Top 5

Top 5 Things I would have rather done today.....

5. Unpack the new house
4.Play at the park with the children
3.Sit under a tree and read a book
2.taken a nap
1. Ride bikes with the children around the new neighborhood


Why I didn't.......

5. Had to finish the last load and cleaning of the old house
4. see #5
3. It was a bit too cold, and see #5
2. I had unload the last of the boxes from our trucks and stack in the basement in the afternoon
1. My NEW bike developed a clank and had to go to the shop ( and see #2)



BUT the old house is empty and I never have to go back! So really all is well. I can't wait until the boxes are gone and I can show off the new nest!

Rainy Days

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me

John 15:26

  

We have had quite a bit of spring rain this last week. The days have been dark and cold again, making the day feel drudgy and the children and I felt cooped up. All around us there are stacks of boxes, bags for the thrift store and piles of possessions to sort through as we prepare to move. It's hard to convince yourself to get working on these rainy, wet dreary days. 

 I was standing at the front door, sighing and avoiding work for a moment to watch the rain, when I spotted a pair of starlings. The sun had just begun an attempt to show itself and a beautiful chorus of birds could be heard singing from the trees and the riverside close by, despite the rain. The starlings were down on the lawn, and they were picking up worms and grubs and having an absolute feast on the creepy crawlies that had come up from the flooded ground  for fresh air. And it hit me that God looks after us this way too.

  Even in the rain storms of life, God is right by our side, providing for us the most. Because that is when we are most willing to let Him.

Today, I am official separated from my husband in the eyes of the government. The children see their dad once a week now. Our relationship has been a struggle for years now. But yes it was necessary. I am neither happy with it or depressed about it. I had to ask him to leave for a bit so I could catch my breath and sort through what was going on between us, and he chose to leave in a manner that made it permanent.

 I do not feel that it is Gods desire that any family should be separated.  But neither is it Gods desire  for the children to suffer for their parents actions and choices. A cloud of depression has been lifted from this home, and new life is beginning, as are we beginning to heal. The comforter has come. And Gods glory is radiating through this situation.  

God has provided us with social  assistance until I can work out employment, I have never missed a rent payment or bill. And there has always been food on the table. God also provided us with instant  housing, so my funds don't have to stretch so far. What should have taken months or even years, was handed to me in one meeting with the  housing rep.  God has also given me a feeling of grace about the situation. It is not my job to judge him beyond the scope of our own relationship, he needs to work out his relationship between God and his children.  But it is my job to keep the children safe, physically and emotionally. I don't resent him for leaving permanently, and we have quickly learned how to be "pleasant" about sorting out visiting arrangements for the childrens sake. I have the support of my family and friends and my church. And my children are happy again, and have an hungry desire  to know God more. The  grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ is here with us.

God has promised to look after us, and His glory is evident to us, even in the midst of the rain. 
 

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

22 ¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 ¶ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

 Luke 12: 6-7, 22- 32

Sweet!

Dear left-over Butter Cream Chocolate Fudge Icing

You are so inspirational (swooon) You made for a wonderful snack of living room smores with DD when we snuck downstairs when her brothers were asleep for our own movie night.

And as I eyed your remains in the bowl, (the product of a great deal of will power on my behalf) I saw visions of rocky road fudge sweetness for dessert tomorrow.

You made a beautiful friendship with that sad little jar of chunky peanut butter that no one would finish, and the handful of mini marshmallows who didn’t have anywhere else to go to. And I have tucked you into the fridge for the night. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.
(hand raised in scouts honor) But I won’t disturb you until after we have all eaten our morning oatmeal ;o)

(copied from a post I made at RTH) 

Bookmark this Page!

I found this wonderful resource for home homeschoolers, or all parents and childcare givers! Come see illustrator  Jan Brett's website, full of activities and printables, coloring pages and games all with nature themes. I am excited to print some of these off.  With all the packing I have been doing, the children are looking for ways to occupy themselves when their math pages are done.  I hope you enjoy these too!

Easter Birthday

Well at my house if your birthday falls on Easter weekend such as DS2's, sometime in your life you need a bunny cake! Happy 4th Birthday to my Big Little Guy!

This cake was made with my GF sponge cake recipe in two round 8" pans.  A single layer, one circle makes the face and the other was cut to make ears and the bow tie. 

By Special request: Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Here is my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe that makes up really nicely with the Gluten Free flour mix.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups of Gluten free flour mix with xanthan gum (or 1tbsp)
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips or M&M's
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cream first four ingredients until fluffy; sift dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture.
add chips and nuts.  Refrigerate for 1/2 hour.  Drop from a teaspoon, 2" apart.  Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes.  Let cool and remove from pan.

Giant Cookie for Parties
Double the same recipe as above, but after chilling, spread the dough out onto a pizza pan to about 1/2 inch thick. Spell a name or a birthday wish in M&M's if desired. Cook as directed, watching carefully that the center is finished without burning the edges and bottom. Can be iced with icing with the recipients name.

(pictures to follow!)