This Present Valley

Just because I couldn't resist...

2011-06-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

A short video of Murray's Cake!

Murray's Day...

2011-06-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

As I had no photos when I last posted, here are some of my favorite shots taken of Murray's day....

Here is the cake Murray designed, and Mia help become a reality...

Please take careful note of the solders slogging on...

Love this angle...

Our resident aircraft expert telling us about this plane...

Couldn't decide which of these photos I liked best, so I posted them both!

And finally, the birthday mascot... ;)

Happy Birthday, Murray.

2011-06-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful to have you as ours. We look forward to what the Lord has planned for you and what He has called you to do. We delight in your company, and are fascinated where your interests will take you. We love you, Brother, forever, and ever, and ever….

What a Lot of Fun We're Having!

2011-06-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

This Month will be our 4^th Homemaker’s meeting. Our meetings were established for the purpose of teaching young ladies skills they might not have the time for otherwise. Right now they are all decorative, but useful in their own way.

Thus far we have covered:

sewing a very useful bag (led by our dear friend, Mrs. Radost).

icing roses, (courtesy of Miss Joy)

simple embroidery on a felt pincushion – pattern from Pretty Little Pincushions (led by Miss Lynne - me).

June’s topic will be card making. Miss Ana will be leading and guiding our class. I’ve seen some of her work before and am greatly looking forward this. J

A great many thanks to the two families we’ve been working with to establish these classes and give glory to the Lord! And HUZZAH! to the ladies who come! J

Spring Keeps Peeking Around the Corner...

2011-03-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

... smiling on us with her warm sun, gentle breezes, and promise of buds. Only to duck back with a giggle, while Winter sprays us with his snow-blower again. I'm delighting in each twist of the weather, but won't it fun when all the buds open, the flowers smile about, and every morning is full of birdsong?

The apartment complex next to my window (also known as a pine tree) is fully of noisy tenants. While I know there are house sparrows rooming in the pine, I'm also fairly certain there are mourning doves and chickadees. A few nests are visible - how fun when the chicks hatch!

Last week, we had our first Homemakers Meeting. The goal is to encourage and teach young future homemakers in lovely and useful abilities. This time bags of varying difficulties were sewn. Each girl chose her own material, pattern, and embellishments. Such a hive of joyful activity! The brothers, according to Murray, had a marvelous time learning about computers and cables (they made their own Ethernet cable) by one of the fathers. I believe I can say with Joy that it was "a roaring success." Next time, we're making icing roses - care to join?

This week, a friend should be coming over and staying a few nights.

Spring break is over, so Kate will be recommencing her physics studies.

Our German friend will be returning....Oh! she's not a war bride! Apparently, she was an older school girl during the French occupation. But she did marry an American soldier... She's delightful, has soo many stories, and we trust that we will be rewarding students.

I didn't think I'd like living in a neighborhood, but ours has opened us up to many more opportunities for fellowship and service.

How thankful we are for the Lord kind Providence and tender mercies...

German...

2011-02-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

In a few hours, a sweet WWII German war-bride will come to our house and to get to know we Careys and a few other families. We're all hoping, hoping, hoping she'll want to come once a month or so and teach us German...

If I can, I'll take and post some pictures... :)

~ Lynne

The 22nd on the 31st....

2011-02-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

The last day of January marked the first day Mia being 22 (can't say 22nd year as, technically, it's the first day of the commencement of her 23rd year). It was an unusual birthday weekend - new home (still settling in), new life (Grammy here - though at that time she was visiting Italian relatives).

As always, we had great deals of fun...

Earlier in the week, Mia and Kate made over 70 chocolate chip cookie dough truffles... Yum (the mocha ones are still my favorite, though)...

Over the weekend, we spent several hours showing our family thousands (literally - I believe we covered over 3,000) photos of our trip with Grandfather and Grandmother (my, how I miss them!).

On Sunday, a dear friend of ours (who's nearly Mia's age and whose birthday is the same as Mia's) had little celebration at lunch - complete with presents and cake! How I wish I'd brought my camera...

Monday afternoon (the OFFICIAL day) found us with another precious friend - Joy.

Before we started out, Joy treated us to lovely hot chocolate (Mia) and coffee (me). YUM!!!

We had lunch (thank you again, Joy!)...

Then the adventure began....

Mia LOVES antiques (some of us maintain she runs an orphanage). What could be better way to celebrate for her than scouring (you guessed it) an antique mall!

This place must have operated with transcendental dimensionalization (bigger on the inside than it was on the outside). It just didn't end!!!!

'twas true...

We all made lovely purchases (mostly presents for family not present), and generally had a glorious time of feminine Christian fellowship!

We returned home later than intended (but still light), and commenced the BIRTHDAY PARTY.

Mia and I (Lynne), enjoy artistic style blogs (usually from Europe), so Mia decided to experiment with one the ideas therefrom - cake bunting!

Father found it very funny...

Then, there were the presents - I didn't take pictures of that, but Mia had such fun. We finished up with Gary Cooper and Merle Oberon in The Cowboy and the Lady. Mia enjoyed it. :)

We are sooo very thankful for our MIA! <3

This Weekend...

