For Such a Season as This

It is never too late to be what you might have been

Hello everyone:

Long time since I have posted here!! Still around  just busy. We are just about done with process of being certified for foster care. It really is kind of a long drawn out process. Should be ready for children by the 1st of May.

My sweet husband started building raised beds for our garden area. Of course they will last forever as that is how he does things. I did start some seedlings in the house, and put a few things in the small garden we had last year. I am excited,. When that is done then we can move on the backyard. I do have a small little herb garden in the back, but the rest of the yard will be a cottage garden look.

A few of us in my community are getting together and forming a homeschool support group. We will also file together. This is truly an answer to prayer. Since we live 45 minutes from town it is so nice to have a group right here.

I have really had some setbacks with my health and have not been able to move forward as I would like. But getting better again and will continue on. I know the Lord wanted me to rest for a reason.

Blessings to all

Cyndi

"Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" Proverbs 19:21

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Hello All:

Happy New Year!

As I was studying the bible the other day - this verse really struck me as making so much sense for homesteaders or those that are striving to be steadfast at home it is:

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you. So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody".

Wow - that just seems to say it all doesn't it?

Well as we head into 2009, a new year, full of new thoughts dreams, goals, resolutions.

I know I have not completed my goals for this year. By the way I always consider these baby steps and lifelong changes not just resolutions for the new year.

So this year a few more goals I have:

Continue on homestead way of life, incorporate several new things to add to what I have already done.

Finish my family herbalist program

Start the masters herbalist program.

Make more salves and balms

Get them in the local gift shop for sale.

Start and continue a big vegetable garden (we have the room)

Start more herb gardens.

Sew living room curtains.

Continue daily exercise. (I have started and doing good)

Drink lemon water daily

Continue vitamin supplements daily.

There is lots more but I think that is a good start!

Have a blessed day

Cyndi

snow snow snow .......

Hello:

We have had a winter wonderland here the last few days. beautiful beautiful gorgeous snow. This is only our second winter here and we are really enjoying the snowy days. Something very peaceful and calming about staying a cozy home with snow falling.

Hubby is on a business trip and our littlest princess and I have been busy. We have been baking wrapping and making gifts, We have gotten out a bit to do just a bit of shopping. (We are really cutting down our spending this year) However that has not stopped us from enjoying this season of Christ's birth. Enjoying every minute with special friends and family

i encourage everyone this special season to stop and think about all the blessings in their life. All the family and friends in their life, all the blessings God has given them. Take every day and find some joy in it.

Blessings

Cyndi

Blessed be His name

Hello All:

As we enter in the wonderful Christmas season let us remember why we are celebrating. Since we have had a difficult year; I started pondering this months ago. It is not about the most expensive gift or how many. Starting with Thanksgiving it such an awesome to remember all the blessings we have been given over the year.

Just yesterday at our bible study a friend and I were talking about all the worry and burdens we women sometimes place on ourselves. He knows all about it BEFORE us; turn it over to him. She actually told me part of our brain cells die from worry. I know I have had my share this year and it can take away joy. So I know for me ; I am going to start looking at the "big picture" and turn all stress and worry over to the Lord each and every day. I really do no good handling it anyways and He knows all about it anyway.

So back to this precious season; we have decorated, and have some wonderful bright lights, and decorations. We have started making gifts, and name cards, and cookies, and butters. What joy there is in that! In our cozy home celebrating His birth and all He has done for us by making simple things for the people we love and care about it.

We are truly enjoying each and every day as we go about these simple tasks and what a joy to see the things placed before us that we have made with our hands. It truly emphasises simple and enjoyable.

Many blessings for a wonderful Christmas season celebrating our Lord

Cyndi

Psalm 91:14: He will cover you with his feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shiled and rampart"

Maple nut and pear scones

MAPLE NUT AND PEAR SCONES WITH MAPLE PEAR BUTTER

Maple pear butter

1 large ripe bartlett pear, peeled and mashed and cored.

1/4 C soft butter

1 1/2 TB pure maple syrup

Scones

3 C flour

1/3 C sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinamon

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 C butter cut in pieces

3/4 C buttermilk

1 tsp pure maple syrup'

1 C peeled and diced bartlett pears

1/2 tsp sugar (for topping)

  Maple butter ; Simmer mashed pear over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until liquid evaporated. Let cool slightly and stir in butter and maple syrup. Let stand to thicken.

