Putting Up Chicken For Winter

Hello sweet ladies,


Hi, I am just writing a note here to let you all know that for some reason the passport did not go through today for V. Not sure why, but that will make Tress, Tonya and V having to stay another whole week. Please pray for them. They so want to come home. Tonya has been a real sweetie through this whole thing and wants to be back home with her honey and children. Understandable! Thank you so much! 

Thank you for all the sweet comments...........we have been having so much fun talking to Tress, Tonya and Vitaliy. He is getting better with his English everyday, which is very exciting for us. 

The other night we worked at a warehouse for 4 hours building "bee boxes" for our final fundraiser.  Talk about sore arms....that night and on into today! We put together 377, I think it was and we can do up to 6700 that would make $6700 to go to the adoption amount still owed. Going to take some time to make those boxes. It was wonderful to see all the children, teens and adult working together for our Vitaliy. I hope someday we can help another family.

This last weekend I canned 30 pounds of chicken (well not 30 whole pounds, when I bought it with bones it was that much). I bought the legs and thighs at $5.70 for 10 #'s. I used to get it for $3 and something, but I was so excited to find it on sale. That was my goal, to get it canned and put in my pantry this last weekend. Canned chicken is sooooooo easy to make. Honest, just follow the directions and it is so nice to have on the shelf when you need a fast meal. We like to make chicken and a gravy and put it over mashed potatoes. It is a favorite! 

I like to use the Ball Blue Book (I still have some on hand for sale, look at side bar if interested).  I will give a short tutorial on what I do. Remember....... easy! 

Wash jars, lids and rings in soapy hot water and rinse. Set everything on a tea towel to dry.

I have a pot on the stove to keep the jars and lids hot in water.

I cook the chicken in a big pot and fill water all the way to the top until it is done. I will can the broth in quart jars on what is left. They say cook the meat until 2/3rds done, but I have always cooked it until it falls off the bone. Easier to work with.

After it is cooked, debone the meat and while it is still warm, start filling the chicken 3/4th full into the hot jars. Then fill the jar with chicken stock leaving 1" headspace. With a knife remove air bubbles. Place the lid and cap on each jar. 

For deboned meat process pints for 1 hour and 15 minutes, quarts for 1 hour and 30 minutes, in a pressure canner. Pressure should be stayed at 10 lbs. 

When I was all done canning the chicken I had it all pretty on my counter. I came in the kitchen and here was what I saw. The sun was going down........it looked beautiful to me..had to take a pic! 


This is just a short tutorial to show you that it is not hard at all. If you are interested in doing this, be sure to get a canning book. It is so nice to have this on hand when you do need a quick meal! 

Shelby is bringing the babies closer and closer to the house to show them off. They are really growing fast. Today Shelby caught a cricket, brought it over to the chicks.......one took off with it and the other chicks chased after the chick with the cricket........ all over the yard. It was so funny to watch. I didn't know that Momma Hens did that for their babies! God is good!


One more thing..........


If you would like to be praying, Tonya, Tress and V are waiting for his passport. Then they can come home. Could you please pray that there would not be any problems with it........PLEASE. When they went to the passport place the lady was not a happy camper. If things get messed up they could be there for a while. Then I won't be a happy camper. Just kidding. I really can't wait until they are home though.


Thank you and also welcome to all the new followers!!!!!!! You have been noticed.........by me!


Hugs from my farm! 


Linda

HE IS OURS!!!!!!!! FOREVER!!!!!!! A FAMILY LOVE STORY!

Hello Sweet Ladies.............

Last December a little boy came into our lives............and he changed it forever.

He lived with a family for the first time in 10 years...........

for 6 weeks and we all fell in love with him.

We had to say goodbye in January and we prayed that the Lord would keep him safe...............as we waited..........

BUT YESTERDAY...............

VITALIY PHILIP STUBBS left the orphanage

to be a new family member of 

Joshua, Tonya, Ellie and Ian Stubbs and a whole extended family!

Last night his Momma tucked him in bed.............and read him the

Word of God.............in English! He may not understand fully,

but God says His Word does not return Void!!!!!

