Finally-Snow!!!

A few years ago, we had a really bad ice storm that caused us to be without power for quite a while. We've had 2 winters now without much snow, which is sad because I am a wintertime kind of girl :)This morning the heavens opened with huge snowflakes. We received about 3in. Here are a few pics

 

 

While we stopped on the side of the road for pics, we saw this beautiful horse out in the snow. We got out of the car, and she just walked up to the fence to us. She was so sweet, I wanted to take her home with me, but considering she wasn't ours, I decided that probably wasn't best. haha

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

So I would love to hear from everyone about your favorite ways to spend a cold snowy day. :D

 

Focused on Him

Erin



Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

I made some yummy cinnamon rolls the other day (recipe courtesy of the West Ladies of Homestead Blessings). I highly reccomend you try this recipe :)  In case you don't have their recipe, you can  view it below. I would love if you all would comment with your favorite recipe from the West Ladies. :)

 Mix 2 cups of flour with 2 Tbsp of yeast

 

Heat the water, oil, milk, honey, and salt until very warm

 Pour liquid mixture into flour mixture and beat well

 

Start adding the rest of the flour until dough is soft.

I mixed with a whisk mostly, then used my hands when the 'stickiness' was gone.

Knead briefly then let rest for 10min.



 

 Melt the stick of butter, remove from heat. Stir in 1-1/12 cup brown sugar until it becomes a spreadable texture

 

Roll dough into a flat rectangle 

 

Brush on brown sugar/melted butter mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon

 

Roll dough. Pinch edges to help keep it together. You can cut it with a piece of thread. Take the thread and slide it under the roll. Then cross it and pull. Squeeze them in your pan and bake at 400degrees for 12-15min. Brush with butter...

 

...sprinkle with powdered sugar, and eat up!! (sorry the color is a little off in the pics. My kitchen has bad lighting :s)

 

 

 

Ingredients:

4-5 cups flour

2 Tbsp yeast

1 cup milk

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 Tbsp honey

1 tsp. salt

1 stick butter

1-1/2 cup brown sugar

Check Out This Giveaway

http://shiningstarsmagazine.com/2013/01/book-review-and-giveaway-chucking-college-by-melanie-ellison/

I have not yet read this book, but I would love to. I went to public school through 11th grade and when we finally decided we should have been homeschooling all these years, I pulled out my senior year and graduated homeschool in 2009. When you graduate highschool, you are just expected to go out into the world and get a degree. So, I went to a year at a community college, and I must say it was not a good experience. It was just like highschool, the same kids I had attended school with, along with the same drama and liberal teachers. After that, I enrolled and was all set to attend John Brown University in Arkansas to get a photography degree. About 2 weeks before I was to move in, I realized I was not doing what God wanted me to do, and it just didn't feel right. I decided to be a full time stay-at-home daughter. It was the best decision I ever made. It had taken me such a long time to decide on enrolling at JBU and I was just so indecisive. After I finally made the decision to stay at home, I finally felt that peace I had been searching for.
It is so good to see young Christian women deciding to stay at home and fulfilling God's purpose for women in the home.
I really want to read this book.

Civl War Ball

I know I had told you all about the Homeschool Civil War Ball that we attended last year. We were so excited for this year, but were devastated to find out it had been canceled. I have been in contact with the family who hosted last year. Since it did not work out, she is allowing me to host one instead. It will be at the same location as last time with the same photographer and band. Here are the details:

Event: The Civil War Ball

Date: April 13, 2013 (the day before my 22nd birthday yay)

Location: Prayer Mountain in Sand Springs, OK  http://www.prayermountainweddings.com/THE_BARN.php

