Thanksgiving Weekend

Nov 30, 2007

This was our 1st Thanksgiving spent at Plymouth Rock Ranch. On Wednesday, we had nearly record heat. Then Wednesday night the wind and cold front blew in. We had invited the Manteufel Family and Joseph Manion over, so we were sure thankful when the wind let up and just left the cold. We were also very thankful for our tent, as well as our new outdoor oven in which to cook!

As a side note: Some of you have asked what we were going to do with the oven when it rained. Well, rain was a comin' so THIS is what the boys threw together.

Outdoor Oven in Pig Trap Shelter

Ryker is in the midst of tearing apart and rewelding a pig trap. In the hour of need, the pig trap found a new calling - outdoor oven shelter. The boys turned it up on end and threw on some plywood to keep the rain out. Ingenius! Now, we'll see if this little job is permanent, or if Ryker will decide to reclaim his pig trap : )

Rick Wiring for Lights in the Tent!
Yeah! No More Shop Light!

Rick decided that we needed better lighting before guests arrived, so he got to wiring in some lights down the center pole of the tent. We are so very happy to have lights in the tent now instead of our huge shop utility light that we've been using!

Back to Thanksgiving. Callan was our chef and Ashley our cleaner/organizer. This kept them busy for a couple of days after we were finished with our cow/horn fiasco. Callan's menu included: Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Corn Bread, Wild Rice Stuffing, Jello Salad, Rice Krispy Turkeys, Peanut Butter Balls, Coffee, Tea, Hot Apple Cider and Hot Cocoa. The Manteufel brought Pecan and Pumpkin Pies. We had a great feast.

Turkey Krispies

The Manteufels haven't been out to PRR since we moved our trailer and set up our tent and Joseph had never been to the Ranch. We stoked up the wood burning stove, they came prepared with warm clothing and we gave them the grand tour : ) introducing them to our trailer, tent, property and our animals. They had an education in persistent chickens who think they need to come into the tent to lay their eggs, dogs that get their jollies retrieving rocks and then persistently dropping them back at your feet with eyes begging for more, cows that eat apple halves filled with kaopectate (can you say, "stress from a horn injury?"), milking goats, what it means when you say, "The chickens came home to roost," and just life in general at PRR.

We sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" after our thanksgiving meal prayer. At the dinner table, we talked about what we were thankful for, and later on read about the 1st Thanksgiving Proclamation by George Washington. In the original-Thanksgiving-Feast fashion, the guys shot guns, wrestled, played and ate. They also helped Jackson and Harrison build a fort out of cedar branches. Randy, Laurie, Rick and I went for a walk around the property. Randy helped us come up with a new business idea. We'll share that idea at a later date, Lord willing. All in all, we had a great day of leisurely fellowship.

Joseph became our first overnight guest at PRR, sleeping next to the wood burning stove in the tent. He says he stayed warm enough but the cats insisted on playing through the night : ) He tried putting them in their cage, but they managed to escape through a small hole in the wire.

The next day, Joseph helped us flip the shed base over so we could install insulation and screw down the floor.

Shed Base on End

Over Easy

Skylar

Ryker

Daddy's Helper, Delaney

Group Effort

Rick

4 To Work a Chalkline

After the work was done, the guys moved on to target shooting.

Target Shooting

Joseph is the oldest of 14 children. Needless to say, he fit right in!

Joseph & Darby

The 'Lil Boys' New Toy Friend

Joseph & King

Joseph & Calico

The Referee in Black & White
Joseph & Skylar Preparing to Wrestle

Let the Match Begin

Male Bonding?

I still have not had anyone explain to me why guys like wrestling so much!

Toasty Kitty

Rick's Hangar Cat, Holstein

Holstein was Rick's hangar cat when he had his glider repair business, Soarcraft, Inc., in California. She was a great mouser. She loved to lay on Rick's shoulders as he would sand on airplanes that he was refinishing. She also thought it was her duty to nap in every airplane that came into the shop that Rick forgot to close up as well as make her presence known to all visitors and customers. She seems to know that Rick is working on an airplane again and has taken her rightful place in Rick's lap as he works on Harrison's Mr. Four.

Mr. Four's Tail & Holstein

To end our Thanksgiving weekend, Larissa took a couple of beautiful sunset pictures.

Though we don't deserve it, God graciously allows us to see His goodness and beauty reflected in this sunset. We have much to be thankful for, don't we?

Vision Forum
Free Shipping
Through Midnight Tonight

Nov 26, 2007

Doug Phillips and Vision Forum are sponsoring a giveaway at inashoe.com to help get word out about the FREE SHIPPING Vision Forum is offering until Midnight tonight.

Help spread the word on your website or blog then leave a comment at Life in a Shoe by 8pm today to enter!

If you want to make a purchase from Vision Forum (through our Affiliate Link would be nice : ) and receive FREE SHIPPING, then make your order by midnight tonight! Happy Shopping!

Remember Baby Noah?

Nov 26, 2007

On September 17 I posted a blog on baby Noah. He has had his ups and downs since that post. Today, baby Noah is back in the hospital for surgery for a bone infection in his left femur right above the knee.

You can go to the Estes' blog and read much more about Noah's path. Click on the photo of this little cutie to go to their blog.

Please keep Noah and the Estes Family in your prayers. May God give the surgeons skill, the nurses gentle hands and quick minds, the lab technicians a good culture, Noah strength and healing, and Noah's family a very special grace and comfort as they trust in God's sovereign care for them.

Our Very 1st Affiliate Sale!!!

Nov 24, 2007

Thank You!!!! to the person who used our Biblical Womanhood affiliate link to make a purchase from Biblical Womanhood's current sale. Your purchase was our very FIRST affiliate sale! We are so excited and wanted to send a very big THANK YOU your way. Since we don't know how to transcribe IP Addresses into an identity, we don't know who you are, but we THANK YOU, none-the-less.

We are currently building our Affiliate Programs here at PlymouthRockRanch.com. Any proceeds made from the Affiliate Link purchases on our website will go into the Plymouth Rock Ranch development funds. The current list of development projects include a well, a shop, finishing the animal shelter, fixing the flood damaged driveway, and a house. So, if you see any vendors from which you would like to make a purchase or products you would like to buy on our website, please click through the link on our website to make your purchase from that vendor.

You should have seen the big smile on Callan's face when I told her we'd made our first Affiliate Sale. I wish I'd had the camera ready!

The Seargeant Family is
Thankful to the Lord for:

Nov 23, 2007

Rick: God's provision of a Redeemer, God's spiritual and material provision for our family, multiple sets of helpful hands, health.

Laralee: God's sovereignty, provision and care, family and friends, Church family, our 5th wheel trailer, tent and wood burning stove.

Ashley: Likeminded fellowship, our electric oven under our power pole, no-chiggar season.

Callan: God chose me as one of His elect.

Skylar: God's provision for work, having known Michael Billings and having the honor of attending his funeral.

Ryker: God's provision.

Larissa: Plymouth Rock Ranch.

Delaney: God's love.

