Faith Family Farm

SNOW??? In March?!?

Well, hello everyone!!! Yes, I know it has been awhile since last I posted, but well, life just happens and sometimes, most of the time, it is more important than me blogging, but I certainly hope to be back in full swing again soon. I am getting a new blog design for starters, so keep watching and let me know what you think. Then, we have had this old cold stuff that is violently hitting the area, and I ended up with a beautiful case of the pink eye! Well, maybe it isn't that bad, but good grief, I have been sick more the past 6 months than, well, in a very long time. So, come on SPRING!!! Then, it will be the seasonal allergies! Aaaggggghhhhhhh!!! I am eating our local honey, drinking apple cider vinegar, using lemon in my water, and trying to remember and use garlic and onion on everything. I know some things just simply have to run their course, and maybe I did need some rest. That is something to be thankful for, yes, grateful in ALL things, and in every season.

Something else to be thankful for while I have been sick are the beautiful snow flurries that have graced our area the past couple of days. Yes, nearing the end of March and I love how Sarah put it, it looks like we have been in a snow globe. I simply LOVED that illustration. It never laid here, but it was pretty and such a gift as we thought we were out of the cold weather. Spring and snow, the joys of Tennessee living! Here are some pics of the bit we had...

You can see just how big some of those snow flakes were, so pretty...

In a snow globe... =)

All of the white was the snow over the way...

So much to be thankful for, some extra time inside, and being sick we have watched a few extra movies, and just been lazy. It's been nice, but I am ready to feel better and get going on some things we need to accomplish, soon and very soon.

Hang in there with me, I have several posts I need to get up, but I am trying to wait and see what the design is going to look like, so they will come. Be patient, lots of pics, and lots have been going on.

What has been going on with you lately?
Any snow where you are?
What have you done to stay well?
I'd LOVE to hear!!!

In His Grace,
Jody

Homemade Laundry Detergent

We have been using homemade laundry detergent for some time now, and really love it.

This is the 2nd recipe we have used, and I like it better. No real reason why, just a personal opinion, well, it is prettier to have sitting out in the utility room, so maybe that's why, or maybe because it is so easy to mix and quick, as well. Anyway, here is the recipe, and there are many variations online, this is the one I chose:

(Sorry for the blurry pic, don't know what happened)

One 56 oz.box of Borax

One 55 oz. box of Super Washing Soda

2 C of Baking Soda

2 tubs of Oxi Clean (Dollar Store brands are cheaper)

2 bars of Zote or 3 bars of Fels Naphtha Soap

Shred the bar soaps, or chop with Ninja processor, mix all together, (the big green tub was easy to mix in) and put in a pretty glass jar to display.

Use 2-4 T depending on your washer and loads of clothes. I have found even with our old plain washer 2 T works great. So, for HEs you should never need more than 2 T.

I will use Fels Naphtha next time, one, it is a bit cheaper, although you need 3 bars, two, I like the smell, and three, the lemon color is pretty as well, although the pink is pretty too.

For my fabric softener, I am using vinegar in my downy softener ball and that seems to work well.

This actually made 2 gallons. These are 1 gallon jars from Walmart.

I am currently in the process of putting a shelf up over my washer and dryer, per Pinterest, actually my hubby is, and then it will look even better with these jars right there. I will put some pics up after the shelf is finished. I have it painted, and it will go up tonight! Yay!!!

Always trying to make our household a better place. What are you doing different at your home?

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Valentine's Day 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

"We love,

because He first loved us."

1 John 4:19

We had a wonderful heart-filled day, full of surprise and wonder.

I gave this heart doilie to my MOPS moms when I spoke to encourage them to do something, anything, just a bit special for their family on Valentine's evening. I asked them to place it as a reminder, so I put mine on my refrigerator. I did have an email late Valentine's night from a dear mom who did just that, and shared how she had made their dinner special, and it didn't take much more effort with just a bit of planning ahead. I was so proud of her! Her husband even shared with me at our Upward games how special it had made their evening! The C's I Love your family!!! They are special!!!

Some decorations to be put out...

Sarah is my wonderful decorator. So blessed. I love my Dayspring vases!

Our lovely table setting for my loving family. I am so very blessed and I love them so much!!! I wanted everything to be special just.for.them.

I, yes I, found, on pinterest, how to make cloth napkins into hearts! Yay!!! AND I could even do it!!! So pretty, don't ya think?

Our meal consisted of Simpson-Dake Family Farm Beef porterhouse or rib-eye steaks, olive oil, garlic, and chives mashed potatoes, asparagus gratin with parmesan and monterey jack, mayonnaise muffins, red velvet cheesecake brownies, and cupid floats. With the exception of the steaks and muffins I found the new recipes on pinterest. You can find them on my boards. Simply de-lish!!!

Cupid Floats - french vanilla ice cream, cherry 7-Up, and whipped cream, so easy!

Dad and mom joined us! Cute face Jenny! She's so happy, always! Makes me smile! ♥

My darling husband brought home roses, and candy with the box shaped puzzle, so cute. The kids got candy, a stuffed animal, Jamin had shotgun shells - so valentiney, right?, and the girls got a lamp they desperately needed for their room. I simply love to give, give, and love seeing their faces light up, so much joy.

I had for my sweet husband of almost 2 5 years this gift set from Dayspring, (with only pictures of the mugs), Mr. and Mrs. mugs, the inside says, "I found the one my heart loves. Song of Solomon 3:4" In the bottom of the mug is a heart ♥. As on the vase behind, I am "grateful for simple blessings." Yes, I am... The gift set included a coupon book for both of us to use, *grin* a journal to write each other and I bought him a new wedding ring, his was a bit tight, this was a REAL surprise, and he really loved it. I didn't get a pic, but it looks wonderful and so manly.

Leftovers the next day, with my roses tervis.

So, as you can see, we had a lovely evening, even though it did include going to the funeral home for a beloved family in our community. A loving wife lost her husband the day before. Our prayers are with them, and I don't want to take even one day for granted. We are not promised another day, so love your family, and thank Jesus, our Lord and Savior, for all He continues to bless you with.

"We love,

because He first loved us."

1 John 4:19

I would have no other reason for doing things for my family if not for His love for me.

Please share what you did for your family...I'd LOVE to hear...

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

The Day!

Valentines Day 2012!

My darling Husband brought in a dozen roses and candy! For everybody! Even my parents! Wasn't that just thoughtful!

We had a nice dinner, homegrown black angus beef hamburgers and all the fixin's.

Some pics before we ate.

Hope you enjoyed your day!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting light."

John 3:16

What are you doing to show love to your family? Your friends? Your neighbor?
Let me know!!! I love ideas!

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Happy Valentine's Day - Eve

*Valentines Day* a year ago - what are you planning?

Celebrate your family and in the comments let me know your ideas!

Remember, in a recent post about Valentine's Day, I told you we had to celebrate early because 2 of the girls will be leaving to visit my sister and her family for a few weeks. Here are some of the our decorations, 'cause I LOVE hearts! White lights make everything seem fun and bright! We even have red, white and pink balloons, we just aren't sure how the cat is going to react, so we haven't blown them up yet.