June Additions II: Hello, I have more news to add...
This past week we picked up a new - used piano. We were needing a better piano for a little while, and finally found one we really liked. It is a lovely Yamaha console piano. We were lucky to find one in such great condition.
Tonight a nice family with a young one about to start lessons came to take our old one off our hands. We were happy someone could make use of it.
Joe and I got it out of the house as soon as we brought the new one home. It was quite an adventure moving 2 pianos in one day!!!
This past week we also made a trip to pick up some steers. We brought home a couple 7 month olds. They are named Bubba and Boo. Come fall we'll be headed to the butchers. Our little trailer has come in very handy lately!
Last night we went out to dinner to celebrate KK's birthday. We had a great dinner at Ryan's Restaurant. I think we'll go back sometime. We all liked the variety.
Heidi appears to be making a recovery. She has begun to eat a little more, follow us around the house, and even attempts to bark at vehicles. It is a pitiful sound really since she is still pretty weak, but she is trying. We think she feels quite a lot better. We feel confident she will come through her sickness! Praise the Lord.
That is all for tonight. Have a blessed month. I'll be back in July.
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June Additions: I am back. I just wanted to add a few comments to June's blog...
HAPPY FATHERS DAY to you all. I pray everyone is having some wonderful family time today.
Yesterday KK got her ears pierced for her Birthday. We then went out for dinner to Olive Garden ( our most favorite restaurant) to celebrate Joe finishing his first year or law school, to celebrate our 15th Wedding anniversary, and to celebrate a few other special events in our lives this month.
Yesterday morning, Joe took Heidi in for her 2 week check up at the Vet. We had prepared the kids for the fact that he may ask to put her down. HALLELUJAH he did not, but said she still has a 50/50 chance of making it. He gave her a new antibiotic, a diuretic to eliminate the fluid retention, and a vitamin paste to boost her up. She continues to lose muscle and has begun to run a slight fever again, (hence, why she has stopped eating again). BUT she has perked up enough over the last week to at least start moving around again. That was a good sign to us.
Today, she actually met our guests, sat by them and didn't make a fuss about them being in her home. For anyone who knows our Heidi, you can tell that this sickness has beat her down. We pray she gets well!
Our guests were our friends the Mattus's. Jeff came over to help Joe band the calf. Looks like they will have to wait another week or two to actually do it though... I imagine they don't look forward to wrestling him to the ground when he gets even bigger. Oh well, they are two strong men, it will be fine. It will be another reason for Kathryn and I to have tea together again. That is always nice.
(We have to do an immunization for black leg soon. I am not looking forward to that. I just want to bottle feed the thing, and not be bothered with all of this other stuff! Oh how I hate needles, almost as much as I hate spiders and snakes! Just ask my Mom 
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Welcome everyone. I am glad you dropped in for a visit. I have so much news to share with you.
To go back to May; TJ placed 2nd at the Regional 4-H Contest in his category. There were nearly 200 children in grades 5-8 competing in different categories with their demonstrations and Interactive Demo Boards. Congrats TJ!
The kids each did wonderfully at the piano recital on June 1rst. KK was coming down with a cold but still played her best.
We were all sick for the next week with the latest virus going around. Bad timing for us really, not only did we have piano recital but we gained 2 new farm animals, and or special dog was diagnosed with Tick Fever!
Heidi: She has been on her medication for nearly 2 weeks. She really is not getting any better. She is a very sick dog. We pray she will pull through, and we are doing all we can for her, but the odds are against her we fear. She is such a wonderful dog, so eager to please that she has allowed us to do what we can for her. She is very obedient and that has helped us tremendously.
Our Kittens are ready for new homes. We have yet to take them out with a sign and hope that their adorable faces will catch someone's heart... We will have to do that soon, but it is sooo hot!
We got our beef calf at the beginning of the month. I am the only one who thinks he is so cute. Everyone else just wants to eat him!! He is being bottle fed. I really enjoy going out to do CHORES at the barn each day. I do so like working around animals. They do not talk back!! 
We also picked up a used horse trailer and a young female donkey that same weekend. She is called Jenny, original I know, but I really like that name! She is about a year and a half. It is possible she may have been bred back to a horse before the herd was all sold. She looks like it is possible. We pray if that be the case all goes well with the birth. We don't want to lose her. She is a very sweet girl, although as of yet, she still will not let us touch her. She is getting much more comfortable with us, so we hope in a short time we can comb out that old winter coat and check her over even better.
Her and the calf are in separate areas at present, but they meet up at the fence each day to greet each other. They spend the majority of the day near each other. That is good. We hope once he is big enough for the regular pasture she will be his protector until he is much larger.
Now for the creepy news. This month I had a lovely visitor in the barn. While I was feeding the calf I noticed something funny sticking out from between the barn boards. I called Joe over because I thought it was a snake head. Sure enough, there was a racer just handing its head out watching me! How odd. He didn't seem bothered by us looking at him, but it did bother me that he was there. Yikes!
If you know me, you know how scared I am of snakes and spiders... well not only did I find a snake, but I also found a black widow spider hanging in her web in the corner of the basement this week. AHHH. We tried to spray her but don't know if she is dead not. As soon as the spay went her way she hid in amongst the stack in that corner. I sprayed the fire out of everything, but if she is inside something, she may be ok, and therefore may appear again. UGH
I guess that is all the news I have at the moment. I hope I did not bore you with our little hobby farm details and all, but for those of you who enjoy keeping in touch and knowing what is going on in our lives, thanks for stopping by.
Please drop us a comment to say hello any time!
Do take care and God Bless!
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Good spring day to you all!
Spring is a wonderful time of year here in Tennessee, but it is also a very busy month too!
The trees are all covered in their green leaves now, the flowers have been working through their cycles, and new baby animals are being born all around.
We have had the daffodils, the iris's and the lilac bushes bloom already. They have given off some beautiful flowers and scents but are now finished. We are anticipating the yellow day lilies, and the orange tiger lilies presence, but in the mean time we are enjoying the roses. We have small displays of color around the yard.
Honey suckle has started as well... the smell can carry a good long ways, thank heavens. Can you tell I enjoy spring in Tennessee!
We have been bothered by the tent caterpillars this year. They invaded the fruit trees as well as other trees around. We hope to keep them under control! Between them and the deer we will be kept busy. The deer have already stripped some bean plants and Joe's grape vine growth, not to mention the new leaves on the wee pear trees we transplanted from Kathryn's house. They keep marching through the garden looking for the new growth.
