& Family!
Well, its the day after the Black Friday madness. From what I read online about the crowds in other areas, I'd say we fared pretty well here in NC. Not to say that there were no problems, just not the crowds and ugliness that seems to have prevailed elsewhere.
We got to the mall at 3:45 in the morning.
The crowds were already wrapped around Penny's. I told the girls we would wait until that mob got in, then we would get out of the car and into the store. The people were calm and considerate where I was. Although Dd (18) said she heard some people (families maybe?) being really hateful to one another. She got away from that crowd fast.
We didn't venture into the kitchen/electronic area, no need to. We went to looking for coats and clothes. Those areas were pretty calm. DD gotn herself a new coat that was on sale at $50 usually $250. That was a great deal. She also picked up 2 skirts for church at $13 regularly $40.
I am proud of her choices. She had her entire Black Friday trip planned out to a "T." She knew what she was looking for and where to find it. We were in and out of Penny's in 40 minutes. Had she not tried the clothes on, we would have been out sooner.
A lot of people were lined up at Belk's to get a free gift card. We chose to forgo that line. There is nothing in Belk's that I needed nor wanted. A free $5 gift card was not an incentive to deal with the crowd that was wrapped around the store.
We then headed to Sears and Rack Room. DD got some new boots and 2 shirts for work. We then wanted to just see what Wal Mart had on sale. We got there, went in and immediately decided to LEAVE!
Those people were crazy in there. No room to walk without getting shoved against someone. YUCK! And that was at 5:45 in the morning.
We finally ended up the day at another Wally World for groceries.(the ONLY place that was totally empty!) Got home at 11, unloaded the groceries and took a nap for an hour. After the nap, it was a deep clean of the house. (it was really messy from the day before with everyone here for Thanksgiving.)
We didn't go shopping for "wants" yesterday, but for needs. I thank The Lord that DD was able to get the deals she did. I am also proud that DD didn't want all of that useless (IMHO) stuff. She was very careful with her money and her time. That says a lot for an 18 year old. (sorry, I had to brag a bit.
)
Oh, I did get 2 things that were "wants" for myself. 2 apple cinnamon candles at $2 each, regularly $5 each. What can I say, I splurged!
Have a blessed weekend in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Family & Friends!
It is now 2:00 a.m. in the morning and I can't believe that I am already up. I am trying my best to keep my eyes open while blogging this. I figured that this would be the best way to get my mind and my eyes wide open and started for the day. Hence, the EARLY blog.
You may have guessed by now that I am up and getting ready for the Black Fiday Sales. There is no other earthly reason that I would be up at this hour otherwise. We will be leaving in about an hour to head out to JC Penny's. Dd (18) has been needing a new coat and they have them regularly $250 (can you actually imagine someone paying that much for a coat?) for $49.95 today only. So that's where we are heading first.
Then its off to wherever else she wants to go. I am not very impressed with the sales this year. I could use a coat myself and if I find one under $50 I'll get one. Other than that, I am content with such as I have. The Lord has been good to me and my family and has net all of our needs.
Why am I up so early to go get a coat? Well, lets put it this way. By 6 in the morning, the stores are crowded and the people are starting to get cranky, (from my past experience.) Being there when they open allows me take my time and not deal with the crowds.
Most people are going after the electronics and such. The clothing asiles are not as busy, so that's where we head to. We also stay away from amy kind of toy store. We did that one year and I said,"NEVER AGAIN!"
Well, to all you homesteaders out to get a good deal today, many blessings in what you are looking for. Today is the most frugal (I think) day of the year!
Have a blessed day in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Happy Thanksgiving Family & Friends! It's finally Thanksgiving, my favorite day of the year! Where has the time gone this year? It just seems like yesterday that I was preparing another turkey and getting ready for the big day.
I just got the turkey in the oven. I also just got the dough put out to rise for the bread. Here's what's on the menu:
Turkey (15 lbs.)
Honey Ham (sister is bringing this)
Stuffing
Crock Pot Mac. & Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Corn (from the garden)
Green Beans
Yams
Deviled Eggs
Sour Dough Bread (home made)
Pumpkin Pie
Lemon Pie
Apple Pie
That is a lot of food! How blessed we are!
We are having my sister and her family over, as well as my brother and another friend. There will be 12 people over in all. I cooked pretty much the same thing last year for the same amount of people. Believe it or not, there were not many leftovers for the amount of food that was prepared. Every gets a plate to take home and then we eat on what's left. We are so blessed!
