tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63159182677203384822024-03-14T04:10:04.018-04:00New Every MorningGretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.comBlogger774125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-51912186668982736982014-05-28T21:38:00.000-04:002014-05-28T22:23:34.660-04:00Time for a Fresh StartHello Friends! Just wanted you to know that my address has changed. It's the same ol' me, but I was ready for a fresh, new start. <br />
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I have a new name, a new look, and a lot of new stuff to share. Come on over for a visit. We're still a work in progress, but you can find the story of Willow Hill Farm and a new recipe waiting for you.<br />
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<a href="http://willowhillfarmgirl.blogspot.com/">Click here</a> to check out my new blog home.<br />
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-18321807024792018992014-02-20T15:14:00.001-05:002014-02-20T15:16:52.911-05:00Mudroom MakeoverI'm not sure it should be called a makeover since it wasn't ever really "made" to begin with. When we built our house 16 months ago, our mudroom was all<i> function</i> and <i>no flare</i>. It served a purpose, albeit a good purpose, but it wasn't welcoming.<br />
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Every person in this family walks through the mudroom at least twice a day, so I wanted it to be a place that <b>inspired on the way out</b> and <b>welcomed on the way in</b>.<br />
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We had some leftover wood from our keeping room ceiling, so we decided to add a little character to the wall. I would prefer white, but this is a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">MUD</span> room and mud is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">BROWN</span>. We make a lot of dirt on this plot o' land so practicality wins again. I'm okay with that. :)<br />
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I needed an inexpensive way to fill up 16' of bare wall space. Thanks to <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/">Melissa</a>, I found these maps at <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Cavallini-Hemisphere-Map-Wrapping-Paper/3650.041/456859.html">Paper Source</a>. They are actually considered wrapping paper, but they look and feel like real maps. I will probably add more eventually, but for now I chose maps of the world, the U.S. and places I've visited.<br />
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I love the colors and texture it brought to the space.<br />
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This is a very functional room in our home so I wasn't sure it could feel warm and inviting. We use this room to wash eggs, feed the dog, and drop the coats and shoes.<br />
We recently added a new granite countertop (I love small scraps that can't find a home!) that our granite-guy friend cut grooves into for egg drying.<br />
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This space also leads to the half-bath. With so many events at the farm, we are constantly pointing people to the bathroom. I made this little sign to help them find the way:</div>
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A little metal frame found in the dollar section at Michaels, a Sharpie, and a fun ribbon made a quick little project.<br />
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For the first time since we moved in, I finally <i>really </i>like this space. Instead of the mudroom, I'm thinking of renaming it the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">welcoming room</span></b>. Doesn't that sound better?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/02/grace-at-home-no-94.html">Imparting Grace</a> today.</span><br />
<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-34349546080973043642014-02-14T16:15:00.001-05:002014-02-14T16:15:14.333-05:00My Heart is Full<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today my heart is <u>full</u>. Our area of the country was blessed with my favorite gift of God's creation: a blanket of snow. </div>
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As the snow clouds gathered, school was called off early. I think my kids were excited to spend some time together.</div>
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It blew in fast and hard. So many of our friends were stranded on the road, trying to scurry home. My farmer made it home without any issues, but there were so many people in our area in trouble. We heard there was an accident near the major intersection about a mile from our house so we decided to set off on a long hike to offer assistance.<br />
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It was so eerie to see the road so desolate at 5pm, when it is usually packed with vehicles. The accident must have been beyond where we could see because the intersection was empty.<br />
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We still had fun hiking though!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Together</span>, with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;">snow</span>, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">laughter</span> makes me very, very <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;">p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">y</span>.</div>
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As the snow blew against the house and the wind howled, my heart filled with joy. I don't know why this kind of weather makes me so happy. I know some of my friends can't stand snow/cold/ice. I sort of feel that way about sticky/humid/heat. Isn't it amazing how God creates us all so uniquely?! </div>
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The storm came on Wednesday afternoon, and as I type this on Friday afternoon it is melting away. We have to savor it while we can!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">My favorite photo of the day</span></div>
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I even took a little hike by myself. I love the silence a snow brings to the earth.</div>
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On this Valentines Day <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">my heart is full</span>. I've had my chicks under one roof. We've played, we've eaten (too much), we've rested. We've been <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">together</span>. I tuck this into the bank of sweet memories to cherish.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></div>
Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-1558000491360573932014-02-10T18:19:00.000-05:002014-02-10T18:24:55.357-05:00Realistic Homeschool TipsWe are currently in our 5th year of homeschooling. Multiply that times 3 kids and that means I've officially homeschooled every grade from kindergarten through 8th grade. For a mom who thought she would NEVER homeschool, it has turned out to be a great option for our family.<br />
I have recently had some opportunities to encourage a handful of newbie homeschool moms. After reflecting on our various chats, I thought I'd share some tips that were a common thread of those conversations.<br />
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1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">You will constantly doubt yourself.</span> I know that doesn't sound very encouraging, but I want to be real, straight from the beginning of this lil' conversation. I doubted myself until the day I sent my oldest child to high school. <i>Did I teach her all she needs to know? Did I forget something important? Am I ruining my child? Is every other homeschool parent doing it this way? Seriously, what AM I doing?? </i>It is normal to feel this way, but don't let those doubts take over. Remember, if you've been called to homeschool, you were made for this. Rise to the occasion and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">shine</span>.<br />
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2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Give everyone a break, everyday</span>. No, I don't mean you need to take a half-day of vacay. One of <u>the best pieces of advice</u> I received was to create an hour each day that we were apart from one another. I know that sounds like a long time, but it is really worth it. Everyone needs some space and when you homeschool, you are with each other 24/7. To keep the relationships healthy, we "took a break" each day. Most days I would require them to read quietly for 30 minutes (45 as they got older) and then they could spend the remainder of the time doing whatever they pleased. The rule was that everyone had to be in a separate space. For us, that meant each child was in their own room. I explained that it wasn't punishment, but rather a tool to help us enjoy each other's company the remainder of the day. Mom is no exception. Unless they were bleeding or dying, they knew to give me my space too. <br />
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3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Speak their language.</span> Sometimes we have to get a little creative to capture their attention. The picture below is a perfect example. My son had no interest in fractions,<i> because really, who cares how many ways you can slice a pizza</i>, until the day I said we would use Legos to learn math. <br />
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4. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Stalk Pinterest</span>. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Pinterest is FULL of ideas for every subject and grade. There are a ton of free printables and learning game ideas just waiting for you to discover. We use the printable pictured below to practice spelling words. </div>
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4. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">There will be bad days.</span> Okay. There will be bad weeks. But hang on. Even the best homeschool parent wants to throw in the towel every once in a while. Give yourself some grace. Keep the big picture in mind and take a break if you need one. Just because you have a bad week doesn't mean you are a failure. Rock on!</div>
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5. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Incorporate chores into their school day.</span> During our first year of homeschooling our biggest battles weren't fought over spelling words or math problems. We battled over chores constantly. Some days they were full sized wars. Other days the request to put away the clean dishes was met with major eye rolling or sighing. I began to include one or two chores into their assignment list. Guess what? They never questioned it or complained. For some reason (<i>which I cannot explain</i> ) if it was included with the school work they didn't contend it. Once I discovered this little gem, I used it unashamedly to my advantage. There were chores that went without saying such as making their beds etc... but I decided to use their list to incorporate a variety of chores/skills that they needed to learn. Some examples were dusting the floor boards, mopping the bathroom floor, sweeping the porch, washing the dog. </div>
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6. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Discover together.</span> I have learned more in the past 5 years than in all of my years as a student. When you get excited about learning something, it will be contagious. Sometimes it is easy to "just get done." Yes, the core subjects are important, but <u>don't lose your child's zest for learning over checking off the list.</u> Carve out time to study something that is interesting... just because! Reading and study skills are being sharpened without them realizing it! We recently discovered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Why-Sun-Rises-Questions/dp/0753459647/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392068584&sr=1-6&keywords=i+wonder+why+series+set">these books</a>. I love books that ask questions to get the reader thinking. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sO_eIQGq8CQ/UvktShEChrI/AAAAAAAAHXg/XDLXjUyD6RI/s1600/homeschool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sO_eIQGq8CQ/UvktShEChrI/AAAAAAAAHXg/XDLXjUyD6RI/s1600/homeschool1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of asking questions, this is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Answers-Book-Kids-2-ebook/dp/B0099B2TLE/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392068803&sr=1-3&keywords=ken+ham+dinosaurs+for+kids">WONDERFUL series</a> for kids of ages 7 and up. Great questions (some of which I've wondered myself) with excellent explanations!<br />
