Heritage Acres Homestead

Loving

2012-02-14T10:19:00.001-05:00

I saw this idea that I wanted to recreate for Valentine's Day.
Cut out hearts and write edifying things on them for your children.

This is what things looked like when they woke up this morning...

They were inspired and wanted to jump in on the fun.

The love is growing....

Loving Daddy

Moma Love

Loving one another...

(pictures are from Eli)

Loving this family that I get to call mine!
Happy Valentine's Day, Friends!!

Looking ahead, looking behind, moving forward

2012-02-09T06:33:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I spent some time moving over some of my favorite blog posts from my very first blog. Not knowing how long that site will be around, I wanted to make sure I had my memories over here at *home* :)
While going through some of my posts it became aware to me that, ahem... I have gotten lazy. It seems that I used to get LOTS more accomplished than I do nowadays. Really.
That surprised me too, because I feel quite busy now. Haha.... weird, huh?
But, it encouraged me.
Made me think.
It helped me realize that if I truly wanted to make a difference around this little homestead of ours, I am going to have to 'get-r-done' and quit waiting around.
I have so many dreams and plans, but I haven't been putting them into action.
I feel now that I have the gumption to start though.
I added an archive button on the right side of the blog, if you have the time and desire you can visit some of my older posts that I have transferred here. Some of them made me smile and laugh remembering things we did and realizing that many of them were 4 or 5 years ago!
So, when my alarm went off at 10 til 5 this morning I didn't hit snooze, I jumped out of bed, eager to get the day started.
Here's hoping to great things ahead!
Have a wonderful day, friends!

How to: Make your own vanilla extract

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

I may sound like a clanging gong, but… I am loving doing most of my stuff "homemade". I have been cooking from scratch and baking and such for a good while now, but it is always good to learn something new. I feel such satisfaction when I learn a new, old way of doing things. Almost always, it is cheaper, healthier and tastier than todays way of convenience. So for now, I am going to share with you how to make your own vanilla. I've been doing this for years now, and I honestly don't think I will ever buy vanilla AGAIN!

First you want to purchase some beans. Now you can go to the fancy Whole Foods mart and pay $5 for 2 or something crazy like that or you can do what I do and browse the net and find an AWESOME deal for 30-something Organic beans for like $20! Oh yeah, it was incredible… check ebay, that is where I found it.

Now the next thing you need is alcohol. Now, we are not drinkers in any shape, form or fashion… so the liquor store was an uncomfortable thing… but you need some to make your vanilla. I bought just a $5 bottle of vodka and it fills up my container and sits until I am ready to make some more.
Thats all you need my friends. Are you shocked, I was… and how can something so simple make you feel so accomplished?
Now… take your beans and put maybe 3 or 4 in a little half-pint mason jar. Fill the jar up with your alcohol and sit in a dark cabinet for 30 days. After 30 days you are ready to use.
If you decide to make some brownies or some other scrumptious treat that calls for vanilla and you use some up, take your alcohol and top it off. No need to let it set again, it will get all infused with the other vanilla and you will be fine and dandy.
So thats it! Have fun and you won’t ever have to run out and pay $7 for a teeny bottle of vanilla again. Oh, and there is the idea of a super Christmas gift. A lovely bow and a twig of berries tied to it. Beautiful simplicity.

Around the homestead...

2012-02-07T11:07:00.001-05:00

This morning after a couple hours of schooling we decided it was time to go out for a quick walk around the homestead. Just to get the blood pumping, visit with our animals and get a little fresh air.

Mamie was VERY happy to see us.

The chickens thought they were hobbits and wanted a 'second breakfast'

Abram got out his bike and he and his siblings went to check the mail for me.

We even are getting bursts of color here and there.
At the beginning of February, it really isn't supposed to be happening just yet.
I'm a bit concerned that our fruit trees and flowers are going to be in trouble if we ever do get a winter around here.

But for now, we are enjoying our time outside.
Enjoying our time inside and just being thankful for this day we have been given.

Learning at home

2012-02-06T08:26:00.002-05:00

I love watching my children learn.
I love being a part of their world.
I thank God that I get to be a part of their lives.
Thank you Lord... for the wonderful gift of children.

Birding 2012

2012-01-25T09:19:00.001-05:00

I am sure I have mentioned it here before, but our family loves to watch birds. It is a great thing, because this year in Science we are studying Ornithology. Birds are fascinating creatures. How God designed them for flight. How He gave them instinct to know where to migrate, and how to get there.
Purely amazing.
One project we are working on continually is making a habitat in our backyard that the birds enjoy visiting. We have been hanging feeders, making feeders. Hanging suet cakes and our intention is to make a homemade birdbath, we haven't gotten to that just yet.
Of course the above bird is one that is easy to identify.
He is the Male Northern Cardinal

Here we have the Female Northern Cardinal, undoubtedly she is eyeing the male. ;) hee hee

This is a Male White Breasted Nuthatch. I wish I had gotten a picture of his backside, he is a beautiful bird. They have very long beaks.

This is our little friend, the Tufted Titmouse. He's hiding a wee bit.

And I feel pretty sure that this is the Carolina Wren. Such a cutie.

Birding is such a great hobby. I love seeing new birds. The children and I keep an ongoing list of birds that visit our habitat. We eagerly check our manual when new birds come for a visit.

If you don't have a place to view the birds with your children, I encourage you to make a spot. It is a great inexpensive way you can enjoy some of God's creation with your little ones when it may be a bit too chilly to be out-of-doors.

Have a great day!

Wuv, True Wuv

2012-01-21T11:31:00.000-05:00

Mamie loves her Moma.
Aww, big puffy heart.

Have a great weekend friends!

Censored

2012-01-18T08:38:00.002-05:00

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My thoughts on the movie Joyful Noise

2012-01-16T06:27:00.001-05:00

I'll throw this out...
first thing.
right quick.
This is what *I* think

When I first heard about the movie Joyful Noise, I honestly didn't give it much thought. I thought by the line-up of stars and the preview that it was not going to be my cup of tea.
I will say up front, I am a bit critical when it comes to movies. I want there to be some redeeming value.
If the movie is about church or Christianity. I am even more so.
The movie Courageous??? Perfect movie, in my opinion. It had laughs, it had tears, it had VALUE! Something you could watch with your family and be proud.

Ok, now back to this movie.
One of the first scenes is a choir with a new choir director. Dolly Parton's character has animosity towards her, because she is filling the role of Dolly's late husband. Dolly's grandson, Randy is in the pews listening to choir practice and obviously would like to be somewhere else until he gets a glimpse of a pretty girl with an amazing voice.
After she sings he jumps up and says a cuss word right there in the church, and it is laughed off.

Queen Latifa is the mother of the pretty girl who's name is Olivia and the mother of a son with Asperger Syndrome . She is also the new choir director.

Of course, Randy and Olivia are attracted to one another in this film. He is a bad boy, she is the 'church' girl. She starts out by saying things that make you think she might have some merit. She says her Mama says, "When you sing, you want to make God look good."
I liked that. If you have a voice, Sing for Jesus!
But, she is quick to let her Mother's wisdom go out the door for time with the boy who is telling her exactly opposite. She should be prideful, her voice is amazing, she is incredible. She and he could go out on the road and make tons of money, yadda, yadda, yadda....

So then, the choir wants to win this contest. Their town is falling apart because of a tough economy and the choir wants to win the contest for the town. So Randy joins the choir. Not because he is a Christian, not because he wants to sing for Jesus, only because he wants to sing with Olivia and help the choir win the contest.

The movie is filled with slurs, bad words. Even a couple of members of the choir, -who are not married- start making out on the front steps of the church and then spend the night together and although they don't show it, of course it is implied that they have sex.

Olivia goes downhill through most of the movie. Running off with Randy, lying to her mother and then finally disrespecting her mother in an AWFUL scene.

All in all you get the idea that to be a Christian is that you go to church on Sundays. That's the only difference between us and the rest of the world. The only difference.
That's not what my Bible teaches!

You get the picture that I was not at all pleased with the movie...
but here's the clincher.

Like I said in the beginning, I didn't even plan on seeing the movie. But, during the day Friday, I was out running errands. My local Christian radio station was having a live broadcast at the theater.... promoting THIS FILM!
I then started considering watching it. Not only that, the DJ said, everyone who has walked out after seeing it, has LOVED it!
So now, I am thinking... ok, ok... maybe it's not so bad, so a friend of mine and I go watch it Friday night.

Now... here is my deal.
I'm a Christian. I am saved, blood bought, redeemed by the blood. I live by faith. It's not by works.
I am supposed to be separate from the world, not of the world, right???
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Then why is this movie so offensive to me and so many others enjoyed it?!?!

I can expect Hollywood to throw things into a movie... people are rich on smut. Films are put out everyday with things that NO ONE should watch, much less people who are supposed to be set apart.

Now don't get the idea that I am Miss Goody-2-shoes and I think I am Holier-than-thou. Forget it. I very much like Paul when he stated that he was "The chief of sinners"
1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

That's exactly how I feel.... but honestly, it doesn't give us the right to just keep on sinning. Keep on doing the things that we know we shouldn't.
We are to turn away.
I'll close with one of my favorite verses and one that rings true for this topic,

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8

Ppppp PITA

2012-01-12T15:51:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to incorporate more 'life learning' into our children's homeschool experiences. I want my kids to have plenty of *book learnin* ~wink, wink~ but I want them to know how to DO things as well!
So... you know I have been quite gung ho about making all of our meals, from scratch and trying to stay away from processed foods as much as possible.

To do this, it takes planning. I have been keeping on my toes to make sure I can accomplish this task I have set before us.

On Tuesday night, I mixed up our Chicken Salad.
I cooked chicken breasts in the crockpot all day and by that evening they were ready to be shredded.
I added a mayo and whip cream mixture to the chicken and then added halved grapes and walnuts. Salt slightly.

For the Pita's, the children followed this link.
What we ended up with was pretty fantastic.

Best of all, the kids were able to witness what we were doing, they got to get their hands in the dough, *and who doesn't love that?* and I was teaching them how to do things themselves, while spending time together!!
LOVE!
This will be something we try again for sure, hope you enjoy!

The Awe Factor...

2012-01-11T07:16:00.001-05:00

I am reading this book...

