Allowing Them to Follow Their Passion

Is your child passionate about something? Should you allow them to pursue those passions? I think so, but within reason. Are they really passionate about their special something, or are they being pushed into something? If your child is truly passionate about something, without bankrupting the family let them pursue it.

When I was single, I attended a rodeo with our college and career class from my church. It was neat; it was something to do with other young, single adults. But I did not have a love for it. The most I remember is the smell of horses! It is still something I can hardly stomach since I am a city girl by birth. I am not sure if I will ever get over the hot, sweaty smell that comes with horses ~ maybe one day.

When my husband and I met, he was a bull rider turned rodeo photographer. Rodeo is in his blood and knowing that it was not in mine, he was very considerate. Within the first year of our marriage, he hung up his camera so we could work on our marriage. We made VOWS to EACH OTHER and to God and he did not want anything to come between us; so he was willing to put aside something that would have put a wedge between us.  Honestly, being on the road every weekend and several nights during the week was hard on me; it was something I was not accustomed to and it would have hurt our marriage.

Hollywood and the news media do not show all the "behind the scenes" of a bull rider's life. While there are rewarding moments, there are also times of struggle. For many, those struggling moments out way the moments of reward.

Climbing on the back of a 1,000+ pound animal who is going to fight to get the rider off there, is not a sport for some. In fact, it is not a sport for most men.  Each time a rider climbs on, he knows there is a good chance he will be hurt. But he takes the chance anyway because it is a sport he is passionate about.

So how do I really feel about my son pursuing bull riding? It is just like every other sport; there is a cost that comes with it. Kids get hurt playing football, baseball and soccer. There are kids who are FORCED to play a sport they have no desire to be competing in. They are not allowed to focus on their passion, but rather a parent's dream. Believe it or not, there are parents in the youth rodeo who are FORCING their child to compete in events they have no desire to compete in. So yes, this enforcement is NOT only in team sports. Just like those Christmas toys that were a must have and played with for a day and soon forgotten, a sport is easily forgotten about also.

My husband has shared many of the rough spots he encountered while he competed. No, those encounters do not all pertain to riding, but other areas in his life. The years he rode and the lessons he learned, he can use as a teaching tool for our son.

It is our job to teach and guide Jamie while he is still under our accountability umbrella. If we do our job correctly and Jamie is obedient and tender-hearted for the Lord, he will be fine pursuing his passion.

Having FAITH One Year Later

One year ago today, we drove into southeastern Montana. If you have not read about our move, you can read it HERE. We came on FAITH. No place to live and technically no job until an employment drug test was taken; BIG OL' STEP OF FAITH, I tell ya. But, the Lord provided in his time which was perfect timing for us even though we did not completely understand when he was going to work things out.

Not a lot has happened since we moved here. The excitement finally wore off and our lives are back to normal; a little different for this area but normal.  When I think about the monstrous step we took, it fades in comparison to Daniel and Esther in the Bible. Daniel's step of faith when he asked to be fed vegetables and water for ten days and the prayers he prayed when he was older.  I mean, who can change a king's orders?  Think about it for a moment. He was asking a man in charge to put his neck on the line for him over a plate of food. When he opened his window to pray, he was just asking for problems from those who were out to get him, but he had FAITH. Then there is Esther; she had not only her life but all the lives of the children of Israel resting on her shoulders when she walked in to see the king. She knew if he did not accept her presence, she would be killed.  Esther went anyway because she had FAITH.

Having complete FAITH in God for everything is hard. It is not easy and anyone who says it is, well let's just say there is a name for them.  I am being TOTALLY HONEST here, if I hear a preacher or a speaker say it is easy to live on FAITH; they lost me. I tune them out or turn them off, because living by FAITH is not easy.  If I read an article or a book and it is saying how easy it is, I click off or close it because it is not easy. It's in our nature to worry about how things are going to work out. It's in our nature to try to take the reins of our life to make sense of things. Having FAITH is not easy.

Anyone who is HONEST will admit it is hard to watch other people be on the receiving end of God's grace and mercy when you are at a low point in your life. You wonder why it seems like everyone else is getting the GOOD STUFF ALL -THE - TIME while you are puttering around life waiting for good things to happen to you. In all reality, we all have good things happening to us EVERYDAY we live. If  you are able to get up out of bed in the morning, that's a good thing. If you can breathe on your own, that's a good thing. If you and/or your husband has a job to go to every day, that's a good thing.  If there is food in the kitchen, that's a good thing. If you have a house and not sleeping in a cardboard box on the road, that's a good thing. If you have a vehicle and are not depending on others or a bicycle, lawn mower or mule to get to town, that's a good thing.

We can count many things that are given to us daily if we just think about it. Yes, these things may be little but when we contemplate the little things while we are waiting on the BIG things, it is much easier for us to do.