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7. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Use your library.</span> I may be stating the obvious, but our library card gets a better workout than a Jillian Michaels DVD. Rotating the books keeps your students interested. Find books that go with what you are studying in history and science. Even if your kids don't read them, make them available for visual learning. Teach them how to do research using a simple book, then when it comes time to do a research paper they will have the skills needed.<br />
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8. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Rotate learning toys.</span> For those of you who are starting out with young ones, utilize what you already own. Collect the puzzles and learning toys. Store them away and then pull out a handful of "new" games/toys/puzzles each week. You will be amazed at how excited your children will become over a game that they haven't shown much interest in when it was sitting in their rooms. <br />
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9. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Homeschooling can be lonely</span>. I think this was the most surprising piece of the homeschool puzzle. I am not saying this to discourage you, but no one prepared me for this feeling. Depending on how many co-ops and extra-cirricular activities you are involved in, you may find yourself feeling like an island. There is a delicate balance between being involved in too much and isolation. Because we didn't start out homeschooling, I felt that many of my friends who had children my kids' ages were already well established in their own groups. I found that it was important that I built and maintained friendships that were not necessarily tied to homeschooling. Of course there are fabulous friendships formed through the common thread of homeschooling, but it is important that we do not become an elitist group. I strongly encourage my kids to make friends with kids from various schooling backgrounds. This really helped when our oldest began public high school. <br />
As a mom, I encourage you to be wary of isolating yourself. You are pouring your very being into your children, but one day those children spread their wings and fly. You don't want to be the only chicken in the coop when that happens. (<i>I love chicken humor, don't you?</i>)<br />
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10. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Enjoy it!</span> The days are long but the years are short. Savor the moments. Do things your kids will remember. Get outside. Take hikes and practice math facts. Spread a blanket out in the sun and read aloud together. Pull out the art supplies and create together. Revel in these wonder years. They are a gift.<br />
<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-82149264329338924382014-02-08T22:24:00.000-05:002014-02-20T15:19:22.651-05:00How to Host a Craft Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Earlier this fall my husband and I joined a new life class (modern speak for Sunday school class). Even though we had been members of our church for 20+ years, we suddenly became <i>the new people.</i> It was a little strange to find us introducing ourselves and trying to find our niche; but we found a wonderful group to do life with. After just three short months, we had wiggled our way in enough for the class leader to ask me to host a craft night. I eagerly said yes, after all, it was a great way to really connect with the other ladies in the class ... and well, CRAFT! </div>
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Obviously there was a great desire for crafting because 25 ladies signed up! It was a huge success so I decided to share my thoughts with you. </div>
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1. <b>Plan ahead</b>. I'm not a big planner, so this was the hard part for me. Make a list of all the supplies you will need. Prepare yourself that you might have to visit more than one craft supply store. Before I realized the crowd would be so large, I decided on three crafts. In retrospect, we could have just done two, but it worked out fine.<br />
2. <b>Know your budget and stick with it.</b> I originally told the ladies it would be "around $10." Our actual cost ended up being $11.75 each. With that many women, the extra $1.75 adds up quick, so I couldn't just cover the extra cost. Thankfully, the crafters were gracious about the expense. <br />
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3. <b>Provide written directions</b>. This will help with the chaos of everyone asking a million questions at the same time. It won't eliminate questions, but there will be fewer. It also helps the visual learners.<br />
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3. <b>Create designated spaces for each craft</b>. While we were preparing the house for the night, one of my kids said, "you're putting people in the laundry room?!" With such a large crowd, we filled the whole downstairs! By keeping the personalized coaster craft in one room, it helped contain the <strike>mess</strike> supplies.<br />
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4<b>. Ask for help.</b> I only provided coffee and water... and crafts. I asked each crafter to bring an appetizer or dessert and a glue gun. I even designated the coffee creamer. Some brought homemade food, some brought store-bought. One even brought some fun sparkling waters. It all works out!</div>
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5. <b>Plan on mess, questions, and lots of laughter. </b> Crafting is messy. Once you get over it, you will enjoy it so much better. Sometimes even the most experienced crafters will have "silly" questions. <i>There is really no such thing as a silly question</i>. Let them know it's okay to ask for help. You want them to go home with a craft they are proud of, not something that is disappointing because they weren't brave enough to ask a question. <br />
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When women have fun, we get loud. Prepare your family (if they are hiding out upstairs like mine were) that it will be loud. My husbands said he could tell we were having a lot of fun because we sounded like cackling hens.<br />
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6. <b>Keep the fellowship flowing.</b> Choose crafts that aren't so labor-intensive that it suppresses conversations. Our main craft (most time consuming) was the coffee filter wreath. Once everyone got going, it was the perfect craft to chat through. One of the ladies said, "I like that this is a mindless craft so that we can talk to each other."<br />
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7. <b>Encourage creativity</b>. Some women will want to follow your example to the T. Others will venture down their own little creative path. I loved making the personalized coasters because each crafter got to choose their own paper pattern and monogram color. There were so many beautiful, unique finished products. Each one truly fit the owner's style. <br />
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8. <b>Realize that each person crafts at their own pace</b>. The coaster craft made me realize this truth. What I expected to be a ten minute craft ended up taking some of the women 30+ minutes to accomplish. That is okay. The important thing is that they accomplished it! If you see someone lagging behind, just encourage her or help her make a decision. Sometimes we just need someone to say, "Hey those two colors look great together!"</div>
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9. <b>Start the evening organized and then let the chaos ensue. </b>Before we began the crafts, I gave directions to everyone, altogether. This prevented me from having to explain the same craft 16 bajillion times. I also made sure everyone knew where the bathroom was located and that the coffee was decaf, <i>very important details.</i><b> </b></div>
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The craft station tables were labeled with a number. Before we began, each person drew a number (1-5) and then went to that table respectively. This helped with the whole "mingling" thing. With 25 women, I had 5 craft stations (3 of which were the same craft) with 5 women at each station. It <i>mostly</i> worked out that way. Because of space, one station had four at a time with another holding 6 at a time. Once they finished their first station, I let them choose where they went next. That way they could connect and chat with new friends. <i>Flexibility will be your best friend. </i></div>
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<i>10. </i><b>Relax and enjoy.</b><i> </i>If the hostess is stressed out, no one is going to have fun. Use these simple steps to help you enjoy the gift of friendship. Craft on!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzbT9090RA0/UvbujZ1Z13I/AAAAAAAAHXE/g71bekUD5EY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-08+at+9.55.28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzbT9090RA0/UvbujZ1Z13I/AAAAAAAAHXE/g71bekUD5EY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-08+at+9.55.28+PM.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm linking up with <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-02-11T08:00:00-06:00&max-results=1#">The Dedicated House</a>, <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/02/203rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html">A Stroll Thru Life</a>, <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/02/clever-chicks-blog-hop-73-with-three.html">Chicken Chick</a>,<a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/02/tweak-it-tuesday-77.html"> Cozy Little House</a>, <a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/02/grace-at-home-no-94.html">Imparting Grace</a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-90496655853669211402014-02-04T12:44:00.001-05:002014-02-20T15:21:04.603-05:00The Church Pew Revival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On New Years Day, whilst still in a vertigo fog, we had brunch with some dear friends. Though much of the conversations were a blur, I do remember my friend Suzanne saying, "<i>Gretchen, I don't want you to feel like you have to take it, but I have an old pew...</i>"</div>
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In which she was interrupted with my over-eager YES! I'll take it!!!</div>
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She described it as "chippy" and in need of some TLC. </div>
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I like chippy. And old.</div>
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But the chips were falling off like snowflakes. Chips that were probably fully leaded. So I decided to give it a good spa treatment... of sanding. Well, actually, my sweet farmer did the sanding for me.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, I'm wearing "mom jeans" because the barn was freezing cold and I had 25 layers underneath. </span></div>
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We buffed and cleaned and brought back her original beauty from the ashes of a 1976 mustard colored bad decision.<br />
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My original plan was to give it a glaze treatment but when I saw the price of glaze, I decided to try white washing it. <br />
Because I wanted the grain of the wood to show through I combined<br />
<b>1 part paint/2 parts water</b><br />
Using some leftover white paint we already had, this became a FREE project. Woop woop!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qB5Qe3y9iAw/UvEi34kF7GI/AAAAAAAAHUk/t6IsGONmcrQ/s1600/DSC_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qB5Qe3y9iAw/UvEi34kF7GI/AAAAAAAAHUk/t6IsGONmcrQ/s1600/DSC_1114.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a><br />
It turns out to be the best place to display my great-grandmother's quilt, too.<br />
