We Found Out What This Baby Is....

Okay everyone! It's a very long story that I won't go into detail to tell, except to say that Jesus protected our baby from what could have been a nasty condition because of Mama's blood-type, (Mama's blood cells see the baby as a germ or disease they need to fight and kill toward the last few weeks of her pregnancy if she doesn't have a shot, and she didn't get the shot in time) but they got an ultra-sound and the condition is not there! Praise the Lord! :) And we ended up knowing what the baby is! We are having a little boy! :D I am *SO* excited! We haven't had a boy in nine-and-a-half years!!! :) And he may be born a couple days after my birthday! :) So here's a picture of our wee lad! :) (this is a profile view of him. He's turned sideways with his face turned upwards. :) Doesn't he look like he's giving a kiss? ~Rachel

Oh yes! And please don't forget to enter our Society: Blunders and Brilliancy Movie Quote Quiz! I simply *had* to post about this, though I generally don't do two posts a day! :)

Society: Blunders and Brilliancy Movie Quote Contest

Okay everyone! It's that time again...I know it is a bit of a silly habit, but around our house, we like to quote movies. We try not to quote them excessively, but script-writers are witty people and when personal wit is lacking and there is a quote that absolutely, perfectly fits a situation.....they just..."Pop out!" to quote Miss Steele from Sense and Sensibility. ;) So yes, to make a long post short, welcome to the O.F.V.F.U.T. (Our Family View From Us Two) Movie Quote contest! :) I am debating what I ought to theme this quote contest....mayhap I ought to theme it Society: Blunders and Brilliancy...yes. I like that. So changing the name of this contest to Society: Blunders and Brilliancy Movie Quote Contest, we move on!

As always, your job is to leave a comment telling us what movie the quote is from, and, if possible, who said it. :) You get one point for each correct answer, and an extra point for telling us who said the quote. :) We'll tally up at the end and the winner will be announced! :) Without further ado, we begin:

1. "It's just this new small-talk: You do it so well!" "Well, if I did it properly, then what was you sniggering at?"

2. "Yes, the library is fine. I wish I read more....I prefer being out of doors....of course, I can read...and I'm not suggesting one can't read out of doors..."

3. "It's not.....so bad...." "Are you blind?! You look like a circus clown!"

4. "You must give us either one thing clever, or three things very dull indeed."
"Three things very dull indeed...well, that will just do for me."
"Oh, but there may be a difficulty. You must limit it to only to three at once."

5. "Dancing is the ornament of every polished society."
"And every unpolished society--every savage can dance."

6. *Gun shot* "Boring conversation anyway. Luke! We're gonna have company!"

7. "Oh hey! What are you doin' here? I mean, it is your house but...."

8. "Cynthia. If you must have the last word, please don't let it be a truism."

9. "You may, like us, admire her hair from a distance without taking the liberty of touching it."

10. "I can hardly believe my ears!"
"*We* can hardly believe your mouth!"

11. "More at home here, than in Vienna? In all your glittering salons, gossiping gaily with bores I detest, soaking myself in champagne...."

12. "No light propitious shone..."
"Edward, you have no passion. Read it like this: "No LIGHT propitious shone!"

There you go! Have fun guessing! ~Rachel and Sarah

Upward I look and see Him there...

I have been thinking this afternoon on the very great love Jesus has for me. It sounds so....trite to say it, because I feel it is a hackneyed phrase. Everyone speaks about Jesus' love, and yet we can never understand the depth and fullness of it. But today I am feeling, more than ever, the vastness of His love. To know that no matter what I do, He still looks at me with love, and even when I sin and virtually spit in His dear face, Jesus holds out his arms to me with a tender smile and begs me to follow Him.

Such knowledge is too vast for me. It makes me feel minuscule.

Since I always sing when I'm happy, snatches of songs have flittered through my mind, illustrating the point:

"When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My guilty soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me..."

And yet another song:

"No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of Hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
till He returns, or calls me home,
Here is the love of Christ, I stand."

Beautiful promises, and ones that I find infinitely dearer when I have sinned and feel His forgiveness. It might seem a strange thought, but I have often thought that there might be a special sweetness in coming to know Christ at an older age, since you would have experienced life without Christ, and then beauty of His holiness and forgiveness afterward.
(Not that I would trade in knowing Jesus from a young age for that, however inspiring the sensation would be.)
To know that I am in His keeping, and that He loves me and wishes to know me intimately is an everlasting comfort. When I feel lonely, I realize He is waiting for me ask Him to be my companion. When I am worrying, He asks that I give all my cares to Him.
My Jesus is amazing. But I can't describe Him at all. He is, after all, indescribable. But here is a video that brushes the surface and expresses what my heart is thrilling with. It is a description of my Lord that a preacher, S. M. Lockridge recited in the mid 70's , and humbles me each and every time I listen to it. :) ~Rachel

"Cuz Their's No Blue Mondays In Your Sunday Clothes!"

