Verse of the week

I don't know why I have a thing for moose at Christmas, but I do. We have a small tree in our basement (which stays up all year and shoved into a corner) and we decorate it with a combination cowboy/moose ornaments. The basement is where we put the "fun" stuff. I made these cowboy boot stockings a few years ago to go with the theme.
I hope you enjoy your Christmas and are blessed by being surrounded by your family and friends. I pray you know the true blessing of Christmas as you celebrate. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
This week's verse makes me think of Mary and what she must have been thinking. I remember what it felt like to hold my babies when they were born and look at them and wonder what they would grow up to be?..who would they look like?..what would they do with their lives? I thought of all the things I wanted for them. I love the song Mary did you know?
I cannot imagine what Mary must have felt. Did she know? Did she know her son would rule all of creation? Did she know her son would one day save all our sons and daughters?
I have one more passage from Luke to share with you before Christmas..I hope you enjoy it.

Luke 2:15-20
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Verse of the week

I wanted to share one of my favorite Christmas decorations with you. My son made these when he was 5 years old and they help me remember what Christmas is all about. They are priceless.

Here is the verse of the week...hope you enjoy..

Verse of the week:

Luke 2:8-14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Well, that's pitiful.

Well, it is pitiful..my first attempt at spinning. I took my first class last Saturday and this is what I produced. I'm trying to make myself feel better by calling it novelty yarn..people pay big bucks for novelty yarn! This is definitely going to take lots and lots of practice!

Verse of the week

Verse of the week..

Luke 2: 1-7

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Verse of the week

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We traveled to Arkansas to visit my family. We (30 of us) gathered at my 93 year old grandma's house and had Thanksgiving dinner. She was thrilled to have everyone there even though she is starting to have trouble remembering things and even people sometimes. I lived with my grandma during my high school years and I am so thankful for her. We never had much but she gave so much of herself to me over the years. Thank God for grandmas.



I have been remiss in posting a verse so I will remedy that. I think a series of verses about the birth of Jesus from now until Christmas would be good so here goes....hope you enjoy.

Verse of the week...
Luke 1:26-33

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
....."Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Verse of the week

At shearing time this year, I only had 5 sheep. I sheared the poor little things myself with the help of my husband. I was so worried about cutting the sheep that it took us 30-40 minutes to shear each sheep. Needless to say, I now have a real appreciation for anyone who does this for a living. By the time I got to the last sheep, I had the hang of it...somewhat...and actually got the wool off in one piece.

I washed the wool but put off sending it in for many reasons. I didn't have much of it... I didn't really know where to send it and I didn't hold out much hope of it turning out very well. Two weeks ago, I decided to just send it. I sent it to Frankenmuth Woolen Mill and the lady on the phone said it would probably take about 12 weeks to get it back. I was a little disappointed because I have signed up to take a spinning class in December and was hoping to be able to use some of my own wool. It arrived a few days ago!! Less than 2 weeks and I had it back and it really turned out beautifully! I plan on using the black iset for a braided rug I'm making for my kitchen but the other two will go to spinning class with me!!

The verse of the week is actually a passage from Proverbs 31:10-31

I am only taking portions of it here since it is so long but it is entitled The Wife of Noble Character

...She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands...She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple......She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come....She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.....Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Projects, projects and more projects

This is what happens when I make a trip to the yarn shop. I end up getting carried away. The closest place for me to buy good yarn is about 1 1/2 hours away, so I tend to stock up when I go. I bought this gray Shetland/Angora blend along with a red Merino/Alpaca blend to make a plaid scarf. I really love plaids and have to make myself try other things occasionally.

I bought this white and blue Mohair because I have never worked with it before and thought it would make a beautiful scarf as well. I'm hoping they turn out nice enough to give as gifts for Christmas. That would justify all the money I spent on the yarn!

My shawl turned out pretty good. It is the widest thing I have made on my loom so far. It is very soft and cozy. After I make the scarves, I want to learn to double weave. I have always wanted to make throw blankets and I love the look of the Woolrich wool blankets. All those stripes and plaids!

Happy Halloween

Halloween just doesn't seem the same when your kids outgrow dressing up and trick or treating. Although my daughter did dress up for the local haunted house her class put on as a lady named Betsy Reed who is believed to have been hung where our High School now stands for poisoning her husband. Nice. It was actually very cool. That is her in the wedding dress poisoning her "husband".

My daughter who is in college mentioned missing the Fall decorations and pumpkins so I found this University of Illinois flannel fabric at Wal-Mart and made her a pumpkin. It was super easy and I know it made her smile.

I thought by now I would be able to post a picture of what Halloween becomes when your kids turn into teenagers...having your yard and trees decorated with toilet paper. So far, only one group showed up and my son and a friend were waiting for them and scared them off before they got the job done.

