Changing of Seasons

Before we talk about the garden, there's something I need to say...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kyle! Our oldest son is 28 today. And to our OLDEST...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kayla! Would you like to know how old she is, just kidding Kayla. I wouldn't tell the whole world you turned 37 on January 19th!!! We love you both.

I've really been thinking about gardening lately. I've been searching seed cataloges on line and those that have come in the mail. We had almost three inches of rain on Wednesday which will help with the plowing and getting the soil ready for plants and seeds. The kids have told us what they want to have planted and they will be spending a few weekends this summer canning with us. And William is doing a great job keeping the deer away. Hopefully, he will keep up the good work and we will enjoy the fruits of our labor instead of the deer.

I also decided to see what the Farmer's Almanac had to share about our area. While there I can across an interesting giveaway. Each month, Farmer's Almanac has a giveaway just for going to their site and signing up. Here is this month's prize...

Doesn't this look fun! I guess you have to love gardening to enjoy a gardening tool belt. I think this is a great gift and signed up to, hopefully, win! Go on over and see what Farmer's Almanac has to share. There is lots of great information and a fun giveaway.

This weekend should be perfect for working on our garden spot. Do you plan to be outside or will the rain and snow keep you indoors a little longer?

Snow and Grandkids

I know, I know...it's been a long time. Just a few shots from the farm. We have had three snows. That is very unusual for us but we have enjoyed the moisture. After one snow, the temps rose and this snow rolled off of the pickup. I thought that was an interesting way to move snow.

Recently, a friend gave us a pig. We've decided to keep rather than eat her. After the first snow, when we were gone, we moved a house into her pen to give her a little protection. We placed straw in the "pighouse" and she seemed to enjoy her new home. A couple of days later, she dug a hole between the house and the fence and moved almost all the hay. She is now sleeping in the little hay bed that she built. Yes, I know we need to clean the poop. We will get to that this weekend.

How can you go another day without seeing this cutie. I'm sure he was thinking, "Nonna, can't you see I'm busy!"

I may have shared this before but it's one of my favorites of my son and grandson, Trent.

And Carsyn...I told my daughter that I'm sure she was wishing she could see me. It will be a long time until summer. How will we ever make it.

Update on Jean

After surgery and 16 days in a rehab hospital, we have had to move Jean. She will be in another rehab for the next 3 - 4 months. They are working hard to get her back to walking. Right now she is having to be lifted, moved, dressed, and just about everything else with help. Hopefully, she will make progress this week. We have a conference on Friday with her case worker and Physical Therapist. I'm hoping for a good report. As of yesterday, her attitude is much improved since we have moved her to a different facility. She is meeting more people and interacting with them. She is involved in many activities all day when not in PT. She is also receiving speech therapy and occupational therapy. I think seeing so many people and having our daughters with her has made a world of difference. She seems to be more determined and willing to work.

On the farm...not much is new. We have a new calf and probably another. One of our cows didn't come up last night when Jack was feeding. Three of our goats became celebrities last week. They spent three nights as part of a live Nativity. We sent a young billy, a grown nanny, and a dogie (a baby without a mom). The dogie received lots of attention and she didn't mind at all. She is use to people petting her and giving her lots of affection. They are home now and wondering where all the action has gone!!

Christmas is just around the corner and Jack and I are not ready. Hopefully, everything will be finished this weekend. Talk about waiting till the last minute. Jack's favorite time to shop is December 24th. YUCK! I'll stay home and drink hot chocolate. If we don't talk before, have a Merry Christmas. Until next time,

Time Marches On

I've wanted to post but things have been a little hectic on the farm. On the 21th of November, Jack's mom, Jean, fell and broke her hip. She had surgery the next morning and was moved to a rehab hospital on Wednesday the 25th. Jack stayed with his mom until she was moved. My sister and her family came in on the 24th then most of the kiddos came in on the 25th. We had a great Thanksgiving with more food than we needed and 28 people to enjoy it. Most of the kids left on Thursday afternoon so that they would be home to shop on Friday morning...which was still night time to me!!!

My sister and I visted Jean on Friday. She was very depressed and really wanting to be home. I know she missed seeing all the grandkids and great grandkids. On Saturday, sons Kyle and JD took their families over to visit. Jean is about 60 miles from home so we are not able to go every day. Monday, Jack and I went to visit after school. She seemed to be in a much better mood and had been up doing physical therapy. Jack will go back tonight and take clean clothes. We have been very impressed with the facility and employees. They have all been very helpful and are working very hard to get Jean back on her feet.

Cold weather moved in this week. Surrounding towns received snow but not here. We did get a little rain. 3/4 of an inch doesn't sound like much but to a West Texan, it is wonderful. I know that our wheat fields will be growing by leaps and bounds now. We also have another chance of snow/rain starting tomorrow night. Our students are hoping for lots of snow and a day out of school.

