Our Life of Late

//A Trip to Indiana for the Cousin's Wedding//

the "little girls"....all dressed up and ready to party at the wedding.

These little ladies had a grand time playing together.  

We enjoyed a lovely taco salad lunch together outside.  

Lynds and I.  

The guys......watching Sherlock Holmes.

Some sort of sibling picture.:)

My darling grandparents walking out hand in hand.

My mother and her siblings (minus the two that weren't there).

[see Chelsy's blog for more photos of the weekend]

//Good Eating//

These tomato/cheese/pesto sandwhiches.......ahhh SO good!  Just take a thin round (or piece) or bread, slather on some fresh pesto, add a few just-from-the-garden tomato slices, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, throw on a little salt and pepper, and broil in the oven till browned.  Best eaten outdoors!

//Hard Work//

We canned salsa on Monday.  I can't believe how blessed I am to work with my favorite people like this.  

beans.......

//A Surprise Birthday Party//

Surprise birthday parties are way too fun, especially when the birthday girl is one of the dearest people in the world and has such a lovely reaction to the surprise.  It was a sweet evening of eating (lots), talking, laughing, singing, and celebrating.

//Bible Bee//

We are so proud of these five for their hard work over the summer.  Last Saturday the big day arrived and they headed out to our local Bible Bee competition.  They were confident and excited.  All of them did well, but we don't know yet how many of them will be going on to nationals.  For now, they're enjoying a few days, at least, of no studying!

[posted by Allison]

{precious}

These two add such sunshine in the Bontrager home.  

The other day, Rebecca gave me a piece of paper- a "letter".  In big purple letters was written,

" A lantern without a light

is like a face without a  smile.

Love Rebecca "

Her quote-letter is in a prominent place on my desk, where it will stay for awhile.  I need to be reminded of this truth, 'cause who wants to be a lantern without light?

{posted by Allison}

Reebok Boy's Clean Shot CXT Athletic Shoes (6.5, Gravel/Yellow/White)

Reebok Boy's Clean Shot CXT Athletic Shoes (6.5, Gravel/Yellow/White)

Reebok Boy's Clean Shot CXT Athletic Shoes (6.5, Gravel/Yellow/White)

ASIN : B00CF3CX0K



brand: Reebok

category: Running

Reebok Women's YourFlex Trainette Cross-Training Shoe,Dynamic Pink/White/Gravel,6.5 M US

Reebok Women's YourFlex Trainette Cross-Training Shoe,Dynamic Pink/White/Gravel,6.5 M US

Reebok Women's YourFlex Trainette Cross-Training Shoe,Dynamic Pink/White/Gravel,6.5 M US

ASIN : B006QNQAI6

Rating : 3.9

brand: Reebok

category: Fitness & Cross-Training


Features :

• 3D Ultralite outsole
• Multi-directional RealFlex nodes
• Forefoot flex grooves
• Removable EVA sockliner accommodates orthotics
• DMX Shear vertical and horizontal cushioning
• Carbon rubber heel strike

ASICS Women's Gel-Cumulus 16 Running Shoe,Turquoise/Sharp Green/Navy,9.5 M US

ASICS Women's Gel-Cumulus 16 Running Shoe,Turquoise/Sharp Green/Navy,9.5 M US

ASICS Women's Gel-Cumulus 16 Running Shoe,Turquoise/Sharp Green/Navy,9.5 M US

ASIN : B00ESE37DQ

Rating : 4.5

brand: ASICS

category: Footwear

Description : The award-winning GEL-Cumulus? series just keeps getting better, with the sixteenth version sporting a top-of-the line FluidRide? midsole and larger Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL? Cushioning units. When combined with an updated Guidance Trusstic System? and refined open-mesh upper, underpronators to mild overpronators will be treated to the lightest and most cushioned version of the GEL-Cumulus? series ever.

Features :

• Dual-layer memory foam
• Gait-enhancing Impact Guidance System
• FluidRide midsole cushioning and bounce-back
• Guidance Line flex grooves

Upcoming Girls Retreat

Click over to Chelsy's blog to read more about this exciting opportunity!

Reebok Footwear Mens ZigKick Alpha Running Shoe,Flat Grey/Gravel,10 M US

Reebok Footwear Mens ZigKick Alpha Running Shoe,Flat Grey/Gravel,10 M US

Reebok Footwear Mens ZigKick Alpha Running Shoe,Flat Grey/Gravel,10 M US

ASIN : B00C3BAWYS

Rating : 4.3

brand: Reebok

category: Running

Description : Built for cushion and forward propulsion, this sleek running shoe helps keep you moving.

Features :

• ZigKick outsole cushions impact and maintains stability
• Seamless, ventilated upper
• Dual-density midsole
• Built for cushion and forward propulsion, this sleek running shoe helps keep you moving.

Reebok Women's Reebok Sublite Prime Running Shoe,White/Steel/Neon Yellow,8.5 M US

Reebok Women's Reebok Sublite Prime Running Shoe,White/Steel/Neon Yellow,8.5 M US

Reebok Women's Reebok Sublite Prime Running Shoe,White/Steel/Neon Yellow,8.5 M US

ASIN : B00FJ27JM6

Rating : 5.0

brand: Reebok

category: Running

Description : REEBOK SUBLITE PRIME

Features :

• Interwoven exoskeleton with integrated lacing system
• EcoOrthoLite anti-odor sockliner
• SubLite foam cushioned midsole
• Deep forefoot flex grooves
• Durable carbon rubber outsole

Last Call for Homeschool Family Camp!

We have a few cabins open yet for our annual homeschool family camp! It will be held Sunday-Friday, September 7-12th, 2014.
We'd love to have you join us, whether you are a family, grandparents, or a single person! Email us at info@bontragerfamilysingers.com for more info!

