Lighthouse Farm

Yes, another entry! :)

Each evening, we take a ride up top to check on our cows. Last night, we were rewarded with seeing a new bull calf! Had we been there 10 minutes sooner, we could have watched him being born.

What an amazing thing birth is. I am in awe of it. Animal births are so different than human births. We treat animal births as a natural event, and very few need any help or intervention. Human birth, on the other hand, is treated as some sort of illness that simply must be treated and have intervention. Whether the intervention is to "move things along with pitocin", or to "monitor to be sure all is well" or to "take the baby". God designed the female body to reproduce. I think we'd do well to let His design do the work, not the medical community.

I digress...sorry...birth is such an incredible event...I hate to see women give that time of their life over to the medical community. God is doing so much more than just bringing a new life into the world...though that's awesome in and of itself....He can use that time to grow you as a person. As a couple. As a child. As a parent. But, if you're all doped up, can't feel the labor pain, and can't move....you kind of remove Him from the situation, don't you?

Okay, okay....moving on.....

We're going to a cookout tomorrow for the 4th. Thomas wanted fireworks, so we may have to have our own private show another day. Wish our town put on a fireworks show. I remember living in NY, there was always a big show to go see. Even in FL, there were fireworks on the beach.

Honey starts a new schedule soon. He'll be working on the inventory prep crew. Instead of his normal 5am to 2pm shift, he'll work 2pm to 11pm. We all see this is a really good thing for the summer. It's light out so late that it makes getting to bed on time difficult. And it's too warm to sleep comfortably...course, in the morning, it's quite cool and pleasant, so sleeping in is really easy to do. (ask me how I know this to be true?!)

Mom's night out is next week. I didn't go last month, so I'm really looking forward to going this month. It's always a good time with fun friends. Sure, some seem to have their own agendas......and that I surely don't understand....but I do like my time out with friends.

Mary has a couple of loose teeth. So does Natalie. They just keep growing up....

Rebecca is going on a trip with my family later this year. My folks, Aunt Nina, brother and his family and cousin and his family are going to Cozumel, Mexico over Thanksgiving. Aunt Nina invited Rebecca since my niece will be there too. She's footing the entire bill, from her passport to her flight to her time there. How incredibly generous of her!!!! Rebecca is quite excited about this opportunity...and I am too....though I know I will miss her terribly.

Natalie and Mary have decided we need to do something special while Rebecca is away. They've tossed out some wild ideas....we shall see what the future holds...

Honey is stopping at the sawmill on his way home today to get the rest of our lumber for the corral. This needs to be finished up for so many reasons....one of which being just to cross off a HUGE to do on the never-ending list. What a blessing it will be to have this finished!!!

I need to get my July menu finished up so we can do our big monthly grocery shopping tomorrow. The cupboards are looking a bit bare. The pantry needs re-stocking. I will have a most happy family to have cheese in the house again. We ran out of all but mozzarella earlier this week....and I've heard many a comment about this tragedy.

I'm off to work on said menu.....Happy Fourth of July!!!

07:41 - Friday, July 3, 2009 - post comment


Howdy,

It sounds like you will have a busy month.
Hope you have a happy 4th of July!

Vickie - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31, 1969


July? Already??

Is it just me or is this year flying by with lightning speed??

We're having a fun, busy summer. We've really enjoyed spending time with friends, gardening, going to the creek, reading, and just generally enjoying our time together.

I'm realizing how short my time with Rebecca is getting to be. Not that I expect her to go anywhere right after graduation, but she's going to be in 11th grade this coming year....who knows what the Lord has in store for her. I want to soak up every minute with her...and her siblings, of course.

Rebecca and Mary were discussing how old each of them would be in "so many years". When Mary turns 16, Rebecca will be 26. If she's anything like me, Rebecca will have a couple of children by that time. Strange to think about it that way....

If she did follow me...Rebecca would be married in 5 short years..and a Mama in 7. Doesn't seem that far away....

Okay...I'm going to get all teary-eyed if I keep on...so I'll stop and just love the time NOW.

Rebecca and I taught Natalie and Mary how to play Dutch Blitz. We have two more girls who love to play this game! Mary is the Uno girl..but she likes the Dutch Blitz too! What fun we have playing. We should get another deck of cards, since there's only cards enough for 4 players....

We're all getting nice tans. I'm loving this weather. Could be cooler for my taste, but I'll take it. It's not overwhelmingly hot as it has been the last few years. The a/c isn't running non-stop. It's not unbearable outside. Most days, we've had a nice breeze which makes such a difference. It's warm enough to make me want to swim, yet not so warm that makes me want to stay indoors. I'm quite thankful for this weather!!!!

