getting thrifty

Where Oh Where Is Leslie???

2010-07-16T11:13:00.004-04:00

Oh My Goodness! Can you believe it has been two months since I last posted. Well I have been pretty busy. School let out on June 4th and I have been babysitting full time. We also had puppies born six weeks ago and we went to the beach for a week. We have done alot of boating with my parents and had Vacation Bible School. I can't believe that the summer is almost over too. The kids start back to school on August 12th. Its so not fair, thats about a week earlier than normal.

Here are a few pictures of all the things that have kept me busy for the last two months.

Emma got baptized a couple of weeks ago. This was her that morning. She was so excited and we were so proud of her!

Emma opening her birthday presents. She turned 7 on June 4th. It's so hard to believe!

Her ice cream cone cupcake cake!!

My little baseball player! He played real baseball this year! He really enjoyed it and that kept us very busy.

Here he is fueling up on Powerade:)

The kids are "surfing" at Myrtle Beach they had a ball. (not sure who the man in the background is he doesn't belong to us)

Emma doing the trampoline bungee bounce thing, they loved this!

Colton loved doing flips!

Playing on the beach in the dark is lots of fun! That was the night we were waiting for the fireworks to start!

We had a great time at the beach but was really happy to come home. It was terribly hot and very crowded. This is just a little of what has kept me so busy this summer. I will try not to wait so long to post in the future. I will be adding puppy pictures later.

Bad, Bad, Coon Dog!!

2010-04-29T21:26:00.003-04:00

You see this sweet and innocent looking coon dog. This was last year when he was still a puppy. He has now grown up into a not so sweet and innocent coon dog. I'm so upset with him that I didn't even take a picture of him now.

He stays tied up all the time since he is a coon dog and likes to run off hunting things. We always make Colton let him loose for awhile every afternoon when he comes home from school. Well yesterday Smokey was loose and we were getting ready to leave for ball practice and Colton couldn't find him to tie him up. We were of course running behind so I told him just leave him loose and I will tie him when I get back home. Well I wasn't gone but about thirty minutes and Smokey got into a lot of trouble in a short amount of time.

When I pulled into the driveway I seen him chewing on something. He had killed a guinea. I walked around the corner of the house and there were two other dead guineas. I was very upset. I must confess, I have wanted these things gone for awhile. I told Travis to kill them many, many times. I myself was running around the yard at 6:30 Sunday morning in bathrobe, toting my bb gun and popping the annoying creatures that decided to give us a wake up call under our bedroom window. Even though they were loud and extremely obnoxious I didn't want the dog killing them. Now I'm worried about letting my chickens out.

I guess Smokey had enough of the noise too. Now we are down to three guineas. Maybe three will be quiter.

Please Pray!!

2010-04-11T10:56:00.002-04:00

This is such a hard to post. I'm sitting here with tears welled up in my eyes and heaviness in my heart as I write this.

My sister Robin just lost her baby at 32 weeks pregnant. My mom, my neice Morgan, and I went to Atlanta Friday night to be with her and her husband Eric. We were able to see precious Little Eric and hold him. He was a beautiful baby with lots of hair. He was 2 pounds and 14 inches long. Nothing looked wrong with him at all except he wasn't breathing.

We don't understand and probably never will, why this had to happen. But as I was told yesterday by a very sweet lady at a restaurant "God makes no mistakes". I'm hurting for Robin and Eric. I had a miscarriage when I was around 12 weeks and that was very hard, but I know it was nothing like this. I wish there was something that I could do to ease the pain, but I'm afraid only time will do that.

Please pray for them. Pray also for Morgan, this is hard on her as well. We all miss Robin so much and wish we could just hold her and hug her and comfort her in some way. We know that Little Eric is in heaven being rocked by Jesus this beautiful Sunday morning. He will forever by "our little angel!"

I'm A Bad Blogger!

2010-04-05T15:28:00.002-04:00

I have not blogged in so long! Sometimes I have nothing interesting to write about or just don't feel like anyone else would think it is.

We had a great Easter weekend! Travis was off from work this weekend, which was very nice. I wish he was able to be off every weekend but he's fortunate to have a job. We took the kids fishing on Saturday. We all had a great time, but no fish for dinner. Colton caught the one and only fish of the day and we threw it back. We enjoyed fun with the family and a nice dinner at Travis' Grandmas yesterday!

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here the past few days! Its in the eighties today. The kids are outside spraying each other with water now. They said they were so hot they were going to die. They better get ready for the heat, its not even summer yet. I hope it doesn't get could again.

An Eye Opening Movie!!!

2010-03-17T08:06:00.003-04:00

Last night we watched the movie Food, Inc. Wow! I had seen lots of buzz about this movie in bloggy land for awhile. I found it on Netflix instant and we decided to watch it last night. This is pretty rare for my husband to actually want to watch something that I do. He was amazed by it too. He likes all of those conspiracy theory type documentaries anyway so he really enjoyed it.

If you have not seen it you defiantly need too. It made me really look at the food we eat and where it comes from. It made want to be able to grow or raise 100 percent of everything we eat. I know that is not possible, but I would like to as much as possible. If I can't grow it or raise it I want to know where it is coming from. We did purchase a beef from a friend of my dads and I'm so glad that we did. I know that it was raised humanely and without the antibiotics and growth steroids like other meat is raised. I was in tears at times seeing how horrible the conditions are that these animals live in.

I have always shopped for the lowest price. I can't afford free-range, grass fed, natural or organic meat and produce. Well I look at it a little differently now. If I can pay a little extra for something that was raised in a good environment and at its own pace instead of given chemicals to make it grow in half the time, I will. I'm on a mission to look for local produce and meat, to help out the little guy, instead of the big government run corporation. Its sad that the government can't look out for the well being of the American people because they are getting their pockets padded by these big corporations. They are forcing the little farmers out of business. The farmers that actually care about their animals and the food they raise are being sued and losing everything because they don't want to do what these companies are forcing them to do.

I usually do my grocery shopping on Thursdays. I can't this week because I will be babysitting a baby. But I'm really concerned now. Where do I go, what do I buy. I can't afford to spend $200 a week on groceries, but I don't want to buy this contaminated stuff anymore. I want to look out for the health and well being of my family. There are some changes a coming to this household and hubby is completely on bored. If you haven't seen this movie and your like me and just buy whatever you can afford you defiantly need to watch it. It's a real eye opener. Let me know if you've seen it and if it changed you!

I Had Three Banties!!!

2010-03-17T07:46:00.002-04:00

My Grandparents brought me these three beautiful little banties on Sunday. I just love how cute and little they are. We brought them home from my parents house and put them in the guinea section of the chicken coop, where the guineas don't stay. They are wild and crazy. Thats the reason my grandparents didn't want them.

Well all was good the first day. Then the second day I went out to feed them. I pulled the big door to the coop shut but didn't latch it or anything like I should have. As soon as I opened their door the rooster went crazy and flew right over my head and out the door. There was no way I was getting him back in. So he strutted around our yard and the neighbors yard all day. He crowed and called for his ladies, but everytime I would get near him he would run away as fast as he could. He roosted on top of the chicken run with the guineas. We should have got him while he was asleep and put him up, but we didn't.

Yesterday when I was getting the kids ready for school I seen him running around in the yard and he was fine. I heard him crow a few times during the morning and I was really happy. Then when I went out to feed around 11:00 he was no where to be seen and hasn't been seen since. I think the neighbors bird dog that killed one of my guineas may know something about it. He was seen around here quite a bit yesterday. He no longer messes with the guineas. I think they all got smart and gang up against him. But I have a feeling that Mr. Rooster couldn't hold his own against that stupid dog. I'm so upset with myself. He was so beautiful. But I am saving the eggs, they are supposed to be fertilized up to thirty days after being with a rooster. So I'm saving the cute little eggs to be incubated at my moms so that we can have some baby banties. I hope they aren't as wild!!!

One of the girl banties

All three

Mr. Rooster was so pretty! I'm hoping he will turn up but have a very bad feeling about the whole thing!

I Think I'm In Love....

2010-03-05T10:49:00.003-05:00

With These!!!!

I was needing a new washer really bad. My dryer was only a year old and working good but hubby insisted that we needed a matching set. I really, really wanted a front loader. I've wanted one for years. I love the fact that you can wash so many clothes in them at one time and that they are energy effecient. Its only supposed to cost $14.00 a year to run the washer. Hope thats true. It turns out that his boss had purchased these for an apartment that he owns and they were too big so he asked my husband if he wanted them. Since we are getting back a pretty good chunk of money from taxes we decided to get them. We got a good deal on them too!

I didn't think I would want them stacking. But it really does save the space especially in my little bitty laundry room. He even put me up some shelves and bought me a laundry sorter. The best part about these is my husband knows how to use them. I went to the grocery store yesterday and came home to him doing laundry. I nearly fell over, he had even washed the comforter and blankets off of our bed, because everything else was caught up. I hope the new doesn't wear out for him too soon. I could get used to a man doing laundry.

I really love these just wish they could fold the laundry and put it away too!

I'm Playing Nurse Today!

2010-02-25T12:45:00.002-05:00

My poor hubby is so sick. He was up this morning at 2:00 throwing up and did so about every thirty minutes until 7:00 this morning. He still feels horrible and is now laying on the couch asleep. I sure hope that me and the kids don't get it. I hate to throw up and I hate to clean it up even more.

The kids got three full days of school so far this week. They are out again today, because it snowed a little last night. I didn't think it was enough to cancel school, until I went to the grocery store to get ginger ale and stuff for the sick. The roads were terribly slick and the wind was blowing snow into the roads and causing drifts. I hope that they have school tomorrow.

I have to take care of the poor baby. I let him know that if I get it I'm not doing anything either. He said well after I've had it so bad I want ask for anything. We will see. He's just a wee bit spoiled. I have to go spray the lyesol again. I may just spray him down while he's asleep on the couch.

WOOOHOOO!!!!

2010-02-22T08:19:00.001-05:00

They went back to school today!!!! YAY! I don't want to sound like I don't like my children, but it was time for them to get back to school. It was one hour late so that allowed them to sleep a little longer. Now I have to figure what in the world I will do with myself all day. Maybe I'll just watch what I want, eat what I want and nap when I want. Or maybe I will just turn off all the noise and soak up the quiet. Either way I know it will be a good day!!!!!

It's A Miracle!

2010-02-21T16:14:00.002-05:00

We have had three sunny days in a row!! Woohoo!!! The most beautiful sound is the snow melting and dripping from the roof. I have even seen some green grass underneath all that white. The only downside of the melting snow is all the MUD! Yuck! But you know I can never be happy.

One thing that will make me really happy will be for school to be in and on time tomorrow. I have had at least five kids here everyday during the week for 3 weeks now. All boys except my poor little Emma. They have nearly drove me nuts and boys are stinky. I have heard more farting and burping than I care too. Thats bad considering who I'm married too.

Why don't boys know how to use the bathroom? They all have been potty trained at least five years, but they have no idea how to hit the toilet. My bathroom stinks all the time. And they have no idea how to flush. Come on boys. They have to get better than that.

I want my own bathroom.

I'm crossing my fingers, toes, legs and arms and anything else that I can cross maybe my eyes for them to go back to school tomorrow!!!!! Please for my sanity! I can't take it anymore. I will drive them if I have to.

I just need a day to myself.....and to scrub my bathroom!

The Wind's A Roarin'

2010-02-11T07:34:00.003-05:00

It's official we have a worst winter than Anchorage, Alaska. Not sure if its true but they said so on our news last night. Blacksburg VA has recieved 48" of snow so far this year. Which means we have seen more than that here in Willis because we always have more snow here. On top of all the snow we have recieved now the wind is blowing fearlessly. It looks like a complete whiteout at times. I'm so very thankful that our power has not went out yet and pray that it doesn't. We just purchased a beef and have our freezer stocked full so I don't want to lose power.

I told Travis that this winter reminded me of the ones on Little House In The Prairie. My kids will have to go to school all summer if this keeps up. We still have the rest of Febuary and all of March left. They only went to school one day last week and it looks like they will be out everyday this week. I've lost count at how many days they have missed but it has to be in the

20's. They've only had one full week since the start of 2010.

They have a little fun in the snow. When they can stand to stay outside in the freezing cold. Travis was off on Tuesday and him and the kids made a snow fort. The kids loved it. It's really neat and pretty warm in there it really blocks the wind.