May V fully understand  someday the God who gave His Son to pay 

for Vitaliy to truly be free!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you precious ladies for your love gifts and your prayers. Our family will never ever be the same and if ever you choose to adopt..........count on us to be there for YOU! It is a life changing experience! I would encourage you to step out! There are so many

precious children who need a Momma and a Daddy. He will

do the impossible.........we experienced it!!!!!!!

Eternally grateful,

Grammie for the 10th time

I am praising my Lord with hands lifted HIGH!!!!!!

And The Winner Is!!!!!!!!!

Good morning sweet ladies,

Thank you............ each and everyone that came and signed up for the Gooseberry Patch/ Prairie Flower Farm party. The Recipes for Warming Hearts Cookbook really is the cutest ever!!!!!!! For those of you who did not win........it is only $7.95, if you would like to order one. You can buy it from Gooseberry Patch......... all you have to do is go HERE. Would make an adorable house warming gift!

Here are two more recipes from the book, just so you can see a little more of it.

Kitty Cookies

Cats will flip over these "cookies" made with real salmon!

2 c. oil

2 c. cornmeal

1/4 c. chicken broth

8 oz. can salmon, drained

1 c. whole-wheat flour

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Flatten out to 1/2 inch thick and cut with a cookie cutter. Bake on ungreased baking sheets at 325 degrees for 20 minutes; cool on a wire rack. Makes about 1 dozen.

Cute wouldn't you say?

There is a recipe in "Recipes for Warming Hearts" for 

"Good Dog Treats" also!

or try this one

Gentle Oatmeal Body Scrub

1 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked

24 drops of essential oils, in desired combination, such as orange, lavender, rosewood and camomile.

Process oats in food processor until very fine. In a bowl, mix oats with dried lavender, if using; add essential oils drop by drop, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Store in a airtight jar; using within 6 months. '

Instructions: 

Mix one to tablespoons of Gentle Oatmeal Body Scrub with enough water to form a paste. Apply to wet skin in a circlular motion. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. 

For a gift idea, tie on a new bath poof for a perfect pampering gift!

Here is what she won........

Okay, I am sure you want to see who won. 

Well........I don't know her name other than

M.j.

she won on her second vote! She doesn't have a blog :(........ but so glad she entered!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for coming and joining the party everyone! 

Today is going to be a very special day for Josh, Tonya, V and Tressa.  Please keep them in your prayers. Pray that they would be able to successfully get to all the places they need to. Papers, visa's and such. Ask the Lord that nothing would get mixed up. Thank you thank you thank you for caring about our family!!!!!!! 

Welcome New Followers........you have been so noticed!!!!!!! By me. 

One more thing........if any who follow me would like to help out with the last fundraiser, here is how you can help.

Tomorrow night we are asking for help and getting together to build, 

Bee Hive Boxes

Location: 400 S. Main Street, Corner of D and Main in

Hutchinson, Kansas

Time: 6:00 PM Monday, September 26th.

Bring a hammer! I think it will be fun! 

Hugs to all you precious ladies........trust that your day will be a good one! Praying for you all!

Linda

Joy for the Day!!!!!!!!!!

Hello SWEET LADIES, 

V and his Momma

Today my heart is filled with Joy!!!!!!!!!! God has been doing a work in my heart that has been unexplainable. As for all of you there are things that come into our lives everyday to make us more into His image. Sometimes it can be very painful.........but we have a choice to keep close to the Lord in the purifying process. If you are there.......don't loose heart precious lady........His truth says He is ever so close......we don't have to go on our feelings even though they can be so real. Yesterday I heard a song. If I knew how to put videos up I would, but I don't.......smile. You can go here if you would like to listen to it. It is a precious song now for my soul. I was working out in the little storage/craft barn that I have and as I listened to this song for the second time.......I found myself "alone" and lifting my hands before my Father in praise..........my sweet man came by and was standing out the door way watching...........smile! It was a sweet time for us. He listened to the song also. The song is called Joyfully by Kari Jobe. Hope that it blesses you as you think of the Father's pure love for you! 