We plan to fence the garden in... once Joe's exams are over, we will get to work on the list of jobs needing done this spring. We are anxiously awaiting the end of school.
Speaking of school, the kids are still working hard at getting through their classes, regardless of spring fever. With a little intensive of much anticipated Wii games on the weekend if all school days are completed, we have been able to keep up with our classes.
They have a couple of months left to go!
Yesterday, TJ competed in the 4-H Regional Contest with his Interactive Board on Nuclear Energy. He placed second. YEAH! Great job TJ! Joe said he did the best job and wouldn't have changed a thing. We are very proud of him.
Both children have their piano recital on June 1rst. I always look forward to that time. I really enjoy hearing all the students and noticing how much they have improved over the last year. We are very thankful to have such a wonderful piano teacher, Mrs Hearn.
The children have a 20 gallon aquarium. We have cycled it, and since added our new fish. We have Balloon Dalmatian Molly's, various Tetra's, and the kids catfish added in to clean the bottom. TJ added an algae eater as well recently. The betta's have stayed behind in their own smaller tanks.
Kitty's kittens are so very playful and curious. They are a real joy to visit each day. It is always hard to let them go to new homes, but that time is approaching. Our dog Heidi will miss them the most I think. She loves kittens and can't wait to get out to see them. She mothers them. They have always gotten used to her rather quickly because she is so gentle. Our 3 year old Blackie thinks that she is Heidi's cat, she always greets her first!
We also have a pair of guineas who claimed us as their new family. They've been here for a few weeks. They were such a gift--with them eating the ticks that were becoming a real problem for us without our ducks this year. I hope they continue to stick around to eat the June bugs and Japanese beetles! They claimed the barn rafter as their night perch. We don't mind since they are doing such a wonderful job cleaning the yard and garden of bugs.
We have a surprise! In early June we will be adding some new animals to our land. We will share what they are with you at a later date. We are excited about them... Keep posted!
That is all I have to share for now.
Do take care.
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Apr. 8, 2008 April Tidbits-Part 1&2
April Tidbits part I
Happy April everyone,
Today I decided to share a few youtube clips with you.
I begin with a new movie trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV8sN1UngFY
This movie is called "Expelled - No intelligence Allowed"
It come out in theaters on April 18th.
It is endorsed by Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis/Creation Museum, and
James Dobson of Focus on the Family among others.
Ken Ham writes:
"Riveting, eye-opening, and even astonishing. Ben Stein does a
masterful job of exposing the ruthlessness of evolutionists who will
go after anyone who challenges or merely questions Darwinian
orthodoxy... Entertaining yet instructed."
"Stop Atheism in our schools!"
If you see this movie, please come on back and share your comments with us.
My second youtube clip is on Oprah... http://youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
The clip speaks for itself!
Next I have a clip to share with you called, "Is MSG killing us?"
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2554335028143378309
There are 2 more parts you can follow up with if you are interested in learning more.
Last but not least, for those of you who have not yet seen Dustin on youtube, here are 2 links that will take you to his cadet drill team competition. He is the tall young man in the front. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGY5UfEpp0E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su56ituWggk
It looks like I am out of time. I will write again before the month is out with family updates.
April Tidbits Part 2
Hello everyone. I hope the spring weather has been good to you!
We have a some animal news to update...
Kitty had 4 kittens a week and a half ago. This time all females. We have 3 tigers and one black. They are beautiful and growing so fast. Their eyes are open now.
That was the good news, but we have sad news too. Dear old Harley finally gave up on life.
He passed away this morning. He lay down for his morning nap but didn't get up. He had a long life with a few good years out to pasture on our land. He was a real smart, sweet ol' guy and he will be missed.
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Mar. 14, 2008 March Memories
Good Day to my family, friends and visitors... I hope you are doing well. Thanks for stopping in for a visit.
March, the beginning of spring... or so it used to seem that way! This month has brought a couple inches of snow, yellow daffodils coloring the flower beds, and lovely warm weather. What a combination!
The kids loved the snow that stayed all day, but we were short changed! Up to 5 inches was predicted... oh well, we'll take what we can get even if we missed sledding for another year. Thank heavens we had that ski trip this past January. The Canadian in me loves the snow.
Joe put up his gourd bird feeder a while back. It has been a huge success. The 3 sets of cardinals that we've seen off and on are flocking to the feeder. They are so pretty to watch outside the living room window. Many other birds stop in too, but the cardinals are the favorite. The blue jays take advantage of the spilled seeds, but that hasn't stopped them from continuing their cat food steeling off the porch. The cardinals resorted to that before we set up the bowl of seed for them on the steps, and then hung the feeder from the front tree. It looks like we'll need to hang another or so... they sure are glutens.
For some reason the cats have left the birds alone this year. In the past the birds that came around became lunch... Maybe we're all enjoying their company  .
The children are getting outside for longer spells with the warmer weather. Joe and I did a little work outside recently too. We transplanted a couple of maples from the woods into the pasture for a barrier. We cleaned out the bird houses too. So far the blue birds have taken up residence in them, and we've spotted the first purple martins. We hope they come back and live in the martin house we put up last summer. We had many around last year but we got our house up late. We hope it brings new families in this year, and years to come. They are one of Joe's favorites.
Speaking of trees, we received a couple plum trees from my dear friend Kathryn. We are anxious to add those into the orchard. We hope before too long the trees will all start to produce. We really are trying to be patient; we know it takes many years.
We are ready for a dry weekend to till the garden. We have our heirloom tomatoes started and they are outgrowing their cups. We decided to get them in early and just cover them if frost is called for. Last year frost killed all plants and fruits with the April frost, but we are prepared this year with tarps. I will not lose my berries again, and Joe will not lose his grapes.
Guess what? My sister Carrie is expecting! Yeah! I can not wait. I imagine Kendra will be a super big sister! She wasn't excited about the idea. Carrie said that when they asked her if she'd like a brother or sister she told them , "Na, I'll stick with the dog." What little smarty pants she is.  (They just got a new puppy a while ago... )
Soccer started up this week. Kids had a 2 hour gym class with some other homeschoolers. It was just perfect out. I sunburned my face though... intense sun or what! I am looking forward to getting out more too. I love spring in TN. The honeysuckle is something else!
