Saturday, September 30, 2017

The Old Place - Part Two: The People

When we first moved to Liberal there were eight of us; by the time we moved into the little house on Paine Street our oldest son was married and our two middle sons were living on their own, so, at that point, there were just five of us...John and I, our two daughters, and our youngest son. Our oldest daughter married in the summer of that same year, so she wasn't there long. Then there were four of us. 

In 2007 our youngest daughter landed a full-time position with the state and moved to northern Missouri. After that there were just the three of us...John and I and our youngest son. Our youngest son married in 2013, so then, it was just John and I.

It was in this place that John and I experienced, not only "empty nest syndrome", but the "what do we do now" after 26 years of homeschooling together. It was tough...and it still is at times. I miss those days of having all my children together under one roof and the hubbub of family life.

All of our grandchildren, except for our oldest granddaughter, came into the world during our tenure at the old house. Many happy hours were spent with the grandchildren at that house...especially when the older ones were really small...church events, family and holiday celebrations, picking up walnuts, tea parties, and all kinds of wonderful things! 

The stepping stones that the children made for me for my birthday one
year. I dug them up and brought them with me to the new house. All the
color is gone and the pictures are faded, but the little hand prints,
engravings, and little stones and things that they embedded in them are
still there. Not sure where I'm going to put them yet, but I've got them.
The grandlittles on the day that they gave me the stepping stones.
Audrey, Silas, Abby, and Gianna
Audrey, Silas, Abby, and Gianna having tea at Nana's.

T.J., Audrey, Liz, and Silas on Resurrection Sunday at Nana and Papa's
Liz and Audrey having tea at Nana's.
Abby and Gianna making Christmas cookies at Nana's.

Isaiah, Audrey, and Silas picking up walnuts at Nana and Papa's.

Baby Sarah

Silas having tea on St. Patrick's Day.

Our granddaughter Heather, our adoptive granddaughter, Chloe,
and I having tea on my birthday.
Baby Esther

The neighbors...oh! The neighbors! We had some pretty good neighbors over the years there on Paine Street. A couple of our neighbors owned their homes and had been long-time residents when we arrived, but there was a church parsonage next door to us and I don't recall how many pastors and wives and their families lived in that house over the years, but there were several. They were all nice and they were all friendly, but the ones that we were the closest to were the Reece's. I recently shared a post about my friend, Robin. She was one of the pastors' wives that lived next door to me and one of the closest friends that I've ever had. We did everything together and referred to the time that she lived next door as "the golden years."

There were other neighbors that, despite the fact that we hardly see each other at all now, will forever and always be considered good friends and others, of course, that have passed on, yet, their memory, and memories of our shared times together, linger on and will remain always.

When a new neighbor would move in anywhere on the block, I would welcome them to the neighborhood with a loaf of bread...baked fresh and right out of the oven...along with a jar of homemade jelly or jam or apple butter, if I had it. 

At Christmastime I would make each family on the block a loaf of banana-nut bread or some other sweet treat, and would hand deliver it along with a special Christmas card. This was something that I looked forward to every year. It's something that we did when we lived in Blue Springs and it's something that I have carried over to here. I grew up having good neighbors at Grain Valley and, even though I've learned that it's not always the case, it's something that, in my heart and mind, people just do. I've never regretted trying to be a good neighbor to those that the Lord has put within my sphere of influence.

There are so many sweet memories of people that came and went at the house on Paine Street...our children...their families and friends...all the in-laws (and the out-laws, as my husband calls them...LOL!)...visits from friends and family from back home...our friends from Pennsylvania...church get-to-gethers...tea with friends...homeschool events...cookouts...bonfires...and the list goes on and on. 

So many people...so many sweet memories! And I'm thankful for each and every one!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Thursday, September 28, 2017

The Old Place - Part One: The House

A Picture Of The Little House On Paine
Street Taken From The Scrapbook

We moved into the little house on Paine Street in May of 2002. Prior to that we had lived at the old farm house north of town for six years after moving to the area from our lifelong homes in the Kansas City suburbs.

There wasn't much to the house really...it was small...livingroom, kitchen, two bedrooms (one of them just big enough to put a full sized bed in), and a bathroom, and it had some problems...BUT...it was much better than what we were living in at the time. The lady who owned it said it was wasn't worth much and she made us a really good deal on it. We moved into it six years to the day of moving to Liberal from Blue Springs. 

