Some Bunny to Love

Meet Winkin, Blinkin and Nod are three newest Dutch Bunnies.  They are about a week old, still have their eyes closed and are as sweet as can be!

WINKIN

Blinkin

Nod

We also have two Lion Lops!  We are so excited about these two.  This is are first time having this breed and even though it was a small litter we are very happy.  Lucy (the momma) had three but the first one only lived a couple hours. :(

Our small rabbitry is Bethany's project and her responsibility.   She loves picking out names for the new arrivals. 

She named these two sweeties Cappa and Chino.  Put them together and you have cappuccino! hehe!    

Any one want a cup of Cappa Chino!

A Marriage of the Heart - A Book Review

A marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long is three Amish stories combined in on book.

 A Perfect Secret - Here you will read about Rose and Luke who are not only best friends, they are to be married.  Luke appears to be safe, serious and dependable and not at all exciting as Rose secretly longs for.  One night she finds Luke in the woods and finds that he has a secret.  Now his secret haunts her, but she also finds herself excited and intrigued by this man that she thought she new, but she must ask herself, should she be marrying a man she doesn't understand and maybe doesn't know as well as she thought?

This is a sweet little story about love and discovery.  I enjoyed seeing Rose and Luke's relationship blossom as they discovered new truth's about each other.

Christmas Cradles - Anna Stolis is a midwife and takes over for her aunt who is also a midwife in a neighboring community.  It's Christmas night and there is a snow storm.  Asa Lapp is there to take Anna by buggy to the homes of families that are due to deliver.  Of course, all of the ladies due to deliver go into labor on this stormy night and Asa has to step in and help.

I really enjoyed this story! Asa and Anna are both a little older and both have given up on love, but through this night of unexpected twists they find love!

A Marriage of the Heart - Abigail's mother died when she was five years old and she has lived alone with her stern father.  She is tired of the feelings of loneliness and dreams of escaping the farmhouse that feels more like a prison.  So Abigail concocts a plan.  Joseph Lambert is new to the community.  He has lived as an Englischer most of his life, but has decided to leave that life behind.  He has just been accepted into the community when Abigail tells a lie and her father forces marriage.  Everything backfires on Abigail and now she and Joseph must make the best of their marriage.  Will they find love with each other after all?

This was my favorite story out of the three novella's.  Joseph's character is the type of guy that every girl dreams of...fun, romantic and handsome.  Abigail and Joseph's story seems almost like a fairy tale and who doesn't like a good fairy tale!

I love reading short stories and these are probably the best that I have read in a long time.  Highly recommended if you like happy feel good stories!

***This book was provided to me through booksneeze in exchange for my review.

Raggedy Ann Apron

Check out this darling Raggedy Ann apron that my mom made to go in her Raggedy Ann Room!  She is so talented! :):):)

She hand stitched Raggedy Ann's name and the sweet flower next to it.

Tied in the back with a darling bow!

And a sweet pocket trimmed in lace!

A Wreath of Snow - A Book Review

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs is a sweet little story about forgiveness.  The story begins on Christmas Eve and Gordon and Meg are two separate travelers on the same train.  Little do they know that this is not the first time their paths have crossed.  Years earlier when Meg was but a young girl of fourteen Gordon made some bad choices and was the cause of a terrible accident that forever changed Meg's family.   Meg's brother was seriously injured because Gordon's carelessness.   Due to some bad weather the train runs into trouble and the passengers must head back to town by foot.  Gordon realizes upon hearing her name, who Meg is and helps her back to town.  He has longed for years to make amends to the family that he has caused so much pain.  Will meg and her family be able to offer forgiveness and allow this man into their lives after all that has happened?  Your going to have to read the book to find out!

This is the first book I've read from Liz Curtis Higgs, but it won't be the last!  I love her style of writing.  She writes in such a way that I felt as if I was standing on the sidelines as the story unfolded before me.  It was also a fast read that would be perfect for reading on a cold winter's day snuggled up under the covers!

Here is a book trailer and you can also read the first chapter by clicking HERE.




***This book was provided to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my review.

The Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky - A Book Review

Do you love to stargaze?  Does the night sky capture your imagination and evoke a sense of awe and wonder within your inner most being?  Do you remember when you were a child and you wished upon a star or tried to find the big and little dipper?  Maybe you can remember thinking you saw the man in the moon!   Our family loves doing all these things.  There is not much better to do on a warm summer evening than to grab a blanket and head outside to enjoy the wonderful night sky that God has blessed us with.

Even though everything I mentioned above is fun to do there is so much more to the night sky than what we see when we look up!  As a homeschool mom I love turning every day life moments into learning adventures.  There is so much to learn about the night sky and Dr. Jason Lisle's book - The Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky is an amazing resource tool for learning all you can about the stars, constellations, the moon, planets and so, so much more!

