mominpa - Homeschool Blogger

Tying up those purse strings....

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:10:00 -0600

I love it when I can share the TRUTH of God's word in tangible ways with my children. I am not at all sharing this to "brag" but because this is "my" personal record of our days--- and this was such a blessing to our family....

Last weekend we indeed did go and help my mother with her wood needs. It should've been an easy trip-- go get wood, split, stack....but many things came up which tried to steal our joy and (money). I didn't realize first of all it would cost more $ to take our trailer on the turnpike (due to more axels...Jason may have realized this, I was a bit shocked at first).... then when we got to my mothers with her first load of wood-- we realzied a bearing broke-- and the wheel was SMOKING!! It took a few parts and tools ($$$$) to fix the wheel. Then when Jason began to chain saw some wood that was already on the ground at my mothers-- there were some REAL chainsaw issues that required some parts/chains etc... We were determined to do this for my mother, as we wanted to bless her and have her warm and toasty over the winter... so we kept working-- no one mentioning where this $$ was going to come from-- but realzing that this was a task that was needed and would be completed.....

At this same time I was made aware of a family (local) who is going thru some problems (out of their control) and the Lord has REALLY been laying it on my heart to bless this family in SOME way-- and I wasn't sure where exactly that would come from--- but when God lays it on your heart-- it STAYS there until it is delt with.... so I knew he would make a way--- and he HAS!!! (not to mention as soon as I told Jason he knew JUST how we could bless them and help meet some of their physcial needs).

Low and behold I am about ready to do bills for the week-- and guess what? Jason received a BONUS on this paycheck and a cost of living increase (not big-- but every bit counts)... so we have JUST what we need to cover those unexpected expenses....and I am so thankful we did not let those "little" hang ups slow us down-- and I am more thankful to GOD for seeing us thru and blessing us in the end with our needs continuing to be met.

The saddest part to my flesh is I can now see when we are "in GOD's will" he will make a way and the road will lead down the path we are to take-- but sometimes I try PUSH and PULL a path of my own making-- like my DESIRE (fleshly, selfish) desire to have a BIGGER vechicle-- A VAN.... do we all fit in our current vehicle? Yes, it isn't the most pleasant arrangement right now-- but it works-- and I can see-- that WHEN God feels we are ready and the time is right-- HE WILL MAKE A WAY-- so I might as well QUIT PUSHING and PULLING!!

As a matter of fact the older 2 and I were talking last evening about our "trips" outside the home and how they have DWINDLED greatly in number...and they said "well it is because all of the babies". And to the human eye-- that is true-- it is a fact. But then Zachary said "If we didn't have these babies we might be out more and get the flu".. (TRUE) and then Zachary said "If we were out more we would EAT OUT more" (SO TRUE-- that was always our biggest budget pitfall) -- and then we tied that in to that money can now be used for helping/serving others AND we are TRYING to be healthier and lose some weight-- and eating out DOES NOT HELP THAT!! So this 'lack of running errands" will help us in MANY areas-- it might seem like a 'set back" at first glance-- but if we are quiet and seek God-- we can see him working IN MANY other areas... and how sweet that the older 2 boys could SEE IT TOO!!!! Praise God!!

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38

If I had more time I'd LOVE to share about our new church and how I have NEVER EVER in my LIFE seen a BODY OF BELEIVERS take this verse PUT IT INTO PRACTICE so literally:

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

-- REALLY-- Maybe this week I can share a bit-- The boys too seeing this-- and realzie this is not "the WORLDs" way-- this is God's way-- and is very rare-- yet such a blessing--- and such a visable way to see God Work:

Read alouds- hands on learning?

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 20:37:00 -0600

Oh please not this time---

My son has talked about almost NOTHING else other than taking some $$ out of his bank account and buying a PIG!!

Why? Because that is what Almonzo did when he asked his dad for .05, his dad gave hime .50 and he bought a pig (so he could sell the babies-- whatever baby pigs are called-- I'll know the answer to this tomorrow).

All weekend-- everyone he came in contact with he told "I am going to take MY $$ and buy a baby pig".