Galilee: The safe arrival of our new calf and that Maia is ok after hurting her horn.

Jackson: Cold weather.

Harrison: His new toy friend, Joseph.

The list of things that we could/should be thankful for are unending. Every single thing we have comes from God:

We are thankful for every breath that we take, for each one is a gift from God.

We are thankful for God's merciful provision of His Son as our Savior, a gift we don't deserve.

We are thankful for the Word of God, God's perfect revelation of Himself to man.

We are thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit, imparting both grace and conviction in a mix that only He can supply.

We are thankful for the Church and the worship and fellowship thereof.

We are thankful for our family, that God sovereignly ordained.

We are thankful for God's provision and supply that God gives to fulfill His purposes for His glory and our good.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give Thanks: for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ephesians 5:20 - Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Nov 22, 2007

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, They fail not.
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see:
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Wishing y'all a very happy time of Thanksgiving as we reflect upon God's Faithfulness.

2 dollar sale at
biblical womanhood

Nov 21, 2007

Crystal from Biblical Womanhood is having a sale. Through the end of this week all of Crystal's books, CDs and ebooks are on sale for two dollars. This is your chance to get great products at an even better price. Don't miss it. Happy shopping.

Always
A Song in Memory of Michael

Nov 20, 2007

Our friend, Ross Smithe, wrote a song of tribute for Michael Billings, dedicated to his nieces and nephews, whom Michael loved very much. Michael ministered to many of us every Lord's Day as we watched him serve and interact with his sister Jennifer, brother-in-law Daniel, and nieces and nephews, Dillon, Dakota, Justice, Isaiah, Gabriel, Liberty and Isobelah.

I encourage you to take a moment to listen to and reflect upon this beautiful song and how it might make you a better warrior for the Lord. We'll remember you, Michael ~ Always.

My Baby Turned Four!

Nov 20, 2007

My baby, Harrison Knox Seargeant, turned four years old on Saturday, November 17, 2007. Not too long ago I pouted to him, "I don't have a baby anymore! You're getting so big!" To which he answered, "I'll ALWAYS be your baby Mom-Mom!" Giving me a big bear-hug. He is sooooo very sweet!

On Saturday, he turned 4. As the day turned out, Ashley, Galilee and I went to a midday funeral. Harrison said he wanted to stay home with Daddy, something he rarely gets to do. His Daddy has been making him a flying model airplane, named "Mr. Four" since Jackson received "Mr. Five" on his fifth birthday. In spite of his best efforts, "Mr. Four" was not finished in time for his birthday. His other birthday gift was the movie "Heartstrings" (see earlier review post). But, Skylar didn't get the order pulled in the Vision Forum packing line to bring it home in time for his birthday. It should be arriving sometime this week?

Jackson and Harrison on his birthday

Daddy with his little boys

watching Daddy

Ryker and Rick working together

Ryker and Rick working together

This left us with no birthday gifts for a four year old to open, which we all know a four year old just wouldn't understand!" We arranged to meet Rick and the other children at the Pizza Hut in Hondo for Harrison's requested pizza birthday dinner. Before heading for Pizza Hut, we had to stop at WalMart to find something for Harrison to open up for his birthday.

After that mission was accomplished, the three of us girls landed at Pizza Hut ahead of the rest of the crew, ordered pizza, "wrapped" the gifts in 3 gift bags and got out the Happy Birthday plates for cake. When the crew arrived, Harrison headed straight for the gifts saying, "What are these?" And then started tearing into them. He managed to pull the camouflage slippers out of their bag, but we managed to stop him from getting into the other two bags.

After pizza, we put the star candles that Ashley had purchased on the Tigger and Roo birthday cake that Callan had made (in our new electric oven out under the power pole : ) and then decorated. And then came the two final birthday gift bags. He already had a hint as to what was in them, thanks to Jackson's nebbiness, but he was still thrilled to open each bag and find not one, but TWO Western Cap Pistols! Oh, how, FUN! It took a little doing to get his finger to actually pull the trigger, but once he mastered it, he was off. The caps were gone in no time, but the fun of the "click" will remain. Harrison and Jackson have had a blast this week chasing each other with the pistols yelling, "You're under ARREST!!!!"

Outlining Tigger

Roo

Tiggers Outline

Harrison eating icing

icing the cake

singing happy birthday

Harrison eating Roo

Harrison playing with his new cap gun

I think it safe to say that Harrison had a great birthday, spending the day with Dad, eating at Pizza Hut, eating a piece of confetti cake with Roo on it, getting his feet warm in camouflage slippers and shooting cap guns.

Happy Birthday our Baby Roo! We love YOU!!!

Oh No!

Nov 20, 2007

Yesterday, Monday, we had a list a mile long to accomplish, as we're preparing for our Thanksgiving Day Celebration. We had just purchased a new chainsaw as our two old ones bit the dust and weren't worth repairing and we have lots of dead trees that need cutting for our firewood. Ryker started collecting wood and I thought he was on task for the day.

Soon, one of the younger girls ran to the tent saying, "Mommy, Ryker needs you now!" Oh no. Doesn't sound good. I slipped off my slippers and into my nearest shoes, sandals, and headed for Maia's pen. I'd been told that Ryker had roped Maia and was trying to get a halter on her, but she's mad. Oh no.

When I got to the pen, I discovered that he indeed, did, have Maia roped. I also discovered that he had her tied to a stump and on a long lead of rope. Remember the axiom, "Give her enough rope to hang herself?" I immediately knew that we had a problem. I told Ryker to pull her in tight to get rid of the dangerous length of rope. But, it didn't happen quickly enough. Maia got her rear hoof looped in the rope and she went down. I yelled at him to pull the slip knot (thank you, God, for the slip knot!) and let her loose. She got up and then we discovered the sheath of one of her horns on the ground. And, then we discovered the break in that horn and the bleeding. Horn wounds are like head wounds. They're not for the faint of heart. They may be where the English term "bloody" comes from.

Maia now had blood on her face, covering her ear, and on just about everything in the pen, including the calf and the goat. I went to call Rick for help. I didn't know if I had enough time to drive to Hondo to get Blood Stop powder or not and knew that if he could take an early lunch, he could get here in half the time I could accomplish the task. And, we needed help in catching, subduing her and getting the rope off that was still tied around her horns - tightly. What a mess!

Rick showed up with the necessary supplies. Her blood was starting to clot, but was still flowing pretty well making a "bloodcycle" (is that a word?) on her horn. Rick changed clothes and tried to get Maia's rope around a tree to pull her in tight. Again, too long of a length of rope and Maia really got tangled this time. Only this time, there was not a slip knot. In the end of this fiasco, they ended up cutting the rope closer to her head and letting her loose. Immediate problem solved, but we still have a horn that needed medical attention, a rope tied tightly around her horns, and a very....mad....cow.....

I called around looking for a portable cattle chute to rent, to no avail. I talked with 3 vets and the traveling vet was not available until the next day at dark. But, two vets gave me the name of the same rancher that might be able to help us out. I called Mr. Sanchez and asked if he could help us with our predicament.

