Another birthday to Celebrate!

Today is our 4th birthday of the year - Daniel's!  Happy birthday!

We had celebrated a few weeks ago as a family. Today Dad and Mom came out to celebrate with us again! 

"The gentle strength and guidance that you've brought to fatherhood helps your family understand, that God is wise and good. For we know you as the kind of man who trusts God's grace and care --- Someone who is faithful to a life of love and prayer... We love you and we're thankful, Dad, you're a father who has been a devoted follower of Christ --- and a special kind of friend.  On your birthday and always, Dad -- as a father, a man of faith, and a friend -- you're a gift from God." (excerpt from a card the children gave Daniel)

Happy Birthday with Love from your family!

Chicken coops

Now that we are getting all settled, the time to start planning for our chickens has arrived. Today Daniel, Justin and Dad started framing out the chicken coop.  The weather was rainy and cold, so they were glad the shed is big enough to get the framing done. Later this week they will move it out back and finish the construction.

Friday night pizza

Friday nights at our house are pizza and movie night. I make homemade pizza and we like to have it in a variety of ways:

• Regular crust - 1 with all the toppings, and 2 with pepperoni and sausage.
• Stuffed pizza
• Calazones
• Combination of any of the above!
  
  

Last night was calazones with some of the younger children making their own personal pizzas.

Mathias, Cara, and Ashly are my usual pizza helpers.

Ashly making the sauce

Cara cutting the green peppers

Mathias cutting the black olives (yummy!)

Sara cut her finger and is showing off her bandaid.

Some of the calazones and personal pizzas.

I make extra pizzas so we can freeze a couple for in the evening on Sunday or a weekday lunch.

Ready to eat!

This is our loft where we watch movies projected on a sheet.

Our favorite right now.

             

Homemade pizza dough

5  cups flour

1 1/2  cups hot water

1/2  cup  olive oil

1 tbsp instant yeast

1 tsp salt

 

1. Mix ingredients in mixer until dough forms a ball and is smooth and silky.  Cover and let rise until doubled in size.

2. 3 THIN CRUST PIZZAS - Divide dough in 3 pieces and roll out to desired size.  Top with toppings.  Bake at 450° 12-15 minutes or until desired doneness.

3. 1 THIN CRUST AND 1 DEEP DISH - Divide the dough in to 1/3 and 2/3 pieces. Roll the dough out to desired size.  Bake 450° for 20-25 minutes for deep dish and 12-15 minutes for thin crust.

Homemade pizza sauce

2 cloves garlic

1/4  cup water or olive oil

1 can tomato paste

1 can tomato sauce

1/4  cup parmesan cheese

1 tbsp sugar

1. Put garlic in food processor and chop finely.

2. Add other ingredients until smooth.

3. Spread on pizza crusts.  Can freeze if there is extra.

Liberty Day 2009

This past weekend we drove up north to "Chicagoland" Thursday night and Friday we spend lounging around the hotel while Daniel worked. Th girls took a jaunt across the street for a quick stroll through the mall. After that was lunch and pool time! The water was so warm  and we had the whole pool to ourselves.

Saturday morning we got up early, dressed, and drove to Liberty Day 2009. Dr Jehle spoke on constitutional law, the Declaration of Independence, and how it all affects us today. Charlie Zahm entertained up with his American fold songs. Skits and recitations were made, apple pies and essays judged, military drills were practiced, and the Virginia Reel was danced.  I really don't have any pictures except Jesica, Justin, and Ashly in costume.

Last, but not least, here are a couple pitures of the turkeys that live behind the house. We have had quite a few sightings of them in the last week. 

Praise to the LORD from Creation

  Praise the LORD!

         

         Praise the LORD from the heavens; 

         Praise Him in the heights!

 Praise Him, all His angels;

         Praise Him, all His hosts!

Praise Him, sun and moon;

         Praise Him, all you stars of light!

 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,

         And you waters above the heavens! 

         

 Let them praise the name of the LORD,

         For He commanded and they were created.

 He also established them forever and ever;

         He made a decree which shall not pass away. 

         

 Praise the LORD from the earth,

         You great sea creatures and all the depths;

 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;

         Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

 Mountains and all hills;

         Fruitful trees and all cedars;

 Beasts and all cattle;

         Creeping things and flying fowl;

 Kings of the earth and all peoples;

         Princes and all judges of the earth;

 Both young men and maidens;

         Old men and children. 

         

 Let them praise the name of the LORD,

         For His name alone is exalted; 

         His glory is above the earth and heaven.

 And He has exalted the horn of His people,

         The praise of all His saints— 

         Of the children of Israel, 

         A people near to Him. 

      

         Praise the LORD!

Walking in the woods - full album - CLICK PICTURE

Heavy van + muddy ground = stuck van

Here is the scene that Daniel came home to on Wednesday night:

After 2 hours of Justin working alone and then Dad helping for another 2 hours, the van finally was removed from the mud. For an explaination, read Justin's blog.  Hopefully a lesson learned!

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