Here comes the tooth fairy

Annagrace lost her first tooth today. It has got to be the tiniest little tooth I have ever seen. She was thrilled! She turned beet red (I don't know why) and giggled excessively when she saw it!

Fresh Bread and Blackberries

Nothing beats the smell of fresh baked bread. That is the aroma that feels our house now. Its hard to wait until it cools before we slice into it and while its still piping hot we slather on the butter. Absolutely delicious!
Speaking of baking, I've been trying to come up with innovative ways to use up pureed baby food. I just hate the thought of throwing it all out since Travis no longer eats it. So yesterday I baked a carrot cake using some carrot puree. I wrapped it up to freeze for when we have company, but before I did I sneaked just a tad for sampling. It was awesome!! So moist and flavorful! I look forward to topping it with cream cheese frosting! I also whipped up some 'monkey bars' using bananas, pureed sweet potatoes, and pureed carrots. They were also very good, and healthy to boot. All three of my little monkeys loved them. I suppose it no longer qualifies as healthy when you eat one too many!
I'd love to utilize all the blackberries around here to whip up something delish and should I say just a bit 'sinful', but it seems they never make it back to the house. You see, on our way to the mailbox we have to bypass those thorny vines laden with sweet goodness. Needless to say, it takes us three times as long to get to the mail. The berries are all devoured before we get back. My girls LOVE them! And crazy as it seems one of our dogs does too. Being that she can't 'pick' the right ones she ends up eating unripe berries and making herself sick. She has yet to learn her lesson.

Scripture

I thought I'd share with you the next verse(s) on my list to remember(AKA fully know and have imbeded in my heart). Perhaps you all can remember them with me if you haven't already. My problem is that even when I know something is in the bible I can't always remember the reference to it. So some of these will be an easy one but I just haven't gotton the reference to it known yet. I have a tendency to use a couple different translation on occasion. I feel like I can truly get a grasp of what that particular verse is saying to me.

Romans 12:1 (King James Version)

Romans 12
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

I absolutly love the way The Message puts it. But for easier memorization we'll go with the KJV. Keep this tranlation in the back of your head as to its meaning.


Romans 12:1 (The Message)

Romans 12

1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Since the KJV of Romans 12:1 is so small and I just KNOW we'll have that one memorized in no time flat. Lets do two!
How about...Romans12:15-16 ( I love Romans)

Romans 12:15-16 (New King James Version)
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

What a great way to start the week! Have a blessed day!

Our Weekend

Well, I have been sick with a cold lately and just trying to recover. It seems to take an extra long time when you have others to care for. Despite the fact that I haven't really been feeling like myself lately we just HAD to go to Rusk today. After all, it was my wonderful mother's birthday yesterday and I baked her a cake for the celebration of another year.


It didn't quite turn out like I hoped but I do have an imagination that cake just might not be capable of anyway. It tasted pretty good! Chocolate and peanut butter frosting over homemade dark chocolate cake. It was a diabetic coma in the making!
But I got rather a ahead of myself because before the cake came some southern fried catfish!! Now that was good enough to (as we say down here) slap yo' mama!! Not to mention that the men folk did all the cooking. What a treat! It was great fellowship and the best part was being able to study God's word! How blessed we are to have it!
How's the memorization going by the way? I've got mine, ready...from memory, I promise. "Hear me, O man, what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8"
I really don't know why I chose that one , not that it isn't a good one, all of God's word is worthy of memorization, after all. I want to get to the point of knowing full chapters. Wouldn't that just be wonderful? To have God's very own words in your heart and mind at all times, imagine how comforting.

Baby on the bongo

I've been trying for a while to capture this, but he'd never cooperate. He usually screams while he plays, which is hilarious. But of course they never do what you what them to when you grab for the camera.

Psalms 100

The girls have memorized the entire 100th chapter of Psalms. In Kings James Version to boot. I am amazed at how easily they retain information and what an awesome blessing that it be scripture. Of course it somewhat puts me to shame that I don't more easily remember all that I read in His word. Its such a vital part in the Christians walk to know scripture. If we do not have it in our minds and hearts we will not be able to retrieve it when we need it. It takes time and effort. Here is something I found in a sermon by John Piper on the reasons why we should memorize scripture.