Colton was packing snow in the holes. Cody had to supervise operations.

Emma's job was to stomp the snow to pack it down. This reminds me of stomping grapes for wine except its snow and she's not barefoot.

My camera battery died before it was finished. They added another row on top and cut a door out. I will try to remember to take a picture of the finished fort. They really had fun building this. It looks like it will be around until June!

More Concert Pics!!

2010-02-05T08:10:00.005-05:00

Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean

Jason and his band

Luke and his guitar player who was very cute too!

Luke

"the hottie"

I didn't get too many good pictures during the concert because I was standing behind the Jolly Green Giant who never sat down! We were on the twelth row in the floor which wasn't too bad until you wanted to take a picture and then I had either a blond head or a plaid shirt in all my pics. I think they should seat the rows from shortest to tallest! I would have gotten really close then!

I'm going to rest now, I'm so tired! Getting too old for all this excitement!

I Met Luke Bryan...oooh laa laa!!!!!

2010-02-05T07:42:00.002-05:00

Wow I had an amazing time last night!!! Thanks to my sister who is friends with Luke Bryan's aunt we got to go to the Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean concert in Salem VA. We also got to meet Luke Bryan!!! Robin got the tickets and couldn't even come because she had to go back to Georgia. We missed her and thought about her a lot, wish she could have been there. Thanks Robin!!!!

Here is the whole gang! My aunt's sister on the left, my aunt Wanda, Luke, Colton, me, Morgan and my mom!

Can you tell I was a little starstruck!! He smelled soooo good and looked sooo good, he has the whitest teeth and most beautiful smile, and he rubbed me on the back!!! Oh my goodness I was giddy!!! Sorry Travis I can't help it he was HOT!!

My mom was a little starstruck too!

Morgan was totally "in love"!

Here is my "little country man!" Colton was so excited to go but the concert was a little loud for him but he still loved it. He got an autographed picture and his VT hat signed. He was very happy that school was closed today so he didn't have to get out of the bed early, but he can't wait to take his hat and show everyone.

The concert was fantastic!!! I like Luke Bryan by far much better than Jason Aldean (not just because I got to meet him, and touch him, and smell him, and look at him)! Sorry about that just reminiscing a little..lol. I thought Luke connected with the audience a little more and he danced a little and flirted with all the girls a lot. Don't get me wrong Jason was amazing too but I really, really, liked Luke!!!!

If you could not tell I had a fabulous time and am so glad Robin has friends in high places!!!!

Thanks Again Robin!!!!!

Tasha Tudor's Chocolate Cake!

2010-02-02T09:57:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was in a cooking mood. I made four loaves of homemade bread, bean soup, fried potatoes and chocolate cake. One of the kids that I babysit asked "Why are you cooking so much today?" I told him that I was in a cooking mood and he said, "I like it when your in a cooking mood because I'm always in a eatin' mood." I had to laugh because he was exactly right he loves to eat.

I have been trying to cook from scratch more. My goal is to not have to buy any premade or boxed or processed foods from the grocery store. I want to be as self sufficent as possible and learn how to make things that we love from ingredients that we have without all the bad stuff in it.

I must confess that I have never made a cake completly from scratch. I have made a chocolate syrup cake and an apple cake thats wonderful from scratch. But I had never attempted a chocolate cake from scratch. I have this wonderful Tasha Tudor cookbook. I love the cookbook and I loved her. I really would love to be more like this wonderful lady was, I wish I could have met her.

So I made her chocolate cake yesterday and it took me an hour just to get it mixed up. Of course I was having to take care of kids and break up fights and stuff during this time. It called for 2 cups plus 4 Tablespoons of sugar. I kept thinking thats an awful lot of sugar, but I'm going to do it exactly as the recipe says. So I fixed it and it looked really nice, not as fluffy as a cake mix cake but it was still pretty. I made the cocoa frosting for it too. The frosting is really good.

So after supper I sliced Travis and I a big ole piece of cake. The first bite he said, "Wow that is sweet." It was so sweet it made my teeth hurt. It tasted really good, but incredibly sweet. I said I knew that was too much sugar. So this morning I googled Tasha Tudors chocolate cake recipe to try to link to it and a website came up about corrections from the cookbook. Guess what it said omit one cup of sugar from the chocolate cake recipe. Now I feel so much better and I will defiantly make it again just less one cup of sugar.

I didn't post the recipe because its a bit lengthy and I'm lazy. If you would like the recipe let me know and I will post it. I think I'm going to be in a cooking mood again today. At least the kids hope I am considering they are home again because of the snow!

A Great Giveaway!

2010-01-29T16:51:00.002-05:00

I have been drooling over these dvds for awhile now. I just told my mom that we needed to invest in them because they look so cool! If you have never seen them they are an eight dvd collection on homesteading skills from The West Ladies, a mother and her daughters.

They include such things as Bread Making, Candle Making, Gardening, Canning, Cooking, Dairy Delights, and Soap Making. I would love to have the whole set someday. Over on

New Life on A Homestead she is giving away all eight dvds one to eight different people. Go check them out and her blog is really cool!! I sure hope I win one!

My New Header!

2010-01-27T07:08:00.003-05:00

My sister has photoshop and she told me to send her some pictures and she would make a header for my blog. I really like it. It makes me want photoshop too. She did one on my moms blog over at http://www.sunnymorningfarm.blogspot.com/ and its really cool too. I realized while going through my pictures that I'm not a very good photographer. I just need to take more pictures of everyday stuff instead of waiting for a reason to take a picture. I got my cool new camera for Christmas that I'm still figuring out how to use. Now I just need to use it more!

Thanks Robin I love it!!!! Check out hers over at http://www.fonvillefarm.blogspot.com/ .

My First Blog Award!!!!

2010-01-20T07:54:00.005-05:00

I'm so HAPPY today! Ourgangof7 gave me my very first blog award. I'm so very excited! Thank you so much!! Go over and check out her blog and hear the stories about raising 7 kids!

Now I'm supposed to list 10 things that make me happy. Let's see if I can do this.

1. My wonderful, hard working husband. If you know him you know he has a great sense of humor and is always joking and picking on everyone. Even though sometimes he doesn't know when to stop the picking, I defiantly miss it when he's not around. He such a great guy and I'm incredibly lucky to be married to him.

2. When Emma sings. She got a MP3 player for Christmas and my mom put a bunch of older country music songs on it for her. All the songs that I loved as a kid and still do. Her favorite song is "Swinging". Its so funny to hear her sing it at the top of her lungs when she thinks no one is listening. She really has a beautiful voice.

3. Colton's smile. He is such a sweet, cute boy with the biggest heart. I pray that he always stays this way. He is nice to everyone and wants to make everyone happy. I love to see his big smile. He is always smiling:)

4. Hanging out with my mom. We have so much fun together and laugh all the time. We spent the day together last Saturday and had a blast shopping and antiqueing. Everytime we are together one of us says at least once "I think I'm going to pee my pants", from laughing so hard. I'm so blessed to have such a great relationship with my mom!

5. My beautiful niece. She spent the day with me yesterday and we had a great time. She is fifteen now, its so hard to believe. She will be grown up before you know it. I pray that she stays as smart and wise as she is right now and always makes good decisions.

6. My chickens make me so happy. I have let them out the past couple of days and its so funny to watch them run around the yard and eat bugs. They also gave me eight eggs yesterday, the most for one day ever. I hope the keep it up.

7. Hanging clothes on the line on a pretty, sunny day. It was sunny yesterday and hung clothes out but it was too windy and they blew off. But it helped my mood so much just to get out there and hang them up. I love how clothes look hanging on the line.

8. My dogs Chi-chi and Cody. Chi-chi is our little Mt. Fiest that we got last year. She is so cute and spoiled rotten. We don't keep them inside, but everytime you open the door she runs in and lays on the floor in front of the wood stove. She knows if she is real quiet and lays still we will let her stay in for a little while. Cody is our Golden Retriever, he's 12 years old and he acts like Chi-chi's daddy. It's so cute to look out and see Chi-chi sitting on top of Cody's back or under his neck with his legs around her like he's hugging her. They are such sweet dogs.

9. Family. I am really blessed to have such a wonderful family and my husband's family. We spend lots of time with our families and are really happy to have them all in our life.

10. A quiet day. My kids were out of school for semester break Monday and Tuesday. I had them and the three kids that I babysit after school here for two days. It was loud, and very busy. I felt like all I did was cook and wash dishes all day. Today they went back to school and its sooo quiet. I just sat here this morning and basked in the peace and quietness!!!!

Now I get to pass this wonderful award on to some of my favorite blogs. This is very hard because I love so many, this is just a few of my favs!! In no particular order.

Sunny Morning Farm this is one of my favorites because it is written by one of my favorite people, my mommy. Trust me you will love her blog. She's a total nut and very creative and she talks about me alot what more could you want.

Fonville Farm this is my sisters blog. Now that she has moved far, far away to Georgia this is one way I can keep up with her exciting life. She is expecting a baby so check it out often for baby updates.

Vintage Rose I just discovered her blog last week and have checked it out everyday since. Its so cute and her daughter is absolutely precious. I love how she lives so simply and for the Lord.

Our Crazy Farm Terry is so funny and has such a cute blog. I love hearing about all of her kids, goats and horses. She has a very busy life and seems to have so much fun.

Coffeteabooksandme I love reading this blog. She has such good post on stocking a pantry. I like her book reviews too.

Lovin Country Livin Amanda is such a good Christian lady and her blog is so uplifting. I have known her for years and she is exactly like you see on her blog.

More than Survival, Choosing a Simple Life I love going to this blog. I have learned a lot about simple living from Heather. I love when she posts because it always seems to apply to my life.

Granny's Best I have just discovered this blog and I really enjoy reading about all of her goats and seeing all the pictures of them.

PlainandJoyfulliving I love reading her stories about their journey to simple living and seeing the craft projects that she does with her kids.

And last but no least is

Nancy of Southern Blessings. She always leaves the nicest comments on my blog. I love reading her stories about her children and her chickens.

Please go and check out all of these ladies blogs I hope you like them as much as I do! It was really hard to decide which blogs that I wanted to pass this award too. This is just a few that make me really happy!

Guineas For Sale!!!!

2010-01-18T13:43:00.004-05:00

I just finished cleaning out the chicken coop. I'm pooped now (haha I'm so funny)! It was soooo nasty. I can't believe I let it get so bad. There was at least six inches of chicken poo in places. I can finally see the floor and get the door all the way open. When it was so cold the poop would freeze to the floor and I couldn't get the door open!

The guineas stay in the chicken coop with the chickens. Guineas are nasty. Their poop looks like dog poop. They are so nasty, and noisy. They annoyed me to death while I was trying to clean out the coop. I let them out to run around outside and they all flew on top of the coop and made so much noise the whole entire time. I'm sure my neighbors were ready to kill them and me for having them. If your interested in some really stinky, nasty, and annoying birds I will sale you some really cheap!!

Time To Pull Out The Shorts!!

2010-01-13T20:57:00.003-05:00

Wow after weeks of 20 degree and below weather it finally hit 45 degrees today. It felt like a heat wave. Its the first time in weeks that I could feed my animals without being dressed like an Eskimo. I seen several people wearing shorts today. Not quite that warm for me yet, but I never thought I would think 40 degrees was warm! I know it is much, much colder in other parts of the country, we just haven't been used to weather this cold.

I'm really glad its warming up maybe it will help with people's electric bills. Appalachian Power Company, our only power option in our area implemented a 15% rate increase. I heard of so many people's bills going up over $200 dollars in one month. Lots of people had $500-600 electric bills. This is not right. Ours went up from $148 last month to $192 this month. That's not a huge difference, but we heat with wood heat and I don't think it should be that high. I really feel sorry for elderly people or for all of the unemployed people that are having to pay a huge electric bill. Something really needs to be done. I'm just wondering how much is power in other parts of the country. I think ours is so high because we have no other option. Well other than going off-grid. If only I could convince hubby...ha...ha...ha!

Winter Games!!

2010-01-07T20:01:00.003-05:00

My parents taught the kids how to play the card game Rummy over the weekend. Needless to say we have played it about five hundred times this week. They love it, so do Travis and I. Playing cards, board games and working puzzles are always fun when its too cold to do anything else. Its all fun and games until Emma looses though. She is such a poor sport (I have no idea where she gets that from....maybe her dad!)

