tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018365098298646682024-03-13T08:17:41.151-07:00Life on The Rowland Ranch"What's life like for Jane Rowland," you ask? Well, here you go...a small glimpse into the wonderful reality I live in. Enjoy!Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-75630888785008048222009-09-17T06:19:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.086-07:00Knitting Our Baby.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOgibBZVHK09Kx3o5QJn3JKqS_KZPu4LBsWor5NeiWQC71OQ7c2h-y83yq0fpm4tF74KBXQw0Rq9h4MCm4VJ4Hv_hepxeg8wA5b1fNYGSxoEWUqiwgoF5B2Tyo4Lz8tzNiFspPi2XWH8-/s1600-h/knitting1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382428580244130562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOgibBZVHK09Kx3o5QJn3JKqS_KZPu4LBsWor5NeiWQC71OQ7c2h-y83yq0fpm4tF74KBXQw0Rq9h4MCm4VJ4Hv_hepxeg8wA5b1fNYGSxoEWUqiwgoF5B2Tyo4Lz8tzNiFspPi2XWH8-/s200/knitting1.jpg" /></a> Anna, our five year old, and I were sitting together talking recently. She's so excited about our baby coming. I've been sharing with the kids how the Bible says: "You knit me together in my Mother's womb". It's been fun talking about God "knitting" our little baby, especially since the girls learned to <a href="http://therowlandranch.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-knifty-knitters.html"><em><strong>knit</strong></em></a> a little bit last year. This is part of our conversation:<br /><div><strong>"Mamma, why does it take so long for Jesus to knit our baby? Why doesn't He just knit our baby really fast? Cuz He's afraid He'll mess up?" </strong></div><div>I thought you'd get a chuckle out of that one. :)</div><div>Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my Mother's womb."</div><br /><br /><div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-11308038349578490982009-09-05T18:09:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.158-07:00Treasure Hunt at The Rowland Ranch!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dychWt51GYRQUUNv4mU-NmBLA0aTwedaPQlCI-PPvVart9u6dX6asMzsyncseEcLoLf1K_W9YZLn27L-Ze68A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-21228453631390299222009-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:002010-08-21T07:46:50.677-07:00He Loves Us.<div>We had an incredible Good Friday service this year. I was so touched in a new way by the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the love of the Father to lay down the life of His one and only Son for me.... I couldn't stop the tears as I sat in the service. When we got home, Matthew and I put the kids to bed and he told me he had a clip he wanted me to watch. I watched it. Here it is. </div><br />
<br /><div>It was incredible. Still gets me every time I watch it. It's 8 minutes long..but worth every second. It's a simple song about the love of the Father for us, but something so fresh and new penetrated my heart as I watched it...or as I cried through it. :) I pray that you too would experience in a new and fresh way the indescribable love of our Father for YOU! </div><br />
<br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps</a></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-73148673243525920482009-07-21T08:13:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.166-07:00A Message for Housermania!You'd think after over three years of our dearest friends moving away..we'd get over it!! NOT THE CASE!!! I still manage to get teary eyed quite often..and I'm not a crier! :)<br /><br />We sure do miss you Housermania, you all truly have a very special place in our hearts.<br /><br />Here's a message the kids recorded for you: "WE LOVE YOU HOUSERMANIA, WE WISH YOU WERE HERE!!" My thoughts exactly.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwB0r1dKbCaghh3TSN0Ge188mAT2MYc3zATgTka0fdcwPYWa_o4KIxv21VhXv3DHT209ABPBvxax5obM5NZGw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-9465050101636910832009-07-19T22:43:00.001-07:002010-08-21T07:46:50.690-07:00Mother's Day 2009<div>Just wanted to share with you all the Mother's Day video Matthew and the kids made for me this year. Super special! </div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy70qs6YRFwAXJVHMTw3HzD6nQ1DLqhSKwyiEDDT82bpN-_N5zok5hT2Xp_8CC-E_J_zzLpZXEPaPOj1Z0RRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-71831693298273100652009-07-19T20:58:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.170-07:00Summer Crafts.<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Sa5zGMFCs-LLU79OEdspvMDszrRjb8b7IEMaS3GKuxoRYappFgo6uoMitTGEvopvJF5SgDqFSY9pYbQCWJUxee8tHFVBi7z13DNAb43tIs1TMX0aWxeK5OwGLWYcstbsXuKTDShZsh7m/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360394183343930242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Sa5zGMFCs-LLU79OEdspvMDszrRjb8b7IEMaS3GKuxoRYappFgo6uoMitTGEvopvJF5SgDqFSY9pYbQCWJUxee8tHFVBi7z13DNAb43tIs1TMX0aWxeK5OwGLWYcstbsXuKTDShZsh7m/s200/028.JPG" /></a></p><div align="left"></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwYtGdRMBuoZGH6N4TAqZ2koyEOX_hLLEwubKhaRh_KgTCtB7Q8AtuIF3vEkRxV-g5NIpgmktuw1SBLzNAB6ow0rvtNU_jqCfnflVJ6SO0DskkK1uhYAJ2fWxfX7ie8piqrPb-qVvn5le/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360391455870233250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwYtGdRMBuoZGH6N4TAqZ2koyEOX_hLLEwubKhaRh_KgTCtB7Q8AtuIF3vEkRxV-g5NIpgmktuw1SBLzNAB6ow0rvtNU_jqCfnflVJ6SO0DskkK1uhYAJ2fWxfX7ie8piqrPb-qVvn5le/s200/020.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6ZslEa8WxHjLwpRx3_EIirPoIwI2rv5hapiMJQKbA7ipsOmBOagawmJPR9nDIMN5L35BToIm7YizOqa9JGJMW_H2ZQg53Qg_pPssg1nqsgFYKK4q880bWMNC64uCtqT_ELqlIXjMQBqd/s1600-h/102.