Can't believe CHRISTmas is already OVER!

Hello sweet ladies,

Trust your CHRISTmas was a blessing for you and your family. Ours was so busy and fun. The children had a wonderful time!

Taylor and Tyler were able to be with us for quite a few days......which made this Momma really happy! Tay, Tressa and I worked together all CHRISTmas morning baking pies. Now that the grands are getting bigger it seems like we need to add another pie every holiday! The favorite pie seems to be Peanut Butter so we made 4. 

Our vacation has been wonderful! Lots of cleaning has been going on, chores are getting done in cold weather! I love the snow! I saw a snowman in an old truck......couldn't resist! 

Another wonderful thing that happened was our son Jason called this last week and asked if I would like 23 hens.........YES! They are beautiful. They had not been laying eggs because snakes had been in the coop. If I can't get them to lay eggs, then I will have to  butcher them. 

This is Olivia. She was watching me when I was building the snow girl in the truck. I had to shot this pic. Love her freckled nose! Hope she has a little one in her tummy!

I put on our tree the 10 Prophecies of Christ and when they were fulfilled. I printed them onto kraft paper. I thought I would share where I got them so you could read. It is amazing!!!!!

I got them on Mark Driscoll's website. 

Here are ten prophecies from the Old Testament, fulfilled in the coming of Jesus:

1. Jesus will come from the line of Abraham. Prophecy: Genesis 12:3. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:1.

2. Jesus’ mother will be a virgin. Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14. Fulfilled:Matthew 1:18–23.

3. Jesus will be a descendent of Isaac and Jacob. Prophecy: Genesis 17:19 and Numbers 24:17. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:2.

4. Jesus will be born in the town Bethlehem. Prophecy: Micah 5:2. Fulfilled: Luke 2:1–7.

5. Jesus will be called out of Egypt. Prophecy: Hosea 11:1. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:13–15.

6. Jesus will be a member of the tribe of Judah. Prophecy: Genesis 49:10. Fulfilled: Luke 3:33. 

7. Jesus will enter the temple. This is important because the temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 and was never rebuilt. Prophecy:Malachi 3:1. Fulfilled: Luke 2:25–27.

8. Jesus will be from the lineage of King David. Prophecy:Jeremiah 23:5. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:6.

9. Jesus’ birth will be accompanied with great suffering and sorrow. Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:16.

10. Jesus will live a perfect life, die by crucifixion, resurrect from death, ascend into heaven, and sit at the right hand of God.Prophecies: Psalm 22:16; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10–11; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1. Fulfilled: 1 Peter 2:21–22; Luke 23:33; Acts 2:25–32; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:3.

The God who wrote the Scriptures rules over history. When he makes a promise, he is faithful to his Word.

The landscape has been so beautiful since we received so much snow.  The reflection of the sun on the snow is just gorgeous when the sun goes down each night! 

Right now as I am putting this post up, all of the grandson's are in the kitchen (it is way to cold to be out on the porch) cleaning 19 ducks. We will be cooking up duck for lunch tomorrow. 

Blessings to you and yours,

Linda

CHRISTmas Eve 2013!

Merry CHRISTmas Eve sweet ladies!

Been decorating the farmhouse.......ask if I am having fun! Yes!!!!!!!

It has been a very nice vacation time away from work! My heart is full and I am so grateful for the rest! 

My decorating was simple this year.....lots of greenery, pine cones, berries and ribbon!

 

I get all my greenery from Lowes when we buy our tree. They give them to me free!!!!!! A deal!

We got snow.......a lot a snow! We will have a beautiful white CHRISTmas.....just what I love to have at CHRISTmas Thyme!  You have to have snow right when you are from Alaska!!!!

The Sanctuary is gorgeous!!!!!! Thank you Jesus for the beautiful gift of refuge! When we are out there it is so peaceful and quiet, a favorite place on the farm! 

Birch says he likes and wondered if we knew it was snowing.....I 

told him yes.....Jesus means so much more to me as far as Him washing us as white as snow!

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

Aspen is to the right......she looked so funny as she stood there with her head resting against the fence. Pitiful! 

