Gardening Len's Way

A little while back I was reading an article in Rural Missouri on a revolutionary style of gardening. It caught my attention! It was describing the brillant gardening idea called Gardening Len's Way.This man, Leonard Pense , lives down in Southern Mo where the soil is clay and full of rocks. He enjoyed gardening but found his garden was not faring well in such poor conditions. Mr. Pense came up with a plan for creating weed free raised bed gardens. I have lived in southern MO for a year when I was 14. My Dad wanted to have a large garden while we lived there. We did try! Our garden plot was new and full of rocks. Instead of weeding we said we were rock picking. When we drove along the roads in the Ozarks you could always tell if a garden spot had been there for sometime, all the rocks were picked out.

Where I live now the soil isn’t much better. It is poor clay soil and I tried several years in a row to raise some decent vegetables in it. I would get so discouraged over the results I would give up and let it go to weeds. A year ago I was cleaning house occasionally for a friend and noticed she had a beautiful raised strawberry bed that ran the length of her house. The soil was great, she had few weeds, and it was very easy for her to care for even with her poor health. Since then I have wanted to try some raised beds but never have because of the initial expense. For this year I had no garden at all and I missed having some fresh produce at the house.

This brings us back to “Gardening Len’s Way” Mr. Pense says it is a common sense way of growing an organic, weed free, raised bed, vegetable, fruit or flower gardens. A friend, Lisa, is going to take a class from Mr. Pense on this style of gardening and has already bought his notebook of information. She let me borrow the notebook recently.

Mr. Pense has given various plans for his cinderblock raised beds with instructions on putting them together. He gives ideas on supporting your plants, watering and feeding your plants, the special materials and formula needed for your weed free soil, and a page of resources.

Everything shared in the booklet is based on a raised bed of 4 feet wide by 16 feet long. The beauty of this size is the bed can be worked from both sides without stepping in the bed. It appears that a standard 4x16 bed would cost $417.00 to buy the special formula to garden in this manner. From what Lisa understands this soil can be used year after year adding a “soil vitamin” mix each year for approximately $25.00. That seems high to me but I suppose if you are using it year after year it would be worth it. I’m looking forward to seeing how Lisa’s raised bed will produce this coming year.

Mr. Pense gives the layout for an asparagus bed and a layout for fruit gardens. If you are a gardener I would highly recommend visiting The Gardening Revolution site and reading what Mr. Pense has to share. Here I have myself all excited to start some gardening and it’s supposed to sleet tonight! At this rate I’ll have cabin fever before our first snow fall.

Fall Helpers

My sister Caroline came over with her boys Mosiah and Israel last week. Living out in the country there is no need to be raking leaves. The boys however thought otherwise! They had a great time raking the leaves and playing.

Mosiah & Israel being Fall Helpers

Mosiah having fun....

Israel taking his job seriously

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Stem cell breakthrough defuses debate

I saw this article in the KC Star this evening about a new breakthrough in stem cell research. Since I am adamantly opposed to embryonic stem cell research I was excited to read of this new discovery!

The Car

Last night I was driving home in my car through rush hour traffic. All of a sudden my battery light came on along with other dashboard lights. My power steering went out, the brakes went mushy, and I could get zero power when I tried to accelerate. I was able to pull over into the right lane, put it in neutral, and cost up part of the hill in a parking lot. Since the brakes weren't working right I decided to leave it there until the tow truck came. There was just enough room for one car to get in and around my car. As a woman driving around who knows about zero concerning the mechanics of a car, I keep a Triple A membership for any occasion where I need help. The tow truck arrived shortly and brought the car and myself to a mechanic I trust. Then there was a little mix up as to who would pick me up. I was 50 minutes from home so I knew it would take a bit, but an hour and a half later with no one in sight....hmm. My brother-in-law thought my Dad was picking me up and Dad thought Sean was already on his way. I was simply frustrated to waste the evening but worse things can happen!
Overnight I was concerned I had another big car repair. I was hoping my car at 147,000 miles wasn't going to just fall apart piece by piece. I thing it is a great car and it looks nice inside and out. I really hoped it wouldn't be time to think about replaced it.
Then the mechanic called today. The embarrassing good news...I had run out of gas! My gas gauge (now proved)is not working correctly. Though it showed a quarter of a tank it was in reality sitting at complete nothing. Instead of spending $500 on a new fuel tank the mechanic told me to fill up the car at half a tank on my gauge. I felt quite stupid but was very thankful to come out with the price of a diagnostic test and car that is *mostly* working correctly.:-) At the end of the day I was still in budget and ready to roll. I couldn't be anymore thankful!

