Saturday, December 31, 2011

The End Of Another Year, Been Precious With You



found and pinned on my Pinterest

Good morning precious sweet ladies, who I know without a shadow of doubt the Lord has brought to my blog.........for one purpose........so that I can tell you......that you are someone special.....to remind you that you are loved......by God and me. I want you to know Jesus personally and if you don't somehow I can tell you who He is, in my daily walk with Him. My heart prayer is that I would never lead you astray from the truth of His Word........please pray for me.

I want you to be encouraged that as Momma's of children....... that Home is the best place for us to be. That training them to serve the Lord is the most important job we will ever have on this earth. To tell you that even though they may wander in their latter years, to stay faithful to the Lord and stay on your knees on their behalf until they return to their first love, Jesus Christ. To make our Homes a place of refuge for our families and to work hard to make it that. I know some of you Momma's have to go outside the Home and work, because of circumstances you have no control over. I am so sorry. Life here in an imperfect world and sometimes makes life very difficult. Some of you are so weary.....but the Word says to "not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"! Galatians 6:9. 

As you know last year our family had to go from the farm to work in a college. To serve in the bakery and kitchen to 450 young people who needed encouragement. They are far from their families homes. The fact that I had to leave my home, ladies this broke my heart, after working alongside my sweet man and our children for all our married lives. The fellowship the Lord has given our family has been a delight to my heart big time, year after year........working the soil! As you know I still work along side our girls in the bakery. I can go and see my sweet man and help him at the grill whenever he needs it. Our boss is a CHRISTian man and understands being a help mate to your husband. God you are amazing!!!! We had to do something to keep ourselves going. We went to the Lord and asked what He wanted us to do. We prayed specifically because we wanted to stay as a family. Some told us it was impossible.......we already knew that, that is why we prayed!!!!!! About 5 days before the college was to start a young man called (who was going to help my sweet man learn to compost). He said that he couldn't come that week, because he was hiring 9 people in the kitchen at the college. We knew "4 of those people" who he was looking for. smile! We were hired......as a family......together. Precious.......but not without a cost on this Momma's part or our girls. I will never be comfortable leaving our Home everyday nor are they.  Our hours were until early afternoon. That left half the day.......another blessing! I can see the golden thread woven into the tapestry of our lives. Our girls are learning a lot as we learn together and it has been fun. I couldn't bear to give the time up that we have always had. They have also made some very sweet friends, who also love the Lord. We had prayed for good friends......God gave them. 

All that to say, run the race ladies, trust Jesus to be your all this next year, that if you are married....... your sweet man will be your priority, if you have children, that you will teach them throughout the day about their Father in Heaven and to love and respect their Daddy........it is important, it is our calling as Momma's. How will they know, if we do not teach them. And ladies, when life is hard.......press in to the One who knows you best........trust Him and His Word.......He will walk you through to the end. 

This is so precious. Yesterday received an email from a sweet friend who lives in France.  Emma asked if I knew about a ministry called, Amazima Ministries. I had not. I didn't look it up at the time I read her email (but was going to later that evening). Later in the day.........no KIDDING, the Lord took me via another site to AMAZIMA Ministries. God is so WONDERFUL! Just another way He shows me He is in the details!  God wanted to bless me......so I could tell Emma!!!!!!  I went to this precious young lady named Katie's blog. She runs Amazima Ministries. This morning I listened to the rest of her testimony (along her sidebar). This precious young lady was a breathe of fresh air to my soul. She talked about her plans when she first started her ministry.........then how He came to set her plans in place. I so agree with this. We have our hearts desires.......but He wants us to know that "we are His heart desire and He knows what is best for us". That is what He has done with my precious family... I am realizing even more deeply that.......... this morning.

Here is Katies blog called "On earth as it is in Heaven"
You will love her! 

Ladies last year when I started working, I had to think about my life at the bakery as my 2nd Home, truly it made it tolerable and every time I served food on a plate for a young person that came to my line....I was serving them, as if they were sitting at my own table. I would think, I am here for one purpose. To be hands and feet for Jesus. To love the kids He put in front of me.  I remember a long time ago a husband and wife poured their life into Phil and I. They said, "there is no better gift to give your children, then to live out a good marriage of love before them". Ladies I am truly seeing my God move mountains in my heart.....I give my husband sweet pecks on the cheeks at work.......hugs when he needs it.......just like I do at home. It is okay! I have encouraged one women who got married last year......without me even realizing it, to be a Keeper at Home and helpmate to her sweet man! Thank you Jesus! I have learned to trust Jesus in a whole new way. Still working along side my sweet man and children. A gift and I know the "GIFT GIVER".

