Meet Our Parents
Our parents are amazing. They have allowed and helped us to grow and stretch and learn in SO many ways. They understand us, listen to us, let us vent, jabber and exclaim over the things we’re learning, they love us, and they aren’t quick to put us or anyone into a ‘box’ of how they think life should be for us π Daddy is our rock and protector (and has a very fun sense of humor!), Mommy helps us think outside of the box and grow and provides us with what we need to learn π They pray for and with us, and ask God to help them guide us. And when God guides your parents who are guiding you, you are sure not to miss out on anything that is meant for you.
We’ve put together a little profile below, so that you can learn a little bit about each of us π
Favorite things to do: FLYING, sewing, flying, organizing stuff, flying, writing, reading, blogging, flying, and talking. One reason Leah and I are such good friends is, well, see Leah’s profile!!!
Instruments: Harp, Violin, Viola, Mountain Dulcimer, Mandolin
Favorite Animal: Horses
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
Favorite part of doing dishes: Loading the dishwasher
Interesting Fact: Loves airplanes, helicopters, and flying π
Need a virtual assistant? need a website designed? Visit my website here.
A few favorite books: One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven (Mark Cahill), Evidence Not Seen (Darlene Deibler Rose), Bob Cornuke’s Books.
Leah and I love teasing each other…I think we’ve been doing it ever since we were toddlers. Only then it was very one sided. I teased her. Now she gets me back! Once when we went camping, Leah and I were swimming off of a pontoon boat. I’ll let my journal tell the rest of the story: “In the first cove we swam at, Leah and I took turns pulling each other to the boat on a rope. I had the rope’s noose around my waist, and Leah had the end, I would swim out, then she would pull me in π Well…once, it was her turn. When she “came in”, she said, “Wouldn’t it be mean if…” then she just smiled and said, “Never mind.” “What?” I asked, “what were you going to say?” “Nothing!” “Yes you were!” But she wouldn’t say–well I soon found out! It was my turn, so I began to swim out. It seemed to me that I was swimming farther than normal, so I turned around to behold Leah laughing at me from the boat [she had let go of the rope, so that she couldn’t pull me in” :D]. So that is what she was going to say!!!” ~Jessica
I love: sewing, listening, playing violin in the Symphony of the Lakes Orchestra, reading, paper crafting, drawing/painting, music, crocheting, chalkboard art, gardening, flowers, listening, hand lettering, cooking, airplanes & helicopters, spending time outdoors…
Favorite Foods: Italian, ice cream, {dark} chocolate, fruit…
Instruments: violin and piano
Favorite Colors: purple, green, and blue
Favorite Animals: goats and kittens
{a few} favorite Bible verses: Psalm 16:8,9,11
Favorite Classical Composers: Beethoven and Mendelssohn
When I was younger, I always thought it would be so neat to be an older girl. I liked to play “yadies” (ladies–it often involved shopping, and taking turns to be the “lady”–the cashier), and loved big earrings and heel shoes : ) One time in particular, I remember riding bikes with Jessica (on my training wheeled bike), and telling her to pretend that I was a big girl, and that my bike was a big bike with no training wheels! That was just the neatest thing! Another time, I excitedly spent the big amount of $8.oo on a set of plastic heel shoes, an umbrella, a purse, and a coin purse. I think the whole reason I got the set was for the shoes, which promptly broke the very same evening I bought them. The umbrella, following the shoes’ example, turned inside out before very many uses, whereupon Mommy asked me if I had learned my lesson. My answer was, “I want to go buy another one!” (Mommy must not have let me, or I didn’t have the money, because I did not end up buying another one). Now that I am an older girl, I do not like big earrings or high heeled shoes, I do ride a “big bike”, I’m not particularly fond of shopping (and would not want to be a cashier), and I don’t feel “neat” just because I’m an older girl–I often don’t feel old enough to be an older girl : )
Susannah
Pronunciation: Sue-sauna (yes, like a “sauna”)
I love: playing cello in Symphony of the Lakes Orchestra, sunflowers, cooking, crocheting, tatting, making lists, graphic design, getting up early, organizing, reading (especially “how to…” books), Mondays, babies, and Haiti.
Susannah has been to Haiti three times and is a midwife student studying at Southwest Technical College Wisconsin. She is currently living in Houston, Texas where she is experiencing living near downtown, living the laundromat life, and is learning new skills like starting IVs, cooking for one person, and navigating traffic during rush hour (not at the same time though…) π
Favorite animal: Llamas π
Favorite color: Red white & blue, but predominantly red!
Favorite food: Ice cream, it has milk in it and milk is good for your bones, therefore ice cream is good for you!
Instrument: Piano, Cello and I have a harmonica that I don’t play much.
I Love: EMS most definitely, stethoscopes, and sirens! Pounding my heart out on the piano, the beauty of God’s creation in this world, I Am Second videos, helicopters, shooting a gun, and having my license.
