Today it was bone chilling cold out. It rained almost all day long and most everything had a layer of ice on it. I decided not to make the 33 mile trip to my sister's house for the nursing home Bible study (which she ended up cancelling) because of the weather. This is by far the worst weather we have had this winter. I was so thankful that I didn't have to drive far with the ice everywhere. I could never make it anywhere that truly gets cold. 

I did have to leave the house to take Nicholas to school today. He has decided to come home at the semester and be homeschooled again. I am delighted! He really misses his father who lives out of state and will be able to visit him in February now that his school schedule isn't stopping him. (Dad and mom, I will give you the dates when I get them) His last day of school will be January 16.

We started back to school today. It is always hard to start after an extended break and this break was definately extended. The day actually went way better than usual. We started some new things and continued with some old things. We did school in the morning because we thought we were going to my sister's house. I prefer the afternoon but it worked out fine for today.

I made spaghetti for dinner tonight. I tried a new breadstick recipe and it was good. It was a perfect comfort food dinner on a cold night.

Tomorrow is Nick and Caleb's birthday party at my sister's house. The weather is supposed to improve. We are to have a high of 59 and only a 10% chance of rain. I need to bake Nick's cake and take the girls to the store to pick up something for him. I am glad we will have better weather.  

I guess that is all for now. I will write more soon.       

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Today my son turned 15 years old. He is the oldest of my six children and the only boy. It's funny how fast time flies but at the same time it feels way longer than 15 years ago that I had him. The kids all get to pick where to go to lunch on their birthday with just the two of us. Nicholas chose a diner in town that we hadn't tried yet and we were a bit scared of it. The diner turned out to be a good choice and we enjoyed our time together. While we were out Nick got a haircut and we browsed some antique stores. It was a wonderful day and he is a wonderful son. We will have his party on Tuesday night with my sister's little boy. 

It was actually hot today. It almost got to 90. I was sitting on my porch and the sun was roasting me. Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 49. Texas weather is crazy!!! At least we are never bored with the same weather day in and day out.

I guess that is all for now. There is not very much happening around here (thankfully!!!). I will write more soon. 

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Our school break is almost over already. Getting some structure back in our day will probably be a good thing fo us. I still need to make some copies to get ready for this six weeks. When I went to buy a toner for my copy machine it was $38.00. I paid $23.00 for the last toner I bought it so I decided to see if I could get it on the internet cheaper. I found a three pack for $26.97. It is not the brand name and will not work as well or as long but at that price for a three pack I think it will still work out better (The shipping was $5.99). I will let you know if I like it or not.

I went and picked up my trial pair of new contacts today. Right before I left to head into town, my contact lens was bothering me so I pulled it out to clean it and it was ripped. I didn't have any spare lenses for this eye so I had to use the lens for the right eye in the left eye. They are the same strength but not the same axis so I could see, but something didn't feel completely right.

Anyways, I had to change the kind of contacts I have been wearing for many years because they do not make my old contacts anymore   . I tried on my new lenses at the office and they felt comfortable but I didn't feel like I was seeing good with them and felt a bit trapped since I just tore my last lens. I have had them on all day now and they feel a bit better. I am supposed to let the office know if I hate or love these lenses.....hmmm..I am not really sure. I will keep you updated.

My sister's goat had her babies this morning so I stopped by to see them. I forget how tiny they are. I can't wait until our goats have their babies.

I guess this is all for now. I will write more later.     

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Yesterday was the nursing home Bible study. We found out that one of our  favorite residents died on Christmas Eve. It made me so sad to hear this news. I am so thankful that this lady was with it enough that I was able to ask her (awhile ago)  if she was saved and she said that she was. Praise God! She will be missed by us. I sure wish these folks didn't have to spend their last days with strangers, in an institution that is so impersonal. It makes me want to hug my parents close and be by them because time is so precious and I shouldn't be this far away from them.

On a somewhat more cheerful note, we took the kids to the movies yesterday. Actually, my parents sent money for Christmas and we decided to use it towards a movie. We were also able to add dinner to it because the pizza buffet was having a special. Thanks dad and mom! The kids thoroughly enjoyed the time out.

Today I have kept really busy. It was warm (76) , sunny, and windy, the perfect day to hang out laundry. I was able to hang out all my laundry because the loads were drying very quickly. I also did a little ironing. The girls and I walked the area around the house and a bit into the wooded area of my property and picked up trash and toys. Nicholas chopped firewood and dug up some of the chicken coops dirt floor for my compost pile. I made tacos and spanish rice for dinner. It was delicious. The kids all took their baths and are in their pjs and are coloring. It was one of those days you want to last forever. 

