Wordless Wednesday: Pumpkin Carving!

(Well, almost wordless!)

This past Monday, our family carved pumpkins as we usually do the week before Halloween. It is fun that the kids are growing bigger, and can safely wield a small knife to cut their own pumpkin. Creativity reigned for an hour, and here is what we came up with:

Bethy all ready to carve!

Cleaning out the guts...

Bethy with her pumpkin that Mom carved with her ideas...

Mallory showing me her scary face like her pumpkin!

Rebekah's "snowman" pumpkins, an uncarved one, and Bethy's...

Daddy's spooky face one, Caleb's three-eyed scarface one, and Mal's...

Once again, it was lots of fun! I'd love to see your pumpkins carved too!

John 15:1
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.


Matthew 6:22
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

Halloween costume

When I was in 8th grade, my brothers had a friend that was their age. This friend was kind of a leftover hippie, and he dressed in some outrageous clothes. He had a fantastic clown costume that I really liked. For Halloween, I asked him if I could borrow it, and he let me! For the costume, I used my own purple plaid shirt, but everything else in the costume was his: crazy pink and orange pants, forest green plaid blazer, hot pink Hawaiian tie, red clown nose and rainbow hair wig. :-D I painted my own face with a big red smile, blue around my eyes and white on my cheeks and forehead. I don't know what the white button on my lapel says...

I loved it. I don't remember if I wore the costume to school or not. I do remember my face paint being itchy. I remember trick or treating with my brother (not pictured) and sister, who are 7 and 10 years younger than me. My sister and her friend had the same "Baby Kermit" costume with a green Kermit mask.  They are in the picture with me. I think my sister is the one on the left. My sister had green gloves and an orange pumpkin bucket for her candy. I had a plastic trash bag. Aren't we cute? You almost can't tell it's me! :-D

Writer's Prompt #5: Describe a favorite Halloween costume that you once wore.

1 Peter 3:3-5

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. ⁵ For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves.

Titus 3:8

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Music Monday: "Be The Center"

This song is another of my favorite worship songs that we sing in our church. I like the idea that we need God to be the center of our lives. He can be our hope, our song, the fire in our hearts, and the wind in our sails. He is the reason that I live, my source, my light. These kind of songs bring me closer to the heart of God, and I really enjoy singing them, not only in church, but all week long. I hope you enjoy this song too!

Be The Centre lyrics- by 

Vineyard

Jesus, be the centre

Be my source, be my light

Jesus

Jesus, be the centre

Be my hope, be my song

Jesus

(Chorus) 

Be the fire in my heart

Be the wind in these sails

Be the reason that I live

Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, be my vision 

Be my path, be my guide

Jesus

(Chorus) 

Be the fire in my heart

Be the wind in these sails

Be the reason that I live

Jesus, Jesus

(Instrumental solo)

Be the fire

Yes, Be the fire

(Chorus) 

Be the fire in my heart

Be the wind in these sails

Be the reason that I live

Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, be the centre

Be my source, be my light

Jesus

Be my source, be my light

Jesus

Jesus

Jesus

Jesus

Jesus

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/v/vineyard/be_the_centre.html ]

You can listen to this song on Youtube here.

Exodus 24:17
To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.

Jeremiah 20:9
But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Acts 2:3
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

Pumpkin Pie Cake {Recipe}

This is a delicious recipe that my husband got from a sweet old lady at our church. She had brought it to a potluck, and Joshua liked it so much, he just had to get the recipe! We made it just last night, and the family loved it! It is a great recipe to have in the fall, when the canned pumpkin is on sale.

Pumpkin Pie Cake
1 can (29 oz) Pumpkin
4 eggs
1 large can Carnation brand milk (store brand ok)
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp nutmeg

Beat together above ingredients, and pour into 9" X 13" pan.
Topping: 1 box yellow cake mix (18.25 oz)
1 1/2 cubes of oleo (I used butter)
1 cup chopped or ground nuts-- pecans or walnuts

 Top cake with cake mix sprinkled on top of pumpkin mixture. Add melted butter, and then top with nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, no longer. Top with cool whip if desired.

 Going into the oven...

After baking...

YUM!

If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear your review. I'm looking forward to having it again tomorrow!

Genesis 43:11
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.