Have a Happy Halloween!

National Anthem

I have sat through more games than I could possibly count. My oldest daughter was a cheerleader from 3rd through 12th grade. I went to almost every football game and basketball game she cheered at. My middle daughter cheered from 3rd through 8th grade and then played volleyball 9-11th ( one year to go). I went to almost every football, basketball and volleyball game. My son has played football, basketball and baseball since he was 6 years old. I have been to almost all of his games as well. My point? Well, at every game, the national anthem is sung. That is a lot of games. Some years ago, I found myself looking at the flag and wondering how many people even think about the flag or our country while they stand. Don't get me wrong. I'm not judging. When you attend that many games, it is easy to stand there and wonder what time you'll get home and how many things you can get accomplished before you get to bed.

I decided that every time they play the national anthem and I stand and look at our flag, I would say a prayer for our soldiers, their families, the leaders of our nation (regardless which party is in control). I am so thankful to live in such a great nation and I am especially thankful for all those who VOLUNTEER to serve this country.

I dread the upcoming elections. The bickering has already begun. Most of what they say has no substance and they never really answer any question asked them anyway.

That is why I decided to pray for the leaders of our nation (regardless of who has power). They all need it. Our country needs God...politically correct or not. We need a leader who knows he needs God.

Here is the verse of the week...hope you enjoy

Psalm33:8-15

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

Help!!

I am hoping someone out there can help or tell me where to look for instruction on dyeing my wool roving. I purchased this kit which includes various cushing dyes, citric acid crystals, pre-wetting solution and a measure cup. It also came with a book but it deals only with dyeing wool fabric. I'm sure parts of the process are the same but I'm just unsure and don't want to destroy any of my roving. Any dye experts out there?

Verse of the week

Finally, I have started a new project on my loom. It has sat empty since last winter. I have only just learned to weave so I had a hard time remembering exactly how to dress the loom. It took me 3 tries to wind the warp correctly on the warping board. Once I finally mastered that, I got as far as inserting the lease sticks and just went blank. I sat and stared at the loom for about an hour, trying this and trying that, looking at my books. I finally conceeded defeat and called the lady who taught me how last Fall. She was very nice and walked me through it. I took thses pictures so I would remember the steps next time. It is the largest thing I have attempted so far. It will be a cotton, silk 24 x 72 shawl. I wanted to do something larger than the scarves I have done previously. I'm waiting now for help winding it onto the back beam. I need someone to hold it tight in the front while I wind it. Hopefully one of the kids will help me out this evening. Here is the verse of week...hope you enjoy.

Verse of the week:

Psalm 37:3-6

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

YUCK!!

Not a pretty picture I know, but this is a perfect example of what the cows are doing to my run out stall in my barn!! I like cows, I really do. They are pretty in their own way, fun to have around and actually they deter coyotes. I love having a freezer full of beef and knowing what that beef was fed before it reached my freezer. But they are destroying my run out stall!!!

I tried convincing my husband this weekend that we don't need more cows after these are gone. He says he likes the cows...I say WHY? He says he just likes having them. Well, how do I argue with that when I have my sheep and want more sheep? I can't. He has always been so good about helping me get things done with the sheep and encouraging me to do the things I enjoy. So more cows will come..but.....how about we build the cows their very own shelter...IN THE PASTURE...where they can't get into the barn? That of course would leave more room for my sheep! That sounds like a great idea to me. I'm working on it..wish me luck.

We think that is a great idea!!

Mass chaos!!

Can somebody tell me where I am suppose to be? The storm that went through last night messed everything up!! We were all in our nice little breeding groups and the next thing I know, everyone is all mixed up!! HELP!! Everyone just stop right there! Back to your breeding groups right this minute!

I think I am suppose to be in there!

Ok...this is better...everyone is back in their right pens. UM...are we suppose to know which ram that was last night?

Sheep are so complicated...I don't care where any of them are as long as they stay out of my pen!

Verse of the week

I am very excited that tomorrow is the day I get to go to the Covered Bridge Festival! I look forward to this day all year. Many of the shops and booths carry crafts that you can find in many other shops but you always have those few places that have unique, homemade items you can't find anywhere else. Those are my favorites. Of course, I'll be on the lookout for any unique "sheep" collectibles...maybe I'll even find another weird tree.

My verse this week is not about sheep, lambs, shepherds or flocks but it is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. The preacher was using scripture from Titus this morning in his sermon and as I was reading over this scripture, I decided it would be the verse of the week...hope you enjoy

Verse of the week:
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Thank you Columbus for the 4 day weekend!