I very much dislike: Cats
A {few} favorite Bible verses: Psalms 57:7~Psalms 32:8~Matt. 5:16~Proverbs 18:21
Funny Story: Awhile ago, I was making supper, and I needed to think of what to have for a vegetable. I decided on Caesar Salad, and I was thinking (out loud ;D ) “Too bad I don’t have time to make croutons for it”. The last few times when I have made croutons, I have the oven on around 200 degrees and bake them for at least an hour, if not more. So, I thought if I put the oven on a higher temperature, maybe 400 degrees or so, and check them more often, that it might work and we could have croutons with our salad! Leah was teasing me that my croutons would be black, I just laughed and went to go start them. I had them in the oven that’s in the garage, and Isaiah had gone outside through the garage. I thought I smelled something burning, so after a little bit I went to go check on them…the oven was filled with smoke and the croutons were black! It was pretty funny, especially since Leah said that they would be black!And black they were.I heard someone say that they were like coal. I hadn’t checked on them as much as I had planned, so we ended up not having croutons with our Caesar Salad. π Something else that was funny while I was making supper (pizza), Jessica told me that it smelled like Fazolis. Later when you could smell the burned croutons, she said “Cassia, it smells like Fazolis on fire!”
Anna
A few of my favorite things – music loud, windows down, eyeliner, spending time on the lake, or with my husband. I’m always looking for something to clean, throw away, or change.
Cal and I live out where you can see the sunrise and the sunset without anything in the way and blissfully quiet.
Favorite foods: Sausage gravy with biscuits, and fried apples. Goat milk, ice cream and chocolate.
Favorite animals: Dogs, cows, goats, llamas, deer, kittens, horses, alpacas, and mostly any baby animals. Can you tell she is the animal lover?!
I love: Shooting a 20 gauge shotgun! spending time outdoors, playing harp, sewing, {when I get in the mood π } sometimes cooking, playing with my siblings, sometimes reading, taking pictures, {esp. when I can use my sister’s nice camera!!!} drawing/painting and riding in a helicopter. π
Instruments: Harp and guitar. Favorite colors: Purple, green and blue.
Favorite part of doing dishes: Rinsing the dishes.
Favorite Bible verses: Proverbs 29:25, Isaiah 12:2, Psalm 139:14, and Proverbs 30:5.
On Bekah’s birthday one year she was asked if she felt like she was a year older. She said, “Kind of…when I was cutting up hot dogs for lunch, I did!”
Favorite things- spaghetti, ice cream, ukulele,Cats,swimming, cooking & baking , yellow, latte art, pink camo, gummy worms, going bare foot, tea parties & traveling.
Instruments: flute & ukulele
From the family journal: “Today when we were feeding the animals we heard Charissa say, “Cats, barge off!” when she wanted them to get off of a feed box. When she wanted them to get back on she said, “Okay cats, barge on again!” One day Charissa was cutting the peel off of one particularly stubborn banana and said, “I wonder how they get the bananas in these things!” Another time she announced, “Now I know why we got the whooping cough! It’s because we eat whooping cream!” (whipping cream) π “Once we were playing, probably like the day after yesterday, and…” A few years ago, Charissa and Noah were playing with an old car seat. She came inside and told someone, “I put Noah in a car seat out in Daddy’s shop, and I was pushing and pushing on the button, and I couldn’t get him out, and I said, ‘Noah I think you’re stuck’, and he started crying and I don’t know why.”
Noah & Isaiah
Favorite toys: combines, tractors, cars, trains, dirt
Favorite food: oatmeal,
Instruments: (Noah) cello, (Isaiah) whatever he gets his hands on π
Favorite things to do: wrestle, play cars, trains or tractors, eat, do things outside, watch or help Daddy work, build things.
::Email us:: We love hearing from our readers π
Visit Mommy’s blog HERE.
I think that I was at your house when you TRiED to make the croutons:-)
I liked reading all of them!
goatgirl46
funny π
Oh silly me! I thought Cassia was Rebekah and Rebekah was Cassia π
Hi,
I found your blog awhile ago, and I was just wondering what y’all believe doctrinally. Why do y’all wear head coverings and long dresses?
God bless..
Hello Autumn!
Thanks for asking π We wear the headcoverings because of what we’ve read in 1 Corinthians 11. Daddy and Mommy decided together several years ago that this is what they wanted for our family, and then as each of us girls get old enough, ask about it, and understand what it is all about, we have begun to wear them, too π The long dresses are for modesty and because we love wearing them! They make you feel so feminine and pretty π We didn’t always used to dress this way, though we have for most our lives since Daddy and Mommy started us young! π Leah and I were probably around 5 and 3 years old when we did start doing “dresses only” π
So glad you commented! We *love* hearing from our readers π
~Jessica
I enjoyed reading through this… though seeing close-ups of all of you makes me wonder how old each of you are! When I see a photo of one of you, I make a guess of how old you are. Then I see another one of you and I get all confused!
(you don’t have to say; I understand if you don’t publisice that information. ;))
I love your explanation about your modesty and head coverings. Mother decided that we would wear head coverings too, and it has been such a blessing for us. The Mantle of Grace we call it….
God Bless
What a nice name for it! It has been wonderful blessing to us, as well π
~Jessica
haha i just saw this (i’m so slow!)
i love it!!!
I just saw this for the first time too… I was behind on your posts, as usual. π
It was so funny! I wish I could describe the wonderful feeling I got reading about you all. It just reminded me once again how VERY much I love and appreciate you all! You’re each so unique and yet fit perfectly together- like a family should. π God has very much blessed you all!
