'd had over the years. If only everyone knew that she would just be with us a short while so that we could have cherished every moment more. If only she had had the surgery earlier in her life, maybe she would still be here. If only her doctor would have recognized the damage from mitral-valve prolapse sooner and that her parents (my brother and sil) knew the real risks from the surgery. And maybe one of the biggest...If only Bayer would have recalled Trasylol sooner, maybe, just maybe, she would still be here....living her life and going to college in Colorado (her dream), jumping out of planes (her passion), raising horses (her other passion), and still having air-soft gun wars with her boyfriend (who was determined to marry her). If only...

What does a person, a sister, a parent, a friend, an aunt, a family do with all the if onlys??

We place our sorrow, our questions, our loss, our anger, our hope....in a loving, kind Heavenly Father. We lay it all at the feet of Jesus and ask him to help us. Help us accept. Help us remember. Help us celebrate. Help us forgive. Help us hold on to each other. Help us heal.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Romans 8:28~The Message

I do have lots of pictures of Casey, but there would never be enough. :( And I have so very few on my computer. I must fix that so that I can post some from time to time. BTW, this picture was taken on "twin's day" at her school. Her boyfriend was a serious cowboy and being the cowgirl she was, she decided to dress exactly like him. Cute. :)

Happy Birthday, dearest Casey~

He is Risen!

2010-04-05T21:59:00.000-05:00

(picture courtesy of the web)

Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Friday Funny: Ren and Spike

2010-04-02T16:58:00.000-05:00

Recent Random Shots

2010-04-01T00:51:00.000-05:00

It's been one of "those" weeks. You know those happy/sad weeks?? I thought I'd share some recent random photos that make me smile:

Because you can never have too many photos of this...

Kyle and I, hanging out on the hammock on Sunday, talking and reading (Um...just before the metal hook in the tree on the other end broke. Ouch! Kyle, lay off those oreos!)

Taking a drink, Ren style ~ 'cause it's always more fun when you are immersed up to your shoulders.

Matt and his car.

Our redbud tree behind the pond is starting to show it's color!

My friend, Ruth, and I. We've only known each other for a little over a year, but you'd think we'd been friends all our lives. :)

Add one more mohawk to the party...

2010-03-26T22:15:00.001-05:00

C's friend is spending the weekend with us and totally thought C's mohawk was cool. He asked if Steve would cut his the same way. Steve agreed if it was okay with his parents. So M says, "I know my mom will say no....so I think I'll call my dad!" Aren't kids stinkers? Here's how the phone conversation went:

M: Dad? C has this really cool haircut and Steve said I can have one just like it. Can I? Please, oh please?
Mick: wah-wah-wah (think Charlie Brown here)
M: Well, it's really cool. It's a mohawk!
Mick: wah-wah-wah
M: Oh. You have to ask mom?
(waiting) (waiting)
Mick: wah-wah-wah
M: YES! Alright! Woo Hoo!

So at least for the weekend......they are ready to rock their mohawks. LOL. Yeah, I still don't like them. But right now they are both really, really happy. :) Oh, and I am totally bringing out these photos when they're sixteen. LOL.

Before and Afters...

2010-03-25T23:06:00.000-05:00

Before

After

Before

I'm not sure how I agreed to this after...

Oh he's a happy camper...me? I dunno. I suppose it won't kill me to let him wear it for a few days. He thinks his mohawk "Rocks!" lol.

Community

2010-03-23T23:31:00.000-05:00

I smiled to myself as I took this picture awhile back. It is so apparent that the little, feathered makers of these nests didn't mind the closeness of one another. Matter of fact, it looks like they prefer to live in a community.

I think it's the same way with us as believers. Oh, sometimes we want to do our own thing and sometimes we pull back from fellowship with one another. But when it comes down to it, we need each other. We crave community and oneness in our lives. It's scriptural after all.

Jesus tells us to "love one another" in John 13:34. And in Romans 15:5-7 we are instructed to welcome one another, and to live in harmony with one another that we may glorify God. We are to accept one another (Romans 14:1) and to be kind to each other (1 Peter 4:9). And we are to serve each other (Gal.5:13) and forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32). And you know what? In Galations 6:2, we are instructed to bear one another's burdens.

Isn't that what community is? Living in harmony, accepting one another and bearing each other's burdens? This week I found out a dear friend who had fought and won a battle with breast cancer in 2005 is now battling cancer again. Only this time, it has attacked her spine, lymph nodes, and liver. It breaks my heart that she and her precious family are dealing with this.

Readers of my blog, we are a community. Whether we are FIAR sisters, family members, friends, and/or church community, we are a community. We are a body of believers and I know we will step up now and hold up my/our friend, Fran, as she faces the toughest battle of her life.

We're in this thing called "life" together. Let's help bear her burden. Let's pray, let's seek, let's encourage, and lets be united in lifting up Fran and her family, and let's lift up one another while we're at it. Okay? As you read this blog entry today, will you say YES? You don't have to comment, but I'd love it if you would. Thank you and may you be encouraged in Jesus Christ today...

Creature Shots

2010-03-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

This Nuthatch loves to eat the cat's food if our feeders are empty.

This Kingfisher is on the same line at approximately the same time almost every day on our drive home from the office. It may be one pole over, but he is usually there! It's interesting to see him day after day, just sitting there, staring down at the water-filled ditch below.

Just a shot of our domesticated creature, Ren.

First Day of Spring!

2010-03-21T16:27:00.000-05:00

I would make some joke about how we celebrate spring in Oklahoma...but I know that many places had a white entry into Spring this year. Wow! Our barn door is propped open for our critters to escape the cold and snow. The snow is lovely as usual, but I just planted onions and lettuce seeds on Thursday. LOL. Crazy weather folks. ;)

Matt's 360 Modified with VERY cool graphics!

2010-03-18T11:12:00.001-05:00

I can't wait until tomorrow to post the finished car, so here it is. How cool is that?!

Why yes....yes he is smiling. ;)

The SM is for Steve and Matt, of course!

New set up = different handling, so practice is necessary.

In the words of my sixteen year old, "If you're not making dust...you're eating it."

Season two, here we come! Oh, and btw, I was wrong. The points races don't start until next weekend. This weekend is called the "Spring Fling" and no points will be issued. Funny, it's supposed to be rainy, windy, snowy and C.O.L.D. Ug.

Stage 3: The NEW Race Car!

2010-03-18T06:01:00.002-05:00

Are you excited yet? If not, can I just share (again) how important this is to my son?? Matt has loved cars (and planes, and just about anything that has a motor) since he was a toddler. This is what he loves. This is what he has wanted to do for a long, long time.

It's not easy to do this kind of thing (I won't even go into, again, how hard it can be on a mama's heart!). It's a lot of responsibility. When Matt might would rather be hanging out with his friends, he has to put time in at the shop, taking care of what needs to be done. Grant it, his friends often hang out there and get involved when they can, but still.

And after being out late on Friday night racing, he must get up early on Saturday morning to get the car out of the trailer, put things away, take the tires off the car and wash off all the mud and grime from the races...and many times start repairing crumpled sheet metal or broken parts!