Deuteronomy 6:3
Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

Hebrews 5:12-14

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature,who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

American Girl class: Kit Week 1

This week in our American Girl class, we reviewed the book, Meet Kit and discussed the Depression era. I told some stories that my grandmother had told me about life during the Depression. 

For our craft, we made a felt sports banner with white felt and stickers. I cut a long triangle measured 8" X 20" for each girl. I gave the girls some felt stickers and had lots of felt scraps that the girls could cut. The banners were not very sports oriented, but were much more flowery and girly! Some of them were quite patriotic!

 For our snack, we had Sponge Cake & Iced Tea, much like Kit's mother and her friends would have eaten in their Garden Club meetings. One mom made a home-made sponge cake, and the other mom bought an Angel Food cake, which was great too! The girls mostly liked the cake and the sweet tea that we had. 

The Starbucks bag is one of my trash cans!

Also in book 1, Kit moves out of her room into the attic. Many people lost their homes during the Depression and had to live in a home with many people, like Kit's home, or in an apartment. We had a printed paper suitcase, you can find the template here and here. There are two printables, one is the suitcase, and one is the inside/ what-to-pack printable. The girls seemed to enjoy coloring them and cutting the suitcase, and gluing the pages together. Then they wrote what they'd pack if they needed to move. Most of them included a doll! :-D

One of the girls came dressed in the outfit on the cover of Meet Kit, but I didn't get a picture of her! It was so cute on her! I really enjoyed the class this week, and I'm looking forward to talking more about Kit!

Genesis 12:1

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

Proverbs 31:27

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

John 14:2

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

Wordless Wednesday: Bethany!

(Well, almost wordless!)

My Bethany, age 3 3/4 has been playing with her stuffed dog a lot lately. I've been wanting to snag a photo of her with her barking dog for a few weeks. Then she found this Legoland hat and has been wearing it every day. I finally got some pictures of her to share with you. In the last picture, she came in with our cat costume on the dog's head and it made me laugh. I hope you enjoy a chuckle too.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)

He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!
(Psalms 113:9 Holy Bible ESV)

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Mom Quotes

Here are some things that I say in our house, that may not be said in other homes...

1. Did you check the chickens today?

2. It's school time, do your work!

3. Please obey right away, with a smile.

4. Do what's right, with all your might.

5. Be kind all the time, even when it's hard.

6. How long did you play football outside? (FOUR hours one time!)

7. Put your shoes IN the basket!

8. Show Daddy your lapbook...

9. Mallory, the neighbor's sheep are calling you...

10. Yes, I'll get your blanket and baby Elmo so you can sleep with them.

Some of these are things said to encourage godly behavior (see #3, 4, 5), while others are said to encourage cleanliness, good sleep (#10), and chores getting done (#1). But they are all honestly things that I say or have said in our home! I love our busy homeschool, chicken farming, somewhat rural, Christian life with kids!

Writer's Prompt #4: Write a list of 10 things you have said to your kids that other moms might not say.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Music Monday: "My Help Comes from the Lord"

This song is one that I hear on the radio and I really enjoy it. The lyrics speak to my heart. I pray this song to God, that He truly is my strength each day and my song in the night. I know that my daily help comes from the Lord, just as this song says. I hope you enjoy this song too, that it speaks to your heart today. May HE be your help and strength!

My Help Comes From The Lord by The Museum

[verse 1:]

When sorrows come and hope seems gone

You're the rock I rest upon

When waters rise and I can't breathe

You're the love that rescues me

[bridge:]

Out of the darkness I lift up my eyes

Unto the hills I feel my faith rise

[chorus 1:]

Maker of heaven giver of life

You are my strength 

my song in the night 

my refuge my shelter now and forevermore 

my help comes from the lord

[verse 2:]

When I'm broken scarred by sin

Death gives way to life again

When I suffer when I doubt

In you I'm free in you I'm found

[repeat bridge:]

[repeat chorus:]

[chorus 2:]

Maker of heaven giver of life

You are my strength

You're my refuge

Now and forevermore...

Read more: http://www.kovideo.net/my-help-comes-from-the-lord-lyrics-the-museum-1155622.html#ixzz29z59J4HB

You can listen to this song on YouTube here.

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.


Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress,my refuge in times of trouble.


Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and mydeliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Faithful Friday: Be Thankful #2

*Found on Pinterest*

I really like the thoughts presented in this stanza. I like that we need to be thankful in hard times and tough circumstances, because it helps us grow in strength and character. So much truth here! It is quite challenging to be thankful in the tough times, in the mistakes, in your limitations, but that is when God grows us. And eventually, He blesses us! He didn't promise that life would be easy, but He did promise that He would be with us. It is a good reminder for me too!

Have you thanked Him for your limitations, challenges and mistakes today?

Matthew 11:29-30

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

American Girl class: Rebecca Week 6

This week in our American Girl class, we talked about the sixth book in the Rebecca series, Changes for Rebecca. After we discussed the book, we made a Vine Picture holder, an idea which I got from The Jewish Holiday Craft Book by Kathy Ross. 

For the craft, we traced and cut three leaves from green construction paper. We glued each leaf onto a clothespin. The clothespins were then clipped onto a piece of clothesline, which I had dyed light green with food coloring. The girls could then add their own pictures to the picture hanger and hang it in their room as a decoration.

 For snack, we made our own lemonade, like Rebecca and Ana did in our book.


Here is the easy homemade lemonade recipe that we used:
4 fresh lemons, halved
1/2 gallon water
1 cup sugar

Squeeze lemons, getting most of the juice out. Mix with water and sugar. YUM!

 The girls squeezed the lemon halves into their own cups, then we put the juice through a strainer into the water pitcher. They really liked doing this, even though it was messy!

The 2:00 class, tracing their leaves...

 There was lots of singing since many of the girls have choir before my class...

I also printed an activity from homeschoolshare.com, in the American Girl lapbook templates. The girls cut out and wrote in the Family mini-book. We looked in the front of our Rebecca books at the family list, and the girls copied the names of family members into the mini-book. The hard part was getting the book pages stapled in order!


It was another fun class. I hope the girls enjoyed it as much as I did! Next week, we start KIT! We are all excited!


Genesis 1:11
Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.

Daniel 4:12
Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Wordful Wednesday: Weekend Highlights

This past weekend, I went away to a lovely nearby mountain town for a refreshing retreat away. I was with other women from our church, and enjoyed time to focus on friends and of course, time with God. One of the fun times was during one session when our leader told a modern story of "The Three Little Pigs." I won't be able to tell it exactly as it was written by the author, but I'll do my best to remember it.

There was once three sisters who went away from home to make their way in the world. The first silly sister, "Susie Sweets" tried to build her home on the decadent delights of all types of chocolate. She melted and smeared chocolate in the cracks and tried to build her safe haven with all types of candy. But alas, the Big Bad Wolf came along, munched on the house and blew the home down.

The second silly sister, "Pretty Patty" found her security in beauty. She made her home with beauty magazines, lots of mirrors and fitted it with every type of vanity around. When the Big Bad Wolf came around, she tried to defend her home by warding him off with a high heeled shoe, but the Big Bad Wolf got the best of her home.

The third silly sister, "Dollar Donna" went out to build her own house of money. She used coins, banks and bills for her building materials and lined the walls with dollars as wallpaper. Of course, the Big Bad Wolf came prowling around and blew Donna's house of money to the ground too.

Of course the metaphor that we saw played out is that we try to find our security in this world in things that don't last and don't meet our needs: money, sweets, and beauty. Our true security and foundation can be built in God alone. He will provide our needs, fill our empty hearts with His love and show us the right way to live.

It was a fun skit to see performed by our brave volunteers who hammed it up a bit! We laughed and enjoyed the banter and acting! (They shall remain nameless here, all identities of actresses hereby protected...)

Luke 6:46-49

 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.  They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.  But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

Music Monday: "Jesus You are so Good"

Since I was out of town this weekend, I didn't get to prepare my blog posts for this week as usual. I missed my post yesterday, but I still have a great song for you, even though it's Tuesday! I hope you enjoy this song and will take a moment to listen and reflect on God's goodness in your own life, as this one helps me reflect on mine!

Jesus, You are so Good- by Don Moen

Jesus, you are so good
Jesus, you are so good
There's nothing to fear
Cause I'm here in Your presence

Jesus, you are so good
Jesus, you are so good
And I just want to thank you
With every beat of my heart

You've given me eternal life
And Your Word to light my way
You've given me Your Spirit
With new mercies every day

You've given me a confidence
And my soul is filled with peace
For You are a provider
You supply my every need

This song ties in to my thankfulness theme of my blog, too! ;-D

You can listen to this song on YouTube here.