Miss you!
God bless!
Your sister in Christ
~DB π
how old are your brothers?
5 and 3…Isaiah turns 4 Oct. 7th and Noah will turn 6 Nov. 12th. π
okay…thanks…my brother were wondering π
oops, I mean brothers π also, maybe we should get a piramid (sp?) picture while you are at our house π Just an idea
I just am itching to meet you all! I can hardly wait
Oh, that would be a lot of fun to do a pyramid picture! We did that once here at home π
This is a real good way for us all to know you individually! How creative π
By the way I have been considering head coveings for myself recently. I was just wondering if you could tell me any Biblical reasons to wear one, I have been asking around alot recently so I can come to a conclusion, but it hasn’t inspired me so far to do so, especailly as it might cause my brothers and sisters in Christ (at the church I go to) to stumble as they don’t wear them. I have thought of wearing a descreet one though like a fashion statement : bandanna or a wide band. What is a your opininon?
God Bless,
Chloe~Jane x
I can try! π My advice would be to study what it is about, first. You can find where it talks about it in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 11. Also, I would encourage you to talk it over with your parents…especially since it is a symbol of being under your father’s authority. You wouldn’t want to wear it as a symbol of being submissive when your dad doesn’t like you to wear it π Make sense? As far as wearing a bandana or wide band instead, that is pretty much up to what you and your parents think is best π
Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, we’d be happy to help if we can! May God bless you richly as you follow after Him!
Jessica
Thank~you dearly, Jessica! That really makes sense. My Dad says I probably shouldn’t because of the Church we go to…and I have long hair. So at this time I should respect that until (God willing) I have a husband who wants me to wear one π Thanks again.
Chloe~Jane
You’re welcome π
~Jessica
I LOVE the ‘cats, barge on’ story, that is ADORABLE! π
On another note, the women in our family (namely my mom and I π , wore pants and had no problem with it because it was all we knew. But then we met some families that were ‘dresses only’ and I loved it……I don’t remember even how it happened, but I gradually stopped wearing pants and now my mom wears only skirts, too! π I’m not saying it’s all my doing, because we run in skirts only circles now, and we are majorly Reformed in theology and practice……. π But I think that it’s a testimony that girls CAN change their homes by what THEY do- I don’t need my environment to change before I change, I change and THEN my environment changes! π It’s like my hero, Paul Jehle says: “The Kingdom of God does not come through politics, otherwise the kingdom would come from the outside in. But when the kingdom comes, politics change as the effect of the kingdom. We donΒt get involved in the community in order to bring the kingdom, we get involved in our community as a result of the kingdom coming forth, because He is victor and He is the one who reigns. ” π and when he says
“When I am born again my spirit is saved, my spirit is regenerated, my spirit is indwelled by the power of God. My soul, my mind is being saved, is being renewed. It is present tense change. When the Bible says IΒm changed into a new creature, the tense is actually ΒIΒm being changed daily. So your soul is being changed, and then will come a day when the trumpet sounds, my body will be changed from corruption to incorruption. So we recognize the sanctification is a three fold process. ”
Anyway, I hope I don’t sound too preachy! When I read your discussions on headcoverings, etc, my love of theology kicked in and I had to write this! π
Nope, not preachy at all π I enjoyed reading it! Very, very true…”the kingdom of God does not come through politics”.
Hugs!
Jessica
lol the stuff that Bekah and Charissa and Noah and Isaiah said was very funny :D…it was very funny reading them all :)…i FINALLY got around to it :)..
have a great day!!
love,
mary
Oh my I’m so excited to find you girls have a blog! What fun! Now I have something to read when I have nothing to do at work:):) 2 days until you leave on your trip! I hope you can update a little while you’re gone so I can enjoy the trip with you:)
Have fun girls!
Yes! Only 2 days! We’re planning on updating…so we’ll see how it goes π
Hello! I just found your blog and have been soo blessed by it! I really enjoy reading about your different lives…it’s fun to see how much my family and I have in common! We live on a small farm in mid/southern KS and love our lives. I was reading and saw that one of you girls has food allergies…would you mind sharing a bit more about this? Right now we’re trying to discover some things which we think might be the result of food reactions but have A LOT to learn. Anyway, I would love to hear anything you have and keep up the work. Your example of rejoicing in the place He has created you as woman and living for Jesus is great! God bless you all!
How old are you girls? My mom was wondering
Hello ladies! π I was just wondering if you have an email that I can reach you at because I have some questions for you, and I’m new to your blog so I’m not sure where the appropriate place to ask them is, haha. Your blog is lovely, I have really enjoyed reading it! Thank you, God bless! π
Krisha π
I e-mailed you π
Hello anna!
Where is your story?! as the saying goes, “soon” never comes π
Hmmm….coming soon I think π
ohhh π
Susannah – So glad you made the pumpkin muffins and enjoyed them! I wanted to let you know of a site that is run by a gluten free woman that I have gotten so many delcious recipes from over the past few months! http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ She is completely gluten free and makes everything in her crock pot but of course you could just change the recipes to cook on the stove or in the oven if you want. Look through her archives!