Today Karlie and I went to a "Celebration of Life Memorial" for my friend Ellen's husband. He passed away yesterday. The graveside service had around 300 people I am told. His memorial that we attended later was so amazing. This man left such a legacy. He is known as a true servant of the Lord. I really enjoyed to hear the stories of how my friend and her husband touched so many lives. Their older sons read emails from families around the world, who could not attend, but wanted to let her know how her husband Doug touched their lives. There was far more to this man, and even this woman, than I ever knew. I have found a gem of a friend it seems. After what I heard today, what Doug has sewn, Ellen and her children are sure to reap. I know the Lord will look after them. Everyone that came into contact with them were blessed, I know many will see that they never go without. She is now a widow homeschooling her last 2 children at home, but I do not fear for them...
That is all the news I have for now. I pray everyone is healthy and happy.
Added: March 17th:
I was shown this article. It was rather interesting, but it needs to be read to the very end... take a moment if you will... It is titled:
'On Eve of Jim Carrey's MOVIE: "HORTON HEARS A WHO?" --Is God up to Something? Was HORTON an "ACCIDENTAL" PRO-LIFE COMMENTARY?'
http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=6250 (for the full story)
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Feb. 25, 2008 Simple Grocery Store Herbal Remedies
Many of you know that we are big green tea drinkers. We have been lucky enough to find decaf at our local Walmart. Green tea is an excellent drink to have morning, noon or after dinner. It is best not to drink a caffeinated drink after a meal as it keeps your body from absorbing the much needed iron, but a NATURALLY decaffeinated green teas is a good option.
Green tea has many medicinal purposes. It also aides in weight loss especially if drank directly after a work out of any kind. Do a little research and you will be surprised at how many ways green tea can benefit you!!
My tip of the day is based on information I have recently found. I thought it was worth sharing. I hope you try out these recipes and let me know how they fared for you.
Good day to you!
Tip of the Day
Grocery Store Herbal Remedies for coughs and colds that anyone can make and use.
Made with natural foods so they will not harm your body, but will benefit them.
Cough Syrup:
Dice up an onion. Put in sauce pan. Cover with honey. (about 8oz)
Heat on LOW (simmer) for about 40 min. Cool in a jar in refrigerator.
Take by the spoonful every 15-20 min while cough persists.
Deep Cough/Congestions Remedy: (Helps Lungs)
Mince up garlic cloves. Drop in a jar. Cover with olive oil.
Set to the side for at least 20-30 min. You may heat slowly for faster fusion.
Cool and then keep in refrigerator.
Take as a syrup to relieve chest congestion.
Massage onto bottoms of feet before bed; and then wear socks.
Grocery Store Herbal Tea Remedies.
Got the Sniffles Tea:
Grate Fresh Ginger to taste; about 3 TBPS
Place into a decanter, or tea pot, or thermos.
Pour hot water over ginger.
Add about 3 TBPS Lemon Juice and Honey to taste, about 3 TBSP also.
Steep and drink away your cold.
Chamomile Tea:
Use to relax before bed. Safe for calming babies or elderly people too!
A great relaxing drink to help you fall asleep faster at night.
It also aides in stomach upset. Can elevate nausea and indigestion.
Also aides in relieving a stuffy nose.
Apparently it can heal, pink eye/conjunctivitis!
Peppermint Tea:
Use in smaller doses. One teabag or one teaspoon of leaves an evening.
For full medicinal effect, steep for 20 min. and cover so the volital oils do not escape.
This tea will aide in digestion. Take before or after an evening meal.
BTW: If you have heartburn, eat an apple!
Go figure!
For more information, please go to www.learningherbs.com
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Feb. 7, 2008 February-Happy Valentines Month
Happy Valentines -- for those of you reading my blog on or around Feb. 14th.
Happy Anniversary also to Mom & Dad, Aunty MaryRose & Uncle Lionel, as well as to Carrie & Addy.
Weather: Well so far we have had both snow and spring weather (including tornados) within the first part of February. Quite an interesting month to say the least.
Kids: TJ and KK are beginning to prepare for their Demonstration contest held at the monthly 4-H meeting, next week. We are getting a late start, but it took them 2 weeks to pick their topics! We still need to go and pick up science fair boards to do the project on. Sigh... This will be a very busy week ahead.
Home projects:
1) We had our roofer out recently. We are needing to re-shingling the house this year. Yikes!
2) We have started a few vegetable seeds in pots. We have also purchased some heirloom seeds this year and will pot those next. We are giving this our best shot and hope to have an earlier producing garden this year. At least on some vegetables.
We are so looking forward to fresh veggies etc. again.
I do hope that our berry plants make a come back. We lost so many strawberry plants this past year, and with the early frost last spring, we missed out on berry picking.
I also hope our grapes don't get destroyed by frost again this year either. Last year was our first year to collect a full crop and we had so many clusters starting up... but we lost them all.  We are prepared this year for the chance of late frost, and are very excited to see what they do this coming summer!
For the most part we have really enjoyed having a garden, vineyard, and fruit trees (although they haven't produced fruit yet).
The kids have to plant, tend to, and harvest one row of their own chosen vegetable this year. We get them to help out normally, but we want them to get excited about the bounty. We hope this will encourage Kat to eat her veggies with a smile on her face, rather than that look of disgust. 
News: Nothing really knew here. Life, school, work etc. Do you have any exciting news to share? 
Recipe: I tried this recipe for a fund raiser - bake sale, and it kind of reminded me of a donut flavor... Maybe it was just me, but I will share it with you to try out for yourself. Let me know what YOU think.
( Normally I bake with much healthier ingredients, such as applesauce or sour cream instead of oil, or flax seed meal instead of oil. I also use some whole wheat and or wheat germ instead of all white flour. I cut back on sugars and/or use honey instead. But here is the recipe none the less.)
Cranberry Muffins
Dry Mixture:
2 cups all purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup fresh cranberries
( I used defrosted frozen, chopped into quarters)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Moist Mixture:
1 large egg
4 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
Mix and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 min. Enjoy 
Tip of the day:
When using flax seed meal to increase the healthiness of your foods, use it in place of oil, but add 3X the amount. Example. Recipe calls for 1/3 cup oil, add 1 full cup of flax seed meal instead.-- Recipe will also brown faster while cooking.
It is time for me to go now. The kids are planning to watch "Walking with the Dinosaurs" DVD. We did not go see them in while they were in Nashville, but Carrie and Addy took Kendra as the families Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa when it was in Winnipeg. They said it was very good. I am anxious to see it myself.