Little Musicans

Growing up in our family we were taught to have a love of music. It was many a Sunday afternoon that we spent singing hymns for a few hours. Before school each day we would usually spend 15-30 minutes singing hymns. Caroline is passing on this love of music to her children. Mosiah began humming hymns before he could talk. Then he started singing at home and in church. Israel has followed big brother. I will catch Israel humming hymns during the day, and he sings the words he can say at this point.

A few days ago my sister Caroline was playing the piano. Her boys came over and wanted to be part of the music in someway. Mosiah took some sheet music and turned a bar stool upside down to use as a music stand.

Israel took some sheet music and plopped down on the floor to sing along. How precious is this!

We Thank Thee O Lord For Our Mothers

I was cleaning through a pile of papers in my room and came across the words to this hymn that my brother- in -law wrote for the mothers of our church for Mother's Day. He had the fathers and children sing it to the tune of "We Thank Thee O God for the Prophets." I thought the words he wrote were beautiful. I know it blessed the hearts of the mothers that day! I think it should be added to our hymnal.:-)

We thank thee O Lord for our mothers

and those gentle hands that toiled all the day,

Tp train up a righteous generation

Whose deeds shall surely display-

That their hearts are one with heaven

And the Word of God is their staff and stay.

O we thank thee dear Lord for our mothers

That they sought to guide us in that way.

We thank thee O Lord for our mothers

and all the labor they've perforned the home to keep.

All the washing and cleaning and cooking

And laying their children down to sleep.

But let the hearts of the mothers take courage,

For though it seems their home-labors never cease,

Truly through your loving provisions

'Ere its night, your children lie down in peace.

We thank thee O Lord for our mothers

Though their shoulders have many sorrows borne,

In exchange for the sweet consulation

That a crown they'll receive from the Lord!

For surely goodness and mercy

Have followed our mothers all their days

And by the light of theri precious example

Our feet are straightened in the narrow way.

O sweet to our ears the name of Mother!

Such a sound does our heart good to be heard.

A name honored above many others,

A name truly to be preferred!

And blessed be the name of our Saviour,

Who entrusted our souls to such as these,

Whose whole lives are a grand testimony,

That the Lord Jesus Christ they sought to please.

Written by Sean Allen.

Frugal Fridays: Lower your Heating Bill

Over at Biblical Womanhood it's another frugal Friday. Today’s topic is lowering your heating bill. Here’s my tip!I get cold easy and when winter hits I seem to be the one in the family freezing at night. Besides using a pile of blankets, the best thing to help me stay warm is a good set of fleece pajamas. A few years ago my Mom bought my sister and I some nice fleece pajama tops and bottoms from Kohls. They are a thick fleece and I can’t believe how warm I stay in those PJ’s! I keep so warm in fact that I only wear them on real cold nights or I wake up in the middle of the night and have to change into something cooler! Last night I wore them and was so hot I could only use a sheet instead of a blanket. Wear a nice warm pair of socks and the only thing that will be cold is your nose. :-)

Another thought that my Mom mentioned is buying a fleece bottom sheet and top sheet for your set. My parents have a set of fleece sheets on their bed and it keeps them very warm. Bundle everyone up on your house with fleece PJ's and fleece bedsheets and who knows how low you turn the heater down at night!

Do The Next Thing

As I've been reading through the book, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God,they shared a poem that I have always liked. This was some wise advise I was given during a discouraging day. To pray, leave it with the Lord, and walk on to do the next thing that needed to be done.

Do The Next Thing

At an old English parsonage down by the sea,

There came in the twilight a message to me.

Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven

That, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.

And all through the hours the quiet words ring,

Like a low inspiration, do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a fear,

Many a douby hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment, let down from heaven,

Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.

Fear not tommorrows, child of the King,

Trust them to Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer,

Do it reliantly, casting all care.

Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand,

Who placed it before thee with earnest command.

Stay on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,

Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,

Working or suffering by thy demeaner;

In His dear presense, the rest of His calm,

The light of His countenance, be thy psalm,

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.

Then, as He beckons, do the next thing.

Author Unknown.

New Products at New Little Blessing

We have added some new products to our store that we are excited about. In addition we are now offering Free Shipping on our Ovulation and Pregnancy test when you order 6 or more!