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

It is challenging me. Changing me. Making me look more at my Creator and less of me. I want my life to radiate His love! The following video is one that he (Francis Chan) recommends to watch right off in the book to get you in the mindset that, we are so small and God is SO big, but He loves us anyways. Can you wrap your mind around that?!! I mean, really?!?!
The God who created ALL this for His Glory, LOVES you and me.
Wow...
We do really need to be reminded of the Awe Factor of God!

Healthy, Yummy, and Quick

2012-01-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to re-vamp my lunch time menu. Like I told you a few posts back, I am trying to get away from the grocery and trying to get my family back in the habit of eating things that are healthy and delicious.

For an example...
Today we are having Baked Chicken, Side Salad and Sweet Potato Fries!
Doesn't that sound delicious?

I saw this picture on Pinterest and it sparked me to use my sweet potatoes as fries instead of baking them.

Here's what I did.
I browned a little butter in my cast iron skillet. I cut up my sweet potatoes and gave them a quick fry in my browned butter. After a few minutes I gave them a little sprinkle of salt, sugar and cinnamon.
I turned down the heat and placed a cover over the skillet so that the potatoes would soften a bit.

The kids ate theirs plain with no dipping sauce.
I used a spicy ranch for mine!

It's a great alternative to some of the quick meals we have been having and it is something that won't weigh us down for our afternoon lessons.

What's your favorite quick and healthy lunch?

Artisan Bread in a Dutch Oven

2012-01-05T09:06:00.001-05:00

A few weeks back a friend of mine came over for a while and showed me her way of making bread. It was wonderful and now has been adopted as the 'go-to' recipe to make with dinner for our family.
It is from the book Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day

Here's the recipe:
3 cups lukewarm water
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated yeast (1 1/2 packets)
1 1/2 tablespoons of kosher or other coarse salt
6 1/2 cups unsifted, unbleached, all-purpose white flour, measured with the scoop and sweep method
*** for the large bread in the dutch oven above, I substituted half hard red wheat flour and half white***

Mix water with yeast and salt in a 5 quart bowl or food grade container. Mix in flour until incorporated, but don't knead. Cover with plastic wrap.
Let sit in container for several hours while it rises.
Then transfer to refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 12 days.

When you are ready for baking, take out your container and sprinkle the top with flour. Pull up a grapefruit size portion of dough and saw off with a serrated knife.
*** Using this method, you will make 4 loaves***

Form the dough into a ball, tucking under the edges and then let it rest for about half an hour. DON'T KNEAD!
*** NOTE! For the dutch oven bread I used all the dough in my container. I won't do that next time. For although it turned out nicely, I believe I should have halved the dough, for it ended up a bit heavy.***

Meanwhile heat your oven to 450*- 500* with your dutch oven inside getting mighty hot!
Once your resting time is over, gently toss your dough into the inside of the HOT dutch oven, place the lid on and put inside oven. DO NOT OPEN DOOR!
Also, please be aware of your dutch oven's capabilities. If your oven has a limit on the heat, please don't disregard that!! 450* is the max for my Lodge Dutch oven
Bake for about 30 minutes.

Now, open oven and remove lid carefully!
Bake another 20 minutes until nicely browned.

There you go!
I hope you enjoy, I know we are!
Another handy tip... this bread makes great bread bowls! We gutted the bread and made a bread bowl for spinach dip through the holidays. It was VERY yummy!

Outback's Alice Springs Chicken... at Home!

2012-01-04T12:21:00.004-05:00

Recently while browsing around pinterest, I spied a delicious idea that sent me into a memory...

When my husband and I were first married, we were given a gift card to Outback Steakhouse. For the first time, I tried Alice Springs Chicken while on a date with my wonderful newlywed hubby.

It was delightful.
While being reminded of this sweet memory, I decided... let's make this at home!

Here's how I did it.

Alice Springs Chicken

Honey Mustard (which I made by mixing mayo, regular mustard, honey, onion flakes and paprika)
Bacon
Chicken Breasts
Seasoned Salt
Mushrooms
Olives
Cheese

I first took my cast iron skillet and cooked my bacon. I used a 1/2 lb. (I had this left over from Monday night's potato soup)
Once bacon was finished, I used the leftover bacon grease and took the chicken breasts sprinkled with season salt and cooked the chicken breasts.
Once the chicken was thoroughly cooked, I spread honey mustard on both sides of the chicken and placed in a 9x13 baker.
Once I had all my chicken in my baker, I sliced mushrooms and olives (just cause I had some available) and sprinkled them on the top of the chicken.
Then I placed the bacon on top of the mushrooms, and finally cover with cheese.

Bake at 350* until cheese is melty and everything is warmed through completely.
Enjoy your meal!

The Creation Museum

2012-01-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

Right after Christmas, my family and I took a trip with our youth department to The Creation Museum. We started following the progress of the museum back when it was just a thought. Then it was finished, but we didn't go for the opening year...
Finally though... we made it there!
And boy was it worth it!

I was so impressed by the museum. It is beautiful! Truly beautiful.
Such detail and information every way you turn. It was so faith building and affirming. I thought it was the BEST trip we have ever taken.

It was a very nice day, it was cold, but not freezing, so we were able to visit the petting zoo and walk around the pond and beautiful grounds.
One of the best parts was going back to the museum for Christmas Town on New Year's Eve!

If you have been, you know of what I speak! It was wonderful.
If you haven't been... make plans to go. It was outstanding!

Out with the old... in with new, old...

2012-01-02T13:27:00.000-05:00

I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants and enjoys the *fresh* start that comes with January. Everything seems to be clean and ready for a new beginning.
Decorations are taken down, house has been cleaned from the rearranging...
I feel that I'm ready to take the bull by the horns, so to speak and give things a try.

So, what I'm getting at is this...
A while back I was much more disciplined than I have been recently.
I have allowed ease to run back into our lifestyle and I believe my family's health has suffered.

So today as everything is being cleaned up from our trip (I will tell you about that soon!!) and our lives are switching back into gear, I am putting on a big pot of homemade soup and some crusty bread for our supper.

Have I ever told you how I make my potato soup?
Let's talk about it...
it's so warm, yummy and is a favorite of our family.

Start off with about a half pound of bacon and a chopped onion.
Put it in the stock pot or dutch oven and cook til bacon is done and onion is translucent.
Meanwhile, chop up about 8 medium/large potatoes.
Once bacon was cooked I took about a pint of home-canned chicken stock and used it to scrape up all the goodness off the bottom of my pan. I added my potatoes and then coved with milk.
Let that cook slowly until potatoes are cooked tender.
Now is where you can stick with what you have or 'doctor' it up as we say.
I like to mash my potatoes up a bit and then I add some creamed corn, about 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and onion powder.
I add about a cup of cream at the very end.
Mix it all up well, taste and add your salt and pepper.
Serve with crusty bread or some yummy cornbread. We like BOTH!
You can even throw on some shredded cheese. Mmmm

Isn't my pot lovely? It was a Christmas gift and I LOVE it!!!

Bread on the rise... one of my favorite things! :)

What are the things I am wanting to get back to or begin?

Staying away from the grocery store. I want to make, grow or produce as much as I can around here. What I can't I hope to buy in bulk from a local farmer or from a dependable, sustainable source.
I want to be careful of how we spend the money my husband earns...
I want to make sure we include our kids in what we do. Making sure they know why we may stray from the conventional and teach them to enjoy and respect farming.
Our root cellar is needing some attention. I hope to fix it and then stock it WELL!
I hope to mend our fences, and make our barnyard a nicer place to be for our animals.
I would love to build a small barn.
I want to at least double our garden this year, growing a bigger variety of vegetables and learning how to preserve them all as much as possible.
I want to lose about 10 lbs a month. I think that seems doable. I plan on doing that by cutting down my calorie intake, being more active and saying no to soft drinks and seconds!

Of course there are more things, these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Here's hoping for a good start to our new plans.

Have a great new year my friends!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T10:08:00.003-05:00

From our home to yours...
Merry, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-22T11:06:00.002-05:00

Among one of the most favorite of traditions around the homestead is Christmas cards. The children and I eagerly await the mailman. Such enthusiasm when we are the one that gets to collect the days treasures.
Christmas cards are a bother to some, but to me... they are a treasure. It means that someone cared enough to send a greeting to our family. And I feel the same, when I send one, it is filled with love as it goes out into the world.
I have said this before... My Nannie Red used to say it, My Moma says it and now I say it.
If someone loves you or thinks enough of you to send a Christmas card, then you think enough of them and display it somewhere in your home.
And, that is just what we do!

Along the cedar posts in our home, lined with garland hangs our Christmas cards.
Each one special and hold a place of honor in our home.

They make me smile, each time I look at them it feels me with special thoughts and thankfulness for those who loved us enough to send one our way.
So to those of you who have...
Thank you and know we are grateful for your kindness!

Merry, Merry!

Remembering Christmas...

2011-12-21T11:46:00.001-05:00

I have had some requests from friends of things we have created and baked in Christmases pasts...
here are some of our favorites with links to correspond.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

3-D Snowflakes

Paper Stars

Snow Cream.... sigh, if only we had a lovely snow this year, like we did last year!

The Advent Calendar I made my Sister.

And, last but not least...

Moma's favorite cookie

May you have the merriest of days!
Much Love...

This moment 12-16-11...

2011-12-16T14:04:00.003-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . .

Inspired by... Soulemama

Tis the season...

2011-12-15T06:30:00.000-05:00

As we inch closer to blessed Christmas each day, there are things that are traditions here at the homestead... things that are special to our family.

cups of hot chocolate on cold wintry days
snuggles and quilts while reading together
games, oh the games that are played during this chilly season
music... always music
citrus, what a blessing to have excellent fruits in abundance
scarves, toboggans and mittens, oh my! The winter basket is full
Christmas plays at church
breaks from formal lessons
learning, we may be breaking from formal lessons... but we're always learning
gingerbread houses
ornament making
elving (making, giving and or wrapping gifts)
candlelight in the evening
stockings
Christmas crafting
picture taking

Wishing you the Merriest of seasons!

How-To Class #2, Baking and Decorating 101

2011-12-14T06:56:00.002-05:00

Being that we are right upon 'the most wonderful time of the year'... my friend had a good idea and we decided that baking and decorating would be just right for our how-to class this week.