P.S. I LOVE soggy graham crackers in milk too! We are weird!!!! HA HA HA! π
Dear Sisters,
We just found you- your name is almost the same as ours. Hopefully our homeschool community will funnel you in some more readers! Blessings to you.
Hi my name is Amanda!Thanks for making this blog!Its great!
O and can you email me I have some Questions.
Thanks
I found your blog because I was looking up the Seven Sisters stars after reading the Christmas chapter from Mary Poppins to my children. I like your blog a lot!
Mary
Marynate.blogspot.com
Stagefourcancer.wordpress.com
I wasnt sure where to leave a reply to your comment on my blog but thanks so much for giving me that warm welcome. π I too thought of you all often, in fact..I have read the letter you sent me with the headcovering pattern many times. I misssed blogging very very much!
^_^ Hope to hear from you all again, also, very good job on those aprons on etsy! They are beautiful!
Oriana
Hello! I have enjoyed your blog so much! Where I live at there are not many people who have the same convictions as I have (ie. dresses only, headcoverings,etc) and I would love to be able to talk to you all. π I pray that you are doing well this cold winter and God bless.
Rebekah
Hello! I’m so happy to ‘meet’ ya’ll and I have enjoyed reading your blog so much! It’s hard for me to meet fellow young ladies with the same interests as I have where I live. I would love to be in contact with ya’ll but I don’t know exactly how to go about this, sorry I’m a little slow in learning “computer”. :p
Hello Rebekah! Thanks for commenting! It is always encouraging for us to hear of other girls who share the same convictions, too π Feel free to comment as much as you like…we love comments π And if you ever want to email us, there’s a “contact us” link on the side of our blog π
Jessica
come on anna… where’s that story? You said it’s coming soon! π
Hi there Farmgirls!
I have enjoyed reading your blog for some time now, but was actually a bit internet-shy and didn’t have the “courage” to post a comment…
I just wanted to tell you how nice is to witness your adventures and hilarious posts! It’s also very nice to see that there are girls with my same modesty standards, willing to commit their lives fully to the Lord. You are a great example!
I would love to keep in touch via e-mail, too, as I have a few more questions and topics to share!
Many blessings,
Alice
Hello Alice! Thanks so much for commenting π We’re so glad that you were ‘brave’ enough to comment, hehe π
I’m getting ready to send you an email π
Jessica
I love being outside too. I also love going barefoot but my mom always makes me wash my feet when I come inside. π We used to have chickens and two goats. We still have a dog(who swallows our socks) and I have a parakeet.
I love how you have all given your lives to Christ! What a peace we can have in Him. I have recently found that when I do things I don’t want to do but have to with an attidude for Christ, I have succeded greatly or have had fun doing it. I have yet to learn how to get along with my siblings.
Hope you are all in good health!
Adelle
Oh dear! I laughed when I read about your dog who swallows your socks π hehe! We used to have a couple of parakeets…they were noisy, and fun π
Don’t worry…keep working at it and your siblings will be your best friends π
Jessica
Your blog is so much fun! I love to hear all of your funny stories too π I found you girls on “Feelin’ Feminine” last month! Very nice blog, and family. You remind me of the West Ladies! Ever heard of them? http://thewestladies.blogspot.com/ Anyway, it is wonderful to read blogs of other girls my age who wear skirts, coverings, etc. Do you make all your clothes? any websites you frequent for patterns? I LOVE to sew π
Nicole, in alaska!
Hello Nicole! Thanks for commenting π Yes! We have heard of the West Ladies and have several of their dvds π They are very inspiring!
Yes, we make all our clothes, and most of our patterns are ones we’ve made up, but two websites with very similar patterns would be http://ringgerclothing.com and http://modestsewingpatterns.com. Hope those help!
Jessica
Very cool! thanks for the links! I will be checking back in often π
I love your blog and you sound like a wonderful family. Thanks for writing.
Thanks Gabrielle!
Wow… I just came across your blog ;). I’m very excited to be reading and learning lots of information ;). We are a homeschooling family, trying to learn and “‘relearn” as much as we can to help our children. I have all these wonderful ideas of things of what I hope to be able to teach my children; therefore, they can teach their children also, maybe even better;).
Hoping to start making my little girl clothes, again, she’s 12 so, very feminine but for now beyond wearing skirts and dresses, unless to church. It’s jeans (argh) but it’s horrid trying to find some that aren’t too tight, “show,” too low, catch what I mean. So, we may have to work, not sure yet. I am loving the sewing part of your blog yes ineed π !!! I appreciate the links you put up. Loved the patriotic dresses you girls were wearing!
Your sweet family sounds like they are so very close, keep them by your side… always ;)!!!
Thank you, Rebecca!
wow, just found y’alls blog. what a blessing it is to see children/young adults striving to be godly and pleasing in the Lord’s sight. i love it!!! we have some friends in GA that are a homeschooling family of 9 kids, you all are amazing!!
keep it up!!!