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360392769333956274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6ZslEa8WxHjLwpRx3_EIirPoIwI2rv5hapiMJQKbA7ipsOmBOagawmJPR9nDIMN5L35BToIm7YizOqa9JGJMW_H2ZQg53Qg_pPssg1nqsgFYKK4q880bWMNC64uCtqT_ELqlIXjMQBqd/s200/102.JPG" /></a></p><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOBdqGrxwswI83LTBo3z4as3Xnb4DbiGG99i8NApoqkXE0yNfOeBlkjMRtlJlQAIP7az0yNFoP0E6ixnOMAhyphenhyphenHn6GwW2VW7uDKCECtYVIMCvrYLSLnTLd5MjBrOxTH0qOe0YUbMsIilOp/s1600-h/4thofjuly.rowlands.flagcake+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360393301194476850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOBdqGrxwswI83LTBo3z4as3Xnb4DbiGG99i8NApoqkXE0yNfOeBlkjMRtlJlQAIP7az0yNFoP0E6ixnOMAhyphenhyphenHn6GwW2VW7uDKCECtYVIMCvrYLSLnTLd5MjBrOxTH0qOe0YUbMsIilOp/s200/4thofjuly.rowlands.flagcake+(2).JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6f4LTt2SwXcW8oOkPT4Y-GbKmTRxJ_LvRupa1E848QICELEuOJqtffl7EWZL5tOQXbKboeFyeR4MTTJMh9fqOou7GkYZH1PNP25ebWOlVICTZeggShSvifxnhJnwQHWggSnz-_qo19d2/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360392223372484130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6f4LTt2SwXcW8oOkPT4Y-GbKmTRxJ_LvRupa1E848QICELEuOJqtffl7EWZL5tOQXbKboeFyeR4MTTJMh9fqOou7GkYZH1PNP25ebWOlVICTZeggShSvifxnhJnwQHWggSnz-_qo19d2/s200/012.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ItgSrUg6XYkjkgISdpTIhVSwfTGKILA_rwjtDomyDcm5WNxMUh0JHG4-AEnofMncqEoF-yc6KLs_ShNFinFzmY_Gds7cvAOW1LuVRZNI38DWVk69WnjT5mWL7L3GNelY6FfPEoT-EI1C/s1600-h/167.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360390576514542114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ItgSrUg6XYkjkgISdpTIhVSwfTGKILA_rwjtDomyDcm5WNxMUh0JHG4-AEnofMncqEoF-yc6KLs_ShNFinFzmY_Gds7cvAOW1LuVRZNI38DWVk69WnjT5mWL7L3GNelY6FfPEoT-EI1C/s200/167.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />You know that feeling you get when you do something really fun with your kids? That joy that fills your heart? You just want to shout from a mountaintop.."I'm a fun Mom!" :) Well, anytime I do hands-on crafts with my kiddos I get that feeling. We have such a great time together. This summer has been packed with lots of summer crafting. I just wanted to take a minute to show you some of the stuff we've been doing..homemade green slime, rock painting, ice cream pinwheels, chocolate covered bananas, flag berry cake, edible pudding paint..fun! And I just gotta say that I've suprised myself by the kindness and gentleness I've shown during our time together..I could get way stressed out by the arguing over who gets to stir the paint, or who gets to do the sprinkles first..or when green slime gets on somebody's brand new shirt..but instead I remind them that Jesus is watching our attitudes, including Mamma's! Plus..why spend all that time trying to make a fun memory and then ruin it by turning into "Mean Mamma"??! :) Not worth it..I say!! And a big shout-out to my dear friend, Shipra. She's been the inspiration behind all this craftiness! :) Shipra started an art-blog for homeschoolers called <a href="http://www.wednesdaygallery.blogspot.com/"><strong>The Wednesday Gallery</strong></a>.We've LOVED being a part...and you can too! Come check it out!Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-39445922485987999602009-07-19T20:39:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.172-07:00Still smiling...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFvf6ZdORYCwD7YtkeMmFt_2Y8sCh0hgI8M3r1D-MgIr69ho_222r2lv5L8DKXHDCorqLU-PN4IZaazUtWdL1bSPYjKEmyZ1j9UVHCCqbRe3tTum-c5l23jC4i0sVLC6BuqjarUJmpI8T/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360386210951192946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFvf6ZdORYCwD7YtkeMmFt_2Y8sCh0hgI8M3r1D-MgIr69ho_222r2lv5L8DKXHDCorqLU-PN4IZaazUtWdL1bSPYjKEmyZ1j9UVHCCqbRe3tTum-c5l23jC4i0sVLC6BuqjarUJmpI8T/s200/008.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuFNHKu1_hM8wAxLkXACMvVKO_0WkjDLxngpDGrGDqb8luMHowAIsBYEpcBeK5MLFKS7CXwJhFiq1bu_rBYzAfGYfBNO6409aAvaKCjmZwmCxHmF_mcHEbU9CJXCCWSTxH1a22glZjpur/s1600-h/008.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div>Here's our Anna. Smiling Anna. Happy Anna. Really, for the most part she usually has a smile on her face. Last night I was sound asleep when I felt this burning sensation on my arm. I bolted up out of bed and there was sweet Anna. "Mamma, I'm hot". I could tell in an instant that yes, indeed..SHE WAS HOT! I ran to grab the trusty thermometer and sure enough she had a raging fever of 103.4. :( Can I just say...I don't like fevers. I know all that stuff about how they're really great because they're fighting infection and everything, but I still don't like them. I usually get an instant tightness in my tummy and any desire to eat quickly vanishes as soon as one of my kids gets a fever. Compassion?..fear?...whatever it is..it's no fun and always accompanies my kids fevers. Well, this afternoon the fever was down to 100.5, so I laid off the tylenol for a couple of hours and the kiddos had rest time. Then along came Anna.."Mamma, I'm hot"..sure enough..fever. 105! Yikes!! I called one of my dear nurse friends. She gave me some good advice..now the fever is down and hopefully she's through this super quick! We have lots of friends praying for our sweet girl and guess what...?...she's still smiling!! :)</div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-29378338492087575692009-03-08T13:30:00.001-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.173-07:00The Rowland Family In Action!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY4l0kofQdXJzgyIBYrQDpJUfTS_HCcuYyWhNHTEFCamJPrvwDCPuwq7ZypXE95pm9eLUIKX_tpHPRNmiKyLQXhcUZfkqWXgruIzJdyJUGYcQ_eGD6Eu-KBINWPBy3OTqh-eDpv0P5KMF/s1600-h/matthew+and+pookie.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310920805702608146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY4l0kofQdXJzgyIBYrQDpJUfTS_HCcuYyWhNHTEFCamJPrvwDCPuwq7ZypXE95pm9eLUIKX_tpHPRNmiKyLQXhcUZfkqWXgruIzJdyJUGYcQ_eGD6Eu-KBINWPBy3OTqh-eDpv0P5KMF/s320/matthew+and+pookie.jpg" /></a><br /><div>We were all sitting at our kitchen table this afternoon, having a nice Sunday lunch together....when all of a sudden our baby girl, Naomi, started choking. Wish you could've seen all of us in action..! I'll try my best to describe the scene. Matthew got her out of her seat and started smacking her on the back..meanwhile I'm calmly saying..