Very "Impatient" for Spring!

Get it? hee hee... ~Alli

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism awareness month. This disorder is now found in 1 out of every 150 children. We as a family would like to observe this month as a time to pray and remember the hard times these families face.

Our middle son Philip, now 18, suffers with Aspergers Syndrome which is a disorder in the Autistic Spectrum. It is considered "high functioning" Autism. Please take time to inform yourselves about Autism and all that is involved. If you know of anyone with a child who suffers with this disorder, please pray for them and also send them an encouraging word. Visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/ for more information. ~Julie

Soup's On!

A few days ago, I tried another new recipe from the Almost Homemade cookbook from the Gooseberry Patch! Here is their website if you want to visit : http://www.gooseberrypatch.com I just can't get over how easy these recipes are to put together. And the ingredients are really simple as well. Next time, I think I am going to double this soup and freeze it in Ziploc bags. This way, we can just toss a bag of it in the crock pot and be done with it! Voila!

Spicy Vegetable Soup

1lb ground beef (we used turkey)
1 C. onion, chopped
1 C. celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
30-oz. jar chunky garden style spaghetti sauce
10-oz. tomatoes with chiles (we used really mild)
10-oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
10-1/2 oz. can beef broth
2 C. water
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Combine ground beef (or turkey), onion, celery, and garlic over medium heat in a stockpot; cook until beef is browned and onion tender. Drain; stir in remaining ingredients. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-1/2 hours to blend flavors. Serves 8 to 10. Enjoy!

~Alli

A Gift for Mom and Dad

Today I received hand embroidered pillowcases from Alli. She did a beautiful job and I will always cherish these. Her love for the home is inspiring. ~Julie

More Pincushions!

Hello everyone! I set up an Etsy shop today for the first time! Please feel free to visit...the link is on the sidebar. :) ~Alli

Busy Bees

Every other Monday, we volunteer along with the Winter family at the local pregnancy center. This center has a store where the expecting mothers can "purchase" items for their babies with tokens that they earn from completing counseling sessions.

Here, Leah is organizing all of the baby socks. She always comes up with new ideas and is very creative. Her enthusiasm and joyful countenance always keeps us motivated!

Hannah is always offering a helping hand with any chore that needs to be done. Here she is setting out New Testaments that are available for the Moms. Her servant's heart is very evident as she is always alert to the needs of others!

Whew! The end of another day- hanging baby clothes. :)

~Julie

How To Be A Lady

Chapter XXI-Choice of Society, and Formation of Friendships.

Character is formed under a great variety of influences. Sometimes a very trifling circumstance gives direction to the whole course of one's life. And every incident that occurs, from day to day, is exerting a silent, gradual influence, in the formation of your character. Among these influences, none are more direct and powerful than that exerted upon us by the companions with whom we associate; for we insensibly fall into their habits. This is especially true in childhood and youth, when the character is plastic, like soft wax,- - easily impressed.

Taken from How to Be A Lady by Harvey Newcomb, first printed in 1850. I bought this book for Alli as a Christmas present. I'm finding however that I can't seem to put it down. Some of the chapter titles are: Knowledge of Household Affairs, Habits, Doing One Thing at a time,Government of the Tongue, and Being Useful. If you like old reads, this is a good one.

~Julie