Tomorrow is a big day for our V and his sweet family!!!!!!!! Trusting the Lord has been quite the journey for myself. Just because you are a Christian sold out to His will......... does not mean we don't have the flesh to deal with!!!!!!!!! Adoption has it's ups and downs for sure..........but what you gain in trusting the Lord for everything is so worth it. I will let you know more when I can. Keep praying though. We skype with Tressa, Tonya and V, almost everyday (with the girls). To see his adorable face on the screen makes this Grammie smile.......a lot! He says, "I love you Grammie".........eeccckkkk!!!!! He says my name so sweet, they say his English is getting better. The fact that we get one more grandchild to invest the truth in...... is amazing to me. My hearts desire is to see all my grand babies in heaven with and that they would walk with the Lord all the days of their lives here on earth. 

This is what Tressa said, " A Ukranian man told us God Loves us and gave us a free wooden spatula that he carved".

Isn't that just the sweetest thing to happen to the girls? Loved it. They told him back that yes they knew that and that God loved him. Hope it blessed the man. 

I have to say that my heart has been at peace the whole time Tressa and Tonya have been over there on them not being in danger. That has been a gift for this Momma. I am sure it is because of all of the prayers you precious ladies have been lifting us all up. Thank you so much. 

Joyfully

You lead me by the waters still
You lay me down to rest upon your faithfulness
My Shepherd, simply take my hand
Your song restores my soul
For Your name, You make me whole
Joyfully I lift my voice in praise to Thee
With heaven watching over me I raise my hands up high
Your Majesty gently washes over me
Makes my heart begin to sing joyfully

No shadow ever shall I fear
Your peace, my heart will know
My cup it overflows
Your goodness chases after me
Your mercy and Your grace will be my dwelling place

Joyfully I lift my voice in praise to Thee
With heaven watching over me I raise my hands up high
Your Majesty gently washes over me
Makes my heart begin to sing joyfully

I will sing from the mountain top
I will sing, I am overcome, I will sing making melodies
I will sing from the valley low
I will sing because of Your love I will sing
You're my King, I will sing

Joyfully I lift my voice in praise to Thee
With heaven watching over me I raise my hands up high
Your Majesty gently washes over me
Makes my heart begin to sing joyfully
Joyfully, joyfully, joyfully

May the joy of the Lord be your strength today (Nehemiah 8:10).....I have asked the Lord for that in your life.........you are precious in His sight......and mine!

Blessings from our farm..........to your Home,

Linda

P.S. The party is closed and will be announced tomorrow after I gather all the names! Thank you for making it so special sweeties in my life!

Farm Life...........Makes Me Smile!

Good evening sweet ladies,

I had a lot to do when I got home today, but thought I would put up a short post so you can see my babies. I was able to get some sweet pic's of the new little ones that now live on the farm. 

click on pic's to get the detail........look for little legs!

This is what Shelby looks like when she is sitting with her little ones under her. Isn't she just so pretty? Love how she fluffs up.

Peek-a-boo!

I love their little stripes on their wings and backs. Hope they look like their Momma

Do you see the little feet under her and the little one on the back?

......how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings........Luke 13:34

Thought this pic was so cute.........like she has them all lined up!

Ready Set GO!!!!!!!!

I can't tell you how much I am enjoying these sweet babies. I can sit forever and watch them.........calms me down after a long day working in the kitchen. It has been very busy there. We have a catering of 250 cookies and 250 brownies. Got the brownies done today and started on the cookies.......so like I said, walking around capturing pics of these little sweeties..........is pure delight. I am thanking the Lord for new life!!!!!!

Okay............we are winding down on the Gooseberry  Patch and Prairie Flower Farm Party!!!!!!!! We have had so many come and sign up, but if you haven't please do so! Click here to sign up and if you have a friend.........tell her! 

HAPPY FALL

Hugs and heart YOU All !!!!!!!!!!!

Linda

Some Days.........

Hello sweet ladies and thank you for so many coming and signing up for the party. What sweeties you all are!!!!!

