Handwork by Hannah

Happy 10th Birthday, Ellen!

2011-10-30T10:10:00.010-05:00

Today Ellen turned 10!

Exciting
Lovely
Loving
Energetic
Nice

Colorado: Rocky National Park

2011-09-25T17:06:00.018-05:00

The mountains are some of God's most beautiful creations!

In Rocky Mountain National Park, we drove around enjoying the scenery, hiked around Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, and went to Adams Falls. We saw lots of wildlife.

Some of the aspen trees were turning but not too many yet.

We saw a lot of chipmunks, deer, and elk all over, but we didn't see any moose. One of my favorite parts was hearing the male elk bugle and watching him herd the females.

"Feed me, please. I'm hungry."

This is a marmot that suddenly startled me. I was just walking on the sidewalk looking for a marmot when I suddenly looked down, and there was this marmot who was just sitting on the rocks minding his own business!

Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak

2011-09-25T16:38:00.010-05:00

We drove up to Pikes Peak on Saturday. The drive was very beautiful, but there were times when we were very close to the edge!

This is what you can see as you go up Pikes Peak.

We reached the top! There was tons of snow at the top, and it was lightly snowing! We stayed away from the edge, but when you looked down, you couldn't see anything because the clouds were so thick.

Colorado Springs: Garden of the gods

2011-09-24T16:07:00.022-05:00

The rocks in the Garden of the gods are absolutely beautiful! (They are big too!)

We saw a lot of deer and big horned sheep.

Ellen and I really enjoyed climbing on the
rocks around Balanced Rock.

Kissing Camels

Two pigeons just decided to take a nice rest in a hole in the side of a huge rock.

This past week we went on a family vacation to Colorado. We left on Thursday and spent that night in North Platte because we had to take Ginger to York, NE so she could have a vacation at my aunt and uncle's farm. Friday through Sunday morning we stayed in Colorado Springs.

Harvesting Our Pumpkins!

2011-09-13T16:03:00.020-05:00

Today we harvested our pumpkins, and we have twelve pumpkins! We even have three that are not ready to be picked and one tiny one that might still turn into a pumpkin!

Recently, we had been noticing that one of our pumpkins had begun to rot, and so mom looked up on the internet about how to harvest pumpkins. She read that when they are ready you cut them off of the vines a little way from the stem. Then put them in a dark, dry place for as long as you want to store them. (They also suggested to clean them with bleach and water, but I don't think we are going to do that.) After we picked them, we put them on some shelves in our garage. Hopefully, they will cure nicely, and we will have pumpkins to decorate with this fall.

For there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:..... a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,2 NRSV)

Before The Throne of God Above

2011-09-07T16:23:00.005-05:00

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea; a great high priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleas for me.

My name is graven on His hands; my name is written on His heart. I know that while in heav'n He stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see Him there who put an end to all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free. For God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb, my perfect spotless righteousness, the great unchangeable I AM, the King of Glory and of grace.

One with Himself I cannot die; My soul is purchased by His blood. My life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ my savior and my God.

By Charitie L. Bancroft

More Pumpkins!

2011-08-18T14:30:00.009-05:00

Now we have at least fifteen to twenty mini pumpkins on our pumpkin vines.

This is one of the big pumpkins, and it is already turning orange!

There are flowers on the vines, and the pumpkin grows behind the flower for awhile. Then the flower falls off. (In the picture above, the flower is going to fall off.)

The bottom of the pumpkin is where the flower used to be.

Making Pancakes

2011-08-18T14:18:00.011-05:00

Yesterday, we made a mix and then used it to make some pancakes for breakfast. And dad came home just as we decided to make some. perfect timing. :)

Sarpy County Fair

2011-08-18T12:46:00.016-05:00

In the afternoon on the last day of the fair, they have some foot races and an animal scramble.

Ellen and her friend Hanna

My cousin Olivia caught a duck.

This is our friend Jake's duck that he caught.

My cousin Amilia

Hanna, Ellen, and Olivia with her duck in the box

These are the things Ellen and I entered in the fair through the Douglas county 4-H.

Ellen entered this shirt that she sewed and received a red ribbon.

I entered this shirt that I sewed, and I received a blue ribbon.

