Abundant Blessings Farm

Another tragic loss...

This is not the greatest week so far....

I just found out that my dear, sweet friend Cathy's nephew was killed in car accident.... he was only 17 years old. What a tragic end to such a young life...

Moments like these just push me to my knees. Praying seems to be the only way to get through the tears and sadness...

I know that those who have died this week are now with Jesus...what a glorious place to be!!!!...but....the ones left behind here are filled with grief and sadness....

I love you, my friend. You are in my prayers....

A tragic loss...

I received a phone call early this morning....telling me of the death of a wonderful man. Elgin was such an loving husband and father. His family, rightfully so, adored him. What a sweet, sweet man.

As the day progressed, I received many more phone calls...what a picture of his testimony. He touched so many people with his gentle, loving nature.

I cannot even begin to fathom the grief that Elgin's family is experiencing. Losing your very best friend, your Daddy, your Granpaw. How incredibly sad. My heart breaks for this family. My prayers are with them.....

If you feel so led, please visit their blogs to leave them a comment of encouragement...

Josephine, Elgin's wife
Sandy, his eldest daughter
Celeste, his next daughter
Jordan, his next daughter
Sarah, his youngest daughter
Mitchell, his grandson
Heather, his granddaughter

What a nice day!

We spent today at a friend's home. It was a birthday party for two of her daughters. Getting to spend time with friends, both old and new, was such fun! The children all had a great time...which is truly a neat thing considering just how many there were! I don't think I'd be exaggerating when I say there were probably 30 children (from 3 mos to late teens). It was refreshing to see all of them encouraging each other while playing games. And, of course, I so enjoyed talking with the other Mamas!! What a nice way to spend a day. We didn't really want to leave for home...

We capped off the day with a visit to another friend's home. This one was unplanned...and happened at midnight! We had bad weather...and our home has no basement...or really a safe place to be in the event of a tornado. So, our friends have graciously told us to come hide out at their home if we ever need to... That's exactly what we did...loaded everyone up and headed over there. We spent an hour talking and eating her cookies in her basement before heading back home. It was not even sprinkling on the return trip home. Strange weather!

I am always in awe of the friendships we've been blessed with since our move to TN. The Lord has been gracious to us and given us so many wonderful friends. What a blessing.

Whew! What a week!!

Sorry to be away so long from my blog friends! It's been waaaay too busy around here. I like a nice, simple, quiet life...and this past week has not been at all like that!

Sunday was our clean out the trailer day. Now, we moved here over four years ago. With that move, we loaded up a semi trailer full of our belongings. (also had a trailer load behind the Burb, and another load in a UHaul....hey...my Honey lived in the same place all of his life...and he has many varied interests....we had ALOT of stuff!!) This semi trailer has remained rather full since our move. We go out and search for what we need....sometimes we find it, more times we don't. On this day, we determined to clean off the top shelf. (Honey and Thomas put in a wood deck that went most of the length of the trailer). We did it!!!!! We had many, many, many boxes and bags that we drug out of there! The shelf now contains just a few of the boxes of things that we cannot part with and don't have any other place to store.

After we unloaded the trailer, it was time to move the "stuff". The girls and I did most of this while Honey and Thomas worked on yard things, moving the cows and other such manly endeavours.

The front porch now has lots of smaller boxes on it....for a yard sale, eBay or whatever. The bags and boxes of clothes have been sorted...the boxes of house stuff sorted. I still have not found two Pampered Chef items...the food chopper and the apple peeler, corer, slicer do-jobbie. Sure would love to find them!!!!

Monday brought a trip to the dentist. This was a return trip for Rebecca and Mary, who both had cavities. We will be changing dentists for their 6 month cleanings....I am not impressed with this one any more. First, it's a long drive over there. Second, they will only make appmts for two of my children at a time (even though the last four times we've been there, it was no problem to do so). With the cost of gas continuing to rise (we're at $3.59 a gallon now), I just can't keep making unnecessary trips. And second, Mary came out from her filling telling me how awful it tasted. This was after Rebecca came out and as she was sitting there, a tiny piece of her filling came off....(not a biggie..it looked like just the side flaked off a bit). Well, I asked Mary if I could see her filling...she opened her mouth and under her tongue were several pieces of filling! I guess they didn't rinse her mouth or something. No, I didn't say anything to the receptionist (who has the personality of a door knob!)...we just left and rinsed her mouth as soon as we got to the Burb. Not cool...that's my baby!!!