We made up a batch of sugar cookies, which were probably the *best* I have ever tried.
And then we made up some mock royal icing.
Really easy and works great!
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Mix to the consistency you desire adding more milk if necessary.
Separate into bowls and tint.

Carlie Jean, my little crafty child worked so diligently and carefully trying to make the cookies look just like the shape they were cut into.
Everyone had their own idea of how they wanted to decorate.

Striped.

Marbled.

Dotted.

Sprinkled.

Completely covered.... lol!

Such uniqueness from each child.

In the rush of this season, I hope we remember to stop and make memories along the way... you may have many more Christmas seasons ahead of you, but you will never have this one again.
Make the most of it!
Merry, Merry!

Christmas Crafting 2011

2011-12-09T10:49:00.001-05:00

I am sure you have seen Martha's No Knit Scarf floating around the internet. Well, let me tell you... it was so much fun! I made one this morning while the kids were doing their independent lessons and it was a pleasure. Just like making those friendship bracelets that we used to make... remember? :) Just like that... only HUGE!

I taped it right down the center of our school table and the children sat around the edges as normal. It was nice.

Here's a lovely mannequin modeling the finished project.

Here's a frumpy Moma modeling a closer up view of the finished scarf.

I love how it turned out and I think it will make a nice ~~Christmas~~ I mean, birthday present for one of my sweet friends today!

Hope you enjoy your weekend.
16 days til Christmas!!!

Merry, Merry!

****And when she says start with 140 inches in length... start with at least 140 inches. I did and I really wish I had went with 160-180. It turned out slightly shorter than I would have liked.

Homeschool Christmas Party

2011-12-08T14:58:00.001-05:00

As a surprise to the children, we were able to attend a Homeschool Christmas party.
The kids had a blast, even though a couple were shy to begin with...

Look! So many bright, beautiful faces!
Four of those I especially love!
*swoon* gushy Moma love!
A wonderful variety of ages and so much fun seeing the youngers and the olders playing and enjoying one another.

A tender moment of seeing my *baby* playing so sweetly with a real baby. :)

Girls game.

Passel of boys...

My two youngest enjoying some cookie decorating.
So fun and so yummy!

Many of the photos you see were snapped *of course* by Carlie Jean... I really like the fuzzy picture of Cameo above. She is beautiful even when the pic is blurry.
*sigh* I love my kids!

Our First Homeschool How-To Class

2011-12-07T08:49:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine and I discussed having a day where we learn how to make herbal remedies, salves and such. We had our first lesson yesterday and it went over really well.
We started out easy and used something that I already knew how to do.
Elderberry Syrup
I printed out some facts about Elderberries and what they are good for... why they would be good for a homemade medicine.
We believe God designed everything we need. Certain herbs are good for certain troubles. Being that we are going into cold/cough/flu scene we thought something that would be good for boosting immune systems and helping with a nasty cough would be the perfect first project.
We started off by using 3 cups of water and 1 cup of berries.
After an hour of cooking, we strained the berries and added 1 1/2 cup honey to the juice.
Simmer the mixture until honey is completely dissolved.
Add 1 tablespoon of brandy or vodka to make it shelf stable, or omit the alcohol and keep in fridge.

Pour into your own container, make a groovy label and your ready to keep the cold and flu season at bay!

Here are some in action pictures...

We are very much looking forward to our next class, stay tuned!

Ringing in CHRISTmas

2011-12-05T11:02:00.001-05:00

Last night was our annual Christmas Cantata.
Let me say, it was the most beautiful cantata I have ever heard.
The church looked beautiful and festive.
The Lord moved in a special way and it was such a worshipful service.

May God bless you during this special time as we celebrate His birth.
The birthday of our King!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Serendipity

2011-12-02T07:29:00.001-05:00

Not long after I posted this pin on Pinterest...

... Did I find this beauty at one of my favorite local thrift stores!

Love!!!
Here is a terrible closeup of the lovely detail of this ornament

Hoping you find treasures in unlikely places too!
Merry, Merry!

Ooshy, Gooshy Chore-time

2011-11-30T10:52:00.001-05:00

Around here, even when it gets chilly... we still have chores.
Mamie and the ladies have to eat!
So with muckboots and oftentimes PJ's *wink* we set off to tend to the animals.

We are greeted eagerly from our furry and feathered friends.

Yes, we do have some naughty birds that fly over the fence. Soo, that is why some are out with us and some are inside the fence as is proper. :)

Chore-time doesn't last long these days because of the chilly temps. Eagerly they rush inside pleading for Moma to put the kettle on for a cup of hot chocolate... and I usually do.

Spicy Ornaments

2011-11-29T07:18:00.001-05:00

As the children and I have been reading more and more about the early explorers, we see each and every time just how important spices were and are! These explorers were willing to risk everything for spices... well, and gold... of course.
They are still a pretty hot commodity today. Just to make this next craft to go along with our lesson, a small bottle of whole cloves was 5 bucks! Spices are very valuable around our house.

The timing worked out perfectly being that we have our tree up for Christmas, so that when the children are finished we will hang them on the tree.
I gave each child a small styrofoam ball and a handful of cloves. They had the freedom of decorating the ball any way they wish with their cloves.

Abram decided to add cloves and then paint his ornament with his favorite color... red.

Cameo went for some faux snow to liven up her spice ball.

The smells were heavenly and we are eager to hang these on our tree once dry.

I went for straight up cloves. I love the smell.
Tomorrows spice?
Cinnamon!
Yum!
Have a lovely day, my friends!

Thanksgiving through Carlie's Eyes...

2011-11-28T07:34:00.001-05:00

My little dumplin who is *7* already, still loves to borrow my camera and take pictures from her perspective. Oftentimes, I let her... because there is some things I don't catch.
Here are some shots from our day...
First off, I took this picture of her and my newest little niece Katie. Squishy baby! awwww....

The rest belong to Carlie.

I think this one is great because it really captures the goings on of the day... bustling about getting dinner on the table, talking, laughing...

Picture of some of the boys... out being boys, climbing, finding sticks to use as swords and arrows...

More boys with sticks, 2 of my adorable nephews and one of my precious sons

Eli, concocting a plan with his best pal, Logan.

Blurry, but sweet picture of Uncle Tyler with Katie bug

Cameo and Katie...

Really pretty picture of the baby swing :)

Grandmaw and Papaw's beautiful Christmas Tree and Famous Family Stockings... There is a stocking for every member of the family. LOVE!
I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Favorite: Sweet Potato Casserole

2011-11-24T04:56:00.001-05:00

Every year, we have Thanksgiving at my Mom's house. Every year, one item on my list to make is Sweet Potato Casserole. I remember as a kid going to my Nannie Red's that most every year, each sister or sister-n-law pretty much brought the same thing. It was tradition.
My Aunt Denise or Aunt Nici as I call her was the one to always bring the Sweet Potato Casserole.
My little brother Tyler will eat this for dessert as well as with his meal.

Here's how I make it... feel free to use substitutions if needed, but honestly real sweet potatoes and real butter and cream make it awesome!

Sweet Potato Casserole
About 5 large sweet potatoes boiled, drained and mashed
(that equals about 30ish ounces of sweet potatoes if you want to use one of the big cans)
1 stick of butter, (melted)
2 large eggs, (beaten)
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cream, (evaporated milk can work)
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350*
Mash potatoes and mix with butter, eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla. Put into 9X13 baker. You can use smaller, but everyone seems to like it when I use a larger pan so there is more yummy topping.

Topping:
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 stick butter

Mix sugar and flour, add butter til mixture is crumbly. Add pecans and crumble over top of casserole.
Cover and bake at 350* 40-50 minutes. Sweet potato mixture will set up and top will become melt and form crust.

May your Thanksgiving table be blessed with this recipe and may your day be enjoyed with the ones you hold most dear!

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving, friends!!

Going to Eddie's

2011-11-21T08:26:00.001-05:00

For the last several years, I have heard people in our neck of the woods talk about going to Eddie's. It is a little shoppe that opens early in November and goes through Christmas day. I had NO idea just what I was in store for... honestly. It was what we people around here drive to Gatlinburg to see. Seriously, it was amazing, and being able to go with my Mom and my Sister made it perfect!

Walking into a winter wonderland. Christmas trees are my thing. I love seeing them. I feel like Buddy the Elf when he walks through New York with Josie and finds the biggest trees. Awww...

See what I mean??? This store is truly amazing!

198 trees were up when we went a couple of weeks ago. Each one unique and interesting.

A lime green grinch tree?!?! Whoa!

And there's the wreath! Love!

Stunning, really!
So if you are close to Henegar, AL. You really need to go by Eddie's. Even if it is just for a simple walk through. You won't be sorry!

Cinnamon Roll Waffles

2011-11-18T08:27:00.001-05:00

This morning I tried out something new with my family. I knew that we were going to be extra busy this weekend so I went ahead and picked out something easy and fast for the family for breakfast.
I bought several packs of cinnamon rolls out of the dairy section of the grocery store.
Instead of baking them in the oven, I decided to put them in the waffle maker. I saw this online recently and thought it looked like a good idea.
Take your cinnamon rolls
Flatten slightly
Put one in each of the four squares of your waffle maker.
Press flat and wait for the green light.
Use your icing for the 'syrup'
Eat while warm...
Enjoy!!

The Children's Ornaments

2011-11-17T06:20:00.001-05:00

Around here at Heritage Acres Homestead, we have a tradition. Each year as the stores begin to bring out the Christmas decorations, the children and I pick out one new ornament for the tree for each family member. Our tree is simple, not elaborate. It has ornaments back from when Shannon was a little boy. It has ornaments that I made back before I was ever Mommy or Wifey. It has shiny ornaments and plain ones. Traditional and unusual ones.
The more I have been thinking, I think next year we will start making each years ornaments instead of buying. I don't know why we haven't done this before now, but until then... here is a parade of the children's ornament choices from this year.

Abram chose this ornament. I have looked over his choices for the past 6 years and I believe this is the first year he did not choose a red ornament. So it was interesting to see this choice for him.