The book comes in textbook form and is filled with beautiful pictures and information on everything from Telescopes to Astrophotography and everything in between.  On the very front cover page you will find Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

I love a book that not only fills you with knowledge, but also has a foundation in The Word of God.  As Dr. Jason Lisle says in the book "An understanding of the heavens can only deepen a person's appreciation for the Creator".

This is not the first book we have of Dr. Jason Lisle and I'm sure it won't be the last.  We were able to meet him and listen to a few of his talks last year at a Homeschool Expo that we attend.  I do encourage you to read this book and other books of his!  God made this great big universe for us to enjoy and learn about!  Let this book be your Guide to the Night Sky!

*This book was provided to my by New Leaf Publishing in exchange for my review.

We Met the Duggars!

Today we were blessed to be able to meet the Duggar's!  It was so exciting.  The Duggar Family is showing their support for Todd Akin by holding  Rally's and they just so happened to come to a town close to us!! 

First, you need to understand that I LOVE (I mean really LOVE) the Duggar's!   My kids love them as well and Bethany even had it on her Bucket List to meet them!

We got to hear them play their musical instruments and sing songs of worship.  They also shared their life testimony and words of encouragement.  After the Rally was over they signed autograph's and we got to chit chat with them and AND (here is the exciting part)  Michelle Duggar wants ME to make Johannah an "upcycled" denim skirt!  If you didn't know about my "upcycled" skirts for girls click HERE to find out more!  I was wearing a skirt that I made, Michelle asked about it, that led to a conversation about sewing which led to.....yeah, you get the idea. ;)

Anyways, I'm really excited about this opportunity and I still can't believe that we got to talk with them!  It is all so crazy...I mean Josh opened the door for us today.  Jim Bob walked by me in the hall and we stopped and chatted.  We spoke with each one as they signed autograph's.  I talked with Michelle about sewing and raising daughter's.  We chatted with several of the kids.   I guess you could say it was a good day!!!  

Here are a few of the pictures I took!

Bethany always makes goofy expressions and so does Jinger and since Jinger is Bethany's favorite Duggar we had to get a picture!

And a couple videos!!

Oven Baked Frito Pie

Good things are meant to share.  That's why I have to tell you about the yummy supper we had tonight!  Another Pinterest inspired recipe that turned out DEELISH!  A family favorite that will make it's way back onto our monthly meal plans.  It's mmm, mmm, good and super easy!

Ingredients

1 - lb. hamburger or turkey burger
1 - 16 oz. can of chili beans
1 - 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
1 - 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 - envelope taco seasoning (I only use have an envelope)
1 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 bag of Fritos Corn Chips
1 1/4 cup Sour Cream

1.  Cook hamburger/turkey burger until brown then drain.
2.  Stir chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the pan with your browned burger.  Simmer on low for a few minutes until hot.
3.  Sprinkle about 1 - 1 1/2 cups of chips into the bottom of an 8x8 or a 9x13 pan.  (I used an 8x8)
4.  Cover chips with entire chili mixture.
5.  Bate at 350 for 20 minutes.
6.  Remove from oven and spread sour cream over chili, top with the rest of the corn chips and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
7.  Bake an additional 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted.

I think this would also be a great thing to make if you had left over chili!!

A Season for Tending - A Book Review

Cindy Woodsmall has done it again.  She has captivated me with another amazing book.  The sad thing is...A Season for Tending is book one of Amish Vines and Orchards series.  Boo!  Now I have to wait several months for the next book in the series.  :(

Rhoda Byler is a young Amish girl that has a special gift.  Not only does she have the ability to grow herbs and berries, she also has premonitions.  It doesn't take long for her Amish community to feel uncomfortable about her "gift" and rumor's began to fly about witchcraft and incantations.  Rhoda prefers solitude and she spends her time in her gardens and canning for her small business.

Several miles away in another Amish community is the King family.  Samuel King struggles to keep his family's apple orchard in business and after a devastating discovery he realizes that the best chance his family has is to join forces with Rhoda.

I admit that when I first started reading this book I really struggled.  I just couldn't seem to get into it.  Once I got past the first few chapters and became better acquainted with the characters that all changed.  By the end of the book I didn't want to put it down and I didn't want it to end because I knew I'd have to wait for the sequel to come out.  I've read other books by Cindy Woodsmall and I always love her writings and this one was no different!  Can't wait to read the rest of the series!

***This book was provided to be by  Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Holiday Punch

I was going through some of my pictures the other day and ran across these of the punch I made last year for Christmas.  Since the holidays are right around the corner I thought I'd go ahead and share now.  

It is super, SUPER easy!  All you need is a jug of Apple Cider, a bottle of Ginger Ale, Cranberries, Oranges and a couple sprigs of Rosemary.

Mix the Apple Cider and Ginger Ale in your punch bowl and add cranberries, sliced oranges and rosemary as garnishment and to enhance flavor.  So yummy and so simple!  

