Christmas all about family

Our family performance, the boys have been playing violin, violo and cello for 3 years. This year the played for us on christmas with their Aunt Arla , their father and Papa who started all the violin love in our home.

Grandma Davis made the matching dresses and vest for all 8 children. We love the gift she gives us each year. This picture is taken every Easter and Christmas in order of birth, tradition that we hope to hold on to as long as we can.

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Updates

We are finaily getting back into the swing of things. We have even started getting back into schooling. Coming January I hope to hit the books heavy with all 4. In reality we are not very far behind in our books. My kids Have been doing awesome in living skills. Lot of stress for all of this past year and they are going thru it like champs.

Doing great at our aunts home. She is so dear to all of us, such a warm heart. Christmas has jumped up on us way to fast this year. Can't get over the speed the year came in with and is leaving us also.

If I am not back on here before the New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

Christmas Lights

This year the all 4 children where able to attend and be part of the Christmas lights. Even Marissa with Dad's help rang the bells. Awesome experience for all of them.

Thanksgiving pictures.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Thanksgiving Comments


The sweet potatoes are done the fresh homemade dinner rolls are finished. My dear husband all ready had a pan full of hot rolls with melted butter and jam. He was enjoying himself greatly. I made a extra pan of sweet potato last night my dh does not like sweet potato but he was enjoying the pan of them last night.

This year the sweet potato's are even more special since my 12 yr old son grew them from his Mimi's little sprouts of potato's from last year. He has nurtured them all year just for today. He had the privilege of digging them up. Jon washed them for him and then yesterday we cooked up about 8 cups worth. The boys seem to think they will get their Aunt Arla to actually try them this year. Good luck with that one, let you know if they succeed with this goal.

It is always a great feeling when everyone is happy. Just as JoyfulHomeMaker said in her post over pies. Make a pie see how happy your home becomes.

For a laugh go here to Motley Moms. I was laughing in between the uh my's. I still have know idea what hangover is..........

Enjoy and have BLESSED DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Video of the boys plus pic of the night

Nathan preparing for his night

Collin warming up with his class

Jon playing cello

Jon playing his violin. Jon worked super hard to be able to play this piece

Nathan, Marissa and mommy before concert

Mommy and Marissa showing off our matching outfits

All 8 children in the order (well almost in order) from oldest to youngest.

The girls showing off their new dresses that their mommies just made. Arla made 3 of these for her girls and I made Marissa one to go with her cousins. It is fun to dress up alike.

Jon going on stage

The Collin is standing in the middle playing the viola solo with 2 others and Jon is sitting with cello in the black suit. This is my favorite picture since it has both of my boys playing. Jon has some Elvis feeling blood, he dances while playing.

Simple Womans Day book

FOR TODAY November 24,2008

Outside my window...It is sunny and quite alittle chill to the air but weatherman says it is going to be in the 60's

I am thinking...about tonight my 3 boys have their first orchecstra recital. I am planning the day around this event.

I am thankful for...Aunt Mary for graciously opening her home to us as we transition

From the learning rooms...Our learning rooms of lately have been lot of hands on and reading the History Channel is also awesome. We are doing lots of music and home ec. Come December we will be back into the textbooks.

From the kitchen...Hot cocoa and coffee, I am still thinking of dinner since it needs to be quick and simple and early. Then I know my men and they will all want something again when we get home.

I am wearing...my flannel nightgown with teddybears

I am creating...this post and pj bottoms forthe boys since it is getting cooler.

I am reading...Still reading The Bend in the Road

I am praying... for more work to come my husbands way

I am hearing...the boys practicing their instruments

Around the house...we are living with boxes in the liviing room the childrens rooms are bare with the exception of what we are taking with us. Still need to pack kitchen but will be easier once we move.

One of my favorite things...seeing my childrens acomplishments and hard work pay off for them

A few plans for the rest of the week: Thanksgiving with hubbies family at Aunt Mary's. This will be the first year I havn't done Thanksgiving in years. It is a blessing that Aunt Mary saw my need to be relieved this year. We will be moving the end of the week. We still have this place to finish up over the next several weeks but the daily living items and school will be at Aunt Mary's.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is from the back side of the house looking out to the front. This is hard to look at for me right now. I am working on what God is teaching, so I am rejoicing in having this oppurtunity to enjoy the country living, the peace, and the quite that came with it. My children will never forget what they learned. My 2nd son had his dream of owning a horse (we had 3) come true for a time. So yes lots of wonderful blessing are in this picture.

God has more wonderful blessings for us. I believe they involve family this time. We will be back down living right in with all of hubbies family. My sil Arla and I have wanted to be more like sister for years but just didn't get there. I think it is timing, GODS!