The draw back to this? Almonzo's father owned a VERY large farm (and was pretty wealthy) and the book never mentioned how Almonzo FED this animal!! (Zachary is planning LOTS of scraps-- tried to start saving some today)..... The bigger drawback to all of this? Jason has ALWAYS wanted to raise a pig---

Oh how I DISLIKE PIGS!! VERY MUCH. When we go the farm show or fair-- I try to walk quickly thru-- and to be honest they SCARE ME VERY MUCH!! Have you ever seen a PIG get loose at a Farm Show? I have and it takes a FEW MEN to get them back in!!!! Oh dear... they REALLY REALLY do scare me!!!

So guess what filled Zachary's library bag today? Books on pigs-- you guessed!! (lol) I have a friend who has her daughters write a paper or notebook about things like this-- do some REAL resarch before they are able to "jump in" to things like this-- and that is JUST what I have planned for Zachary.

PS: I did throw in a few books on rabbits-- incase the pig idea doesn't 'fly".

If only he "took" to our Missionary book on the Fiji Island like he did Almonzo's pig!! LOL

Oh yeah-- read alouds are great!!! LOL

Important things to do....

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:29:00 -0600

That is what we will be doing this weekend....

Tonight we are having a fellowship meal at our church for our pastor and his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Just last week we had a celebration/meal for another couple who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.... I just love how serious this church takes and MAKES families. The couple that celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary also had a wedding quilt / throw hand made for them by ladies of the church (not me, I am not good with a needle...and it was also made during Nathans birth and there-after). My older 2 were at first surprised that we were having a dinner to celebrate an anniversary-- but now that this is CELEBRATION #2-- I think they get the idea-- Marriage is SUPER special and we all need to encourage and celebrate it with each other!!

Then tomorrow we are heading home (to my home) to help my mom who really needs some wood cut and split and stacked for her. We just found out about this yesterday-- but I am so thankful I have a husband and children who realize that this is what families do for each other-- we HELP and SERVE whenever and wherever needed. Jason works all night tonight but will still be the only "MAN" there-- and I know he is going to be so tired-- but he still stood right up and said "Yes, if your mom needs help-- WE WILL BE THERE." (That made a wonderful impression on the boys too-- ).

I have a friend who is considering homeschooling next year- and she asked me a few questions (I LOVE TALKING ABOUT Homeschooling-- even if we are becoming Unschoolers)....and the one she asked was "How long do you homeschool your boys each day?" Ummmm how do you answer that to someone who sends their children to school all day with out getting THIS look... LOL So I gave her the ol' standby (and TRUTH) "Oh we are homeschooling all day--everyday-- my children are always LEARNING.... it is just a matter of WHAT they are learning." (and I must BLUSH and add that since Nathan has been home and we have been watching FOOD NETWORK and the DO IT YOURSELF channel VERY frequently-- they have had a WHOLE lot of Home Ec. and Industrial Arts... LOL-- really though-- they can tell you many things they did not know before-- and are very ANXIOUS to help in the kitchen!! LOL) Oh and don't for get life science-- raising 25 meat chickens from 2 day old babies to the freezer to the kitchen TABLE (last nights dinner) But I did tell her the truth- "sitting and desk time is about 3 hours"-- (because I KNOW that is what she is considering school-- but hoping she will see school is SOOOO much more) I did re-state that that was not counting read aloud time and hands on learning-- and learning to "serve and help" as members of a society (the home and more).

Boy this was a rambling post, huh??

Don't feel sorry for me....

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:24:00 -0600

I'm blessed beyond measure!!

Oh the looks we get when we all go out in public right now-- you can see people counting heads--- at first it was funny-- sometimes it is annoying... how do REALLY big families do it?

The hardest part for me right now-- is STUFF-- I feel like I am somehow DROWNING in STUFF again-- and I am not at all a pack-rat-- or anything even close to that-- I just feel a new baby brings some BIG things with them-- (swing, pack-n-play, chairs, car seats, and on and on)-- plus the other 2 littles have STUFF-- (thankfully the older 2 have mostly small toys (legos, matchbox cars, etc)... but oh I really feel like STUFF has over taken me-- and the ONLY reason I haven't taken CHARGE-- is I'm afraid-- I am SOOO frusturated I'm afraid how BARE BONES I may make things---- (I can get crazy sometimes you know.. LOL). Seriously--- it could be bad.....