I like the new pictures π
Hello Ladies….I stumbled upon your extremely nice site looking for something else. You are all truly amazing to say the least. I found your site, facebook page and etsy store very inspiring. You are very organized and have it together. I will come back to see what you are doing, adding new things and make sure my very modern girls see that there are other young folks out there taking charge of their lives and being so responsible and setting a good example for all who “stumble upon you by accident”. Keep up the good work. God Bless you all. Hugs, Robin
You have an amazing blog. Keep it up!
(BTW, my family is pretty big, though not quite as big as yours. I have two brothers and four sisters, plus me)
Thanks Naomi! Aren’t siblings fun?! π
Very fun! I can’t imagine what life would be like without them! Our family also owns chickens and has 5 acres of land so we are kind of like you.
Your blog is lovely! I came across it sometime ago and was so blessed to see other like-minded young ladies out there. You look like you can be a lot of fun to be around! Your family reminds me so much of my own!
Blessings,
Jenna
Thank you Jenna! and thanks for commenting π
It is so wonderful to see a God-honoring family! I am the oldest ( I am 14 years old) of ten children. I feel as we have a lot in common. My family lives out in the country, and as you, we are all farm kids!!! Thank you for such an encouraging blog, and may God bless you all!!!!
Thank you, Haley! π
I just found your blog today. I live in West Virginia and am a great-grandmother. I wold like to ask if you play Celtic harp or concert harp? The instruments I play include Celtic harp, piano, mountain dulcimer and hammered ducimer. I am also certified as a Music Practitioner and play in situations where the healing music of the harp are needed.
One of my sons and his wife have six children and they are homeschooled. I am a retired teacher, but were I a young parent, I would homeschool my children.
I am looking forward to reading your blog.
Wilma in WV
Hello Wilma!
Wow! You are an amazing lady to play all of those instruments!!! π I have a lever harp, and know a few Celtic songs, but play more classical and hymns π I’d like to learn a few more Celtic songs though…they are very pretty π I also play the mountain dulcimer. We recently got a hammered dulcimer, too, which Mommy and I’d both like to learn how to play π
β₯Jessica
Hey girls, this is Kimberly from Kelsey’s group at Majesty last year! Miss y’all, especially playing in the orchestra with Leah! Hope to see you again sometime this year!
Hi Kimberly!!! Hope we get to see you again, too! Are you coming to Majesty again this year? π
I just found your blog and I love it!
What a blessing it would be to have 6 more sisters!
Again, I love your blog.
I will be back to your blog soon.
Keep up the good work! π
Shalom, Emma
Hello!!!! I just wanted to tell you that I love looking at your blog and also watching your videos. You all seem like so much fun. Thanks for being an encouragement!!
Dallas & Trisch, you did a great job of making all your children’s names rhyme! Lots of families use alliteration, but I don’t know of any others who succeeded in going the other way.
I love your blog! It’s nice to see other girls wear dresses and skirts like me! Such an encouragement!
hello ladies!!! what a refreshing place to stumble on π It seems our families share very much in common and would love to meet your mom…can you please have her email me privately!!! Thank you ladies for choosing to honor your parents and the Lord in such a beautiful way!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Mrs. Vogel! I gave your email address to Mommy, so she is planning on email you as soon as our 4H fair craziness is over, which will be next week π
β₯hugs!
Jessica
I participate 4H around where we live, but I’ve never heard of a 4H fair. What’s it like?
Oh fun! What projects do you do? Our 4H fair is combined with our county fair…we take all of our projects to the fairgrounds to be judged and displayed for the whole week. We also show animals during the week, and eat ice cream…lots of it π Monday is the goat show, Tuesday is the llama and poultry show, Thursday the 4Hers get an hour of free rides and most of the animals go home that night (it’s a sad night, as you know that the fair is almost over). Last of all, on Friday is the auction where everyone sells either an animal or a milk product π It’s so much fun!
Our 4H’s focus is more on music. We’re called the CIA (Carolina Inspirational Artists). Our projects are like talent shows. We are actually invited to play for our 4H Congress at our state capitol next Tuesday. I’m so excited! Although, your 4H fair sounds like so much fun too! =)
Wow, that sounds like fun π We also have a talent show in the spring, but it it’s just kind of an ‘extra’ of 4H here π How exciting that you get to play at your state capitol! That’s going to be fun π I hope you do amazingly well there π π π
β₯Jessica
Thanks! I hope we do well too! π
HEY GIRLS!!!!! GOSH I ENJOYED SOOO MUCH TALKING TO YOU’LL THIS MORNING.. HOW CAN I C WHAT ALL YOU’LL SELL???? THOSE CAKES LOOKED YUMMY FOR THE TUMMY. TAKE CARE AND WE WILL KEEP IN TOUCH OK!
FROM SUPER 8 RINGGOLD GA…..
Hi Linda! It was so nice getting you meet you and talk to you yesterday π We made it home, safe and sound last night π You can see our shop here http://www.farmgirls.etsy.com, and I’ll email you, too π
β₯hugs!
Jessica
Hi lovely girls! Greetings from New Zealand! We’re pleased to see that you have demonstrated separation from the world through your lifestyle. Your photos speak louder than any words.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Julie! π
You gal’s look so pretty in those dresses (and boys)!!
