Cuteness!!!!

Hello SWEET Ladies,

I made this for my shelf at the bakery........I am enjoying it so much! Even the Main Boss came to the college today and said, "CUTE!" 

I saw a blue mason jar with a white bottle brush kind of like this on Pinterest. Thought it was so simple and sweet! I don't have a white tree yet, but I have one on hold at a shop that have the prettiest decorations. Can't wait to get it!!!

You can go to her website that made this.

Aqua and White 

To make one like mine, is super easy. I took a mason jar, added some epsom salt (or fake snow) in the bottom. I would have added more, but I only had a small amount, it worked fine. I added the tree...........carefully, put on a zinc lid and tie a red Homespun ribbon around the neck of the jar. I like.........a lot!!!!! 

Very Wintery don't you think? 

We are expecting some snow possibly on Thursday night or ice. Hope it is snow.....not ICE!

Doing a little stitchin tonight and you? 

I entered this into 

Where Women Create!

Go to http://www.wherewomencreate.com/?p=6374 and see there blog, they have lots going on!

 I just love their magazine!

Hugs to you sweet ladies and may the Lord bless YOU!

Linda

It Was A Good Monday.

Hello sweet ladies, 

Today went really fast at the college, I was so thankful! I made something very simple for the first day. I call it Black Forest Brownie Cupcake. If you would like to make,  it is real easy. Take a box of brownies and make according to the box instructions. Grease a muffin pan. Fill each cup half full with brownie batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Open a can of cherry pie filling, press one tablespoon of filling into the top of the brownie muffin. Make up some whipping cream using powdered sugar rather than white granulated sugar. Place a teaspoon full of whipping cream on the top of the cherry pie filling. It is so so good!!!!!!! Sorry I don't have a pic. Forgot to get one today. 

Came home and worked on some orders. It was a relaxed evening, especially when my sister called me. My sister and I have never lived by each other since we both left our home, but we have been able to see each other at least once a year. . We talk on the phone all the time and tonight was no exception. It was kind of fun, because we both went to my CHRISTmas Ideas Board on Pinterest.  We both like so many of the same things. Thought it would be fun to show you a few of the things I would like to do.  

Better Homes and Gardens

Martha Stewart

Google, 

this is the sweetest!!!!!!! My favorite. I will make these for around the house! So easy!

Well that is just a few ideas, if you would like to go to 

my CHRISTmas Ideas click HERE. It is.......my

favorite time of year! 

Hugs to you precious ladies..........tired and ready to call it

a night! 

Linda

My Favorite Thyme Of The Year!

Good Morning sweet ladies,

Our vacation is just about over. I hardly even left the farm this whole week. It was beyond wonderful! Today I will be savoring each minute on the farm.... one more day! All the fall decorations will be replaced with a CHRISTmas theme. I will be climbing the ladder to get the Nativity down to place on my favorite shelf in the front room.  I will be asking our Father to help our "whole family" to not miss the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Jesus.......a little baby who came long ago to change the World, for those who want to exchange their life for HIS. Because of His Birth, His Death on the Cross and His Resurrection, we can have New Life only in HIM. What a precious gift God has given us.......trust it won't be missed by the World this year, we can pray BIG!!!!! Seems like so many are trying to take CHRIST out of CHRISTmas......but that should not bother us. The world will always do that. The true appearance of Jesus should be in our lives.  Living with the help of the Holy Spirit, making it evident for those who need HIM.  I have to say that I don't always do the best job of doing that, but I do have a merciful Father that picks me back up, brushes me off with His Grace, (when I say I am sorry) and sets me back on the right path to do better the next time. Mercy at it's best! 

Anyone want to go with and be the light of Jesus to the world? Letting Jesus live His life through us this year in His power!!!!!! Right where He has placed us (not always an easy place to be). Let's be a blessing to those He puts into our path. Have little gifts in your purse, to bless that person that will be hurting this year, promise, you will see them. To the Momma who had the loss of her child, or the wife who will spend her first CHRISTmas without her sweet man, the store clerk, the person that makes you life miserable.......... the list goes on. We can make a difference for them this season...usually in the process we are changed.  

Praying that Jesus will be the true meaning of your CHRISTmas this year and that His blessings will be evident to you and me! Also don't forget to ask the Lord for those divine appointments. He has people he wants to introduce to us this year........for one purpose.......that we would tell them our story.....of when Jesus came and made Himself known to us......personally! 

Heard this song again........maybe you need to hear it, I did.

Ready to go to the bakery.......with the Lord's armor in place.....trusting Him alone, even though I would rather
be HOME. Smile!




