I can actually say today I rested, and I feel wonderful. After church, I headed over to my sister's house to drop off a quilt to my youngest sister. It was on her bed at my dad's house, and she wanted to keep it, but didn't have the suitcase room the last time she was here.
The three of us, along with all five kids went to lunch at Chili's, then headed over to the Marble Slab Creamery for dessert. The ice cream shop "just happened" to be next to Starbucks, so April and I got hot cocoa too, and Ashley got some really nasty passionfruit tea. I tasted it, so can testify it was really nasty. Ashley leaves to go back home tomorrow. She mentioned maybe moving down here after school is over in the Spring. I really hope she will. It would be nice for everyone not to be so scattered over the country. I mean I live about 30 miles outside of S.A., and Ann does too, but the opposite side of S.A., and April lives in S.A. Ashley would probably choose to live near April, though she did mention wanting to build a house out of tires, which would be totally cool. I told her the 10 acres next to me was for sale, but she didn't seeme interested at the time.
I was able to talk to my brother and get some things resolved, and I talked a little to my sister's, probably need more, to resolve things there.... After much prayer and thought, I am letting God guide me in how and when he wants this done.
Today during worship we spent the entire time singing and praying for the persecuted church, and reading news articles from Voice of the Martyrs. It was a very moving worship service, and one of the best I have experienced in a long time.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
On the Banks of Orange Creek
Okay, just trying out different names for the land, haven't come across any that has stuck yet.
This morning I headed to the health food store to pick up vitamins and calcium that the doctor told me to take. Also picked up feverfew for a neighbor suffering from migraines.
Headed out to the land with chicken for the guys. Pulled up and my niece Shaina was there, as well as, my father in law WITH HIS TRACTOR. It was a very big deal, because he had been making noises about his tractor not being big enough to help out with the shredding. We weren't going to even ask, and had been looking into renting a tractor and bush hog, or paying someone to clear it for us. The last option being way out of our price range.
He cut a firebreak, and ended up shredding the future goat pen, moved some LARGE rocks with the front end loader, and depositing the metal beams for the barn in the goat pen. Rodney put in a new ranch gate that now allows us to have separate pasture areas.
The guys got significant work done today, so the next step will be putting in the fence posts and stringing the barbed wire. I am glad that Rodney's dad helped him out, as he enjoys doing things with his dad. His dad is 75, so every day is precious, in addition to his dad being a valuable source of farming information.
We stopped in the closest town to eat at a small steakhouse for dinner. It was a nice ending to a satisfying and busy day. The girls and I are now gathered around the wood stove after taking much needed baths. The guys went to drop the tractor off, and they are still at Rodney's parents. It's a very quiet and relaxing evening sitting at home tonight, with the temps expected to drop to freezing tonight.
This morning I headed to the health food store to pick up vitamins and calcium that the doctor told me to take. Also picked up feverfew for a neighbor suffering from migraines.
Headed out to the land with chicken for the guys. Pulled up and my niece Shaina was there, as well as, my father in law WITH HIS TRACTOR. It was a very big deal, because he had been making noises about his tractor not being big enough to help out with the shredding. We weren't going to even ask, and had been looking into renting a tractor and bush hog, or paying someone to clear it for us. The last option being way out of our price range.
He cut a firebreak, and ended up shredding the future goat pen, moved some LARGE rocks with the front end loader, and depositing the metal beams for the barn in the goat pen. Rodney put in a new ranch gate that now allows us to have separate pasture areas.
The guys got significant work done today, so the next step will be putting in the fence posts and stringing the barbed wire. I am glad that Rodney's dad helped him out, as he enjoys doing things with his dad. His dad is 75, so every day is precious, in addition to his dad being a valuable source of farming information.
We stopped in the closest town to eat at a small steakhouse for dinner. It was a nice ending to a satisfying and busy day. The girls and I are now gathered around the wood stove after taking much needed baths. The guys went to drop the tractor off, and they are still at Rodney's parents. It's a very quiet and relaxing evening sitting at home tonight, with the temps expected to drop to freezing tonight.
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank you for this day. Thank you for my being able to see, to hear, to speak, to move about this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving and understanding God. You have done so much for me. I have witnessed your hand of blessing, your miraculous power in my my life and the lives of those I love, and you just keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me, my family, and my church family safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a positive and Christ-focused attitude and plenty of gratitude. Please clear my mind of distractions so that I can hear from you and please direct my steps today. Thank you so much, in Jesus' name, amen.
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I just wanted to take the time to welcome a poster by the name of Wendy, who stopped by and left a comment under "Political Aspirations". I am not sure if she is a Christian herself, so not sure she would understand what I was trying to honestly say. I am okay with negative comments, though I admit to a little twinge of hurt. I know where my heart is, and I know that I am relying on God to direct my path, if not always my words. I will agree to disagree with her, and still welcome her to post, as it is thought provoking and makes you evaluate what you really believe.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend! I am off to run errands in town.
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I just wanted to take the time to welcome a poster by the name of Wendy, who stopped by and left a comment under "Political Aspirations". I am not sure if she is a Christian herself, so not sure she would understand what I was trying to honestly say. I am okay with negative comments, though I admit to a little twinge of hurt. I know where my heart is, and I know that I am relying on God to direct my path, if not always my words. I will agree to disagree with her, and still welcome her to post, as it is thought provoking and makes you evaluate what you really believe.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend! I am off to run errands in town.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The point....
of the title below was to make a play on the words "Making Hay while the sun shines". Meaning that I was trying to take advantage of the day to get things done, as well as, mentioning that we planned to bale the hay on the land, to sell. It is a really good quality coastal, that will be good for our animals, as well as, selling. If I can limit our usage to about 2 acres, and leave the rest for the hay, it could be a good crop. Already may have a source for someone to bale it for us on the halves (they get half we get half). Apparently, the available space would yield 450 round bales of hay during the entire season. We have a well and an irrigation system that we can use, so it will be a big plus if we don't get any rain next year.
As Rodney and Shane (shredder guy) was looking over the property they found a little orange tree (about knee high to Rodney). It had four little oranges hanging on it, and a few more on the ground. The recent frost and temps in the 20's have killed it for the year they said, but I was very excited to find an orange tree! I have been wanting one in my backyard to go with the other fruit trees, so now I have an orange tree and no other fruit trees. Need to scout out some fruit trees and brambles to plant in the spring. Thinking about strawberries and peanuts too for crops. We'll see...I definitely want to plant something to sell, to make a little money from the land, but first things first....
shredding (due to a fire right next to us)
fence
sell our house
build house (we are currently looking at this guy at http://www.alcocabins.com/ instead of the Katrina plans, Rodney's idea, as he is backing out on his pledge to build the house himself, and wanting to take the proceeds from the sale of the house to have it done. We are considering the Cedar Lake House on this man's web site)
As Rodney and Shane (shredder guy) was looking over the property they found a little orange tree (about knee high to Rodney). It had four little oranges hanging on it, and a few more on the ground. The recent frost and temps in the 20's have killed it for the year they said, but I was very excited to find an orange tree! I have been wanting one in my backyard to go with the other fruit trees, so now I have an orange tree and no other fruit trees. Need to scout out some fruit trees and brambles to plant in the spring. Thinking about strawberries and peanuts too for crops. We'll see...I definitely want to plant something to sell, to make a little money from the land, but first things first....
shredding (due to a fire right next to us)
fence
sell our house
build house (we are currently looking at this guy at http://www.alcocabins.com/ instead of the Katrina plans, Rodney's idea, as he is backing out on his pledge to build the house himself, and wanting to take the proceeds from the sale of the house to have it done. We are considering the Cedar Lake House on this man's web site)
This is the house Rodney is interested in, I like it too, the cost to build it, which includes what you see, but no interior finish, is roughly $25,000. Rodney will do the rest, or so he says. I just hope we will receive enough for the house to pay for it, if not, I don't know what we will do. If we don't receive a good offer, we will probably stay in the house we have, and wait until property values increase again, which they are projected to do. I absolutely do not want another mortgage payment.
Making Hay
This week has gone by so fast. I had so many plans on what I wanted to accomplish, and I haven't done any of them.
Yesterday I don't even remember what we did, except I was in a lot of pain. My fibromyalgia is acting up. I had my doctor's appointment today, mainly to get a prescription refill, and to get an xray of my hand, because I think I broke it.
Well, I did, but it was already healing, and he wasn't so much worried about that, then he thinks I may have osteopenia, which is the beginning of osteoperosis. (not sure that is spelled right, I'll double check later)
I have a bone density test scheduled in a couple of weeks. He did give me a refill for the Naproxen I asked about, and something called Darvacet for the pain.
I'd like to ask everyone to pray for me, I am dealing with some personal, as well as, physical issues this week, and every bit of prayer would be greatly appreciated.
We had a gentleman out to the land earlier today to give us an estimate on clearing and shredding. It will probably be expensive, but we are considering that as an option, as well as, a controlled burn, or renting the equipment and cutting the grass/brush ourselves. Checking out all avenues.
We then stopped by Rodney's work to pick up the trailer, and the guys loaded the pieces to the barn on it. They plan to set the posts tomorrow, and put up another ranch gate on Friday. This gate will separate the land into three pieces to help facilitate future animal, grazing rotations.
Yesterday I don't even remember what we did, except I was in a lot of pain. My fibromyalgia is acting up. I had my doctor's appointment today, mainly to get a prescription refill, and to get an xray of my hand, because I think I broke it.
Well, I did, but it was already healing, and he wasn't so much worried about that, then he thinks I may have osteopenia, which is the beginning of osteoperosis. (not sure that is spelled right, I'll double check later)
I have a bone density test scheduled in a couple of weeks. He did give me a refill for the Naproxen I asked about, and something called Darvacet for the pain.
I'd like to ask everyone to pray for me, I am dealing with some personal, as well as, physical issues this week, and every bit of prayer would be greatly appreciated.
We had a gentleman out to the land earlier today to give us an estimate on clearing and shredding. It will probably be expensive, but we are considering that as an option, as well as, a controlled burn, or renting the equipment and cutting the grass/brush ourselves. Checking out all avenues.
We then stopped by Rodney's work to pick up the trailer, and the guys loaded the pieces to the barn on it. They plan to set the posts tomorrow, and put up another ranch gate on Friday. This gate will separate the land into three pieces to help facilitate future animal, grazing rotations.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeaux Noel!
I don't think it matters what language you speak, to a child, Christmas is special. The magic it brings for me is very special too. It doesn't have to do with any gifts that I give my children, but with the gift that God gave the world so long ago, Jesus Christ. I'd like to take this time to thank God for this wonderful gift. I greatly appreciate it.
When I was little I was Mary in a church Christmas play. I remember being very scared. We had a wagon that someone had cut a donkey out of cardboard and painted, and then attached to the wagon. With a box and a sheepskin over the side, and the metal handled wrapped in rope, it looked really cute, as I was pulled across the stage. I also remember having to recite this verse at one time, and it has always stuck with me:
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
A few of the Christmas traditions that I celebrate, due to my love of family, heritage and just plan loving traditions. I have begun saving the tree from the previous year to burn on Christmas Day. My very own Yule log! I also like to make my Grandmother's Cinnamon roll/bread recipe. For some reason no one appreciates and likes it like I did as kid. This year, I just halved the recipe, because no one wants to eat it, they would rather have the cinnamon rolls in a can! The ingrates!
Normally, my family (sisters and brother) get together on Christmas Eve. This year is the first time in 20 years or so that we didn't. We will be getting together tonight, Christmas Night because my youngest sister Ashley is arriving in town early this morning at the airport.
After breakfast, we will open our gifts to each other, the girls are playing with their gifts from Santa. He went kind of crazy this year. It looks like I need to send him an email and ask him to tone it down next year.
Have a Merry Christmas! More news later......
Christmas at Ann's was fast and furious. Everyone seemed tired, and we bugged out around 9 p.m. The food was good, Ann had a really great dish made with those canned croissants, taco meat and cheese, then baked. They were so good! I ate three.
Hannah played the Wii and hit herself in the face while playing the boxing game. It looked like fun.
The gifts I received are listed here (so I won't forget to mail thank you cards):
Beautiful Perfume gift set (Rodney and kids)
Hand weights for arthritis (R and kids)
Candles - 5 (R and Kids)
Three books - (R and Kids)
Stargate DVD - Season one (R and kids)
Sapphire earrings (ditto)
Pressure canner (mom and Randy)
canning supply set (mom and Randy)
2 pictures (mom and Randy)
Shirley Temple DVD, The Little Princess (mom and Randy)
1 gift card (gift card exchange)
I don't know how long we will continue to get together, unless my mom is here, because well, I felt a certain lack of feeling behind this year's "festivities". Only time will tell.
When I was little I was Mary in a church Christmas play. I remember being very scared. We had a wagon that someone had cut a donkey out of cardboard and painted, and then attached to the wagon. With a box and a sheepskin over the side, and the metal handled wrapped in rope, it looked really cute, as I was pulled across the stage. I also remember having to recite this verse at one time, and it has always stuck with me:
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
A few of the Christmas traditions that I celebrate, due to my love of family, heritage and just plan loving traditions. I have begun saving the tree from the previous year to burn on Christmas Day. My very own Yule log! I also like to make my Grandmother's Cinnamon roll/bread recipe. For some reason no one appreciates and likes it like I did as kid. This year, I just halved the recipe, because no one wants to eat it, they would rather have the cinnamon rolls in a can! The ingrates!
Normally, my family (sisters and brother) get together on Christmas Eve. This year is the first time in 20 years or so that we didn't. We will be getting together tonight, Christmas Night because my youngest sister Ashley is arriving in town early this morning at the airport.
After breakfast, we will open our gifts to each other, the girls are playing with their gifts from Santa. He went kind of crazy this year. It looks like I need to send him an email and ask him to tone it down next year.
