Home Cookin' and Dinner Guests

It seems like there is always something baking in the oven around here! The girls are always experimenting with new gluten free and SCD (Specific Carbohydrates Diet) recipes..




A yummy potato and cheesy casserole





Gracie lends a hand.. these are delicious carrot and coconut flour muffins~

1/2 hour of squeezing and 26 oranges and voila! 1/2 gallon of fresh juice! We served this with our going away banana split party. J & M with baby M came over to say their final goodbyes before moving out of the state. The Lord allowed them to be in our lives for just a short time. We will continue to pray that He continues to draw them to Himself! ♥ We will miss you!

M & M

Precious Family~

Confessions of a Busy Mama

So I have to admit it.. I had never french -braided! I mean, I know the basic *concept* of how to do it but quite frankly the idea has intimidated me up until now. Ashley and Amanda suffered through their younger years with pony and pig tails. Usually uneven and silly looking. I simply did not grow up with a Mama who 'did' hair~ So one of the things my older girls bless this busy mama with is taking turns getting Grace ready for the day. Including braiding her hair on most days. This particular morning however the girls were too busy to get my little princess ready so I decided once and for all to attempt the hair! ( I know someday I am bound to be the lone lady of the home and will have to learn ! :))

Good Morning Gracie!

Oh no, is that Mama coming to do my hair? :o

My first attempt (not too bad, huh?)

The other side..

From the back. Hey, I can do this! :)

Later after the braids had completly come out, Ashley came to the rescue. Much better..

What a blessing! ♥

~Free Indeed~

We thank the Lord that he has brought us to a change of allegiance and direction in our lives and for that we are most thankful~ By God's grace we have found freedom in his word. Freedom to follow and obey the Lord Jesus unashamedly and without compromise. We love him even more than ever and pray he continues to guide our family in the ways we should go.

1John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

3John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Mat 16:24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Lukewarm and Loving It!

Our Trip to Pennsylvania

Our trip to Pennsylvania was too short and quite wonderful, of course! Our objectives were to visit with the wonderful Stoltzfus family, meet with a church elder back east who may be starting a church in Belize and also to meet a family from the area who is also moving to Belize. In addition, we hoped to visit the Dons who had attended our small fellowship in WA for three years and who recently moved to Lancaster County to attend a church out there. We were able to accomplish all of those things, Praise the Lord! We also had the opportunity to attend an Amish meeting of converted Amish families. Most of them still live the Amish lifestyle but are converted and love the Lord Jesus. Many have been ex-communicated but still attend their fellowships in order to be a light and testimony to the unconverted Amish. It was so amazing to fellowship with them! They made us feel very much welcome. These brothers and sisters truly are giving up everything to follow Christ.. It was humbling to hear their testimonies. That meeting was one of our highlights of the trip. The family who is moving to Belize was also a great blessing! They have a very sweet family who we instantly felt a great love for. Have you ever met someone who you feel as though you have known forever? That is how we felt for this family. Our family is praying to be part of their lives and work in Belize if the Lord wills it.

The Stoltzfus family. I just love Amanda~She is a kindred spirit for sure. I enjoyed visiting with her and having some heart to heart conversations. She has such a heart for the Lord and for her family.. I think I could have talked to her for 10 days straight! Her family was so gracious as to house us, feed us and love on us for 4 days. She even went to the great effort to cooking especially gluten free, knowing I could not tolerate wheat. Every meal was a feast! Their children were a blessing to us as well. Always eager to lend a helping hand. Marie even made Gracie some Amish paper dolls and sent home a gift for our Amanda who celebrated her birthday while we were in PA. Their story is not one to miss. As former Amish themselves, the Lord is using them in a mighty way to help share the gospel with the Amish people. You can read their story here: www.troubleinamishparadise.com/ also you can watch their documentary if you go to youtube and search for Trouble in Amish Paradise. I pray we can have the opportunity to see them again some day! ♥

Marie, Laura and Amanda- special memories and a very sweet time.

A Mennonite man at Ephraim and Amanda's house, selling eggs for their produce stand

Sister A told me that this car looked a little sporty for such a conservative couple as Grady and I. I told her it was better than the red SUV they had offered us!

A lovely covered bridge

We thought this sign was funny~

Seeing the Dons ended up being a great blessing as well. Our small fellowship misses them so much but we are blessed to see them settling in and enjoying the life the community is offering there. This photo was taken in 2009 of the Dons children and our three younger at the time. We miss them! ♥

While racing toward the Philadelphia International Airport to head home, G and I were laughing upon the realization as to just how much we have changed over the past few years.. Being bonified 'Homeschoolers' for 13 years now, we have studied American History for years.. and just the thought of being so close to historic places such as Valley Forge, Independence Hall and Liberty Bell would have shot chills of excitement throughout our entire beings. But so much has changed. The most important title for us used to be the title of 'American'. We now take joy most of having the title of 'Kingdom Citizen'. Sharing 4 special days fellowshipping with fellow sisters and brothers in Christ was much more edifying and encouraging than any American History tour could have ever provided. (although it woulda been fun to just swing by Independence Hall! :p)

Psa 96:4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

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Our Blessings~

Daddy and his girls

Ashley 19

Amanda 17

Ryan 12

Grant 9

Gracie 3

Laura Jean 9 months

Sweet 17!

Happy 17th Birthday to our Lovely, Lovely 17 year old daughter whose love for our Lord Jesus is apparant in all things she does. We love you so much Mandy!

Lemon Merange made especially for Amanda by her sister Ashley ♥

More Winter Happenings

Winter 2011 was fairly uneventful.. the highlight was when Grady and Ryan were able to attend a mission conference in Pennsylvania where they met many new friends and gained a new vision for world missions. The season also included many various cold and flu bugs, a beautiful snowfall and special family times..

Sick little Laura

Nana and Gracie

Gracie and Baby

Mama and Little Laurie ♥

Winter Snapshots

Sweet Girls Grant Mandy Laura and Gracie with their 'Nonnie Blankets' Gracie helping Mama sew~ • •

~A Special Day~

Happy 3rd Birthday Gracie! ♥♥♥♥ Grace, you are such a lovely blessing to our family. We love the way you care for your babies as well as caring for your sister Laura. We love the way you love to please Jesus and sing about him too. Whenever Mama needs a helper you are always the first one there! What a lovely servant's heart you have..We love you Grace Elizabeth. We are so blessed to be called your Mama and Daddy~ •