Prayer Request: Wildfires (again)

It's fire season here, and you can definitely tell.

Florida drought index as of May 27th, 2011

(our county is one of the dark, dark reds)

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This is a prayer request for the fires, firefighters, and anyone in harm's way.

My Father is a firefighter (you might remember this post), and today he is

working 33 wildfires... that's a lot.

Until yesterday, it had not rained in a long time. And even yesterday's rain was

not near enough to make a good impact. Our ground was just as dry this morning as

it was the morning before.

All the same, we are very grateful for any rain we get.

Please also pray for rain - lots of rain. As you can see, we could definitely use it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,

for He who promised is faithful."

{Hebrews 10:23}

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Fifty Years and Counting

Last weekend, we celebrated my Grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary!

The Lord has been so faithful to them over the years and they have shown us a

wonderful example of Christ and His bride.

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD."

{Proverbs 18:22}

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Sugar: Pleasure or Poison?

Posting twice in one day, two days in a row? Must be important...

;)

I just read a great article on sugar from Health for Godly Generations and thought

I would share the link with y'all.

{Click Here}

"Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the

surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food

for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing

that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it

was so. God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was

evening and there was morning, the sixth day."

{Genesis 1:29-31}

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A Struggling Ballerina

You may have seen this before, but I just had to share when I watched it.

Mom and I were laughing so much our ribs hurt! She is just too cute.

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I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary, worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.

{Horatio Bonar, 1846}


What comfort and rest I find in Jesus!  How gracious and merciful He is to me, and how undeserving
I am.  I'm so thankful for, and constantly amazed by who He is.

I tried to find a video of this hymn to add, but I couldn't find one that I liked. Whenever we sing this on
Sundays, we like to sing it pretty fast, and it seems that no one else really does :)

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Belated to Beri

A belated birthday post for one of my favorite 5 year old girls! Actually, she's really just one of my

favorite people... who happens to be 5 now :)

At her brother's Jiu Jitsu tournament

{May 2011}

Beri and myself on our camping trip to Alexander Springs!

{April 2011}

Spring Frolic

{April 2011}

At Cody & Tricia's wedding celebration

{March 2011}

I pray the Lord's richest blessings and most awesome plan for your life sweet girl.  You've been a huge

blessing to me many times over, and I can't thank the Lord enough for putting you in my life.  I look

forward to seeing what God has in store for you in the years to come!

Much love to you, "Brownie Face"
♥ Emmy

"Out of the mouth of babies and infants, You have established strength because of Your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger."
{Psalm 8:2}

"And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do
for you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father,
at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints."
{1 Thessalonians 3:12-13}

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Random 100th Post

Hm. I think I'll post about 100 things.

*stunned pause*

Just kidding. That would take forever.

Instead I'll just post a few random things... just for fun :)

First, I'll show you my current wish list (which is funny, because my blogger buddy, Sarah-Anne
recently posted her wish list as well) -

1} KitchenAid Mixer in Ice



I mean seriously.  How cute would this be in a vintage themed kitchen??

2} Pale Yellow Antique Porsche

No, I'm not joking.  This has been on my wish list for years and years... except as a convertible.
{photo credit}

3} Vera Bradley Laptop Backpack in Versailles

Love this color and bag.  I love Vera Bradley and really wish it didn't cost so much...haha

4} Pyrex Dishes from Miso Vintage Supply on Etsy

I adore Pyrex dishes.  I have two mixing bowls and my Mom has one as well.
We use hers all the time cooking and baking.

5} Vintage Aqua Clock from The Vintage Wren on Etsy

Sadly, this is already sold.  But I think it's cute, so I included it anyway :)

6} Pinwheel Quilt 1930's Repro Feedsack Fabric from Tina Magee Sews on Etsy

This one's sold as well, but I had to include it.
I was SO close to buying this when it was still for sale, but I just couldn't justify it (even though it was
a really good price).  I am completely in love with this quilt.
One of my favorite quilt designs is Granny's Flower Garden (seen here and here).  These fabrics
would be so great for a GFG quilt.

I guess this wish list is more of a dream list.  Though I am working toward that KitchenAid mixer up there.
The baking/cooking bug seems to have bitten me recently, and our little ol' mixer is a little more than
aggravating to work with - if it's plugged in, it's on... to turn it off you have to unplug it.
BUT, I'm very thankful to have a mixer.  At least it mixes!  ...just sometimes when I don't want it to ;)

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Next, since we're celebrating 100 posts on Old Country Cottage, I baked a cake!

