#18!!!!!!!!

Layla just turned 18 today! I LOVE her SOOOO much!!!! I  am so Blessed to have her as my big Sister!!
She does a lot around here,and is a great example to me and the little's.She is beautiful just like her momma :)   Love you SO much Lays'! 

I Just Had To Take Some B-day Pics !!

                                                  We then had cake, cards, and presents.  

Mom and Dad bought Layla  assorted sizes of crochet needles and some yarn, since she's so into crocheting now!! I made her a cellphone cozy, Matilda made her a little felt doll, Gabe wood burned an awesome piece of wood.:)  Afterwards we just hung out and Layla crocheted a bunch. We had a great time.  Hagen  :)

Antique Shopping

While our grandparents were here, Mimi took us to the flee market to do some antiquing!

A really old hair dryer...

Our Mimi played with a stove like this when she was a little girl.

                         We also found this awesome owl bank to add to our bird collection!

Coming Soon... The Whispering Tree

We would like to make an announcement!

We are working on setting up an online store called The Whispering Tree to sell all of our hand made treasures! I am hooked on crocheting hats and shoes and making felt owls. Hagen loves to make adorable dolls and dioramas, and Mom makes slings! Our style is sort of a whimsical, tree nymph look, so I think the name fits. Here is a sample of our products.

These are a few hats I experimented with. I'm still working out a few kinks as to size and comfort.

This is a doll Hagen made me for Christmas! She is so woodsy and has a little basket of apples!

We are also working on our logo, tags and business cards. All we need is a Tax ID number! Please pray that everything would work out. We are SO excited! - Layla

Grandparents!!

Last week our grandparents came to visit from Georgia!! We hadn't seen them in 2 years and it was a good reunion!

We took them to our farmer friends to pick up milk, check them out here! We had a great time together. We love you Mimi and Grands! - Layla

A Good Day for Poetry

Today felt like a good day for poetry......

   God's Might by Hagen

When the snowflakes fall at night
It reminds me of God's might.

When the trees sway and the wind blows
The Lord's love always glows.

I know that God is watching me
Even when the waters freeze.

When the flowers are curled up in their beds
Jesus also gives me rest.

I see God's love each way I turn
From His Word I learn

Even when all is still
He protects me from the icy chill.

The snow is glistening
to God's Word I'm still listening.

Yes, when the snowflakes fall at night
It so much reminds me of His might.

         

      Winters First Snow by Layla

Our little cabin
in the woods.
The stove keeps us warm
the way it should.

Look at the sky
the snow's a comin!
From the looks of it,
it'll be a big'un!

As the wind picks up
the men keep chopping.
Out come the winter blankets
as the stew is cooking.

The icy wind
chills our bones.
The snow flies at us
and falls in droves.

Bundled soldiers armed
with salt, ice picks and shovels.
When the snow comes
our work is doubled!

The first snow
brings lots of excitement.
The children bundle up
and outside in it.

Snow men, snow forts
and snowball fights.
The cold dosen't bother us,
we play with all our might!

When mamma calls
it's time to come in.
The hot chocolate is ready,
let the undressing begin!

Little hands, little feet,
icy face and nose.
The drinks warm our bellies
as we gather round the stove.

We talk about the fun we had,
about the wonderful snow.
We think of how it cleanses
and makes everything glow.

At night, when we're in bed
and in our night clothes,
We thank the Lord for blessing us
and washing us white as snow!


God is Good!- Layla

Delicious Sourdough Bagels!

I've been making these Sourdough Bagels every week because my family enjoys them so much! They are pretty good, if I do say so myself! :) Here's the recipe:

2 cups Sourdough Starter
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 Tbls yeast
3 Tbls oil
1/2 cup water
2 Tbls honey
1 egg

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and knead until dough is smooth. Cover and let sit over night. I put mine in the microwave to protect it from being banged around. In the morning, divide dough  into 20 balls and shape into bagels. Put on oiled pans and cover. Let the bagels rise for 2 hours. After the rising, fill a large pot half full of water and bring to a boil. Doing three at a time, gently put bagels in water and boil for 5 minutes on one side and flip. Boil 1 more minute and remove. Place on a kitchen towel to cool for 5 minutes. While they are cooling, start boiling the next three bagels. After the bagels are cooled, place on pan and brush with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Repeat this process until all bagels have been done. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  The are delicious with anything on them!

The bagels will start to dry out after 2 days, so you can either freeze them or toast them. They are a bit labor intensive, but definitely worth it!  I hope you will try this recipe and enjoy your very own homemade bagels!

If you love this recipe or need any help, leave a comment! Layla <3

80's Day!

The other Day we decided to have an 80's Day.So...

 

 

                                                                                                  AWESOME!!

            Over sized T-shirt,Shorts and Leggings, what more do you need to be 80's, Right?

                                                                      Hagen :)

Matilda's Birthday.

6 years ago, on January 11, my first Little sister was born in our home, back in Texas.
  I am over joyed to be Matilda's big Sis, she is always kind, and Loves to hang out with the big Girls,
                                     She is the one that keeps our room clean!!! I Love Matilda So Much!!!!

                                                        Now for the B-day party!!!

I made the Oven Mitts, Layla made the Apron!

YUMM-O!!

Olivia Sure enjoys that Icing!!

:)

 

                                                 We also went to the park afterword. :)

                                                             Birthday Sunsets <3  :)    - Hagen