(I mean it..really..I was calm!) "Honey, should I call 911?" She was still coughing a little bit..but barely, and taking in no breath. Matthew said, "Honey, call 911." So, I grab the phone and call. Becca jumps into action along with us.."Daddy, I have a book about this!" (she just so happened to be reading a babysitters training book last night about what do to when a child is choking) Becca heads upstairs to grab the book. In the background of a somewhat peaceful situation I hear Abby praying.."Jesus, please help Naomi to be ok, Jesus, please help her to breathe!" Meanwhile Elizabeth is calmly crying..(we needed a few tears). Anna pipes up, "What's going on?" Daniel is just observing the whole situation. As I'm talking to the 911 operator, I'm asking Matthew over and over.."Is she breathing? Is she ok, honey?" They're dispatching...and finally Matthew says.."She's ok, honey. She's ok." We cancel the dispatch. Phew! We all sit back down..each one of us with very wobbly legs..our appetites gone. Matthew and I hug and we all thank Jesus together for protecting our sweet baby girl. I was so amazed by how we all worked together! The Rowland Family Rocks! :) </div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-3465673846051968552009-03-08T08:36:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.175-07:00"In Jesus Name..!"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaeNL_XY-c4T-m4j7k_nr6sCeqaUvgprRxc6g5F_EYhXz8yPHNEBPJDmiNDOkc7AHRTgNtLGui0nPBe7VALEfEKiiuvMneIcYD-NHFwcirMdeMt-VEkexGh1pz8jRDrnAsR5MxR1_qLTV/s1600-h/elizabeth+at+the+arches.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310849092541698482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaeNL_XY-c4T-m4j7k_nr6sCeqaUvgprRxc6g5F_EYhXz8yPHNEBPJDmiNDOkc7AHRTgNtLGui0nPBe7VALEfEKiiuvMneIcYD-NHFwcirMdeMt-VEkexGh1pz8jRDrnAsR5MxR1_qLTV/s320/elizabeth+at+the+arches.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Recently, I was in the front of our property checking on the animals...the kids were all taking a break from homeschooling...it was a lovely Texas day for bike riding..(one of the many reasons I love homeschooling!!) I was walking back to the house, enjoying the fresh air.. I look to my right and see sweet Elizabeth riding her bike along the driveway...as I'm walking I hear her say.."In Jesus name, satan, YOU HAVE TO GO!" I was a little bit startled by her declaration and made a u-turn.. "Elizabeth, are you ok?" "Oh, yes Mamma! Something was telling me to crash my bike..I know it was satan, so I told him to go and he did." :)</div><br /><div>Wow! Powerful, right? The faith of a child. How often do I allow little lies or discouragement to come into my mind, and not take the time to say.."In Jesus name.." </div><br /><div>Can I just brag on the children's Pastor at our church for a minute??!! One thing he teaches the kids is that one of the main things our enemy can do is lie to us...we have to be ready with God's word and tell him to flee! It works..it really does! Next time you hear a little lie in your head..think of my sweet Elizabeth....and have the faith of a child!</div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-74892197914405334222009-01-31T19:23:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.177-07:00My "Knifty Knitters"!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlsL_EymK3q3D2-2JpLsGPjDH8SUpsWn5h2UhAAf5EYOWLmJ_zG1wsty30N4NgFqSM8Q9TXxn17kwrBB8zuIiq3h0etiSDfo1tAWowl-XgjiSmemEm1vQ1Enho51gFheL_Ep8yXJCoigM/s1600-h/Becca+and+Abby+scarves.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299803686213522626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlsL_EymK3q3D2-2JpLsGPjDH8SUpsWn5h2UhAAf5EYOWLmJ_zG1wsty30N4NgFqSM8Q9TXxn17kwrBB8zuIiq3h0etiSDfo1tAWowl-XgjiSmemEm1vQ1Enho51gFheL_Ep8yXJCoigM/s320/Becca+and+Abby+scarves.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It's been a life long dream of mine to be able to knit. I've tried several times, and just can't seem to get the hang of it. I even tried one of those "knitting for dummies" type books..that didn't even work..oh no!..does that mean I'm even worse than a dummy..??? Yikes! <div><div><br /><div>Well...guess what! I'm a knitter..a scarf knitter! And all my girls knit now too...even sweet 5 year old Anna, with a little bit of help from Mommy. :) All thanks to the "knifty knitter". $7.99 at Walmart (sorry Joshua) and a skein of "chunky yarn", figure eights on a knitting loom..walaa!! A scarf! I have yet to figure out how to make anything else, but I'm so super proud of these lovely scarves. Now I get to enter into the world of my dear friend Shipra..ok, not enter..just peek in the window...I don't imagine in my wildest dreams that I could even come close to knitting a hat with a beautiful flower on it like she can...but at the very least, now we can talk yarn together...(like we ever need more to talk about..) :) I can't even begin to describe to you the satisfaction I get as a Mommy to see my little girls sitting on the couch knitting scarves..! </div><br /><div>Here's a picture of Becca and Abby with their very first scarves..wish I could show you my first creation, but I gave it to my lovely Mom..it matches her winter coat perfectly! Yahooooo! The Rowland Girls are knitters!!! </div></div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-11196150107902252252008-12-07T17:32:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.181-07:00My WHOLE belly!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hSHWl5l6oCly4kOhXVOzI4C21Ps2bhslf7C9gWvY8sNuojM6mZKAVIk8TAJgVTK_7uEwbDsvqKpm_dbQdBqE-kqU5vNk-IK0pyLSXHM_TAydqsgUTHjWaN-72j_DimAIieqAELmiMBmF/s1600-h/IMG_1859.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277227558197161874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hSHWl5l6oCly4kOhXVOzI4C21Ps2bhslf7C9gWvY8sNuojM6mZKAVIk8TAJgVTK_7uEwbDsvqKpm_dbQdBqE-kqU5vNk-IK0pyLSXHM_TAydqsgUTHjWaN-72j_DimAIieqAELmiMBmF/s320/IMG_1859.