Howdy and glad you stopped in at Jesus' Little Cow-Hide Booted Wrangler!


All young people that follow Jesus are His knights for Truth. We are all created by the One true God of the Bible, the one that made you and me!
This is a blog that expresses the joy that I have in Jesus!

Please stay and read.

There's much to laugh, smile and enjoy about here!:)


I'll be praying for you...my future husband=)

Outside Lookin' In. I choregraphed my dance try-out to this song! my fav. of Lori's songs!:)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Civil War Re-enactments & more!!

~Civil War Re-enactments............We had a blast at the Civil War re-enactment in Lexington, Mo.  It was in September, and my Grandma came and we camped out on the grounds in a tent and roasted strawberry marshmellows over a campfire.  We set up our own little stand and sold checkerboards that my brother made, and books that I wrote.  There were many other tents set-up with all sorts of neat things.  From ladies fans to jarred pickles there were all kinds of nicknacks in the many set-ups. The soldiers camp out was set over on the other side of Big River Ranch building.  The camp out was very authentic, with campfires and canvas tents and dressed-up men from both sides.  I met a girl named Leah while I was there, and I helped her with her petting zoo she was doing.
The Re-enactment was on Saturday, and my were the canons loud!  BOOM!  I wore my grandma's blue satin gown that she wore when she was 18, and a red velvet shawl.  It was cold and gloomy, but the acting was still amazing.  Horses galloped and combat enacted.  I thought it was very well done.  The Re-enactment lasted till Sunday, and I wish I could have said that we stayed for the Ball that night.  But even though we had to leave, I'm sure it was fun. The last re-enactment I did they had a ball and it was so fun!  There was food and drinks, and authentic music playing while we danced the Virginia Reel and other dances with the boys and men dressed up as soldiers!  The ladies dress in fancy gowns with wide hoop skirts, and it seems like we stepped back to 1860's.
I highly recommend re-enactments, especially for history lovers.


More Historical Field-trips to take........Want to go into a log cabin that was built before the time of the Civil War?  Want to go into a cabin that was originally homesteaded by a man that was born one year after Abraham Lincoln?  Want to grind corn, dip candles, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and hide up in a big loft???  Then you should really go to Beverly's log cabin website, and learn more!! 
Go to the links at the side of the main page, and then find Bev's log cabin and click on it.  Schedule a time to go soon!!! 
Thanks.....
Samantha


Upcoming Historical Event- 
Beverly is having a 20 year anniversary for 1829 log cabin, on April 15th, 2012. 
You will be able to go paddle-boating on the pond, learn how to spin wool, dip candles, refreshments and much more!  
For more info. on where it is go to her website below!

1829logcabin.com  

  

Happy Thanksgiving????

We wish others a 'happy thanksgiving', we bake pumpkin pies and turkeys, stuffing and buttered rolls, rye bread and cranberry sauce.  We send letters and e-mails and send smiles and love, but what is Thanksgiving REALLY about?
It was 1620.  There were rumors going around that some of the people were getting ready to leave England.  Leave England to where?  They must have thought.  Holland.  They journeyed to Holland, escaping the evil King's rule over how they should teach their children.  But Holland was teaching them to speak Dutch, no...they needed a new land.  A land that was fresh in which they could begin their families and bring up their children in their own teaching.
America?  It sounded crazy.  But one thing that the pilgrims all had in common was a dream.  The obstacles seemed to melt away...they held the ticket to freedom; and with their hearts and hopes held high, they set off.
I wish I could say that everything was just sailing on calm sea after that.  But as Chris Brady would say, 'Strong sailors aren't made on calm seas.'  No.  There was DREAM, STRUGGLE, VICTORY.  They knew that they were putting their families lives on the line...it was no game.
But as a father watched his wife die from scarlet fever, as a wife watched her child die from hunger, as a daughter watched her parents die from foul water...they had to remind themselves that it was all part of the STRUGGLE.  A movie that just has a guy with a fluffy little dream and then gets it is a boring movie.  But a movie that shows the struggle that they were willing to go to get is worth gold.  It shows the bravery of those who have gone before us, and inspires us to reach forward and be brave like them.
But the sweetest part about the struggle is that they know that the VICTORY is near.  The pilgrims landed in Massachusetts in 1620, half their families wiped out, and hardly any food...but yet they still found the strength to be thankful to God for bringing them through.  And one year later, they celebrated what we now call Thanksgiving.  How little are the things that we complain over!  

So I ask you, this Thanksgiving, are you just making a feast and sending letters?  Or are you thinking of the sacrifice that people went through to get us where we are.  Were still living in the freest country in the world...live up to your dreams.
And let us ALL be THANKFUL to GOD for bringing us through our struggles, to our victories, and more.
Let us never forget it.