We left there and went to do a couple of errands. Then off to McDonald's for a very rare treat of lunch out. The children played a bit...then we were off to Amish-ville. Found what we were looking for....a cute gift for my MIL's Mother's Day gift...and STRAWBERRIES!!!! I wanted 2 gallons of the wonderful, sweet, yummy berries. They only had one ready....then she said, but we can pick you more! So picking they went! Can't get much fresher than that, eh?! They were more than worth the wait! When we left, we went a different direction than normal and so enjoyed the scenery. I just love the simple-ness of Amish-ville. They are people, just like you and me....I'm not really fascinated by them so much as their lifestyle. I don't really agree with some of their ways or reasons for them...but I do love how they take care of each other...how they take care of their homes and farms....that sort of thing. The same sort of thing you would have found in the pioneer days of America.

On the way out of Amish-ville, we stopped at a store. There, I found.....BIRCH BEER!!!! Now, if you're not from PA Dutch country, you won't have a clue what birch beer is....since I am from there, and since I am PA Dutch, I love the stuff!!!!! It is the most bestest tasting soda ever! I usually only get it when my folks generously treat me to it when they come back here from NY. Oh, to be able to get it here!!! And...on their deli sign, I saw lebanon bologna. Again, you probably won't know what that is if you aren't from that area....but it's nothing like the bologna you see at the grocery store...it's fantastic!!!! But, they were out of it...I'll definitely be stocking up on that when we next make a trip over there!!!!

That trip made for a later than desired arrival home....

The next day we were home for the day. Love those days!!! We worked on school work (will we ever finish this school year?? I fear not!!). That night was my monthly Mom's night out. Can I just say....I LOVE MNO!!!!!!!! This month was especially fun....the restaurant had a trivia night. It was table against table....the homeschool Moms took the game!!! Yepper...we won first place!!!! That's right....Lotta Kids....won!!! (between the 8 of us we have 37 children!). We had so much fun that we are going back there again next month! Of course, we had to have the parking lot meeting as well...making a get home time of about midnight for me. It's only once a month...and I so enjoy it...that my Honey doesn't really mind my staying out late.... gotta love him!

OH! On my way out the door for MNO...our dachshund, Penny, began birthing her pups!!! She had one before I left...and I called home several times to check up on her. She's my baby....she has decided I am hers. It's so neat to have a pet just want to be with you so much! Anyhow, I came home to find 5 of the most adorable, tiniest, loveable-est pups with my Penny! We have 3 girls and 2 boys. They are just incredibly cute!!!!!!

Now, we are to Wednesday...a day at home. After we finished school work, I worked some on sorting through the bags on the porch. Then it was time to begin supper. After supper, it was back to the porch...till my thoughtful friend called to ask if we wanted the last of burger meat she had from the last cow they had processed. Ummmm...YES!! Grass fed beef....no hormones, no grain...no nothing? You betcha'! So, Natalie, Mary and I got ready to go....and decided to also visit another friend who was thoughtful enough to bring our wheat order home with her over the weekend. Two stops...and I came home with 150# of wheat and 22# of beef. Not a bad trip, eh?!

Yesterday, we went to town, which is 20 miles north of us....we had several stops to make in town. We went to the thrift store to donate clothes. We had 16 bags of clothes to donate! It was all clothes we brought with us when we moved. It felt so incredibly good to get rid of all of them!!! What a load!!! And what alot of room they took up. Toby told me to only get rid of what I could handle...cause I was getting to the boxes of infant clothes. I just couldn't part with the infant clothes. So, we kept three boxes of infant clothes...the girl box, the boy box and the cloth diapers, maternity clothes, blankets box. I don't know if we will ever get to use those things ourselves again, but if not, we can pass them onto Rebecca one day....

Then we stopped at Walgreen's......didn't find all the we went there to buy...but did find a deal on Toby's red rice yeast. Love deals!!! Then it was off to CVS....as we were listening to the radio before heading into CVS, I heard them say, ".......(our town)...take cover, there is a tornado warning". I was quite thankful to be in town instead of at home....we have no place to take cover. All of our walls are exterior walls. If we had been home, we would have run to over to my friend's home to take cover in her basement. There was no damage here...must have been lots of wind due to the stuff strewn about our yard. And rain...the creek was washed clean of all the trimmings that Rebecca and Thomas had done the other day.

We left CVS and went to Wal Mart. The sky looked spooky. Wal Mart and Home Depot are next to each other, seperated by their parking lots. Literally, over HD, it was dark and black, over WM, it was cloudy but sunny. Strange. We walked into WM, passing alot of employees outside on their cell phones. The greeter told us that the store was officially closed for business due to the tornado warning, but we could stand in the middle of the store by the fitting rooms if we chose to stay. Well, we thought we'd just stay since the warning was to expire in 15 minutes, at 1:45. So, we stood there....and waited. We did pick out a swimsuit for Mary....then we heard that they extended the warning till 2:15. That's when we decided to hang out at HD instead of WM!