All of our baby goats are still doing well. They are funny to watch with the cold temperatures. Some love it and run and jump. Others stay huddled up together with tails stuck between their legs. My nannie that I have penned up is doing better. Her son has decided that it is much more fun to run and romp with the other littles instead of staying with mom. He has found a hole in the pen that gives him free rein. Of course he always returns for dinner!

I guess that is all for now. I will keep you updated on Jean as we know more. Have a blessed day. Until next time...

Fun on the Farm

Yesterday we had a couple of friends over to help feed the animals. Jessica and her daughter Isabella joined us for a couple of hours of fun. Bella loves coming to Pawpaw Jack and two Nonna's house. Yes she calls me two Nonna because she already has one Nonna!! When I see Bella the first thing she says is ,"Let's go to two Nonna's house." She is not afraid of anything and enjoys seeing all the animals. I forgot to get a picture of her helping Pawpaw with the pig. She did have a great time and had a treat when we were through feeding. Jessica, Bella, and I had to get to church so Pawpaw had to finish feeding the ducks and fish by himself. On the way back to the house we saw a porcupine in Mawmaw's yard. We stopped and took a few more pictures. Jessica and Isabella had never seen a porcupine in real life so it was a treat. From the pictures you can see that it wasn't afraid of us at all and posed for a few pictures. Well, at least it looked to us as if it were posing.

All loaded up and ready to go. No, it wasn't that cold but Bella and I rode in the back of the truck and the wind was blowing.

November 16, 2009

Today is Mawmaw's birthday. She is 80 today. Many of you know her as Jean, bloggers know her as my MIL, but most know her as Mawmaw. She's had a tough week this past week with three falls. The first last Saturday evening. She and Roger were out eating dinner and both fell. On Monday, I'm not sure what happened but it was if her right side just gave way and down she went. Jack had already left for school so I called him and he returned home. I don't think he had made it all the way to town yet. He ended up taking the day off to stay with her because he was afraid she had broken something on Saturday night and wasn't telling us. Then Tuesday she took a tumble but I was able to catch her before she hit the ground. Lots of scrapes, big bruises, and some blood. We are hoping today and this week will be better for her. Children, give her a call this evening when you have time.

Our nannies started kidding last week. We have 18 on the ground and doing great but have lost three. One nannie is not doing very well. She acts as if the pregnancy caused sciatic nerve problems. I hope I spelled that correctly. She was struggling before the twins were born and still having a difficult time. One of the twins didn't make it but the little billy nurses even when she is lying on the ground. I have her in a pen with her baby and one other goat. She is getting lots of TLC and hopefully will be back to normal soon.

We are gearing up for Thanksgiving. My sister and family will come in from MS on Tuesday then the kids will be here on Wednesday. I know Kyle wants to spend some time with my nephew in the deer blind. I'm looking forward to all the visiting and Nonna time I will have.

And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share a few of the things that I am most thankful for.

Colby

Kept Woman

I Am a 'Kept ' Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,
But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,
But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,
But the LORD kept my mouth shut.. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,
But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!
I'm blessed to be 'kept '


I'm "Kept" by the Love and Grace of God

Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks

Have you ever received a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook as a gift or just bought one for yourself? If not, you are missing a treat. I only have one but have enjoyed every recipe I've made. The pictures are amazing and a joy to see. If you enjoy good recipes and country crafts, cooking, and fun, check out their blog.

Right now, Gooseberry Patch is having a give-away. You will have to hurry, it ends tomorrow night. Go to their site for details, then blog about their great cookbooks. You could be the winner of three.

Weight Loss

Last summer, my daughter told me that her company was having a "wellness competition". Of course, most would be working to lose weight but also to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and in general improve their health. I decided to unofficially join my daughter and SIL's team. The first thing I did was put it off for a week! However, on the 7th of August I finally made up my mind to get serious. Yes, I started this journey on a Friday. You don't have to wait until Monday...start right now.

The competition ends next week so I thought I would share how I did. As of this morning, I have lost 28 pounds. I have nine more days and hope to make it 30 by then. But, I lost so much more. My BP has been great. No more of the 166/114. The last time I checked, it was 114/78. I need to have blood work done and may get it completed while I'm off during the Christmas break. Since I'm UNofficial, my numbers really don't count for the team. There are many other things that I lost but need to share another part of this journey so that you will understand.

At the end of August, a blogger friend shared a web site with me. www.settingcaptivesfree On this site I joined a Bible study called The Lord's Table. This is a free, on-line Bible study that corrects eating habits. From the very first day I knew that I had never been a part of a Bible study like this. I learned so much about myself and my relationship with Christ. I can see where I had let Him down and how to change. It was one of the most amazing studies. It is 60 days long...it took me 62. I missed a couple of days while visiting kiddos. You really should check it out. I think you would enjoy it and may even lose a few pounds. Now back to what I lost. I lost 13 of the 28 pounds during this 62 days. I also lost a negative attitude I had. I lost a cold heart that I have had for a certain person. I lost the unceasing cravings for chocolate. I still have a piece of chocolate on occasion but I don't go to sleep at night thinking of it and wake up looking for chocolate. I also learned the importance of a daily walk with Christ that begins the minute I wake.