Hugs and blessings from our Home to Your Home,


Linda


P.S. I have heard that ladies are having problems with commenting, Tress changed a setting. If you have had problems try commenting again. Hope it works. 
I am also having problems with my Followers. WE have tried everything. Anyone have any ideas? Please email me at prairie flower farm at g mail dot com, if you have any helps! Thank you!

A Precious Day and we have 3 winners!!!!!!!!

Dear sweet ladies,

What a fun Girlhood Home Companion and Prairie Flower Farm party we had. Thank you to each one that made it so special. I did the drawing and I drew three ladies names. I will be contacting each one. 

The first winner is Sue D, won on her second vote. Sue does not have a blog. 

The second winner who also won on her second vote. 

click

The Little House On The Prairie

The third winner was 

click,

Little Bumble Bee Lane

Thank you so much for each one of you who signed up! I enjoy promoting other companies that I enjoy and hope that you find enjoyment also!!!!!!! Jill at Girlhood, said that they can send the magazines out in digital form if you need. You may contact her here. 

I am working on the craft item for the next magazine. I will let you know when it is available!!!!!! It is turning out sweet~

What a fun day we had yesterday..... the weather was beautiful, warm and the grand children played out all day long. They have made a fort for themselves of sorts out in the woods on the back side of the farm. They have cleared it out and each has their own special space. We have had printers and old old computers out there to take someday to get recycled. 

The grandchildren are learning what it looks like on the inside of each! I am journaling their day for them. 

They called their station the "Science Lab"........

complete with their make shift Ipod Touch.......thought that was pretty cute!

Ethan built a table.........

                                         one of their Momma's provided snacks. 

Suction cups for..........

hmmmmmmm, not sure.......notice the apple in left hand...... a Grammie has to pray for protection from germs!!!!!!

Add Vitaliy and smiles! Memories being tucked in their precious hearts. Trust one day they will bring their babies back to the farm......to take over where they left off. 

Notice the toolbox? That was their gift last CHRISTmas. They have used it over and over again!!!!!!

A must.......clean the floor up before you leave. A note: to my grandbabies......thank you for being mine! You are truly my treasures and gifts from the Lord

Hope all is well in your homes. What a busy time of year! 

Enjoying my last few days at home. It has been wonderful. I started some baby chicks in the incubator. Turning the eggs twice a day 

(my favorite part).  I feel like a Mom! Went to candle them last night.....little tiny babies being formed on the inside of that eggs!!!!! They will be ready in time for CHRISTmas.......God is so good to me!!!!!!!! I love that He thought up CREATION......and He lets me be a part of it.......truly amazing~

Hugs to your day..........love you sweet ladies.

Linda

 

Grammie and Poppa Camp

Hello sweet ladies,

Thank you for all the warm wishes and prayers from so many of you yesterday. It was truly appreciated.

My day was spent with my two girls in the kitchen baking pies. My youngest got rather sentimental (precious to my heart). She would not mind me saying this. She said, "what am I going to do when I get married and can't bake the pies here". Told her that she could bring them from her home for Thanksgiving dinner. She said, "no it won't be the same, I won't be here in our kitchen to bake them".  Now how precious is that. It made this Momma's heart swell. I told her that she could bring her sweet man and stay in the Refuge Cabin, the night before. Thankful for her. This may change after she is married, but I love how she felt yesterday.

She was making meringue, some splashed on our cookbook..........I will not be taking it off. It will be there for her to see someday when she brings her sweet man to the farm to bake pies. Sweet memory was made yesterday.

I made Sandhill Plum Jelly.......a favorite always made for us by my late Mother In Love, known as Grandma Jo. A favorite of our families. Thought I would give the recipe. 

Grandma Jo's Sandhill Plum

Cook 2 quarts of plums in a 6 to 8 quart saucepan with enough water to cover plums.  Use cheesecloth and squeeze the juice and plum pulp back into the saucepan. Gradually stir in fruit pectin. Add up to 1/2 tsp. butter to reduce foaming. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly. 

Add entire measure of sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remover from heat. Skim foam if necessary. Makes 5 pints. 

Very good and very easy to make!

Our Thanksgiving was so wonderful and cozy in the Refuge Cabin.

Today we are having Grammie and Poppa Camp on the farm. 8 of the 10 grandchildren stayed all night. They are with us all day......... making memories!!!!!

Enjoying some peace and quiet at the moment......that will soon end.......it will be lunch time. 

Hugs to your day and God bless you!!!!!!!

Linda

You Are One Of My Thanksgiving Blessings!