It's not a cheap venture, so money has to be vigilantly earned, set aside, and saved for this. It's not an easy thing to do, so Matt is even still learning how to control something with 493 horsepower on ever-changing track conditions, with a completely different set up and alignment than a normal vehicle. And he is still learning how to focus and make lightening-quick decisions in the heat of a race. It's so, so much to handle. But it is a learning process and he is learning! He has this shot at his dream, and we are so very, very thankful and grateful that God has blessed him with this opportunity again this year.

Left rear 4 link

New 4 link suspension

New deck

New spoiler

New deck and spoiler

Rebuilt master cylinders

New motor

New body

There is still more to see! Check in tomorrow to see the final, finished car complete with awesome new graphics and my son testing it out. It's worth the wait, I promise!

Stage 2: The Rebuilding for Season 2 Begins!

2010-03-17T06:04:00.001-05:00

I can't wait to show the final version of Matt's car...but I will. :) I do want you to see all they've done, because it makes the end product so much sweeter!

Though the points races don't start until this Friday, Matt has already tested out his car on a couple of practice days and a non-points race this last Saturday night. He placed 10th. He is waaaay ahead of where he was last year at this time. The hours and hours my husband and man-child have put into this thing is so worth it! :) My husband and son get to spend valuable time together, and my son is getting the opportunity to learn all my dh knows about cars...which is a LOT. :) I never complain (unless I'm kidding around) about the time they spend in their shop (aka Man Cave), because I realize the value of this time and am thankful for it.

New suspension mount

Installing new mount

New paint

Newly painted frame

New mount

4 link left

4 link right

Rebuilding the motor

Don't miss tomorrow's Stage 3: The NEW Race Car!

Stage 1: Matt and his racecar--Season 2

2010-03-16T06:03:00.002-05:00

The first points race of the new racing season happens this Friday night! So in honor of my 16 year old, Matt, I am going to be posting a new set of pictures each night. They will highlight all the hard work that Matt and Steve have put into his car from tearing down last year's to totally rebuilding it--body, frame and motor. It's a sight to behold, and if you have sons or husbands that like this sort of thing....now's the time to say, "Honey, take a look at this!" :)

End of Season

Tear down begins

Old motor

Broken Main Cap

I hope you'll come back tomorrow for: Stage 2 Begins!

My new raised-bed garden...a work in progress.

2010-03-14T23:42:00.000-05:00

My raised-bed garden was in need of help. Since last garden season, some of the boards had broken down and the corner of one was accidentally ran over this past winter when it was obscured by snow drifts. I have been sooo itching to get out there and get some seeds in the ground, but have had to wait for an opportunity to get things patched up. Dh promised me that Sunday afternoon (today), he was all mine. Yay!

As we realized that they were in worse shape than I had originally thought, we decided to replace all of them.

Here is the before picture. Don't they look a little sad and in need of some tlc??

Dh had the plan, and a great helper too.

It actually took all of us helping to get most of it done by dark. I was working too, but since I was the one with the camera...well, you know how that goes. ;)

This is how much we accomplished this afternoon and evening. Aren't they looking good? I'm very proud of them and very anxious to finish things and get some seeds in the ground! I am totally LOVIN' my men tonight! I am a happy farmgirl! :)

2010-03-08T19:44:00.000-06:00

Guess who made dinner tonight?! Yes, none other than our little chef, aka Nature Boy. Tacos were on the menu and they were very good.:) I meant to take a picture of the finished meal...but with teenagers in the house and a distracted mother...well, they were all gone before I realized I didn't get a photo. lol.

Thanks C, for your efforts in the kitchen!

Friday Funny

2010-03-05T14:12:00.001-06:00

Want a quick laugh? Check out the driving instruction graphics inside my son's race car:

Drive Fast, Turn Left...yeah, it's good for a laugh. LOL!

Spring! Wherefore art thou??

2010-03-03T11:18:00.002-06:00

I know I'm not the only one who is ready is ready for warmer weather and less....cold. I see the little buds trying to burst through on the many trees scattered across our property. Since last Thursday I've been hearing frogs (spring peepers or southern cricket frogs maybe?) chirping from the neighbor's pond, so I KNOW spring is coming. I just wish it would pick up it's pace a little bit.

So I decided to add some COLOR to my blog, even if it's just to make me feel better. lol. I'm longing for sunshine and green things! How about you? Ready yesterday for some nice spring weather?

It's about that time!

2010-03-02T11:00:00.000-06:00

Golf and racing season time for our family, that is! Though neither season has officially started,

K and C placed 3rd and 6th, respectively, in a pre-season holiday golf tournament in Texas awhile back. I'm hoping (praying!) for fun, injury-free seasons.

I had promised my son...

2010-03-01T01:41:00.002-06:00

...that on the first decent day available, I would show him a new hiking route near our home that I had discovered. So, I did.

Near the entry point of the woods behind our property, there is an interesting thing taking place. Evidently, this tree fell onto the fence...and at some point, the tree just grew around it. Isn't that interesting?

Oh, and check out my very cool walking stick. My oldest son (now 16) whittled this for me when he was 12 or so. I am very fond of it. :)

It's been so cold lately that it was nice to have a day when we didn't have to bundle up and finding a little green moss here and there was a nice treat.

Hello in there! Is anybody home?

This first part of our hike was a little rough and woolly.

But if you take a left at the fork in the wet-weather creek, eventually you come to a clearing...

...that goes on for a long time...

...until you reach this gate.

At this point you must turn around and go back (uphill, I might add). We had marked the point of re-entry into the woods, so that we could find our way back. Upon asking my son if the new route was worth the hike, he gave me this...

...and I do believe that smile tells all. :)

We arrived home just in time to catch the sun shining it's last farewells of the day.

It was a lovely hike and a lovely afternoon. The new route is not smooth, well-worn (yet!), or marked as a public trail would be, but it feels special, like a new discovery, and it is.so.close.to.home. Can't get much better than that!

If you slather peanut butter...

2010-02-24T06:30:00.001-06:00

...on hot pancakes, and then sprinkle on mini-chocolate chips just when the peanut butter starts to melt...can you still call it breakfast??

Creature Shots

2010-02-21T23:40:00.000-06:00

Recent bird shots from our place.

White Weekend in Oklahoma

2010-01-30T17:36:00.000-06:00

This has been an especially white winter in Oklahoma. It makes things pretty mushy when it thaws, but it sure is beautiful.

Traveling home from the biz was snowy and I am thankful for 4 Wheel Drive. ;)

We passed a lovely barn on the edge of town that was beautiful with the snow falling.

This is our place on Friday evening.

This is on Saturday, looking from the shop (aka Man Cave) back toward the house.

I love my barn. :) Wish I had some farm critters inside! In due time, In due time...

The Willow trees are bending beneath the weight of the ice by our pond.

Doesn't the snow look so pristine?

It's winter in Oklahoma!

Growing Besties

2010-01-24T01:11:00.000-06:00

A best friend is special, a gift. My son and his friend have been besties since Kindergarten. Even when we moved to Texas, they never lost touch. And now that we are back in Oklahoma, they are as tight as ever. It's a little harder to get them together since we are in a different town and attending a different church than before. It's a 35 minute drive just to meet halfway! But effort is made on the part of both families to keep these guys connected. They wouldn't have it any other way. :)

I have earlier photos of this duo, but they are not scanned! But still, you can see just how much these fellas have grown...

