The Walnut Acre Daily Friday August 2, 2013

WORDS TO LIVE BY

 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ~2 Timothy 1:9-10

WORKING, LEARNING AND PLAYING TOGETHER

We took the kids to the park this morning and it was not one of our best trips although we did have a lot of fun too. We got everyone loaded and started out and I realized I didn't have my phone with me. So I made a little circle and came back to the house to get it. When I went to where I had put it on charge it wasn't there. So I rechecked the van and found it under my notebook. We stopped on the way out to get some chips to add to our lunch and some paper plates to put on our food on. Our original plan was to go to Coyner Springs. We stopped there and everyone got out. We walked down to the creek and realized it was so muddy that there was no way we could play there. So after talking it over we decided to go on to Ridgeview Park instead. The kids love that park and were happy to go there. We hadn't been at the park long when Amanda brought me one of the kids and said the child hadn't made it to the bathroom in time. So we took care of that situation the best we could and I returned to the playground. We had barely started playing when I heard one of the kids yelling *@#% while playing chase. So that child lost playground privileges. Back to playing again and two more kids have to be taken to the bathroom. No sooner had we gotten back from that and Michael stubbed his toe, making it bleed pretty bad. At this point I gave up on the playground and decided we would eat lunch and then walk down to the river. As we began getting lunch out we realized we had forgotten to buy the paper plates. So we managed lunch with no plates and then walked to the river. Our walk actually went really well although I had some trouble keeping everyone together. All our little misfortunes made me realize how blessed we have been this summer to have quite a few outings that have gone really well. I'm grateful for the this group of kids usually works well together and their behavior is usually really good. And a blessing from today is that Michael, who usually get overwhelmed by the end of an outing and begins to melt down, had a really wonderful morning (in spite of his stubbed toe) with no major meltdowns. 

So here are some pictures of the fun we did have. 

OTHER

Our vacation is next week (August 4-10) and already today I can feel myself slipping into vacation mode. It's going to be a stay-cation and I'm looking forward to getting some things done around here, writing and relaxing.

READING AROUND THE WEB

Why Being a Mom is Enough at Finding Joy

Starting the School Day Strongly at Yes, They Are All Mine

Your Unknown Story at All Moms 4 Jesus

TODAY'S QUOTE

The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

A Manners Contest and More: The Walnut Acre Daily Thursday August 1, 2013

WORDS TO LIVE BY

But godliness with contentment is great gain. ~1 Timothy 6:6

WORKING, LEARNING AND PLAYING TOGETHER

The morning started out rainy so we stayed in for awhile until the sun came out and dried things out a little. 

Yesterday CJ fell and scraped his knee so Doug bandaged it for him. That was still on Michael's mind this morning and he decided he needed to have a bandaged knee too. 

We finally got to go outside. They played Duck, Duck, Goose again. Lots and lots of Duck, Duck, Goose. I'm thinking some of these kids may be dreaming about Duck, Duck, Goose tonight, they played it so much. 

Austin and Christopher sharing some music.

Amanda decided the kids were going to have a contest today to see who could have the best manners. She decorated the table, divided the kids into teams and kept a record of points each time a child demonstrated good manners. The kids loved it and were all very well mannered. The team on the right (Michael, Mykalin, Cayson and Meteah) won. 

OTHER

Since all the kids were gone this evening, CJ to his parents house and Austin, Amanda and Michael to my parents house, Doug and I decided to go out for Chinese. Yummy!

READING AROUND THE WEB

For the Ordinary Days at Lisa-Jo Baker

TODAY'S QUOTE

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. ~ Anthony J. D'Angelo

Exploding Eggs, Escaping Chicken and More - The Walnut Acre Daily Wednesday July 31, 2013

WORDS TO LIVE BY

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. ~2 Thessalonians 3:5

WORKING, LEARNING AND PLAYING TOGETHER

We had a very good day today. The morning began with a puppet show.

I thought it was going to rain this morning but the rain held off long enough for us to play outside for a couple hours.

There was a pretty intense game of "soccer."

The chickens got lots of attention. One of the smaller hens keep getting out so Austin and Mykalin worked on closing up any openings she could be slipping through. 

We watched a bee and checked out a locust skin. 

Duck, Duck, Goose

Doug has been working on a lawn mower in the evenings, trying to get it running properly. This evening he found the problem. I can't remember now what it was but he was very happy to know what to do finally fix this lawnmower. 

