Strawberry Fields Forever

Red, ripe, and delicious!

Guarding the strawberries..notice the gun belt!

Two weeks ago...the boys and I went strawberry picking! We went to a local berry farm.

We picked 15 quarts, and the boys had a blast doing it. Isaiah had the evidence of being in a strawberry patch across his backside!! He kept tripping over the watering hoses...and then he would land right on a strawberry...squish! Thank goodness for "Shout"...good as new!! After leaving the berry farm, we went to our local produce auction. I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I bought another 64 quarts! Yes...that's right...79 quarts of strawberries! Hey...my car and house have never smelled better!! Anyhow...with help from Jeremy...we got them all done! It's kind of like the movie "Forrest Gump"(with all the different kinds of shrimp) !!! If you're ever in the area, and in the mood for strawberries...come on by! Hey...you'll get to see me too! :) What a added benefit!!

Crazy Canning Lady!

Yes...I am describing myself! This past week I've been canning like a crazy lady. I processed about 150+ quarts of fruits and meat this past week. It all started with a great deal on peaches at the auction. We have a local produce auction on Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays. Farmers from all around our area bring all their goods to sell at the auction. The boys love going, especially for the hot dog stand! :) Anyhow, I bought 8 boxes of peaches, 1 box of pears, 2 boxes of onions, and a box of 35 grapefruit! I paid an 1/8 of the cost I would've at the grocery. I had a fun time doing all the canning, even though it was alot of work. I also got a great deal on Italian sausage and chicken this past week...so I tried out my new steam pressure canner! FUN!! :)
When Jeremy came home from work this past Thursday, he said "Oh..a sucker for punishment..huh?"! We both laughed. He's used to the fun and exciting times of canning at our home! I love having the food, especially in the winter season! Anyhow...I'll let you know what I find next!!! :)

Caravan Graduation

Isaiah going along for the ride and of course the picnic food!

I had the privilege of being the 1st grade caravan teacher for our church this year. The program ran from September until the end of May. I had the largest class(21), and the kids where ages 6 and 7. The kids were awesome...one in particular...Jeremiah!! The class worked very hard to complete their 15 badges, which included Physical, Mental, and Spiritual categories. I enjoyed teaching this class so much. The kids were a blessing, and very eager to learn! :)


Jeremiah was in 1st grade Searcher Hunter this year. He completed all his badges, and loved every minute of caravan!

Jeremiah loving his Hunter bandanna...so serious!

Jeremiah receiving his Searcher Hunter certificate, scarf, and all 15 badges...proud mama!

Elijah was in the 2 and 3 year caravan class this year, and he loved his class! He was very excited for Wednesday evening to come!

Mrs. Goss handing Elijah his caravan certificate

Very proud of graduating from caravan

Just as excited about the stick as the certificate

Elijah showing us his certificate

Blessings from above!

I just want to thank God for giving me the 3 best gifts of my life...my boys!! They are so sweet and I just love them more than words can express. I'm so grateful and blessed to have them in my life each day! Just look at those precious little faces...amazing!! They are the most beautiful, amazing gifts I've ever received!!

Me and the boys!

Fun in the sun with my boys!

I just love those smiles!

Everybody say cheez!

How sweet!

So precious!

Another beautiful day in PA!! We went walking to our local campground and pond. Jeremiah rode his scooter, Elijah rode his bike, and Isaiah rode in his stroller. We had a great time together, and enjoyed the warm weather! I'm so proud of my little men!! They are definitely my heart and soul in life!! It's wonderful being their mommy!!!

How Could You Say No?

Thorns on His head spear in His Side

Yet it was a heartache that made Him cry

He gave His life so that you would understand

Is there any way you could say no to this man

If Christ Himself were standing here

Face full of glory and eyes full of tears

And He held out His arms and His nail-printed hands

Is there any way you could say no to this man

How could you look in His tear-stained eyes

Know it's you He's thinking of

Could you tell Him you're not ready to give Him your life

Could you say you don't think you need His love

Jesus is here with His arms open wide

You can see Him with your heart if you'll stop looking with your eyes

He's left it up to you He's done all He can

Is there any way you could say no to this man

Thorns on His head your life is in His hands

Is there any way you could say no to this man

Oh is there any way you could say no to this man

*as made popular by Julie Miller*

RECIPE TIME

Come Together Pudding

1 box Nilla wafers

4 bananas, sliced

1 (3.5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup sour cream

16 teaspoon-sized dots of peanut butter

1/2 cup Hershey's chocolate, or hot fudge sauce, melted

1/2 cup Smucker's dulce de leche caramel sauce, melted

In a big mixing bowl, combine the pudding, condensed milk, and milk. Stir vigorously, or use a mixer and beat for 2 minutes. Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes.

In another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Mix it and the sour cream into the pudding mixture until well combined. Put 1/2 the Nilla wafers on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan, and put 1/2 the sliced bananas on top; dollop the peanut butter in 4 even rows of 4 dots over this. Spread 1/2 the pudding mixture over the bananas and cookies, drizzle 1/2 the caramel and chocolate sauce over the pudding; repeat layers, ending with the sauces.

Enjoy!

*for those waist watchers out there...here are a few skinny substitutions you can make with this recipe*

sugar-free pudding mix, low-fat milk, fat-free sour cream, reduced-fat Nilla wafers, fat-free chocolate sauce, low-fat peanut butter, or omit the peanut butter and substitute with sliced strawberries

This recipe goes fast in a crowd. Another recipe I'll be sharing in the near future is Bread pudding made with Krispy Kreme donuts instead of bread.(BIG HIT at church) :)

Ha! Ha! I win!!

YES!!! I beat the computer!!! Yippee!!!! O.K....I am definitely computer illiterate at times, but tonight I win. It took time, nail biting, biting of the lip, caffeine, and a 6" sub from SUBWAY!! I finally figured out how to get music on my blog!! :) Don't ask me how...I'm still not quite sure myself! Ha! If you think this is sad, please feel free to move on to the next post below!! I win...I win...I win...yes...yes....I know I am easily excited by these things!! Anyhow...thought I'd share my enthusiasm for modern technology with you all!! (who cares..I know)

Photos from homeschool convention

Very excited to go on the escalator...we do not have any in our area! :)

Yeah..that was fun..can we go again?

Miss Wieler is one of Abeka's teachers for Bible.

I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to homeschool our children. I feel God has truly blessed us with this gift! The boys had a blast at the convention this year.

Kid's Fun Day at Church

Our church has a annual Kid's Fun Day every Spring. This event is open to our whole community, and is always a big success! Everything is free and alot of fun! We have big blow up rides, games, crafts, dunk tank, balloons, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, and drinks. We get to meet many new families in our area, and some have even decided to start coming to church. The boys had a blast this year. They were sorry to see the day end!!


Jeremiah and Elijah coming out of the jumping tent.

Got to love those faces!

Jeremiah making a sand art project.

Cotton candy...yummy...I still love it!