I crocheted this baby soaker, and I received a purple ribbon and special recognition.

This is a sweater that I crocheted last fall for myself. For this I received a purple ribbon, and it was selected to go to the state fair. I also received the junior Fiber Arts Award.

Philippians 4:8

2011-07-30T16:01:00.012-05:00

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think of such things.

NIV

Caterpillars!

2011-07-30T14:55:00.020-05:00

Pumpkins In Our Compost Pile!

2011-07-30T14:55:00.019-05:00

Last fall we put our old rotting pumpkins in our compost pile. Then this spring we noticed some vines growing in our compost pile. We didn't know what it was until dad looked up pictures on the internet of pumpkin vines. Now it is producing dark, green pumpkins! We have two big ones, but there are also a few other small ones.

It has little spinners that grow outward and that attach to things. So now the vines are not only covering our compost pile, but they are coming out of the fence around it. And the leaves on it are a foot wide! I can't wait till the pumpkins start star turning orange!

Two weeks ago it was only this big.

Now the pumpkin is a little bigger than a cantaloupe.

Fireworks!

2011-07-04T11:53:00.007-05:00

Last night my family and I were at my cousins' house watching fireworks. They were very big, pretty, and loud. :)

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T11:21:00.006-05:00

I am so thankful for the freedom we have in America. Especially the freedom to worship God and to homeschool. God Bless America!

The Flowers In Our Garden

2011-06-26T13:17:00.012-05:00

This year we have not done much gardening at all. But we have a lot of flowers that come back every year. Please comment and tell me which ones are your favorite.

More About Jesus By Eliza Hewett

2011-06-10T13:56:00.003-05:00

More about Jesus would I know,

More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy word discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
More about Jesus in His word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.
More about Jesus on His throne,
Riches and glory all His own;
More of His kingdom's sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of peace.

Our Friends Old House

2011-06-09T10:45:00.004-05:00

This is our friend's old house, down the street. Our friends moved away and the new owners painted the house and the front door (or bought a new one?)! The house used to be white before it was painted.

Going Through Loveland Pass

2011-06-05T17:02:00.008-05:00

On the way home we went through Loveland Pass. It was so beautiful! The mountains were just covered with snow and Arapahoe Basin is still open for skiing. While it is 96 degrees here where I live.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

2011-06-05T13:30:00.025-05:00

Last weekend we went up to Beaver Creek, Colorado with our grandparents. We went up to celebrate my grandparents and my great aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. We stayed in a condo at a ski lodge. Some of my grandma's siblings also came up with their families.

As we were out sight seeing we saw a marmot and some deer.

On Sunday we drove up to Leadville. We stopped at a fish hatchery and decided to go for a hike. We really enjoyed it. There were several lakes and water falls that were very lovely. And the weather that day was perfect for a hike. :)

This is Mt. Massive, the second tallest mountain in Colorado. Its elevation is 14,433.

Playing dominoes with family. :)

Colorado Mountains

2011-06-05T11:52:00.015-05:00

"By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might.''
(Ps.65:6)

Cute Wooly Diaper Covers

2011-05-17T09:45:00.001-05:00

(This is the the very first one I made.)

These are diaper covers I crocheted out of wool yarn. A friend asked me to make them for her.

Be Thou My Vision

2011-05-17T06:58:00.005-05:00

Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be thou my Wisdom, be thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only be first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, when victr'y is won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Words By: Mary E. Bryne/Eleanor H. Hull

Our Spring Surprise

2011-05-01T16:03:00.008-05:00

What a surprise we had when we were on our front porch this afternoon. Something had caught my eye in our old insect container and it was a butterfly! We had raised swallow tail caterpillars last summer. All of them went into their chrysalises and only a few had come out. I was really surprised when I saw that it had been in its chrysalis all winter long. We let it go outside and it was fun to watch it fly away.

Handmade Bracelets

2011-04-19T17:44:00.004-05:00

(This one is almost finished.)

There are some people who really like making crafts so they are collecting all kinds of hand made bracelets to send over to orphans in Russia. We are making macrame bracelets with beads on them. They are a really fun and easy project to do.