Honey is going to the dentist next week. He's lost one of his crowns for the 3rd time. The dentist told him if it comes off again, there was nothing he could do to put it back on. It started out with one pin holding it in place...he now has 3 pins...and it still comes off. So, he's going in so the dentist can remove the pins....one less tooth for my beloved. I feel badly for him. I so wish someone had taught him...and emphasised to him...the importance of taking care of your teeth.

We've done some organizing and re-arranging...with more to be done. I have a pile here in the office....quite the pile...of things to sell. I'm not sure I want to deal with the hassle of eBaying them...but then....I've done two book sales and am left with this pile. The pile was MUCH larger before the sales, so I've done pretty well at downsizing it...but I want it GONE altogether!

Guess that job won't do itself.....I should spend some computer time taking care of such things....

 

06:56 - Wednesday, July 1, 2009 - post comment


T-Yarn

Posted in crafts

I have a site bookmarked on my computer that uses recycled materials to make bags and purses.  While I've seen a lot of wal-mart bags used in crochet, I never knew about T-yarn.  This is taking t-shirts and cutting then to make a yarn to crochet or knit with.  What a good way to reycle old t-shirts.  We get a lot of them. The site is  http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2009/06/05/making-t-yarn-from-recycled-tee-shirts/  .

Here is a picture of the T-yarn taken from that site.A new project!

09:11 - Wednesday, June 24 - post comment


Untitled Comment

That is a very good idea. I may just have to go through my husbands drawer and see which ones have holes and start using them. He has a ton that I know he never wears. Thanks for the idea!

terrylee - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Untitled Comment

That is an awesome idea, Rhonda. Thanks for sharing. I have a question for you.. I have a dairy goat with twins... is it ok to milk her? Right now, I pen the kids at night, milk her in the morning and then let the kids with her for the rest of the day. I get about 1 quart of milk from her.. she has more but I don't want to stress her.
Thanks, Carol

cradtke - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Happy July, Rhonda

T-shirt yarn hey hhhmmmm interesting!
Those cows did show up but didn't take me too lone to chase them back up the fence line and they have been gone for a whole day and prayerfully for days ~~
It seems like just a rather cool summer here this year. Yet when it gets hot it is really hot (well for us when I am told of 100+ degrees we are not that hot) I so enjoy hearing from you I am going to make a note of that site Thanks for the idea Roxanne

canadaroxieg9 - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Update on the UN Children's Rights Treaty

Posted in family

Dear Friend of Parental Rights,

Monday in a Harlem middle school, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told a group of 120 students that administration officials are actively discussing “when and how it might be possible to join”  (that is, ratify) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).  As before, she also communicated what a disgrace it is that the U.S. would stand with only Somalia against such a widely-accepted treaty.

This is the first direct public statement by the Obama administration that it will seek ratification of the UN CRC.

In my 30 years of political involvement, I have learned to recognize this as what is called a “trial balloon.” Like in World War I trench warfare, our opponents have “sent up a balloon” to see if it will draw fire. If things remain quiet, they will proceed with their plans to push for ratification of the CRC in the U.S. Senate.

To discourage them from doing so, we need to make sure that our voices are heard with unmistakable clarity.  We must let the Obama administration know that we oppose this anti-family, anti-American treaty.

Here’s what we need you all to do:

1.      Call the White House comments line at 202-456-1111. Tell them you heard the administration wants to ratify the CRC, and you strongly oppose this giving away of U.S. sovereignty to the UN. Also keep in mind that this treaty gives the government jurisdiction to override any decision made by any parent if the government thinks that a better decision can be made—even if there is no proof of any harm.

2.      Call Ambassador Susan Rice’s office at the United Nations. Tell her that you want her to represent the United States to the world rather than trying to get the United States to go along with international law initiated by the UN.  Her office number is 212-415-4000.

3.      Contact your Senators and urge them to oppose ratification of this treaty. (Find your Senators’ contact information by typing your zip code into the box here.) Ask them also to defeat it once and for all by cosponsoring SJRes 16 – the Parental Rights Amendment.

It is very important that we speak up right now.  Please call before you close this email!

Sincerely,

Michael Farris

Find this letter online.

Forward this newsletter to a friend

10:04 - Wednesday, June 24 - post comment


hi

Rhonda
Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog about the badgers. My goodness I would not know what to do about foxes and mountial lions and such. We are hearing about bobcats as of late and we are being told to keep an eye on our small animals when they are out.
Blessings
Abby

Abby - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Untitled Comment

Wow..I had no idea. I am a Canadian so cannot do anything from here...but I will keep tabs as to what our government's involvement could be.