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Our kids go to a program at a neighborhood church called "Awana". (Notice the very fashionable vest!) They've learned lots, made great friends and the added plus is that Matthew and I get a free date night out of it!! :) Fun!</div><br /><div>Tonight, after Matthew picked the kids up and brought them home, he told us that Daniel's teacher said that he asked Jesus into his heart! Of course, I had to ask sweet Daniel about it.."Daniel, did you ask Jesus into your heart??!!!" His reply.."No, Mamma, not just into my heart...in my WHOLE BELLY!!"</div><br /><div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-61462788576214861572008-11-30T14:28:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.183-07:00Thankful<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIYREJrKhSGo1sBRRPdgB38GZOyeTgi2vomaD6wKD49VZMhe73CNykrkwnvPlF2MzFycyk0wSQlD5jk3YO8Vxhbm43tZuZqoOwpst83uRTybIGLxtDwPQtt8A-apT3fMLly3mD2xqc3wb/s1600-h/Our+family.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274582754247623058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIYREJrKhSGo1sBRRPdgB38GZOyeTgi2vomaD6wKD49VZMhe73CNykrkwnvPlF2MzFycyk0wSQlD5jk3YO8Vxhbm43tZuZqoOwpst83uRTybIGLxtDwPQtt8A-apT3fMLly3mD2xqc3wb/s320/Our+family.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for the family God has given me. If you would've asked me 15 years ago what I thought my life would be like in the future, I don't think I would've even come close to imagining what it is like now. The love that fills my heart when I look into the eyes of each of these sweet ones that belong to Matthew and I...the love that grows deeper and deeper each day for the gift God has given me in my husband. My life is forever changed because of the people you see in this picture, my heart is fuller, my life is brighter, my joy is deeper, and I am thankful. </div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-58238518979640386922008-11-29T17:09:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.190-07:00Wouldn't you?!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVCw9Icsu-MC52N6DHh0Lmgevfyh9f8uiz6EkyRai_ryUqHajiabXAJU8Jl21OzvnI6a68WoGFbNyC1P7YtnpZIIiPqaxB0jbHVw4dqkp-LPE_ez38ny0WXKweIn8crFtPalLeyq0_zlq/s1600-h/IMG_1708.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274253984289640354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVCw9Icsu-MC52N6DHh0Lmgevfyh9f8uiz6EkyRai_ryUqHajiabXAJU8Jl21OzvnI6a68WoGFbNyC1P7YtnpZIIiPqaxB0jbHVw4dqkp-LPE_ez38ny0WXKweIn8crFtPalLeyq0_zlq/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Ok, I know this is a ridiculous looking picture of me..but I just HAD to share! :) I was super freezing all day today, so I donned this super cute..er...warm hat. Well, this afternoon I was preparing to run errands and my husband dared me. "Honey, I'll give you a 30 minute back scratch tonight if you'll wear that hat out." (snicker, snicker) I love back scratches! I'm up for the challenge! So I grabbed one of my girls..(my oldest chickened out) and we went errand running together. Abby gave me the confidence I needed. "Mommy, I think you look pretty!"</div><br /><div>Thanks Abby! :) I hoped and prayed that I wouldn't run into anyone I knew, I only had to do one major avoidance..! Ok, I got a few funny stares and heard a couple chuckles as I passed by cool looking teenagers...I tried to avoid mirrors at all costs..BUT I DID IT!! I went to Target and Kohls looking pretty silly!! :) Yahoo! Matthew couldn't believe it..! He drilled Abby for about 5 minutes. "Mommy, REALLY wore it the entire time, Abby? Really?" I guess I'm not as vain as he thought I was..and I guess I'll be getting my 30 minute back scratch tonight!!!</div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-84114793540609385542008-11-14T23:20:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.192-07:00The Best Birthday Gift.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdxsJnBlPI86N85mzL8QI9pjwz9ElirxssAZ-C62BiOLA8XrFScLrJhfvNG-Ve3vuzlAffCHxwCzAJ6b_CKXKVk1JpVHEKoPC1sXzgs2VrIcraBoLKrPN8koyIC7zM2H8q9rg3Y5H0Ov0/s1600-h/Mommy+and+Becca.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268783770303153458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdxsJnBlPI86N85mzL8QI9pjwz9ElirxssAZ-C62BiOLA8XrFScLrJhfvNG-Ve3vuzlAffCHxwCzAJ6b_CKXKVk1JpVHEKoPC1sXzgs2VrIcraBoLKrPN8koyIC7zM2H8q9rg3Y5H0Ov0/s320/Mommy+and+Becca.jpg" /></a><br /><div>A decade ago I received the best gift a Mommy could ever get on her birthday! At 7:27 pm, on my 23rd birthday, our firstborn daughter, Rebecca Joy Rowland was born. I'll never forget the day, or the joy that filled my heart as I held this precious gift. 10 years goes by way too fast. Last night, as I was snuggling with our Becca, I told her, once again.. "Becca, you have to stop growing up!". She obediently replied, with a smile, "Ok, Mamma." Our Becca is so responible, so smart, such a faithful daughter. Psalm 144:12 says "Our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace." That's what our Becca is. A pillar. Strong, reliable, trustworthy, stable. </div><br /><div>We love you so much Becca. You are a true gift.</div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-27785235971477633182008-11-14T22:54:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.194-07:00My Compassionate One.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pkjzDTDujmNdW2MccWsgsabJE-g1l6v3SKTksht7W5IWOCJiM1Fli40Ua6QIssZAF90hlM6fIQaYQ3KcMaB51vMh2PtvqJRTNJfO6vfB9Fna34PJQVaABYnWWExVn0y4wP9YOit07Vjf/s1600-h/Abby+and+Daddy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268780540468744786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pkjzDTDujmNdW2MccWsgsabJE-g1l6v3SKTksht7W5IWOCJiM1Fli40Ua6QIssZAF90hlM6fIQaYQ3KcMaB51vMh2PtvqJRTNJfO6vfB9Fna34PJQVaABYnWWExVn0y4wP9YOit07Vjf/s320/Abby+and+Daddy.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCw4VuWl9Vzk72znUR4SgAzM6TuOMWGxLlnvP-665Ht7Rv5Lb5F2uKsf3nxhTRfA7qfzX8h5pmYBDrCIpcE-jcB7xD8-mWc4eHTBVBmNzPLO9eeYkp8piOKVKZ8kLRYQpPtnbVP3Qd51Yc/s1600-h/Abby+and+Daddy.