Our favorite board game is Monopoly. If you have about 12 hours to spare!!

I'm Dreaming of This....

2010-01-06T19:59:00.003-05:00

(Hawaii)

It got up to a whopping 20 degrees today. I can't remember it ever being this cold for such a long period of time before. We had to buy bucket warmers for the chickens and goat water to keep it from freezing. It is so miserable. I'm keeping myself warm and happy by dreaming of one day going to Hawaii. I wish I was there right now with "My toes in the water, *** in the sand!"
How are you staying warm in these frigid temperatures?

My Top 10 For 2010!!

2010-01-03T12:25:00.004-05:00

It's the year 2010! Wow can you believe it? Do you remember 10 years ago when Y2K was coming everyone thought the world was going to end? I always thought by the time the year 2000 came we would have flying cars and everything would resemble The Jetsons, with our own personal robot. Well 10 years later we're still here. The world hasn't ended and no flying cars or robots (at least for normal people).

I have been thinking a lot about my resolutions for 2010. Well resolutions, goals, ideas, plans, hopes, dreams and aspirations. All of the things I really want for this year. I don't like making resolutions because I think I'm doomed to fail. This year I hope I can keep these resolutions at least some of them (for more than two weeks).

1. Make more time for the Lord. Read my bible a lot more, pray more, give my worries and problems to the Lord instead of trying to handle it on my own. Teach my children about the Lord more and pray with them more. Become the Christian I want/should be.

2. Lose 30 pounds by July. I have been dieting for a few months.....was dieting until Thanksgiving. I got really sidetracked with the holidays now I need to get back into it. I would like to lose 30 pounds by July for vacation.

3. Get organized. I have really been trying to do this the last few days. I need some serious help in this area. I would love to have a really organized house.

4. Stop procrastinating. I have gotten so bad about waiting to the last minute for everything, especially girl scout stuff. I used to not be too bad about this but now I'm awful.

5. Pay off some debt and get finances in order. I don't want to pay any late fees or charges because of number 3 and 4.

6. Be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. This should be closer to the top of the list. I really want to treat everyone in my life better and be someone that they all can depend on.

7. Learn to sew and do it. I kind of know how, but I never do it. My mom gave me a sewing machine two years ago and I have only used it about 4 or 5 times. I want to dust it off and get started and make some fabulous things.

8. Learn to crochet and knit.

9. Live more simply.

10. Love More and Laugh More!!!

I'm sure there is more but this is my top 10 for 2010! So whats yours?

Kissed By An Angel!!

2009-12-29T19:19:00.006-05:00

I have always loved freckles, since I was a little girl and my sister had them but I didn't. I cried wanting them so my mom drew some on me with brown eye liner. Too bad they washed off. Everyone always called them beauty marks and I wanted beauty marks too. But fortunatly I was blessed to have a nice complexion that tans easily. Colton has the same complexion as me. But Emma has been blessed with fair complexion and sandy blonde hair, like her daddy. She freckles and she burns.

I love her freckles. She only has them on her face. I think they are so cute. I hope she always likes them too. She used to always tell people they're not freckles, they're beauty marks. Then one day a lady told her they were called angel kisses. Now she calls them angel kisses.

I Love Her Angel Kisses!!

Christmas Has Come and Gone!

2009-12-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

We had a really great Christmas! We enjoyed spending time with family and lots of great food. Too much good food! We recieved really nice gifts. The kids got way too much, of course. But they seemed to be very greatful and have been content playing with their new toys and their Nintendo DS that Santa brought them. I think they are starting to get bored and are ready to go back to school. I am ready too.

I have really enjoyed the holidays, but now I'm ready for things to get back to normal. The kids are out of school this week too and Travis is off of work all week. I may be ready to pull my hair out by the end of the week. I'm going to try to stay positive and enjoy this time with my wonderful husband and my precious children! Hope you all had a great Christmas and enjoy this last week of 2009!!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T07:32:00.002-05:00

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I'm About To Lose My Mind!

2009-12-22T13:18:00.002-05:00

I really am a homebody at heart. I love being at home and I love being here with my kids. But I have not been anywhere since Thursday. Usually I would be fine with that, except I have five kids here today. Only two of which are my own. I get a few kids off the bus everyday and I have them on days when school is closed too. So they we're here Friday, Monday and today and will be here again tomorrow and all next week.

I'm about to go crazy. They are so loud and all boys except poor little Emma. She is so left out. They all brought their snow clothes and boots to play outside all day. They were out for about 20 minutes and came inside because it was too cold. What big babies. They just wanted to come inside and drive me up the wall. Please wish me luck on keeping my sanity for the next few days and being able to feed them. I don't know how people with lots of kids do it. These kids eat more than grown men. I just wonder what I get myself into sometimes!!! They really are good kids though, I just have to remember they are kids and boys will be boys!!!!

More Snow Pics!!

2009-12-19T21:33:00.003-05:00

I couldn't upload all the pictures that I wanted too in one post. Here are a few more random things!

I caught Cody and Chi-Chi sitting in the middle of the road this morning. I guess it was the only place that was packed down.

My hubby was "working" hard to shovel the driveway. Am I the only one that likes a man in coveralls:)

This is our snow covered grill!!

This is how the floor beside the front door looks after a day of snowy fun!!!! By the way its still there. I have no energy to tackle it tonight!!

Snow, Snow, and More Snow!!!!

2009-12-19T20:38:00.005-05:00

We are part of the huge snow storm that slammed the East. We were expected to get up to 24 inches by tonight. I think the total we got here was around 19 inches. Thats a lot of snow. People were stranded all over the interstate for hours. Travis left work at midnight last night and made it home at four a.m. It took him four hours to drive home it normally only takes one hour. But he made it home safe and sound and didn't attempt to go today. Hopefully he will be able to make it okay tomorrow.

The chickens aren't fans of snow. I don't think they like cold feet!

Colton was tired from walking up the hill three times to sled. He had to take a break.

My little snow angel!!!

I think someone has been eating snow!!

The snowman building didn't work too good so she just jumped on it!

We didn't get to do much sledding, because it was so deep and it was hard to walk up the big hill. Our two four wheelers wouldn't go, even in four wheel drive they just spun. My parents were going to come down to ride tubes behind the four wheelers but it was just too deep for that. The kids still had fun running and jumping in the snow.

I had fun taking pictures with my new camera. It was my early Christmas present from my in-laws and I love it. It's a Nikon Coolpix S230. It's the kind that Ashton Kutcher advertises with the touch screen on the back. It's really cool and the selling point for me, its my favorite color, purple!!! Thanks Lloyd and Becky I love it.

Have We Forgotten The True Meaning Of Christmas?

2009-12-16T21:26:00.003-05:00

It has took me a long time to get into the Christmas spirit this year. It seems like just yesterday the kids were just returning to school and now in just over a week its going to be Christmas.

We have never been ones to buy for our kids all the time. Of course they have so much and have never been without anything, but it seems the older they get the more expensive the gifts get. In the past we have only spent $100 a piece on them for Christmas and $50 for birthdays. This has always seemed like a reasonable amount. Sometimes we might spend just a little more on one than the other but they always have the same amount of gifts to open.

This year we went way over. We ended up spending around $225 a piece. I have felt so bad because they aren't going to have many presents to open and I wish we could buy them more. Then after reading different blogs tonight on handmade gifts or only spending $20 for each kid. It really made me think. Why do I stress so much about trying to get them the newest gadget that all of their friends have. I want them to know the true meaning of Christmas.

They know about the birth of Jesus. But do they truly understand the sacrifice that God made for us. He sent this baby to Earth for us. He knew that this child was perfect and only through him could we go to heaven. This child was going to go through a terrible death for you and me.

Do my kids really get it? Do I really get it?

I was so disappointed in Emma when she made out her Christmas list for "Santa". She wanted a real pony (ha, ha), a nintendo ds with girl games, a computer, an ipod, new shoes, new snow boots and gold earrings. She is only six years old. Of course I know every little girl wants a pony and I would love her to have one. But come on a computer and ipod. What made me so upset about this letter was she wrote on the bottom I want all of these things for Christmas. When I told her she couldn't get all these things for Christmas she said well Santa will bring me everything that I want. I think its time to have the "Santa" talk.

I don't want them to think that Santa will bring everything to them. I don't want them to expect everything even when they get older. I want them to be grateful for what they do have and to remember those kids that don't have anything this year. I want them to remember the kids that have a parent fighting in the war or kids that don't have any family at all. Remember all the people that have lost their homes in this bad economy. The kids that don't know where their next meal will come from or the ones that dream of a warm bed to sleep in at night.

We need to stress the true meaning of Christmas to our children. I don't want spoiled brats that expect everything. I want them to be kind, caring and giving kids that grow up to be kind, caring, giving adults. I no longer feel bad for them only having a few presents to open, I now feel ashamed for spending too much money just to keep up with everyone else.

I think next year we should have a $50 limit for Christmas and let the kids buy gifts to donate for charity, or do something for others to give back. I want them to know the true meaning of Christmas!!!!

P.S. Don't get me wrong I have great kids that don't get new stuff a lot and don't ask a lot. I do love buying for them, but I just think we all need to take a step back and remember the real reason for the season!!!!

Finally Put The Tree Up!

2009-12-12T13:18:00.005-05:00

Emma and I finally put the Christmas tree up today! Now I don't feel like such a scrooge. I have all of the kids Christmas presents pretty much taken care of and only a few more people to buy for. So I'm getting a little more of the Christmas spirit.

My little helper. She was really into decorating the Christmas tree this year!

This is my most special ornament. It was my dad's mothers and its really old and very fragile. I always put it close to the top of my tree and guard it with my life all Christmas. The kids aren't allowed anywhere near it. Emma thinks its really special and I told her when she gets married I will give it to her for her first tree. She said she hopes it doesn't get broke. Me too!

My beautiful Charlie Brown tree!!

The angel on the top was made by husbands grandmother!

I have no theme when it comes to decorating my tree. I just put all of the ornaments that I have on there. Most of them have been given to us since we got married and alot of them are ones that the kids have made or that have been given to them. Its so fun unwrapping ornaments and finding ones that I have forgotten about. Emma loved helping this year and you can tell she puts alot of ornaments in one area. I don't care about it being perfect anyway!

Am I the only one????

2009-12-08T19:53:00.002-05:00

Please tell me that I'm not the only one that hasn't even started Christmas shopping. I'm sooooo bad. I really hate to shop. Well I don't hate to shop if I have lots of money and if I was say a size four and buying clothes for myself. But since I don't have lots of money and I'm a little larger than a size four I really hate to shop. Especially for Christmas.

I love my family. I have the best kids in the world (most of the time), an absolutely wonderful husband that I adore, the best parents and in laws, a fantastic sister and the sweetest, most gorgeous niece. That being said, I have no idea what to get any of these wonderful people.

I do know what we are getting the kids. But this one thing that each of them are getting cost more than we usually spend on them for Christmas. I will let you know what it is after the day, don't want to let the cat out of the bag. But since that is so high we will be spending more on them this year because I want them to have more than one little present to open. But I have no idea what else to get them. Emma is really easy to buy for. She likes anything girly and pink. Colton on the other hand is so hard to buy for and we just got finished with his birthday. He has no idea what he wants either. Everytime I ask him he says "I don't know." He told my mom he wants french toast sticks or a ham. Last year he told everyone he wanted a new mattress. People are going to think I starve my kids and make them sleep on a hard floor.

All the other people that I buy for always get what they want or need when they want or need it. What do you get people that have everything? I always feel like I never get good gifts. You know there are some people that just know the right gift to get. My aunt Wanda is like that. She always gets the coolest gifts for everyone. I have always loved getting gifts from her. I can still remember the Fashion Plates game she bought me when I was a kid. I had so much fun with it. I wish I could be more like that. Its like she puts so much thought into the gifts she gets.

I always say I'm never going to wait to the last minute again. I want to enjoy the holidays and not feel stressed. But every year I seem to wait later and later before I even start. I really need to stop doing this to myself. I always dread the holidays so bad, because of the shopping. I need to get a better attitude about and be thankful that I have wonderful people in my life to shop for. I just wish they were a little easier to shop for though!! I better start searching the web for gift ideas, I just hope I'm not too late.