A light rain started falling this afternoon but it didn't keep Michael and CJ in, they wanted to ride their bikes. 

IN THE KITCHEN

Just in case you ever wondered, this is what happens when eggs are put on to boil and then forgotten. 

 Oops!!!!

OTHER

We had a busy evening with our normal Wednesday evening worship service. Jon Prater was the speaker this evening and gave a wonderful message that I will probably be sharing more about later after I've had time to write out my notes and thoughts. After the service we had a birthday celebration with cake and ice cream for one of our pastors, David Chappell. And after that we had choir practice. As I said, it was busy, but it such a blessing!

TODAY'S QUOTE

God gives us dreams a size too big so we can grow into them. ~ Author Unknown

The Walnut Acre Daily Tuesday July 30, 2013

WORDS TO LIVE BY

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. ~ Colossians 3:17

WORKING, LEARNING AND PLAYING TOGETHER

We packed a lunch and went to the park this morning. 

When we came home we played in the playroom, rested, played some games and worked on some worksheets.

Monkey in the middle is still a favorite game when we play in the yard.

OTHER

Doug and I finished our Teaching Parent class with People Places this evening. We really enjoyed this class and are looking forward to working with People Places. We still have paperwork to finish up before we can have a child placed with us and we'll be working on that in the next couple weeks. We turned in a large stack of it tonight so we're well on the way to completing that as well. 

READING AROUND THE WEB

How to Live Through Anything: The Fish Principle at A Holy Experience

Adoption Option at WholeHearted Home

TODAY'S QUOTE

I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. ~ Author Unknown

Blackberry Picking, Baked Cheese Grits, James 3 and More - The Walnut Acre Daily Monday July 29, 2013

WORDS TO LIVE BY

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ~Colossians 2:6-7

WORKING, LEARNING AND PLAYING TOGETHER

It was beautiful outside this morning with the sun shining and not too hot or too cold. We decided to walk down to the creek and see if we could pick enough blackberries to eat with a meal. I think they ate as many as they put in the bucket but we did get enough to each have a few with our breakfast in the morning. 

The kids also had fun playing down by water.

When we came back from creek we had snack and then played in the backyard for awhile. Michael is loving pulling the wagon around with his bike using the hitch Doug made for it Saturday. 

Here are some pictures of some of the fun we had inside as well. 

IN THE KITCHEN

Here are some of the my favorite things from the kitchen today. The sight and smell of fresh peaches just says summer to me. And Lauren brought us cupcakes for lunch today. 

Austin made chili cheese dogs for dinner this evening that were yummy. And I tried a new grits recipe that I liked and a lot of the kids even liked, which surprised me because in the past I've had a hard time getting them to eat grits. Here is the recipe.

Baked Cheese Grits

6 cups water

1 1/2 cups quick cooking grits, dry

1/2 cup margarine

1 pound processed cheese, cubed

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. 

In a medium saucepan bring the water to a boil. Stir in grits, and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in the butter, cheese, salt, seasoning salt and garlic powder. Continue cooking for 5, minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and fold in the eggs. Pour into the prepared baking dish. 

Bake one hour in the preheated oven, or until top is lightly browned.

OTHER

We decided today was the best day this week for Amanda to go to the SPCA for her volunteer work. This one of her favorite parts of the week. She played with two cats and a puppy and did some mopping. 

ON MY MIND

I've been thinking today about the sermon yesterday. Our pastor spoke on James 3 and how important the things we say are to our daily lives.

Here are a few notes, quotes and thoughts from the sermon.

"You can't get any further down the road with God than your tongue will take you." He said this while talking about the importance of not only thinking about how much we trust God but also confessing with our mouths that we trust Him as well. 

"We are not called to declare what we see happening but what He said." Our eyes will decieve us and we do not always see the whole picture, but we do know what God has told us in His Word and that is what we are to declare from our mouths. 

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10 

It is very important for us to remember that what we say has consequences. Or, as he summed it up, speaking of tongue, "When I let it run, I lose."

TODAY'S QUOTE

The future is always beginning now. ~ Mark Strand


~ Linking Here~
Monday -Menu Plan Monday, Marvelously Messy, I Made It Monday,  Inspiration Monday, Hear It On Sunday, Use It On Monday, Living Proverbs 31, Making Your Home Sing Monday,  Make It Pretty Monday, Make the Scene Monday, Better Mom Monday's Link-Up Tuesday -Domestically Divine,  Heart + Home Link Up, One Project At a Time,   Titus 2sday, Tweak It Tuesday Wednesday - Adorned From Above, Walking Redeemed,  Homemaking Link-Up, Whole Hearted Home,  A Little R and R, Living Well Wednesday,  Wow Us Wednesdays, Made By Me,  Thursday - Homemaking Party Friday - Womanhood With Purpose, Flaunt It Friday, Home Sweet Home, Feathered Nest Friday, Show and Tell Friday

Make Me a Legend by Chuck Balsamo - Book Review

Make Me a Legend: For the Dream of a Better Tomorrow by Chuck Balsamo is a book I know I will read again and again throughout my life. I'm actually planning to read it with my two oldest kids as part of our homeschool curriculum this year. 

Make Me a Legend is a book that inspires one to reach for highest potential that God has placed within each individual. With chapters like "The Legend Begins", "Get a Dream", "Build an Extravagant Foundation", and "Untame Yourself" this book shares hope with and gives guidance to those who truly want to live a life beyond all boundaries for the glory of God. 

Chuck Balsamo is a living example of someone who has successfully put these principles to work in his own life and now wants to share them with others who dream big. He and his wife pastor a vibrant Christian church in Stuarts Draft, Va. Chuck also speaks at conferences and churches bringing hope and encouraging others to live to the fullest their God given potential, and he has a life coaching company as well.

Make Me a Legend will definitely be worth the time you spend reading it and will give you inspiration and courage to step out into a legendary life that truly makes a difference. 

   ~ Linking Here ~
Monday - Market Yourself Monday, The Better Mom,  Inspiration Monday,  Living Proverbs 31,  Make it Pretty Monday, Make the Scene Monday Tuesday - Heart + Home Link Up, Titus 2sday  Wednesday - Encourage One Another, Adorned From Above,  Walking Redeemed,  Homemaking Link-Up, Whole Hearted Home,  A Little R and R, Living Well Wednesday, Thursday - Cozy Book Hop, Friday - Womanhood With Purpose, Fellowship Friday Saturday - Weekend Whatever Link-up

A Morning in the Mountains - The Walnut Acre Daily Friday July 26, 2013

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ~ Hebrews 11:1

WORKING, LEARNING AND PLAYING TOGETHER

We packed up this morning and went up on the mountain to picnic grounds. We've spent a lot of time at parks this summer and I wanted the kids to experience something a little different. They loved the drive up and Madalynn was sure we could see Africa from the top of the mountain. When we got to the picnic area they were a little confused at first because there was no playground, but once they saw the rocks to climb on they didn't care about a playground. 

TODAY'S QUOTE

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else. ~Emily Dickinson

Blackberries, SPCA and More - The Walnut Acre Daily Thursday July 25, 2013

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

~ Matthew 19:14

WORKING, LEARNING AND PLAYING TOGETHER

This morning we walked through the field behind our house and down to the creek. We were happy to find that the blackberries are beginning to ripen. Most of the kids had their fill of fresh blackberries in between trips to the creek and through the bushes. Christopher absolutely loved them and kept begging Austin to pick him more berries. 

When we got back home we played in the yard awhile before going in. 

IN THE KITCHEN

The early kids went back to sleep this morning and Michael slept in until 8:00 so we just had a quick breakfast of cereal with milk and juice. Amanda made lunch and said she was going to make lunch as unhealthy as she could so she fixed hotdogs, macaroni and cheese, french fries and applesauce. There were no kids home for dinner this evening and I was gone most of the evening so I didn't make dinner. 

OTHER

This evening I took Amanda to volunteer at the SPCA. On the way out we stopped at Arbey's and got our dinner. I love the jalepeno bites from Arby's.

Here are some pictures from the SPCA.

After the SPCA I had a meeting to go to. It was in the home of a family from church. The meeting didn't last real long and I had some time left before I had to be at the church for my usual Thursday hour in the prayer room so they invited me to just stay and chat until it was time to go. It was a nice time of learning to know each other better and I really enjoyed it. 

On Tuesdays and Thursday our church's prayer room is open and there are people assigned to the prayer room from 4AM to 9 or 10PM. I have the hour from 8 to 9PM on Thursday evenings. As prayer requests come in they are put on cards and placed in the prayer room. It has been a blessing to spend that time in prayer and exciting to see prayers being answered. 

TODAY'S QUOTE

Live in rooms full of light. ~ Cornelius Celsus