tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365569452024-03-07T03:38:59.690-08:00Life at Providence LodgeCabin LifeJulianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.comBlogger424125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-6237357305970991362018-04-12T12:26:00.001-07:002018-04-12T12:26:41.579-07:00Living Counter Cultural: Femininity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Popular culture has a decidedly feminist bent.</div>
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Recent movies, tv shows and prominent women</div>
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are displaying heroins as </div>
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tough, </div>
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calloused, </div>
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superior cutthroats. </div>
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Current cultural trends are directly opposing anything close to Biblical standards.</div>
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I hope you realize this and are not one of the many frogs sitting placidly in a pot set to boil. </div>
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The darkness of sin and evil are sweeping across our nation</div>
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at a frightening and sickening pace.</div>
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A thinking woman must wonder; <i>what can I possibly do about it?</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can be a city set on a hill...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">just by being who God created you to be.</span></div>
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In this day and age, trying to uphold a biblical standard of femininity will indeed </div>
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set you apart.</div>
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When was the last time you saw a woman who looked lovely?</div>
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How about watched a mother tenderly communicating to a child?</div>
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Have you recently noticed a young girl dressed in a sweet and wholesome way?</div>
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I am sure it wasn't in Walmart. </div>
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Sadly, these are not things we see evident in our society today.</div>
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Being a woman created by God is such a privilege.</div>
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The gift of our femininity is something we can give both to ourselves and those around us.</div>
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I believe that our society is hungering to be transformed by the</div>
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loveliness</div>
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and grace</div>
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of Biblical femininity.....they just don't know it, </div>
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and are looking for everything else to satisfy this thirst.</div>
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What better antidote to a violent and pain filled culture</div>
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than warm</div>
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and gentle</div>
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feminine strength?</div>
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What better cure for poverty and filth</div>
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than a love of beauty and a confidence</div>
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in one's ability to make things lovely?</div>
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What better hope for the future than a</div>
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nurturing mother's heart that is</div>
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more concerned for the next generation</div>
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than its own selfish desires?</div>
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All these qualities:</div>
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gentle strength,</div>
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love of beauty,</div>
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care and nurturing,</div>
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are part of the essence of femininity.</div>
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As Emily Barnes says so aptly in her book, The Heart of Loveliness: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"To me a godly woman is one who possesses inner peace and tranquility; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> she doesn't have to prove herself to anyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is strong, and yet she does not use her strength to control or dominate people,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> neither does she depend on recognition from others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Hers is an inner contentment and satisfaction based not on accomplishments, position, or authority,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but on a deep awareness of God's eternal and personal love for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> That kind of inner peace, strength confidence and tranquility comes from depending on God; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> drawing on His wisdom and strength,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> learning to be like Him." </span></div>
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When this happens in our lives, </div>
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we gradually grow free of anxious competitiveness and aggressiveness.</div>
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We no longer need to prove our worth and value</div>
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because we now how much we are worth in God's sight... </div>
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and then, we are free to reach out in love to others.</div>
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"<i>Your beauty should not come from outward adornments such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes, instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."</i></div>
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1 Peter 3:3,4 </div>
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As we set forth to cultivate femininity in our homes, </div>
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let us think not only of ourselves, but of the darkness of the nation creeping in around us.</div>
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We are, in part, the answer..</div>
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for as we shine forth God's truth, acted out in our lives,</div>
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we will be like a city set on a hill. </div>
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For darkness does not take away light, but only deepens as the light grows dim. </div>
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Stand strong, therefore, Biblical women,</div>
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and let your light shine.</div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-21526226769116206752018-03-24T12:03:00.001-07:002018-03-24T12:51:20.623-07:00When Homeschooling went from frustrating to beautiful part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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I firmly believe in long luxurious Saturday mornings.<br />
A third cup of coffee? Yes please.<br />
Still in jammies at 9:30 am,<br />
perched at the window taking in a swath of forest in quiet contemplation suits me just fine.<br />
The rest of the family know it is a more relaxed, hushed morning.<br />
The teens sleep in.<br />
Our littles have anticipated, plotted and planned what creative play<br />
these carefree hours will hold.<br />
Eventually, I will make a big, lavish brunch of warm comfort food.<br />
Saturdays are defined by <span style="font-size: large;">order and structure</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> that become a standard of living </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">which breathes life</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> and beauty into our home.</span><br />
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Order and beauty.<br />
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The question was posed to me a few weeks ago:<br />
"Just how did you transform your home schooling into something beautiful?"<br />
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We began with a new vision for raising our children.<br />
First, we endeavored to live a life of nurturing. (part 1)<br />
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Secondly, seeing that our children had met the necessary educational standards<br />
suddenly became not enough,<br />
and, not even the point.<br />
What was our reason for home schooling anyway?<br />
This must be determined.<br />
Without a goal, there is nothing to aim at.<br />
<i>"Where there is no vision, the people perish."</i><br />
<i>(Proverbs 29:18)</i><br />
We determined that what was most important to us is<br />
that our children would grow in refinement, in knowledge, in strength,<br />
in wisdom, in patience, gentleness, kindliness, in physical vigor,<br />
and be trained in all that would make them true and noble men and women.<br />
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Obviously, it would take more than a good working knowledge of math, English and science.<br />
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Our definite purpose<br />
is that of training, building up, and sending out people<br />
filled with lofty ideas and aspirations,<br />
governed by principles of honor<br />
and outfitted to embark upon the duties and struggles of life<br />
with wisdom and faith.<br />
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So, what kind of culture would produce such results?<br />
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Again, we turned to the rich wisdom of J.R. Miller in the book "Homemaking."<br />
"<i><span style="font-size: large;">There is nothing in all the influences</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> and surroundings </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">of the home so small </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">that it does not leave its touch of beauty </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>or of marring</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> upon the life</span></i>. <i><span style="font-size: large;">Wherever a child grows up</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> it carries in its character </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">the subtle impressions of the home in which it lives."</span></i><br />
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Wow. Oh my.<br />
Wow.<br />
This would not be a task easily attained,<br />
and it would take everything we have to make it happen,<br />
and alot we didn't have.<br />
It was these thoughts, the gravity of the responsibility,<br />
that drove us to our knees and caused us to cling to the Lord for the strength, resolve,<br />
and perseverance to see this thing through.<br />
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We then discussed how order and beauty would be<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">purposefully created and planned,</span><br />
so that our home life would be,<br />
every moment,<br />
a structure for educating and discipling our children.<br />
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Home schooling would not be confined to text books.<br />
In fact, I gave up all text books except math.<br />
The content of our schooling as it was, was happily, freeingly, defenestrated.<br />
I recall telling a friend that we determined to not home school our children anymore,<br />
in the sense of doing what the public schools do, just at home....<br />
but rather disciple them....which would include some school, of course.<br />
What this idea birthed was something bigger, more grand, and.... more beautiful<br />
than home schooling had ever produced.<br />
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All of our home life was affected.<br />
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We would have to fashion a godly culture in our home,<br />
which means a culture based on Biblical ideas and on the very nature of God Himself.<br />
This implies also that we wage war on the current culture,<br />
because current culture is completely, thoroughly anti-family.<br />
I hope you realize that.<br />
(this is another post entirely)<br />
So, I firmly aim everyday to do exactly what the trend <i><b>isn't.</b></i><br />
Wholesome movie, yes,<br />
Lovely outfits, yes,<br />
Dinner together at the table, yes,<br />
Slowing down long enough to spend time with God, yes.<br />
Planning nothing Thursday night so we can visit with one another without any technology, yes.<br />
Inserting a half hour of silence into our day, yes.<br />
Beauty in our daily lives, yes.<br />
Orderliness in our home, yes.<br />
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The very essence of the homelife we desired to create would be<br />
orderlines and beauty.<br />
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When God created the earth,<br />
He didn’t have to get everything done <b><i>right now</i></b>, in one day,<br />
rushing it all through so he could get on to the next project.</div>
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Instead, he took His time,</div>
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and enjoyed every minute of it,</div>
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for at the end of the day, He proclaimed his work “very good.”</div>
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He spoke,<br />
and carefully, creatively fashioned everything into being,<br />
in an orderly way, relishing the moment, making it worth savoring.<br />
So should we. </div>
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When I get up,</div>
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there is no reason to slosh my way through the morning</div>
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without paying careful attention to the details of beauty and creativity. </div>
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As the Creator God modeled, I should follow suit in my work.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In every part of our day</span>, we look to see the beauty,<br />
we savor every good thing with eyes of wonder.<br />
The idea is to live ordinary life artfully, appreciatively.</div>
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The thesaurus says that<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to beautify is to sanctify, hallow, consecrate and bless.</span> </div>
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Interesting.<br />
Is that how we see our day or our homes?<br />
Something to sanctify and bless?<br />
To consecrate?<br />
Or is it something to endure, or to conquer, or to survive?<br />
<br />
All of us create a culture of some kind.<br />
As home maker, my choice and joy is to adorn my home with gifts of the soul,<br />
purposefully creating rich experiences,<br />
a sacrificial, validating, forgiving atmosphere of loving kindness,<br />
a treasure trove of all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and excellent.<br />
(Phil. 4:8)<br />
I will not allow the destructiveness of selfishness, strife, slothfulness, or apathy<br />
to have a place in my home.<br />
I do not want there to be any room for those things,<br />
because it is instead filled with an inspired lifestyle<br />
which billows sweetness mingled with grace.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is living fully, beautifully, abundantly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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When I think about uplifting rituals that add beauty to our life, </div>
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my desire is to enhance our home life in a way that does not idolize materialism,</div>
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so I look to the Lord, and ask Him for creative solutions. </div>
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I have spoken often of these ways many times:<br />
singing at the dinner table,</div>
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taking turns listing what we are thankful for that day,</div>
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holding hands while joining in prayer, </div>
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reading aloud at bedtime,</div>
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taking walks together, </div>
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and relishing the gentle moments throughout the day.</div>
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There won't be any gentle moments if you do not purposely fashion them.<br />
We must create the beauty.<br />
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<br />
Order, may contain cleanliness, but I think it is much more.<br />
Order is the road map.<br />
What will we do when we get up to make life more meaningful?<br />
What will it look like?<br />
Really it is the detailed plan of how we are going to accomplish our goal.<br />
Orderliness, is the actual habit of having a time and place for everything.<br />
Orderliness is a wonderful, blessed thing.<br />
For example, Ecclesiastes says there is "<i>a time and place for everything under the sun.</i>"<br />
I love that.<br />
It has helped me manage my home more effectively and efficiently.<br />
When is the time for sweeping the floor? After breakfast everyday.<br />
How about dusting and cobwebs? That would be on Friday, our current day for weekly cleaning.<br />
When does Jim get his laundry done? Ah, yes, this is my favorite....<br />
Jim is on Tuesday.<br />
Joe is Monday, Jim is Tuesday, Ben is Wednesday, Bethany- Thursday, Gabe is on Friday,<br />
Olivia-Saturday.<br />
This is soooooo freeing. It is really just the best!<br />
This means that instead of 12 loads of laundry that fill the laundry area and always need to be done,<br />
I only have Joe's two loads in the laundry room to get done on Monday,<br />
so I will also add a load of towels.<br />
Three loads a day, and I am done.<br />
These three finished loads go back to the rooms they came from,<br />
Then, on Tuesday, there will be Jim's laundry, and I will add a load of my own.<br />
Three loads, done.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> A time and place for everything. </span><br />
All our laundry gets done in an orderly fashion every week without it being a burden,<br />
or an overwhelming force to be wearily reckoned with.<br />
Order is lovely.<br />
<br />
It is also lovely with school.<br />
Math, English, Science, History every day? Nope, not in our home school.<br />