Sometimes I'm Not Very Bright!

2009-12-06T16:40:00.002-05:00

We still have about 4 inches of snow on the ground and its still really cold. It hasn't melted much at all. I went outside to do all of my wonderful farm chores such as feeding the chickens, guineas and goat and getting in firewood. Having a little mini farm is not too fun when its cold and snow on the ground.

Well my guineas and chickens were acting crazy when I went in to feed and water them. So I decided maybe they would like to get out and play in the snow for a little bit before dark. The kids were playing outside in the snow and one of them ran in and said the neighbors dog was chasing a guinea. I ran outside with bb gun in hand and seen the dog chasing the guinea through the field. There were three others up on the top of barn having a fit. I shot at him a couple times with the bb gun but it didn't do any good. He still killed one of my white guineas.

This is a different dog than the one that killed the guinea the first time I let them out. This is some sort of lab mutt. I think it might have a bit of bird dog in him too! I went to put the rest up and got all the chickens except one up and there is still three guineas out. I hope he doesn't come back but I don't think I can get the guineas or the chicken up now. I hope they don't freeze to death tonight.

Happy White Birthday Colton!!

2009-12-05T11:19:00.005-05:00

"Hey Emma, Let's Play Snow Tackle!"

"Wee, the swings are so much funner in the snow!"

"Yum, Just don't eat the yellow snow, Colton!"

"Happy Birthday to my big nine year old"

"Do you see what I see?"

Wow I can't believe my baby boy is nine years old today! It doesn't seem possible at all. He was so upset this morning because I was going to take him and his friend to the movies and out to eat for his birthday, but couldn't go because of the snow. I told him most kids love to wake up and see snow outside especially on their birthday but he was still upset. Emma was mad too because she was going to stay with Grandma today.

They got really happy when I agreed to let them play outside for a little bit. When they came inside frozen like little ice cubes we all enjoyed a delicious cup of homemade hot cocoa. A perfect treat on a beautiful snowy winter day!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-26T09:47:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy lots of good food and time with family! Remember the ones that don't have family or friends to celebrate with this year and remember our troops and their families today.

I'm getting ready to go to our second Thanksgiving meal and we will have another with my family tomorrow. I love this time of year, getting to spend time with all of my loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Is It Friday the 13th Again!

2009-11-20T07:29:00.002-05:00

I decided to tackle my mountain of laundry (that I have been avoiding all week) this morning. Well it didn't happen. I loaded my washing machine full of dirty clothes and turned the dial and pulled it out and nothing...nada..zip. It didn't make a sound, no water, no humming, nothing at all. I checked the breaker, I made sure it is plugged in and the water is turned on. Still nothing. Now all I can do is wait for Travis to get up and see if he can do anything to it. I so do not want to have to buy a new washing machine now so close to Christmas. I did run it yesterday and it worked fine. I sure hope its nothing major:( I need the Maytag man now!

Piles of Fun!!!

2009-11-17T08:20:00.002-05:00

The kids made some leaf piles a few weeks ago and had a blast playing in them with Chi-chi. It was almost dark outside so the pictures are really dark. Its amazing how leaves can be so much fun!!!

I Love Netflix!!

2009-11-13T08:42:00.002-05:00

We have been getting Netflix for about a year now and really love them. We watch a lot of movies and used to pay a lot of money to rent them at the video store. We not only save money with Netflix but we don't even have to leave the house.

But it just got even better. We have a Playstation 3, so we were able to get a disc that you play in the playstation and are able to watch the movies that you can play instantly on your computer. Its really neat you just pick the movies that are available for play instantly, which is mainly older movies and not so popular ones or tv shows and then we can watch them on our 42" hd tv instead of my tiny computer screen. Now I can watch Desperate Housewives whenever I want. Yay!!

Just thought I would give that little plug for Netflix. I have a feeling we will be watching lots of movies this winter. Have a great Friday!!

This Makes Me Happy!

2009-10-23T08:06:00.003-04:00

Oh so Happy! My faith has been restored in my chickens. I was beginning think they didn't like me or their home, because they hardly ever lay. I average 2 eggs a week from my older hens that my mom gave me. I got my first pullet egg on Tuesday. I'm sure everyone in the neighborhood heard me scream with excitement.

This was what I got Wednesday. One white pullet, one brown pullet egg and a green egg from one of my older hens. Look at how small the pullet eggs are.

The size difference is really amazing.

Tuesday I got one brown pullet egg, Wednesday I got a brown and white one, and Thursday I got one white one. I hope they keep on laying. I'm so proud. They were out all day Wednesday and actually went back to the nest boxes and laid. My old hens just lay them in the yard when they are out. I'm so happy. It really stinks feeding chickens and never getting anything in return. I have a feeling four old ladies will be seeing the end of their days pretty soon. I just can't afford to keep feeding them if I only get one egg a week from them. Chickens are so fun!

Weird Dream!

2009-10-22T07:51:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had a dream so vivid that you think it is real. I did last night. I woke up this morning convinced that this really happened. It wasn't a good dream either, like winning the lottery or something.

I dreamed or dreamt (not exactly sure the correct English for that), that I got my first speeding ticket. Oh it was horrible. I got pulled over by a mean lady cop, riding a motorcycle and I was only going 5 miles over the speed limit, but it was in a construction zone, but there was no construction going on. I cried when she came to the window and she yelled at me, "Don't cry, crying won't make it go away." She was like a mean warden or old maid school teacher. When she told me how fast I was going, I said I thought you were allowed to go 5 miles over and she yelled at me again. I was so upset. To top it off the fine I had to pay was over $300.

I woke up this morning scared to death wondering how I was going to tell my husband that I got a speeding ticket and was going to have to pay $300 not mention make our insurance go up. It took me a few minutes to realize it was all a dream.

I think I will drive a little slower today. I don't want that dream to come true!

I Have a New Blog!

2009-10-17T15:34:00.003-04:00

I have started on a new journey in my life. I am trying to lose weight. I am changing the way I eat and exercising a lot more. I have created a new blog to document my progress. I will still keep this blog going, but will put info on my weight loss journey on my new one. I hope you will check it out at http://cemommygettinskinny.blogspot.com

H1N1 Vaccine!

2009-10-14T21:36:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my kids came home with papers about the h1n1 vaccine. They are giving these at school for free. I read over all the info that came with it and decided to go ahead and let my kids get it. I sent the papers back today. They are planned for sometime next week.

Now I'm really not sure. I was on Facebook and a lot of people were saying they weren't going to allow their kids to get it because of all the side effects. I'm just really confused now. My kids have always been very healthy other than Emma has had two asthma attacks that she had to use a breathing machine for. But other than that she has only had two ear infections and Colton has only had strep throat once. They haven't been on a lot of antibiotics or anything. They've never had a regular flu shot either.

I want to know what do you all think? I just keep thinking, what if they ended up catching the virus and getting deathly ill, how would I ever live with myself if I didn't get them the vaccine. Then I also wonder if this is just a government ploy to scare people and if the news is making it seem much worse than it really is. I asked our doctor about it a couple months ago and all he could say was he recommended the regular one and wasn't sure about the H1n1.

I know this is never any easy decision and people are so mixed on their believes of any vaccines. My kids have had every recommended vaccine and are perfectly healthy. Now I'm just not sure.

Where Did Fall Go????

2009-10-14T19:57:00.002-04:00

Burr! The time has come to start building those wonderful old fires again. Today the temperature has dropped since this morning and is only in the upper 30's. Yuck! I'm not ready for winter. I don't like having to build fires and all the mess that comes along with it.

Tonight I made a nice, warm and comforting supper. We had homemade beef vegetable soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and a wonderful blueberry oat dessert with butter pecan ice cream. The one good thing about cold weather is enjoying all the wonderful comfort foods that warm you from inside out!!

It's Been A Great Weekend!

2009-10-11T21:31:00.002-04:00

I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful family! The kids and I spent all day yesterday with my parents and all day today with Travis' parents. We really are lucky to live so close to our parents and have such a great relationship with all of them. My kids are so very lucky to have their grandparents in their lives.

Yesterday we went with my parents to pick up black walnuts at a farm that my dads boss owns. We had fun, especially when some horses came running through the field towards us and me and the kids bolted for the truck. We're such chickens! The kids loved being able to ride on the back of the truck through the cow pasture and Colton loved getting off the truck and opening the gates.

After that we left and went to an Amish community near by. It was so neat. The kids loved to see the horse and buggies riding along the rode. We got to go see one of the Amish families dairy goat farms and they milks sixty goats twice a day by hand! He also showed us the cheese barn where they make the goat cheese. It was all a lot fun!! Such a good experience for the kids.

Today we went to my in-laws. They just got back from vacation in the Dominican Republic for a week. They showed us the pictures and it looked really nice. We enjoyed a nice lunch with them and the kids played outside all day then me and Emma went with my mother in law to Wal Mart. We picked up a pizza and went back and ate supper there too. We all had a great time!

It was a wonderful weekend, just wish Travis didn't have to work so he could enjoy it with us! We truly are very blessed and love our family very much!! Thanks guys for all the wonderful things you do for us and all the great memories you make for the kids!!!

A Cold, Rainy Saturday!

2009-09-26T20:12:00.002-04:00

Today has been just nasty! It has poured down rain all day. I had a girl scout training meeting today and when I got back home around 3:30 my power was out again! I was so upset. The kids were with my in laws, Travis was at work and my parents were at their rental house near the lake for their anniversary. I thought I would go crazy! But it came on in about an hour. Thank goodness!

What would most women do when they have a Saturday to theirselves? Maybe go shopping or eating out with friends, do a manicure and pedicure, watch chick flicks or read a good book! Not this chick. I watched Football!!! I love the Virginia Tech Hokies!!! They kicked Miami Hurricanes butt. I sure was glad the power came on so I could watch it. Am I the only woman that watches football when she doesn't have too? By the way VT is the only team I like to watch at anytime!

I So Could Not Be Amish!

2009-09-25T07:30:00.004-04:00

I Love the Amish way of life. I have always thought it would be such a wonderful life. I still do.

But after being without electricity for 6 hours last night I don't think I could be Amish. Our power went out around 5:00 and didn't come on til 11:30. The kids and I left here around 6:00 and went to my moms and didn't come home until around 9:00 and still had no power. Its so hard to go to bed without no noise at all. It was way to quiet no refrigerator running, no air conditioner humming, no fish tank gurgling. Its amazing how you get so used to all of these sounds and have such a hard time sleeping without them. Not to mention it was way too dark. I like it to be dark when I sleep, but its never as dark as it is when the power is out. There was no lights from clocks or fish tanks or nightlights. Kind of creapy.

But when the power came on I knew it. We had left lights on in every room so it was lit up like a Christmas tree.

I'm sure I would still love the Amish life, if I could watch some tv here and there and have daily doses of computer time and have a nice hot shower everyday. Then I would be just fine. And as long as its not too dark and quiet at night!

Future Cheerleader!!

2009-09-19T19:48:00.003-04:00

Emma had her first Cheerleading Camp today at the High School. She was so excited about this. She actually chose to go to this over a birthday party for her cousin at Chuck E. Cheese. Colton wasn't as thrilled about not getting to go to the party, but he got to go coon hunting tonight, so he was okay with it.

It was for all the elementary schools in our county and there were 97 girls there ages K-7. They had such a good time. It was all day from 9-4:30. They had a performance for the parents at 4:30. It was so cute to watch all the groups and see what they learned. Of course most of them still have a ways to go, but they did great!

Emma had an absolute ball. She's the one in the light pink shorts on the front row in both of these pictures. She really got into the dance. Especially the shaking the hips part. Thats probably not a good thing! At least she had a great time and hope she continues to like cheerleading! She's such a girly girl!!

Maybe one day she will cheer for the Floyd County Buffaloes and then move on to the Virginia Tech Hokies! The Hokies had a great, but very intense game today. Go Hokies!!!

I Have Free Range Chickens!

2009-09-12T21:31:00.002-04:00

Today I was brave and decided to let my chickens out to free range! I figured they would be fine since the dogs no longer mess with the guineas. Well the chickens loved it. The guineas on the other hand weren't very friendly to them. They started beating up the rooster immediately. They eventually got on more friendly terms and everyone seemed to get along. The chickens went up just fine, but my well trained guineas that always go up at night ended up roosting on top of the chicken run. Crazy things!!