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Abby. Full of compassion. Our Abby is like no other. Living on a small farm, having lots of animals can be quite distressing at times, for one so compassionate..like when we go out to feed our new baby chicks and find that they've been attacked by a opossum. From almost an acre away I could see and hear the cry of my Abby. My heart melted..a little bit for the chicks, but mostly for her. </div><br /><div>Abigail Grace. Our Abby is full of grace and compassion for others. She's the one who needs to know where everyone is at every moment. And watch out..! Because if she calls your name and you don't answer right away...well, let's just say, everyone in this family knows to answer Abby's call quickly! She's our giver. She has a dollar to spend at Wal-Mart? She'll buy her sister a chocolate bar. She loves and cares for others. There's a lot of others around here, so we keep her pretty busy! I love you so much Abby! Our family would not be complete without you. Thanks for loving and caring so much for all of us! </div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-20323181262937379312008-11-14T21:51:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.196-07:00My Man.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvybLW1YKxsittuWghRh5jC9f9sPddOTN7k1gPj57d_wr7uMXSsjXb5XkpbHBN69UNVPz8wrdDFN2z-vB0n54JCXpEwSJkS3K-EYTlm7e5MubnKItrCF9qu4wBOkS6UVGXiOSOCg-NF2W/s1600-h/Me+and+M+on+ferris+wheel.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268785368710577170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvybLW1YKxsittuWghRh5jC9f9sPddOTN7k1gPj57d_wr7uMXSsjXb5XkpbHBN69UNVPz8wrdDFN2z-vB0n54JCXpEwSJkS3K-EYTlm7e5MubnKItrCF9qu4wBOkS6UVGXiOSOCg-NF2W/s320/Me+and+M+on+ferris+wheel.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpY1LflJj4cNDyUCvpskPRn6G21qvI7TuL6RdfPYJEr8Y8ZybTap9xPY_9s_XK72dcFDR-j7w2cKAV6tFZZjfXxgxk2NDAHR5oV8oXquH41YlI8gIiZGgHfxlkFqhw_jPtehJhvr8jaxl/s1600-h/Me+and+M+on+ferris+wheel.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Right now...I miss my man! He's at a men's retreat tonight. I'm so thankful he gets to go and be encouraged and do some fun "manly" stuff. Yet..here I am, sitting all alone in our bedroom missing him like crazy. You'd think after 13 years of marriage, that we've probably spent our share of time apart. Not the case. I think the most we've ever been apart was last year, when Matthew and his best friend in the world..Joshua Houser..went on a once in a lifetime trip to the Grand Canyon. Matthew was away for 6 long nights. Before that, I think the most time we'd spent away from each other was two nights.</div><br /><div>What do I miss about my man tonight? I'll share a few things...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>1. I miss the way he makes himself his very own batch of chocolate chip cookies almost every night. (ok, not his very own..he buys one of those big tubs from Costco and scoops them onto a tray)</div><br /><div>2. I miss the way he sits at his desk and concentrates for hours on his homework. (Only two more classes and he'll have his degree!! I'm so proud of him!) Yet, he still takes time to listen to me and tries so hard to answer questions like this one... "Honey, who did you talk to today?" Ummm...poor guy! What kind of question is that anyway?! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>3. I miss the way he smells. So clean! He should be..he takes at least two showers and a bath per day..and I'm not kidding! </div><br /><div>4. I miss the way he brushes and flosses his teeth and washes his contacts...this whole process takes at least 30 minutes...he does it every single night, so faithfully and consistently. I love the way he makes fun of me for not being a very good flosser...ok, the truth? I'm not a flosser. Once in a while I pretend to try to floss, just to make him happy, but I'm pretty sure he's caught on. He just rolls his eyes at me when I pull out the floss. </div><br /><div>5. I miss the way he comes to bed and puts his freezing cold hand on my back to make me scream. I know..torture! </div><br /><div>Ok, I could go on and on..but for now I'll leave you with those 5. I love you so much honey. Can't wait to see you tomorrow! I'll always miss you. Whether its one night or the 10 hours you're away at work, or the 45 minute trip to Home Depot. Life is always better when you're here. You are loved.</div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-8531141573062163062008-11-11T19:53:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.199-07:00"Can I hab her, Mamma?"<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mowkZJzbv_PXTsyHAUmyqyrKDhgpp5ljy_Svseg0rmvYG8N1Wfnq2DRPeOH1bbfRsd9TtwRzognJP71Vp-q8_XBMUqKOMhXJ1FApanVzl9k_vF59Uaj-kytxzpmBhRjxpym9GHDIelj7/s1600-h/daniel+and+Naomi.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269697507527610114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mowkZJzbv_PXTsyHAUmyqyrKDhgpp5ljy_Svseg0rmvYG8N1Wfnq2DRPeOH1bbfRsd9TtwRzognJP71Vp-q8_XBMUqKOMhXJ1FApanVzl9k_vF59Uaj-kytxzpmBhRjxpym9GHDIelj7/s320/daniel+and+Naomi.jpg" /></a> <strong>Daniel with Naomi</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJKE0CVnJX7UYAzxReJgKuQ7_r9L6duuHHdXoK53XNlOLoFT8JVBMUp5xaqFs1baS_W5LIlb4DOulZyYP3wZwJ7tNGHkIVGVCcFoBmX3XYuMPUDgkt9MqhWGtOcms4m2gFcrMwLCL6Xit/s1600-h/Daniel+at+Pine+Cove.jpg"></a><br /><div align="left">Ok, as you all well know....we love babies around here!! Today, I had the joyful pleasure of having a very dear friend bring over her six week old, precious, baby girl for a visit. Of course, my children all gathered around and asked to hold her..after some major hand washing, baby Cara was finally in the arms of our Daniel. I've never seen him so willing and speedy to wash his hands.."Ok, Mom!...I'll wash them "weally" clean!" I wish you could've seen the expression on his face as he held this little one. The story does not end here...as I was snuggling with Daniel tonight, we had this conversation... </div><div align="left"><br /></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">"Mamma, I want Baby Cara! Can I hab her? Please Mamma?" </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">"Daniel, Baby Cara is Mrs. Elissa's baby, Mrs. Elissa would miss baby Cara."