Not surprisingly, this is Carlie Jean's choice.
Every. single. year. this daughter of mine picks out the shiniest ornament she finds. This ornament is an odd blue and turquoise stocking filled with goodies. If you want to know which ornaments on our tree are Carlie's choice... just look for the glitter. haha

It's so neat to see just how the patterns emerge when I get to look at each years ornaments.
Cameo chose this one. A sweet little rustic reindeer. Again, Cameo has many reindeer on the tree. Not all are rustic. Some are shiny, some have glitter, but the majority of her choices are reindeer.

And here's Eli's.
A hunting Santa Clause with his gun and his trusty hunting dog. Eli is probably my most varied of the children. He doesn't have a set pattern for his choices. Probably because this is the first hunting ornament he has found, and probably because they don't make many in civil war costumes. LOL

As for me, I didn't take a picture of mine, but I normally choose a tree.
Yep, for me the Christmas tree has to be my favorite. This year Cameo actually helped me choose by finding a Moma Reindeer that had a dress that looked like a Christmas tree. My favorite and her favorite... who wudda thunk it? :)

So, this is one of our favorite traditions.
What about you? Do you have a tradition that you look forward to each year?

The Science Museum Field Trip

2011-11-16T08:19:00.001-05:00

On Monday, we and our homeschooling friends took a trip to Tellus Science Museum. It is a bit of a drive for us, but it was a fun time and our company was fabulous.

It was a very interesting muesum. They have their own planetarium, they have at least four different rooms of exhibits. Minerals, fossils, aeronautics, and the big backyard. We attended a 2 hour long class in which the children talked about fossils, how they were formed. They identified fossils, they made molds.

They did rubbings and were able to go to an indoor fossil dig.

Of course this was not a Biblical Museum, so we got the usual "millions and billions" talk. Which is ok, simply because each one of our children gave me a knowing look as it happened. It can sometimes get frustrating when people cannot accept that yes, all these things did happen... as God planned.
Yes, we can find HUGE fish fossils in Kansas... because God sent a world wide flood. Yes, we find these on mountains, in deserts, in valleys... all because God covered the earth with water during the flood.

We were able to play with magnets, with solar energy, with sound waves.

The mineral exhibit was really nice.

We were able to pan for gems, which of course was lots of fun and pretty messy! :)

It was an excellent day. We learned a lot, we got to get hands on with many exhibits and we were able to spend some time with friends.
A+ day.

Happenings...

2011-11-08T06:27:00.000-05:00

Since my absence, we have had some milestones pass... Eli turned 9!

Abram spent his first weekend at Boy Scout Camp with Eli and Shannon.

One of the very few *not so great* pictures before the batteries died on their campout.

Carlie Jean became an official American Heritage Girl!

The civil war was reenacted...

Homemade bird-feeders were constructed.

Our Christmas tree made its 2011 appearance!

Oh, and I had a birthday too! ;)

All in all... life went on... rapidly.

But, I want to make sure to thank you guys for sending me your sweet emails and messages just saying hi or is everything ok? They really made me feel special. Thanks so much!

Homemade Convenience Foods: Hot Chocolate

2011-11-07T07:44:00.001-05:00

Good morning, my friends!!
Sorry to have stepped away for so long. I planned on coming back and each day just seemed to push on and on til here we are almost a month later.
We are now in the thick of my most favorite time of the year and as the weather is definitely turning quite cool around here, my children are requesting their daily dose of hot chocolate during our morning hours of school once chores are completed. They come in with little pink noses and soft rosy cheeks, pulling off the gloves and toboggans eager to see if Moma has something to warm them to their toes.

I actually did break down and buy one box of instant cocoa a week or so ago... lemme just say, blech!
So I decided to get out a big jar and make up some to have on hand.
This is how easy it is...

I've got it put in a pickle (gallon) jar so we have some ready when friends come calling, feel free to cut it down if you don't expect to use so much.

For Hot Chocolate:

7 cups sugar
5 cups cocoa
2 tablespoons of salt
Mix this together throughly.

All you do is add this to warm milk about 2 tablespoons at a time.

For Hot Cocoa:

3 cups cocoa
4 1/2 cups sugar
6 1/2 cups powdered milk
1/3 tsp salt
Mix together throughly.

Add to hot water about 2 tablespoons at a time.

I hope you enjoy this easy way to keep your children, your guests, and yourselves warm and toasty on those chilly mornings ahead.

Enjoy!

My Mamie Girl

2011-10-12T10:39:00.001-04:00

I know that our blog is titled Heritage Acres Homestead... and it is! Haha, lately it has been ALL about our Heritage Acres Homeschool. Truly homeschooling is in full swing around here (we are already in week 6) WOW, but we still do live on a little homestead and are still loving our life.
Mamie girl is doing dandy. She is becoming more vivacious like she used to be. I am SO happy about that.
She has been so lively and it tickles me, because she was so solemn and withdrawn after the attack.
She is a funny girl. We have mended the fence that goes into the chicken yard because she was going in the chicken coop and leaning against the wire and scratching herself. This was making the wire break and bow. She is not happy that she has been limited to the big acre pasture. Silly girl... for some reason she LOVED going inside the chicken coop. I suppose it is because when she first came to be with us that is where she stayed.
We were thinking about breeding her. We still are... but right now is not going to work. Things have been so crazy busy for us, we are GOING to have to make some times to sit down and re-think our plans and make some changes.
So, just for fun... here are some older pictures of our Mamie Girl.

Being Michelangelo...

2011-10-11T10:07:00.001-04:00

In our studies, we are doing chronological history. Meaning we began at Creation and are going straight through, learning Biblical history alongside secular history as it happened.

Right now, we are in the heart of the Renaissance.

We have talked about Leonardo da Vinci, the Medici family, we have talked about Savonarola and so many others.

Of course if you learn about Michelangelo... you are going to learn about one of his most famous works, The Sistine Chapel

One of the best ways to have my children learn is for them to 'do'.

So... we worked on our own Sistine Chapel. Except, we didn't draw muscled up figures, haha... the children were welcome to draw whatever they wanted.

We lined the underneath of our school table with copy paper.
Each one had their own section and then they went to work.

Some of the pictures beginning to emerge...

Carlie's view of Earth

Eli's pirate battle in it's beginning form...

Abram's excavators and rainbow

Cameo began by making the page look a bit more distressed.
And last but not least...
I have to put this on here, but a bit of information first.
We don't study nude art. Our feeling on the matter is that yes, the human body is amazing... but we don't consider naked pictures, sculptures or any of the like to be any different than any other pornography.
That is OUR opinion, I didn't say it was yours. Just sayin ;)
Anyways, we did view a picture of the David, but we viewed it with a privacy cloth covering the exposed area.
Carlie decided to draw her own interpretation of him...

HAHAHAHAHA...
It cracks me right up and I hope you can see the humor also.
Have a great day friends, and don't forget to laugh.

10 simple things...

2011-10-05T09:16:00.000-04:00

10 simple things...
Amanda encouraged me to think of 10 simple things that I am enjoying right now...

foods from our garden tucked nicely away in the pantry
a table full of excited learning
sweaters, scarves, gloves and toboggans being pulled out for the year
fresh eggs still making it to our table
quiet hour
being able to be home all. day. long.
little ones learning the piano
a hard working husband who is happy to come home to his family
answered prayers
our cozy home

Yes... these are 10 really good things.

Chicken Stock-Canned!

2011-10-04T09:48:00.000-04:00

I am so excited... This morning I canned up my first chicken stock!
I was able to get some all natural, antibiotic free, hormone free, free-range chicken! Yay!
I roasted it first and picked the meat for some of our meals.
Then I took the bones, some onions and carrots and water and put it in the crockpot and let it go on low for at least 24 hours.
It got nicely amber.

I've posted about making chicken stock before... if you want to see step by step you can go here.
Chicken Stock 1, Chicken Stock 2
With the times previous, I just froze the stock or kept it in the fridge for a while until I used it because I didn't have a pressure canner.
Thankfully though, over the summer I was greatly blessed with a pressure canner and now, my stock can be canned and put by on my pantry shelf.

I am grateful for one more thing that we can make ourselves and that will taste SO much better stirred into our soups, stews, rice, etc. Chicken stock is satisfying and simple.
Give it a try!

Birding 101

2011-10-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

Last week, the children and I started working on a project for Biology. We have made a 'birding' station right outside our bay window in the school room.
We filled and hung feeders.

We made and hung suet cakes.

We horsed around a bit...

We talked with the out of doors members of our family...

And we made our choices on which feeder would be emptied the quickest.
We used two different types of seed and made our pick.

Now throughout the chilly months ahead we can watch our feathered friends and determine if our theories were correct.

Etsy Lovin for Autumn

2011-09-29T08:37:00.001-04:00

I was browsing around Etsy early this morning, and these are some of the lovely Autumn finds...

So cute I could pinch the little one who might wear this. I love it! Wish they had one in Carlie's size!

I love bunting. I think I might have to make one for us. Too cute!

I love this, I think it would be pretty on my bed.

Autumnal colors, pumpkins, patchwork.
LOVE!

Isn't this purse beautiful?

And I just think he is too cute!
Etsy is so inspiring.
Good thing I don't have any money in my paypal acct right now. I might want to go shopping!
Have a great day friends!

Sometimes...

2011-09-28T07:06:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, real life just keeps on pounding on your door and you walk in to find your hot water heater busted.
Yeah. That happened.

Then you have to work long into the evening to get things moved just to take out said water heater out of the smallish pantry.

And stuff gets piled into the homeschool room to make room.

Life is tough sometimes.

But I know that even when life is tough, my God is still sooooo very good.
I don't know why He allowed that to happen when we were planning on going on visitation yesterday evening. I don't know... but He does, and His ways are far better than my own.
So through the frustration and a few tears, I admitted to Him that I love Him and trust Him and I am sorry for my whines.

I'm glad to know that He is always quick to listen!

Have a wonderful day, my friends!!!
xoxo

In Real Life...

2011-09-26T11:54:00.002-04:00

I don't know about y'all, but around here... we live in real life.
Sometimes it's beautiful. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's messy and you just want to have a do-over.

In real life, kitchens get messy.
In real life, Mommy and Daddy get mad at one another.
In real life, children bicker and pout.
In real life, sometimes all you can do is cry.
In real life, you just feel like going back to bed...
In real life, you know what you should do, and sometimes you don't do it.

