...And We Live Here....

Summer weather has been gracing us w/ it's presence the last few days...and as we were out and about running errands 

Mount Hood

We saw this beautiful scenery!  

It is VERY common in our car for someone to just holler out..."AND WE LIVE HERE!", knowing that people travel far and wide to enjoy the beauty of the northwest..

Mount St. Helens

Mount Hood from Portland

we feel so blessed to live in this neck of the woods!

Columbia River Gorge

Hope you are enjoying the blessings of being where the Lord has placed you!

You Know All Those Years of Music Lessons?......

Rachel had the privilege of playing a piece by Max Bruch w/ her orchestra on Sunday evening.

In January she participated in a concerto competition and was selected as one of the winners.

Here is her bio that was in the program: (you can scroll down to the video and listen while you read, if you like!)

My name is Rachel Coder. I’m 17 years old, the 4th oldest of 10 siblings, and a Christian. My parents have homeschooled all 10 of us and, presently, I am ending my junior year of high-school. My oldest sister started playing music before I was born. Thus, for me to start playing cello at 8 years wasn’t really a shock to me –but I was thrilled. A year later, I started playing in my family quartet (in which we ended up playing for lobby music, weddings, and the Royal Rosarians of Portland), and 3 years  after  that, I started playing in PACS and have now been playing in OPAYCO for 3 years. Presently, I am taking from Diane Chaplin.

When I’m not playing or teaching the cello, I enjoy many other things. I have a herd of sheep - 5  precisely – which I raise and then sell some in an auction at our county fair. I also enjoy cooking, sewing, reading biographies, cleaning houses, working on a ranch, and having fun with family and friends! I would like to thank my Mum and Dad for all their love, support, and encouragement – especially through my earlier years – along with my oldest sister Sarah who was my practice partner. But foremost, I would like to thank and praise God for the
Gift He gave the world so many years ago.
 My most earnest desire in playing music is that God will be glorified.

Maybe today…

Maybe Today
^"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

I Thessalonians 4:16-17

Such a good thing to remember as I go about my day....puts all the tasks and pleasures in perspective.

Crocheted Coin Purse Pattern

For Easter Dinner, I crocheted these coin purses for the ladies...I used them for place card holders. I saw a pattern that I liked and tried to make a similar pattern.

This clasp was purchased at Joann. 

The little holes are only on the outside, and there is a nicely finished edge on the inside that covers the edge of the fabric. 

I used a size US G/4.00mm hook and worsted weight yarn. I am using US terminology. 

There are only single crochets (sc), half double crochets (hdc), and chains (ch).

Today I am using Lion Brand Kitchen cotton.

I found that 5 (sc) fit nicely into the depth of the clasp. So...I decided I wanted the belly of the purse to be twice as long (10 stitches) for a total of 15 stitches...and that I was going to make the body of the purse in one piece and then fold it in half....2 x 15 stitches = 30 stitches.

READY to start? 

ch 31 (last ch is to turn)

Row 1: sc in each of the first 5 stitches (not the turning stitch, but I think that is common), hdc in the next 20 stitches, sc in last 5 stitches, ch1, turn.

Now, just repeat that row until the ends fit snugly into the clasp. I think you can pretty easily adapt this pattern for whatever size clasp, hook, and yarn you are using. (The sc should be the same depth as the clasp, and the belly should be twice as long - guess that is up to you and the look you desire)

So here is my chain 31 w/ the first row started...those initial 5 sc...I just stopped to snap a picture so you could see how they fit into the clasp.

And here is the first row finished. The hdc part will be a bit wider than the ends...helping to create a fuller 'belly' part of the coin purse.

A couple of rows finished....

About half way....The shape is becoming more apparent...

And here is the whole piece finished....well, the crocheting part, anyhow.

Now you just sew it into the clasp and sew up the edges.

Ta-Dah

A lining would look nice, but I haven't ventured to do that just yet!

If you need clarification..please ask. I 'd love for you to have as much fun making these as I do! They are a quick and nice little gifty thing to have on hand or be able to make up the day before you need it.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    His mercies never come to an end;
 they are new every morning;
    great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion', says my soul, 'Therefore, I will hope in Him' "

Lamentations 3:22-23

May your day be spent hoping in Him!

Make it Monday

A few weeks ago, Lorraine posted about these great jar cozies. So, I gave it a go. 

I reused some kombucha bottles and hooked up a few cozies to fit. Now my kiddos can have colorful water bottles! I know, I know.....glass breaks......... but there is a definite advantage....Water in glass bottles doesn't taste like plastic!

We haven't taken them out to the concrete to see if they'll shatter when they are dropped....I'm certain that will be determined soon enough....but in the mean time, I thought I'd see how long they last!

                                   

Tulip Trot

Saturday, our family had to divide and conquer. Two of the kiddos went with me to a sheep clinic. The rest of the family participated in a local 5k race in Woodland. This was the first time we (yes, I say 'we' loosely, since 3 of us weren't there, and I cannot run that far at this point!) ran this race - but I understand the runners would like it to be an annual event!

These were our youngest participants - Megan Joy, Zachary, and Madeline Hope!

Here are our runners! We had two family friends join us - on the far left Micah (who came in 3rd over all) and Lauren is in front of him. Our Coderunner team included Joshua, Gregg, Benjamin (back row); Grace,Sarah (middle row); and Madeline, Megan, and Zachary.

And the Coderunner finishers in order of appearance........

Isn't she smiling too much to have just run 3.1 miles?

 I guess finishing before Daddy and Maddie can be rather inspiring!

 Emily - the photographer - came home with several beautiful lily bulbs to plant! We will hopefully get those in the ground and show you pictures at the end of the summer!

Introducing....

The Coderlambian

My 4H kiddos set up a blog for their 4h project. Hoping to keep potential buyers interested, they will be posting the ramblings and plannings and fixings, and doings of their adventures w/ sheep.  Hop on over and take a look.  Their blog is the Coderlambian....(our local newspaper is called 'The Columbian' - the inspiration for their market letter. - well, the name was the inspiration!)