busy week

While down loading the images.
Mending these wrist bands for Dove it helps her motion sickness.
Her sensory issues really can make a car trip hard on the little lady.

Hello,
Well what a busy week here.
I know..... nothing new to that effect :)
I have been doing some tasks that called for a whole hearted devotion.

Steve drove the white truck. He looked so handsome in it.
It is really the cats meow. Yet the money is not here yet.
Well I am the one who drug my heals getting the taxes done.
:)
Mercy is a good thing here.
We will not purchase it unless it is cash on the spot.
We are committed to that. We will just need to trust:)
Not to hard to do with a God like mine.

Happy to be "Passed Over"

We had a Leg of lamb for supper along with a wonderful family lesson.

Steve reiterated the Family Way Lesson I covered earlier today.
The kids were antsy during it and I finally just laid it on the line with them.

I told them I could just drop them at the door of some Sunday School class and hope that they are not taught error, or I could do what their father and I have chosen to do to teach them ourselves. I told them that it is not an easy task to prepare my lesson and to make sure I do not teach error to them. It is life or death importance, I told them. They are beginning to really see that I am committed to this. I let them know I really want to enjoy them and to enjoy each other. This is a gift I am giving them.
I hope I am getting through.
Dash is a jouster and it is hard to teach him timing .

The kids and I walked a serving down to the corner, there is a Sister in the Lord who is crippled and lives alone. We shared the "Passed Over" Joy with her.
Our bedroom blind has been out of commission for a few weeks the cord broke and so it had to stay lowered. I really have missed the glorious light that comes in the room.
Today I enjoyed that light. Steve removed it in order for me to have the light to clean the room and the closet.
It has felt so dark.
He and I re-strung the blind!
NO COST!
I even had a spool of twine set for pearl necklaces. Good and strong and fine in size.

Ya it is finished.
Boy do I miss having curtains. I hope to make some over the summer.
I have been playing with bright colors and black.

Tedda!!!!!!!!!
All the laundry hung, the clothing sorted and a large basket of give away accumulated.
The organized types of shirts and such.
All the winter things swapped for the summer clothing. See the plastic tubs on the upper shelving. We store suitcases on the upper left out of view.
Under it out of view are the long dresses, skirts, gowns and such.
I am so amply clothed. I asked once...well I determined I would not spend money on clothing to fit the weight gained vessel of mine. God gave a girl who lost her momma a evening with me and she gave me a ton (literally) of clothing that was her deceased mothers. Her mom needed her child to have an elder sister to comfort her. I think that was just a year or so ago.
This was a big job today!
I am so pleased to have finished it.

I stripped the "big bed" as it is lovingly called. Down to the allergy sack, washed all layers.
Steve and I have yet to turn it and make it up for the night.

I am planning the time to set aside a layout for the garden extension. This shed will be moved to the other side of the back yard and become a garden shed. I am thinking about making a bed on both sides over there and growing vines or beans over it. May as well be able to eat it if I am going to grow it. That side yard to be gated off at the corner one day and to plant blueberries.
I must start work on getting the rock moved and the soil set to acidic. Then one day a gate?

The 4 runner got the new windshield

looks so good.
With the new tires, if it is that we get the new truck well this one is set to sell.
It has brand new tires on it.

At the end of last week the kids had their art showing at the elementary.

To the right above her head is Doves.
She was so proud of it. I also have a similar to at her shoulder image that she did here at the house.

Now within the first 5 minutes I had to grab Dash more than three times as he is sorta challenged by the sensory issues and almost set three different tables over. I was trying to steady a bull in a art gallery :)
Poor thing was really a mess about it. Try as I might there are just those times when it has to be stopped fast, he just kept leaning on the sets where the pictures where on.
I just felt awful about it as did he. He really was not acting badly. He is just unaware of himself in space , especially when he is sensory overloaded.

The arts are really a celibrated thing at their school and that is just a delight to me.

Dash's has the face on it.
White on black,oil pastel and chalk.

This is a delight to me.
Click to enlarge.
Only after about 5 shots .
I GOT HIM!!!!!!!!!!
mid flight.
This for the new blog I created this week.
BEE BLISS GARDENS

That day I got the test results I splurged on this.
I live, I choose life!
Soooo....a tool to help me create it.
I found it used. Hard cover, it is a beautiful volume.

Did you know that trees are happiest when a child is in them.

Every morning at the corner. While the kids await the bus this tree gets and gives joy!
The home owner is alright with it.

He even trimmed it to be more accessible to the kids.
This is the joy of the morning to them.
It is how i start every day.
Watching my darlings climb a tree, no better way girl to see them off on their way.