I don't recall ever getting out of school for Columbus Day but my kids have always had a 4 day weekend because of the great explorer. We had a busy but great 4 day weekend. We went to visit my daughter in college. It was Dad's weekend so she took her dad to the football game then we all went out to eat. Sunday I went and got this ram who I have leased from Gail. I was very tempted to buy him but leasing seemed like a great idea since I really don't NEED another ram.

I enjoyed a short visit with Gail and then back to the house to watch the Colts...GO COLTS!!

Today my son (and Lucy) helped me round up all the sheep. We wormed everyone and trimmed feet. It was an exhausting day but I am very glad to have it all done. I went ahead and put all the breeding groups together so I am set and ready to go. Tomorrow I sub for Kindergarten. That will probably be more exhausting than anything I did all weekend!

De-horned and De-maned..ouch

I had to take my ram lamb to get him cut today..both horns and well, you know. I was expecting blood and pain and any number of other unpleasant things but the horn cutting was actually painless, clean and basically no big deal. The vet used this gigli wire to saw the horns off. You can run your fingers up and down this wire and not cut yourself but it just zips those horns right off. He used the screws to hold onto the wire. Then he showed me how it would also cut through a wood post. He gave me one and told me "just do it yourself next time." So, now I can check off one more thing on my I have learned to do and don't need the vet for list For those veteran sheep owners out there, this is probably no news to you...but I thought it was pretty cool.

Verse of the week

I searched and searched and finally found a Bible verse that not only referenced sheep but the harvest as well.

The fields around us have all been cut...the harvest is in. It makes me kind of sad to see all the corn cut. It is kind of like my own big fence. When it is gone, the prarie looks deserted to me, the winds blow more freely and it feels less private than before. I am however thankful for the different seasons. What an awsome creation God made for us. Each season has its own beauty to look forward to. Fall seems to be the most vibrant to me. I am always amazed by the colors, especially when the sun hits a maple tree just right.....amazing. My God is an awsome God..(one of my favorite songs).

Here is the verse of the week...hope you enjoy it.

Verse of the week:

Mattew 9: 35-38

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Another Weird Tree

Once a year, a friend of mine and I go to the Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana. It is a huge event in this area for anyone who loves crafts. There are several ( I forget how many) old covered bridges scattered throughout the area and the festival is scattered out as well. It is not possible to see it all in one day but I am grateful I am able to get away for a day and see as much of it as I can. Our day this year is coming up soon...Oct. 15th!!! It made me think of all the things I have purchased there over the years. I usually try to get a little Christmas shopping done while there but inevitably, I buy something for my house. It is simply too hard to resist.

I dug out my Fall decorations and thought I would share this picture of another one of my "weird trees" I brought home from there. It has pumpkins (not sheep) on a gnarled tree and I just love it.

I love Fall and am ready for some cooler temps here. We are still having mid 80's and absolutely NO rain. I think I have lost 3 trees this summer due to the lack of rain. It hasn't done much for my pastures either!

Verse of the Week

I recently had a birthday (the big 40!). Not so big actually, I really don't mind getting older...yet. I figure it is better than the alternative. This Willow Tree Angel was a gift from my middle child who is like most teenage girls...clueless that the whole world does not revolve around her. I guess that is why this gift was so surprising and wonderful to me. She is a good kid and has been working hard at school, her part-time job and her volleyball games and practices. She picked it out and paid for it with her own money and it was so obvious she really worked to get something that would be meaningful to me. I would have been happy with just a card...what a wonderful surprise.

Here is the verse of the week...hope you enjoy it.

Verse of the week:

Revelation 7:16-17

..Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Just too buisy

I thought I would post some pictures to show why I have been so neglectful in posting to my blog. Since school has started, I just don't seem to have a free moment. Baseball season is now over and there is one more football game this Saturday. But of course basketball practice starts on Sunday. Then there is volleyball. Usually, we have 3 games a week. That will go on until the end of October. Don't misunderstand...I love watching the kid's games. However, I find myself actually looking forward to winter(did I actually just think that?!) when things will hopefully slow down a little. I also hope to have a little time to dive into my wool and start some new projects. I really want to find a class to learn to spin. Not what every girl dreams of doing but hey...I am who I am.

I've not had as much time as I would like to spend with the sheep either. Looks like Lucy has it covered! She is getting so big!

Verse of the Week

I have my own little sheep room in my basement. It is just big enough for my loom, a small cabinet for storage and my computer desk. I have a small collection of "sheepy stuff". I like finding a piece here and there and adding to my collection gradually. One of my favorite things is this quirky sheep tree. I bought it at the Covered Bridge Festival last October. I had seen these willow trees in several shops but never with sheep on them! I have to tell you, this tree was a great source of amusement to my children and husband. Their amusement is actually the reason I now have my sheep basement room. I brought home my sheep tree and was so excited to find just the right spot in my kitchen for it. After their "amusement" at my tree got really OLD...I marched my sheep tree to the basement and set it on this shelf my daughter made for me. I have added a few more items to the shelf and when I look at it..well..it makes me smile.

