Random 5 on Friday ~ 8-8-14

God willing we will be getting a REAL vacation in September!

Yesterday my much missed friend came home, she and her family have been gone since the beginning of June. Cant wait to hang out with her and catch up!

Today is also the first day of our state fair. We live close to the fairgrounds so the craziness and traffic can be a problem if we have to go to town. I tried to avoid all that by grocery shopping early. There is even a back road to our church. It pays to know back roads!

I have our first field trip of the school year planned for our group, its going to be a fun one too. We are visiting an orchard and get to learn all about whet they do there.

I canned 46 quarts of peaches from the above orchard this past week. Its the only thing I have canned so far. I was hoping for more from the garden, but its been a dry year so not so much to can out there. Oh well, God will provide!

Have a blessed week!

Random 5 on Friday ~ 8-1-14

I cant believe it is August already! I thought summer went by too fast as a kid but its even worse as an adult!

My son is completely healed from his surgery. Scary stuff! Except for the scar you would never know by looking at him that he went through all that he did.

I guess I should start planning for school this year huh? I have ordered just about all we need so thats a start.

I really want a vacation! Like a REAL go somewhere and do something together vacation!

Why is it so cold? Isnt this August?

Random 5 on Friday ~ 7-18-14

1. 20 years ago today my 3rd child was born. He is my second son. It always blows my mind to think of any of my 3 grown children as adults, but they are. When I was his age, I was pregnant with him. Yes that makes me 40. It still feels like not too long ago though.

2. Three of my kids are headed to 4H camp next week. Ill have just my two youngest girls at home. Whatever will we do? I'm kidding, we have all kinds of fun planned!

3. I have spent most of this week organizing. I have been reading this book, reviewing it actually, and it has inspired me to take control of my time and space back again. The book is called Flourish, and my review will be up next week so look for it!

4. It has been a month since we have been to church on a Sunday. I hope to go back this week. Between the chickenpox and mini trips we just haven't been able to go. I miss it.

5. Popcorn is the most irresistible food for me. Hows that for random? ;)

Have a blessed week!

Random 5 on Friday ~ 7-11-14

1. I am so excited because I got to meet a friend whom I have talked with for 10 years online in person! We have had babies at the same time, homeschool, have large families, and so many other things in common. She also has a new baby and I get to hold her and smell that fresh baby smell I miss so much. It wasn't weird or awkward at all, we had a total of 12 kids here that day and there wasn't one fight, they played beautifully and the adults even got to talk. Amazing!

2. My second son is coming home to visit for at least a week. I am so glad God blessed us with this big house. I may hate the heating bills in the winter but I can have many many people here comfortably. That will come in handy someday when my 8 kids are all grown and we have a ton of grandkids. I already have 5 and only 3 of mine are grown. Actually those 5 all belong to my oldest.

3. We are going to visit my mom today and stay the weekend. The kids are staying in tents in the yard but I claimed the real bed. My back cant handle the tent camping thing anymore, although I miss doing that.

4. I still cant believe its July already. Why does summer go by so fast?

5. It finally got warm enough for me to feel it this week. Im a cold natured person so it has to be about 80 degrees or I keep cold chills. I know Im weird!

Random 5 on Friday ~ 6-27-14

I haven't done this in a while, so here goes!

1. I have been a mom for 26 years now, and never have I had a kid get the chickenpox until this week. I have tried to expose them so they could get it over with while they were little but they never got it. My older 4 had the chickenpox shot years ago, before I knew the risks, so they may never get them. My younger 4 have avoided that shot and will now get their immunity naturally.

2. We spent most of this week at the farm cleaning the place up and getting it ready to hopefully rent out in August. It was a nice getaway, I actually had some free time (WHAT!?!) and I did some cross stitching and book reading. The kids brought along the Liberty's Kids DVD series I bought them for Christmas and discovered they really enjoy watching it. They almost watched the entire thing!

3. My youngest son turned 11 yesterday. He is the one with the chickenpox. I felt bad for him because he wanted to go do things but it isn't kosher to be around other people right now, so we stayed home. We did get him drive through pizza though, and when hes better we will make up for it.

4. My 17 year old son has been gone on a mission trip all week. I cant wait to hear his stories, and I have prayed for the people he works with to see Jesus in him and desire to be like Jesus too.