The kids will roll their eyes a million times during the movie I imagine, on the account that it will be evolution based, but it will be interesting to see none the less.
Oh that reminds me; have you heard of the Creation Museum that is in Kentucky?
You really should look into it. We hope to visit it one day... not sure when, but one day.
Hope you have a lovely rest of the month. Do take care, and God Bless.
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Jan. 22, 2008 Happy New Year!
Hello family and friends. Welcome to my blog page.
It is a brand new year. I hope you are all blessed beyond measure in 2008.
This year I will change my blog entries slightly.
I will still update you on the family and our homeschooling activities, but I will also be adding in a tip or two, a website to check out to save you money, and share ideas and recipes with you that have worked beautifully for us this past year. I hope you will continue to check in on us monthly. Enjoy!
This January we went skiing in Maggie Valley, NC. We spent a couple of days on the slopes, same as last year. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves once again. The weather was just right, the slopes were in good condition, and the kids improved even more. TJ and Joe made it up on the intermediate slope this year, by the second day!
If anyone cares to see a few skii trip pictures, follow this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99488305@N00/
The kids had a 4-H poster contest this month at the meeting. KK took second place and TJ took first place, in their grade levels. They worked very hard on their posters. They do the lettering and drawings by hand, and color in what is necessary.
We have been baking bread a lot this month. We have made some wonderfully tasting breads and buns. I cried "little red hen" and had plenty of helpers to grind the grain.
Our favorite recipe was a multi grain bread. We will share it with you.
1 cup warm water
2 TBSP butter
1-1/3cup bread flour
1 cup fresh ground whole wheat flour
3/4 cups 7-grain cereal (hot cereal mix)
3 TBSP brown sugar - packed
3 tsp yeast
I used the bread maker to do the mixing etc. but baked the breads in the over.
Grease pan and rise again for 40-60 min.
Cook for 20-30 min. or until brown, at 350 degrees F
I also love this coffee cake mix.
We have made it for guests who pop in for coffee, and as a thank you gift to the neighbors
2 cups flour
1tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter
1/2 white sugar
1 egg beaten
3/4 cup milk
Grease bunt pan. Mix flour, bp, salt together. Cream sugar and butter. Add egg and then work into the dry ingredients. Slowly add the milk while mixing.
(I like to add a drizzle of maple syrup or maple flavoring to the batter)
Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle half the topping mixture over the batter.
Add the rest of the batter.
Bake for 30 min. at 350 degrees.
Drizzle a homemade icing over the top.
Let me know if you try these recipes and how they turned out for you.
This month we will attend another sewing class. I am letting the girls determine which quilt block they will learn to sew. I think everyone is ready to spread their wings and try something a little more challenging. This is such a fun art, I am really enjoying creating my own quilt styles and teaching the younger girls.
TJ finds something to keep himself busy during class, but this month I invited others to come and have a board game day at the same time.
I hope the attendance is enough to have a one game going at least.
I wanted to mention a couple of authors who I think you might enjoy.
I have not mentioned these two before, so I will today
Inspirational Romance writers; Colleen L Reece and Debra White Smith.
I don't usually read romance's, but I found a couple Novellas to read, and I really enjoyed them due to these women's inspirational stories.
I have a website for you to check out. It is actually a blog page by another Mom, but she has freebies for all to take advantage of.
Follow this link: http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com
Tip Time:
Sharpen your scissors by cutting tin foil.
Crumpled tin foil makes a great pan scour pad in a pinch.
Use your cast iron pans for cooking homemade pizza's and pies.
You will not believe the taste!
Did you know adults can order kids meals at Cracker Barrel? TJ, KK and I eat there often. On errand day it is a nice break from the rush- rush. We get all you can drink sweet tea or lemonade, a meal large enough to fill me, and biscuits are free with the meal, but you have to ask for them. Why deal with McDonald's when you can get to sit by a cozy fire, eat much better food, and for the same price?!
Before I go, I would like to add one last thing;
Vote for Ron Paul. He is the only candidate who will fight for homeschooler's rights.
He also plans to give a $5,000 credit break to all homeschooling families.
Huckabee does not believe in vouchers! What does that tell you?
Well it is time to call it a night. I do hope you enjoyed your visit here today.
Do come back again.
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Dec. 19, 2007 Merry CHRISTmas!
Merry CHRISTmas!
I love this time of year. I enjoy having the tree up, eating all of the homemade goodies, and diplaying all of our Christmas cards from family and friends. It is a special time of year for us because we get new pictures to hang on the fridge, and letters to read from back home. I so look forward to hearing how everyone was this past year, and learning of their plans for the coming year.
Thank you to everyone who sent a card, letter and or pictures!
We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year.
This past month we have been busier than usual. We are all looking forward to some time off over the holidays. The kids are anxious to just hang out and play for a week. Joe is just happy not to have any classes or homework for a couple of weeks. I am ready for a less hectic schedule; No school, no activities, and hopefully ~ happy kids for at least one week.
Joe will still be working, and of course, a Mother's work is never done, but we will be at a much slower, easier pace.
I am eager to do a little sewing. So far it has been a "pull the sewing out, put the sewing away, pull the sewing out, put the sewing away..." I would like some uninterrupted time to just sit down and get to work on a project, and have enough time to finish a task. I have a pile of projects in the works, and they are just begging me to be worked on. Winter is my favorite time to "create!" I am so glad I discovered this hobby. Quilt making has become a passion of mine.
I would now like to back track a little. In a past post, we stated that we would like to see Ron Paul for President 2008. We believe he is the only candidate worthy of American's votes. He is the real deal. His voting record speaks for itself! Please check out his web site and join the Ron Paul REVOLution.
http://www.ronpaul2008.com He is HOPE for America !
God Bless you this Christmas Season
Chris and Family
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November is half over and Christmas is 5 weeks away. I can't believe it!
This month we worked on 4-H speeches and the kids had their contest Friday. They worked very hard and had their speeches memorized. Too bad they did not have any competition. Too many children were absent. They each placed first by default. KK had a 4 min. speech on the venomous snakes of Tennessee. TJ had a 7.5 min. speech on 'starting a successful aquarium'.
We have also been working around the yard this month. I moved around some flower bed plants and bushes, and chose some maple and oak trees, from the woods, to move along the side of the property soon.
I also started to search in all of the weeds for the missing strawberry plants to cover with straw, and was able to get 2 rows covered for winter.