Katie has a video on the her side bar, worth listening to. She talked about when Peter saw Jesus walking on the water. In his disbelief  he shouts out to Jesus, "Lord if that is you command me and I will come to you on the water".  And Jesus says, "Come", Peter steps out of the boat and for an instance he does the impossible and walks on the water, with Jesus, of course he gets scared and he starts to drown, but Jesus pulls him back up into the safety of the boat. Katie goes on to say that she is just like Peter.........this is when I thought......that is me too! Leaving my Home for me seemed impossible. This is where I had been all of my married life.  It hasn't always been easy......lots of hardships have come my way.......but I was still in the safety of our Home. My sweet man and I have seen how all those years prior when we adopted kids from the college.......now we are in the midst of them every day serving them. There is a lot of untruths that are being taught to young people, especially in the CHRISTian colleges and we have been able to help steer some of them to look at the Word and find truth. Time and time again we see Him using us in small ways. Are we perfect? Absolutely not, but the Lord has taught us to study the Word and our heart cry is to not depart from it's Truth. It is the only thing we can hold onto in this world. On my side bar I have "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him". Proverbs 30:5

Here is the story of Peter.
Matt 14:22-33
Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”


"Let's get out of the boat.........walk on the water with Jesus"!
said, Katie a single young lady.........with 14 children..........I want to join her.............that will take trust! 

I know this post is long.........but my prayer for us this year is that we can be women of courage in the hard times...........that we will love the unlovely........that we will not quit being who God wants us to be, even in the toughest times. Have you ever thought that He has placed people in our lives that are difficult and hard to live with, so that we might be the very example of Christ being lived out before them? That when we fail God's best we can confess with our mouths that we are sorry, that we are wrong and He is right. That we would be in the Word daily.........so that we might live supernatural lives before our Father and as His Holy Spirit directs our way. How will we know Him if we don't read His Love Letters written to us? 

Precious ladies may the Lord bless you as you bless your families and those He puts in your path......and may we be the JOY of the Lord to many!!!!!

Hugs and may the God of the Universe wrap His arms around You..........for me!

Linda

P.S. If you have not received the name of your tea party friend, look in your trash on your computer. Just had a lady find hers there! I also know that some ladies have been sick also, so it might be there soon! Thank you to all who have written me your experience. It was a blessed time doing the tea party. Any ideas of what we should do next time? I did a seed party once last year!

Oh and if you are not a friend on facebook (side bar will take you there) you can sign up. I put up little hello's during the day.  I did a post last night of the cat that snuck into the dryer.........oops! It was a little noisy when the dryer got turned on. 

I am finishing up the stitcheries!!!!!!!! Turning out fun! Coming soon!!!!


On the top side bar, I put these recipe cards down to $1.oo. They are in two sizes,  print them off and cut out!






Friday, December 30, 2011

My Blessings.........Right From The LORD!


Lo, Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the Fruit of the Womb is HIS reward. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them (even Grandchildren) Psalm 127:5

We are having lots of fun on the farm........lots of chatter  and I am hiding all of it in my heart! "When I was made from God"..........Reid, 4 years old, not sure what he was talking about.....that's okay......at least he knows he was made by God!!!!!!! Vitaliy is having a wonderful time with all his cousins..........that blesses me big time! Love being a Grammie.........will be spending my time today with them. Asked the 5 older boys who ages between 10-13, if they will always come to the farm for Grammie and Poppa Camp.....they said "yes", they are signing a contract today!!!!!! Heehee! 

Love you all...........trust your day will be a sweet one! I have a few more days home before I have to go back to serve at the college......preparing my heart. God has been so good to us, so I have to try not to be sad!!!!!!

Well I am off to do some cooking for the kids Snowman Party! 

May Jesus bless your day!!!!!!!

Linda

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Rush-Hour Recipe Cookbook winner, and Grammie And Poppa Snowman Camp!.