SCONES

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until butter is size of peas. Do not overblend. Stir in buttermilk, maple syrup, pears, and pecans. Turn mixture onto lightly floured board and knead until dough is smooth. Press into a 10" wedge and cut into wedges with sharp knife.

Place wedges on baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with 1/2 tsp sugar. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with maple pear butter.

These are delicious and easy to make. Enjoy.

Cyndi

"Then make my joy complete bybeing likeminded, having the same lvoe being one in spirit and purpose" Philippians 2:2

MOVING ON

Hello all;

The election is over! Many many of us are disappointed, perhaps frightened ok maybe terrified! But let us move on. We are told in the bible to pray for our leaders. Let us do that; wholeheartedlty!!

There is nothing we can do now, right? Or is there/ i think as Christians it is time to act like Christians. let us show the world what a Christian is> Instead of blending in with world, let us act like Christians. Love our neighbors, love our family, let our husbands lead, keep our homes. Some other things; let us get prepared. Stock up, food, necessities, learn to cook meals at home completely from scratch, grow a few  vegies, grow some herbs. Teach ourselves how to heal ourselves and keep ourselves healthy; (growing herbs)Learn to sew; many materials are very reasonable on the sale rack at the local fabric store.

We can all help each other here. Let us try to become united regardless of the election outcome

Blessings to all

Cyndi

Romans 1:5 "Through him and for this names's sake we received grace and apostleship to call people from among Gentiles to the obedience that cmes from faith"

Well..............

The Election is over........... I know for many it is sad, maddening, frustrating, and a time to grieve. Yes, grieve.I feel let down, let down that the American people were so taken in by slick words, good looks, promises that cannot be kept. That the people as a whole did not look into character and referances and who the next President "hung " out with.

God is in control; He knew the outcome. We must ask for His forgiveness. Time now to get back to basics. Back to what this country was founded on. Time to spend with family; build family relationships. Live simply, get out in the garden, make your own bread,spend time each day with the Lord. Seek Him in all decisions.

Time now to unite as Christians; get out in the world but do not become like the world. Show the world what Christians are, love your neighbor, get to know your neighbor.

Please join me to let the world know what Christians are like........it is about time

Blessings

Cyndi

Matthew 12:30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters."

Catching up:

I have not blogged in so long. Just not much to say I guess. My studies are going well. I am learning so much, and just recently felt God leading to also get my certification as a birth and post partum doula. It seems like it goes hand in hand with herbal studies.

I have been very bogged down with worry and burden and just really feel like I need to let it go. The Lord has let me know very clearly He can and will handle all. Is that not just such a relief? I do not have to handle it Lord? THANK YOU!!!

 I will be doing my mid term soon in my herbal studies then one more book and I start the master program. I am enjoying it greatly.

I feel as I reach a birthday here(tomorrow) that for some reason I becoming who I am meant to be. Isn't that awesome?

We are still praying for a job for our oldest daughter, and praying about her going into the acceraled BA program for a local Christian private college. I know God has an amazing plan for her life as she is a awesome young lady of God. But she is frustrated and I am a little frustrated!

Our youngest is doing well, doing school, her outside classes she enjoys , her swing dance. They will be having two performances soon and she is excited!. Her piano is something! She is really really getting to be very good.

Our oldest has just been promoted and it really looks like it is going to work out well. God has truly blessed he and his wife once they married. She will have her special ed certificate next month, and seems to have found her calling for the time being.

We still feel we are in a day by day basis with hubby's job. But I feel at peace about it; it way too big for me. God has really given me peace about it and I am truly grateful.

Blessings to all

Cyndi

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"

PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY

As we are less than a week away from a very important election. i implore everyone to pray for our country and pray about their decision as they go to the polls. This seems like a very crucial election this year, but but maybe I just feel the impact more. It seems like there is so much at stake.

SO PLEASE PRAY , AND VOTE. kEEP PRAYING FOR OUR COUNTRY

cYNDI

1 Chronciles 16:11 "Seek the Lord and His strength; see His will continually"

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

16 C water.

1 Bar Fels Naptha

1 C baking soda

1 1/2 C Borax.

  Boil water add borax, Baking soda and shredded fels naptha. Whisk well and whisk as it cools. Pour into pitcher. Add some essential oil. I usually ad about 15 drops of "fresh' essential oil.

This will thicken the next day; simply stir with wooden spoon or whisk. I usually use about 1/3 per load. It cleans well and smells nice and clean

Enjoy

Homemade Sour Cream

HOME MADE SOUR CREAM:

2 Cups 1/2 1/2

1/4 buttermilk (I use homemade)

Put all in a hot jar. Shake well and place in a warm spot for 24-48 hours. Mine usually thickens real well within 1 day.