Wanna know HOW CRAZY I CAN BE? SHould I tell you?? hmmmm some of you will really get a laugh-- but today on Craigslist under HOMES I found a listing for a "hunting cabin" (knotty pine-- BEAUTIFUL) on 20 acres with a self composting toilet!!!!! (in our price range) -- It is ONE big room as far as I can see with a BEAUTIFUL WOOD interior--- but oh my-- dh laughed-- and said "Yes, we would definitly be disowned then!! " LOL Then he said "maybe we should drive by and look at it!!" (He is not a dreamer, or visionary-- so don't worry)

Today we went to Bass Pro Shop for hubby to get a few things-- and this lady who works there said " Hi, there, are you finding everything okay... is there anything I can help you find? Maybe a BABYSITTER?...holys smokes you have a lot of kids!" I don't know why by that really rubbed me the wrong way.... Later at the customer service desk a gentleman said he was one of 5 children and he imagined we were what his family looked like and 2 women behind the counter working there -- said--" Not me I could never imagine so many kids-- No way". What a shame-- Children really are not considered a blessing in this world are they????

Well I do feel blessed-- and as Doug Phillips said (can't find the link) but the jist is this: In the Bible children are called a blessing and debt a curse, so why do so many of us try to LIMIT our blessings yet APPLY for our cureses?????

Love that---

Wanna see?

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:24:00 -0600

I have spent almost an hour on this stupid comptuer-- trying to download some pics-- UGHHHHHH

Nathan:

"watching mamma wash dishes"

The Toddlers:

"Reading a book while mamma gets dinner"-- dont ya love the bare foot? She hates her feet covered!! LOL

All the "BOYS"

Daybook for November 2

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:22:00 -0600

Outside My Window ...

BEAUTIFUL.... sunny but I'm told "cool".

***

I am listening to...

The dishwasher run...and Zachary reading aloud to himself while finishing school work.

***

To Fit and Happy...

How did CANDY get into this house? Oh yes-- Grandma!! Ugghhh- not too much-- and soon it will be gone.

Still thinking about the exercise for all... ANY SUGGESTIONS? Where we live is not really "safe" for walking-- unless we walk the perimiter of our land-- and that is B-O-R-I-N-G. Plus it is getting colder--

***

I am thankful for...

Our MANY read aloud times right now-- they are SO fun-- and each time we are reading a different book. First feeding (Nathan) is Farmer Boy, second is a Missionary Book about Fiji, third is Christopher Columbus, fourth is "Created For Work". Not counting our morning Proverb and our evening Bible time led by daddy.

***

From the Kitchen

Wheww kitchen day last week was MESSY~! No kitchen day this week-- Next week we will as I will need to make some bread. Oh and it looks like apple picking (drops for free) will be soon-- so that will be a kitchen day!!

***

I am wearing ...

I bought some kuddleduds-- finally- I have heard many praises of them-- as they keep a woman warm in the winter in her dresses. So yesterday I ran to Bonton (the only local store that carried them) and bought a pair with a few knee sox to go with -- and ahhh they are SOOOOO comfy and warm!!

Oh but I am wearing a SUPER comfy (not so pretty) beige cotton skirt with black turtleneck and new sox.

***

In My CD Player

Vision Forum CD- "Why the Church Needs the Family and the Family Needs the Church" ---Livingroom

Michael W Smith- in the Suburban

***

Towards a real education ...

READ alouds and the 3 R's are getting in!! yeaaaaa And we are really enjoying ourselves-- that is the BEST part!!!

***

I am thinking...

How much fun I had Saturday night at the Reformation Day Celebration our church had. It was such a sweet time-- They had a musician (celtic music) and it was dark with camp fires all around-- I was able to sit and listen and just enjoy watching the families around us-- I love watching families that LOVE each other-- I saw fathers and daughters dancing (it was barn dancing w/o the barn) husbands and wives dancing-- and children running and playing -- and mommys and daddys all around sharing in fellowship and laughter-- it was a SWEET SWEET TIME!!!

***

Around the Hobby Farm

Winterizing the laying chickens- putting up their winter windows and cleaning out the nests.

Still to do - clean out flower beds and till garden for next year.

***

I am reading ...

The Bible

"Farmer Boy"

Missionary Book on Fiji

Christopher Columbus

"Created to Work"

Plus 3 books on hold at library to be picked up today.....