</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>"Oh, Mamma..Mrs. Elissa will gib her to us. Weally Mamma. Please Mamma! I NEED HER MAMMA!</strong> "</span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">"What about Naomi, Daniel? You have baby Naomi."</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>"Mamma, Nomie doesn't let me hobe her anymore, we can give baby Nomie to Mrs. Elissa and Baby Cara can sweep right here next to me!"</strong><br /><br /></span>So sweet! I then explained to Daniel that we couldn't possibly make a trade with Mrs. Elissa. He finally seemed to understand and realized that he would miss "Nomie" too. :)..but he still has his heart set on having another baby.<br /><br />I love that if you ask any of my kids, they all want more siblings. You'd think after having such a houseful that they'd get worn out with so many people...nope! Every one of them wants at least a few more brothers and sisters. Anna says she wants 88! Hmm...I don't know about that one. Now, I'm not dropping any hints that #7 is on the way, but if my kids had it THEIR way........</div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-22533365985210989492008-11-10T21:56:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.207-07:00Special to Anna...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqJ80m0YUStf7LAm5J3zc0Ib9zOy5cE2dqctjz8oNlgoZ8Z-ObLVsoa1qXqurcpfpOCRy_6MdBLe5D_2btXuyGi4Q0pmPQVH4rXBeR0YFfoHbeW8FbbUlTKPCEQkKZi1o3HWhjmhg6HyM/s1600-h/Anna+muddy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268382672133385458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqJ80m0YUStf7LAm5J3zc0Ib9zOy5cE2dqctjz8oNlgoZ8Z-ObLVsoa1qXqurcpfpOCRy_6MdBLe5D_2btXuyGi4Q0pmPQVH4rXBeR0YFfoHbeW8FbbUlTKPCEQkKZi1o3HWhjmhg6HyM/s320/Anna+muddy.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYYVJjdAEonsbcm1PA2lBkfEGBs9aC3zcXYLXAh6uKdy2PATXW7lDmlnq9fTPbR9O_ZWpbu8SdCLKdIN80Hk6lxnnYfprZkMqtDLPZrWjlfFUmYKHC6cha4mLjEoJPK6J47DM3tLBqtb-/s1600-h/Anna+muddy.jpg"></a>Part of our homeschool curriculum is to write a letter to someone on Thursday afternoons. Now..this is NOT a simple task..we have to decide who we're writing to, think of what should be said...anything besides the ongoing list of all of our animals...!..then comes the first draft, which they bring to me and we sit together and fix all the spelling mistakes..followed by the final draft and even a picture..usually. Well, I just have to share about Anna's letter. She came up to me having drawn the cutest picture of her and Grammy. Now, letter writing with a four year old can be pretty tricky at times...some serious prompting..so..here we go.."Anna, what do you want to say to Grammy?" Without even a second thought, Anna piped up, "Grammy, you are so very special to me." And that's it. Grammy, you are special to Anna.</div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-63322962153660811392008-11-10T21:44:00.000-08:002010-06-06T19:13:06.210-07:00Our Naomi Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6spBt0anUdAe10bNF8QanS_D3TrqzaijK0qUk3Ka3_4wZWreltLxA4OWjS8WPrZVUo0Go09AP2fOG_PKzw63fYyjBRmAdOCH-CIi9Doq-L3FHe3YvWzxiG7QKNwsOiXlCFQVvNg_fJwl-/s1600-h/naomi+window.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 229px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267273946382763186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6spBt0anUdAe10bNF8QanS_D3TrqzaijK0qUk3Ka3_4wZWreltLxA4OWjS8WPrZVUo0Go09AP2fOG_PKzw63fYyjBRmAdOCH-CIi9Doq-L3FHe3YvWzxiG7QKNwsOiXlCFQVvNg_fJwl-/s320/naomi+window.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It's so hard to believe she'll be turning one in a few days! Our little "Pookie". Don't ask me how in the world she got that nickname..it's a mystery...all I know is that our sweet Naomi Love answers to "Pookie" around here! I just have to share this picture of her..I think it captures her sweetness and the joy she brings to us. She lights up our family and we all break into giggles and outright laughter over the littlest things she does. She certainly is loved around here...whether she's in Mamma's arms or swung on the hip of a 4 year old...our little "Pookie" will always know love. </div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-18013447383206212032008-07-19T13:47:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.217-07:00Our Little Graduate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8f3_cGwwE7LOozdPkyRcajyewYaTN5bqXmGVC3HLJVcAluWGR9AkegXlfqMsO2Lm3mP8XUtnaUB88jN_PFcoN8YZkNWc7-z85VpiGkKKjCcstiUc_Z7Z5ZRnFoSRJxx4Z8HVMp8_kB74/s1600-h/IMG_0438.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224849407209236498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8f3_cGwwE7LOozdPkyRcajyewYaTN5bqXmGVC3HLJVcAluWGR9AkegXlfqMsO2Lm3mP8XUtnaUB88jN_PFcoN8YZkNWc7-z85VpiGkKKjCcstiUc_Z7Z5ZRnFoSRJxx4Z8HVMp8_kB74/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" /></a><br />Our sweet Elizabeth graduated from Kindergarten a few weeks ago! What a precious girl she is! I have to say it's been such a joy and pleasure to be her teacher this year...my first success in completely teaching one of my children to read. Yahoo!! I'm so proud of myself..and her, of course! Our Elizabeth has become quite a proficient little reader. In fact, today, she grabbed a 200 page book and decided she was going to read it all by herself..now as a Mom I didn't want to squash her enthusiasm..but Anne of Green Gables I think is an 8th grade reading level..we'll see how she does. :) I've noticed lately that our Elizabeth has a gift of teaching..when her older sisters get annoyed or irritated with showing a younger sibling how to do