Lessons From The Farm | Poison Ivy

(*This is actually Virginia Creeper not poison ivy*)

Poison ivy. O how I hate you. Anyone who has gotten into this dreadful plant knows just how annoying it can be- and itchy.

Every spring we are out with poison ivy (and every other plant with poison in front of its  name.) trying to rid the yard of it. But one year I missed a patch of it and not paying attention rubbed my arm against it.

I didn't know it until the itching started, and then it was all I could think of, (and no people telling me not to scratch it didn't help).

Have you ever felt that feeling, when God really wants you to do something? Like when He wants you to pray for someone, but you really don't want to, you are way too busy or distracted. Or when you are supposed to give money or time to help a certain person or ministry. It reminds me of  poison ivy. He keeps prompting. The rash keeps itching- until you do something about it.

Bbq Chicken Stuffed Baked Potato

Sometimes a light meal is just going to hit the spot. On those days, this is a great refreshing meal.

We got the idea from a California eatery called "Skinny Haven" and there it was made with a sweet teriyaki sauce. We have adapted it but it is a tasty meal.  I hope you give it a try.

5 medium potatoes baked

3 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.

Your favorite Bbq Sauce.

Himalayan Pink Salt

Pepper

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder.

Spring Water

Refined Coconut Oil

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Wash your potatoes, dry and then rub the outside of your potatoes with refined coconut oil and season the skins.

Place in oven and cook for about 45 - 50 min.

In a small pot place spring water to cover your chicken breasts.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.

Put on medium high and cook until meat is almost all the way done.  It will be a tiny bit pink inside. (Simmer the water and refrigerate and use as chicken broth in other recipes)

Pull chicken out of the pan and onto a cutting board and let cool until you can handle,  When cool enough shred the chicken with a fork pulling away from meat so fibers separate.

Put meat into a small saucepan and top with your favorite sauce.  We use both teriyaki or Mr. Cottage's home made Bbq.  

Simmer on low for a few minutes to heat up and to let the flavors really get into the meat and to finish cooking.  

When potatoes are done slice them in an X and press open.  Place a pat of butter, salt, and pepper to taste and then spoon in a scoop of meat.  

Serve with a salad.

Serves 5

Enjoy!




#stuffedpotato #teriakichicken #bbqChicken #lightlunch #lightdinner #bakedpotato 

Father's Day Gift Ideas

It is that time of the year again.  The time when we gather around dad and let him know how how thankful we are to him for all he has done. We want it to be something special, something that is not just another tie. We looked at Amazon and found a few of our favorite Father's Day ideas.  Click on the picture to be taken to our Rosevine Cottage Girl link. 

For that first time daddy this onesie comes in pink or in blue for girl or boy. It is a sweet way to say

 "Happy first father's day" to daddy.  We love this one.

Driving Caps are a unique way to show dad that you love him
and a stylish way for dad to celebrate Father's day.

Shaving kit - What a beautiful way to think of dad than
with the beautiful shaving kit to make him feel like a million dollars.

A Smoker- This one is for the grill master dad.
He is the dad that is a grilling king on the weekends
and the neighbors come calling when they smell that
familiar smell of smoke.  If you get him this one,
send us a map because we want to come visit! 

Outdoor Speaker - What better 

Way for dad to enjoy the hard work

he puts into the yard than with this

great blue tooth outdoor speaker!

Popcorn Popper-  How about an amazing gift of food

and entertainment.  A great air popper and his favorite

movies are a gift to remember and that if your dad is anything

like ours, He will LOVE it!

A Grill- A gas grill or a charcoal grill for the purist is just
what the dad ordered.  Hours of grilling for friends and
family is on the menu with these great grills. 

 

Bluetooth Shower Head that plays music: Dad a music
lover?  Does he sing in a band or just in the shower, this is
a great gift for him.  This is an amazing shower head that has a bluetooth so it hooks up wirelessly to your cellphone or Ipod
and brings your favorite music to your shower.  Rock on Dad!

Coffee Cup: Have a dad that is a coffee lover?  How about a
mug to drink his java in that will remind him, and announce to
everyone around him that he is the BEST!  

Key chain for dad, necklace for daddy's little girl.  The necklace for her says, "Daddy's Girl" and his key chain says, "There is this girl she stole my heart she calls me DADDY".  Must admit, I love love love this one.  Shhhhh don't tell my dad!

Matching shirts: Son a chip off the old block?  How about a father son t-shirt
set that says "Like Father" and "Like Son". These are so cute.

Willow tree statue 

These statues are so sweet.  Our 

Mom has a few of them.  This one is a

sweet way to capture a father's love.

This post contains affiliate links.



#FathersDay #Dad #ILoveMyDad #GiftIdeas #FathersDayGifts #GrillMaster

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Thank you so much Ashliegh over at Hey Sweet Little Thing for nominating us for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! It is such an honor, when we first started this blog we didn't really think we had anything worthwhile to share or that people would care. Over the last several years we have met so many amazing people from around the world that inspire us, that we never would have if we hadn't been 'crazy' enough to jump into blogging. We love you all so much. Thanks for being such great friends. 

7 hidden facts –

1. I love traveling (which is strange because as a kid I was the one who every two seconds would ask "Are we there yet?")
2. I got saved when I was two.
3. My grandfather and my dad both served in the navy.
4. I hate snakes (yet I live on a small farm. Ironic?)
5. I adore horses and have always dreamed of owning one ( and a dolphin J Hey my sister was a big fan of Flipper)
6. My mom is like the other half of my brain. Pretty much every post on this blog we have written together. And they always come out better for it. ( I love you Mrs. Cottage)
7. I've never had a hair cut.

My nominees –

• Deep Roots At Home
• Uniquely Yours 
• The Blish' Blog
• Jen Weaver

Guidelines - 

• Thank the person who nominated you and add a link to their blog.
• Display the award in a blog entry.
• List the award guidelines so your nominees will know what to do.
• State 7 hidden facts about yourself.
• Nominate other blogger friends for the award.

Loco Moco

Ingredients:

Ground Pork, beef, turkey, etc We used about 1/3 pound for all 4 patties.  We made them small.  The next time we made the patties the size of your fried egg.  It is up to you.  This is very filling.

1/3 Jar of mushrooms
4 Fried Eggs
Rice
Mushroom Gravy

Directions: 

Fried Eggs -
Traditionally Loco Moco is made with over easy eggs. We didn't want over easy so we did it our way. Crack eggs in a warm oiled pan and cook on low.  Season first side to your liking.  We use a sea salt blend with peppers, onion and garlic.  When the egg feels like it is solid flip and season side 2.
Cook until done to your liking.

Meat Patties -

Make your choice of meat into patties.  You can use ground turkey, pork, grass fed beef, buffalo, etc. If you have a very lean meat you may want to add some healthy oil to your pan as it warms.
Place your patties into your hot skillet.  Season with Himalayan salt and pepper, garlic and onion powder.  Flip and season again.

Gravy -
Gravy is really simple.  You need 2 Tbsp of fat of some kind, 2 Tbs of flour or corn starch to thicken it and a cup of broth of some kind.  We did this...

Take about 2 Tablespoons of pan drippings from the pan.  If there is a little more it is ok, but if there is a lot of fat then pour off into a mason jar through a coffee filter and you can reserve. With heat on low, add to this about 2 Tablespoons of Organic Flour (or whatever you have).  Whisk until all oil is incorporated. Slightly raise the temp and add 1 cup of bone broth (or whatever broth you have) and stir until thickened add mushrooms (drained).  We used about a third of a jar.

Rice-

3 cups of bone broth or spring water
Garlic powder, Onion Powder, Himalayan Salt and pepper to taste.
Boil water or broth and add 1 cup of rice
Cook 15 min for white rice or 45 for brown fluff.

To Assemble-

Take a scoop of rice and put on your plate or bowl.
Put on that a meat patty.
Put gravy on your patty.
On top of that put your fried egg - however you like it.


Makes enough for 4 adults with leftover rice.

Lessons From The Farm | Need To Fertilize

When we first moved here my grandma spent hours planting and caring for her roses. I can still see her in my mind, lovingly pruning, fertilizing, weeding and watering. She was so careful with them and they rewarded her with stunning blooms.

When she broke her back in a car accident and then began to have a series of mini strokes, she was no longer able to care for them as she did - weeds grew in, fertilizer remained un-spread, and the beautiful blooms did not appear like when she tended them.

Isn't the same thing true in our lives? For one reason or another, we don't read our bibles or go to church and we don't bloom because we haven't been watered properly and fertilized. How can we expect to grow, and point others to Christ if we aren't being nurtured?

What I Learned At The Colonial Fair

Recently we visited a colonial fair.  To say it was entertaining would be an understatement. We sat on the covered porch after hiking the trail to rest in the shade and these entertainers came to, well do what they do. There were several families that came out of this old cabin set along the trail and they too gathered to watch the show. It was enlightening. Here is what I learned.

1. Acting and storytelling is not for me.
2. Always listen to your parents...your story will end well.
3. Lots of kids have never heard of David and Goliath even here in the bible belt.
4. Homeschooled kids know the answers to all of your questions.
5. Kids really do say the darnedest things.
6. Any 4 smooth stones are the stones are the stones David did not throw at the giant Goliath.
7. Kids (and some adults) can't read cursive -that means trouble reading the founding documents.
8. There is work for hoarders who can spin a yarn (tell a story).
9. Don't cheat on a girl that is willing to go to sea- dressed as a man- to find you and knows how to use a gun and is not afraid to use it. It doesn't end well.
10. No matter how romantic the colonials looks in a uniform it is so much better that they are able to bathe.
11. Can I get an Amen to modern dentistry? 
12. Never pick fruit from a tree in a cemetery (it will save someone the trouble of resurrecting and kicking you in the pants, and you a nasty scare).
13. Don't mess with siblings.

Salmon with Fresh Salsa

Our family is not big fish eaters but I have to say we LOVED this recipe! There are never any leftovers.

Ingredients:

For The Fish:

4 Wild Caught Salmon Slices Thawed

Salt, Onion Powder & Garlic Powder

For The Salsa:

¼ Cup Chopped Sweet Organic Onions

4 Cloves of Garlic Smashed and Copped

¼ Cup Chopped Black Olives

3 Tablespoons Refined Coconut oil or Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Chopped Capers

3 Chopped Organic Tomatoes

1 Teaspoon Tabasco Sauce

½ Teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt Finely Ground

2 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme or 1 Teaspoon of Dried

¼ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Heat 2 tablespoons of the Coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat, add onion and garlic and cook stirring frequently for three minutes or until softened. Add remaining ingredients except salmon and cook for five minutes and then set aside.

Preheat grill to medium heat, brush both sides of fish with the remaining coconut oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes turning once until cooked through. Plate and spoon sauce over the top. Enjoy!





#Salmon #Fish #organic 

Dear Momma, Happy Mother's Day

Just in case I haven't told you lately your my best friend. You're always here, a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, a cheer when I want to quit. Just in case, I never told you... You're my hero. I want to be just like you.

Your my slumber party friend, my partner in crime, my inspiration, my teacher. You've always got my back. No matter how tired you are you are there, 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. Do matter how unlovable I act you love me anyway. Remember that children's book you use to read to me growing up? The one about the bear who would ask his momma if she would trade him for this or that? And her answer was always "I wouldn't trade you for the world,". Guess what, I wouldn't trade you for the world. So, just in case I haven't told you lately... You are amazing, a treasure, beautiful, faithful, wise... and I love you. Happy Mother's Day momma. Thanks for helping to make me who I am.

When Mother's Day Hurts | Part 2

Sitting in the bathroom on the edge of the bathtub, bare feet tapping an unknown rhythm on the floor. Chippy pink nail polish meets your eye then you look away to the counter were a pregnancy test sits that you really want to look at, but you are terrified to look at. The truth is you are afraid to hope anymore. Weeks, months, years of trying and failing. Your heart about beats out of your chest, but  you can't get yourself to look because your heart just can't take another letdown.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick. But a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

The pregnancy test has the"+" and your dream is about to come true you are afraid to be excited, but you do because it is your dream. Then comes the cramping and the bleeding begins and the doctor calls you in to confirm that they are gone, and the crushing feeling that your body has failed you, again closes in.

Or when you finally are pregnant but you get the diagnosis that your baby is not compatible with life. As you fold the tiny baby clothes -each holding a dream- you realize that this is all you will have of them as you slip them into the box, a set of baby shoes, a tiny hat, a bib- every dream shattered, like shards of glass on a sandy shore.

Or the foster mom that has raised dozens of children, Woke up with them at night - changed their diapers and fed them with all the love you had. You couldn't have loved them more if you bore them but they are whisked away and all you have left are empty rooms, an empty crib, toys no longer played with, empty bottles and sippy cups and silent baby monitors.  Haunting reminders of the love that once lived there. As you stand in the doorway you can almost hear their voices- laughing, cooing, jabbering, asking you to read a story.

Eyes staring longingly from old photographs, tiny toy soldiers standing sentry- a dolly still holding out her arms for the embrace that will never return. The echoes of laughter, the sound of small feet running to you in the foyer as you open the door. The swing that plays music every time you bump into it.

The son or daughter gone too soon. Taken in the blink of an eye from a tragic accident or slowly over days, weeks months and years from illness.

Remember those who silently experience another empty Mother's Day. Pray for them and reach out and let them know you love them and remember with them- Give a mom a hug today.  They say we need ten meaningful hugs a day.  Be one of those hugs to someone.  It may mean more than you can ever know.


If you missed the first"When Mother's Day Hurts" blog post you can find it here.  If these touched you, will you share them on FB or other social media.  It may help someone that is our prayer.  Thank you so much!









#MothersDay #babyloss #childloss #infertility #miscarriage #FosterCare #FosterMother #FosterMom