Hillbilly EllaB

Whether you like VP elect J.D. Vance’s “Hillbilly Elegy” book or not, we couldn’t pass up a Halloween costume opportunity;). 

Meet Hillbilly EllaB…

Grateful for cooler weather today.  Otherwise, this photo shoot would have been "hotter than a goat's butt in a pepper patch!" That's all the hillbilly slang I know.  Find your imagination and tell your story.  Happy Halloween!

Kitchen Whopee with Ella B

Appreciating food and where it comes from starts at an early age.  When Ella was just a tot, we planted a small herb and vegetable garden in our back yard.  Before long, she was eating broccoli, tomatoes (and whatever was ready for harvest) straight off the plants.  https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8263750636378117994/4156005188177079452

Throughout our day, we made countless trips to the spice cabinet.  I'd pull out a jar, have her close her eyes, smell, and tell me the spice name.  Those small efforts, over a decade ago, awakened her senses and now she's my go-to girl, when I need to know what's missing in a meal I prepared.  With just a taste, she identifies what's in it and what's missing.  

She found spontaneous joy in helping in the kitchen early on, and now in between music, school work, and activities, her delight continues.  Whopee!!

Milling wheat berries for freshness

Tortilla Press

Pan fried puff;)

Air fried Tortilla Pizza (Before...

...After) 

Cinnamon bread

Cinnamon Rolls

Whole wheat bread (Gail's basic bread recipe)

Salad with fermented kraut and fresh salsa

Cucumber salad

Salsa

Beef Pho

Healthy version of magic bars

Both gardening and cooking teach critical thinking skills and conceptual understanding. They offer practical life application of math, science, literature, social studies, health and art.

When the world weirs and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden [...and kitchen]. Minnie Aumonier

High School Freshman

Ella's first day of 9th grade looked very different from our actual lesson plans. After reading posts from parents whose kiddos started school last week coupled with news of a tragic school-related accident, we deviated from our "plan." 

Turning off the early morning alarm before it sounded, I stared at my beautifully sweet teen sleeping peacefully. She looked as if the summer breathed a new level of maturity into her--her big bed no longer swallowing her.  I couldn't help but delay the inevitable and climb in for cuddles. "The Old Man and the Sea" could just continue fishing, and we would CATCH him later.

These are the times when being an older parent comes with special benefits. Grateful for a successful career, retirement, an amazing hubby, and the opportunity to homeschool, teach, follow and support my girl--without judgment, while she navigates the different stages of life. 

"Every day is a new day" (Hemmingway). I love watching her smile and grow into the fresh-faced teenager she’s become.  With over seven billion people on God's earth, SHE is the absolute perfect daughter for me.  Can't' wait to see what this year brings. 

Happy learning sweet girl from the Happiest [Mama] in the Whole USA;).  

From Taverns to Tabernacle

Since Ella was six years old, she has performed in family-friendly taverns/venues in and around Texas/Louisiana/Oklahoma. At ten years old, she played on stage with Bobby Whitton at the Cotton Country Club in Granger, TX.  

The very moment we walked out of the club that night, she said, “wow, that is the best bar I’ve ever played in.” 😂

We’re happy to announce a diversion from “tavern to tabernacle” (Rick Weiss).  Today, she performed with the band at Christ Lutheran Church in Brenham.  It was a joyful morning, and the congregation and band were welcoming/complimentary. She even left with a potential gig opportunity and offers to play with the church band again.   I call that the Lord’s work! 

Ironically, after all those years of playing in taverns, she had her first taste of real wine at 14 years old IN CHURCH.  😜 #bloodofjesus

Thank you Ms. Vicki for inviting her to be a part of your team this morning.  Until next time, she will continue sharing her musical journey with all God’s people—no matter the venue. 

#AmazingGrace

#UnfailingLove

#Ashokan’sFarewell https://youtu.be/yWkKF8pP2Ww?si=kSywTdSNrR8IYfAi

#AwesomeGod https://youtu.be/CNbGpdsdiNo?si=JPMluYvf16KOIRHo

Montessori roots...music and practical life

From playing music at German festivals to building fences on the farm, Ella B gets the job done! 

Follow the child…and watch her light the way!