Let me tell you about Ergo’s. Here at New Little Blessing the Ergo is our favorite baby carrier. Our Close to Heart Pouch Slings are great for nursing and around the house but absolutely nothing can beat an Ergo Baby Carrier when it comes to long periods of carrying your baby!
We are no longer able to directly sell Ergo’s due to their policy change, but as you visit it will be through our affiliate links.

Baby Carrier - organic chocolate carrier

· 14 ounce organic cotton canvas for maximum durability
· 400 threads per inch cotton poplin lining and hood
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· One inch, high density foam in shoulder straps
· Quarter inch high density neoprene foam in waist belt
· National Molding buckles tested up to 235 pounds
· Waist belt circumference from 25" to 43"
· Fits from 5' to 6.5' body height with adjustable shoulder and chest straps
· Sleeping hood adjusts in length to growth of baby
· Reinforcement stitching used at all fabric intersections
· Interior rip-stop reinforcements at critical intersections
· High quality black webbing
· Durability/strength tested up to 90 pounds


Organic Cotton, Good for You, Good for Nature
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Organic cotton is produced without the use of harsh chemicals. Instead natural fertilizers, compost and the use of natural pest control have helped make the growing of organic cotton a viable enterprise.
The benefit of producing cotton organically, to the consumer, especially our babies, is the softness and quality that only organic cotton can provide. This is one of the top reasons people choose organic cotton for their delicate baby�s skin.
Our New 100% Organic Cotton Carriers (including the linings, Infant Inserts and Accessories*) are certified by the Control Union Certifications (formerly Skal International) in the Netherlands. CU is an independent, internationally operating organization that carries out inspections and issues certificates for sustainable production methods.
CU is accredited to carry out inspection and certification services according to the:
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When you buy Organic, you can be sure that the fabric came from partnership with Mother Earth.
*with the exception of the nylon lining in the front pouch

Baby Carrier - organic caramel infant insert

The ERGO Baby Carrier in combination with our Infant Insert enables you to buy only one carrier that will assist you through all the stages of your baby’s growth. The insert is specially padded and shaped cushion that can be quickly and easily placed in the carrier and readjusted or folded to pad just the right places for your infant. Your infant is then cradled in a cozy, protected environment close to your heart and breast. Your baby is supported with both feet to one side in a sling-like position. This is best for the baby’s physical development from newborn to around four months. Parents can remain attentive to their baby’s needs at the same time continue daily activities because parent and baby are like one. The Hood can be extended for privacy when nursing or as a sun shield. Specs: ~200 threads per inch 100% cotton poplin fabric ~100% cotton batting ~Machine wash and dry on gently cycles

Baby Carrier - organic forest green carrier

ERGObaby - organic moss infant insert

The Elegant Ladies' Closet

Christmas Card CD

Christmas with Friends CD


Simply Christmas CD

Rejoice Radio

When I was 14 my grandparents (my Mom’s parents) moved to Tampa, Fl. We usually traveled to see them each year, or they would come up here each year. Sometimes my brother, sister, or I would go home with them by car then fly home or vice versus. I remember each time we came in range of the Pensacola Bible College radio station we were excited. It was a blessing to hear some beautiful music as we traveled through. Today I found Rejoice Radio on the internet! I had it turned on the office today. Visit Rejoice Radio and find out why we enjoyed their music so much.