Time: 6-7p.m. check-in and mingle time  7-10p.m. is the ball
Who can attend: Homeschoolers, Homeschool Graduates, and family
What to wear: Please dress in period costumes. Women: Don't worry if you don't own a fancy 
                      Civil War ballgown. You can make one very affordably. Look at this Etsy listing-she tells    
                      how to make them. http://www.etsy.com/listing/117396099/civil-war-costume-dickens-christmasref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=civil+war+skirt&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
                      They  are so simple. You can just simply wear a white cotton shirt tucked in with a simple  
                      sash.
                      Men: If you do not own a period military uniform, no worries. Simply wear nice black slacks
                      with a cotton shirt tucked in. Please wear white gloves, as not to soil the women's gowns.
Ticket Prices: Ages 12+ $20; Ages 6-11 $10; 5 & under FREE
                        Tickets must be purchased in advance
                        You have 3 ways you can purchase your tickets: 1.)Call with your credit card info (I take
                        payments via Square)  2.)Mail a check  3.) Mail a money order
                        *Note: mail payments to:   P.O. Box 516    Pryor, OK   74362
More Info: Phone: (918)373-3746
                   -http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Civil-War-Ball/147792865374303?ref=hl
                   -http://thecivilwarball.blogspot.com/

Please tell all of the homeschool families you know. It will be a grand time of meeting new like-minded friends while learning a little about history along the way!

                       

Out With the Old and In With the New

I think I shall begin this post with Christmas and winter fun pics. I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas season.

Below is a Christmas tree skirt that I made for Momma. I took an old skirt we didn't want anymore and just recovered it with ruffles. I really liked the result. :D

Also, since I last posted, my sister Mallory, had a homeschool band concert. It was great. Here are some pics:

I won't bore you with all of our pics of opening presents. Instead, I'll share photos of us going out to shoot with my Uncle Bud who was in town from Michigan. Mind you, I had only shot a rifle before, so shooting this 9mm was a new ballgame for me. :)

Momma and Daddy

My Uncle Bud helping Momma

Daddy

Unlce Bud helping me

Wow has 2012 gone by quickly!! I can't believe in under 8 hours, it will be 2013. This year has definitely had it's ups and downs and I'm sure the same will be said when we see the end of this coming year. This year has brought a few highlights such as: the Homeschool Civil War Ball, attending camp on my 21st birthday at Fort Rock Family Camp, and attending No Greater Joy's first Shindig in Big Sandy, TX.

My goal this year may seem simple but it's very important. I have a really hard time making myself sit down and read my Bible every day. This year, I am going to make sure I am constantly in the Word. I would love to hear everyones new year's resolutions.

 At church yesterday, the pastor pointed out that we're going into the year 2013 and the number 13 is the number of confusion. Hmmmm... Not very comforting, but very true. Look at our government, we are getting ready to reach the fiscal cliff tomorrow. The world has lost the Lord so therefore, we have a very confused and lost society. There are so many new and scary laws being passed. We, as Christians, must stand up for what we believe in and let the world know that we are God's army and will not stop fighting until the world comes to an end.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years. God bless!!

Winter/Christmastime 2012

These pics are a combination of winter fun and Christmas preparation. We have been so busy lately with craft shows and so many other things. I can't believe it's already the 10th of December. This year has had it's trials, along with it's glorious wonders. Isn't it funny when you look back, how things change in just 12 months?
I am enjoying our Carhart weather (yes, I said Carhart weather. I love when it's cold enough to wear my Carhart coat. I'm convinced nothing could keep me warmer :D )
This next week, we will be beginning our Christmas baking for friends and family. I have to admit, that is one of my favorite ways to spend these beautifully cold winter days. How about you, what are your favorite things to do this time of year?

Dickens on the Blvd historical street dance

Sissy and I

 

Sissy Dancing

 



Mallory with her friend Ginger

We always eat at Boomerang Diner before the dance

 

Thanksgiving

 

We spent this Thanksgiving at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO

It was a blast

Momma and Daddy

 Where we ate our Thanksgiving Dinner

 

Grandma and Sissy

Daddy and I

 

Getting snacks

It rained on us quite a bit so grandma had to pull out her rain scarf

About to ride Wildfire, our favorite rollercoaster

 



 

 

 

Christmas preparation

Our Old World/Dickens tree

 

Our main tree

 

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

~Erin