Got to Home Depot....to find that it was business as usual. Found Toby, who was busily trying to finish up before he left at 2:15 (he had a bit of a long lunch the day before so he had 15 minutes to make up). We bought a water filter and talked with some other employees...then headed back to WM. All was back to normal there when we returned.

The plan was to meet Toby at the optical dept so we could both order new glasses. Except when he got there, the optical dept was closed for lunch...the sign said they'd return at 2:15. But it was 2:30 at this point! What do we do?? Well, we wandered around looking for a few birthday presents for parties this weekend. Still not open. So, Toby and Thomas went to the Subway there and had a drink while the girls and I shopped. We did our monthly big shopping trip. When we finished, the optical dept was now opened. We went there to pick out glasses.

We had upgraded our vision insurance last year....Toby wears progressive bifocals...and they can be rather costly. When the optician learned we had insurance, he starting telling us that they normally pay $130 towards frames, but nothing towards lens. He was quite surprised when he called to get authorization to find that they did pay $130 towards frames, but also paid ALL of the lens price! So, we didn't have to pay anything for our exams or glasses!!! Yippee!!! Toby's would have been $450, and mine $250! Thank you, Lord, for good vision insurance!!!!!

After all of this, we finally headed home. It was nearly 6 before we got home! The children took care of unloading the Burb and putting away all of our purchases while I started supper. We sat down to eat at 7. We NEVER eat that late.....

So, it was a late night to bed....but I stayed up this morning...today is our last Keepers/Contenders meeting for this year. We are studying manners and I need to read over the book I have for this again. We'll also be discussing our banquet. A friend who lives near Amish-ville is bringing me 4 gallons of milk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait for that!!!!!!

My MIL and SFIL are to arrive this afternoon! They are on their way from FL to MI for the summer. We're looking forward to seeing them!! They may even be here when we return from Keepers today. How cool is that?!

Tomorrow holds a birthday party for children of a dear friend. It's a combined party for two of her children. I believe just the girls and I are going...not sure....

Then, of course, Sunday is Mother's Day. Sure wish my Mom were here for the special day...but she's always with me in my heart....

So...that's where I've been...sorry to be away so long!!!!

5 blinks every morning

Monday, Monday

Sounds from upstairs

Tonight as Honey and I were in bed ready to get to sleep, we heard the normal night time words floating down from upstairs....

Good night, Rebecca, Good night, Thomas, Good night Natalie, Good night, Mary...and the chorus went on until all had said Good night to each other. How sweet is that? I just love that my children have such a love for each other. Sure, they are siblings..and they are together all the time...and I'm sure they'd like some quiet alone time once in awhile. But, they are truly each others' best friends. I just love that. And the Waltons have nothing on our good nights here!

So, why am I here on the computer if it's bedtime??? Well, I have a headache...it's centered over my left eye. My accident eye as Mary calls it. I took some medicine for it and am awaiting it to relieve the pain so I can head to slumber land next to my beloved. He won't sleep well till I join him, so I won't be up too long. I can't imagine not lying next to him each and every night.

Our garden is planted. It's not huge..but that's okay. We haven't gardened here before, so this is our trial run. Natalie has a flower garden in the planter outside the front door. Mary has a flower garden at the end of the clothesline. I need to get more seeds for her...one of the packets of seeds had a small hole and there were about 10 seeds in the packet when we got it opened... not cool. It was the first one she picked out, the wildflowers one. Thomas is going to build Rebecca a planter for her to start an herb garden. She's wanted to do this for the past two years. She's done alot of reading about herbs and is excited to get started with growing her own.

Speaking of Miss Rebecca...drumroll please....

SHE'S NOW A PERMITTED DRIVER!!!!

Yep, my sweet babe passed her driver's permit exam on Monday. She only missed two questions...out of 30...and could have missed up to 6 and passed. I'm so proud of her!!!! She was a bit nervous about taking this test. As homeschoolers, we don't do formal testing...so it was a bit different for her. I knew she would do great...and she did!!! Now, for some driving time.... Too bad she has to learn to drive with our Burb...no little car here for her to use.

I'm still wondering how this little girl who used to drive a Little Tykes car around the yard is now able to drive a vehicle??? Where do the years go????

It's been too long since I blogged...sorry about that. We have too many members of the family who want computer time...and only one computer. I'm surprised Penny, Ernie and Bean (our dogs) don't want a bit of time here too!