Dear Sweet Precious Ladies,

I have sat this morning pondering on what to write to you on this thankful day! Sometimes my heart is overwhelmed with how to say what comes from my heart. One thing I know........ you ladies have become a part of my family. I never ever thought when I started my blog, that I would look forward to writing in my on line journal as much as I do. First I thought it would just be crafts and recipes, but now as I look back,  it has been my daily walk with Him. Whatever He decides to put into it. The biggest part of Prairie Flower Farm though, are all of you precious sweet ladies! The comments and emails.  Telling me of your joys, sorrows and prayer needs.........you have let me into your lives. You have helped me in my walk and you didn't even know it. I have prayed to the Lord who cares more than I ever could of your situations. In some cases I have heard back of the answered prayers and we have rejoiced together! Some have even been able to come to my farm.......that was frosting on top of the cake! 

So ladies as I sit at our Thanksgiving dinner table today.......with head bowed, just know that I will be thanking the Lord for each one of you! You truly have been a gift from HIM! I will treasure it all in my heart!

Hugs from our farm and may you "know" today that you are loved by HIM and me,

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

Linda

Thankfulness!

Good morning precious ladies!

Don't forget to sign up for the Girlhood Home Companion Party!

I know it is so important to be thankful. "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and Praise His name. For the LORD is Good and His Love Endures Forever; His Faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 107:1 This morning I was listening to this radio program. I have to admit I was convicted.  Sometimes I center to much on the now and how to cope with the things around me. I know it is human, but the Lord wants me to know He will use everything in my life to either help me turn towards Him or if I choose away from Him. I ask that He will keep me in a close walk with Him and that I will continue to give ALL the things that hurt, back to Him everytime. Sometimes I find it is a process in my walk with Him. I take it back, I give it to Him, I take it back again.......you know what I mean? During the Thanksgiving season it gives us opportunity to reflect on "are we really thankful for it all." I have to admit that I have to say, no. But I will not stop there. I can ask that JESUS would create in me a new heart, that He would help me recognize when I am not thankful. That He would help me change as I read His Word and HIS promises and help me tell Him more often....... of the things I am thankful more. 

Here are some of the things I am thankful for.........

for my salvation in CHRIST paid with His Blood!

 for my sweet man, children and grandchildren, family, my Momma and that He gave us Vitaliy,

for all of you precious ladies and I truly mean that with ALL OF MY HEART,

for the way to provide as a family (TOGETHER), He was so in the details and answered our specific prayer),

that I have freedom to worship and live for the Lord in America, 

for the divine appointments the Lord lets me have in sharing the gospel, 

for the gift of creativity and that I can design with my hands,

that He lets us live on a farm, that I can garden, feed my "Girly Hens" (in my nightgown heehee), for the Refuge Cabin......that I prayed for, for so long, 

for the young people at the college, that we can love on and

encourage in the Lord,

the gift of being my sweet man's helpmate........all the days of my life!!!!!!! I do know that he is my one of God's Best Gifts!

the list could go on and on, maybe you can think of some things you are thankful at this time of the SEASON.

I have decided to keep a little journal, to write down the things I am thankful for. It doesn't have to be fancy, just writing it down is the important thing. Then you can go back and reflect! Who knows generations after us may read it someday! Be sure to put names in the journal that you are thankful for. 

I found for you a wonderful story on Focus on the Family Radio Theater. The story of The Legend of Squanto. A favorite of our family. You will have to click on each, Part one, Part two, and Part 3. It was hard for me to find on their website, but if you click on each part you can listen to each segment. It is well worth your time no matter what age. There is some advertisement at the beginning that you may want to pass through before you sit and listen. So get those quilts and bundle up on a couch and listen as a family!  Promise it won't be wasted time. It shows us no matter what situation we find ourselves in, God is right in the middle of it, to help us get on the other side. Praying for you and your family today. If you are alone for the Thanksgiving Season......I will ask  the Lord will let you know He is with you.......wish you lived close by me!  

 I will be enjoying my day with my girls today..........in the kitchen...... at our HOME, 

Linda

A Sweet Boy And He Is OURS!

Good morning sweet ladies,

Thank you to all who have come to join in on the Girlhood Home Companion Party. I have so enjoyed seeing each one sign up!!!!!! If you haven't already, please do!

Yesterday Vitaliy (our Ukrainian adopted grandson) was brought to our home. His Momma wanted to get some things done and so we got to have HIM!!!! He was going to stay the day and night (if he wanted). He is a little worker and loves to be close to his Poppa. He had to do work at the orphanage, so it comes natural to him. He helped his Poppa put up a huge gate that we had brought over from our old farm. V came up to the house to get me so I could see what they had done. He was so excited with his work! 

