A Country Maiden's Lane

Rain... Rain... Rain...

2009-11-11T14:58:00.002-05:00

It's been a rainy yet delightful past day and a half! We've most certainly enjoyed our time spent indoors doing and focusing on things that are not 'everyday'. We had a good reason to be indoors... a little rain isn't enough to keep us from being outside, but when it's a downpour most of the day, then we do our utmost to stay dry. In the past thirty hours we've received just shy of five inches of rain!!! It's made feeding critters rather interesting... and wet!

View from my room...
As of yesterday around 4:00, which is when the rained slacked off enough for me to hasten out a give the critters an early feeding, we had received right at the inch and a half mark- per our rain gauge. When I woke up this morning I was surprised to see that the pond had tripled in size!!

Close up
It rained hard and steady all night long not slacking off until around 10:00 this morning. In addition to the water that the pond receives, it also holds the water draining from the front yard. I'm surprised, yet not really, that there was this much of a change from yesterday afternoon!! It's really neat! I'm already thinking a canoe ride is in order as soon as I find the canoe!! :o)

A wet and excited dog!! :o)
I headed out for a walk around 11:00 to clear my mind and to see the sights. Jasper had been outside for sometime already, but he was so happy to have me out there with him! It was seriously swampy out there... you don't quite leave footprints as you walk but it's 'pert near close'!!! There's been a nice wind most of the day which should help towards drying things out. I love seeing the ripples that it makes on the pond...

Stayin' busy...
So what have we been doing during the rain? Well, Mommas been working on making the house more into a home. Right now she's working on cleaning out her china which includes washing it and, to an extent, re-arranging the furniture that holds it. She and Sawyer took a break to make cookies this morning. Have I mentioned that Sawyer l.o.v.e.s to bake?

Hibernatin' in the sewing room...

I've spent every free moment of the past few days working in the sewing room. Some denim has been my focus and I ventured into uncharted territory by doing two rows of top stitching along each seam. My seam ripper and I are getting to be good friends these days... I feel as if I've done more 'picking'/ripping out than I've done sewing!!! :o) It's all for a good cause and I'm really enjoying the end result!

It all started out...
This was taken last Friday as I began cutting out the fabric. It was chilly in the house and the back porch offered me the perfect spot to get warmed up, naturally!!! It most certainly did the trick!
Despite the fun stuff we've been doing, I'm already looking forward to the sun coming out once again! It will be such a cheerful event!!

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-11-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Nearer, Still Nearer

Words & Music by: Lelia N. Morris, 1862-1929

Nearer, still nearer- close to Thy heart,
Draw my, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast,
Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest,"
Shelter me safe in that "Have of Rest."

Nearer, still nearer- nothing I bring,
Naught as an off'ring to Jesus my King-
Only my sinful, no contrite heart;
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

Nearer, still nearer- Lord, to be Thine,
Sin with its follies I gladly resign-
All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride;
Give m but Jesus, my Lord crucified,
Give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified.

Nearer, still nearer- while life shall last,
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages, ever to be
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.

Another Year Older...

2009-11-04T15:25:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated Sawyer's fourth birthday... where did the past four years go?? It wasn't too long ago that he was a sweet and cuddly little baby, and now here he is...

Patiently Posing for Momma
... a sweet four year old that has such a tender heart.

OHhhhhhhhhhhhhh Boy!
I must say that his birthday celebration was unlike anything that I've ever seen, thanks to Sawyer! Birthdays around here are a family affair and although we all have fun, they are rather low keyed. This was NOT the case last night...

Trevor and Thelma-still newlyweds! :o)
Sawyer had spent most of the day wishing everyone a "Happy Birthday" when they wished him one!!! He talked about his birthday cake, became tickled pink when we sang the "Happy Birthday" song to him, and was just in general EXCITED over it all!
After dinner and conversation, it was present time... the most anticipated time for him!

"A Dump Truck!!!"
The look in the above two photos of Ham-man opening his gifts literally say it all. As he tore paper off of the gifts he would say "Oooohhh, it's a ______!! Thank you soooooooooooooo much!!!! Ohhhhhh boy!!! Thank you_________!!!"

As I sat there watching it all take place, I couldn't help but stand amazed with his thankful heart. Yes, he was excited over it all, but he would take the time to look the giver in the eye and to say "Thank you!". His excitement was contagious to all around the table and we all were wearing big grins and laughing out hearts out by the time he opened the last gift! It was truly a very special time for all involved.

Sawyer is turning into a fine little man. His thankfulness isn't limited to birthday presents; it carries over into everyday life- when I take clean clothes to his room he says "Oh Ashley, thank you for my clean clothes". When Momma comes home from the store we hear "Thank you for the wonderful food, Momma!". Or simply when something ordinary happens it's not unusual to hear "Ohhhh, thank you!!!" come from his mouth!

He's become a real help as well. He cheerfully brings me some laundry when I'm unable to get it, enjoys helping in the kitchen and will volunteer his services in there, he can unload the silverware from the dishwasher, and will be a big help if we will only allow him to.

Yes, Sawyer is a huge part of our family. We all love him dearly and count ourselves blessed to count him among us!

A Recipe...