Mr. Sanchez and a friend arrived at about 2:30 p.m. They tranquilized her with a dart gun and in about 5 minutes she started to get woozy. Is this where the term "cow tipping" comes from? She finally went down and he was able to investigate the damage to her horn. He determined that he needed to cut about half of the horn off as it was, indeed, broken. He cut her horn back, washed it in iodine, and applied the Blood Stop Powder that Rick had brought home. He cut the rope off her horns and tried to put on the halter that we'd been trying to get on Maia for months. Oh no! The halter was too small! After all this and we still wouldn't get a halter on her! Mr. Sanchez came to the rescue and retrieved a horse halter out of his truck to put on her. What a blessing! It doesn't have the chin chain strap that would be helpful in controling her, but at least we having something to grab now besides a tail : )

Mr. Sanchez gave her a tranquilizer reversal shot that is supposed to help the cow come out from under the anesthesia faster. He used our spare tires laying around the pen to prop Maia up so she wasn't laying flat and then left around 3:30. A tire pillow doesn't sound all that comfortable, but Maia did well with it! At about 4:30 Maia decided she needed to try and get up. She managed it and then swayed on her feet, stumbling like a drunk. Ryker helped steady her (he could have easily cow tipped her over : ) long enough for her "starving" calf to get a drink. Then she took a step forward, and another step, but this time she folded her front hoof under and went down again, with the calf half way under her. Oh no.

The calf managed to dislodge itself before Callan and Ryker could step in to help. He shook his head in wonder and walked off. Callan set a chair in the middle of the pen and proceeded to shoo the calf away from Maia to avoid another mishap. I left to pick up Skylar from work at 6:00 and Maia was still down. She got up around 6:30, headed for the water trough for a drink, drank some water and promptly went down again. Throughout the evening, she would get up and then down again.

This morning she was up and down, moving v e r y s l o w l y. She's not eating much, very lethargic, slow moving, a little unsteady on her feet and just looks miserable. I don't know if she has a hangover, a headache, muscle aches from the two falls, or something worse like a broken bone or two from the falls, or a combination of all of the above. She wasn't too thrilled with her range pellets which she usually loves, didn't butt the goat away for the bucket of food, and really didn't want any of US near her. She did appreciate the fresh pineapple scraps with probiotic paste and ibuprofen stuck in them : )

Her milk supply has dwindled quickly and the calf is not happy. Thankfully, we have raw goats milk and will be picking up a calf bottle tonight to supplement him tomorrow until, Lord willing, she perks up and picks her milk supply back up.

So, you see, yesterday did not go as planned. Ashley did get some bread and pizza made, which was nice. We were able to give our rescuers a fresh, hot loaf of homemade whole wheat bread. The little boys had fun playing with their guns all day. But, the rest of the to-do list, Oh NO! We have to try to get it all done in two days now, instead of three!

In spite of all of yesterday's calamities, we have much to be thankful for. Maia was the only one hurt. Her injuries could have been worse (and prayerfully aren't). She could have easily hurt one of us, so we are thankful that did not happen. Sir Loin could have been hurt when she landed on him, which he wasn't. God sent us help that afternoon, for which we are very, very thankful. Now we are praying that there are no more repercussions coming from this as a holiday weekend is quickly approaching. Why do things always happen on holiday weekends?

Blog and Mental Note: Need to get that cattle chute built!

If the Lord Wills

Nov 19, 2007

We woke up this morning with the good intentions of posting on the events of the weekend. Little did we know what our day held for us. Today has been another reminder of how true the words of James 4:13-16 are:

Come now, you who say,
"Today or tomorrow let's go into this city,
and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit."

Whereas you don't know
what your life will be like tomorrow.

For what is your life?
For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time,
and then vanishes away.

For you ought to say,
"If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that."
But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil.

Needless to say, our day didn't turn out as we had planned and we were not able to get those posts written. So, Lord willing, tomorrow, we will post on the events on the weekend and our not so expected events of today.

Something to be Thankful For!

Nov 16, 2007

God tells us to be a thankful people, not a murmuring or complaining people. However, this is the time of year where we purposefully set some time aside to be Thankful. Well, we have something to be especially thankful for today!

Since moving to Plymouth Rock Ranch our cooking methods have been primitive. We started out with an unfunctioning kitchen in the 5th wheel so we had no indoor kitchen of any sort. We cooked over an outdoor fire, learned cast iron cooking, used our Nesco Roaster Oven as our oven and our camping stove when we had something that was difficult to cook over the firepit. We even baked pies in a card board box, lined with foil, using coals for heat. It did work but it took forever! I would not recomend this approach for anyone who is not a patient person. Needless to say, this has been challenging for a family of 11 who cook in large quantities.

Our Well Used and Well Loved
Nesco Roaster Oven

The Well Used and Well Loved
Interior to our Nesco

We added a crock pot to our appliances and a two burner propane stove when the camping stove decided to give up on us. This gave us a little more flexibility. We finally got the plumbing for the kitchen sink hooked up and running water so we could wash dishes in a sink with already hot running water instead of water heated over the fire and hand poured into galvanized buckets. But we've never ops checked the stove or oven in the trailer. This little chore has never reached the top of the to-do list mainly because the stove is covered with a cutting board to extend the kitchen counter and dish washing area and the oven is so very small that none of our large family baking dishes will fit in it!

A year ago, when contemplating how to fix a Thanksgiving dinner with only the crock pot and the roaster oven, we purchased a second roaster oven. Oh, how nice that was to have two oven spaces and a crock pot. But, one of the roaster ovens didn't last very long and we soon found ourselves back down to one small oven space. Someone offered us a free stove/oven unit and since we couldn't figure out where to put it, we at first declined. After some thought, we decided to accept their offer and the stove has been sitting here waiting for us to decide where to put the stove and then to get the proper electrical hook up for it.

Since necessity is the mother of invention, and we got tired of waiting for those decisions and chores to get done, last night we purchased a plug that matched the oven's plug. This morning Ryker installed the new plug into Rick's welder's electric cord which is attached to our breaker box. Whalla! We now have an oven. What a luxury!!!! Even if it is sitting outside next to the power pole and breaker box : ) We are especially Thankful for our New-to-Us Electric Oven that is actually plugged in and works!!!!

Our New-to-Us Outdoor Oven

The Huge Inside to
Our New-to-Us Outdoor Oven

Callan just informed me that it has been almost 2 years since we have had an oven to bake in. Now we can dust off all those large-family sized lasagna and roaster pans that will fit in the big oven, bake cookies (cookies were just too time consuming to bake 9 at a time in the roaster oven and how long would NINE cookies last around here anyway?), bake bread 4-6 loaves at a time instead of 2 at a time, and not have burned edges on our baked goods due to the roaster oven's heating element being so close to the baking pans. And we'll be able to bake more than one item at a time!

It is amazing to think of how much of our daily lives we take for granted. We are so very thankful to have an oven!!!! Lord willing, someday we will have a house with 2 double ovens and be able to accomplish so much more with our time and days. But, for now, we are ecstatic with having an electric oven and a roaster oven.