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It fits perfectly between the windows, separating our dining area from the living room. Being over 7' long, I was sure hoping it would fit!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HlPzcBkaXo/UvEi5qUphvI/AAAAAAAAHU4/SRGnrGYTphs/s1600/pew2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HlPzcBkaXo/UvEi5qUphvI/AAAAAAAAHU4/SRGnrGYTphs/s1600/pew2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgiTYDKuS8w/UvEi3rffNiI/AAAAAAAAHUo/tJ4B3Ag5iLU/s1600/pew1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgiTYDKuS8w/UvEi3rffNiI/AAAAAAAAHUo/tJ4B3Ag5iLU/s1600/pew1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so thankful my sweet friend couldn't find a spot in her home for this beauty. I'll think of her every time I walk by.</div>
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/02/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no199.html">Coastal Charm</a>, <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/02/203rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html">A Stroll Thru Life</a>, <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-59/">Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a>, <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/02/tweak-it-tuesday-77.html">Cozy Little House</a>, <a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/02/grace-at-home-no-94.html">Imparting Grace</a></div>
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-13096900438470946432014-01-31T07:30:00.000-05:002014-01-31T07:30:01.656-05:00SNOW!!! For all my mid-westerner friends, this post is a joke. I know that some of you are SICK of the cold and snow. If I was dealing with -12* temps I might feel the same way... <br />
but in NORTH CAROLINA snow is a real treat! <br />
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I've made it no secret that winter is one of my favorite things in life. I love <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">frosty breath</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">pink noses.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Winter coats</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">fluffy mittens</span> make me smile. I've been doing a whole lotta smiling this week!</div>
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Snow days make me crave comfort food. <br />
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German pancake for breakfast and taco soup simmering on the stove.</div>
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All five of us spent HOURS in the snow. <br />
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Our property has rolling hills, but none that are really steep enough to enjoy a good sled ride. So we improvise and burn gas all day long pulling the kids behind the 4wheelers.<br />
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We are lil' redneck, but sometimes that's more fun. We have an old metal Coca-Cola sign that makes the best sled. <i>I've told my husband that it is also the most expensive sled because we could get a PRETTY penny for it on ebay.</i> I remember using the metal sign for sledding when my husband and I were dating. Good times. Now that we have big kids, we have upped the ante: </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx5NVEXTjv6D0-Z4vxOgOepIdQsMDgbUEkk8JfSyQ2SWRfHjGwDzw6RjrusUFMN4rbZYpRM-I8wivDeu2tYyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Yes, it's as fun and scary as it looks. Don't judge.</div>
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Our animals weren't quite sure what to do with all the white stuff.</div>
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I'm the mom, so the only photo that was taken of me was this selfie foot photo.</div>
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But I had just as much fun as all the other kiddos. At one point I said, "<i>this is <b>the best</b> kind of day. It's freezing cold, we're all together, we are laughing our heads off and everyone is happy</i>."</div>
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I love <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">SNOW</span> days!!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-50349099580410752222014-01-30T15:08:00.000-05:002014-01-30T15:08:28.143-05:00Why I Took A Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. January is my slow month. It seems to be the only month that we are not committed to a million different things. <b>I needed a few weeks to unwind </b>from the holiday season and get my life back in order. I decided to embrace the quiet, rather than let the guilt seep in.</div>
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2. <b>I needed to get my priorities straight</b>. My Precepts bible study group started a new book: The book of John. We're only on week two, but I'm already in love. I love a fresh start.<br />
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3. I don't have much proof other than a few photos and some new memories to put in my pocket, but <b>I took some time to just enjoy my kids</b>. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the "next thing" that we forget to stop and enjoy the moment. Fall and spring seem to pull and tug us in every direction. But for the month of January I really made it a priority to focus on creating moments with my kids that would be cherished.<br />
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We took hikes:</div>
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We went on field trips with the grandparents:</div>
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We played games and acted cray-cray:</div>
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4. Winter decided to finally arrive in NC. <b>Spending time with my family on snow days takes precedent over any online activities. </b><i>(Other than Instagram, because ya know, it's instant.)</i><b> </b>Snow days are SO rare here that we have to stop the world and enjoy every single minute.<br />
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We've had two snows this January and I couldn't be happier. <br />
This was the view from my kitchen window on the morning of our first snow. <i>Contented sigh.</i><br />
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So in a nutshell, I took a little bloggy break because I needed to <b>stop, refresh and focus on my family. </b><br />
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I've missed putting my thoughts to the page, ehr, screen. Looking forward to a fun filled February!</div>
Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-30183024867108997322014-01-06T21:53:00.000-05:002014-01-06T22:00:07.614-05:00Tilt-A-WhirlHello Friends!<br />
I haven't posted in almost a month. But hey, I haven't driven in over two weeks. Why?? <i>I'm a mother of teens/preteens so how is that humanly possible</i>?? <br />
My life came to an abrupt halt in a matter of minutes...<br />
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It was Christmas Eve morning and I was in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">gr</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">oo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">ve</span>. Pandora and I were belting out the Christmas tunes while I prepared three breakfast casseroles and a smattering of holiday desserts.<br />
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I had forgotten to eat breakfast that morning in my rush to prepare for the best two days of the year. As I worked I began to feel a little funny and thought my blood sugar had dropped. I forced myself to stop in the middle of my baking spree and eat some cheese. No change and still feeling strange I started whipping the frosting. "I feel kinda dizzy," I said to my little sous chef. I left him in charge and dropped onto the couch. Feeling irritated, with all that needed to be done (ain't got time for dat!) I tried again. This time I went running for the bathroom.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Christmas brunch table set and ready for the family... minus one.</span></div>
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My head was spinning and I was in the shower in a puddle of tears (because-sob-I'm-sob-missing-sob-Christmas) and vomit. </div>
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Realizing I had the stomach bug I sent the rest of my family to the in-law's for the festivities. Within an hour, I had no control of my eye muscles and I was scared that it was very serious. Funny how the worst-case-scenario can come to mind so quickly. Fortunately I come from a medical family (I am the black sheep in that dept.) and my sister in law was able to diagnose my problem within minutes of examining me: Vertigo (not the stomach bug)</div>
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Huh? Wha?? I thought Vertigo was slight dizziness that only coincided with old age. Really old age.</div>
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Turns out it can attack anyone at any given time. Attack me it did!</div>
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Christmas morning was a complete blurrrrrrrr. Determined not to miss out, I had my family literally drag me across the hardwood floors on a blanket to get to the couch without having to sit upright. Pa-the-tic. I really don't remember much from that day. In fact, a couple of days later, my honey showed me all the gifts I had opened. It was news to me!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">My new fuzzy socks, soft throw blanket, and the perfect winter pillow were among my gifts.</span></div>
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I spent the next week and a half in bed or on the couch. The blessing was that my honey had the week off from work and school was out for the kids. The curse was that I missed doing fun stuff during their vacation break. <i>Focus on the good, focus on the good</i>. </div>
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A visit to the doctor didn't do much other than a prescription for some meds that make me too sleepy and a warning not to drive until the dizziness subsides...which, by the way could last a couple days or up to three weeks (<i>stamping my foot...nooooo!</i>).</div>
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As a mom, sometimes a doctor-ordered couch break is nice. For a couple of days. Except for the whole tilt-a-whirl thing. Until the stir-craziness sets in.</div>
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The farthest I got from the house for a week was the front porch to soak up some sunny winter weather. Even the animals had sympathy for me: </div>
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As time went by, my eyes calmed down and I could focus on reading; and I discovered this gem:<br />
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I'm not usually one to stick it out for a biography but this one was SO well written. It gave me a new appreciation for the wife of Billy Graham. She did not live a boring life! I was so impressed by her gentle yet witty spirit that I decided I want to be be like her when I grow up. I highly recommend this book!<br />
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Tonight as we ate a delicious dinner prepared by caring hearts, my son said, "Mom, I'm so glad you have friends." And that pretty much summed it up. I've been loved so well through this ordeal. My sweet family has cared so tenderly for my needs. My mother came to the rescue and scrubbed my house... and even better: taught my kids how to clean a bathroom properly. My mother-in-law took my daughter shopping and restocked my pantry. Dear friends have brought meals, called to check, and dropped off little surprises at the door.<br />
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I am finally on the mend. Life is getting back to normal. Tomorrow I plan to get behind the wheel, only if I experience no dizziness of course. <br />
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It definitely wasn't the holiday season I had planned. At times it was ugly and humiliating. However, grace was poured over me and I have been reminded that<br />
1. I am well loved<br />
2. His mercies are new every morning.<br />
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-49349217084479003342013-12-16T14:11:00.006-05:002013-12-17T09:57:15.272-05:00Christmas 2013 Farmhouse Tour <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yy9sdiMcXE/Uq8mwAwuAyI/AAAAAAAAHKE/0gPgM03rgzs/s1600/DSC_1086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yy9sdiMcXE/Uq8mwAwuAyI/AAAAAAAAHKE/0gPgM03rgzs/s640/DSC_1086.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">y</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">!</span></span></div>