And that's just about how our weekend looked.
Yep, we live in real life.
But... in real life we have

Forgiveness.
We have teamwork.
We have do-overs.
We have I'm sorry.
We have kisses.
We have hugs.
We have love.

This weekend was one that was not one we wish to do over, but thankfully we all know that we are a family. We are in this for the long haul. We love each other too much to quit.
Gratefully, we do live in real life and even when things get tough... we remember that God built this family and we will do whatever it takes to live, love and laugh... here in our real life.

I love this sign (via pinterest) and I think it fits us perfectly!

It's FALL Y'all!

2011-09-23T14:54:00.001-04:00

Happy First Day of FALL!
I hope it feels as wonderful at your homestead as it does here at ours. It is a little overcast and dreary. I love it! It feels amazing...
So for today's post, I am going to post some of my favorite fall decoration pictures from Pinterest and at the end there is a link to a recipe!

I love the above picture. I think it is wonderfully folksy and primitive.

I love this picture. It is such an amazing idea for a simple and beautiful table setting and centerpiece.

Here's the yummy treat mix. I think I will have to make a batch of this for my visitors that I have on Friday nights. :)
Here's the recipe link Fall Treat Mix

In 14 and 92...

2011-09-21T08:39:00.002-04:00

I love what homeschooling brings to the table...
I remember when we studied Christopher Columbus in school it was pretty straight forward.
He sailed, he got somewhere that he didn't expect, he was rewarded.
Yadda, yadda, yadda... we all remember that.
Well, little did I know that there is a conspiracy theory over the whole event. Yes, it could have happened just like we remember, or it could have been that he was a spy from King John II of Portugal. Now that throws a new twist on the whole matter!

(Abram thought if it was the ocean a shark needed to be added to the mix!)

Just a little taste of what we have been talking about around here for the past few days.
Along with the talk of Cristobal Colon (his real name) we made our own version of the ocean and our Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria.
This ocean water, I have to say is MUCH tastier than the real stuff. LOL

Another aspect is the food that they had to try to keep and ration on their trip.
Yeah, gross things happens when food sets for too long...

Hardtack sometimes gets worms... eewww.
You can almost see in the faces who didn't care about the worms and who kinda grossed themselves out trying to imagine the real thing.

I love incorporating little things to make lessons come alive in the kids minds. Have I told you? To this day, the Phonecians are still one of the most vivid lessons they remember???

3rd Field Trip of our 2011/2012 Homeschool Year

2011-09-15T06:34:00.000-04:00

As you can guess from the picture above, our 3rd field trip was to the Police Department. Like I said about the trip to the fire department, we are trying to earn our achievements for Scouts as well as have some great field trips for homeschool too.
Thankfully another friend of mine works for the police department and was happy to give the kids a tour and answer their endless questions.

Abram's arms are so tiny that even on the smallest setting he slipped right out of the handcuffs. LOL!

I told the kids that THIS is the only time I want to EVER see them in the back of a police car... haha.

It sure is nice to have such great friends who are willing to give of their time to further my children's education. Thank you guys!!!

Stained Glass Leaves

2011-09-14T09:53:00.002-04:00

This morning when the children came to the schoolroom, I wanted to give them a fun project as we are getting ready to welcome in the first official day of fall next week!

We used the simple crayons and wax paper method.
Breaking up the crayons in a little plastic baggy.

Melting the crayons between the sheets of wax paper with a warm iron.

Then tracing a leaf onto the wax paper and cutting it out.

What a happy addition to our little home!

2nd Field Trip of our 2011/2012 Homeschool Year

2011-09-13T08:37:00.000-04:00

Our 2nd field trip took us to our local Fire Department. We knew that with Abram just joining scouts that he would have to have a trip to the fire department as one of his requirements for his Tiger badge. Thankfully, I have friends that work there and we were able to set up a trip.
The kids LOVED it. They asked tons of questions once they got over their initial shyness. They continued asking questions after they left and every once in a while, I will get another question out of the blue. We are going to have to write them down. haha

They saw the equipment that was carried on each truck.
The gear the firemen have to wear to be safe.

The different type of trucks. It was really neat.

They were able to sit in the trucks and have their picture made... which made their day!

Another great, educational and fun field trip under our belts.

The first field trip of 2011/2012 Homeschool Year

2011-09-12T06:58:00.000-04:00

Homeschooling is such a blessing to me. I love it. I look forward to it daily. When I was planning for our new year, I was thinking... what do I want to make sure to do this year besides the necessary? One was, add more field trips.
I believe we may be off to a good start, because we have had 3 field trips so far and we are just beginning our year.
Our first trip was to Jay's Garden Variety. It is an organic farm that isn't too far away from us. It was great seeing just how the farm works and how they go about their farming opposed to the conventional.

The muscadines above were amazing. We were allowed to try them. So firm and sweet. I really want to get some vines for our homestead. I keep thinking of muscadine cider. Mmmm.

Abram taking a bit of a rest... it was terribly hot that day. I had two cases of water in our cooler and the kids went through all of it during that morning!

One of my absolute most favorite things is that our older children work alongside our younger. This is such a blessing. Seeing the interaction and the older and the younger enjoying one another is wonderful.

Taking a little rest beside the lake that waters their farm. Such a nice field trip...

Have a wonderful day my friends and remember to enjoy every minute!

Homemade Convenience Foods: Salted Caramel Mocha

2011-09-09T16:51:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I the Pumpkin Spice Latte is yum-o... and then I heard about another one of Starbucks seasonal drinks. A Salted Caramel Mocha. Well, of course I had to try it at home. I haven't been to Starbucks to try it out for myself, but I did make this recipe at home and it was delicious!
Here's how I made it...

I made a pot for all three of my coffee drinkers around here. Honey, Cameo and myself.
So about 4-5 cups I suppose.

4 cups half and half
2 cups STRONG coffee
6 teaspoons sugar
4 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
4 tablespoons of caramel syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
Pour everything in a pot on the stove and stir until HOT!

Pour into mug, top with sweetened whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce and then sprinkle your mixture of sugar/sea salt (equal parts).

Homemade Convenience Foods: Pumpkin Spice Latte

2011-09-08T07:02:00.001-04:00

I know that I enjoy a good cuppa coffee. Even more so when the weather cools and the trees turn and my favorite season of the year rolls around. Yes, Fall is my MOST favorite time of the year.
With that crispness in the air, a nice hot cup of coffee starts off every morning in the right way. With so many of us trying to save money I thought I would try my own version of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I know there are many pumpkin creamers out there and many of you live next to a coffee shoppe.... but, I found out that we can make our own, enjoy it every bit as much, it can be a bit more healthful and you can save $$$!!!

Start by brewing a pot of STRONG coffee. One that will help those eyelids perk up in the early morning. *wink*
I hardly ever brew anything but a full pot, because we can drink on it most all morning, but you go ahead and adjust to how you like it. If you only want a couple of cups of the latte, just brew a cup of coffee.

Once brewed add a cup of the coffee to a pot on top of the stove.
Add 2 cups milk or if you want it a bit more luxurious add a cup of cream and a cup of milk.
At least 2 teaspoon full of vanilla
Anywhere from 2-6 teaspoons of sugar, or you could try maple syrup, stevia, raw sugar
2 heaping tablespoons full of pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you like.
(This should make about 2 cups of your pumpkin spice latte)

Stir until combined and get everything REALLY hot! Pour in your favorite mug. Dust with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Or get really crazy and add whipped cream and then dust.

So delicious!

Our newly rearranged home

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

As we are enjoying our new homeschool room, I was asked to make sure I posted about where we actually had dinner now. hee hee
We have a dining room, you know... for dining! Yep, that's right!
We can sit down, have a meal. Linger at the table... talk, enjoy, laugh. We have our family devotions around this table and if need be, it can be extra seating for guests.

This was taken yesterday evening... it is dark, but so cozy. It has rained all day for two days straight, and if we weren't desperate for milk, I wouldn't have left the house at... all!!!!

This photo was taken before we switched the chairs around.

To the right of the table is our collage of pictures that is very much *in progress*. I am trying hard to make sure to take more, and better pictures to add soon.
We may have to make some changes here... we are hoping to add a wood heater soon and it looks like this is the wall that will be used. So the family collage will have to go above the couch in the living room if that happens.

Here's what it looks like today.
Now, if you were sitting in the living room the dining area looks like this...

Again, this was taken during the day before we swapped chairs.

As you enter the front door you would see the above.

If you were here visiting with us, you could watch some classic Star Trek with the family.

This is what the other side of the long room looks like. This is our living room.

It's so cozy, so homey... so much... *us*.
I love it and so does the family!
We love our home!

I encourage you... if you are feeling the need for a fresh perspective in your home, try changing your room up a little bit. It really can do wonders! Use your imagination and have fun... it costs nothing but a little hard work.
Have fun!

The new homeschool room

2011-09-06T07:39:00.001-04:00

Last week we went through a major rearrange in our home. Trying our best to make things more efficient and useful. We flip flopped many areas of the house and this was one.
We have always used this area, which used to be our dining room, as our school area. It was just fine, but we had a hard time sometimes because we would try to get things wrapped up when it was time for a meal and then we would either have to clear the table again or we would just eat in the floor. *for real*
Frustrated because I hated having to clear out everytime, my mother suggested that we do some changes.
I am forever grateful, because I LOVE how it turned out.
All of our school books are in one area now, all of our pencils, crayons, maps and craft projects are in the 'homeschool' area! It is so convenient!
If we don't finish a lesson or if we have something laid out that needs a little longer to dry... we don't have to put it up for later or opt for eating on the floor... *wink* :)
It cost us nothing... just some imagination and some hard work.

I'll show you our 'new' dining room tomorrow.

2011-09-05T13:03:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!
As we are celebrating our first day of school on "Labor" day, *wink, wink* we are hoping you are enjoying your day as much as we are!
Have a wonderful week!

Another Digital Scrapbooking Page

2011-09-02T09:45:00.001-04:00

This is really fun! I am looking forward to making more!
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below!
Have a great weekend my friends!

Ditigal Scrapbooking and a Giveaway from My Memories

2011-09-01T08:57:00.002-04:00

I was tickled *yellow* when I was contacted by My Memories to try out their digital scrapbooking kit. I have done paper scrapbooking and it is very enjoyable, but I do love the convenience and options of digital.