Have a Merry Christmas! More news later......
Christmas at Ann's was fast and furious. Everyone seemed tired, and we bugged out around 9 p.m. The food was good, Ann had a really great dish made with those canned croissants, taco meat and cheese, then baked. They were so good! I ate three.
Hannah played the Wii and hit herself in the face while playing the boxing game. It looked like fun.
The gifts I received are listed here (so I won't forget to mail thank you cards):
Beautiful Perfume gift set (Rodney and kids)
Hand weights for arthritis (R and kids)
Candles - 5 (R and Kids)
Three books - (R and Kids)
Stargate DVD - Season one (R and kids)
Sapphire earrings (ditto)
Pressure canner (mom and Randy)
canning supply set (mom and Randy)
2 pictures (mom and Randy)
Shirley Temple DVD, The Little Princess (mom and Randy)
1 gift card (gift card exchange)
I don't know how long we will continue to get together, unless my mom is here, because well, I felt a certain lack of feeling behind this year's "festivities". Only time will tell.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve
A short comment on last night's Christmas party. It was a lot of fun for me, and I am glad everyone stopped by. I was worried I wouldn't have enough food, but as usual, I over did things, and have several desserts left, though the large Dutch oven of Southwest Soup I made was GONE! I was so shocked, as well as, pleased that everyone liked it.
Today was a busy day. We had finished all of our shopping along time ago, so today we got up early, had breakfast in front of the wood stove, then packed up the vehicles with the lawnmower, weedeater, generator, gas, food, water, gun, ammo and headed to the land. Rodney wanted to try and get the well pump started, and I wanted to take a water sample to have tested. It didn't work out, while the pump had a 220 cord, apparently it pulls more amps and kept kicking the circuit breaker off on the generator.
I am just going to call and get the power turned on out there, so we can test the water, and be able to have somewhere to plug in power tools to get started on the house.
I arrived earlier than Rodney at the land, and set up "camp". I pulled out my little camp stove, and warmed water for tea. The girls thought that was worth giggling over. They played with sticks, pretending they were horses, and riding them through make believe drive throughs at DQ and Burger King.
We all went and set up the targets to shoot my new Golden Boy .22 LR. The gun holds 15 shots. Rodney shot all 15 in the center, I shot 11 on the target, Lauren got 1, Taylor and Hannah got zero.
We then headed for home around 4 p.m., after spending all day out there. We rushed into town to drop off Candi's present she had ordered for Brian and that I was holding for her. The church also had a small gift for each family, and the kids in the congregation. Brian had been sick, so they missed church yesterday, and my Christmas party last night. I dropped that off too.
We then headed for Home Depot for PVC pipe (which closed at 5 p.m.) so we headed for Lowe's (they closed at 6 p.m.). We stopped for dinner at Taco Bell, and the made it home before dark.
Cranked up the wood stove as it was getting really cold. I had the kids take showers and get their PJs on, while I mixed up sugar cookie dough. When everyone was ready we cut out and decorated sugar cookies, drank hot cocoa, and watched the Santa Clause on tv. Blake and a neighbor stopped by to say hi. Sent them off with a small gift for each of their kids (a book and a coloring book).
I mixed up dough for cinnamon rolls for the morning. I just need to wait for them to rise, and then I can roll out, and have ready for the morning to pop in the oven.
Waiting for the kids to go to bed in 10 minutes, so I can get their gifts out.
I am very tired. Who knew that walking up and down 10 acres of "prairie" would be so tiring? I also have a bad sunburn! On December 24th no less! It was in the mid 70's today, and the sun was shining bright. I just didn't think to take sunscreen this close to Christmas. Now I am paying for it. My face is bright red, and my lips hurt. LOL!
Well, I am off to check the NORAD tracker to see how close Santa is, I want to get to bed before he gets here...don't really want to handle the conversation on how naughty I have been this year....yikes!
Today was a busy day. We had finished all of our shopping along time ago, so today we got up early, had breakfast in front of the wood stove, then packed up the vehicles with the lawnmower, weedeater, generator, gas, food, water, gun, ammo and headed to the land. Rodney wanted to try and get the well pump started, and I wanted to take a water sample to have tested. It didn't work out, while the pump had a 220 cord, apparently it pulls more amps and kept kicking the circuit breaker off on the generator.
I am just going to call and get the power turned on out there, so we can test the water, and be able to have somewhere to plug in power tools to get started on the house.
I arrived earlier than Rodney at the land, and set up "camp". I pulled out my little camp stove, and warmed water for tea. The girls thought that was worth giggling over. They played with sticks, pretending they were horses, and riding them through make believe drive throughs at DQ and Burger King.
We all went and set up the targets to shoot my new Golden Boy .22 LR. The gun holds 15 shots. Rodney shot all 15 in the center, I shot 11 on the target, Lauren got 1, Taylor and Hannah got zero.
We then headed for home around 4 p.m., after spending all day out there. We rushed into town to drop off Candi's present she had ordered for Brian and that I was holding for her. The church also had a small gift for each family, and the kids in the congregation. Brian had been sick, so they missed church yesterday, and my Christmas party last night. I dropped that off too.
We then headed for Home Depot for PVC pipe (which closed at 5 p.m.) so we headed for Lowe's (they closed at 6 p.m.). We stopped for dinner at Taco Bell, and the made it home before dark.
Cranked up the wood stove as it was getting really cold. I had the kids take showers and get their PJs on, while I mixed up sugar cookie dough. When everyone was ready we cut out and decorated sugar cookies, drank hot cocoa, and watched the Santa Clause on tv. Blake and a neighbor stopped by to say hi. Sent them off with a small gift for each of their kids (a book and a coloring book).
I mixed up dough for cinnamon rolls for the morning. I just need to wait for them to rise, and then I can roll out, and have ready for the morning to pop in the oven.
Waiting for the kids to go to bed in 10 minutes, so I can get their gifts out.
I am very tired. Who knew that walking up and down 10 acres of "prairie" would be so tiring? I also have a bad sunburn! On December 24th no less! It was in the mid 70's today, and the sun was shining bright. I just didn't think to take sunscreen this close to Christmas. Now I am paying for it. My face is bright red, and my lips hurt. LOL!
Well, I am off to check the NORAD tracker to see how close Santa is, I want to get to bed before he gets here...don't really want to handle the conversation on how naughty I have been this year....yikes!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
My First Christmas....
I am copying this poem from a post that was on a forum that I am a member of.....I wanted a place to hold it, until I share it with my sisters.
My First Christmas In HeavenI see the countless Christmas trees around the world belowWith tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snowThe sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tearFor I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dearBut the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heartBut I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.I sent you each a memory of my undying love.After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.For I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tearRemember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
My First Christmas In HeavenI see the countless Christmas trees around the world belowWith tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snowThe sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tearFor I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dearBut the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heartBut I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.I sent you each a memory of my undying love.After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.For I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tearRemember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A little bit of everything
(future firewood)Today was a little busy...was up early and heading into S.A. to meet with the lawyer regarding my dad's estate stuff. Signed some papers, and brought some with me for my siblings to sign, mailed off the one to my grandmother by overnight mail.
Afterwards, the girls and I had lunch, then headed home to pick up the digital camera and rushed off to the land to take pictures, which I posted in another post below.
I washed more clothes, as well as, folded them, still need to be put away.
Tonight Rodney hogged the laptop to look at tractors (guess I shouldn't complain, he hardly ever uses the computer - I wonder what we will do for Internet access when we move to Big Foot???)
I spent the evening reading my Backwoods Home mags again, looking through homesteading books, and making plans and lists.
I feel a little bad about spending all this money on buying the land, when I know so many people who need food and other necessities. The fact of the matter is that I spent a large portion of my inheritance on other people recently, and while I am glad to help, and want to do more, I also want some land for myself. I will continue to do what I can, but the fact of the matter is that I will soon be funneling every spare penny into my house fund. I need about $15K to build the house. I have about $3K at the moment, after paying the down payment on the land.
DH wants a tractor ( I think every homesteader wants one). Yes, we do need it. It will come in handy shredding the brush, keeping the firebreak cut, drilling post holes, and plowing for my garden, and hopefully future pumpkin patch business. They are just so expensive. There are several on craigslist that are reasonable priced, but he has this thing about only buying a new tractor. I tried to tell him that tractors last a long time, and if you get one that is older, it is easier to fix than the newer ones. I refuse to pay $14K for a tractor, that is just crazy. A used one will work just as well, be cheaper, and allow us to have no payments. I am not getting sucked into the payment thing again, after getting out. We will have land payments, but I consider that an investment, and plan to pay it off when we sell the house in a year of so.
We did head out to the land earlier this afternoon/evening around 5 pm. We took sandwiches and ate on the tailgate of the car, then walked the property again, checking things closer, talking about plans and thoughts, and closely inspected the hog tracks on one end of the pond. Followed their trail a little way, until DH noticed that they had recently wallowed in the mud, and he didn't want to meet an angry feral hog without a gun. So, next time we go out, we will take the 9mm, and the 30-30, just in case.
It was nice eating out there...Lauren commented on how quiet it was. You could hear the wind and the birds..beautiful. She wants to have a bon fire on the property like my sister Ann normally has on Christmas and New Year's Eves at her land. I think I will buy a fire pit though, the grass and brush look way to dry for a ground fire.
Need to remember to take the port a potty with us next time too, would have come in handy for Hannah, she is a small town girl, and a little countrified, but still too citified to use the bushes. She looked so shocked when I told her she could potty if it was an emergency. She said she'd wait. She also doesn't like the long grass, which I LOVE! It blows and waves in the wind, and makes me thing of Little House on the Prairie, and of "amber waves of grain". LOL!
On the agenda for tomorrow is:
wash clothes
clean
make grocery list
make cookies
bake gingerbread
Well, off to bed...good night all!
Afterwards, the girls and I had lunch, then headed home to pick up the digital camera and rushed off to the land to take pictures, which I posted in another post below.
I washed more clothes, as well as, folded them, still need to be put away.
Tonight Rodney hogged the laptop to look at tractors (guess I shouldn't complain, he hardly ever uses the computer - I wonder what we will do for Internet access when we move to Big Foot???)
I spent the evening reading my Backwoods Home mags again, looking through homesteading books, and making plans and lists.
I feel a little bad about spending all this money on buying the land, when I know so many people who need food and other necessities. The fact of the matter is that I spent a large portion of my inheritance on other people recently, and while I am glad to help, and want to do more, I also want some land for myself. I will continue to do what I can, but the fact of the matter is that I will soon be funneling every spare penny into my house fund. I need about $15K to build the house. I have about $3K at the moment, after paying the down payment on the land.
DH wants a tractor ( I think every homesteader wants one). Yes, we do need it. It will come in handy shredding the brush, keeping the firebreak cut, drilling post holes, and plowing for my garden, and hopefully future pumpkin patch business. They are just so expensive. There are several on craigslist that are reasonable priced, but he has this thing about only buying a new tractor. I tried to tell him that tractors last a long time, and if you get one that is older, it is easier to fix than the newer ones. I refuse to pay $14K for a tractor, that is just crazy. A used one will work just as well, be cheaper, and allow us to have no payments. I am not getting sucked into the payment thing again, after getting out. We will have land payments, but I consider that an investment, and plan to pay it off when we sell the house in a year of so.
We did head out to the land earlier this afternoon/evening around 5 pm. We took sandwiches and ate on the tailgate of the car, then walked the property again, checking things closer, talking about plans and thoughts, and closely inspected the hog tracks on one end of the pond. Followed their trail a little way, until DH noticed that they had recently wallowed in the mud, and he didn't want to meet an angry feral hog without a gun. So, next time we go out, we will take the 9mm, and the 30-30, just in case.
It was nice eating out there...Lauren commented on how quiet it was. You could hear the wind and the birds..beautiful. She wants to have a bon fire on the property like my sister Ann normally has on Christmas and New Year's Eves at her land. I think I will buy a fire pit though, the grass and brush look way to dry for a ground fire.
Need to remember to take the port a potty with us next time too, would have come in handy for Hannah, she is a small town girl, and a little countrified, but still too citified to use the bushes. She looked so shocked when I told her she could potty if it was an emergency. She said she'd wait. She also doesn't like the long grass, which I LOVE! It blows and waves in the wind, and makes me thing of Little House on the Prairie, and of "amber waves of grain". LOL!
On the agenda for tomorrow is:
wash clothes
clean
make grocery list
make cookies
bake gingerbread
Well, off to bed...good night all!
Assorted Pictures
Girls at the Tampa Zoo leading into the Africa Section
The Beach in Tampa Florida. Beautiful sand, much better than a TEXAS beach. 
Lauren and Hannah on th chartered boat that Paw Paw Randy took us on. It went out into the Gulf of Mexico. We passed a really cool island that has a lighthouse. The island is a National Park, and you can make reservations to stay on the island. Very remote. I'd love to stay there one day.
I had lost my USB cable to the digital camera on the way back from Florida in June. I pulled into the driveway this afternoon, just in time for FedEx to deliver my replacement cable in the mail. What timing! I had just finished taking pictures at "the land". I also had several older pictures on the camera so will post them here and explain what they are....the one above is Rodney's birthday cake that the girls and I made him for his 40th birthday and shared before we left for Florida in June. Yes, it's pink, but is strawberry flavored, which he likes.
40 candles and a fire hazard!
the girls are standing unde Mickey's sorcerer's hat from the movie Fantasia.
Lauren and Hannah at the foot of Cinderella's Castle
Well, that was pretty much the month of June 2007.
Lauren and Muffin
Lauren and Muffin posing the other evening. See my new furniture? It belonged to my dad. I guess it was cold, since we have a fire going...Merry Christmas!
Here is a picture of my Christmas tree, sorry couldn't send it by phone like all the others I have received lately, no camera phone. Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad!