2011-01-27T12:40:00.001-08:00

Isn't this a glorious view? It's from one of my bedroom windows. I thought we'd desperately miss our dear little valley, but the Lord is so very kind. Our new valley is more open and of a higher elevation. The wide valley with the rising hill calls to mind Mia's and my wonderful visit to Yellowstone and the surrounding area...

This weekend is Mia's birthday weekend. Our resident artist and Civil War costume historian, will turn 22 on Monday. As is our custom, Mia will choose the meals and activities. I'm itching to give her her presents!

Usually, our festivities commence the Friday evening of the birthday weekend. Tomorrow, however, we will be taking Grammy to the airport. She's heading to visit her NJ Italian family in honor of her last living aunt's 100th birthday. Her trip as been all arranged for her maximum comfort and safety. Your prayers would be appreciated anyway. :)

As a side note, during my "settling in" I've discarded more than a third, but not quite half of my possessions. Can a room lose weight? It feels so much lighter in here! :)

So Many Changes - So Little Time

2011-01-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

When I last posted, Mia and I were about to embark on an incredible adventure - a full month away from home, driving cross-country with Grandfather and Grandmother. What a delight that was!!!

Wanting to share our adventure, but determined to protect our privacy, we posted on an invitation-only blog. I had every intention of copying those posts and posting them here.

BUT...

We were EXHAUSTED

I couldn't figure out how to bulk transfer our previous posts (still working on this...)

We were EXHAUSTED (but you already knew that, didn't you?)

Our Grammy (who has stage 4 Alzheimer's) came to live with us

We moved out of our beloved, picturesque, sunrise-and-sunset-filled valley

So many changes in so little time...

Please pray for us.

I'm not (by any means) finished with posting and I dearly hope to share memorable moments from our adventures. Bear with me, I'll figure out this "timely posting" thing.

Something...

2010-05-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

is about...

to happen...

Springtime...

2010-05-19T20:32:00.001-07:00

Too Lovely NOT to Share

2010-04-01T05:22:00.001-07:00

I looked out the back porch door window this morning and saw this...

How much the Lord must love us to bless us with such breath-stealing beauty...

A Prayer of St. Patrick

2010-03-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

Unexpected Delight

2010-03-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

I entered a contest - a blog naming contest at a blog I have followed for a couple of years. I've mentioned it before...

Our Quiverful is the family blog of the Estes family. This lovely family of ten home schools, has their own family business, and deeply love the Lord. Noah, their youngest boy has a mitochondrial disease and is often very sick. Mrs. Estes has often been an great encouragement as she shares what the Lord is doing in their lives, and is teaching them.

So, when she announced she was having a blog-naming contest for a blog on Biblical womanhood, I knew I wanted to enter...

& in the Lord's very kind Providence,

I won!!!

That was at the beginning of February, and I'm still excited! :)

On top of the joy of my blog title being chosen, there was a prize - a $50 Amazon gift certificate! I was planning on purchasing books, but Mother counseled me to think beyond books (is that possible?). Therefore, it took me a bit longer to choose and at the end of February I had decided, I ordered and in less time than expected - they arrived!

Cath Kidston stationary and a very special muffin tin...

I'm now hijacking some of your most valuable time to show you. :)

In the Lord's Providence, I'll be using these sweet roses for a wedding shower on Saturday. :)

Thank you again, Mrs. Estes. I'm very thankful for and am praying for you all... <3>

Make certain you check this link so you can read In Ruby Slippers when it's officially launched!

Our First Tutorial

2010-03-04T03:49:00.001-08:00

Received a query concerning the purpose of marbles in baking a cake. :)

Ideally,to make a cake like the one below, one will use two 9-inch round cake pans and two 9-inch square pans.

You will then need either one large cake recipe or two boxed cake mixes.
Please allow me to take a moment recommend the rich cake recipe from my 1920's high school home economics textbook - Everyday Foods.

Once baked and cooled, cut both round cake pans in half. Take one square and two half-circles, assemble as above. Ice top, then next layer, assembling as the first layer.

Ice as any other cake and devour.

But, you say... What about those marbles?

Well, I will tell you. Only in ideal situations will you posses two round and two square cake pans. We posses two round and one square cake pans. Since we've only made this cake as a one layer before, it hasn't been a problem. Mia longed for a two layered heart cake so, necessity being the mother of invention, we busied ourselves with finding a solution.

The solution? Marbles. In a 9 x 13 pan. A "compartment" of aluminum foil kept them contained and out of the cake.

Just to refresh your memory...

It worked perfectly.

Hopefully, we have inspired you make your own heart-shaped cakes...

Have fun!

Note: We knew this was safe as we've baked with marbles before. Ordinary cupcakes in paper wrappers can become heart shaped if before baking a marble or two (stacked, not side by side) is positioned between the wrapper and the baking tin....

And Here it Is!

2010-03-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Mia's cake. Our resident linguist wrote
Herzlichen Glückwunsch
Happy Birthday or Congratulations in German... :)

On January 31st,

2010-03-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

someone

was making

a birthday cake.

<3

May I Have Your Attention, Please!

2010-02-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

Two of my friends are entering in a Scholarship competition by CollegePlus! Part of the prize is determined by the number of views they have by midnight tonight (CST).
If you wouldn't mind watching... It's only 3 minutes... Thank you! :)

Kate's Description of the Christmas Snowstorm

2010-01-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

Thought you'd care to hear from more Careys than just myself...