I tried my hand and this is my very first page. It came together so quick and easy. I have never even tried digital scrapbooking before and I was so happy with the outcome.... I can safely say, I'm SOLD!

Like I said, I have been wanting to try out digital scrapbooking for a while now and this gave me the golden opportunity to try and love the outcome.
It was so easy and it looks so professional and practically perfect!
The choices are fun and cute! I can't wait for a little more time to try out some more.
But I have a treat for you!!!!

You could win a copy of the Digital Scrapbooking Suite for yourself for FREE!
It's a $40 value!!!

Here's the website, go take a look for yourself!

Wanna know how to win?
Here's what you do...

To enter:
-Check out My Memories website and choose your favorite layout and let me know which one you chose!
- For a second entry, *Like* My Memories on Facebook and let me know
-For a third entry, *Follow* me! :)
-For a fourth, *Follow* My Memories Blog and let me know
-For a fifth, *Like* our page on Facebook!

Please leave separate comments for each entry.

If you don't happen to win, or if you are so excited to try you can hardly wait... go ahead and visit My Memories! As a gift for being a reader of my blog, My Memories is giving you a $10 discount on the My Memories Scrapbooking Software Suite and an extra $10 gift towards anything in the store!
A $20 value!
All you have to do is use this code:
STMMMS94036

So... this is a perfect time to start preserving those memories of yours! Christmas is just around the corner and what a perfect gift for grandparents or family! Your memories displayed beautifully and creatively.
But wait... once you check out My Memories, you will see that they aren't just about scrapbooking! You can make cards, videos, and SOOOO much more!
The giveaway will run through the weekend and the winner will be announced on Monday morning!

Happy Creating!

** Comments are now closed**
Winner is Dodi!
Please contact me for your prize!

Z is for-----

2011-08-31T09:09:00.000-04:00

Zesty-- I can be a bit zesty and spunky in attitude. I enjoy foods that have a zesty, robust flavor.

Zipper-- I love old zippers. One of the sweetest things I ever received in the mail was from a friend in Cali. She sent me a manilla envelope full of old zippers. What a neat gift!

Zealous-- I am know for my zeal. When I become convicted or affirmed of something, I become zealous about such matter. If you ever asked me about Monsanto... you would see just how zealous I can be. *wink* (that gets me a bit riled up)

Y is for-----

2011-08-30T06:04:00.001-04:00

Yellow-- Oh yeah, we covered that yesterday. :)

Youth-- We work in our Youth Ministry at our church and LOVE it! It is such a blessing to teach and to enjoy the young people at our church. Seeing them grow in Christ is a treasure!

Yippee-- I am looking forward to posting about ordinary life again. So, yippee... we are at Y! :)

X is for-----

2011-08-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

Xanthic-- It means Yellow! Yellow is my most favorite color in the whole world!!!! I have a yellow living room/dining room, kitchen and school room. I dream of having a yellow farmhouse. I have a yellow hutch in my house that I bought when I was a young lady of about 18. It is one of my favorite things. Yellow is my color!

Xyloglyphy-- This is one of those things I want to learn...one day! :) I believe wood carving would be a very handy trade to learn. Knowing how to carve wood, you could make so many things if times were hard and you needed them and if times were of plenty you would have a great craft to sell. I am a sucker for wooden bowls and utensils!

Xenodochial-- Hospitality is a character trait. We should all be willing to share our home and invite others in... to share a meal and the love of Jesus. Jesus was a servant and I should be too!

W is for-----

2011-08-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

Wife-- Probably one of my FAVORITE things in the whole world is being a wife. I love it. I love taking care of my husband and family. I love doing special things just for him and making him happy.

Words-- I love words! I enjoy reading and learning new words, ones that expand my vocabulary (in a good way) :) and then using them. When I was younger I used to keep a dictionary in the *ahem* bathroom and I liked to read it... when time allowed. :) tmi??? :) hahah

Work-- Nothing much is better than good hard work. Shannon is an amazing worker, and I try to work hard at my tasks at home. I want to do the best job I can, because I honestly have the BEST job in the world... taking care of my family!!!

V is for----

2011-08-26T07:09:00.000-04:00

Vintage-- I've always been told that I lived in the wrong time. I should have been born in another century. I guess that could be true. I do love the old ways of doing things and I love vintage decorations and antiques.

Virtuous-- My goal
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" Proverbs 31:10

U is for----

2011-08-25T11:53:00.000-04:00

Unique--I'm glad to be unique. I don't want to be a carbon copy of everyone else, and I try my best to get that through to my children too.

Understanding-- I try to be one that is understanding and compassionate to the needs of others.

T is for-----

2011-08-24T09:09:00.000-04:00

Tender-- I have an extremely tender heart and I am moved to tears often. I remember when I was a little girl I would cry about something and my Daddy would say, "It's ok, little tenderheart"

Tough-- Even though I am very tender, I was raised to be tough. It was just my sister and I, so I was raised a bit like the son my parents never had.

Teacher-- before I was married, I was going to college to become a teacher. Now, I have the best of both worlds, I am a mother, wife and teacher!

S is for------

2011-08-23T08:44:00.000-04:00

Simple-- I enjoy the simple things. Simple things, the little things make me happy.

Smile-- I love to smile, smiling's my favorite! (Buddy the Elf)

Sharing-- I enjoy sharing my life here with you each day!

Shannon-- my most favorite S ever. He is the love of my life!

R is for----

2011-08-22T06:15:00.000-04:00

Reader-- I used to read only when I had to. The older I get, the more I find myself reading... what I find as funny though, it's mostly non-fiction.

Real-- I want things and people that are real. I prefer real foods, foods the way God intended them to be. Real people, that are the same no matter where they are.

Raspy-- My voice is not this sweet, bell-like voice. I have a raspy, sometimes gruff voice. I feel like I sound like a man!

Q is for-----

2011-08-20T06:03:00.000-04:00

Quilts-- I adore quilts. Old ones or new. I enjoy looking at the stitching. I have my favorite quilt, and it travels with me if I ever go out of town. I would love to be part of a quilting bee, again!

Quaint-- I love sweet, quaint little homes and towns. Such a cozy and friendly feel.

Quirky-- Compared to most, I imagine I am seen as a bit quirky. I have some oddities about me.

P is for-----

2011-08-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

Prayerful-- One of my greatest desires is to be a woman of prayer. I do pray now, but I want to be one that is a fervently praying for others.

Proud-- I am proud to be the wife of a wonderful, honest husband and a passel of kids. I love them all so dearly and I couldn't be any prouder of them than I already am.

Pounds-- You know... I want to lose these pounds! ugh

Practical-- I love things that are practical. I am a practical gal. I don't buy gadgets that do only one task. I don't buy clothes that we don't need. I like practicality.

O is for------

2011-08-18T05:52:00.000-04:00

Open Spaces-- I would love to live in a wide open space. With no neighbors or paved roads. I would love to have to trek several miles to see another human (except family of course). Plenty of spaces for Mamie, the chickens and the cows to graze. Ahhh, yeah, I can dream! :)

Optimistic-- I really tend to be an optimist. I like the brighter side of things.

Organic-- I don't have our family on a completely organic diet, but one day... :)
I want to grow my veggies and raise our animals just how God intended. And that is NOT with all these antibiotics or growth hormones. ugh

Original-- I know it seems nothing is completely original, but I like to think that I am close. I like to be me and no one else.

N is for-----

2011-08-17T07:52:00.000-04:00

Nightowl-- I really enjoy staying up much later than I should. I like the solitude of the night. Most of my family is in bed and I have a little time alone. Sometimes I can catch up on housework, sometimes I read, sometimes sew, lesson plans... so many things can be accomplished when I am up that late. The only problem is the weariness of the next day.

Nerd-- I am a bit of a nerd I suppose. I am not hip or trendy. I love learning... I really wish I was much smarter than I am.

Nester-- Even when I am not pregnant, I go through these times of nesting. I love to make our home tidy and clean. I love rearranging and making things look new.

Nickname-- I have never had a nickname like some people... my first name is Chasity. So the only 'nickname' I have ever had was Chas or Chassy. That's ok though, my nephews call me Aunt Chassy and it melts my heart. Now our youth kids call me Moma Chas and I love it, too. That is the perfect nickname if you ask me.

M is for-----

2011-08-16T08:01:00.000-04:00

Merry-- A merry heart doeth good like medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Music-- I love music. I can appreciate many different types of music. I enjoy classical, especially when we are doing school. I enjoy hymns and contemporary Christian much.

Moody-- I'm not moody often, but on occasions, I can be. :)

Mountains-- I love the mountain we live on. I think our home town is one of the prettiest places I know. The glorious colors that we get in the fall and the beautiful foliage in the spring... I love this place!

Mother-- My job as a mother is the BEST job I've ever had. I love caring for the children God has blessed me with. I enjoy teaching them, to see their eyes brighten when they have learned something new or are excited about something that we are doing. It's hard work, correcting and disciplining and training. Oh, but it is such a wonderful blessing.
.... to be the joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 13:9b

L is for----

2011-08-15T07:35:00.001-04:00

Lively-- I can get lively when I tell a story or get excited about something. Gesturing and animated.

Life!-- Life is such a precious gift! Don't waste it!

Lovable-- ask my family! :)

Loser-- I want to be a loser... a weight loser that is.

Linker-- I am a sucker for links. I click way too many of them while reading on the internet.

K is for------

2011-08-13T07:21:00.002-04:00

Kids-- I love kids, especially my own. I enjoy playing with them and teaching them and just being with them. They have such great enthusiasm for life, I love that. They are my joy and I am so thankful God has blessed me with the 4 I have... so much so that I would eagerly welcome any more He saw fit to bring to us!

Kind-- all my life I have strived to be kind to everyone. I was always taught... Do unto others what you would have them do unto you!

Keen-- My eyesight is poor, very poor. But, it has heightened my sense of smell and hearing. Hubby teases me that I am a lot like a bloodhound. I have to depend on my nose and ears to find things. LOL

Kittens-- I am a sucker for baby kitties. They just melt my heart.