To take part in The Simple Womans Daybook or to read more from others daybooks. Please go to....http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Funny to see what kids think

Not sure where my 2nd son ideas came from. Maybe books or even some of the history shows he has been watching. I was packing the other day and he announces I do not have on my apron, while he is all adorned in his. Proud of his apron I might add. All the others chime in mom isn't cooking. He announces I am to be wearing mine at all times. That I am working and as I am doing things around the home I must have on a apron. So ok fine I will wear my apron, he has a point especially that day since I had on a white shirt. (what was I thinking wearing white). Nothing wrong so far with his idea for a housewife (mom). Then he makes the new announcement I should also have on a BONNET. What ?! Not sure son where this idea came from but I do not own one. He proudly announces he will get me one.

Fruits of our labor

We (myself and may 4 children). Have been waiting since early spring for the time to harvest our Sweet Potatoes. Just so we can make sweet potatoe casserole. for the Thanksgiving table.

I like the mashed version the best with a brown sugar crumb topping. A few years back I found one that was sooooo good. Now I can't find it. My husband even loved it, which is amazing since him and his sister will not eat sweet potatoes.

On the hunt to find the recipe.

Daily thought to share

There is nothing like staying at home for a real comfort.

~Jane Austin~

Thank you God

Three times this week someone has given to my family. From school books to food, the school books came from my very thoughtful sister in law. My children and I have been so blessed my this gesture. I also have been able to bless another family because of my sister in law. The two other blessings are from a unnamed.
Thank you my God believing friends and family and thank you for caring for us.

Arla thank you for thinking of me and giving me so many wonderful gifts this year.

something just because

It has been a busy week packing up. Deciding what needs I need with me, what is worth to pay storage on, what can be sold and what just plain can go to the trash. Brain overload, this is a very hard emotionally and mentally. I do know it all belongs to God it never was mine. It is hard to see what you thought was going to be the home your kids would grow up and return too. Our dream of land and country living is coming to a end for a time. We are luck though we have our aunt that wants us to be with here as we try to regroup and rebuild. We thank God we have her and she is self sacrificing for us.


As for the what else is happening during the move. 3 of our children are preparing for their 1st violin recital on Monday. We are so excited they have really taken their music so much more serious this year.

Be glad to have this all over and get into school and a routine again. Really miss having school with my children. I have been receiving a blessing from this break. I have heard lots of things we have studied come back out. Here I was feeling they were not paying attention as they should during science. Joke is on me they were and is has been a wonderful reaffirmation that we made the right choice to homeschool.

Tomorrow is a sewing day need my skirt for the recital. Will post a picture when done with it.

3 Quilts being given away

A awesome give away 3 quilts for 3 different winners. There is even one with a piece a signed fabric sewn in to it.

To be part of this contest also to read all about the designers go on to http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/2008/11/win-1-of-3-quilts.html

15 yrs ago

Can't believe my husband and I meant 15 yrs ago this month. In that year before we said our vows we never were apart. So we consider it part of the anniversary.
The funny thing is my husband and I always forget our anniversary. No kidding both of us forget every year. Thank you to my mother in law, she always remembers. It is not something we just want to let go by so, I am real happy she remembers for us.

Happy Anniversary to my dear wonderful husband! Thanks for putting up with me all these years! It has not been easy all these years. At times I fell in love with you all over again.

The Simple Womans Daybook

To take part and read other Daybook's go here.

Peggy at The Simple Woman started this Daybook and it has been a blessing to be part of The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 10, 2008...

Outside my window...It is sunny, looks as it will be another beautiful day

I am thinking...how much I dislike being sick

I am thankful for...that with all the trials my family has gone thru this year. We have had a blessing to go with each trial.

From the learning rooms...more hands on then text these few weeks as we are overwhelmed with a upcoming move. It is taking most of my mental and emotional and physcical strength to deal with what is going with us, what is being sold, what is being trashed and what will we put into storage.

From the kitchen...I need to be making bread for dinner

I am wearing...my pj's there is a chill in the air and I don't want to move yet.

I am creating...this blog before my day and my husband getting moving.

I am going...to violin with my children today we look forward to Mondays and Wednesday

I am reading...ABend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks. Finially finish my last book

I am hoping...I have many especially involving all the trials we are going thru

I am hearing..my 2 of 4 children in the kitchen getting their cereal.

Around the house...a light pick up and laundry as always

One of my favorite things..reading blogs from other christian God believing women.

A few plans for the rest of the week: moving more things into Aunt Mary's since that is where we will be living for abit.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...this picture says so much to me. Reminds me of New England where I grew up. The beauty of the leaves the nature's beauty that God created for us.

This is a working grain mill from 1830 in Tennesse. We have been eating flour from this mill my mother in law brought back from here trip.

1830 mill where my flour came from in Tennesse

Pictures of the quilt

These do not do it justice. For my first one all by myself it is not bad. I have found things I would do different next time.

