This is what I made for dinner tonight! Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

Hannah took the picture for me. Have to give credit where credit is due!

Recipe:

Whole Chicken

Cup of cut carrots

1/4 cup chopped onion

3 chicken bullion cubes

Fresh ground pepper

2 tsp. salt Salt

1 tsp. Thyme

1 tsp. Rosemary

Egg Noodles

Cook chicken in a gallon of water until tender. Remove chicken from pot. Add fresh carrots, onion, bullion, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Remove chicken from bone and add to pot. Let simmer for 30 mins. until carrots are tender. Add egg noodles and let simmer 10 mins. more. You may need to add some chicken broth at this point as liquid may be getting low. ENJOY!!

photo courtesy of Hannah Queen

Giveaway!!!

Quaint and Quirky is having a giveaway, so hop over to her site and sign up asap!!

She is giving away a beautiful bag!

A New Blog!!!

Our sweet Sarah has started her own blog! Go visit her at Wildflower Living. She will be talking about sewing, gardening and being a young lady seeking God.

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

My husband rocks because he is house breaking our puppy and it is COLD here in the South. Cold people, this morning the wind chill is -1. I don't do COLD. He takes her out beginning at 6:30 AM!! It is an all day, everyday thing until we know she is trained. (good thing he doesn't work this time of year!)

He is patient with the puppy like he is with most everything; talking gently to her and praising her when she does good. What a good man!

Oh the wind chill is now 0. Much better, good round number.

Giveaway Over at Honey and Jam

My sweet daughter is doing a Giveaway over on her blog, Honey and Jam! Head over there and get entered asap.

She is giving away one of her and her sisters cup sleeves from their Etsy shop!!

Hannah has done it again!! Her grapefruit curd makes another appearance!

She has been quoted and linked on blogher. Go check it out! She is Honey and Jam.

My Screaming Fit

I walked through the house earlier this evening looking for something sweet to eat. There was NOTHING! NOTHING I tell you! They had eaten everything in the house that resembled sugar except the actual sugar.

I went from cupboard, to cabinet, to freezer. I screeched each time I found nothing. Did I mention NOTHING! Not a bite. Only the girls were home, the guys were at Scouts. Fortunately. My sweet husband would have put me away!!

It was terrible. I had a cravin!

This



Or This



Or even This!

Hannah has been sick today, so she didn't feel like baking. Dang kid, no work ethic. :) No really, she has been puny today, which is unusual for her.

William called and asked if we needed anything. Of course, we always need milk. But, Sarah, who answered the phone, said, "Bring momma something sweet"!!!!! Bless his heart, he didn't have many choices at the gas station, so he had to bring home 'fake' sweets. UGH.

These will be thrown out; I am sorry, L***** D***** doesn't have anything on Hannah.

But, my hubby is considerate; he tried to find something. Sweetie! He's better than the L*****D***** any day!

photos courtesy of Hannah Queen

Quote

The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing; but in our culture, we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture."

~ Doug Phillips

Geocaching Boys

William and Hayden met some friends that moved away last year this morning, then decided to do a little geocaching. We live near a old copper mine and there is a cache there. The mines are very cool and Hayden enjoyed the old mine things that were on display.

And it is great father and son time!

We Have a New Baby!!

We are animal magnets! Today our nephew brought us one of his German Shepherd puppies who is adorable. We have named her Scout and she is going to be Williams geocaching companion!!

The kids are in love and Piper, our house dog, is doing well with the new addition. She is not sure what it is, but she is doing ok!

Look at that face!!!!

"My Husband Rocks" Questionnaire

Here's my questionnaire!

1. Where did you meet? A skating rink. ( I was young)

2. Who long did you date before you were married? 5 yrs. My dad asked that I finish college first.

3. What does he do that surprises you? His humor. He and Sarah are not the funniest, but when he does say something funny, it cracks me up.

4. What is your favorite quality of his? His integrity. You can trust what he says.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His smile and eyes

6. Does he have a nickname for you? Not really

7. What is his favorite food? Steak

8. What is his favorite sport? Baseball definitely.

9. When and where was your first kiss? Too long ago to remember!

10. What do you like to do together? Anything. We enjoy geocaching and traveling.

11. Do you have any children? 3 wonderful kids.

12. Does he have a hidden talent? He can sing!

13. Who said "I love you" first? He did. I am a chicken!!

14. What is his favorite type of music? 70's and christian

15. What do you admire most about him? His faithfulness to his family and his work ethic.

16. Do you think he will read this? Yes

Sarah and her Sewing

Sarah has been working on a rag quilt for Etsy. Hannah brought up her lighting to take some pictures of the progress. Sometimes irritating Sarah while she was working!!

OOPS!! Sarah stuck herself while Hannah was trying to take pictures.

Back to work girlfriend, this ain't no union job! Geez, these kids. If you're not bleeding from the head, KEEP WORKING!!!

That's my girl!! She is a hard worker!




And the finished product!!!! Sarah is getting very talented. I am so proud of her!

photos courtesy of Hannah Queen

An Amazing God

Wednesay we found out that we would be getting a huge refund from where we overpayed the IRS from 2005. We knew that our previous accountant had not listened to us when we told him that there were duplicate entries on our Quickbooks, but we did not know what to do. You do NOT mess with the IRS!

We changed accountants in 2006 and she has been working on it since that time. The IRS finally said that they were going to audit that year and see what was up. For two days our accountant met with an IRS agent going over every piece of paper from 2005. There were people praying for us during this time.