1.Memorizing Scripture makes meditation possible at times when I can’t be reading the Bible, and meditation is the pathway of deeper understanding.
2.Memorizing Scripture strengthens my faith because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ, and that happens when I am hearing the word in my head.
3.Memorizing Scripture shapes the way I view the world by conforming my mind to God’s viewpoint.
4.Memorizing Scripture makes God’s word more readily accessible for overcoming temptation to sin, because God’s warnings and promises are the way we conquer the deceitful promises of sin.
5.Memorizing Scripture guards my mind by making it easier to detect error—and the world is filled with error, since the god of this world is a liar.
6.Memorizing Scripture enables me to hit the devil in the face with a force he cannot resist, and so protect myself and my family from his assaults.
7.Memorizing Scripture provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to others in need.
8.Memorizing Scripture provides the matrix for fellowship with Jesus because he talks to me through his word, and I talk to him in prayer.

All this is more then just memorizing however. The devil himself has memorized scripture and recited to Jesus in the desert. The word of God needs to abide in us and be engraved on to our hearts. If His word abides in you, you will bear the faithfulness in the one who gave it to you. John 5;38 says " nor does his word dwell(abide) in you for you do not believe the one he sent." Often times we need to make room and 'clean house' a bit in order for His words to be at home in us.
When scripture abides in us we will be changed, its inevitable. You will be sanctified by his truth. John 17:17 "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
Strive today, along with me, to take hold of the words of God our Father. Meditate on them and KNOW them! I will do the same. Make this your goal and let me know how it goes. I would love to hear feedback. If you have trouble 'memorizing' anything much like myself, there are a number of different methods on the Internet to aid you in this. I'm on the lookout for what works best for me and I will update you on the progress.

And one more for the road!
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of you houses and on your gates." Deut.6:5-9(Emphasis mine)

More Hair

I'm very inspired...there are so many websites about hair styles for girlies. I'm afraid she'll be going to bed with a sore head

Girls and their hair

Having girls can be so much fun! I've been in the 'hair' mood lately and on tuesday I gave Maddie a haircut. I think her little round face just looks so cute in a bob hairstyle. This isn't the first time I've cut her hair but I'm still trying to get the hang of it. This time around I think I got the job done pretty nice.

And with Annagrace I decided to get a little funky with pigtails. Shes got a nice head of very thick long hair and it can be challenging on a regular basis. But its also a great fun to 'fix up' every now and then. Her bangs definately need work. I haven't decided what to do with them yet.

Vroom vroom/Captured

I hadn't even had breakfast finished this morning when my little guy was already on the move with his favorite blue car. He doesn't actually "vroom vroom" its more of a growl that makes the motor run. He was doing a great motor sound with his tongue that sounded just like a little motor boat. He has since retired that for a hand full of different sounds. And a great big 'holler' when his sisters get in the middle of his 'road'. We'll have to work on that 'be kinder' thing very soon. Actually I'm starting that now. He's a rough and tough little dude. And he sure plays that way. 'Be gentle' is a common phrase directed to him lately.

An update on the rats in the coop: They have been eradicated! For now anyway. I have yet to find any more evidence of them for the last couple of days. Living out in the country its just something you have to deal with. For instance, I hate admitting this because I feel that it's so nasty and dirty and makes me think my house must not be clean enough, but we got a little mouse in the house recently. I found evidence of him being on my kitchen counters. Of course, I jumped into action right away and put out so many mouse traps that the house resembled a mine field. It worked! I caught the little spy in the laundry room. As I took the trap out from beside the washer I marveled at what a cute tiny creature he was. I caught myself commending God on creating this adorable little mouse. From his itsy bitsy toes to his pretty white belly. He must've been such a smart fellow to have evaded capture these last few days. I took his tiny little body out of the trap and almost felt sorry for the creature that just moments ago I loathed. He looked as though he must've had a name to him, as if he were someones little pet. Of course, after a flung him out into the field far from the house I chided myself on being so sentimental and soft. After all, Ashley, you have to just get over it! This is the same little creature that was wreaking havoc and crawling around on the same floor as your precious children. Okay, the moment of irrational behavior has gone and I once again can't stand mice!