For the Love of Babies

Nov 14, 2007

My "baby" is turning 4 years old this Saturday. Only once in my childbearing years have we gone this long without a baby. I'm not the only one who is going through baby withdrawals. My children are going through baby withdrawals too. Some beg me for another baby. I tell them that God is the author of life, not me. Some pray for another baby.

When we meet someone new, Jackson's question is, "How many children do they have?" One time we had to tell them that they didn't have any children. He couldn't quite comprehend that idea. He asked again, "But, how many children do they have?" We gave him the same answer. To which he asked, "But, where are their children?" He just couldn't understand that some people do not have children! May he always value children as he does now!

There are often other moms around who could use a spare pair of arms to help and hold babies. My girls are always looking for these moms and opportunities. At the SAICFF, Callan found her opportunity. We met Jesse & Crystal Paine of Biblical Womanhood and their two daughters, Kathrynne and Kaitlynn. Callan is usually pretty quiet and shy. But, she managed to speak up this time and ask if she could hold Kaitlynn.

Callan and Kaitlynn

Isn't that just soooo sweet? Callan filled her baby holding needs and then all too soon had to give little Kaitlynn back to her mommy and daddy. There is nothing like holding a precious new life and the wonder thereof. Someday, Lord willing, Callan will be a mommy and hold a baby that God has specifically entrusted to her care.

The Gift of New Friends

Nov 15, 2007

The Serven Family served those traveling to Fredericktown who were in need of lodging by placing incoming families with local families. Thank you, Serven Family, for your ministry.

We weren't sure if there would be a local family that could house our family of 11 for a couple of nights, but we called the Servens anyway when we found out about their organizational efforts. After a few minutes, they called us back and gave us the name of a family in a neighboring town to Fredericktown. The Carlos and Cathy McMinn Family.

Rick called and spoke with Cathy and made arrangements for our arrival the next night. We gave them our website address so they would have some idea of what they were getting themselves into : ) We arrived at the McMinn's beautiful home on Thursday evening. As our travel-weary family filed into their home, we learned that we have some things in common. The McMinns built their beautiful log cabin home themselves. They shared how it was to live in the shell of a house with sheets for walls and posts here and there holding things up. It took them several years, but they now have a beautiful log cabin home with basement, 1st and 2nd story. It gave us hope!

Rick and I, along with the 4 youngest children, slept in the McMinn's motor home. Talk about feeling at home! Skylar and Ryker slept in the McMinn's metal building that houses their printing business & weight equipment. Ashley, Callan and Larissa slept in an upstairs bedroom that one of their children graciously vacated for them. There was room for all of us!

We found out that we have other things in common with the McMinns as well. We have both always homeschooled our children. Our older children are similar ages with their oldest being 26 and their youngest around 10. The boys enjoyed talking hunting, guns, mechanics and 3 and 4 wheelers. The girls enjoyed talking cooking, quilting, needlework and stamping. Mrs. McMinn has an impressive collection of stamps and quilting materials with some beautiful projects to show for it.

Girl Talk in their Beautiful Wood Kitchen

Ryker & Jared Arm Wrestling

Can anyone tell me why guys just have to arm wrestle each other?

Guy Talk in the Living Room

As several of Carlos' brothers and sisters and parents live down and across the street, we were able to meet Mr. McMinn's sweet parents and discovered that we have some common friends! It is a small world, isn't it? The Sr. McMinn's have spent some winters in the San Antonio area and through some churches have met others that we know. They've even stayed in an RV Park 15 miles from our home so they knew our area well.

Though it was a somber occasion, God works all things together for our good according to His purpose. We met some new friends and are so appreciative of their hospitality. We left wanting to meet again. We definitely want to keep in touch. Thank you McMinn Family for your sweet hospitality, your wonderful beds, your terrific food, your sweet spirits and your example of a Christian, entrepreneurial family and extended family that works together daily and enjoys one another. May God bless you!

Traveling Kittens

Nov 14, 2007

At the last minute, we decided to take our 2 new kittens with us to Missouri. Darby gets concerned when they venture outside the tent and tries to herd them back into the tent. One of the three kittens we've lost in the past couple of months died while Darby was "gently" herding her back to the tent. We thought it best if she not have 3 days to "herd" kittens that were looking for us.

This is what it's like spending the day in the van with 2 kittens : )

Beautiful Fall Colors

Nov 14, 2007

Littlerock, Arkansas

SAICFF 2007
Winners Set of 4 DVDs

Nov 13, 2007

Vision Forum has just added the SAICFF Winners Set of 4 DVDs to their website. This is a great set as it includes Heartstrings and Joel's Journey, for the whole family, and A Cry from Iran and Monstrous Regiment of Women for older children and parents.

In addition to this set of 4 great DVDs, I would recommend adding the documentary, The Return of the Daughters, which premiered at the 2007 SAICFF. The Return of the Daughters gives examples of the beauty of Biblical family life which God designed, while the Monstrous Regiment of Women shows how feminism, designed by sinful man, has harmed women, children, men, families, society and unborn babies. These two DVDs compliment one another as they show both sides of the feminism coin and make one another's messages that much stronger when viewed together.

Question 1
Heidelberg Catechism (1563)

Nov 13, 2007

Question #1: What is thy only comfort in life and in death?

Answer: That I, with my body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, Who, with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation, wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.

Welcome,
Sir Loin

Nov 12, 2007

Rick decided on Wednesday night that our family was going to travel to Missouri to attend Michael's Memorial Service. The only problem was that we had been waiting and waiting and waiting for our heifer, Maia, to calve. All day Wednesday, she was acting skittish and didn't want to be brushed or touched. We wondered if she might be going into labor.

It was about 7 p.m. Wednesday night when Rick made the final decision that we were going. I felt terrible about leaving Maia to calve on her own, knowing that 20% of heifers need help in calving. I felt even worse leaving that kind of responsibility to our sweet neighbor, Mary, who was stepping in to take care of our animals so we could go. So we prepared to leave at 3 a.m. Thursday morning as I beseeched God to cause Maia to deliver before we left.

At 9 p.m. on our last check of the night before retiring, Ashley thought that Maia might be in labor. So, she and Callan went back over to the pen to check her together and didn't return. I decided I'd better see what was going on before I got ready for bed so I joined them at Maia's pen at about 10 p.m. After just a few minutes of observing our normally eating cow walk up to the fence, stand there, then back half-way across the pen with her tail in the air, then pace around the pen, then stop for a moment or two only to repeat that pattern again, I determined quickly that she indeed, was in labor.

The girls had pulled the truck over to Maia's pen to shed some light on the situation. It was one of our coldest nights so far this fall and we were getting chilled. Callan wouldn't leave Maia's pen though she was noticeably shivering, but Ashley and I retreated to the truck and turned it on both to recharge the battery and utilize the heater.

About 11 p.m. Maia layed down so we all excitedly sprang up to watch. After a few pushes her water bag appeared and broke. I was so thankful that she would be delivering before we had to leave. Now my prayer was for a quick, safe and uneventful delivery.

