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.
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