2009-11-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

It's been requested that I share the recipe for the brownies that I shared in a post last week. Since I have a tried and true brownie recipe that everyone absolutely loves I'm beginning to expand my horizons a bit. For some strange and unknown reason, peanut butter swirl brownies have been on my mind the past few weeks so I went scouring the Internet to see what I could come up with. This is what I finally decided to try...

Michelle's Peanut Butter Marbled Brownies.

2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk

1 cup butter, melted
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, 1/4 white sugar, 1 egg, and milk until smooth. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, 2 cups white sugar, and vanilla. Mix in the remaining three eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; mix into the batter. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Remove 1 cup of the chocolate batter. Spread the remaining batter into the prepared pan. Spread the peanut butter filling over the top. Drop reserved chocolate batter by teaspoonful over the filling. Using a knife, gently swirl through the top layers for a marbled. effect.

5. Bake for 35- 40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out almost clean. Cool completely, then cut into bars.

This was a pretty good recipe one that I would definitely make again but try several different things to see if I can improve on it.

1.) I had an 8 ounce block of cream cheese and didn't feel like cutting off and storing the extra two ounces (I remembered what happened the last time we stored the 'leftover' portion). Next time I will most certainly use the six ounces that the recipe calls for. The brownies were almost to 'rich' and not 'peanut-buttery' enough... I'm a thinkin' it was the extra cream cheese.

2.) Also, just out of curiosity, I will melt the butter and sugar together on the stove instead of melting the butter and then adding everything to it. This also means I'll mix the brownie batter up by hand instead of using the mixer. They always seem to be better when they are done 'on the stove', so to speak.

I may search the Internet some more before I finally decide on 'THE' recipe... but maybe inspiration will strike causing me to get creative and figure out how to take the 'tried and true' recipe and add the perfect peanut butter mixture to it!!! Now THAT sounds great!!! :o)

Enjoy!!!

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-11-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Music by: Adelaide A. Pollard, 1862-1934
Words by: George C. Stebbins, 1846-1945

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay!
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence, humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

EXCITEMENT!!!!!!

2009-10-30T11:20:00.000-04:00

Finally, after seemingly months of eager anticipating and wondering "when will it happen"...... it happened!!!

Nestled amongst the golf balls...
We got out first egg!!!!

Posing for a picture...
I headed out to the pen late yesterday afternoon just to see how the chicky-doos were doing. This involves checking the food, water AND, most importantly of late, the 'nest tub' (which is a blue barrel cut in half length wise) for 'treasures'; as well as standing around and watching the flock hunt for grubs, sun themselves, or take dust baths. It's always entertaining to see!!!
This particular afternoon there was a twist to it all. There was an EGG in a NEST that a HEN had made!!!! Talk about the culmination of all that we've put into these girls!

After I dumped the feeder out...
One of these lovely ladies, not the rooster in the middle of the photo, gave us our first egg. We believe her to be of the Australorpe breed which are the black hens in the above photo- their are fourteen of them.

Showing off the egg!
We were pretty excited over the egg!!! It's tiny but it's a start!!! I'm already restraining myself from tromping out to the pen every hour just to see if there might be any more out there!!! It's hard, but as long as I stay busy I will manage!!! EXCITEMENT!!! :o)

Ruler of the Roost...
I'll end the post with Mr. Rooster. He's a wreck. He can't crow... it's more like a one syllable squawk that sounds atrocious!!! He normally crows while they are still penned up in the mornings, when he's feeling really good during the late afternoons, and now, as of last night around 8:30, he crows in the dark! I sure hope his vocal chord growth catches up with the growth that his body is doing!!! I'm not sure how much longer of the squawking we can take! :o)

If you look close enough at the area behind the rooster you will see the beginnings of the chicken coop!! Daddy has the posts and a board for one side of the coop all ready and this weekend he'll be working on it, if it doesn't rain! I'm so excited!! Eggs and the beginnings of a coop all at the same time! :o)

Baking....

2009-10-29T16:50:00.000-04:00

The sun is shining here at our place and it's simply delightful outdoors! The widows are open upstairs, and in various room throughout the house, letting in the fresh air from outside! It makes the room feel crisp and fresh after being shut up for so long due to rain or humidity.

View from the barn and chicken pen...
After spending quite a bit of time indoors last week, I was surprised to see how much the leaves had changed color!!! The River Birches are beautiful with their yellowing leaves which are quickly calling to the ground... pretty soon the trees will be completely bare and will look quite desolate until next spring.

Fresh from the oven...
With the windows open and the back door rotating between an open and closed state this morning, I jumped into some baking. We were on our last loaf of whole wheat bread so a new batch was on the agenda. For the past month or so, I have had quite a time with the bread... it's been dry and has risen only to fall when it's baked. I've used the same recipe and done nothing different than in times past, but it still turns out... to the eye unappealing. There has been a new recipe that I've been working with as well, and I've had the exact same results. Yesterday, Momma and I got to wondering if our yeast couldn't be 'bad' so she picked a new package up when she stopped at the Pantry Shoppe yesterday. So this morning, once the bread had risen beautifully, I turned the oven on and held my breath willing myself to NOT look at the oven for at least ten minutes (a watched pot never boils). Finally, I could take it no longer and just had to take a peek... the bread had pretty much STAYED risen!!!! Yes, there was a bit of 'settling' but there was a bouncy little person runinng around. I'm tickled pink!!! This is the first 'decent' rising I've had in a month!!! Granted, it could be better but I'm thrilled with what it did!!!