I was doing laundry today and a tiny little bear was left in the washer after one of the loads. I will be sad one day when I don't find rocks and bears and sticks in my washer. I can't believe how quickly my kids are growing. I want them to slow down and they want to speed up and grow faster.

Another kid funny: After baths tonight I sent my 6yodd and my 9yodd off to read their Bibles together. I was doing the dishes when my 6yodd came running in the kitchen saying that her sister (9yodd) said God's name in vain on accident while reading her Bible. She was very upset that it said "Oh my God" and that her sister had read it aloud. After a small chuckle I explained that it was not said in vain and was okay. You gotta love kids.

Well, I am exhausted and I am off to relax for awhile. I will write more soon.                   

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

I am still alive if you were wondering. It seems like my life has been a blur the last couple of weeks. We live a quiet life and lately we have been busier than usual due to the holidays.

Today we went to my sister's house to sew. I really didn't get much done because I was a bit unmotivated but my girls all learned to crochet. They were thrilled and so was I. They also all got to ride my brother in laws horses by themselves. They were on their horse alone while my brother in law or niece rode the other horse.

Tomorrow is church. I am behind on ironing so need to get ironing if we plan to be presentable. I will write more soon.     

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Yesterday I got out of my car at church and smelled gasoline. I looked under my car and saw gas dripping by the gas tank. Of course, this was at a church we have only been to a couple of times and they were having a Christmas lunch that we were signed up to attend. I would have been happy to skip it all at this point but it was being catered and they had already paid for us (7).  I called my sister and she said that they would be there to help in a little while.  My sister and my nephew came and got us and my nephew drove my car to the repair shop in town. It was closed because it was Sunday so we left the car there and my sister said her daughter would bring the keys in on Monday. This town is 25 miles from my house and 33 miles the other direction from my sister. She had to drive to town in her husband's farm truck so couldn't bring us home because there are 7 of us. I called my friend, who also lives by my sister, and she came and picked us up and brought us home. Hmm......

Today I called the repair shop and let them know my van was there and that my niece would be bringing in the keys later. Later in the afternoon, I called the repair shop and found out that my gas tank was cracked  . He said that it would be $880 to repair it. I then called some auto parts places to see how much the actual part was. No one had the part. I called the dealer and he said that there were 3 gas tanks in the United States and that they were not sure if they had been ordered and used already. They also weren't sure where they were  and were even less sure that the places would let them buy it. Don't ask, I have no idea what that actually means. The part would cost $515 if it could be located. I called my sister in a mini panic and she suggested I call my brother and see if he knew where I could by one. I called him and he gave me some auto recyclers to call. After about a million calls I found a gas tank in California. I asked if he could ship it to us, he said it couldn't go UPS because of the size and the fact that it had gas on it. He said the part would have to go by semi truck and it would be very expensive. He then gave me some numbers of places in Texas. One of the auto recyclers was in Fort Worth and my sister just happened (GOD Thing!!!!) to be in Fort Worth. I called her and asked her to go get it and after a bit of a struggle with directions and waiting an hour for the part (my poor family), my gas tank is on its way  . It cost $75.00 .     

My sister will use her AAA and get it towed to her house and my nephew will put in my new gas tank. I am forever grateful to them. I can't even begin to think how I could've pulled this off without them. It would have been alot more expensive and alot longer ordeal. 

I praise God for the ordeal and especially the outcome!!!!

Well, I guess that is all. Actually, that is more than enough for me. I will write more later.     

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

We have been keeping busy around here lately. Yesterday we spent the day at my sister's house visiting. It had been awhile since we got to visit with them because they have also been very busy. We had a great time and will visit with them again soon.

Today we worked in and around the barn. It was looking rougher than normal so we raked and picked up some broken feeders and those kinds of things. Nicholas chopped some branches that were making impossible to walk around the barn into another of our fields. I think we will need the firewood tomorrow because it is supposed to be really cold.

Tomorrow is church and after church they are having a Christmas dinner at the church. The kids are excited to go.

I will write more later. 

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

I tried to post yesterday but when I hit the add post button I lost the entire post. I couldn't bring myself to write the same thing again so had a small temper tantrum and gave up.

Today, one of our kittens died. It started acting sick a couple of days ago but got really bad yesterday. It is the same thing that happened to another kitten awhile back. The kids are so sad. Actually, my son is digging a hole as we speak and the girls are going to put a plant on top. Whatever helps, huh? Cats do not seem to do well at my house. This is the sixth cat that has died from various things in just over a year. We also recently had a duck gruesomely killed, the killer left the body and took (ate?) the head. My neighbor had 6 lambs and two mama's killed recently. I am telling you about my neighbor so that you do not think we are unable to keep anything alive here

I have been just hanging around with the kids enjoying our cold weather. We made gingerbread cookies yesterday and had fun decorating them.  Other than that not too much has been happening around here.  