(Or something along those lines! ;)

So, taking Miss Jo March's idea of a Saturday Morning Daybook, this will be a one-time Sunday evening.....nightbook? :P Anyway, enjoy it if it pleases you to read past that most incoherent sentence.

Date: June 26th, 2011

Starting time: 8:28 p.m.

Mood: content, pensive, dreamy, wistful

Outside my window: the remains of a sunset, the dusk creeping over the earth to cover it in a warm darkness

I'm thinking: I had an amazing afternoon with friends I hadn't realized I'd missed so woefully until they were here and I couldn't stop hugging them and smiling at them. *lump in throat* :' )

I'm currently reading: Lorna Doone by R.D. Blackmore--amazing book.

I'm listening to: Grace's bedtime c.d....classical music mixed with surprisingly realistic nature sounds. :) Very soothing and fitting my mood.

I'm wearing: a fifty's style cotton dress....courtesy of a dear friend, courtesy of a thrift store, courtesy of goodness knows where.

I'm looking forward to: My graduation....if I can stop worrying about my speech

I'm hoping: that I will get married someday. :) Preferably before I'm an "old maid". :D (Though I warrant not-quite-19 is a tad too young to start worrying :P)

Yesterday I: took everyone on a picnic, acted most unlike a heroine by fastening my hair under my chin like a beard, taking Leah's arm, and singing "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" to her while Sarah filmed us.....generally had a silly, laughable time. :)

I'm hungry for: Hm....hungry wouldn't quite be the word....but I'd go for a Dairy Queen blizzard right about now.... ;)

Song stuck in my head: None currently, but earlier it was "You Can't Get a Man With A Gun" from Annie Get Your Gun. :D Very funny song!

I love: dearer than dear friends who are made all the more dear because you've been deprived of their company far too long.... Jane Eyre....dimples....heroes.....Broadway Musicals. :)

I loathe: Stepping on spilled sugar... tight waistbands...embarrassing moments....colds in summertime. :)

This week my goal is: Finish a present for a friend, finish writing my speech, stop worrying about Wisdom Teeth Surgeries (JULY 6TH!!!! :{ )

Quote of the week:

*Me, talking to Sarah's camera at the picnic when she said she'd put the video on the blog*

"You poor blogging people...you probably think we're.....loonies! You probably think we are all from the Crazy Barn....oh wait! Funny Farm!" *busts up laughing* :D

Finishing Time: 8:40 p.m.

Extreme Makeover: Blog Edition ;)

So, we have a question for you all:

What do you think of our Beginning-of-the-Summer Makeover? ;)
Just leave a comment and let us know, please!

True Femininity: How to be a Heroine

With a recent viewing of the 1995 Pride and Prejudice fresh in my mind, and my thoughts still bent on wondering how it would feel to be Lizzy Bennet, I thought now was as good a time as any to do my "How To Be A Heroine" post. :)

Who has not watched a movie and sat through the end credits, wishing and dreaming that she was Elizabeth Bennet, or Jo March, or Emma Woodhouse or a score of other heroines?

I've noticed a trend in the blogging world of using popular heroines' names as a screen=n

ame.

So what is it that makes up a heroine that is laudable, worthy of imitation, and unforgettable?

How can we become such a young lady?

Here are some of my thoughts on the subject:

A heroine is beautiful-- I am a bit reluctant to address this

subject, as the whole self-image thing can be an issue for many girls. There are two sides to the beauty subject. I will address the less important side, that of outward beauty, first.

Each heroine makes the most of her beauty, however much she has. And believe me. There is some beauty to be found even in the plainest of faces. A young lady ought to be careful to dress herself tastefully and neatly, without a bunch of extra feathers and furbellows

.

This is not what we're looking for, although it has it's place, I suppose.

Ahh! Much better! Beautifully feminine and simple all the same.

Every girl, regardless of her natural features can take pains to make the most of her temple and prepare herself sweetly and modestly for the day. And remember girls, the girl who smiles is always the most beautiful! :)

Now for the second, and more important, side of beauty. A heroine is always a girl who has strength of character, nobility, and a sweetness about her that blesses everyone she comes in contact with. She is cherished, not because she is outwardly beautiful, but because she is a heroine in every sense of the word.