I called Rick, who was sleeping in the trailer, and told him that she was about to deliver. Being as he needed to drive 15+ hours the next day, he opted to sleep through the delivery and instead, he woke our other animal loving person, Ryker, and sent him over to be the vet, should we need one. A month ago, Ryker had requested that Rick purchase arm-length gloves, just in case Maia needed help delivering her calf. Ryker had been sleeping, so he sleepily came to check out what was going on. He quickly determined that it was too cold to stand out there and wait so he returned to the trailer to get his red and black checkered blanket. He was nice enough to bring Callan a fleece blanket to wrap up in too since she wouldn't leave the pen to get warm in the truck.

Ryker in His Blanket

Maia continued to walk around the pen occasionally pushing. She layed down again, this time in our cow's tree house and she pushed again.

Heifer in Labor
In Her Tree House

It's now 11:30 p.m. and the two front feet of the calf appear. Again, she got up and she walked around having contractions and pushing, with just the 2 front feet appearing for an hour. I was starting to get a little concerned about the lack of progress in an hour, but Maia was not about to let us near her to help deliver the calf. I decided that she would have to be exhausted before we would be able to assist, should she need assistance.

Ryker ran to the tent to get his arm-length gloves, iodine and a cup. Again, Maia, layed down in her shelter, this time, thankfully, her position was better and should she need and accept help delivering the calf, Ryker would be able to assist. Maia started to push. We saw the forelegs, the tip of the nose, the tip of the nose, the tip of the nose and finally, the head. Then I knew she would be able to finish this on her own. She quickly delivered the shoulders and Callan and Ryker stepped in with old towels to clear the bag off it's nose and start drying it since it was so cold.

Our First Calf!

Maia delivered the rest of the calf and then layed there with her tongue hanging out of her mouth and eyes glassy. She finally got up and walked to the fence and stood there for quite a while. The kids kept drying off the calf and stimulating it with the towels. Then they backed off to see what Maia would do.

Maia didn't seem the least bit interested in what she had produced. She was still wondering what in the world had just happened to her! Finally, she decided to go back to the shelter and check things out.

What is This????

My Baby!!!!

Maia licked and licked and licked and licked. She licked that calf over rocks and shrubs and across the pen. The calf would try to stand up and she would lick it again and make it fall back to the ground again! It took multiple tries before the calf was able to stay on its feet. And even then, it wobbled and staggered trying to gain its strength.

On Its Feet

Once it was able to stay on its feet, it started looking for food. It hunted and hunted and Maia moved away to lick it and moved away to keep it from nursing. It stumbled and went in circles trying to figure out where the faucets were. Callan stepped in to try and help, but then it dug it's heels in and wouldn't move. And Maia wasn't too sure about Callan being in there either.

Got Milk?

By this time, I was asking if we had a new little heifer or bull calf and neither Callan or Ryker knew. It was dark outside and the shadows were many. But, we finally determined that we had a new little bull calf. Yeah!!!!

I knew that if it was a heifer that there would be those that would not want to eat her but keep her for breeding instead. Maia is a Brangus/Corriente cross. The ranch that we bought her from always breeds their heifers to a breed (Corriente being one) that throws small calves and therefore they have less birthing problems for first-time moms. Maia was the product of a Brangus heifer who was bred to a Corriente bull. She, too, was bred back to a Corriente bull so she would have a smaller calf. That would make her baby 3/4 Corriente and 1/4 Brangus, which is not what we want for breeding stock. Thankfully, the potential argument for keeping a heifer for breeding instead of for the freezer, will not happen. Yeah! Not to mention that bull calves grow faster and bigger than heifer calves. Clear as mud? Suffice it to say, I was thankful that it was a bull calf. But, I digress.

The calf would get near Maia's udder and Maia would kick the calf away. Oh, no. We couldn't possibly leave until I knew this calf was nursing and nursing well. He tried and tried and finally, the calf got a taste of milk. Then he was determined to get more! He became more aggressive and withstood Maia's wayward feet. Maia's kicking became smaller and smaller, as if to say, "I know you need to nurse, but it HURTS!" The calf persevered, latched on well and started to drink heartily. Last hurdle out of the way!

Sweet Mama's Milk

It was now 3 a.m., our planned on departure time, and we had a couple of showers that needed taking and last minute loading to do. We returned to the trailer, woke up Rick and the older sleeping children, took showers, loaded, took everyone over to see the new calf, and headed down the driveway at 4:30 a.m.

Needless to say, Ryker, Ashley, Callan and I were pretty well sleep-deprived zombies on the drive to Missouri. We catnapped on the drive, but deep sleep eluded us and we were exhausted by the time we got there. But, we were all thankful that God had allowed Maia to calve before we had to leave. My mind was at rest and 4 of us were able to witness the event that we had been waiting for since purchasing Maia 1 1/2 years ago ~ the birth of our first calf.

Mama & Son

Today was our first day at home to play with our new calf. He's not too keen on us ~ yet : ) We weren't here his first three days of life, so we're now strangers to him that he must get used to again. Ryker spent some time catching him. I think you could hear that calf yell a couple of miles away! Ryker made a halter for the calf until he grows a little and fits into a premade halter. The next step is to get a lasso so we can tie Maia up and work on milking her. She has milk, to the point of dripping right now, so we must capture this moment before her production starts to diminish. To do that, we must be able to get a halter on her and tie her up, and that requires a lasso around her horns. If you don't mind, would you be willing to pray for our success in this endeavor?

Accomplished Nurser

Too Cute!

What a Face!

Sir Loin

Just in case you're wondering about the name, we decided a long time ago, that our first bull calf would be named "Sir Loin" so that everyone knows that he is destined for the freezer and can be looking forward to those wonderful sirloin steaks : )

I'm thankful that God cares about our littlest prayers and that he cared enough for my heart to deliver Sir Loin before we had to leave. My mind rested much easier on the trip knowing that Maia and baby were doing well.

A Time to:
Honor and Remember
Grieve and Encourage
and Say Good Bye
For Now

Until We Meet Again
Thou Good and Faithful Servant

Nov 12, 2007

This time of year is beautiful in Fredericktown, Missouri. The terrain is hilly and full of both pine and hardwood trees, trees that are turning multitudes of beautiful fall colors. God's creative beauty is everywhere. The air is crisp, but not too cold. This year, the fellowship and hugs plentiful, as were the tears.

Family and Friends, co-laborers in Christ, came from across the country to Fredericktown, Missouri, on Friday, November 9, 2007, to honor and remember Michael G. Billings, encourage Michael's grieving family and each other, and say:

"Good Bye For Now ~ Until We Meet Again ~
Thou Good and Faithful Servant."

Michael's Memorial Service was one of the most touching and beautiful services I have ever attended. It was truly a celebration of Michael's purposeful life, steadfast faith and heart for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and Michael's love and passion for God's truth revealed in His Word. Michael was honored by young and old alike, family, friends and co-laborers in the Lord.