All four children had a dental cleaning and checkup this week. Two have small cavities. Dental care is one thing that I don't put off. We don't do routine pediatrician checkups...but we do dentist checkups. I do wish Toby and my dentist took the children's insurance...I'd switch them there in a flash. I don't dislike their dentist..but I don't really like them either. The office staff leaves alot to be desired as well.

Thomas is going to an orthodontist next week. They will be taking impressions of his teeth and sending them off to see if the insurance will cover braces for him. I've been being told that he needs braces for years. His teeth are quite crowded. He's had some pulled to make room over the years. I do hope they will cover it...it's not an expense we can really swing financially...but it is necessary for him.

I spent a good part of the day on the phone....thanks to a good friend, I may have found a closer source for milk!!!! Oh, what a blessing that would be!!! And I'm nearly out of wheat..and had no idea where I'd get more. But, thanks to this same friend, I got in touch with another mutual friend who may place an order for us...I'm just waiting on the price list to be e-mailed to me. It feels so good to have these issues taken care of!

Honey's job continues to be an interesting place. Three employees have left or will be leaving this week. The HR position is no longer at this store, so he is leaving this week. The front end supervisor is leaving to make a home for two nephews that she is trying to adopt. The state of Alabama sure doesn't have the best interest of those children in mind. These are her brother's boys..that she has helped raise due to their parents' drug issues. The parents are now in jail long term...and want to turn their children over to her...custody and all. But, the state, in its "wisdom" thinks they should serve their time, then play the game of custody once they are released... Grr....
And one of the assistant managers is leaving to try to become a Mama. She is too stressed in her current position and is getting older....it's now or never. Toby had written on her apron (they all sign an apron for those who leave to take with them) that he hoped to see her show on TLC like Jon and Kate Plus 8. So, today she told him that she has 3 fertile eggs and that she wasn't sure about becoming a Mom three times for the first time. He told her that if she did indeed have three babies and could spare one, that we would take him and raise him. She was surprised that he would say that...and that he was serious that we would do that. She had no clue how dearly we'd love to have more children. She does now! 

Speaking of that....I'm reading blogs lately...and this whole quiverfull thing has be a bit annoyed. Who is to determine what a quiver full is exactly? I find that many who have large families...more than 5...seem to think that those of us with less than that do so by choice. Sure, there are many who have 1, 2, 3 or even 4 children by choice. Such is not the case here...we'd have many, many more children if the Lord had given them to us. We have prayed so very many nights for more children..but the giver of life has not chosen to do so. We have to rest in His sovereignty and know that He is God..not us. We have taken NO steps to prevent a blessing...EVER.

Sorry....I know that for as many who seem to think this way, there are just as many who don't. Just felt the need to get that off my chest. Thanks for listening!

It's now past 10pm...and so very past my bedtime. I think I'll go try to get some sleep. That headache is still there, but a bit duller now. I'll heat up the rice pack and see if that helps.

It's Friday!!

Another new calf!!!

We went to piano today....and I had such a nice chat with my friend. She's been such a dear friend since we moved here..even before we moved here. She's one who would drop anything and be at my side if I needed her...she's proved that time and again by actually doing just that more than once!

We got to talk about things that have been happening in both our lives..and she was such an encouragement to me in some things happening lately. Just love being able to talk freely with someone who cares and understands.

After we left there, we went to a small town south of here to return some library books. The library was closed for painting...but the painter let us leave the books inside. They had the drop box taped shut due to the painting. I told him we had made a special trip there just to return the books since we don't have any other reason to be down there any more. He was so nice and said he'd take responsibility for them being returned. Gotta love small towns!!

We then stopped at the grocery store there. Found some great deals on marked down meat! Love that!!! Also bought the last two jars of sunflower seeds they had. I couldn't find any at our big monthly trip to Wal Mart this month...we love sunflower seeds, so this just wouldn't do!

We all had a nice, pleasant ride home, talking all the while. I just love being with my children. They are such a light in my eyes. I have no clue how Mamas can send their babes off to school each day...I'd miss mine so dearly if they were away for 9 hours each day! That big yellow bus goes past our home at 6:30am and again at 3:30pm...that's just way too long to not have them home with me!

When we got home, we saw that one of our beef cows, Cutie, had given birth!!! The calf was already cleaned up and wobbling around. They are so dark when they are first born. Just sooooo cute!!! I was going to take a few photos of our cows...but the battery was dead in the camera. The photo shoot will have to wait....

This is our second calf born this year. We have 3 more to definitely calve and three others who should. The three others will be calving for the first time, so we're not as sure about their calving. With this new calf, we now have a herd of 15!! Not bad when we started with a herd of 4. :)  We may be getting to the point of selling some cows this year...and definitely putting one in the freezer!!! If they all calve, we'll have a herd of 21. Our land is not going to sustain many more than that...the way it is currently. We are sure praying for a great grass and hay season this year. Last year was so dry...not much grass and expensive hay.