I have been so blessed this year. Like my Pastor said last night, God is good all of the time. He is good when things aren't going our way, He is good when they are. His nature is ALWAYS good. That is the kind of God we serve. A God that let His son die so that we could have eternal life. Praise His name forever!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving and remember to think of those Christians who came to America so long ago to find a place to serve Sweet Jesus. They did indeed lay the stepping stones they intended to lay. To God be the glory now and forever! Amen!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Things to do today-
Read Bible
Clean house
Bake 2 pies
Groceryshopping
Pick niece up from school
Listen to SM Davis tape (How To Deal With Moodiness)
Church Service
Prepare food for tomorrow's Thanksgiving Feast
Get off the computer (I am getting off now)
Have a blessed day in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Drums Along the Mohawk is a very good movie about a period in American history that not many movies have been made about. Set during the Revolutionary War, the story is about two newlyweds and their new life in the Mohawk Valley. The couple is trying to establish themselves with a home and farm of their own, but are interrupted when the British and the Mohawk Indian tribe begin to raid all along the valley. The settlers must deal with the raiding Indians while also trying to survive.
We borrowed this from the library the other day. It is an excellent movie.
I went on Amazon to see if they have copies still available (this movie was made in 1939) and they have it on DVD and VHS.
It is so nice to find good movies, that don't edit out the Christian contribution that was made when this country was founded. This movie really gives you a look into the frontier families that were making this land their own during the revolutionary war.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/turkeys_corn_ethanol/2008/11/20/153589.html-
Blessings,
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
That's a catchy title isn't it? Well, that's just what my chickens act like. They have gotten into the habit of running to me when I come outside to feed them as if they were puppies that have been starved to death. I can't even get the food out of the jar and into their bowl fast enough for them. I even have one that flies up while the food is being poured into the bowl, thinking she can get the food faster that way.
I can't keep enough feed in these birds. I thought that it might be because it's been so cold and they need more energy. NOT! These birds are like this ALL of the time. Out of all the breeds we have ever had, these are the most ornery selfish birds we have ever had.
Now, they are they BEST egg layers we have had. So, other than being trampled on by birds during feeding time (and any other time I am outside) I have no reason to complain. They are red stars and also lay BIG brown eggs.
I have 8 Red Stars, 2 Rhode Island Reds, one Black Star and one breed that I can't recall the name of right now. I was getting about 9- 10 eggs a day during the spring and summer. I am now getting about 3-4 a day. I think that's pretty good.
We let then free range during the day by letting them out of their coup at noon. I declare, when I go up there to let them out, they all head straight to the dog's bowl and try and eat his food. Like I said before, these bird are hungry ALL of the time.
Anyway, I just thought that I would share that little bit of info. Does anyone else have chickens that act as strange as mine?
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Good Sunday Afternoon Family & Friends! It is such a sunny and much cooler day than it was yesterday. The temps. this week are not suppose to get out of the 50's here on my neck of the woods. That's cold to me though. I much prefer nights in the 50's and days in the 70's. It is autumn though, so tis the season for the cool down.
We had a wonderful time at the church yesterday evening. We had our monthly fellowship/dinner. There was plenty of food and friends to be thankful for. Christian fellowship is so important to have. Sometimes your church family really is the only family you have. I know that my Christian family stands for the same thsings that I do. We follow and serve The God of the universe. The one who has chosen to put us together for his service and glory.
We also had a good service this morning. The choir sang the song "It Is Well With My Soul." It is just what I needed to hear this morning. No matter what trouble we have now (or may have soon) my Lord has taught me to say, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL! I LOVE that song!
We also had A LOT of prayer requests this morning for people who maybe laid off from their work very soon. One member was laid off Friday when they closed his work down. 2 others in the same family said that lay offs in their work (separate places of employment) may be coming really soon. This is really starting to hit too close to home.
We do know that as Christians, that God never closes one door without opening another. He knows what is going on and it is a blessing to know that we really are in the hands of an Almighty God who loves and cares for us. Cared enough to send His son, Jesus Christ to die for us, so that we would be able to go to heaven and live eternally with Him. Praise His name forever!
My hubby's hours were cut last August. He is getting at least 40 hours. That's a lot to be thankful for. He was even able to go yesterday and participate in a church work day. I can't ever remember him being able to do that before because of his work. He was so thankful to be able to do something for The Lord. Praise God again for the fellowship he received yesterday as the result of being able to help at the church!
Well, I need to get off here. I am so thankful that I can go back to church this evening. I am so blessed to have a Bible believing/preaching church to go to. The Word is spoken/taught without thought to what the world says is politically correct. My church is a Biblically Correct church! Praise His name again!
Have a blessed Sunday!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Family & Friends~
This has started out as a busy day for me. I had a full fledged war going on in my house this morning at 7:00. A war you ask? Well, when you have an 11 year old and a 9 year old boy with play guns, it usually turns into some kind of war.