5. Our beloved pet piggy went to piggy heaven this week. We aren't sure what happened, but she was nursing 4 piglets that were a week shy of being ready to go to new homes. Thankfully they are eating regular food just fine and will be able to go as planned. She never got to visit the farm, but we buried her there. Two of my girls are especially upset, but we will all miss her. Rest in peace Bagels!

Random 5 on Friday ~ April 25th 2014

 I have missed a couple of weeks of random posts. Its been just crazy busy, oh my. First our well pump gave up the ghost and it took a week to find someone to come fix it. We now know our well is 357 feet deep though. Its good to know these things for future reference. Praise the Lord we have water again!

We have a hen sitting on a nest of duck eggs right now. This was such a fun discovery. Id love to be there when they hatch and that hen wonders what in the heck those creatures are!

Im starting Christmas sewing early this year. At least for the little girls of the family. Im making these dolls, and Im just in love with this pattern! My fabric is on a UPS truck right now on the way to me.

I bought a book on making cheese at home. This is our next step in our goal to make as much of our own food as possible. I hope to be sharing pictures of homemade cheese soon!

My husband proudly plowed out garden this year with his own tractor. Its hard waiting on someone else to get to it when you are ready to plant. Now we can get a head start this year, woohoo!

My husband informed me its time to downsize the chicken coop. You know what that means right? I have been dreading this since we got the chickens. Im thankful he doesnt expect me to help or even be there when the slaughter takes place. I cant imagine how Ill react when its time to butcher the cow.

Have a blessed week!

Random 5 on Friday ~ April 4th 2014

 Compared to other weeks lately this one has been rather ordinary. Praise the Lord for ordinary!

1. My husband is getting a second Saturday off in a row tomorrow. That's almost unheard of!We are going to try and get our tractor over to the house to plow the garden up. Its almost that time! WOOHOO!

2. Our cow is afraid of me, any woman or child really. I think she only ever saw men before coming here. But I got to milk her a little this week. My husband had to get her in the barn and start it but then I was able to a little.

3. I got a letter in the mail from Hewlett Packard saying I never cashed my rebate check of $30.00 and I needed to send back a paper signed that I never received or cashed it. I slightly remember there being a rebate when I bought my first laptop years ago. Come to think of it I dont remember ever getting that either. OK Ill take $30.00!

4. My going out of business sale is going pretty well. I started the clearance on March 1st. At that point there was so much fabric I could barely walk in the room. Theres a nice big pathway now. Still a long way to go but I can see progress and Im happy! If you would like to check out my sale, especially if you are a cloth diaper user, then go on over to Diapercuts and see if there is anything you need.

5. I have been seeing a lot of whining about laundry on facebook lately. Although no one loves it Im sure, Id much rather do laundry all day long than dishes. Anybody wanna trade?

Have a blessed week friends!

Random 5 on Friday ~ March 28th 2014

I hate feathers. They are like the never-ending curse around here. My girls have feather boas in their play clothes box, they fall off everywhere. My chickens lose them outside all over the place and we track them in on our shoes. A feather pillow got ripped in MY room of all places and you can just imagine that mess right? So after days of cleaning up feathers I thought I had won the upper hand at last! I threw the boas away, vacuumed, swept, took out the trash. Then today I was going through a drawer of craft supplies and what did I find? Yep you guessed it. A mouse had made a little nest of them in there. But these were craft feathers in wild colors. I don't ever remember buying these?

Nothing was born on the farm this week. Im kind of surprised. My kitty is due anytime though, so Im sure next week will bring new life around here.

I downloaded a monopoly app on my kindle fire. I loathe that game, haven't played in years, but thought the kids might play it. Just for kicks I played the computer on hard mode and I won. What?

Everyone in the house but me and my husband are addicted to minecraft. Im afraid to try it out, I have too much to keep up with already, I dont need a game addiction!

I have some saddening news. We were not approved to become foster parents for my 4 grandchildren. The decision basically boils down to the fact they do not believe we can handle 9 children. If they were not my grandchildren I could agree but I know these kids, they know me. I gave birth to 8 children and at one point and time all of them lived here. Large families are not the norm anymore. We are blessed with a large farmhouse with enough room for them, my husband works hard to grow a garden, we have chickens and a milk cow. I enjoy cooking from scratch and canning. I am blessed to be home full time. But it wasn't enough. What is wrong with the system?

Randon 5 on Friday ~ March 21st 2014

Even though it snowed some this week and is supposed to snow again next week it really does feel like spring is here. I wont let these little cold spells get me down :)

We have the first little purple, white, and yellow spring flowers popping up around the front of the house. We bought this house in August so seeing those flowers come up the first spring we were here was such a beautiful sight. I love seeing them every year now!