Honey gets off work in a little over an hour...so I must go start supper. I haven't decided what to make yet....I'm thinking of changing my menu due to the meat deals I found earlier...

It's spring time here....almost time to be planting that garden. I can't wait to see plants out my kitchen window..and be eating that first salad of our homegrown produce!!! Life is good...God is so generous to me!!!

Prayers for the Urban Homemaker...

Ha! This one made me chuckle!! And sad at the same time...

I get daily tips from The Generous Wife site.

Today's made me chuckle....

"Monday April 14, 2008

     Give your husband a hug and kiss for "no reason" (though a serious or silly reason works well too).

     ... I will give you my love.  Song of Songs 7:12b  NAS"

Anyone who knows me a tiny little bit knows I give my Honey kisses ALL THE TIME. Most are for no reason...just cause I love him and love to kiss him. Some of these tips are great...but sometimes, they make me sad. To think that a wife needs to be encouraged to kiss her husband for no reason....sad...just sad....

Monday....

So, it's Monday morning. I always love Mondays. It hold such hope and promise for the week ahead. A chance to actually accomplish everything on my ever-expanding to do list. The one thing I do not like about Mondays is that my Honey goes back to work.

We had a nice, relaxing weekend. We just relish in having Daddy home with us. Our perfect dream is for him to work here at home. It's always been our dream....

I had planned to hang the laundry on the line today again. But, there are cows in our yard! Yepper, Honey and Thomas moved the lawn mowers  I mean, cows, to the yard yesterday. They do a great job of mowing, fertilize while they're at it and save us some work (and gas!). It does mean that we can't use the clothesline, trampoline or swingset while they are there...but they'll be moving along tomorrow.

They spent the night on the garden spot. We find it funny...wonder why they like it so. It is filled with mulch, awaiting our Ruth Stout's no till gardening style this year. I sure can't wait to harvest goodies from our own garden this year!!!

Watched a show yesterday called Tennessee Crossroads. It's on PBS...a good show showcasing TN businesses and places to see. They went to the TN Aquarium in Chattanooga. I think we all said in unison that we'd like to go there. Honey has some vacation time available...wouldn't a trip to Chattanooga be fun? Or a trip to the Creation Museum in Kentucky? Oh, it's fun to dream... :)

I've been reading a few blogs this morning. One thing that I've noticed is that some women just don't speak very well of their husbands. The blogs I've read are not just HSB blogs, but other blog sites too. I've never spoken ill of my Honey. No, he's not perfect..and neither am I. But, we are perfect for each other...and he's my very best friend in the entire world. I try to build him up, not tear him down. My children have seen poor examples of wives...and they don't like it. They can clearly see what is desirable. They get a kick out of me...I'll tell them at various times that "I love your Daddy". They usually answer with an "I know Mama, I know". I'm glad that they know. I'm glad that they expect to see us loving on one another.

We talk about everything as a family....just yesterday, we had a grown up conversation and Natalie was included. She's now reaching the age to be involved in these talks. Usually, Rebecca and Thomas are the only children who are interested or contribute to these deep conversations. But, yesterday, we were talking about something important that was affecting our whole family. It started with a question from Natalie and continued for over an hour. My babe is growing up....

Life does seem to be calming down a bit lately. For that, I am thankful. I'm really perfectly content to just be home with my family. Sure, it's fun to be out and about, or to go out to eat. But, nothing beats being home together. Nothing.

This week is a slow one for outside commitments. I like that. I'd like to keep it that way from now on. We've been far too busy.... We do have some library books from a library not in our little town that are due this Friday. We may run down there after piano on Wednesday to return them. They're due on Friday, so I don't want to wait too long.

Saturday brings a birthday party! It's a party for two sisters, friends of my girls. (and us!!!). Also, Thomas will get to have another Airsoft war. We love parties around here....love, love, love them! :)

Thomas would like to plan another Airsoft war here at our home soon. He keeps talking about one, then one of his friends hosts one. He'd like to have one before it gets too hot outside. We need to plan this...

Next week brings a trip to the dentist...and maybe a learner's permit for my Rebecca. That's all that's on the calendar, other than our Keepers/Contenders meeting for next week.

See....quiet...at home....my favorite things.

I must close now...the laundry is awaiting my folding hands....time to move it along....

Have a blessed day!

Saturday night....

Monday, Monday!

I am questioning my blogging time....it seems to lead to lost sleep too many times. I am me....and I can't seem to change my optimistic outlook, no matter how many times it is trodden upon.