The Friday before Christmas, this part of the country was hit by a snowstorm! Mother and Lynne were out shopping at the time, and Father was at work, so it was just Mia, Murray and I at home. About 1:00 we were making cookies,etc. when we noticed that the wind had picked up, and that tiny ice crystals were falling. The precipitation changed from ice to snow to ice a few times, and then it really started falling fast (within half an hour, the ground was nearly white!). Mother and Lynne started for home swiftly, but they had to drive very slowly along the twisty, ice-coated roads, and the drive took longer than usual. About the time they started home, Father left work for fear of being snowed in and also started for home. He, too, had a rough drive, and passed several cars in the ditch, before he finally came home. All this time the snow hadn't slowed at all, and by the time of his arrival (about 2 hours later) the ground was completely covered, and blowing, swirling clouds of snow obscured much of the surrounding landscape. It only slowed a little over the next night and day, and we were snowed in all weekend.

Fortunately, the snow was perfect for sledding, and Saturday morning we ventured out. It was at least three inches above our knees almost everywhere, and, in the drifts, a good bit deeper than that! Moving was difficult, but we managed to blaze a trail up the hills, and up a gap cut into the tree-line for our sledding convenience by our landlord. That first day, sledding was tough because the snow was so deep, but the next afternoon it was much easier, and we rode down several times before we came in. Molly loved the snow. She delights to chase us down the hill on our sleds, pouncing on us and licking us when we get to the bottom. As it was up to her chest in many places, she had to bound like a dolphin to get anywhere, and thus she wore herself out to a perfectly-content-to-lay-in-front-of-the-heater state.

Tuesday morning we got up early so as to shovel out the driveway. Our driveway is rather long, and it slants upward fairly steeply, and the snow was deep enough to bottom-out the van, so we had a lot of work to do! It took us a few hours to get the driveway clear, so Father didn't get to work until past noon.

The snow had stopped by then, but the wind hadn't. Tuesday, it got very strong, and by Wednesday the power company reported 1,000 customers without electricity in a nearby state. We thought we would probably lose power, too (after all, it made sense- the power goes out and stays out on the slightest excuse in this valley). However, on Christmas it only flickered a few times (an incredible fact) and, even though the wind flatted an old barn in the field, knocked over a tree in one of our friends yard (squashing an old building, but not harming their house) and ripped the siding off another friend's house, this area never lost electricity!

NB~ And it has kept snowing. Some melted over Christmas and a few days later, but we have nearly non-stop snow this week... ~ Miss C.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

2010... Seems to be a date from science fiction novel, doesn't it?

Here at the Carey's House, we're ushering in the New Year by watching a family favorite - a stirring story of Good battling Evil against all odds- namely, Lord of the Rings. It's Murray's first time through the trilogy, and he's stayed in the room for 3/4 of the movies. Last night we watched the Fellowship, today we viewed the Two Towers, and tomorrow we will finish the trilogy with Return of the King.

This past year has been brimming with blessings, joy, and surprises. We can't wait to see what our Lord will do in the next twelve months!

As soon as I am able to gather photos I will recommence posting. I've several posts written and they are eager to be read. Soon...

One Family's Thanksgiving...

2009-11-26T05:22:00.000-08:00
While listening to some old Thanksgiving radio shows, we found this Father Knows Best. While the TV episode (in this clip, anyway) differs slightly from the radio program, the prayer Father prays (probably the best prayer I've heard in a movie) is the same one he prayed on the radio.

We hope you all enjoy it.

Have a happy Thanksgiving giving thanks for all the blessings our Heavenly Father has bestowed!

From August... To Forever...

2009-07-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Not quite the photo I wished, but how often may one sit a table with one pair of engaged friends and view the other framed by the first?

Oh, if I were any happier or more excited, I believe I'd burst!

Garden Hopes

2009-07-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Waaaaay back on Memorial Day, our dear friends the Plumleys came for a few days and graciously taught helped us to plant our over 2,000 square foot garden. Many hands made light work, and before we knew it, we had completed our task (hopefully, gardening parties will become a tradition...) ! Our free time was filled with watching BBC's 1970's version of Sense and Sensibility, fellowshipping, and a marvelous hike.

Thank you dear friends, our lovely garden is growing well, producing squash, zucchini, and much leafy vegatables. We're rather fond of it.

Happy Independence Day!!!!

2009-07-04T12:43:00.000-07:00
[It] will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

~ John Adams on celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence to his wife Abigail ~

Just a Thought...

2009-05-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Not even Josh Groban hits all the right notes all of the time...

What We’ve Been up To…

2009-05-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Happy May!

Nearly half a year gone by, I wonder what the rest will hold...

For the Carey Family, January –Mid April have been filled to the brim.

You see…

Father has a consulting business – Heritage Communications. Its purpose is to assist churches, homeschoolers, and others who wish to protect and defend their God-given liberties, rights and freedoms. Currently, Heritage is assisting one state, but our desire is to equip others to defend themselves across the country.