Doll Cardigan

2011-03-30T14:06:00.007-05:00

This doll cardigan is the same pattern as the last cardigan I have made, but I changed the pattern to make one for my doll. I really enjoy crocheting things for my doll and experimenting with patterns.

Baby Cardigan With Matching Hat

2011-03-30T13:53:00.006-05:00

This baby cardigan and hat are going to another auction supporting a family whose daughter has Cystic Fibrosis.

Just As I Am

2011-03-27T19:49:00.001-05:00

Just as I am! without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st to me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am! and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am! Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am! Thy love unknown
Has broken ev'ry barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Words: Charlotte Elliott (w 1834)
Music: William Bradbury (w 1849)

Crocheted Baby Items

2011-03-23T16:12:00.009-05:00

This cardigan I donated to a fundraiser at our church.

All of these things except the baby cardigan I also gave to my grandma for her to donate.

A Week of Hats!

2011-03-23T16:07:00.010-05:00

This has been a week of hats. Four of these hats I am giving to my grandma to donate.
I like making baby hats because they are quick and easy to make. :)

Cake Decorating

2011-02-20T13:45:00.011-06:00

On Friday I took a cake decorating class with my friends. I decorated a small lemon cake that mom and I had made.

We also made cupcakes. So Ellen and I decorated cupcakes on Saturday morning.

Before we went to grandma's house last night I added a little bit more decoration to my cake. Then we took the cake and the cupcakes over to Grandma's house to have for desert.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T17:38:00.003-06:00

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,always perseveres.
Love never fails............
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13

Teaching Our Cousins How to Knit

2011-02-08T19:02:00.011-06:00

Today Aunt Pam, Olivia, and Amilia came over to learn how to knit. Mom and I taught Aunt Pam and Olivia how to knit while Ellen did lacing cards with Amilia. It was very fun. After our knitting lesson, we played together.

Ginger and Her Bone

2011-02-08T18:46:00.009-06:00

In our living room we have a dog bed for Ginger. On cold mornings we like to let her come up and chew on a dog bone. She has bones that have knots at the ends and she doesn't know what to do with the knots. So Mom took one of the knots and put peanut butter in the cracks. Ginger loved it! It is really funny to watch her lick the peanut butter.

Heirloom Doily

2011-02-08T18:33:00.012-06:00

This is one of the things I am crocheting right now. I found the pattern in a book at the library. I am about half way finished with it.

Proverbs 27:9

2011-02-02T16:44:00.011-06:00

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,

and the pleasantness of one's friend

springs from his earnest counsel.

Psalms 117

2011-01-24T17:33:00.003-06:00

Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures
forever.

Praise the Lord.

Bowling

2011-01-23T15:34:00.017-06:00

Yesterday we went bowling with our cousins for our grandma's birthday. Ellen and I had never gone bowling before, but we had a very nice time.

Our cousin Olivia and Ellen.

Grandma

Olivia, Ellen and Amilia.

Snow!

2011-01-10T17:16:00.007-06:00

Here are some pictures of the snow in our yard.

I love snow because it is so beautiful. It is also very fun to play in. Dad took Ellen and I sledding this afternoon and we had a lot of fun.

We took our Christmas tree down and put it outside for the birds to enjoy. It is a real tree, not an artificial tree. It looks like it was it was planted there, but the wind has blown it over a few times. The Juncos really like to sit on the branches, out of the wind. :)

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

2011-01-01T15:34:00.008-06:00

Joyful, joyful we adore Thee,
God of glory Lord of love:
Hearts unfold like flowers be for Thee,
Opening to the sun above,
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day!

All thy works with joy surround Thee,

Earth and heav'n reflect thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reining o'er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

Words: Henry van Dyke (w. 1907)
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven (w. 1824), arr. Edward Hodges

2010 is Almost Over!

2010-12-31T13:37:00.003-06:00

Wow! I can't believe that this is the last day of 2010! It has been a year filled with lots of fun activities.

Here are some of the fun things we did this year: In February Dad went with us for the Homeschool Legislative Day at the capitol. At the beginning of summer I started going to a different Bright Lights group that I have really enjoyed. In July we went to Cedar Falls, IA for Ellen's China reunion. Another thing we did in July was go to the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL. In early October we went to the Living History Farms in Des Moines, IA. I really enjoyed seeing the old fashioned town. Then we had a very nice Christmas Season with friends and family. I am so thankful for this past year filled with family and friends.