What handsome lads they are! They both tower over me and they both call me mom. :) I love it! And I love them...both.

I know I said not to track snow and mud...

2010-01-20T22:44:00.000-06:00

...through the house, but...

...you're coming back for these, right?

Right?

Boys?

Creature Shots

2010-01-15T14:35:00.002-06:00

Have you ever seen a ga-million little black birds gathered on a powerline or in a tree? Yes? Me, too. Well have you ever seen anything like this?

Take a much closer look...

Figured it out yet?

Those aren't little black birds. No, those are black vultures with a few turkey vultures mixed in on a cellular tower.

Seriously.

Now take another look at the first couple of photos. A little bizaar, isn't it?

Ever read any of Frank Peretti's books?? lol.

I took these photos on the way home from Abilene, TX several weeks ago, and I must say these magnificent birds were a sight to behold!

Just a TWANGIN'...

2010-01-15T02:24:00.000-06:00

In case you've never met me IRL, and there's a good chance you haven't, let me fill you in on a little detail about me. I'm a "Twang-er". Yep. I am a southern gal with a drawl, but I don't drawl as much as I twang. There's a difference. I know this because there are many, many thoughts about the difference on the internet. Yessiree. I have always had an issue with my OK/TX dialect, but try as I may, it sticks with me. If I'm reeeally careful in a conversation, I can keep it at bay...somewhat. But let me get comfortable and oh boy if you don't know where I'm from in a millisecond! LOL.

I speak with people from all over the US daily in our biz. And people notice. Believe me, I get lots of "Where are you located?" "Are you in TX?" Lol. Thankfully, most folks that comment on it like the southern accent (um, er...twang). ..especially customers from New York and nearby states. And some love it. I really like those kinds of comments. I do love where I'm from and where I've lived and I have definitely blended the Texas/Oklahoma drawl-twang quite proficiently. But I often wish it wasn't so...pronounced.

It wouldn't bother me as much, if there weren't so many negative "hick" conotations associated with it. I am intelligent. I clean up nicely. And I don't, I repeat, I don't spit tobacco out the side of my mouth. Honest. Ummm....I do like NASCAR though. lol.

A Little Snicker...

2010-01-15T01:18:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, our middle and youngest spent the night with our good friends, Mick and Michelle, whose kids just so happen to be our kids' besties. Mick and Michelle returned them on a Sunday afternoon, and on their way to meet me with the boys, they were discussing church from that morning. This is the funny I wanted to share:

Michelle: Boys, if you were to die today, do ya know for sure that you're going to heaven?
My youngest, C: Why?? You gonna kill us??

2010-01-10T15:40:00.002-06:00

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,

as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ~1 Peter 4:9,10

Creature Shots

2010-01-10T01:48:00.000-06:00

These are my first creature shots of the new year! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

C's Football Wrap Up

2010-01-02T17:42:00.001-06:00

C's season was nothing like K's. They didn't win all their games, and in fact lost more than they won. But C had success of a different kind.

Each week a gold jersey was awarded to one player that went the extra mile the previous week in practice and game. It was awarded after each game and the player got to wear it all week.

The thought of earning that gold jersey motivated C every week. He practiced hard, listened to his coaches, and played his very best in each and every game. And, though he wasn't the fastest, strongest, best tackler or hitter, you could always count on C to help a player up, encourage a teammate that missed a block, help his coaches carry equipment before and after the practices, and to fire the team up when they were behind. I was always proud of him for his great attitude and ability to be a team player.

But C always disappointed when he didn't win that gold jersey. Each week it was awarded to someone else. Yet each week he played hard and did his best. It made my heart sad that he tried so hard, yet never had the opportunity to win that gold jersey. Matter of fact, I questioned the validity of the gold jersey when it seemed that something that was supposed to be positive, brought my son disappointment week after week. BUT, there is a happy ending to this story for C. At the end of the season, he was awarded the Most Valuable Player for being so important to the team in encouraging them, displaying a great attitude, and working hard to improve each and every practice. And they GAVE him the gold jersey to keep....forever. Bravo, coaches, BRAVO!!

C listening to his coach during a game.

C with a couple of his teammates after a game.

Mr MVP--Most Valuable Player and one very happy boy (wearing his gold jersey).

K's Football Wrap Up

2010-01-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

Even though it is January, here are the photos from K's football season that lasted until almost December. His team went undefeated this year. And not only were they INFC Champs, they also formed a traveling team that won the Sooner Classic football tournament in which they competed against teams from 4 states. So their final tally was 16 wins, 0 losses. This was a special season that doesn't come along every year. And not only did their head coach make sure they were celebrated for their grand efforts of the season, but he also testified to the goodness of God, and that being a good football player is nothing if you have not accepted the gift of salvation, bought and paid for by Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Coach Harrell, Amen!

This is after the infc championship game.

This is after the Sooner Classic Championship game.

At the end of season party, the team's accumulative trophies (of several years) were displayed.

K has just accepted his Sooner Classic ring from his head coach, Mr Harrell.

K and his defensive coach being traitors.

And for the record, the TEXAS LONGHORNS ROCK! Hook 'em Horns!

God With Us

2010-01-02T14:56:00.000-06:00

Behold, the virgin shall be with child,

and bear a Son,

and they shall call His name Immanuel,

which is translated,

"God with us."

~Matthew 1:23

God with us. Isn't that the most exciting and hope-filled sentence? To know that God is with us...every step, every day and in every way?

My friend, over at The Scarlett Thread, truly blessed me with her recent Christmastime post about the message the Lord had impressed upon her heart about "God with us". I hope you will read it and be as encouraged as I was as we enter the new year. Happy New Year!

A White Christmas!

2009-12-28T00:11:00.000-06:00

Don't they look thrilled? LOL. Who wants to stop for a photo when there's sledding to do??

A Christmas view of our pond. Ch-i-l-l-y!

Snow drifts make for good snowball material!

Oh yeah...he's one happy boy this Christmas. It's the first white Christmas he can remember.

2009-12-15T14:18:00.000-06:00

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ~ Matthew 6:25, 26

Looking Back: Miss Peggy

2009-12-14T23:28:00.000-06:00

I know I have shared how I responded to the gospel message of Jesus Christ in Vacation Bible School when I was six years old. I am so thankful for the seeds planted in my life by those who lead me to Jesus, those who taught my Sunday School class, and those who went out of their way to make sure I got to church and home again. I am so very thankful for each of these people!

But there is another dear lady that prayed over me, taught me, and encouraged me to live for Jesus that I would love to tell you about. Her name was only known to me as "Ms. Peggy". Do you know where I encountered this godly woman?? PUBLIC SCHOOL. Yep. That's right. I was taught the Word of God in Public School. Whodathunkit??

Ms Peggy traveled to many of the schools in my area, teaching children about Jesus, passing out New Testaments, and telling exciting stories. It was always exciting on the days when Ms Peggy came to my school. My first grade class, along with the other lower elementary classes, would be led in a long line to the gym and seated near the front while Ms. Peggy set up her flannel boards on the gym floor.

