On becoming 40...

My heart always calls out to my beloved Leelanau...

Could it be my love of these waters and land go far and deep into the depth of my soul as one of my greats gone before me was a keeper of the lights on South Manitou island, John Tobin?

I would love to have a place here someday. Time will tell...

Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

Summer highlights 2010

The family that butchers 200+ chickens together stays together and occasionally fights and can yell together...

Keepin' it real!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

A story of brotherly love that is "deer" to us!

It happened the summer of 2010... I wonder what the summer of 2011 will bring? Will Betty our deer friend pay us a visit again?

Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

Part of my way to deal with life's everyday stressors is to create!

When I am creating I find that is when I am happiest, healthiest and most relaxed...

In turn that finds a happy, healthy and relaxed family. The old adage is true, "When momma ain't happy, no one is happy".

Here is another "interview" you might find interesting or it could bore you to tears...

Stay tuned to see what I am makin' with these fabrics!

You can read the interview here:

http://www.whohub.com/homemakerang

UPDATE: see what I created from scraps here and here

Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

I had the privilege to be interviewed by Patrice from Everyday Ruralty.

You can check out the interview here:
http://www.everydayruralty.com/2011/03/barn-chicks-who-blog-angela-at-living.html

If any of you blog readers have more questions you can post them under the comments here and I will do my best to answer them if not to personal. I will close the questions on Friday, April 1, 2011.

Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

April's comin'

And our 40 acres of green grass and prairie will be in it's glory!

I cannot wait to walk this beautiful country side...

I can't wait for our pears and raspberries to be ripe for a wonderful pie baked in the farmhouse kitchen in our wood cook stove...

It's comin', really it is!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

In my 40 years I can truly say that some of the best days were when we were pursuing joining the Amish church... 400+ days out of 14,600 of my richest memories...

God led us there

and God led us away

We still miss our Amish life... The decision has been bittersweet...

But we are glad that we did not tread farther as hard as it was to "leave"

Here is a journal entry of mine:

We brought in 2011 fairly quiet at the farm. We have many exciting things to look forward to this year spiritually, mentally, on the farm and more. I love clean slates don’t you? I do not have too many New Year’s resolutions. Just a few, to live even more simply, love harder than I ever have – even when it’s HARD, getting closer to the Lord and a soul winning goal this year.
I have a feeling that 2011 will bring some changes to our family. I am not sure what yet… I just have a feeling… I want to be willing and ready for all that the Lord has for us here and there. I say this a lot but you should know I truly mean it…

There is not too much to report on the home front. We have found a small local church that we are attending. When we left the Amish church we made a commitment to one another in our family unit to sit out a year from formal church. We knew it could be easy to go where we felt most loved and jump right it as we were pretty lonely at first and very sad…

We made a commitment to not say too much publicly about our year as an Amish family. Someone gave us some very good advice. They were missionaries in their past. When they got off the plane after being gone from home in a foreign land for a year someone from the missionary board said not to make any conclusions from their year away until they came full circle a year later. This kind missionary couple gave us this same advice. Looking back now it made so much sense. We are glad we honored this advice.

And today, January 3, 2011 I can say without regret that I am so thankful we did not join the Amish church. God is good to babies and fools. No, that is not a verse in the Bible. I am not saying we were foolish as I would live that entire year as an Amish family all over again! I am not saying we were babies to explore this lifestyle. I will say that there was a small touch of both of these in us though. By the grace of God, He led us out of the lifestyle that is idealistic to many. We learned more than ever to depend on our every next move from God with Him telling us what to do next. We learned what living simply actually means – it is going without a lot… Overall, I would still say the Amish lifestyle is about 90% correct! I bet that is closer to what we should all be than what we are living now possibly…

Some days I feel as if we are leaving our ultra-conservative lifestyle a bit. It’s hard to have lived 37 years as we did and not to be pulled back into some of that. We went Christmas shopping at a large local Amish store for some small gifts for the children. I left there crying silently. I cried because of what was gone and I cried for what could have been. I miss the smells, the shy smiles, the melodic language and the naivety. I do not miss the secrets, the pride, the lies and the coldness. Leaving the Amish has been bittersweet for us. But as we come full circle it has become more sweet… Sweeter as the days go by…
In the spirit of farming, family and faith,
HomemakerAng

Our pond in the spring

I took this footage about a week ago before the ice storm :) But you can hear that spring is definitely going to make a big arrival soon!

Some farm accidents have happy endings!

Thank you all again for your cards, letters, visits and prayers! He will be cast free by summer... He got a 3rd cast after this one but it is removeable so he is not complaining :)

a sweet singer age 1

We sing a lot at this farm! Each winter evening we have a singin' at the table after supper. Even the little ones enjoy this and as you can see, they are learning well!

On becoming 40...

On my spiritual journey of my life I have learned much these last few years on health and healing. I temper our home healing first and foremost with God's word (left), 2nd with what we put into our mouths-we raise our own spelt, beef, chickens, raw milk, fruit, veggies and more to sustain us on these 40 acres.