I hope to start letting them out everyday at least for a few hours!

"3 of my beautiful buff orripingtons"
"Taken right before the guineas attacked the rooster"

We Remember 9-11-01

2009-09-11T17:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Garden,

2009-09-09T19:27:00.003-04:00

I am writing to you to apologize for the neglect I have shown you over the summer. I know its a little too late now. Especially considering its turning fall and cold weather will be here really soon. I have no excuse for my actions at all. But I will try to explain. You see I started out on a really good track. I had someone come with a tiller attachment on their tractor and till up your nice rich soil. Then on the first nice warm day in May, me and the kids spent the whole day planting seeds and plants and picking up rocks. I was off to a really good start.

Then the rain came, and came, and came for days. I was really starting to feel like Noah. When it would stop raining it was way too muddy! (Not that I mind mud, never mind I don't like mud much at all). Then it got hot. I mean come on do you expect me to pull weeds with sweat dripping off of my brow. So the weeds grew and grew and grew and grew and grew some more. All the while I was inside enjoying the nice air condition or hanging out at the pool or lake.

I realized it was a little out of control when I could no longer find any plants do to weeds. So I got out the weedeater and knocked down all those weeds. It was starting to look okay again. I replanted somethings that didn't come up the first time or that was lost in the weeds I chopped up with the weedeater. It looked good for a very brief time. Then I got hot, tired and lazy again.

I must say that I do appreciated all the wonderful potatoes, corn and cherry tomatoes that you provided for us this year. I'm truly sorry for my actions. Not only were you neglected but my pantry is not going to be as full this winter. It still will have a lot in there though because my parents did not neglect their garden, as I did you. They shared lots of wonderful veggies with our family and I'm very appreciated.

I do realize you have some very rich and beautiful soil, that can grow anything. I am not making promises about next year, because we kind of know how they turn out. But I can tell you I will try to do better next year and make you the most gorgeous garden on my little dirt road. I do have a favor to ask of you. Could you please get rid of some of the rocks over the winter. I know not a simple task, but it sure would make my life much easier come next May. In the meantime have a nice winters nap and come back strong next year!! (Maybe just less rocks and weeds though)

Sincerly,

Lazy Gardener

Ten Years Ago Today...

2009-08-28T15:04:00.003-04:00

In front of all my family and friends I said "I Do", to the man of my dreams! The years have flew by, its so hard to believe that it has been ten already. Of course some days it seems like a lifetime, yet other it seems like just yesterday.

We were just young pups when we married. I was eighteen right out of high school and he was nineteen. There was alot of things that we didn't know (but thought we did), but the one thing we did know was that we loved each other more than anything else. It didn't matter if we didn't have much money or a college education all we wanted was to be together forever.

Our wedding was beautiful. It was what you would call a shot gun wedding! I was pregnant, but we were already engaged planning to get married the following year. My mom made my beautiful wedding dress, the bridesmaid and maid of honor dresses and the flower girl dresses. They were all very beautiful. My grandmother in law made all of the flower arrangements including my gorgeous bouquet. My mother in law did lots of planning and helping of all the details for the big day. They all paid for everything and worked very hard planning a wonderful day for us in just one month. It was incredible how everything came together and was so great! It wasn't a fancy $40,000 event with expensive photographers, d.j's and dancing or catered meals. But that doesn't matter it was still the absolute best day of my life (except for the birth of my babies).

We have been through lots of hard times in these ten years. The night we came home from our honeymoon I had a miscarriage. This was very hard for us. Even though we were young and hadn't planned a baby we were still very upset and couldn't understand why this happened. Just six months after our marriage Travis was hurt very bad in an accident at work. The doctors said it was a miracle that he lived and doesn't suffer permanent damage, other than some scars. He had a very serious head trauma and could have easily been killed or paralyzed. He was out of work for six weeks.

He has also had several broken bones, including breaking his collar bone at Emma's second birthday party. He was showing off on his four wheeler and flipped it over. He broke his collar bone in three places and had to have a metal rod and screws put in. The doctor said it was the worst collar bone break he had ever seen. For some reason when he gets hurt he likes to do it right. He was out of work for about two months that time.

We have went through job losses and changes, financial problems, and family illnesses and deaths. But through all the hard times we have had many, many more good times. Including having two beautiful, healthy babies. The first time I seen Travis hold our first child I fell in love with him all over again. It's amazing how this big, strong, hard working man became so sweet and loving to this tiny little baby. He is an incredible father. I wish he was able to spend more time with the kids, but we know that the hours he works at his job are for his family. He sacrifices so much so that I can be the stay at home wife and mother that I always dreamed of being!

I can honestly say that I love my husband more today than I did ten years ago! He is my rock, my best friend. I can't imagine my life without him and pray that I never have to! I have learned that marriage isn't easy. It's one of the hardest things in life. There are days when we have to work extra hard just to be nice to each other. We don't always see eye to eye and aren't always happy and smiling, but you must learn patience and selflessness. If people think they are going to get married and live happily ever after like a fairy tale they better not get married. But if you realize that it is a lot of hard work, compassion and understanding, and that the good days will most likely out weigh the bad then it is the most amazing thing you could ever do.

I love my husband so much and wish he was off tonight and able spend our anniversary together. But we celebrated Wednesday with an incredible night at Mt Lake.

Happy Anniversary honey! Here's to many, many more years together.

Leslie

(Sorry for such a long post)

Mountain Lake Trip!

2009-08-27T16:11:00.003-04:00

We got back from Mt. Lake today and yes, Amanda, I did have the time of my life. Like that old Dirty Dancing song says.

It was a very nice and relaxing night away with my hubby. The food was good and our cabin was great. Of course I left my camera at home. We didn't realize until we got there, I thought he got it, he thought I got it. The gift shop was sold out of disposable cameras too.

It was so fun to go to a place and look around and say thats just like the movie. It's very sad though because the lake is almost completely dried up. Last year it was completely dry now it is two thirds full but still looks very bad.

We tried Mt biking yesterday afternoon. That was a joke. First of all I haven't been on a bicycle since I was about 12 and so I was scared too death. I almost wrecked a couple of times. But it was very hard and it was hot and way up in the mountains so it was very hilly. We only rode for about 15 minutes and I told Travis if he was wanting any romance from me later on we better quit, because I was about to die. I'm incredibly out of shape, but I think the altitude had something to do with it too, it was so hard to breath. We walked around the lake and sat on the
porch of our cabin and relaxed. It was so nice to just relax and enjoy each others company.

I got two shirts one of them says "Nobody puts Baby in the corner". I had to have it because that is my favorite line in the movie. We had a great time and hope to make this a yearly anniversary tradition:)

Have I ever mentioned Dirty Dancing is my Favorite Movie?

2009-08-25T21:08:00.003-04:00

Well it is! My absolute favorite movie of all time. And guess what! I'm going to Mountain Lake where Dirty Dancing was filmed some twenty years ago. I'm so excited about it. We are going tomorrow and just spending one night.

Friday is our 10 year wedding anniversay! Wow so hard to believe!!!! Anyway Travis has to work every weekend and doesn't have any vacation days left so tomorrow is the only time we can go. His parents gave us money to go somewhere for a night and my parents are keeping the kids. We really appreciate it because it has been at least a year since we have had a night out and 10 years since we have went anywhere by ourselves. Mt Lake is only about an hour away from here. We are really looking forward to a night away in a nice romantic cabin and having dinner in a fancy restaurant.

Now Travis is worried I will be wanting to go there all the time. He's probably right. I sure wish we could have been able to go this weekend because its a Dirty Dancing weekend. That would have been so fun. Maybe next year.

Go to http://mtnlakehotel.com/ and check it out. We will be staying in the Chesterfield, it's a one bedroom cottage. I can't wait until tomorrow! I'll tell you all about it when we get back!!

They're Gone Again...

2009-08-20T07:15:00.003-04:00

The kiddos just boarded the big ole yellow cheese wagon, singing "Hi-ho, Hi-ho off to school we go!" No that's what mommy was singing. Wow what a difference a year makes! Last year I was sobbing at this time because it was my babies first day of school, this year I'm breathing a sigh of relief. I love them and miss them, but the piece and quiet for a few hours will be sooooo nice!

I hope they have a fantastic day and I'm looking forward to hearing allll about it this evening:) After my ears have had a chance to rest today!!

They're Back!!!!

2009-08-17T19:44:00.003-04:00

My kiddos made it back yesterday!! I was so happy to see them. I can't believe how much I missed them. I was really bored because my mom had other things going on all weekend and I wasn't feeling all that well and didn't go with her. It's suprising how quiet this house can be!

I guess I need to get used to the quiet because they will be back in school on Thursday. I can't believe this summer is gone. It seems like we didn't have any summer at all. I guess it rained so much at the beginning and it never got really hot here. We didn't do a whole lot other than our vacation and went to the pool and the lake a few times.

So it's all getting ready to start again. Packing lunches, homework, forcing kids to go bed early and get up early. Oh the good ole school days!!!!!

A Weekend Alone!

2009-08-14T14:22:00.002-04:00

I'm totally beside myself. My kids have been with my in-laws since Wednesday night. They went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and won't be home until Sunday. Of course after having them here everyday for the summer I was in need of a little break. But I must admit I really miss them. I have never been away from them more than two nights in a row, so this is new to me. Travis is working all weekend too. I will be spending lots of time at my moms house...that's nothing new. That's my favorite place to be when I'm not here.

Mom and I made peach preserves and peach pie filling to freeze yesterday. The pie filling recipe came from http://farmersdaughterct.wordpress.com . It was really easy to make and taste great by itself. I'm sure it will be great in a pie. I love peaches. My grandma brought us a bushel from their tree. I'm glad they were free, because they are so expensive now.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!!

Fun at the lake!

2009-08-10T14:52:00.003-04:00

We had a very fun day at the lake yesterday! It was around 90 degrees and the water felt GREAT!!! We rode on my parents boat. They pulled us all around on the tube and it was so much fun! Wish I had some pics, but of course I don't. But you can check out my moms blog for a picture of the kids on the tube http://www.sunnymorningfarm.com/ . I sure hope we get to go again before the weather gets cold. It's awesome!!

School Shopping...Ugh

2009-08-08T11:14:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my mom and I took the kids school shopping. It is tax free weekend here in VA so I decided to take advantage of that this year. Overall it wasn't terribly crowded. I just get so aggrevated with the amount of stuff that we have to buy for back to school. Colton didn't need near as much as Emma. They need things like 10 glue sticks, 3 bottles of glue, a red, blue, and yellow three prong folder with two pockets in plastic (Walmart does not have these). You have to get only Crayola brand crayons and markers and only Elmers glue. Come on does it matter that much which brand of crayon it is.

I understand how hard it is for teachers and I think they need all the help they can get. But where is our tax dollars going. I mean we have to supply tissues, soap and paper towels for the classes. I think we should just pay $20 or so at the beginning of the year and they get exactly the right amount of things that is needed. I felt like I was on a wild goose chase in Wal Mart trying to find some of these things.

We went to the outlet stores that aren't far from our house. There are only a few stores still there. I got the kids new shoes from the Reebok outlet for under $30 for two pairs. They were so excited to get brand new tennis shoes, because they only get new ones for back to school, unless they grow out of them sooner. I like a good quality shoe that will last a long time, but don't want to pay a fortune for them.

I also treated myself. We went to the Kitchen Collection store. I love that store or any kitchen store for that matter. I got me a new Kitchen Aid mixer. No its not the big fancy stand ones that I drool over everytime I see them. I would love to have one but not enough room or money for it. I got the 7 speed hand mixer. I think I will really love it. My mom has both the Kitchen Aid stand and hand mixer and loves both of them.

I have to go now and find something to make so I can use my new mixer...YAY!

Homemade Wednesday!

2009-08-06T08:24:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I was in a cooking mood. I wanted to use what I had and not have to make any special trips to the store. For lunch I made two homemade pepperoni pizzas. We had enough leftover to have pizza for supper too. Then I made a homemade chocolate pie for dessert. It was heavenly. I even made my own homemade pie crust, which was my first ever attempt at pie crust. It turned out really good. Not beautiful but good!!