Here is the verse of the week...hope you enjoy

John 10:27

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.."

Felted Purse

I made this felted purse early this summer after attending a fiber festival. They had such beautiful purses I couldn't resist so I bought some lovely blue/green roving, a form and a felting needle and gave it a try. It turned out pretty cute but a bit too small to be very useful. I added the sheep pin to give it a little "something". I enjoyed making it because it is something I can do while watching t.v. or sitting at practices with my kids or pretty much anywhere.











I am in the process of making a larger purse with a brown/gray roving. It will have a flap that comes over the top to close the purse. It is made by layering the roving in alternating directions on the form and using the needle to felt the layers together. You felt about 5 layers and then take the purse off the form and turn it wrong side out and then following the same method. Take it off again and turn right side out on the form and felt until you get the look you want. It is time consuming but I am enjoying it. I would love to take a class on felting. Maybe I'll find one within 100 miles of me one of these days! People around here just don't get excited about wool..I don't get it.

Getting aquainted

I picked up 3 new sheep this weekend ( I told you this was an addiction) from Gail Former. Gail has so many wonderful sheep to choose from and she is a great source of information. I enjoyed my time visiting with her and I am very lucky Gail only lives about 1 1/2 hrs from me. I am very excited to bring some moorit into the flock. 1 yearling ewe and 2 ewe lambs. I think they are beautiful and one of our cows seems to like them too! She keeps sticking her head through the hole to say hi. Our barn was originally built for our horses and the hole is an automatic waterer that can be shared between the 2 stalls. I missed the shot of the cow licking one of the girls as she smelled the intruder. Below is a better shot of the girls, one is a katmoget and the other 2 are light moorit. I am already dreaming of spring lambs.

Verse of the Week

Early mornings have become one of my favorite times of the day. Before I feed the animals, I take Lucy out to walk the pasture and let her spend time with the sheep. When I open the gate to the pasture, the sheep form this single file line and follow me and Lucy. Once they branch out and start grazing, Lucy makes her way to each one to say hello. She still wants to lick their faces and bite on their ears which is a no no. The lambs are in love with Lucy. They sleep beside her pen in the barn and tolerate her puppiness very well. Isn't it funny how these little things give us the most pleasure in life? Here is the verse of the week...hope you enjoy it.

John 10: 7-10

"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture."

Country life + Technology does not = Love

Well after only 2 weeks my Internet is back up. Living in the middle of nowhere....well, there is no place I would rather live....but....our options for Internet service is limited to Direcway/HughesNet and they STINK!!!!!

That being said...it has been an incredibly busy few weeks. We took my daughter to college last weekend . I actually handled it better than I thought I would. I woke up early to go feed the animals since I knew we would be home late that evening. I had a good cry with my sheep and Lucy. I started thinking of all the mothers in this world who are facing horrible things with their children and how lucky I am that my kids are safe, healthy and my daughter has this incredible opportunity before her. I have prayed and I have prayed for her safety, for the right roommate, safety, her to make good friends, safety, well, you get the picture. I have to let it go and trust God. He always works things out the way they should be even if it is not how I think it should be. Well I wont dwell on that anymore. As Forrest would say.....that's all I have to say about that.

Lucy is growing so fast. My son still begs to take her in the house to stay. Right now I am wishing she was already grown and ready to patrol. I went out to feed this evening and I noticed movement on the far end of the fence row...I couldn't tell if it was a coyote or a dog. Probably a dog but a stray for sure. I put everyone up for the night but I can't quit thinking about it. It ran into the corn when it saw me. I made everyone as safe as I can for the night. I sure hope it is enough.

Alllllmost there!!!

This is a picture of my trumpet vine that I have been babying for a year and a half. It has finally reached the top of the post so it can start growing horizontally now. We built this deck last spring after 10 years of having to jump 3 feet to the ground from the kitchen door. The deck that was here when we moved in was rotten and unsafe so we tore it down. I'm still not sure which was more dangerous...the 3 foot drop or the rotten deck?

This vine grows wild and I probably could have dug one up somewhere but this one has variegated leaves and I really liked that. It is also a fast grower and that was the main reason I wanted it. The sun comes in my kitchen window and door in the afternoons and makes the kitchen so HOT. I know..why not just get blinds or curtains? I am somewhat anti-binds and curtains. I live in the middle of nowhere and I want to be able to see outside all the time. I just have a weird thing about blinds..maybe it is the cleaning of the blinds I don't like?
Unfortunately, this is how far we still have to go. I have been told, however, that the vine will grow much faster horizontally than vertically. We'll see I guess.