Place in fridge. This is really delicious, easy and not expensive. Enjoy!!

HEALTH AND DIET CHANGES

Nutrition Changes:

This has been a journey of mine for several years, and really can put much of it in practice now. With buliding a house and moving a few times and being in a small rental it was unpractical to put much of this in practice.

For someone who would like to start implementing nutritious changes for their health I would suggest starting really small.I have the Nourishing Traditions a few times. it can be overwhelming but again think small.

Some of the changes I have implemented and continued to do are; making my own chicken stock, making my own sour cream (so easy and inexpensive) making my own laundry detergent, making furniture polish, general cleaner, dishwasher detergent, homemade buttermilk,, sourdough starter, homemade bread (have not bought bread now for 8 months). I did not try and do all these one day or one week I have implemented them over the 9 months we have moved into our house.

Once you get used to one thing and do it regularly try something else. Be prepared for a few failures and tweaking.But do not overwhelm yourself or think you cannot do this. You Can!!!!

Some of the things I still want to add are' kefi, homemade yougurt, kombucha,  vegetable stock and beef stock. i know there are many other things.

As I continue on my herbal studies I learn more and more also. I am growing many herbs and have used them sporadically and now will dry them and make infusions, teas and so forth.

Blessings to all

Cyndi

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way"  Psalm 25:9

Politics

Well is everyone tired of politics at this point? it has been something> Sarah Palin now that is enough to bring out the best or worst in Christians so far. By all accounts she is a very devout Christian, equally devoted to her family; which includes a pregnant 17 year old daughter and a special needs new born son. Wow and she is VP nominee.

Now whether I think a woman should be in office is beside the point. It is not up to me to decide whether she should be home full time with her son or casting stones at her because her daughter is pregnant. i think as Christians we need to believe that God has her in the role for a reason and leave it at that and be supportive. It is not our place to judge whether she should be the VP nominee or whether any woman should. Historically there have been women in high authority places. Let God decide these things.

I do think McCain was super smart is choosing her though. I do respect her and her family and stand on many issues. If elected I pray some of the changes will come to our country that I think will.

Pray carefully before you vote , read the bible about your decision.

That is just my small voice

Blessings

Cyndi

HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR SALE

Hello all:

Have cleared out some shelves and thought I would try to sell some very good quality books and curriculum to help offset this years books!!!

Americas' Christian Heritage  by Gary Demar  $6.00

Field Guide to H.S.  Christine Field ex.  $8.00

Survivor's Guide to H.S.  Shackleford and White  $7.50

Organizing Thinking Book 2 Sandra Parks and Howard Black BRAND NEW  $20.00 (paid $40.00)

Pilgrims @ Plymouth  Landmark books   $4.00

Abeka America Land I love test and key (grade 8) both $15.00

Chrsitian Cottage Unit Studies Vol 1 in the Beginning God,, $40.00

Studying God's word book G w/ estra teachers manule Brand NEW $12.00 (both)

How to write a research report (grade 3-6) $5.25

Abeka Literature OF PLACES teacher key and tests, quizzes both $10.50

Bob Jones Algebra 1 tests 2nd ed $5.50

Thanks for looking- please e-mail with questions or to purchase

Blessings

Cyndi

SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR THE FALL

Littlest Princess School plan for the fall

Logic ( warm-ups)

Home Ec - I did purchase a book to follow loosly

Health - Apologia

Science - Apologia Physical Science (will be taking that with our homeschool group)

Vocab- Vocab from Classic Roots

Writing - Writing Strands - 7

Latin - Latin Christiana

Math- Saxon Algebra 1 with daily DVD's ( this should help!)

P.E. - swing dance weekly, walks, and pilates

Literature - living books  along with biographies

Music - piano ; lessons weekly, and practice daily

           study the classical pianists

Current Events -- Make notebook and record in it 2 times a week

Art -- nature book along with fine arts

That should be it - we are combining some Charlotte Mason theory along with Classical studies and of course my own ideas thrown in there. This is a year I would like her to fill in her free time with productive activities and really learn to be in charge of her own schedule.

Blessings

Cyndi

Day to Day Life

Day to Day life around our little homestead has been off schedule due to summer!! i have spent more time driving as hubby has flown for a business meeting; my mom flies home after a summer away and our oldest comes home from Alaska sometime(ahem!!) this weekend.