Michelle's Peanut Butter Marbled Brownies...
While the bread was baking I mixed up a batch of brownies. This is a new recipe but it sounded really good per the reviews I read. The 'white swirls' is a peanut butter and cream cheese mixture that tasted really good!! I have high hopes for these brownies... they are sitting on the counter at the moment. I wonder if they will make it to the table without anyone pilfering a bite!!! :o) We like to pilfer!!! Especially if it's good!!!

There is such a sense of satisfaction in seeing jobs well done; and I'm really looking forward to seeing how tasty both the bread and the brownies are!!!

A Week Full of Projects!

2009-10-26T13:46:00.000-04:00

This past week was a busy yet delightful and productive week! We had revival services at church Tuesday through Saturday evenings, I had rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, a performance on Friday evening, and the time in between it all was spent staying busy with all sorts of things!

I decided to dedicate last week to working on a few projects that had become 'unbearable' and we're starting to hang over my head. I was ready to begin work on them and I even had help on one of them!

Pinning the lining and curtain together
Just over a week ago now, a friend that I hadn't seen in quite a few years came to visit for a few days and, as it would turn out, she discovered that I was getting ready to begin assembling curtains for my room. Somehow or another we began working on them the last day she was here, but didn't finish them as we ran into a 'the curtain-rod-won't-fit-into-the-'sleeve'' type of problem. We did get the hardest part done and it would be easy sailing to finish them.

Pausing for the camera...
Please pardon our laundry... rainy days and freshly laundered 'hanging clothes' don't mix very well!
So Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were dedicated to me finishing them!!! Yes, it took a while but see, I ran into a 'one curtain is longer than the other and everything is already sewn up' wall and as my Momma was rather wrapped up in getting the living room put back together, I thought it best to wait until she had a free moment.

Finished...
Finally, the free moment arrived and we looked/measured/compared curtains only to find that there was no problem!!!! Whatever was wrong had apparently fixed itself while I worked on other things!! So, that afternoon I was able to finish them and get them hung!!!

Comparing...
While waiting for the free moment with Momma, I worked on several other projects. Piecing my quilt backing together was something that I've been aching to do for quite some time.
In this photo I'm measuring to see how wide the fabric will be once it's unfolded.

Pinning...
Once I had cut the lining in half lengthwise, it was time for me to pin the two pieces together length wise (the fabric was about 40 inches wide and I needed to widths... I wound up with the back being about 80 inches wide and about six feet long! :o) and then sew them together. Then it was back in the storage bag the quilt back and top went to await the next step... which is pinning.

Finishing a project...
Momma has been faithful to remind me, over the past several weeks, to finish my black dress. All that was left was to sew what I'll call 'contrast binding', made up of some black shiny material, along the neckline and sleeves. It wasn't much and I knew it wouldn't take long... it was the idea of sitting still and hand sewing that I wasn't keen on; especially since it meant doing it during the day. But the dress needed to be finished in time for the concert, so I focused my attentions on it and completed it, much to my joy!! It looks terrific... and finished! The little details add so much to a garment, do they not?

Folding out fabric...
After all of the above mentioned projects were done, I chose to put a skirt together. I had a pattern that I wanted to sew again, this time making a few changes, so I rummaged around in my fabric stash and found a cheerful print that was perfect.

I used Simplicity 2609 view D and simply shortened the 'yoke' by about two inches; next time I plan on shortening it only by 1-1/2 inches. I had to add extra length to the skirt which was a process... but I think I may be able to do it again.
My all time favorite skirt pattern is Simplicity 9825 view D. One of these days I'm going to get adventurous and do view E which is the same thing just with all the stitching!
Do you have a favorite skirt patter?

Friday I spent mending a few items and shocking my Mother in the process!! She never thought she would see the day that her daughter would actually be concerned about picking out seams, re-pinning/re-aligning, and finally sewing it all back together! It was quite the treat to see her shocked face when I told her what I'd been up to!! :o)

I am not at all sure as to what this week holds. I still have some mending to work on, a cross-stitch that desperately needs attention, a quilt that is working it's charm on me (which means that I'm getting in the mood to put it together!) and any number of other projects that I could dive into!!!
I hope y'all have a splendid day!

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-10-18T09:00:00.002-04:00

How Great Thou Art

Words by: Stuart K. Hine, 1899-1989
Music by: Swedish folk melody; revised by Jean Staneschi: arr. Stuart K Hine

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my savior God, to Thee:
How great Thou Art, how great Thou art!

When thru the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savor God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

What we are up to... in pictures!

2009-10-17T15:16:00.002-04:00

Day in and day out find us doing some of the same everyday tasks; chores, cooking, animals, etc. but the days do differ in what we occupy our time with. Here's a quick look at some ordinary and not so ordinary tasks that we do.

Helping Feed the Critters- let's see... five dogs, twenty-nine chickens, and who knows how many rabbits. Oh should I count the tank of mice that Sayre was keeping out in the shop? Who knows where it is now!

Working on the always accumulating baskets of laundry! This is most definitely a task that must be done daily!

"Roll pat, roll pat, we're making a treat for Daddy" Cooking or baking is something that Momma and I do on a daily basis. Sawyer loves to help, as you can tell!