I would have taken some pics but camera batteries are dead. Of course. I dream of a new fancy camera like my mother and father in laws or my sisters. They all are so neat and take fabulous pictures. Mine takes great pictures when it works. The rechargable batteries keep dying, I guess I need new ones. The only bad thing about it is it takes forever to flash and if your trying to take a picture of a kid or animal they move before you can get it taken. I have taken so many pictures of the back of kids heads and animal butts!

Anyway I don't know how I got started on cameras. I had a great day cooking from scratch and learning some great new recipes. Both of my recipes come from http://www.allrecipes.com/ . I love that website, they have some great recipes and I love all the helpful reviews. The pie was chocolate cream pie II and the crust was easy to remember pie crust. Both of them were extremely easy and tasted great.

A giveaway!

2009-08-04T15:10:00.002-04:00

Head over to prairieflowerfarm.blogspot.com and check out the great giveaway for this adorable clothespin bag! I think it is so cute and would love to have it. Be sure to enter! By the way she has new baby guineas!!!!!

Guinea Update!

2009-08-02T21:03:00.003-04:00

I still have 8 guineas, for now! I couldn't get one to go in the coop tonight and its roosting in a tree. Hopefully it will be okay til tomorrow.

I tell you these things are going to make me get gray hair! I have been so stressed the last few days, trying to keep my babies happy. Then today when we got home from our family reunion we found a dead chicken in the chicken run. I have no idea what happened to her, but I'm really sad. She didn't look like anything had gotten a hold of her. Maybe it was just old age. She was our favorite one and will be missed....R.I.P. Big White Hen (we never got around to naming her).

Guineas!

2009-07-31T09:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I finally got brave enough to open the guinea door to let them free range. They are about 8 weeks old or a little older so it was getting time. Well it took them several hours before they got brave enough to come out.

I was like a new mommy running to check on her baby every few minutes. I was even outside in the pouring down rain to check on them. But I guess I wasn't a good enough mommy. Because after they came out one came up missing. I looked and looked and finally found it in the driveway being chewed on by the neighbors stupid Jack Russell dog. I was furious, I ran the dog off and checked on the guinea, but it was too late. I was so upset. I took the guinea and threw out in the field with the pine trees, not even thinking that this would be a bad idea. That was a huge mistake. Cody and Chi-chi found it and ate it. Now they are chasing the guineas.

Last night I got all of them up but two. Then my dad came down to help get the last two up and Chi-chi chased one and nearly caught it, but it flew off. I think its roosting in a big tree up in the field behind our house, but not sure.

Yesterday morning I had ten guineas, this morning I have eight:( I'm so sad! We put a shock collar on Chi-chi so we can break her. We run the Jack Russell off anytime he comes into the yard. But that dog has been such a nuisance for a while now. His owners don't even care that he never stays at his house. He is here the majority of the time eating our dogs food, chewing everything up, getting on top of vehicles and digging everywhere. We have no idea what to do about this dog. We don't know the neighbors, but they don't seem like very nice people. We just want the dog gone. He no longer is wearing any collar either, so its like they don't want him either. I know that he's a purebred Jack Russell and they are expensive dogs and usually really good dogs. I just wish he would go home and leave my guineas alone. I hope I don't lose anymore!!!

A Great Birthday!!

2009-07-25T18:36:00.002-04:00

I had a wonderful birthday yesterday! My niece planned me a suprise party at my parents house. My mom made a fabulous meal and a delicous red velvet cake!!!! It was all soooo good!

I got some really nice gifts. My sister and niece got me a really cute primitive stichery picture. My mom got me a big prim start to put on my chicken coop and a cute prim picture. I loved everything that I got and had such a good time with my family!!

Thank you guys! Your the best!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2009-07-23T07:29:00.002-04:00

Well tomorrow is my official birthday!! I will be 28. Wow I can't believe it. I'm almost 30...yikes. I feel old.

But anyway, we went out with my in-laws last night to celebrate. We have a tradition of going to Red Lobster to celebrate any birthday in our family. It's really nice that they take us out for a meal there every few months because we could never afford to eat there on our own. Thanks Becky and Lloyd it was delicious as usual!!!

They also gave me $100 and a very cute VA Tech shirt. So after we ate we went and looked at exercise bikes. I have been wanting one for awhile. I really need to get in shape. I would have liked to have a treadmill instead but they are all so large and we didn't want something to take up too much room. So we ended up getting a really nice bike at Play it Again Sports. We looked at new ones at Dick's Sporting Goods and they were more expensive and not as good quality. The one I ended up with is a Vision Fitness E3100. It is used, but you can tell very little. We got it for $250 and they retail for $800-1200 now. It's a really nice bike and very quiet, you can't even hear it.

I used it for 15 minutes last night and felt like I was dying. I only burned 50 of the 50,000 calories that I ate at Red Lobster:( Then I got up this morning at 6:30 and used it for 10 minutes. My legs were a little sore from last night and I didn't want to get so sore that I couldn't walk. I hope to be able to use it twice a day for about 30 minutes each time. I'm really excited about it and hope that I can stay dedicated to it.

I need to make some lifestyle changes. I want to get the weight off of me before I hit 30 because I know its much harder the older you get. Not that 30 is old, but I just want to get in shape before I'm 30. I need to change my eating habits and the whole families. We need to cut back on the sugar and white flour and processed foods. I want to go one step at a time so we don't totally get burned out and sick of it. I'm not saying diet though. I just want to be healthy!!!

Four Words.....

2009-07-20T21:48:00.002-04:00

WHEN DOES SCHOOL START????

My kids have been driving me nuts today! They can't stop fighting or picking on each other. It didn't help that it rained half of the day so they were stuck inside. Overall they have been great this summer, but we haven't been at home a lot. They were bored out of their minds today and I had too much to do around the house to play with them. But they did help me clean house and break beans, inbetween fighting and bugging the crap out of each other.

Now my sweet little angels are playing cards in their room "together" and have been for an hour. Why couldn't they have done this during the day when Dad wasn't here? I do love my kids more than anything, but they drive me crazy at times!!!

I have to find some fun rainy day games and activities to keep them from getting bored, because it looks like rain is in the forecast all week. Any ideas?

Sick of TV!

2009-07-12T20:38:00.003-04:00

Tonight the kids and I have been trying to find something decent on tv to watch. Thats almost impossible. I get so tired of paying for satellite service every month and having nothing to watch. We finally ended up watching Hee Haw on RFD channel. Its so funny. I remember watching it as a kid, my kids don't like it as much as I did.

I am so sick of kids shows. They get on my nerves so bad. My kids aren't into cartoon shows anymore. Now all they like is Suite Life of Zack and Cody, I Carly and Hannah Montana. I have had enough of it and am going to start limiting tv time again. Emma doesn't watch much, but Colton would sit there all day if I let him. I think I will go crazy if I here these dumb shows again!

I would cancel satellite if I could, but Travis would freak. He isn't here much, but when he is he wants to watch tv. So I guess I have to get stricter with the kids and myself about watching it!

We're Home!!!

2009-07-05T20:24:00.003-04:00

Well we made it home this afternoon at about 2:30. It's so good to be home!!! I like going on vacation, but boy do I like to come home! There was no R&R on this vacation. It was all go, go, go the whole week. I guess we will have time to relax when the kids are grown and out of the house.

We went to Busch Gardens two days and to Water Country one day. It was fun and the kids loved it. Emma was able to ride her first big rollercoaster this time, the big bad wolf. She loved it. I sat beside her on the first ride and I put my hand across her lap to hold her and she said I'm okay leave me alone. Both of the kids love rollercoasters and would fuss at me for screaming. I love them too, but I still scream everytime I ride one. Colton and Travis rode the Lochness Monster at least 15 times. Colton loved it!!

Wouldn't you know that I didn't take my camera anywhere. I didn't want to keep up with it in Busch Gardens. We usually get a stroller but the kids are bigger and don't need one, so we wanted the least amount to keep up with as possible. This is the only picture that I took and I used my cell phone. I am really upset with myself for that, but we still have some great memories!!

Getting ready for Vacation!!

2009-06-30T06:27:00.002-04:00

We will be leaving for vacation tomorrow:) I have lots to do today to get ready, but we are so excited. We are going to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg VA. We are staying four nights. We will probably go to Busch Gardens two days and Water Country one day, but I guess we will see how tired we all are.

I really hope Emma is feeling better. She has had a cold the past few days and yesterday she started having trouble breathing. She has mild asthma and sometimes it acts up when she gets a cold. I gave her two breathing treatments yesterday and that helped. Hopefully she will not need anymore, but I'm taking the nebulizer machine with me, just in case.

The kids are so excited and can't hardly. I hope its not extremely hot and crowded. I will see you all when we get back!! Have a great July 4th!!!!!

VBS Week!!

2009-06-24T22:23:00.002-04:00

We have had Vacation Bible School at our church this week. My mother-in-law and I are teaching the 7 and 8 year olds. We have had between 13-19 kids in our class every night. Let me just say they have way too much energy! They are sweet kids, but some of them are so wild, they just wear me out. I wish I could bottle their energy up and take it every day!!!

We have had such a good turn out each night for all the age groups. The best news so far is one girl accepted Christ last night!!! That is exactly why we do it and it makes it all worth while!!! I pray that we do the best job that we can to spread the word of God to these young ones. I have really enjoyed Bible School this year and so have my kids. Friday night is the closing program, looking forward to that!!

More animals on our homestead!!

2009-06-18T22:05:00.002-04:00

"Smokey playing peek-a-boo under the chicken coop!"
"Cody is such a good and faithful dog"

"This is Travis' favorite chicken, we need to name her!"

"Wow those babies sure are growing fast"

"The camara flash totally freaked them out, but everything freaks them out!"

Here's the new member of the homestead!!!

2009-06-18T21:31:00.002-04:00

Meet Sammy, the new addition to our little homestead!

Well he's not exactly ours, he's just a loaner goat from my mom and dad! They very generously have allowed him to come to our house for awhile to eat down the tall grass in the field. I was able to convince Travis that we needed him after I killed a snake last week, which was the second one that we've already killed this year. Yuck! We both hate snakes and they are coming from the tall grass, so we needed something to eat it. I hope Sammy does a good job!!

"Isn't he just the cutest little thing"

"He's been kind of sad, he's never been away from his mommy before! Hope we can make him happy!!!"

2009-06-18T17:04:00.000-04:00

We have a new addition to our little homestead!! Pictures are coming soon!!!!!!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-16T14:40:00.003-04:00

The kids have officially been out of school for one week and one day now. So far they are being pretty good other than asking for snacks fifty times a day and fighting. We have already been having fun on my parents boat:) Its so much fun! The kids love jumping off the boat and swimming around in the lake. You can check out pics at my moms blog www.sunnymorningfarm.blogspot.com .

Next week we start Vacation Bible School at church. That is always a fun but a very busy and tiring week. Then we will be going on vacation July 1 thru July 5. This year we are going to Busch Gardens and Splash Country in Williamsburg, VA. The kids are so excited they love roller coasters and all the rides at amusement parks. We are excited just to get away and to go somewhere different. I found us a very cheap motel from cheaptickets.com, I'm just crossing my fingers that its not a major dump. We have our expectations set pretty low, so hopefully we will not be disappointed. We just need a place to sleep as our days will be filled so we can't see paying a ton of money for a nice hotel. We got the hotel half price through cheaptickets hopefully its worth it.

We set our little 3 feet deep pool up last night and have been filling it up today. The kids really want to get in it but its raining again, imagine that! My garden looks like a jungle, its either too rainy or too hot to work in it. I guess I'm going to have to just do it and stop waiting for the perfect weather or we want have anything this year.

Well that's just whats going on around here! Hope everyone has a great week!!!

Blog help!

2009-06-11T20:43:00.003-04:00

I need help with this dumb blog! I have no idea what I did but all of my stuff that was on the side is now on the bottom of the page. I took my background off because I thought that was what was causing it, but that didn't work. I have tried every template that blogger has and it still isn't right. I can't figure it out and I don't like it being at the bottom of the page. If any of you computer savy people know what I can do please let me know. Thank You!!

She Really is Growing UP!!