"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..."
Welcome to Ghost Hill!
The land use to be part of a 300 acre ranch/farm. This is the front gate.
This is the current place where we plan to build the house. Most of the land is covered in coastal hay, but is slowly being taken over by brush.
This is a picture of the "prairie" as I will call it. This is to the left of the pond.
This is leading through the gate towards the pond (on the right). According to satellite photos and the land owner this area gets quite "marshy" when it rains, and the pond comes all the way up to the right where that dark scrub brush is located. I'd like a small foot bridge here some day.
Here is the pond or stock tank, pond to me, as the creek flows into it during rainy weather, and out the other side into the Creek further down.
This is the end closest to the home site. It is mostly water grasses, cat o'nine tails, and a hog wallow on the end, with shallow water, and a whole bunch of frogs that jumped and started squeaking when I walked up to take the picture.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Westward Ho!
Okay, we are actually planning on moving Southeast a little and about 10 miles down the road. We sign the paperwork for the land on Saturday morning, hopefully.
The land is located in BigFoot, not the previous land I was talking about though...that one never panned out. This land appears perfect and made to order.
My requirements were pasture, some trees and a water feature (creek, pond, etc.) Got all three!
Rodney's requirements were close to work, an existing well, and enough land to ride the dirt bike and ATVs on. Has that too!
The bonus is that there is already electricity on the property, is partially fenced, and has a gate.
The land is 10.52 acres and has a small pond/stock tank on the back left corner.
The house I want to put on it looks like this http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=2006_landing/Katrina_Cottage/KC_1200.html
I may have to compromise, but we'll see what happens.
Next on the list is to start decluttering, and seeing what I am taking and what I am getting rid of...then to work on getting the house built at the land, list this house, and then move.
My plans are to take the following:
Living room - all
Foyer - hall tree and antique dresser
Dining Room - table and buffet
Kitchen - fridge and pie safe (wah! my new wall oven has to stay!)
Girl's room - beds, hutch
Taylor - bed, chest of drawers
Master BR - bed, wardrobe, hope chest, chest of drawers, sewing machine
Laundry - 1 washer/1 dryer
The house above is 40 X 26 with an 18 X 26 upstairs. My current house is about 40 X 50 with no upstairs space. I think this will be good for us...smaller, downsized, starting fresh. I will totally miss my current house ...it is my dream house, but without the dream land.
So, if any budding homesteader out there is looking to get their feet wet. There is .65 acres with an 1896 Texas farm house coming up for sale soon in South Texas. The asking price is unknow yet, but probably between $125K and $150K. Waiting on an appraisal.....
The land is located in BigFoot, not the previous land I was talking about though...that one never panned out. This land appears perfect and made to order.
My requirements were pasture, some trees and a water feature (creek, pond, etc.) Got all three!
Rodney's requirements were close to work, an existing well, and enough land to ride the dirt bike and ATVs on. Has that too!
The bonus is that there is already electricity on the property, is partially fenced, and has a gate.
The land is 10.52 acres and has a small pond/stock tank on the back left corner.
The house I want to put on it looks like this http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=2006_landing/Katrina_Cottage/KC_1200.html
I may have to compromise, but we'll see what happens.
Next on the list is to start decluttering, and seeing what I am taking and what I am getting rid of...then to work on getting the house built at the land, list this house, and then move.
My plans are to take the following:
Living room - all
Foyer - hall tree and antique dresser
Dining Room - table and buffet
Kitchen - fridge and pie safe (wah! my new wall oven has to stay!)
Girl's room - beds, hutch
Taylor - bed, chest of drawers
Master BR - bed, wardrobe, hope chest, chest of drawers, sewing machine
Laundry - 1 washer/1 dryer
The house above is 40 X 26 with an 18 X 26 upstairs. My current house is about 40 X 50 with no upstairs space. I think this will be good for us...smaller, downsized, starting fresh. I will totally miss my current house ...it is my dream house, but without the dream land.
So, if any budding homesteader out there is looking to get their feet wet. There is .65 acres with an 1896 Texas farm house coming up for sale soon in South Texas. The asking price is unknow yet, but probably between $125K and $150K. Waiting on an appraisal.....
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Baby Shower
Yesterday, was Candi's baby shower. It was great fun! Everyone who didn't get to attend sure missed a fun time. I stayed late at Candi's urging, and we washed the new nightgowns, onesies, etc., and got them folded and ready for use. Mainly, we just talked and visited while Brian fell asleep in his recliner. It must be tough being so old LOL! A couple of people were mentioned as being missed one my friend Perla, and the other Candi's blogger buddy Brea, who lives north of us.
Candi's daughter spent the night with us, and went to church with us this morning. Afterwards we had lunch with my sister and her son (her 9 year old daughter and husband are off on a hunting trip), then dropped Mary off at home.
Today, will be spent doing laundry and decluttering some, while sitting in front of the woodstove (which is fizzling out, need to go work on it).
Tomorrow we are going to Candi's to make sugar cookies with all the kids.
Candi's daughter spent the night with us, and went to church with us this morning. Afterwards we had lunch with my sister and her son (her 9 year old daughter and husband are off on a hunting trip), then dropped Mary off at home.
Today, will be spent doing laundry and decluttering some, while sitting in front of the woodstove (which is fizzling out, need to go work on it).
Tomorrow we are going to Candi's to make sugar cookies with all the kids.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Boots
You know I used to have five pairs of boots, 2 lace ups, and 3 pairs of Ropers. I mean what good is a TEXAN without at least one pair of work boots and another pair of dress boots. But, I can't find even one pair! I wanted to pull them on the other day, and they have all dissappeared. I can't remember giving them away, I don't think I would have done that....I guess I will add a pair to my Wish List.
Today was a busy day. It is our Town Day. We headed into town to the credit union for my son to deposit his paycheck...all $54 dollars of it. He only works 1-2 days per week, and makes $54 a day....which is good for someone with no skills, working at a local greenhouse. The job is perfect for him, and I pray to God he will keep it, or find another similar.
Afterwards, we ate lunch at Chili's. The kids were really good today, and I enjoyed being with them...next on the agenda was heading to Dollar Tree where I picked up a few baby shower things for Candi's baby shower tomorrow, and some odds and ends that I really didn't need.
Game Stop was next on the list, so that I could get DH a gift card for more games. He is hard to shop for, and I don't dare buy him tools or such, because I will ALWAYS get it wrong.
After Game Stop, we stopped at Walmart to buy the groceries for the baby shower, and a few more odds and ends. Our last stop was Starbucks, where we went inside for a "potty stop", I had hot cocoa, and the kid had iced tea and iced lemon pound cake. It was total consumer shopping day at it's best. We arrived home around 3:30 p.m., just in time to pick up the living room, and start a fire in the woodstove (it has been chilly and drizzling all day - yeah!) before DH arrived.
As soon as DH, came in the door he told me "I Am Legend" is showing at the theater at 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. We rarely leave the kids at home without a sitter, as their 18 year old brother needs a sitter himself at times. But we have been waiting to see this movie for awhile. We had Taylor stay in his room and watch his new movie, and the girls watched the Disney Channel in the living room. I rushed to McDonald's to pick up their dinner (yuck! I have McD's and rarely eat there), and we jumped in the truck and headed into town. We watched the movie which was good, but could have been even better, if it had been longer. Stopped by Babies R Us to check on rubber pants for Candi's baby, she hasn't been able to find any. Finally located a couple packs. We then stopped for dinner and headed home.
DH and kids spent the rest of the evening until 11 p.m.! (DH NEVER stays up this late) playing Ghost Recon on the PS2. I washed dishes, and then made the dishes for tomorrow's baby shower. I put together the Pasta Salad, Chicken Salad, and the Southwestern Soup is slowly cooking in the crockpot. I just have to load up the car tomorrow, and stop by the grocery store for a cake. I forgot to order a specific baby shower one, so hope they have one that is appropriate.
I am having a Christmas Party next weekend, and need to get the invitations printed.
Anyone who wants to come, email me and I will give you directions - if I know you that is ;-)
Date: December 23rd (Sunday)
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: My house
Open House style - come and go
Buffet Style
Kids welcome or leave at home, we don't mind, whatever floats your boat
It will be just a time of food, fun, talk, laughter and that's about it...
Off to bed, my eyeballs are about ready to POP out.
Today was a busy day. It is our Town Day. We headed into town to the credit union for my son to deposit his paycheck...all $54 dollars of it. He only works 1-2 days per week, and makes $54 a day....which is good for someone with no skills, working at a local greenhouse. The job is perfect for him, and I pray to God he will keep it, or find another similar.
Afterwards, we ate lunch at Chili's. The kids were really good today, and I enjoyed being with them...next on the agenda was heading to Dollar Tree where I picked up a few baby shower things for Candi's baby shower tomorrow, and some odds and ends that I really didn't need.
Game Stop was next on the list, so that I could get DH a gift card for more games. He is hard to shop for, and I don't dare buy him tools or such, because I will ALWAYS get it wrong.
After Game Stop, we stopped at Walmart to buy the groceries for the baby shower, and a few more odds and ends. Our last stop was Starbucks, where we went inside for a "potty stop", I had hot cocoa, and the kid had iced tea and iced lemon pound cake. It was total consumer shopping day at it's best. We arrived home around 3:30 p.m., just in time to pick up the living room, and start a fire in the woodstove (it has been chilly and drizzling all day - yeah!) before DH arrived.
As soon as DH, came in the door he told me "I Am Legend" is showing at the theater at 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. We rarely leave the kids at home without a sitter, as their 18 year old brother needs a sitter himself at times. But we have been waiting to see this movie for awhile. We had Taylor stay in his room and watch his new movie, and the girls watched the Disney Channel in the living room. I rushed to McDonald's to pick up their dinner (yuck! I have McD's and rarely eat there), and we jumped in the truck and headed into town. We watched the movie which was good, but could have been even better, if it had been longer. Stopped by Babies R Us to check on rubber pants for Candi's baby, she hasn't been able to find any. Finally located a couple packs. We then stopped for dinner and headed home.
DH and kids spent the rest of the evening until 11 p.m.! (DH NEVER stays up this late) playing Ghost Recon on the PS2. I washed dishes, and then made the dishes for tomorrow's baby shower. I put together the Pasta Salad, Chicken Salad, and the Southwestern Soup is slowly cooking in the crockpot. I just have to load up the car tomorrow, and stop by the grocery store for a cake. I forgot to order a specific baby shower one, so hope they have one that is appropriate.
I am having a Christmas Party next weekend, and need to get the invitations printed.
Anyone who wants to come, email me and I will give you directions - if I know you that is ;-)
Date: December 23rd (Sunday)
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: My house
Open House style - come and go
Buffet Style
Kids welcome or leave at home, we don't mind, whatever floats your boat
It will be just a time of food, fun, talk, laughter and that's about it...
Off to bed, my eyeballs are about ready to POP out.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Political Aspirations
Have you seen this man? If so, please whomp him in the head for me. He is letting his "inventing" the internet, and his newly won Nobel Peace Prize go to his head. I am all for Freedom of Speech, but I am dissappointed in the fact that he would criticize his own country in a UN forum. Like that helps! Maybe he should become a citizen of the EU? That would have my vote!
Many who know me know about my love for politics. I don't claim to be an expert, I just know what I believe. As a Christian, sometimes it is hard to reconcile my Christian beliefs with my American patriotism. Believe it or not, they can be at odds at times. I have had three unsuccessful bids for local city council, and while it was dissappointing it probably has been for the best, less stress for me.
Today I was reading an article online regarding the possible boycott of the European Union (EU) and the UN of an upcoming economies meeting. Apparently, the U.S. is resisting agreeing to a couple of issues regarding reducing emissions from between 25-40%. Frankly, I think we need to reduce emissions, but am no way impressed by the UN and EU threats. As an American, I would urge my political leaders to stand strong and not cave into their urgings. I do not want anyone other than American leaders trying to tell me what to do. I would no way feel obligated to abide by any law that UN tries to impose. They are next to nothing to me. If I knew of a way to get my views out I would, therefore, I chose my small forum here as a way to express myself.
While I don't agree with widespread pollution of the Earth, especially our corner of it, I am not an environmentalist in any way. I believe people have more rights than the animals and plants of the world. While we are called to be good stewards of the Earth, I don't believe that entails forsaking human needs over the need of an endangered species. I won't go out of my way to stomp on an endangered salamander, but if people need drinking water, that is more important than the salamander. I know I have posted about this before, but I feel really strongly about it.
In addition, I believe all people, especially Americans, need to get away from their dependence on foreign oil and oil period. We need to get back to working and living close together, being able to walk or ride a bike to work. Primarily, because I don't like giving my money to a Middle Eastern country/company. I want to keep my money here in America where it helps America. We are only hurting ourselves.
For instance, I gave up a high paying position (well, for me it was high paying) with the government for a variety of reasons. These being, to name a few:
1. to raise my kids myself and homeschool
2. to downsize my lifestyle by giving up a high level of consumerism
3. save gas
4. save money
5. instill a sense of community and small "town" spirit within myself and family
I think if more people stopped chasing the dollar and stopped to realize what is more important, the United States would be a better place to live. Shop smart, get what you need (a chevy over a Hummer), live close to work and walk. By reducing our need for imports it will make us stronger. We need to show the world that we don't need what they have to offer, and that we are an independent nation that cannot be coerced or threatened.
I am very much for being an isolationist country. I am tired of helping the world, out of compassion, only to be kicked and criticised for being mercenary. I didn't see many others stepping up to risk much. The only ally of any size we seem to have is Great Britan, and I am sure with them being a part of the EU, that will soon fall by the way side.
I know a few visitors who may stop by by here may not agree, and that is fine.
