Kool-Aid T-shirts

Eli had fun last week creating this T-shirt using Kool-Aid as a dye. You simply wash and press a light colored T-shirt (white probably works best as E.'s light grey shirt didn't show the yellow too well). Add 2 tabl. white vinegar to one pack of Kool-Aid. I mixed up yellow, orange and purple for Eli. Using a Q-tip, swab the color in preferred designs on the shirt. The color spreads a bit, so you can't get too detailed with your design. You could also use rubberbands to do a tie-dye design as well. If you don't want it to go through to the back, put a paper bag or something between the layers. Eli didn't bother and got a cool-looking design on the back. After allowing the shirt to dry (at least 2 hours), press it again. To launder, wash on gentle in cold water and tumble dry. My other two boys were so impressed by Eli's shirt that they asked to make some, too!

Zucchini Bread

Zucchini overrunning your garden these days?! Grate it and store it in 2 cup portions in freezer bags to pull out and make zucchini bread all winter long.

Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
1 C. oil
2 C. sugar
2 C. zucchini, grated
3 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tabl. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 C. flour

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add oil and blend together. Then add sugar, zucchini, vanilla, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and baking powder; mix well. Stir in flour. Grease two large bread pans. Pour mixture into pans and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Fighter Verses 2

(Photo by Eli)

The fighter verses to memorize for the weeks of July 27 and August 3 are I Peter 5:9-10: "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Gentleness

(Photo by Eli)

"Gentleness, or meekness as many translations have it, isn't weakness or spinelessness or timidity or even niceness. This word in classical Greek was used to describe tame animals, soothing medicine, a mild word, and a mild breeze. It is a word with a caress in it."

-- Bruce Milne

I'll be away from my computer for a few days. See you next week and have a lovely weekend!

Making Root Beer

It's been several summers since we made homemade root beer, so we decided to mix up a batch. This time we tried something new - using Splenda instead of sugar. It's not hard at all to make - you just buy a bottle of root beer extract and follow the instructions on the side. You can buy the extract at some grocery stores in the spice section or shops where they sell bulk foods. Our root beer has a great taste although it didn't have any fizz to it - I'll get fresher yeast for the next batch.

Building

(Photo by Eli)

". . . Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! . . . For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance (Matthew 25:23, 29)."

"I'm dying to hear those words. Literally. I want to put to death every selfish motive and prideful pretense so that when the Lord's eyes scan my service, what I have built will stand the test. I want to be careful how I build, and realize that every smile, prayer, or ounce of muscle or money sacrificed is a golden girder, brick, or two-by-four. I want everything I do here to be an eternal investment, a way of building something bright and beautiful there. That's how much things down here count."

-- From "Heaven - Your Real Home" by Joni Eareckson Tada

A Birthday Outing

For our birthdays, my sister and I usually give each other a "birthday outing." Last summer she took me to the Hershey Gardens to tour and then to the Hershey Hotel for lunch. This past winter we went thrift shopping for the day with lunch at the Red Brick Tea House & Bakery for her birthday. We both love this "girl time" as we get to spend some fun one-on-one time together admist our busy lives.

This year being no exception, we spent last Saturday in the quaint little town of Lititz. For lunch Jen treated me to the Cafe Chocolate - a fun, little place where we sat in the window and dined on Fresh Strawberry Coolers with strawberry puree and sparkling water, Hickory-Smoked Chicken braised in apple cider, Couscous with raisins and apricots, House Salad with chocolate-raspberrry balsamic dressing, and Sunshine Crepes stuffed with fresh fruit and drizzled with chocolate - what a treat! You can see www.chocolatelititz.com for their complete, delicious and adventuresome menu!

After lunch we walked the main street of Lititz and visited in little shops with names like: The Lilypad, Anthropologie, and The Sassy Tassel. Biscotti from one of the tea rooms eaten on the ride home finished a sweet day -


















And because of my sister's generous heart, not only did I enjoy my "birthday outing," but this lovely gift basket that she made up full of flowers, chocolate, tea, bath salts, linen napkins and a green tea candle. She spoils me rotten -

Fighter Verses 1

(Photo by Eli)

A friend of mine recently shared something with me that convicted my heart. She said something like this, "Do you realize that if we would have memorized one Scripture passage a month since we've been saved, we would have quite a few verses stored up in our hearts?!" After doing the math, I realized I would have over 200 verses committed to memory! Using this as an encouragement to internalize more of God's Word, I decided to try and memorize a passage a month.

