Back Home...

Wow, it has been a really long time since I've posted, but we've been so busy with Summer--full speed ahead that I haven't taken the time to blog. I will try to do better. On vacation, I had a chance to blog read a bit and was really inspired by the wonderful inspiring blogs out there. I came home motivated and encouraged to be a better wife and mother! Can't beat that, can you?
Well, we took a little trip about 3 hours from here. Actually, we accompanied my husband on his trip to a 3 day conference and stayed in the Hotel where the conference was being hosted. Now, don't laugh, but I have never stayed in a fancy Hotel before! Really. I was slightly nervous. I mean, who do you tip and who do you not tip? Etc. Well, things I've learned on this trip: 1. Tip everyone. 2. EVERYTHING costs at a hotel...even internet service...a movie is $13.95 to rent, as opposed to $3.95 off PPV--not that we rented anything, that's for sure! 3. The pool is awesome and very kid friendly. 4. Most ppl there look 'down-home' like we looked. There are more things, but my littlest one just awakened, so I'll go ahead and post some pictures from our trip. Nice to be home, but we did have a nice family time! Oh, 3 things about my kids on this trip: Babies CAN get there hands stuck in the elevator doors...oh my..it was tramatizing..thank goodness for my husband's calmness to just gently remove the hand before the doors pulled open any harder; Another thing is that 4 yr olds and 6 yr olds can still have accidents in their undies when they are playing hard at the park. AND it always happens when you have been there 5 or 10 minutes, AND there is no bathroom in site, AND you have valet parking when your van doesn't smell fresh upon arriving back ("Again, so soon?"); Also, my kids are loud, esp in a hotel lobby! :o)






Enjoying an ice cream cone after a really hot spell at the park.

The hotel--we were on the 10th floor.

At an outside BBQ restaurant
My handsome husband in a solemn expression
"I'm so tired"

He still has time from his busy schedule of watching PBS Kids to draw.

The waterfall outside the hotel. I was quite scared the kids would fall in before the picture was taken!
The nice room--sorry the picture quality isn't good.

Vegging out--watching cartoons after a hard day of swimming.

He loved the swimming pool!! He would say, "Look, Mom, I'm svimming!"

An announcement..

I am excited to announce that our new growing little one appears to be....a GIRL! Yes, for frivolous reasons, I suppose, we had our ultrasound and the gender of the baby was revealed. The kids were very excited!! She appears to be healthy, complete with all her parts, so thank the Lord for that! Now, I'm wanting September to hurry up, but I have so much to do from now until then. Lots. to. do.
I'm planning on starting some Spring Cleaning today. I thought if I just spent 15 minutes a day on it, it would be better than nothing. So, today, as soon as I finish my internet time, I will start at my front door, cleaning it and then moving to the right of the room. I'm looking forward to it. My kitchen is in desperate need of a spring cleaning. Oh my, I glimpsed under the stove top the other day and was disgusted out of my wits! :o) I'm working on a special project in my laundry room that I hope to post some before and after pictures before long. :o)
Busy, busy, busy...that's us!!

Homemade Things...