Ezra 3:11
 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:

“He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.”

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.


Psalm 69:30
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.


Psalm 147:1
Praise the Lord.
How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Faithful Friday: Be Thankful...

Just a little note for you today, a good thought...

Be Thankful for This Day!

"I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17

"Oh give thanks for the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!" 1 Chronicles 16:8

"We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds." Psalm 75:1

American Girl class: Rebecca week 5

This week in our American Girl class, we discussed Rebecca to the Rescue, which is the 5th book in our series. The book is about Rebecca's older brother Victor's Bar Mitzvah, and how the family celebrated by going to Coney Island. We discussed Coney Island, had "Coney dogs" (beef hot dogs with chili on top) and Lemonade or Root Beer for snack.

For our craft, I had the girls decorate a brown paper bag with their name and crayons. Then we played games like we were at Coney Island! I set up four games: bean bag toss, bowling on the floor, clothespin drop and bowling cups over with a ball. The girls each got a prize at each game, which were pencils, stickers, bracelets and candy. 

I had another craft planned, but I couldn't gather the supplies in time. The treat bags were fine, and the girls added stickers after the games were done. I wasn't sure how long the games would take, and as it ended up it was only about 15-20 minutes, so we got out a little early. Some of the games were a little tight to play since our room is kinda small. I think the girls really liked it!

 The cups are there...

 Bowled them down!

The 2:00 class decorating their bags...

I wish we could have gone to Coney Island, but it's a little too far away from Colorado! We had our own fun anyway...


Psalm 2:11
Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.

Psalm 89:16
They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.

Psalm 145:7

They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Wordless Wednesday: Mallory's birthday!

(Well, almost wordless!)

Our Mallory had a great birthday this past weekend! She turned 6, and had a Strawberry Shortcake themed party. Her actual birthday was Friday, and she opened a few gifts after we had Pumpkin Pancakes for breakfast. She got clothes from Mom and Dad, and loved them all!

On Friday night, Grandpa and Grandma came, and we had fun being together with them. We had a fun time decorating the house for the Strawberry party. I had found an idea on Pinterest to make the balloons look like strawberries. They were so cute! I had also made a strawberry bunting for her, and it has found a permanent home in my strawberry- themed kitchen!

 Nana came over on Saturday and helped Daddy decorate the strawberry flavored cake into a strawberry shape! It turned out very cute!

 The dinner menu was her choice-- mac & cheese, pigs in a blanket and pizza roll-ups. We also had fruit salad (with strawberries) and chips/ cheetos.

 Our friends and family were quite generous once again, and bestowed many gifts of clothing, toys and coloring/ activity books upon our birthday girl.

 She loved her purse to color on from Nana.

 Grandpa gave her mittens, a warm headband and a great pink fleece coat! She loved it and has worn it already. Thanks for coming, everyone! We thank God for our silly, fun and smart Mallory-- what a blessing she has been to us!

Psalm 37:26
They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.

Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

Isaiah 45:3
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Fire Safety Lapbook

Since October is Fire Safety month, I have a great lapbook which relates to that theme! 

You can find the free printables here.

My daughter and I made this lapbook several years ago, and it is one we look at every year. It includes lots of great information and things to do.

Another place to find fire safety lapbook printables can be found here.

Here are two of our favorite books related to fire safety:

My Fire Engine by Michael Rex
and If I Could Drive a Fire Truck by Tonka

On our front cover is this Fire truck coloring sheet.

On the inside left cover:
Four steps to Fire Safety
Firemen matchbook fold
Stop, Drop and Roll indexed tabs
Smoke Detectors circle fan fold
Meeting Spot Triangle petal fold
How to treat burns envelope fold

Right inside cover:
Escape route center fold
Two ways out of each room envelope
Emergency Layered book
My family's emergency plan

Left inside, close-up

Right inside, close-up

Back cover: Fireman coloring sheet

We enjoyed this lapbook and enjoyed the safety discussions which we had too. We hope and pray that our home will be safe and protected from fire, but if it does occur, that we will be better prepared.

_________________________________
Genesis 22:5-7

Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” ⁶ Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. ⁷ Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Deuteronomy 4:24
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Song of Solomon 8:6
“Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the LORD.