Some days are just harder than others........ wouldn't you agree? Well today was one of those for me. Things have been quite busy at the college and by the time I get home I could probably crawl into bed and just go to sleep! I can't. Still have so many Home things to do and Farm things, but this afternoon God had a very special gift for me.........yup........just for me! I was feeding my girls...........chickens that is and I was finishing up. 

click the pic to enlarge

I started walking back to the house and look who was showing off her babies...........Shelby........remember her?   She is the one that sleeps in the trees outside our kitchen window? I didn't even know she was sitting. I am so so thankful that the Lord gave me such a sweet gift today............you know He is so faithful ladies. I have been trying to keep my mind on that for some days lately. Today He surprised me..........like a kiss on my check just from Him. Life.........perfectly.........I will enjoy watching them grow with their Momma. She is so sweet talking to them and as she pecks the ground they follow and do what she is teaching them. I don't think I will ever tire of this. God was thinking of this kind of joy way back in Genesis when he created the Hen and Rooster...........thanking Him big time tonight........ He loved on me..........I was so glad.

Please dont' forget to sign up for the Gooseberry Patch and Prairie Flower Farm party on the last post, if you haven't already!..........oh I did do a video of the babies. Tried to put it up,.......wrong......notta me..........I don't do computer things so well. Soooooo I sent the video to Tressa via email and asked her to put it up for me if she could. If it is up in the morning......she helped........if not it didn't get to her. Hope  you can see it. It is sooooooo precious!

Thank you new followers and all who have signed up........Love your comments.......blessed my heart big time!!!!

Hugs from my farm!

Linda

Recipes for Warming Hearts.........It Is Time To Celebrate!

Party is closed......we will have more though! Keep coming back!


Hello sweet ladies...........are you ready for a little party? 

Now, you know that our son's family just adopted a little boy from the Ukraine who is now our GRANDSON. I have been waiting for this day to do some celebrating! About 3 weeks ago I received an Early Bird Update from Gooseberry Patch........I am so so excited to announce that Gooseberry Patch has some new recipe books and I get to review 3. The first one is called............

Recipes for Warming Hearts

You are going to enjoy this one so much. It is small, but it has so many "fun ideas to inspire you to show kindness all year 'round".  

Here are the head titles:

Tips for Sending Heartfelt Thanks

Recipes for Warming Hearts at Home

Heartfelt Deliveries

Whimsical Wrapping

Freezer-Friendly Gifts

Homemade from the Kitchen Small Gestures, Big Impacts.

Doesn't that just make you want to know what is on the inside? This cute recipe book is 48 pages and measures 5 3/4" x 5 3/4", it might be small, but it is full of really really fun ideas and recipes.  

We will start the party today September 19th and will end on Sunday September 25th at noon central time.

I will announce the winner on

Monday September 26.  

I am sure you would like to see what is inside the cookbook. You know all the art that is one of Gooseberry Patches cookbooks? This one will not disappoint you!!!!!!!!!

click the picture for the recipe.

The first recipe I  chose was the Apple Scones.

After I cut the scones I placed a slice of an apple with the peel still on and place it on the top of each scone. Bake and then placed them on a plate, then shake powdered sugar on the scones and serve them on a pretty dish. 

The second recipe, which ended up being my favorite was......... 

Glazed Lemon Bread

Oh NUM!!!!!!!!

The glaze made the bread look beautiful!

"Serve one for your family and deliver the second loaf to a friend."

In the Recipe Book you will find cute little tips found on a lot of the pages. 

Need a cake stand in a jiffy for your special creation? Simply turn a bowl over and set a pretty plate on top. 

Welcome newcomers to the neighborhood by hand-delivering a basket of breakfast goodies! Tuck in a list of your suggestions for the best local destinations too. 

Next time you're giving a gift from the kitchen, decorate a lunch bag with stencils or cheerful rubber stamps. Fill with treats, fold the top over and punch two holes in the top. Slide a candy stick or a long-stemmed flower through the holes for a sweet gift bag!

Giving a cookbook or another gift they'll use in the kitchen? Wrap it up in a new apron or tea towel, and the wrapping becomes a lasting gift too. 

This giveaway will be really easy for you to sign up for. 

First Vote.

Leave me a comment, on anything you would like to say. 

Vote Two

leave a sweet comment on Gooseberry Patch's facebook (please if you wouldn't mind...........say I sent you) then

come back and tell me you did!