Tomorrow I get to do something I haven't done in any many years. Its dangerous (for me) and I'm a little scared to do it but I think I will anyhow. Pics next week!

I let another teenager move into that house. Oh wait, hes 20 now, but still acts like a teenager. What do you call them at this age? LOL

Blackberry vanilla tea tastes really good. Thank you Lipton!

Random 5 on Friday ~ March 14th 2014

I got to visit my grandkids this week, well 4 of them. The one I didn't get to see had a birthday yesterday. I sent his presents to him though. It was a bittersweet visit.

My oldest daughter is home from college for spring break.

My youngest son is going to Disney World today. Its the furthest from home he has ever been in his life. He is with his best friend in the world. I hope he has the time of his life! He will also be going to Lego Land while he is there. A boys dream right?

Wasnt that one warm day incredible? Oh summer how I long for thee!

If I lived near a goodwill bookstore I might as well just move everything out of the house and install wall to wall bookshelves. I got to visit one while in VA this week. I restrained myself and only spent 21.00 but it was hard! LOL

Random 5 on Friday ~ March 7th 2014

 It's March already? That snuck right up on me, but I know our cow was glad. She was due the first week of March and sure enough on March 2nd the little calf arrived!


Its a boy!




My husband has been beside himself with happiness. Hes back to milking every day again, hes in milk heaven!

Skye lost a tooth when Braeden jumped on the bed and hit her in the mouth by accident. She was laughing so hard I was kinda surprised to see the blood trickling from her lip. It was a baby tooth (bottom tooth) thank the Lord!



After weeks of rearranging the house to fit in my grandkids I finally have a sewing area set up in my bedroom. Theres actually room for me and 2 girls to sew at the same time. WOOHOO!



River saved enough money to buy her dream doll, her first American Girl, Felicity. She is a retired doll and wasnt easy to find. She didnt come with clothes so we dressed her in outfits we had. Shes very proud of her!




Isn't this pretty? Want to know what it is? Check back later this week! Ill give you a hint, its a science review.....

Random 5 On Friday ~ February 28th 2014

God is so good! Can I get an amen here? I have been witness to the power of God, and been given a taste of the depth of His love and mercy this week in so many ways. Thank you God for being the loving, caring God that you are! I do not deserve such love and yet you give it anyway. I want to be more like you!

1. One way God has shown his mercy this week was through my teenage son. He made a few bad choices recently and was facing some severe consequences because of his choices. Although I felt bad for him, I knew God was in control and that He was able to use this situation for his glory. He surely did! My teenager will now be joining us at home every day. He will be doing virtual school, and he will be in charge of educating himself since he is in 11th grade. Its a new journey for him as he has always been in public school, but it is one I know God will use to strengthen him for the future.

2. While driving home the other day I decided to go another way to clear my mind and see a bit of scenery. The road was narrow and winding, so I was driving slow. As I made one sharp turn I felt the car sliding, like I was hydroplaning, except it was sliding on gravel. I looked to the right and saw nothing but a drop off, my heart was skipping beats like crazy. Then I literally FELT the car stop sliding and go back on the road. Even though I wasn't going fast I almost slid right off that road and over a steep bank. I could picture the car just rolling down that hill. I was in tears, partially from the fear but also knowing that God didn't let that happen. Praise God!

3. My inlaws decided to come visit and stay a night with us. Even though my two nieces are in public school their parents decided to let them come too. It was a joy to see my kids playing with their cousins, sharing and laughing, and having a fun sleepover. I love the memories I have from my childhood with my cousins. I'm so thankful they had this opportunity! We usually only see them once a year, if we are lucky.

4. Our tax return came back this week and allowed us to put away the remainder of the money we needed for the down payment on our farm. This has lifted a huge worry from my husbands shoulders. We are waiting for the youngest heir to turn 18 before we can legally buy it, but we are now ready!

5. My husband bought us a new laptop with some of the leftover money. This was so needed, as our main computer will be obsolete as of April 8th. Its too old and unreliable to upgrade, and windows XP will no longer be able to update after that date. The kids can still use it till it dies, and now I have something reliable to work with. I'm using it right now!

Thank you God for blessing us in so many ways. Thank you for using us to glorify you!

Have a blessed week!