***

I am praying ...

For our family-- as we make decisions-- that we would have ears to hear and eyes to see what the Lord wants for us....

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Nothing!!

I cancelled Baby Nathan's wellbaby appt today-- nothing like taking a 1 month old out to the Dr.'s office during FLU season!!

Maybe some apple picking and processing with 2 family friends-- we'll see how the weather is--and each ones schedule...

Truth be told...

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:15:00 -0600

Previous entry regarding the TV in our home.....

".....So off went the switch-- and I'll be curious to see who switches it back on!!"

It was me!!! Must be honest..... However it is on VERY VERY little now!!

Turned for Good....

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:03:00 -0500

I know I mentioned a while back (about a week before Nathan was born) that we got the Sattelite Dish--thingy-- and I was really unsure of how that would work after 9+ years of NO TV...and let me tell you-- YUCK!!! (No Tv--- isn't totally true-- we had 1 channel we could watch and we did have a DVD and VCR)

I've been oh so sick to my stomach about some of the things on TV-- but I must admit was very excited to sit and watch some GOOD Ol' Cooking Channel during my LONG nursing sessions in the beginning.... well tis true-- I did enjoy it for about a week or 2-- and then I got REALLY SICK OF IT!!

Well of course some of the male memebrs of my household were not as convinced at how much this was probably not the best idea we'd ever come up with!!

Well today was the straw that broke the camels back with me (at least)-- the COMMERCIALS ON EVERY CHANNEL ARE EVIL-- there is not other more correct term to be used-- they are EVIL and the ENEMY has slithered his way into so many homes-- it is heart breaking to me-- REALLY it is..... heartbreaking.....

So after 4 weeks of playing "hurry mom-- turn the channel its a bad commercial" (while watching some very nice movies/cooking shows)-- I HAVE HAD IT-- it is JUST TOOO MUCH!!

So off went the switch-- and I'll be curious to see who switches it back on!!

What perfect timing though-- because I finally have read a CM post or thought that I could process with my mind... usually it is is all too good to be true and too much for me-- and I get OVERWHELMED and give up QUICKLY... however last night I read the final post from Generation Cedar on CM-. To read more of what Generation Cedar had to say about CM see here for parts 1-6.

So today we started our morning w/ breakfast and our normal daily reading of Proverbs. Then for Nathan's 10am feeding we read Farmer Boy. Then it was nap time for Stephen and Rebekah so we did Math, Reading and Copywork (and I am really coming down on messy slopy work-- it MUST be PERFECT). Then it was time for Nathan to eat again (he is on a 3 hour schedule start to start) and we read a Missionary book about a family living in Fiji (and of course we then broke out the map and the Encyclopedia to learn a bit mroe about Fiji.). Then for his 4pm feeding we broke out our Weaver Readaloud-- on Christopher Columbus. Now ina few minutes we will sit down for ANOTHER feeding and we will read something practical-- I have 2 books from Vision Forum about Boys/Men (can't think of the title right now- oh yes- "Created for Work" and there is another that goes with it..)

I cannot believe how perfectly these feedings have made our read alouds to go-- PERFECT-- ABSOLUTLY perfect- NATHAN HAS TO EAT--- so why not gather around and read!?! Ahhhh And after being baby #5 and my first baby to nurse-- I cannot put into words TRULY how RELAXING it is to sit and read and nurse-- I would've NEVER EVER GUESSED!! NEVER!!!

Well I must run-- Apple cake is done in the oven for our Reformatino Day Celebration with our church family tomorrow.

Yearly / Seasonal Chores

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:30:00 -0500

I found these 2 Yearly / Seasonal Chore Charts-- just thought I'd share them--

January

Wipe down cabinets
clean inside of stove top and wash knobs
soak oven racks
Vacuum Fridge coils and sweep under it
Clean under stove
Clean top of fridge
wash and wax wood in dining room
polish silver
go through cupboards and tidy
wash silverware trays
clean out/wipe drawers in kitchen
clean out drains with vinegar and baking soda (rinse with very hot water)
oil wood cutting boards
Clean vent hood over stove/check filters
clean out cobwebs and wipe down walls/baseboards/trim in kitchen
scrub garbage can
Clean pictures/frames in kitchen

