My Heart's Desire

Leaving tomorrow for vacation

We are leaving tomorrow to go to Ohio with a stop in horse country.  My in-laws live in Northern Ohio so we go to see them only twice a year (Thanksgiving week and 4th of July week).  We leave tomorrow morning and will stop in Lexington where my sister and her family are meeting us.  The kids love to stay in a hotel so they are anticipating that!  Then Saturday morning we will head up to Buckeye state.  I hope to have pictures and details of our travels after we return on the 11th.  Y'all take care! 

Happy Independence Day!!!!

***If you are on Facebook, feel free to join me on my travels because I have it loaded onto my phone.  If you're not my friend on there let me know and I'll add you.  You can find me under Farrah Cook Ginter.

Family, Friends and Food for the Fourth (nd an update too)

Well I just got notification that my side of the family is having a big BBQ at my brother's house on the evening of the Fourth.  I am thrilled since hubby's family is all busy and doing their own thing.  His mother and father will be at their church's 3 day meeting, his oldest sister is in Washington and unable to come home but will be home in a few weeks for Grandma's 90th bday, and his youngest sister and her hubby and daughter are in California at Disney!

Of course I asked what I could bring and my SIL told me maybe a salad or a dessert.  So I plan on taking both. LOL  Not sure what kind of salad to take, and I have a simple dessert recipe I will make (it is red white and blue).  Hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill sound so good right now.  And I know several of the other dishes will be potato salad and baked beans, etc.  One gal there doesn't cook, so she usually brings the pop, or ice and sometimes a large tub of icecream depending on what we are all having. 

We aren't shooting off any fireworks there though.  One of the twins is scared of fireworks, 2 of the other kids are with their dad for the weekend and won't be there either.  So it is the one if the twin who likes fireworks, and Noah, who is only 3 but loved them last year, so I unless he decides to change his mind, LOL, I think he will be ok with them again this year.  After the BBQ, several of us will drive back to town and watch the citywide fireworks display at the lake.  We won't buy much this year....maybe some snappers, some smoke bombs, and some other smaller items for Noah.   I just can't see spending alot of money on big bangs this year when we have so many things we could spend the money instead.

Matthew got called today for a small electrical job.  The guy wants an electrical hookup for a camper put in behid his barn by this weekend.  So Matthew is running a little late tonight getting that done.  He was hoping it was a 10 minute job, but knows things happen and it might take longer.  Oh well, we need the money to take care of part 2 of fixing my car's air conditioning.  (Part one was putting in a new fan, which he did last night.  Part 2 is???  LOL  I have no idea.  I know the fan works now but no cold air.  Maybe it needs freon?? Who knows.  That is hubby's job)

I have discussed having a yard/garage sale and then canceled it thinking I would just have an auction (a HS friend has an auction business and is going to hold a consignment auction), but now I am thinking I should just open up a Ebay shop, and possibly put some stuff on Etsy as well.I think in the long run I will end up getting more money for the items.  I will just advertise that I go to the post office once or twice a week, etc. so I don't have to go every single day.  That would be crazy. On days I have many packages, I will ask a girlfriend to watch Noah, or drop him off for an hour at grandma's shop.

Speaking of grandma's shop.....she has offered me one of her large display windows to put items in if wanted.  I told her I would speak to Matthew, pray about it and get back to her.  I know I won't make alot of money from it, because her shop is kind of out of the way, and not many people walk around there either.  However, the customers that come into her shop for Speech (She is a Speech Pathologist) might see something and buy it, or order one in a different color, tell their friends, etc.  I was thinking of putting some vintage items in the window, and making up some aprons and shaggy blankets to display and sell there.  I am getting excited about the opportunity to make some money to help with household items and Christmas, etc.  When I get the shops up and running, I will post the addresses here for all of you!!!

Matthew (who is the king of putting things off, starting projects and then not finishing them, etc.) has turned a new leaf.  I am not sure what happened, but I am not about to ask and screw this up.  LOL  Projects like Noah's bedroom upstairs that have sat for over 3 years without being finished are now being worked on!  He comes home from work and instead of colasping in his chair with the laptop, he asks if there is anything I need him to do!  Mostly it is small stuff like, take out the trash, take this box upstairs, etc.  But recently he has fixed part of the air conditioning on the car, fixed the leaky roof, replaces a filter on the furnace/air conditioner, and my favorite, bought and hung a ceiling fan in Noah's new bedroom!!!  The later was all his idea and he was so pleased to be able to buy the fan with his extra money coming in from electrical jobs.  :)  Makes me smile to see this part of Matthew blossoming. 