Beth

Random 5 on Friday ~ February 21st 2014

This time last week we were buried in snow, today the sun is out and I have been spring cleaning.......with a window open!  I took full advantage of that snowstorm and got some much needed deep cleaning out done. It was great having my teenage son at home to help with all of that. Maybe by the time spring is here to stay the house will be in much better shape so I can get out and enjoy it more.

And now for my random 5 for today!

1. I have been sucking up live flies and ladybugs that are starting to come out around my windows with my vacuum cleaner. Isn't that fun! Or am I just weird like that?

2. In the fall I would closing the windows at this temperature, but today it feels GREAT! The fresh air is especially nice after all the dust Ive stirred up vacuuming around here.

3. Cats hate vacuum cleaners. {evil grin}

4. Little girls + feathers = a Mom who hates feathers but loves her vacuum cleaner.

5. A vacuum cleaner is one of the only things in life that should suck. Just sayin.

OK enough about vacuum cleaners, guess Ive been using it way too much this week. I really am thankful for that thing though! It ranks right up there with my dishwasher!!

5.

Random 5 on Friday ~ February 14th 2014

This has been a week full of hard decisions and tears. I cant go into details but through it all I am praising God and trusting Him to get us all through it. Some random things I have thought this week.....

1. I am glad I am not a teenager in this day and age. I thought it was hard then but it just may be harder now.

2. Theres a lot of snow outside and Im happy about that.

3. Switching rooms with kids is very un fun. I pray I never have to move the whole house ever!

4. Stress hurts.

5. I think I may be ADD, this post just might prove it. LOL

Have a blessed week!

Random 5 on Friday ~ February 7th 2014

Its been another busy week here, and I'm glad to see Friday roll around. Not that weekends are any less busy actually, but at least I don't have to get up at 6 AM and take my teenager to school in the morning. With my husband being on evening/night shift I am basically running on two different shifts and I'm just tired. Without further ado here is my random 5 for this week.....

1. Spring must be coming yall. Every morning on my drive to the bus stop I see bunnies everywhere! I have to swerve to miss hitting them sometimes. Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies, yay!

2. I have been trying to add more variety to my diet and this week I added quinoa. Google that if you don't know what it is, its a grain like rice, sort of. Its a superfood! Anyhow Ive been having it for breakfast a couple of mornings with cinnamon. Pretty good! I have had it before but not for breakfast. Its all a part of the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle that I started last April. I have lost nearly 30 pounds since then just by changing the way I eat.

3. This old computer of mine will be obsolete in April. If you have windows XP better check out that link. It seems like I have had this one forever and yet I still love it. Im going to miss this computer when it finally dies. The keyboard gave out last week after nearly 9 years. Its hard to find one to replace it, but finally we did.

4. My kids have started a new math program called Teaching Textbooks. Where has this program been all of my homeschooling life? Suddenly math is enjoyable, yes I did say enjoyable! My math hating stubborn 10 year old has been doing multiple lessons a day. He told me last night he is finally understanding some things that made math hard for him. Praise God almighty!! It was worth every penny! I started him on 3rd grade just so he could play catch up and not miss anything important. My 7 and 9 year old asked to try it too and they are also loving it.

5. I guess Im computer shopping, anyone have any suggestions or great sale links? Hook me up!

Random 5 On Friday ~ January 31st 2014

 1. The ice and snow have about all melted, I may actually get to go to church on Sunday! Im looking forward to that, our pastor is back and his messages are always so good.

2. My baby turned 5 on Wednesday. I had a day planned full of fun with her but the snow stopped it. Will have to do it another day soon. Her first birthday party is on Saturday, every year it gets cancelled because of the weather, it looks like she may finally get one.

3. I miss my grown kids so much. All of them are carless and cant travel to come visit. It isnt exactly easy to load up 5 kids and go see them either. I do it sometimes, but it isnt easy, and it takes so much out of the budget to travel and feed them. Its just hard :(

4. I expected to hear something this week about the impending homestudy. I guess the weather has them behind as well. Its OK, it will happen in Gods perfect timing. Im just waiting.....

5. I drove out to take my husband dinner while the snow was pouring in below freezing temperatures. The road looked like it was covered in tiny sparkling diamonds! I wish I could have captured that on camera, it was truly beautiful. Im thankful it wasnt very slick that night!

Random 5 on Friday ~ January 24th 2014

 1. Although I dislike being cold I must admit that snow makes the winter world much prettier. It covers up all the greyness, the dead grass and bare trees and bushes. When it falls from the sky it seems to glisten and reminds me of soft feathers. I think I may like snow, but this bitter cold can go away now!