We will make time for those things through out the year,<br />
More importantly, a daily study of Proverbs-to instill wisdom.<br />
And a full hour to read good quality living books.<br />
And a time and a season to work outdoors with the garden, or providing meat and wood.<br />
There is also time to learn ancient church History and all about the Puritans,<br />
because it is important to our faith,<br />
much more so than Greek Mythology...which, by the way, we literally threw out the window.<br />
Apologetics as a subject for speech? Yes.<br />
Missionary biographies instead of English lit? Yes.<br />
This has all become part of our beautiful schooling.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Home Educating becomes beautiful when the biblical culture </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>of nurturing, order and beauty,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> rock the path of everyday life. </b></span><br />
Each day then has a smooth, well thought out surface to travel.<br />
<br />
"<i>There is nothing insignificant in the life that we live within our doors. </i><br />
<i> There is nothing that is without influence in the building up of character."</i><br />
-J.R. Miller<br />
<br />
Seven year old Olivia proclaims that she wants to be just like Betsy Ross when she grows up.<br />
Her new 18" doll is named Elizabeth, after the virgin Mary's cousin.<br />
She is dressed as a princess, like usual,<br />
and today she has set up a beautiful tea table because her friends are coming over.<br />
This wasn't accidental. It is all consequences of our home life...<br />
overflowing into the makings of the next generation.<br />
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-1968030858489978932018-03-16T22:23:00.001-07:002018-03-16T22:23:25.949-07:00When homeschooling went from frustrating to beautiful: part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The morning was flowing along wonderfully. </div>
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Our hushed early risers soaked up the fire and coffee<br />
as the pitter patter of feet one by one emerged from sleepy slumber<br />
to join us in our morning rituals.<br />
Snuggling up with the littles under piles of blankets, books and pillows,<br />
we visited,<br />
read aloud,<br />
talked about our plans for the day,<br />
enjoying yet another cup of coffee,<br />
happily immersing ourselves in a cozy, lazy hour before the day gets going.<br />
I cherish this hour.<br />
Such a respite from the hectic pace that all too often befalls us!<br />
Even though I am not a morning person, getting up before the day begins is well worth it,<br />
and it is critical to a non chaotic, non stressful morning.<br />
Eventually breakfast was pronounced ready.<br />
Our established routine begins the day encircling the table together with these 7 gems,<br />
giving thanks and enjoying a home cooked breakfast...<br />
today a steaming stack of Joe's pancakes fragrant with real maple syrup and applesauce.<br />
Often we sing a hymn, which helps us focus on higher thoughts rather than on ourselves,<br />
then end with devotions from Proverbs-the book of wisdom-<br />
so applicable for youth.<br />
The order of the morning proceeded to getting dressed,<br />
children making their beds and a quick tidy of their room,<br />
bringing down their laundry (if it is their day)<br />
daily chores, and finally reporting ready for morning time.<br />
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Poetry, mingled with Americana<br />
kindles inspiration to finish our morning time with Great Explorers. <br />
Sufficient coffee having been consumed,<br />
we are ready for Math, where each student works on their figures and I,<br />
still in my rocking chair,<br />
am ready to lend a hand when they get stuck.<br />
After an hour of math, everyone scatters to a cozy nook for a pleasant hour of reading,<br />
then on to Bible memorization, each child pacing about learning their verses..<br />
some with English accents, some rhythmically swinging while quoting their text.<br />
During this time I start a load of laundry and prepare a simple lunch.<br />
This is how it works <span style="font-size: large;">everyday</span>.<br />
Smoothly, orderly, with much enjoyment and sweetness.<br />
One of our older children says that they wish I had schooled like this when they were young.<br />
I do too, believe me!<br />
It is beautiful.<br />
<br />
But is was not always so.<br />
Our first 10 years of homeschooling were grueling, yelling, frustrated, overwhelming years<br />
that I determinedly trudged through.<br />
Somewhere, there was a turn of a corner.<br />
<br />
I have been pondering just how it happened.<br />
What was it that rocked our world so much<br />
as to turn a driven woman into a nurturing mama?, I asked myself.<br />
<br />
And there, in the question, was the answer.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Nurturing.</i></span><br />
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<br />
I have been talking about it all along...if one reads back through the years.<br />
But I have not gathered all my thoughts in one place-<br />
until now.<br />
<br />
Webster's defines nurturing as<br />
<i> "<span style="font-size: large;">providing loving care and attention to, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">the act of educating, developing, nourishing, feeding</span>.</i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">That which promotes growth.</span>"</i><br />
The key here, I think, is <b><span style="font-size: large;">what kind</span></b> of care.<br />
LOVING care.<br />
Loving care says with a smile, "good morning, dear."<br />
Loving care asks "what can I do for you?"<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Loving care goes out of the way to feed....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">heart, soul, and mind, <i>and</i> stomach.</span><br />
It <b>does not</b> leave children to fend for themselves <b>in any way</b>.<br />
How can I say that with conviction?<br />
Because we are to be imitators of God,<br />
and He never, never leaves us to fend for ourselves.<br />
EVER.<br />
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With loving care he tends to all that we need, and goes above and beyond.<br />
He did not just provide food.<br />
He provided amazing, diverse, pleasant, satisfying food, and that in abundance.<br />
(likewise we for our children)<br />
He does not drag us along. He tenderly leads us.<br />
(by His strength, shall we tenderly lead and guide our children)<br />
He did not give us a dry barren place to live.<br />
He created a planet full of incredible beauty, full of unimaginable discoveries and delights.<br />
(Our homes should reflect this)<br />
He does not just observe from above, He is fully present, actively involved with us all the time.<br />
(this is the trademark of a nurturing mama)<br />
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I think our corner appeared<br />
after a reviving and refreshing home school conference,<br />
we were convinced that our home life should take a dramatic reconstruction.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our eyes were opened to the sacredness and responsibility </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">we carry as parents.</span><br />
It is a great thing to take these tender lives, rich with so many possibilities,<br />
and be responsible before God for their shaping and training and building of character.<br />
We are the builders of the home.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our home will be what we make it. </span><br />
Its tone,<br />
its atmosphere,<br />
its spirit,<br />
its influence will be derived from us, the parents.<br />
Having been thus humbled, and well, scared to death,<br />
we repented before our children and asked them to forgive us,<br />
and shared with them that we wanted our home to change,<br />
to reflect God and his character instead of the world's sad model.<br />
Eagerly they agreed.<br />
There were many hugs and tears...and then, much prayer for how to begin.<br />
J.R. Miller's old, old book, "Homemaking" popped off the shelf at us<br />
and quickly became indispensable...still is.<br />
(please, please, please read it!)<br />
<br />
And so,<br />
Intentionally, I <b>created a plan</b> to begin our day with nurturing,<br />
<i>(I light a candle, we snuggle together, often with tender music</i>)<br />
to continue with nurturing,<br />
(<i>we eat breakfast and have devotions, read aloud</i>)<br />
and end with nurturing.<br />
(<i>often reading aloud, prayers and tucking in</i>)<br />
Know what's in the middle? Nurturing.<br />
(<i>daily teatime, schoolwork together with no yelling, a meaningful dinner, </i><br />
<i>all woven together with words of encouragement and affirmation</i>)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sprinkling loving acts of care and kindness</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> that enrich and ennoble our lives throughout our day</span><br />
was the first step in transforming our home school into something beautiful,<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
something we would all look forward to,<br />
something just plain wonderful.<br />
<br />
Kind words,<br />
smiles all around,<br />
candles, music, cuddles and hugs,<br />
listening,<br />
patient teaching and instruction,<br />
devotions,<br />
working together,<br />
praying together,<br />
singing together,<br />
reading aloud, tea time, one on one time,<br />
a well set table,<br />
preparing a good meal,<br />
taking walks together,<br />
taking time to tuck children in at night,<br />
anything that makes a person feel special-<br />
these habits are nurturing and uplifting.<br />
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<br />
Later, I read Sally Clarkson's book, The Life Giving Home.<br />
Very inspiring. I highly recommend it.<br />
Even just contemplating the title is a place to begin.<br />
What would a "life giving home" look like?<br />
I believe it is a home where we honor one another with our words, our time, our talents.<br />
A place where we focus on <b>giving </b>and trust that Lord will <b>fill us back up</b> again.<br />
<br />
And, I believe nurturing, or "life-giving" is just what women were made for.<br />
We are naturals.<br />
Sure, it will take a bit of practice to really get your nurturing rolling.<br />
But, backed by prayer and a promise that God will see you through,<br />
you can begin.<br />
You see, the nurturing is for you, too. It will lift you up as well.<br />
Then, your home school, and home life may just turn a corner.</div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-91162941815744982762018-03-10T14:53:00.000-08:002018-03-15T10:17:49.820-07:00Sunday Dinner<br />
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Old and young,</div>
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men, women, and children turn up in full force for </div>
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the<span style="font-size: large;"> timeless tradition</span> of<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>family supper.</div>
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Delicious aromas wafting up from the oven reach out beyond the front door<br />
to greet each person as they approach our cabin.<br />
Roasting meat, fire crackling, a merry pile of children heaped on a couch,<br />
these familiar sights and sounds fill the senses. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday dinner.</span> </div>
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Just naming it brings to mind years of home cooked,</div>
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multi-generational dinners at my grandma's house. </div>
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Grandma was the best cook. </div>
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Her baked beans, biscuits and gravy, and pickles are still legendary.</div>
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Generations ago, </div>
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in North Carolina's way back hollers,</div>
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a relative of mine served her family pickled something or the other,</div>
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because that was one of their staples of winter food. </div>
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My grandma passed down this quirky tradition.</div>
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That tiny woman,<br />
of considerable strength, wisdom and energy, always had pickled beets, </div>
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picalily, or dill pickles gracing her table. </div>
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Now, we honor her memory and our family history</div>
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with our own home-canned pickled goodness each and every Sunday dinner.<br />
It is part of the story of<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Us.</span></div>
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A generous sprinkling of the dishes I was raised with:<br />
Meat, potatoes, gravy, home made rolls or cornbread,</div>
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and ofcourse, pie ending it all...</div>
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that's the hallmark our family dinners are made of.<br />
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Traditional family food is more than delectable,</div>
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it is heritage come down.<br />
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History is part of the feast.<br />
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Grandma's cooking was wonderful, </div>
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but what is in my heart<br />
is the gathering of family at table,</div>
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for that is what made our family dinners special.<br />
In this day of busy, over committed lifestyles,<br />
we intentionally slow down long enough to come together.<br />
<br />
And so, we seek to honor our parents by inviting them to Sunday Dinner,</div>
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along with all our children, and usually a few friends, </div>
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for a bountiful table set to holiday standards.<br />
My mom taught me that</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a thoughtfully set dinner table is a gift to those seated around it.</span></div>
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and also that</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> presentation can make anything you serve more gracious.</span></div>
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Setting a fine table is an effort. </div>
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This is the work of preparation.<br />
This work of preparation brings forth the expectation of something extra special.</div>
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The children clue in on this, and excitement for the day swells.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The family dinner is a place of belonging...<br />
...a place where we can commune together,<br />
experiencing the beauty and goodness of all that God has given us for our joy and pleasure.<br />
This table invites us to fill the hunger and thirst our souls inherently have for community.<br />
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The intention is to treat those we love as what they are to us... wanted, valued, and appreciated.</div>
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The result is a reawakened vision of family life as it used to be back in the day.<br />
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The extra work and effort unequivocally worth it.<br />
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Hungry guests and eager children know to listen for the sweet summons of the dinner bell.</div>
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Anticipation of the succulent dinner at hand, a hurrah goes up as we gather. </div>
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Love that word. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Gather.</i></span></div>
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To be gathered around the table is blessing enough.</div>
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But there's more.</div>
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We lift up our voices, old and young, in song. </div>
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Here is beauty.</div>
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Then, after a prayer, each person around the table expresses one thing they are thankful for.</div>
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This is so important. </div>
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When we do this, we are intentionally turning our hearts in gratitude </div>
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to the One who has given us so very much, </div>
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which, turns our hearts away from ourselves </div>
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and offers a chance to revive selfish attitudes, thus rendering deeper enjoyment. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"</i></span><i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bless the LORD, O my soul, </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and forget not all his benefits:"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Psalm 103:1-2 KJV</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dinner is served.</span></div>
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As plates are removed to the kitchen,</div>
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the children line up oldest to youngest near their dad,</div>
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eagerly awaiting their father's blessing bestowed on each head.</div>
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O, my heart!</div>
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In my mind, there is just about nothing as beautiful </div>
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as a father giving his children a sweet blessing</div>
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to carry them through the days ahead, </div>
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reminding them of their value, their identity, their destiny.</div>
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When heads and hearts have received their blessing, </div>
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a sweet, mouthwatering conclusion is served round.</div>
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The aroma of coffee brewing convinces all to sit and sip awhile yet longer.</div>
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Here are memories being imprinted on young minds.</div>
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Conversations eventually move to the living room in front of the fire.</div>
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The boys quiz their papa about welding, fabrication, forging, and cars.</div>