Chicken wrangling... do you know that chickens scatter when you try to catch them? Makes catching the roosters verrrry challenging! We had to butcher our roosters due to them becoming increasingly aggressive towards the hens. I miss their crowing that began before five in the morning as well as their afternoon crowing. Hopefully the Australorpe rooster that we kept will soon find his voice!

Sewing during any free time I have... I haven't had much free time this week and I'm aching to sew!

Painting... this project has been underway for several weeks now. The boys worked on the trim this past Thursday and I must say that it looks quite sharp!

Heading off to a rehearsal. The performance is in less than a week so in addition to practicing every day I've been attending rehearsals. It's been quite fun!

And that's a peek into what's keeping us busy these days! I'll be taking the next week off from blogging as we have a busy week ahead of us. I'll get back to regular posting the following week.

Lesson from a Dog

2009-10-15T16:06:00.000-04:00

Jasper is the only dog that is allowed to run around loose without constant supervision. However, due to different circumstances lately, I have been putting him out in the pen with the other three- Lila, Buck, and Rueger. He greatly dislikes being put out there and I usually have to drag him out to the pen; once out there, he pokes around for a bit and then spends the remainder of the time sitting at the gate waiting for me to reappear.

Patiently Waiting...
One recent afternoon, when Jasper had been in the pen all day, I happened to look out the sewing room window to see what the dogs were up to. I couldn't see anything specific... so I made a slight noise, and I do mean slight, to see where 'everyone' was. Up pops ONE head by the gate. Yes, that head belonged to Jasper and as soon as he saw me in the window he jumped up. "Goodness" I laughed, "that dog is always watching for me. It doesn't matter what time of day it is or how much fun it is to run around, he's always there waiting and hoping that I'll come get him!"

After the Rain...
All of a sudden I had several thoughts go through my mind: "Are you always looking for the Lord? Are you constantly seeking His guidance in your life? Are you endeavoring to become more like Him everyday? What has the Lord been working on in your life?"

As a child of God we need to be listening to the Lord. Listening and heeding what the Lord shows us through His Word. The Lord doesn't speak to us like we speak to each other... instead He opens our eyes as we read and study His Word, He impresses His will upon our hearts, and as we seek His will He will give us the discernment to see it.
I've begun to realize that Gods' children are constantly growing and seeing things in their lives which are not pleasing to the Lord. For me, this can be overwhelming as I am the type of person who likes problems fixed now. But this isn't how the Lord works; He opens our eyes to these things and will then give us the strength to work on them. It's hard and at times very discouraging to see how we fail, but through these times we have the opportunity to lean on the Lord while choosing to do right. In the end, the victory is sweet and we've drawn even closer to our Lord!

Recent Shopping Trips with Momma

2009-10-13T16:21:00.000-04:00

I have had a hankering to visit our local Antique Mall for several weeks now. The building has over 27,000 square feet filled to overflowing with antiques and collectibles!!! I usually find and come away with a new found 'treasure' each time I visit! This past Friday, Momma and I headed out there for a long overdue perusal of the booths.

Pieces of History
While we browsed the aisles, we kept our eyes open for old books, magazines, sewing things, bottles, and whatever the other was interested in finding. I was particularly in the market for old books while Momma always focuses on linens and old magazines. I am always drawn to blue ball jars, and at one booth I found 'the' ball jar. Pictured above, on the left, I was amazed to see it in such wonderful condition... top and porcelain 'insulator' were even intact and appear to have never been used! I put it in our collective shopping basket and we continued our journey through the mall.

(note: the clear Atlas jar on the right was found at a local thrift store later on in the day. It too is old; it came with the top, but is missing the metal 'wiring' that held the top in place, but you can the brown markings where it sat.)

The mall is made up of different 'rooms', so to speak. It's a huge metal building yet has walls dividing it into five different sections. As Momma and I began meandering through the third section, my eyes were drawn to several shelves of old books... with-in the shelves I found two wonderful old books that I would have bought, but I'm afraid that Ashley was on a budget and had to pass these books up. I'll admit that I was just a little downcast as I stepped away from the booth, as they were exactly what I was looking for. Moments later, my eyes caught sight of a basket of books in a neighboring booth- as I went through them I almost put the basket aside as they were the mechanical/technical type of literature; however, I have learned from my Momma that you go through everything in search of treasure, and so I heeded her advice. I sure am glad I did, for one of the very last books to be looked at was a volume from "The Riverside Library for Young People" that was printed in 1891! It has one or two pages that I need to repair and then I'll be reading it. It appears to be an autobiography of the authors growing up years.

Momma walked away with a few more items than I did, mainly in the linen category. I love these Mother and Daughter antique and thrift store shopping trips! We have such wonderful times together and always aid each other in our search for 'treasures'!

Replenishing the Supply
Yesterday, as it was raining, Momma and I headed into Greenwood for a small shopping trip. Hancocks' Fabric was running an amazing sale (fabric, buttons, needles, and some notions were 50% off and patterns were $0.99!!!! ), we needed dog food, thrift stores were in need of visiting, and of course a stop at Aldi was in order so off we went. Hancocks' was our main interest and we duly interested ourselves in it for an hour and a half!!! We perused patterns, agonized over what 'indoor/outdoor' fabric would be best for the porch furniture, scoured the shelves of fabric for the 'perfect' piece, and came away with most of our items being half off which excited us to no end!!! Momma was so proud of herself for not buying any fabric while I got several pieces to replenish my winter wardrobe with. Her find for the day was getting the foam for the porch furniture cushions half off!