"The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;"

(Numbers 6:24,25)

Happy New Year!

Dad's Dollar Origami

2010-12-29T12:53:00.008-06:00

(Sorry this picture is sideways)

Dad made some dollar origami for mom. It is really neat. He made a shirt, heart, star, and a ring. I like the star and the ring the best. :)

Christmas!

2010-12-29T11:47:00.005-06:00

On Christmas Eve we went to my grandma and grandpa E's house for dinner. After dinner we opened presents with them and my Aunt Missy and Uncle Kip. Then on Christmas morning we opened presents at our house. From mom and dad I received a guitar! I am really excited to learn how to play it. :)
In the evening we went over to my grandma V's house to spend time with dad's side of the family.
We always have a lot of fun!

I hope you all had a fun Christmas with friends and family!

2010-12-12T17:52:00.002-06:00

On December 10th we memorized Isaiah 9:6.

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his
shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

We started memorizing John 15:5-17 on December 11th.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to m Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As my Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masters business. Instead, I have called you my friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."

The Christmas Season is Here!

2010-12-02T17:42:00.005-06:00

This year instead of doing an advent calendar we decided to memorize a verse from the Bible every day till Christmas that has something to do with Jesus Christ. Yesterday we memorized John 1:1-2.

In the beginning was the word,

and the Word with God,

and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.

We memorized Matthew 1:18 today. (We will also be memorizing Matthew 1:19-25 .)

This is how the birth 0f Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T15:19:00.005-06:00

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;
make known among the nations
what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the
Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.

(Psalms 105:1-4)

Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T17:38:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all that God has given us. We have a lot to be thankful for, because God has blessed us in so many ways!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures
forever;
his faithfulness continues through all
generations.

(Psalms 100)

Cupcakes!

2010-10-30T12:13:00.008-05:00

This past week we have been getting ready for Ellen's birthday. For her birthday party we made some cupcakes. They are really good! (The recipe said the cocoa and vinegar would react and cause the batter to turn red, however it did not work for us. It also said you needed regular cocoa for this to work, not dutch processed cocoa. We thought we used the right cocoa. In addition we used beet juice for the red dye, but that did not do much for the batter. It did make the frosting a nice pink color, though.)

Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cocoa powder (not Dutch processed)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
2 teaspoons red food coloring (recommended: Select natural food coloring. We used beet juice.)

Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring ( We just used beet juice)
Special equipment: pastry bag and large round tip

Directions

Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt together onto a piece of waxed paper. Mix the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring in a standing mixer. Using the paddle attachment, on medium speed, beat until well combined. Turn down the mixer speed and slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing until totally smooth, about 3 minutes.

Line a standard 12 cupcake tin with the liners (preferably silver). Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full with the batter and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes in the pans for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans. Cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Frosting: In a standing mixer, on medium speed, cream the butter until smooth. Turn down the mixer speed and slowly add the powdered sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla and mix until smooth and creamy. (We added just a little bit of beet juice till the frosting was a light pink color.)

Optional decorate with sprinkles :)

Carameled Apples

2010-10-30T12:03:00.010-05:00

Ellen dipped hers in sprinkles.

I had caramel sauce on ice cream.

Happy Birthday Ellen!

2010-10-30T09:47:00.014-05:00

Today is Ellen's birthday! We went to Panera this morning and had breakfast. Then came home and Ellen opened her birthday gifts. I gave Ellen a cardigan and a scarf for her birthday. I also made myself one because I liked it so much. ( I made them both a little big so we could grow into them.)

In Chist Alone

2010-10-25T15:57:00.009-05:00

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my Light, my strength, my song;

This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

When fears are stilled when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my all in all,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless Babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
'Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of god was satisfied.
For every sin on him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground his body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then, bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine,
Bought by the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me me from his hand;
'Till he returns or calls me home,
Here in the pow'r of Christ I stand!

A Milk Trip

2010-10-24T18:00:00.013-05:00

Dad and I went out to get milk at a farm in Elmwood, NE last Tuesday. When we went into the little building where they keep the milk. We left the back of our car open and this curious kitten climbed into the back of our car.