Do any of you girls have plans to go to college? just wondering! i love your blog π
Thanks Lucia! No, not at this point in time π We’ve taken a few classes/have plans to take classes in our areas of interest, but none of us (so far) have had the need to go to college for what we want to do in life π
β₯Jessica
What I like best about your blog (and I’ve seen this first hand in your family when I ma with you) is such a joyful outlook and approach to life. And, yes, the dresses are lovely! (Faith)
I am enjoying your wonderful blog. Where in IN do you live?? Do you make those headcoverings to sell? Also where do you go to church? Thanks in advance.
Thank you, Cynthia π We live in the middle-northern part of Indiana and go to church at a Baptist church π Our headcovering and dress is our family’s preference and conviction, though, (I’m guessing that’s why you were asking about our church? Lots of people assume we are Mennonite since we kind of dress like they do :))
And yes, we do make the headcoverings to sell π
Jessica
Do you have a web page showing covering prices?? Are you living anywhere near Berne or Goshen? We have friends in the Goshen and Nappanee area. You are right, I did presume that you were Charity or Biblical Mennonite Alliance denomination.
Hi Cynthia! Sorry for not getting back to you sooner…we were out in Connecticut for a whole week π We don’t have a page up yet for headcoverings, but the two sizes in the tutorial are the ones we can make, and they cost $10 each. You can message me in the ‘contact us’ form if you want to order or want more details on them π
Yes! Goshen is only about an hour away from us π
β₯Jessica
Hehe. Those stories r hilarious!
Hey girls,
My name is Lynzie Coller, and I was looking through your blog,and it is quite amazing to look at it.
Seven girls, and two boys, which makes nine.
I am the oldest of nine kids, just a lot like Jessica. π
I love this blog, and each girl (including the boys) are amazing, and must love to be homemakers.
It is quite interesting that each child has explained what they like, and also a few things that happened in life.
God bless you all.
Hi Josephine π That’s alright π
In answer to your questions…
About the headcovering…we believe it’s talking about a covering (other than the hair). It’s something we’ve studied and prayed about, and what we believe God has asked us to do. We realize not everyone comes to that conclusion and that He has not asked everyone to do, and that’s okay with us π
About Frank Zappa…that’s kind of a funny one, because at first we didn’t know who Frank Zappa was…we just liked the quote about the books π Then we found out who he was π But since the quote is just about books, we left it π
The 3rd thing, I’m not sure I understand what you mean? Could you explain? π I’m not sure what you mean by ‘Done’ instead of ‘Do’, but we do agree that Jesus has ‘done’ everything. We do not need to ‘do’ anything to gain acceptance from God since Jesus took all our punishment so that we could be accepted in Him.
Our statement of faith–I’m not so sure we a nice little statement we can give you, because God can’t be boxed up, as you know π But basically, we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that it is only through Him that our sins can be forgiven and the only way we can have fellowship with Him π And He has given us the amazing ability and responsibility to bring His Kingdom to earth until He comes π π π
Not sure if that answers all your questions, and I just realized that maybe you didn’t want the first comment published? If so, I can take it off π
Thanks for commenting!
β₯Jessica, for the Seven of us π
Thank you, all seven of you! Your meekness has further rebuked my hastiness to nothingness. . .about that Zappa, I knew about him just because my father introduced us to him in teaching about differentiating between bad music and good music. My memory is only about his ridiculous hair we saw on the slideshow! so . . . no matter π
By the way, I LOVE music and learned the keyboard on my own (I play BADLY;). Do you have any suggestions how I could learn to play the base notes, treble notes, soprano notes and whatchamacallit notes all together? I have no idea and the tutorials in the internet are simply CONFUSING. And what hymns do you love best? And what kind of music do you use in your church (any denomination?)? Do you think contemporary christian music is acceptable? And do you suggest any free recorded hymns?
Hope you have time to answer. If not, may His coming reunite us soon!
And, by the way, what do you mean in saying “He has given us the amazing ability and responsibility to bring His Kingdom to earth until He comes”?
(and I’d rather that the preceding comments be taken off, please)
Hey Josephine π Sorry we took awhile to get back to you! That is so funny about the hair π Lol!
I’m not sure if we have any good suggestions for you for playing all the notes together…I learned songs by learning the right hand and then the left hand (or vice versa!), then putting them together. My sister Cassia learns with all fingers, all notes, altogether π I would maybe recommend doing each hand separately, then put them together.
What hymns do we love best? That’s a hard question! How about the whole hymnbook?! π ‘Saved By Grace’, ‘I Shall Know Him’, ‘Blessed Assurance’, ‘O Love That Will Not Let Me Go’…and so many more π Right now we love, love, love (and did I mention we like it, too?!) Ben Everson’s ‘Embrace the Cross’ cd. You can listen to samples here:http://www.majestymusic.com/embrace-the-cross-cd.html My absolute favorite right now on that one is ‘Before the Dawn’ π
We sing out of the hymnbook at church (which is a Baptist church), and no, we don’t agree with CCM π I can’t think of any free recorded hymns. If you want to listen to some music, we love Majesty Music π Here’s a link to some samples to another favorite cd: http://www.majestytunes.com/p-123-rock-of-ages.aspx π
By having the ability and responsibility to bring His Kingdom to earth, I meant that He has made us able to bring the realities of heaven down here to earth. For example, there is no hatred in heaven, there is joy, there is love, there is no sickness, there is pure delight in the Savior, and we as citizens of heaven can bring some of that to earth, by being channels of His love, joy, peace. By praying for the sick, by loving Jesus π “Thy kingdom come…on earth as it is in heaven.”