What I'm Thankful For

I’m thankful for my family, in which abides with me through love and strife. 
I’m thankful for the country, in which the trees give me shelter and the bird’ song gives me peace. 
I’m thankful for Thanksgiving, in which we are thankful. 
And most of all, I’m thankful for my Lord, in which gives me thankfulness and whom which I SHOULD be thankful to for my thankfulness.
Thank you, for hearing this poem. 



The Silly Thing that I’m MOST thankful for-



If I had to chose one thing to be most thankful for, (much to my Mother’s dismay) I must confess that I am glad that I am finally taller than her, though many would disagree tis not an accomplishment worth thanking. J
Sincerely,
Samantha

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

~Out in the Country






Apple Peelin'
Ever since I've moved to the country I can relate to that country song, 'Gone Country' perfectly.  My granma taught me to peel apples last summer with this special apple peeler, and though it looks hard its not hard at all.  She taught me to crank the little thing and to put the apple on it just right.
It's so simple, and is sure to please any country liver!  Search out your antique shops, cause its sure worth it!!!

Candle Dippin'
To make a candle, I learned it at my log cabin that my grandma re-built, its quite easy.  You just get the little wax strings then dip them into the hot melted wax repeatedly.  The more you dip, the bigger you get it!!  I've created pumpkin-like blobs before that would have no chance as a candle, but were enjoyable to make!!


Horses
Horses are one of those unpredictable but worthwhile pets.  They're big, beautiful, and often have a mind of their own.  But ever since I was born to about the time I was twelve, my grandma had a horse named Dusty.
And no matter how you treated him, he was just the sweetest horse as can be.  One day I was sneezing a whole bunch, and Dusty was nearby, and Grandma said that he felt sorry for me.  I believed her.
So if your wondering if you should get a horse, I'll tell you this.  They're definitely a mouthful of oats....! But completely a friend beyond the hamsters!!!!!

 Pumpkin Pies

Trust me, I've tried it, the BEST pumpkin pies are the ones with real pumpkins, not old canned pumpkins. Have you every noticed how the canned pumpkin is so disgusting that its bright orange when you take it out?
Here's the recipe for pumpkin filling....

1 1/2 - 2 tsp. of Pumpkin Pie Spice 
1 2/3 c. of evaporated milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. pumpkin puree

Blend very well, and pour into pie shell.  Bake @ 425 F. for 15 min. and @ 350 F. for 15 min.
Or bake until crust is golden brown.

I've tried this at least about two times or so, and its wonderful!!!  And when I make it, it makes enough filling for two shells.:)  Enjoy!

 Pottery~
Clay is abundant in Missouri, that I can assure you.  Just today, (the 27th of March) I've been digging a small ditch beside our mulch path, and found LOTS of clay!  My grandma told me how to clean it by rinsing and soaking it in a tub of water, then repeating the step a few times.  (That way the dirt particles can break off.)
After cleaning the clay, I began to shape it into all different little sorts of dishes.  I made thumb bowls, which is when you shape the dish over your thumb and press your thumb into the clay to create a little bowl.  I also flattened it between my hands to make tiny plates.  The small dishes are great for little tea parties!
After I had created my little tea party dishes, what I did was laid them on a concrete stone and on the deck, where its sunny, so they can dry out and harden.  Baking the dishes will make them blow up, so you want them to slowly harden and dry by placing them in a very sunny spot where they will not be disturbed.
Let your pottery dishes dry there for about a few days or so, or just until the pottery has hardened completely.




Mulch Paths~


Here's some before pictures of my mom's path that we're working on.  We've been planting things around it, and digging along it a small ditch, to keep the mulch in.
After pictures are sure to come.






~A trip to Grandma's cabin is as fun as ever!  And not only did we go to the cabin, but many adventures followed!








Little did we know, that taking along three chicks, five kids, clothes bags, food and books (with us in the van to grandma's house) would be such an adventure!
Chicks need to be kept in a box inside with a lamp, for about the first 6 weeks.
After about week 6 or so, its safe to put them outside in the chicken house. 

To plant an avocado seed, you first have to grow the seed...
see what I mean by looking at the picture below.
Place them in a jar of water, upholding the seed with toothpicks halfway.  The shoot will come out the top, and once grown to a considerable height, can be taken and planted out in the ground.  
(If the shoot doesn't grow in the first week, don't become discouraged.  We've had these in water for 4-5 weeks, it just takes a while.)  












Thanks~! And go and enjoy the country life!