This verse says it all!!!!!!!!

I just had to go outside and build a "Snowgirl", love her!

Need a hug?

Here is Daddy Cardinal who comes and eats outside our kitchen window with his wife.......she was at home so I didn't get her. I will try though!

Love doing chores.......in my pj's......perfect chore attire! The girls said no about going outside!!!!!!!!

One more pic of Birch.......this is the face he makes when he tells the Momma sheep he likes them! Silly guy! It's a ram thing!

Makes me giggle though when I see him act like this.....it's okay with me as long as he gives me little lambs in the spring!

I better go get ready to make our traditional CHRISTmas Eve treats for this evening. Everyone brings snack foods. It is when we all open up our gifts to each another. Poppa will read the CHRISTmas story and Jason our oldest will have all the grands sit as he hands out the gifts. It is a special time! I have them all etched in my memory!

Just want you all to know that you are all very special gifts....never would I have guessed that God would bless me so! With YOU!

May He protect you this coming year and make Himself ever so real to YOU! 

Love you, 

Linda

It's beginning to look like CHRISTmas

Hello sweet ladies, I am so excited.......snow is coming....at least they say it is and I am ready. The only thing I am not ready for is the icy part that they say might be coming also. That is not good. Prayers would be appreciated for everyone that is in the path of this storm please.

I wanted to share this recipe with you again.....for those who are following and are new. It is my very favorite bread to make at CHRISTmas time. Easy easy!!!!!! If you have a food processor use it.....it makes up easier! Here is the recipe!!!!!!

CHRISTmas Apple Fresh Cake Bread

3 cups chopped apples

2 c. sugar

1 cup corn oil

2 eggs

2 cups unbleached flour

2 tea. cinnamon

1 1/2 tea. soda

1/4 tea. salt

1 cup chopped pecans

1 tea. vanilla

Chop apples peels and all in a food processor. Pour into a bowl and add sugar. Let stand at least a half an hour. In the mean time wash possessor and chop the nuts. After the apples have set their time, add to the food processor with all the other ingredients. Mix just long enough to wet all the ingredients. Don't over mix. Grease 7 mini loaf pans and fill with batter half full. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Tressa and I have been baking and decorating the farm and house......wrapping gifts and enjoying each other's company. I am so thankful to the Lord that He allowed me to have children when I was older. They are truly a gift!!!!!!! Miss my Taylor, but am so grateful to the Lord that she is in love with her sweet man! Another gift! 

Last night the sky was lit up red!

Never get tired of a Kansas sky!!!!!!!

Today I continued on with my decorating.......love my Nativity~ it was a gift from my friend Alisha years ago and I will never tire of it.......ever!!!!!!! I love having things out that are the true meaning of CHRISTmas.

Do you have a favorite piece that you like to put out every year?

Please leave a comment. I know that it is a busy time of year, but just leave a few words....love to hear what others do at CHRISTmas time that is special to you!

Hugs to you all,
Linda

CHRISTmas Candle Light

Hello sweeties!

It has been some time since I have blogged. I have been enjoying our home and doing lots of decorating, cooking, loving on 3 little girls, (our sweet friends who had twins).  I got to be at the birth of the girls, something I will not ever forget. They are all adjusting well and so adorable. Their big sister is loving on them..... so precious! 

The weather has been beautiful here and the sun has been so nice and warm. I have been outside taking care of the chickens and ducks. It will be getting cold here at the end of the week, so I have to stay on top of the farm animals.

Birch is being not so nice to his Momma. I am having to be very careful when I am outside. He chased me up on a big barrel one day. Scared me half to death.......I was quite the site!

I have seen a lot of epson salts used to make jars look like they have snow on them. Loved the look! This morning I was needing some gifts, so I thought I would show you what I did. I got my inspiration from (Snowy Mason Jar) here on how to do the jar. Super easy to do. I pinnned it here to my 

Pinterest CHRISTmas  Decorations

if you want to check out my other CHRISTmas boards here they are:

Pinterest CHRISTmas Ideas

Pinterest CHRISTmas Baking

Needfuls:
A jar of your liking
fresh greenery
fake greenery (I had holly leaves on wire from Hobby Lobby)
Berries
Twine

For the chalkboard tag you will need
Rust-Oleum Chalk Board paint
White Gelly Roll Med pen

Here are the simple instructions that I did for the jar and tag. You can follow the instructions on the girls blog if you like.