When I stand at the judgement seat of Christ,
And He shows me HIs plan for me,
The plan of my life as it might have been
How I blocked Him here, and I checked Him
there
And I would not yeild my will
Will there be grief in my Saviour's eyes
Greif, though He loves me still?
He would have me rich, and I stand there
poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I cannot retrace.
Then my desolute heart will well nigh break
With the tears that I cannot shed.
I shall cover my face with my empty hands,
I shall bow my uncrowned head.
Lord of the years that are left to me,
I give them to Thy hand,
Take me and break me, mould me to
The pattern Thou hast planned.
Author Unknown

As Christians we know that heaven awaits us, but we must stand before our Lord to have our life's fruits weighed upon His scales. Some will enter heaven with fire licking at thier tail and yet others will be named by Him as good and faithful servants. I know there may be no tears in heaven but I have a feeling that before I enter those gates I will indeed shed the tears of should'ves and would'ves that I didn't do for my Lord. I can give ever excuse in the book for why I didn't testify on His behalf while here on this earth, but none of that will matter or be enough in the end. May I not be found wanting as my life is laid before the Lord.

Happy mothers day!!

The kids and I spent the weekend with my parents. It was a wonderful Mother's Day. I am extremely blessed to have such a great mom! I don't know when it happened that she went from just being mom to being one of my greatest friend and confidants!

And then to my own children...I don't know how God saw me worthy enough to send me such wonderful little blessings! I will strive to live up to the title "Bestest mama ever" (Annagrace, she also told me I deserved a reward for "the WORLDS greatest mom." She can sure lay it on thick!) You are the sweetest and most precious babies! Their just about edible!!

And of course we couldn't go to Rusk without a trip out to Shallow Roots. The morning was unsuspectingly cool and the girls got a little chilled. So we improvised...

The ugly side of farm life...

Rats in the chicken coop! Last year it was one snake after another and this year the snakes are gone and rats have showed up. I have to admit that I think the rats are much easier to get rid of then the snakes were. And the snakes gobbled up all my delicious eggs and the rats, so far, have left well enough alone. Before he left Miles laid out poison where they were getting in and that's killed two...so far. I have a feeling there are more lurking about.
I really hope to get rid of the varmints before those 6 foot long chicken snakes get wind of them and start coming around. I am DEFINITELY not fond of them!

Speak softly my love

Mrs. Eva Hauk, a writer for LAF, wrote a wonderful article that included this poem.

Be soft of voice
and gentle of bearing
Be kind of heart
and tender of hands

Be bright as the morn
and still as the evening
Within you they’ll find
God’s love reborn.

This is something I truly struggle with and yet have always wanted. To be a lady who is soft and gentle. A woman of virtue and kindness. It all somewhat slapped me in the face recently when I reacted harshly to my husband. I sometimes sport a worldly 'tell it like it is' attitude. Especially when I've been hurt, angered, or feeling the need to be defensive. "That doesn’t mean becoming blind to other people’s faults, but simply not feeling the need to dwell upon them, nor feeling the desire to point them out unless in the greatest love and in a way that for them is not humiliating but helpful."(Mrs. Eva Hauk)
I have always been strong-willed, opinionated, and very stubborn. Being soft and gentle doesn't always come so easy to me. Some women have a great godly gentleness that I so much want to replicate. The bible very thoroughly states that gentleness and kindness are fruits of the spirit. No where in His word have I found that being stubborn and opinionated were fine qualities in a woman. Oh, this is going to be a prayerful journey. For I surely can't accomplish it alone. Take a look at these.

Psalm 34:13

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

Proverbs 22:11

He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Ephesians 4:29;31

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers… Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

And one of the most important reasons I have for striving to be soft in speech are the three little faces who look up at me daily for instruction and guidance. How on earth will they learn if they do not see it in me?

Proverbs 23:15-16

My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

To my dear sweet husband,
I will strive to be a wife of noble character. I will pray daily for you as leader of our home. I will try to never repay hurts for hurts. I commit to...speak softly my love.

LAF article

I don't know why I can't get this to be a clickable link. Sorry, you'll just have to copy and paste. Great article!

http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/?p=1001

Wheeeeee!Yipeee!Yahoo!!!

I can't even begin to type out the way these girls scream! They sure were having fun!!

"Farm livin' is the life for me..."

I just love springtime!! Everything is blooming and growing. The weather is not yet stifling hot. Its just beautiful!
Here are a few clips from around the farm...




I wish you could see how the pasture looks as the grass blows in the wind. It looks as if their dancing! Perhaps a show for their Maker!

How sweet the smell of a red, red rose...

We are all wondering what sort of butterfly will emerge soon. We've been watching for its arrival.


Although I hate the fact that this little bird chose my house, I really do enjoy seeing a busy little mama bird readying her nest for her babies. She ducked her head as soon as I took the picture. Maybe I can get pictures soon of her and her young'uns.
God has blessed us with so many things. I think we all should be as happy as kings!