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The girls watch as the grandmas put the kitchen to rights with cheerful voices,</div>
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as if dishes for 18 are nothing at all to wash by hand.</div>
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The smaller children love to use Grampy's attention as a show and tell time. </div>
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The cabin is abuzz with small conversations here and there,</div>
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while second cups of coffee are filled and leftovers parceled out to each household.<br />
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Finally, the cabin empties as twilight settles in.<br />
My heart is full.<br />
I am undoubtedly exhausted.<br />
And yet, I will joyfully look forward to next time, because<br />
This is just too precious to pass up.</div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-88413213350631381742018-03-01T22:37:00.000-08:002018-03-02T07:49:15.368-08:00Vintage Family: In The Cold of Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Home should always be a retreat for the soul,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> filled with uplifting beauty </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and the shelter of each other.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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As the temperatures drop outdoors,</div>
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all things Hygge flourish within our cabin walls.</div>
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We are folks who adore bad weather.</div>
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Life below zero is another wonderful excuse to nestle in a cozy blanket,</div>
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hearty mugs of tea in hand, </div>
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and enjoy the pleasure of reading aloud to the family an extra chapter or two. </div>
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The sweetly cheerful scene of children engrossed in a good book, </div>
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lunch bubbling away on the cook stove,</div>
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an abundance of wool clothing displayed </div>
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provides a wonderful sense of tranquility </div>
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that floods my soul on these quiet, albeit cold days of winter, </div>
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and never ceases to make me smile.</div>
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We try to keep life simple</div>
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by making home a refuge and retreat for the soul, </div>
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and forging a <span style="font-size: large;">homelife</span> filled with all that is good and inspiring and invigorating.</div>
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These old fashioned ideals have found a comfortable place in our midst. </div>
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I think the enduring classics of family life are <span style="font-size: large;">the table,</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">order in daily life, </span></div>
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and<span style="font-size: large;"> reading aloud together.</span> </div>
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The mainstay of this vintage family is our<span style="font-size: large;"> faith</span>.</div>
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Our ever present standby to a vintage family life is <span style="font-size: large;">valuing what we have.</span> </div>
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I have found that having a functional and nurturing routine helps keep us all moving forward together and helps to limit the chaos of family life. </div>
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By<span style="font-size: large;"> a nurturing routine</span>,</div>
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I mean one that invites warmth and a sense of belonging.</div>
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The act of lighting candles quiets and warms a room, immediately bringing life.</div>
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I always light a candle at the table before a meal, </div>
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and another one gracing the coffee table in the living room each morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Candles are *<i>my one weakness.*</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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As we gather<span style="font-size: large;"> at the table for meals</span>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this act is so very important, even for those pb & j lunches, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we have opportunity to inspire, encourage, uplift our family,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and give them a sense of belonging to something greater than self-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of being part of a whole,</div>
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and of being missed if they are not occupying their place.</div>
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The table too can be a tender place, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
holding a trove of treasures, not just for the appetite, but for the soul.</div>
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By<span style="font-size: large;"> giving thanks</span>, another old timey tradition, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we take a moment to open eyes and heart wide to the beauty in everyday life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each day is a gift, and to me, it should be treated as such.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is the consistency</span><span style="font-size: large;"> of these little moments, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">added up, that have the most value</span>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The power of routine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is that it takes us the places we most want to go, need to go..</div>
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especially when our will power wanes, we weary and are tempted to slack.</div>
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Routine, softer and more flexible than scheduling, gives us a gentle road map for our day.</div>
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It also provides us a time and place to nurture in the midst of school, lessons, </div>
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and all we have going on a daily basis.</div>
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Our daily routine takes us thru morning time, schooling and then lunch.</div>
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Afterward, a ramble through the woods, </div>
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tea time, </div>
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more reading aloud...</div>
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because...is there any better way to gather children up than a candle, a hot drink, and a good story? </div>
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I think not. </div>
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This tradition is the quintessential mark of our home life. </div>
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The power of a good story shared fosters kinship, at the very least.</div>
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My most brilliant piece of parenting advice is such: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> read aloud to your children every chance you get.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Any time of day, reading aloud fits the mark.</div>
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Before school? What better way to inspire them to be on time for breakfast,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than a fabulous story read aloud to them as they eat each morning?</div>
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Light a candle, ring a bell instead of yelling that breakfast is ready.</div>
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Smile.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is a favorite saying that goes:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Life is like a cup of tea...it's all in how you make it</i>."</div>
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I ache for the homes aplenty that have no sense of life giving in them, </div>
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where the mamas dread each day, each task, </div>
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as if raising children well is not the most essential thing a body can do. </div>
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Want a beautiful life? Make one.</div>
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It can be done.</div>
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It <i>should</i> be done.</div>
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There is a great sense of joy and peace that comes</div>
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from the immense effort it takes to create and carry out</div>
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a home life that is intentional about </div>
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invigorating people to live heaven on earth<i>.</i></div>
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I believe it is what we were made to do, </div>
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which is why it is such a satisfying work.</div>
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Sally Clarkson put it well when she stated that,</div>
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"<i>Where there is vision for building godly generations in the home, </i></div>
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<i>there is God's grace and energy for the task."</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mhDQEwIb4cawZu1cYjzvKEmficm1zQsVGedm0imds6KJ3N-QsvkC97-BPehfghSNQkiAmQY9jLH1aLuc9eH7DutWLtYy1Oh_noOjQgt7lAjuJR0KRiVzPXLFOyXTpXmoxmunfg/s1600/2017-01-06+13.20.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mhDQEwIb4cawZu1cYjzvKEmficm1zQsVGedm0imds6KJ3N-QsvkC97-BPehfghSNQkiAmQY9jLH1aLuc9eH7DutWLtYy1Oh_noOjQgt7lAjuJR0KRiVzPXLFOyXTpXmoxmunfg/s640/2017-01-06+13.20.54.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Twilight fades, lights dim, bringing forth the hush of evening. </div>
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(praise the Lord, how I need it!) </div>
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A fresh snowfall kindles all the elements of winter comforts;</div>
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flannel, a blazing fire, comfort food, and don't forget wool socks.... </div>
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and we, being pulled snugly around the table once again</div>
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bow our heads as Father prays...</div>
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just like in the good old days.</div>
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<br />Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-21216028765174868812018-02-23T10:02:00.000-08:002018-02-23T10:02:11.059-08:00Vintage Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ8seU26Qc7MZ8e3fUYzZeAgbTsLAnJ7HnHIH0iA6Kv1wt8DPsADmQuRP9lZA6pTooSmxBmI5l8Jpajbwrbxtfw3BAvlR0S6rzPiBfV_8ccOyxR423dKM0fGoet_5ZehENhmeNA/s1600/2016-06-30+12.36.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ8seU26Qc7MZ8e3fUYzZeAgbTsLAnJ7HnHIH0iA6Kv1wt8DPsADmQuRP9lZA6pTooSmxBmI5l8Jpajbwrbxtfw3BAvlR0S6rzPiBfV_8ccOyxR423dKM0fGoet_5ZehENhmeNA/s640/2016-06-30+12.36.19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Grandpa, tell me bout the good old days</div>
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Sometimes it feels like this world's gone crazy</div>
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And Grandpa, take me back to yesterday</div>
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When the line between right and wrong</div>
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Didn't seem so hazy</div>
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<br /></div>
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Did lovers really fall in love to stay</div>
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And stand beside each other come what may?</div>
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Was a promise really something people kept</div>
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Not just something they would say then forget</div>
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Did families really bow their heads and pray</div>
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Did daddies really never go away?</div>
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Oh, Grandpa, tell me bout the good old days.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Grandpa, everything is changing fast</div>
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We call it progress, but I just don't know</div>
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And Grandpa, let's wander back into the past</div>
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And paint me the pictures of long ago"</div>
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<i>- Jamie O'Hara,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> sung by Wynona Judd</i></div>
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I continue...</div>
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"Mom and Dad, tell me 'bout when you were raised.</div>
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How did you spend your days?</div>
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I need to know for certain!</div>
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My children, they are growing fast.</div>
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If this family is gonna last</div>
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we had better do things the old fashioned way."</div>
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Paint me those pictures of long ago.</div>
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Daddy, how I need to know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is an upstream swim in culture so dim,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We just can't go that way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So tell me 'bout your childhood days.</div>
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Daddy, your wisdom has given us resolve.</div>
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We are gonna pray, work hard, and love.</div>
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We won't have video games in our home,</div>
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Or let our young children have a phone.</div>
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We will eat together at the table each day,</div>
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Go outside for walks and play.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You said, "Teach your boys to show respect,</div>
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Honor their elders, do an honest days work.</div>
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Show your daughters, to be gentle and kind,</div>
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Cheerful, like grandma and you'll do fine."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, Daddy, thank you for sharing with us </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"bout the good old days."</div>
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<br /></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-6152623181946902462018-02-17T18:00:00.000-08:002018-02-17T19:27:09.545-08:00Boy Mom, Morning Rituals, Starting the Day Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The cold wet air of February awakened my senses early, </div>
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too early.</div>
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Yet reluctant to leave that lovely deep sleep I had been enjoying, I lingered. </div>
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Not a morning person, to say the least. </div>
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<br /></div>
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My cheerful daughter popped her head in the room to see if I would like a cup of coffee, </div>
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and I heard the stirrings of the children: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
someone making breakfast...oh yes, today would be Jim's day. </div>
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I could hear the muffled giggles and squeals from Olivia and Gabe</div>
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along with a rhythmic bump on the wall....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so surmising they are swinging in the hammock with the cat. </div>
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The other boys are doing the outside chores:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
firewood, chickens and other animals, starting the generator,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and they have noises too,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
usually shooting and crashing sounds,</div>
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because, in their minds, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they are ever in a battle-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
saving the day as all around them danger and evils loom. </div>
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We have 5 boys, you know...these <span style="font-size: large;">boy noises</span></div>
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have been an ever present part of our married life, which is now nearly 29 years. </div>
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These boys of ours may be wild men and warriors outdoors, </div>
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but once they cross the threshold of our cabin, </div>
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the boy noises cease, and they are now gentlemen,</div>
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respecting mama's need for war to stay outside.</div>
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The clatter of dishes gets me up, finally.</div>
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Someone is setting the table, breakfast will be soon.</div>
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All the happy clamor of our morning routines are a joy to my soul.</div>
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I light the candles, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we say grace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eat together, </div>