I remember hearing the phrase "handfuls of purpose" when I taught school. The administrator prayed that each of us would receive "handfuls of purpose" to help our days go smoothly. There were days, when I wondered if my handful was sent next door, but then there were days when I would receive more than one handful.  Since our move, the thought about handfuls of purpose came across my mind several times; because of this, I pray we receive handfuls of purpose to help keep our FAITH strong in the Lord.

Sgt. Alvin C. York - Yes, Don't Want to Fight

Last Sunday, we were able to visit the Sgt. York State Park in Tennessee on our way back home from Georgia.  Most people know the name Sgt. Alvin York or have seen the movie Sergeant York.; if you have not, you are in for a surprise.

Sgt. Alvin York was the most decorated soldier during World War I. He was born in the hills of Tennessee in the 1880's and he was a born again Christian and truly loved the Lord. When World War I began and he had to register for the draft and he was  opposed to it.

Sgt. York spent time in prayer regarding joining the Army at the "Yellow Doors"; cliffs overlooking the valley.

 Because of his faith in God, he and the other soldiers were kept safe. ~

On October 8, 1918, after being pinned down in an attempt to capture a narrow-gauge railroad, York took his fateful walk into history. As the company sharp-shooter, he and 16 other soldiers under the command of Acting Sergeant Bernard Early were given the unenviable task of silencing the machine guns that halted the advance the day before. It was a cold, wet morning. Rain mixed with sleet added to the gloom of the fog that draped the landscape. As the soldiers worked their way around the hill, the men on the left flank stood exposed in the creek bottom. German machine gunners opened fire, wounding or killing nine Americans, including York's best friend Murray Savage. York was on the right flank beneath the crest of the hill in a natural depression, which he used to kill nine of the men who operated the guns. In the meantime, his comrades opened fire on the Germans, and in a few minutes 25 were dead. The Germans surrendered to what they thought was a superior force, and York and the American survivors escorted 132 prisoners to American forces at Varennes some 10 miles away.  Taken from the dairy of Sgt. York

The starting point for the tour is the General Store that Alvin ran with his family after the war. Here you will be able to watch a short video about the life of Alvin York after the war and see memorabilia pertaining to his life.  The store also carries souvenirs and beautiful handmade goods from the locals.

 

A copy of the commemorative stamp that was produced in York's honor. This copy was a large piece and it had the paperwork telling about the stamp.

  

Alvin's Draft Registration stating why he should be exempt from war ~

 "Yes, don't want to fight."

He really struggled with the thought of having to go to war.

Sitting outside the general store.

The house and acreage was a gift to York after returning home from the war.

      Alvin and Gracie York

A lot of people, (I was one of them) do not know the legacy that Alvin York left. He worked hard for the people in his state. He wanted a better education for the children in his area, so he started the York Institute in 1926. When the school started out, York helped fund much of the school's needs. He did not believe in "cashing in" on his fame so he turned down much money because of this.  The 1941 movie Sergeant York, had his stamp of approval.

Oh, yes, Alvin York also wet the site on his gun with his finger, just like in the movie. It was one of the questions my husband asked Andrew York (Alvin's son who was at the house giving tours the day we were there) said, "Absolutely, Dad always did that and he taught us to do it. It really works."

The York home is beautiful! It is like stepping back in time because everything in the house from the carpet, to the curtains, to the wall paper is all original.  Pictures are still hanging in the original places.

There is a small but quite visible    DO NOT TOUCH    sign on the piano. Yes, I'm a rebel, so I hid the sign with the a hymn book! Actually, Mr. York told me if I could play, to play it; I told him I do and I would be honored to play the piano. So, I did! For a piano being 102 years old, it played beautifully! According to Mr. York, I am one of the few who get the privilege of playing his mother's piano. ~ What an honor!

This is Alvin's hospital bed. 

It is known as the Ferris Wheel hospital bed ~ quite modern for that time.

The fireplace mantle in the living room.

The family Bible was in a glass case. See the verse that is circled?

This bonnet belonged to Sgt. York's mother, Mary and the picture is from the 1920's.

Every bed had a beautiful chenille bedspread on it. 

I loved the yo-yo mat across the pillows.

I would love to try my hand at frying chicken on the stove top and baking biscuits in this oven. I did not get a picture of the refrigerator, but it is the same green color.

The dining room was warm and inviting. 

This is the spring the family got their water from before plumbing 

was put in the house.

This is the church the York family attended and Alvin was saved here during a revival. Sgt. York is buried in the cemetery across the road from the church.

For my notebooking friends, here is a set of notebooking pages, I made to share with you all.

>>>Get it Here<<<

Sgt. Alvin York by Frog's Lilypad

Steer Riding and Chute Dogging

There is never a dull moment when it comes to having a boy who does what he loves.  The weekend of the 24th and 25th we were in Circle, Montana. I remember being told, I could not be Momma if something ever happened...