I feel like I need to grow up and be "more sensible". But, how do I maintain ME while doing that? I've always been optimistic, positive, upbeat, etc. I see the good in everyone and rarely the bad. I look for ways to encourage and uplift. I try to be the best ME that I can be.

And, yet, it doesn't seem to be enough sometimes. This past year and a half or so has been hard on us. Hard on my body, hard on our finances, hard on my emotions. Just hard. And I'm tired.

Honey and I both feel a sense of change coming. The first one being to lose weight so that other changes might take place. The second one being downsizing. Getting rid of stuff. This will be a two fold blessing...it will give us some money to pay down our debt and free us in not having so much stuff. There is much to be gone through here to sell. I need to decide what to eBay, what to yard sale, what to CraigsList, what to throw away....

It's spring time here in TN and the weather is absolutely beautiful. We'll be planting our first garden since moving here soon. My Honey has quite the green thumb and had a super huge, very fruitful garden many years in FL. This will be our first one here....and I have no doubt it will also be very fruitful. It's not going to be anywhere near as large as our FL garden...but that's a good thing.  

Honey's schedule is now M-F, 4am-1pm. We got to bed on time last night with no problem...only to find too much on our minds to actually sleep. We laid there talking till midnight. While I LOVE the conversation time, it was not cool knowing that the alarm would be going off at 2:30. So, we both had a little nap before starting the day today.  Honey told me I should go back to bed...but those things we were talking about last night are still swirling in my head....and I had some computer work to do...along with laundry. I plan to get the children up on time this morning. This will help all of us to get to bed on time again tonight and right to sleep. I have no doubt Honey and I will be most ready for sleep when 7pm rolls around tonight!

On that note...I have received comments from some who can't believe the schedule we keep...or that our children are so deprived by having to keep it to... Well, to that I say phooey! We are a family...I do not work outside our home. The only one who goes off to a job each day is Honey. Why should we not arrange our schedule around him? That only makes sense to me. When I was growing up, we had a dairy farm. We got up when it was time to milk the cows... 4:15 to be milking by 4:30. Was that wrong too? Should my folks have gone off to do all the work so that we children could sleep later? That's hogwash. Obviously, folks who think our children are somehow deprived by getting up early and going to bed early are out of touch with reality. People need adequate sleep. It only stands to reason if you get up early, you must go to bed early. It wasn't that long ago that everyone went to bed early. Before there were tv's and computers, there was nothing to do after dark. And there was plenty to do once the sun came up. Gee...have we really left that generation so far behind that it's strange to think "early to bed, early to rise"? And....if my Honey worked the night shift, we'd shift right along with him and be up at night. We are a family and as such follow the same schedule...ALL OF US. There...please don't leave me any more comments on how rough my children have it cause they follow the same schedule as their parents. No, it's not the schedule we would choose...it would be ever so wonderful if he worked an 8-5 job and we could get up at 6:30 instead of 3:30..but such is not the case for us. (actually...my preference would be that he worked here at home and was always with us...but that's still just a dream for us).

Okay...soapbox moment over...

I took a quick ride up to the convenience store to get a paper last night...got home only to find there were no coupons in it! Grrr...the ONLY reason to get a paper is the coupons! $1.75 for a couple of ads is soooo not worth it. I don't really care to read the news in it...it's all bad and slightly biased anyway...

And, now, I heard the washer stop...time to get another load started. I plan to hang clothes out today...probably not all of them. There's a large laundry mountain out there...and I will dry some in the dryer. But, I need to resume hanging our laundry out. I find it enjoyable to be out in the fresh spring air, hanging laundry. My dear friend, Cathy, uses it as time to talk to God. I think I'll do the same.

Have a wonderful day!

It's Friday!!

Yeah, yeah, it's Friday!!

That means homemade pizza and movie night! We've been doing this for about 13 years now...and we all still so look forward to this night each week. Not much interferes with our Friday night plans. It's the one day a week that is off limits to anything else. It's gotta be something pretty important or special to change our plans.

Honey is working tomorrow. Bummer. But, it's the last Saturday he'll have to work. We'll sure miss him around here!!! We had plans to attend a birthday party, but it's been rescheduled. Not sure what we'll do with our Saturday now. Thomas and Rebecca will probably work on washing and waxing Pappy and Grammy's RV. Thomas started the job the other day...but rain has hampered any more work. Supposed to rain all day today..but be clear tomorrow.

My allergies seem to be subsiding a bit. Still have a bit of a stuffy nose...or runny...take your pick. (A question...how can a nose be both stuffy and runny at the same time?? And where does all that snot come from????) I'm pretty sure it was just allergies...only Thomas had any complaints...and his was short lived. Gee....lucky me, eh?!