An Afternoon Romp
We made it home around 3:30 where we were greeted by a wet dog and a thirteen year old hollering "IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!! Where on EARTH have y'all BEEN???!" He made up for all his noise by helping us unload the 'burb. :o) I spent the remainder of the afternoon washing my fabric, putting our goodies away, and finishing up the things that I had dropped earlier that morning to go with Momma.

I love shopping with Mom even though it can get tendious, but it's always worth it! We have fun together, laugh together, have wonderful conversation together, and enjoy being together! I think I have a terrific Momma!

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-10-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

Our Great Savior

Words by: J. Wilbur Chapman, 1859-1918
Music by: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811-1887

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul!
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my vict'ry wins.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows o'er me roll;
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
Wile the tempest still is high;
Storms about me, night o'er-takes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find;
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Garden Preparation for Winter

2009-10-10T18:08:00.001-04:00

As we watch the leaves on the trees begin to change colors, enjoy the cooler days, and begin to wrap up the gardening season, my mind begins wandering to next years garden and different things I'd like to try.

As caladiums, elephant ears, nasturtiums, dahlia's, cosmos, zinnia's, sunflowers, and a host of other plants drift through my mind, I'm suddenly reminded that there are plants that need to be dug up before the first frost. Namely my elephant ear and amaryllis bulbs. The elephant ears can wait for a few more weeks, but the amaryllis need tending to right now if I want to possibly have blooms this spring.

Trimming the tops of the amaryllis off
I planted the amaryllis, pot and all, in my garden early this past spring with the intent to dig them up and bring them indoors this fall. This afternoon, after pulling up other plants and doing a bit of weeding, I dug up the amaryllis and took them into the shop. I cleaned the pots up just a bit and then began trimming the leaves off of the plants.

Stashed away for the next few months.
Then I placed them, still in the pots, in a cardboard box and set them on "Ashley's Gardening/Dog Stuff/Outdoor Stuff" shelf, where they will reside till January. I've read and been told that if you keep the plants in a cool dark place you can bring them out after a certain number of weeks and begin to tend to them (ie. feed, water, give them conditions that are right for growth). They will then, supposedly, bloom again- although it won't be anything like it was last year. Amaryllis put on a prolific show every three years and the bulbs or flowers that we buy from the store are 'first year bloomers' which is why they cost more. In January I will re-pot the bulbs and then begin another cycle of amaryllis care. I can't wait to see the results!

Laid Back Days

2009-10-07T11:55:00.000-04:00

Finally, after ten days of separation, my family is back together again!!! The house always seems empty when just one or two people are gone, so I'm thrilled that it is once again filled with people and 'homey noises'. Right now, Mom and Sayre are doing school, Sawyer is playing with a fire truck, and Collin (with the help of his friend Seth) are painting in the front room. These sounds mean that there is a family in this house!!

Organizing
So far, this week has been a laid back week and we're enjoying catching up with life. The rainy and cloudy weather has been perfect for doing this, and we've been able to focus on various tasks. The big task for me was to take all the 'piles' that have been accumulating in my room and dump on my bed so that I could then clean my room. Afterwards, I sorted through everything (I even got rid of some stuff!!) and dug some fall decoration/s out.

In the sewing room
Mom and I are also endeavoring to get into the sewing room for a bit each day. Momma was able to get quite a few sewing projects finished while she was gone (she took her sewing machine with her) and now she's doing some altering in addition to some mending.
I've been contemplating what I should use several pieces of stashed fabric for; in particular a piece of black cotton/polyester. I finally decided on a skirt and was able to get it cut out yesterday! My plan is to spend some time working on it this afternoon!

The 'To Read' Books
In the midst of it all, I'm working on my stack of 'to read' books. This stack is continually changing as different books come my way and take precedence over others. I three of these books started... "Darwin's Plantation", "Safely Home", and "The Hobbit". My goal is to finish Darwin's Plantation by the end of the month as it belongs to Trevor and it's been on my stack since before last Christmas!!
I love to read and if I don't watch out I'll easily spend an entire day reading!! Not good when there are other things that I should be doing.

So, this is a bit of what's been going on here at the Castlebury's. I'm so glad that we're all back together again!

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-10-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

Such Love

Words by C. Bishop
Music by: Robert Harkness

That God should love a sinner such as I,
Should yearn to change my sorrow into bliss
Nor rest till He had planned to bring me nigh,
How wonderful is love like this!

Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!

That Christ should join so freely in the scheme,
Although it meant His death on Calvary-
Did ever human tongue find nobler theme,
Than love divine that ransomed me?

Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!

That for a willful outcast such as I
The Father planned, the Saviour bled and died,
Temptation for a worthless slave to buy,
Who long had law and grace defied!

Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!

And now He takes me to His heart-a son;
He asks me not to fill a servants place.
The "far off country" wand'rings all are done;
Wide open are His arms of grace.

Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!

An Award...

2009-10-02T17:25:00.000-04:00

Recently, LaSara awarded me this "Honest Scrap" award which means that I get to list ten honest things, not necessarily random facts I suppose, about myself. The thought "why am I doing this? My brothers would be better able to fulfill this request than I can", crosses my mind, but I'll try to do my best! :o)

1) I have the hardest time getting up in the morning and am very prone to sleeping through the alarm! A friend recommended placing the alarm clock on the opposite side of the room... wow!!! It's amazing!!! I'm up the moment the alarm starts going off, and I stay up!
You know, the alarm sounds louder on that side of the room.