Grainfree Almond Coconut Scones

I have been making whole wheat scones for my family the last couple of years. This was my first attempt at Paleo-fying them. Honestly, I think these are SO much better, but this is my humble opinion :)

Gluten-free, and Grain-free. Paleo approved.

Grainfree Almond Coconut Scones

Makes 24 medium to small scones

Ingredients: coconut flour, almond flour, coconut oil, butter, egg, kefir {or yogurt, coconut milk, almond milk}, honey, maple syrup, coconut shreds, slivered almonds, raisins, cacao nibs, vanilla extract, almond extract, baking soda, and salt

Mix together:

• 1 3/4 cup almond flour

• 1 cup coconut flour

• pinch of salt

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Add and combine till crumbly:
• 6 Tbsp soft or melted butter
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil

Then add:

• 1/4 cup coconut shreds

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• a little under 1/4 cup cacao nibs {or chocolate chips}

Separably whisk together and then add to above:

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

• 1/2 Tbsp almond extract

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 Tbsp kefir {or alternative}

Form into two dough balls. Take one and flatten into a circle {about 8 inches across} on a coconut floured surface.  Cut into eight wedges.  Separate wedges and place on an oiled {or silpats} baking sheet. Slightly pat and reform the wedges into triangles. Repeat with the other dough ball.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 for 10 minutes 

{Let cool before moving from baking sheet or 
they will crumble apart}

Lastly, eat one or two or three {okay maybe not three, but they are smaller than most} tasty almondy scones :)

Quotes from those who have tried this recipe ❤

~ These coconut almond scones I just made are awesome... thank YOU for being such an inspiration and making it easy to find clean recipes! They were delish ~


This post is a part of:

~Melt in Your Mouth~
~Encourage One Another~
~Allergy Free~
~Real Food~
~Simple Lives~

Reebok Smooth Flex Ride 3.0 Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid),Black/Pure Silver/Neon Yellow/White,4 M US Big Kid

Reebok Smooth Flex Ride 3.0 Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid),Black/Pure Silver/Neon Yellow/White,4 M US Big Kid

Reebok Smooth Flex Ride 3.0 Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid),Black/Pure Silver/Neon Yellow/White,4 M US Big Kid

ASIN : B00AEE6JB6

Rating : 4.2

brand: Reebok

category: Sneakers


Features :

• SmoothFlex outsole
• Padded tongue and collar

Spring on the Farm

The gardens are bursting with new life this spring.  We have wonderful green onions and spinach already!

Hudson is a great at putting seeds in the ground.

Denver is Mother's right hand man of the garden crew.

Rebecca loves helping in the flower garden.  She and I had a wonderful time working in the warm spring air.

Our vegetable gardens are mostly tended by this amazing crew!  Mother, Denver, Taylor, Liz, and Hudson work together very well, and their diligence brings delicious rewards!

Gideon came over one afternoon and we did some cooking together.

This guy is such a darling!

We had some trees trimmed this spring, and some of the boys have been enjoying exercising their wood-shopping skills.

Here is Carson, the mechanic, hard at work.

The boys and Dad have been enjoying some rather competitive basketball games together this spring.

Sprouting seeds are spring exemplified, aren't they?  What a beautiful sight!

Chelsy made a wonderful sparkling lemon pineapple drink for lunch one day.  Fruit and carbonated water are certainly a delicious combination!

.........................................

Spring is a time to remember the goodness of our Father in Heaven.  He showers us with good gifts; in fact, every gift in our lives is from His hand.  

I have been reminded this spring of how utterly kind and loving the Lord is to us.  Every warm breeze, each bud bursting in bloom, every star in the night sky, they all proclaim a loving Creator.  I have also been reminded that the wrong and pain and trouble in this world is due to no lack of our Father's love- it is all the result of sin.  His love is the greatest there will ever be.  No human can ever possibly love as He has loved.  He gave His life, the ultimate sacrifice, and gives grace and mercy beyond our imagination.  May we each praise and love Him today, and ask Him to help us to begin to love others in the utterly sacrificial and poured-out way He does.

"Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." (James 1:17a)

[posted by Allison]

Reebok ZigKick Alpha Running Shoe (Big Kid),Optimal Pink/Candy Pink/Ultraviolet/White/Polished Pink,6.5 M US Big Kid

Reebok ZigKick Alpha Running Shoe (Big Kid),Optimal Pink/Candy Pink/Ultraviolet/White/Polished Pink,6.5 M US Big Kid

Reebok ZigKick Alpha Running Shoe (Big Kid),Optimal Pink/Candy Pink/Ultraviolet/White/Polished Pink,6.5 M US Big Kid

ASIN : B00AEE626S

Rating : 4.5

brand: Reebok

category: Sneakers


Features :

• ZigTech outsole
• Padded tongue and collar

ASICS GT 2170 GS Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid),Lightning/Electric Blue/Black,6.5 M US Big Kid

ASICS GT 2170 GS Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid),Lightning/Electric Blue/Black,6.5 M US Big Kid

ASICS GT 2170 GS Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid),Lightning/Electric Blue/Black,6.5 M US Big Kid

ASIN : B0055X092G

Rating : 4.0

brand: ASICS

category: Running

Description :

ASICS GT-2170+û

Ideal as a running shoe and an all-around everyday kid's shoe, this style was inspired by the industry's top performance shoe. The result is exceptional cushioning, flexibility and comfort designed and engineered specifically for young athletes.

Features :

• The ideal everyday shoe for playgrounds and beyond
• Synthetic/mesh upper for comfort and breathability
• Rearfoot GEL® Cushioning System
• Trusstic System® keeps the shoe light for better mobility
• DuoMax® Support System for enhanced support and stability