Thanks for sharing this.

Connie

Schatzi - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Summer time....

Each summer, I want to do fun things...just things we don't take the time to do during the school year.

Each fall, I realize it's time to start school and somehow, the days slipped by me and we didn't get to do those fun things.

This year, I am determined to do fun things. Not costly things, just fun things.

I surprised the children yesterday when I came out of my room after showering wearing my swimsuit. They were quite excited to find that we were headed to the creek!

As soon as we had a few chores finished up, we left. We packed a very light lunch of chopped veggies, chips and water. (Note to self, keep picnic ready foods on hand!). Off we went. And had a great visit at the creek. The breeze was blowing and it was so nice there.

I'd like to go at least once per week. The creek is a short 10 minute drive from home, so it's not a costly thing to do at all.

I did find a really neat summer activity idea book. If you visit Heart of the Matter online and sign up for their newsletter list, they'll send you a free e-book to download. It has lots of fun things to do included!!!

I'm looking for other fun ideas...things that don't cost alot...things that are for a broad age range since my children's ages span 10 years. Anyone have anything to share????

05:05 - Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - post comment


Untitled Comment

Sounds like you had a fun day. I also feel like the days of summer slip by and it is time to start school again. Then wonder where did summer go?? With you having a creek by you , you can catch all kinds of critters and measure them, look and see what is different about each one, see what they eat, and what plants grow , kind of a science day for all the kids.
Blessings Mj

smmagers - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31, 1969


Hmmmm...

are you able to camp by the creek? Just a thought. We use to do "natural arts/crafts" using grasses, wild flowers, leaves, sticks, ect. Sorry I can't be more help.

imspecl - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31, 1969


Goings on....

Sorry for my being totally neglectful of my blog. Life has been rather busy...nothing outside of normal for us...just busy. Computer time has been limited...as life has been happening.

Let's see....

Work has been progressing on the cattle round up area. We need to sell some cows, but haven't had a way to sort them out of who goes and who stays. We hired a friend to help us (and when I say us, I mean Honey and Thomas) with this task. It's nearing completion. Oh, what a happy day it will be when we sell some cows!!! Some will go to be processed, some to the sale barn. We're hoping more go to be processed than to the sale barn. We've been so blessed. Almost five years ago, we started with 3 heifers and 1 bull. We now have 23 cows, with more calves due this year. God has been good to us!

Thomas' last shooting competition was in Clarksville, TN on May 29th. He did so well this year, he's hoping to continue next year. It will depend upon the cost. The season will be longer (since they will be starting on time) and thus, be more costly. We shall see...sure would love for him to continue.

Natalie and Mary have finished up their school year. They are both quite happy to be on summer break...they are making all sorts of plans for creek days...

Rebecca and Thomas are still working on math and science. They will continue this for the summer. This will keep these two subjects fresh in their minds come next school year, as well as catch them up as we got a bit behind this year.

Summer arrived early here. The past week has been quite hot. If you've read my blog for any time, you know I'm not a fan of heat. Today's high temp is to be 98* (again..was yesterday too)...with a heat index of 108*. UGH. I'm ready for fall to arrive now. Had my fill of summer already!!!

Though...I do appreciate the goodies from the garden that the heat brings. We are finishing up the last of the romaine lettuce and collard greens. We had our first cucumbers of the year last week. The tomato plants are loaded with green fruit. I keep checking in hopes of seeing some beautiful red on them! The cantaloupe and watermelon are sure putting out the flowers. We have sugar snap peas growing. Green beans are tiny yet. Should be a bumper crop this year! It is so neat to go out there and find a fruit or veggie on a plant that you started as a seed. God sure did a marvelous work in that, didn't He?!

The past week was an expensive one, farm wise. The tractor needed some repairs and new parts. Ouch! They sure are pricey!!

We'd like to replace our Burb with another. Ours needs several things repaired...and it seems like it would be money better spent to replace the Burb. We now have rust issues....and a long list of repair needs. We are praying for this purchase as we don't have the funds just waiting around to be spent for such a purchase.

If we had a trust worthy and cool (read that...working a/c) vehicle, I might be tempted to take some road trips this summer. I'd love to go visit my family in NY. I could visit them and escape the heat at the same time. Toby wouldn't be able to go with us...if he could, we'd add in traveling to FL to visit and see the changes there...and make a trip up to MI to visit my in-laws. But, it's not a choice at this time...maybe in the future.

Honey needs me to bring him some parts....gotta go. Love it when Honey calls for me!!