I do really like the dissapearing 9 nine patch pattern. Today I am finishing up the edges and then head to the store for the batting and backing. It will be awhile for the actual quilting to begin since I am already lap quilting another one at the moment... Thought of trying the machine quilting just not sure yet.

The inspiration dresses

How are these? My SIL, Arla made these absolute beautiful dresses for her first time sewing project. What a natural talent. Arla made them from a simple pattern and dressed them up into princess dresses. She is so good with ideas, I am going to need to borrow some since at the moment hers is flowing and mine is dried up.

I didn't get a picture of it, wish I had. This week she made the fruits of the spirit, out of pictures of her children! How awesome! Maybe after the move and we are living around the corner I can convince her to help do one of my children.

Arla's talents are endless and it will be real nice to have her help me.

Holding on to what?

This year I have watched and stood by as we have slowly lost just about everything. Praying for mercy and help from our Lord for him to keep his promise to us. Daily trying to hold my head up not to show the pain inside. That getting up and facing another day is taking all the strength. Waiting for the next ax to fall, praying that the nightmare we are living would stop.

Can I see God daily? Yes.

I have to make it a point to see him and the blessings that have come in this storm. Have blessing come with this trial? YES!

Does it make all the pain stop? No.

I keep telling myself God has shown to many times to me that he does not quite on me. So I am not going to quite on him now. Trials always have a end. The lesson in this one just doesn't stop.
I don't want to deal with anything anymore. I am trying to surround myself with happy, postive, God loving thoughts. I am wiped out emotionly.

Last night it was confirmed we are on the court record for forclosure. The wheels are in motion finially. The wheels my husband and I knew were going to happen couple months ago. We have been just in a holding pattern and prayer. What the time frame is now? I don't know. What we do know is it is getting closer and harder. We are loosing our dream, along with the rest of America.
I am not trying to have a pity party, I am just hurting. Very badly today. I can't pretend everything is great I believe in God he will take care of me.

I hurt right now!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow I may have my head up again, maybe.

Praise God through it all, I am trying too.

~The Handmade Quilt-er~: Win This Quilt

~The Handmade Quilt-er~: Win This Quilt (My Giveaway)

I so badly want to win, this quilt is the most beautiful quilt I have seen. So, wish I was that good at quilting. You can go to her site and read the story that goes along with the quilt giveaway. Very touching and thoughtful story of everyone involved.

If you would like a chance to win. Go to her site leave a comment for 1 chance to win then if you blog about it and put it in your side bar you are entered to win even more. Good luck winning.

Warm fresh day

Today here in Florida after almost week of winter like weather, we have a sunny warm absolutly beautiful day. Windows are open the house is being cleaned top to bottom.

With the weather cold and warm every couple of days the children have started the season off with colds. So the fresh air is definitly needed to air the house out.

I am almost done then I will be back to the quilt. The strips are sewn and cut. It is sitting waiting for me to sew the squares together for the 9 block then cut again. I am really enjoying the making of this quilt. I may go out and sit on the deck later with the other quilt that am in the process of actually hand quilting each square.

Finally finished reading the book "The Rescue" by Nicholas Sparks. Awesome book the last 3-4 chapter had me crying and stomach all leaping. I know it is only a story book but at times I could really feel what she felt. Those kind of books that can draw you in like that are the best. Just love Nicholas Sparks writing. Next on the list is "A Bend in the Road".

I will try to post some pictures of the quilt in the making, later.

I voted

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FOR TODAY NOVEMBER 5, 2008
Outside My Window... IT IS SUNNY THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN FRESH AIR IS COMING IN THE SOUNDS ARE QUITE (HOW I WILL MISS THE PEACE WHEN WE MUST MOVE).

I am thinking... OF THE SCHOOL WORK AHEAD FOR TODAY

I am thankful for...WE ARE ABLE TO GET UP AND PRAISE OUR GOD

From the learning rooms...WE ARE REVEIWING OUR MATH AND LLATL TO BEGIN THE DAY

From the kitchen... WE HAVE CANDY APPLES.

I am wearing... STILL IN A NIGHTGOWN I MADE LAST NIGHT, IT IS SO COMFORTABLE I WANT TO SPEND THE DAY IN IT.

I am creating... A QUILT

I am hoping... TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE DAY IN THE CLASSROOM

I am hearing... HEARING THE NOISES OF CHILDREN NOT ON THEIR TASKS SINCE MOM IS AT THE COMPUTER.

Around the house... CHORES ARE MOSTLY DONE AND SMELLS OF FALL

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: SCHOOL, SCHOOL AND SEW
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

DADDY ALLOWED THE 5 YR OLD TO DRIVE THE GO CART ALL BY HERSELF. (NOONE WAS HURT). SHE WAS READY TO GET RIGHT BACK IN AND DO IT AGAIN ( WE SAID NO ONCE WAS MORE THEN ENOUGH).

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