This state’s Legislative Season (the time of year in which the legislative bodies gather to pass legislation) is a 60 period, this year from – to - , but the six weeks previous are dedicated to organization and preparation. Once the Legislative Season starts, the preparation time seems easy…

In the beginning, Father goes weekly to the capitol (a couple hour drive away), and comes home to write synopsis of events, explain bills of importance, and generally inform and educate clients about the legislature. We (primarily Mother and Mia) edit his articles and newsletters (I assist with content). Dad and I set up the webpage (I’m in charge of maintenance, finding bills of note, and whatever else Dad needs me to do). We prepare Heritage (and ourselves) for the weeks ahead…

It is interesting to note that though 2000 bills may be introduced over the session, only ten percent of those become laws. Perhaps this gives an indication of the magnitude of what is accomplished in the official 60-day session.

As the Legislative Season continues, Father stays at the Capitol City for longer and longer periods, communicating ideas with legislators, defending Biblical freedoms, writing articles and working with legislation. We stay on-call at home, ready and waiting of whatever he needs us to do (while we have gone to the Capitol with him, our staying at the “base of operations” is usually of more assistance). While it can be "long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror," the “periods of boredom grow increasingly shorter as the legislative season progresses.

We pray to be faithful to accomplish the Lord’s purposes. We do not believe that “salvation for a nation comes through legislation,” but rather that by defending Biblical principles down at the capitol, we are making Christ Lord of every area of our lives and declaring his dominion over all things, including the affairs of men.

The last two weeks of the session are the busiest; as no more bills may be introduced and those that have been tend to progress rapidly. Vigilance is key, and we strive to make certain that all literature is perfect; no bills are overlooked, and whatever Father needs is supplied swiftly and simply.

And then - at midnight of the 60^th day - it is all over. Though there will be committee and interim meetings once a month, no more bills may be introduced or run until the next legislative season…

"I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."
~Isaiah 62:6-7

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power…The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

~ Patrick Henry

Speech in Virginia Convention,

St. John’s Episcopal Church

Richmond, VA [March 23, 1775]

(from his “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech)

Likes # 10 ~ A Giggle of Girls

2009-04-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

One late June day in 2006, Mia and I accepted an invitation to a week-long conference hosted by a church and held on a college campus. Ready for adventure (though admittedly a bit nervous), we accepted. A few weeks later we drove up, pulled in, and headed for the Registration table. After signing in, we carried our things up to the college dorm room which would be ours for the duration of the conference. After settling in (by the loving help of our family – thank you so much, Father for those fans!!!), we bid our kin adieu, and went out to see what we could see.

We knew next to no one attending, and though not the shy and timid sort, we were a bit uneasy. I think we went to a session before dinner, thoroughly enjoyed it, and found ourselves spiritually challenged, personally encouraged, and frightfully hungry. After walking to the cafeteria, we served ourselves, and choose a seat. A few minutes later, a very gracious lady seated herself across from us and began to converse. Her care and attention helped to set us at our ease. After the meal, (lunch, I think?) we left the cafeteria feeling much more confident.

And then it happened.

I can’t recall if we met the Mortons first, but with increasing rapidity, we met over a dozen young ladies. Most had attended the conference since its founding, but a few (like us) were new attendees. We palled around all week, gathering new friends, exchanging physical ( as well as e-mail) addresses. When we weren’t chatting, we were singing.

Oh, the singing! While some of our songs were simply enjoyable rounds, most of the songs we sang were from the Hymnbook or Psalter. There are few things as delightful, uplifting, and memorable as raising our voices together to the King of Kings.

That is how the Giggle of Girls began. By God’s grace, we have seen most of these young women at our conference. Every year, Mia and I anticipate their fellowship at the conference. We pray throughout the year for our fellow “Gigglers” and (as time permits) exchange e-mails. More have been added to our numbers. Some have not been able to return, but we cherish their memory and delight in the ones who’ve stayed. Others have attended our Southern Balls (and we theirs).One pair of sisters are now members of our church! As the Lord brings changes, blessings, and challenges in our lives, we anticipate with joy our fellowship and friendship both now and hereafter.

How good it is to know other like-minded young ladies!

The Morton’s old blog has some marvelous pictures of past conferences, and the Giggle of Girls. I am (again) unabashedly posting pictures from their blog.

Resurrection Day!

2009-04-12T06:06:00.002-07:00

1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, yet he humbled himself and opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before her shearers is dumb; yea, he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who among them considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living? for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And they made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his month.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many: and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53 (ERV)

IF there is therefore any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11 (ERV)

He is not here; for he is risen,
even as he said.
Matthew 28:6a (ERV)

Please Pray!

2009-04-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

Three-year-old Noah Estes has a form of Mito, which means that every cell in his body is mutated. It takes about $1,000 a day to keep this little one alive.

I've been following the Estes family blog for about a year now and Noah has been steadily getting worse (in fact, the Make a Wish Foundation sent the Estes family on a rush trip a few weeks ago). In the words of his mother,"Noah seems to have entered another one of his little downhill spirals. He will stay pretty stable for a while then gradually get subtly sicker . . . then maintain . . . then get sicker. This time we've been noticing that he is eating and drinking FAR less for the last few weeks. He was asking for things, but not eating/drinking them - then asking for things but just holding them and crying - and now he doesn't often ask and will generally cry if we offer. The exception is that sometimes he seems frantic in his desire for a drink. Even so, he won't drink much. He even refused coffee the other day. The only thing protecting his liver from the devestating effects of TPN are the calories he gets through his gut, so this is very hard to see. He is also fussier and tiring more easily. Sometimes he sort of comes back up from these downward spirals and other times they level out and become his new baseline."