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Daddy reads the Bible,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we sing a hymn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its a little early for me to sing, but I warble out a joyful song and nobody seems to mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The day has begun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daddy is off to the office, the older children have their work and schooling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I, with the younger four, gather in the living room in front of the fire</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for our morning time together. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poetry, Americana, and Great Explorers enliven our minds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and give me another chance at a cup of coffee before real brain activity begins. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though not a morning person, our morning rituals,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the companionship, the cheerfulness all sings to my soul,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stirring in my heart gratitude for God's goodness, for family, for another day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is the sweet and gentle start I need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soon, math, reading and Bible will be completed, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and with lunch, I will send the boys,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and girls too, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
outside for a few hours of boy noises before continuing our school day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They will come tromping in wet, muddy, swaggering, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
boasting of their conquests as we have tea and goodies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will read to them The Willows In Winter for a good long while as they settle down.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9pWJsjVQmtktRL2_wjDvAalF1HIg5fUTuqP4KT9YD3M9ByTdlTz4xtXiRqIOm_GASDGHYQZd0OZr6n0VTz7u_cJ1XVRvk5VQGFujxJFpom4vsYw4DL6VIr6ALwsnlpb_VQpwMg/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9pWJsjVQmtktRL2_wjDvAalF1HIg5fUTuqP4KT9YD3M9ByTdlTz4xtXiRqIOm_GASDGHYQZd0OZr6n0VTz7u_cJ1XVRvk5VQGFujxJFpom4vsYw4DL6VIr6ALwsnlpb_VQpwMg/s640/IMG_4742.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As afternoon wears on, and all subjects are accomplished, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when the frig and the pantry have been thoroughly pillaged, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
light has faded</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and so the forging of knives,<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC2pqTTEKFTPwc8M1Da1rRYoDM1L4jIQ6AMvhcvwieTSesctap6jrSidR79l220uz_dLgMfgAwft94wid126RsZtvQb_8jCuhCuKXnttv69w7sUXUMXh4W08WDwojb8ZDMqm7wQ/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC2pqTTEKFTPwc8M1Da1rRYoDM1L4jIQ6AMvhcvwieTSesctap6jrSidR79l220uz_dLgMfgAwft94wid126RsZtvQb_8jCuhCuKXnttv69w7sUXUMXh4W08WDwojb8ZDMqm7wQ/s640/IMG_4746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
the tinkering on a truck,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the slaying of would- be assailants has come to an end,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then, our evening begins </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and talk of current events,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
future plans of what to be when they grow up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
games of chess and checkers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dinner,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then second dinner before bedtime, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and thus ends our day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This boy mom expires early and sleeps hard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Turns out, I am not much of a night person either. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, then too,<span style="font-size: large;"> raising boys is hard work</span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But isn't it so true that <i>that which is so tiresomely accomplished is worth the most</i>? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu9xPMXS_4Na1huWu0oYHuuzLcMzRwnjWuHY7rkwQOuEC0jpD59-rC105sFUsClYG0J_El9bpNNcOKJ9R-i9JedrZvitS538B1aWlMXXKfZunq776GysFG73zwHiG1uDRGHmOZA/s1600/VM+Conf+Trip+2006137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="660" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu9xPMXS_4Na1huWu0oYHuuzLcMzRwnjWuHY7rkwQOuEC0jpD59-rC105sFUsClYG0J_El9bpNNcOKJ9R-i9JedrZvitS538B1aWlMXXKfZunq776GysFG73zwHiG1uDRGHmOZA/s640/VM+Conf+Trip+2006137.JPG" width="528" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the dirt, mud, frogs, worms, stitches, noise, and exasperation, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
its worth all my whitening hair and then some.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love raising boys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I adore my sons, especially when they cook <span style="font-size: large;"><i>breakfast!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-34879517643131929992016-02-23T17:23:00.001-08:002016-02-23T17:23:08.978-08:00Back In The Land Of The Living<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Well, Hello There</i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Firstly</span>, Thank you so much for all the kind and caring emails during my long absence! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What an encouragement ya' all are!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Secondly</span>, I have had a serious extended illness since July that has really, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really been a difficult thing to live with and get anything beyond </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
getting dressed each day a possibility. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, Praise the Lord, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am back to feeling well, and so <span style="font-size: large;">very</span>, very grateful to have energy, vitality,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and reasonably good health.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, <span style="font-size: large;">to catch up</span>, everything has gone along fairly well, regardless. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The children and my dear husband have picked up where I left off, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
doing the cleaning, cooking, laundry and anything else necessary to keep the household functioning. Meanwhile, I was posted in a comfy chair only able to give encouragement and counsel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They did a remarkable job but are very glad to have mama back in the kitchen, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
taking walks, able to be out and about and physically functional! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my, have they grown in the last 6 months! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jim passed me up in height around Christmas, Ben gaining on me rapidly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Olivia turned 5 (Ack!) - Gabe had his 7th birthday, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scott and Anna came for a visit with little Mary,<br />
Shiloh is talking in full sentences,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got a scruffy little puppy,<br />
Brian and I both have more grey hair,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Rose is home from College. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that you know everything, here are <span style="font-size: large;">some pics</span>.<br />
<br />
Ben is a regular at filling the soup pot<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfVZSH3NZNpF6v2fHf2FLCYuk3mB7WaspiMbromUvdrdbiraPf0bckZ2aAGZVUdIzlLyfuU-wZDTrJPpK72XDIoIrgoe4sZPX6uZaF_KbsF6byqZU6adETTswcCmecBvsUsoh_w/s1600/2015-09-25+18.52.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfVZSH3NZNpF6v2fHf2FLCYuk3mB7WaspiMbromUvdrdbiraPf0bckZ2aAGZVUdIzlLyfuU-wZDTrJPpK72XDIoIrgoe4sZPX6uZaF_KbsF6byqZU6adETTswcCmecBvsUsoh_w/s640/2015-09-25+18.52.12.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Jim shot the buck of a lifetime<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf2Qv5DR3qeZtLCYe_AK14BAnjv3YLQG4cyHvz7IqBdc_rzEcvpJjcmpG2QrY27pMUF5ol6bYSEeC-4RMCyCpCnoelfJ4ieeNoOQDs3GaFQ7DCGpP-EKSbElpiXgqwv72IuoXEw/s1600/2015-11-19+09.32.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf2Qv5DR3qeZtLCYe_AK14BAnjv3YLQG4cyHvz7IqBdc_rzEcvpJjcmpG2QrY27pMUF5ol6bYSEeC-4RMCyCpCnoelfJ4ieeNoOQDs3GaFQ7DCGpP-EKSbElpiXgqwv72IuoXEw/s640/2015-11-19+09.32.49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Scott, Anna, and Mary visiting Idaho<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiSDAnpSY3qAhDvEbWHNjJlRLPzX1QEYMlZVQ5Arsww08JgebZtcYWTE0hObX56pFox7nOnkgxciqYIeM5hbBIECUgwF5E-h9RRWNqX8orlwaxIcBhMqIRg1RqUJKwV9TVcRKxw/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiSDAnpSY3qAhDvEbWHNjJlRLPzX1QEYMlZVQ5Arsww08JgebZtcYWTE0hObX56pFox7nOnkgxciqYIeM5hbBIECUgwF5E-h9RRWNqX8orlwaxIcBhMqIRg1RqUJKwV9TVcRKxw/s640/family.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
John, Michelle and Shiloh bought a little farm just a few miles down the road<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eS5WUvWslgAbfxuro7LPNB1qkZK25_E-_cDzrRvSr6VDx6zUE6Can4c4ducrpd1kRrSonao0fNUPmGV6QFlb4i7_YdRUNIvCiNSpVmbmhKulwRAAg95gJt5vjjH7bXHWVmdWbQ/s1600/J%2526M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eS5WUvWslgAbfxuro7LPNB1qkZK25_E-_cDzrRvSr6VDx6zUE6Can4c4ducrpd1kRrSonao0fNUPmGV6QFlb4i7_YdRUNIvCiNSpVmbmhKulwRAAg95gJt5vjjH7bXHWVmdWbQ/s640/J%2526M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Rose and a sweet friend<br />
<img src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/10987676_10200237237289899_2387641757252706755_n.jpg?oh=0d696a43c4adc3d97a61df9d03cb4104&oe=57644DEC" /><br />
<br />
building an igloo<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiVzWIo5q8B0t3nPHWItShBL36Q-W2ikLVqkHnYY8nXiiD8-K034HfW8yvH8AC6e02SjHe-JoLR5XPx_KHy5Q8IfLjqbwkPKrhgL2hvaxLEmOwwl3ZRFlMwJsKKl6MX0d9TQsQg/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiVzWIo5q8B0t3nPHWItShBL36Q-W2ikLVqkHnYY8nXiiD8-K034HfW8yvH8AC6e02SjHe-JoLR5XPx_KHy5Q8IfLjqbwkPKrhgL2hvaxLEmOwwl3ZRFlMwJsKKl6MX0d9TQsQg/s640/IMG_2852.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
too cute!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_Ye0J4uTgNRMAAiSTwTBhpDzs4F8CdFXHgn_B2I6SZsrFQibmDCekcxcK3Gg6JBVDgLjq5CIrIx3WgJPl3aa0JJ6RTHwPIpRTMYRhCEiyzmxK9OarGZYY8Dpj3awhd1-rmyleg/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_Ye0J4uTgNRMAAiSTwTBhpDzs4F8CdFXHgn_B2I6SZsrFQibmDCekcxcK3Gg6JBVDgLjq5CIrIx3WgJPl3aa0JJ6RTHwPIpRTMYRhCEiyzmxK9OarGZYY8Dpj3awhd1-rmyleg/s640/IMG_2855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blessings to Ya' all,</b></span><br />
with the promise it won't be months before another post!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Julianne</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
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</div>
</div>
Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-21621011058355148502015-07-29T12:25:00.000-07:002015-07-29T12:25:37.289-07:00The New Grandbaby!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So there we were,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 of our journey competed....500 miles yet to go </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on our trip to New Mexico to see our daughter and son in law and forth coming baby,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when, 5:00 in the morning, we got a call....yes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Anna was in labor!</span></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Straightaway we hopped in the suburban and drove, drove, drove..... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
arriving 40 minutes after the newest grand baby was born! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was allowed into the birthing room right away to meet this newest blessing, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
help wash her, measure her, and cut the cord. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scott was perfectly at ease with the sweet little bundle, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...I was impressed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p206x206/11027479_10204867651066463_7065713141861459937_n.jpg?oh=9d26e8968c8ec5e7b72a2649d82803bc&oe=56501404" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="425" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/11402613_10204867652866508_800888530010582960_o.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/l/t31.0-8/1617876_10204867651266468_505913565993150892_o.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Mary Joy </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
made her way safely into the world that Monday, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
surprising us all at 8 lbs 2 oz </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and having plenty of dark hair, which was a great relief and delight to her mama.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needless to say, we all fell completely head over heels for this little girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh, My!! What a darling!!!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cannot possibly look upon these pictures without a little squeal escaping-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she is SO PRECIOUS!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11737930_10204875898839283_5734027373362555108_n.jpg?oh=0a0cbe3692b872306ab9750230a3e1f2&oe=5612524F" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11212774_10204798309579600_1656756735228072987_n.jpg?oh=b117409e48a2e3f3bdea83935b20894a&oe=563D2AF2" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With eyes of wonder, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all of the family stared and stared at her, never getting our fill of the wee one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thus we spent the next 5 days with them, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
holding and staring at this amazing little person named Mary.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="640" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11008062_10204820184206452_6634753527229854489_n.jpg?oh=fe8b9336da5bd5d4676f538d34503cc9&oe=560E1C50" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All too soon it was time for us to make the trip home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving our sweet little New Mexico family was easier said than done,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we contented ourselves with the thankfulness of a safe and healthy birth,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that Anna is recovering very well,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that Scott is such a natural at being a daddy,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that we had the opportunity to be there </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to meet this fabulous and amazing granddaughter! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Praising the Lord for Mary Joy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11206051_10207116053049941_1326703358223497690_n.jpg?oh=3db8536e40c7a8c02208ca02630085d5&oe=564D9F81" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Still giddy,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Julianne</i></span></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-4325820823299925012015-07-16T12:57:00.000-07:002015-07-16T13:03:12.052-07:00Traveling To New Mexico<img src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10384622_10207123716921533_4196961959367462654_n.jpg?oh=3732abaa4c80d91016b32a0f1b513ed8&oe=5615F222" /><br />
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Vacation time has come and we have planned for months now to pack 9 of us in our 9 passenger suburban and travel 1500 miles to see our newest grand child, along with our daughter and son in law, of course. At he time we left Idaho, the baby had not been born...that story is for another post.<br />
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So, we packed VERY lightly for our two week trek, and hoped for the best. Since we lost our 15 passenger van, this is our first road trip with all of us, everything would be different...no cooking in a crock pot while driving...there just isn't room. No big cooler with lots of homemade yummies for our tummies...there just isn't room. No plethora of games, books, pillows, and blankets...there just isn't room. <br />
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So......what we did do is....<br />
1. Pack a small cooler with lunch meat, cheese, mayo and mustard. And another box with bread and store bought snacks to be given out in between rest stops. We choose fruit snacks, goldfish crackers, granola bars, and trail mix. These were all XL boxes, but I filled plastic cups with the snacks and handed them out on the road. For breakfasts on the road, we had granola bars and a banana. After about an hour and a half, we handed our a snack. We stopped briefly for lunch, made sandwiches served with chips, and back on the road a bit later, handed out the cups with another snack, and so it went. For dinner, we located a fast food choice close to our motel, and picked it up in car....after 9 hours in a vehicle we just wanted to get to our motel! We tried to choose a motel with a pool, so that we could get some exercise into our days, the children greatly enjoyed the swim!!<br />
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2. To keep the trip fun, we had a list of 100 things to look for as we traveled. Things such as a camel, a circus, a nativity scene, a firetruck, a bicycle with a child seat behind, etc. We also listened to an audio book which we played on daddy's android, The Hobbit on the way down to NM, and The Girl of The Limberlost on the way home. Other games we played were looking for all 50 states license plates, finding the ABC's on signs (the word must begin with the needed letter). And then, the most fun thing we did was bring Rose with us, she is full of fun...when she is not sleeping. We found that Rest Areas can be alot of fun too....<br />
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3. After staying in the plainest and cheapest of motel options, we have come to fully appreciate up-scaling to a motel with a full breakfast and a pool. It was a significant cost difference, and it was well worth it. The breakfast was warm and satisfying- getting us off to a good start, and all of us splashing and playing in the pool was also a great reward to a long day packed like sardines in the suburban.<br />
We also stayed with friends along the way, which was a tremendous blessing and added such joy to our trip. I am very glad that we went ahead and made the contacts to meet up with old friends we hadn't seen is such a long time. I was initially thinking we would be a burden..9 of us inviting ourselves over.....but I am so glad we did it---we had SOOO much fun!!<br />