At approximately the same time I decided to do this, our pastor introduced us to the concept of fighter verses. Pastor Joe borrowed the idea of memorizing fighter verses from Pastor John Piper and his congregation of Bethlehem Baptist. On their website is this definition of fighter verses: "Fighter verses are short passages of Scripture which we as a church have chosen to memorize each week. The Scripture, day after day, reveals to us the greatness of all that God is for us in Christ so that by the power of the Spirit we find our joy in Him and the ways of sin become distasteful - indeed, ugly and repugnant."

Our pastor printed up a sheet of what Scripture passages to memorize - we have a passage to learn every two weeks. Pastor Joe introduces us to the passage, explains it in its' context and then encourages us to memorize and meditate on it. I thought by sharing the passage every other week with you, it might encourage you to reap the blessings of memorized Scripture in your own life.

We are into our second week of learning Jeremiah 32:17: "Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who has made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."

Frozen Cherry Pie

Frozen Cherry Pie is an easy and refreshing summertime dessert!

Frozen Cherry Pie
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 - 8 oz. container of Cool Whip
1 large can of crushed pineapples, drained
1/2 C. lemon juice
1 can of cherry pie filling
2 regular-size graham cracker crusts

Mix all ingredients together (but the crusts, of course!). Spoon into the pie crusts. Place in freezer for several hours before serving. Because this recipe makes two pies, there's plenty to invite the neighbors or some friends in for a delicious slice!

The Power of Words

(Photo OF Eli BY Eli)

"According to the Word of God, the power of life and death is in our tongues. This means that your voice - your words - are among the most governing influences you have in your son's life. You can kill his confidence with just a few careless words, or you can speak life and truth by teaching him to affirm a family."

-- From "Preparing Him for the Other Woman - A Mother's Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife and Lead a Family" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

The Old Hymns

This past Sunday during worship service, I realized how very little I pay attention to the words of the old hymns that we sing. If you listen and focus on the words, you'll quickly discover the richness, beauty and comfort found in the songs written long ago. Might I encourage you to make hymn-singing part of your daily morning devotions? It might feel a bit strange at first to sing outloud by yourself (!), but keep at it. The depth and truth found in the words will have you often pausing to praise, thank or repent before the Lord! Besides that, you may also find yourself humming bits and pieces of the tune throughout the day which is a great help in staying heavenly-minded -

Homemade Burp Cloths

These are a few burp cloths that I made for my sister's yet-to-born baby. They are so easy to make - the original idea came from Mrs. Wilt at www.thesparrowsnest.typepad.com. Here are the instructions:

You will need terrycloth fabric, your choice of cotton fabric, and thread. The amount of fabric you need will be based on how many burp cloths you want to make. I bought 1 1/2 yards of terrycloth and had way more than enough for 5 burp cloths. The fabric was different lengths that I had on hand.

Wash and press your material first. Then cut out your material, trimming your fabric and terrycloth the same size. I made mine 10" x 16". Place the fabric and terrycloth with the good sides facing each other and pin. Run a stitch down each side of the rectangle, leaving a 2" or 3" hole on one side. Through this hole, turn your fabrics right side out and hand-stitch closed.

The Breath of Everyday Life

(Photo by Eli of the hot air balloon that occasionally floats over our farm)

"With every breath you take, breathe in the sweetness of everyday life: the laughter of your children, the pitter-patter of their feet, the melody of their voices, the sound of your husband's voice, the strength of his arms, the smell of clean clothes, a clean house, cooking, the stillness of the night, the warmth of each day. Tune your thoughts to strike the same chord, rejoicing in each other's pleasures and mourning each other's woes. Let your love spill over into every task, allowing its fragrance to envelop and penetrate each child's thoughts. No greater treasure could be handed down through the generations."