Here is a portion of a post that I posted on my Proverbs 31 Woman (2) Yahoo Group back in February of 2003...

"I am SO grateful for my new home! It's still a miracle to me! Some mornings  I  get up and I STILL can't believe it! (We moved in here May 15, 2002.) And the best part of it is...IT'S  OURS! God did a real  number here! He opened the strangest doors in the weirdest  places to put us here and  the price and  the terms were unbelievable!"

Over the years things happened and, all too often, I forgot the miracle that the Lord had wrought on our behalf. With all of life's twists and turns, other things took precedence and I started taking my little house for granted. I no longer appreciated it as I once had. Money was tight and things fell into disrepair. By the time we moved out in October of 2016, I was glad to be rid of the little house that had once been such a blessing to me.

It's been almost a year since we moved into my dad's house. He passed away in May of 2016 and it was his dying wish that we move in to his house and take care of a few things that were very important to him. I promised him that we would and we did. It was hard though. We spent several months painting and fixing things up...making it "ours"...before I could move into it. Once we did, we left a lot of stuff behind at the house on Paine and figured we'd just do a little at a time until everything at the old house was done. As always, life happened and, for the most part, the little house on Paine Street fell by the wayside. 

Over the past few weeks we've managed to move most of the little stuff over, but there was still a lot left to do, including getting the rest of my flowers. Yesterday my friend, Carla, came over and, together, we got that done. As we worked we talked about all the things that had happened at that house. So many wonderful memories! As we talked and different things happened I fluctuated between laughing (at the good memories), crying (I didn't know why), and being angry (that everything was the way it was and that it had been that way for so long). It was crazy! 

Last night I sent Carla a message apologizing for being such a basket case. She responded with this...

"It's understandable, that place holds a lot of
memories and it would be hard to let go especially
knowing that it won't be there anymore!"

What??? Then it hit me...I am grieving! 

The people that are buying the house are tearing it down...which it needs to be. It is a very, very old house with numerous structural problems that can no longer just be fixed. It's time for the house to go...BUT...there has been so. much. loss. in the past year and a half and this is just one more thing. That explains the putting off, the waiting until later...the foot dragging in soooo many areas. 

Yesterday made me realize just how many good things happened at that house...how many happy memories were made there. In the days ahead it is my plan to share some of those memories here with you...more for myself, I think, than anything else...but I hope to make this, and the other posts in this series, a tribute to the little house on Paine Street that God blessed us with so many years ago, and to all the memories of it that I hold dear...at least some of them anyway. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Update - Summer Reading List 2017

My summer reading list 2017 wasn't too extensive and, even though it seemed as though I struggled and was getting no where with it all summer long, I guess, in the end, I ended up accomplishing most of what I set out to do. 

I managed to keep up with daily Scripture reading (which was my first and foremost goal) and I finished To Know Him. I also finished the ten text and required reading books that I needed in order to finish the unit that I was on in Bible school and, as of now, am well into the next unit. 

However, I am still plugging along on... 

The People of the River's Mouth
In Search of the Missouria Indians

by Michael Dickey

It's a good book and I've enjoyed what I've read of it, but it falls last on my list and I just don't make it to it as often as I would like to, but I'll keep plugging and, eventually, I will finish it. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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My Summer Reading List - 2017



Monday, September 25, 2017

Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/25/17


Greetings, Dear Ladies! 


It's late...after midnight now, but it's been a few weeks since I've been able to join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and all the sweet ladies of Happy Homemaking Monday, so I am extremely thankful to be joining them here today. I thought I might stay up and try to get a bit of a jump on things before morning. 


(Well...it's morning and my jump ahead didn't do much good. I'm still running behind, but at least I'm here! 😄 Yeah!)

The weather...

Today is supposed to be the last hot day in the foreseeable future. 87 degrees today, 82 tomorrow, then down into the 70's for daytime highs and nighttime lows in the 50's. It looks like we're finally going to get some nice fall weather! 🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁


Right now I am...

Having a cup of tea, working on this post, listening to the sounds that a house makes late at night when all is quiet, and thinking of all the things that I hope to share with you all in the days ahead. There's so much going on and I am dreadfully far behind, but I'll get there...sooner or later! 😁 (I hope!) 😳


On my reading pile... 