Currently, Noah is in the hospital with high fevers and is sick every few minutes. The Dr.s and nurses are not certain what his problem is. Plus, he is not responding well to his medications.

Please pray for this homeschooling family of eight children (all of whom are under the weather at this time- none of Noah's siblings have Mito), read their blog, and let them know you are praying for them.

Thank you,

Lynne

Likes # 9 ~ The Mortons, Past and Present

2009-03-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

These are the Three Morton Maidens who captured our hearts at a conference several summers ago. Constrained by distance, we kept in touch through e-mail, our yearly conference, and the Morton Household Blog (a marvelous site, full of delightful photography, fun descriptions, and joy in the Christian Life). We would visit at each year at conference and the summers were good.

One tends to anticipate a good thing lasting forever, but all things must change, usually for the betterment of something or someone...

First, Meg began to court, and wasn't certain if she'd be able to come to conferences after marriage because of distance (much better for her, the loss was for us).

Then, when the Mortons couldn't come to the next conference, as Meg had married and was waiting for JuneBug to arrive, we missed our dear sisters, but were overjoyed for them all.

Now, with their moving, Kate now courting (how fantastic!), and the conference several months away, we don't know when we'll next see our dear friends...

But, the Lord has blessed us with visits at unexpected times.In fact, we've seen them more in the past 6 months, than we have since we first met! Such tender mercies.

'Til we meet again!

N.B.

The Mortons now have new blog - Morton Household Blog II.

Meg's family has a blog - Family Happenings.

Kate, when you've your own family, please make a blog!

P.S. All photos are unabashedly copied off of both the Morton Household blogs. For more delightful offerings, please visit their blogs!

Likes # 7 ~ Historical Exploration

2009-03-02T16:55:00.000-08:00
Fort Necessity - Washington's First Command

Inside the museum- It was very well done and enjoyable to walk through and learn from.

Outside the Reconstructed Fort

Just behind the mound.

The Good "Guys" and... The Bad Ones
Sadly, the folks on the right won.

Following the walking trail from the fort, we came to an inn along the National Road.

Just the thing for weary travelers.

I believe this is all from the early 1800's.

The last stop on our National Road travels was a toll station.

Here we are standing outside the closed toll station. The other photo is a close up of a reproduction of the original sign. It's to the left, and partially covered by a pillar in the left hand photograph.

The only site we explored post 1865, Arthurdale was Eleanore Roosevelt's pet project. Primarily an unsuccesful government-funded utopian community, the Historical Explorer is made to ponder the purpose, result, and future of Arthurdale...

The Forge, view of an Aurthurdale farm, the ruins of an Arthurdale factory.

Afterwards, it was back to the 1700's. Namely, the Albert Gallatin beloved house, Friendship Hill. Gallatin was a secretary of the treasury and masterminded ways for the fledging United States to stay debt free. We should know more of this man.

The original part of the house is to the left. At the right is Gallatin's son's addition (his father was much less than pleased - he'd set his son to build a Georgian addition, not a peasant's cottage).

One of the rooms in Friendship Hill and a pleasant Gazebo overlooking the Mon (a foursome could squaredance inside).

After enjoying Friendship Hill's lovely museum, we went outside to the pleasant grounds and several miles of walking trails. From left to right, Kate admiring the Gallatin's well (the well, though formerly used by the family, is boarded up, but still lovely. Then we girls sat and pondered the fate of Gallatin's first wife. Following the trail beyond, we came to a lovely trail and hiked some miles through the woods. Such fun.

On our last day, we visited a Kincell Family Favorite - Prickett's Fort. It was soon to become one of our favorites.

Prickett's Fort is a living History Museum. Though quite small, it remined me of Williamsburg's ability to transport one back in history. We Carey Girls can hardly wait to take our family there. How Murray would love to throw a tomahawk!

N.B. Each of these sites deserves multiple postings of its own. Sadly, this is not possible. Hence the hyperlinks on each of the sites. I hope you find them informative and inspire your own Historical Explorations!

Likes # 6 ~ Creative Problem Solving

2009-02-27T12:46:00.000-08:00
Based on the number of "likes" posted, one would assume the Carey family cares for very little! However, allow me to justify the lack of posts as the result of the start of Legislative Season of the state of Father's consulting business (how's that for confusing?).

That said, I've decided to solve the problem creatively (hence the title of this post). The series of "Likes" will continue until the end of the Legislative Season.

As the Careys are a family of a great many likes, this should prove interesting.

...hopefully....

Likes #5 ~ The Kincells

2009-02-17T11:54:00.001-08:00

The Kincell Family contains five of our favorite people. Kiri, Keely, and Kelsie are very dear friends of Mia, Kate, and myself, while Mother and Father relish the company of Mr. and Mrs. Kincell. We have known them for many, many years, mostly interacting in the homeschool arena (and they don't generally look like this).

The Kincells are a blogging family and have a well-written and enjoyable blog named The Kincell Family Blog which they have been writing since Jamestown’s Quadricentenial.