Hello Precious Sweet Ladies,

Good Morning...........it is going to be a busy day..........10 adorable, precious cutie grandchildren will be descending on the farm all throughout the day!!!!!!!!!!!! Now think of this....10 pillows..... 10 sleeping bags...plus a blanket....ten toothbrushes, 8 deodorant bars, coats.....hats.....socks.... sweatshirts.....boots and shoes....now that sounds like fun!!!!!!! It will be for them. They can't wait, nor can their Grammie and Poppa. I have started asking the parents to bring snacks........it is impossible for me to keep them fed between meals. The water they go through is unbelievable!!!!!!!! They burn off so many calories as they work hard on their fort. I will try to get some pic's. 


This came in the mail last week........a gift for the snowman party!
Thank you Karla!!!!!!!The grands will love!!!!!!!! So precious to think of us!


Okay.......now I am sure you are ready to hear who won the antique biscuit bowl, bread cloth and Gooseberry Patch Rush-Hour Recipes Cookbook!!!!!!! This is a wonderful cookbook........full of fasty meals........I know that is not a word.....but it fits! If you want to pre-order it you can go here  They also have an e-book download available here

And the winner is............
Kimmy

she won on her second try!!!! Her must for CHRISTmas
baking was OREO Balls.........okay Kimmy.......we 
want the recipe!!!!!!!! 



Thank you to all who signed up. We had 218 entries! Yahoo, you are such precious woman! 

Still stitching away!!!!!!! I am so excited to show you all!


Oh, when I went shopping one of you prayed I would find some good deals!!!!!! I did!!!! I can squeeze more out of money then anyone! I am a very picky lady when it comes to shopping. I found some fun things, will be fun to wear them! 

Here is a few pic's.


I got a pair of flannel pj's (keeps me warm in my breezy little farmhouse!), new slippers, 2 sweaters, a really cute feminine zip up vest  (I can put a scarf with), 4 long sleeve tee's and I still have money to spend. I think the Lord blessed me don't you....... and I had soooooo much fun. I am not much of a shopper.....when you don't have it to spend....you don't. This was Gift money and that is when I will spend it!!!!!!! The girls were so cute and helpful with me! They also did some shopping, so we had some fun times making memories! They are wise little shoppers.

One more thing.....some ladies have not received their tea bags and cards. I do know that there has been some sickness, so that might be the case. If you have not received it, please let me know and I will check on things for you!!!!!! 

God bless you and I am still stitching as fast as my little hands can go!!!!!!! I can't wait to show!!!! The kids will be outside a lot so I will have some time today I am sure! 

Hugs to your day........mine will be full of HUGSSSS!!!!!!!!!

Linda


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

When We Have A Party......We Have A Party! Thank you!!!!

Hello Sweet Ladies! 


This candle lit the way to the Refuge Cabin.........they were led through the field.......giggles were had by all........
fun night!!!!!!!!!

We had over 200 entries to the Gooseberry Patch/Prairie Flower Farm party!!!!!!!!!!!! Eeck! Loved it.....so many sweet ladies and loved reading about the special things you made for your CHRISTmas season. I would love to have each recipe if you would ever share!!!!! Needless to say, I will not have time to tell who won today........it will take some time to register all the votes. I will have who won by tomorrow. Thank you for each one that went over to Gooseberry Patch. They enjoyed the encouragement and so did I. I wish I could meet each one of you ladies that come to my blog. You ladies are who make the parties so special and I thank the Lord for each of you all the time!

Today I am off with my girls to go shopping........for me. For CHRISTmas I was given a gift card from my sweet man and the girls of $150.00 to get some new clothes. Much needed!!!!!!! Then off to a CHRISTmas party with some of our friends. Can't wait to see them. It will be a fun day!

I will tell you all who won!!!!!!! Tomorrow. 

Hugs and God Bless you today!

Linda

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Special Evening Planned!!!!!!!!!!



Hello Sweet ladies!


This morning we had a beautiful sunrise. 


Listened to His Word........ this morning, blessed my soul! Had one of the girl's  girlfriend spend the night last night.........giggles plus!!!!!!! I turned the scripture on for her as she was eating her breakfast. I pray that it ministered to her as she had to leave and go to serve children that need a lot of love..........our Micah is one special young lady! When God placed her in our lives........we were not to be the same. Her love for Christ is catching. She has been a faithful friend to our girls........they are blessed and they know it! So is she.