I would love to run one day for state representative, but with the way things are going, keeping out of the government's radar may be a good thing. It's hard to have torn desires....what do I want, what should I do, what does God want me to do?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Roof Woes
The insurance adjuster and the representative from the roofing company we have chosen were here this morning to go over the roof together. Apparently, there is hail damage, but there hasn't been hail in our area since we have been with this new company, so they are passing it off to our previous company, which I will have to contact and have them come out also.
The adjuster will be putting in a claim for wind and storm damage to repair the back portion of the roof, but that's it...maybe with what we received before, this new claim if approved, and a little of our own money, we can get the entire roof repaired.
We'll see if I have to get ugly and go the state insurance department or hire a lawyer. One thing for sure is I won't go away quietly.
We are going out to dinner with Rodney's boss tonight, he came in from the corporate office in KY to inspect things this week. I hope no one gets laid off this close to Christmas. That really worries me.
Our nephew is coming over to watch the girls (and Taylor too). If left alone, they fight too much, and Taylor is the worst one, so I need a referee here. We are only going two small towns over to eat a steakhouse, but that will be nice.
I have a pork loin in the crock pot, and bread in the bread machine for the kids dinner tonight. It's nice here, with the fire going, and the house smelling good, now if the kids would stop fussing with each other, it'd be very relaxing.
***************
We had a nice dinner tonight with DH boss. We went to a local steakhouse (I had chicken though). It was nice to eat without the kids. I know that sounds mean, but I didn't have to get up 3 times to take people to the bathroom, or wipe up spills or fight with someone over eating their meal.
Came home to the youngest crying because the three older (nephew and my two kids) wouldn't let her play Monopoly, saying she was too young. I let her play her own way when we play, she's only four, and can't read, but it is about having fun together. The boys just don't get how to soothe a little girl's feelings. So, I gave her ice cream, and cooked a pizza for her, and she is fine. Hanging off her daddy's back, as he plays Monopoly with everyone else. (Just so you know I didn't give her the food to make her stop crying, but because the guys didn't feed her anything.. they forgot!)
The guys had let the fire go out too! It was warmer than outside, but a little chilly sitting here on the computer, so I had to start the fire again.
I sold three books today on Amazon. com, 1 textbook, and two novels, for a total of about $70.00. Pretty good for just sitting at home. I make most of my money selling on Amazon.com, then sewing. Which I admit has been rough for me the last few months since my dad passed away. I lost my "oomph" to do most anything, even clean. I am slowly getting that back, and feel very motivated now to declutter my bedroom, especially since working on the bathroom renovation this past weekend. The painting is done, just need to finish the floor.
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On a more personal note: I was up early this morning to take Taylor to work. Came home and started a fire in the woodstove so the house would be warm when the girls get out of bed (Hannah's still asleep and it's almost 9:30 am. She reminds me of my sister Ann, sleeping so late.)
Have on the agenda to clean some more, declutter, wash clothes, and hopefully make Christmas cookies today. We are on break this month from school work, and will start again the first week of January.
The adjuster will be putting in a claim for wind and storm damage to repair the back portion of the roof, but that's it...maybe with what we received before, this new claim if approved, and a little of our own money, we can get the entire roof repaired.
We'll see if I have to get ugly and go the state insurance department or hire a lawyer. One thing for sure is I won't go away quietly.
We are going out to dinner with Rodney's boss tonight, he came in from the corporate office in KY to inspect things this week. I hope no one gets laid off this close to Christmas. That really worries me.
Our nephew is coming over to watch the girls (and Taylor too). If left alone, they fight too much, and Taylor is the worst one, so I need a referee here. We are only going two small towns over to eat a steakhouse, but that will be nice.
I have a pork loin in the crock pot, and bread in the bread machine for the kids dinner tonight. It's nice here, with the fire going, and the house smelling good, now if the kids would stop fussing with each other, it'd be very relaxing.
***************
We had a nice dinner tonight with DH boss. We went to a local steakhouse (I had chicken though). It was nice to eat without the kids. I know that sounds mean, but I didn't have to get up 3 times to take people to the bathroom, or wipe up spills or fight with someone over eating their meal.
Came home to the youngest crying because the three older (nephew and my two kids) wouldn't let her play Monopoly, saying she was too young. I let her play her own way when we play, she's only four, and can't read, but it is about having fun together. The boys just don't get how to soothe a little girl's feelings. So, I gave her ice cream, and cooked a pizza for her, and she is fine. Hanging off her daddy's back, as he plays Monopoly with everyone else. (Just so you know I didn't give her the food to make her stop crying, but because the guys didn't feed her anything.. they forgot!)
The guys had let the fire go out too! It was warmer than outside, but a little chilly sitting here on the computer, so I had to start the fire again.
I sold three books today on Amazon. com, 1 textbook, and two novels, for a total of about $70.00. Pretty good for just sitting at home. I make most of my money selling on Amazon.com, then sewing. Which I admit has been rough for me the last few months since my dad passed away. I lost my "oomph" to do most anything, even clean. I am slowly getting that back, and feel very motivated now to declutter my bedroom, especially since working on the bathroom renovation this past weekend. The painting is done, just need to finish the floor.
**************************
On a more personal note: I was up early this morning to take Taylor to work. Came home and started a fire in the woodstove so the house would be warm when the girls get out of bed (Hannah's still asleep and it's almost 9:30 am. She reminds me of my sister Ann, sleeping so late.)
Have on the agenda to clean some more, declutter, wash clothes, and hopefully make Christmas cookies today. We are on break this month from school work, and will start again the first week of January.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Cold Weather Coming
Tomorrow is supposed to bring with it rain and cold weather. I wonder how the roofer and the claims adjuster will fair checking out the roof tomorrow morning. I fully expect them to cancel. I need to get outside first thing, and get the yard picked up, so that they don't trip over everything.
Plan to spend the rest of the day washing clothes, and working on my bedroom.
More thoughts on the land purchase rolling around in my head, not sure what to do...supposed to meet the realtor tomorrow, but don't feel right about it. I don't think this is what I am supposed to do. I have been praying, and trying to get to see this land, and it's just not fallling into place. We both believe that means this land is not for us, so we will probably just work on fixing up our current homestead, and waiting patiently for God to show us the land he has picked out for us, if he does.
It is hard to wait, when one part of me wants to rush ahead and get my homestead and self sufficient lifestyle kicked into full gear, but I know if I don't heed God's will for me, he won't bless the move and the purchase, and I don't want that...so for now I guess I will sit tight, but still look for available land, maybe one of those will be what God wants for us, if not, then I pray he will help me be content with where I am, the hubby too.
Need to remember to ask Taylor to bring firewood inside tomorrow. Should have done that today, before it rained, but I just thought of it....shoot....
So my to do list looks like this:
clean up yard
put dinner for kids in crockpot
meet with roofer/adjuster
wash clothes
clean room
get ready for dinner with DH boss
sew
Plan to spend the rest of the day washing clothes, and working on my bedroom.
More thoughts on the land purchase rolling around in my head, not sure what to do...supposed to meet the realtor tomorrow, but don't feel right about it. I don't think this is what I am supposed to do. I have been praying, and trying to get to see this land, and it's just not fallling into place. We both believe that means this land is not for us, so we will probably just work on fixing up our current homestead, and waiting patiently for God to show us the land he has picked out for us, if he does.
It is hard to wait, when one part of me wants to rush ahead and get my homestead and self sufficient lifestyle kicked into full gear, but I know if I don't heed God's will for me, he won't bless the move and the purchase, and I don't want that...so for now I guess I will sit tight, but still look for available land, maybe one of those will be what God wants for us, if not, then I pray he will help me be content with where I am, the hubby too.
Need to remember to ask Taylor to bring firewood inside tomorrow. Should have done that today, before it rained, but I just thought of it....shoot....
So my to do list looks like this:
clean up yard
put dinner for kids in crockpot
meet with roofer/adjuster
wash clothes
clean room
get ready for dinner with DH boss
sew
Monday, December 10, 2007
Called the Realtor
Contacted a former colleague of mine who happens to be a Realtor. Asked a bunch of questions about selling our home, what the asking price might be, etc. Trying to determine how much equity we will get out of the home, and what we can afford.
Also talked to the Realtor for the 11 acres we tried to find on Sunday. He gave me "better" directions, and we tried to find it again tonight, with no luck. There weren't ANY signs as to what was for sale.
I am a mixture of excited for the possibility of moving into a small cabin, and being more self sufficient, and leaving my home of 15 years. It is THE perfect home, but on only a 1/2 acre. I really want more land. I am trying not to rush things, and have been praying. I really want to make sure this is something that God wants for us, and something I am not imposing my will as His.
I am torn between purchasing the lot next to us, and fixing up the entire yard into what I want, minus the larger animals. I know it can be done, and I am excited about this prospect also, which my husband says makes me wishy-washy. I don't think so, I am just trying to make the right decision. Sometimes our wants and dreams aren't really what is best for us, and I will be dragging a husband and three children into my dream, and I want to make sure it is the best decision for all of us....this can be stressful.
I have family land in WV, but absolutely NO ONE hear wants to move to WV. If I had my way, I'd sell this house in an instant and move to WV now! But, that isn't going to happen until the kids are gone. I have faced that fact now, though I have been in denial for a year now. This makes me very sad, which I think is what is driving my "itch" for more local land. So, I will allow myself to dream some and make plans, with the hope that someday they will come to pass, if it is God's will for my life. (I'll do my part, and wait on Him, I hope.)
Needed for Land:
to sell current house for money to buy land
cabin (from lowe's or home depot)
septic system/outhouse
electrical system (generator/solar/electric)
well
barn
To sell house:
paint outside eaves
roof repair
clean up yard
split and stack wood, make neat wood pile
replant front flower beds
finish dining room
finish bedroom
That's all I can think of now.
Also talked to the Realtor for the 11 acres we tried to find on Sunday. He gave me "better" directions, and we tried to find it again tonight, with no luck. There weren't ANY signs as to what was for sale.
I am a mixture of excited for the possibility of moving into a small cabin, and being more self sufficient, and leaving my home of 15 years. It is THE perfect home, but on only a 1/2 acre. I really want more land. I am trying not to rush things, and have been praying. I really want to make sure this is something that God wants for us, and something I am not imposing my will as His.
I am torn between purchasing the lot next to us, and fixing up the entire yard into what I want, minus the larger animals. I know it can be done, and I am excited about this prospect also, which my husband says makes me wishy-washy. I don't think so, I am just trying to make the right decision. Sometimes our wants and dreams aren't really what is best for us, and I will be dragging a husband and three children into my dream, and I want to make sure it is the best decision for all of us....this can be stressful.
I have family land in WV, but absolutely NO ONE hear wants to move to WV. If I had my way, I'd sell this house in an instant and move to WV now! But, that isn't going to happen until the kids are gone. I have faced that fact now, though I have been in denial for a year now. This makes me very sad, which I think is what is driving my "itch" for more local land. So, I will allow myself to dream some and make plans, with the hope that someday they will come to pass, if it is God's will for my life. (I'll do my part, and wait on Him, I hope.)
Needed for Land:
to sell current house for money to buy land
cabin (from lowe's or home depot)
septic system/outhouse
electrical system (generator/solar/electric)
well
barn
To sell house:
paint outside eaves
roof repair
clean up yard
split and stack wood, make neat wood pile
replant front flower beds
finish dining room
finish bedroom
That's all I can think of now.
New Land
I was a bad girl and didn't go to church Sunday morning. I rarely miss church, but I woke up a little headachey (I think the weather is going to change), and Hannah was sick too. I think it's allergies (runny/stuff nose, puffy eyes, slight cough). Gave her a little Benadryl, and she perked up. My nephew, Blake, stopped by around 8:30 a.m. to talk a little bit.
We drove out after a breakfast of grits and bacon to look at some land. There is 11 acres for sale about 15 minutes from here. The asking price is $43,000. It is pasture land and partly wooded, fenced, but doesn't have any water. We would need to drill a well. The thought is to sell our current home, and to take the equity we have in the house and pay cash for the land, and then pay cash for the two story little cabin that sits in the Lowe's/Home Depot parking lot, then get the whole thing set up to be totally self sufficient. This way, we'd only have to make enough money for a portion of our food. We just started looking, so we will see what God has in mind for us...he may want us to stay right where we are.....
In the afternoon, I went shopping for a birthday present for a friend's 1 year old, and baby stuff for Candi's baby shower (whenever that is)....we might just have it after church one Sunday, before everyone goes home....can't seem to get everyone on the same page.
This evening, I drove over to Candi's to see the new baby. What a cutie! I want a baby! Wah!
Came home and read the last chapter in my Art History text, and took the final exam. I am completely done with that course now. Praise God! I think I have a C in the class, I kind of was unmotivated this semester, and didn't get my usual A. Oh well, at least I passed.
We drove out after a breakfast of grits and bacon to look at some land. There is 11 acres for sale about 15 minutes from here. The asking price is $43,000. It is pasture land and partly wooded, fenced, but doesn't have any water. We would need to drill a well. The thought is to sell our current home, and to take the equity we have in the house and pay cash for the land, and then pay cash for the two story little cabin that sits in the Lowe's/Home Depot parking lot, then get the whole thing set up to be totally self sufficient. This way, we'd only have to make enough money for a portion of our food. We just started looking, so we will see what God has in mind for us...he may want us to stay right where we are.....
In the afternoon, I went shopping for a birthday present for a friend's 1 year old, and baby stuff for Candi's baby shower (whenever that is)....we might just have it after church one Sunday, before everyone goes home....can't seem to get everyone on the same page.
This evening, I drove over to Candi's to see the new baby. What a cutie! I want a baby! Wah!
Came home and read the last chapter in my Art History text, and took the final exam. I am completely done with that course now. Praise God! I think I have a C in the class, I kind of was unmotivated this semester, and didn't get my usual A. Oh well, at least I passed.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
It's a Girl!