2) I love puzzles! Currently I have a three thousand piece puzzle, that has been in the works for six weeks, about a third of the way done. I usually work on the puzzles during phone calls with a certain person, as it helps to have my hands busy while we talk, but I have been known to 'drop in' on it during the day. Once I sit down and start fitting pieces together, it's hard to stop! :o)

3) I'm not a shopper by nature. My method of shopping is to go in, get what I need, and leave. I have a plan of action- where I'm starting in the store and where I'll end. I DON'T stop in between, unless I see that item I've been searching for ages for.
With that said, do I enjoy walking through an antique store/mall or the thrift store. AND I don't mind 'going along for the ride' with others.

4) Ernest T. Bass was my 'hero' when I was quite a bit younger. Trevor and I would play 'Andy Griffith' and, since he is two years younger than I, he got to be Andy (because Andy can't run very fast) and I was Ernest T. (because Ernest T. can run faster than Andy). I had great fun jumping over walls and running around like a 'maniac', but it never lasted very long seeing how 'Andy' couldn't catch me!

5) I have just come to the wonderful realization that walnuts are the perfect addition to brownies!! I've often wondered how the bakeries can make such delicious brownies... Thanks to Sayre, who stirred up an impromptu batch of brownies last night and added walnuts just on a whim, I have had my taste buds 'enlightened'! They are delicious!

6) I own three heifers that are due to calve in December or January. Two of them are pictured here. It's exciting to see the heifers getting larger and then, when they calve, it will be neat to see mother's and calves all together!

7) I like to see a book and flip through it, before I purchase it online. I usually will request the book from our library and peruse it to see if it is something that I really want. It works this way with music books (I head to the music store to see those) and reading material.

8) I am so truly thankful for the Lord and His working in my heart even when I was a rebellious young person. He has done a mighty work in my life over the past ten or so years; it can only be explained by our loving Lord and Savior. You can read more about it here.

9) There are many times that I wish for a sister to help and have fun with while 'we' work! I can only imagine the enjoyment that comes from working together- the fun, the singing, the laughter, and the good conversations that would come of it. Instead of a sister, though, I have my Momma who has taken the place of a sister and is my friend! I don't know what I would do without her!

10) My timer is going off... that means the bread is done rising and it's time for me to get the evening started!

Have a wonderful evening!

2009-09-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

What a lovely week it's been so far!! I do believe fall is here or at least the fall temperatures are here! We've been able to have the windows open and the breeze fluttering the curtains all day long; it becomes necessary to close most of them at night as it gets so chilly! Bundling up is almost a must in the mornings!

Welcome!
I think my favorite aspect of fall is the slant of the sun... and the beautiful weather! I don't know what it is about the sun at this time of year, but I always feel invigorated, energized, and refreshed when I'm outdoors. The sun gives everything crisp-fresh look- it's almost like giving one a fresh perspective, if that makes sense.

Digging Holes
Sawyer and I have been spending part of our days outdoors, usually after he gets up from his nap. We saunter out into the different gardens and while I deadhead and weed away in my garden, he's out digging holes, smoothing dirt, and driving trucks in the big garden. He doesn't stay engrossed for very long, as he's soon walking over to tell me about what he's busy doing!

Out in the Big Garden...
My fall garden is doing well so far! The broccoli and onion plants are doing wonderfully and growing to their hearts content. The cabbage, however, seems to be struggling but I can't tell you why I think that. They just doesn't look 'right'- almost like their a little stressed and I know that one plant has died. Since I've just noticed their stressed look, I'll keep an eye on them for another day or two just to make sure I'm not imagining anything! :o)

My Mums...
It's almost time for me to begin the fall clean-up in my garden. I can tell things have just about reached the end of their life and are beginning to die back. However, these mums are bringing such life and color into the garden with their profuse blooms! The orange/red mum has been blooming for about three weeks now while the purple mum, in the back, is on the verge of blooming! I'm hoping that by removing the spent blooms, I can lengthen their bloom time!

Out in the chicken yard
I love going out and watching the chickens! This afternoon I walked out there and found several birds 'splayed out' under the Rose of Sharon bushes taking dust baths and having a grand ol' time...

In action...
They never fail to amuse me especially if the decide to run someplace!
Isn't it amazing that these birds, which were sent to us as day old chicks, instinctively know to take dust baths or to run for cover when a hawk or vulture comes gliding over?! They didn't have the opportunity to learn from their mother, yet our Lord created them with these instincts. What a wise, creative, and loving God we serve!

Late last night...
Trevor and Thelma invited 'us kids' over for supper last night! We had a blast with them.... I especially did as Thelma let me peek into her stash of fabric and corresponding patterns (she had just made a trip to the fabric store... now I'm inspired!!!). Around 9:45 ALL OF US wound up here at home partaking of the ice cream and cookies that Collin had so willingly donated for our consumption!!

Spur of the moment parties are best!
We watched several Andy Griffith episodes and then spent some time talking before Trevor and Thelma headed back home. All of the boys were in rare form last night... Trevor especially... oh my goodness, it was a b.l.a.s.t.! Tristan was the main conversationalist as he always has interesting 'dairy type news' to share!
I have some wonderful brothers! Can you see what time the clock on the kitchen wall says?