A heroine is a lady: I cannot stress the importance of this one aspect of a heroine. Before I go further, I must tell you that a guy will not act like a hero unless the girl is a lady and lets him act heroically. If a girl is out to prove herself all the time and charges forward in life, leaving all she passes breathless, the guys will steer far away, relieved to have escaped her steam-roller attitude.

So, what does ladylike-ness look like in a heroine? Well, if you notice, a heroine typically is not a Lydia Bennet. In other words, a flirt.

Such a girl who flaunts herself and fills the air with senseless chatter only to elicit laughter and attention from the guys will never end up with a hero. She might catch a Wickham, though.

Ahem.

A heroine who is a lady is socially graceful. She knows what to say and when to say it.

One of the things I admire in other young ladies and am striving to cultivate in myself is the ability to make real conversation with ease, to have substantial conversations with people, and to have a ready and thoughtful answer to give when required.

"A girl of sense is infinitely preferable to a sensible man...."

Truly. It is not the flirtatious, cavorting girls who are the respected, well-loved sisters in Christ.

If you are a Lydia Bennet, you will have the attention of Wickham, but miss out on the regard and honor bestowed on the true heroines by the Mr. Darcy's of this world.

A heroine thinks of others above herself.

I think of Molly Gibson in Wives and Daughters who was constantly giving of herself to others, even when the situation was awkward, and it cost her her reputation. This is another treasure of a heroine. She is always indispensable to her family, friends, and community. :)

A heroine is accomplished and productive.

The heroines we all love best are full of spunk, creativity, and profitable ventures. Who can help admiring and loving a girl who keeps busy and cheerful doing productive things? :) And for many heroes out there, this is one of the most attractive things about the heroines.

A heroine, in short, is a truly womanly woman. She brings out the most manly side of the men and the most beautiful side of her fellow women. She does not put herself out to have all the attention, but says things worth saying, listens to others, and is dependable, graceful, beautiful, kind, accomplished, sweet, and patient. I think we could all use to take the example of the Lizzy and Jane Bennets, the Emma Woodhouses, the Molly Gibsons, and try our best to be true heroines. :) It isn't easy, but I think the world needs a few girls who are determined to be heroines, don't you? ~Rachel

A Message from our Father:

My Dear Child,
You may not know Me, but I know everything about you. (Ps. 139:1)
I know when you sit down, and when you rise up. (Ps. 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Ps. 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matt. 10:29-30)
For you were made in My image. (Gen. 1:27)
In Me you live and move and have your being. For you are My offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jer. 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Eph. 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all of your days are written in My Book. (Ps. 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts. 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps. 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb, (Ps. 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Ps. 71:6)
I have been misinterpreted by those who don't know Me. (John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16)
And it is My desire to lavish My love on you, (1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are My child and I am your Father. (1 John 3:7)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matt. 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father. (Matt. 5:48)
Every good gift you receive comes from My hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matt. 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jer. 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jer. 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Ps. 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zeph. 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you, (Jer. 32:40)
For you are My treasured possession. (Ex. 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul (Jer. 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jer. 33:3)
So, delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart, (Ps. 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Phil. 2:13)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Ps. 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart. (Is. 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Rev. 21:3-4)
I am your Father, I love you even as I love My son, Jesus. (John 17:23)
For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed. (John. 17:26)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Cor. 5:18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you. (1 John 4:10)
I gave up everything I love, that I might gain your love. (Rom. 8:31-32)
If you received the gift of My son, Jesus, you receive Me. (1 John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again. (Rom. 8:29-38)
When it's time for you to come home, I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Eph. 3:14-15)
My question is.....Will you be My child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)


I hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day and remember to celebrate and honor all the dads in your life today. :)
-Sarah

Random Bullet Points Post!

Time for another of these popular posts! ;)

• I'm soooooo excited about the ball on Saturday! Especially because I have a brand new handmade-just-for-me Civil War dress to wear!!! =)

• As Mom only has 56 days left til her due date, and is at a doctor's appointment today, I've been thinking about what it will be like to have a baby in the house again. Diapers?? Naps?? Hearing an infant cry as a regular occurrence?? Highchairs, Pack-'n-Plays , and Sippy Cups?? =D FUN!!
  