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Come on in!<br />
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Welcome to our living room. This room is focused on the true Gift of Christmas.</div>
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Our advent trees bring us</div>
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a verse for each day. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Go<a href="http://www.neweveryam.blogspot.com/2009/12/celebrating-advent.html"> here</a> to get your own list of advent verses. Merry Christmas from me!</span></div>
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Our nativity. </div>
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I leave it up for most of the month of January.<br />
It's worth celebrating!</div>
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Across the room is the door from our family's barn.</div>
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I found the burlap bow in the dollar section at Target. It was the perfect necklace for my lamp. </div>
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Moving to our dining area of the kitchen...</div>
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My favorite Christmas decoration this year is my husband's grandfather's tool box filled with red balls. Sentimental. Fun. Festive. </div>
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Adding some bling to our cabinet-door-turned-chalkboard and spreading joy</div>
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My practical kitchen table centerpiece</div>
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Mom's tree by the kitchen sink hold some of my favorite things, like coffee mugs and ornaments from my travels around the world.</div>
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Moving to the keeping room...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFYnpGYsPTs/Uq8m4o8qgiI/AAAAAAAAHLU/ol10DU65Qlg/s1600/xmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFYnpGYsPTs/Uq8m4o8qgiI/AAAAAAAAHLU/ol10DU65Qlg/s640/xmas+tree.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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We went old-school with large globe lights. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wishing you a season filled with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> PEACE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">JOY</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cLY47FqJX0/Uq9N_eBkHaI/AAAAAAAAHN0/nGmL6gOLEGw/s1600/DSC_1123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cLY47FqJX0/Uq9N_eBkHaI/AAAAAAAAHN0/nGmL6gOLEGw/s640/DSC_1123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm linking up to these fabulous friends:<br />
<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/12/welcome-to-the-2013-christmas-tour-of-homes.html">Nesting Place</a><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/porch-decorated-for-christmas-2013/">Between Naps on the Porch</a><br />
<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/make-it-pretty-monday-week-80.html">The Dedicated House</a><br />
<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-home-tour-party.html">Coastal Charm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2013/12/scoop-97.html">Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/12/tweak-it-tuesday-69.html">Cozy Little House</a><br />
<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-57308753690249253022013-12-10T10:12:00.000-05:002013-12-17T09:57:36.747-05:00Christmas on My Porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome friends!</div>
The front porch is one of the most important rooms of your house. It sets the tone for your home. It is the first impression for anyone who visits. I want my porch to reflect <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">warmth</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">fun</span>.<br />
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Even if you don't have a large porch a couple of special touches are all you need.</div>
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It doesn't even need to cost much. The only thing I purchased for our porch was the burlap ribbon. We spray painted the bird feeder red, pulled the basket out of the barn and filled it with sprigs from the yard.<br />
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We cut some trees down earlier in the fall and I requested the "best branches." Tucked into the wagon that was hidden under the house, they make a fun little spot on the porch.</div>
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I also pulled out my summer red pillows. Left over trimmings from our tree and a few balls thrown on the table took ten seconds to put together. </div>
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My man was thrilled when I asked for an antler. I like the natural element. He likes the antler. Antlers are all the rage this year and they are EXPENSIVE. We have a large collection to choose from... for free. Yes, my husband likes this designing fad!<br />
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Speaking of him, he always makes my fresh wreaths. He is so talented. This year he added in some cedar, rosemary, and red berries to the Frasier fir.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9SliZQKNwo/UqcowKBVvCI/AAAAAAAAHJc/H02K_LGmXz0/s1600/DSC_1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9SliZQKNwo/UqcowKBVvCI/AAAAAAAAHJc/H02K_LGmXz0/s640/DSC_1107.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
The door color is Sherwin Williams Festoon Aqua. It's my most asked question about the new house.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whtO57Gfllg/Uqcovxcr9LI/AAAAAAAAHJY/10pvaeBC1w0/s1600/porch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whtO57Gfllg/Uqcovxcr9LI/AAAAAAAAHJY/10pvaeBC1w0/s640/porch2.jpg" width="640" /></a>The exterior color is Sherwin Williams Earl Grey</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRtPwbP7ll4/UqcnmbgsidI/AAAAAAAAHI0/ANN9OLY4UI0/s1600/DSC_1095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRtPwbP7ll4/UqcnmbgsidI/AAAAAAAAHI0/ANN9OLY4UI0/s640/DSC_1095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Welcome to our farmhouse!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eM61Nve8EE/UqcnnYnGjuI/AAAAAAAAHJA/Uy3I454xLsk/s1600/DSC_1120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eM61Nve8EE/UqcnnYnGjuI/AAAAAAAAHJA/Uy3I454xLsk/s640/DSC_1120.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Come back for a peek inside!</div>
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I'm joining the party at<br />
<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/12/welcome-to-the-2013-christmas-tour-of-homes.html">The Nesting Place</a><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/porch-decorated-for-christmas-2013/">Between Naps on the Porch</a><br />
<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/make-it-pretty-monday-week-80.html">The Dedicated House</a><br />
<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-home-tour-party.html">Coastal Charm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2013/12/scoop-97.html">Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/12/tweak-it-tuesday-69.html">Cozy Little House</a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-23867074668832268832013-12-05T22:39:00.004-05:002013-12-05T22:39:38.994-05:00Simple and Glorious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbO0EIMc3Jk/UqFAgydUY-I/AAAAAAAAHH8/T4ksVF1lZY4/s1600/IMG_4235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbO0EIMc3Jk/UqFAgydUY-I/AAAAAAAAHH8/T4ksVF1lZY4/s640/IMG_4235.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving? It was busy but beautiful here.</div>
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We traveled. Returned. Ate. Visited. Hosted. Ate out. Hosted. And Hosted again.</div>
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I loved every minute. </div>
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When we go to a potluck, I sometimes make stuff I love but the rest of my family won't eat. I figure there will be enough other stuff for them. Do you do that? It sounds selfish, but there are certain things, like pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and Asian Slaw in the summertime, that I just have to make!</div>
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Earlier this fall we hosted my daughter's volleyball team for a slumber party. I wanted to share this super easy idea:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeCBx_HlWC0/UqFAf6_oOnI/AAAAAAAAHHs/vzrPhwry85k/s1600/DSC_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeCBx_HlWC0/UqFAf6_oOnI/AAAAAAAAHHs/vzrPhwry85k/s640/DSC_0740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Cellophane bags and ribbon make anything special (I heard that from a marketing expert). We simply put candied popcorn from Target into the bags. No cooking/baking required. Very easy and inexpensive. It made for a fun little gift/party treat. As the holidays approach, look for easy ways to make people feel special. One year I spent hours <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">HOURS</span> baking cookies to take to neighbors. I realized that I had spent too much time trying to impress the neighbors (with cookies that ended up not looking or tasting that great) that I sacrificed important time with my kids. A simple gift would have been appreciated, regardless if it was truly "handmade." My kids would have appreciated the gift of time, too. I'm learning to be okay with simple. <br />
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I may need to be simple, but my God sure is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">glorious</span>! Look at this picture he painted across our Carolina sky!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5saaFy0ZZ0/UqFAf84EA0I/AAAAAAAAHHw/tQvJHtYvu6w/s1600/IMG_3986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5saaFy0ZZ0/UqFAf84EA0I/AAAAAAAAHHw/tQvJHtYvu6w/s640/IMG_3986.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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He also gave us a glorious gift of abundant <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">green eggs</span> this week. Have you ever had a dozen green eggs?! Dr. Seuss would be proud!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKrYk2R2NUY/UqFAik3-MqI/AAAAAAAAHIY/_eRsGT-ZubY/s1600/IMG_4340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKrYk2R2NUY/UqFAik3-MqI/AAAAAAAAHIY/_eRsGT-ZubY/s640/IMG_4340.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Speaking of gloriously simple, a friend gifted our family with some real hot chocolate this week. My kids will never want Swiss Miss again! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djxa3RfM-E0/UqFAiANZfTI/AAAAAAAAHII/IIkCMQBECvM/s1600/IMG_4260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djxa3RfM-E0/UqFAiANZfTI/AAAAAAAAHII/IIkCMQBECvM/s640/IMG_4260.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Happy December!</div>
<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-67833644269731618662013-12-02T16:36:00.001-05:002013-12-02T16:36:50.418-05:00Tree Shopping In North Carolina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2-tiIkAuIk/UpzyG5Y5V0I/AAAAAAAAHFU/U53T7Bx5IPg/s1600/tree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2-tiIkAuIk/UpzyG5Y5V0I/AAAAAAAAHFU/U53T7Bx5IPg/s640/tree3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We've only chosen a tree from a local lot twice in the last 16 years: the year of the <a href="http://www.neweveryam.blogspot.com/2008/11/whew.html">accident</a> and last year because we had just moved into our new home. This year held the promise of a return to the mountains. Unfortunately, we have things like jobs and high school to contend with on the calendar. We knew it would be a quick trip, but it was worth every mile.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgIAbBcPRTc/UpzyDGns6nI/AAAAAAAAHE8/3R3ZUSy2e8s/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgIAbBcPRTc/UpzyDGns6nI/AAAAAAAAHE8/3R3ZUSy2e8s/s640/tree.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