Natalie came downstairs just now...wanting me to go snuggle with her. Can't turn that request down....so, off I go to snuggle with my babe.

Thursday already?!

My, oh my is this year ever flying by?!
I'm still getting used to writing 2008 for the date..and here we are in the fourth month of this year! Where does the time get to???!

We had a wonderful party for our lovely Rebecca. She had friends over and had such fun. It's so nice to see her having a good time!!

We picked up the Burb. It was just as Honey had diagnosed (he's so smart!), an ignition module. It was less than we were prepared to spend...but more than we wanted to....

We also made our annual big trip to the big mall shopping trip for Rebecca's birthday. We went to the big town of Franklin for the Cool Springs mall. I tell you what...all it takes to appreciate our very small town living is to make a trip to a city. Nope...I have no desire to ever live in a big city. I have no clue how folks who live in them can handle it! There's more traffic in one hour there than we see in a week..maybe even two!

I've been battling allergies all week. Today seems to be better...and I'm hoping to not have a stuffy head as the day progresses. It's just no fun to have a stuffy head!

My folks are still here...they will be leaving next week.  But, they have big plans for the summer and are ready to get started with life there.....

This week was also our monthly Mom's night out. I always have a blast with my friends on this night...and this month was no exception. We didn't make it a Wal Mart party afterwards, bummer for that! Last month was great fun wandering around Wal Mart after our supper....

Honey worked till 10pm last night...and had to be back to work at 7am today. This is the last week of this wacko schedule. He'll be off only Sunday this weekend.  And then begins the M-F 4am-1pm schedule. Ick, ick and ick. At least it will be constant.

So, as usual, life is busy...but life is good.

Guess it's time to get on with the day....time to make breakfast and then start school work. Laundry's already started...and the dryer just buzzed for the first load to be folded. It's a rainy day today....looks like a good one to just stay in bed...but alas, life calls my name....

A sweet poem

I found this poem today...and had to share it here....

Precious Little One
I'm a precious little one who didn't make it there.
I went straight to be with Jesus,
but I'm waiting for you here.
Many dwelling here where I live,
waited years to enter in.
Struggled through a world of sorow,
a world marred with pain and sin.
Thank you for the life you gave me,
it was brief but don't complain.
I have all Heaven's Glory,
suffered none of earth's great pain.
Thank you for the name you gave me.
I'd have loved to bring it fame.
But if I'd lingered in earth's shadows,
I would have suffered just the same.
So sweet family-don't you sorrow.
Wipe those tears and chase the gloom.
I went straight to Jesus' arms
from my loving Mother's womb.
~Author Unknown

Thursday's Ramblings

This week has flown by...can't believe it's almost the end of the week already...

Yesterday, Rebecca and I went to town just the two of us. We were birthday party shopping for her special day this Saturday. We made several stops and then stopped at Wal Mart for our last one. When we came out, loaded up the Burb and started it up. I pulled forward (I don't normally do that...I'm one to follow the rules of driving and don't go up the down lanes and all that jazz!), but I am thankful I had pulled forward that time. We no more than started going forward and the Burb died. It wouldn't start. Thankfully, Honey works right next door and he was about to get off work. He came over, rescued us and brought us home. He then loaded up tools and such and we went back to town.

We ended up having it towed to a garage to have it repaired. We are awaiting a phone call that will hopefully be an inexpensive repair.

Tomorrow is Keepers and Contenders again. Seems like the last meeting was just yesterday. This month is almost gone and I'm still thinking it's the beginning, not the end! We are bringing a friend of Rebecca's home with us so she can spend the night for Rebecca's party. We already have our Netflix movie...Bee Movie I believe.

We also had a free rental from Movie Gallery...so yesterday, we stopped and got Flywheel. It's by the same folks who did Facing The Giants (one of the best movies!!!). It was recommended by a friend and I'm looking forward to seeing it tonight.

We missed church last night due to the lateness of getting home and getting supper made. Rebecca told me she still had a good birthday, even with the issues of the day.  What a sweet girl!

I'm listening to Dave Ramsey while I'm online this morning. I am not able to listen on the radio...but you can listen to yesterday's show online here.

This new schedule of my Honey is getting to us. It's just so early.....this will be his three day weekend, and the last one he'll have. They have now decided that the two of them will not be switching back and forth. Honey will work M-F, 4am - 1pm. The other IS will work Tues-Sat, 6am - 3pm. Now, since Honey has been there longer, you would think he would get the better schedule, right? Nope. The other gal is a single parent, divorced in the last year, and has two small children. She has trouble finding someone to come sit with her children at 3:30am. Really? Gee...why does this have to be a concern of ours? I mean, I am all for helping others...and so is my Honey...but why does this have to affect who gets the better schedule? So, if she had remained married, we would have it? I have no clue what led to her marriage resulting in divorce, but that really doesn't matter. What I am seeing is that someone else's choices are affecting our family.

