...it's me with the problem. I don't know why I can't seem to blog more than once every 3-4 months, but I can't. Then sometimes I blog every few days and then I stop. Usually if hubby is out of town I blog, otherwise, I don't. However, I'm going to try to blog more often.

I'm thinking of switching over to blogger. Nothing at all against HSB, I just like some of the features of blogger. I might do that and just start fresh. Don't know yet.

Well, for those of you who still might possibly have me on your feeds and haven't given up on me, here's a rundown of what's been going on since my last post:

* We got a puppy! He's soooo cute (show me one that isn't!). He's an English Shepherd named Silas. He's a farm dog and sleeps in the barn with the goats and cats at night. Eventually, with training, he *should* help us get the goats in at night and chickens (when we get them). I'll have to make a separate post and show pictures.

* Garden was semi-successful this year. The corn was amazing, the tomatoes were/are delicious, beans were great, but we waited all season for them, peas and carrots - not so good. The cucumbers were great, but I planted a ton of pickling cucumbers. They finally started to produce before we left for vacation and were too huge to do anything with by the time we got back. Squash beetles took over pumpkins and killed them all. Other than that, not too bad.

* School is underway and I'm already behind. Welcome to the life of someone who is lousy at time management. Thankfully the Lord is really working on me and with me. I am not going to let myself get the best of me! Strange sentence, but it makes sense to me.

* Hubby and I feeling totally committed lately to paying off any debt and seeing where we can cut expenses. It feels so good!

* Really getting into trying to be healthy and eating more raw foods. I watched a DVD recently that changed my thinking a bit (a lot) and I'll probably post more on that too.

* The weather has been incredible. Despite Ike's winds roaring through Ohio, the weather has been in the mid to upper 70's and sunny and then cool in the evenings for great sleeping. Since the beginning of August we've only had to have the a/c on twice.

* Little Joe is 2 1/2 and we absolutely cannot keep up with him. He knows no fear and if it seems to give mama a heart attack, he's all for it. Yesterday hubby was cleaning gutters and raced to get him off the top of a 12' unstable ladder. And if he can't be dangerous, he just likes to be destructive. Thankfully the Lord made him very cute!

* Life without television is grand. We do still get movies from the library occasionally, and lately I've been buying some quality Christian DVDs from Franklin Springs Media (I'm thinking of asking for a gift certificate for there as a Christmas present!). Otherwise, I don't miss it one iota.

* Hubby's home office is nearly complete. Staining/painting begins this week. It's beautiful. His brother did all the work, so it cost us much less than it could have otherwise. I'll have to post about that separately too -- wait to you see the unique bookcases!

*Painting the kitchen comes after the office. I am really looking forward to that! I have had paint swatches up for...a really long time already. We picked the paint and are now looking for "that perfect fabric" for curtians. Originally wanted deep red gingham or red with yellow, but now I'm thinking of pulling some bright blues and greens as well. We'll see. We really love cottage style and I want every room to be cheery.

So, those are just some of the highlights. There are the "lowlights" too, so don't think things are just perfect here. Lately, we struggle daily with feeling like our family is under a spiritual attack, but are continuing to stand upon God's promises and keep using the Word and prayer as our power tools.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Jennifer :)