Knitting, facial, and happenings

Hi everyone! I am so excited that Haley and I are going to get to take a knitting class together. It is at the Knitter's Nest and we are going to learn how to make a slipper sock. It is only $5 for the class which is a great deal for personal lessons. :-) I am hoping to someday learn how to make a sweater. Knitted items are so cozy and warm. Here is a recipe for a great, homemade clay mask. If you buy premade ones, they are quite pricey, so making your own is a frugal option.

• 1 T Bentonite or French Green Clay
• 1 t raw honey
• 1/2 a squeezed leaf of aloe gel
• 1/2 t jojoba oil
• enough raw milk to make a spreadable paste

Spread this paste on your face and let set for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with a warm, wet cloth. Immediately moisturize with a healthy oil (apricot kernel, rose hip, almond, pumpkin seed, olive). Clay draws out impurities and tightens pores.

We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed all of the times with both of our families. We missed spending Christmas week with my family in North Carolina, but we hope there will be another opportunity in the next few years. This year, we hosted the annual gathering for Tim's side of the family. We had a great time and enjoyed sharing music, food, and games.

This coming month we are going to have a new experience. We are going to help Tim's brother butcher a cow. Tim and Jon are each taking a 3 day weekend so that we have plenty of time to process the whole cow. For Christmas I gave Tim a Buck hunting knife that I am sure will get used. I am hoping to render some of the beef tallow to put into soap this winter too. We are going to have a great time together making forever memories. We are so thankful for the blessing of the meat too. :-)

Haley and her cousin Julia are memorizing 1 and 2 Peter together this year. We purchased some beautiful calendars from Kings Blooming Rose that encourage young women all year long to memorize Scripture. The calendars are so sweet and beautiful. If you have a young daughter, I definitely would recommend you looking up their ministry.

I have been doing lots of cross country skiing and am getting the hang of it slowly but surely. It is great exercise and a wonderful way to get out in the beautiful snow. Maybe next winter I can try snowshoeing. :-)

Haley and Logan had an opportunity recently to play in a church orchestra and they both really, really enjoyed it. We can't wait until they can start lessons and youth orchestra again. It is so, so much fun!! I never, ever tire of watching and hearing them play. Our prayer is that they can use the gifts God has given them for His honor.

Enjoy where the Lord has you and trust Him in even the smallest details of your life. He is such a good Father!!