(Okay...sorry...I do have compassion for others...also for those with little babes. But, I just find the whole divorce thing so overused...life does get tough...relationships are sometimes hard...marriage does take work...
It's ridiculous that the number of marriages that end in divorce is so high.)

Life is hard...but life is good. However, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by some things going on. I need to go have some quiet time with the Lord...been up since 3am and am getting a bit sleepy looking at the computer screen....

Have a grand day!!

15 Things About Rebecca

Today, my oldest babe turns 15. 15?! Where do the years go??? Since it's her special day, here is my traditional list of special things about the birthday girl!

15 Things About Rebecca

1. She's my first born babe.

2. She's incredibly loving.

3. She's so thoughtful.

4. She's a wonderful daughter and an awesome sister.

5. She's quite intelligent.

6. She works so hard for her family.

7. She's going to be an incredible wife and Mama one day.

8. She's talented in the kitchen.

9. She's very artistic and loves to create.

10. She's my right hand in our home.

11. She's incredibly reliable and trustworthy.

12. She gets the little things..and the big things.

13. She's a great listener..and doesn't shy away from giving her opinion.

14. She encourages me, loves me, prays for me, and likes being with her family.

15. She's anything but a typical teenager..she's a teen angel...and is so treasured by her family.

16. She's self confident and assured. She's not afraid to talk to others, voice her opinion or stand up for herself. Her opinion of her worth is not dependant on other's opinions.

(I had to add that last one...she's such a wonderful young lady!)

I could go on and on about my Rebecca. The Lord just blessed us so wonderfully with her. Everything about raising Rebecca has been easy...from an easy pregnancy and birth...to 15 years of easy. I trust Rebecca implicitly in all areas. I know her heart. I know her likes and dislikes. She's grown alot in her faith in the last couple of years. She's the first one to be "the voice of reason".

She is the sister I wish I had. The daughter I'm ever so thankful that I do have. She will be the wife a man will be proud to love. She will be the Mama that children will respect and adore. Her future is so bright and full of hope.

Though I tease her and say she's only 5 now, I know she is growing up. I love the young woman she is becoming..I just miss the little Peanut she used to be. It is exciting to watch her learn and grow. It just means that my time to get to have her all to myself is drawing closer to being over. We'll always be close, I have no doubt, I just know that life has a way of making changes. When she is married and has children of her own, we won't have the hours to talk and such that we do now. And that's the way it's supposed to be....doesn't mean I like it much, though! :)

Yesterday, she and I went shopping, just the two of us, for her birthday party. We don't get to go just the two of us very often. She's the one who takes of her siblings when I need to go to town. Since my folks are here, Thomas was left in charge, with Grammy right outside. :)

While we were shopping, at the end of our stops, the Burb wouldn't start. I wasn't too happy about it...but we were thankful Daddy was right next door and able to come get us. But, it meant her birthday supper and gifts were to be late. Do you know that she made her own garlic cheese biscuits for supper? She had asked for chicken alfredo, salad and biscuits. Even on her special day, she contributed to the meal. She's so dependable and always there...whether it's to lend a helping hand or to give her parents a word of encouragement.

To end this birthday post, Rebecca, you are a treasure. I love you so very much!!!!!!

Another giveaway!

Chas over at My Cup Runneth Over at Heritage Acres Farm has a book I'm so longing for as a giveaway on her blog!!! I've been wanting this book since I first received a postcard telling about it from Vision Forum. I'd sure love to win this one!!

Here's the post from her blog...

I would like to give you the opportunity to win...

A wonderful, wonderful book.
**Excerpt **Pull up a chair, dust off the cookie crumbs, and join Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald as they lay aside stereotypes like the “Stepford wife” and dispel such myths as the 1950s “perfect homemaker.” Laughter and tears will flow, and hopefully you will be infused with a renewed vision for victory as a wife and mother. Discover what it means to be a passionate housewife “desperate” for God alone!
Here's what you do...
Leave me a message and if you have a blog, webpage, whatever link back to me...
If you don't have a web home or for some reason can't link me... NO PROBLEM.... just leave me a comment too!  Just make sure you leave me with a way to find  you if you are the winner.
My email is chasburrell at tvn dot net if you would like to leave your email privately.
I will run this giveaway until next Thursday at midnight, I will announce the winner next Friday!
My Cup Runneth Over...Chas