Well, I better get going. I will write more later. 

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Yesterday was my daughter Kiley's 7th birthday. I cannot believe my baby is seven. For her birthday I took her to lunch here in town and she also got to drink out of our "birthday" tea cup.  Last night we had a family party at my house for Kiley, Britney (niece 20), and Miles (nephew 21). We had pizza, cake, and ice cream. It was a nice time and the kids all had a great time. I am not including pictures of my niece and nephew because they wouldn't talk to me again if I posted them online .

Kiley all dressed up and ready for her party. 

Her new shoes Grandma and Grandpa bought her for her birthday when they were here for Thanksgiving.

Kiley and her birthday cake. She wanted a Christmas cake and this was my attempt at one.

• Comments (2) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

I sent a copy of this picture to Walmart to get copies made in black and white for our Christmas cards but I did not really like how they came out. I decided to put the picture on my blog and will decide later if I am up to Christmas cards this year.

Today we went shopping (the girls and I) for our gift exchange gifts we do with my sister and a family friend. We were able to get all the gifts in one shopping trip which is always a good thing. We are all still pretty sick so we didn't last too long out and about.

Well, we are going to watch Little Women tonight as a family so I better go. I will write more later.    

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

We are all sick. YUCK! Actually, Nicholas and Olivia are not sick now because they started it in our house and are now better. The rest of us all have sore throats, stuffy noses, and achy bodies. I am not sure if we should go to church and get everyone sick or miss another week. The fact that most of the congregation is elderly and if we bring in this nasty bug we could wipe out the whole church....maybe we should stay home. 

Today I went to town and did some Christmas shopping. I can't really explain it but I felt funny shopping today. I could find things to buy since we have not been buying too many extras this year but I felt funny being in the middle of the "Christmas" crowds. I feel so different from all the shoppers out there, yet there I was right next to them, acting like them. I am sure that God is growing me again and I pray for an obedient heart howover He is leading.

I think my goats will be kidding soon. You would think that I would have more information than that since we have already been through this with these goats last year. They look huge to me, but just when you think they are going to kid they get even bigger. I just hope they choose a nice warm winter day to have there little babies because I don't want to freeze while waiting for them to be born. Wow! I sound quite self centered. Of course I would like it warm for the little kids too.   

We have started our Christmas break early. We will not take a break in January because we will be taking next week off instead. It just seemed silly to do a week and a half of school and then have two weeks off and then do another two weeks of school and have a week off. This way when we start school again in January we will have awhile of school without time off to get into it. I hope this plan works as well as I think it will.

I am off to bed. I will write more soon. 

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

It was freezing this morning. Makenzie and I woke up around 6:30 this morning because she had a dentist appointment in a town 1 1/2 hours away from here. Don't ask!  She had to get 4 teeth extracted before she can get her braces on. She did great! I expected a LONG day but she was a trooper. The key is getting the gauze out of their mouth and then they start to feel human.

Anyways... that is really all that is going on. I thought I would show some pictures of the freezing cold weather that Nick took this morning while feeding the animals. I will write more later. 

The cat is standing ON the goat's water.

This is the duck's pool. If you have ducks you know why it looks so disgusting. The hose is frozen. 

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

We have been busy, busy, busy! My family came down from Las Vegas to visit for Thanksgiving. Since last Saturday we haven't stopped. I am not complaining because I feel so blessed to have had everyone close for Thanksgiving but it does make me realize how slow I usually live.

 My parents and one of my brothers and his family left on Friday. I have to tell you I felt like those were the fastest 5 days of my life. I think I was so trying to savor each minute with my parents while they were here that it went even faster. 

My other brother and his family leave tomorrow morning. They stayed with me until Sunday night and then went and stayed with my sister and her family for some bonding time. What a great Thanksgiving we all had together.

Today everyone is coming here for a visit. I am going to have to say goodbye to my brother and his family today because they leave tomorrow morning. I sure do hate goodbyes.  I also hate how far the 1200 miles seem when we are not all together. We moved all the way out here away from everyone and sometimes I wonder if the different lifestyle is worth the separation. 

I love and miss you dad and mom! I will call you soon.   

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

This is what I did this morning. I changed around my bedroom and vacuumed it from top to bottom. We are having company stay with us for Thanksgiving and they will be using my room so I decided to give it a makeover. I know it almost looks the same but everything is in a new spot except for the tv and tv stand.  It feels fresh and clean and that is a good thing.

This afternoon after dropping Nick at school I went to my sister's house to see her new woodstove and some new furniture placements that she recently made. It looked wonderful and I enjoyed my visit.