-- By Candy Summers from "50 Veteran Homeschoolers Share . . . Things We Wish We'd Known" Compiled and Edited by Bill & Diana Waring

"I am the LORD, I do not change"

(Photo by Eli)

"For I am the LORD, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed,
O sons of Jacob.
Yet from the days of your fathers
You have gone away from My ordinances
And have not kept them.
Return to Me, and I will return to you,"
Says the LORD of hosts.
"But you said,
'In what way shall we return?''
-- Malachi 3:6-7

Abba, I am so glad that You do not change. You remain steadfast, trustworthy and faithful in the midst of this chaotic world. I praise You for that. Thank You also that You return to me when I return to You. After I've done things my way and had my eyes opened to my foolishness, I am so thankful that you are quick to forgive and tremendously generous in Your grace towards me.

Lemon Curd

I love having scones for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea. What makes scones even tastier is to slather them with lemon curd. Here's an easy, homemade recipe that you can use on scones, biscuits, tea bread or whatever else sounds good!

Lemon Curd
3 eggs
1 C. sugar
1/2 C. lemon juice
1/4 C. butter, melted

In a saucepan, beat eggs and sugar. Stir in lemon juice and melted butter. Cook over medium heat until it begins to boil - allow it to gently boil for a minute and a half or so, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, allow to cool, cover and store in frig. This amount is good to make for company - if you just want to make a bit for yourself, halve the recipe.

Teaching Children Hospitality

(Photo by Eli)

"The early years of a child's life are very precious. There is much to learn, and children are eager to absorb these lessons. Wait too long and that eagerness disappears. Lessons in hospitality should extend beyond just receiving. Childhood is a wonderful time to start to defeat the current attitude of me-ism and cultivate an attitude of giving hospitality as well as receiving it. As we approach the twenty-first century, the biblical principle still rings true: it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.

Children can give a unique gift to the elderly by just their presence; and, in return, the elderly have a lifetime of experience to share with even the very young. A gift of cookies to a shut-in neighbor, a handmade gingerbread cookie Christmas ornament given to decorate the tree of a friend, a scribbled note or even a hand-drawn picture sent to someone who is lonely: all these are simple acts of hospitality that children can perform. Except for unusual circumstances, children should never be isolated from people who are old or handicapped. People with mixed needs, backgrounds, and ages have much to offer each other."

-- From "The Welcoming Hearth - Your Home Can Be a Safe Place of Warmth and Renewal" by Elizabeth R. Skoglund

Tub Toys

(Photos by Eli)

The other afternoon Eli and I made these tub toys from an article we found in "Family Fun" Magazine. They're simple to make - just cut ocean creature shapes (or other shapes) out of foam, add some details with a permanent marker and wiggly eyes, then hot glue corks on to float. The corks are more for attaching head pieces than to make them float - our shark floats without one. Immediately after constructing them, Eli headed for the bath tub and was delighted to discover that the creatures attach perfectly to the tub walls while wet!

Giving

Last evening after Eli took this lovely photo, he came rushing into the house all in a tizzy. He wanted me to help him change the camera card and we needed to hurry as the sun was going down and he wanted to get a bunch more pictures. After getting the card changed, he rushed back out the door talking about all the gorgeous photos awaiting him. Being overwhelmed by the thought, he exclaimed "It's like trying to put the ocean in a cup!!"

Later in the evening Eli told me how much he enjoys taking photos and sharing them with others on my blog. He said that it gives him purpose and makes him happy to share God's beautiful things with other people. He also said that it wouldn't be near as enjoyable to him if he just took the pictures and hung them on his wall for only him to enjoy.

Eli, at the wise old age of 10, has discovered a truth that it's taken me more than 30 years to really begin to embrace. That truth is this: that there is purpose and great joy in giving to others rather than keeping things only for one's self.

God In Our Lives

(Photo by Eli)

"In a sense, I give my children their best theological education by seeking to really know and love God in my own life and living my life out before my children. Children will read our lives as the most important book they will ever know. How important it is that we allow our hearts to be confronted by his reality daily so that they may see his reality in our lives."

-- From "The Mission of Motherhood - Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity" by Sally Clarkson

Jemima

Jemima Puddleduck likes to lounge in our old-and-not-used-anymore chimney vent. She and some friends showed up at the pond one day in the spring. We don't often see her companions anymore. I wish I knew what kind of bird she is - we've been unable to discern her kind though we've searched the internet. I ordered a few library books on ducks - hopefully they will help. Do any of you know what she is?