Noah has been talking up a storm!!!  I can't believe in the last couple of months since his birthday screening in April, how much he has developed.  He is definately not the same little boy.  He is doing better every day.  Last night I told Matthew that he had been talking up a storm all day long and learning new words every day.  Later on Matthew said, how do you turn HIM off??  LOL  We both had a great laugh over that one.  The little boy that wouldn't talk earlier except for mom, dad, cookie, candy, etc. little words, is now talking 4 word sentences, answering questions with words instead of sign language, and asking for items instead of pointing and grunting.  God is so good to us.  I love this little guy.  And yes, there are times you want to turn him off still.  LOL  But most of the time, I love hearing him talk (now not only in English but a little Spanish and Chinese due to a few tv shows he watches)

Well, that's all for now.  I should go. 

Errand day

Today is our main errands day this week.  I have been out and about alot already this week, but today we are hitting up 5 different places.  Today I am going to stop and pray before each place and ask God to help me make the right decisions, purchase the best things, and to help me be a good steward to God's and my husband's money.  Do y'all do this?

Simple Woman's Daybook 6.29.09 and menu plan monday

FOR TODAY...

I am hoping...to get everything done without my husband having to tell me.

Trusting!

Thank You Jesus For Everything!

Human Bondage

Each and every one of us believes that we are ruled by our bodies and the material world around us and all our suffering is the result of this belief.  If we look at the Old Testament, though, we can read in the story of Israel coming out of Egypt the story of human consciousness growing up out of bondage in the physical, and on into the spiritual.

And Jehovah said (speaking to Moses) I have surely seen the affliction of my people that are in Egypt, and have heard their cries by reason of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large land, unto a land flowing with milk and honey (Exod. 3:7,8).

These words express exactly how the Creator feels toward mankind, today.

Today, and everyday, God has been saying to us, His (Her) children:  “I have surely seen the affliction of you who are in Egypt [the darkness of ignorance], and have heard your cry by reason of your taskmasters [sickness, sorrow, and poverty]; and I am [not I will, but I am now] come down to deliver you out of all this suffering, and to bring you up out of that land unto a good land and a large land, unto a land flowing with milk and honey [a life of joy and comfort].”

***************************************************************************

I read this and wanted to share it with you.

We are doing great here in Ky. Garden is coming along. Hubby has not found a full time job as of it, although we are patiently awaiting our prayer to be answered.

God is showing us everyday trusting in Him truly is the way. We have all our needs meet to overflow. God is with us.

Love and prayers answered to all in the Universe, rilda *U*

Raising Godly Men

In this day and age, it is quite difficult to raise boys to be Godly men.  It is especially difficult when they attend public school and are around very un-Godly boys and even some homosexual teachers.  Bryson was "told" about sexual acts when he was in the third grade.  Nicholas has been encouraged to get piercings and have sexual relationships with girls since the seventh grade.  Most people in our neighborhood listen to music that is degrading to women and quite frankly, quite violent.  So, what is a woman of God supposed to do to help her husband in raising these two boys to be Godly men.

1.  Pray, pray, pray!!!!!  Pray for them.  Pray with them.  Help them to realize that though we love them and are there for them when they leave our nest they will be need to depend on God for everything.  For instance, yesterday, Bryson was taking his standardized test (he failed the first time-praying he did well this time) and he was rightfully so nervous.  So, I sat him down and we prayed together.  I pray daily for he and Nicholas to be safe and for God to send them wonderful helpmeets.

2.  Teach them to search the Bible.  I love www.biblegateway.com.  I have taught them that if they need to find out what God says about a subject to look it up there and then if they'd like they can then see it in the Bible.

3.  Marry and then have children with a Godly man.  Make sure that the man you marry will be a good influence on your sons together.  I am so proud to know that my husband will take the boys for walks and talk to them about anything they are too afraid to talk to me about.

4.  Censor their media and friends.  In the world today there is so much of Satan that will try to influence your children.  Boys especially for they really want to be the cool person.  Girls are influenced as well, but they typically have a more of a conscience than boys.  Boys want to be known as the coolest person around.  We have monitored what they have seen and heard their entire lives (for Bryson, but could not for Nick until he moved here at age 12).  My husband loves to sing the song, "Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear....".  My stepdaughter has had a difficult time since coming here this summer because of our censoring.  Now, Nick usually censors for himself.  Bryson is the ultimate in censorship!

5.  Last, but not least, make sure the boys know they can come to you.  Have their hearts.  Earn their respect.  Spend time with your boys doing something they like to do.  Yet, make sure they have a well-rounded experience with life.  Share your time and knowledge with them.  Teach them how to build a fort, change a tire, and shoot a gun.  Also, learn how to skateboard or in our case hard-core dance and play the Wii.  Be there if they need to talk and tell no one (except for your spouse).