 

Yeah, well... At least I was doing all the picture taking at this moment, so I really could not tell what was going on.  I will say this, my heart was in my throat during this ride.

My husband had to tape his shirt back on him so he could compete in Chute Dogging.   Jamie was already mad about his steer ride just moments before being put back in the chute to wrestle.  With a banged up arm and wrist and no time to catch his breath he was not going to let that little steer win this one.

But in the end, the steer won.

Saturday, our county hosted the YRA and it was a L-O-N-G day since we had to do two rodeos. Thankfully, we did not have to stay around for it all. Once Jamie was finished with both of his rides, we left.

Jamie is a lot like me, when we have to be away from the house, longer than a couple of hours, we are ready to get back home. So, Saturday was torturous for us both.

This little steer did not want to participate in the second rodeo, so he walked out of the chute and laid down.

 And he threw Jamie over his head and shoulders.

A re-ride was offered and being so tired, he got off centered.

There's more awesome photos my husband took. You can see them HERE.

Have you ever wondered how I REALLY feel about this sport? Keep watching, there's a post coming up on how I honestly feel about youth rodeo.

Sloppy Joes

Super quick and Easy Sloppy Joes - Forget about the crappy canned stuff - make your own

We *LOVE* Sloppy Joes! This simple sandwich is a must on my meal menu every two weeks. Just like pizza, sloppy joes has a day of the week ~ Saturday.

Secretly, I used to hate sloppy joes. The reason, was because I used the canned sauce. Every time I think about the metallic taste the sauce had, I shiver. Seriously, the sauce and meat ratio did not work for me. Too much runny sauce and not enough meat caused me to throw out ⅓ of the can. What a waste!

I remember the first time, I made homemade sloppy joes. I was on cloud nine! I could not believe how we had missed out on something so yummy. From that moment on, I have not looked at sloppy joes with disdain.

The wonderful thing about making your own sloppy joes, you probably have all the ingredients on hand and you can adjust the sauciness to your liking.

~Sloppy Joes~

2 pounds ground meat
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2-3 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard (depending on your liking)
¾ - 1 cup ketchup
1-2 tablespoon brown sugar   (I use my homemade brown sugar)
salt and pepper to taste
buns  

In a frying pan over medium heat, brown meat, onion, and green pepper; drain off fat. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

*Two pounds of meat is more than most recipes call for, but I have a growing teenage boy who loves sloppy joes, so if I want to enjoy a couple myself, then I need more meat in the pan.

If you have extra meat and no hamburger buns, why not make Sloppy Hogs and use hot dog buns.  Get it ~  Sloppy Hogs, hot dog buns?  Yeah, believe me they are just as tasty!

If you make your own ketchup this would be even more super yummy. I've tried making these with my ketchup recipe and liked them even more.  I am working on the exact amounts of ingredients momentarily and I will be posting about making your own sometime in the near future.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

A cheesy, spicy pasta and polish sausage recipe. Instant pot directions included. With sausage, cheese and pasta what can go wrong?

I found this recipe from another blogger and when I read about it I knew it had to be good.

The thing about this recipe, you can adjust the spice to your likeness. The first time I made this, I started off with medium Ro-Tel but the second time, I made my version of Ro-Tel. I will have to say, it was much tastier the second time.

Another good thing about a pasta dish, you can choose whatever pasta you like. When it comes to choosing pasta at the store, I allow Jamie to pick whatever kind he thinks he'd like to try for dishes like this one.

Wondering how I made my Ro-Tel? I used a can of diced tomatoes and a half a can (small) of hot chilies. I mixed both in a bowl and let them sit overnight in the refrigerator. ~ Super yummy!  Yeah, we like our spice spicy!

~Spicy Sausage Pasta~

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage
1½ cups diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies
½ cup heavy cream
8 oz Rotini pasta
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

In an oven-safe pan over medium high heat add oil, sausage and onions and cook until lightly browned. Add garlic and cook for a minute more.  Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is tender about 11-12 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup cheese. Top with remaining cheese and broil until cheese is  golden brown and bubbly.

** I wanted to add, I DID NOT broil my pasta. With the heat we've had, I'm not willing to crank up the oven just for broiling. But, I did top the pasta with cheese and put the lid back on for a couple of minutes, to give it time to melt and become yummy gooey.

Instant Pot Directions:

Heat pot on the saute setting. Saute sausage, onion, and garlic until brown. Switch over to Manual setting and set the time for 4 minutes. Add the liquids and pasta  and stir. Put the lid on and lock. Cook for 4 minutes and do a quick vent. Open the lid and add the salt, pepper, and cheese. Stir and close the lid and let sit for a minute or two so the cheese can melt.
I found four minutes to be long enough for my pasta, but if you need it longer. Turn the cooker back on for another 2-3 minutes. Remember pasta will become mushy if over cooked. Do a quick vent to help in not overcooking.