2009-06-11T18:26:00.002-04:00

Just 3 days after her 6th birthday Emma lost her first tooth! She was so excited! Then the next day she lost her second one. But she really isn't snaggle toothed because her permanent teeth had already came in behind the baby teeth. Colton's did the same thing on the bottom. They are so crooked right now, I am seeing braces in the future for both of them:(

Colton was really jealous because he is 8 and only lost one tooth on his own and 2 pulled from the dentist. He better get busy or sis is going to catch up with him! But they can wait a little bit, the tooth fairy is broke at the moment!!!

Boy + Dog = True Love Forever

2009-06-08T16:32:00.003-04:00

Meet Smokey!! This is Colton's new coon dog. Now that he's into hunting he had to have his own dog! He sure did pick a cute one! Smokey is an English Blue Tick. Colton loves him so much and he plays with him all day!! I think he seems tempered like Colton. So far he is really easy going and doesn't bark much, he's so sweet!

Look at those big feet!!!

Could that boy get any happier?

Chi-chi is jealous she's not the new dog on the block anymore!!!

Happy Late Birthday Emma!!!

2009-06-08T16:17:00.003-04:00

My baby turned 6 on June 4th:( It's sad that my babies growing so fast! But she is so happy to be a six year old now! We celebrated her birthday with a small party on Friday with family and a few of her friends from school!

Here she is showing off one of her many presents!

Blowing out her candle!

The butterfly cake I made for her!

Taking a swing at the pinata!

They're Here!!!!

2009-05-30T21:11:00.004-04:00

I'm a mommy again!

It's 10 guineas, 5 baby chicks, and 6 full grown chickens! They are so fun! We love them ! My beautiful new coop isn't going to be clean and beautiful for long. The big chicks seem to be happy but they are still scared to go inside the coop, because we let them out in the run. It's already pretty dark outside and they are all huddled up in a corner. I'm hoping they will go on inside to roost for the night. I won't sleep a wink tonight thinking about all my new babies.

The nest boxes

Fuzzy baby chick

All the babies

"The old ladies"

"My Gorgeous coop and run"

Safari Field Trip!!

2009-05-28T07:53:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I went with Emma on her Kindergarten field trip to the Natural Bridge Safari Park!
It was so much fun, we all had a great time. The rain held off until the bus ride home, Thank Goodness! Here is a look at some of the pictures taken of the day! My camera was acting up, so some pictures are kind of fuzzy:(

"Emma and her friend Mary pose for a pic!"

"This is the whole class, How Cute!"

" I thought Travis stayed home!!"

"The zebras aren't nice so they have to keep them away!"

"This guy was enjoying his lunch!"

"The Buffalo is our county mascot, I love them!"

"This little guy was too cute"

"Oh no, I said no one could take my picture. How did that happen? Oink, oink"

Been Busy!!

2009-05-17T18:43:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in awhile. I have been pretty busy, with finishing the chicken coop, ball practices and games and trying to garden. It still has been raining here so much. I didn't get my yard mowed this week, because of the rain. Hopefully I can tomorrow. I'm not sure if my garden will do anything, because the rain has about washed everything away.

My coop is almost ready for chicks and guineas. The inside is completely finished, but we haven't started the run yet. We hope to this week. There is so many projects around here that we would like to do, just having the time and money!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and Mother's Day last Sunday!!! Have a Great Week:)

Got Rocks?

2009-05-09T20:32:00.002-04:00

Boy we do!!!

I finally got my garden planted today. It has rained so much that I couldn't do it until today. We have so many rocks that it makes it a real pain to plant. I didn't pick any rocks up today, just out of the rows I was planting, but we could probably pick up for the next 20 years and still find rocks.

My husbands great grandparents used to own our land. Their house was across the road and our house was his wood working shop and the farm was on our side of the road. Travis and my dad figured that the cow lot used to be where our garden is now and that his grandpa hauled rocks into the lot to keep it from being a mud hole. We have great soil its very dark and rich, but full of rocks.

It's kind of funny that Travis ended up buying this place all these years later. His great grandparents sold it probably more than thirty years ago when they retired and built a brick ranch that was one story and easier up keep. The people that purchased our land turned the wood working shop into our house. Thats why its really little, but its a very well built house, cinderblock.

His great grandparents lived on this land and farmed it for many years and now we are. He tore down the old chicken coop that they had, before we got married. I guess he didn't realize he would marry a farm chick that would beg for chickens! I think they would be proud to know that we are starting our own little homestead! Travis laughed his butt off when I told him we had a homestead. I guess he never heard it quite like that before. But I can call it a homestead if I want to!!!!

Rain, Rain Go Away!!

2009-05-05T15:12:00.002-04:00

Okay I'm acting like a kid now singing rain, rain go away come again another day. It has rained since Sunday, it did stop for a little while yesterday, but not long. It has rained all day today. I like rain and know we need it, but I have so much work outside to get done.

The only thing I have planted in my garden is potatoes and I was going to plant everything else this week. But even after it quits raining I will have to wait for it dry up some to plant anything. My yard looks like a hay field and needs to be mowed something awful. I need to clean out my flower beds and plant some flowers and I also need to finish painting the chicken coop.

Its supposed to rain off and on until Friday. Then we have ball game on Saturday. So I have no idea when I will get all my outside work done. I hope the rain will go away soon. At least for a few days!

HERE IT IS!!!!

2009-05-04T18:36:00.003-04:00

Here is my beautiful, red chicken coop!!! Isn't it just so cute? We still have to finish the painting and build the coop inside and make the run, but it's coming along beautifully.

Travis has done a great job and took major pains making it perfect. I'm so excited to get my chickens and guineas!!!

Everything's Falling Apart!!

2009-05-03T20:16:00.002-04:00

You know the saying "When it rains it pours". Well that certainly seems the case around here. Nothing major has happened, but just little things. Everytime one thing breaks or messes up around here something else does.

It started Thursday night when I went to get a load of clothes out of the dryer and they were wet. This made me mad, because we just bought a new dryer less than six months ago. Travis worked on it Friday it turns out that lint had stopped up the vent going outside. It has the lint trap on the top and I thought I would really like that because I had only had the one with the trap in the door. I don't like the trap on top at all because the lint falls off the trap thing when your pulling it out. We even bought one of those things that you see on tv for the lint remover, but it just seems to push it further in. At least we caught it early because it could have started a fire. Okay so that was an easy fix.

The hot water has been messing up in the bath tub. It would take forever for the hot water to cut on. So Travis pulled the faucet apart on Friday and when he got it all tore apart discovered he needed a part for it. He ran to the local hardware store and they didn't have it. He ended up having to call into work and use a vacation day, because he was supposed to leave for work at 2:00 and had the bathtub tore apart and he had to work all weekend. So he had to go to Lowes and get the part which costed 32.00 for a little piece and got it put back together that evening. We now have a working shower again.

This morning I went out to go to church and the car wouldn't crank. Travis tried jumping it off before he went to work, but it didn't work. He was so mad. We had just replaced the battery a little over a month ago, because of the same problem. My dad came down to check it out and it cranked right up for him. He thinks its something with the switch or key or something minor like that. At least it wasn't major, but now we wonder what it is and if we will have to pay a lot to have it fixed.

I know this was nothing major but it just seemed like the past few days everything messed up. I hope this week is better! By the way Travis painted the chicken coop and I will be posting pics soon!!! It looks great.

Busy, busy, busy!

2009-04-30T06:56:00.002-04:00

We've been super busy this week. Travis took off from his part-time job this week to work on the chicken coop and fix our lawn mower, so I could mow our "hay field".

Monday and Tuesday it was really hot in the upper 80's and we both got sunburned so bad. He got it more than me because he worked part of the day without a shirt on. But I got it on the back of my legs and tops of my feet and forehead, I even put sunscreen on, but not often enough I guess. So yesterday it wasn't as hot and we got a lot done.

We finished the outside and are ready to paint it. I was going to take pictures after we got done yesterday, but we got a horrible thunderstorm right after we finished. We were planning on painting today, but its supposed to rain so I'm not sure. Next week we will be doing the inside and the run and then hopefully we will be ready for chickies!!!! Yay!

Also I have been wanting to get some guineas. I have heard that I can let them out and dogs can't get them because they can fly. I really want them to help get rid of the ticks. We have ticks around here so bad because we have pine trees and we have already been getting lots of them off of the kids and dogs. I hate ticks and guineas are supposed to be the number one tick controller. My dad found us some guinea eggs and they got an incubator to hatch them out. Hopefully we will have us some baby guineas in about a month.

If you have guineas or know anything about them I would love to hear from you!!!

Boys will be Boys!!!!

2009-04-23T20:29:00.003-04:00

Today was one of those times I wish I would of taken a picture, but at the time that was the last thing on my mind. Last week I started getting two little boys off the bus in the afternoons. Their mom is a friend of mine and she was pretty desperate because she lost her baby sitter at the last minute. The oldest kid is the same age as Colton and they are best friends and then the younger is Emma's age, they are friends but fight a lot.

Well they love playing outside. They never got to go outside at their old babysitters, so they love to play outside here. Well yesterday they found a mud hole out in the field. Colton and Hunter got pretty muddy and I was scared their mom would be mad. She wasn't at all, but did send old clothes and shoes for him today. So all of them except Emma played in the mud and drove their bikes through the mud and were completely covered from head to toe in mud. I took it pretty good! I would have freaked out a few years ago, because I always kept Colton so clean as a baby! I kept telling myself this is good for the kids, at least they are outside and not sitting in front of the tv. But from now on they can still play in the mud, but not with the purpose of covering theirselves in mud.

This is really good for Colton because he doesn't play by hisself and Emma doesn't like to play things like that. I hope it helps him get toughened up a little bit and not be afraid of things! Boys will be Boys....and thats okay with me!!! It's so wonderful living in the country!

Busy Weekend!!!!

2009-04-20T07:15:00.003-04:00

Wow it was a busy weekend! The weather was beautiful on Saturday. I attempted to mow the yard for the first time this year, but it was not very fun. Travis had pumped up the tires and checked the oil and all that good stuff on Friday. But when I went out to mow it had a flat again. Well I pumped it up and started mowing. It kept going flat, I had to pump it five times and didn't get but half of the yard mowed. We really have too much yard to mow. Travis said if we had a better mower it wouldn't seem as big, but I still think its too big! So I have to get an innertube this week so he can fix the tire and I can finish mowing, by that time it will be ready to mow the rest again.

Colton had his first coach pitch baseball game Saturday afternoon. He did really good. I was worried because he has such a hard time hitting the ball in practice. But he hit the ball both times he was up at his game on Saturday and got a run. Yesterday he struck out once, but got a run the second time he was up. They won their game on Saturday by one point, but lost on Sunday by a lot, didn't even find out that score.

I really seen how much some people get into sports. I think its ridiculous how parents take it so seriously. The kids just want to have fun and the parents are up screaming at them. I honestly think neither one of my kids will be a pro ball player, so I just want them to get out there and have some fun and learn sportsmanship and how to work with a team. I think some people think there kids are defiantly going to be the next Babe Ruth or something. I hope I never turn into one of those parents. Of course I don't want it to be unfair, but come on people its Little League for petes sake!

I was really hoping to get my garden planted this weekend, but it didn't happen. Today it's raining again, so I'm not sure when its going to happen. I still have to finish getting it cleaned up and tilled before I can plant it, but it will get done! There just isn't enough hours in the day!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!!!

Chicken Coop Progress!

2009-04-15T19:14:00.005-04:00

It's coming right along! The first picture shows Colton trying to help dig holes. Then I didn't take any pictures until today. But the second and third pictures show how it looked this morning. Now it has the rafters up and is ready to put tin on next week.

I am so excited as its coming along. I just wish Travis was able to work on it more than one day a week. But if he didn't work, we wouldn't have money to build it, so it seems like he has to keep on working that real job he has. He keeps telling me that I'm trying to kill him, because I keep thinking of different projects around here that I want him to do. I really want a root cellar next.

But I better not push my luck...huh!!!

Ebay update!!

2009-04-14T20:54:00.002-04:00

So all the items that I had on Ebay officially finished yesterday! I can't believe that I made $93.00 after shipping cost, just on stuff that we have outgrown or no longer wear. This time it was all clothes and shoes, next time maybe different stuff.