We left the flatlands on a nasty rainy evening. Arriving late, we went straight to bed. But we awoke to the most splendid gift: a winter wonderland!<br />
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We took the kids to downtown West Jefferson and enjoyed the sights. </div>
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Snow in November is a special treat.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE9vIX5G34A/Upz223Jn21I/AAAAAAAAHF8/4lpf5TnrkMQ/s1600/tree7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE9vIX5G34A/Upz223Jn21I/AAAAAAAAHF8/4lpf5TnrkMQ/s640/tree7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The christmas tree farms dot the landscape like my grandmother's patchwork quilt. The week of Thanksgiving is my favorite week because it is alive with tree farm help.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeE4Ji1MMfA/UpzyEi1eiUI/AAAAAAAAHFI/EDRYoghV0kk/s1600/tree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeE4Ji1MMfA/UpzyEi1eiUI/AAAAAAAAHFI/EDRYoghV0kk/s640/tree1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Massive amounts of trees are tagged, cut, and sorted. They await their passage to homes throughout the USA.<br />
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We discovered a tree farm that usually only sells wholesale, but the farmer makes exceptions for those of us with connections. And by connections, I mean word-of-mouth friends.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9h8Ci_Rr8NM/UpzyEOWPKCI/AAAAAAAAHFE/5ZALy8OCmEo/s1600/tree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9h8Ci_Rr8NM/UpzyEOWPKCI/AAAAAAAAHFE/5ZALy8OCmEo/s640/tree2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We were the only ones on the whole mountain. It was truly magical.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B29ncOXVZvw/Upz6NtZfKbI/AAAAAAAAHGY/HNPjMfVx91U/s1600/tree8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B29ncOXVZvw/Upz6NtZfKbI/AAAAAAAAHGY/HNPjMfVx91U/s640/tree8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIbVzQm1gKY/Upz6NU7PT-I/AAAAAAAAHGQ/6VRXnQaMe3o/s1600/tree9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIbVzQm1gKY/Upz6NU7PT-I/AAAAAAAAHGQ/6VRXnQaMe3o/s640/tree9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTO6jRuzdQo/Upz6MW_NK4I/AAAAAAAAHGI/Ib-aYaTKAAw/s1600/tree10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTO6jRuzdQo/Upz6MW_NK4I/AAAAAAAAHGI/Ib-aYaTKAAw/s640/tree10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mountains+snow+family+Christmas trees = happy momma</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8d-nARt9TA/UpzyHMpfRRI/AAAAAAAAHFY/PxwlgNc-LDI/s1600/tree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8d-nARt9TA/UpzyHMpfRRI/AAAAAAAAHFY/PxwlgNc-LDI/s640/tree4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The ride home was filled with fellow travelers like this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngmH4MOK5tU/UpzyIU6kyWI/AAAAAAAAHFs/K8easvdSccI/s1600/tree6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngmH4MOK5tU/UpzyIU6kyWI/AAAAAAAAHFs/K8easvdSccI/s640/tree6.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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I'm so thankful for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">traditions</span></span>. I feel grounded. Nostalgic. Contented.<br />
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Tell me your favorite tradition. Please!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-44367774912984756342013-11-25T09:53:00.001-05:002013-11-25T09:53:29.441-05:00Stuff I Like<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b67aRUD57A4/UpNa5iSBVMI/AAAAAAAAHDE/o6rQ-VysxmM/s1600/christmas+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b67aRUD57A4/UpNa5iSBVMI/AAAAAAAAHDE/o6rQ-VysxmM/s640/christmas+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
1. I really like this cute guy. He works so hard for our family and is intentional about parenting. I love how he has a unique relationship with each of our kids. He still makes my heart flutter.<br />
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2. Our church collected shoe boxes and giant Ziploc bags for Kenya. So much love packed into those boxes and bags! Oh to see their faces! I've had a desire for a long time to go on a mission trip, but so far the Lord hasn't opened the door. I'm still hoping...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfax73WRMSo/UpNd31r21II/AAAAAAAAHDU/0c-cBuvPcvY/s1600/IMG_4110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfax73WRMSo/UpNd31r21II/AAAAAAAAHDU/0c-cBuvPcvY/s640/IMG_4110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Caribou Coffee brought back the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Spicy Mocha</span>. I may have done a happy dance with the barista. She totally got my exuberance. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT9xEJNr9j0/UpNd3rQdX4I/AAAAAAAAHDQ/JR0uyMYmzzE/s1600/IMG_4134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT9xEJNr9j0/UpNd3rQdX4I/AAAAAAAAHDQ/JR0uyMYmzzE/s400/IMG_4134.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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3. Finishing up our study on Ancient Egypt with a trip to the Art Museum. I finally learned my lesson and fed everyone on the way. No more I-can't-focus-because-I'm-starving.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6IPmZOcLWQ/UpNfDIO0adI/AAAAAAAAHDk/jXbNKzBetsM/s1600/IMG_4090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6IPmZOcLWQ/UpNfDIO0adI/AAAAAAAAHDk/jXbNKzBetsM/s400/IMG_4090.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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4. November's gift:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuCVx4sgxjs/UpNfpsbe0bI/AAAAAAAAHDs/tkrqreGQgYo/s1600/IMG_4032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuCVx4sgxjs/UpNfpsbe0bI/AAAAAAAAHDs/tkrqreGQgYo/s640/IMG_4032.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I eat a ton of these during the months of November/December. Aldi has them for .50 so my mom stocked up for me. Thanks, mom! I've enjoyed every delicious bite!</div>
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5. Killing time at Target. I rarely have time to just meander. I had an hour to myself and took full advantage.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7M6SxpzI9BI/UpNgXzYo2xI/AAAAAAAAHD4/xTvESWlanJM/s1600/IMG_4004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7M6SxpzI9BI/UpNgXzYo2xI/AAAAAAAAHD4/xTvESWlanJM/s640/IMG_4004.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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New carts made me very happy. <i>It's the little things</i>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jfI1UTjhw4/UpNgYz2GWVI/AAAAAAAAHEI/GdiiuAmb0TM/s1600/IMG_4005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jfI1UTjhw4/UpNgYz2GWVI/AAAAAAAAHEI/GdiiuAmb0TM/s400/IMG_4005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This mug. I didn't buy it, but it sure made me smile!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fed3m6_qeG0/UpNgYMV3XBI/AAAAAAAAHD8/CILDRYztLW4/s1600/IMG_4007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fed3m6_qeG0/UpNgYMV3XBI/AAAAAAAAHD8/CILDRYztLW4/s400/IMG_4007.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love this cute JOY series! Such fun colors!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdtlsGJTsiU/UpNgZs3bWSI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/w2-WtkubLCM/s1600/IMG_4009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdtlsGJTsiU/UpNgZs3bWSI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/w2-WtkubLCM/s400/IMG_4009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. This pup.</div>
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We *almost* decided to keep this foster pup. Some sweet friends of ours are adopting her so we get to watch her grow up. She is precious!</div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
<span id="goog_741177106"></span><span id="goog_741177107"></span><br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-15554440583141739662013-11-18T13:40:00.001-05:002013-11-18T13:40:37.325-05:00Keeping Our Hens Happy<br />
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With the addition of 75 more hens last spring, we needed to make more room in the inn. Rather than adding on to the existing henhouse, we decided to build an second one. My criteria, <i>as usual</i>, was that it had to be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">cute</span>. Cute with a budget of $0.00. Thank goodness my man is creative! Most of the materials were left over from building our our house and barn. The screen door was in someone's trash. It has a rip, but that adds to the charm, right?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM3ctTelhy8/UopXiTGshCI/AAAAAAAAHB8/kEH1fIOJJu8/s1600/henhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM3ctTelhy8/UopXiTGshCI/AAAAAAAAHB8/kEH1fIOJJu8/s640/henhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The ladies are low maintenance. They only require two things in their house: nesting boxes and roosting poles.</div>
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Yes, those are left over closet poles from our house. They are the perfect size and freeee!</div>
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Even though this picture is taken at an angle like I'm standing on the side of a mountain, it shows the back of the hen house. Notice how much we've grown since our <a href="http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2010/09/coo-coo-coop.html">original coop</a>!</div>
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I know all the magazines and blogs make chicken farming look very charming, which it is. But the reality is that it is also messy and poopy. The picture below is what real life is like, taken on coop poop clean-up day.<br />
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My handsome farmer takes care of the dirty work. <i> He knows my limits</i>.</div>
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The ladies are having a little snack</div>
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It takes the whole family to run the farm. We all collect, wash, and package the eggs.</div>
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This is our little work station.</div>
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When we planned our house, this sink was supposed to be in the garage, but due to some very thick foundational walls, the plumbing was impossible. With a little huff I agreed to move the sink into the mud room. <b>Best mistake ever!!!</b></div>
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Now we can rinse the eggs and package them in the house rather than in the garage.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">November is a tough month</span> for chicken farmers. The girls molt and walk around half-nekked. <i>I'm embarrassed for them, really.</i> Their egg productions drops considerably. So, if you are a regular customer of ours, hang tight. They'll put their clothes back on, get their dignity back, and return to work soon.<br />
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-86540963068707290642013-11-17T19:03:00.001-05:002013-11-17T19:03:24.645-05:00Autumn's Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been one year.</div>
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We've tasted every season at the farm and we are back around to my favorite.</div>
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I still pinch myself.</div>
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Autumn is glorious. </div>
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Nature seems to echo praises to her Creator at every turn...</div>
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We try to savor amidst the busyness of life with three kids.</div>
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Even when they photo bomb...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dshig2xNHgc/UolWDM-hjhI/AAAAAAAAHBA/2ekFJQxy-Ro/s1600/DSC_1010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dshig2xNHgc/UolWDM-hjhI/AAAAAAAAHBA/2ekFJQxy-Ro/s640/DSC_1010.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_4sGEbigg/UolWA_poULI/AAAAAAAAHAw/Lqri8u_vbTg/s1600/DSC_0999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_4sGEbigg/UolWA_poULI/AAAAAAAAHAw/Lqri8u_vbTg/s640/DSC_0999.jpg" width="640" /></a>November's winds are tugging at our beautiful leaves so I'm trying to soak up every glimpse of autumn.<br />