Oh, we looked forward to her stories! She would start by praying over us and then we would sing fun songs, then she would tell incredible stories about Jesus: how He fed many with a little boy's loaves and fishes; how He turned the water into wine; how He healed the lame and sick; how even the wind and the sea obeyed Him! She always camed armed with prizes to give to those who learned the memory verses she gave us on her last visit, and for reading different passages in the Bible. I remember reading the whole books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in first grade....just so she would be proud of me and reward me with a treat from her goodie box.

Ms. Peggy continued to travel from school to school for several years, teaching children about a loving Savior...and each one of those schools were public schools. I am so thankful that God provided godly women to plant seeds of God's Holy Word in my life, when I was yet too young to seek the Word on my own.

Ms. Peggy died when I was in college. There was a lovely story about her in the county newspaper about her many years of ministry in the public school. Some sweet day....I will hug her neck in heaven and tell her just how much she impacted my life. I know I will be standing in a long line. :)

2009-12-07T01:19:00.000-06:00

The Veteran's Day Parade in downtown Tulsa on November 11th, was more emotional for me than I assumed it would be. To see the many local veterans and be able to tell them thank you really choked me up. I am late in posting these photos, but am still playing catch up. And also, do you see my 16 year old son in his dress blues? Yes, Matt and his ROTC marched in the parade and I couldn't be more proud.

Happy Birthday!!

2009-12-04T23:05:00.001-06:00

One of the joys of this autum season was having the opportunity to celebrate two beautiful ladies whom celebrated their 83rd and 85th birthdays. Grandma Mary is Steve's maternal grandmother. Isn't she beautiful? She just shines with the love of the Jesus and that increases her beauty 100-fold. I am blessed to have gained her as a grandmother when Steve and I said "I do". :) Mary's sister, Margie, was visiting from Arizona at the perfect time! Two are better than one - even birthdays!

Grandma Mary and Great-Aunt Margie

Back Row: Aunt Alice, Nana (Steve's mom)

Front Row: Grandma, Great-Aunt Margie, Aunt Faye

Church Camp

2009-11-09T14:20:00.000-06:00

This past summer I blogged about C's summer activities and attending church camp for the first time. My friend just sent me these photos taken at that camp. Looks like a little boy having a great time, dontcha think?! The boy in the middle photo is C's best friend and it was very cool that they were able to attend together.

Skip Day

2009-11-07T19:17:00.002-06:00

The local public schools were out on Friday for an in-service day, so C and I took the day off as well. :) Matt's friend, Edwin, spent Thursday night with us, so we spent a leisurely early morning with a big breakfast before all going our separate ways. Matt went off to work with Steve, Edwin went home, and K, C and I went hiking at a great trail that my friend, Ruth, told me about. It was so fun! Then we investigated another park with great trails for our next day hike (I can't wait!). The day was warm, sunny, and.....perfect. :)

Matt

2009-11-06T22:59:00.001-06:00

Totally random picture of my 16yo son, Matt. Why? Because I love seeing him with his work gloves, safety goggles, and dirt/grease-smudged face! He just came in from the shop to grab a ruler and I had my camera in hand. Love, LOVE my boys.

Thursday's Thoughts: Cling to the Good

2009-10-29T23:17:00.001-05:00

Romans 12:9b
NKJ: Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
TM: Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.
KJV: Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
NIV: Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

I'm thinking this portion of Romans 12:9 is pretty clear. No gray here...just black and white. Run from the bad, hold on to the good. Hate the bad, and cling to the good. What could this look like in day to day life?

Running from the bad:

~turn the channel
~switch radio stations
~walk away from the lewd jokes or gossip
~leave the theatre
~close the book
~avert your eyes
~distract your mind
~remember that evil is a product of the the enemy of our souls

Clinging to the good:

~be purposeful in choosing the channel, radio station, movie, book, activity, or friends
~be consistent in feeding your spirit the Word of God
~make choices to do right, think right, feel right, and walk right
~meditate on the good
~remember that all good comes from our Father, thank Him...consistently

Lord, let me be purposeful in the things I choose to do and allow into my life. Help me to discern evil and not give it place EVER and invite good. Lead me in teaching my children to abhor evil and cling to good. May Your goodness be continually in our thoughts and our hearts continually grateful.

A dinner conversation which seemed perfectly normal to me...

2009-10-28T20:41:00.000-05:00

Steve: Whatcha doing?

Me: Fixing (peanut butter) pancakes.

Steve: I thought we were having leftovers for dinner?

Me: Oh. Well there isn't enough spaghetti left for five servings though someone can have that if they would rather. I thought we'd (Caden and me) have it for breakfast.

Steve:(now chuckling) You're having pancakes for dinner and spaghetti for breakfast. Okaaaay....

(he's chuckling a bit harder now)

Me: Yeah, and?

It took me a minute to figure out what he was chuckling about...LOL.

Matt at OctoberFast!

2009-10-28T14:55:00.001-05:00

Here is a video of our 16 year old son racing his dirt modified. This is not the beginning of the race, but a restart after a 4 car wreck. Matt was behind the wreck so his car escaped with only a flat tire. Because this is a special race night, no one could leave the track or they couldn't return. Since his left wheel is off the ground on the turns anyway....he drove this race with a flat! So bear with the first few laps because they started, were told to restart again, and then they get to take off. So keep watching and you will see how fast these cars can go...but it still isn't like seeing (and hearing) them in person!

2009-10-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

~Gentle rain on my face and puddles to splash underneath my boots...the cozy comfort of an autumn rain beckons me to dance along the trail and soak up the kisses of heaven~

Camouflage!

2009-10-26T15:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Fall, Y'all!

2009-10-25T21:36:00.001-05:00

Saving Money at Whole Foods

2009-10-25T18:44:00.000-05:00

I recently went to a free workshop* in which the speaker addressed saving money by couponing in general, and saving money at Whole Foods specifically. Here is what I learned that may help someone else**:

1. Shop on Wednesdays. Their circulars typically go from Wed to Wed, so on Wednesdays you can benefit from both weeks sales and loss-leader items.

2. When you buy in bulk you save. They have a 10% discount on all cases, no matter what it is or how many are in a case. A case may be 4 small bags or 20 boxes of something. So buy the things you love in cases and save that 10%.

3. In store frequent buyer cards. When you buy five of a item, you get the sixth item free. I don't know yet if this applies to all products or if some things are excluded. The FBC can be used in conjunction with the other savings ideas.

4. And in addition to all of the above savings, you can also use manufacturer's coupons. The stores don't mind the combination because they are reimbursed by the companies for the manufacturer coupons. http://www.mambosprouts.com/ has great coupons books available free by mail, and online coupons that you can use with the others. It's all about the COMBINATION of these things.

5. If you have products you love...don't hesitate to call the company direct and tell them so. They often will send you coupons (manufacturer) if you ask.

6. Take advantage of produce sales of seasonal fruits and vegetables. When the price is great, buy extra to freeze or can.

Check out Whole Foods' website for stores near you, money-saving meal plans (under $3 meals), and current sales flyers.

*The workshop was at my local Whole Foods and was presented by The Coupon Queen. If you would like more information about couponing in general, please visit her site.

**I am a newbie to this and have not been able to try all these things yet, so I can only write as one who has heard The Coupon Queen's ideas and believes them to be accurate. The Marketing Director for the Tulsa Whole Foods was present at this workshop and offered her full support and assistance. That speaks to the validity of her suggestions!

Thursday's Thoughts: Sincere Love??