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The visit with our family in NM was wonderful...</div>
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and then we were on our way home,</div>
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another 1500 miles in three days.</div>
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It all went pretty much like the trip down. </div>
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The children traveled so well!</div>
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And, if you are wondering what age little people grow out of falling asleep with gum n their mouths, or silly putty in their hands....it is not 4!!</div>
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...just sayin'....</div>
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<br />Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-42558707659477401672015-05-14T14:49:00.002-07:002015-05-14T15:05:40.898-07:00Our 4 Daughters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our 4 daughters are a vast range of age,</div>
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and are all doing a wide variety of activities. </div>
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Here they are:</div>
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Daughter #1 is<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>our<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>sweet<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Anna</b>,</span></div>
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She is our second born child,<br />
now 21, and married to a wonderful godly man. </div>
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They live in New Mexico, which is very sad for me,<br />
but I am learning to let go and be content...<br />
it hasn't been easy...even though I am so so happy for her!!<br />
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Anna is in that blessed and radiant state of <i>full bloom</i>,<br />
carrying our grandbaby (their first!) whom we hope to meet very soon....</div>
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I am <span style="font-size: large;">sooo</span> excited to meet this prayed-for little one!!!</div>
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Our third born<span style="font-size: large;">, </span>the lovely<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Rose</b>,</span> is just home from three weeks in Africa! </div>
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I sure missed her, and am so very glad to have her home again...</div>
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but my intuition tells me it won't be for long...</div>
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Rose is growing up...and Africa is very much a part of her. </div>
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She is a beautiful young lady inside and out.</div>
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Then there is miss<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Bethany,</b></span></div>
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(9 years old, child #7)</div>
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who just finished her first ballet class, loved every minute of it,</div>
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and now dances her way around the house...</div>
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especially when we are listening to The Piano Guys...</div>
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....which is pretty often.<br />
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And, our ninth, little<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Olivia</b></span>, </div>
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busting us up daily<br />
with some really great original quotes like only a four year old can.<br />
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"Are you crying, Olivia?"<br />
"No," she answers...wiping tears away..."My eyes are just sweating!"<br />
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She recently climbed up on daddy's lap and said, "I want to have Jesus." </div>
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Amen!!</div>
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We were happy to hear it!</div>
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Our daughters have added so much joy and beauty to our family life. </div>
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We are very blessed by each one, </div>
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and so very grateful to the Lord for giving us these precious gifts!!!</div>
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"<i><span style="font-size: large;">Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">the fruit of the womb is His reward."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> Psalm 127:3</span></i></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-76763501023425954962015-05-04T18:19:00.000-07:002015-05-04T18:53:39.619-07:00Inspiration From The Front Porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Come sit awhile..</span>.</i> </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> the weather is so nice and the front porch beckons.</span></i></div>
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I am fascinated with porches. </div>
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I do believe that <i>any</i> home would be more homey with a front porch.</div>
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Maybe that is my southern roots coming out.</div>
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To me, it really doesn't matter what style a porch is, I love them all.</div>
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Over the weekend we cleaned up and put together this year's summer porch. </div>
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It was an exciting event and all the children were eager to help sweep, mop,</div>
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put wintery things away and bring out the season's furnishings.</div>
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As we were sitting out this first morning on the porch,</div>
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(having moved our school work outdoors)</div>
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I was amused to find that Bethany had made lemonade.</div>
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I guess she just naturally thought:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> porch = lemonade.</span></div>
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(chuckle)</div>
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Our large front porch certainly is a significant part of our home, </div>
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and we spend a great many hours there spring, summer and fall. </div>
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When we have church fellowship out here, the house overflows,</div>
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(63 for dinner last Sunday!)</div>
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and the porch is a welcome extra room.</div>
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I have said before... how much I adore time on the porch,</div>
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and it is true I will invent work that I can do on the porch</div>
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to justify spending a few more hours there.</div>
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In the mornings of summer and early fall,</div>
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the sun comes up over the tree tops to the front side of the house,</div>
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casting its warming rays all over the porch. </div>
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Sipping coffee, listening to the birds morning songs...</div>
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...it is a lovely way to wake up.</div>
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In summer's hot afternoons,</div>
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the sun is high overhead and the porch is a cool refreshing place to sit,</div>
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where one can watch chickens, dogs, cats, goats and children frolicking in the yard.</div>
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Taking laundry off the line, I will fold there, </div>
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write my shopping lists and menus there,</div>
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talk on the phone to my daughter and mama,</div>
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read to the littles, </div>
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do our school work,</div>
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read my Bible,</div>
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visit with the older children.</div>
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In the evenings, it is the perfect spot to catch up with my dear husband,</div>
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watch thunderstorms, </div>
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have dinner,</div>
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interact with the children playing,</div>
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and, ahhhh...unwind at the end of the day.</div>
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I love making our porch (and home) a collection of beautiful things,</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> a gathering place</span> for family and friends, </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a comfortable place</span> where people want to come and be together,</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> a welcoming place</span> for the new acquaintances that are made</div>
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and for the strangers who come into our lives,</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a caring place</span> where the needy can find help and the hurting find comfort. </div>
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A porch is a great place for hospitality,</div>
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a welcome smile to come home to, </div>
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a convenient place to retreat to, </div>
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a favorite spot you come back to over and over again.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blessings from our porch to yours,</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julianne</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-3516559396139044702015-05-01T10:10:00.001-07:002015-05-01T10:10:44.947-07:00Home Schooling: More Than the Three R's<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>How do you do it? </i></b></div>
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<b><i> My you sure have your hands full!</i></b></div>
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<b><i> I could never do that! </i></b></div>
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These are all things I have heard countless times from friends and strangers</div>
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when they find out we have 9 children that we have home schooled.</div>
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Here is my answer.</div>
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Here is how do I do it. </div>
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Here is my counsel to anyone thinking of homeschooling</div>
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or discouraged in their home schooling adventures.</div>
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Home Schooling is something I am passionate about. </div>
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Raising children is something I am passionate about. </div>
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Because I am passionate about these things, I love to talk about them.</div>
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We have been home schooling for 20 years now, and we have made mistakes. </div>
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We have also learned a whole lot and made progress, although,</div>
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there are those days when I can't see it. </div>
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Thankfully, those days end and new ones arise and with them hope</div>
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that this day will be different, </div>
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perhaps even victorious. </div>
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Over the years, I have come to a few conclusions about successful homeschooling...</div>
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and these conclusions arrived from trial and error,</div>
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and are listed here so that perhaps others may not need to have such trials and errors</div>
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to find these answers....</div>
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1. <b><span style="font-size: large;"> Home schooling must be consistent</span></b>. Establishing a basic routine each season gives freedom and structure to the mama and the children, helping to ensure that each topic of study will get done in its time each day. It is near impossible to become proficient at something without consistent practice. I say in "each season" because as your family grows up, multiplies, jobs change, etc., new needs arise and a new schedule will need to be adapted. When we had a new baby, for example, our routines needed to revolve around when the baby needed to be fed, then later, when the toddler napped, and even later, when the teen went to work. As home educators, we need to persevere to be consistent through these changes and at the same time be flexible to the new needs of the family.<br />
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2. <b><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i>Homeschooling must be about discipleship<i> </i></span></b>more than completing workbooks. As Christians, our number one priority in home educating has got to be to teach our children about God, His word, and His way...living it out in front of them and intentionally teaching them as we go about our day. Just homeschooling is not an end in itself- <b>that alone will not produce a generation who loves God and is devoted to Him. </b> It is a lot harder than that. It must be intentional and deliberate, and you must be the example. To raise children who test well and get good jobs is great, but that alone must not be enough!! Home Schooling gives us as parents a great opportunity to teach character, to incorporate all of our daily lives into discipling the souls given to us. We need to teach our children to be diligent, to have integrity, to persevere, to think of others first, and most importantly, to love God. <br />
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This brings me to the third point....<br />
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3. <b><span style="font-size: large;">Homeschooling should drive you to your knees</span></b>. I literally wake up each morning begging God for help. I know I cannot be a good enough example; kind, patient, cheerful, loving, wise and industrious without His strength to uphold me, and I know I am an utter failure apart from abiding in Christ. Thus, our children become the sanctifying object that God uses to mold us and humble us, making us teachable and dependent upon Him...which then, in turn, enables us to be good examples to our children of what a Christ centered life looks like.<br />
Is homeschooling overwhelming to you? GOOD!! It is when we are overwhelmed that we become desperate for Jesus. And that is right where we should be everyday.<br />
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In my twenty years,</div>
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it is the times that I have been consistent,</div>
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focused on making disciples of our children,</div>
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and earnestly leaning on the Everlasting Arms </div>
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that we have been the most successful in our home educating. </div>
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If I get all three things down, the rest falls into place.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Blessings,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Julianne</i></span></div>
Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-22382963865763030252015-04-22T17:14:00.000-07:002015-04-22T17:14:29.169-07:00Venison Steak For Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Venison. </div>
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Just saying the word makes my mouth water.</div>
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Venison is our favorite meat, and happens to be the meat we fairly live off of. </div>
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It always perplexes me when folks get a deer, then go to the work of butchering it,</div>
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then it sits in the freezer all winter while they buy meat at the store to feed their family.</div>
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We LOVE venison!</div>
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Our family brings in 5 or 6 deer a season,</div>
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keeping us in meat so that we may eat venison three times a week, rarely having beef.</div>
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After living this way for years and years our kids think beef is weird. </div>
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They say it has a funny taste to it. </div>
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(smile)</div>
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Although I interchange ground venison for ground beef in any recipe,</div>
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(and guests never know)</div>
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there are a few special recipes in which we especially love our venison. </div>
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On the top of the list is something we call "Schaffer Steak". </div>
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You see, years ago Mr and Mrs Schaffer came over to our house one night,</div>
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bringing dinner in a great big covered dish. </div>
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This was his steak recipe, served over mashed potatoes. </div>
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Everyone loved it, and it became a family favorite.</div>
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It is really the simplest of recipes,</div>