something, Elizabeth will sit down and spend an hour explaining in detail, step by step the exact way to do something...and doesn't tire at all of question after question..she's so very patient explaining things...she has a natural teaching ability..maybe she'll even be the one to teach Naomi to read in a few years..I wouldn't be surprised one bit. We had such a fun time at her graduation ceremony. First..a trip to McDonald's for breakfast, her choice of course..then we came home for the festivities. Matthew downloaded pomp and circumstance and we all gathered around as Elle walked down the hallway, complete in cap and gown (and bare feet) ;)..she walked with pride and confidence and listened intently..for the most part..as Daddy said a few words about her and then presented her with her diploma. My favorite part was watching her gaze at her Daddy with such loving eyes, knowing she'd accomplished great things in her first year at Shining Stars Academy..the name of our homeschool. Now, if you want to see the whole ceremony..it's about 10 minutes long...you'll have to go to www.matthewandjane.com and check it out..you don't want to miss seeing our Elizabeth recite all 50 states, continents and oceans, solar system, read a story...etc..am I a proud Mamma/teacher or what??!! :)<br />I love you so very much Elizabeth! You are a precious young lady who is growing into a mature young woman. We're so excited about all the exciting plans Jesus has for your future. Keep loving him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and you will accomplish great and wonderful things!!Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-35816750316687766682008-07-19T11:29:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.221-07:00An ache behind my smile.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYSArJO4ZB7_mfhPr8D-xX5BPlqczA_el93UpB-WQcyZULchF7KZqwrIxFDOcFNwrWE6Omc9qddOiBBAnApxc0WBSxZAvRe7sf-IOdkrcUB0uR7H4Ro6nVc1SzpsMkw78-npdXwJ4bVUf/s1600-h/DSC08198.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224804005422841170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYSArJO4ZB7_mfhPr8D-xX5BPlqczA_el93UpB-WQcyZULchF7KZqwrIxFDOcFNwrWE6Omc9qddOiBBAnApxc0WBSxZAvRe7sf-IOdkrcUB0uR7H4Ro6nVc1SzpsMkw78-npdXwJ4bVUf/s320/DSC08198.JPG" /></a><br />Have you ever found yourself smiling with an ache in your heart? That's how it's been for me going on five years now. Life is great..I have so very much to be thankful for, yet at the end of the day..when I search my heart, there is a dull ache in the very depths. Those of you very close to me know of the ache I'm talking about. Almost five years ago my Dad went to Sudan, Africa and contacted Cerebral Malaria. We almost lost him. He really hasn't been the same since. Now, I'm not sure what your relationship is like with your Dad. Me and my Dad are tight. Super tight. Let's just say...it took me an entire year to "leave and cleave"...I remember when Matthew and I were first married, going into the bathroom and crying my eyes out because I missed my Dad. The comfort, the unconditional love, the joy I saw in his eyes when we spent time together. Now, you gotta understand that Matthew is an INCREDIBLE husband...I couldn't ask for more..just had a time of grief letting go of my Dad as the main man in my life. Anyway...it's been a huge, long, uphill battle since Dad contacted Malaria. We've seen some great progress and some days no progress at all. Yet...we trust that Jesus has Dad in his very capable and loving hands. I rely on Psalm 91 that says "Because he loves me, says the Lord..I will rescue him, I will protect him for he acknowledges my name..with LONG LIFE will I satisfy him and show him my salvation!"<br />We all love you Dad...you're going to make it through this. We're standing with you, believing for a complete and total healing. You're the greatest Dad in the world!! And Mom...your grace and strength through all of this has been incredible! Your unconditional love for Dad and your selflessness is remarkable and a true example to all of us. I love you both more than you'll ever know. Love, Buggy.<br /><strong>***UPDATE! Dad has been doing great now for the past several months. Thank you Jesus!! That ache in my heart?...It's gone! :) Love you Dad!</strong>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-42365409327799491762008-07-19T10:18:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:06.223-07:00A little snappy....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6aTT3_MYKa0u17FJ5iWd6xmWsDaneuwRLs3n8B_Y3yCnT9XHGmbJUocazmWdgfgqvuOhIOg7CPnQp_04UX1MjjKwN7gRYZ0tJm7R_T0yXwXAjUy8kGlY32c2CeGXNOD46yD9jQmqeVMg/s1600-h/IMG_0555.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224789193548132194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6aTT3_MYKa0u17FJ5iWd6xmWsDaneuwRLs3n8B_Y3yCnT9XHGmbJUocazmWdgfgqvuOhIOg7CPnQp_04UX1MjjKwN7gRYZ0tJm7R_T0yXwXAjUy8kGlY32c2CeGXNOD46yD9jQmqeVMg/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" /></a><br />Ok, so you all know that we have our new puppy, Katie. Well, it's been so fun seeing Judah getting adjusted to his new little friend. They immediately became pals..they run around together, snuggle up together...have lots of fun. I've noticed the last couple of days though that Judah can get a little bit "snappy" with our new puppy...especially when he's hungry, hot, irritated...or seems concerned about something (thunderstorms)..and when he just needs some one on one time with his Mamma..(me) :) Well...as I've watched all this transpire, I've realized that in my mothering I can get a little bit "snappy" at times...seems to be when I'm hungry, irritated or concerned about something..(like waiting two long weeks for a biopsy on a mole...not to worry, no skin cancer here!)