2009-10-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

Romans 12:9a
NIV: Love must be sincere.
NKJV: Let love be without hypocrisy.
TM: Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it.
KJV: Let love be without dissimulation.

I’ve heard it said, “You don’t have to like them to love them. “ I know I’ve said those words…and believed them to be true.

But as I have been pondering Romans 12, I’ve been wondering….could it be that God asks more of us than just grinning and bearing it?? When I look at the different translations of Romans 12:9a, I am seeing that love should be REAL. Not faked. So if my love for my “neighbor” is to be sincere and without hypocrisy, can there be room for disdain? Is it possible that God is working in us to go farther and dig deeper?

People are multi-faceted, complex and complicated. This I know. We can think we have someone “pegged” only to be surprised when they reveal things that are a far cry from how we have “judged” or surmised them to be. But when I sing Brandon Heath’s song about being able to see others through the eyes of God, what does that mean?

I heard an evangelist say one time that we are more sympathetic or empathetic to those whose weaknesses are like our own. We can say, “I’ve been there” and encourage the other person. And yet, we judge more harshly those whose weaknesses are in areas in which we are strong. Yikes. I think he’s been reading my mail.

So, I’ve been pondering Romans 12:9a. I have been thinking that if I can find something with which I can identify with EVERY ONE of my neighbors, maybe I can choose to love instead of judge. And maybe God will help me to walk out “Let love be sincere” in my life.

Lord, help me to identify with those around me. Help me to find common ground and a desire to pray for them…especially those whom I might tend to judge harshly or dislike. I don’t want to be fake. I want to love them FOR REAL. Love them through me, Lord…

Creature Shots: Comfortable Visitors

2009-10-21T22:55:00.000-05:00

Thursday's Thoughts: Camping Out in God's Word

2009-10-15T13:50:00.001-05:00

In my current studies, I'm camping in Romans 12. There is so much in there and I want to meditate on every morsel. Right now I am drawn to verses 9 through 16 because my prayer was that I would learn what it truly means to love God and love people (Matt 22:37-40) and this is where I was led.

These verses are filled with action words, and it seems appropriate to write each action in list form. Wow. Like I said, there is so much in there! I don't want to rush through these verses. They are a path before me and my desire is to ponder them and walk each one out in my life.

Romans 12:9-16 (NIV)

love without hypocracy
hate what is evil
cling to what is good
be devoted to one another in brotherly love
honor one another above yourselves
never lack zeal
keep your spiritual fervor...serving the Lord
be joyful in hope
be patient in affliction
be faithful in prayer
share with God's people in need
practice hospitality
bless those who persecute you...bless and don't curse
rejoice with those who rejoice
mourn with those who mourn
live in harmony with one another
don't be proud
be willing to associate with people of low position
don't be conceited
don't repay evil for evil
do what is right in the eyes of the everyone (be careful to)
live at peace with everyone (if possible, as far as it depends on you)
do not take revenge (leave room for God's wrath)
do not be overcome with evil
overcome evil with good.

Intro into Thursday's Thoughts

2009-10-15T13:48:00.001-05:00

These new Thursday posts begin as a place to chronicle some thoughts of where God is leading me in drawing closer to Him and walking out the two commandments most necessary in a believer's life: Love God and Love People. I want to do that. I want to BE that. I'm striving for a life that loves....loves God with my whole heart, and loves my neighbor as myself. I know it's a marathon, not a sprint, so I will keep to the path and keep my eyes on my trail guide ~ Jesus. I hope you will feel free to add your thoughts as well!

2009-10-12T03:47:00.000-05:00

Even though it is officially fall and I love the changing colors of the leaves and landscape, I am celebrating these remaining wildflowers blooming next to our pond. They will soon fade away and the ground will become bare...but aren't they lovely?! Sort of summer's last hurrah I suppose.

Have a beautiful week!!

Why did the male tarantula cross the road?

2009-10-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

~~To get to the other side.~~
To look for a female's burrow! In September and October the male tarantulas leave their burrows and seek a mate (who may or may not eat them). This one was near our home the other day. It was a bit stressed with C on one side and the neighbor's dog on the other side. I stood perfectly still, with camera in hand, and it walked slowly right between my legs and on to the grass on the other side.

Creature Shots

2009-10-01T00:32:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Walnut Waffles

2009-09-30T00:43:00.000-05:00

This is one of MY personal favorite pancake recipes. These freeze well and I enjoy them with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar and no syrup. The recipe is from the FIAR message boards, but I am unsure about the contributor. (I'm thinking Debbie in AK).

Pumpkin Walnut Waffles

Ingredients:
3 1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. pumpkin
3/4 c. oil
4 eggs
4 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbs baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Place milk, pumpkin, oil and eggs in a bowl. Stir until smooth; reserve. Place flour in a bowl. Crumble brown sugar to remove lumps and add to flour along w/baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir to blend. Add liquid ingredients and whisk until smooth. Let batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.

This makes a LOT of waffles! I freeze the leftovers and then, like the other pancake recipes, we just pop them in the toaster when we want some.

New Breakfast Recipes

2009-09-30T00:28:00.001-05:00

Mornings in our household are kind of tricky these days. With two kids in public school, one homeschooling, and both Steve and I working in our business....it gets a bit hectic. Maybe if I was Ms. Early Bird things might go a bit smoother. But I'm not...and I'm okay with that. ;) Such as it is, it is difficult to make breakfast happen for 5 people with differing take-off times. Plus I have one child that has an aversion to any breakfast food that is not a pancake or waffle, and waffles are iffy. Even so, I have tried a couple of new recipes in the past few weeks that have passed most of the family's inspection....although the anti-breakfast child has yet to decide. ;)

I made these up over a weekend and we pulled them out of the freezer (or fridge) as needed, popped them in the toaster or microwave, and out the door we went!

Chef Meg's Blueberry Flaxseed Muffins (found here)

Ingredients:

1 T flax seeds
1 c blueberries
1 c quick oats
1 c lowfat buttermilk
1 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t cinnamon
1 t salt
1 whole egg
1/4 c unsweetened applesauce
3/4 c brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin pans with nonstick spray or line with paper liners. Use a clean coffee grinder to roughly grind the flax seeds, trying not to process them into a mealy texture. (You can use pre-ground flax if that's what you have on hand.) Wash and dry the blueberries. In a small bowl, combine the oats and buttermilk, and let stand at room temperature for five minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix with a fork to blend and set aside. In a large bowl and using a hand mixer, beat the egg, applesauce, brown sugar at medium speed for 3 minutes. Blend in the oat-buttermilk mixture. Stir in the flour mixture only to combine, try not to overwork the mixture. Fold in the blueberries. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and top with a sprinkle of flax seed. Bake 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Whole-Wheat Banana Cinnamon Pancakes (found here)

Recipe by Sarah Jio

ETA: These are terrific with peanut butter spread on them while piping hot. Mmmm...