Last August, Mia, Kate, and I traveled to their house to spend a week of laughter, discussion, and historical exploration. The Kincells live in a history-rich area, and we vistors reveled in visiting as many sites as we could.

First, we visited Fort Necessity, Braddock's grave, and spots along The National Road. The next day we studied Arthurdale. I believe it was the first American Federal Government funded utopia. Friday found us at Friendship Hill, and Albert Gallatin's House. On our last day of historical exploration, we visited the Kincell Family favorite - Prickett's Fort. Oh, we had such fun! And... We hope to return the favor. Our area is stuffed with history, which we long to learn and share (we also want to sew and stitch together).

Likes #4 - <3

2009-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary, Father and Mother!

15,779,520 minutes = 262,992 hours = 10,958 days =
360 months = 30 years

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T09:44:00.001-08:00

I will sing to the Lord, for He hath dealt lovingly with me.
Psalm 13:6b

Likes # 3 - The Homeschool Song

2009-02-13T17:28:00.000-08:00
This video is a definite family favorite. Come on... altogether... "'cause I'm homeschooled!"

Likes # 2 - Being Tagged!

2009-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Morton Maidens of the Morton Household Blog tagged me! I’ve always wanted to be tagged!
The rules are:
1. go to your documents/pictures.
2. go to your 5th file.
3. go to your 5th picture.
4. blog about it.
5. tag 5 people …...
And this is the result:
Striking, no?
Nearly two years ago, we Careys embarked on the experience that is Ebay. It didn’t last very long – I personally didn’t find the effort compensated for our returns, and I don’t particularly care for the fees. We took a great many pictures in preparation for selling a variety of items and objects that had been freely bestowed upon us. Half of them were never posted. I’m not sure what became of these patterns and others like them. If we still own them, they will probably be posted on Etsy where the fees and terms are much, much better.
There.
I now tag Miss A, Mrs P, The K Family, Mrs M , and Miss Rose

Likes #1 ~ Molly

2009-02-03T08:54:00.001-08:00
As this is the month of Valentine's Day, I thought that it would be fun to post many of the things I (and my family) like/love in no particular order.

Here is the first item: Molly, the newest member of our family, sleeping on Mia's lap. Don't they look contented?

Bliss from Miss Carey on Vimeo.

This is also an experiment with YouTube and Vimeo. I'd like to know what you all think of these online video providers and how they compare.

Happy New Year!

2009-02-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

Though perhaps, as it is February 2nd, “new” may not be quite the right word. How about “fresh”? As in - this is a fresh year with few mistakes in it.

Unfortunately, one of my mistakes this fresh, new year is procrastinating so long on this blog! In the Lord’s Providence I hope not to allow this to happen again!

It seems a good way to begin to celebrate a new year is to rejoice in the delight and blessings of the last one (particularly when one is behind with the sharing of said delight). A full listing of our joys this past year would probably rival a dictionary in length and as this blog is concerned with our new home and life, here is a thankful glance at a sampling of the fun we had last fall.

The last few days in September, began our readying our dear little house in the valley for our “occupation”.

There was much to be done. The two-story house hadn’t been inhabited for six years, and there was much dust and many dead Asian beetles. The floor had to be mopped, the walls needed to be scrubbed, and the old furniture had to be moved out.

Father was needed at work, but the rest of we Careys were not alone. Two dear families from church came and helped with the work. Cheery Mrs. E and her four delightful children, and lovely Miss. A with her youngest brother, Master A.

Dear Mrs. E kept her baby in his snuggly while wiping down the walls with a mop (Did you know that wood paneling tears up a sponge mop? Never thought about it until it was done). Both mother and son appeared quite content with the situation.

Mr. B (our landlord), one of his friends, and a family from our church with strong young men, moved the heavy wood furniture out of the attic, the second story, and the first floor.

Masters E, A, and Murray all assisted as young boys might, with enthusiasm, gusto and diligence. We were all very pleased, proud, but not surprised with them. Oh, how I wish we had pictures!

During that afternoon, the threesome discovered an empty old chest in the attic. Mr. B told them how his uncle had once kept all the arrowheads found on the property in that chest. The boys were fascinated. Not only with the story of the arrowheads, but also with the conviction that before holding arrowheads, the chest had obviously been the property of pirates! I wonder how it came here…

By the end of the day, most of the work was done, and we all went home with the satisfaction and pride of a job well done!

Two days later, we moved in (I had hoped to have some photos of this momentous day, but alas no Carey was wielding a camera. Hopefully I will be able to beg photos from friends and then post them in this spot…).

The love and gracious outpouring of friendship as old friends and new assisted us with moving day, and then helped to arrange our rooms for living until we were fully settled (several ladies from our church opened all our kitchen boxes and arranged our cabinets for daily life) was overwhelming. Our cups overflowed.

The evening was spent in fellowship and the relishing of chili, and that night we slept for the first time in our new house, then rejoiced in the 25 minute drive to church (it had been over an hour). It probably bears mention that it takes about half an hour to get anywhere here, but let me assure you that this life is more that worth it. A new state, a new life, a new era had begun!

Most of October was spent settling in. There were still things that needed to be taken from the old house and brought to the new one. There would be two more “movings” before we were completely settled. It’s truly amazing how much effort goes into creating a home and an uplifting living space.

