Old Fashioned Tractor Parade

One Saturday in September a few of us neighbors got together and said, "Let's all drive our old tractors to the cafe in a parade. So, we gathered at neighbors Gary and Trudy's home to warm up our old tractors and eat doughnuts. Trudy and her daughter Toby are not delighted at the rain, but not gonna let it stop 'em either Gary lives here and took most of these photos. He also arranged our little parade. This is the 2nd or third one we have done. He has also arranged parades at the Mennonite Home for the elderly folks who used to drive or own these types of tractors. My friend Debbie is standing next to Gary.Lisa's mother, although in her late 60's is raring to go. I'm standing here instructing my son Garrett not to stand while the trailor moves. My son is Garrett in the center. My friend Lisa's children are on either side of him. I thought it was cute that Lisa's husband Dave belted these small tractors to the trailor for the children. Mason and his aunt are ready to go. The parade is on the move down the half mile gravel drive-way.
Morgan sporting his restored tractor. Down the road they go... My son Harrison drives one of Dad's restored John Deer's. Our family friend Logan drives another soon to be restored John Deere 'B's My husband Stacey, driving his restored John Deere 'H'
The children and us ladies in the rear lead the pack.
Lisa, Toby, Trudy, Teresa, me, Kathi, and my friend Debbie don't let the rain stop us.
Notice the flip flops. It was actually warm, about 65 degrees, and just a sprinkle of rain.

My husband Stacey, again.
Logan
Mason
My son Harrison Driving down the road on a quiet Saturday morning, in our little parade toward the little town cafe. Here we come...
Ahh, we have arrived for breakfast and hot chocolate.
Lisa and Dave enjoying their breakfast.Neighbor Micah thinking about going in for some grub.
Our friends Bart and Debbie hamming it up with our son Garrett.
Thanks for coming along with us on our fun Saturday tractor parade. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31

Jesus Is My Light At The End of the Tunnel

Sometimes the cares of this world and the trials we face just sort of bring us down. "The Bible tells me to fix my eyes on Jesus." I want to do this and let Him handle all my cares as I lay them at His feet. This has been an especially stressful year for me. I want to keep my focus on the Lord and feel His presence. Then, I want to get busy like this little bee, and do all the things I should be doing: taking care of my family, my home, and doing the best at my teaching job. So, that is what I am going to do right now. I like an old song by Chuck Girard called "Lay Your Burden Down." When I lay my burdens down at the cross of Jesus, He sees my tears and hears my cry. He comforts me as no one else could. I'd play that song for you on my player, but it is not available. Have a blessed day dear friends. I know that I will. I am looking to the Lord right now, He is the light at the end of the tunnel. Kathi

Little Dinner Party in the Barn

We had a little dinner party in our barn for my husband's employees. Small touches like these were put together by my friend Tammy, who helped me tremendously with both the decorations and the food.
We used candles, pumkin centerpieces and lights. Tammy loaned me several of her large lanterns and table cloths to make things look festive.
We decided to make Mexican food because most folks love it and I'm comfortable putting the meal together.
I made several crockpots of shredded beef from our own beef cows. Tammy brought wonderful corn, in which she added a parsley/garlic seasoning and three desserts: apple pie, apple cake, and some delicious apple bars. She also brought her home-made salsa which was so good.
I made beans and rice, and had all kinds of toppings and a lemon cake. Tammy also let me borrow her party lights and Japanese lanterns. I appreciate her help greatly. I have not entertained large groups very often, and Tammy has, so she had a lot of decorating items.
Ken entertained us with his bag pipes. He played several songs, which we all enjoyed. Tammy mentioned that when she was planning her daughter's wedding she thought she should go with a theme for the lanterns. She chose black iron and glass. You can see some of her lanterns on the tables.
I just love the look of the Japanese lanterns.
This is Tammy with me. I could not have thrown such a sweet and lovely barn party without this kind and generous woman. Thank you so much, Tammy.
This is the whole group. Some people came from out of state and out of the country. We enjoyed having them to our place.
I told my daughters I'd like a little bit of Tammy to rub off on me. I'd like to be more like her in helping a friend and in being a smart decorator. She plans things well too. I hope all of you ladies have a good week. I am trying to make my way around to visit each of you. Blessings, Kathi
1 Peter 4:9 (Amplified Bible)
"Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him). "