What I found this morning...
...as I walked into my room!!! Sayre had so kindly shown Sawyer the art of jumping off of Ashley's bed, and he, Sawyer, was more than willing to demonstrate this 'art' to me!!! ***Sigh*** The day definitely been just as interesting as this morning start out as! :o) Sofa cushions, blankets, stuffed animals, and a wooden sword have been just few of the 'tools' that Hammie has had in his 'tool belt' today!

Life is NOT dull with an active three year old in the house!!! When it gets quiet, you know that they are up to something!!! And when there is screaming and pattering feet, you know that there is excess energy that needs to be run off!!! :o) MmmmHmmm... Life is good!

Life of Late

2009-09-28T08:29:00.000-04:00

*Warning: Sawyer is the only photogenic person in the house at the moment, so each photo in this post contains him!!*

The past little while has found me occupied in holding down the fort. From cooking to cleaning, laundry to dishes, playing referee to wiping a runny nose, life has not been dull!!! It has been a hum of activity here!

Makin' Pizza
Sawyer has been my pal in the kitchen as I've attempted to find things that he can do to help. He has a fascination with making things and loves to work the mixer AND crack eggs!
It has been rainy or overcast quite a bit, so this has kept him indoors near the kitchen and ready at hand to help.

Waitin' for his story...
Each afternoon and each evening, we read the same story about a fire engine. I've mentioned reading something different but no, he likes the fire engine story so that's what we're going to read! I do believe that I'm well on my way to having it memorized!
One thing about Sawyer is that he has a mind like a sponge. He has whole books or stories memorized and he will either re-enact them in his play, or will recite the whole story for us. It isn't uncommon for him to burst out "You need to be gentled, Cracker!" which is a line from story about a horse who wouldn't let his heart be tamed/gentled. It is quite the reminder to me that what we are reading to him or talking about while around him will make an impression on him. It might not be seen right away, but it will show itself later.

One way to occupy himself :o)

While I was busy cooking Sawyer used his imagination to occupy himself. The microwave is the firehouse and he had 'guys' climbing all over it (although they eventually wound up floating in the sink with him 'helping' them to swim); I'm not sure what he was playing, but it sure kept him occupied for quite some time!

These past few days have been almost a whirlwind and at times almost overwhelming, but the Lord is our help and will give us wisdom and guidance as we need it!

Today is a new day.... a day full of possibilities. It's fresh and clean, the sun is shining and the sky is blue! I think that we will be outdoors working in the garden, spend a bit fishing, and just enjoying the beautiful weather!
Have a wonderful day!

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-09-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Footsteps of Jesus

Words by: Mary B.C. Slade, 1826-1882
Music by: Asa B. Everett, 1828-1875

Sweetly, Lord have we heard Thee calling,
"Come, follow Me!"
And we see where Thy footprints falling,
Lead us to Thee.

Footprints of Jesus
That make the path way glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where-e'er they go.

Though they lead o'er the cold dark mountains,
Seeking His sheep,
Or along by Siloam's fountains,
Helping the weak.

Footprints of Jesus
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where-e'er they go

If the lead thru the temple holy,
Preaching the Word,
Of in homes of the poor and lowly,
Serving the Lord.

Footprints of Jesus
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus,
Were-e'er they go.

Then at last, when on high He sees us,
Our journey done,
We will rest where the steps of Jesus
End at His throne.

Footprints of Jesus
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where-e'er the go.

A Truly Fantastic Day!

2009-09-21T16:01:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday was a f.a.n.t.a.s.t.i.c. day in so many different ways!!! I could sit here and type out each and every thing that contributed to it being wonderful, but I think it best to just highlight a few events.

Event #1

Putting in my fall garden
I was not planning on having a fall garden this year, but when I found plants at a 'can't pass them up' price, well I decided to have a fall garden! :o) I came home with cauliflower, onions, and cabbage- six of each plants.

Just finished
Since all of the plants need a large amount of room, I planted them out in the big garden where the would have room to grow nice and large. We've been blessed with quite a bit of rain in the past several days, so Saturday was the perfect time to plant!
Do you see Sawyer playing behind me? By the time he was all through playing, he was a nice muddy brown color! :o) Water and dirt are a huge draw for him... combine those two items and it's like a magnet!! He will definitely find it!!

Event #2

Out with Tristan
Towards the end of the day Tristan (who is putting up more fence at Bull Run) called and told me that I needed to come over and see my heifers as they were very close. I headed over there and spent the next twenty or so minutes talking with him about all the heifers amongst other cow related things.
This particular heifer (who happens to belong to Tristan) was hilarious to watch!!! She was playing in the water swishing her head and neck back and forth over the top of it! She would only do it when we weren't looking, and would immediately stop when we commented on it! I was quite amusing... there is apparently another heifers that stands in the stock tank; now that I would LOVE to see!!!

B-Moo
I realize this picture isn't the best out there, but I really like it! Let me explain... B-Moo came up to Tristan and I looking for anything that we might have to offer; alfalfa cubes or petting, he wasn't too particular. We spent time rubbing him and observing how much weight he was putting on before he became interested in tasting my skirt and trying to get a hold of my camera!! I took this picture as he was trying to extend his head far enough to lick the camera. I somehow managed to get Tristan in there which was an added bonus- I really like the smile on his face! You know, he's a good guy!

