Monday, June 17, 2013

Taking pleasure in God Bounty


Psalm 104:14
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that
He may bring forth food out of the earth.
2 Corinthians 9:6
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 



Thought I'd share some pictures of my garden with you today. It truly is a bounty that will keep giving all season long. This garden gives me alot of pleasure. It is beautiful to my eyes and peaceful. My thoughts often turn toward God and I thank God for allowing me to have my garden spot. And my blog spot to share with you.

Remember this week and always treat others kindly as you would like to be treated.  Share your bounty with others, you will find that you always will have enough.
Until next time.








Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Grandparents Jewels

Proverbs 17:6 
Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Caleb Austin
Gracie, Alexis & Clarissa
Brodie James
Autumn Rose



I love each and every one of them.  I feel really blessed to have this chance to be their grandma. They are unique and a lot of fun to play and just hang out with.  Pretty smart too.  And are a good looking bunch of kids if I do say so myself.  Friday I will have the four youngest all at once. So besides a good selection of toys and depending on the weather. I have desided to try to be the crafty grandma. 

What the crafty grandma needs

We grew up with construction paper, scissors, and glue, and many of us still keep them around for the grandkids to use. I know I do. But you could try newer craft supply ideas such as these.

For the younger kids:

Sidewalk Chalk
Your grandkids' sidewalk masterpieces remain long after their visits, or at least until the next time it rains! 

Old Socks, pompoms & buttons and card board boxes
To make puppets and puppet stages.

Fingerpaint
For pictures or to decorate a shirt. Or the puppet stage.

Clay and Dough Shaping Tools
Kids love shaping things with clay or Play-Doh. These tools are an easy upgrade to give them even more control over their creations. Tools like the cutter make it easy to separate the clay, while rollers let kids easily flatten or roll zigzag shapes onto clay.  I will put down wax paper first.

For the older kids on another day :
Glue, beads, buttons, stamps in fun shapes, shoestrings, and fishing wire and pop cycle sticks to make necklaces, bracelets, key rings or decorative picture frames.

Felt
Easy to cut, sew, and glue, felt can be attached to almost anything, including notebooks and clothing. Provide kids with stencils, or let them draw shapes free form, then help them cut and attach shapes to the accessory of their choice.

Stamps or Fabric crayons or paint.
Pair form stamps with colorful ink pads in the kids favorite colors you can decorate T-Shirts, Blank tote bags and other things.


 
S   

Monday, June 3, 2013

There is a Time (Thyme) for everything


Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 
Ecclesiastes 3:2
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.

Thyme is an ancient cooking herb that is versatile and one of the most widely used from many countries. It pairs well with lamb, poultry, tomatoes lemon, and other seasonings. It is used chopped or whole and imparts a woodsy, warm flavor to any dish. Though widely available in fresh and dried forms, thyme is easy enough to grow at home. I like to keep some on hand for use in soups and stews, or add to roasted vegetables and it will enhance your favorite grilled foods.
It is a very aromatic herb commonly used for both cooking and in natural medicines. It has a wide range of uses and abilities. I like to use it in cooking the best.
It also grows back year after year. Here is what mine looks like so far this year. It is already producing flowers.



Used through the centuries as a remedy for many ailments, from epilepsy to melancholy., it is prescribed by herbalists for intestinal worms, gastrointestinal ailments, bronchial problems, laryngitis, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.  It has antiseptic properties, and can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and as an anti-parasitic for lice, scabies, and crabs.  For skin inflammations and sores, make a poultice by mashing the leaves into a paste. To use Thyme as an anti-fungal agent or as a parasitic, mix four ounces of Thyme to a pint of alcohol, or buy the essential oil and use sparingly on the affected area.  For bronchitis and gastric problems, make a tea to be used once per day.  Add honey as a sweetener, if desired.
The essential oil of Thyme (Thymol) can cause adverse reactions if taken in it's pure form, so use Thyme-based medications sparingly.  If taken in a tea, drink only once or twice per day, and if used on the skin, be aware that it may cause irritation.