February
Thoroughly scrub toilet with bleach water
clean bathroom sink with baking soda and clean drain with vinegar/baking soda
deep clean tub and shower
go through products and toss anything unneeded
Scrub garbage can
check for cobwebs and dust walls/baseboards/trim
Wash bathmats and shower curtains
Clean pictures/frames/mirrors in bathroom
Check oil in car
Go through pantry and inventory

March
Flip and vacuum mattress
Clean bed really well and wax wood if needed
Check sheets and mend them if needed
Check for cobwebs and dust walls, etc in bedroom
Go through clothes/shoes and start spring/summer transition (get rid of anything no longer useful)
Wash all bedding and switch to lighter blankets/sheets if warm enough
Start weeding as ground begins to thaw
Clean pictures/frames/mirrors in bedroom
Start seeds

April
Vacuum couch and other soft furniture in living room
Clean pictures/frames in living room
Check for cobwebs and dust walls, etc. in living room
Go through books and remove any no longer wanted
Weed
Remove anything that died in garden during winter
Check gutters and clean out
Sweep front porch and check lights
Check hanging plants
check potted plants
fertilize trees and plants once completely thawed (sometimes done in May)
till garden
plant seedlings and starts (near end of month where I live)
Check oil in car

May
Prune trees and bushes
de-thatch lawn
clean out ditches and artisan spring
plant grass if needed (early in May)
Paint trim if needed
Wash windows
Spray down driveway
Clean out shed and garage
Plant peas/beans

June
Weed
Scrub lint trap in dryer
Vacuum under washer and dryer
Check oil in car
Go through pantry and inventory
Check canning jars and supplies start buying jars if needed
Dust walls/baseboards/trim in laundry room
Plant winter squashes
Start on Christmas projects

July
work on Christmas projects
Dust all walls
Wipe down cabinets
clean inside of stove top and wash knobs
soak oven racks
Vacuum Fridge coils and sweep under it
Clean under stove
Clean top of fridge
go through cupboards and tidy
wash silverware trays
clean out/wipe drawers in kitchen
clean out drains with vinegar and baking soda (rinse with very hot water)
Clean vent hood over stove/check filters
clean out cobwebs
scrub garbage can
Clean pictures/frames in kitchen

August
Thoroughly scrub toilet with bleach water
clean bathroom sink with baking soda and clean drain with vinegar/baking soda
deep clean tub and shower
go through products and toss anything unneeded
Scrub garbage can
check for cobwebs
Wash bathmats and shower curtains
Clean pictures/frames/mirrors in bathroom
Check oil in car
Go through pantry and inventory

September
Flip and vacuum mattress
Clean bed really well and wax wood if needed
Check sheets and mend them if needed
Check for cobwebs and dust walls, etc in bedroom
Go through clothes/shoes and start Fall/winter transition (get rid of anything no longer useful)
Wash all bedding and switch to heavier blankets/sheets if cold enough
Clean pictures/frames/mirrors in bedroom
plant bulbs

October
Vacuum couch and other soft furniture in living room
Clean pictures/frames in living room
Check for cobwebs and dust walls, etc. in living room
Check gutters and clean out
Sweep front porch and check lights
Check hanging plants
check potted plants
Put down winter fertilizer
till garden and rip out expired plants
Prune roses
Check oil in car
Service tiller and mower remove any leftover gas
Clean and oil yard tools
Clean out shed/garage
Plant bulbs

November
Wash all curtains
Shampoo carpets and wash rugs
Rip out any remaining plants from garden that have expired
clean out gutters
Wipe windows
check roof and shingles

December

Clean kitchen appliances.
Organize where needed.