Isn't she cute! (Sorry I didn't get a picture of the kitten in our car.)

They also raise chickens, goats, pigs, and cows.

Juncos!

2010-10-24T17:58:00.007-05:00

The Juncos are back; winter is coming soon.

Our Mini Melon Bed

2010-10-14T14:20:00.010-05:00

In our backyard we have a compost pile and earlier this summer we put our Cantaloupe and Watermelon rinds in there. (We have a fence around compost pile so Ginger won't get it.) And the Cantaloupe seeds started growing up the fence! Just recently has it started producing fruit.

Fall Flowers

2010-10-11T19:00:00.011-05:00

Here are some pictures of some fall flowers that took yesterday. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking pictures of them. Please let me know how you liked them.

Nebraska State Fair

2010-09-22T15:06:00.006-05:00

My slippers and my baby cardigan went to the Nebraska State Fair this year and both received purple ribbons.

Bread and Butter

2010-08-23T17:38:00.020-05:00

A couple weeks ago we went over to a friends house with some other friends to make bread and butter. It was very fun. We made it with some whole wheat flour ( that we ground in our friends grinder).

This is what the dough looked like after it had risen. Then we rolled it out, rolled it up like a cinnamon roll, cut it in half, and put it in the pan to rise again.

This is what it looked like after it had risen a second time.

And here it is fresh out of the oven.........yum!

While the bread rose we made butter. We made it two different ways, by shaking cream in a jar and by putting cream in the mixer and beating it.

We beat it till it formed little yellow junks, then we strained all the butter milk out really good, and put it in a dish.

Bread and Butter!

A Butterfly

2010-08-23T17:24:00.004-05:00

This butterfly came out of its chrysalis on August 8, and went in on July 29. It came out while we were gone so we didn't get to take it outside to dry it's wings.

Douglas/Sarpy County 4-H Fair

2010-08-23T17:03:00.022-05:00

Ellen's sampler received a purple ribbon (first place) and her shirt she sewed received a blue ribbon ( second place).

My socks I knitted received a purple ribbon, special recognition and Judge's Award of Merit.

My felted clogs received a purple ribbon.

My baby cardigan also received a purple ribbon.

This is when I received the Outstanding Fiber Arts Award for the Junior Division.

The Chrysalis

2010-08-04T15:34:00.007-05:00

The caterpillars went in to their chrysalis. The one on the stick went in on July 25. We think they are in the chrysalis for about 14 days.

We had two come out of the chrysalis when our friends were watching them. The picture above is of the empty chrysalis.

An Interesting Sign

2010-08-04T15:28:00.006-05:00

Here is an interesting sign that we saw when we were in Illinois. We liked it.

Fair Entry Day

2010-08-04T15:17:00.008-05:00

These are the things I entered.

These are the things Ellen entered.

Knitting Socks!

2010-08-04T14:06:00.013-05:00

These are the socks I have knitted.

This is my prototype.

These I made for myself.

When I made these I used four needles total.

Swallowtail Caterpillars

2010-07-05T12:38:00.011-05:00

We have eight Swallowtail Caterpillars. We give them dill to eat but, this morning we gave the bigger ones parsley because we are running out of dill. They were really hungry. :-) Four of the caterpillars from our friends down the street and the others we found on our dill.

Baby Cardigans

2010-07-04T14:20:00.006-05:00

This cardigan I am going to enter in the fair.

I made this cardigan with some more of the yarn from my grandma. So I am going to donate it.

A Killdeer Nest

2010-07-04T12:51:00.009-05:00

Now its sitting on the nest.

It acts like its wing is injured to get our attention. When we follow her she walks away from the nest and if we stop she acts like her wing is injured again.

The nest is on the ground in some mulch. You would think it is in a dangerous spot. But they blend into the mulch.

Sorry, I was going to have a video of them, but it didn't work.