My Makeup Confession

At the young age of 12 my mother decided it was high time her tomboy daughter learn to wear some makeup. I wasn’t opposed to trying it on, but neither was I in any way excited to wear “the mask”. My Mom had grown up as the oldest of 3 very girly girls. From what I hear there was more than enough makeup and nail polish to go around! Anyway, we were on a fall camping trip down in Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. I was ready to go hiking and hoping my Dad might go with us in one or two of the caves. Mom put some makeup on me and off we went. By the end of the day I had zero desire to wear the stuff ever again. It felt like I had a mask on, though surely she must have applied it sparingly. If you rubbed your eyes at all (which I am known to do since I have dry eyes) you get mascara around or in your eyes. In the years since then I have been perfectly content to go on without wearing anymore than some blush and lipstick. About a month ago I was sitting in mechanic shop waiting for my tires to be rotated and balanced. I was quite bored and they had very few read worthy magazines. Between a car magazine and a lady’s magazine I decided to read an article on “How to Know your Makeup Colors”. It could pass as mildly interesting. I took painting lessons from my adopted Grandma for several years after high school. I have very definite ideas about the colors I think match well for painting. Colors for painting my face? I have not the slightest clue!
After reading this article I thought about how many woman I knew who wear makeup. The list was quite long. Was I really missing out on something I needed to know as a woman? Soon I was thinking, “maybe I should know what colors of makeup I should wear and use a bit of the stuff.” My Mom had always bought Clinique so I headed into the local Dillard’s. I brought with me a chubby stick from some time back hoping they had more of this same color. I have worn this lipstick on rare occasions. How rare those occasions were I soon found out. After asking the saleslady if they still had this color chubby stick she informed me it had been discontinued several years ago! I told her I didn’t wear makeup and had no clue what colors I should wear and asked her advice. I only intended to have help with my now extinct chubby stick color and eye shadow. She was more than happy to oblige. By the time I left she had covered my face with some new in fashion all over face powder shine, tried several shades of a neutral eye shadow, and a lip gloss. When I looked in the mirror at one of the eye shadows she put on I told her it looked like I had a black eye. She assured me it didn’t look like that. I did buy a lip stick and eye shadow. As I left she was promising when I came back she would help me pick out a foundation, eye liner, lip gloss, and mascara.
On the way home that shiny all over face stuff felt like a mask and was itching. Did I mention this face powder shine has a sparkle to it? I walked in the door and asked Caroline what she thought. She said the powder made me look like I was sweating after working out, and one of the eye shadows made me look like I had a black eye. (See my eyes were not deceiving me!) Enough was enough. I had to go scrub my face several times to get all that stuff off. Can you only get makeup off with makeup remover? Soap and water can’t do huh?
The next morning I was happy to get up, get ready for my day, and not worry about putting “the mask” on. There is no harm to it in moderation but count me out! One evening as a Clinique customer was one evening too many for me. I may look awful to someone else but I certainly look like me whatever the case.
So to my short lived makeup day, farewell, I bid you goodbye in peace.

Signed,
The woman with a face but no mask

Despite two abortion attempts, twin survives

The Daily Mail in London is reporting the amazing story of a British twin who survived an attempt to end his life before birth. Doctors had discovered he was smaller than his twin and had an enlarged heart. They opined that if he were to die before birth, he might endanger the life of the other twin. The parents were convinced and agreed to the abortion.[Did they ever think to ask, "If Baby A might die if Baby B dies in vitro, why are we going to kill Baby B ourselves, thereby potentially endangering Baby A?"]Doctors attempted to cut the infant's umbilical cord, but it was too strong to cut through. They then cut the mother's placenta in half to hopefully extinguish the life of the smaller babe while keeping the larger one alive. In short, the docs tried to apply Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest. But, the child proved all wrong and lived through both attempts. He was later delivered safely and is now at home growing strong...

Mrs Jones [mother of the twins] said: "They told us that if he died, it could be life threatening for his brother.
"We had to decide whether to end his life and let his brother live, or risk them both."
They said it would be impossible to keep him alive afterwards...
It would be kinder to let him die in the womb with his brother by his side than to die alone after being born.
"That made my mind up for me. I wanted the best thing for him."

This amazing story was pointed out to me by my sister Caroline who read it at Biblical Womanhood.

Thursday I was at a customer’s home and we started talking about the weather. This elderly lady knew a man who had been the head of a department with the National Weather service. As we spoke of tornadoes and hurricanes she shared how this man would get so frustrated that despite technology there was much they couldn’t predict about the weather. I told her that’s because they aren’t God! In an insurance policy these acts of weather man can’t control are called officially, acts of God. It seems we do acknowledge God when disaster strikes! As I read this story about the twin boys I realized here again is a situation where Doctors, who are men/women of the flesh, were trying to be God. The parents then were trusting in the so called wisdom of the doctors. We look at situations and try to determine with our own understanding and reasoning what could, would, or should happen. The trouble is we forget we are not God! We need to pause and acknowledge to God we do not know all. As in the miracle of these twins both living despite the reasoning of Doctors as to what should happen, there stepped into play one item they were not reckoning with, an act of God. It seems from time to time God steps into a situation in this world to remind us He is alive and ruler over all.

Late Birthday Pictures

Last Saturday was a joint birthday party for my nephews Mosiah and Israel. Their Grandma Allen created a treasure hunt for them and their two friends. Since the treasure hunt was on the farm they went hunting by golf cart stopping at spots such as the walnut barrels, hay bales, and the chicken coop. Each location had a little gift for Mosiah and Israel. They had a great deal of fun! The game of musical chairs on the other hand did not go over well. Some children who will remain nameless did not do well when it came time to “loose a chair”. They not only lost the chair, but their composure as well!

Off to begin treasure hunting..




Treasure found!




Yet more treasure..

The ill fated musical chairs..