Dessert Recipes


 Pineapple Almond Pound Cake 

1 2/3 C. of canola oil
2 1/2 C. of white sugar
1 egg 
1 C. of milk or water
2 C. of white flour
1 C. of ground wheat flour
1 C. of canned pineapple chunks, (most juice drained)
handful of sliced almonds

Beat up the oil, sugar and egg until a creamy substance.  Add the milk and stir.  Now add the white flour, a bit at a time, stirring as you go.  Now add your ground wheat and mix, then stir in the pineapple chunks.  
Stick in pre-heated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake at 400 for forty minutes.  Turn down to 350, then bake for fifteen-twenty minutes on 350.  Bake in a round glass dish.  Sprinkle the almonds on before or after its done baking, it doesn't matter.  Cool and slice.  Enjoy!    











Carmel Shortbread- 

Base:
1/3 c. soft brown sugar
 4 oz. butter, softened
11/4 c. self-rising flour

Carmel Topping:

1 can of sweetened condensed milk
4 oz. butter, diced
1/2 c. soft light brown sugar
2 TBsp. dark corn syrup

Chocolate Topping:

3 oz. white chocolate
3 oz. dark chocolate 

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease and line a 7by11 in. baking pan with parchment.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Stir in the flour and mix until combined.
3. Press the mixture over the base of the pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.  Leave to cool. 
4. Place the caramel topping ingredients in a saucepan.  Place over low heat until dissolved and bring to the boil.  Continue to boil, stirring continuously, for 10-12 min. 
5. Pour caramel topping over the base.  Lave to cool completely.  Melt the chocolate squares in two separate pans over simmering water. 
6.  Pour the dark and white chocolate over the caramel and swirl together with the back of a spoon.  Leave to set, then cut into squares.

Enjoy!!!

Taken from: Cookbook For Girls
By Denise Smart

Blueberry Ice-Cream

1 tub of vanilla ice cream
1 c. of frozen blueberries 
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/8 c. of sugar
1 c. of water

1. Set out the ice cream to thaw.
2. Put out the blueberries to thaw. 
3. Once thawed out halfway, mix blueberries with water, cornstarch and sugar in a saucepan over stove.  Continue to mix until a thickening sauce.  
4.  Get a bowl and mix three cups of ice cream with blueberry sauce.  Put in a plastic container and put in freezer for ten-fifteen minutes. 

ENJOY!
By: Samantha

EASY & QUICK Monkey Bread!!!!

3(10oz) packages of refrigerated biscuit dough
3/4 c. sugar
3 T. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar  (this isn't a mistake, it really does call for two 3/4 cups of sugar)


Mix up one of the 3/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
Dip biscuit dough (slice into balls) into lukewarm water in a bowl.
Drop one ball at a time and move around in the cinnamon/sugar mixture until a orangeish color.
Place balls in neat rows on a glass pan. 
Melt butter, and mix the other 3/4 cup of sugar with it. 
Pour over biscuits and bake in oven till toothpick comes out clean.

(I've tried this three times before, and they turned out delicious every time!!!  Simple and yummy!:)  Enjoy!




Homemade Cinnamon Tea

1 hearty shake of ground cinnamon
1 shake of basil
1 tiny shake of pumpkin spice
1/4 tsp. of Splenda, Stevia, or just white sugar
4 clove heads (grind well)

Put all ingredients in 1 coffee filter and shake lightly a few times. 
Tie the top of it with yarn, but be sure to leave a modest long piece left.
Place in a mug and pour hot water over it to steep.
Drink and enjoy!

(Just tried this neat tactic today(12-2-11) tastes like cinnamon!
If you like this recipe, or have any ideas on how I can modify it, comment and let me know!!)

 allrecipes.com






Random Angels...funny little snippets of my life...

11-16-11-Jordan says (my eight yr.old brother) 'I'm buildin' my house with dollar bills.'
He's so cute!!:)

Jordan (7yr.old) says,
'granilla bore' instead of granola bar!!!:)



Jordan steps on a needle and cries.  I tell him how bad Jesus must have felt when He got the nails in His hands and feet on the cross for our sins.  Jordan is quiet...then says something like this,
"Yeah but Jesus is stronger, so it wouldn't hurt as bad as me."  SO CUTE!

My brother Austin call Reese and Nicole's, 'Reeses and Nickel.'  :)


 Our little ring neck snake named Copper escaped again.  He's been gone a long time, and Jordan told Mom recently, "When the snake comes out, I bet he's going to be dead."
My mom laughed.  May never come out!!!:)

12-24-11
 My sister Elena likes to sing 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' singing it like this:
"And flocks dressed-up like Eskimos."  (You know how its supposed to be folks dressed-up like Eskimos.)  She is so sweet.