His other favorite past time on the farm is to catch the big old tom turkey. 

I have been cleaning.....moved a piano out...... Vitaliy thought it would be funny to make the turkey play it! Silly boy! 

Sorry not the best picture.....but you can see that their are lots in the Kansas skies during this time of year. They lit into our fields. Some are white Snow Geese. 

While we were outside you could hear the geese flying over our farm. They were going back to water. It is always so beautiful to watch them fly and listen to their chatter. You can listen to them. It is a beautiful sound!

This morning I had scripture going through our home. Vitaliy was listening, but I thought he is only understanding a part of it. I thought to look on the internet for Bible Reading in Russian. I found it HERE! Vitaliy listened and kept turning it to the next one and the next and the next. Blessed my heart as a Grammie to be able to pour into his little soul his Father's Words for "true" Life. You can go here to listen, if you have someone in your life that needs to hear the Word of God in Russian. Here

On the left side you will see the books of the Bible, click on the one you want to hear and it will take you to that book. Amazing! Thank you Lord that you areeeeee in the details of my life!

Well,  today I am off to go pick up those mason jars I was telling you about. 12 boxes!!!!!!! Can't hardly believe the goodness! Just when I needed new jars too! Hmmm, love it!!!!!!!

Don't forget to sign up for the party, if you haven't already!!!!!!! It would make a wonderful gift for CHRISTMas!!!!!! If you win it! 

Hugs precious ladies to your day, 

Linda

Luba

Good Morning.....And It Is Girlhood Home Companion Party Day!

Good Morning Sweet Ladies,

Oh my, this farm girl is so happy today. Home and lovin it!!!!!!!!!! Talk about a wonderful evening last night and then to know I didn't have to get up at 5 was soooooo wonderful!!!!!! I got to skype/facebook with my sis, have you tried it? It really is neat and it lets me feel like she is sitting right in my front room! Anyway.......I have to show you something. Yesterday I went out to check on the little Cochin's that live down in the little milk barn, to see if my girls had laid anymore eggs. Yup! One was in the same place I had found one the last time I checked. I turned to look in the other nesting place and look who I found. 

One of my Red Cochin Bantam girlies sitting in a huge planting pot filled with straw.........talk about excited. She has been the one that has been laying the eggs for me this last week. 

Do you remember my Little Miss Fluff, she was killed by one of the dogs? She was always laying on eggs and giving me babies. Well now I have a new Little Miss Fluff Momma. I hope by next spring she will be sitting as my older girlie did! She looks promising don't you think? 

 Now for the giveaway party.  I have a precious friend, Jill Novak, who is the owner along with her precious family, of the Girlhood Home Companion Magazine. Jill was a gift sent to me from the Lord at just the right time when I needed one!!!!!! You know what that is like I am sure. I can't tell you enough how beautiful these magazines are. They are perfect for Grandmothers, Mommas and Daughters. I have been able to write and designed crafts for her magazine since we met. God blessed us both with a friendship that has been a blessing. Right now Jill and her husband Bob are caring for her Father who they moved into their home to care for all of his needs. It has been a transition for them, but a delight! You can pray for their family as they care for him. It is a huge commitment, but such an act of honor! Their family has grown much though this time! 

A few weeks ago I recieved the newest issue of the Girlhood Home Companion Magazine in the mail,  the  Secret Garden Issue 

The article I wrote was called "The Gift", it is about my sweet friend at the nursing home Miss Clarice, where my Momma lives. I think you will like the story. 

Jill also has a bundle that is available for $21.85. It includes the Secret Garden magazine,  scrapbook, notebook and journal embellishments and an audio CD with a Mother-Daughter Conversation.  (order here) She had a giveaway, but we missed the deadline (sorry), but she can get the order out to you just in time for CHRISTmas, if you need that special gift for a young lady! You will not be disappointed with their products.

And if that isn't enough.......I spoke with Jill this morning and they have been gifted with another beautiful magazine that she is finishing up now and will be  going to the printer very soon. The magazine will be centered around "Little Women". I am working on a craft idea for it, so please pray for me. The magazine will be ready for shipping by December 12th, so if you want to order now it will be to you before CHRISTmas. You may reserved your copy here

Wow that was a lot to tell you I know, but I love to keep you posted as to what is going on in Jill's life. 

Okay now for the voting, since I am home we can have more ways for you to win.

We will have 3 different ladies who will receive a copy of the

 "Secret Garden Issue".