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BLOG........BE SURE TO LEAVE ME your EMAIL ADDY! You can use my email addy up at the top right hand side of my blog to contact me. Please put the name of the cookbook in the subject line!  Thank you!

If you would like to buy one you can go HERE

Hope you enjoy the party!!!!!!!!!!! There will be an extra surprise gift that goes with the Recipes for Warming Hearts. I will make it special..........promise!

Thanks for joining in on the party!!!!!!!

Hugs from my farm to your HOME,

Linda

It has been sooooooo Busy!

Hello precious ladies,

Life has been so busy since last Thursday. First I want to thank everyone for the kindness shown to our family on Friday. It was so fun for me to read all the comments about V's adoption. It seemed like you all were as excited as I was. It truly was such a fun day for our whole family and neat that you all just joined in with us in the celebrating!!!!!!!!! I wanted to come and comment on each one, but with..................working all day Friday......... then hurrying to pick up Josh from the airport that night, going to Ian's football game far away on Sat, then going Sat. night to the Kansas State Fair, and Sunday church in the morning and trying to get ready for Monday where we serve at the college.......sigh.........tired already and the week hasn't started yet. I am asking the Father for strength that we need. 

Life just does that sometimes and I am so thankful it is not that way all of the time. Oh and  we did a lot of skyping my girl, V and Tonya who are still over in the Ukraine for some more time. Please keep them in your prayers. WE would so appreciate it!!!!!!! Today is Sunday and it is Tonya's 33 birthday. For fun I thought I would give you her new blog, so if you would like you can go and read. Tonya is so thankful that our Tress is over there with. They were so fun today when we skyped. They definitely want to be back in the states, but listening to their stories are so fun and funny at times. They went to the store with  V and he told them that this package with a cow on the front was butter.........it ended up cheese. Tress said it was so good so the mistake was a good one! She also showed us on skype the bread that they bought. V has never had much bread, so he is eating it up! 

Here is Tonya's site. It talks about their new son.........

he is not an orphan anymore. Praise be to God!


click on...........

Come Rest At His Table

I love you precious ladies.............more than you will 

ever know.......thank you so much for following the journey

with our family!!!!!!! A dream come true........and the Lord 

met us at every step! Sometimes we thought we were loosing....

we do believe that He parted the Red Sea........we saw it, we experienced answered prayer. My heart is full tonight as

I go to bed knowing that I am a Grammie of 10 

precious grandchildren!!!!!!!!! Grammie and Poppa Camp

will be so much fun! First V has to get used to his Daddy and Momma......

then it is my turn! Smile!

Blessings to your day...........I am praying that God will

meet all your needs and if you need prayer.........please write me. You have all been so precious with our fam.......I want to be with yours!

Linda

It Was A Wonderful Day.........we will never forget!

Dear sweet ladies,

VITALIY PHILIP (named after his Poppa) STUBBS

New Daddy and son holding hands the same way! Sweeet!

was adopted officially today, by 

Joshua and Tonya Stubbs

sister and Brother

Ellie and Ian Stubs

Proud grandparents...........

Philip and Linda Stubbs!!!!!!!!!!! 

Aunt Tressa and Aunt Taylor

2 Uncles and 2 Aunts

and 

7 cousins. 

Please pray with us as we teach him about Jesus!!!!!!!!!! It will be precious to watch the Holy Spirit woo his heart! 

Thank you so much sweet ladies who have walked this with us for the last 9 months. Can you believe 9 months, just like a normal pregancy. We thought that was kind of special. Thank you also for donating to his adoption. We are forever thankful and have asked that the Lord will bless you!

There was lot that happened today and the last 3 weeks. It was so wonderful to see the Lord part the Red Sea. No kidding! I will wait to see what Tonya wants to write about her experience and then I will tell you how you can read it. 

Tressy has met a little girl............she loves her. Pray as to what the Lord would like to do in this situation. Nothing is impossible with God............I can't wait to see what the Lord has for the next chapter of this book! There are so many children that are so precious there that need adopted. If you are interested in adopting please contact us. 

Hugs from this farm.......... soon to have a Grammie and Poppa Welcome Home Camp............. after V gets used to his new family with his Daddy, Momma and brother and sister!!!!!!!!!!

Now that makes this Grammie cry with JOY!