I hope this has helped you know what we are doing in our home.  If you have anything to add please feel free.  I love hearing from other Christian Mom's of boys.  I would also love hearing how to raise daughters for this is new to us.

Have a blessed weekend!

Summer Fruit and Sauerkraut

Have y'all been enjoying the fruits this summer?  Our peaches are just lucious this year!  I just so love the fruits in the summer and yearn for fresh fruits in the winter.  However, getting them in the summer makes them so much more special!  In my house as soon as I bring home any berries or peaches they are eaten within 2 days!  My produce guy, Mr. Johnny, and I have become great friends because of my many visits and he reminds me of my grandfather whom died 12 years ago.  What are y'all doing with your fruits?  I am looking for a delicious cobbler or crisp recipe.  If you have one please share!

I also am wondering how many of y'all make your own sauerkraut?  If you use the Nourishing Traditions method, do you use a crock?  I've tried 3 times to make it without a crock and it never turns out correctly.  I'm wondering if it is because of the non-crock usage.  Along with sauerkraut, what other fermented vegetables do y'all make?  How do you make and store them? 

Thank you in advance!  We are working on eating more towards the Nourishing Traditions typed foods and I just need advice!

~Farrah

P.S. I have decided to change the direction of my blog.  I am 100% putting it back towards things that are positive and will build up my home.  Satan (and poor choices by all) are trying to tear it down.  Consequently, I am ridding any and all things that do not bring me closer to God and my home.  Thank you for your patience!

Pay It Forward!!!!

I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days to do it in…What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!The catch is that you must participate as well: you must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.(just cut and paste this one if you like!, which I did.

Pay it Forwards are fun, go on, comment, you know you want too. :)

Father's Day = Cleaning Day! LOL

There are several rooms in the house I have been decluttering lately and our bedroom was next on the list.  Oh how I dreaded it.  Our bedroom is medium sized and has a bed, 2 dressers, 2 night stands, a computer desk, and my sewing table and crafty items in it.  It makes for a crowded bedroom for sure!! So when Matthew offered to help me declutter and reorganize, I jumped at the offer.  LOL  I hate doing big jobs like that by myself, and being able to do it with someone else to talk to makes things go faster, easier and it is more pleasant.

Our closet was crammed full and the bedroom was cluttered (I like to store items under the dressers, and the bed also, but not anymore!  There were all types of things under there I had stored and forgotten about!) so that was a huge job in itself!!  But the bedroom is mostly decluttered and after cleaning out my closet and storing some winter clothing items elsewhere, I was able to put all my crafting supplies, fabric, etc. in my closet on the shelves above the hanging clothes, and a large rubbermaid tote on the floor of the closet.  I feel like I have claimed by bedroom back from the crafty nightmare!  LOL

Matthew helped out by taking items upstairs for the sale, and donations to the Thrift shop to my car, etc.  He was in and out at times empyting the trash can for me, gathering cleaning supplies for me, as well as blowing up Noah's pool, filling it with water, and burning trash. 

I am proud to say most of it is done!!!  I had some items last night I wasn't sure what to do with, so they are on the dresser to put away today, as well as a few items such as my sewing box, and a few other miscellaneous crafty items on the sewing desk that need to be put away today.

Today's chores are to clean the living room and dining room, as well as finishing up the bedroom as I have mentioned and then dust, windex, and vacuum all three.  I also have one load of laundry to get done that I didn't have time to get caught up this weekend, and some dishes.  UGH!!!  DISHES!!!!!  Hubby is going to look at Lowe's today for a piece to fix my dishwasher.  I miss it terribly!!  I absolutely hate doing dishes by hand.  LMSO 

All in all, we had a good weekend and a wonderful Father's Day with dad at home!!!  In betweeen cleaning and decluttering, we still had time to eat pizza as a family, play outside in Noah's little pool, and have some cuddle and movie time watching Noah's favoritie movies this Sunday.  It was one of those times when you hate to see the weekend come to and end!!! 

Monday Menu Planner

Monday:  WHO KNOWS!!  LMSO

Tuesday:  Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Peas

Wednesday:  Meatball Subs, Green Beans, Fruit

Thursday:  Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

Friday:  Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Corn

Saturday:  Hamburgers, Baked Potatoes, Glazed Carrots

Sunday: Planned Leftovers

I have no idea what is for supper tonight.  LOL  Matthew wants me to make a pot of chilli.  IT IS BLAZING HOT HERE!!  What is he thinking???? He wants to take the leftovers in his lunch this week.   So I might just make some baked potatoes tonight and everyone can top them however they way.  Which means we will have some fresh chilli to top them with if anyone wants.  YUM!