Party starts today and ends, 
Saturday November 26th at noon.

1st vote

If you could spend some free time reading, which magazine

do would you read?

2nd vote

tell me how long you have been a follower

of Prairie Flower Farm, if you are not you can 

sign up along side bar.

3rd vote

If you are a subscriber to my blog emails, if not you are welcome

to subscribe on the side bar.

4th

Are you a friend on Facebook, if not you may sign up on 

side bar.

5th

If you would like to blog or facebook about our party,

you may take the party photo, use it and direct back to the party.

Thank you!!!!!

Hope you enjoy the giveaway! I always love to see who comes.


Please be sure to leave me an email addy, if you don't have a blog so I can get ahold of you! Overseas are welcome! 
Thank you!

 I am cleaning and getting ready for Thanksgiving. It will be a special one. We will have Vitaliy. He is here today with us on the farm.......he told me he loved me. Then his Poppa Phil told him to tell his Babushka good bye. He walked by me and said, "Das isss fawny", with his broken English.  Then he went out the door to go help his Poppa with the horses. Trusting the Lord will make Vitaliy into a man who loves Jesus. I will pray and teach! 

Hugs from my HOME,

Linda

SONday A Day Of Worship!

Good morning precious sweet ladies,

Grandma Yoder and my hands.......a picture I will treasure!

Trusting that your day will be one of Worship and rest. 

Yesterday I was in Romans 12. It blessed my heart, hope it does yours. 

 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”  says the Lord.  On the contrary:

   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9-21

Know that you are being thought of today, by HIM!

Blessings my sweet friends,

Linda

It is a Good Day......Because the Lord Made IT!

My sweet Ladies! 

I feel like I fell off the face of the earth. When we have caterings at work it feels like my life is on hold!!!!!!! I had to make so many things because it was the President's (of the college) birthday. Plus we had to make a Thanksgiving Dinner for the kids at the college. 20 pies, and two huge (I mean huge) pans of Pumpkin Pie Crunch. They devoured everything! The girls and I were so exhausted when we got home...... every night. 

Yesterday I had to make two German Chocolate Butter Cream Tortes. Now I have never made such a thing, so off to the internet I went to find a recipe! I did it!!!!!! I can't believe I did it. I was so nervous. Now, if I was just baking for our family that would be fine, but the President? A whole lot different. If you would like the recipes that I used, here is the Chocolate Buttercream and German Chocolate Frosting if you would like the German Chocolate Cake this is the recipe I used. It is really easy. I put the coconut filling in between two layers and on the top. I also shaved white chocolate and sprinkled on the top. 

This morning was my first day of my vacation.  I was filling the sink with soapy water in the kitchen. Out side I could tell that Mr. Rooster was chasing Miss Shelby! Such a ruckus going on! Looked out the window and she had hopped up on the ladder to save herself from HIM! Heehee! Had to run and get the camera! We have the ladder up by the kitchen window so the animals can escape if the mean dogs come back. Plus the kitties always sit there in the evenings looking in. I sooooo love farm life. "Thank you Father for letting me live on a farm!" I am grateful, but of course you know that....you see my heart!"

The wind was blowing major this morning when I went outside to open up the "Girly Hen's Coops" to let them out to rummage around the farm!

I came around the corner of the house, the sun was rising in the sky! BEAUTIMUS! 

Went out to the big coop. KJ was sitting in one of the nesters. A chicken walked by and pecked her in the eye. She started caring for herself, poor thing! 

Thought this one of her little tongue was so cute. I will check on her today! That mean Chickie Girl, not a nice way for KJ to have to wake up this morning!

 After I cared for the Big Girls, I went to the little Milk Barn (one of my favorite places on the farm) to let out the banty cochins. I was so surprised........look what I found .........

this little egg in one nest a girly made.........

and two eggs in a planter bowl I made up a few weeks back, just hoping that the girls would start laying. They did not disappoint me this morning. What a gift from my Father.......who is in the details of my life. I am going to start up the incubator today. They will hatch during CHRISTmas vacation. Not as good as the gift of a BABY a long time ago, but a gift from that Baby........LIFE! Amazing. Trust your day is special, I will have had you on my lips before the Father before you read this! Know whatever is in your days.......He has you in the palm of His hands and He has loved you from the beginning of time. 

Wonderful thing..........plain and simple!

"Seated where I don't belong"........one day I will be seated at HIS table! Imagine what a day that will be!

Heard this song yesterday, a favorite of mine! Enjoy

I love you precious ladies....because of Jesus! You make my days special that is for sure!

Have a blessed day~

Linda