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons sugar (optional–I omit, because I’m going to cover these suckers in maple syrup, so why bother with more sugar?)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
A sprinkle of nutmeg (all you need is a little)
1 egg
3 tablespoons canola oil (or any vegetable oil, or just use butter)
2 cups low-fat buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 large banana, mashed
Cooking spray for pan

Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix wet ingredients together in a smaller bowl. Then, just dump the two together. (Hey, they’re pancakes, not wedding cakes–no need for a delicate hand, as far as I’m concerned. Maybe just don’t beat the heck out of them, unless you need something to take your stress out on. If so, have at it.) Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, coated in cooking spray, and spoon a few dollops of the batter into the pan. Cook on both sides until golden brown. When the pancakes are cool, separate them with small sheets of wax paper and then place in a Ziplock back and send to the freezer. Reheat by popping in the toaster (same way you would with a frozen waffle–but I find that sometimes you may need to nuke these in the microwave for an extra 15 seconds or so–just to thaw completely), then slather with jam, maple syrup, or your favorite pancake topping–enjoy!

Like I mentioned. I made these up ahead of time and popped them in the freezer. I usually don't have time to enjoy mine with syrup. I just pop it in the toaster, slather on some butter and take it on the run.

And the Rains Came Tumbling Down

2009-09-21T21:55:00.002-05:00

Wow. Take a look at our wet-weather creek this evening. It's usually trickling or gently flowing down to our pond. But after the heavy rains of the afternoon and evening, it overflowed its banks and raged for quite awhile. It has since calmed back down to an even flow within its banks and under the bridges. Thank goodness!

One day this week..

2009-09-11T02:33:00.001-05:00

...I was sitting at my desk, typing an order, thinking about someone and praying. I often pray like that. I'll be doing something, anything, and in an instant, I'm in conversation with God. No big to-do...just a simple request or praise or thank you or funny internal giggle thrown heavenward. I suspect that many of you pray like that too, right?

But on this particular day it just hit me. BAM! God knows me. God knows me. God knows me. God knows me. What a wonderful, sweet revelation on a somewhat ordinary, yet hectic day. What a friend I have in Jesus. You have in Jesus. We have in Jesus. Quicker than we can form our thoughts (and prayers) He is already tuned in and listening. I'm so glad I can come to Him at anytime and anywhere with the concerns, joys, hurts, and all the things of my heart. In an instant. Just in conversation. In my head.

On that day, I was just so thankful that I didn't have to say, "This is Michele. Remember me? Daughter of Timmy Wayne, Grand-daughter of William Matthew, Great-Grand-daughter of...(and so on and so on)." I was thankful that I didn't have to make this long speech...just to make it into His presence. Aren't you glad you don't either?? :)

Psst....Got a Quarter on You??

2009-09-05T22:59:00.002-05:00

OKC Zoo 2009

The Grass is Always Greener...

2009-09-05T22:55:00.001-05:00

OKC Zoo 2009

Love Is...

2009-08-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

...enjoying each other's company.

Tulsa Zoo 2009

Nature Boy goes Reptile

2009-08-26T22:44:00.000-05:00

A Reptile convention happened along one Saturday afternoon, and my little naturalist wanted to go. I don't like the look of these photos with a flash, but I do love the look on my little man's face as the snake curled around him. :)

Unfortunately, these baby mice were not being sold as pets but as snacks for the reptiles.......can we all say ewwww?

The Blessing of Family

2009-08-23T23:21:00.007-05:00

My FIL, MIL, SIL, nieces and nephews have been visiting. It's been so fun to see everyone. My MIL and FIL are settling in AZ soon, so I am glad they are here for an extended visit. My SIL and her family live in TX (it's so good to see them!), as well as Steve's brother and family. Their children (two of them) have been staying with us some as well. My other dear SIL is moving to TX soon. It's a great place to live! I love it here in OK, but the only thing I dislike is that it isn't Texas! lol.

My FIL

K, C and cousin Z

Cousin C

C and cousin Z

Cousin C and K

Cousin R, Cousin K, and K

Dear SIL

Dear MIL and baby K

Handsome Personified

2009-08-23T23:15:00.002-05:00

Snapped this photo a few days ago of C and K. Aren't they handsome? I'm so glad you agree with me. :)

Beautiful Baptism

2009-08-23T22:51:00.003-05:00

Tonight, our youngest son was baptized. What a beautiful thing! He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour several years ago, and has now followed in the footsteps of Jesus and taken the step of baptism. He understands that baptism doesn't save him, but is a testimony of his faith in Jesus, and symbolically represents him becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus.

He wasn't the least bit shy about it and told me again when I tucked him into bed tonight, "Mom, I'm so, so glad I was baptized today!" Makes a momma's heart smile.

There were many people present for his special moment (and four others), but this photo of a special guest is for all my dog-loving friends out there. ;)

So I cut my hair...

2009-08-04T14:44:00.004-05:00

...and hated it. Ever happened to you?? The cut I wanted, and the cut I received were two entirely different things. What can I do? Live with it and pray it grows...quickly! So, here's the new look, not lovin' it, but learning to live with it until it grows.

Creature Shots

2009-08-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

A garden visitor...

Another one of C's catch and releases...

This hummingbird flew into a light in the shop. It was dazed when dh picked it up, but it quickly flew away...

Pretty little bluebird...

This egret visited us on a Saturday morning...

Look who's back! This time I photographed the little fawn with it's sibling...

C: Summer Fun

2009-08-02T01:01:00.004-05:00

C has been enjoying his summer too. He has had time to play with his friends. Here he, his bro, and friend are painting birdhouses.

He's had time to explore and make discoveries.

He's been a diligent member of Matt's pitt crew.

He's had time to play in several golf-tournaments (and placed in several!).

And he traveled far away from home for his very first Church Camp. Oh that was hard on me! But he had a wonderful time, made lots of new friends, and it was so sweet to hear how he felt close to Jesus and learned much about living for Him!

M: Summer Racing

2009-08-01T23:57:00.005-05:00

This is the summer that Matt was able to really get out there and learn his car. Seems like it took quite awhile because every week they adjusted something, or added something....or removed something. It is always a work in progress. Through this experience, I think Matt is learning a lot about working hard, dealing with troubles, and not giving up when things don't go well. I think he has experienced highs and lows throughout this summer. Highs when he places 3rd in a rookie race and 8th in a full-length feature (20 laps), and lows when he spins out or something breaks, rendering his night of racing over.

There's always lots of mud and dust at a dirt track. And the track surface is always different depending on how wet the dirt is. It gets drier and slicker as the night progresses. And you never know what is going to happen. In a split second, a car can flip, catch on fire, or cause a multi-car crash. Or nothing will happen at all!

There is a great comraderie between racers on Friday night. If someone is having trouble with their engine, there is always someone willing to help. Racers and crews loan parts, labor, and anything that's needed. But on the track they are competitors! Then they are comrads again, sharing ideas, and laughs. There is such a contrast in cars, trailors and racers. Some cars are brought in on flatbed trailers behind beat up pickup trucks, and some arrive in style in a extremely nice trailers that have sleeping quarters, lifts, and a fully-stocked garages. Some drivers have sponsors and race full time, and others race when they can save up enough to pay the entry fee.

I think it's taken me most of the summer to not feel nauseous when it's time for him to race. I get excited for him, knowing he's fulfilling a dream he's had for a long time, but yet I'm still nervous every time he lines up to go out on the track. I think back to when he was a little boy and pushing hotwheels around the table...and often wish he were still doing that! But...I know he's growing up and I must learn to deal with it. So I pray hard, put on a big smile, and yell, "Go, Matt! Go!"