Next we throw in some herbs and homeopathy. We end with modern medicine as we still find this very important. I believe you must have all of the above to be truly balanced with your health. Leave one out and it all goes crazy!

I look forward to what I will learn these next 40 years...
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

I will never regret, we will never regret, just shy out of 14,600 days on this earth... That we pursued with our heart, soul and mind a call to join the Amish church...
God led us there
and God led us away...

400+ days out of 14,600 of a rich and rewarding life...

We have sad days were we miss this....

But today I can say that I am happy we did not tread farther although it has been bittersweet... 400+ days of 40 years... One of my best years...

A journal entry January 2011: It has been a long time… Has it not?

We brought in 2011 fairly quiet at the farm. We have many exciting things to look forward to this year spiritually, mentally, on the farm and more. I love clean slates don’t you? I do not have too many New Year’s resolutions. Just a few, to live even more simply, love harder than I ever have – even when it’s HARD, getting closer to the Lord and a soul winning goal this year.

I have a feeling that 2011 will bring some changes to our family. I am not sure what yet… I just have a feeling… I want to be willing and ready for all that the Lord has for us here and there. I say this a lot but you should know I truly mean it…

There is not too much to report on the home front. We have found a small local church that we are attending. When we left the Amish church we made a commitment to one another in our family unit to sit out a year from formal church. We knew it could be easy to go where we felt most loved and jump right it as we were pretty lonely at first and very sad… We made a commitment to not say too much publically about our year as an Amish family. Someone gave us some very good advice. They were missionaries in their past. When they got off the plane after being gone from home in a foreign land for a year someone from the missionary board said not to make any conclusions from their year away until they came full circle a year later. This kind missionary couple gave us this same advice. Looking back now it made so much sense. We are glad we honored this advice.

And today, January 3, 2011 I can say without regret that I am so thankful we did not join the Amish church. God is good to babies and fools. No, that is not a verse in the Bible. I am not saying we were foolish as I would live that entire year as an Amish family all over again! I am not saying we were babies to explore this lifestyle. I will say that there was a small touch of both of these in us though. By the grace of God, He led us out of the lifestyle that is idealistic to many. We learned more than ever to depend on our every next move from God with Him telling us what to do next. We learned what living simply actually means – it is going without a lot… Overall, I would still say the Amish lifestyle is about 90% correct! I bet that is closer to what we should all be than what we are living now possibly…

Some days I feel as if we are leaving our ultra-conservative lifestyle a bit. It’s hard to have lived 37 years as we did and not to be pulled back into some of that. We went Christmas shopping at a large local Amish store for some small gifts for the children. I left there crying silently. I cried because of what was gone and I cried for what could have been. I miss the smells, the shy smiles, the melodic language and the naivety. I do not miss the secrets, the pride, the lies and the coldness. Leaving the Amish has been bittersweet for us. But as we come full circle it has become more sweet… Sweeter as the days go by…
In the spirit of farming, family and faith,
HomemakerAng

On becoming 40...

I have lived with almost 40 looooong Michigan winters! This photo taken just today after a pretty big ice storm.

I am loving winter more and more. I wouldn't have said that 10 years ago, but 10 years ago I wasn't a farmer's wife either. I cherish the down and snuggly time indoors that winter brings. I love cuddling up by one of the wood stoves with a good decorating or farm type magazine with my feet up in wool socks with mandarin orange spice tea. (one that my momma always served when I was a little girl)

This storm brought me back inside for winters last hurrah and I didn't mind it one bit! I'm just not ready to dig my hands in the quite dirt yet...
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

I am chasing toddlers who seem to be in to just about everything while planning a graduation open house and possible college enrollment for 1 child this fall.
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

Give us this day our daily bread... If you would have told me I would be cooking only on a wood cook stove in my early cooking days I wouldn't have believed you...

I am so thankful to God for this experience! The best part? Our children know how to cook and bake on a wood cook stove as well! From scrambled eggs to cookies to their own bread recipes.

I am perfecting our wood fired artisan breads for now... I always wonder, what else will I be doing in the next 40 years that I do not know now?

How exciting!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

Teaching children of all ages today about real life than some books...

All ages, from 1 to 17. I have learned quite a bit myself...

These are the days of my life!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

Local mexican lunch with a good friend!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

Did not Tasha Tudor have free range goats?
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

I am readying the cottage for spring guests but first I am enjoying its peace and solitude... Its so quiet here...

Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

Some farm accidents have happy endings!

He had his 2nd cast removed today from the January accident!

We are praising the Lord for His healing and that the accident was not worse. Although he did get a walking cast for another 4 weeks he is so happy it can be removed while sleeping!

By summer he should be free and clear of all restrictions. God's perfect timing. Thank you for your cards, prayers and encouragements!

The Matts

Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

On becoming 40...

The year of 40... A high school graduation open house... A 20th wedding anniversary... A 2 year-old birthday party... A royal wedding! A daughter starting college? So much more. Where has time gone!