For my kids, no, I'm not perfect. I'm still going to make lots of mistakes but I'm trying to be the person that God wants me to be. I hope that you see more heart changes in me than weight changes. I love you all. And look up the site. They have many on-line Bible studies that you might want to be a part of.

November

A Few Treats!!

Pictures to Share

I've wanted to share a few pictures from JD's wedding but haven't gotten around to it so now sounds like a great time. I'm also adding a couple that I couldn't resist. I hope you enjoy.

Cassidy was the most beautiful bride and she's a pretty special daughter-in-law.

A Life That Says WELCOME

Amber at Making a Home is having a giveaway. The winner recieves a signed copy of the book, A Life That Says Welcome. The author, Karen Ehman, is donating a signed copy.

I've always wanted to live that others would feel welcome around me. I know we all desire to open our hearts and homes to others but also seem to have excuses why we can't so maybe Karen's book will take away the fears.

Stop by Amber's blog for a visit and leave a comment for a chance to win. You don't have to blog to enter, just leave an email address.

Birthday Weekend

Knowing God on Earth

To stand by the shadows of a friendly tree with the wind tugging at your coattail and the heavens hailing your heart, to gaze and glory and to give oneself again to God, what more could a man ask? Oh the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on earth. — Jim Elliot in The Journals of Jim Elliot, Christianity Today, Vol. 31, no. 12

This was in my BIble study this morning. It made my heart sing and I wanted to share it with you. Have a blessed day. Regina

What's Happening On The Farm

What a great weekend we had. Charley, Heather, and the girls got here in time to watch most of the football game on Friday night. After I finished taking money at the gate, I found the kids and Kate and I went to the house. It was cold and I needed some Nonna time with that precious baby girl. Claire stayed with mom and dad. As you can imagine, I spent most of my weekend playing with the girls. Sure I was glad to see Charley and Heather but having the girls with us was icing on the cake!!! Thank you Charley for sharing your family with us. I'll post pictures when I am home.

Monday evening Mawmaw fell. We are not sure what happened but she cut the back of her head in a "T" shaped cut. After cleaning away some of the blood it was pretty obvious that we needed to go to the ER. The doctor put staples in the top part of the T but missed the bottom. He was in a hurry due to an ambulance bringing in a young man that had ODed. The doctor was in such a hurry that he didn't even deaden the cut. Of course, Mawmaw said it didn't hurt. Once we got home, I cleaned the rest of the cut and tried to fix it up the best I could. At least it seems to be healing. The worse part is that she can't go to the beauty shop this week. She's not a happy camper! After the staples are removed Monday, I'll try washing and setting her hair. LOL, that should be a site! I'm sorry to say that the young man did not make it. We haven't heard an official report, but he was huffing freon. How sad for him and his family.

This weekend is my birthday. Well, not the whole weekend just Sunday. Kyle, Lauren, and Trent are coming in to help us celebrate. This Nonna thing is the best. I am so much looking forward to Thanksgiving and having a house full of grandkids. I think this weekend Trent and I will have to see all the animals. If mom and dad want to come along, they can. Pawpaw and I plan to hug and kiss and love on that baby boy until he pushes us away.

I'll try to post pictures of Claire and Kate this evening. Until then, have a great day.

Taylie's blog

Gentleness

Recently while reading a favorite blog, GENTLENESS was brought into the conversation. You know, as in are your words and actions gentle. uuuuhhhhgggg, This really started me thinking about how I speak to others. Then, this week in my Bible study it was brought to my attention again. Actually, my Bible study was dealing with self-control. But, there was gentleness right before self-control. I've really tried to make a conscience effort to speak with gentle words all week. It has been a challenge a couple of times at school. How about you? Are your words gentle, are they spoken in love? How about your actions, do they convey gentleness and love?

But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong. Galatians 5:22 & 23 (NCV)

No Sugar?!

All this week, Kimi at The Nourishing Gourmet is hosting a sugar free challenge. I've really needed to get back to no sugar so I accepted the challenge. So far, two and a half days without sugar. Actually, I'm doing the advanced level which means no sugar or processed grains. I'm not having grains at all or fruit. The best way for me to get rid of the sugar cravings is to not eat anything starchy. Each day, Kimi is sharing a recipe and here is today's. I won't try it this week but do plan to very soon.

Scrumptious Pan Fried Apple Slices
You can add spices like cinnamon too, but we enjoy it plain. I would plan for one to one half apple per person.

1-In a large saucepan, heat the butter/oil over medium high heat until hot. Add the apples (but don’t crowd, or they won’t brown. Do in two batches if need be). Sprinkle with just a tiny dash of salt.

2-Cook until browned on one side, and then turn over. Cook a few more minutes until browned on the other side and the apple is soft all the way through.