My friend Candi had a baby girl today....7 lbs 9oz (don't know length yet, the midwife hadn't measured her yet I guess)....her name is Samantha Celeste.....yeah! Mother and baby doing great!
Saturday Happenings
I found this notice on the Internet, and wanted to share with everyone in the San Antonio Area.
I believe these are the guys that were on Walker Texas Ranger a while back.
Today we are spending the day cleaning, decluttering and painting.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Budding survivalist
okay, not in the terms of Ruby Ridge and Waco types, but in being prepared for a natural disaster on a small scale, and an economic collapse or worse on the high end scale.
Oh, many in my family probably think I am crazy, but then they will be like those people left stranded after Hurricana Katrina, if and when something does happen....
My sister teases me about my compound, not because I store weapons, I don't, but I am hugely concerned with being able to take care of my family. I am greatly concerned that my husband will lose his job, and what would we do. I am a SAHM now, and very frugal with our money. I have been reading up on food storage, gardening, living without power, water resources, etc., I don't have the land that I'd like, someplace remote and rural, and I don't have the money to prepare like some of these diehard survivalists. So, don't come knocking on my door when the you know what hits the fan.
I learned a valuable lesson from those stranded after Hurricane Katrina, one being don't live where Hurricanes frequent (hint, hint), the second being if you are told the hurricane is three days away, leave then, don't wait (duh!) start walking if you have to....and third, be prepared to take care of yourself DO NOT RELY ON THE GOVERNMENT. IT WILL TAKE THEM FOREVER, AND YOU DON'T WANT THEIR KIND OF HELP. A FEMA CAMP IS NOT FOR YOUR LOVED ONES!
My preparing on a very small scale has come in handy during days without power, times without money for food, gas or clothing.
I'd like to encourage my family and friends to start preparing too, and if you need any advice or help, let me know, I've been reading about this stuff since last August, and implementing on a small scale, so I would be glad to help. If ya'll want to get together and make a plan let me know, I have lots of storage space that's empty, and a place to pitch a tent or build a small cabin for your use.
Some places to help find info are: http://www.wisdomfarms.com/, http://www.homestead.org/, http://www.frugalsquirrels.com/
Happy Prepping!
Oh, many in my family probably think I am crazy, but then they will be like those people left stranded after Hurricana Katrina, if and when something does happen....
My sister teases me about my compound, not because I store weapons, I don't, but I am hugely concerned with being able to take care of my family. I am greatly concerned that my husband will lose his job, and what would we do. I am a SAHM now, and very frugal with our money. I have been reading up on food storage, gardening, living without power, water resources, etc., I don't have the land that I'd like, someplace remote and rural, and I don't have the money to prepare like some of these diehard survivalists. So, don't come knocking on my door when the you know what hits the fan.
I learned a valuable lesson from those stranded after Hurricane Katrina, one being don't live where Hurricanes frequent (hint, hint), the second being if you are told the hurricane is three days away, leave then, don't wait (duh!) start walking if you have to....and third, be prepared to take care of yourself DO NOT RELY ON THE GOVERNMENT. IT WILL TAKE THEM FOREVER, AND YOU DON'T WANT THEIR KIND OF HELP. A FEMA CAMP IS NOT FOR YOUR LOVED ONES!
My preparing on a very small scale has come in handy during days without power, times without money for food, gas or clothing.
I'd like to encourage my family and friends to start preparing too, and if you need any advice or help, let me know, I've been reading about this stuff since last August, and implementing on a small scale, so I would be glad to help. If ya'll want to get together and make a plan let me know, I have lots of storage space that's empty, and a place to pitch a tent or build a small cabin for your use.
Some places to help find info are: http://www.wisdomfarms.com/, http://www.homestead.org/, http://www.frugalsquirrels.com/
Happy Prepping!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Thursday....
The past two days have been busy. Against my better judgement the girls and I drove to Houston on Wednesday. I picked up my candle making supplies from Lunamom, and we then attended the Houston Natural Science Museum. I bought us a yearly membership, as I'd like to go back and look through it a little slower. We rushed through it in 2 hours yesterday. We also went through the "Lucy" exhibit (see www.hmns.org). Pretty interesting, but in no way believable. I am an intelligent design/creation science sort of gal, but I do like old things and reading how the scientific community in general is trying to pull the wool over people's eyes with this "millions of years ago" nonsense. But if you over look that part of the museum, it was great! The gemstone exhibit was one of my favorites. Lauren liked the gems and Lucy. Hannah liked the dinosaurs and the butterflys.
Tonight we (me, Lauren, Hannah and Mary - Candi's daughter) attended The Nutcracker Ballet in town. We got all dressed up "fancy like" LOL, and ate dinner before hand. It was a beautiful night, and the city was decorated with lights. We parked right across the street in the yard of a historic old home that was white and decorated with greenery and red bows for Christmas. It was a little pricey to park, but I knew I'd be tired afterwards and not wanting to walk too far. Smart move, if I do say so myself. (My feet HURT right now. Man, I feel really old.)
The Moscow Classical Ballet Company performed the ballet accompanied by the San Antonio Symphony. It was wonderful, though next time I'd leave Hannah home. She had a little meltdown after intermission, around 9:30 p.m. She was EXTREMELY tired. After dropping Mary at home, we made it home ourselves a little after 11:00 pm. Once I get pictures developed, I will post on here for everyone to see how beautiful the girls looked.
Tonight we (me, Lauren, Hannah and Mary - Candi's daughter) attended The Nutcracker Ballet in town. We got all dressed up "fancy like" LOL, and ate dinner before hand. It was a beautiful night, and the city was decorated with lights. We parked right across the street in the yard of a historic old home that was white and decorated with greenery and red bows for Christmas. It was a little pricey to park, but I knew I'd be tired afterwards and not wanting to walk too far. Smart move, if I do say so myself. (My feet HURT right now. Man, I feel really old.)
The Moscow Classical Ballet Company performed the ballet accompanied by the San Antonio Symphony. It was wonderful, though next time I'd leave Hannah home. She had a little meltdown after intermission, around 9:30 p.m. She was EXTREMELY tired. After dropping Mary at home, we made it home ourselves a little after 11:00 pm. Once I get pictures developed, I will post on here for everyone to see how beautiful the girls looked.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
National Cookie Day
How great is it to have a "holiday" like National Cookie Day? It's even cool that it falls on my regularly scheduled baking day of Tuesday.
Today was a really good day. We didn't have to take Taylor to his golf course, as it wasn't mandatory. Apparently, his instructor was playing in a tournament, and they could go to the driving range or not. We elected to not go (him, because he was playing Ghost Recon, and me because I wanted to save the gas and time.)
I was up early and we got started on Lauren's school work by 10:00 a.m. and finished at 12:30 p.m. Due to our hectic schedule I had her just read the On the Banks of Plum Creek book, do the discussion questions and do one page a day in her math workbook. On busy days, we only work on Reading, Writing and Math. Today, we sat down and worked on the items we missed. For instance, we did our Bible work on not being lured into temptation (see Isaiah 53:6 and James 1:14-15), and studied how unique each person is and why people were created (Isaiah 43:7, Psalm 139:13-16, and I Corinthians 12:12-30). We read the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39, talked about God's design for sex, not sinning against God, and how to remove yourself from a bad situation. We also talked about how to be a good hostess and see to the needs of your guests. We will get practice in this in a couple of weeks when we have our church Christmas party in our home. It's be great if my youngest sister Ashley would stay with us during Christmas, but she is staying with another sister instead.
Tomorrow we head to Houston to pick up my candle making supplies from Sheri (aka Lunamother), and plan to attend the Museum of Natural Science, if all goes as planned. Please pray for Sheri, her husband Ward and son Alec. Ward has had cancer off and on over the years, and has a followup appointment to check a skin graft tomorrow. They live in East Texas, and so Houston is a half way point for both of us.
Well, I am off to clean my bedroom, have a good night everyone!
Today was a really good day. We didn't have to take Taylor to his golf course, as it wasn't mandatory. Apparently, his instructor was playing in a tournament, and they could go to the driving range or not. We elected to not go (him, because he was playing Ghost Recon, and me because I wanted to save the gas and time.)
I was up early and we got started on Lauren's school work by 10:00 a.m. and finished at 12:30 p.m. Due to our hectic schedule I had her just read the On the Banks of Plum Creek book, do the discussion questions and do one page a day in her math workbook. On busy days, we only work on Reading, Writing and Math. Today, we sat down and worked on the items we missed. For instance, we did our Bible work on not being lured into temptation (see Isaiah 53:6 and James 1:14-15), and studied how unique each person is and why people were created (Isaiah 43:7, Psalm 139:13-16, and I Corinthians 12:12-30). We read the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39, talked about God's design for sex, not sinning against God, and how to remove yourself from a bad situation. We also talked about how to be a good hostess and see to the needs of your guests. We will get practice in this in a couple of weeks when we have our church Christmas party in our home. It's be great if my youngest sister Ashley would stay with us during Christmas, but she is staying with another sister instead.
Tomorrow we head to Houston to pick up my candle making supplies from Sheri (aka Lunamother), and plan to attend the Museum of Natural Science, if all goes as planned. Please pray for Sheri, her husband Ward and son Alec. Ward has had cancer off and on over the years, and has a followup appointment to check a skin graft tomorrow. They live in East Texas, and so Houston is a half way point for both of us.
Well, I am off to clean my bedroom, have a good night everyone!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Baby Shower
This is FYI for anyone linking here to check on Candi's baby delivery status. She is still pregnant ;-) and no we don't know if it is a boy or girl, though I am predicting a boy, and she wants a girl.
She doesn't want to have the baby shower until she has the baby, so we are tentatively scheduling it, but the midwife doesn't think she is going to have the baby on her due date, that she will be late. So, here we sit...
If anyone who has known Candi and would like to particiapte in a sort of "virtual" baby shower for her, please leave comments here, and I will share with her. Sorry if this seems strange, but Candi is relatively new to this area, and doesn't have any close family, so we as her sisters in Christ are all she has, which is why I want to include you all. She isn't registered anywhere, but I know she needs the following:
baby clothes (plain white, or neutral is best) - 3-6 month size and up...she has big babies, and newborn doesn't normally fit she says
cloth diapers (she has a few, but I am trying to get at least 5 dozen together)
diaper pins
rubber pants (all sizes)
diaper covers
receiving blankets
Sheets (bassinet sheets would be good, or you can order the Moses basket ones from http://www.mosesbaskets.com/)
Socks/Booties
diaper wipes
Baby sling (http://www.slinglings.com/) - unpadded, blue paisley
Disposable cameras
Gift certificates for food delivery places (Dominoes delivers in their area)
Gift certificates for movie rentals
Any personal care items (soaps, lotions) that will help Candi feel good about herself after having the baby
Any items can be mailed to me at the following address: P.O. Box 1023, Lytle TX 78052
Thanks everyone!
She doesn't want to have the baby shower until she has the baby, so we are tentatively scheduling it, but the midwife doesn't think she is going to have the baby on her due date, that she will be late. So, here we sit...
If anyone who has known Candi and would like to particiapte in a sort of "virtual" baby shower for her, please leave comments here, and I will share with her. Sorry if this seems strange, but Candi is relatively new to this area, and doesn't have any close family, so we as her sisters in Christ are all she has, which is why I want to include you all. She isn't registered anywhere, but I know she needs the following:
baby clothes (plain white, or neutral is best) - 3-6 month size and up...she has big babies, and newborn doesn't normally fit she says
cloth diapers (she has a few, but I am trying to get at least 5 dozen together)
diaper pins
rubber pants (all sizes)
diaper covers
receiving blankets
Sheets (bassinet sheets would be good, or you can order the Moses basket ones from http://www.mosesbaskets.com/)
Socks/Booties
diaper wipes
Baby sling (http://www.slinglings.com/) - unpadded, blue paisley
Disposable cameras
Gift certificates for food delivery places (Dominoes delivers in their area)
Gift certificates for movie rentals
Any personal care items (soaps, lotions) that will help Candi feel good about herself after having the baby
Any items can be mailed to me at the following address: P.O. Box 1023, Lytle TX 78052
Thanks everyone!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Saturday
A new friend came over today. I met her off the homestead forum. Her name is Marie, and she brought her 3 kids with her too. She is a Christian and homeschools, which is really amazing to have found on the homestead forum, especially in my area!
I made Southwest Soup, had sandwiches, and baked a loaf of the Watkins bread (it was really good). Marie brought homemade oatmeal cookies. They were good! I had one later on in the day. My son enjoyed them too when he came home from work. I had lots of fun talking and learning about her, and plan to get together with her soon, and hope to have Candi join us in the future after she has had the baby, and settled into a routine, maybe in January sometime.
After Marie and her family went home, I did absolutely nothing....productive. Laid on the couch, read, ate more soup and sandwiches, and messed around on the computer.
Hannah had a melt down this afternoon, missed her nap. So she ended up in trouble, bathed, and going to bed early.
I made Southwest Soup, had sandwiches, and baked a loaf of the Watkins bread (it was really good). Marie brought homemade oatmeal cookies. They were good! I had one later on in the day. My son enjoyed them too when he came home from work. I had lots of fun talking and learning about her, and plan to get together with her soon, and hope to have Candi join us in the future after she has had the baby, and settled into a routine, maybe in January sometime.
After Marie and her family went home, I did absolutely nothing....productive. Laid on the couch, read, ate more soup and sandwiches, and messed around on the computer.
Hannah had a melt down this afternoon, missed her nap. So she ended up in trouble, bathed, and going to bed early.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Only 25 Shopping Days left....
or as my mother text messaged me, only 28 shopping days until HER birthday. LOL!
This is a picture of a homestead friend's Nubian goat Miss Diva "disguised" as a reindeer. I thought this picture was too cute and wanted to share it with everyone.