I learned quite a few things from this experience. First thing don't have too many things ending on the same day, it gets kind of confusing keeping up with who gets what. I have this bad fear that I'm going to send someone the wrong thing. Second when using shipping calculator be sure to put just a little more than what the scales weigh the package at. I had a couple that I took to the post office and they weighed more than my bathroom scales said. Third when making a shipping label if you use parcel post you can't use the free boxes that come from ebay and you have to put thick envelope/package, not large package or you will have a very high shipping charge. I freaked out when the first shipping label I printed was for $24.00 and the customer only paid $12.00 and I didn't realize it until I had already printed my label and was charged on my paypal account. I was able to go and void that label and the money will be credited back to my account in 15-20 days. I guess live and learn right!

Anyway my first major selling experience on ebay was overall a good one. I will still find things to sale all along. Not only to make extra money, but to reduce the clutter.

Hope you all are having a good week!

Happy Easter!!!!

2009-04-12T21:25:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! We had a very busy Easter weekend.

Yesterday we spent the day working on my chicken coop. We now have the floor done and the walls framed. I hope to take pictures tomorrow to post. I was busy helping and didn't have anytime to take pics.

We went for an Easter dinner last night and one today and then to my Moms for a little while tonight. We had a very good but busy weekend. I'm tired and ready for bed now.

By the way today is my sisters birthday. Happy "29th" Birthday Robin! I Love You!!!

I Love Ebay!!!

2009-04-10T15:48:00.002-04:00

I have been cleaning out some closets and selling stuff on ebay! I just sold six pairs of used Wrangler jeans of my husbands and made $47.00. All of these jeans were in great shape, but I couldn't believe that they sold for so much. I didn't have to go through the hassle and work of having a yard sale and I probably wouldn't have even got a dollar a pair out them.

I put several other items on there too. Mostly kid stuff. I am going to be adding more stuff. I think I should have something on there trying to sale at all times. It is great to be able to make some money and declutter the house at the same time.

My husband also likes when I'm selling and not buying!!!

Do you sale on ebay? If you do let me know what kind of things you sale and if you have any tips on getting the most money from your items. Thank you and I love hearing from my readers!!

Beautiful Weekend, But Sick!!

2009-04-06T08:27:00.002-04:00

This weekend the weather was really nice. On Saturday the kids and I worked in the garden getting all the dead stuff pulled and cleaned up to get ready to start planting. I got a lot done and was feeling pretty good until all the sudden I started feeling really bad. I felt like I had been hit by a truck, I felt so weak and achy all over. We quit and went inside and I rested for a little bit. Then I took Colton up to my parents so he and my dad could go coon hunting. I just kept feeling bad all evening and felt bad yesterday.

We skipped out on church and the kids went with my parents to the lake on their new boat. They had a really great time and I stayed at home and slept. I slept for about 3 hours and when I woke up I was completely soaked from sweat. I guess I was running a fever and it broke. After that I felt better, but still a little weak. I guess I had what Travis and Colton had last week. I'm glad I'm feeling better now. Too bad the weather is rainy and cold today!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

Way to go Colton and Emma!!

2009-04-02T21:17:00.002-04:00

"Congratulations, Colton!!!"

"Emma looking really prissy!!!!"

Tonight was the PTA Program at my kids school. Emma's class and the first graders put on the play. It was cute, her class did Abraham Lincoln and the other Kindergarten did George Washington. The first grade did a fashion show for the seasons. Emma did a really good job. She was the first one in her class to speak and she said her lines perfectly.

After the program they gave out ribbons for the reflections contest and Colton won second place in the history category for his class. I was really proud of him and he was so excited. His little friend also won first place for science. They both were so excited.

I was really proud of both of my kids tonight and glad that they had a good time:)

It's Official...

2009-03-31T20:18:00.002-04:00

We broke ground on the chicken coop last night. That sounds really funny, like we had bulldozers and heavy equipment here. All we did was dig six holes and and fill them halfway with concrete. That's to make it sturdier.

My husband is a great carpenter. He has carpentry in the blood. His dad is an awesome carpenter and a real perfectionist. Travis inherited that too. Everything he goes to build, he does it the right way, never half way. He wants to build something to last when he builds it. We were hoping to start on the building tomorrow, but its supposed to rain:( Of course it seems it always rains on Wednesday's when Travis is off. But I know I will get it eventually!

I will keep you all posted on the progress and take some pictures!!!

Great New Website!

2009-03-30T12:36:00.003-04:00

I just had to let you know of a great new website. It's by one of my favorite blogger ladies. Its called http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/ . I hope you go on and check out Ms Ruthie's new website. It's so neat. I love it! She is also having some great giveaways, like the adorable hen measuring spoons. So go check it out!!

Chickens Coming Soon!!

2009-03-30T07:38:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a good weekend. We have been battling sickness here. Colton was home from school on Thursday and Friday and Travis missed work Saturday and Sunday. I think they had a mild case of the flu. They were achy all over and ran a fever. Now both kids have a horrible cough. I hope they didn't decide to share their germs with mommy! You know when mom is sick she doesn't have anyone to take care of her.

Emma said on our way home from church yesterday, "that we need to go home and pamper on Daddy since he's sick." He was feeling better when we got home so we headed to town and decided to eat at Country Cooking. We were so happy with our frugal meal. All four of us was able to eat for only $15.00. That was amazing and it's all you can eat. It really makes a difference if you only get water to drink and when kids get to eat free.

We also went to Lowe's trying to get price estimates of how much it will cost to build the chicken coop. If we do it with all new and treated wood it will cost a lot. I think we have decided on a 10'x12' coop. It will be large, but I want one that has storage in it, for the food and other supplies. We are probably going to use some poplar that we have had stored in our building for a long time for the outside. We think it will be okay if we paint it really good. Hopefully we can come up with enough supplies here to cut down on the cost a lot.

We also went to Tractor Supply and the kids got to look at the baby chicks. They were so excited and wanted to bring them home today. I was glad that they are excited about them and hope they will be once we get chickens. They like to watch my moms chickens as long as they are in their pen and not running loose. Emma was attacked by a rooster one time, so they want get out of the car at my moms if they see the chickens out. They won't have to worry about our chickens running loose because our dogs would probably kill them immediately. I'm getting so excited and can't wait to get a chicken coop, but it will probably be a long process to build, since Travis can only work on it one day a week and we have to do it as we get the money. But at least he is on board with it...finally.

Kids Say The Darndest Things!!

2009-03-27T21:15:00.002-04:00

I had to share what my kids just said. They are watching some kind of movie on the Disney Channel, while I'm playing on the computer.

In the movie a man was being chased by someone and he yelled I have pepper spray. This is what my kids said.

Colton: "Isn't pepper spray something that old ladies carry in their pocketbooks?"

And Emma said without missing a beat: "No they carry salt spray!"

I thought that was so cute. She says some things that can absolutely crack you up. I wish I would write them down, because I always forget before I can tell anyone.

Christmas in March!!!!

2009-03-24T14:51:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was like Christmas when my mailman came. I am so glad our old grouchy mailman retired and we have a nice one now. Because he wouldn't be too happy with us. Last week Travis got a box of bullets to use for reloading ammo and it weighed about 50 pounds. Then yesterday I got all my goodies that I ordered off of ebay and Amazon the last few weeks. I don't buy stuff very often, but have been here lately. I'm finished buying I promise, for now!

So what did I get? First I got my valances for the dining room. I got three and they are barn red and tan ticking. I only paid 17.00 for all three of them and they are brand new, I didn't figure I could make them that cheap and they look really good. I also got brand new 1200 thread count, Egyptian cotton sheets. I had no idea they went up that high. They are really nice and they were 69.00, a lot cheaper than in the stores. I got two books. The first was The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery. It's a great book and huge. I haven't got to look at it too much. Then my favorite thing I got was a book by Tasha Tudor. It's The Tasha Tudor Cookbook:Recipes and Reminiscences from Corgi Cottage.

I just love the cookbook. It's not very big, but it has some tasty looking recipes (or reciepts as they are called in there). But I love the artwork the most. I just love Tasha Tudor. The way she lived was amazing and she seemed like an incredible lady, I wish I could have met her. I'm looking for more of her books and things. Her artwork sure is worth a lot of money now.

It seems like I have been spending money right and left here lately. But I haven't spent too much money and I got some really good deals. Now I have to get back to the thrifty mindset and not spend any money. But I really like buying dishes and prim decor!!

Some New to Me Favorites!!!

2009-03-23T07:26:00.005-04:00

These are some of my new favorite things that I have purchased recently. The top picture is my favorite. They are Pyrex Amish Butterprint mixing bowls and refrigerator dishes. I purchased the small mixing bowl before Christmas at a local antique store for $8.00. A couple weeks ago I was in that same antique store and found the large mixing bowl for $12.00. Now I only need the middle size mixing bowl to make a complete set. I found the refrigerator dishes on ebay for only $20.00 including shipping. I love the refrigerator dishes and am exited to use them. Especially after reading about how bad it is for you to reheat your food in plastic. I will be using these a lot. So I got all these great bowls for only $40.00. That doesn't sound too cheap, but I have been watching prices on Pyrex for a few months and it can be really expensive and all of these are in great condition. I love Pyrex mixing bowls, and I do use them.

The next picture is a vintage Anchor Hocking casserole dish. I purchased it the day my mom and I had our outing. I just love it. It looks like a refrigerator dish the way the lid is made, but its larger and completely clear. I think its really neat and it says 1943 on the bottom, and in perfect condition. I can't wait to make something in it. I only paid $11.00 for it.

The other pictures are some prim stuff I got recently. My dough bowl (it's not real, couldn't afford them), with some fillers in it and willow tree, sit in the middle of my kitchen table. My cute little sheep and round dough bowl sits on top of my cabinet, for now.

I am starting to get more and more like my mom. Which is not a bad thing!! I love my mom, she's my best friend and she's so much fun to be around. But I'm starting to develop her and my Grandma's love for dishes. We have always picked on my mom for buying too many dishes. Now I can relate.

"Sorry for always picking on you, Mom. You're starting to rub off on me." Ha...Ha!!!

By the way this is my 100th blog post!!! Yay!!!! I never thought I would get to 100 post. Hopefully I can come up with some exciting give away to show Thanks for my visitors that check me out. I will be thinking on it and let you know soon. Thanks to everyone that comes and visits me and for leaving comments. I have fun writing about my life and other things that I find interesting.

Is the economy really that bad?

2009-03-20T20:57:00.003-04:00

So have you all heard that the economy is really bad. I think they are saying we are in a recession headed for a depression. I have thought this was true because I watch the news every day and the only thing they talk about is how horrible the economy is. I know that a lot of people have lost their jobs and their is a lot businesses shutting down because of the economy and people are losing their homes and stuff.

But let me just say I went shopping on Saturday, which is very unusual for me to go shopping for clothes. We have family pictures this week and we all needed new outfits for it, so I spent the day shopping. I think someone forgot to tell the crowds at Old Navy, Ross, Target and the mall that our country is about to fall apart and go in a deep depression. It was like Christmas shopping. I had to circle the parking lot looking for a parking space and then stand in line for fifteen minutes to checkout after I fought the crowds to find what I was looking for. Not only were the stores packed but the restaurants were too. I was completely surprised, I guess I don't get out much.

I'm not trying to down play the economic situation, but what I am saying is if you were to cut off the t.v., quit reading the newspaper and Internet, then I don't think you would have any idea there was a recession going on unless you were personally affected by it. I have decided to stop listening to that junk, that's what the news is now, and just focus on my own economic situation and not worry about everything else. Because I think the news is trying to scare everyone. So if you think the economy is bad just head out to the local shopping center and see how bad everything is!

Cabinet pics!

2009-03-13T18:58:00.002-04:00

Okay I finally posted the pictures of my cabinet that I promised. This is how it looks for right now. I will probably change it out often. I really think the blue willow looks great on here, better than I thought it would. It was really hard to get a decent picture because the room is pretty small. I am excited about decorating and hope to have the dining room completed before long.

I am going shopping again tomorrow. Two of my favorite primitive stores sent out coupons this week and one of them is only for today, and tomorrow. Since I didn't make it there today I will go tomorrow. I'm hoping to find some valances and I really want a large trencher dough bowl to put on my table. I think it will have to be a fake one because the real antique ones are so expensive.

Anyway hope you like my cabinet as much as I do. And I'm still on a lookout for a pie safe!!