...or just during times when I know I need some one on one time with Jesus. Now, I know some of you are saying.."YOU, Jane?? Snappy??..don't you talk in a sickly, sweet voice all day long to your kids?" Ummm...nope. There are certainly times when I use my "tense" voice, or find my tone a little bit louder than it needs to be..or when I just get plain snappy with my hubby. My daily prayer is that my kindness and gentleness would be evident to ALL. Who is my all? My all are six fantastic kiddos and an incredible husband. Who is your all? Have you found yourself a little bit "snappy" lately? This is what works for me...cast those cares and concerns on Jesus, make sure you get some one on one time with Him and then grab an oreo...ummm..or an organic, pesticide free nectarine. :) Walaaa..!! Kindness and Gentleness evident to ALL!!Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-37467965608779722462008-07-18T15:49:00.000-07:002010-06-06T19:13:25.000-07:00My honey.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILu3wKGfX5r_DoMdA2Xg8CxkM6BbFZHwJ9DdJQurgLYJWsrUf5xtuqj_tpZ26ao62dGpxjY919bqgQKKDqnt5FeLMPr3DetVpQ_KPvAXiiN1hT8rxxGczR1SoAYWbF3GMKMf5MmbgoXBK/s1600-h/M___J_s_wedding_picture.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224492789694426258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILu3wKGfX5r_DoMdA2Xg8CxkM6BbFZHwJ9DdJQurgLYJWsrUf5xtuqj_tpZ26ao62dGpxjY919bqgQKKDqnt5FeLMPr3DetVpQ_KPvAXiiN1hT8rxxGczR1SoAYWbF3GMKMf5MmbgoXBK/s320/M___J_s_wedding_picture.jpg" /></a><br />"Can it ever get better than this??!!"....I clearly remember thinking that very thought over 13 years ago when Matthew and I were on our honeymoon...the answer is a big YES!!...hard to believe that I could love him even more than I did 13 years ago..but it's absolutely true. Matthew means more to me than words could ever say. It's been so much fun loving him all these years. Matthew and I are a great team. That's what it takes to run a home with 6 kids! Teamwork...loving, serving, selfless teamwork. Recently my honey took several hours and put a porch swing up for me..this was our anniversary present to ourselves. I pray that we will have many, many, many long years together swinging on that porch swing..that someday we'll be snuggled close watching our grandkids...our greatgrandkids...play in the yard as we sit and remember all the wonderful times we've shared together. I love you honey. You're the greatest gift Jesus has ever given me.Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-36563165978406457642008-07-15T20:57:00.001-07:002010-06-06T19:13:25.004-07:00Our new puppy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC20s9amxBvVnvO-9a7haX9nMIjYAusS57Osl2sU2x0lMLK2XFOHVsOFCBeKvsRUPt1R3ilhhpithGZ54Hb06PEtsx6sH1HZts-J-mgichQw_cb1b_7o8-dtxgXKV9uSmkCiRuZqTUlpnv/s1600-h/IMG_0561.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224441336146155538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC20s9amxBvVnvO-9a7haX9nMIjYAusS57Osl2sU2x0lMLK2XFOHVsOFCBeKvsRUPt1R3ilhhpithGZ54Hb06PEtsx6sH1HZts-J-mgichQw_cb1b_7o8-dtxgXKV9uSmkCiRuZqTUlpnv/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" /></a><br />Introducing...the newest member of the Rowland Family! Katie!! She's cute, adorable, furry..and very precious to us. We decided Judah for sure needed a friend and Katie has been just perfect! We all love her so much already. Now that makes 13 pets for us...here's a breakdown....Judah and Katie (Great Pyrs), Enoch, Lightning, Honey & Spice (goats), Freckles (pig), Juan & Uno (ducks), Twizzler, Starburst, Rolo (bunnies) and finally...last but not least..Rose. (hamster)..and should I count the very cool sea monkeys that Becca has growing in her room? Not exactly a pet..she hatched the eggs and started off with what looked to be a million of these tiny things..now we're down to one....ok, we'll count him/her....that makes 14..plus the eight of us..yep...we're feeding 22 mouths here at the Rowland Ranch! No wonder that grocery bill is so high! Yikes! And..we for sure can't forget our horses...well, not really OURS..we take care of them 9 months out of the year for Pine Cove Christian Camp.. though we're merely caretakers we feel like they're part of the fam too...Winchester and Maylee...that makes 24!<br />You can see lots of cute pix of Katie at <a href="http://www.matthewandjane.com/">http://www.matthewandjane.com/</a>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301836509829864668.post-73458940953294992152008-07-15T20:33:00.001-07:002010-06-06T19:13:25.006-07:00It's Me..Plain Jane!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPD31lHjZ4AXg4MKqB4uKkisGGejBELYnwX01kLd7Wpo82-SYolNpdaLAyCWvDF2Uu7hrvPhIp9Xowly-neD25bkwirV8axXRlWyq_tsf5NVVLeThewSd8V-5YURUMfh6N_yFRW1wCslx/s1600-h/family+picture.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269651213759426418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPD31lHjZ4AXg4MKqB4uKkisGGejBELYnwX01kLd7Wpo82-SYolNpdaLAyCWvDF2Uu7hrvPhIp9Xowly-neD25bkwirV8axXRlWyq_tsf5NVVLeThewSd8V-5YURUMfh6N_yFRW1wCslx/s320/family+picture.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Hi! I'm Jane. I fit all the characteristics of plain...Plain Jane...except for one thing..I have 6..yep..6..!!!!...wonderful, adorable, incredible, amazing children...who unlike me..are FAR from plain!! I love being a Mom..my children (and Jesus..and my hubby) are my greatest joy! I don't know what my life would be like without all my little ones. I don't want to know!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>I guess the best way to start this blog is to just start!! I'm probably not going to put a ton of pix up..if you want to see lots of pix and videos...you'll need to head on over to our family website. <a href="http://www.matthewandjane.com/">http://www.matthewandjane.com/</a> Matthew for sure keeps that updated on all of the latest happenings in video and pictue format! I'm creating this blog because I want some way to be able to keep track of all the fun happenings here at The Rowland Ranch...so....ENJOY!!!</div></div></div></div></div>Life on The Rowland Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966045635904433527noreply@blogger.com1