Been cleaning, still need to work on the bedroom. That is on the schedule for tomorrow afternoon. I am having a new friend over for lunch tomorrow. She is a homeschooling mom too.
I still haven't decided what to have for lunch, I was thinking sandwiches and potato soup. I sure hope it's chilly and rainy tomorrow, so I can light a fire in the stove...I love the way the living room looks with the fire glowing through the glass window of the wood stove.
Taylor will be working for a local nurseryman tomorrow. I have talked with this gentleman several times, and am actually interested in opening my own nursery, but haven't had time to work on it. I hope Taylor does a good job for him. I'm really worried, so please pray.
I also need to get a casserole together for Candi. The ladies at church are making them so she won't have to cook for a few days after having the baby....six days left! I am so excited!
To Do List:
clean bedroom
laundry
bake molasses cookies/gingerbread
HOMEWORK!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Tour of My Home....
I did a virtual "tour" of my home last year on my previous blog, so thought I'd do another so everyone here could get a general idea of my home when I talk about it. Hope you enjoy! (The tour is free, but donations can be left in the basket by the front door. LOL!)
Welcome to Queen's Edge Farm...the tree on the left bit the dust this year, so it's missing from the picture now...let's pause for a moment of silence...................................
The foyer, this no longer looks the same....the Christmas tree is in the corner where the desk is....
The living room...it looks different now. My dad's furniture has replaced the blue furniture. Sorry, can't find my digital camera so can't update the photos, but you get the general idea and layout of the room.
Dining room and kitchen (with laundry in back corner)
Hannah stirring laundry soap in the kitchen....isn't she cute....she loves making faces....she really is cute!
Laundry room pictures.....it no longer looks like this, as there are comforters, waiting their turn in the washer, plopped on the floor. My goal is to get it looking like this again...soon I hope.
The hall way with original artwork by the artist currently known as "Hannah Banana". The girls room is the door on the very end, sorry no pictures, they wouldn't sign a release or clean it up for a picture. Taylor's "stink room" is the door in the foreground.
Our little bathroom, soon to be repainted and redecorated. Really! I have the paint and everything (more artwork on right corner).
Hannah's former bedroom/nursery and playroom. Currently this room is FILLED with most of my dad's belongings.
My bedroom, or what would fit in the picture...
Okay, here is a picture of Lauren and Muffin. I have to put Lauren's picture in this post, because she saw me put Hannah's and asked where hers was....so to keep the peace...here is Lauren.... now she can go to bed happy....LOL!
Welcome to Queen's Edge Farm...the tree on the left bit the dust this year, so it's missing from the picture now...let's pause for a moment of silence...................................The foyer, this no longer looks the same....the Christmas tree is in the corner where the desk is.... The living room...it looks different now. My dad's furniture has replaced the blue furniture. Sorry, can't find my digital camera so can't update the photos, but you get the general idea and layout of the room. Dining room and kitchen (with laundry in back corner) Hannah stirring laundry soap in the kitchen....isn't she cute....she loves making faces....she really is cute!Laundry room pictures.....it no longer looks like this, as there are comforters, waiting their turn in the washer, plopped on the floor. My goal is to get it looking like this again...soon I hope.The hall way with original artwork by the artist currently known as "Hannah Banana". The girls room is the door on the very end, sorry no pictures, they wouldn't sign a release or clean it up for a picture. Taylor's "stink room" is the door in the foreground. Our little bathroom, soon to be repainted and redecorated. Really! I have the paint and everything (more artwork on right corner). Hannah's former bedroom/nursery and playroom. Currently this room is FILLED with most of my dad's belongings. My bedroom, or what would fit in the picture...
The other view of my room, see my wardrobe and the front door?
Okay, here is a picture of Lauren and Muffin. I have to put Lauren's picture in this post, because she saw me put Hannah's and asked where hers was....so to keep the peace...here is Lauren.... now she can go to bed happy....LOL!And last, but not least, a view of the backyard. The screened porch on the left, will soon be enclosed for my son's apartment. We are hoping to purchase the lot to the right (behind where the slide is at..this would bring our lot to right at .96 acres, so basically an acre).
Thanks for stopping by, ya'll come back now...y'hear?
Random Thoughts
I was driving by a large field today, one that my husband and I used to ride his three wheeler in while we were dating. It was directly behind the house I grew up in....it is a huge piece of property, and used to be home to a water treatment plant. The ponds there had some kind of beaver type animal (not sure beaver live in Texas, so unsure what it was.) Well, now those ponds have been filled in, and a MASSIVE housing development has gone up, and is still going up. It made my heart hurt to see it. Does anyone else feel like this?
I just can't believe there are so many people in San Antonio, that are looking to buy new homes. Everywhere I go, new homes are being built or sprang up so fast, they weren't there the last time I drove by. And I'm not talking years, I am talking the space of a month or so..There will be a beautiful piece of land, trees, cows, etc., and then WHAM! a million houses that all look the same, along with miles and miles of privacy fences.
On another note, I was going over a friend's house this morning, and on the way into her development there are several mobile homes where the people just absolutely have no respect...for themselves or their neighbors. I don't feel this is in anyway a reflection on my friend, it's just unfortunate that she has trashy neighbors. She keeps her property and home immaculate. I don't care if you don't have any money, you can still be clean, it costs nothing to pick up trash out of your yard, and to keep the weeds down. The weeds I could even live with, but the MOUNTAINS of trash piled up on the front porch, and strewn throughout the yard is appalling. If something is broken, get rid of it, don't leave it rotting in your front yard. By making the effort to be at the least clean, it will make you feel good about yourself and your surroundings. My mother told me this, and it holds true. Example: when you are feeling sick, or depressed, by fixing your hair and putting on a little makeup, the world WILL look a little brighter, and you will feel a little more inclined to deal with the problems that crop up. If you look like crap, and feel like crap, well, you won't accomplish much. The same goes with your house, clean it up a little, clean is free, just takes time.
Driving home tonight from picking my son up from the college library, we passed rows and rows of houses with their Christmas lights on...it's amazing how beautiful everything looks at night, with the lights blinking. You almost forgot how "traumatized" the landscape looks during the day. The row after row of broken down vehicles, the neglected properties, the razing of the land to build more houses (see paragraph 1 for that rant) and the continuous expansion of the highways and roadways. At night it all dissappears to be replaced by these magnificent lights that give you a little feeling of hope. Reminding you that Jesus is the Light of the World. This is the explanation I give my kids for why we put lights up at Christmas. Along with proclaiming your light before the world, and not hiding it under a bushel....NO! (lol!)
*********************
My days are so busy...I cannot wait for this semester to be over. I look forward to being able to stay home during the day, to clean, sew again, bake and get back to my routines for each day of the week. Having to get up each week day to take the son to college SERIOUSLY takes a HUGE chunk out of the day...by the time I get back home it's almost 3:30 in the afternoon, and I have just enough time to straighten the foyer, living room and bathroom, then get dinner started before my husband gets home from work. This next semester I have the son scheduled for one online computer course, plus a landscaping course and it's lab. That is a total of 6 semester hours, which is part time. I have his course and lab on Monday evening, so he will be there from 6:00-10:00 at night. Hopefully, this will allow him to find a local, part time job, and allow me to get my house back in "apple pie order". Since my daddy's passing in August, I haven't been able to really clean the house, more of just a general clutter control. I need to declutter my bedroom. It's in bad shape, and used as a general catch all.
I plan to buy about 6 rubber maid totes tomorrow, to pack all the clutter from the dining room in it, until I can sort through it. Then I will stack these in the closet in the playroom. I surely hope my sisters will be ready to sort through some of my dad's things, and that my brother buys a house here soon. He has asked for my dad's dining room set, plus the old antique recliner that was our great-grandfather's (I'd LOVE to have it, primarily because I am the family historian and love old things, but I am keeping a lot of my dad's furniture, so am trying not to be selfish.) In the bedroom, I need to go through dressers and throw away a lot of old clothes (husband's), then take most of these dressers to the garage for a future sale or give away, then set up my dad's bedroom suite in my room. Then I want to paint, and make new curtains, making my room, finally, a safe haven for sleep and relaxation.
My kitchen needs a little work, but not much, more of a general cleaning, and putting things away. The laundry room needs LOTS of work. I am behind on my laundry again, especially when it comes to comforters and bedspreads. They take up a lot of space, let me tell you. The puppy enjoys it. She sleeps in the laundry room, and burrows into a comforter to keep warm.
The girls room needs to be organized and the carpet cleaned. They really need a new carpet, but I haven't taken the time to hunt one down, and I am not looking forward to taking apart the bunk beds to get another carpet in there...Oy vay!
The long hallway is another "hot spot" as the Flylady would say. I need to get this area taken care of too. My son's room....I don't even go in there...he will be 19 in February, and I REFUSE to clean his room at his age....he does okay, but there is this yucky "boy" smell in there....
The bathroom is cleaned every day. I do this, to help keep everyone healthy. I find by cleaning the toilet everyday, and wiping off counters, door knobs and hanging clean towels every day, we have been relatively illness free most of the year. (I really like that show "How Clean is Your House" and have learned a lot about how to clean the toilet and bath.)
The living room is also cleaned every day, for the most part. I see a couple of cobwebs way up in the corners of my 12 foot ceilings. My 5 foot three self doesn't look up often so they get missed. The toys in the corner toybox bother me and I want to put them in the girls bedroom, but I lack the motivation. Likewise in the far corner I have a semi-permanent box of books that I have listed on Amazon.com for sale. I think they are starting to grow roots, and are sprouting mushrooms on the top, as they have been there for about a year. Other than though, my living room is pretty clean.
I have a new friend coming over on Saturday for lunch, so I am motivated more than usual to clean and declutter (which I hope will start tomorrow morning and finish tomorrow night.)
I just can't believe there are so many people in San Antonio, that are looking to buy new homes. Everywhere I go, new homes are being built or sprang up so fast, they weren't there the last time I drove by. And I'm not talking years, I am talking the space of a month or so..There will be a beautiful piece of land, trees, cows, etc., and then WHAM! a million houses that all look the same, along with miles and miles of privacy fences.
On another note, I was going over a friend's house this morning, and on the way into her development there are several mobile homes where the people just absolutely have no respect...for themselves or their neighbors. I don't feel this is in anyway a reflection on my friend, it's just unfortunate that she has trashy neighbors. She keeps her property and home immaculate. I don't care if you don't have any money, you can still be clean, it costs nothing to pick up trash out of your yard, and to keep the weeds down. The weeds I could even live with, but the MOUNTAINS of trash piled up on the front porch, and strewn throughout the yard is appalling. If something is broken, get rid of it, don't leave it rotting in your front yard. By making the effort to be at the least clean, it will make you feel good about yourself and your surroundings. My mother told me this, and it holds true. Example: when you are feeling sick, or depressed, by fixing your hair and putting on a little makeup, the world WILL look a little brighter, and you will feel a little more inclined to deal with the problems that crop up. If you look like crap, and feel like crap, well, you won't accomplish much. The same goes with your house, clean it up a little, clean is free, just takes time.
Driving home tonight from picking my son up from the college library, we passed rows and rows of houses with their Christmas lights on...it's amazing how beautiful everything looks at night, with the lights blinking. You almost forgot how "traumatized" the landscape looks during the day. The row after row of broken down vehicles, the neglected properties, the razing of the land to build more houses (see paragraph 1 for that rant) and the continuous expansion of the highways and roadways. At night it all dissappears to be replaced by these magnificent lights that give you a little feeling of hope. Reminding you that Jesus is the Light of the World. This is the explanation I give my kids for why we put lights up at Christmas. Along with proclaiming your light before the world, and not hiding it under a bushel....NO! (lol!)
*********************
My days are so busy...I cannot wait for this semester to be over. I look forward to being able to stay home during the day, to clean, sew again, bake and get back to my routines for each day of the week. Having to get up each week day to take the son to college SERIOUSLY takes a HUGE chunk out of the day...by the time I get back home it's almost 3:30 in the afternoon, and I have just enough time to straighten the foyer, living room and bathroom, then get dinner started before my husband gets home from work. This next semester I have the son scheduled for one online computer course, plus a landscaping course and it's lab. That is a total of 6 semester hours, which is part time. I have his course and lab on Monday evening, so he will be there from 6:00-10:00 at night. Hopefully, this will allow him to find a local, part time job, and allow me to get my house back in "apple pie order". Since my daddy's passing in August, I haven't been able to really clean the house, more of just a general clutter control. I need to declutter my bedroom. It's in bad shape, and used as a general catch all.
I plan to buy about 6 rubber maid totes tomorrow, to pack all the clutter from the dining room in it, until I can sort through it. Then I will stack these in the closet in the playroom. I surely hope my sisters will be ready to sort through some of my dad's things, and that my brother buys a house here soon. He has asked for my dad's dining room set, plus the old antique recliner that was our great-grandfather's (I'd LOVE to have it, primarily because I am the family historian and love old things, but I am keeping a lot of my dad's furniture, so am trying not to be selfish.) In the bedroom, I need to go through dressers and throw away a lot of old clothes (husband's), then take most of these dressers to the garage for a future sale or give away, then set up my dad's bedroom suite in my room. Then I want to paint, and make new curtains, making my room, finally, a safe haven for sleep and relaxation.
My kitchen needs a little work, but not much, more of a general cleaning, and putting things away. The laundry room needs LOTS of work. I am behind on my laundry again, especially when it comes to comforters and bedspreads. They take up a lot of space, let me tell you. The puppy enjoys it. She sleeps in the laundry room, and burrows into a comforter to keep warm.
The girls room needs to be organized and the carpet cleaned. They really need a new carpet, but I haven't taken the time to hunt one down, and I am not looking forward to taking apart the bunk beds to get another carpet in there...Oy vay!