• Almost exactly a year ago, Rachel and I had the privilege of meeting our first and only (so far) Bloggy friend, Miss Jo March! :)
• Bumble-bees have "abumdumums" according to our cousin, Michael. (I think he meant "abdomens" :D
• *sigh* The Horn Worms Return.... :(
• I got my first foreign mail or package today!! *squeal* And I love it! Thank you, Anne!
• I want to make bucket list sometime soon. (they sound fun!)
• Why can't either our computer or Blogger let me post some pictures on here???!!! :(
• I can't wait til this weekend for another reason: a visit from Abigail, Sam, BJ, and Anna!!
• Does anyone else think that *everything*'s being scheduled this Saturday?? I've been invited to 3 things!
  
• I want to do several posts that require pictures from this computer....but....they won't upload!
  
• Can anyone not love Broadway songs??!!!!!! *sigh*

• The Andrews Sisters' songs have planted themselves in our brains.....You stay in our house long enough, and you'll most likely hear one of these lines:
  

"Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen, Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen, please let me explain...."

or this one:

"Choo-choo to Broadway, foo Cincinnati, don't get icky with the one, two, three..

I like oysters, lobsters too,

I like my tasty butter fish, fooo
When I come home late at night
I get my favorite dish, fish."

• Much to Rachel's delight, squash are coming in by the laundry basket, which means plenty for our customers and extra! What we do? Make this great casserole!!!
• I can't wait until Rachel's Amazon.com order is delivered....namely the 1995 version of P&P!! :)
• The weather today!!!Can anyone say gorgeous? Seventy-three degrees feels like bliss after all those 98-100 days! +D

Alright! Hope that was worth your while! :)
-Sarah

Just In Case You Wondered....

WE'RE ALIVE!!!!!

I know it has been far too long since we've done a blog post! But I do have good reasons, if you'd like to hear some excuses:

#1. A market-garden leaves pinched time for blogging
#2. Blogger has been acting up--I had a post all set with pictures and everything, but it posted it funny and I had to take it off. It wouldn't work no matter what! :P
#3. Nasty little voles are eating our potatoes
#4. It's been rather hot--very counter-productive to inspiration. :D

So that's my sorry little apology. Let's be friends now, okay? ;) Wow! So I realized that it's been a long time since we've posted about ourselves. So you all must be wondering, "What on earth have they been up to? Rachel never even posted the second part of her farm blog posts, and no hair tutorials have come up." Or else you've ceased wondering about us and have taken us off your sidebar. Please put us back. We're sorry. ;)
*ANY*way. I first off wanted to share the very exciting news with you that we have launched the website for Taste and See Family Farm! It all feels so official and tidy now! Thanks Matthew and Uncle David! :) Go check it out! It's really cool! :) *Exciting!*
I won't go into details right now, but as far as our day-to-day life goes, we've been rather "Nose to the grindstone" on account of the garden popping and having deadlines for co-ops and farmers markets and everything else! :) Extremely busy--I'd appreciate your prayers for Mama, because as tired as we are at the end of the day, she's ten times more so since she's eight months pregnant! We are trying to spare her the heaviest work, but she's still working harder than most women at this point in their pregnancies! Baby will have a good work ethic from the start, I guess! :D I talked about our schedule a little bit in the Large Family Logistics post awhile back...

But enough about the garden. At nearly 10 p.m. we've all payed our dues for the day! Benji and I were harvesting a huge laundry basket full of potatoes for the market today and were dismayed to find we had to throw out 30 of the hugest ones because voles had gotten to them. I think it's time for an outside cat--what say you? :P

On a lighter note, Gracie said something really funny the other day:
I was in the other room and heard her calling me.

*Grace*: "Raaachel!"
*Me*: "Yeah?"
*Grace*: "Guess who I'm gonna marry--him!" *points to a picture of Michael W. Smith on a flier*
*Me*: "Why would you want to marry him?"
*Grace, with a charming smile*: "Because he's handsome and he doesn't smell like tuna-fish."

Randomness is hilarious. Especially when it comes from a 4 year-old. :D
Also, my graduation is set for July 16th and I am informed I have to give a speech.
Me....and a speech...
Me...in front of 200+ people.....
*dies of embarassment* So could ya'll pray for peace of mind for me? I think I'll faint. I'm planning on it. And Abigail promises she'll drag me over the the rain barrel and dunk me in to revive me, and then I can go on and read my speech anyway. What a good friend. ;)
So.....hope this caught you guys up on everything going on! Have a great night! :) <3 ~Rachel

P.S. Blogger is still acting up and won't let me upload pictures! Or let me off of italic after I've pushed it... >:[ Anybody have any advice on this? :/

"Who I am in God's Eyes" Series: Week 15

Who I am in God's Eyes Week 15

I am.......

The Perfection of Beauty!

(Psalm 50:2)

God Bless ya'll this week!
-Sarah