1. Paint ModPodge on part of the outside of jar, over a pan start sprinkling the epson salt to cover the Mod Podge. Repeat steps until jar is completely covered.
2. Let dry.
3. Decorate jar with greenery, berries and twine. Look at my 
picture for ideas.

Shake can of chalk board paint and mix well. Lightly spray your cardboard. Then spray again. Let dry completely.

To write your message on your tag use a White Gelly Roll Med pen. I have found the pens at Office Max. Works wonderful!

Tie tag onto the jar. 

Set a candle on the inside and you have a fast pretty gift!

Well until next time......I do enjoy when I can blog. I keep thinking
I am going to get back at it. I am making some of the gifts for the family so that is keeping me busy.

Hugs to you and God bless each of you as you 
are getting ready to celebrate CHRISTmas!

A Gooseberry Patch Winner!!!!

Hello sweet ladies, 

It has been quite cold here on our farm. We have been putting out birdseed and sunflower seeds for the Momma and Daddy Cardinal that live here at Prairie Flower Farm. Other little sparrows are also coming to eat. It amazes me how they know just where to find the food! We have water available also. Do you feed the birdies?

I could hardly wait to see who won the....... 

Gooseberry Patch Hometown CHRISTmas Cookbook. 

I have to say that I so enjoyed reading all of your family memories. You are all so blessed!  

First Place winner does not have a blog went to,

Aunt Lodi

Her memory was, 

"I have two daughters, 11 years apart. Before they left home and got married, got a pickle ornament and started that tradition, who finds it gets an extra little gift. BNow those 2 and their hubbies, cramble to find it after all the gifts have been opened. The 4 grandsons like watching their parents try to find it. Happy memories."

Second place who also does not have a blog went to,

Connie Lee

she won the 3 Snow Flake Ornaments

Her memory was,

"Some of my best memories is of the delicious Christmas dinners and pretty decorated tables my mom used to have."

Thank you again to all who took the time to sign up for the party. It really gets the word out there to all that is happening at Gooseberry Patch. They really work hard to bless so many ladies!

I will be contacting each one of you who won, by email. 

Tonight the sun came out and lit up the horses round pen. Looked beautiful with all the pretty golden grasses that are out in the fields and around Peace Creek. You can't see the creek, but it is the right by the dark brown high grass in the middle of the picture. It is such a pretty creek. 

This weekend we went to see Tyler and Taylor and their new little home. It was so good to be with them. She has become a precious homemaker! Thanking the Lord for all His guidance as we were raising her for His glory! He is doing exams now and could use some prayer! Thank you!!!!!

Well blessings to you all and God bless you!!!!!!!

Thank you Gooseberry Patch for sharing a cookbook for one
of my sweet ladies!!!!!

Linda

Another Hometown CHRISTmas Cookbook Review!

Hello sweet ladies........as soon as I got home today....... out the door I went. I was on a mission to try to get the farm a little decorated before the cold weather set in tonight late. We are to get really cold and maybe some snow on Thursday! Love love love CHRISTmas lights and snow! Reminds me of Alaska! Anyway......look what I did for the Cochin Girls Milk House!

The sun was going down, so it was getting a little dark when I took this pic, but I still like it. 

I took lights and draped them all around my little picket fence that Vitaliy and I built this summer. I am not finished with the decorating.......but it will be fun to finish it up in time for the family when they come for CHRISTmas! Are you decorating anything special?

Okay......I have another review for Gooseberry Patch!!!!!!

 It is from the Hometown CHRISTmas Cookbook!!!!!!! It is a really really easy recipe! You will like it, if you like Banana Bread. The college kids ate it up I made it for breakfast. Whenever the bananas start going bad...... we get them in the Bakery at the college. 

We have to take a recipe and do it times 4 or 5. That's why you see so much made up here!