They have been taught to respect life. Not to even take a leaf off.
It is living so it is cared for as such, this I teach my children with intent.
Special needs kids need to have few surprises, with the sensory issues we use preventative parenting as much as needed to keep shock and strain at bay.
On the road to Damaskis on the wall is Steves favorite image and story.

The family got on line and watched U TUBE videos of every ride.

The other evening Steve came in and said run fast camera op!
I did so only to find that Dove has been taking (organic yikes) apples out to the chickens.
We will be getting some less costly apples for her to do so. I see her calm. Do you see her focus.
How cool is that!?

Did get those enchiladas done.
I made a portabella mushroom sauce in the blinder with tofu and spices of cumin , cayenne and such. The chicken in the "glass" (never micro plastic) jar was heated in the micro, then the rolled whole wheat tortilla, covered with sauce and a bit of cheese for those who could have it.
Heated and ready for simple supper.

This week my big goal was to get the cutting table cleared!
I had Christmas cards at the bottom of the pile for goodness sake!
Many tasks to finish up.
I have gifts I want to make, and a new baby (my newest great nephew) to sew for.
I reset the table skirt , it is Velcro so a reset of the skirt covered the space better and the other end is hidden behind the beading desk anyway.

YA!!!!!!!
Do you see some sewing posts in the near future?
:)

A scrap of yardage and the little bunny basket I made years ago and a nice supper table. Yep, even got the table cleared!
WOW I am even impressed.
Unpacking this place has left me with so many many piles of papers to sort through frome the old home school days.

That little candle was given to me years back by a wonderful SILove.
Hi Nan if your reading.
I found the little bunnies last week after the visit to the doctors.
It was an Easter gift to me. Got them for a $1 at the .999cent store.

The cake stand is from Penza, Russia.
Some how we made it back with that in tact. It will be given to Dash as a wedding gift some day. That was the city we adopted him from.
Also found these beautiful acrylic eggs, 6 for $1 just had to buy $4 worth.
I love the look on the table.
Each year Easter decorating has gained one or two things.
The table topper is the one I quilted Bren...
All hand stitched like the one you made me.
It is on the sewing table folks go look at the beauty she created it is in sunflower. Well I guess it is hard to see.

I really enjoyed my day...
Lunch was some warmed home made beans and chicken in gravy,
strawberry and tomato homegrown.
I just love that. Those raddish were a fun snack as well this afternoon.

Well now I am cought up with this jurnal I call A Life Uncommon.
These are the memories for my family.
For me.

I love my children with a passion.
I love my husband with depth of spirit unmatched in any other human relationship.
To all of you my blogging buddies it is a joy to share this road together.
Your hearts, kindnes and beauty inspire me daily.
You are a gift.

Rejoyce with me!!!!!!!

Our dear friend who has been unemployed for 6 months! has just been hired at Steve's employer!!!
They have both been great friends and have worked together as brothers (in the Lord ) for over 30 years.
They met years ago some 30 years ago as coworkers. Over the years the large company they were both employed with all but collapsed. 5 years ago my Steve was hired on where he works. Our friend has had a few different jobs and NOW THEY ARE WORKING
SIDE BY SIDE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

on another note...
I have been having wonderful devotionals with the kids daily, Dove is getting to understand the truth that God pursues her. She believed a lie the old hell fire and brimstone...well she thought God was out to curse her to hell. A girl at her class had her convinced of it and she has been silently suffering with this for a while. As soon as she opened up I set to prayer. With Easter coming she is hearing of how Jesus reinvented pass over. The symbol isms of the covering , the pass over

Yesterday when I was exiting to go to Bible study I heard and saw an image about a request I had made some time ago. I asked God for a way that some day I might be able to replace the white pick up that Steve gave up in order to be able to transport Dove once we adopted her. He had dreamed of that truck many years and once we got it for him we then began the process. He only had it for a year or so. He loved that truck but of course as a parent set priorities right.

Well God reminded me of the request of it. It has been a real wound for us for the "cabin" camp pop up is too heavy for the four runner and we have had it set to sell over and over and it is not sold. Well....

This morning I had a flash of that request, I rejoiced and thought how wonderful He provides for us and thanked him and told him I still would love to do that for Steve some day. I told Him I can not see how, but I understood His ways are so much sweeter...thinking of the recent wheelbarrow.

I told Steve as he left for it flashed before my mind as I was in the driveway biding him farewell.