And this one is my FAVORITE: (I could've combined them, but I must get going)

Yearly To Do List

January

- de-clutter downstairs

- increase everyone’s Vitamin C intake

- make large batch of hm chicken broth

- clean out all files

- gather tax papers

- disinfect door handles and light switches daily

February

- de-clutter upstairs

- plan garden

- increase everyone’s Vitamin C intake

- disinfect door handles and light switches daily

March

- order garden seeds

- plant spinach, lettuce, onions, snap peas

- order new CHICKS

- clean outside flowerbeds/brush

- take down all snowmen decorations—spring decorations out

- clothing switch from winter to spring—toss/give away—make list of needed items

- clean animal pens/houses

- clean out shed- rearrange for spring needs

April

- plan home school year for NEXT year

- continue outside clean up as needed

- prepare garden beds

- Spring Menu plan

May

- yard sale (have list of needed items)

- Freeze some meals for busy summer months

- Gather grilling supplies for spring/summer

- Clean grill

- Begin garden planting

- Sandals/flip-flops for ALL

- Suntan lotion for ALL

- Make a “salad center” in kitchen and keep stocked

- “picnic” center and supplies ready for spring/summer

June

- End of the year testing/evaluators

- WEED garden

- Summer Menu plan

July

- harvest and preservation (canning/freezing) supplies

- WEED garden

August

- HARVEST garden—keep up with preservation

- WEED garden

September

- Fall decorations

- WEED garden

- Harvest—keep up with preservations

- Clothing switch- summer to fall winter…. Get rid of non needed items/ list of needed new items

- Make Fall Meal plan

October

- Stock all cold-remedies (hm)

- Thanksgiving decorations

- Clean out flowerbeds/gardens

- Clean out animal pens/houses

- Clean out shed—prepare for winter needs

November

- Christmas letter/ card list

- Make large pot of hm chicken broth

- Thanksgiving plan

- Winter meal plan

December

- Christmas decorations

- Advent

- increase everyone’s Vitamin C intake

- disinfect doorhandles and lightswitches daily

My Hearts Daybook for the Week of October 26

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:44:01 -0500

Outside My Window ...

Dark and rainy-- It is to rain all day-- but that is okay with me. (Except I bet when all this rain is over most of our trees will be bare...and they are so beautiful right now).

***

I am listening to...

Silence-- Ahhhh silence...

***

To Fit and Happy...

We are REALLY trying to get serious about shedding a FEW pounds. All of us can afford to shed some pounds. I am trying to watch the carbs (not too strict though... a lot of our whole food recipes for fall/winter have rice/beans/barley in them). Portion control is being heavily examined and sweets.... This will be a process-- but it NEEDS to happen. Next step finding some form of EXERCISE for each of us.... (more on that later)

***

I am thankful for...

Our family-- I am so amazed at what a sweet time we have had this last month. We have ALL enjoyed this "babymoon" VERY MUCH. (maybe most of all).

***

From the Kitchen

Today is "kitchen day". Not sure what that is going to look like-- hoping to have 2 "kitchen days" per week to get some high maintenance stuff out of the way; like bread baking (not needed this week), granola bars, other baking items, rice / bean making/soaking, things like that....

Found these 2 links that helped me "form" my Kitchen Day-

1st for Cleaning

2nd for training

(you have to scroll down on these links to find the "entry")

***

I am wearing ...

Still in PJ's-- I'll head up to get dressed within the hour... right now everyone is sleeping- and I don't want to wake them. (no early morning showers for me -- it wakes everyone-- I must shower at night)

***

In My CD Player

Christine Getty---Livingroom

Michael W Smith- in the Suburban

***

Towards a real education ...

We are doing pretty well getting the 3 R's in. This week we MUST dive into our Weaver lessons-- they will so fit in with Thanksgiving... and I have the lessons made-- just need to APPLY them.

We have enjoyed a lot of read aloud time this past week-- as I can now finally nurse and read at the same time. (Mostly thanks to an AWESOME nursing cover I bought from a fellow MOMY's).

***

I am thinking...

About our week-- I have broken out a schedule again-- it was nice for a month to just 'enjoy' life-- but we need a BIT more structure-- but I don't want to lose that "enjoyment " either.

***

Around the Hobby Farm

Meat chickens are in the FREEZER. Butcherin went very well-- the guys enjoyed themselves very much, and doing it with our church family was a VERY nice time of fellowship too. (I think they did near 200 chickens that day)

***

I am reading ...

Farmer Boy (our current Read Aloud)

***

I am praying ...

For our Pastor and my brother both who have the Flu.

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Wednesday- Traveling "home" we were able to purchase 75lbs of grass fed beef and it is ready for pick up on Wednesday.

Saturday- Our church is having a Reformation Day Celebration. It is outside with cider making, a campfire and a celtic musician. Depending on the temp. we are hoping to attend.

The Bible