I Don't Want To Be A Casual Christian

CASUAL CHRISTIAN

by DeGarmo & Key

It's more than a wish, more than a daydream
More than just a passing whim
Yes, I've said this all before
A thousand times or more
I don't wanna waste my life in chains of sin

CHORUS

I don't wanna be, I don't wanna be a casual Christian
I don't wanna live, I don't wanna live a lukewarm life
But I wanna light up the night
With an everlasting light
I don't wanna live the casual Christian life

This life is filled with strong distractions
With pulls from the left one from the right
I've already made up my mind
Gonna leave this world behind
Gonna live my life a living sacrifice.

"The Lord says, 'I know your deeds...So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16

4th of July and More Summer Pictures

My son Garrett and I met my Dad at the 4th of July parade. I always enjoy this time with my dad. The rest of my family was still getting over the flu and had no energy for the parade.
This is my Uncle Lester driving his tractor in the parade. His family is sitting in the wagon behind him.This is Aunt Maudie in the red, my cousin Pam with sun glasses next to her, and Pam's daughter behind Maudie. It's always fun to see them each year.
Dad came over with us to see my mother-in-law, Vivian. We had a nice visit.
Stacey and the kids began feeling better and went biking into town where the fire-works were held.
Garrett and I having a snow cone near the river.
Stacey and I waiting for the show to begin.
Harrison ready to enjoy the first steak from our beef, which are grass fed and happy cows.
We took Grandma out for pizza when cousin Carolyn came to town.
Cousin Carolyn is a hit with the kids and can make them laugh. This is something new to our family; our daughter Victoria has a boyfriend. We really like this boy and especially like the fact that they have been friends for two years and are both following the Lord. I'm very thankful. Our son Harrison has a girlfriend as well, and we really like her too. I will show pictures of them when I get some. I'm thankful that his girlfriend is a Christian too. God has been good to us and we see the answers to so many of our prayers.
My husband Stacey and our daughter Jessica enjoying a little berry picking. I helped serve cake at a friend's wedding. Garrett was in the wedding, but I cannot find pictures. I know I took them. Life gets busy and complicated sometimes, and I am getting forgetful. Our extended families on both sides are going through a lot right now. It's been very emotional and difficult for us all. We are standing firm in our faith in Jesus Christ. He is faithful. We serve a great big God, who holds us firmly in his grip. I need not worry, but will trust in His goodness and in His Word, which unfailing. We really can lay our burdens down at His feet. "Cast your cares on Him, for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Stocking Stuffers Encouraging Kids To Write Letters

This is my daughter Victoria with seven letters which all came in one day. She was so excited. She and her brother Harrison and sister Jessica enjoyed writing letters and I encouraged it by giving them all the postage they needed and buying them personalized address labels.
I ordered the address labels and gave them to the kids in their Christmas stockings. When we moved out of state the kids wrote several letters per day to their friends. I also kept the children well stocked with envelopes and stickers. They loved the stocking stuffers and the fact that they could remain close to their friends. They are still friends to this day with so many of these children. Now of course they all have email, but this was fun when they were in grade school.
"For I know the plans I have for you declares," the Lord; "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Worship and Praise Sunday: El shaddai

Today for Worship and Praise Sunday I'd like to share this song. I've always loved it. Please visit Brittany for more friends participating.

"El shaddai" by Amy Grant

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonia,
Age to age youre still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El shaddai.

Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of abraham;
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees,
And by your might,
You set your children free.

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonia,
Age to age youre still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El shaddai.

Through the years youve made it clear,
That the time of christ was near,
Though the people couldnt see
What messiah ought to be.
Though your word contained the plan,
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of your son.

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonai,
Age to age youre still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
I will praise yo till I die,
El shaddai.

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonai,
Age to age youre still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
I will praise you till I die.
El shaddai.