2. On facebook yesterday a friend posted a note saying to "grab the book closest to you and turn to page 45, that page will describe your love life". The closest book was The Jesus Storybook Bible and page 45 had no words, just a picture of the ark floating in flood waters with waves all around it. Im still contemplating that one.

3. My dad called a couple of days ago to tell me a joke. It actually made my husband laugh so it must be worth sharing! Why does a bee have sticky hairs on its back? Because it uses a honeycomb on them. :)

4. I got to keep my granddaughter for 5 days because of the snow. We had such fun with her, and the house feels so empty with her gone. I hope she comes back again soon!

5. Thank you God for chocolate! The world would be a much worse place without it!

 

Random 5 On Friday ~ January 17th 2014

 This month seems to be passing by quickly, I was hoping this year would go slower than the last but I guess not. Here is my ransom 5 for this week...



1. This morning I woke up just before dawn, my phone was ringing and the caller ID said it was my 16 year old son. He had just wrecked his car on his way to school. He was fine but very upset, I got dressed and went to find him. Its days like this I am thankful my husband works evening shift, I dont have to wake up and dress 4 little ones and take them with me in the mornings.

He hit an ice patch and the car fishtailed into a big rock on the bank, then he hit the ditch and jumped it a bit into someones yard. I am so thankful to God that he is ok! I'm also thankful no other vehicles were involved so no one else was hurt. And I'm thankful for the mechanic we know and trust who lives nearby. He towed the car to his garage and will let me know if there is any hope of fixing it soon. I don't have much hope for it though, cars just aren't made like they used to be!

2. My youngest granddaughter is supposed to be coming to spend the weekend with us. She just turned 9 months and we just have so much fun with her when she is here. Its been a month since she visited so we are looking forward to a weekend of baby cuteness!

3. Last week I said that my 4 year old was going to donate 10 inches of her hair this week. Due to a snowstorm and the fact that I was sick for 3 days it didn't happen. We still plan on doing it soon though.

4. On Monday, a Bible study was started at my church. We are using Pricilla Shirer's book Gideon: Your weakness. God's strength. along with video lessons each week.This is an amazing study! I am already learning and growing because of it. It was perfect timing for me.

5. One of our pet teacup pigs has been sick all week and when I got back home this morning she had passed. Yes it has been a rough morning so far! Oh and I also fell on the ice while talking with the wrecker guys, which is never a good thing when you already have a back injury. So now that the 3 bad things have already happened this morning I guess I can expect the rest of the day to be just peachy right!



 gggg

Random 5 on Friday ~ January 10th 2014

Oh boy has this been a doozy of a week!

1. I bought my dream car! A 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. It wouldn't start today, figures! Hopefully my brother can fix it.

2. I went to court to petition for custody of my 4 oldest grandchildren. Long story here.

3. My two middle daughters each donated 10 inches of hair to Locks Of Love. Pictures to come soon!

4. We survived the polar vortex thingy that went through the country. Surprisingly our water didnt freeze! A drain line did though, so the washer flooded my laundry room / pantry with a couple inches of water. Its ok though, cleaned up quick :)

5. My baby will be turning 5 at the end of the month. I have had a preschooler for the past 26 years, so this is a strange feeling for me. She has an appointment to donate her hair next Thursday. Shes going to look so grown up. I don't know if I can handle this much change right now.

Watch for those pictures in the day or two, and have a blessed week everyone!

Random 5 on Friday ~ January 3rd 2014

I like the idea of posting 5 random things on Friday so I'm linking up with The Pebble Pond and other bloggers doing the same thing :)

So here are my random 5 for this week.....

1. I am so glad it snowed a bit and the weather is all icky outside. I do not like the cold but I do like staying home. I have had way too much running to do the past 2 weeks, Im ready to hibernate now!

2. I have spent the past 2 days just cleaning up the after math of Christmas and loading an entire vehicle full of things to donate to the thrift store. It feels good to lose a couple hundred pounds of stuff!

3. I do not so New Years Resolutions, but I do have goals for the year. One of my main goals for this year involves doing a lot of painting. And sewing. :)

4. I just filled out the first vendor interest form for the new Schoolhouse Crew year. Perhaps Ill have a review of some fun curriculum coming up soon.

5. Im looking forward to next week because if all goes as planned Ill be buying something I have always wanted, but it isnt for me. Ill post more about that next week!

Have a BLESSED WEEK!!!!!