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-72841999825711043762013-11-12T12:31:00.001-05:002013-11-12T13:21:00.425-05:00Holiday Table Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year our church hosts a holiday brunch for the ladies. Every table is decorated differently to inspire the festive mood and give ideas for Thanksgiving or Christmas tablescapes.<br />
I was asked to do two, which was great because I was having a hard time deciding between the two holidays! I wanted to encourage women that a pretty table doesn't have to cost a lot of money. The green "placemats" are actually Ikea napkins opened up. The square plates came from the dollar store and the houndstooth napkins were from party city.<br />
The lantern was from my front porch (Ikea) and the sparkly fabric is just a half yard from Walmart. <br />
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I wanted the ladies to have a take-home-treat, <i>on the cheap</i>, so I bought the silver trays at the Dollar Tree and spray painted them with chalkboard paint. </div>
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I did the same for my Thanksgiving table. The oval trays were too difficult to tape with painter's tape, so I just sprayed the whole plate.</div>
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Again, an inexpensive table, using objects I already owned: pumpkin from my front porch, mason jars from the kitchen filled with Dollar Tree gourds and paper plates from Tuesday Morning.</div>
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A funny thing happened with my "Give Thanks" table. After the meal, we were listening to a godly woman share her heart. It was super quiet in the room, and all of the sudden the box that I had placed under the pumpkin and jars collapsed. The ladies at the table had to catch all of the jars before they rolled off the table. Centerpiece fail! ;)</div>
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Each year it is a treat to see the variety of table ideas.</div>
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Loved the polka dot plates!!!</div>
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The layers and the fruit= natural warmth</div>
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Simple elegance, using her fine china. Loved the navy, silver, turquoise and green. Now I want some miniature disco balls!</div>
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This table was a great example of a kid-friendly party. Loved the red polka dots (Oriental Trading) mixed with the green dot napkins (Walmart).<br />
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She used wrapping paper as a table runner... brilliant!</div>
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Red, white and silver. So classic! Those brown ornaments? Filled with homemade hot cocoa mix!</div>
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Can you see that pumpkin made from a book?! Love at first sight.</div>
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Christmas trees from book pages? I am complete.</div>
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To see more ideas from previous years, click <a href="http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2008/11/table-topping-finale.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.neweveryam.blogspot.com/2010/11/tablescapes-part-1.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.neweveryam.blogspot.com/2010/11/tablescapes-part-2.html">here,</a> and <a href="http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2008/11/table-toppings-3.html">here</a>.</div>
<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-56498567241347458942013-11-06T13:09:00.002-05:002013-11-06T13:09:17.973-05:00DIY Scripture Pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a super easy craft that is perfect for the month of November</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbjcM_bZ8zI/UnqEB5wpg2I/AAAAAAAAG8s/lSDT92b-2IY/s1600/DSC_0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbjcM_bZ8zI/UnqEB5wpg2I/AAAAAAAAG8s/lSDT92b-2IY/s640/DSC_0922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cast of characters: ModPodge, faux pumpkin, Dollar Store Bible,</div>
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I used an exacto knife to cut the pages out of the bible. Then my daughter cut random pieces from the pages.<br />
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Working in sections, we painted the pumpkin with ModPodge using a foam brush. Then we threw all caution to the wind and used our fingers to smooth the paper down.<br />
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The last step is to cover all of the paper pieces with a coat of ModPodge.</div>
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I love how the scripture references show up so clearly.</div>
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-71174650758670775382013-10-28T00:03:00.000-04:002013-10-28T00:03:07.805-04:00A Picture Tells A Thousand Lies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The filtering lens of social media allows us to paint a beautiful picture of life, doesn't it? Sure, we occasionally post a picture of a bad hair day and give it a hash tag of #beingreal. We are willing to share a botched recipe or a craft-gone-bad. We may even go so far as to confess a parenting fail. <br />
Even on our very worst days, our "good stuff" far outweighs the ugly when it comes to Facebook, blogs, Instagram or any other social spotlight. No one wants to be a Debbie Downer, so when my day is knocking me down before I even slip out of bed, I often choose silence rather than share my struggles. It is much more safe to stay silent. <br />
Safe. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Safe, but false</span>.<br />
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When I <i>only</i> share the good/funny/beautiful, I am essentially giving you a one sided conversation (or slide show) of what I <i>want</i> you to think of me. Not the<i> real</i> me with the hard edges poking out and unsightly rips in my confidence. <br />
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I may have this all wrong, but I'm guessing that there are millions of women out there feeling that they are the only ones who <u>don't</u> have it all together. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">An imperfect island with rocky places and lonely spaces. </span><br />
If you <i>do</i> have it all together, then you may stop reading right now and head over to Martha Stewart's website to plan your next party. I'll venture to guess that many of you stayed right here with this imperfect girl.<br />
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A year ago, as I wiped tears from my eyes, I said to a friend, "I sure thought I'd have life figured out better than I do by this age." No matter what age or stage of life you are in, Satan knows how to attack you. He knows your weak points and vulnerable places. It could be<br />
your weight,<br />
your loneliness,<br />
your past,<br />
your future,<br />
your relationships,<br />
your self-worth,<br />
your marriage,<br />
your children,<br />
your skills,<br />
your job,<br />
your finances,<br />
your self-confidence.<br />
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Since my teen years he's attacked every piece of that list at one point or another. The weak spot in my armor has moved around throughout my lifetime. I have often tried to use one part of the "armor" to cover/protect another part. I thought my weight would boost my self-confidence. I thought my skills would cover the parenting of my children. In more recent years I've allowed my relationships to validate my self-worth.<br />
You already know how the story ends in that scenario: <br />
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I gain weight, my self-confidence sinks. <br />
My skills falter, my parenting feels like a failure. <br />
My personal relationships dry up, my self-worth implodes. <br />
Are you tracking with me? I'm about to get personal. Real. Open.<br />
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Over the past year I've dealt with some relational pain, rejection, and disappointment. <br />
I am a people person and a people pleaser. Basically, I like people. I want people to like me. I want everyone to get along. End of story.<br />
But that's not the end of the story because it takes two to tango and some people just aren't meant to be dance partners. I've always dreamed of having a giggle-under-the-covers-eating-pistachio-ice-cream kind of relationship with a sister. I love my sister-in-laws, but the dots of our relationships are connected by holidays and occasional family get togethers. I've spent the better part of a year letting go of a dream. I had allowed the dream to cloud my self-worth. I had forgotten that <b>my value is in Christ's unconditional love for me</b>. He has called me to be the daughter of the Most High King, wife of an amazing man, and the mom of three incredible kids. <b>The other relationships are bonuses. </b> I struggle with keeping that perspective. Do you?<br />
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From the day we stepped foot on this farm, my husband and I have made it our mission to share it with others. We've had countless friends and family over for every kind of event you can imagine. We like people. We want people to like us. <i>See the pattern?</i> <br />
I was recently criticized for not including someone at an event. We would never intentionally leave someone out, but the verbal cut was painful. It was mostly painful because we find ourselves in a barren place of feeling excluded ourselves. I've <a href="http://www.neweveryam.blogspot.com/2013/03/when-being-life-of-party-becomes-lonely.html">written about this struggle</a> before. What I still wrestle over, on a regular basis, is how rare my kids get invited to other people's homes. Our doors are always open, but it is hard to not take it personally when others' doors are shut. It is <b>rejection via omission</b>. Satan was whispering his lies to me this afternoon: "Has your son ever been invited to his house?" "You must have done some poor parenting for your kids to get excluded." "You and your family are unworthy." "They don't like you." <br />
Have you heard those lies before? I <i>know</i> I have good kids. I know they are well behaved. But Satan likes to weave truths into lies and when I listen, my heart grows heavy. I feel helpless. <br />
Just when I feel the burden grow weary, I am reminded of this:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">O Lord, you have searched me</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">and you know me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">You know when I sit and when I rise;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">you perceive my thoughts from afar.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">You discern my going out and my lying down;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">you are familiar with all my ways.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Before a word is on my tongue</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">you know it completely, O Lord.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">You hem me in, behind and before;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">you have laid your hand upon me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Psalm 139:1-5</span></div>
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Did you catch the beauty in those verses? He KNOWS me. He hems my heart in, behind and before. He knows my intentions. He knows my weaknesses. He knows my vulnerable places. He also knows what is best for me:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">I am the Lord your God,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">who teaches you what is best for you</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">who directs you in the way you should go.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Isaiah 48:17</span></div>
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So dear one, <b>be encouraged</b>. He doesn't expect perfection. If he did, then we wouldn't have needed a Savior, would we? God promises to be all the armor we need.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">The Lord will guide you always;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">and will strengthen your frame.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">You will be like a well-watered garden,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">like a spring whose waters never fail.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Isaiah 58:11 </span></div>