K: Summer Golf

2009-07-26T07:31:00.002-05:00

These photos are from one of K's recent golf tournaments. It's been such a joy to watch him develop as a golfer and although he's just been playing for about a year and a half, he's taken to it well! This is his first summer to be a part of this particular league, and as he has gotten to know other golfers, it has made the tournaments even more fun.

Some tournament days have been sooo hot! Although this particular day was very, very nice...he has played more than one tournament when the heat index was 109*. The courses make sure the athletes have plenty of water available at all times.

K's still working on his putting and chipping, but his drive has been going well for him this summer. He regularly churns out a 250 to 300 yard drive.

Last summer, 6 months into playing, my husband challenged him to shoot under a hundred, saying he would let him play in tournaments when he could score in the 90's. K loves a challenge! It didn't take him long to drop into the 90's and enter his first tournament.

This summer he has routinely scored in the low 80's, but could never break into the 70's in a tournament....which was his goal. I still think he did very well, but he doesn't want to end the summer tournaments until he gets there! I'm proud of his progress either way. :)

Creature Shots

2009-07-15T23:35:00.004-05:00

The boys (my C and neighbor A) were pretending this green snake was a king cobra. He swayed back and forth with their hand movements. Funny.

Here is another snake of a friendly variety - a garter snake, I believe. I got to hold this one. :) (click on the photo to see it's tongue hanging out!)

This fawn was bounding away by the time I gathered my camera.

The Garden of My Heart

2009-07-10T13:28:00.001-05:00

I like planting and taking care of a vegetable garden. There’s just something soothing and therapeutic about getting my hands into the rich dirt and removing weeds or planting seeds. When I’ve watched a planted seed grow into a healthy plant and produce all things yummy and nutritious, I get a great deal of satisfaction.

I check on my little garden often, checking for small weeds that might crop up and compete for the nutrients from the ground, or for garden pests that might want to make a meal of my plants, or their fruits. Sometimes the pests (bugs) are very tiny and seem insignificant, yet when left unattended can truly destroy the plant in a few days.

I water my garden often, being careful that each plant gets what it needs. And a garden that is well-watered not only produces more fruit, but is easier to weed. When the ground is moist, I can grab a weed and pull it out by the root. If the ground is dry and hard, the weed often breaks off at the surface. The problem is that though I can no longer see it, the root of that weed is still there and will soon sprout new leaves.

How about the garden of my heart? Living in this world and current culture can certainly contribute weed seeds to the soil of my heart. Do I watch for them and remove them when they spring up? What about pests? Often there are things which would desire to make a meal of my spiritual life. Distractions, hectic schedules, interests and hobbies, various obligations, and foolish pursuits can inflict almost imperceptible damage until my spiritual life is weakened and unable to produce fruit. Do I water my heart often with prayer and the Word of God? If I don’t, it might be hard to uproot things such as pride and selfishness, and I may not produce the fruit that my Lord deserves and desires for me.

Proverbs 4:23

NIV: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
NKJV: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. TM: Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.

Lately the Lord has been showing me that though I’ve been tending my garden outside with diligence, I have been neglecting the garden of my heart. What a pity. God has blessed me so much, and yet when I take a truthful look at my heart, I see weeds and pest-damage where there should be fruit. Thank You, Lord, that You’ve shown me the overgrown places in my heart. I thank You for lovingly convicting me of pests that I’ve allowed into the garden of my heart through vain pursuits and neglect. I know I have a choice of whether to do something about the state of my heart or not…and I choose to get to work.

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. ~ NIV

eta: This is my dad's garden, not mine. My garden is much smaller!

LIFE IS GOOD~

2009-07-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

There Are Frogs....and Then There Are FROGS!

2009-07-02T15:03:00.000-05:00

I know I have devoted several posts this year to frog eggs, tadpoles, frogs and toads. But I just HAD to show you this.

This bullfrog was our neighbor's entry at our local festival's bullfrog race. Ain't he a beaut?! Our neighbor and his dad captured this big boy from his grandmother's pond...which is just beyond the fence between our place and theirs. The frog made it to the finals, but didn't win first place. There's always next year!

How'd you like to find this frog on your front porch?? Would you think he was cool and pick him up? Or would you scream and run back inside?? LOL!

As you can tell...my kid thought he was pretty fabulous. :)

Less...Is More

2009-07-01T23:27:00.005-05:00

Have you ever been in a shop or department store…and there is so much going on that it’s hard to focus on any one thing? You are looking for that ONE beautiful fabric with which to make something, and you step into a large fabric shop and suddenly you’re overwhelmed? You end up leaving because there are too many choices, and once you leave you can’t really recall the things you saw? Yep, that’s happened to me.

This past January, along with my 2009 focus word of Stewardship, I really wanted to continue simplifying my life. I wanted to pare down, want less, do less, and truly focus on being a good steward of the things in my care: my marriage, ministry, home, children, relationships, finances, any and all of my God-given blessings.

In my quest to simplify, I checked out innumerable books on simplicity from the library, and spent lots of time online seeking out sistas of simplicity from which to find new ideas and draw inspiration. As I often do, I would have a non-fiction book list a mile long, check out more with each trip to the library than I could possibly read in two weeks, and usually had 2 or 3 books going at the same time.

Out of those books I read, I think the most important things I read, that have made the biggest difference for me, and that I would love to pass on to others who are seeking to simplify and be better stewards of the things in their care it’s this: Focus on ONE thing at a time. BE in the moment of that thing. BE THERE, completely. Multi-tasking can make everything less meaningful and less memorable. No wonder we often forget things or details….it's not old age! We (I) try to do too much, too often. Our American culture of MORE is better encourages us to live by the motto, “Have a minute? Cram something in it!”

But I say it’s not about having everything, but enjoying what you have. It’s not about doing everything, but focusing on what you are doing. It’s not about reading everything, it’s about enjoying and truly drawing from the things you read. It’s about being completely in the moment.

I have been applying this to my life. . Instead of reading 4 books in a week, skimming parts here and there. I choose ONE book at a time and read it, ponder it, file away the good ideas, toss the things that don’t align with my values, and just absorb it before moving on to another. Instead of trying to memorize several scriptures at a time, I focus on ONE scripture, truly ponder it’s meaning, and let it become a heart-truth before moving on to the next. Instead of trying to pay bills, make dinner, and catch the evening news all at the same time, I focus on ONE thing, and let the others wait. When my son asks me to watch a movie with him, I spend that time truly watching the movie, and not trying to watch the movie while playing on my laptop and washing the dishes.

I think it is making a big difference for me! I may not be reading as much, accomplishing as much, doing as much….but what I AM reading, accomplishing and doing, I am fully enjoying and fully present for them, and not trying to multi-task my way through life. I am remembering more, enjoying more, and being completely in the moment. It's life-changing (well, at least it is life-enhancing! ) because LESS….really is MORE.

Nature Shots of Little Things...

2009-06-29T06:37:00.003-05:00

...in the front hedges

...in the flower gardens

...on the golf course
...found on a nature walk and then released

...on the edge of the woods surrounding our property

The great thing about nature is that it is everywhere. You don't have to have to live in the country or in the woods to find the many wonders of God's creation. It's often just a step out your front door.