Event #3

All encompassing excitement
But the event that made my day, was the arrival of my new sewing machine!!! I've been looking into different machines/brands several weeks and finally decided to purchase one like my Mommas, as I know her machine and have sewn on it many a time. I found this one online and it's practically BRAND NEW!!! I'm so pleased and am really looking forward to put something together on it!!!

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-09-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

Will Jesus Find Us Watching

Words by: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music by: William H. Doane, 1832-1915

When Jesus comes to reward His servants,
Whether it be noon or night,
Faithful to Him will He find us watching,
With our lamps all trimmed and bright?

O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul’s bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

If, at the dawn of the early morning,
He shall call us one by one,
When to the Lord we restore our talents,
Will He answer thee—“Well done”?

O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul’s bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

Have we been true to the trust He left us?
Do we seek to do our best?
If in our hearts there is naught condemns us,
We shall have a glorious rest.

O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul’s bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

Blessèd are those whom the Lord finds watching,
In His glory they shall share;
If He shall come at the dawn or midnight,
Will He find us watching there?

O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul’s bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

You can hear the tune to this hymn, here.

An Afternoon Jaunt Outdoors Yeilds....

2009-09-17T10:18:00.001-04:00

Late yesterday afternoon the sun began to peek out from between the rain clouds that had been low in the sky all day, and I decided to head outdoors for the remaining little while before dinner preparations began. As I sauntered through my garden I was struck with how colorful and bright the flowers were after the rain; they were simply begging to be picked! So I ran inside for a bottle of water and began to cut flowers to bring indoors.

Gracing the bookshelf...
After arranging them in vases, some of this 'flowery sunshine' found themselves gracing my bookshelf...

Perking up the desk...
And brightening an otherwise lacking corner of my room.

I love it!!!
I started Dahlias from seed this past April and I've been amazed at how well they have done! The flowers are so striking against the blue bottle that Sayre scrounged from the local dirt road/creek (he knows I love blue bottles and brings them to me when he finds one I might like :o). It was the perfect size for them!

A fun, yet simple, twist
I found this 'vase' at a local store and love to place cosmos and daisies in it. It's a sure fire way to spruce up my bookshelf!

An old bottle
Some of my favorite 'vases' to use are old bottles that we have collected. This one says "Alton Illinois" on it, so it could have possibly been something that my Dad found when he was younger. The old bottles are so interesting and the ones that have writing on them have a special draw to me.

All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend the remainder of the afternoon! It was the first time in a very long time that I had taken the time to do this. It's almost therapy... although, gardening is more like therapy! :o)

2009-09-15T10:04:00.001-04:00

We have been having some beautiful weather here in South Carolina! I'm loving every moment of it as I cannot remember a September that has been this cool! The past two weeks have definitely been exciting weeks!!! We had an out of town guest, organized and held a yard sale, worked in the gardens, and welcomed new additions to our animal family!!!
A few pictures are most definitely in order!

Sprucing my garden up
I agonize over what to plant in my garden; there are so many plants out there that I find it hard to make a decision on what to plant! My favorite way to shop for plants is to find a store that is having a plant sale and to purchase the items that I really like. However, the past several weeks have found me with the strong desire to have some mums. My next trip to Walmart found me out in the garden section agonizing over which color of mums to purchase.... I came home with a purple, a yellow, and a deep red. I'm thrilled with them and am eagerly waiting for them to grow!

Making a sign...
Last Friday evening found me making signs for our yard sale the next day. Sayre attached the foam board to the stake and I added 'wordage'.

All set up
Our neighbor, Mrs. Ashley, joined us for last Saturday's yard sale! We had such a wonderful time as well as having several interesting experiences! The picture doesn't do a good job of showing how much stuff we did have out.

Would anybody be interested in....
Sayre had a rabbit AND a cage that he was trying to sell and although he had many 'lookers' he didn't have any 'takers'!
The thing I really liked about this yard sale was that when we were done, we carted all of the unsold and unwanted items to the local thrift store for them to sell!! We did keep several things (such as the rabbit and the cookies!) that we will try to sell through different avenues; one must simply love thrift stores!!! :o)

New additions...
Probably the most exciting thing, aside from our recent guest, has been the addition of three heifers out at Bull Run! They are very skittish and it will take a bit for them to get used to us; but with the help of alfalfa cubes and Tristan's heifers, I have a feeling that they will eventually come around! One very exciting thing about these girls is that they are due to calve in December and January! It's going to be fun to see calves alongside these monstrous girls!!! (they are quite a bit larger than Tristan's heifers)

A Hymn for Sunday

2009-09-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

We'll Understand it Better By and By

Words and Music by: Charles A. Tindley

We are tossed and driv’n on the restless sea of time;
Somber skies and howling tempests oft succeed a bright sunshine;
In that land of perfect day, when the mists have rolled away,
We will understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

We are often destitute of the things that life demands,
Want of food and want of shelter, thirsty hills and barren lands;
We are trusting in the Lord, and according to God’s Word,
We will understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand
All the ways that God could lead us to that blessèd promised land;
But He guides us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

Temptations, hidden snares often take us unawares,
And our hearts are made to bleed for a thoughtless word or deed;
And we wonder why the test when we try to do our best,
But we’ll understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.