I don't remember where I was the last time I checked in, but have finished several required reading books for the Bible college course that I'm taking over the last two or three weeks and am, at present, reading A Fresh Anointing by Kenneth E. Hagin. I also recently purchased The Trim Healthy Table by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison. It's a cookbook, but I want to read the opening chapters before fully delving into a fresh array of Trim Healthy Mama recipes. And, that's not to say that I haven't already flipped through it and tried a couple of recipes because I have and I have not been disappointed!!! 


On the menu this week....

Speaking of Trim Healthy Mama...I've not stayed on plan perfectly, but, overall, I've not done too bad on most days. 


- Monday - Chicken Parmy (pg 161) Sauteed Zucchini (pg 222) and Green Fries (pg 218)
- Tuesday - Fakertot Casserole (S) pag 147
- Wednesday - Fantastic Meatloaf (S) pg 316 Original THM served with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (S) pg 361 Original THM and Creamless Creamy Vegetables pg 352 Original THM
- Thursday - Chili (my own recipe) 
- Friday - Grilled salmon (S, E, or FP) pg 284 Original THM, fresh beets sauteed in butter (S), and Green Fries (S) pg 357 THM Original
- Saturday - leftovers 
- Sunday - leftovers 

A new recipe to share...


My youngest daughter was down last week and she and I worked together to create this fantastic fall treat and, the best part is, it's THM friendly. If I've done my math correctly it would be a fuel pull...I think. If anyone finds that it's not, please, let me know! Thanks! 


PUMPKIN SPICE CHEESECAKE IN A BOWL

1 container 1% cottage cheese
2 oz. fat-free or Neufchatel cream cheese
4 heaping tablespoons canned pumpkin
4 teaspoons Pyure or THM Gentle Sweet or more if you want it sweeter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice extract

Mix all ingredients together in food processor until smooth and creamy. I enjoy in half-cup servings. 

On my to do list....

- Monday - Complete my weekly "home blessing"; go over this week's planner and try to get a handle on everything that's coming up in the next week or two (detail plans and make lists); clean out shed at the old house

- Tuesday - Grocery shopping
- Wednesday - Dig and move last of flowers over from the old house; move herb wheel
- Thursday - Finish up at the old house (this is the last day that I'll have to do anything over there that needs done before sale is final)
- Friday - Work
- Saturday - Work
- Sunday - Church in the morning; work in the afternoon

In the craft basket...


Nothing at this time.
Favorite blog post last week (mine or other)....


TJ'S TASTE - Homemade Flavored Coffee Creamer (THM FP - Low Carb - Low Fat - Sugar Free)


Am on my second batch of homemade coffee creamer (I use it in my tea) and am doing just fine with it. I really like the pumpkin spice, but the vanilla is my absolute favorite thus far. 


Looking forward to this week...


Being done with the old house and putting that behind us. It's been almost a year now. What a relief!

From the camera...

Bur Marigold As Far As The Eye Can See
Prairie State Park - Mindenmines, MO


Scripture Reading....

There's been a lot of attacks made by the enemy against our family, but my husband and I continually stand on Isaiah 54:17 and, come what may, we will continue to do so...period!


 "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 54:17).


Well, Ladies, that's if for this week! I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed week ahead and I will see you next time!

Until then...
~Rebecca


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My Autumn Bucket List 2017




Friday, September 22, 2017

My Autumn Bucket List 2017


Summer is officially over and, once again, my favorite season is here...AUTUMN! Warm days, cool, crisp nights, bonfires, and all things pumpkin...these are the things that excite me about autumn. I have been thinking about some of the things that I'd like to do this fall and some of the things that I hope to accomplish over the course of it. I know that, in reality, I probably won't get to all of them, but having a list will certainly help me to focus on the season and remind me to enjoy it to the fullest! 



“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).


My Autumn Bucket List 2017

1. Write my autumn bucket list
2. Plan my fall menus
3. Visit the 42nd Annual Missouri Town 1855 Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival with my cousin, Sara
4. Visit Burr Oak Woods and hike the Bethany Falls Trail
5. Make a batch of Pumpkin Streusel Muffins 
6. Do a good old-fashioned fall cleaning before the holidays arrive
9. Hike all six trails at Prairie State Park to experience the tall grasses at their peak:

        a) Drovers
        b) Gayfeather
        c) Path of the Sky People
        d) Path of the Earth People
        e) Coyote
        f) Sandstone