Summer Blossoms

2010-06-21T16:56:00.018-05:00

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
Psalms 24:1

The Lily of the Valley

2010-06-13T16:11:00.011-05:00

I found a friend in Jesus,
He's everything to me,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He's my comfort, in trouble He's my stay,
He tells me ev'ry care on Him to roll.
He's the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

Oh, He all my griefs has taken,and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He's my strong and mighty tow'r
I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart, and now He keeps me by His pow'r.
Tho all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Thru Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.
He's the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do his blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I've nothing now to fear,
With His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll.
He's the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

WORDS: Charles W. Fry (w. 1881)

MUSIC: William S. Hays ( w. 1881), adapt. Charles W. Fry (w. 1881)

An Outside Summer Wedding

2010-06-06T17:25:00.021-05:00

The bride and groom.

After the wedding ceremony we took some pictures of Ellen and I.

The bride's bouquet.

The flower arrangements were beautiful!

Hungry Little Animals

2010-05-20T14:57:00.005-05:00

"Something got into our seed!"

Dad had left out some birdseed on our front porch. Later on when dad went outside there was a hole in the bag and there was seed shells on the porch. We think a squirrel got into it when we were gone.

A Candle Making Shop

2010-05-19T17:53:00.010-05:00

Last Saturday we went with some friends to a little candle shop in Tekamah, NE (they also have chocolates, flowers, antiques, and gifts.) They let us decorate some chocolate covered pretzels, and they showed us the molds they use for their chocolates. They also showed us the wax they use for the candles they make. Afterward we spread out blankets and had lunch on the grass.

Mothers Day

2010-05-09T15:37:00.006-05:00

I made this flower trivet for my mom for Mothers Day.

Mom and I made whole wheat cranberry buttermilk scones to go with our egg casserole for lunch. We used half spelt flour and half whole wheat flour. My Aunt Patty gave us the whole wheat flour, which she milled at home.

2010-04-27T18:09:00.005-05:00

And Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

(Romans 5:5)

Crochet Projects

2010-04-20T16:51:00.000-05:00

These are some of the things I have crocheted in the past several months. I made these with more of the yarn from my grandma.

Growing Flowers

2010-04-19T14:41:00.013-05:00

We planted planted these flowers last Monday. We have been having a lot of fun watching them grow.

2010-04-13T14:29:00.005-05:00

The Flower

By Ellen Vogltanz

A flower is a beautiful sight,

When I see it in the light,

But when I have to go inside,

I'll still see it by my side.

When I wake up in the morning,

I'll go outside and see,

My little flower friend,

As light as it can be.

But when it starts to rain ,

I'll have to go inside again.

I'm looking out the window pane,

I see the merry rain,

Dropping, drooping on my lane.

The End

This is a poem Ellen wrote today in our backyard.

The Squirrels In Our Neighborhood

2010-04-11T18:13:00.006-05:00

Our neighbors set out corn for the squirrels and sometimes they like to come and have lunch in our yard. One squirrel decided that the corncob would be safe in the tree. (In the

picture above.)

Springtime

2010-04-05T16:33:00.009-05:00

All Things Bright and Beautiful

2010-03-30T15:26:00.004-05:00

by Cecil Alexandar

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brighten up the sky;

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
the meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

An Ear Flap Hat

2010-03-07T16:15:00.008-06:00

This is a hat I made with some yarn that my grandma gave me. My cousin Amilia tried the hat on and it looked so cute I made her one.

This is the hat I made for Amilia.

The Sixth Craft Hope Project

2010-03-07T15:49:00.010-06:00

The sixth craft hope project was making scarves for children who had graduated from high school who were in the Foster Care system. This is the scarf I made.

Felted Slippers

2010-01-24T13:32:00.006-06:00

Two years ago my mom and I took a class on how to make felted slippers. I had gotten one done and started the other. In the middle of the second slipper I took a break and didn't work on them for over two years. Then last week I decided I would try and finish them. But I had forgotten what row I was on so I started the second slipper all over again. Once I finished knitting them we put them in the washer to felt. We washed them for ten minutes. After we washed them for five more minutes they were the right size. Then it took about two and a half days to dry. They are really warm.

This is what they looked like before we felted them.

This is how they looked after ten minutes.

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T13:09:00.010-06:00

This morning we opened presents. I love everything I got!

Ellen got some playmobil for Christmas and has been playing with it.

For Christmas Ellen gave me a pound of wool to spin. It is really fun to spin.

Thanks Ellen!