I walked the children to the stop and on the way back to the house...
An elder fellow was out in his drive. I never see open garages and the neighbors here are often like hibernating bears...you just never see them.
I greeted him...
I then noticed a huge hood sticking out of his garage for the auto was only half way pulled into the garage...
My eye caught a sign on the window...

You see where I am going with this:)

So I introduced my self, he and his wife are just two doors west of me. I have spoken greeting to his wife and middle aged daughter over the years but little more.

He showed me the truck
kids!!!!!!!!!!!
it is a '99 1/2 ton Chevy 4x4 WHITE pick up with a short bed. The bed has a hydraulic hard lid cover and liner it is CHERRY!!!!!!!!!
He has been the only owner and only used it to pull his little pop up camper!!!!!!!
He is only selling it because it is to small to tow the new trailer they got.
Kids!!!!!
He is asking what we are getting back in taxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We might just be having our hearts desire come true soon.
I shudder with the presence of the way God focused me just the day before to be ready to consider such a gift.

Steve and I are prayerfully considering receiving it and trusting to sell the other 4 runner to have a savings met.
We have not sold the trailer.

MY CABIN BEING TOWED TO THE FORREST!!!!!!!!!!!

I am almost in tears I wanted so bad to keep my cabin (pop up camper)
It is the forest to me.
If you know me you understand the utter significance of that.

Holy holy holy is the Lord God almighty
Now I am really crying with the embrace of the root of my soul.

I let go of my home and it came back to me.
I let go of ever being a mom, and I got to adopt the wonderful children I waited 16, and 20 years for.
I let go of the camper for the stress it gave to my husband and family...it may just be coming back to me too

Oh to take the kids to the forest and to teach them of the things of the spirit through the earth and all things living.

Just HOLY...
I cant see to type...:)
I will keep you posted.

building a chicken coop

new birds
coop begins
the building of it
coop
finished coop

Steve as per your request.
Wow the year has passed fast.
I love you hope your having a great day!

Russian and Chinese Spys infiltrate the US Electrical Systems

Point os interest here

What Do Your Initials Say About You?

You Are Kind and Ethical

When You Are Comfortable: You are a determined and responsible. You strive for success, and you know what it takes to get things done. People find you to be trustworthy and a good leader. You treat people well, and they benefit from your wisdom. When You Are At Your Best: You are a hard worker. You need security and stability in your life, even if that means putting in long hours. People see you as solid and dependable. You are always able to see the good in situations. Other find this comforting. When You Are in a Social Setting: You are ambitious, and hard-working. Adversity allows you to shine. You resourceful and able to make due. People see you as honest to the point of bluntness. But they always know that you'll be fair. You have the good intentions.

What Do Your Initials Say About You?

Self sacrafice...

not my will but thine be done :)

Laugh often...

This one just cracks me up!

What Easter Means to me.

Up from the Grave He arose!
With a mighty triumph over His Foes!
He arose a victor of the dark domain.
He arose a victor with the saints to reign!
He arose!
He Arose!
Hallelujah Christ Arose!

Beyond the statement on the cross...
"It is finished"...

Now that the task was complete
Victors made us all, did he...
He took away the power of the dark domain.
He gave em a whoopin'!

Now we are within that triumph
In Him...
In Him...
For if you abide in Him and He in You ,
ask what so ever you may, It will be done unto you.
Not my will, No longer MY life.
Bought with a price...a terrible price.
Chains and shackles removed.
Purchased from the slaver, bought.
Set free to owe such a great debt of love.
Because He loved me first, I love Him all the more.

We are adopted, brothers and sisters.
More than servants, joint heirs.

What Easter means to me

is to remember that beyond it "being finished"...

HE AROSE!
My life likewise risen out of the ashed, purchased.
No longer a slave.
I am a free woman.
My choice now is my own, as is the choice of my allegiance.

It is to my God
My impassioned lover of my soul.
That I now pledge allegiance too.

My Mothers maiden name was
Esterdosh... = Easterday.
The genealogy showed that they were grave diggers in the 1600's.
The "untouchables".

Through His acceptance of adopting me, he pursued me!
He wanted (wants/longs for) me.

I am His.
He has given me a new name,
I am known as His.

Join us at Becoming Me

Tackle it Tuesday (chicken part 2)

See Putting up chicken part one here

Hello, Today is part two.

Now the stock sat a day...
It is now in this image congealed.
This stock is its own dose of 'glucoseamine conjointant'.
Do not even have to go to the drug store :)
Skim of the fat of the top and set aside.

This is now warmed a bit to be able to handle it.
Not hot just below room temperature.