That was a long comment…hopefully you don’t mind long comments! π
β₯hugs!
Jessica
Hello guys, I love your blog site and find it really encouraging. I was just wondering if you know why some of us (like me) don’t wear head coverings after studying deep into the issue? I LOVE wearing skirts and dresses though!!!!!!!!!
Um, hey again. after just a few minutes of reading comments I am beginning to regret my hastiness in my last comment. Although I would like to know how (other then 1 cor. 11) you came to decide to wear the head coverings? I had struggled with that issue and only just resolved it not to long ago by reading later in that same chapter and understanding what Paul (was it Paul?) meant.
I really enjoy that you all play music!!! I play the harp, piano, flute, guitar, and violin. I also sing in a girls quartet. We are singing in a youth conference in florida this wednesday. SO SCARY since there will be literally thousands of people there!!!!
Hi Kaitlin π
That’s okay…we didn’t take it as being unkind at all π I’m not sure what you meant about reading later in the same chapter? Maybe you could explain what you meant? I don’t know why God calls some to cover and others not to, but it doesn’t matter or bother us…all we know is that He’s asked us to π Everyone is called in different ways π
Wow! That will be great to get to sing for that many people (and yes, I agree, a little scary!). We’ve sang for maybe a thousand at the most, and that was only once! You’ll do great, I’m sure π I love that you play so many instruments, too…I have the same ‘disease’…I want to play too many instruments, lol!
Glad you like the blog! Thanks for commenting π
β₯Jessica
thanks for the answer. it made me feel better about my hasty comment!! I only meant where, near the end of the chapter, he explains that the woman’s hair is to be her covering. and that explains why he says if it is shameful for a women to be shorn or shaven let her be covered and later he says her hair is her covering. and that just made a lot of sense to me. I don’t really know much about it though, I’m only 13 and have not studied very far into this subject. I did not mean to make this into a theological discussion, so sorry!!!!! I love your post about going to florida. I just got back from there yesterday and absolutely loved it!!!!!!!
That’s quite alright Kaitlin π Oh we are jealous that you were just there, lol! It is SO freezing here right now π
Dear Jessica, Leah, Susannah, Cassia, Anna, Rebekah and Charissa,
I have been visiting your blog for the past year, and, WOW, it has inspired me a lot.
I have been having trouble deciding if I wanted to wear skirts or not, since my family is big on dresses and skirts, and after reading your blog, and looking at all the beautiful pictures, my mind has been made up to do it.
Your blog has helped change my life, and the way how the way I dress.
You all are full of God’s spirit, and a wonderful way to show girls what it is like to be children of God.
Thank you so much.
Hi Lynzie!
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment…it was such a blessing to us π We are so glad that we could be an inspiration and encouragement to you, too π May Jesus bless you abundantly as you follow Him! β₯
Hi there,
I’m very impressed by reading your blog.
Congratulations to your parents. I’ve dreamt of bringing up my children like you, unfortunately, it has been impossible.
What are your parents’ jobs?
Cheers
Thank you for commenting Patricia (our mom’s name is Patricia as well!) π Our dad is a contractor…he works on people’s houses remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, adding on rooms or garages, etc. Our mom stays home and keeps the house going π But she has a home business, too, as an exercise trainer. Sometimes she’ll take us to clinics that she does either in the area or out of state (those are fun!), but most of it she does over Skype, which is nice π She has a blog/business website over here: http://beyouthfulnfit.com/ π
The family on this page bears a remarkable resemblance to the people seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sjhfoto/sets/72157634735749403/
That’s surprising, because the photographer lives way out in eastern Pennsylvania, not Indiana.
Lol, yes, you are correct π Sean was in Indiana last summer and did a photoshoot when he was visiting us π
I love your sewing section and your Etsy shop. You are all very talented!
May I ask you a question? I have noticed that your brothers are dressed in clothing that is quite average American in many of your pictures, but you are all dressed in dresses that do not fit the current norm. Is there a reason for that? I know that it is possible to dress modestly while also looking more mainstream. I myself dress in a “modern modest” style.
I hope I’ve managed to ask respectfully, because that is my intent.
God bless, and thank you for your blog!
Hi Kate! Thanks for your comment!
That is a good question, and I’m know we’ve confused lots of people with this, though it seems normal to us, lol π
We just really like our style of dress and also we believe that this is what our family is called to do/wear π That seems like a really short answer…but does that answer your question? π
Thanks again for commenting π
β₯Jessica
OMG I LOVE YOUR BLOG π
Hey. I really enjoy reading your blog. I live in Georgia with my 6 siblings. We are homeschooled and we wear skirts on a regular basis. I really like your blog!
God bless all of you – I have 5 daughters π
hi,
I like your blog, its really cool….. And I admire the fact that you sisters have chosen to dress modestly….. I’m a Muslim and also wear a headscarf π but I also have chosen to veil my face to please God π
Hi Mahdiya!