The long hallway is another "hot spot" as the Flylady would say. I need to get this area taken care of too. My son's room....I don't even go in there...he will be 19 in February, and I REFUSE to clean his room at his age....he does okay, but there is this yucky "boy" smell in there....
The bathroom is cleaned every day. I do this, to help keep everyone healthy. I find by cleaning the toilet everyday, and wiping off counters, door knobs and hanging clean towels every day, we have been relatively illness free most of the year. (I really like that show "How Clean is Your House" and have learned a lot about how to clean the toilet and bath.)
The living room is also cleaned every day, for the most part. I see a couple of cobwebs way up in the corners of my 12 foot ceilings. My 5 foot three self doesn't look up often so they get missed. The toys in the corner toybox bother me and I want to put them in the girls bedroom, but I lack the motivation. Likewise in the far corner I have a semi-permanent box of books that I have listed on Amazon.com for sale. I think they are starting to grow roots, and are sprouting mushrooms on the top, as they have been there for about a year. Other than though, my living room is pretty clean.
I have a new friend coming over on Saturday for lunch, so I am motivated more than usual to clean and declutter (which I hope will start tomorrow morning and finish tomorrow night.)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Mini Vacation
We recently took a small weekend trip to Dallas. The entire purpose of this trip was to go ice skating at the Galleria. I had always wanted to go as a child. My girls loved it! Lauren took to the ice skating right away, but she roller blades a lot, so it didn't pose a problem like for Hannah. Hannah, she's 4, and wouldn't give up. The second time we went skating, I was actually able to hold her hand and skate in the middle of the rink, instead of her clinging to the side. I loved it too, and it brought back memories of ice skating in the Maryland woods. We used to ice skate in Maryland at an outdoor skating rink. Pretty cool....there used to be a small building on the way to the rink, that my grandpa and dad would tell us that the Goat Man lived there...and to keep looking, and you'd see him peeking out....inevitably we would glance away, and either my dad or PaPa would say "Ah! there he goes, you missed him!" It was a combination of excitement and fear of this legendary Goat Man.
While in Dallas, we also made a trip to the American Girl Boutique (if you aren't familiar with American Girl, well, I just can't explain it...it's an experience in itself), anda trip to the "famous" Canton fair. Never again, will I go to Canton, it was a nightmare! Too many people, too much traffic, too much walking, and everything was WAY too expensive.
The highlight of the Dallas trip for me was the skating, for Lauren the American Girl store, and for Hannah, well it was the hotel. The girl just loves hotels. She will actually suggest stopping and sleeping at one if we are shopping in town, and she gets sleepy. She loves them that much....it's a good thing we have never stayed at a place that had room service, because I'd never pry her out of the hotels. Oops! I forgot about our DisneyWorld trip this summer, we stayed in a hotel, kind of like a La Quinta, and they did have room service, Pizza and Chocolate Cake, her two favorites. Plus she loved the little Mickey soaps, and the Disney themed rooms, and the big Laptop computer attached to the side of our building.
The drive was the worst thing, their dad was pretty good about the entire trip, and didn't complain at all. Which is a BIG surprise....I think he was still in shock over the hairdressers for the dolls at the American Girl Boutique.
While in Dallas, we also made a trip to the American Girl Boutique (if you aren't familiar with American Girl, well, I just can't explain it...it's an experience in itself), anda trip to the "famous" Canton fair. Never again, will I go to Canton, it was a nightmare! Too many people, too much traffic, too much walking, and everything was WAY too expensive.
The highlight of the Dallas trip for me was the skating, for Lauren the American Girl store, and for Hannah, well it was the hotel. The girl just loves hotels. She will actually suggest stopping and sleeping at one if we are shopping in town, and she gets sleepy. She loves them that much....it's a good thing we have never stayed at a place that had room service, because I'd never pry her out of the hotels. Oops! I forgot about our DisneyWorld trip this summer, we stayed in a hotel, kind of like a La Quinta, and they did have room service, Pizza and Chocolate Cake, her two favorites. Plus she loved the little Mickey soaps, and the Disney themed rooms, and the big Laptop computer attached to the side of our building.
The drive was the worst thing, their dad was pretty good about the entire trip, and didn't complain at all. Which is a BIG surprise....I think he was still in shock over the hairdressers for the dolls at the American Girl Boutique.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Prayer Requests
Please pray for those listed below, as well as, their families.
Theresa H. - pending kidney surgery
Eddie S. - diagnosed with inoperable brain tumor
Mario V. - diagnosed with aggressive lung and adrenal cancer
Patsy K. - had a stroke on Sunday
Candi K. - pending child birth
"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD." Psalm 27:14, NLT
Theresa H. - pending kidney surgery
Eddie S. - diagnosed with inoperable brain tumor
Mario V. - diagnosed with aggressive lung and adrenal cancer
Patsy K. - had a stroke on Sunday
Candi K. - pending child birth
"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD." Psalm 27:14, NLT
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday
Spent the day with Candi sewing receiving blankets for her new arrival. She is due in 8 days. I had a large supply of flannel, so we cut one yard pieces and hemmed the edges. Actually I ironed all the edges and pinned and Candi sewed the seams. She is learning how to sew more, and did a wonderful job. We finished 6 receiving blankets in four hours. We will sew 7 more on Wednesday.
My nephew had an accident last night and was taken to the hospital for head trauma. He has a slight cut and a concussion, but otherwise is doing fine. Thanks to everyone for their prayers it was really appreciated.
Please keep my friend Perla in prayer. Her father was diagnosed on the 16th with lung cancer that has spread to his adrenal gland, and possibly his brain. He underwent his first chemo treatment today. Please pray as she and siblings deal with this tragic news regarding their father.
My daughter's 10 year old friend came over tonight to spend a couple of hours with her. I gave them dinner, they played video games, Candy Land and jumped on the trampoline. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. They were a little bummed out when it was time to take her home at 8 p.m., but her friend goes to public school and has to catch the bus really early.
Man, the fire has burned out...good thing we are heading off to bed. It is supposed to get in the 40's tonight. I would love to get up and clean the kitchen, but I think I am coming down with a slight cold. I have body aches, and a headache. I took too aspirins and am drinking some Echinacea tea with lemon.
My nephew had an accident last night and was taken to the hospital for head trauma. He has a slight cut and a concussion, but otherwise is doing fine. Thanks to everyone for their prayers it was really appreciated.
Please keep my friend Perla in prayer. Her father was diagnosed on the 16th with lung cancer that has spread to his adrenal gland, and possibly his brain. He underwent his first chemo treatment today. Please pray as she and siblings deal with this tragic news regarding their father.
My daughter's 10 year old friend came over tonight to spend a couple of hours with her. I gave them dinner, they played video games, Candy Land and jumped on the trampoline. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. They were a little bummed out when it was time to take her home at 8 p.m., but her friend goes to public school and has to catch the bus really early.
Man, the fire has burned out...good thing we are heading off to bed. It is supposed to get in the 40's tonight. I would love to get up and clean the kitchen, but I think I am coming down with a slight cold. I have body aches, and a headache. I took too aspirins and am drinking some Echinacea tea with lemon.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
'Tis the Season
The girls and I are so jealous of Bob's snow (see www.walkedwithangels.blogspot.com) as we would dearly love some ourselves. The weather here has been great too, chilly and rainy. Great stove weather. We left for church this morning, leaving behind a house that looked like it had been through a tornado. Once we came home the kids cleaned up the living room, while I put the lights on the Christmas tree. That was our deal. Then the girls and I put the ornaments on the tree, and Taylor steadily worked on the outside lights.
I cleaned up the dining room, foyer and kitchen, and am now sitting here with the candles lit and the fire glowing through the glass door in the wood stove. The house smells wonderful, and it is wonderfully relaxing.
We have finished 99% of our Christmas shopping (I just have the kid's dad and my son to buy for).
I have a little more decorating to do outside, and then I will get started on my baking. I plan to have a Christmas Party this next month, along with Candi's baby shower, so cookies and gingerbread will come in handy.
This is the first time I haven't received any orders for my pies, gourmet cookies and brownies. It seems strange. I think the economy is having an effect on what people spend their money on, and evidently my baking items are considered a luxury. LOL!
Today's sermon was very thought provoking. The pastor talked about making sure your salvation experience was genuine, and how to tell if it was or not. Just because you teach Sunday School, own a bible, attend church or are involved in a ministry does not mean you are going to heaven. Evidence of this is in Matthew, where it says that many claimed to have done miracles in Christ name, and at judgement he will say to them "depart I never knew you". Assurance for those who have will love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind, and will love fellow believers. It really made me stop and evaluate myself.
I cleaned up the dining room, foyer and kitchen, and am now sitting here with the candles lit and the fire glowing through the glass door in the wood stove. The house smells wonderful, and it is wonderfully relaxing.
We have finished 99% of our Christmas shopping (I just have the kid's dad and my son to buy for).
I have a little more decorating to do outside, and then I will get started on my baking. I plan to have a Christmas Party this next month, along with Candi's baby shower, so cookies and gingerbread will come in handy.
This is the first time I haven't received any orders for my pies, gourmet cookies and brownies. It seems strange. I think the economy is having an effect on what people spend their money on, and evidently my baking items are considered a luxury. LOL!
Today's sermon was very thought provoking. The pastor talked about making sure your salvation experience was genuine, and how to tell if it was or not. Just because you teach Sunday School, own a bible, attend church or are involved in a ministry does not mean you are going to heaven. Evidence of this is in Matthew, where it says that many claimed to have done miracles in Christ name, and at judgement he will say to them "depart I never knew you". Assurance for those who have will love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind, and will love fellow believers. It really made me stop and evaluate myself.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A View From the Keyboard....
I was reading a blog that I have been reading for over a year, and I am really jealous of Pixie's free living lifestyle. I don't share her beliefs or talent, but I would love to travel around and live simply...it's just kind of hard when you are married to someone with such different views on life. I think it is smart to wait until you are older until you get married, that way you really know what it is you want out of life, and can pray and look for a partner that will compliment you. Most young people lead with their emotions and hormones, and that can put you in some really tough relationships, especially if you don't have a strong sense of morals and values.
I am really looking forward to staying home today. It is chilly and rainy this morning, and the fire is crackling in the wood stove. I am feeling lazy and just want to read, even though the dishes and washing need to be started. It gets really hard when it's cold, because we normally keep the doors to the living room closed to keep the front part of the house warm, so going into the kitchen requires Artic gear. LOL!
Lauren and her dad went shopping for my Christmas present. I gave them a list of some ideas.
I wonder what they will choose for me...I am so excited!
I am really looking forward to staying home today. It is chilly and rainy this morning, and the fire is crackling in the wood stove. I am feeling lazy and just want to read, even though the dishes and washing need to be started. It gets really hard when it's cold, because we normally keep the doors to the living room closed to keep the front part of the house warm, so going into the kitchen requires Artic gear. LOL!
Lauren and her dad went shopping for my Christmas present. I gave them a list of some ideas.
I wonder what they will choose for me...I am so excited!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! Today was a good day. I was up early to put the turkey in the roaster. We ate dinner around NOON. Afterwards we headed over to the kids grandparents. The kids ran around on the farm picking up acorns, pecans and hickory nuts. It was pretty nice out there, though a tad cold. I need to look for everyone's gloves, hats, etc.
ETA: I forgot to add earlier that we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade this year. I watched every year when I was a child, but this was the first year my kids had ever seen it, at first they weren't too excited, but really enjoyed seeing all the floats like Shrek, and seeing some of their favorite Disney characters/actors on the floats. We also sent out emails to Santa for the girls "wish list".
My menu for this year was: roast turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, chocolate cream pie, and apple pie. Everything that I cooked yesterday and today, I used my Watkins products from the vanilla to the Apple Bake Seasoning. In the stuffing I used Watkins Chicken Broth seasoning. Trying to use the products to be able to honestly answer to people about the taste, etc.
Here's the recipe for my Cornbread Dressing
1 cup chopped celery or 1 tsp celery salt
1/2 cup chopped onion (I used dried onion)
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp sage
salt/pepper
4 cups dry bread, cubed
4 cups cornbread, cubed
1 egg, beaten
2 cups water
2 packages of Watkins Chicken Soup/Gravy Base
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large, round cast iron skillet (or pan of your choice, at least 9 X 12).
Saute celetry and onion in butter. Stir in seasonings. Mix bread and cornbread, and add sauteed veggies and egg (use hands to mix). While mixing, add enough broth to reach desired moistness. Mix well. Spread in pan and Bake for 40-60 minutes (times varies depending on oven) It came out awesome! Better than usual, even my husband commented that it was good. The only difference was the Watkins Chicken Base, so I assume that was it. Ya'll should order some and try it.... LOL!
Sitting by the wood stove now as the temperature is 40, and the wind is blowing strong. I can feel the drafts blowing up between the floor boards as I walk across them, barefoot! I need to find my slippers or put some socks on. The kids have crashed on the floor around the wood stove, and the cats are curled up in the chair next to the stove.
It's only 9:30, but everyone but me is asleep, and it is very peaceful and relaxing. Had to stop and throw another log on the fire, as I felt a draft blow across my feet. (One of the drawbacks of living in a 110 year old house, but it's worth it.)
Did some Christmas shopping online last night and today, ordering a few presents for my girls. They are always with me, so it's hard to shop for them.
I am off to make some more hot tea, just wanted to say hello and hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving this year!
ETA: I forgot to add earlier that we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade this year. I watched every year when I was a child, but this was the first year my kids had ever seen it, at first they weren't too excited, but really enjoyed seeing all the floats like Shrek, and seeing some of their favorite Disney characters/actors on the floats. We also sent out emails to Santa for the girls "wish list".