The work station set up
(again do this before hand)
Time is important for nothing should ever be over 40* for more that 2 hours.

This is and antique ricer.
Go to thrift stores or antique outlets and if your fortunate grab up those good old tools.
They can now be hard to come by.

First remove the broth and strain it.

Setting solids aside.

I recycled (the now popular thing to do :) a cleaned juice container.
Once frozen the paper can just be torn away when your going to use it.
It will be a large cube to melt in a stew pot.
This a way of life many a year now for me.
Use what you have.

As with the lemon juice, I also freeze the chicken broth in cubes.
This is very handi for daily meal preparations.

Tip here.
Remember tho stagger your pot/bowls etc over the crack between stove and counter so you never have to move your stove out after a messy accident.
All of the root veggies were separated into the ricer.
No bones in here.

After an hour I had the bones out of all of the meat.
This is a patient woman's task. It is a task of love.

In the large bowl is only meat and broth.
This is the meat off the bones that were boiled down into the stock.
They were boiled with onions halved and garlic whole, celery root ends and cabbage heals. All the things that "modern"woman throw out in the trash.
As A girl it would have apaouled my elders if ever they saw me do such a thing.

With the veggies in the ricer...

All the flavors so intense and wonderful are pulled out and the solids tossed out.
These can NOT BE COMPOSTED, for there is meat in it.
It must just be tossed in the trash.

With a cleaned strainer I pressed out the broth and had meat seperated ...
This is used in three ways.
One...enchalada meat
Two...the soup to follow
Three...the gravy base to follow

soup jar
enchalada jar
gravey jar
and the liver pate' made before in part one.

Again all within an hour and a half.
Now lets get those tempratures back up or chilled fast.
The enchaladas to be made later.

For now the soup and the chicken giblet gravey
Welcome back in time folks...
This is how my elders would of done this.

The seperated fats earlier that were set aside...well very carfully tack a tablespoon or two of each and place in a hot pan.
HOT PAN COLD OIL
Heat

For gavey
Be ready by having made a slurry of flour and water.
The liver pate' and a slauted spatula

sprinkle dry flour into the oils and broum it.
This happens fast, be ready...

now add some slurry

cook the slurry it will thicken fast...be ready...

add water or broth. I added water for I have the stock
well prepaired and it is a bit concentrated of flavor.

The old school trick to the best gravy.
Add some of the liver pate now and distill it into the liquid by pressing it down into the mix with the sloughtd spatula.
This is the flavor!
I know ,, i know it is gross and yuck and all...
Just trust me
The moto was
Waste not want not.
Also the American Indian had the character of respect for all things living and would not think to toss out something that another had given its life for.

In the soup pot...

While the gravy cooks and you are standing at the stove.
Time to be spent wisely...
In the hot oil add the veggies of root.
cellery onion, and carrot.
When the have sweated out and are ah dente'
Add your slurry (half water and half flour)

Watch the thickening will occure quickly and as it does keep an eye on the gravy
once thickened..

Be ready!
At paste...add the jar of broth and meat.
Stir well...

This is at paste

added are the herbs de France.

Gravy is nice and thick.
I cook with two hands. My time matters to me.
When it pulls away at a stir, add more water a little at a time.
This is gravey for two large family meals.

Soup had more mixed vegies, and noodles, sea salts.
It simmered another good hour or so.
Two meals for home and a meal too take to the Grand parents last Sunday.

While the broth warmed to room temprature the meats that were now
par frozen had to be bagged.

With the plastic wrap they lifted and were easily seperated. See that they do not touch each other on th sheets. Well get all the bags labeled (I used a wax pencle). I used a bag for each of the parts.

These are the tenders made from the breasts. These alone can be us to $9. a pound.
Remember these 4 birds were only $ .57 a pound whole.

Many , many meals represented here.
Two hours time for part two I get paid the big bucks to do this folks...or should I say I refuse (as long as I am able) to pay anyone else our hard earned bucks to do it "half hearted" for me.

Sunday brunch for the family at home.
We had old fasioned fried chicken with the tenders.
The gravy made was simply heated up.
Potatoes were mached and corn served along side.
OH THE SMILES!!!!!

1/3 c flour
paperika
salt and fresh ground peper...

HOT PAN COLD OIL

All the dry ingredients in a baggie.
Shake it baby shake it.

Once chicken is cooked drain on toweling
Now after supper the toweling goes into the pan.
Dish washing is made simple, just wipe out and toss the towel into the trash and run under very rot water.
done.

Well I hope that someone out there has gained a grain of knowledge shared.

Enchaladas...

After I rest a few days!
:)