02:03 - Sunday, June 21, 2009 - post comment


"I told God"

Posted in Thoughts

You hear this alot...."I told God"... that He had to meet this need or that. That he needed to send rain for the garden. That He had to pay this bill. That He had to take care of this situation.

While I get what the person is trying to say...it sounds rather rude to me. No, God doesn't have to do what you think He does. He can let this bill go unpaid. He can let your garden wither up and die. He can not take care of a situation the way you see fit. He is GOD after all. It may not be in your best interest, or part of His plan, to do as you see fit.

I ask God to meet a need. Or to pay a bill. Knowing full well that it's completely up to Him to do so...or not.

Think of it this way....your child comes to you and tells you that you must pay a bill for them. Would your heart be more willing to do so had they asked? Certainly, if it's within my power, I will do whatever my children need. But, what if what they are asking for would be detrimental to them in some way? Would I still do what the "tell me to do", just because I can? Probably not. I'd look out for their best interest...and sometimes...even when it's a seemingly good thing....I don't do it.

Ask of your Heavenly Father...don't "tell Him"......

Rant over.... :)

01:56 - Sunday, June 21, 2009 - post comment


Untitled Comment

If we, who are called by His Name, spent time in His Word (and His Word, alone) we would clearly see the examples He has preserved for us on HOW, WHEN, WHY to approach the Lord.

Men and their whole families were destroyed, completely, because they came to the Lord with "unauthorized fire". Because they came to the Lord, drunk. Because they came to the Lord.......their way, not His.

Deut. 10:12-14
And now O Israel what does the Lord your God ask of you BUT to (1) Fear the Lord your God (2) to walk in ALL His Ways,(3) to Love Him, (4) to served the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul, and (5)to observed the Lord's Commands and decrees that I am giving you today FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.

There are specifics, and order, and reasons why things are in the Word. People today are looking for that "genie in the bottle jesus".......the one that pops out and gives us whatever we want, when ever we want, and all we have to do is rub the bottle and tell everyone about our magic genie.

Sad.

Laura

takeadeepbreath - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31, 1969


Chucken

Posted in animals

This will be a short story as Chucken is only five days old. 

We have a Muskovey hen setting on her eggs.  She also had one chicken egg in there.  How it got there, I don't know.  As the ducks take 31 days to hatch and the chickens only 21, that egg cracked and out came Chucken.  So the duck is still settting on her eggs, which should hatch this week and Chucken sleeps with his "Mama" every night.  No matter how he tries to get her to go out of the chicken coop with him to find food and water, she won't go.  So he's out there on his own (we let them free range).  It'll be interesting to see what he does once his sisters and brothers hatch.

Have a blessed Friday.

From Glory Farm

 

08:24 - Friday, June 19 - post comment


Chucken the chicken! HUH?

Cute! We had a hen one time years ago that had a batch of chicks with a couple duck eggs in with it. Everything was just peachy until the duckling went swimming in the creek and poor mama hen went screaming up and down the bank trying desperately to get her babies out of that water!
Hey it is a beautiful morning here Rhonda and we are off to town for the day. God's blessings be upon you Roxanne

canadaroxieg9 - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Chucken

Oh how cute ! Let us know what Chucken does when he sees his little siblings. This is too sweet. Wish you could get pics !
blessings
Abby

Abby - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Dogs and ducklings

Hi there Rhonda
We do get so attached to our dog friends don't we? I told my husband a long time ago that is why I hate our females to have pups as I get all attached to them.
Was wondering if your Muscovey duck hatched her ducklings yet and if Chucken has met his "siblings"? Can hardly wait to hear how he is going to take to swimming lessons and how mama duck is going to take to one of her own who won't swim! Love Roxanne

canadaroxieg9 - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


What is Normal?

Posted in Unspecified

Good morning.  The sun is finally shining again.  I'm having a blogger's block and so this entry is to just let anyone who reads this know I'm still coming on here and commenting, but have nothing of significance to contribute.

Our oldest daughter graduated and then decided that meant she's an adult.  This has brought with it all of the complications you can imagine.  It has left me emotionally drained and leaning ever harder on my Heavenly Father.

Our garden is in.  Some of it is even coming up. 

I picked up a Hoosier cabinet for the kitchen.  We don't have regular cupboards yet, our kitchen is totally unfinished.

It's not as old as some, but I really like it.

Well, I'll just keep lurking around and pop in once in awhile until my life gets some normalcy to it.

God bless and hold you tight.

From Glory Farm

09:15 - Friday, June 12 - post comment


How the Challenges keep on Challenging!