Mom's Holding Down the Fort While Dad's On Business Trip

It has always been hard for me when my husband had to go on a business trip. When the children were younger it was extremely taxing on me because I home schooled them and I never got a break or moment to myself. I'm so thankful God gave me peace and help through friends during that time.
In July my husband travelled to S. Africa, England and Spain. He made it fun for the kids and me by setting us up in a wonderful hotel near the airport. So we could be with him the last few hours before heading to the airport.
Garrett loves the pool at the hotel.
Jessica and Garrett swam the most this time.

On the drive home a funny thing happened. We went in to McDonald's and I ordered a coffee. The lady asked me if I wanted the "Senior Discount." I was sort of shocked and dismayed. Do I really look like I should be getting the senior discount? I had to laugh and say that I didn't deserve it yet. I try to keep meals simple when my husband is gone. The kids love it and it's easy for me. This is left over shredded beef, corn from the can, with peas and raspberries from the garden. Now that the kids are older, I really depend on them. Harrison is a huge help to me by mowing, locking up the barns, keeping the cars washed and going to work on the combine (during the summer).
He rode his bike to work each day for the exercise because sitting in the combine ten hours does not offer much of this.
For fun I found the kids trying to fry an egg on the asphalt.
Sadly, it just wasn't quite hot enough. The kids had fun trying though.
I appreciate the help the children are to me now. Every day they got out and weeded the garden
and helped me pick peas, raspberries, beans or whatever was growing. Victoria picking peas. Jessica and Garrett helped me pick the raspberries.
One night after work Harrison informed me that one of our turkeys was suffering with a broken leg. He told me he'd go out and shoot it for me.
I was concerned that it still had the head on and wondered if it had bled enough. He told me he shot it just right in the juggler vein and it did bleed a lot. He then strung it up upside down, for me in the barn over night.
The next morning I got up at 6:00 am and started a pot of boiling water out on the barbecue.

Believe it or not this former city dweller, cut this turkey up, removed the feathers, cooked it, and served it that day to my children after church. My husband was amazed and proud of Harrison and of me when we told him what happened. "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." Psalms 34:17"

I Made Salsa Again Last Week

Good Morning Everyone! Whew, I have had a busy few weeks. Last week I canned both peaches and salsa. This week was even busier, but I will tell you about that tomorrow.I'm so thankful that all these gorgeous green and red peppers and tomatoes are growing in my garden right now. I have to mentally gear up for making salsa. It's a lengthy project. I chop and freeze all the onions one month before working with the peppers and onions. I chop all the tomatoes on the first day and all the peppers on the second day.
This year I watched this inspiring classic movie called "A Man Called Peter." I felt so happy watching it that I ended up watching it all three days. This movie is a faith builder and wonderful true story about Peter Marshall and his wife Cathrine. I like to watch happy things when I have a lot of kitchen work, especially chopping.
Last year I watched "Rear Window" with Grace Kelly and James Stewart. I wanted a little glamour for my salsa canning. You can read about that here if you'd like. I made a special breakfast for my husband and me. I wanted to try salsa on our home grown hashbrowns. It tasted zesty and delicious. My salsa recipe was taken from the Ball Blue Book for canning. Please let me know if you want me to send you the recipe.
I do want to visit each of you ladies, but this week has been difficult with a huge party and now the clean up. I will share with you soon. "Jesus said, 'Do not worry, 'saying, what shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'...Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well." Matt. 6:31,33

A Bit of Kathi's News

Good Morning!
I love the way my pretty peach jars turned out. This is the first time they actually look pretty and are not a lot of pieced floating in a jar, but rather nicely resting on each other and filled to capacity without being crushed. It has taken me years to finally figure out how to pack the jars. Grapes growing in my garden.
A little fall decorating. I love the fall colors and change of season.
Garrett surprised us with losing his second front tooth. He looks so cute with them missing. Stacey smoothing out the gravel drive-way. He does this about every two months.