Letterboxing

Our family spent yesterday afternoon enjoying the letterboxing activity for our local library system's summer reading program. The library provided each of our boys with a free booklet containing a listing of 30 parks in our county along with clues for finding a hidden box in each park. In each box is a different rubber stamp with an insect on it. The goal is to visit as many parks as you can to collect each of the different stamps in your booklet. There are prizes you can win, but our main goal is just having fun with it! Letterboxing is apparently a growing fad in this country and overseas. At www.letterboxing.org you can find history and information about letterboxing as well as clues to letterboxes in your area which you can find. If you live in my area and haven't heard about the library system's letterboxing program, visit your local library and ask for the free booklet. There's still time to enjoy the program - the boxes will be in the parks through September 12. Have fun!

Beauty

"We want something else which can hardly be put into words - to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it."

-- C. S. Lewis

Time

(Photo by Eli taken through a knothole in the barn)

"We all have 24 hours put into our spending account each and every day. What we do with that time is in our hands! Will we be faithful? Will we use it wisely? Will we make it count for eternity? Will we use our gift to the fullest? Will we use our gift for what really counts?

If we want to live a life of balance, we must guard this precious gift! We must measure our time as one of our greatest resources we have to invest in this life! This requires that we go back to our precious Giver and seek HIM for how we can most faithfully invest each moment! We must let Him be the Lord of our schedule, our to-do's, our calendar. We must commit our way - ALL OF OUR WAY - to Him from our work to our studies that we pursue to our commitments to our books that we read to the activities that we participate."

-- From "Homeschooling the Easy Way! - Reprint Book - Volume Two" by Cindy Rushton

Birds & Blueberries

(Photo by Eli)

Not only did Eli and I find blueberries in our blueberry patch the other evening, we also found this bird's nest. The nest contained four birds - the funny thing is that one of the birds was as big as the other three put together! After realizing it was also a different kind of bird, we figured that it was probably a cow bird baby as cow birds are lazy mothers who will actually lay their eggs in another bird's nest to be hatched and raised.


















Last summer my sister-in-law used some of our fresh blueberries to make a Peach & Blueberry Cobbler for us. Using some of the berries that Eli and I picked, I adapted the recipe a bit and used nectarines instead of peaches - delicious!

Nectarine & Blueberry Cobbler

Combine the following in a saucepan, cook over medium heat and allow to boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
1/4 C. water
1 tabl. cornstarch
1/4 C. sugar
1/4 C. brown sugar
(Next time I'm going to lessen the sugar amounts a bit as it was pretty sweet.)

Remove from heat and stir in 1 tabl. lemon juice, 2 C. sliced nectarines (or peaches) and 1 C. blueberries. Place this mixture in a 2 qt. baking dish.

Mix together 1 C. flour, 1/2 C. sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt. Add 1/2 C. milk and 1/4 C. soft butter. Stir well and spoon over fruit mixture. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with milk or whipped cream or ice cream or all of the above!

Writing Books For God

(Photo by Eli)

"A talented woman was asked by a friend, "Why have you never written a book?"
"I am writing two" was the quiet reply. "I have been engaged on one for ten years, the other five."
"You surprise me!" the friend said. "What profound works they must be!"
"It doth not yet appear what they shall be," said the woman, "but when He makes up His jewels, my great ambition is to find them there."
"Your children?"
"Yes, my two children. They are my life's work.""

-- From "The Shaping of a Christian Family - How My Parents Nurtured My Faith" by Elisabeth Elliot

Tea at Seven Oaks

The seasonally-dressed front porch of The Seven Oaks Tea Room -














My sister-in-law was given a gift certificate to this local tea room by her husband for her birthday. She invited her sisters, mother and sisters-in-law to evening tea at Seven Oaks last night.














We enjoyed a delicious Evening Time Tea of:
* Blueberry Scones with Devonshire Cream
* Mixed Greens with Buttermilk Avocado Dressing
* Orzo Soup with Escarole and Turkey Parmesan Meatballs
* Cottage Cheese Biscuit with Country Ham and Honey Butter, Grilled Cheddar Cheese Tea Sandwich with Escarole and Fig Preserves, and a Spinach Phyllo Cup of Egg Salad
* Fruit Plate of fresh grapes, orange slices and golden kiwi
* Daisy Anne Dessert - a shortcake cup filled with lemon curd and garnished with strawberries
* Blueberry Tea

One of the Girls

(Photo by Eli)