School: A Typical Day

There really is no typical homeschool day since things change. But this is our “typical” school day.

I am going to spill the beans upfront...
 
WE ARE NOT MORNING PEOPLE!  We are a family of Night Owls, all three of us.  Actually, I think I am getting better at this, especially since my husband has to be up and out the door by 5:30 every morning. That will change in a few weeks when the winter hours start back and we will have an extra hour of sleep in the mornings.

In the past, when Jamie was younger and needed more of my teaching, I tried to get our school day started early and out-of-the-way.  Now that he is older and works more independently, starting later in the day is not a problem.

Teens need more sleep than others and since Jamie does better when he has his full amount of sleep, I allow him to sleep until 9:30-10ish. This helps me to have all my household duties completed along with any computer work needing completion before the school bell rings. We try to get started by 11:00 but no later than 11:30.

I am not a die-hard fan of scheduling my day; it's so much easier to just go with the flow. Although, I do have some things that I make sure I complete early on because my day just goes smoother.

We begin with Bible study. It's the first "subject" that we work on because our day does not go smoothly if we start with something else. Bible is also something we do not want to speed through, so first it is. I have my study time after my husband leaves in the morning but spending this time with Jamie and seeing what he takes away from the study is wonderful. Jamie and I read a chapter in Proverbs every day and then we have an in-depth study of whatever Bible study we choose together. This year we are starting off with Old Testament Character Study. For our Bible time, we usually spend 30 to 45 minutes.

From here, we work on whatever. We try to work on the subjects that I need to teach like Spelling early on, so then Jamie can focus more on his independent work. This keeps us being spread out across the kitchen table when my husband gets home from work.
Jamie and I enjoy reading aloud together and we spend time reading towards the end of our day.  (Wondering what we will be reading this year? Have a look SEE.) Lunch and a couple of break times are included in this time frame; we wrap things up around 4:00. I even try to find 20 minutes for a short snooze, after being up since five.

We are early supper eaters, so it is usually ready by 4:30.  Then our evenings are open to doing the things we love, like knitting, reading, watching a movie or for Jamie, computer time.

Bedtime... well I'm working on this. Since I'm up at 5:00 in the mornings, bedtime is usually calling my name around eight each night. I do try to stay up at least until nine but some days it just is not possible. (I told you I was working on not being a night owl.) Jamie usually stays up until his dad heads to bed.  Yep, I can sleep while they are both doing whatever they do together at night. I could sleep through a tornado.

Actually, no day is really typical, they can change from day to day. In a few weeks, we will be up and starting our day earlier so we can enjoy the afternoons while there is still some sunshine.

Crackle Cookies

A sweet and chewy cookie, similar to a sugar cookie.

I stumbled across this cookie recipe while I was searching for something ~DIFFERENT.   I did not have any chocolate chips in the house, and I was needing cookies to feel the cookie jar and I did not really want to make the old stand by ~ plain sugar cookies.

After eating just one, I changed the name of the cookie because I can't figure out where the nougat comes from.  I know what you are thinking!  When I hear nougat, I imagine yummy nougat in a candy bar, yeah this is so not it. Since the sugar is crunchy, it "crackles" when you bite into a cookie.

The cooking of the sugar can be done earlier in the day, if you are pressed on time. If you've never cooked sugar until it turns brown... DO NOT leave it and walk away, because it only takes a couple of minutes.

Depending on the humidity, you may need a little extra flour while rolling the dough. This particular day was actually cool with very low humidity, but I lightly floured the counter anyway.

And what ever you do... be sure to grease your pan before putting the cookies on.  You do not want a mess to deal with. This photo is of my pan after I used it two times. Give your pan a few minutes to cool down and give it a good oil job. I'm thinking Baker's Joy may work for this, since it is a flour-oil mixture.

I have made these two times and both times the cookies turned out and were very good.  They remind me of a butter cookie with a little surprise. Jamie has asked for them again, so I'll be working on some tomorrow.

~Crackle Cookies~

½ cup white sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter, softened
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ cup white sugar

Butter a small cake or jelly roll pan. If you use a jelly roll pan, you will not have to use the whole pan.

To prepare Nougat: In a frying pan place 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat and stir. Sugar will turn into liquid caramel. When syrup becomes dark brown, pour into cake pan and let harden.

Crush cooled sugar into small pieces. I broke the sugar to fit in a ziplock bag and used my rolling pin.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Separate the egg and add the yolk and vanilla. Blend thoroughly. Stir in ½ cup of sifted flour and the sugar pieces. Mix well. Sift in the rest of the flour.

Knead the dough lightly on a board. Roll the dough into a 1-inch in diameter log. Slice into ½ inch thick cookies. Place on greased cookie sheets 3 inches apart and press down with a fork.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes.