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July 3

Summer has arrived in Northeast Kansas. It has been an odd year for weather here. As most of the nation knows, we've had more than our share of rain and flooding in 2019. It was about time for a return to dry weather. Not a fan of mud, I would much rather deal with dust if low humidity returns.

Independence Day weekend is upon us. Normally it is my favorite holiday of the year, but this year I am feeling less enthusiastic about it. I have been thinking about the many things my husband and I have done to celebrate "The Fourth" over our thirty years of marriage.  As we prepare for our oldest child to go to college this fall, there is a feeling in me that we need to do something special.  On the other hand, same child is working full time right now and won't have the actual Fourth off, so the reality is that we won't be doing much special.

I guess that just adds to the "odd year" feeling.  Oh well, on to the future!  It is time to make new rituals and experience new things.

About me:

My name is Theresa, aka "Tree" to some longtime friends and a few relatives.

I'm a (mostly) stay-at-home-mom of two.  My passions include my family, my faith, and living in a simple manner that respects the blessings we have been given.

 

Relent, O LORD! How long?

Have pity on your servants!

Fill us at daybreak with your mercy,

that all our days we may sing for joy.

Make us glad as many days as you humbled us,

for as many years as we have seen trouble.

Show your deeds to your servants,

your glory to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God be ours.

Prosper the work of our hands!

Prosper the work of our hands!

Psalms 90:13-17

I love to get up before the sunrise, so I can go outside and greet the new day.  Watching the first glow of the sun, as it gets brighter, and then finally bursts over the horizon fills me with a sense of peace.  I often feel like I accomplish more in a day when I have done this.  I'm sure some would debate whether it is merely the fact that I am up earlier, therefore getting an early start on getting things done, or that my day is blessed by my morning prayer of greeting to the Lord and the day.  I prefer to believe it is a blessing on my day.

"Prosper the work of our hands, Lord.  Prosper the work of our hands."

Speaking of work, our County Fair is quickly approaching.  Last year our county started "early judging" of STEM-focused 4-H projects, in cooperation with other counties in our region.  The benefit is that we get quality, knowledgeable judges that our individual counties might not be able to attract.  It does mean that we had to adjust our mental calendar to finish projects two weeks before actual Fair time.

Here is a selection of images of the 4-H projects our kids are working on:


Did you notice that it wasn't all livestock?  Many people think "4-H = Farm Kids Only".  Not so!  I went through twelve years of 4-H and the only animals I ever showed were rabbits and chickens.  Our son has never showed a single animal in 4-H, through his eleven years.  Admittedly, our daughter enjoys working with animals, so she does show the stereotypical pigs, rabbits, and goats, in addition to many other projects.

4-H is a lot of work, but the benefits for our children are tremendous.  4-H provides leadership skills, public speaking skills, and social interaction with real people, in addition to mundane life skills that are no longer taught in school. It all adds up to create a strong human who is capable of caring for himself/herself and others as an adult.

Shameless Plug:  If you have children or grandchildren, contact your local State Extension Office (Google it for your county), and get involved in a 4-H club.  There are many, many clubs around, so you can find one that fits your family.  You'll be happy with the results.

On to cooking:

One of my very favorite summer breakfasts is when i take fresh fruit and homemade bread and put them together.  Chop, slice, or dice the fruit.  Cube the bread.  Toss with some nuts (I like sliced almonds with peaches!) or flax seeds.  Top with milk of choice (cow milk, soy milk, or heavy cream).  Yum!

Anna's Birthday Party Dirt Pudding Cups

  • 2 3.4-oz boxes Instant Chocolate Pudding mix
  • 2 3.4-oz boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding mix
  • 8 cups milk
  • 1 25-oz package cheap Oreo-type sandwich cookies
  • 2 8-oz containers Lite Cool Whip
  • 24 9-oz Solo Crystal plastic cups

Mix chocolate pudding mix with 4 cups milk in one bowl until it starts to thicken.  Do the same with the vanilla pudding mix and 4 cups milk in a second bowl.  Add one container of Cool Whip to each and stir until combined.

Put cookies in a baggie and crush (or use food processor).

Using 24 clear plastic cups, layer a teaspoon of cookies, 2 tablespoons of vanilla pudding, another teaspoon of cookies, 2 tablespoons of chocolate pudding.  Continue until cups are full and/or all pudding is used.  Top with cookies crumbles.

Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Makes 24 cups.

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