Memorial Service

Mr. Doug Phillips, of Vision Forum, honored Michael's life and encouraged friends and family to grieve but to grieve as one who has hope. He entreated, especially the young men, to take up Michael's banner message and to redeem the time, to use their youth for the Lord, to be purposeful, honoring, and steadfast in studying God's word and to serve God with their whole heart, for "Life is a Vapor," on which Michael had so eloquently preached. Mr. Phillips used Michael's own penned words of encouragement to others to honor Michael and encourage multitudes of young men to follow in Michael's footsteps, carry on his message, and thus take Michael's seed of faithfulness, vision, passion and purpose and multiply it mightily for the Kingdom of God.

Mr. Phillips revealed that Michael's work and influence would continue, as at the age of 19, he had already written an 800 page book on the Sabbath, in addition to multiple sermons and papers and essays on deep doctrinal subjects. For reasons we know not, God has taken Michael to be with Him. But, for the glory of His Kingdom, God will continue to use Michael through the works he has left behind. What a glorious legacy ~ one to be celebrated!

Mr. Phillips entreated those in attendance to ask the appropriate "Why" questions. Not, "Why did God take Michael so young?" But, instead to ask, "Why did God give Michael 19 years of life at all?" The answer is that God's Mercy endures forever. God gave Michael 19 years of life because of His Mercy! He appointed a day for Michael to be born and He appointed a day for Michael to die. Michael's death was no surprise to God. God knew the days and the works He had appointed to Michael. Michael fulfilled those works and God say, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."

And, so Michael now lives in perfect peace in the presence of God. Our grief is for our own shattered expectations of what we thought Michael would accomplish. Our grief is for our own loss of not having Michael in our presence. Our grief is for the even deeper loss his family is experiencing.

But, our JOY is for Michael who lived an extraordinary 19 years and loved God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength in those 19 years. How much more pure and beautiful is his worship now that he is in the presence of God! I can hear Michael singing praises to God with even more gusto that he did here on earth, if that is possible.

The graveside service was beautiful as well. The sun was setting a bright golden halo against the beauty of Missouri as the service ended. A beautiful, fitting end, a proclamation of God's beauty and glory to all. How much more beauty and glory Michael is experiencing now in the very presence of God!

Callan

After the graveside service, we returned to the church for a reception. The fellowship was sweet, the food wonderful, the testimonies from Michael's mentors and friends continuous. It struck me how leaders from around the country testified to Michael's unique gifting in both asking the most difficult doctrinal questions as a very young man, as well as diligently studying them out so that he could then write down his conclusions and seek to live them out.

My hope and my prayer is that young and old alike will learn from Michael's living example of faith and service. That we might all become better students of God's Word. That we might seek to better apply the truths we learn through studying God's Word. That we might boldly stand for the truth we find there. That we might redeem the time that God has given us and use it wisely for furthering His Kingdom. That we might truly understand that once a moment is gone, it is irretrievable. That we would not presume upon tomorrow, for tomorrow may not be appointed for us. That we appreciate the fact that every breath we take every heart beat that we are allowed is a gift from the Lord. That if you have entrusted your very life and soul to the Lord Jesus Christ, death has no sting, death has no victory. If you are a child of the King, then death leads to eternity in the very presence of God.

Thank you, Michael, for living an uncompromising life of love and faith in our midst. Thank you for your deep, abiding love and honor for your Father and Mother, your deep, abiding love for your sisters, Jennifer & Jamie, for your deep, abiding love and care for your brother-in-law, nephews and nieces. Thank you for your gentle yet direct friendships and conversations. All of these as a result of your deep, abiding love and honor for God, His Son, His Word and His people.

The beauty of the day that God gave us in which to say good-bye to Michael was a gift from God, a testimony of His mercies that endure forever. Thank you, God, for giving Michael to his family, friends and world for 19 beautiful years. Thank you for the beauty of the multi-colored leaves that adorned the landscape. Thank you for the golden-haloed sunset we viewed as we layed a beautiful life lived to rest. Thank you for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who can cry together, grieve together, hug one another, encourage one another, serve one another and rejoice with one another. Thank you for the gift of Michael.

Michael Garrett Billings
May 12, 1988 to November 4, 2007

Mourning the Loss
of a Friend

Nov 6, 2007

On Sunday, we received word that a friend of ours, a young man in our church, was ushered into the presence of our Lord as a result of an auto accident. While this is a blow to his beloved family and friends, we can rejoice for Michael as he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."
1Thess. 4:13-14

Michael Billings was an exceptional young man who loved and served God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. He studied to show himself approved. He honored his parents and loved his 2 sisters, brother-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was an encouragement to all who knew him. Our hearts and continuous prayers go out to Michael's family, our friends, Dr. & Mrs. Billings and sister Jamie, and Mr. & Mrs. Dan Grady & Family.

Michael came to Vision Forum as an intern and then became an integral part of Vision Forum Ministries. Mr. Phillips, of Vision Forum, has written a post honoring Michael and has included a link to the sermon Michael preached as a 17 year-old before graduating from his Vision Forum Internship. The title of Michael's sermon was prophetically Life is a Vapor. I encourage you to take the time to listen to this 17 year-old's sermon which was wise beyond his years. There is much in this sermon that we could all learn and be better for.

We know Michael is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, praising Him with his whole heart for which he was created. We will miss you, Michael.

“The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD”.
Job 1:21

Other Tributes to Michael

Persevero! The Blog of Nathaniel Darnell

Biblical Womanhood

Michael's sister Jamie Billings wrote a beautiful article Am I My Brother's Confidant? released on the Visionary Daughter's web site.

The Justice Foundation Dinner

Nov 5, 2007

A dear friend gave a sweet gift to our family that we are so humbly grateful for. The gift was a table at the annual fund raiser for The Justice Foundation. When Rick and I heard that David Barton was speaking in San Antonio at The Justice Foundation, we both wanted to go. But, then we found out it was a fund raiser dinner and thought that we probably couldn't afford to attend. God is so gracious and His arm is not too short. He provided not only for Rick and I to attend, but He also provided for our entire family to attend! What a special treat and gift from God!

The Justice Foundation (formerly the Texas Justice Foundation) was founded in 1993 to protect the fundamental freedoms and rights essential to the preservation of American society. The Foundation represents clients free of charge in cases in the areas of limited government, free markets, private property, parental school choice, parental rights in education, and enforcing laws to protect women’s health. The Justice Foundation is a nonprofit, public-interest litigation firm supported by tax-deductible contributions.

The keynote speaker at the event was David Barton of Wall Builders. WallBuilders is an organization dedicated to presenting America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built-a foundation which, in recent years, has been seriously attacked and undermined. In accord with what was so accurately stated by George Washington, we believe that "the propitious [favorable] smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained."

The evening was a western affair, so we did our best at coming up with at least something western for each of us to wear. Thankfully, we all have something denim like to help fill that bill. The little boys were outfitted with jeans, boots and hats. Ryker ended up in the van with a Texas Longhorn T-shirt and scraggly jeans with his cowboy boots to dress him up. So, we made a stop to buy him an appropriate pair of jeans and shirt. He ended up looking rather handsome in the end : ) The only thing missing was a cowboy hat.