I am keeping the brother (11), of the baby that I usually keep today as well as the baby/toddler. They got here at 6:00 this morning and have been going non stop ever since. Once my son got up that was all it took to get the "war" started. I finally had to send the older boys outside to play their war games. It was getting very hard to get breakfast started with 2 boys and a toddler running around the house "shooting " each other. ( I am just so thankful that the rain had finally stopped.)
Hubby was suppose to work today, but the
rain cancelled that out. He went to help do some work at the church this morning. He also offered to take the two boys with him (happy dance here!) So I only have the toddler and DD (15) at home right now.
I have been online this morning researching. Looking into ways to stock food properly. I have also been researching mushrooms. Hubby bought home some information about mushroom farming from a friend at work. I never thought of a mushroom farm. With as many as we buy/eat around here (USA grown ONLY) this sounds like something we might be able to do.
I have also been wanting to get over to a friends house. I want Hubby to see the way she has her small farm set up. It is very organized and looks very efficient. (you got it going Mrs. L) The time just hasn't been right though. We'll get over there soon though.
I still have a lot to do today. We are having a fish fry at church this evening. I need to get some potatoes baked and work on a ranch recipe for them. It makes ordinary baked potatoes taste great. It's the easiest thing I could think of to take. I also made an eclair cake last night to take. Can't wait to dig into that!
Well, I need to go and finish with the house cleaning.
Have a blessed weekend in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
This is a great article on how to start your first batch of chickens that will be ready in 5-6 weeks.
http://countrysidemag.com/issues/92/92-6/a_chicken_in_every_pot.html-
Ever thought of growing your own mushrooms? We're looking into it. Here's another link to learn to be more self-reliant.
http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/84/84-5/Countryside_Staff.html-
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Okay friends, doesn't this sound like Hitler and his "Youth" programs? He may have changed the wording on his website, but his intent still seems to be the same. Why didn't I hear of this before? I thought this was a FREE country?
Read and decide for yourself.
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=80539-
His chief of staff also has plans- http://www.examiner.com/x-536-Civil-Liberties-Examiner~y2008m11d6-Obamas-chief-of-staff-choice-favors-compulsory-universal-service-
This is scary stuff people.
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Good afternoon Family & Friends! It's early evening here on the family homestead. I must say though, that it "feels" like it is midnight to my body. I am just having the hardest time trying to stay awake after 7:00 p.m. It has been this way for the past week. I can't figure out what the problem is.
I have no trouble getting up in the morning at 5:15. It's just that the evenings are hitting me harder lately. It's an aweful feeling wanting to go to bed before 10:00 and hubby WON"T go to be before 11:00. Our schedules are just so disconnected lately.
I could really use a nap in the afternoon. It doesn't always happen though. When it does, the 20 minutes that I usually lay down for is NOT long enough. Oh well, maybe some diet Sundrop would help! (bad and expensive habit though)
I have had the baby/toddler for the past two weeks now. He is SO BUSY! His favorite word has become, NO!!! He has also taken to throwing MAJOR fits when his Mama comes to get him. He immediately goes to everything in the house that he knows he should not have. (Can't figure out that one.) He turns into a totally different child when she comes in.(He is almost two.)
One thing that I have noticed about him is that when we are "doing" school at the kitchen table, he wants to be right there with us. It is so cute. For the most part he is content until, well, until the "NO" word is used. It's amazing how you forget the way 2 (almost 2) year olds are. My youngest is 9 and my oldest is 18 with a 15 year old in the middle. It does bring back memories though.
Okay, now I am l am losing it. My son (9) is on the floor , wrapped up in a "twister" game pretending to be a "talking buritto (sp?) His sister (15) is encouraging him way too much! Lord, please pass that energy on to me!
Well, I need to go and put on a "Walton's" dvd. My family loves the old reruns of The Waltons. I just got the 7th season yesterday. I did good. It came out at $29.95 a few months ago. I waited (to dd's- 18 dismay.) I only had to pay $19.95 for it.
Have a blessed evening in the Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7707518.stm- Socialism at its best.
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Family & Friends!
It has been another early morning for me today. I've been up since 4:00 this morning. Hubby and DS went fishing again this morning. They went this past Thursday but didn't catch much. Hubby said it was TOO cold and windy on the pier. It got so cold that I ended up getting DS because he couldn't take the cold any more.
The odd thing about all this is the fact that we are even having this kind of weather so early in the season. We usually get this cold stuff in January, not October. It is suppose to get back to more moderate temps. this week. I pray so, I really hate having to keep the heater going.
I also have the baby this morning. He got here at 6:45. His Mama was running really late this morning. He is usually here between 6- 6:15. The baby's Mama has to be at work at 6:30 and has a ride of 25 minutes to get to her work. I don't know how she does it. She must have a really forgiving boss.