I’m so glad that you enjoy our blog, and it was fun to hear from you! I checked out your website and those recipes look so good π π
β₯ Jessica
Hello,
Are there any marriage prospects for any of the sisters??
Where would you look to find suitable husbands??
And what are your ages….Thanks
Hi Dee Dee!
No, there aren’t any prospects at this time.
We’re not really ‘looking’ π God has been good to provide all kind of other things, and we know He’ll provide the right guys at the right time.
In the meantime, we’re loving single life…really and truly π So many great opportunities and adventures to be had right now π π Our ages range from 14 to 28.
-Jessica
Haha, I’ve got a little brother named Isaiah, too! But that’s my only sibling, and he alone can be a bit much! π Our family believes that women should wear head coverings too, but just during times like worship or prayer, etc. But everyone believes different things! I must admit, sometimes I can be ignorant enough to assume that anyone who wears dresses exclusively is Amish >_< Do you know, my family has been called Amish just because we won’t wear mini shorts or skirts above the knee?! Ah, the world can be a crazy place sometimes haha. Anyway, I enjoy this page! It’s very nice to virtual-meet all of you! π
(P.S. I homeschool too! That wasn’t very important, just…wanted to tell you another thing we have in common, I guess.)
Lol! We’ve had friends who have been called Amish, just because they have longer hair, or because they wear a skirt π
Thanks for commenting! It was fun hearing from you and nice to ‘virtual meet’ you as well π
β₯Jessica
Just found your new About Us page. I love it! But I have to disagree, My parents are the “bestest” LOL! After all, My parents picked me, yours was just stuck with you. π LOL!
Have a blessed day!
Hopeβ₯
LOL Hope! π You’re hilarious π
-Jessica
Hi!
I love all of the stories and pictures!
I started following you and would love it if you checked out my blog! We have some things in common!
I love photography and children and, well, it is all on my about me page!
In Christ,
~Paige
I just read your page: I really enjoyed learning about your beutifull family!
Our family never wore always dresses and long skirts–until we met a group of other families that also homeschooled and had decided to follow God in that way.
So I talked with my mom who said that it would be ok if I tried doing that too…….but she is more reluctant.
Do u have any suggestions as to how I could help her?
God bless you all!
Thanks, Edith! So glad you are enjoying the blog π π If I’m understanding right, you are asking how to encourage your mom to wear skirts more often? The best thing is to pray for her that she’d want to π Trying to convince her might not work so well…it’s a big step when you’re not used to it, so try not to bug her about it π If it’s something that God is wanting her to do, he’ll work on her heart π
Blessings!
β₯ Jessica
So glad I found this blog! I go to a Mennonite church, and have always been a modest dresser, even before I started attending the church I do now! I grew up homeschooled, so I am LOVING your blog! It’s awesome to find other Christian ladies who believe in modest dress and the blessing of the head coverings.
Many Blessings!
<3
Thanks so much, Tabitha! I’m so glad you’re enjoying our blog π Thanks for commenting!
-Jessica
Y’all have such a fun blog! I just found it this morning and I’m enjoying it a lot so far. You should add your ages and birthdays so people can send you birthday greetings!! I have a question about head coverings. Is that something you wear all the time or is it for when you’re in public? Thank you and God Bless!! π
Thank you, Becky! That’s a good idea for the birthdays!
Yes! We wear the headcoverings all of the time…at home or in public π
Thanks for your comment!
-Jessica
Hi, I really like your blog. I was wondering does anyone else at your church wear the long dresses and headcovrerings or is your family the only one.
Thanks Cj! Our family is pretty much the only one at our church π There are a couple of other ladies who wear the headcovering, one all of the time, and one during church π
Haha did Susannah intend to write Ice Cream as her favorite food twice? π Sounds like me! ICE CREAMMMM! <3 Yumm!
LOL! I’m not sure…but it’s quite possible she did that on purpose, haha! (she’s not home right now for me to ask!) π -Jessica
Hello! I loved reading the detailed profiles. I’ve also got a request to make! I’d love to hear more about Anna’s work at the orphanage and also her thoughts now from the USA looking back down. I’d also love to here more about the culture and the differences, as well as what the transition was like going down there. Also, how did she prepare to go down there and what things did she have to get to leave the USA, such as shots, ect.
I’m starting to look for an orphanage I could volunteer at, so that’s why I’m interested =)
Thank you so much! Your joyful smiles and wonderful pictures are always a joy to see.
God bless!
Teresia
Gloria-In-Excelsis-Deo-blog.blogspot.com
Hi there! I enjoyed finding your blog. My family shares similar convictions with you all. We (girls) wear modest dresses all the time and head coverings to church. It is a HUGE encouragement to know others believe the same as us. Keep up the good work.
It’s wonderful to meet fellow Christians who are following the Bible and being willing to stand out for JESUS…..keep onπ…also I’m a farm girl as well I love animals …π……thanks for your posts!
Where were you wonderful women of God when I was in my 20’s? I love reading about your awesome family and your experiences!
Very beautiful family. God bless you.
Pleeeease update this blog! I’ve been reading it for years and years and miss seeing updates. It would be lovely to see what you’re all up to nowadays π God bless you all and your family.