Me ever in the kitchen enjoying what I am doing. Tomorrow I finish more jars of salsa.
Last night I went looking for Garrett and found him playing in the dirt with his dump trucks. I love it when he plays outside in the fresh air.
Harrison's friend Logan has been staying with us for a week. He rides to school with them in the morning. He is a good boy and great friend for Harrison, something I've been praying for for a long time.
Jessica wearing one of her new fall outfits. She looks so cute in her new boots.
Me with Victoria and Garrett. Trying to get the last bit of summer bike rides. If you are wondering who took the picture. As we were riding all of a sudden my husband came down the road driving his tractor. He took our picture from the tractor.
Stacey, Harrison and Logan getting in a bit of target practice.
A little bit of fun on the 4 wheeler after school.
I made these this morning before school and the kids took them in their lunch. We are so blessed to have a happy and peaceful life on our farm. I thank God for my family, our Christian home and the food we have to eat. As a mother, I have often leaned on this verse for confidence and strength in God: HE TENDS HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD: HE GATHERS THE LAMBS IN HIS ARMS AND CARRIES THEM CLOSE TO HIS HEART; HE GENTLY LEADS THOSE (ME) WHO HAVE YOUNG."

Nathan and Sheri: The Story of Losing Their Two Sons

This happy lady is our a dear classmate from high school, Sheri R. She and her husband Nathan have a story that must to be told. So please take a moment and listen to their story of love and sorrow.
This is Nathan and Sheri, who in spite of great sorrow have so much joy and peace in their lives. These are Sheri's own words: "Most of the time I do feel so very blessed that God chose Nathan and I to bear our boys even if only for a minute and trust in Him enough to give them back."
I'm amazed at their love for God and their faith in him even though they tragically lost both their sons at different times.
This is pretty Sheri showing the hope she has in her heart that some day she will be reunited with her two boys some day in Heaven. Sheri's own words, "How blessed am I?, people ask....VERY!! They are both with Jesus and watching over us and waiting to meet us in the sky! I don't have a death wish either but I can hardly wait to be with them again and to be with My Father and My Savior."
Here's how the story began. Sheri and Nathan were in love and got married. Sheri beaming on her wedding day with four of my classmates, Tammi R., Brenda B., Carla W. and Sandy W.
What a beautiful bride and handsome husband, looking forward to their happy life together.
Soon this beautiful baby boy, Matthew, was born to them in 1980. What a darling little boy holding his puppy.
His smile is contagious. I wish I could have known this little fella.
He was a precious little boy.
Then another darling little guy was born named Nick. Sheri looks so happy holding him.
Grandpa is holding new baby nick (crying), and his lil' cousin and sweet big brother Matthew is in front.
Sadly Matthew died of heart failure. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. I grieve with you Sheri and Nathan, just thinking of the sadness you must have endured that day and for years to come.
This is a family picture taken after little Matthew died. In this photo Matthew has been inserted, to the original picture at the age of three. Nick who is actually younger than Matthew, was about the age of four when this photo was taken and is the striped shirt.
For many years this was Sheri and Nathan's little family of three: Nathan, Sheri and Nick.
What a cute little boy Nick was. Here he is in his stroller.
Sheri with Nick at Christmas time.
Nick with his Thunder Cats. He has Sheri's sunny smile.
Nick's 5th grade school picture.
Nick playing baseball.
This is the last photo taken of Nick before he died in a car wreck. He was 18 years old and had so many friends. Sheri said, "My boys touched so many people, especially Nick, our 18 yr old! They finally had to close down the high school the day of his memorial because there weren't any kids left to attend that day." Sheri and Nathan, we grieve with you today as this is the anniversary of Nick's death. We are so sorry for your loss of a not only one, but two dear sons, Sheri and Nathan. We will always think of you on Mother's Day and Father's Day, and know that these days are difficult for you.
We remember you and your sorrow. We also want to keep alive the memory of both your boys, Matthew and Nick.
Sheri talking to her boys and remembering that she will see them again. They are with the Lord and someday their family will be together again. We love you Sheri and Nathan. Sheri said this: "God is helping us to live with broken hearts and He knows our pain for sure, as His only begotten Son suffered through so much for us!" "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

Busy Busy Weekend ~ Garage SALE

Dear Friends, I'm pricing items and getting things ready for my garage sale. I feel badly that I have not been by to visit you. I will do my best to catch up by Monday. Hugs to you all, Kathi
"...She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her task. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." Proverbs 31:17,18