I lit my brand new "Winter" candle in my little farm kitchen! The smell is wonderful. CHRISTmas gift from one of my girls. I will use it for special times.........like now! Tonight we have company coming for dinner........and I am in the kitchen working away. I want it real special. The couples who are coming have been in our lives for 30 plus years.........we love them and we want them to walk away blessed!!!!!


I looked in my Rush-Hour Recipes (the one we are having the party for with Gooseberry Patch), to find a recipe that would go with what I am making..........a very simple meal. I was told one time by an older women, what ever you do make it simple..... so you can enjoy it yourself also! I do that! I needed french bread, but I didn't have it on hand.........so I used my favorite recipe to make some.  It never ever fails me!!!!!! When I went to go open to the recipe it had on the top in my hand writing "fisher's of men". Also Isaiah 40:30-31. This is an older cookbook of mine from when our kids were young. Made me smile.

Easy French Bread
Makes 2 loaves
 400 degrees for 20 minutes 



2 pkg. dry yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 t. sugar
Combine:
2 T. sugar
2 T. fat (butter)
2 t. salt
2 c. boiling water


Cool to lukewarm add add yeast mixture.
Stir in:
7 1/2-8 c. flour 
(I used 6 c. unbleached flour and 2 cups whole wheat flour)


Knead 20 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl. turning once. Let rise until doubled (1 hour). Punch down and let rest 15 minutes. Divide dough in half. On floured surface, roll each half to a 12"x15" rectangle. Roll up. Starting at the 15" edge. Place loaves on greased cookie sheets and make 4 or 5 slashes diagonally across tops. Let rise until double.
Mix and brush on'
1 egg, beaten
2 T. milk
Sprinkle on, if desired some sesame seeds. 


I don't have pic's of the last steps..........it is rising! 

Here is the recipe from Gooseberry Patch,  
Rush-Hour Recipes Cookbook

Best-Ever Garlic Bread
 3/4 c. butter, softened
6 T. mayonnaise
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 T. Fresh parsley, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t. dried oregano
1 loaf French Bread, halved lengthwise (I will not cut it this way, I will be using for sandwiches)
In a small bowl, blend together all ingredients except bread. Spread butter mixture over cut sides of bread. Wrap bread in w pieces of aluminum foil; place cute-side up on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Unwrap bread and discard foil; place bread on a broiler pan. Broil until golden, about 2 minutes. Slice; serve warm. Makes on loaf. 

I will do the steps on single slices of bread. We will make into sandwiches.....I will tell you what we think. 

Beef and turkey slices, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers. Light homemade ranch and mustard will be served on top of the bread. I think it will be delicious!!!!!!!

Also have chicken on the stove making broth and break apart chicken for our favorite Chicken Rice Soup. I will add rice, carrots and celery. Simple.......it is one of our favorite soups!  

Not sure what we will have for dessert........I have to look through some other Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks!!!!!!! Smile!



Only 24 more hours until we draw for the Gooseberry Patch/ Prairie Flower Farm Party winner!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who has signed up so far.


Hope you are all having a nice day......the sun is shining here, just beautiful! Will be going out to the Hen house.........to gather some eggs and out to the cabin, to get it fixed up........for a surprise!!!!!!!! Wish you were all here to go with!!!!!!!!

Hugs, 
Linda


P.S. Had a wonderful day yesterday! I got a lot done on the new patterns............can't wait to show. 


A little tiny sneak peak!!!!!!



Monday, December 26, 2011

A Fun Day!!!!!!!!! Just Me and Me!

Hellooooo Sweet Ladies,


I am drinking water, from one of the glasses I use at CHRISTmas thyme and have a cup of nice warm cup of Celestial Seasoning's  Peppermint tea........(from a sweet lady), so nice on a cold winter's day! I am drinking it out of one of our new Jesus is the Gift cup. I will be trying all the teas out that were sent to me from all you precious ladies.........I was touched by your kindness! Did everyone get their tea bags in the mail? Please let us know and keep up the friendships if you can. Don't forget to pray for Sherry. I think it is today or tomorrow when she gets her wrist set..........Hurt!

Listening to CHRISTmas music...still.............keeps my heart focused on Him during the day!