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As I wrote this post, it became very clear that I struggle with rejection. <i>Ya, the truth stings a bit. </i> I didn't write this for pity or even affirmation. I wrote these words to encourage you. Though life here on the farm is beautiful, we <i>all</i> have personal struggles. I hope to break the false reflection of perfection.<br />
The truth is, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">life is beautiful and messy and difficult and amazing</span>. <br />
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-14818675910900924042013-10-23T09:54:00.000-04:002013-10-23T09:59:29.669-04:00A Season of CelebrationI've alluded to the fact that my life has been busy lately. Since August I have felt as though a cyclone tore through and I got sucked into the spinning of life's craziness. If you've spent any time here at NEM, you know that I savor stillness and desire for my kids to enjoy being kids. I haven't changed my mind on those topics, but sometimes we have to lay aside our preferences for a season. August through October has been my season of laying aside myself. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">I'm okay with crazy as long as crazy is only a season and not a lifestyle.</span></div>
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The whirling dervish has slowed to a pleasant breeze and I am finally able to release my grip and enjoy the view.<br />
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Here's what our family is celebrating:<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;">1.</span></b> My oldest daughter attended her first high school Homecoming dance.<br />
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Her beauty, inside and out, took my breath away. It was hard on her daddy to see her so grown up.<br />
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The dance just happened to fall on opening day of deer hunting season. It made for a fantastic picture. I wish I had taken a better photo with my Nikon camera.<br />
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She went with a group of friends and one of the girls' parents hosted dinner on their back porch. The scene was blog-worthy.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;">2.</span></b> Our other amazing daughter decided she'd like to try volleyball this year.<br />
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She spent many hours at practice and we became much closer through the various road trips for her games. It was a crazy, wild ride but so worth it.<br />
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Her team was good. Really good. As in they never lost a game or even a set. It forced her to play up and was a great challenge for her.<br />
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All her hard work and dedication paid off. Over the weekend, her undefeated team won the <b>state championship</b>. So proud of these girls.</div>
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The greatest blessing of all wasn't the trophy or title. It was her teammates. My sweet girl had previously endured a year of mean girls but the girls on this team were such a sweet balm to her tattered heart. Yes, so worth the season of crazy for me.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;">3.</span> </b>My baby turned 10 this week. I can hardly wrap my momma-heart around the fact. When he was a toddler I'd see older boys and dread the coming years because I was <i>sure</i> that the sweetness would run out by that age. <br />
I was wrong. <br />
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He's all boy. He's tough and wild and free. </div>
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But he's still precious and sweet and tender.</div>
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What a privilege it is to be his mom.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;">4.</span></b> Our newest batch of foster puppies arrived this week.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m84HXh9yIdA/UmfUVaJNpkI/AAAAAAAAG64/JBRXLrlu7FA/s1600/DSC_0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m84HXh9yIdA/UmfUVaJNpkI/AAAAAAAAG64/JBRXLrlu7FA/s640/DSC_0868.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are smitten.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-pKklSXLj4/UmfTTsCs3FI/AAAAAAAAG6o/eOiTCd3oTPY/s1600/pup+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-pKklSXLj4/UmfTTsCs3FI/AAAAAAAAG6o/eOiTCd3oTPY/s640/pup+love.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-2760446593149664502013-10-21T11:34:00.001-04:002013-10-21T11:34:52.156-04:00In the Chicken Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the summer, we raised some chickens for friends who wanted farm raised, hormone-free chicken meat. Last Saturday was slaughter day. I don't really like the word slaughter because it sounds so barbaric. We did a lot of research to make sure we handled it in the most humane and sanitary way. </div>
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This was our fourth batch of meat birds, so we have figured out some things along the way.</div>
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1. <b>It takes work and money to raise meat birds.</b> The special feed is more expensive and they require daily attention. This particular order was mostly roosters, so we had to keep them in a separate area, away from the attractive ladies. Therefore, it was another area to keep clean and protected. So if you were ever wondering why farm raised, organic birds are so expensive, this is why.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itqi7hYn7Jk/UmU4ldFY7wI/AAAAAAAAG30/l9q03nDC6_Q/s1600/chicken+chase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itqi7hYn7Jk/UmU4ldFY7wI/AAAAAAAAG30/l9q03nDC6_Q/s640/chicken+chase.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
2. <b>It takes a village.</b> We have found that many of our (male) friends want to experience this day with us. We have had several parents ask if their older kids could come see the process because we live in a society where most kids think chicken meat comes from the grocery store. It is a great educational adventure for anyone over the age of 10. <br />
So when the teenage boys offer to help, we don't turn them down. These boys (and my farm girl) had the job of catching the chickens.<br />
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3. <b>It takes good equipment.</b> I'll spare you the gory details, but essentially, we use <a href="http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/111515/restraining-killing-cones-for-sale">restraining cones</a> because it is quick and less traumatic for the birds. No, we don't let them run around with their heads cut off.<br />
We also use a chicken plucker machine. This saves time and is much more sanitary than plucking by hand. The first step, after the cone, is a quick dip into boiling water to loosen the feathers (seen in the top left of the photo below). Then the birds take a spin in the plucker. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ7Mn9nyC4c/UmU4pkuRJVI/AAAAAAAAG4c/_QeNNt8bhXA/s1600/chicken+spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ7Mn9nyC4c/UmU4pkuRJVI/AAAAAAAAG4c/_QeNNt8bhXA/s640/chicken+spray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It only takes about 20-30 seconds for all of the feathers to come loose. In the photo below you can see the pile of wet feathers on the ground.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdFwh0Mvcmg/UmU4p49L4SI/AAAAAAAAG4g/BxwfupPSCfQ/s1600/chicken+wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdFwh0Mvcmg/UmU4p49L4SI/AAAAAAAAG4g/BxwfupPSCfQ/s640/chicken+wash.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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When that step is completed, they basically look like a whole chicken you would buy in the grocery store. It really is amazing.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSBHrP9nAe0/UmU4nhLeIgI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/GkFz8H_Yd3s/s1600/chicken+spin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSBHrP9nAe0/UmU4nhLeIgI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/GkFz8H_Yd3s/s400/chicken+spin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. <b>It takes a well planned operation.</b> Each person had their assigned job to keep the assembly (or disassembly) line moving. Of course, we allowed them to change jobs to get to experience the whole process. Once the birds have been plucked, they need to be cleaned, gutted, and prepared for the freezer. We use a stainless steel table for this part of the process, which can be washed an sanitized between each pair of birds. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXkUvnZ9Wj0/UmU4lnlcbQI/AAAAAAAAG4A/hVwWFZWgQTA/s1600/chicken+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXkUvnZ9Wj0/UmU4lnlcbQI/AAAAAAAAG4A/hVwWFZWgQTA/s640/chicken+girl.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Since I dry heave while cutting up a whole chicken bought at the grocery store, I leave this part of the process up to my daughter. She is a girly-girl, but she jumps right in! In fact, this time around, she was giving lessons to the boys. Yes, we believe in raising well rounded kids. ;)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjEtksW57dM/UmVF423hVKI/AAAAAAAAG40/cijPDwXahVs/s1600/IMG_3503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjEtksW57dM/UmVF423hVKI/AAAAAAAAG40/cijPDwXahVs/s640/IMG_3503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The whole process is not for the faint of heart. <i>Which I am, so I simply take pictures and stand back. </i>However, it does build a sense of community and an appreciation for our forefathers/mothers who had to work so hard to put meat on their tables.</div>
Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-73568707527542104482013-10-15T16:48:00.002-04:002013-10-15T16:50:22.693-04:00Easy Fall Mesh Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YLC2N_YfN0/Ul2kemrrcDI/AAAAAAAAG2U/LKxZxufDHJE/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YLC2N_YfN0/Ul2kemrrcDI/AAAAAAAAG2U/LKxZxufDHJE/s640/wreath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The deco mesh is all the rage right now, but sometimes it looks a little plastic-y for my taste. I found this roll of moss green on an after-Christmas-sale table last year. By pairing it with some burlap ribbons, it definitely has a more natural, fall flavor.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPF6rtBtLA/Ul2keYXWzKI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/yVMpSuA1MOs/s1600/wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPF6rtBtLA/Ul2keYXWzKI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/yVMpSuA1MOs/s640/wreath1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A couple of years ago I made a <a href="http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2012/01/sparkle-winter-wreath.html">winter sparkly wreath</a> for my front door using the deco mesh for the first time. Then last year, I changed it up a little for Christmas.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAdoboB3rIE/Ul2n7NZ7zII/AAAAAAAAG2w/xHMlsUDS7Ss/s1600/wreath+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAdoboB3rIE/Ul2n7NZ7zII/AAAAAAAAG2w/xHMlsUDS7Ss/s640/wreath+christmas.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
It was okay, but not really me. Plus, the size was too big and pouffy. <i>Reminded me of a 1990's prom dress with christmas balls </i>.<br />
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So I took it apart and started over for fall. This time around, I made sure my loops were much smaller. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">For step by step directions, click <a href="http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2012/01/sparkle-winter-wreath.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mm-CEp7-QLg/Ul2kf2GBWYI/AAAAAAAAG2k/_jpx8DPgNj8/s1600/wreath4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mm-CEp7-QLg/Ul2kf2GBWYI/AAAAAAAAG2k/_jpx8DPgNj8/s640/wreath4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once the mesh loops were secured with floral wire, the burlap ribbon loops were added to the back. The finishing touch was a simple bow and some leaves. I truly love that black chevron burlap ribbon. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WZ747SVzRw/Ul2keYrzCiI/AAAAAAAAG2M/jcYCvfhrEWs/s1600/wreath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WZ747SVzRw/Ul2keYrzCiI/AAAAAAAAG2M/jcYCvfhrEWs/s640/wreath2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Yes, simple suits me much better!<br />