...kidding again.  Well, not completely.  I did bake a cake, but that's because my "little brother" Lane
turns 17 today.
(I say "little brother" because I've known him most of my life and he is really like my brother)


Christmas Photoshoot
November 2008


The aftermath of a silly string war.
October 2010


Lane and his little brother Luke.
April 2009


Vine climbing!
May 2009


The result of playing spoons with our church group.
A funny night in February 2011


Right, back to the cake.
When I asked him what kind he likes, he said chocolate.


You'll love this recipe from Hershey's!

"Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake

2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

{1} Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
{2} Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
{3} Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting (recipe below) 10 to 12 servings.

For a One-Pan Cake: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

{Psalm 34:8}

"Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

{See a mixing photo on Six Angles}



My friend Bethany suggested I write "Happy Birthday" with chocolate chips on the cake. She's so smart :)

It may not be legible, but it sure is edible!

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In other news, Summer is officially here.  According to the calendar, it's still a month and a day away...
but according to the temperatures and events happening and coming up, Summer is here.  Bring on the
beach days, fishing trips, bonfires, trips to the springs and yummy cook outs!  Memorial Day fish fry?
Yes, please.  Oh... don't forget the really high temps and 100% humidity... heh.  I love Florida :)


'Til next time!
Em

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Workin' on the Yard

Dad and Mr. B taking down unwanted trees.

The tree they're workin' on here sheds SO much pollen on our cars during Spring and Fall.

I'm more than happy to be removing it... sorry no, I'm very, very thankful they are removing it :)

See that blue sky up there?

Yes :)

We've been blessed with extremely nice (and unusual) weather this Spring.  Normally once it hits 80 in

February or March, it doesn't get far below that until Fall.  Well not this year!  Back when we went

camping, it got down to the low 50's!  Right now it's about 78 degrees.  Not bad at all for May 17th.

Quite a mess :)

~

And this one just makes me laugh.  They're going to love it when they see it :D

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Because I should've done this 19 days ago -

In all the hustle and bustle of getting ready to go camping, I forgot to do a birthday post for my older brother!

*accepts terrible sister of the year badge*

On April 28th, Cody turned 21... which means he's lived about 20 years, 11 months and
28 days longer than the doctors said he would. I couldn't be happier that the doctors were wrong.

There were some complications with his birth, but God was gracious and spared my brother's life.

Now we're celebrating that life 21 years later!

Dad and Cody

Checking out his future apartment back in January.

After going to the apartment, he and I went out to lunch and to

run a few errands. I miss these days now that he's married!

Here he is the day before his wedding... such a wonderful weekend.

My last picture with him being an unmarried man!

Waiting for his bride...

Click here to see their (awesome) professional pictures.

A trip to DeLeon Springs back in April.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

{Psalm 139:13-14}

Love, prayers and blessings to you big bro!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And for you, Kristiana (and anyone else wondering), here is my family!

I know I post a lot of photos of different people and rarely explain who they are.

Most everyone is a friend (like-family usually), but occasionally a family

member will let me snap their picture ;)

Back L to R:
Granddaddy (Dad's Dad)
Grandma (Dad's Mom)
Uncle John (Dad's brother)
Dad
Mom

Front L to R:
Tricia (now Cody's wife)
Cody (my brother)
Me

Hope that helps!

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Life is Good

- because God is good.

{just a note, this is a very long post}

Lately, I have been learning to be joyful in everything.  My joy shouldn't come only from knowing everything will work out.  I shouldn't be happy only when everything is fine and dandy.  I should be joyful in everything.  Even when life is a little rough, I can find joy in the fact that my Saviour is using this time for His glory... whether I understand right then, later, or maybe never.  I shouldn't be waiting for something joyous to happen, I should just be joyful.

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
{Psalm 32:11}

All that to say, I have joy.  Joy in my Saviour.  Joy in my family.  Joy in my friends.  Joy in the hard days and joy in the extraordinary days.  When I look at every new day as a gift from God, a lesson from God, it makes me super happy and very thankful.

Recent blessings...

Ben's Jiu Jitsu Tournament
Last Friday, we (our church) attended Ben's Jiu Jitsu tournament in place of our usual church Friday fellowship.


Waiting outside with pizza :)


Providence


Berakah


Bethany


Leah, Me, Gabby


Provy and Luke... two peas in a pod.