10.
Do a leaf rubbing
11. Celebrate autumn birthdays with the grandlittles
12. Make my own pumpkin spice coffee creamer to use in tea
13. Visit a pumpkin patch and find the largest pumpkin possible
14. Purchase some mums
15. Visit a corn maze
16. Plan and complete autumn programs at work -

      A) Fun With Fungi (HS)
      B) Spider Web Wonders (Library)
      C) Terrific Turkeys (HS)
      D) Terrific Turkeys (Library)

17. Go camping with my husband
18. Build a bonfire
19. Carve a pumpkin
20. Visit the Louisburg Cider Mill
21. Bake a pumpkin pie
22. Go on a hayride
23. Drink apple cider
24. Study cattails
25. Enjoy a juicy red apple
26. Pick up pecans from the trees growing in our backyard
27. Pick up walnuts with the grandlittles
28. Lead an impromptu hike on a very frosty morning and observe frost flowers in the field
29. Prepare a Native American meal for my cousin, Dave
30. Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends

That's what's on my autumn bucket list. What's on yours? 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

From the archives:

Native American Recipes That Exemplify The Tastes Of Autumn






Thursday, September 21, 2017

My Summer Bucket List 2017 Update

Sunflowers Blooming Outside Our Back Door
Well...here it is...the last day of summer! It's time to update and see how I did in fulfilling my plans for the summer of 2017


My Summer Bucket List 2017

1. Write my summer bucket list
2. Write my summer reading list
3. Lead a wildflower hike at Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site

The 0.6 Mile Courage Trail At Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site - Butler, MO

4. Celebrate Independence Day by attending a city-wide fireworks display
5. Visit the Kansas City Zoo


Daughter-in-law, Christy, grandlittles Sarah, Liz, Jed, and, and I on the
train at the Kansas City Zoo.Although not in this picture with us,
grandson, T.J. and daughter, Amanda was with us. We had a great day! 
6. Get the rest of my plants moved over from the old place (will finish this up next week)
7. Finish cleaning out the old house and get it sold (will finish this up next week)
8. Spend time with one of my oldest and dearest friends before she moves away. 


My Friend, Dorothy, and I - July 2017
9. Hike all six trails at Prairie State Park to experience each in summer splendor:

(Does experiencing each trail on an ATV count?)

        a) Drovers

        b) Gayfeather
        c) Path of the Sky People
        d) Path of the Earth People
        e) Coyote
        f) Sandstone

10. Attend a Project Wild and Wild About Elk workshop 

11. Celebrate summer birthdays with the grandlittles


 


                   
12. View the total solar eclipse in the path of totality on August 21st


 

13. Enjoy a summer storm
14. Spend a few days away visiting friends at Truman Lake
15. Go stargazing
16. Plan and complete summer programs at work:

        a) Summer Fun Program - Bugs



The children made water-bottle lightening bugs at this program.
Here they are with the light on.
And here they are with the light off! 


        b) Saturday Afternoon Program - Getting Ready For The Total Solar Eclipse





        c) Explorer Daycamp 2017 - It's What You Don't See - Lesser Known Animals of the Prairie

For Example - An Ant Lion
What an interesting creature!
        d) Summer Fun Programs - Worms

        e) Saturday Evening Program - Bats

17. Lead a bison hike



Thirty-five people attended today's bison hike. Here some
of them are trying to get a good view of the bison....
...who happened to be trying to get cooled off in one of
the ponds at Prairie State Park. 

18. Spend some time squatchin' with my Aunt Bev

19. Catch fireflies in a jar 
20. Make red, white, and blue jello
21. Watch Yankee Doodle Dandy with James Cagney
22. Create a moon garden in the backyard
23. Host a cookout
24. Go camping with my husband
25. Visit Wilson's Creek National Battlefield with my husband, John, and my Cousin Dave
26. Eat watermelon
27. Celebrate my birthday with a banana split



28. Go wading in the creek


My bestie and I (I'm the one in the foot-obscuring skirt) enjoying
taking a wade in the creek on a hot July day. 
29. Visit Grand Gulf State Park and get Passport stamp
30. Visit Roaring River State Park and get Passport stamp
31. Visit Arrow Rock State Historic Site and get Passport stamp 
32. Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 
33. Attend Project Flying Wild at the Missouri River Bird Observatory @ Arrow Rock, Missouri


Participants At Project Flying Wild Hosted By
The Missouri River Bird Observatory

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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