I can rest in His goodness!

Linda

Tomorrow Is A Big Day!

Hello sweet ladies,

Today Tressa went to the orphanage for her first time. She said, "Today we went to V's orphanage. By the time we left I felt drained emotionally. The kids have stolen my heart......just like I knew they would".  Tress met a little girl...........spent the afternoon coloring with her. I can't imagine how hard it is for her. I would feel the same way. I wish I was rich sometimes. I am asking the Lord, what is it that you want me to do!!!!!!!! I feel helpless sometimes. 

My J and T..........will never be the same after this experience. Another meeting for Josh and Tonya on Thursday at 5 our time in the morning. It is the last one. Things have gone smoother than we all anticipated. Amazingly well and we have been so thankful to the Lord for all He has done! 

This lady must work very hard for a living.  I noticed her apron........ I like.  Her veggies and fruits are so nice! The grapes are huge. Wonder if she knows Jesus! I can pray that she will. 

Hope all is well with you..............I am so tired tonight! Thank you for your comments and emails...........they bless my day! 

I miss my girl tonight. I know this is an experience of a life time........she will never be the same. She will have a heart for God even more than she did before she left.

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows ........James 1:27

Hugs from my farm to your Home,

Linda

Just Catching Up A Little

Good Evening Sweet Ladies,

As you know my Tressy left last Saturday for the Ukraine and she is having soooooo much fun. I am so glad she can be with her brother and sister in love during this very precious time. Another big meeting will be this Thursday. I will keep you posted on the time and all, but they would appreciating prayer, please. Today  they went on a bus for 5 1/2 hours and then in a taxi for another 1 to their destination. The bus was very very hot. They would not allow you to pull down the windows.  From what I understand Josh and Tressa had a lady (they did not know) sitting between them. Close fellowship I would call that!

We have been able to skype with Tress everyday. I am sure you can only imagine how precious that is for this Momma! They have been able to go sight seeing. They went to the St. Sophia's Cathedral.  She has always loved architecture and has studied a lot of it during her leisure. She said it was beautiful. They were able to climb almost to the top. She took this picture from the window. Thought you would enjoy seeing it. 

We got rain last Saturday while we were gone to take Tress to the airport. We got 1/2" and we were so grateful! The flowers that I kept alive are growing beautifully and the tomatoes are taking off!

 Hope they don't freeze.

I was out with a grandchild in one of the fields checking out the soybeans. They have not done well, but we did find some that had some seeds growing. Hope we get a little something for all the work that was done. It has been so hard for farmers this year. If it wasn't drought it was hail. Hard times. We are thankful we have a job that we are making a living. So many are without. Things are changing in this world.......fast. We understand with all the crops that have not made it that we are going to be in a different time food wise. We eat at work and don't eat much in the evening. Our food bill is minimal and we can't imagine if we had to pay the prices out there. 

This picture makes me thankful. That anything is out there is amazing. God is so good! I see His provisions. It won't be as much as it would have been had it rained, but I still see His faithfulness. Thanking Him always! 

My rooster and his girls were let loose to run the farm. They got into my rhubarb that was just holding on. Naughty!

I haven't mentioned, but people say that when there is an adoption that you notice the battle a little more during that time. We can identify. On Sunday night we were almost in a very bad wreck. We were pulling out onto a main highway and my sweet man just set the cruise. We were going 65 and all of a sudden a deer jumped out.  She went back and forth. We ended up swerving and it really got bad with the car. We went into the left ditch. Thought it was going to tip on us or worse roll. My sweet man did a fantastic job driving and the car was not hurt at all. Just the emblem came off. We were so thankful. Praised God big time. I didn't breathe the whole time! Again this morning as my man was praying as we drove in for protection. TWO more deer were on the side and he stopped! Thank you to those who have been praying......we so appreciate it. I am praying for you also!

I am sorry, but I do not know how to do the "linky", so we will not be having Building Our Homes Together until Tressa gets back. I AM SO SORRY! Please hang in there with me. I just knew I couldn't do it right and would mess up. 

Let me know how you are all doing if you like! Thank you so for all your comments and emails. You are such a blessing!

Hugs from my farm,

Linda