My menu for this year was: roast turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, chocolate cream pie, and apple pie. Everything that I cooked yesterday and today, I used my Watkins products from the vanilla to the Apple Bake Seasoning. In the stuffing I used Watkins Chicken Broth seasoning. Trying to use the products to be able to honestly answer to people about the taste, etc.
Here's the recipe for my Cornbread Dressing
1 cup chopped celery or 1 tsp celery salt
1/2 cup chopped onion (I used dried onion)
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp sage
salt/pepper
4 cups dry bread, cubed
4 cups cornbread, cubed
1 egg, beaten
2 cups water
2 packages of Watkins Chicken Soup/Gravy Base
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large, round cast iron skillet (or pan of your choice, at least 9 X 12).
Saute celetry and onion in butter. Stir in seasonings. Mix bread and cornbread, and add sauteed veggies and egg (use hands to mix). While mixing, add enough broth to reach desired moistness. Mix well. Spread in pan and Bake for 40-60 minutes (times varies depending on oven) It came out awesome! Better than usual, even my husband commented that it was good. The only difference was the Watkins Chicken Base, so I assume that was it. Ya'll should order some and try it.... LOL!
Sitting by the wood stove now as the temperature is 40, and the wind is blowing strong. I can feel the drafts blowing up between the floor boards as I walk across them, barefoot! I need to find my slippers or put some socks on. The kids have crashed on the floor around the wood stove, and the cats are curled up in the chair next to the stove.
It's only 9:30, but everyone but me is asleep, and it is very peaceful and relaxing. Had to stop and throw another log on the fire, as I felt a draft blow across my feet. (One of the drawbacks of living in a 110 year old house, but it's worth it.)
Did some Christmas shopping online last night and today, ordering a few presents for my girls. They are always with me, so it's hard to shop for them.
I am off to make some more hot tea, just wanted to say hello and hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving this year!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Winter's A-coming
After reading Bob's post on his winterization efforts, my sister showed up and mentioned that it was supposed to get colder over the next few days. I checked the forecast and yeppers, it will be in the low 40's over the next few days and 38 on Saturday! Wow! I am so excited.
I need to get the house ready. Put the blankets on the beds, and have my son bring some wood in for the wood stove. I think I'll make soup tomorrow for dinner, and check out some videos from the library or Blockbuster.
I also need to put a light in the chicken coop, add some more hay and close up the outside doors to keep the drafts out of the coop. I need to find the dogs sweater too...now where did it go? I will check the baby doll stuff. It's a small sweater, we have a chihuahua, and it gets misplaced easy (the sweater, not the dog).
I need to get the house ready. Put the blankets on the beds, and have my son bring some wood in for the wood stove. I think I'll make soup tomorrow for dinner, and check out some videos from the library or Blockbuster.
I also need to put a light in the chicken coop, add some more hay and close up the outside doors to keep the drafts out of the coop. I need to find the dogs sweater too...now where did it go? I will check the baby doll stuff. It's a small sweater, we have a chihuahua, and it gets misplaced easy (the sweater, not the dog).
Baking Day
Getting right on picking up the house this morning, and getting started on my baking.
Hey! I have LOADS of flowers on my tomato plants....way more than this summer. Maybe since all the rain has tapered off, they are doing better. I have lots of little green tomatoes on the vines, and picked one small red tomato yesterday. The vines are all over the place, as I just ignored them when they stopped producing.
I need to send Taylor to start gathering the neighbors leaves that I use for mulch during the winter. I am just totally unmotivated and unenergized lately. I feel so blah! I have more energy in the evening, but hesitate to make so much noise to wake everyone up, planning to get busy in the morning, but am running on fumes by the time it rolls around.
Just wanted to remind everyone during this annual time of "giving", that if you are having a hard time deciding on a family project or gift this year, that I have several families that I can give you more information on that are in need.
Family 1: father just had a stroke, found out it was a brain tumor...age 41 (prayers needed too!)
Family 2: family living in poverty, needs basics (West Texas)
Family 3: family expecting new baby, times tough financially
Family 4: family with a disabled member in need of financial help
*I have detailed information I am willing to discuss with anyone who wants to help, just send me an email to queensedgefarm@yahoo.com or post a comment here and I will email you.
Any donations can be made to me through PayPal by sending an email to queensedgefarm@yahoo.com. Please annotate in the comment section which family you would like to help. If you don't have PayPal you can make a check or money order out to my church and specify which family you want to help. (Thought someone might feel comfortable to dontating through a legally setup, non-profit than through me. Whichever you prefer. ) If you are short of funds, I totally understand, but please PRAY for each of these familiies as they go through tough times.
Hey! I have LOADS of flowers on my tomato plants....way more than this summer. Maybe since all the rain has tapered off, they are doing better. I have lots of little green tomatoes on the vines, and picked one small red tomato yesterday. The vines are all over the place, as I just ignored them when they stopped producing.
I need to send Taylor to start gathering the neighbors leaves that I use for mulch during the winter. I am just totally unmotivated and unenergized lately. I feel so blah! I have more energy in the evening, but hesitate to make so much noise to wake everyone up, planning to get busy in the morning, but am running on fumes by the time it rolls around.
Just wanted to remind everyone during this annual time of "giving", that if you are having a hard time deciding on a family project or gift this year, that I have several families that I can give you more information on that are in need.
Family 1: father just had a stroke, found out it was a brain tumor...age 41 (prayers needed too!)
Family 2: family living in poverty, needs basics (West Texas)
Family 3: family expecting new baby, times tough financially
Family 4: family with a disabled member in need of financial help
*I have detailed information I am willing to discuss with anyone who wants to help, just send me an email to queensedgefarm@yahoo.com or post a comment here and I will email you.
Any donations can be made to me through PayPal by sending an email to queensedgefarm@yahoo.com. Please annotate in the comment section which family you would like to help. If you don't have PayPal you can make a check or money order out to my church and specify which family you want to help. (Thought someone might feel comfortable to dontating through a legally setup, non-profit than through me. Whichever you prefer. ) If you are short of funds, I totally understand, but please PRAY for each of these familiies as they go through tough times.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Another Laundry Day down the "twa-let"
I have such plans, but lack the motivation to get things done. Blech!
I have my sisters two children with me for a couple of days. It has been okay, with a few touchy moments. The girl child is a tad bossy (which no one likes, except her) and the boy child is a tad whiney and a tale bearer (which no one likes). It is pretty difficult meshing two households with different rules. I am very strict, and expect certain things, and of course my niece and nephew don't know these things. Makes me feel very mean to have to correct them, or put the little boy in timeout. But...I absolutely cannot put up with him hitting my 4 year old. Yeah, she can be a tad annoying, but he doesn't just smack her, he PUNCHES. I have made him stay by me most of the time he has been here (I read this in "Raising Godly Tomatoes", it's called staking.) Since I obviously can't trust him to behave out of my sight, he has been near me the entire time. It is freaking him out. (insert evil laughter here....Mwaaahh!)
I am driving the dually for a few days since it has enough seats for six people. The PT crusier only had room for five. I left the headlights on in it this morning, and the battery died. I had to call the DH to come give me a jump so I can pick our "man child" up from college.
I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, and we went to DQ for ice cream. I also printed out Thanksgiving color sheets for the kids to work on, they colored for about an hour, which kept them out of trouble. At 7 pm we headed out to DQ, then I had everyone get ready for bed and lay down to read or watch TV around 8:30 pm. I am not an advocate of such early bed times because I normally have a lot to do, but with two extra kids, and a yappy dog (she doesn't like strangers) I haven't been able to work on the laundry (the dog sleeps in the laundry room and is currently locked up in there...)...the clothes are piling up fast!
Tomorrow is baking day, and I have plans to make a pumpkin pie, a pecan pie and a spice cake. I need to take the turkey out of the freezer to start unthawing too.
The weather is a little cloudy, with rain off and on...I like it!
I have my sisters two children with me for a couple of days. It has been okay, with a few touchy moments. The girl child is a tad bossy (which no one likes, except her) and the boy child is a tad whiney and a tale bearer (which no one likes). It is pretty difficult meshing two households with different rules. I am very strict, and expect certain things, and of course my niece and nephew don't know these things. Makes me feel very mean to have to correct them, or put the little boy in timeout. But...I absolutely cannot put up with him hitting my 4 year old. Yeah, she can be a tad annoying, but he doesn't just smack her, he PUNCHES. I have made him stay by me most of the time he has been here (I read this in "Raising Godly Tomatoes", it's called staking.) Since I obviously can't trust him to behave out of my sight, he has been near me the entire time. It is freaking him out. (insert evil laughter here....Mwaaahh!)
I am driving the dually for a few days since it has enough seats for six people. The PT crusier only had room for five. I left the headlights on in it this morning, and the battery died. I had to call the DH to come give me a jump so I can pick our "man child" up from college.
I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, and we went to DQ for ice cream. I also printed out Thanksgiving color sheets for the kids to work on, they colored for about an hour, which kept them out of trouble. At 7 pm we headed out to DQ, then I had everyone get ready for bed and lay down to read or watch TV around 8:30 pm. I am not an advocate of such early bed times because I normally have a lot to do, but with two extra kids, and a yappy dog (she doesn't like strangers) I haven't been able to work on the laundry (the dog sleeps in the laundry room and is currently locked up in there...)...the clothes are piling up fast!
Tomorrow is baking day, and I have plans to make a pumpkin pie, a pecan pie and a spice cake. I need to take the turkey out of the freezer to start unthawing too.
The weather is a little cloudy, with rain off and on...I like it!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Elsie Dinsmore and more!
I bought a new book yesterday. I think they are designed for young girls but I wanted to read it. The title is Elsie Dinsmore. There is a series of them written in the early 1900s and it is actually very good. I will allow Lauren to read this when I am done. (I like to read everything she reads first, so I can make sure it's appropriate.) I bought the Lost World for her by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes author), and it's not right for her right now. I'll wait.
Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know about several specials I have going with my businesses. My jelly, I am selling for $1.00 off if you order by December 1st. I only have a few jars left so get them fast!
I am also taking order for gourmet cookies and brownies for the upcoming Christmas entertaining schedules. Also, on the list is my locally famous Gingerbread loaves and mini loaves, lemon poppyseed mini muffins and whole wheat bread.
I have a Gold Medal Assortment box of cookies, brownies, gingerbread, and poppyseed muffins for $25.00 plus shipping (Priority shipment is strongly suggested for the freshest possible baked goods)
And last but not least head on over to my Watkins site at www.watkinsonline.com/edge and check out the Specials listed to the far right. I don't want anyone to be caught short on their gift plans or baking supplies, so get your orders in ASAP please.
**ETA: I can highly recommend the Cinnamon Cocoa from Watkins. It is extremely good, and much better than the Swiss Miss I usually buy at the store..
Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know about several specials I have going with my businesses. My jelly, I am selling for $1.00 off if you order by December 1st. I only have a few jars left so get them fast!
I am also taking order for gourmet cookies and brownies for the upcoming Christmas entertaining schedules. Also, on the list is my locally famous Gingerbread loaves and mini loaves, lemon poppyseed mini muffins and whole wheat bread.
I have a Gold Medal Assortment box of cookies, brownies, gingerbread, and poppyseed muffins for $25.00 plus shipping (Priority shipment is strongly suggested for the freshest possible baked goods)
And last but not least head on over to my Watkins site at www.watkinsonline.com/edge and check out the Specials listed to the far right. I don't want anyone to be caught short on their gift plans or baking supplies, so get your orders in ASAP please.
**ETA: I can highly recommend the Cinnamon Cocoa from Watkins. It is extremely good, and much better than the Swiss Miss I usually buy at the store..
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Chilly Day
Last night the wind was crazy! Pecans were falling off the tree and pinging off the window in the dining room. All night, all I could hear was the wind roaring. Woke up to a chilly room, and didn't get out of bed until after 10:00 am! Yes, I said 10! I was too cold to get out of the bed...finally did get up and get a fire started in the wood stove. The dog wouldn't even come out of the laundry room, where she sleeps at night. She was buried under her blanket, and when I called her, she looked out and stayed there.
Took Taylor to his golf class, and then headed to Walmart where we picked up several board games: Scrabble, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, and Monopoly Jr. the Disney Channel Version. I also bought two decks of cards, Uno and Rook cards. I have been meaning to get these as part of my emergency preparations. When the power goes out or during the winter when we are stuck inside more, we will have games to play.
The kids and I came home and cleaned up a little, still needs a little work. I washed dishes, and made dinner (grilled cheese and soup with homemade pickles on the side). Started the fire going again, as it is in the low 40s tonight. The girls just got finished watching Shrek 3, and are dancing to the music from the movie. The fire looks very comforting. I like the living room at night. The curtains are down, the fire is going, and everything is winding down for the night.
Candi is coming for lunch tomorrow, and another friend is coming over in the evening. Topping that off, my sister drops her two hooligans off Saturday evening. We are watching them for a couple of days while she and her husband go to Vegas for their 10th anniversary.
Time to get the kids in bed.
Took Taylor to his golf class, and then headed to Walmart where we picked up several board games: Scrabble, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, and Monopoly Jr. the Disney Channel Version. I also bought two decks of cards, Uno and Rook cards. I have been meaning to get these as part of my emergency preparations. When the power goes out or during the winter when we are stuck inside more, we will have games to play.
The kids and I came home and cleaned up a little, still needs a little work. I washed dishes, and made dinner (grilled cheese and soup with homemade pickles on the side). Started the fire going again, as it is in the low 40s tonight. The girls just got finished watching Shrek 3, and are dancing to the music from the movie. The fire looks very comforting. I like the living room at night. The curtains are down, the fire is going, and everything is winding down for the night.
Candi is coming for lunch tomorrow, and another friend is coming over in the evening. Topping that off, my sister drops her two hooligans off Saturday evening. We are watching them for a couple of days while she and her husband go to Vegas for their 10th anniversary.
Time to get the kids in bed.
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