Rise and Swine

Praying... Waiting... Trusting... No matter what...   Jessie

Got milk?  Goat milk that is.  I do. Or at least I will soon!  This morning we introduced two adorable pygmy goats (that are very pregnant I might add) to our funny farm.  So exciting for everyone... except the chickens.  They are stressed to the max!  Babies will arrive in April... so if anyone is wanting to buy a goat from me let me know.  I should have at least three. One of my girls is expecting twins! =) I'm thrilled to introduce you to Miss Sally and Miss Sabrina    Welcome home girls!   Mr. Bunny is SO confused... Gotta go and get everything done for the day.  It's been a busy one already.  Hope y'all have a great day too! Fun times! Until next time... Jessie

Humbled again...  You would think that after all the foolishness I've fallen into... after all the sin Jesus has lifted me out of I would never have a self righteous condemning heart.  Wrong!  All too often I find myself on my face asking once again for His forgiveness as well as the forgiveness of others.  I don't want to be judgemental.  I don't want to be self righteous.  I'm well aware of where I've been and what Jesus rescued me from.  Still.  There it sits in my heart.  And when the right amount of pressure is squeezing me, it oozes out with force.  Ugly.  I wish I could take back all the times I've messed up.  Take away all the hurt I have caused others.  I can't.  Most of the time I am just one BIG mess trying to love God, and do what is right.  Failing more times than I would ever like to admit.  Today, I was reminded of the ugliness in my heart that God needs to dig out, and I need to let Hi...

Growing up I lived in good old California for a few years, and visiting San Fransisco was a weekend tradition.  I absolutely loved spending time there.  It is gorgeous!  And nothing beats their freshly baked sour dough!  Ever since moving back I have searched high and low for a recipe that would make my taste buds tingle with delight, but all failed in comparison.  Until now.  Alton Brown has ended my quest.  Finally!  I know.  I know what you're thinking...sour dough takes forever!  Yes, sour dough takes a bit of time but it's really easy and well worth the wait. 17 1/2 ounces of bread flour (all-purpose flour works too) 1/4 teaspoon yeast (room temperature)   2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 12 ounces very warm water (105 degrees) Mix dry ingredients well; add water.  Knead until flour is absorbed.  Leave in bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap.  Set on counter or i...

The last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster.  Loved ones have had their hearts broken, suffered great loss, revealed their secrets through billowing sobs, some have been paralyzed by fear from lies spoken by the enemy.  A few still have strong faith while many others seem to have no faith at all.  I wish with all my heart I could swoop in and "fix" everything.  I can't.  I don't have answers.  I can't heal their wounded hearts, make their dreams come true or free them from the bondage of their addictions.  Honestly, I can't do anything.  Except pray...  Except pray?  A phrase I have heard countless times when someone is going through a trial but it has never set well with me.  Prayer is not the ONLY option we have left but the most POWERFUL weapon we've been given.  God can do anything!  He cares about us.  He h...

Ugh.  My day consisted of the dreaded plunge.  Walmart.  I cringe every time I think of it!  I will admit I despise shopping of any kind unless it's for shoes, the flea market, garage sales or Craigslist (an adventurous hunt for the unusual is always a blast).  However, Walmart is one of my most dreaded trips.  It is an adventure though...odd people, no parking, lines that are unending and I am undoubtedly accosted by every nut in the state of Colorado.  Yes.  That sums it up.  I'm convinced they need a HUGE sign out front that reads ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!  Nevertheless once a month I pretend to be brave and venture out.  Well, three full carts... five grumpy kids...a cashier that needed a serious dose of personality and 2 hours later...I was spent.  To top it off I held my breath as I watched the cashier scan one item after another quickly racki...

Burrrrr.  It's cold outside! Since the winter months are upon us, I thought I would share a few of my favorite soup recipes to keep you nice and warm.  I love coming in out of the nippy weather and sittin' down to enjoy a bowl of soup.  It warms me all the way down to my tippy toes!  Sausage Green Bean 1 large yellow onion, chopped 4-6 potatoes, chopped Cooked Green Beans Polish Sausage or Bratwurst, cut into chunks Salt and Pepper to taste Enough beef broth to cover Saute onion in a bit of olive oil until softened.  Combine all ingredients into stockpot.  Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Before serving add 1/2 cup heavy cream.  Heat through and serve hot.  Top with cheese. 8-10 Servings Split Pea 1 pound dry split peas 8 cups water 1 ham bone 1 large onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 p...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!! And may all of you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

I've made the same mistake before Too many malls, too many stores December traffic  Christmas rush It breaks me till I push and shove Children are crying While mother's are trying To photograph Santa and sleigh The shopping and buying and standing forever in line What can I say? I need a silent night A holy night To hear an angel voice Through the chaos and the noise I need a midnight clear A little peace right here To end this crazy day With a silent night December comes, then disappears Faster and faster every year  Did my own mother keep this pace Or was the world a different place? Where people stayed home wishing for snow  Watching three channels on their TV Look at us now rushin' around Tryin' to buy Christmas peace I need a silent night A holy night To hear an angel voice Through the chaos and the noise I need a midnight clear A little peace right here To end this crazy day With a silent night What was it like back the...