In 6 short weeks I will be turning 40 if the Lord allows. I will be showcasing the days leading up to age 40 of what a 40 year old woman "looks like". A woman that lives on a farm, a whom who is a homemaker by trade, a mother of 6, a creator, a lover of Jesus, a home school teacher, a wife of 20 years and it goes on...

Won't you join me?

Xoxo

HomemakerAng

Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

Pizza all the way from Africa!!!

Pizza was delivered here to Maple Valley Farm all the way from Lusaka, Zambia AFRICA!!! From a blog reader and friend!!! What a surprise and Momma doesn't have to make supper tonight!! Woo hoo!!! Thank you Thom and Kimm!!!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

The winner of the Tattler lids

I blogged..FB'd and tweeted..spreading the love!! ;o} And hopin to win ! -Mumsie!!!

Thanks everyone for playing!

HomemakerAng
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

We are speechless

And weeping with pure joy for all the Lord has done for this family! To God be ALL glory, honor and praise!!!

He has taken care of this little family through and through! He has proved Himself again just today. God we adore you!

Thank you Jesus!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

Needing some inspiration...

I love old magazines :)! I wish Country Home mag was still in business! What's your favorite inspiring magazine(s)?
Xo
HomemakerAng
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm

Free Tattler lids!!!! A FREE GIVEAWAY FROM LEHMANS SENT FROM MAPLE VALLEY FARMS

I would personally like to thank Glenda of Lehman's for allowing Maple Valley Farms to try out these reusable canning lids first hand! They were a success! I pressure canned venison on our Pioneer Princess wood cook stove and 13 out of 14 sealed perfectly in my All-American Pressure canner (which I also highly recommend as All American Pressure Canners do not use a rubber gasket-one more thing to always buy). I highly recommend these lids for any farm kitchen! A+ ratings from Maple Valley Farm!
Here are some photos of the venison all canned with the lids on the jars. Pressure canning is easy! These lids will make it even easier as you will not be stuck running to the store at the last minute because you realized you are out of lids when you attempt to can.

Here is a very short review clip of the lids as well!

THANK YOU Glenda and Lehman's!

So what's it it for you (smile)...?

I will be giving away to the continental USA (sorry folks) a variety of these NEW reusable lids just for you to try as well with some extra rubber rings. Please note these are a free giveaway gift from Maple Valley Farms, they hold no cash or credit value. THEY CANNOT BE RETURNED TO LEHMAN'S for cash, credit or any refund or trade WHATSOEVER or to Maple Valley Farms.

What I need you to do is blog about our wonderful Maple Valley off-grid Farm blog and link to us! Tell about our place and the free-giveaway of course in an individual blog post. Leave a comment here with that link by midnight March 10, 2011. I will be drawing a winner then and contact you if you are the fun winner and mail you your free stuff! Now, who doesn't like free stuff?

Here's to winning and here's to blogging about us! And by the way, I don't believe in LUCK!

In the spirit of farming, family and faith,

Angela

www.maplevalleyfarms.net

On becoming 40...

Out of my close to 14,600 days on earth... I never, we never, regret our journey to the Amish faith...
God lead us there

and God led us away...

These 400+ days were some of the richest of my 40 years on this earth...

Today I am thankful for the opportunity...

And today I am blessed that we did not tread farther... It has been such a bittersweet experience... Here is a short "journal entry":

...and today, January 3, 2011 I can say without regret that I am so thankful we did not join the Amish church.

God is good to babies and fools. No, that is not a verse in the Bible. I am not saying we were foolish as I would live that entire year as an Amish family all over again! I am not saying we were babies to explore this lifestyle. I will say that there was a small touch of both of these in us though. By the grace of God, He led us out of the lifestyle that is idealistic to many.

We learned more than ever to depend on our every next move from God with Him telling us what to do next. We learned what living simply actually means – it is going without a lot… Overall, I would still say the Amish lifestyle is about 90% correct! I bet that is closer to what we should all be than what we are living now possibly…

Some days I feel as if we are leaving our ultra-conservative lifestyle a bit. It’s hard to have lived 37 years as we did and not to be pulled back into some of that. We went Christmas shopping at a large local Amish store for some small gifts for the children. I left there crying silently. I cried because of what was gone and I cried for what could have been. I miss the smells, the shy smiles, the melodic language and the naivety. I do not miss the secrets, the pride, the lies and the coldness. Leaving the Amish has been bittersweet for us. But as we come full circle it has become more sweet… Sweeter as the days go by…

In the spirit of farming, family and faith,
HomemakerAng

We are still here!

Happy March 1st! That just sounds good... Did you miss us?

Its been a long few weeks. We have been hit hard with the flu but God has been good to us.

The last of the group is just coming down with it... Lots of peppermint essential oil baths, tea. My Momma made us homemade chicken soup, lemonade pie and more.

Our son got his second cast. He most likely has this one until the end of March and then gets another one!

We had a wonderful church conference in the midst of all this.

How have you all been?

We will be back to our scheduled programing soon!!!
Sent from Our Off Grid Farm