Joe used the box blade to smooth out the drive a little. With all of the rain the gravel had many ruts throughout it. He also tilled the garden and did a little more bush hogging... not to mention taking care of a few truck repairs.
He will have a busy week catching up on homework-yikes!
I started a couple of sewing projects for Christmas again. I think I have 5 things to sew this year... hmmm that might be a bit ambitious! We'll soon see I guess. KK is making her own gift for the piano teacher. She is beading with tiny black and white beads making a keyboard - keychain or bracelet, whichever she has time for. A homeschool mom is coaching her on this project.
I am co-instrucing a beginners quilting class for the homeschool girls (and their mothers). We made a 9-patch so far and in Dec. the girls will do a pinwheel using thangles. That will be fun for them. The first class was really interesting because I had to teach the younger ones how to sew, beginning with threading the needle and making a knot. I enjoyed myself that day. It was such a relaxed, happy atmosphere with eager students. Kathryn and I did all of the cutting as we explained what we were doing. We showed the girls KK's finished quilt top from her classes so they would know some of the blocks we could teach them throughout the year.
Well I guess it is time to rassal up the kids and get them off to bed.
Hope you had a nice visit here at my blog site and plan to come again.
Thanks for stopping in.
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Fall has arrived in TN! The leaves are orange and gold all around us. How beautiful!
The weather has cooled off as well. We can now enjoy the outdoors again.
Thankfully, we have received some much needed rain. Our pond was beginning to look like a puddle! I don't know if our fish will survive this winter.
Speaking of fish. TJ's three fry that survived will soon be ready to leave the fishbowl. He will put one with his catfish, leave one in the fishbowl, and find a home for the third. KK's betta is giving her some concern. We've been treating him for over a week. I hope he gets better. He has gotten so large and is so very pretty.
Joe did some bush-hogging out back this past weekend. He made a trail to and through the woods for us.
We love to hike around in the woods during the colder weather. The dog and cats and (even the horse up to a certain point) join us for our walks. It is quite comical, really.
I discovered some new orange leafed trees at the edge of the woods this year. We have four sassafras trees! They are so very bright orange that I claimed them as "My trees." We have a small red maple in the yard by the swing, but it doesn't even compare to the color of those four trees.
Joe and KK have their favorite trees too. They love the purple blossom trees that show up in the spring time. We can also see those from the kitchen table. How blessed we are.
What is new here besides trees? The kids started 4-H this month. Nov. is their 4-H speech contest. I will share the results of that next month.
The kids were sick for over a week in mid. Oct. KK has a cold right now--I hope this passes quickly. She just barely recovered from her bad virus and picked up this head cold next. I wonder if the rest of us will catch this also. We have had enough of being sick!
All else is fine. Joe is off this week from work, but he has plenty of school work to keep him busy. A full course load can do that!
I guess it is time to say good-bye for another month.
Hope to hear from some of you.
God bless!
Hello, I am back. I wanted to add an entry to this months blog message.
This afternoon Joe and I went for a walk in the rain. We went out into the woods to scope out new possible paths and to check out the trees. Harley was in there and joined our walk. He was right on our tail  too. I had to get a stick and hold it over my shoulder to back him off so his face wouldn't hit my head any longer.
We found many colorful tree leaves to take home to examine. We found a variety of hard wood trees in the woods with a few saplings near by we will transplant in a more visible location.
The kids worked on their blog pages today. You will find them in the friends section of my page.
I also added a video clip to my blog today. I hope you enjoy it.
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Oct. 7, 2007 Ron Paul for President
Ron Paul for President 2008
Hello all. It has been a long week at our house. Sick kids, sick mom and extra busy dad.
Kids have been sick all week and this weekend they still have bad coughs.
I have come down with it too. It has been a rough weekend for me.
I missed out on the Saturday adventure. Joe and TJ went on in to downtown Nashville to see Ron Paul speak. He drew in a large crowd and was a huge success.
Dad is in British Columbia right now. He and Uncle Roger, Aunty Dorothee and Uncle Marcel have made the trip out for Aunty Yvonne's funeral. She passed away last month after a long battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed.
Happy ThanksGiving to all of you Canadians! I hope you had a lovely weekend with your family eating wonderfully prepared food.
Mom spent the holiday with Aunty Mary Rose/Uncle LIonel and family. Carrie and Kendra were out for a visit too. Nice that she had company while Dad was away.
I hope everyone out there is doing great. We'll write again soon. Bye for now.
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I entered to win the writing instruction program
MY Access! Home and the SAT Prep Pack
on the HSB Company Porch!
In order to be entered for a one-year subscription to the writing instruction program MY Access!® Home Family Edition and the SAT® Prep Pack – I had to display this entry on my blog page.
If you would also like to enter, please go to url http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSBCompanyBlog/401206/ and follow the instructions. Contest ends Oct. 15th.
I discovered this contest from the Old School House Magazine Email Newsletter. |
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Sep. 23, 2007 September ~ Double Take
September 26th
Hey, I am back with a wee bit more news to add to our September newsletter. I am enclosing it at the beginning, in case some of you have already read this months blog and might catch it in October.
We went to the Chattanooga Aquarium yesterday to see the Penguins. They were absolutely adorable!
Of course the kids had a blast. We stopped in to see them 3 times in all.
We also did a double take at the shark petting tank. Yup you read that right, the "petting tank" at the aquarium allows you to touch live sharks and stingrays! The kids had the best time ever, and yes, I admit, we did too.
I think it was a wonderful adventure. We visited the Ocean Aquarium building, as well as the River Aquarium building, and for added fun we saw an Imax show about the 'Deep Sea'. It was a great way to spend a school day~gotta love field trips!
On the way home we stopped in McMinville and found this lovely little authentic German Restaurant. We had super service and wonderful food. As many of you know, Joe was stationed in Germany during his airforce years, and enjoys visiting German restaurants on occasion.
Today while we were picking up our farm milk at the Borcks, there was a mini surprise party for TJ. He had cupcakes and singing and gifts. It was a real treat for him! My two played piano for them and Faith Borck sang her beautiful song while she played guitar for us. What talent!
Thanks for stopping in~catch you next month!
September 22nd
Hello everyone, welcome back. I hope you are all doing great!
We are just fine here in sunny Tennessee.
Our weather is finally back to normal and we have spent a little time back out in the yard doing some fall time clean up. We have the garden and berries yet to tackle, but in time it too should be ready for winter.
