Her First Haircut is DIY

The other day I was busy getting ready for a trip into town, and the kids were occupying themselves nicely and being quiet. They were being very, very quiet. It was one of those “I know something’s going on, but I just want a moment of peace” times. My younger daughter has never had her hair cut. I think she’s simply gorgeous, and I was beginning to develop sentimental attachments to her uncut hair. Similar to Samson and his strength, my daughter would... Read More

March 9 – 1 Timothy 5:14

I Timothy 5:14 NIV So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes… Reading this was a revelation to me. At the time, I thought that, as a properly submitted wife, I basically needed to ask Daddy about everything. Here I saw that I’M to MANAGE my home! I have duties and responsibilities; I’m to make good decisions, allotting the right amount of time and money and effort to each thing. And my husband, then, has a haven when he... Read More

Mixed Berry Compote

While I’m waiting for the new recipe book to arrive, I decided I have to do something to make up for the recent pizza disaster. If you fall off a horse, get right back on again, right? Berries are always a good place for me to start. Berries are pretty and inspiring. Today I tried Rachael Ray’s berry compote recipe. I used it to top my lemon pancakes. I’ll post the pancake recipe another day. The compote recipe can be found at the bottom of this page. My daughters... Read More

Confessions of a Calamitous Cook

I have just ordered a much-anticipated cookbook by Pioneer Woman, who maintains a blog from her cattle ranch in Oklahoma. You can visit her heart-warming site here. PW’s cookbook will join the ranks of several other hopeful cookbooks lining my shelf. I crack them open about once a month, but that is about to change. Because blogging actually did motivate me to learn a few new things about my camera, I’ve decided to use it as a weapon against another of my nemeses.... Read More

March 8 – Proverbs 24:27

Proverbs 24:27 Amp [Put first things first.] Prepare your work outside, and get it ready for yourself in the field, and afterward build your house and establish a home. See, Annie–Drew was SUPPOSED to buy two bottle calves before you even got the first box unpacked! Really, though, this verse is helpful for us. That field is going to provide for you; get it going first. It will be growing while you do other things. Lots of applications for us. Get the bread rising... Read More

March 7 – Proverbs 24:3-4

from Proverbs 24:3-4 (click here to read the verse and yesterday’s notes) Wisdom…built, understanding…established, knowledge…filled. I’m sure there is some overlapping of meaning, but, since the words are all different, there must be nuances of meaning. Wisdom – skill, learning in life, trade, war, or spiritual things. Built – to make, build, rebuild, establish. Understanding – insight, ability, skill, wisdom, discretion. Established... Read More

March 6 – Proverbs 24:3-4

Proverbs 24:3-4 Amp Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house [a life, a home, a family] built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation]. And by knowledge shall the chambers [of its every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A beautiful picture, isn’t it? A good solid foundation, and every room filled with precious, pleasant things. Out of the rich treasury of the godly family living there. Hey! That’s YOU! :... Read More

Homeschool Books and Materials: Singapore Math to Memoria Press

I opened the door to my daughter’s room Friday morning, camera in hand, to tell her that she needed to help me get some pictures for my blog, and this is what I saw, just inside her door: We’re not taking dowry offers yet, so don’t even ask. Anyway, my idea was to use the blog to answer the question that I so often am asked, “What do you use for homeschool books and materials?” I told the kids to gather up their main schoolbooks, and anything else... Read More

March 5 – Proverbs 14:1

Proverbs 14:1 Amplified Bible Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. You’ve just moved into the first house that’s really yours. A new beginning. Now…what kind of “house” will you build there? “Build” is such a proactive word. I see industriousness, joy, creativity, aprons, beauty, cleanliness, flowers, a piece of parsley tucked somewhere on a plate, looking into your husband’s... Read More

March 4 – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (more comments) Just look at the conditions and results here, Annie. We trust in God (in Psalms, we delight in and meditate on His word); we draw from Him and it nourishes us. Then – in trouble, we still flourish. When everything around us is wilting and dying, we still not only do well for ourselves, but we have something to give. And, Annie, inside that fruit is the Seed. Which, when planted in another, will also grow and bear fruit. We take from... Read More