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-26T08:10:00.004-06:00

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Baking

2009-11-25T12:23:00.007-06:00

Today we have taken a break from school to bake pies, make sweet potatoes, and stuffing. When we were making the pumpkin pies mom added exactly double the amount of half and half that we needed in the filling. So we doubled the whole recipe and are going to make a pumpkin pie with pecan streusel using the extra filling. This will be our third pumpkin pie! I can't wait for tomorrow.

Creative Pumpkins

2009-11-25T11:52:00.007-06:00

Last night my dad wrote on two other pumpkins. He does a very good job.

A Thanksgiving Quote

2009-11-24T12:12:00.006-06:00

"There's always something for which to be thankful." - Charles Dickens.

I'm thankful for my family.

Fun with Cousins

2009-11-23T16:56:00.007-06:00

Last Saturday night we had our weekly family dominoes game at our house. My cousins Julia, Emily, Olivia , and Amilia came. When I was in the kitchen Julia came into the kichen with a tub. It was so funny. She set it down and sat in it. ( Juilia first picture.) Then my mom got a bigger tub to see if she would want to sit in that tub. Juilia didn't want to but Amilia decided to sit in it.

Birdie Buffet

2009-11-22T15:43:00.005-06:00

Yesterday my grandma and grandpa took Ellen and I to Lauritzen Gardens and took a class about how to make different kinds of bird feeders. These are some of the ones we made. I really enjoyed making them.

Jorje

2009-11-02T14:29:00.005-06:00

On Ellen's Birthday I had set up a scavenger hunt. At the end was a dog I had crocheted. Ellen named it Jorje. It took a while to make.

Juncos

2009-10-31T10:03:00.008-05:00

The Juncos are back, winter is near. I think Juncos are my favorite bird.

Ellen's Birthday!

2009-10-30T11:01:00.010-05:00

Today is Ellen's Birthday! She is turning eight years old. Tonight we are having our family over for dinner. I gave Ellen a necklace and a playmobil set.

Fun at the Lake

2009-08-25T18:02:00.002-05:00

Every August our homeschooling friends go to Two Rivers and have lunch, play in the sand, and swim in the lake. Yesterday we played tag in the water. It was really fun.

Cute Little Furry Critters

2009-08-25T17:37:00.009-05:00

Last night our friends Hunter and Elliot showed us some baby bunnies they had caught in their backyard. My friends think they were about three weeks old.

Baby Corgies

2009-08-21T17:43:00.018-05:00

The puppies five days old.

Meggie ( the mom ) feeding her babies.

Our friends have three Corgis and one had babies. They were so cute and small.

Going to the Farm...

2009-07-16T17:31:00.011-05:00

On Monday and Tuesday Mom, Ellen, Aunt Pam, Olivia, Amilia, and I went to Hebron. My Aunt Suzy, Uncle Greg, Danielle, and Rachael live there. They have baby goats and we got to hold them. It was really fun.

This is their llama named Oreo.

This is their bull named Bob. He is very big.

On Tuesday Aunt Suzy took Olivia, Ellen, and I out to a pasture where they keep their cattle. This is Diamond and she has a two year old calf that is still nursing. Her calf is black and is standing next to her in this picture.

Baby House Sparrows

2009-06-16T13:22:00.009-05:00

The other day my dad spotted three or four baby House Sparrows. They were just sitting on our walk way chirping. Then they started to hop around and one by one they flew away. It was fun watching them.

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The Dolls Completed

2009-06-08T19:25:00.007-05:00

Here is a picture of the dolls that we sent to Nicaragua.

Mallard Ducklings

2009-06-08T17:35:00.008-05:00

A couple weeks ago my dad was working at a nursing home which has a little pond in front of it. In the pond there are some Mallard ducks male and female. Two of the females had about five to seven ducklings. He took us to see them and the ducklings were very cute.

Making Dolls

2009-06-08T17:13:00.005-05:00

In Craft Club the moms are helping make dolls to send to little girls in Nicaragua. The first Craft Club we got the bodies cut out, sewed together, and stuffed.

Upsided Down Tomato Plant

2009-05-16T12:30:00.005-05:00

On Mother's Day my dad gave his mom (my grandma) a hanging tomato plant. Ellen, my Uncle Danny, and my dad planted it and hung it on the house. It looks really nice.