One day, after we were mostly settled, we went to visit some dear friends for many years who are like family. Mr. and Mrs. S own an old farmhouse called Green Pastures. While there, we picked apples and enjoyed sweet fellowship together.

Later that month, we had an adventure. One crisp and dew-damp Saturday morning, Mom and Dad weren’t home and we at home were completing the household tasks when my younger sister (Mia) noticed something unsettling – a bull calf in the yard! Our house is separated from a cow field by a fence and gate, but this black, wooly, muscular fellow descided that take what it may, he must absolutely get the grass from our yard (Thirty-some acres to choose from, and he fights through a metal fence, pulling some hair off in the process just to make it to a garage-sized plot of grass! Hmm… is there some kind of spiritual analogy here…). He looked content and we doubted our ability to herd him to the cow pasture.

It did take awhile. He paid little attention to the apples we kept throwing, but finally, he did o interested and with perseverance and teamwork on our part, we lured him into the cow field, shut the gate behind him, and blocked up his hole with rope we found in the shed. That mostly ended the adventure, however, until he was taken to market, if I wore a certain outfit, he’d come to me expecting apples.

Towards the end of the month, we drove several hours northwards to the Southern Fall Ball hosted by our friends the K’s and the M’s!!! We danced old dances, learned new ones, made friends, and generally had a thrilling time!

Sadly, our computer with photos of most our adventures died a tragic death (I didn't know that computers could scream). Therefore, I am unable to post our own photos and must direct you to a friend's slide show of some of the images. Thus, here is the Old South Ball

November saw us beginning to engage in hospitality as our dear friends the P’s on Kate’s birthday! What fun! We had a delicious meal, talked for hours, hiked, and even began a wigwam (in an undisclosed location, of course – it’s a secret!). The littlest Miss P seems to have been struck with the cows.

The next week we enjoyed a square dance and ball hosted by Miss A, and our friends of many years, Dr. and Mrs. F. I’ve never been to a costume ball, and it was simply delightful! Kate was a 1950’s young lady, Murray was Daniel Boone, Mia was Maid Marion, and I was a 1930’s housewife. The six hours we danced were not enough...

Again, I must needs direct you to the same friend's slide show. Here is the Costume Ball

More delight was on its way, as Uncle and Aunt D came to visit. We'd not seen Aunt D for quite some time and reveled in the visit!

Our Thanksgiving was unlike any we have ever experienced! Lacking nearby family members we planned to celebrate alone, however, the Lord had other plans- the delightful E family! Frankly, it had never occurred to me contemplate celebrating Thanksgiving without blood relatives. How glad I am that we did!

We ate.
We decorated Cookies.
We played Spoons.
We had so much fun

And the E's still have the pictures...

The month of December, was primarily spent in Christmassing. Someday, before I’m 90, I plan to have my Christmas gifts completed (and wrapped!) two weeks ahead. I may die in the attempt, but I’m still going to try.

We had the best Christmas ever. I look forward to the day when there are more of us, when six families gather at Christmas and not merely one, but even then, I don’t see how we could top the joy and fun we have savoring presents. At least, we children do. At our house, quality, not quantity is what is important. We have had our thin as well as our fat years, and we have learned whatever the case to savor the gift, joy in the giving, and relish our Lord’s manifold blessings; it took five hours to finish savoring.

Then we took a hike up the hill. The weather was right balmy 51 degrees, and perfect for hiking. We marched up to the top of the hill to observe an outcropping of rocks dubbed “The Cliff”, walked along the backbone of the hill, and enjoyed a picnic on a flat spot of the hillside seated on a fallen birch tree. The repast consisted of oranges, nuts, three kinds of cheeses, crackers, gingerbread cookies, and some of us had candy canes. The walk down the hill and across the meadow was fairly leisurely, and we enjoyed our Christmas Dinner about 3:00.

In early January, a very old friend came back to live with us forever. Mother's Great Aunt Daisy's beloved Upright Grand Piano has returned home after visiting with some of our friends. tree was put up a week later than is tradition, so we kept it up a week later! Thus, I have a lovely picture of our Living Room just before we began to take down Christmas (hence the box). Note Bene the Piano to the right.

Some of our faithful church family helped with the piano, and then stayed for Spoons!

During the same week, we had fun HB family vist. Where we live is perfect (if I do say it myself) for kite flying. JHB and BHB are working on setting up their stunt kites, while Mr. HB, Mrs. HB, Miss HB are with the Rest of the Careys in backyard flying our kites.

We also welcomed two dear girls to our home – Miss A, who stayed for a week, and Molly, our dearly loved puppy from the P’s who is half Newfoundland, half Border Collie and VERY intelligent.

We had a great deal of fun with Miss A, and anticipate with great joy her visiting us again!

Molly is learning her place in our pack and seems to appreciate every one of us. We hope and anticipate to be good stewards of our Furry Little Friend (FLF).

The month of January ended (as it always does) on Mia's birthday. We attended a beautiful Sweet Sixteenth Ball of a dear friend of ours who birthday is the same as Mia's. I believe there are few better ways to end a month than with a Big Beautiful Ball...

A Carey Family Christmas Favorite

2008-12-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

A Few Christmas Carols

2008-12-17T05:17:00.000-08:00

Rice Sock Friends

2008-11-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

May I introduce you to our very warm, very dear sock friends.