It's Friday night...

2009-06-12T06:53:00.001-05:00

...and that means it's time to race! I wish I could say that it doesn't bother me now to see my 15yo out there on Friday nights, but I'm not there yet! I'm trying though, and I know he loves it a lot. His car is running well once again, and he's gaining experience every week.

"Let's go racin', boys!"

Summer Sweet Things

2009-06-11T23:39:00.005-05:00

Blueberries...

tame blackberries...

and scrumptious apples...

....ahhhh...these are some of the sweet things of summer.

Final Frog and Toad Update

2009-06-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

This is the last hurrah of our bullfrog and toad tadpole observations this spring. The bullfrog tadpoles' legs are continuing to grow and they have recently been released back to pond and creek from which they were captured. We wish them a long and prosperous life. LOL! We are still completely overrun with miniscule toads and there are many, many more tadpoles that have yet to make the change from amphibian to land dweller. These are all located OUTSIDE now in different wet locations.

It's been fun, but my enthusiasm is starting to wain! I love how much my children have enjoyed watching them grow and change and have followed frogs and toads throughout their life cycles this spring....but we have frogs and toads coming out our ears, folks! The good thing is that most of them seem to be relocating themselves and the boys have not had to do too much...just capture the ones who jump inside when the door is open. So, I assume the remainder will get their legs soon and maybe they will ALL hop along their merry way to creeks, ponds, and other places that are not just outside the back door...

Two Peas in a Pod

2009-06-04T19:59:00.004-05:00

I've been pretty absent from blogging lately, but hopefully that will change soon. Just had to post this of my son and his friend. These guys are all about dirt, turtles, and a good time. Gotta love little boys!

Celebration of a Beautiful Life

2009-05-27T00:02:00.005-05:00

My dh's grandfather passed away this past weekend. He was almost 89 years old and had lived a full, wonderful life.

Reverend Floyd Renfro was a faithful man of God that served Jesus whole-heartedly throughout his life. He was an evangelist, pastored many Assembly of God churches, and led innumerable kids krusades and jail ministries over the course of his life. He loved Jesus, served Him faithfully, and left quite a spiritual legacy for generations of family.

It is always hard to say goodbye...but we can celebrate a life well-lived and not wasted. He loved his wife of over 67 years and set such a godly example for all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

If you have a moment, would you prayerfully remember Mary, his darling wife? She has really only known life with Floyd, and I know her heart is overwhelmed right now with the loss of her best friend and love of her life. Thank you for your prayers concerning Grandma Mary!

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. ~Daniel 12:3

31 Ways to Pray for Our Children

2009-05-18T07:09:00.001-05:00

This list was put together by Bob Hostetler and I found it very helpful. I hope you do too!

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children

1 Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).

2 Growth in Grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).

3 Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).

4 Honesty and Integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21, NLT).

5 Self-Control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)

6 A Love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).

7 Justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).

8 Mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).

9 Respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).

10 Strong, Biblical Self-Esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).

11 Faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).

12 Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

13 Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).

14 Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

15 Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

16 Peace, Peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).

17 Joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

18 Perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).

19 Humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).

20 Compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).

21 Responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).

22 Contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).

23 Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).

24 A Servant Heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).

25 Hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

26 The Willingness and Ability to Work Hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).

27 A Passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).

28 Self-Discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).

29 Prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).

30 Gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).

31 A Heart for Missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).

Nature Shots (from around the farm)

2009-05-17T13:44:00.001-05:00

This hawk swooped down from a tree and snatched up something. A small bird perhaps? I believe this is a Red-Shouldered Hawk.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis

Nature Boy's latest creatures for observation. There are THREE bullfrog tadpoles (can you see their legs??) and a little water turtle. I think we shall release the turtle back into the creek in a few days.

My Dianthus and Hybrid Roses.

This Blue Heron has visited our pond for two days in a row. I know it's the same one because he is BIG. I suppose the heavy rains have made our pond look less like a fast-food establishment and more like a four-star restaurant!

The climbing roses in view from my kitchen. They are a beautiful sight while washing my dishes!

This Blue Jay has also been a regular visitor this week. He's stolen Mighty Hunter's food, visited the bird feeders for some seeds, and generally thinks he owns the place. lol!

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful things You have created!

Just Two More Weeks!!

2009-05-17T06:30:00.001-05:00

In two weeks, we will be finished with our homeschooling and public schooling for the '08-'09 school year and will be ready for a great summer break. YEA!! We are ALL looking forward to it.

If you were to ask Matt what he is looking forward to this summer, he would say sleeping in some days, racing, hanging out with his friends, not having ANY homework, and getting his driver's license.

If you were to ask K what he is looking forward to this summer, he would say not getting up early every day, playing flashlight tag, playing lots of golf, swimming, camping, and hanging out with his friends.

If you were to ask Nature Boy what he is looking forward to this summer, he would say swimming, fishing all the time, NOT going to the shop/warehouse, staying up late and reading, and catching fireflies and frogs....and more frogs....and yet more frogs.

Me? I'm looking forward to a lighter work-load and enjoying the summer with my guys. I hope to spend some alone time with Steve, attend several races and golf-tournaments and root for my boys, manage my small garden, be OUTSIDE as much as possible, spend some time with friends (both new and old), READ, READ, READ, takes lots of pictures, and....the list goes on and on!

What about you? What are you looking forward to this summer??

Cool Chemical Concoctions

2009-05-11T22:45:00.005-05:00

C and I picked up a book at the library last week called ~ Cool Chemical Concoctions: 50 Formulas that Fizz, Foam, Splatter & Ooze, and he has been putting it to good use. It's very kid-friendly and informative. He has made a lava lamp (non-electrical, oil and water mix), dissolved an egg shell in vinegar (that one was really cool), made a "shrunken head" out of an apple, and blew up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar. He's needed very little help from me, and any book that motivates my children to learn/do something new without any coaxing from me gets a BIG thumbs up. :)

Here are a few shots of his activities:

A Mother's Love ~ Creature Shots

2009-05-11T21:51:00.004-05:00

This mama killdeer was doing her best to get our attention.

Do you know why???

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Her eggs have hatched! Isn't this the cutest little thing?! And don't worry, we didn't overdo it...I just had to have one picture though. ;)

All three eggs hatched and it is so sweet to see these little babies running around the yard.

Happy Mother's Day!

Nature Shots

2009-05-05T23:45:00.004-05:00

Hiking on new trail last week, my son and I saw these irises growing by an old pond. I am always curious when irises are growing where I don't expect them to be. When C and I saw these, I was reminded of a few years back when on a frequent walking trail, I spied some of these at the site of an old house. The house was gone and not even the foundation was left...but the irises continued to bloom just like the home and all it's residents were still there, caring for them.

My 8 year old is learning more about insects in our current homeschooling unit. These insect eggs found on a recent hike fit into that unit nicely. :)

This Summer Tanager is lovely, don't you think? It was in the trees just beyond our property line. Actually, there were three of them, but I only photographed one. Now C, K, and I know for sure what one sounds like!

The Indian Paintbrush have been going WILD this spring due to all the rain, and they have popped up just about everywhere. C really, really likes to see them. I have been lonesome for some Texas Bluebonnets this spring, but these are a nice substitute. :)