As small business owners we pay a large amount of tax; something we have accepted as part of running our own company. Do we consider it fair, NO, but it is the law. But, that is another subject for another time. We just don't want to 'tithe' to the IRS!!! Ok, maybe we do 'tithe', but we do not want to give additional 'offerings'!!

During the winter we can not work and God's provision is amazing.

The scripture speaks clearly about our money and that is the toughest area for most people. The world has such a strong pull on the family's finances. Credit card debt, mortgages, car payments, memberships, college loans, etc. All this takes away the ability to give to those in need and share freely.

Here is some scriptures concerning our money, needs, and provision.

.

God meeting our needs:

Matthew 6:31-32

Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat ' or 'What will we drink ' or 'What will we wear for clothing ' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed;

Saving:

Proverbs 21:20

The wise man saves for the future but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.

Debt:

Romans 13:8

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender s slave.

Contentment:

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.

Philippians 4:11-13

For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of eating well or going hungry of facing either plenty of poverty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me.

Work:


1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;


As a family we are striving to follow the Word more closely in all areas. God is a patient and faithful Father. I am continually amazed and humbled at His love and provision for His children. So often I feel that I fall so short and I do, but He is faithful to His word. And through that love and patience I grow.

Hannah's Latest Accomplishment

Hannah, as I mentioned in a previous blog, was asked to have one of her photography/recipes featured on a website. Here it is!! Serious Eats

We are so proud of her. She works hard to do improve her photography and baking. Her focus is better than it has ever been. She is working on marketing the Etsy store. She is thinking of new ideas for products and helping us out with our home endeavors.

She and I talked the other night about what we will sell at the Farmer's Market in the spring. She is thinking ahead and planning. It is wonderful to watch your children mature; and she is maturing mentally and spiritually!

Blessed Momma!

I do not know if a momma could be more proud than this momma. Really. Have I mentioned that I think I have incredible kids?! I know we all have great kids, but these are mine, ok?!!

Hannah has been working on the Etsy store, planning for the Farmers Market in the Spring and has been asked to have her photography featured on a food blog. She is a blessing to our family in so many ways. She cares about the environment, her family, and those less fortunate. We have great discussions on the church, scripture and how we in America have wasted so much money glorifying ourselves.

Sarah is sewing away on an apron for Hannah. It is adorable!! She is planning to make rag quilts for the Etsy store. She also is such a blessing to us. She is a deep thinker with a servants heart. She takes care of the laundry for us and rarely complains.

Hayden just finished the dishes while singing away. He turned around and said, "you know, I like doing this". Ok, the kid could just be crazy. He is now working on drawings for our chicken coop; front, back, side and inside. Yes, we are getting chickens. He is learning that hard work is enjoyable and a blessing. And he is a blessing to all of us.

We continue to look for ways to be more self-sufficent. Finances are less than FABULOUS, but God continues to be faithful. We are getting jobs set up for the Spring and the girls and I continue to look for ways to bring in income.

To be able to work together as a family in an area (finances) that can be so difficult is amazingly wonderful. Everyone understands that we have to cut back and each finds ways to be creative with their needs and wants.

To be a blessed momma is more than enough for this momma.

He has given food and provision to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever and imprint it [on His mind]. Psalms 111:5

Because my heart does not condemn me, I have confidence toward God; and whatever I ask, I receive from him, because I keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:21-22

New Etsy Shop

Hannah and Sarah have opened an Etsy Shop!!! We are so excited for them. They have started small, but they will add to their inventory in the future.

Check them out at honeyandjam!

An Awesome Day

We attended the house church again this morning and it was awesome!!!! The pastor preached out of Acts 7 about Stephen speaking before the Jewish leaders and his stoning. He gave us a new perspective and reminded us that Stephen didn't have the New Testament to draw from when speaking of Christ. He also allows for discussion which is helpful.

We had lunch after and several hours of incredible fellowship. It was amazing. DeGina and Chris brought their family which was very nice. William and Chris talked with Pastor Roderick for awhile and us women folk chatted amongst ourselves! We shared and laughed and laughed.

I haven't felt so engaged with God's word within a church in a long time. It seems as if it is over too quickly. I can't describe the feeling at this point. Energized, excited, blessed; OK, maybe I can describe it a little!

These are humble people seeking God's truth and will for their lives. How refreshing!! There is no pretense, no games, just real people seeking our Holy Father.

Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

God released us from our church body about 2 months ago, but I have not been ready to talk about it. It has been very difficult leaving people that we love and love us. We ministered there for 6 years and I have just been lost. I know that God has a plan and that we were not meant to stay where we were.

We needed something more; more of the Word, more accountability, more commitment. Thinking of finding that something different is frustrating. Living in a small area, we know most of the churches and they are full of nice people, but there is a lack of a deep, life changing commitment on the part of many. There is alot of tradition and a fear of changing anything even if it is just tradition. No one wants to risk offending someone. But, they will argue about the hymnals or the color of the carpet!

Also, we desire a reformed church and/or family integrated church. Last week I went on the Founders Ministry website and looked again at possible churches in our area and one came up. In the past there has been none. This one is not far from us and the Pastor seems to desire many of the same things we do.

We visited this past Sunday and enjoyed the service. It was very simple and worshipful. Many Sundays they have a meal after the service so everyone can fellowship. We are praying that God will clearly show us if this is the place for us.

“Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness” John Calvin

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

mMy husband rocks because his first priority is his family. Our well being comes before his own and always has. Our happiness comes before his own. He is a true servant! He rocks!!!