Cowboy Ryker

Two Lil Cowboys

To start the evening off, we attended a horse training session presented by Mike Schnabel.

Mike Schnabel

Mr. Schnabel took a halter-broke, 5 year-old, pastured mare, and proceeded to show us how he trains a horse and aptly gave us great word pictures and life applications from Scripture as he broke the horse. Within one hour, Mr. Schnabel taught the horse to pay attention to him, obey his hand and voice commands in the round corral using his "encourager" (a lunging whip - not on the horse, but behind the horse), was able to get the horse used to a rope (troubles in life) being thrown at it, was able to get the horse to accept the bridle and bit (self-control), saddle blanket, then the saddle (burdens and weights of life), and finally a rider.

This horse was a compliant horse with just a few flighty moments, making it fairly easy and pleasant to train. Mr. Schnabel said that sometimes it will take 2 months just to be able to get part way into the training with the more independent, willful horses.

This seminar was great for us to see as a family as there are many ways we can incorporate the training principles he shared into our daily lives. One principle we've already discussed in our family was how he, the trainer, would pull on the reins to bring the horse's head back towards its shoulder. He would hold pressure on the reins until the horse would yield and give some slack to the reins. This was teaching the horse to yield and turn so that once he was in the saddle if the horse wanted to bolt he could get the horse to go in circles rather than a full out bolting run. In our daily lives, we must all learn how to yield to the authorities that God has placed over us. If we do not, we will end up in a dangerous bolting run harming both ourselves and others.

Yielding

Next was the wonderful Texas BBQ dinner. Its not often that our whole family gets to go to a buffet dinner. Green and potato salads, rolls, beans, chicken and beef, pickles, bbq sauce, and brownies and cookies. Ryker got the award for the biggest bottomless pit.

Our Table

Friends
Peter, Kelly & Triumph Bradrick

Then came the update from The Justice Foundation. The major victory of their year was the Partial Birth Abortion ban signed into law by President Bush. To God be the Glory! They introduced many women who are now coming forward to testify about their abortion experiences and how this dreadful curse has haunted and harmed their lives, not solved their "problem".

They also spoke about the healing blood of Christ over their sin of taking their child(ren)'s lives and how it is only through that forgiveness that they are able to heal and go on with their lives. They spoke about the physical problems resulting from the abortions sometimes ending in hysterectomies and childlessness or miscarriages due to scar tissue, the depression that comes after abortion, the broken relationships that come from emotionally disconnecting themselves from their baby, the suicide attempts because they couldn't live with what they'd done, and the devastating impact of accidentally seeing the dismembered parts of their baby's body (not a glob of tissue), or finding out they'd aborted twins. These women's testimonies of hurt brought tears streaming down my face. As the mother of 10 children, I cannot for a moment fathom the hurt and pain these women have gone through. It is more than my mind and heart can wrap around.

These women's testimonies are that abortion doesn't end with the murder of a baby. Abortion kills babies. Abortion hurts women. Abortion hurts men. Abortion hurts families. Abortion hurts siblings. Abortion hurts our Nation. To learn more about these women, please visit Operation Outcry. If you or someone you know has been hurt by abortion, please consider going to this website and filling out a Declaration Form which will allow your voice to be heard regarding the harm of abortion.

They also have help that is available to you to ease the hurt and ways that you can help other women to know the truth about abortion and save their baby's lives. There are other women out there that are hurting just like you and they are waiting and wanting to help you. The Faces of Abortion dvd television program is also available for purchase and is a wonderful resource for Pregnancy Life Centers.

Last but not least came the Keynote Speach from David Barton. Mr. Barton has an amazing knowledge of our Founding Fathers and our Founding Documents. He presented many, many quotes from both our Founding Fathers and our Founding Documents to make a case for our democratic form of government, how it originated out of Common Law which originated out of Biblical Law (same insight here as Mr. Marshall Foster's seminar this week), and how we are supposed to have the inalienable Right to Life.

Hearing both Mr. Marshall Foster and Mr. David Barton in one week was a great privilege and a motivation for all of us to study and learn more about our Christian Heritage, our Founding Fathers and our Founding Documents. The future of our children and our children's children depend upon knowing the truth of our history, not the revisionist history we are being spoonfed today.

We thank both our earthly gift giver and Creator of Life Himself for the gift our family received in being able to attend this special event. We came away touched, challenged and motivated.

Back at the Ranch

Nov 2, 2007

It seems as if a lot of our postings lately have been of other activities than at the Ranch. Well, that's because we've had lots of other-than-Ranch activities lately. Skylar and Ryker have had some ranch hand work in between the SAICFF and daily life. That has kept us really busy.

On the Ranch, we've been closely monitoring our heifer, soon to become a cow. A month ago, she had some signs that indicated that she might be going into labor. But, here we are a month later, and still no baby. October 29th was her possible due date. But, here we are at November 2nd, and we still have no calf. We're hoping that the appearance of this calf is imminent.

We've also been watching our 2 dairy goats as it's goat breeding season. We bred both of them last month, but one turned up in heat again this past week. Of course it was during a couple of busy days, but we managed to arrange a time to take her back to our neighbors who have 2 bucks. Hopefully, we will be due to have two sets of kids in the beginning and end of March 2008.

With the weather changing, we've been doing some rearranging in the tent to fit the wood burning stove back in. And, we're going through clothing swapping out summer for winter clothes and finding must haves like coats, hats and gloves.

And then there are the regular chores of feeding both humans and livestock, washing clothes, cleaning out pens, sweeping and mopping floors, fixing things that break, loving on new kittens (yes, we have 3 2 new kittens - we've already lost one of them : ( baking bread, organizing finding things, blog postings, school, remembering to brush everyone's teeth, shopping.............and the list goes on.

Maybe tomorrow we'll have a Ranch post on the birth of a new calf! We'll let you know!

Marshall Foster's
Third of Seven Seminars

Nov 2, 2007

Last night was the third of seven Marshall Foster, of the Mayflower Institute World History Seminars in San Antonio. Wow! It's hard to believe we've been to so many seminars already. Time does fly!

Last night Mr. Foster spoke on the origin of Common Law being Biblical Law, the Just War Theory (Biblical reasons for war, how to treat civilians and prisoners, etc.), a brief history of the aggression of Islamic attacks and battles throughout history and the Christian response to these attacks, and battles and circumstances in history that were key to keeping Islam from progressing and Christianity and Common Law advancing, and historical figures like Alfred the Great, a godly warrior who stopped the aggressive expansion of the Vikings. We learned about the Christian history of the Magna Carta, the root of the Declaration of Independence, and the Christian roots of our own Republic and governmental organization. He talked about the demise of our education system and how the truth of history has been "revised" and is not taught in our American schools, be they elementary, secondary, or in the Universities.

We are blessed to be able to hear Mr. Foster's seminars and whet our appetite for learning more of the truth of His Story.