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the kind grandma used to make, now largely forgotten in our complex culture of "fine food."</div>
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Although you sure could make this with beef steak, </div>
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please, Oh please, don't waste your good venison...get it out of the freezer and try this!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Schaffer Steak</span></div>
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1. Get a skillet good and hot, then sear your steaks on both sides,</div>
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adding salt and pepper as they briefly cook. </div>
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2. Once seared, put them in a heavy covered dish, like a dutch oven, or your crock pot.</div>
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These happen to be backstrap, a very tender boneless medallion steak.</div>
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3. Next, make a cream sauce in the skillet using the steak drippings. </div>
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A cream sauce is simply an equal portion of butter to flour,</div>
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then milk added to make it the desired thickness, </div>
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all over a medium heat, then seasoned to taste. </div>
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Or, if you like, you can just use a few cans of cream of mushroom soup.</div>
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4. Pour the cream sauce over the meat and cook slowly for three or more hours.</div>
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The meat will be very tender, the kind you can cut with a fork. </div>
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The meat and gravy is great over veggies, potatoes, or noodles.</div>
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The children are just coming in from outside and asking what's for dinner...</div>
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"MMMMM smells GOOD!!!" they say.</div>
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"It is Schaffer Steak," I reply. </div>
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Shouts of hurrahs and hugs abound...I am not kidding...</div>
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it is<span style="font-size: large;"><i> that</i> </span>good...</div>
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...and we really like our venison.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Blessings, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Julianne</i></span></div>
Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-85042916523300183022015-04-16T11:57:00.002-07:002015-04-16T12:03:12.451-07:00From Idaho to Africa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, she's gone. </div>
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Our dear Rose and her sweet friend, Brenna are in route as I write.</div>
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From Idaho, to Seattle, to Amsterdam, to Entebbe, to Jinja. </div>
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It is about a 25 hour plane trip to Uganda, Africa where they will spend the next three weeks</div>
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ministering with some very dear folks, Paul and Pam Hunter of Next Generation ministries. </div>
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I'm stealing some photos from<a href="http://1girlpassion84god.blogspot.com/"> <span style="background-color: purple; color: lime; font-size: large;">Rose's blog</span></a><span style="background-color: purple;">.</span>...but better yet,</div>
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I hope you wander your way over there and see for yourself what God is doing </div>
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in this young ladies heart! </div>
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I am so excited for Rose and Brenna, but I am going to miss Rose dearly! </div>
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She is such a vibrant soul...I will be missing all the laughs and great talks, </div>
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the singing together and being together.</div>
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Meanwhile, I am preparing for our annual women's retreat, </div>
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where I will be sharing the weekend with around 30 other ladies, and, </div>
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I will be speaking for two of the four sessions. </div>
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You know, the great thing about preparing a lesson to share, is that in the preparation, </div>
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God does amazing things in my own heart! </div>
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So it is really a blessing to be the speaker, and thus, because of my new found, AHA! moments,</div>
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I am so excited and eager for the retreat!!</div>
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I will be leaving the children home with daddy for part of the time,</div>
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and Joe will be in charge while daddy is at work. </div>
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Joe is quite a kid magnet, like his daddy...and very responsible almost 16 year old, </div>
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so no worries there.</div>
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However, the two littles are sick again with a croupy kind of cough, congestion,</div>
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and Olivia has a fever. </div>
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Ten years ago I never would have left the children for two and a half days, </div>
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but older now, and hopefully wiser, I am much more relaxed with them and laid back. </div>
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They will be in good hands...I need not be a control freak and mother them every second,</div>
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and...God sees us in all we do, He sees our good intentions, </div>
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our motives to get away now and then for some intimate time with Him and other women..</div>
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..and I have faith that He will be watching over them with greater care than I would. </div>
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So, I WILL myself not to worry over them. Or Rose and Brenna, their luggage...</div>
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...and all that a mama's mind can conjure up in the middle of the night </div>
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when one of her babies is on the other side of the world.</div>
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smile. </div>
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He will be watching over them.</div>
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Uh, Oh, that did it.</div>
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sniff.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Blessings,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Julianne</i></span></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-22913986566868484652015-04-07T10:53:00.000-07:002015-05-14T15:16:52.313-07:00The Necessity of Afternoon Tea<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth,</i></div>
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<i> for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home."</i></div>
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- Dame Edith Sitwell</div>
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I like this quote, but I think I could replace "winter" with "teatime."<br />
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<i>Teatime</i> is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth,<br />
for the touch of a friendly hand and for talk beside the fire;<br />
it is the time for home.<br />
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Yes, that suits just fine.<br />
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My favorite part of the day comes around 2:30 every afternoon. </div>
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It is that of tea time at our home. </div>
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The children most likely have been rambling about the woods, </div>
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and are glad for a warming cup of goodness,</div>
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followed by some sort of treat to keep the famished over until dinner.<br />
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This tradition, I unabashedly admit,</div>
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I stole from my dear friend, Enola Gay, </div>
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whose home life has inspired me so much over the years we have been friends. </div>
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Tea time is more for the soul than the goodies,</div>
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although goodies are always appreciated,<br />
like these light Honey Lemon Tea cakes Jim baked up. <br />
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Our family has a few favorite herbal teas and a few black teas in which we savor.</div>
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Sometimes we make a pot, other times we each pick our own bagged variety.</div>
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Sometimes we make special lovely treats, and sometimes we just share fresh fruit.<br />
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Either way, afternoon tea set by our fireside,</div>
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especially on days like today,</div>
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when the rain and snow mix is pouring down amid occasional gusts of a cold wind, </div>
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bring together all of my favorite aspects of the season...</div>
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the warmth of curling up by the fire, </div>
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the aroma of a good tea (such as Evening In Missoula or Market Spice),</div>
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the children's chatter about their adventures, </div>
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the sharing of our plans for the evening, </div>
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the coziness of candles lit just for tea time.<br />
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..it all speaks to me- warms my heart,</div>
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which in turn, encourages me to soldier on through the second half of the day.<br />
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Honey Lemon Tea Cakes<br />
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1/3 c. soft butter<br />
1/2 c. honey<br />
1 egg<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 c. flour<br />
1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/3 c milk<br />
2 Tbsp lemon juice<br />
Mix well. Pour into greased muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.<br />
Top with 2 Tbsp butter and a sprinkling of sugar.<br />
Cool in Frig before serving.<br />
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Enjoy with friendly hearts and a fine cup of tea!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Julianne</i></span></div>
Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-66098674856610169602015-03-23T17:30:00.000-07:002015-03-23T18:04:21.280-07:00Life at the Lodge Last Week<br />
Last week went by in a blur...here is why:<br />
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The new goat babies are here...</div>
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Marshall and Moses joined little Mabel in the goat pen last week, </div>
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They are just her size, only she is two weeks older. </div>
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Rose had to play midwife and pull both of these babies,</div>
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who are doing very well along with their mama. </div>
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Aren't they adorable??</div>
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We will be rich in goat milk in a few short weeks.</div>
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Besides playing and gentling these cuties, we have been doing some big cooking.</div>
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I enjoy cooking and hospitality. </div>
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Here is one way that I serve in the church body with these gifts:</div>
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Every Wednesday, I cook dinner for about 30 people</div>
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who come to our "Family Fellowship" night at the church. </div>
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Last week, we ( myself and with the children's help) oven fried 20 lbs of chicken,<br />
according to my dear friend, <i style="background-color: orange;"><a href="http://www.paratusfamiliablog.com/2014/11/fantastic-oven-fried-chicken.html" target="_blank">Enola Gay's</a> recipe,</i> </div>
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and <span style="font-size: large;">oh</span>, was it <b>good</b>!!! </div>
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Enola is a very good cook who has<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Prepared-Family-Cookbook-Enola/dp/1490544372/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377817362&sr=8-1&keywords=the+prepared+family+cookbook" style="background-color: yellow;" target="_blank"> her own cookbook.</a> </div>
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I highly recommend it. </div>
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We served the chicken with baked potatoes, and,<br />
having bought the chicken (thighs) on sale,</div>
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the total cost was approximately $2.00/person,<br />
just so you know, </div>
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if you are planning on cooking for a crowd soon.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc_8mLOKPcY_dXa5CRvDXWYFyMMODJeaMOf26XlUnqDg402QRjzcfwycKkbqSymqlQ922NW1WzMaDi9vVaQ2X4m4l9w9HtfNt2S33sb2Wd_cZ7n9O-td0osclbZpTg0oJLnP4gQ/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" height="428" width="640" /><br />
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There were many raves over the chicken, so it was a big success. But, then...</div>
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Toward the end of the week, the family began coming down with INFLUENZA B. </div>
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This we have been battling with home remedies with some success. </div>
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Oil of Oregano, taken in the early stages of illness worked very well on three of us. </div>
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Grandma Gladys had a special recipe for cough syrup-one of those hillbilly potions- </div>
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implemented at night that always works well...but ICK!!<br />
Perhaps it is the nastiness of the syrup that motivates one to get well real quick?! :-)</div>
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Then, giving comfort is Vicks on the chest, honey lemon tea throughout the day,<br />
as well as<span style="background-color: cyan;"> <a href="http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Double-E-Immune-Booster" target="_blank">Immune Booster tea</a></span></div>
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and <span style="font-size: large;">lots of rest</span> are the natural treatments we have used. </div>
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The poor littles have just slept and slept...</div>
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here, there, and everywhere!</div>
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The stealth napper...</div>
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the burrito style napper...</div>
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I find them to be adorable --illness and all!</div>
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Today is our first day up and at em. </div>
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My, but it feels good!<br />
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The pouring rain outside makes it feel like a great day for tea...</div>
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(but then, every day is a great day for tea in my book)</div>
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and extra reading to catch up from a week lost to illness..</div>
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..maybe some board games as well. </div>
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If you're of a mind to wander across the internet..do visit our daughter Anna<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://annaprimer.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: magenta;">here.</span>.</a></span>.</div>
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..she's a resourceful, sweet, gem making a lovely home life for her wonderful hubby in NM</div>
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and expecting a baby in June...</div>
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and our vivacious, beautiful Rose.<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1girlpassion84god.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: magenta;">.here.</a></span>..just days from departing for Africa again...</div>
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she is so excited and will tell you all about the ministry opportunities awaiting.</div>
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I know you will be blessed by both of these blogs.</div>
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Wishing you well...</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Julianne</span> </i></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-58809495955461225352015-03-13T20:18:00.001-07:002015-03-13T20:18:08.881-07:00Birthday Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Benjamin Creed</div>
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March is a big birthday month in our family. </div>
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I counted six birthdays in the extended family.</div>
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After putting up the crepe paper, balloons and birthday banner, </div>
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we started fixing pizzas for the 20 some guests, mostly family.</div>
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Rose and Joe are the main pizza chefs. </div>
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Joe prepared his specialty: BBQ chicken pizza, </div>