Penelope

Kotik - from Rudyard Kipling's "White Seal"

Frankfurt - a Dachshund

Kipper

Rice Socks have been our cherished companions for many years when we have had aches, pains, or cold hands. These friendly creatures are particularly good at soothing headaches.

We RSLs (Rice Sock Lovers), believe that no house should be without one of these fine creations. Thus, here are instructions for making your own Rice Sock.

You will need:
1 White Cotton Sock (we prefer men's tube socks)
4c. White Rice (the cheapest kind)
A Microwave (one may be able to warm Rice Socks in the oven, but I've never tried)

Instructions:
Fill the sock with four cups rice or preferred weight/size/shape. To do this, some of us cut off a corner of the rice bag and insert inside the sock. Others use a funnel.
When filled as wanted, hold by open end of sock and shake rice down. This will create a longer "neck" so as to make tying the knot at the end more easy.
Tie knot at the end. The Basic Rice Sock is now made.

Now comes the fun part ~ Bring your Rice Sock to life as you please. Sew on old pieces of socks for ears, wings, flippers, and the like. Faces and features may either be embroidered with cotton thread or drawn on with a permanent marker.

Heat your rice sock for 2-4 minutes, depending on the intensity of warmth desired. It is usually best to remove your Rice Sock by the tail as its body may need to cool slightly before being held by bare hands.

Suggested Warmths for Various Uses:
On one's head for headache relief ~ 2 minutes
Use as a soothing companion ~ 2.5 minutes
On one's lap to warm hands at a piano, computer or while reading ~ 2-3 minutes
At one's feet @ night to warm a cold bed ~ 3, possibly 4 minutes

While the socks themselves may be used until unmendable, the rice should probably be changed one a month. At that time, one's Rice Sock will most likely appreciate a washing.

What will your rice sock look like?

Oh the Thrill of It!

2008-11-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

Monday night it began to snow.
The temperature dropped and tiny snowflakes fell all night.
When the Careys awakened, the world was completely white.
Oh, the thrill of it!

Dad tried to drive to work.
The un-plowed, ice-covered, hairpin-curved country roads wouldn't let him.
His family had him to themselves - for the whole day.
Oh, the thrill of it!

Plans for playing in the snow were made.
Chores and school were to be completed first, and then the sledding would begin.
But the sun began to glow, the public schools were canceled, and a snow day was decided upon.
Oh, the thrill of it!

The search for the winter clothes commenced.
It seemed that these had not been stored for easy retrieval, and forty-five minutes of looking were needed to locate all that was needed.
Full winter garb was donned for the first time since having been stored in early spring.
Oh, the thrill of it!

Then the Careys marched outside.
The sleds were claimed, the fence was scaled, and the first human footprints on the cowfield's snow were made.
The quest for the perfect sledding hill was commenced.
Oh, the thrill of it!

The quest was more of a challenge than anticipated.
The field boasted hills, bumps, and rises of every sort and description, but there was always to much of one thing, or not enough of another.
Then Dad found Our Sledding Hill.
Oh, the thrill of it!

Then they began to sled.
Different combinations of Careys slid down on sleds, or fell off of sleds, and then rescaled the hill with sleds in tow.
For more than two hours the fun continued.
Oh, the thrill of it!

The time to return to the house came sooner than anticipated.
Some of the family were cold, some were tired, and others could have lived outside forever.
One last ride was organized.
Oh, the thrill of it!

The Careys left their snow pursuits.
They headed for the house and enjoyed an easy lunch, an old-time radio program on the Pilgrims, and cups of warming hot chocolate.
Most of them spent the rest of the day reading.
Oh, the thrill of it!

Evening came and still the family was together.
Cookies were baked, supper was eaten, and all lingered over the last few hours of the day.
Bedtime prayers were voiced in thankfulness and praise to the Creator and Bestower of all good things.
Oh, the thrill of it!

Each went to bed in his own time.
Tomorrow would come with its joyful duties and labours, but still the memories of The First Snow Day would linger long after the this snow had left and others had come to fill its place.
How good it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Oh, the thrill of it!

Window Art - By My Younger Sister

2008-11-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

First Snow

2008-11-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow recently. There were about two inches of snow on the ground, and six inches of snow on the porch! These hills were too pretty not to share - I can't wait for lots of snow. Want to come sledding?

N.B. These photos (and the footprints - must walk in snow... can't help it...) are mine. My younger sister and Dad took yesterday's photos.

Almost Settled

2008-11-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the area around our house. I hope you feel like you're here with us.

First Post

2008-11-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

It all began two years ago on the third week of June. Some friends invited us to a week-long conference hosted by their church and held at a college.

My sister and I stayed on campus, and before supper on the first day, we'd made more than a dozen friends!

Before the week was out, our entire family found we were of the same mind, and after the same heart as the other attendees.

By the next year we were members of the church which had hosted the conference, and were traveling over an hour for church and and fellowship.

This year Dad was hired by a business near our church family, my sister and I helped to set up the conference, and the Lord provided us a house near church, near job, near friends.

At this small spot in cyberspace, we plan to share our lives, loves, thoughts, and happenings. We hope to encourage, entertain, and display the tender mercies of our Lord and King to His children.

Thank you for dropping by.