Heartstrings

Nov 2, 2007

The first movie that we went to see at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival was called "Heartstrings." "Heartstrings", by Heumoore Productions is a filmmaking collaboration of John Moore and David Heustis.

"Bubble Trouble!", also by Heumoore Productions, was a semi-finalist two years ago when we first attended the SAICFF. "Bubble Trouble!" included John Moore's family in acting roles with the central character being John's youngest brother, Gator. Gator's sleuthing and comedic abilities made for a great family fun film. Gator became an icon in the Seargeant household and Jackson's favorite actor. And the phrase, "That's disgusting!" from one of "Bubble Trouble's" memorable scenes became well known to everyone in our house : ) So, when "Heartstrings" was being shown in the first session we could attend on Friday morning, that's where we headed.

We almost got to the room too late. It seemed as if everyone was heading to see "Heartstrings", "Bubble Trouble's" sequel. We managed to find some of the last seats but many were turned away to wait for the Saturday viewing. We were not disappointed. Gator was his comedic self and the sleuthing suspense kept us drawn into the plot.

Heumoore.com's review says, "While prior Siblings episodes found the Moore family at home, Heartstrings takes us on the road. During a family road trip, the Moores break down outside a bed and breakfast, where they choose to spend the night. Jeff Moore soon notices that Jim Morton, the owner of the bed and breakfast, seems troubled. Before long, Gator's curiosity and sleuthing abilities find him right in the middle of a secret treasure hunt, trying to unlock a family mystery. The adventure, comedy, and drama of Heartstrings make this film a real treasure families can enjoy!"

Throughout the weekend, we would pass the Moore family in the hallways or we would see them across the Convention Center. Every time we saw them Jackson would yell, "HI GATOR!!!!!" in his not so soft voice : ) He was so thrilled to see his favorite actor. At the close of another movie in the Lila Cockrell Theater, Jackson spied Gator and made a beeline to talk to him. He was so intent on his mission, he squeezed right into the middle of a conversation to say hi to Gator. I quickly caught up to him and pulled him out of the center of that conversation and informed him that he couldn't interrupt and had to wait his turn. I don't think he really understood though. His mission was to talk to Gator. Nothing else was sinking in.

The Moore Family was gracious and welcomed Jackson warmly, to which Jackson promptly announced that he had recently lost his first loose tooth. There's no wondering about what's on this boy's mind! So Jackson and Gator had a conversation about all the teeth they've lost : ) Isn't that what you've always wanted to talk with your favorite actor about?!?! I thought that maybe since he'd finally been able to greet Gator personally that he would quit yelling across the hallways when he saw Gator, but that was not to be the case. Someday, Lord Willing, we will be able to teach Jackson about social graces. This weekend, it just wasn't sinking in : )

"Heartstrings" brought John Moore the Jubilee Award for Best Young Film Maker Award which it deserved. But, the night was not over for Heumoore Productions. "Heartstrings" was also voted first in the Audience Choice Award. It was a favorite of both young and old, alike.

Congratulations to all those involved in "Heartstrings"! A job well done. The Seargeant Family, among many others, are waiting to hear what your next project will be. I know Jackson is! : )

San Antonio Independent
Christian Film Festival
Thanking the Lord
for a Wonderful SAICFF Team

Nov 2, 2007

At the bottom of this page you will find a picture of Ashley and Callan with Stephanie and Preston Cone, volunteering at the SAICFF. They are in height order, starting with Ashley and Callan on the short side. Our family is not known for our height : ) except for Skylar who must take after my 5' Mom's 6'+ brothers and nephews.

Nov 1, 2007

San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF) Registration Table...The Horn Family, Sarratt Ladies and the Seargeant Ladies

Last Month's Posts

Nov 1, 2007

We posted several new posts near the end of October, which on November 1st, have been archived in the October 2007 link. If it's been awhile since you've been here, we just wanted to remind you to go back and check our archives for posts you may have missed. You never know, there may be something of interest there!

San Antonio Independent
Christian Film Festival

Nov 1, 2007

The 4th Annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF) has come to a close. What a busy but enjoyable week it was!

The Mission Statement of the SAICFF is to:

1. Encourage the production of films which inspire the highest ideals, the clearest and most noble biblical values, and which do so with a commitment to holiness.

2. Motivate the next generation of Christian filmmakers to create "epistemologically self-conscious films" - films that reflect a distinctively and presuppositionally biblical worldview. We want our applicants to strive to bring "into captivity every [frame] to the obedience of Christ."

3. Offer a joyful vision of victory and hope to the burgeoning movement among home educators and other Christian students, amateurs, and professionals committed to taking advantage of our current technological revolution, to advance the work of Jesus Christ on this earth through the medium of film.

4. Facilitate the development of alternative and independent vehicles for producing and distributing films outside the Hollywood machine, which will build, bless and benefit the American family.

5. Provide a platform for Christians to present their art, to network with others, and to encourage independent Christian filmmakers in their mission by offering appropriate recognition for excellence in Christian film production.

All entries must adhere to the Ten Commandments of the Jubilee Awards.

During this festival, we heard many great speakers and saw some great films, some of which were inspiring, some convicting, some heartwrenching, some instructive, some funny, and some thought provoking. Some movies were made by youths, some made by husbands and wives, some made by professionals, some made by families and one made by sons in honor of their martyred father. Throughout the week, Lord willing, we will be posting individual posts about winning movies and great speakers and great seminars. So, y'all come back now, y'hear?

Affiliate Programs

Nov 1, 2007

We have many Affiliate Links on our website. Affiliate Links are advertisements that we have placed on our website for items that we can recommend. Here's how it works:

1. You find a vendor on our website from whom you want to purchase, or
2. You find an advertised item on our website that you want to purchase.
3. You click through our Affiliate Link to the vendor's website.
4. You order from that website.
5. We receive an Affiliate Commission for that purchase.

All Affiliate Commissions we receive will go into our house building and land development funds. By purchasing items through our Affiliate Links you can be a part of our homesteading and homebuilding project.

We are excited to announce that Vision Forum has launched their new Affiliate Program and we are now Vision Forum Affiliates! We have had links to many Vision Forum products since the beginning of our website, but now we will receive a commission on any Vision Forum product you purchase through our Vision Forum Affiliate Link or any Vision Forum product advertised on our website. If you want to purchase a Vision Forum product that we do not have a specific link to, just click through this Vision Forum Affiliate Link. As soon as the Vision Forum Affiliate Banner is available, we will add it for your convenience. Then, any time you want to make a Vision Forum purchase, you can come to our website, click through the Vision Forum Affiliate Banner, and you will be contributing to a well or house and homesteading vicariously through us! How easy is that?

We also have other Affiliate Links on our website for which we receive commissions. Some of the websites that we are Affiliates with are:

Biblical Womanhood
Christian Book Distributors
Amazon
Answers in Genesis
Franklin Springs Media

We will continue to add more Affiliate Programs and Links to our website as time goes on. If you know that there are any other products that you plan on purchasing that you know have Affiliate Programs, would you consider letting us know so that we can become Affiliates and receive a commission?