Knowledge-- I am ALWAYS seeking to learn more. I love it. I want to know how things work, where things are made, how things are made... I love learning, but I know that Proverbs 1:7 says The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

J is for------

2011-08-12T15:16:00.000-04:00

Jinkies!-- I am a HUGE Scooby Doo fan. It was my favorite cartoon as a kid and I can still sit and enjoy them with my kids today! LOVE!!!

Jingle Bells-- I adore Christmas! I love preparing for it, thinking about it, decorating! Ahhh, you know it's not TOO far away! :)

Just me-- I am a plain gal, not too frilly or fussy.

Joking-- I love to laugh and I love to kid around and joke. (in nice ways) :)

I is for-----

2011-08-11T17:02:00.000-04:00

Independent-- I was raised to be VERY independent. Which means that I can be controlling and stubborn. Being independent is not too bad though, I don't always rely on others to do things that I want done. It means oftentimes I take the bull by the horns and jump on. Sometimes it's great... sometimes it's not. :)

Ice-- I love ice in my drinks... lots of it! I want water SUPER cold or I don't want to drink it. I know that is super spoiled, but that's how it is.

Interesting-- I usually have some story up my sleeve or something new I have learned to talk about. Life itself is pretty interesting around our house.

H is for-----

2011-08-10T18:12:00.000-04:00

Homemaker-- I know I have the best job on the planet! I love what I do. Raising our children and keeping the home, it is the most rewarding job ever. I love knowing that I am right here for our kids and for my husband in whatever area they need me.

Hopeful-- I am hopeful for our children and their future. I am hopeful for the dream farm in my head. I am hopeful for our homeschool this year. It just gets better each and every year and I am super excited for this year.

Harmony-- I love it when the home runs smoothly and everyone is enjoying each other and we all live in harmony. It is perfectly wonderful!

Happy-- I enjoy being happy.

Home-- I love our home sooo much. There are so many things that I would like to change or improve, but home is what you make of it and I love ours.

Health-- Although I am overweight, I am pretty health conscious. I am very careful about our kids and I hope to one day lose this excess weight. I don't have a conventional mindset of what healthy is. I believe in local, real foods.

Homeschool Moma-- I wasn't homeschooled, but I am homeschooling our children. I believe in homeschooling, I know it isn't right for everyone, but it is right for us and I love it!

Honest-- I think it is such an important virtue and I want people to have no doubt that they can trust me.

G is for-----

2011-08-09T08:33:00.000-04:00

Gardener-- I wish I could say I was a Gardening-Pro, but truth is, sometimes our garden looks poor. Weeds can take over so quickly. I sometimes feel like I am stretched in SOOO many directions, and oftentimes the garden is one of the things that gets looked over first. With each passing year though, we are learning how to 'do it all'. Learning how to manage a family and farm and life. It is a journey remember, not a destination.

Groovy-- I use this word a lot!

Grateful-- I am very grateful for the life that the Lord has given us. I want to make sure I appreciate it each day.

Goofy-- as I have said before, and as you can probably tell from reading here. I am goofy and silly.

Green thumb-- I can't really say mine is totally green yet, but I do come from a long line of green-thumb ladies. My Nannie Red had BEAUTIFUL flowers and gardens, my Nannie Black can grow about anything she sticks in the ground. My Moma is the same way, her yard is full of beautiful bushes and trees, she has a lovely garden too. I hope my green thumb will hurry up and grow in. :)

F is for-----

2011-08-08T09:06:00.000-04:00

Frugal-- I am thrifty! I do NOT like to shop just for the sake of shopping. I loathe the mall and make every attempt NOT to go if I can help it. I love to find something we are needing at a thrift store or a yard sale, makes me feel so good to help the family by finding something we need for much less than what the store price was.

Fun-- I believe I am a pretty fun person to be around. I like to joke and be silly and laugh, all of which make a pretty fun time, right? :)

Frank-- I am honest, I want that to be a quality that is without question.

Feet-- one of the most wonderful things in the world to me is having my feet rubbed. I think the kids could ask for the moon and I would almost say yes if they would rub my feet. :)

Flawed-- I am imperfect... I get cranky, I yell sometimes or don't completely listen others, I am not who I want to be. But, thank God, I'm not who I was!!! Yes, I am flawed, but I am forgiven!

Fearful-- there are only a few things that I could say I am totally fearful of... snakes being at the top of the list! Eek!

E is for------

2011-08-06T18:23:00.000-04:00

Expressive-- I can not help but show my feelings. It is very obvious when I am concerned, anxious, happy, or sad.... My eyes and face show it all.

Education loving-- I love to learn. I enjoy educating my children as well as myself. I read often, and I wish I remembered everything that I read... now that would be a awesome super power.

Exuberant-- I get excited over things. New ideas, or just life in general. I want to show exuberance in the everyday, because like I said before... each day is a gift!

Effervescent-- another way to say bubbly! :)

Eager-- I am eager to live. Each day holds a special opportunity to live, love, serve and enjoy.

D is for-----

2011-08-05T09:06:00.000-04:00

If there is one D word that describes me, it is...

Determined-- I am determined. I always have been. If I get something in my mind I am bound and determined to do it! (I wonder where my youngest gets it? *blush*) I have been this way since I was a child. I think it is a good quality, but like my youngest son, it can get him in trouble sometimes.

Dedicated-- I am dedicated to my family. I love them dearly and I eagerly serve them and care for them. I hope that one day when the children have children of their own this dedication will be remembered and embraced in their lives.

Dork-- Such a weird word. Like I said yesterday, I am a bit of a goof-ball so dork fits, and that's ok.

Domestic-- I love home and family! I am an advocate to restore family time, family values and the love of home. I want my family to see that if we don't have this, then we are missing out.

Deliberate-- I have a purpose! I want to live my life deliberately and not just think we are here for no reason, we each have a distinct purpose and we need to live it out.

Daring-- As a young girl and young woman, I was VERY daring. I would try just about anything. Roller-coasters, bungee jumping, *I wanted to sky-dive, but never got the chance*... I loved adventure and thrills. I still enjoy thrill seeking, but I have to say, I am MUCH, MUCH more timid than I used to be. I guess realizing I have 5 people who depend on me daily makes this Moma a bit more tame! :)

C is for------

2011-08-04T22:42:00.002-04:00

Chas-- of course! I can't think of a better c word than my name. Actually, my name is Chasity, one t... not two. My Mom is the one who named me. I love my name. I love that it is spelled a little different and that it means "purity".

Cuddly-- I love to snuggle with my family. I enjoy it to a point. There are times when I say, Moma needs some breathing room. LOL! I tend to get hot easily, so a lapful of children is nice in the winter, but hard in the summer!

Cheerful-- I try my best to have a cheerful disposition. Of course, I'm like anyone else and I have my down days or just rotten moments, but I look at life and realize how blessed I am and I remind myself on those dark days that 'this too shall pass'... life is too precious to waste it!

Contented-- I really want to always be content with our situation. Honestly, life has been pretty hard around here, with lay-offs, accidents, and such. But, like I said... it's hard for me not to be content when I realize just where we could be and how gracious the Lord has been to us. We are so thankful for what we have, little or much.

Cookey-- Yep, I am. I have a strange sense of humor and I love it when someone 'gets me'... I laugh at odd times. haha, weird, I know.

Chicken Loving-- I L.O.V.E. my chickens. I love to watch them scratch and peck, I love watching them take a dust bath or lay an egg. They are so enjoyable to me! They come in such amazing colors and are such helps around the farm. Bug control, great eggs, yummy meat! Yeah, chickens!

Creative-- I enjoy creating. It can be anything from sewing, cooking, knitting, painting, embroidery, candle making... I need that creativity in my life and I really love it!

B is for----------

2011-08-03T08:44:00.000-04:00

Bubbly-- I remember once when my dear husband and I were first married, I asked him to describe me in one word. He called me bubbly, and I liked it. I am a bit bubbly... I like to have fun in whatever we are doing, I like to make people laugh and I like being happy.

Believer-- I am a blood-bought saint of God. I believe the Bible through and through. I believe in God and His Son, Jesus. I believe! Yes, I do!!!

Bossy-- *blush* Yep. I can be a bit of a boss. It started when I was young and continues now. I have always been a bit of a leader and so I just usually jump in and take charge of situations. It can be good, and it can be bad. haha

Brunette-- I have had blonde streaks in my hair, I have dyed it completely red a few times, but I am a true brunette... and I *might* have a few strands of white or grey, but you can't tell too much... yet. :)

Bold-- Like with my A list, you could probably guess, bold would come into play here. I am a bold person. I am outspoken and strong in my convictions.

Blogger-- I am a blogger, have been for years and I love it! There are days when I don't feel I have anything to offer and then days where I have SO much to say and share that I feel I might burst! Hey, that's another b word! :)

A is for----------

2011-08-02T06:22:00.002-04:00

Ambitious- I am ambitious. No doubt about it, and sometimes a bit TOO ambitious. I can see things that I want to do in my mind and then I jump in, both feet, and go for it. Many times as my husband gently reminds me... "I get too many irons in the fire."

Adamant- I can be quite adamant about my views. I realize I am not always right... but when I know I am right, I am passionate about that view.

Ardent- I suppose ardent and adamant go hand in hand. I am intensely devoted to my family. I love to work and serve them each day.

pictures courtesy of pinterest

Atypical- To many, I imagine, I am atypical. I seem to run against the grain in lots of areas. I don't want to be afraid of becoming who God has made me to be.

Approachable- I find that I am approachable. I have made many friends because of it... and that is a blessing!

Feel Free to join in the Alphabet in August with me and many others over at Chiot's Run!

Happy August!

2011-08-01T12:14:00.000-04:00

Happy August Everyone!
I am going to be participating in a fun event this August, hosted by Chiot's Run.

Photo courtesy of Chiot's Run

It is sure to be loads of fun!

And not to be forgotten.
Our winner for the homesteading book giveaway is Barb!
Contact me with your information, Barb! Congratulations!

Favorite Things Friday: Books and a Giveaway!

2011-07-29T14:37:00.002-04:00

There are so many great helps out there for the farmer. The internet is super, you can find just about anything you are looking for. I tend to be a bit 'old fashioned' I suppose, in this department of my life also, because I love a good, informative book!
There are SOOOO many out there right now. Books that are encouraging, inspiring and make you feel like you can get out there and make a difference in your acreage, be it .5 acres or 500.
Here are a few of my favorites right now.