The kids are back in school. KK is in 6th grade, and TJ has started 8th. Wow, how fast they grow.
We began 4-H this past week. KK is one of the song and recreation leaders, a role she had hoped for. TJ declined his nomination for secretary this year. He's been one for 2 straight years and decided to take a break and let someone else take a crack at it.
We pick back up wtih homeschool soccer in October. KK will also participate in a basket weaving class in Oct. That will be interesting.
All is well with life in general. Joe will continue to work at home. The kids and I keep busy with school and activities. We are all in good health. LIfe is pretty smooth at present I'd say.
Not much news to share this time around I guess. I will catch back up with you next month.
Take care and God Bless. |
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Aug. 24, 2007 August in the desert!
August in the desert -- well that is what it feels like. Everytime I head out across the yard in the 104 degree weather, with the crunching grass beneath my feet and that hot, dry wind in my face, it reminds me of our hot summer days in Arizona.
Things look like fall already with the trees drying up and losing their leaves. If only the temperatures were fall like I wouldn't mind so much. We are ready for fall and the cool evenings once again. I imagine by the time our normal falltime in October arrives, the trees will look bare. I imagine the glorious painted hills we have seen in the past will look desolate. The bright side to the drought - and there is one in our opinion - we haven't had the typically humid summer that soaks your clothing everytime you step oudoors! That has been a real treat.
The kids swam more this summer as you may have guessed. KK has learned how to swim underwater! She dives down for golf balls with the boys. She is an incredibly fast swimmer too, and loves every minute in the pool.
The kids and I will have one more week off, I believe, before we start back up with school at the beginning of September. TJ will turn 13 and be in 8th grade. KK turned 11 this summer and will begin 6th grade. We will have a busy year once again with 4-H, piano, soccer, art class for KK, sewing class for the girls, and if we are lucky-maybe roller skating again. (New owners have taken over the old rink and have apparently done a little work. Maybe, just maybe, the heating/cooling system has been cleaned and the mold smell we noticed will not be present during the heat and airconditioner seasons. In the past, we could only go the rare months the heater or airconditioner were not turned on. Poor TJ and his allegies! )
Joe is working and schooling; keeping very busy. He still makes sure to have our family time. We play games or hang out and visit in the living room. I am thankful that we are coming up on 2 years without TV. Before long the kids will be off to college, and we can unregretfully say that we spent quality time with the kids when it counted!
So how is everyone else out there doing? We'd love to hear from you, family and friends alike. Drop us a line sometime, or leave a comment for us here. We pray you are all well. Take care now. We'll write again next month.
Chris and Family.
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July 30th
I just stopped in to add a few comments to my blog today.
I wanted to share that TJ has 4 new baby fish. He did a fine job of gathering and taking care of them.
His mother fish died the next day. He was sad but at least he has the babies.
KK's Marshmallow (Duck) went missing after the bobcat spotting.
She still has Snowball who has been a blast. She visits up at the house to eat when we are outside,
and she seems to think the swimming pool is for her own use!
She flies back and forth from the pond to the pool now and again.
Crazy duck!
Hot Hot Hot... July in Tennessee
Hello everyone, and welcome back.
I hope summer has been treating you all ok!
We've been pretty hot here, but we have had a much drier year than years past.
Humidity seems to be off and on, what a treat!
Our evenings for the most part have been pretty decent!
Right now we are busy wrapping up school, and then we'll take a wee bit of time off.
We have a couple of things we'd like to do (besides read )
I am looking forward to a week off as much as the kids are!
We have a bit of bad news to add. TJ lost his duck and fish this last week. He was pretty sad.
KK just lost one of her miniature ducks as well.
We are pretty upset about these ducks going missing... We know it is that lazy Bob Cat!
Why he won't go for the chase and catch the plentiful rabbits running around we do not know.
Joe spotted him one day going after the turkey's. He said he was pretty big.
Next time he was spotted, he was out behind the pond. Heidi spotted him for us.
Joe went out there and watched where he travels. Darn thing takes our yard!
He's been pegging off one duck at a time. Only sweet snowball is left!
I am a bit nervous about his spottings while there is still plenty of light.
We don't let the kids out too far in the yard without each other,
or at the very least without the dog near by.
Not too much is going on here.
Joe is on his 4th week working at home.
The schedule works pretty well for him I think. That is good.
I continue to sew as I find time. We are all reading and or playing games in the evenings.
LIfe is pretty good I'd say!
I hope life is treating you all wonderfully as well.
On that note, I will sign off until next month.
Do stop in again!
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Welcome to my blog. Hope you enjoy your visit here today.
June has been an interesting month for us here in HOT Tennessee.
Lots of plans have been made too. There will be a few changes around here that will affect us all,
and I for one am looking forward to them!
First and foremost our changes will begin with Joe's working from home!
What a blessing I think this will be. It seems like an answered prayer.
KTC Technology Solutions will begin its first contract here at home.
It starts off with a 3 month contract with great potential for continued work.
If Joe dislikes the arrangement or work, he has other prospects he is interested in.
However, they are downtown, in Nashville. That is something I had hoped he could avoid.
3 hours a day on the road a day just seems to be an awful lot for someone to endure long range.
I had prepared for a move if that was to be the case.
We were all excited about the prospects of a move not too long ago, but things changed!
Somehow, someway, with the Lord's prompting
I believe we found a solution, that I for one hope works out permanently!!
We have also decided that we would like to stay here in the country
with our "million-dollar view", a little bit of solitude, our animals, our garden,
and vineyard, and so much more that helps us raise our children in the way we see fit,
at least for a while longer. We really started to appreciate what we have here.
Once we started looking for something suitable for us elsewhere, and,
not being able to find it--or even coming close
-we came to the conclusion that now might not be the time to move and went a different route.
We just celebrated KK's 11th Birthday. Our baby is growing up too fast!
For her birthday she got a fish tank and a Betta fish.
TJ bought a tank at at garage sale and also got a new fish.
We have two new pet members now. This week, unbeknowest to KK,
she will be getting two new miniature ducks for her birthday from our good friends the Chapmans.
This is a special treat. We really miss Daisy Duck--who did not come back from nesting....
Bronze *our other duck* is quite lonely.
He comes from the pond to visit us when we are out in the yard, garden,
or even out at the barn. He acts like he wants food, but I think he wants us!
He is so funny hanging out with the kids, cats, dogs, and horse. It is so funny to see us all together.