Fish Taco's

You may be thinking EWW GROSS at the sound of fish taco's and I wouldn't blame you one bit.  A matter of fact that is what I thought when I first heard of them. We know several people that raved about them being so good so I thought "Hey!  Why not?"  To my surprise they were DEEELISH!  They are a new family favorite.  Everyone (even the hesitant one's) loved them.  So be brave!  Be courageous!  Make Fish Taco's. :):)

Ingredients:

Yellow Corn Tortilla's
Fish Fillets (I use fish sticks)
Cabbage
Salsa
1 TBS. Lime Juice
1/4 C.  Chipolte Sauce
1 C.  Plain Yogurt
1 1/2 C. Mayonaise

The first thing you want to do is put your fish sticks in the oven.  Cook them per the directions on the box.

While they are cooking you can chop/dice your cabbage  and put it in a serving bowl.

Now, let's work on the sauce.   Mix together Lime Juice, Chipotle Sauce, Plain Yogurt, and Mayonaise.  Make sure you are using PLAIN yogurt and REAL mayonaise (not Miracle Whip).

You can set that aside and get a pan out and start warming your tortilla's on top of the stove.  Don't forget to flip and get the other side warm. :)  

Once your fish sticks are brown and ready you can call the family to supper!  I let mine fix their own taco's.  Start with a tortilla, add fish sticks-the brand I use are small so we use two per taco, add some sauce, cabbage, salsa (optional) and an extra squeeze of lime juice (also optional) and enjoy!

The secret is in the sauce!  I'm pretty sure that's what makes them so deelish!  Oh and if anyone asks, don't tell Dakota it's cabbage.  He thinks it's lettuce. hehe!

If you do better with a video here is a little youtube clip on how to make them.  This is basically the recipe we use, just some different brands.  Click HERE for the video.

His Love Endures Forever - A Book Review

 His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman is unlike the typical Amish fiction books that you will read, but don't let that discourage you from picking up this book.  It is a beautifully written story about following God's will, acceptance and love.

This is the 3'rd book in The Land of Canaan  Series.  You will read about many of the same character's that have been introduced in the previous books, but this story focuses on Danielle.

Danielle is far from being Amish, but an Amish boy steals her heart and she finds herself in love with Matthew.  He wants to leave the Amish, but has yet to tell his parents.  Danielle thinks that Matthew loves her and after a wrong choice she finds herself pregnant at the age of 18.  When she tells Matthew about the baby, she is heartbroken to find out he wants nothing to do with it, or with her for that matter.

Danielle doesn't know what she is going to do.  She turns to her best friend, an Amish boy named Levi.  God has big plans in store for Danielle and Levi's lives.  Despite all the opposition they face, God begins to do big things in their lives.  Will Danielle see that the things that are happening are a part of God's plan?  Will she ever trust God?

This is such a great story.  I love the way Beth Wiseman writes.  She describes the character's and writes the stories in a way that you feel like you are standing on the sidelines watching a beautiful tale unfold.  This story was such a reminder to me that sometimes things don't turn out the way we planned.  They turn out even better!

***This book was provided to me through booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.

Great For God - A Book Review

Great for God - Missionaries Who Changed the World by David Shibley is a  book that will encourage and inspire Christians of all ages.

 You CAN be great for God.  You SHOULD be great for God.  Our times BEG for you to be great for God.  This books will take you through the lives of 23 missionaries that did great things for God and by reading about their lives and their deaths you will be encouraged to do great things as well.

The missionaries you will read about are:  Rowland Victor Bingham,  William R. Bright, William Carey, Amy Carmichael, Jim Elliot, Charles E. Fuller, H.B. Garlock, Adoniram Judson, Eric Liddell, Paul E. Little, David Livingstone, Lottie Moon, John R. Mott, Bob Pierce, Warren Shibley, Mary Slessor, Oswald J. Smith, C.T. Studd, Hudson Taylor, William Cameron Townsend, Dawson Trotman, Nikolaus Ludwic von Zinzendorf and Samuel Zwemer.

I liked reading about both men and women and I also liked that the time periods of the lives of the missionaries varied.   The set up of the book was great as well.  Each chapter features a new missionary and at the beginning it tells the name of the missionary, the birth and death date, their legacy and a quote.  I am someone that love's quotes and this feature was probably my favorite part!

David Shibley has done a remarkable job with this book!  As a homeschool mom I think it would be a great resource for devotions and Bible study.

***This book was given to me as an ebook in exchange for my honest review.

An Autumn Herb Harvest

The days are getting shorter and the air is getting cooler.  I know it won't be long before we get a frost so I am harvesting lots of herbs to put up for winter while I still can.  

We had such a long, hot and dry summer, but now that we are getting rain and cooler temperatures my herbs are thriving.   They are growing like crazy which makes it good for harvesting.  

This harvest consisted of catnip, lavender, lemon thyme, 

rosemary, oregano, comfrey, lemon verbena, orange mint and peppermint.

I hope to find time to share with you what I do with the herbs in the next few weeks.  So stay tuned!!