Morning to you Rhonda! :)
Our youngest son moved out right after he graduated. We missed him but he is doing great. Loves his rodeoing and is a hard worker. He still loves God but living where he does (on the rez) there is a long ways to go to church. He is usually riding the range chasing wild horses. Your daughter will be okay. I really do believe that ~~ just keep on praying for her and go about living and enjoying your own life. Some of our children that have decided to become adults have made some (in our opinion at least) poor choices but as time has worn on we can see that God is working in their lives too.((hugs)) and prayers Roxanne

canadaroxieg9 - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Normal...What is that anyway?

I love that cabinet! As for NORMAL....here's a very true saying I read once, Around Here NORMAL is just a setting on the dryer!- that about says it all, doesn't it?

Praying for you and yours,
Catherine...who is working on "redefining normal" these days ;)

CatherineAnn - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Untitled Comment

Hey Rhonda,
Glad to hear you are still around. What a beautiful cabinet!
Hang in there with your daughter, it will get better.
~ Carol

cradtke - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


cabinet

I love your Hoosier cabinet.

mccrjill - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


:) Hang in there

Our children can sure worry us can't they ? Hang in there, you will get through it all.
Love the Hoosier !
hugs and prayers
Abby

Abby - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Untitled Comment

His faithfulness and peace be with thee! rilda *U*

rildapeel1 - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Untitled Comment

That cabinet looks just like the one my Grandmother had. I love it! Thanks for the info on the tin cans, I'll be looking for them.
Loretta

Loretta - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


beautiful cabinet

That is wonderful. I love the looks of it.
You post

terrylee - 07:00 - Wednesday, December 31


Life is busy

Yes, our life is too busy at the moment. It has been for the whole month of May. I'm ready to get off this merry-go-round for a bit. Merry-go-round is a good way to describe it....for each activity, in and of itself, is fun and interesting. There's just too many of them at once.

Today holds a dentist appmt for Rebecca's filling...after we go to piano lessons. This is after Thomas and I move cows this morning.

Tomorrow is actually a day AT HOME...with no where to be, nothing extra to do!!! Wahoo!!!!

We have a state shoot coming up soon. I'm looking forward to watching my son do what he does so well. I'm so proud of him!!!

The two book sales were quite fruitful, both in selling and buying. I LOVE used curriculum/book sales!!

Honey's vacation starts soon. I'm not planning to do much of anything while he's home....just soak up the time with him. I already know I don't want to give him back when it's over....

It's getting light outside now....time to wake my children and get this day started...

07:03 - Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - post comment


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Sharing our thoughts, events, ups and downs, as we restore a once profitable farm to its former greatness as a Christian agrarian family.
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- Hog Butchering Time
- John Ray - Founder of Biology
- A Breath-taking Field Trip
- Fat and Sassy
- Real Men Eat Quiche
- Green Tomato Recipes
- Harvest
- Two Cents Worth on Pinching Pennies...
- Cockle burrs and stinging nettle a blessing?
- Gourmet Meals At The Farm Table
- Seeds Worth Saving
- Sweet cartoon
- Commercial rice supply has been contaminated
- Spermicidal Corn
- Agricultural Science Fiction Horror Flick or Truth?
- SImple Entertainment
- "Gardening is like a treasure hunt!"
- Pigs don't stink
- Diggin' For Gold!!
- Rain - a Blessing or a Curse?
- My Sheep Know My Voice - er - Chain Saw...
- The Old Farm Dog
- An Alarming Nightime Visitor
- Farming Magazine
- A Pig's Nest
- Meager chicken harvest
- Bacon + Garlic = Piglets?
- A Rare July 4th Tribute to Farmers
- Fencing in more pasture
- Three months on our new place....
- Blood suckers in Minnesota :(
- Miss Bacon and Rocky Mountain Oysters
- Sheep without a shepherd
- Haying with my man!
- Mink solutions, anyone?
- Goat meets pig...
- I Smell a Skunk...
- URGENT!! Please forward!!!!
- Did Adam Smell Like That?
- Minnesota!!!!!
- Problem solved - God is good
- The Rat Trap and One Happy Girl
- New Podcast
- Farm Restoration - The Beginning
- An Honorable Gentleman Has Died
- Why teach our children about agriculture?
- Cheap, Safe Food???
- New NAIS links worth reading
- Old Tractors Never Die
- A Lawyer comments on Constitutional Rights and NAIS
- Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
- Big Bellies and Big Bags
- Hosting Haitians on the Homestead
- Minnesota, Here We Come (after we sell our house) and "the Chip"
- And God saw that it was good
- Greetings