We are not officially on summer holidays yet, although we spend a lot of time swimming,
and heading out doing errands. We have a some days to make up to complete our school year,
but we are taking it easy. The kids do not want a long span off between grades,
so we are treating this year like a year-long schooling--taking time off as we need it.
Today we are headed out for our farm milk.
Last week we visited the new calves and the day-old bull.
They were so very cute. I have never seen calves up close.
I got a kick out of the little cow who loved the barn kittens and kept licking them.
We will start getgin our rich and creamy milk every week now.
We enjoy visiting the large family who sells the milk.
They are a homeschool family of fourteen children, twelve of which who are still at home.
It is a great time for everyone while we are there.
This afternoon my kids played the keyboard for everyone.
It was wonderful to see the "audience" so interested in their talent.
UPDATE: Hello again.
I had a few items I would like to mention before I sign off for another month.
Karlie recieved 2 beautiful white minature ducks.
They are half the size of Mr. Bronze out there in the pond.
He took well to them.
After 2 days, you can see how much closer they have moved up on each other.
I think this will work out spledily!
We had a wonderful time at KK's Ice Cream Birthday Party at the park on Friday.
IT was hot but the cool treats gave everyone a reason to hang out in the shade.
Just watching the kids socialize amongst all different ages of homeschoolers
makes me so happy to know that they are growing up in the best environment
we can provide for them.
I also felt very blessed to have found such wonderful friends to spend my time with.
I previsoulsy forgot to mention that I have made my purse this last month.
Terri so kindly instructed us girls on how to assemble our small quilted purses.
What a lovely item we wound up with.
Each of us has been carrying them around as our summer purses,
proudly displaying our craftsmanship when a compliment is given.
We plan to make very special aprons next month, and possibley the larger quilted purse.
It is quite fun to work along side these ladies and young girls.
We do have a great time in fellowship.
I can not forget to mention my run in with THE SNAKE!!
Anyone who knows me, knows my great fear of spiders and snakes.
Of course marrying a southern boy lead me to the south,
where poisonous snakes and spiders live...
Every and now and again a snake appears to rattle me.
The day the kids had recital, someone had set a fake snake outside the church doors.
I wasn't startled when I saw it, but it later came back to haunt me...
You see that evening Joe and I decided to go for a quick swim.
I was leading the way out of the basement garage into the gravel parking area.
I saw a big black snake sitting there ahead of me.
I kept walking telling myself that it was my son's toy snake out there to fool me
(only makes sence right because someone tried to fool us earlier that day).
NOT! as I walked up on it, I realized that is was much LONGER
and not all curvy like his toy...
Hmmm ~~I stopped dead in my tracks and called for Joe,
I stood pointing at the still creature, no more than 2 feet from me.
I didnt do my expected "chicken dance" or scream, or anything.
I simply asked why it wasn't moving as I assesed what it was.
I realized It WAS a racer and that made my heart race!
I was afraid it would decide to chase me and I had no where to go,
I was pretty much blocked in. He was in my path AWAY from him.
Joe said he didn't move because he didn't want me to see him.
He had me stand there and watch it while he got something to pick it up with.
Once he was in control, I gathered the kids to come and see the calm snake.
We finally let it go after we watched it FROM a safe distance.
Harley horse came up to the edge of the pasture to examine it as well... end of story.
No freaking out, no chicken dancing, not bad eh!
Now the recluse spider running across my hand
'while I was holding an antique glass jar full of boiling water' was another story...
I made so much noise the kids came running!!!
Had to stop in one more time... TJ has started his own blog page.
You can find him by clicking on "Emperor Tux" in 'my friends' section, over on the right...
I think that I am out of news and time for the moment.
I will catch you all back up on our news next month.
Happy Canada Day to my family and friends back home,
AND Happy 4th of July to our American friends!
Have a safe and wonderful summer! God Bless.
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May. 9, 2007 May - Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you MOMs out there!
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Hello, and welcome-it is time for my May blog to be writen, so sit back and visit with me here today...
Did I say "April Showers bring May Flowers"? Where are the flowers? Oh ya, everything froze! Too bad, and we are having such a lovely spring. Flowers would have made it perfect. Oh well; maybe the lack of flowers made me appreciate everything else that much more. The trees look beautiful. The walnuts trees are filling in with such light colored leaves that it is such a pretty contrast beside the dark evergreens. The maples are re-leafing and looking so alive again. The grass is green and thick and even our sparce garden looks great.
We have lettuce to eat now, and our other veggies have popped up out of the ground after the last soaking rains. We managed to get nearly 10 strawberries so far-and how WONDERFUL they taste! We weeded almost half of our patch so far. We'll lay straw as soon as we are through.
Spring also brings us a litter of kittens. I mentioned last month that Kitty had 5 beautiful little ones and we have enjoyed every minute of them. We are going to start looking for homes this weekend, and I know once they are gone we'll miss them tremendously-until the next litter comes along. Momma Kitty adores her kittens. She purrs anytime someone comes around to see them. She misses them when they go too. For a few nights she cries for them to come home. Poor thing. Luckily they go one or two at at time only, and she gets somewhat used to them leaving her.
Our Daisy duck is missing... but not before she spent days exploring all over the place and eating grain at least 4 times a day. We think that she is sitting on her eggs somewhere. We don't know where she nested but we hope that it is where she'll be safe. Bronze is a little skiddish now that she is gone. She was the fearless one with the dog, cats, horse, and kids. He is much more careful and reluctant to let us come close. OHHH I do so hope we get little ducklings next month!!!!
We still have a ways to go with school. We'll plug away until we are through and then take a little time off. We'll be at home all summer, but we have the pool and a new park to keep us busy on our free time. Of course we'll have books too... can't live without books. I even promised the kids a new library. We will start visiting Mt. Juliet library next. We'll break from Cookeville and use Lebanon and Mt. Juliet for a while.
The book swap sites keep us with reading materials for the most part, but if you know my kids there are never enough books around!
On to the news: TJ won the 4-H Outstanding Secretary Award again this year! Good job!!
Joe is starting up his own consulting business. He will slowly work his way into building up enough business to work from home one day-Lord willing. Until then he will continue to work outside the home. Keep your eyes and ears open for KTC Technology Solutions!
That is all the news we have for you this month. Hope you enjoyed your visit with us here.
Do take care, and may the Lord Bless you.