(After looking back over these pictures when I got home, I realized how the kids got so dirty out on a slab of concrete)


I had never seen Jiu Jitsu before, and it was quite interesting. Almost like controlled wrestling mixed with an intense game of mercy. But... much more than that I'm sure. That's just a little what it looked like from the sidelines :)




Ben's opponent told him to smile for the camera... it was perfect!


Sweet Brooke :) We were both new to the whole thing and trying to figure it out. We had a few good laughs, mainly because we had no idea what was going on sometimes and who won and lost... I think we understood it well enough by the end of the night though... maybe.


*cheers*
(more pictures)
(and I put another one on Six Angles today)

Mother's Day


A Mother's Day ride for Amanda with her husband :)






Sweet baby Ashlynn, a precious gift showered with much love and many prayers.






Ashlynn with her Grandmother

(a video from the day - I have to give Amanda kudos at the end there... I don't think I would've tried it :)

Babysitting
Wednesday, I was able to babysit for a good majority of the day... one of my favorite things to do!


Laney!


Sweet baby Campbell


Tru is so funny :)


Baby feet are the best




This cat adopted them... he's so sweet!

When I came home from babysitting, I found my Uncle and Dad rototilling our yard! We are officially in the process of redoing our yard... I'm so excited! Friends from church own an organic landscaping business, and they are being a tremendous help.




(Remember this? There are our peat pots ready for planting!)




There was dirt everywhere.


My poor Uncle was covered!


Here's Luna's silhouette watching the guys work... she was afraid of the tiller, but too curious to run away.

That night for dinner I made parmesan crusted pork chops. Yum! I love pork and mustard, and I simply love cheese (especially parm), so these have quickly become a favorite of mine.
[I'll post the recipe below]








I absolutely love my apron that my sweet friend Jenna made for me for my birthday this year!
I also love my polka dot skirt :)


So good!




Gardening
We were finally able to completely plant our Spring garden yesterday! We are really at the end of being able to plant everything that we planted, but we're praying everything will grow wonderfully.
We started everything in peat pots, so they've been growing for a little while. But we weren't able to get compost and rototill the garden and have everything prepared until just yesterday.
So, we spent quite some time out in the garden figuring the layout and putting the peat pots in the ground.  It was blazing hot, but it just feels good to work outside.

We don't have the space at our house to have the garden we want (especially while redoing the yard), but my Grandparents do.  So they are gracious and let us plant in their backyard!


My Grandma makes THE BEST grilled cheese sandwich you will EVER have in your life.  I kid you not.
I think she'll be making them until the day she dies.


What goes into them?


Love...


Work...


Bread...


Lots of butter...


and lots of cheese...
Great.  Now I want one again.


These little guys were ready for some more soil!


Potatoes we had planted a little earlier.


Peppers from friends




Dirt.


I've decided that clean doesn't exist in a garden.










A beautiful way to end the day.  I am so excited and cannot wait to see how everything does!

Crochet
I've also been working on a baby blanket for my brother's wife's sister's baby (I wish I could see your face trying to follow that ;)





It's a super easy pattern.
Here:

Square (make 9: 5 with A and 4 with B)
Ch 29.
Row 1: (Sc, 2 dc) in 2nd ch from hook, *sk next 2 ch, (sc, 2 dc) in next ch; rep from * 7 more times, sk next 2 ch,
sc in last ch – 28 sts.
Rows 2–19: Ch 1, turn, (sc, 2 dc) in first sc, *sk next 2 sts, (sc, 2 dc) in next st; rep from * 7 more times, sk next 2
sts, sc in last st. Fasten off.
Finish
Arrange Squares in 3 rows of 3 Squares each, as follows:
Row 1: A, B, A.
Row 2: B, A, B.
Row 3: A, B, A.
Sew Squares together. Weave in ends.

And for the pork chop recipe...

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
*see my notes below

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 1/2 cups Bread Crumbs
3 Tablespoons Flat-leaf Parsley
2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
Four 1 inch thick Boneless Pork Loin Chops
3 Tablespoons Grainy Mustard (any kind of mustard will do)

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Place a greased rack on a foil lined baking sheet. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool. Stir in parsley and cheese.

Brush pork with the mustard and coat with breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on the rack and bake until juicy, 20-25 minutes.

*When I make them, I eyeball everything.  I crumble my own bread and grate way more cheese than 2 tablespoons.  I pretty much keep adding until it looks like enough.  And I simply put them on a foil lined baking sheet.  I think this is a very flexible recipe and you can do it however you please :)

Thank you so much, Jan, for sharing this recipe!

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So as you can see, I am hugely blessed.  I pray that you have a blessed week even more than mine was!
♥ Em

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