I just got my hands on this book and it is awesome! I love the pictures and all the basic information on a WIDE range of subjects.

Joel Salatin is my farming hero! He has taken us back to common sense and helped us remember how farming is not industrial, it is practical and it is a good way to live!

Ashley English has some lovely and informative books out right now. They include some interesting recipes and some great step by step instructions for learning.

The Encyclopedia of Country Living is AMAZING! It has a WEALTH of information and just about everything you might have a question about... the book has your answer!

And last but not least!!!

I was contacted by Skyhorse Publishing and received this incredible book.

Not only is it chock full of goodness, it is a beauty to hold too.

Gorgeous photography, great information and it is a WHOPPER! It's huge!

I know anyone who has the homesteading dream would enjoy this book and here is your chance to win your own copy!

So, all you have to do is leave me a comment and you get an entry.

Tweet the giveaway, earn another

Facebook the giveaway, earn another

Email the giveaway to friends, that will get you another
Become a follower, that will get you one more

And finally blog it and you get another!!

You could have up to 6!!! entries!

Thanks again to the great people of Skyhorse Publishing and their generosity!

The giveaway will close Sunday at midnight and I will announce the winner Monday morning!

Our Anniversary

2011-07-28T05:38:00.000-04:00

Today marks a milestone for my husband and I. Anniversaries are such a sweet time. Remembering the past, enjoying the present and looking forward to the future... and I do. I am so excited about spending the rest of my life with this special man of mine!

Speaking of remembering the past, I've got a little story for you.

The rock you see above is one that is on the side of the mountain that we travel up and down whenever we are going into the 'city'.
My whole life, that rock has been an eyesore. People spray-paint vulgarities on it constantly and if it isn't vulgar, it is just stupid. Making me cringe when we see it. Well, I guess I had fussed about that rock enough that my creative husband took action one year for our anniversary.
We went into town one day and when we came back up the mountain, I saw what you see above.
SJB loves Chas 4-ever!
haha!
Talk about surprise. I laughed and cried and was completely shocked.

But it gets better.

He went to paint the rock after work one day in the broad daylight.
He wore a hat because he shaves his head and the sun around here in July is brutal.
He was painting and a lady going down the mountain sees him and calls the police reporting that a 'young punk' was spray-painting the rock... again!
The police show, give him a bit of a hard time and eventually let him leave.

But... it gets better.

The lady who called him in was from our church. LOL!
She didn't recognize him because he was in the hat and shorts.
She felt SO terrible for telling on him the very next day at church we were given an anniversary card with some money in it... she apologized for turning him in and insisted that we go out for dinner 'on' her and hugged our necks, apologizing all the while.
She was such a dear, dear lady.
I can hear her laugh even now. She's been in heaven for many years, but she gave us a big giggle just before she left.

Happy Anniversary, Dear Husband.
I love you more today than ever.

Summer Favorite: Watermelon Salad

2011-07-26T06:15:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we picked our first watermelon of the season from our garden. It was so exciting. We were out gathering the days bounty when the children begged me to check them. I told them that we had to *thump* a watermelon to see if it is ripe. We went over to thump the melon and indeed it sounded hollow.
They were excited beyond words.
We brought it in, cut it open for lunch and it was perfection!
A gal on facebook insisted that I try watermelon salad. I had never heard of it, but looked it up and was happily surprised at the interesting list of ingredients.

So... I tried it.
So... I loved it!
It was perfection. The tastes and the textures... oh my it was good!
I am going to post the recipe below, but know, I didn't have red wine vinegar, so I used balsamic and I really liked it that way!
And, I didn't have any mint. At least I didn't have any at the time I made it, it was pouring outside and didn't want to go out to the herb bed to pick in the rain.

Ingredients

1 (5-pound) watermelon
1 Vidalia or other sweet onion
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
6 whole mint sprigs

Directions

Cut the flesh from the melon and cut into bite size pieces, removing and discarding the seeds, and set aside. Peel and slice the onion into rings.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, pepper, and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, a few drops at a time. Add in the chopped mint, taste, and adjust seasonings.

In a large bowl, combine the melon, onion, and feta. Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint sprigs.

To serve, divide salad among individual plates and garnish with mint leaves.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Welcome Baby Bull

2011-07-25T08:48:00.000-04:00

On Friday night we had friends over. The 11... yes, 11 children and I went to the pasture to see if there were any blackberries left to be picked (sadly there were only a few because the heat). We were quickly greeted by the cows. Much to our excitement, a new arrival greeted us as well!

Little fella, we have been waiting and waiting and waiting on you!

I had almost given up. I was afraid that Ruby had trouble delivering and he didn't make it... but thankfully we found him prancing around with the rest of the herd.

So I happily welcome our new bull, Bob into the family. If you are half as pretty as your daddy, we will be blessed indeed!

Favorite Things Friday: Knowing

2011-07-22T11:05:00.001-04:00

I've been blogging for a number of years now. Sometimes it comes easy, sometimes there are times of drought. It mainly is a journal for me to learn from and remember, but what is such a treat, is *knowing* that something chronicled here has been a blessing to someone else.
There have been a few times where I have met someone in real life who has honored me with saying, "You know, that post really helped/inspired/encouraged me."

Recently that happened to me.
I can't even explain how sweet it was for me to hear that something I said/wrote was beneficial to someone else. It blessed my heart beyond measure and I am so thankful for such a treasure.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
Colossians 2:2 NIV

Our Rainbow Tree

2011-07-21T08:56:00.000-04:00

One day a sweet friend of mine posted a very cute idea on facebook. I decided this had to be something we did with our children. I gathered up materials for several weeks and then one night when my nephews were staying over, we got everything out and made our Rainbow Tree.

You might have to click on the image to see better.

All we did was save our plastic water bottles and pulled the labels off. Filled them with water again and their choice of food coloring.
So simple, but when you see it in person, it really is beautiful.
When my Mom saw it for the first time, she thought it was glass bottles.

We had a good time hanging them in the tree. We pulled the van in the yard and stood on top to reach some high limbs. :)

I wish my camera could do the tree justice, Especially when the sun is hitting it just right.

Good times are as simple as you make them... beauty is in perspective.
We will be enjoying our rainbow tree for many days to come and it was easy as pie.

Green Beans in the Garden

2011-07-20T10:36:00.001-04:00

For the past 30 hours my Mom, Sister and I have been 'in' beans.
Two nights ago we went to pick and picked for almost 2 hours and went to our own homes and broke beans. Then beginning at 9 am yesterday we met back at my Moma's house and broke and canned beans ALL. DAY. LONG. Seriously!
If that wasn't enough, my sister and I went back and got 2 more bushels last night... in which we came back to our Moma's and stayed the night. We were able to end up with 31 quarts each and then 22 pints of salsa too. It was such a great time.
We broke beans while watching the BBC
It was so fun... We always enjoy each others company, but this seemed extra sweet.
I am tired.
I am achy and sore from all that picking.
But I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING!
What a sweet memory we created.

Now, I'm working on a place for these beauties in my canning pantry and then I am looking forward to a beautiful nap.

Have a great day my friends!

Farming the land

2011-07-19T06:08:00.000-04:00

Since we started gardening, we have done what we have always known. We have tilled the ground and worked the garden that way. It's just what we remember helping with as kids and so when it came time to begin our own gardening, that is the route we went.

Being one who loves to read and research, I have been learning about how tilling disturbs the ground, waking up dormant weeds that could be easily smothered out otherwise.
That got me thinking...

I want big beautiful gardens like the one above.
I have been reading about the no-til gardening like Sara and her family do over at Farmama.
They have some amazing gardens and gorgeous vegetables.

I also already do a little raised bed gardening.
As you know we have a few beds like that already. Some do fabulous, some not... the soil is poor in two of the concrete block beds, so we are going to have to work on that in the off season.

Aren't these raised beds amazing?

Again, my pictures today are from Pinterest

I want these beautiful results WITHOUT the use of pesticides, herbicides and gmo seeds. Is that too much to ask for?

So, do you have any tips?
What is one thing that you have learned from gardening that you would be willing to pass along?
If I get enough, I might make a whole separate post with everyones tips... wouldn't that be fun? :)

Favorite Things Friday: Canning Pantry

2011-07-15T11:34:00.003-04:00

Today I am working on my Canning Pantry, I suppose that is why it is at the forefront of my mind. A favorite thing all the time. Going to my pantry and pulling something that we have planted, grown and preserved, it is a great feeling.

We are putting up fresh peaches and blueberry jam, pickled peppers and peach preserves.
Such good, busy, happy times.

Next week, I hope to put up some green beans and tomatoes as the tomatoes are straggling coming in a little at a time.

Working together to provide for our family, it is such a good thing!

**all images from Pinterest

Hello Yellow

2011-07-14T10:51:00.001-04:00

On Carlie's birthday, I gave her a special treat... one thing I have never let her do.
Paint.
Yes, she has wanted to paint so many times, but I haven't let her until now.
I wanted our school area to have a fresh coat of paint before the year began so Wednesday evening we dove in and started.

It was already yellow, but not the same as the rest of our areas. This room was left out when we painted last time.
She was so excited and it was a great way to round off her already happy day. :)

Happily yellow and clean and fresh, a great nook of our school area, perfect for learning.
Once we get the other part of our area organized, I will let you see it too.

Hoping you a happy, sunshiney day!

Last week

2011-07-13T09:46:00.000-04:00

Last week came and went in a flurry of activity and busy-ness. It was a grand week, celebrating Independence on Monday, celebrating my Carlie Jean on Wednesday, painting, cleaning, cooking and then anticipating the return of our eldest from her first mission trip Saturday.
Busy-ness, good, but a bit exhausting.

Like I said our Carlie Jean turned 7 on Wednesday.

Born so close to the 4th of July, she is definitely my little firecracker. She is so sweet and loving. And so very compassionate. I could learn a lot from her in that department.

We were at my Sister's house for a cookout and figured since we were together, we would have Carlie Jean a birthday cake too. It worked out great.

She had been needing new big girl bike. So she was super excited to receive just what she wanted.

It was a perfect day.
Happy Birthday, Carlie "Dumplin" I love you so much!!!