The baby/toddler has been very clingy/cranky this morning. He is used to having my son here to play with. DS is fishing though as I stated before. It's going to be a LONG day I am afraid.
I have a long list of things that I need to accompolish today. Here it is:
Wash and dry 4 loads of clothes
Shred 3 lbs. of cheese
Pick up DD (18)from work
Pick up DD (15) from friend's house
Plan weekly menu
Decorate for Thanksgiving
Correct yesterday's schoolwork
Make up next week's lesson planner (2 kids)
Make up next weeks devotion lessons
Visit/Call a friend whose cow just had its calf
Usual Housework
Make biscuits to freeze
Make cobbler for desert for tomorrow
Work on Thanksgiving plans/books for school
I pray that I can get all of this done. I'm heading into the kitchen right now to start on the food stuff.
I am so blessed to be able to do these things for my family. It gives me joy to serve and be useful. God is so good and ever to be praised.
Have a blessed weekend in The Lord! ONLY 26 more days to Thanksgiving! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Good Afternoon Family & Friends! It is another beautiful day here in southeastern NC! An absolutely beautiful autumn day! After I have finished writing this, I will be heading outside to enjoy the rest of this day that The Lord has made.
The picture above is *exactly* what I pray to see tomorrow night. We are heading out tomorrow for our anuual "spot" fishing trip. There is absolutely nothing more beautiful to see than a full harvest moon coming up over the crashing ocean waves. I don't know what it is, but that moon *seems* so much larger during the "harvest" season than any other when coming up over the ocean! I praise God for such a beautiful site to behold at this time of year. I could sit on the pier and catch absolutely nothing and still have the best time of my life just being there with my family and enjoying God's creation!
For those who have never had *spot fish* you are missing a really tasty treat. It takes some picking to get through , but worth every bite. Now, the odd thing here is that even though all of us fish, no one but me will eat what we catch. I can't convince the kids that they are missing a real treat. Hubby will occasionally eat a few. He's more of a meat and potatos kind of guy.
I do pray that we do better this year. When the spot do start *running* you can catch a large cooler full within an hour if you have at least 2 people fishing. Hubby would LOVE to get enough to be able to give to the church for a fish fry. He has been trying for 2 years to. Maybe this will be the year!( pray so!)
Well, I need to get off here and get the clothes folded. Another day with no AC. YIPPEE!
PS- Don't forget to go outside tonight and enjoy that BEAUTIFUL Harvest moon! We're having a campfire tonight to enjoy it!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corintians 5:7
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/today/may20.html- How blessed these people were. They were probably the hardest workers America has ever seen. Without them, the land would not have been settled. A true testament to the bravery and strength of early settlers.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-109290- I found a lot of stories from CNN on stories frim the Great Depression. To think that we get upset if the cable or IPods go out.
Thank you Lord for ALWAYS meeting our needs.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Good Afternoon Family & Friends! It is another beautiful day here in southeastern NC. Fall has definately arrived and none too soon for me. We have just had the most beautiful weather for the past 2 weeks now. Thank you Lord for the wonderful change of seasons!
We had a busy weekend. We went to Farm Heritage Days on Saturday and had a great time. The boys like the hay maze best. I liked looking at all of the farm animals and seeing the old fashioned exhibits (sp?) The day went by too fast.
After leaving the farm I took the kids to a local Farmers Market. They had a new crop of NC apples for .99 a lb. That is the cheapest that I have seen apples this year so far. I am still wanting to get a few bushels to freeze for future use. I am going to have to make the time to go to the local Farmers market soon. There just doesn't seem to be enough time or money lately though. No matter what I will thank The Lord for what He provides, when He provides.
Dd (18) went to a wedding this past weekend. I made plans with a dear family friend to have her accompany them to the wedding. She said that it was absolutely beautiful. They had it at a park in town. The bride walked the aisle to the song Butterfly Kisses. She said that it looked like everyone, including the bride was in tears.
She really enjoyed herself.
She then went to the reception. She was so nervous about going. She is EXTREMELY shy. The fact that she went though was a testament to her "trying" to come out of her shell, so to speak. She did find a friend to talk to and was very glad that she did go.
Hubby and I stayed home with the other DC. We had an interestsing night as well. We took our dinner outside to eat on the porch. While there we saw the neighbors cow and calf running down the road. The other neighbors were finally able to get them back into their pen. It was just such a beautiful site seeing the calf follow its Mama. (Can you tell I like cows?)
Well, that's how our weekend went. To think that tomorrow is already Wednesday. Where does the time go?
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=76921-
If you haven't heard it before, now's the time. If you have heard it before, it goes without saying.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7