But I have been steadily working on the "fall' schedule. Without the unexpected of real estate clients I  feel comfortable really planning a good solid weekly schedule.

Even though gas prices have dropped abit (around $3.98 in our part of the country) I still will only plan to go to town twice during the week and once on Sunday for church.

On our little farm; we have lost 1 rooster and 4 chickens. Sad as I think we lost some good layers. We are down to 9 chickens but only getting about 2 -3 eggs a day. That is not much considering how much we are feeding them.Maebelle did have her babies; two. One did not make it and the other; a little guy is thriving quite well. we cannot believe how fast he is growing. Such a cutie. We play with him alot; Maebelle follows us around; bleating as she goes.

The squirrels totally destroyed our garden; gone ; everything. So we have squirrel traps on the way and our neighbor told us about a safe spray that apparently keeps them away..

I have planted several herbs in pots around the front and back of the house. I will start drying some soon; will help with my herbalist studies.I froze some fresh basil in ice cube trays and worked beautifully.

I have several sewing projects started and several more planned. I am slowly getting all the windows covered in the house.

Still continuing with bread baking. Did get a grain mill and tried my first batch with that. it is STILL rising!!! Do not really know what that is about? now making our own sour cream, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent furniture polish and general cleaner, and of course hang the laundry outside!!! Keep trying to incorporate more things in my schedule as they come up!!

Blessings to all

Cyndi

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" Colossians 1:10

Walking in Faith

Have you ever felt God call you in Faith to something that to the world would not make sense? And it seems scary in a way?

I am really feeling God calling us to drastically change our lifestyle in a big way. To the world it would not make sense but I feel strongly about it.I know God always takes care of us and His ways are not always our ways. Or even ways that we totally understand.

This is kind of a short rambling, but I have been praying so much about this and just needed to put some thoughts down on words.

Will continue to pray and update as we come to any new decisions.

Cyndi

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying This is the way walk in it" Isaiah 30:21

MENUS

MENUS

Chicken stuffed with feta and basil

Quiche

homemade pizza

Grilled steak

homemade mac n cheese w/ chicken sausage

Salmon

Tacos

Stuffed pitas

   Some sides this week are; grilled asparagus, quinoia salad, grilled zucchini, green salad w/ vegies, caesar salad, cucumber tomatoe salad, homemade sourdough bread

Blessings

Cyndi

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way"  Psalm 25:9

Changes

Well more changes as we settle more and more in our new 'farm life.

I have been a "part time " real estate agent for four years now. With moving out to the country and prices of gas it has been difficult. Combine that with the sloooow real estate market. It just did not seem to make sense to keep my license active. But wait , pray about it right? So I have been praying for several months. I felt the Lord nudging me to "retire" for this season. I had some very special clients that I wanted to see them through to their next location. But the market did not cooperate. So finally it seemed time to retire. It actually is a very peaceful feeling, as I have felt the Lord leading me this way for several months. Sad to go in the office and pack up my desk but nevertheless a peaceful feeling when I am following the Lord's plan for my life.

I have ordered curriculum to begin studies for master herbalist. It is through a Christian program; many of them are not. This is really much more fitting for me. So we shall see how this works. It will really be helpful for here on our homestead. I told my oldest daughter and she laughed and laughed and said where has that program been your whole life Mom?

We have been going to a new church now for about 6-7 weeks and it feels like home. It is pretty small, but everyone is so friendly. I get so much out of the pastor's sermon every week. He has been in the book of James the last couple weeks. Good stuff!!It got me thinking how much of worldly ways I have let go of since we moved into our house.

No baby goats yet!! Look ready any day now!!!

I have the dehydrator full of apricots and made 4 and 1/2 quarts of apricot jam yesterday. What a good feeling.

We have many squirrels and some gophers starting to attack our garden. Any ideas out there ? Also the best way to keep tomatoe worms out of the garden?

Blessings to all on this beautiful Monday

Cyndi

"Then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love being one in spirit and purpose" Philippians 2:2

MENUS

MENUS FOR THE WEEK

Pesto over pasta with grilled chicken

chicken Enchiladas

Crusty Fettucini puff

Taco Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad with homemade sourdough bread

Chicken Picante

Grilled steak with grilled asparagus

  Some of sides we have with dinners are: fresh green salad, sliced fruit, cut up vegies(with hummus), homemade refried beans, rice pilaf, grilled vegies, dinner rolls, sourdough bread(all homemade), caesar salad

Blessings

Cyndi

Philippians 2:2 "Then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in the spirit and purpose"