Working on a new pattern (can't wait to show you!!!!!!).........hope to have it soon.......well I am working on a few patterns that I was not able to get finished on our vacation. I have 8 days left of vacation days. I am savoring each one. The Lord has blessed us so much. We don't get paid for the time we are off, but it never fails how the Lord supplies. It is so precious of Him, but I know that He supplies just what we need. Sometimes in my flesh I think we need more..........but it is a trust issue with me and He knows how to lovingly show me that He wants to have control of that. We got an order for two of our patterns. There is a story behind the patterns.....some day I will share. 


I got a new Better Homes Wax Warmer........it is so beautiful and of course it is red and it has Blueberry Muffin warming..........sending off the most wonderful aroma in my little farmhouse! You can click and buy one yourself if you like. 


Now I am sure that you wondering what I will be eating? PIE........Coconut Cream PIE! A few bites..........all.......thorough out the day!!!!!!!!!!!!! I go running around the farm a few times if I see that it lands on my hips!!!!!!!!!!

Every CHRISTmas light is on in the house. It is my fun Day and I will let you know how it goes. Are you having a fun day? Tell me all about it if you want too.

I am off to get my embroidery hoop, red thread........pin keep and needle........and will start stitching.........just for you.......I think you will like!



Oh and the party is still going on!!!!!!!!!!! Please sign up if you haven't yet. We will be celebrating who wins on Wednesday! 

Love you and thanks for stopping by.........please leave a comment. Even if it is just a hi! I love to hear from you all!


Hugs from my toasty warm little farmhouse........oh and just know something..........you are loved by me.......but mostly by JESUS!

Linda




Sunday, December 25, 2011

CHRISTmas........It Is All About A Baby!



Dear precious women all over the world.........you are my gifts.....and I am a blessed lady! This last year has been truly the most precious year as far as my blog. I never knew that when I started it, that the Lord had a plan and you would all be a part of it. That the God of the Universe would let me know all of you who let me know that you are there! When I first started writing, I had know idea it could be so fun. You have encouraged me  just when I needed it. You would be Jesus' voice to encourage me to keep running the race........you gave me giggles when I just wanted to cry......(having to wear the silly hat at work) and pictures in my mind of what you might look like! Smile! Today we celebrate the best gift of all......... Jesus........he came as a babe........and  became the Savior of the world! I trust you know Him as that.......here is my prayer for you on this CHRISTmas Day.

Father in Heaven, you know how much each and every precious lady means to me........the ones that You have brought to my blog for one reason.........so that they were loved.....by YOU through me!  From the beginning you have been my purpose for writing and telling my story about life on a farm....... Your golden thread sewn delicately into the tapestry of my life...... so that it would be a reminder for those who come after me.......my journal. I thank you for each lady here that represents a gift from You........with her own thread represented and uniquely woven into my life. Each one has not been taken for granite Father.......each one has become very special and I thank you for them. They are precious women as you know. I ask for "the Lord to bless and keep you; the Lord make His Face shine upon you and be gracious to you; that the Lord turn His face to you and give you Peace." Numbers 6: 24-27.

May you and yours have a BLESSED CHRISTmas!!!!!!!

from Prairie Flower Farm.........

nestled by a creek, a little ways from our farm..........with brand new baby CHRISTmas chicks (as some of you have called), a family who loves the Lord Jesus with all their hearts sending you all big hugs! Enjoy your day........and again......if you are alone........or just lonely.......email me I have time. 

I think V looks like a Stubbie (far left) ! God does things like that!

For those who gave to bring our once orphan boy home to our family.........here he is with "his precious family". He had so much fun last night as he opened his presents with his cousins and "family".......boy that sounds good. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for the prayers and gifts you gave so it was possible to bring him to America. He is doing well with his English!!!!!!! Please keep them in your prayers. 

I am off to my farm kitchen to do some serious baking!!!!!!! Family will be coming tonight for dinner!!! Can't wait........memories will be made!

Hugs to you!!!!

Linda

P.S. Thank you for all the cards........teas....... and gifts........you were so sweet to think of me! 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Family will be arriving to the farm!!!!!!