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Note added: We went out today and sat in the grocery parking lot and found homes for all 5 of our kittens! |
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Apr. 10, 2007 Happy Easter
Happy Easter
April Showers Bring May Flowers... Hmmm that sounds familiar, but this year we had our spring flowers in March and into April... at least until we had 3 nights fall below freezing. (Would you believe it even snowed for a time! ) The frost destroyed all of our lovely flowers. The saddest part to all of this, we had a strawberry patch full of blossoms! We were able to tarp one section. I do hope they produce enough to feed us fresh fruit for breakfast at least. Our grapes had clusters too. It was pretty sad to see the lovely new leaves and wee clusters ruined as well.
Easter went by this past weekend. We spent time with the kids, ventured outdoors, as well as worked on our own projects.
We did decorate Easter Eggs for fun on Sat. too.
Joe worked on his website for his side business. TJ worked on a sewing project-a stuffed penguin. KK was content to play, read, visit her kittens, and swing! Her favorite things to do. Oh yes, and play Wii. She just loves our new game. She is the biggest fan. We set it up on weekends, and challenge each other to the 5 sports games it comes with.
As for myself I busied myself with decluttering, baking and preparing Easter dinner mostly. When needed, I helped out the others.
Joe and I went out for target practice as well. We spent a little time shooting up paper plates and playing-cards. It was a cool but sunny day. Quite lovely to be outdoors.
The rest of the month's calendar is filling up fast. Dental appointments, soccer starting back up, our last 4-H meeting, piano practices for recital, and a week of TCAPS for the kids. (They will spend 3 hours a day in the public school). Besides that I have our block of the month blocks to work on, as well as an April sewing project coming up. We will be taking a class with a local post homeschool mom. I am anxious for this project to work on because I really want the finished product. I will share more with you in May...
Well that is all I have time for at present. I do hope you all have a lovely, and blessed spring.
Until next time, God Bless!
Ps. Kitty had another litter of 5 beautiful kittens, and again they were strong and healthy. After a week they all had their eyes opened and were crawling out fo their box crying for us when we came to visit them!
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Mar. 9, 2007 IN LIKE A LION!
March came in like a Lion! Tornado warnings and all. Let it go out like a lamb!
Well, it is beginning to feel like spring here in Tennessee. We finally warmed up enough to wear light jackets or none at all! I uncovered my strawberry patch last weekend, and Joe plans to till the garden this weekend if it does not rain before the weekend again.
He had a project to keep him busy last Saturday; he and Jeff worked on Kath's vehicle. They got the repairs done, checked out a few more things, and then we all sat and visited for a time. Sunday, Kath, KK and I all headed up the Quilt Shop to show our finished block of the month in order to receive our next months block.
Last night, the kids, Joe, and I all went to watch a hockey game in Nashville. We watched the Predators play the Calgary Flames. I wore red and cheered for the Canadians of course, but it was an intense game. I was not aware until today that there was bad blood between these two teams. That explains a lot; I wish I knew that last night. I was rather disappointed in my fellow Tennesseans how they treated the visiting team. Well, it made for an exciting night anyhow. We will have to do that again. I also enjoyed the walk down town. We walked down Broadway - it was very interesting. Next time we'll do Music Row! Who knows, maybe I'll get to see the Grand Ol Opry yet? Mom and Dad, as well as Aunty Mary Rose and Uncle Lionel, made it onto TV when they came down for a visit and took a night to visit the Opry. How exciting that was to sit and watch it from home only to see our guests on the tube!
Let's see, what is coming up.
-Kids have a photography contest coming up with this next 4-H meeting.
-They have picked their songs to learn and practice for the May Piano recital.
-We will be planting our garden before too long.
-Kitty will be delivering her kittens any day now.
It appears that is all we have to share at the moment.
We'll keep you posted!
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Feb. 13, 2007 Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day to you all.
Well I guess it is time for my monthly update. I first have to tell you that winter finally arrived after my last visit to the site. We were cold enough for snow flurries now and again. For a couple of weeks Joe had to go out each morning to break the ice on the pond for the horse. We are still in the cold weather and expect to be in it for a while yet. Windy, cold, and wet is our winter here in Middle TN. I think it is easy to deal with compared to the weather my family up in Canada has to deal with. They are under a blanket of snow and have blistering cold temps! BRRRRR... (What a welcome you must have had back at home from Florida hey Aunty Mary and Uncle Cliff.)
I have to tell you, we had a terrific holiday up in Maggie Valley NC! Skiing was great! We loved our mini vacation / ski trip. The kids had a hard first day but by the second day and their second lesson, they were doing fantastic. TJ and Joe spent more time on the ski lift and big hill than I did. I was doing ok, but I got kinda scared now and again... it was so hard to keep at a decent speed. TJ loved it so I let him head up with Joe. KK was on the little slope. TJ and I rotated off and on staying with her. She was having a ball the second day flying down the hill. She had it mostly to herself which made it all the more fun. NO waits to get on the magic carpet. While there I practiced my turns. We will definitely do that again! Who wants to join us?
The flu hit our house this month. It came just intime for KK and I to miss out on the HIppology contest. The horse judging is next, maybe she'll get an opportunity to attend and compete this time. The 4-H horse project group is growing in size. We should be able to continue competing in the state contests. Thank you Miss Susie for all of your time, and thank you Miss Carol for setting this up for us and keeping it all running smoothly.
Let's see, what else is going on in our lives. WEll my Grandma will be 92 this spring. She is hoping to head out to BC to visit Aunty Yvonne who is struggling with her cancer. I know they would love to see each other before her cancer takes her from us. What a wonderful opportunity that would be for Grandma. We pray everything works out so it can happen!
Mom and Dad sound well. THey are keeping really busy this year and happy to have a good life--cancer free!!! I am so thankful that each of them came through their cancer trials and can enjoy this winter, and many more of them, Lord willing.
Carrie has been sending us pics of Kendra's new room. Kendra looks mighty pleased with her big girl room. What a cuite she is. THey did a nice job fixing up a special place for her. New floors, closet etc.
Back here in TN there is not much else going on, yet... spring will be here soon enough and things always get moving then... Gardens to plant, Strawberries to begin picking, yard to tend too and house projects to work on. For now, we are schooling, doing smaller scale projects, reading, and keeping up with life.
We hope everyone is feeling well and we pray you have a safe rest of the winter.
We shall check back in next month to let everyone know how life is treating us down here in the south.
Until then, keep warm.
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