Nicholas got his report card today. He got 6 A's and 2 B's. He is doing really well. He already has 2 1/2 credits and he is just beginning his 3rd six weeks. I miss homeschooling him and am not sure what we will do for next year. I want him to get as much done now as he can in case I bring him home next year. He is able to move at his own pace each day.  He likes his school but because it is not a "regular" school it has an interesting assortment of students. Overall he seems to be doing well but I wonder why I would choose this difficult age (he is 14) to surround him with rif raf. It seemed like the right thing to do at the moment and will probably be the answer for this small  season of time. I am not sure if it is the right answer but it is an answer for now.

I still have a little organizing to do in my school room. Well, it is really a hall with an office nook where I keep all of our school supplies and books. I have let it get messy and I need to get it looking nice again.I am off to work on my school area and try to finish getting ready for our company. I will write more soon.

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

5 days until my family is here!!!!! I am counting down!

Today was a lazy Sunday. We went to church and then came home and relaxed. We had hot dogs, beans, and salad for dinner. Makenzie made chocolate and banana pudding pies for dessert.

Nicholas hung some hooks for me in the hall bathroom and the girl's closet. He also put some little latches on the bathroom doors. Our house is old and so are the doors so they had no locks on them. This hasn't been an issue for us because we just knocked if the door was closed but we decided with visitors coming it was time to have some locks installed. I am so happy my son is getting older and is able to use a drill.

The kids are in bed and I am just hanging around enjoying the quiet. I am going to go to bed soon because as usual I am exhausted. I guess that is all for now. I will write more later      

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Yesterday my sister and some of her kids came over for a visit. We hit the antique shops here in my little town. I got a couple of mirrors and a lamp for my living room. My sister bought some things to help decorate a friend's house who asked for some decorating help.

Today we went to our friend's house to decorate. I didn't decorate but I did bring some things that I wasn't using in my own decorating and donated them to our friend. My sister was able to do her dining room, living room, and hall bathroom. She had nothing on any of her walls and now it looks so homey in her house. A quilt here, a table there, and some cute shelves on her walls and it looks like a new home. She was very happy to have her house come together the way she wanted it to. I had a nice time visiting with them and helping where I could.

It finally feels like fall around here. It is so cold out today. My wood stove is crackling and warming the house as I type. I love this time of year.

Well, I have laundry waiting to go on the line.  I will write more later. 

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Today I finally tackled one of the projects that has been on my list for a little while. Tackled might be too strong a word since I didn't get it finished yet. Between my room and the girl's room is a huge closet that we share. Don't even try to visualize the floor plan just remember my house is like 90 years old. Anyways, I did half the closet today. I had the girls all go through their clothes and we were able to pass lots down and then some for my sister's girls. I even went through my skirts and tried them all on to see which ones fit (I am still a bit depressed ). I will finish the other half tomorrow. That side should be the easy side.

We did school today . I also ordered some school books that I will need in the next couple of weeks. We just finished our Amercan History study (using Beautiful Feet). Since we will have so much time off during the holidays I am not going to start our geography/science study until January. We are basically just doing the core subjects for the next couple of weeks.

I guess that is all for now. I will write more later. 

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

I have made a couple of changes in my living room and dining room. They are small changes but you gotta love a little change.

 I still have lots of things I want to to before our company comes. We just finished school and we are going to go get Nick and go to my sister's for her birthday party.

I will write more later. 

• Comments (2) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

I am exhausted. We went to Sam's Club and I was able to stock up on most of my staples. I still need to go to Walmart to finish the rest of my monthly grocery shopping tomorrow or Wednesday.

It  has rained off and on today. We are in a tornado watch at the moment and have a 80% chance of thunderstorms (some severe) and large hail. I hope we skip the hail and tornadoes and I could really do without the thunder and lightening too. We have been blessed to not have seen the golf ball sized hail this area is known for.  I couldn't even imagine what that would be like. When I was house hunting in one of the towns, most of the homes had new roofs due to a really bad hail storm they had the year before we got here. Scary!!!

Tomorrow is my sister's birthday. We will be going to her house for dinner and cake. I always love a good excuse to visit my sister and her family.

I guess that is all I can think to write for now. I will write more later.    

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Our week off is almost over. I have totally enjoyed the break from school. I got some of the things done that I wanted to. I finished painting my hall bathroom and really like how it came out. I tried to take pictures but they didn't come out too well so I will have to try again another day.

Well, my entire family will be here for Thanksgiving. I am so excited and cannot believe how quickly time is flying. I am glad they are coming so I won't have to be a pity party this holiday season. I sure do miss them.

Today was church and then we went to lunch. After lunch, we stopped and visited my sister and her family. It was a nice day.

Tomorrow we are going into town to the Sam's Club for our monthly stock up. I haven't been for about 5 months so I really need to stock up on alot of things.

Well, I guess that is all for now. I will write more later.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link