Hello sweet ladies,


The house is almost ready.........the son's and their families will be arriving at our farm early this evening........the same farm that the boys would come to when Grandma and Grandpa were alive. My mother in love would stay up most of the night getting everything prepared.  What a treasure of memories I have stored in my thoughts today.  I remember how excited I would feel when my sweet man and I would drive the 5 miles from our farm with our chattering boys in the back seats to the farm we live at now. The butterflies were going off in my tummy as well.  I wonder if our children and their children feel the same. They know that when we all sit down before opening presents, Poppa will read the CHRISTmas story first. Oh how I wish Grandma Jo and Grandpa Jack could be here. How life changes......now we are the Grandma and Grandpa. I love being the Grammie, but I so wish we could have it the other way too. Smile! It is kind of a helpless feeling when your parents are gone. My Momma is still here, but with Alzheimer's it changes things. Hard!

I hope that your day will be filled with making memories........they never leave you do they. It is a gift I think from the Father.......some for those of you are alone.....all you have is memories......know that I am praying for you......for those who are going through very tough times.......I have you before the Father also. Whatever situation you are in God is not far...just speak to Him......tell Him your everythings...and don't believe that He isn't.......truth is that He does!!!!!!!! 

I must go to finish up those final touches that still need to be done. If you need someone today.....email me (top right hand side on sidebar). I can pray for you....I don't want you to be alone. Honest! Please write! 

Speaking of praying...........one of our Tea Party Across the Miles ladies was in a wreck this last Monday. She has a broken wrist,  hurt shoulder and neck. It must hurt bad. Please pray for Sherry. I am thankful we all are a part of a family of sorts......precious! Thank you! 

Merry CHRISTmas from our farm,

Linda

Friday, December 23, 2011

Snowflake Sugar Cookies..........For The Mail Lady

Good Morning Sweet Ladies, 

I got up early this morning, the sun is just coming up in the east.......it is going to be a beautiful day I heard, the house is quiet, CHRISTmas music playing in the background playing lightly, the little fluffs are in the corner pecking and peeping away. He is a little blue banty cochin. I hope it is a boy. The last one was killed by the dogs. He won't be full blood, but that is okay. 


Can't believe that in a few days CHRISTmas will be here! I tried to hold on to every moment..........to enjoy everything about the season and where did the time go? I have enjoyed the lights, the sounds, the meaning of the birth of CHRIST. It seems that every year I learn a little bit more about some aspect of the birth of CHRIST

Deluxe Sugar Cookies
Thought you might like to see these amazing cookies that my Tay made last night.  She came and asked if she could bake Sugar Cookies for the mail lady today.......... I realized that the baton had been handed over one more time. I love it when I see the things I have wanted to see come out of their lives........ like being a servant. She thought of it all on her own....makes this Momma smile!  She spent hours mixing, rolling out and cutting out each cookie. Then she decorated each one so beautifully. They are our favorite sugar cookie. Thought that I would share our recipe. I am sure it is used by many, because it is in the Betty Crocker's Cookbook. We like to add a drop or two of almond extract!!!!

Deluxe Sugar Cookies 
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 farm fresh egg (I wish I could share mine with you)
1 tea. vanilla
1/2 tea. almond extract (a must)
2 1/2 cup unbleached flour
1 tea. soda
1 tea. cream of tartar

Mix thoroughly butter, confectioners' sugar, egg, vanilla and almond extract. Blend in flour, soda and cream of tartar. Cover; chill 2 to 3 hours. 

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough in half. Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on lightly floured cloth covered board. Cut into desired shapes, sprinkle with granulated sugar, we don't do this step because we frost ours. Bake on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 7-8 minute.

Butter Cream Frosting
1/3 cup soft butter
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tea. vanilla
1 tea. almond extract
about 2 Tbl. milk 

Blend butter and sugar. Stir in vanilla, almond and milk; beat until frosting is smooth and of a spreading consistency. 



His Momma must have loved Him so! I do too! 

Been getting the house ready for all our family to come to celebrate Jesus!  This pic is one of my favorite pieces I put out in our Home every year. 



I enjoy using old windows for decorating.........anytime of year. 


This little shelf has been in my home.......... forever!!!!!!!  One of my favorite pieces......most would throw away. My Momma could never understand how I liked the old! I just change the flowers for each season. My little reindeer stay there all year long. 


Last night my sweet man brought me the eggs. The pullets are laying little tiny eggs still. Thought you might like to see some more. Sweetness, if you ask me! 




Thank you ladies for making the Tea Party Across The Miles so special for me. I had know idea that I would receive the teas also!!!!!!! I have been filling my mason jar as I receive each one. Very very sweet of you!