Nannie's Banana Bread 

1 cup sugar

1/2 c. butter

2 eggs

1 c. very ripe banana, mashed

1-1/2 all purpose flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

Optional 1/2 c. chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except garnish in order listed. Spoon batter into a greased "9x5" loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. May also be baked in 16 greased muffin cups, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with butter. Makes one loaf or 16 muffins. 

We like to dress our muffins and quick breads up, so I make a crumb topping to bake on the top. 

Crumb Topping

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 oats

1/3 cup unbleached flour

1/3 chopped nuts (opt.)

1/4 c. butter

Mix all ingredients with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of each muffin or bread before baking. 

You know how Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks always have the neatest ideas at the bottom of each cookbook! 

Love their ideas! Thought this was a cute CHRISTmas gift idea! 

If you haven't signed up for the party, you are welcome to go 

Here to do so! 

Hope you are all getting ready for the holidays. I just love

this time of year! 

Hugs and God bless you!!!!!!!

Linda

Gooseberry Patch and Prairie Flower Farm Party Going On!

Hello sweet ladies.........before we begin our party I must tell you that today and tomorrow only..... Gooseberry Patch is having their......

they have extended the sale until this Tuesday December 3rd.

Please go here to see what they have......prices are wonderful!

One of my favorite things to do is an...... 

Gooseberry Patch has another new cookbook! Prairie Flower Farm  and Gooseberry Patch will be having a Cookbook Party for one week!!!!!!! I will be sharing some recipes and crafty ideas for the holidays!

Our Party begins, 

Monday, December 2nd through until Sunday, December 8th

When I was asked what cookbooks I wanted to review I just had to pick the

A Hometown CHRISTmas Cookbook!

First prize will be one Hometown CHRISTmas Cookbook!

Contents inside and a few recipe titles:

Breakfast with Santa

Deep-Dish Breakfast 

PieCrunchy French Toast

Sledding Party Warmers

Fizzle Biscuits

Hearty Pizza Soup

Old Fashioned CHRISTmas Dinner

Grandma's Cranberry Salad

Sweetie's Dressing

Open House..You're Invited

Spinach Feta Puffs

3-Pepper Chichen Bites

Tree-Trimming Treats

Old Country Cake

Cherries in the Snow

Slow-Cooker Comfort Foods

Savory French Dip

Brown Sugar-Bacon Bites

Coming Home for CHRISTmas

This section has sweet CHRISTmas memories

from families.

CHRISTmas time is my absolute..... without a doubt... very favorite time of the year!!!!!

This cookbook is full of new wonderful recipes to incorporate into your CHRISTmas season baking. The recipes I will review will be easy and fast to cook up. Then more time can be spent with your family and all the festivities that fill your time. 

So many of you are getting ready for CHRISTmas and I am sure many of you have traditions.......I will do some reviews of some recipes that you might want to add!

Today I am back at the kitchen at the college. 

 I made up this wonderful coffee cake recipe. I tried it out on the college kids. They ate it up! That is proof that it is good! It is so moist and delicious! It doesn't take much time to whip it up either. 

If you try it let me know what you think!

I always like to add a little something to the party. Just finished designing this Snow Flake Ornament 

second prize is: 

3- Snow Flake Ornaments

Also ornaments are for sale here if you are interested. I will even send them to a "favorite someone" for you!

I am making it very simple for you to enter......I know this time of year is very busy!

Vote 1

Please tell us a CHRISTmas tradition.....or a memory you have that you would 

Vote 2

Go to Gooseberry Patch fb and leave a little 

encouragement for all the fun they bring into all of our lives. Come back and let me know you did!

Vote 3

Leave me a little note on my fb.....please. Come back and let me know you did!

That's it! Let the party begin. 

Check out Gooseberry Patches web sites if you like. I am sure you will like!

Please if be sure to leave me a email if you don't have a google account! 

Gooseberry Patch Blog

Gooseberry Patch facebook

Gooseberry Patch Pinterest

Hugs and God bless your day!!!!!!!!!!!

You are welcome to share this party with your friends!

Linda