Welcome back!   I hope y'all are having a blast preparing for Christmas.  It can be hard work to get everything done.  Exhausting in fact.  I'm sure you've earned some relaxation time.  So, grab something warm to drink, prop up your feet for a moment and enjoy some time for yourself.  I hope you'll be inspired by what I've done and be challenged to unleash your imagination too. Jessie's Christmas Tour Part II Guests are greeted by an antique sled adorned with boughs and an adorable coat that my sons wore as toddlers. In years past, I've decorated in an elegant fashion.  I love the grandeur and opulence.  However, this year I decided to go with a more down home natural look and I absolutely love it! A simple way to display Christmas cards.   My mother gave me this nativity a few years ago.  It was handed down from my great aunt.   I miss her SO much.  Pulling this out each year makes me fe...

It's official!  The Christmas season is in full swing at my house!  I am thrilled!  I've been bustin' at the seams to let my creative juices flow and sprinkle some cheer into every nook and cranny of my home.  My passionate desire actually started the week before Thanksgiving, but we have a rule in our home...we make sure to stop and enjoy each  season and holiday (without giving into the temptation to get ahead of ourselves).  However, after the Thanksgiving feast is complete the Christmas decor is pulled from the attic and a way we go.  It makes my heart happy! My home has been finished for a bit now but I haven't had the time to show you what I've done.  I've been busy with parties, shopping and so forth...I like to plan all those events the first few weeks of December and leave the last couple of weeks to spend with family/friends. Come on in for the first part of Jessie's Christmas Tour     At our hou...

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, FA la la la la, la la la la seems to be the chosen  Christmas song of  my sassy five year old.  Over and over...from the moment her tiny feet hit the floor in the morning... until she is snug in her bed...I love to hear her sweet voice sing with joy!  And I must admit, her passion for Christmas does come from me.  LOVE.  LOVE.  LOVE this time of year!  Autumn is my favorite season, but Christmas is most definitely my favorite holiday.  I drive my family to the brink of insanity!  In fact, I have been banned from playing Christmas music until Fall has officially arrived.  I have been known to commence holiday cheer in mid June.  My husband and children were less than enthusiastic about my gleeful spirit.  But I can't imagine why?     Christmas is the best!    Anyway, I th...

"Oh, God. No! Why - why now? What do you want from me? I've loved you. I've tried so hard to please and obey you...and this is what I get? I was so happy! This is a sick joke. You're playing with me. You let me be happy for a moment and then snatch it away? No. I'm angry! I told you this was the one thing I could   not survive. I trusted that you would take care of me. Protect me. You're no different than anyone else. Go away!" "I can’t believe I just said that. Father, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me! I know what I said was wrong. I feel that way now but I know you love me. I need your help. I won't survive this without you. I've been foolish. Please don’t leave me!"       With raw emotion those words poured from my lips before I could edit what was proper to speak.  Yes, I was praying but I knew better than to speak to God that way. Nevertheless, there it was in all of it's "glory" unveiling the ugliness of...

Baking is my favorite...so lets get to it! Snicker pie 1 Oreo crust 6-8 large snicker bars 1/4 cup milk 1 tub cool whip On very low heat melt snicker bars and milk making sure to stir often.  Once fully melted add cool whip.  Stir well.  Pour into Oreo crust and chill for at least 4 hours.  Makes 8-10 servings Ginger and Pear Tart 30 gingersnap cookies 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 3/4 cup half-and-half 1 package (4-serving size) vanilla instant pudding mix 2 Tablespoons apricot brandy 4 ripe pears 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Preheat oven to 350F.  Combine cookies and pecans in food processor or blender.  Process until finely crushed.  Combine crumb mixture and butter.  Press firmly onto bottom and up side of 10 in quiche dish or 9-inch pie plate.  Bake 7 minutes; cool completely.  Combine sour cream and half-and-half.  Beat until smooth.  Whis...

It's time to roll up our sleeves and have some fun in the kitchen!  I can't wait for the scrumptious aroma of Thanksgiving dinner to travel through my home like a welcomed guest.  Mmmmm...yummy!  My mouth is waterin' just thinkin' about it. I get a lot of requests for recipes so here are a few that seem to earn a coveted spot on the menu year after year. Gingered Pumpkin-Pear Soup (Great Appetizer) 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger 1Tbsp. butter 3 pears, peeled, cored, and sliced 1 15-oz. can pumpkin (fresh pumpkin is best) 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup milk 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp. finely shredded lime peel 1 Tbsp. lime juice In a large saucepan cook onion and ginger in butter until onion is tender.  Stir in pears; cook 1 minute more.  Stir in pumpkin and broth; heat to boiling.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 5 minutes or until pears are tender.  Cool slightly.  In...

...She's gone...  Three years ago today, she left those that dearly loved her and flew into the arms of the one who loves her more.  It never ceases to amaze me the things that come to mind when someone passes away.  It's never the big things, but rather the everyday moments that go unnoticed.  A hug.  A mischievous grin (that unveiled what they were thinking).  Eyes filled with compassion for a broken heart.  Laughter.  Tears. Quirky mannerisms that I never gave a second thought too. Sharing a bowl of cereal. The little things...   It's strange, how we strive to obtain perfection in our lives.  Thinking that will bring happiness.  The perfect vacation, job, house, marriage, children. We continually reach for the next best thing.  Once we get it, THEN we'll be happy.  Driven.  Always, driven. But never satisfied.  For...