Remember we are extending the Gooseberry Patch Party/Prairie Flower Farm (click here) until Dec. 28th........sign up if you haven't already........we would love to have you!!!!!!!!! 

I am off to do some stitching.........one of my favorite things you will find me doing each day!!!!!!!!! 



Hugs to your day and know I will be talking to the Father about you...........you are precious in His sight you know, wink!!!!!!!!


Linda


P.S. Pinned this to my Pinterest. Want to make!!!!!!

click here, if you would like tutorial



Thursday, December 22, 2011

Finishing Things Up Today!


Hello Sweet Ladies,

The Daddy and Momma Cardinal are eating seeds out our kitchen window everyday. This has happened for............I don't know how many years. It was done my Mother in Love.......then when she passed away it was done by my Father in Love......and now it is being done by our family. If you are faithful to keep the pan filled  with grain and seeds they will come and eat. This morning a red headed woodpecker came. By the time I had my camera ready it flew away. Like Tay said, "he will be back". Just another blessing on the farm.

Today I will be finishing up on the handmade gifts. I wish I could tell, but I will after CHRISTmas. Two of the little girls read Grammies blog sometimes! 

I am enjoying my day......hope you are enjoying yours! Know you are being thought about.

Scroll down for the Gooseberry Patch/Prairie Flower Farm Giveaway, if you haven't already. 

Hugs and the Lord bless, 
Linda

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

What A Pretty Day It Is On The Farm!

Good morning sweet peas!!!!!!!!!

I am moving a little slower this morning. My head, arms, shoulders, elbows, hands........you name it, it aches! Last night we had to go to our Caf Party at the college. Before I left I went out to our son's truck to take some of the things the grandkids left......... I opened the huge door and yup, I flipped on my back! FLAT ON THE SNOWY GROUND!!!!! I had these fluffy boots with nooooooo traction on the bottom. Now I am sure it was a funny site to see........I hurried and got myself back up on my feet, but I think I moved things that I haven't moved for awhile. Now even though I am 59, I am a buzzzzzz. I can't help it, but today I am not quite the buzz I usually am. Ouchy alllllll over! A little prayer sent up would be so appreciated.......so much to do!  

Before we left the farm last night, I took a few pic's. The sun was just going down and was beautiful! The farm looked like it was a glow!


The trees and everything else had ice all over every branch!!!!!!


I was shooting pic's and turned........there was Mr. Turkey!!!!!!!! Scared me half to death! Remember he chased me around Grandpa's truck? He was all fanned out so pretty, but I was careful to keep my distance!


The farmland looked like a winter wonderland!


This tree was a sparkle lit up by the sunset!

I loved how this picture turned out. You are welcome to use this photo if you would like.

We left the farm and when we got to the top of the hill not far from our farm, I took this pic.


This morning the sun came up and all the trees are twinkling. Beautimus!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for all who have come to the party! We have so many signed up. It has been so much fun reading all your comments about what food you have to have at your CHRISTmas table. So many ladies have written back saying that you have received your card and tea already!!!!!!!! 
LOVE IT!!!!!!



I hope you have signed up for the Gooseberry Patch/Prairie Flower Farm Giveaway~~  if not, click to do so. I talked with Gooseberry Patch and we have extended the sign up dates. Since we are right in the middle of the CHRISTmas Season..........the party will last until       

Dec. 28 at noon central time. 

Thought you might like to see another recipe from the 

Cookbook

Quick Brown Bread
1 c. milk
1 T. white- vinegar
2 c. whole-wheat flour (I use 1 whole-wheat and 
1 unbleached white flour)
1 t. salt
1- 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. molasses
1/4 c. shortening, melted and cooled (I use butter)

Combine milk and vinegar in a small bowl; let stand for a few minutes. In a separate large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Mix thoroughly and set aside. Add remaining ingredients to milk mixture. Add milk mixture to four mixture: stir just enough to barely mix. Pour batter into a well-greased 9"x5" or 3 mini loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center tests clean. Makes one loaf. 


 I made the bread into 3 little mini loaves.  


Looks good!


One of my favorite parts to a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook is all the beautiful illustrations and hints. This is such a sweet one!

We have been listening to sermons today on the CHRISTmas Story as we do our work today!  It has been a blessing! 

I will leave you with this.........precious ladies!

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3: 14-21

Blessings to your day and sending a big 


Hugs your way!!!!!!!!!


Linda