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Rose made the Pepperoni, and we all worked on the Jalapeno Popper Pizza, </div>
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which we copied from Anna, who had just tried it the week before with great success.</div>
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When the food was ready,</div>
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Daddy prayed a special blessing on the birthday boy, Ben, who is turning 11 years old.</div>
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After dinner-- cake, of course...except our boy wanted banana splits instead,</div>
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so we put his candles in his ice cream. </div>
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He was quite pleased with it.</div>
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Long ago we started a tradition of giving the same gifts to each boy at a certain age.</div>
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This has worked very well...and the children look forward </div>
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to the day they will be old enough to get ______, as if it has become a right of passage.</div>
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It also keeps things fair.</div>
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Once our boys are nine, </div>
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we leave toys behind and enter the age of tools that will last, hopefully, a lifetime.</div>
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When they turn <b>nine</b>, we give them a foot locker.</div>
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At <b>ten</b>, they get their first pocket knife.</div>
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At <b>eleven</b>, a hatchet.</div>
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For<b> twelve</b> they get a hunting knife. </div>
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<b>Thirteen</b>, a .22,</div>
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and <b>fourteen</b>- a gift especially for their particular interests.</div>
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<b> Fifteen</b>- a fishing vest. </div>
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When<b> sixteen,</b> they receive a dinner date with parents, with a "becoming a man ceremony".</div>
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<b>Seventeen</b>, a tool kit for a car,</div>
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And <b>eighteen</b>, a "senior trip" with daddy.</div>
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We have a whole different list for girls, but that will be told another time.</div>
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Here, you can see, </div>
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that this little woodsman is happy as can be to have<i> yet more</i> camo and a fishing net,</div>
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gifts from grandparents. </div>
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After stuffing ourselves with pizza AND banana splits,</div>
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enjoying all the company...which somehow consistently includes a dress up party for the little girls (always amusing), opening presents, visiting some more...</div>
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...and the guests have left...sigh...</div>
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we settled the children down and read a few more chapters in Little House On Plum Creek </div>
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before tucking them in, then seeking our own happy slumbering place.</div>
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Another birthday..</div>
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..one more year added to the many years we have been blessed with our children. </div>
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Each one has their own gifts and talents, bents, and love language.</div>
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Each one so unique, so precious in their own way,</div>
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and yes, challenging in their own way.</div>
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Yet each one, certainly a reward (Psalm 127).</div>
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We concluded the day feeling overly full and abundantly blessed..</div>
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...the perfect ending for a birthday.</div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-77972036520898781542015-02-28T11:57:00.001-08:002015-02-28T16:19:34.707-08:00The Babies Are Here!<div style="text-align: center;">
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If you are a homesteader, </div>
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you know that when the coldest weather strikes,</div>
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your animals will choose that particular time to birth. </div>
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Animals are just that way. </div>
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So, with lows in the teens and even colder nights coming this week,</div>
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our does are due.</div>
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Checking them several times a day, </div>
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we were very surprised to find...on our afternoon check, </div>
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the first kid born- already standing and doing well, </div>
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despite it being the smallest goat kid we have ever had. </div>
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She is literally smaller than our cats. </div>
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Rose named her Mabel, which means "lovable."</div>
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So here is Mabel!</div>
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<img src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1604634_10204073052481995_8098982408248150773_n.jpg?oh=e0eddd01a75691b6a89bd8b336a3faad&oe=557B3D8C" /><br />
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Yes, she has a sweater on.</div>
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I have often thought about making baby goat blankets,</div>
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but having never gotten around to it, we just dug through the "newborn" tote in the attic</div>
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till we came up with something warm looking.</div>
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The code of the ruralite, you know, is Observe, Adapt, and Improvise. (O.A.I.)</div>
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Mabel and her mama are strong and healthy, which is certainly a blessing with a first time mama. </div>
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To keep this tiny one warm,</div>
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and the other kids that will soon arrive as well, </div>
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Joe and Rose turned a plastic barrel into a warming coop. </div>
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Here is the reason I said kids, as in plural...this doe surely has more than one in there!</div>
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Here is the warming coop.</div>
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There is a heat lamp set into the top of the barrel. </div>
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Thankfully, our solar panels are soaking up all this sunny weather-</div>
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thus powering both this heat lamp and the one for the chicken's water. </div>
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In cloudy weather, (normal for this time of year) we would be hard put to accommodate the output of power without running the generator much more than we typically do.</div>
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We are doubly blessed with a safe birth and sun power to keep baby warm.</div>
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But wait, that is not all!!!</div>
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Besides our tiniest goat baby, Mabel,</div>
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our ADORABLE grand daughter, Shiloh, is here for the weekend!!!</div>
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Oh those cute little chompers! </div>
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OOOO and the dimpled hands! </div>
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(squeal)</div>
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TOO CUTE!</div>
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SOOO sweet!!!</div>
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Grandma is having a fantastic time of it!</div>
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Of course, everyone wants to hug and kiss and squeeze her, or make her laugh. </div>
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Shiloh seems to be enjoying being the center of attention. </div>
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She is such a people person. </div>
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Between the two babies,</div>
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there is a whole lot of laughing and cuddling being done here this weekend.</div>
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Blessings to ya' all this weekend,</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Julianne-</span></i></div>
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<i>the giddy grandma</i></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-17082233278988684032015-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:002015-02-13T16:34:01.252-08:00Little Luxuries of Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Somehow, in the heart of winter, </div>
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our "January thaw" has lingered on for weeks and weeks, </div>
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an unheard of predicament for North Idaho...the newspaper just reported that never</div>
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in the historical records has the snowfall here been so low, or the typical "thaw" lasted so long.</div>
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While it is lovely out, agrarian folks like us are concerned about the "snow pack" in the mountains that provides us with plenty of water all summer- </div>
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which keeps the landscape a lovely green right into fall, </div>
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and more importantly, minimizes the danger of forest fire.</div>
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But, that said, we concur with "Pa" </div>
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(from the Little House series, which we are currently rereading aloud) </div>
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<i>"There is no great loss without some small gain.</i>"</div>
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These small gains are the<span style="font-size: large;"> blessings</span> of today, </div>
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our <b>little luxuries of winter</b>, such as it is.</div>
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The wood pile blessing: Our initial 10 cord is holding up well. This, by the way, is the shed we built last summer, of which, I never did post the finished pictures of, till now.<br />
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Egg production blessing: Ben's hens are so happy with the weather, they have not sloughed off in their laying at all thus far. He is in business now; selling eggs, purchasing the feed, keeping records daily. He is very proud of a regular dozen a day.<br />
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Blessings In The Dairy: These two are due to kid in a few weeks. If the mild weather holds, that will be beneficial for the tiny newborns, giving them a little easier start in life. Meanwhile, the does are looking especially well and plump.<br />
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Blessings For The Children: They are fully appreciating sunshine and warm temperatures each afternoon as they ramble off to play in the woods. Yesterday their play was near the creek-<br />
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Today, they are homesteaders-</div>
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For me, the soothing continuity of our daily routine, </div>
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curling up by the fire with a fragrant cup of tea, </div>
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the sun shining through the windows,</div>
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these are a few of the blessings I am counting today,</div>
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my little luxuries of winter.</div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;">What are yours?</i></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-64299145005293427932015-02-06T14:52:00.000-08:002015-02-06T15:19:19.680-08:00The Joy of Grandbabies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our first grandchild, Shiloh Anne, is such a joy.<br />
She is the daughter of our oldest son, John, and his beautiful bride, Michelle.</div>
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I see so much of both her parents in her, yet, she is her own person.</div>
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This little cutie pie has stolen our hearts from day one. </div>
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She is growing sooo fast, she will be wearing her first cowboy boots in no time.</div>
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(every girl needs at least one pair, ya know!)</div>
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Shiloh is coming up on 8 months old, cutting several teeth, crawling all over,</div>
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and blessedly, sleeping through the night. </div>
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She is such a people person, she just lights up when someone talks to her,</div>
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making for great photos.</div>
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Our daughter Anna is carrying <span style="font-size: large;">grandbaby #2</span>. </div>
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She just sent us this picture of her sweet little baby bump.</div>
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Isn't she beautiful?! </div>
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I have always thought that pregnant women have a special glow about them</div>
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that really makes them lovely.</div>
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Scott and Anna are having <span style="font-size: large;">a girl</span>, which we are so excited to meet in June!! </div>
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Here is a little 3D sneak peek at her:</div>
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Isn't she incredible!? </div>
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Surely, these precious wee ones are fearfully and wonderfully made!</div>
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Marvelous are your works, O God!! </div>
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Grandparenting is an amazing new adventure for us.</div>
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We are thrilled with these two bundles of joy,</div>
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who are truly a gift from the Lord. </div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-66138970258860544952015-02-03T20:50:00.000-08:002015-02-03T20:50:17.969-08:00Loving The January Thaw<br />
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Nearly every January we get a little mid winter break known as "the January thaw".</div>
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Newcomers think it is spring, </div>
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but alas, no,</div>
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winter is only half over. </div>
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It's just a week (or two if we are lucky) of above freezing temperatures</div>
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that cause the snow to melt, the rivers become brimming full, and, rapturously,</div>
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the sun shines. </div>
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(outstanding news for us off grid folks!!)</div>
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We are loving the thaw this year!</div>
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It has been a bit longer than usual, and although the snow is not ALL gone, it is mostly gone,</div>
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and that is enough to get all the girls out.</div>
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Happy, happy hens!</div>
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The children are out and about in the woods too, </div>
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and I have to drag them back in with the dinner bell to finish their lessons each afternoon. </div>
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They are scouting for antler sheds, slaying imaginary foes,</div>
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basking in the sunshine,</div>
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wandering aimlessly through the woods.</div>
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This is just what Ben was doing when he saw something, and that something triggered his creativity.</div>
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What goes through a boys mind when he spies a half rotten tree stump? </div>
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Why, a bivouac shelter for a few soldiers shot down behind enemy lines, of course!</div>
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Thus engaged, his imagination ran wild with the adventures for days on end. </div>
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Ahhh, the mind of a ten year old!</div>
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Ben and Gabe also whittled log boats which they have been floating down our little seasonal creek for hours at a time. (I should have taken a picture!)</div>
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I have enjoyed getting out for a few walks in the woods. </div>
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On my first outing, I saw a little herd of elk and about a dozen deer. </div>
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Bethany, Gabe and Olivia spend most of their outside time</div>
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sloshing through puddles and chasing chickens. </div>