How about you? Do you typically go for the simple, trendy, sparkly, or natural style on your front door?<br />
<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-36142045372939290712013-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-11T08:00:03.479-04:00Faces at the Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1M4i9RwkZw/UldIGJBkHeI/AAAAAAAAG0A/p_YTO4WrgPU/s1600/farm+weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1M4i9RwkZw/UldIGJBkHeI/AAAAAAAAG0A/p_YTO4WrgPU/s640/farm+weather.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Have I introduced our goats? We have three pigmy goats on the farm. One male and two females. They are small enough that I never feel afraid of them, but large enough to keep hawks away from our birds. We haven't had them spayed or neutered, so maybe next year we will have baby goats around here.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDZmI-sk95E/Uldc0R5vrqI/AAAAAAAAG18/kSlF-yA9434/s1600/farm+goats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDZmI-sk95E/Uldc0R5vrqI/AAAAAAAAG18/kSlF-yA9434/s640/farm+goats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet Chuckles. He is Mr. Personality. Always inquisitive. Usually annoyingly so. Still very sweet.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rmh95WhJVGU/UldIUcFkkmI/AAAAAAAAG0M/4LdTmOuCK1Q/s1600/farm+chuckles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rmh95WhJVGU/UldIUcFkkmI/AAAAAAAAG0M/4LdTmOuCK1Q/s640/farm+chuckles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Peaches is my personal favorite. Her little pink nose fits her timid, sweet personality. It took her weeks to warm up to us. She is still very shy but such a charmer.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGjoNZyFF8/UldIUsS-AKI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/d_BrJqmHJy4/s1600/farm+peaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGjoNZyFF8/UldIUsS-AKI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/d_BrJqmHJy4/s640/farm+peaches.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Piper is our other female goat. She's a sweetie too. She is the perfect mix of Chuckles and Peaches. Friendly, but not too shy. Interested, but not annoyingly so. <i>Ahem, Chuck.</i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmZON6l8QGw/UldIUM679CI/AAAAAAAAG0I/Be9_it-lkUY/s1600/farm+piper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmZON6l8QGw/UldIUM679CI/AAAAAAAAG0I/Be9_it-lkUY/s640/farm+piper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We recently moved our bunnies into a new home. It's sort of like a duplex for bunnies. They each have their own space/food/bed but they can chat through the screen. We <i>think</i> they are both girls, but we don't want to take any chances and have baby bunnies running out our ears.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1-OBsh6wQg/UldIs6MXseI/AAAAAAAAG0g/jXgTi5Wnr78/s1600/farm+bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1-OBsh6wQg/UldIs6MXseI/AAAAAAAAG0g/jXgTi5Wnr78/s640/farm+bunny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our hens have a new house, too. Over the past year we have added about 100 hens to our flock. The <a href="http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2010/09/coo-coo-coop.html">original hen house</a> will be up for sale soon. The ladies don't really use it much anymore. Our <a href="http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2012/05/business-is-booming.html">other hen house</a> will remain, but with the addition of more birds, we needed to add more nesting boxes and sleeping (roosting) poles. I think this little house will have a whole post of it's own. More details to come...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMcxMW7nwJA/UldItW1_jiI/AAAAAAAAG0k/-d3D8Ozv1E8/s1600/farm+hen+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMcxMW7nwJA/UldItW1_jiI/AAAAAAAAG0k/-d3D8Ozv1E8/s640/farm+hen+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of hens...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlzbayTs3Kc/UldYqwCs6qI/AAAAAAAAG1I/t4JXw9RYx6o/s1600/farm+chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlzbayTs3Kc/UldYqwCs6qI/AAAAAAAAG1I/t4JXw9RYx6o/s640/farm+chicks.jpg" width="640" /></a>We've added variety to our flock.</div>
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The Crested Polish get a gold star for looks, but they got the short end of the stick on brains. They would totally fit the blonde jokes... if they were, uh, blonde.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eroDKDccgA/UldYqCTJXkI/AAAAAAAAG04/oDxBp89TKrI/s1600/farm+black:white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eroDKDccgA/UldYqCTJXkI/AAAAAAAAG04/oDxBp89TKrI/s640/farm+black:white.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We only added a few to our flock. They are more of a conversation starter for visitors at the farm.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5p3fQQbu0w/UldYrslHH2I/AAAAAAAAG1Q/urBuM8QV4mo/s1600/farm+fluff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5p3fQQbu0w/UldYrslHH2I/AAAAAAAAG1Q/urBuM8QV4mo/s640/farm+fluff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The real workers (egg layers) are the Black Australorps and the Red Stars.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fL1Jf3jipmM/UldbfdF0PZI/AAAAAAAAG1o/JYHwd4tJm6M/s1600/farm+red+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fL1Jf3jipmM/UldbfdF0PZI/AAAAAAAAG1o/JYHwd4tJm6M/s640/farm+red+black.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
No, you're not seeing things. Yes. That is a duck. Dolly thinks she's a chicken. She goes into the hen house each night with her girls. We've thrown her into the pond too many times to count and she marches her little white tail feathers right back to the coop.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bHTsWVpP2A/Uldb5DEtWsI/AAAAAAAAG1w/n8bs-She4Cs/s1600/DSC_0777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bHTsWVpP2A/Uldb5DEtWsI/AAAAAAAAG1w/n8bs-She4Cs/s640/DSC_0777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2uSQXXMvMQ/UldaTC6KCvI/AAAAAAAAG1c/rp288Ho7EJw/s1600/farm+grass+chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2uSQXXMvMQ/UldaTC6KCvI/AAAAAAAAG1c/rp288Ho7EJw/s640/farm+grass+chicks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite are the Plymouth Rocks. I love their speckled feathers. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS0Sh1g2E_Q/UldYqEQXnUI/AAAAAAAAG08/LrzHsKrvo08/s1600/farm+chick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS0Sh1g2E_Q/UldYqEQXnUI/AAAAAAAAG08/LrzHsKrvo08/s640/farm+chick2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you've enjoyed this little meet-n-greet. <br />
Happy Friday!!<br />
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-79045847665822139302013-10-10T20:34:00.000-04:002013-10-10T20:34:03.200-04:00Permission to Stop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SsShXLdODM/Ulc7v6uWgmI/AAAAAAAAGy4/oA12zsNUUQc/s1600/farm+snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SsShXLdODM/Ulc7v6uWgmI/AAAAAAAAGy4/oA12zsNUUQc/s640/farm+snail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I envy this little guy. Well, not the slimy part, but definitely his speed. The last two months have been constant motion. Between volleyball, homeschool, extra classes, church, and work my life has been spent in my car and on the go. <b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>I crave stillness</b>.</span><br />
We carved out a day this week to stay home ALL day (3 out of 5 of us did ... public high school and hubby's job wouldn't go along with my plan). <br />
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We could have spent the day working on a history project or digging deeper into math concepts.<br />
But we didn't.<br />
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We gave ourselves permission to just do the bare essentials of school to count it as a day and then we headed out. It was the first brisk day of fall weather and we were itching to enjoy it.</div>
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My girl took me on a ride in the woods. We stopped several times to enjoy the quiet. <br />
Savoring the calm.<br />
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Most of us need time to savor the quiet. Sometimes we wait for someone else to give us permission to take the time to do it, though. If you are waiting, I'm giving it to you. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Go</span>. Find a moment of serenity and breathe it in. <i>You need it</i>.<br />
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The next part of my day was spent on a hike with my sweet boy. He knows how to win my heart...<br />
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No, not by flowers, though they were a sweet gift. His hand in mine without me being the one to initiate it... that's what breathes life into this momma's heart.<br />
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Are you in a rush? Is life squeezing so hard you don't have time to breathe in the moments? Give yourself the gift of stopping. It doesn't have to be all day. You know what you need.<br />
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315918267720338482.post-1141786113990178052013-10-04T20:20:00.000-04:002013-10-15T16:54:27.155-04:00Fall Open House at Willow Hill Farm (part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome back! Before we get started, I feel like I should let you know that today's post isn't as picture heavy as yesterday. I have the entire volleyball team coming over for a sleepover tonight and so my bloggy mojo just got a swift kick in the pants. <i>But</i> I love a party so I'm not complaining.<br />
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Welcome to my kitchen!<br />
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My newest addition is this bottle cap clock. Wanna guess where I found it? It's a really fancy place. Keep reading and I'll let you in on my posh secret.<br />
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The green hutch used to hold the globe collection, but they've been moved to <a href="http://www.neweveryam.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-room-i-didnt-know-what-to-do-with.html">the room I didn't know what to do with.</a></div>
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Another addition to the kitchen is my enamel pot collection. Our ceilings are crazy high (11+ feet) so I needed something tall to fill the space above our already oversized cabinets.<br />
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Little touches of fall make me happy<br />
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Step on out to our back porch. The breeze always seems to be blowing out here.</div>
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The cats haven't fully grasped the concept of BARN cat. They are more familiar with the PORCH cat idea. Oh Basil and Olive, it's a good thing you're so cute!<br />
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We spend as much time as possible on this porch, which the cats seem to appreciate.<br />
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Before I go, did you guess where I found the super fun metal bottle cap clock? Wait for it... Big Lots! Crazy! I've never looked for home furnishings there but one day I was looking for a dinosaur (also known as a corded telephone) and came upon the clocks. I had a hard time deciding between the green lemonade and the red strawberry pop. <br />
Happy Fall Y'all!!!<br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/make-it-pretty-monday-week-70.html">The Dedicated House</a> and <a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2013/10/share-your-creativity-98/">It's Overflowing</a> and <a href="http://twelveoeight.blogspot.ca/2013/10/inspiration-monday-party-halloween.html">Inspiration Monday</a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078543392410879361noreply@blogger.com4