12-25-11
Yesterday Jordan called 'Scooby Doo' Snoogy Doo.  He is so cute sometimes.:)

2-8-12
Elena said this about three-and-half years ago, (age 3) while she was laying in her bed, and I was in mine at bedtime,  "I'm a black woman!"  "No your not."  I said.  "Yes I am.  Cause its dark in here."  She answered.  Elena has gotten so big since then!  

 Austin also calls M&Ms, 'En-e-mens' (age 10-years-old) 

Elena said to me, 2-29-12
'I wike chicken pops, because I wike to eat popsicles!"

Elena said, 'It was a black lab snake.'
Also she says, 'Forget that stinkin' pillow pet!  I want ah business!'

8-11-11 Elena says, 'Were definitely gonna get sheep so we can have feta cheese.' 

3-30-12
Some little kids at our homeschool group, as I was trying to teach them the Base Clef notes, and I was going through the notes in words, like, "Great big dogs eat..." I paused, waiting for a response, I guess.  I messed up, and was supposed to say 'great big dogs fight..." but I said eat instead, and one little boy blurted out, "Eat dog food!"  I had to smile, and then a different little boy named Isaiah, (a rather ornery little one), blurted out, too: 'Great big dogs eat corn!"
O.K., not the sort of learning I was going for, but still hilarious and cute.  You never know what little kids will say...or what they can make of your mistakes!


4-12-12
Just today, I was calling a farm and home store to ask about their chicks for sale, and I asked the young man  if he had any Rhode Island Red chickens.  He seemed confused, and he was like,
"We don't know, ma'am.  You know, we don't know like if they're from Dakota, or Florida.  Their just red pullets."
It was so funny!  He thought I meant where the chickens were from, Rhode Island Red is a certain kind of chicken!  So he  had no idea what I was asking!
That man must of went to Harvard!  You know, not the 'civilized' Harvard, but 20 yr. old's learning 2+2=5, sort of Harvard!  Sometimes, you just have to be flexible and laugh at the little funny mistakes in life!  




























Music Piece of the Month

In the Garden

For this music piece, go to the Free Music link on the side, or go to www.flutetunes.com and go under the BROWSE tab 

Proverbs of the Week

Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.

Proverbs 27:5

Psalm of the Week


Quote of the Week

'Live like you were dying.'

-Tim McGraw


Cold Recipes(DESSERTS)

Very Berry Gelatin

5 oz. packet of raspberry currant flavor gelatin
1 1/4 C. mixed frozen berries

Fix gelatin.
Add berries.
Pour into little cups and put in icebox.

FROM: The Cookbook for Girls

Favorite Books that I've Read

I'm a homeschooler, and love to read, so here's some good moral-based books that I highly recommend. 

LIFE OF FAITH SERIES is an awesome series for young ladies.  It was written in the late 1800's, but is very descriptive and is about each young woman's individual life of faith in God.
Here's some of the books that I'VE read and think are pretty good.

Bk. Four-VIOLET SERIES-Violet's Bold Mission
Bk. Five-VIOLET SERIES-Violet's Perplexing Puzzles

Bk. Two-ELSIE SERIES-Elsie's Impossible Choice
Bk.Five- ELSIE SERIES-Elsie's True Love
Bk. Six-ELSIE SERIES-Elsie's Troubled Times



These are about all the books I've read of this series.  And its cool the way each series somehow connects with the other.  (FOR EXAMPLE, Violet is Elsie's daughter!)


 You could probably get them off E-Bay or perhaps a Christian Bookstore.




More-
Anne of Green Gables
The Linden Tree
SUNSHINE ON HER FACE-(A book that I wrote.  The prices are all on the HOME page)
VATRANA (I wrote)
 BUTTERFLY ISLAND(I wrote)
Farmer Boy (Or any Little House on the Prairie books are well written and warm.
Cannons at Dawn (a Dear America book)
George Washington Carver

Heart warming books that are inspiring and uplifting.  Green Gables made me cry, and the Linden Tree is in depth yet heart-felt.


Recommended!!!!


New books that I've recently read or have started.....(2-8-12)
Mr. Popper's Penguins (finished)
Launching a Leadership Revolution (started)

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a heartfelt children's book written in the 30's, and Launching a Leadership Revolution is a chewy read but very good at learning how to become the leader God has called us all to be!! 

Monday, November 21, 2011

Measure of Mercy Club

The Measure of Mercy club is a club that I made up to raise money so my family can adopt.
For more info., and if you want to join,
comment...and I'll reply back when I see it.

"Now, therefore," Says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping.."

"Now, therefore,"  Says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping.."
Joel 2:12