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(chuckle)</div>
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Joe and Jim have come up empty so far in the antler search, </div>
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but we three will all surely be vying for who finds the biggest shed, who finds the most sheds, </div>
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and who finds the first shed! </div>
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The snow is likely to return and postpone our sport,</div>
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but in the meantime </div>
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we are sure enjoying the warmer weather, the mud puddles, the pungent forest,</div>
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and glorious sunshine!</div>
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<br />Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-67388178586525158902015-01-06T14:25:00.000-08:002015-01-06T17:06:31.886-08:00New Years Greetings<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, hello there all my blog friends! </div>
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I really am still here, and doing fairly well. </div>
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What has happened the last three months?</div>
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A whole lot, which is why there has been no posting, until now. </div>
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Here is the scoop:</div>
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Last fall I began one of the busiest ministry season's of my life. It happened bit by bit, and I found myself swimming....then just trying to stay afloat....and something had to give- which, for me, was media. No more Facebook, no more Pinterest, no more blogging. And...I lived...barely. Schooling, housecleaning, and our diet all took a big hit. This winter and spring, my schedule will look more sane, and I am hoping to get back into the swing of how our family usually operates, all beginning this week, with a new daily routine, new menu plan, new schooling schedule,</div>
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and little else.</div>
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(Hallelujah!)</div>
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You know you are at the end of your capacity when you cannot even keep the children's fingernails clipped..it is just too overwhelming. That's where I've been.</div>
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We had a steady supply of company through the fall, which was wonderful. We love company! </div>
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Some of our guests included a surprise visit from our daughter and son-in-love all the way from New Mexico, here to tell us in person that......yes indeed,<b><span style="font-size: large;"> they are having a baby</span></b>!!! We cried when we first saw them standing in our living room on a Sunday afternoon, and then cried again at the good news and answer to our fervent prayers. This grand baby #2, Scott and Anna's first child, will make his or her appearance toward the end of June. We are so excited!!</div>
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November brought deer season, adding substantially to an already full schedule. At the end of the season we were very grateful to have all our tags filled, and 5 deer in the freezer (The short story for me is... the BIG BUCK got away, and a spike took his place in the freezer.) Wow, that was a lot of hard work! It will be a while before I am ready to clean, butcher, cut and wrap 5 deer.</div>
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The end of November, on the way home from church, we were rear-ended by an uninsured drunk driver who was going over 100 miles an hour. Miraculously, (and I do mean MIRACULOUS) there were no serious injuries. After numerous trips to the doctor and chiropractor, more than one bottle of ibuprofen, a huge pile of insurance paperwork, the search for a new family rig, I think we finally have humtpy dumpty (or, our family life) back together again.<br />
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Thank goodness for new beginnings! With a huge, huge sigh of relief, that season is over. It was a rough one, but through it all, God is good. I am beginning 2015 with a whole new appreciation for a dull daily life now (chuckle), and three things that are never far from my thoughts:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Life is fragile.</span></b> We have become very aware of that after the wreck that could have taken lives, but for being sheltered in the cleft of the rock. It is just a few miles from church to home, and anything can happen. We take such things for granted far too much.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is tough</b>.</span> Sometimes, what you are asked to take on your plate is more than you can swallow... and only by God's grace can you keep going. I believe I was doing what God had asked me to do in ministry last fall, I knew it would be hard, and sometimes God asks us to do hard things and trust Him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is flexible</b></span>. What was true in my life three months ago is no longer true today. Seasons of trial are just that, seasons. They end, something new is coming, and we just need to be obedient and hang on for dear life.</div>
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And now...back to life as usual at Providence lodge,</div>
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where we eagerly watch for the beauty in each day,</div>
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we gather at the table in joyful thanksgiving,</div>
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we work together to learn, </div>
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we stop to have tea midday..just because, </div>
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and we end the day with bedtime stories and a peaceful home.</div>
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Right now, the sun is streaming through the trees, glimmering off the snow, and I see it.</div>
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It is beauty and grace to me. </div>
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That is new..again. It has been lost in the kerfuffle of a frantic schedule, </div>
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of physical suffering, in the chaos that has been. </div>
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And..it is good. It is really, really good. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09iHY7_XPpgf9ltqFy6sKYJ_B-i4Qyq0325NtJqZRU0uBE_JtwRlPUy1yLI94Iq9hyphenhyphenRywFOulP04BC_zBenyPwY2JapI9RSCi2csYKTBmnK5dmRtgxCpsEu8v8wbzwr-3L1BzAQ/s1600/fe6a384a00414be5f3eada51140bad5d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09iHY7_XPpgf9ltqFy6sKYJ_B-i4Qyq0325NtJqZRU0uBE_JtwRlPUy1yLI94Iq9hyphenhyphenRywFOulP04BC_zBenyPwY2JapI9RSCi2csYKTBmnK5dmRtgxCpsEu8v8wbzwr-3L1BzAQ/s1600/fe6a384a00414be5f3eada51140bad5d.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Blessings To You in 2015,</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Julianne</span></i></div>
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Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-80842720758263138772014-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:002014-09-27T14:56:13.278-07:00Praying for Babies<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is Charles Owen. </div>
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He was born yesterday, 9 lbs 4 oz.</div>
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He is the grandson of one of my best friends.</div>
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As I was rejoicing over this good news while vacuuming,</div>
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my heart immediately beckoned me to pray for him. </div>
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Vacuuming the floor is a great time to pray. </div>
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You see, Charles Owen is in need of prayer...</div>
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... and here is the reason: </div>
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He has been born into a country who has lost its fear of the Almighty God.</div>
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He has been born into a culture where the church goers</div>
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are apathetic to the moral decline of our nation,</div>
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a culture who has given up hope.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">When people do not fear the Lord,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> there is moral decline, and hope wains.</span></b></div>
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Owen needs our prayers.</div>
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His parents need them. </div>
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They, and all the believing families across the nation,</div>
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need people to lovingly pray for them with endurance,</div>
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that their children would be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, </div>
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that parents would have wisdom and discernment to raise them to be godly,</div>
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God fearing, Jesus loving men and women.</div>
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Why? </div>
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Because Owen's parents are swimming up stream. </div>
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And this stream is a raging torrent full of debris to knock one over, </div>
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get one caught in an eddy, or worse....trapped underneath, caught by some branch or rock. </div>
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Because our nation, our churches, our families</div>
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are devoid of faithful Christian men who will stand up and lead like God intended them to...</div>
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and lacking women who understand what God values in a woman and then gives her life to pursue His good will instead of her own.</div>
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Someone had better pray over this condition-</div>
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for it is the ruin of a once Godly nation. </div>
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It is the ruin of reproductive and spirit filled churches,</div>
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it is the ruin of the Christian Home.</div>
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Theologian Karl Barth once said,</div>
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"<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world. "</span></b></i></div>
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We all know of babies and little children like Owen, born into Christian families, and we think,</div>
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"Oh that's wonderful."</div>
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Yes, but let's not stop there. Do we <span style="font-size: large;">fervently pray</span> for these young families </div>
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struggling to do right in a society that loves wrong; to be faithful, patient, and wise in their parenting despite their young years?</div>
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And how often do we pray for the children to be responsive to the Holy Spirit,</div>
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having a tender heart toward things of the Lord, to grow up loving Jesus above all else?</div>
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This is what was impressed upon me this morning, and I felt compelled to share.</div>
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Whether it be Owen, or the little people you know personally, let us pray, pray, pray!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Hope is not lost when there is prayer.</span></b></div>
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I wrote this prayer/song years ago...it is the cry of my heart,</div>
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and the prayer for the morning:</div>
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"<i>Build Your kingdom, Lord,</i></div>
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<i>through our children, Lord.</i></div>
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<i> May this generation know you more.</i></div>
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<i> Raise up men of God who stand upon Your Word</i></div>
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<i> with integrity and hearts that are pure.</i></div>
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<i> Draw our daughters to a life of trusting You. </i></div>
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<i> Servant hearted, wholesome, devoted and true. </i></div>
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<i> Give us wisdom, we pray, as we train them each day </i></div>
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<i>with the vision of leaving a legacy of Your way. </i></div>
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<i> Immerse us deeply in You so that it's You that shines through,</i></div>
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<i>and by your grace we will see our children's children</i></div>
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<i> praise thee.</i></div>
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<i>Build Your kingdom, Lord."</i></div>
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<img height="425" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScWw-NdKRFrxyC19yM7VKGJyBwxKhQaZgwQEx6_1LhfGS7nD7u" width="640" /></div>
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Sincerely,</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Julianne</i></span></div>
Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36556945.post-64416168123486714302014-09-20T08:34:00.001-07:002014-09-20T08:34:25.729-07:00Simple Camping<br />
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Desiring to get away for the weekend with our son John and his family,</div>
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we planned for a simple and quick camp trip to our favorite campground. </div>
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Fall campground camping is wonderful, because the campground is virtually empty, </div>
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the landscape turning fall colors is lovely,</div>
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and the weather is fine, albeit a bit crisp in the mornings.</div>
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It was a beautiful, relaxing, and fun weekend.</div>
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Our tent site overlooked the play area and the lake, giving us a protective and lovely view.</div>
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Sitting around the campfire doing nothing for hours is my kind of relaxing!!</div>
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Others find sand an amazing relaxer, and can play in it for hours on end.</div>
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For those cool mornings, everyone needs a great hat.</div>
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Camping is all about taking time to unwind.</div>
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taking time to enjoy one another without the distractions of everyday life</div>
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And drink in deeply of the beauty of God's creation</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How did we Keep it simple with 11 people?</span><br />
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We did all the cooking in the Dutch Oven, making meals and packing less complicated....so we took the water kettle, the french press, and the dutch oven, along with a small box of kitchen accessories.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What did we cook in the Dutch oven?</span><br />
Just easy favorites, nothing fancy, although there are some very scrumptious looking recipes on Pinterest!<br />
Friday night-chili dogs<br />
Saturday morning- hashbrowns with eggs over the top, bagels toasted over the fire.<br />
Lunch- "Pub Platter" our traditional camping lunch of salami, cheese, crackers, apples, pickles, and<br />
cookies.<br />
Saturday Dinner- pulled roasted meat on hogie buns, cabbage salad<br />
Sunday morning- french toast casserole<br />
Sunday lunch- pub platter again, with fresh picked plums ( a bonus to this particular campground)<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVCQwlo1Ufupx4rvuSoFW0AllMH-kCYmcqdwwAB81AAYvg59j5V52nG517bZGMVWoieq7Zc9vFzoG42CJXEyI3xlZKn5_eS6amfwRLkd1ukKVdsRV4rOu6f_AaQV8PLcB52AQGQ/s640/2011-09-22+12.29.18.jpg" /><br />
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Other factors for the<i><span style="font-size: large;"> keep it simple</span></i> weekend:<br />
organization for meals-<br />
I keep all the plates, silverware and cups in a plastic washtub so it is handy and not scattered all over.<br />
I have the meal plan written out so I don't forget something.<br />
I precook (before the camp trip) anything I can...sausage for the casserole, made the salad ahead, grate the cheese, etc.<br />
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Minimal equipment and clothing-<br />
tents, camp chairs, cooler, camp box, lantern, dutch oven, kettle, sleeping bags, fishing gear, life jackets for littles, towels, and I think that was pretty much all.<br />
For clothing; layers! We all took quilted shirts for jackets. fleece pullover, flannel shirt, t-shirt, jeans, one pair shoes, jammies, swim suit, warm socks, and underthings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdGJoRksn_kHYlZabdv0dc5piWbmJTtQjGVG_bEZkWX332IoJ1f72dR6SZmNLmE3AEKu3cX0pTGSU3prsg_qce3raAPhFR1Rar5XVMA5wDk1gwpeJjhp95c1jwpp8gJzPNBYtpQ/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdGJoRksn_kHYlZabdv0dc5piWbmJTtQjGVG_bEZkWX332IoJ1f72dR6SZmNLmE3AEKu3cX0pTGSU3prsg_qce3raAPhFR1Rar5XVMA5wDk1gwpeJjhp95c1jwpp8gJzPNBYtpQ/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, for extra fun, we took the cutest grandbaby ever!...</div>
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To ensure lots of cuddles, laughs, and endearing moments.</div>
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To ensure lasting memories, we took an amazing photographer to capture the moments-</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>thank you Rose!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings to you the glorious fall day,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Julianne</i></span></div>
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<br />Julianne Primerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04790167589331156382noreply@blogger.com2