Before I get on to my topic, I thought I'd do a quick update. I would love to be blogging everyday, but it seems I can't get into the swing of things, so every post I do, I have to update, it seems. We had the sickies move in last week starting with youngest son. I did take him to the doctor, which I usually don't do, but I followed my instincts and did. He had an ear infection, swollen glands, and just a yucky upper respiratory infection. He is cutting 3 teeth that have been boogers, let me tell you. He has never displayed such an ill temperament since he has been born as he has this past week/weekend. It was trying, but thank goodness, God gives us strength, He causes time to heal, and things do get better. He was a little better it seemed yesterday, so I hope we are on the mend. Middle child, dear daughter, has a bad cold and she has been feeling really poorly. The good part is that I don't think her ears are hurting and she is not teething, so she is taking things better. She seemed to be some better yesterday as well. Oh, I pray, I pray, we are getting better! Every time my kids get sick, however, it causes me to evaluate how I"ve been feeding them and if I've been taking precautions (for ex. seeing that their hands get washed as frequently as they should) that are necessary to prevent germs (as much as possible). I'm by no means a germ freak. In fact, it would do me good to be a little more germ conscious. I can always improve on the healthy eating aspect. One thing I'm planning on doing is planning out my meals for lunch and breakfast instead of just supper planning. It's easy to take the 'quick' or the 'junk' route for lunch instead of fixing a healthy meal. At least taking the time to cut up some fruit for them to eat with breakfast and lunch. Or taking the time to think about what raw vegetables they WILL eat and setting those before them for snacks. Oh, yes, I can improve! Also, seeing that they take their vitamins and immune boosters (like Elderberry tablets, etc) regularly. Youngest son never slacks in this dept because he wakes up asking for his 'ray-ray' or vitamins (I don't have a clue how he got that out of the word, vitamin).
We took a little weekend trip down to Pensacola, Florida, to a church fellowship meeting and enjoyed in immensely. I know some people would probably think us crazy for 'taking vacations' to church fellowship meetings or campmeetings, but we love it. We love church and seeing people that we haven't seen in years (like I did this weekend, meeting a girl I met about 14 or 15 years ago at a church in north Arkansas, who had 3 children, the oldest in whom she had NAMED HER AFTER ME! Isn't that amazing?! We were visiting while our children played at the swings and she and I got to talking and found out that we knew each other! It was amazing! She said that she remembered my name when she had her daughter--who was 13-- and liked it because she didn't know any more "Monica's"--and decided to name her that. We enjoyed talking and I give her my address and Email.) Anyway, one of the cool things about vacationing to fellowship meetings. Another cool thing is hearing testimonies of people saved from sin and delivered from meth and crack, etc.--people who came with a Homeless Ministry from Oklahoma. Wow, it is amazing what God is doing. We enjoyed ourselves in spite of our children being so poorly in health during that time. God's people are the most wonderful people, don't you agree? And the amazing thing is that He desires for EVERYONE to be His people.
Well...I promised a friend that I would do a blog on some homemade things or tips that I implement in my own home. Money savers, if you will. Maybe you can find one of these Homemades to use in your home.
HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP
I began making my own soap about 2 years ago, probably. My very favorite laundry detergent is Mrs. Meyers and would you believe that a month or so ago, I found several containers of Mrs. Meyers Laundry Detergent at a burnout type store in which I love to shop? I stocked up (my mom and I, who is more health conscious than I) and was in laundry heaven for a while. Anyway...my supply is gone and I'm back to my homemade version. Here it is...It is very cheap and the recipe I'm giving here lasts about a week for a family of 5 (if you wash everyday like me).]
Grate 2 bars of Ivory soap (with a cheese grater...do not use the tiny holes, it will take forever)
1 cup of Baking soda
2 cups of Borax (can buy in the laundry section)

Shake up and store in a plastic container (mine is a Rubber maid one that I got in the storage section at walmart--I think it's a 8 cup container or something of the sort). Use 1/2 cup in your laundry. Now the only thing is that this has no smell. That may bother some people, but it doesn't me because I have severe allergies and I don't need an unnatural smell (Mrs. Meyers uses essential oils for the smell). I also hang out my clothes and get that 'fresh' smell the air gives. You can purchase Lavendar Essential oils or a few more 'flavors' at a health food store and add a drop or two to your laundry water to get that fresh smell. I did that once, but all I had was peppermint oils and it wasn't too pleasant to have my laundry smelling like peppermint! LOL
So...those are two ways to save on your laundry budget. Make your own detergent and hang out your clothes.
Now I am going to do a separate post for the other homemades....

Well I thought I'd better...

try to get back in the groove of posting. I don't know what has gotten in me. I guess it's the spirit of "Laziness" when it comes to the computer. I guess it's a blessing in disguise, because I'm sure I don't have the time to devote to the computer that I'd really like to be able to do. I did so enjoy blogging, though, when I was getting to do it regularly. This post will just be an update of sorts...

This morning I woke up with a refreshed, renewed sense of mind. Does that every happen to you? I have been in a funk for awhile it seems with different areas of my life, even spiritually, but just mentally and in other ways I can't describe. I'm still trying to get up early and seek the Lord, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, but it seems even when I succeed, I'm not getting 'to Him' like I had been. I know it is just a drought and maybe even a testing time, so I'm not discouraged. I start the book of Acts tomorrow and I know that it will be just what I need! We are doing good in our church and are enjoying the move of God, so that is most encouraging. There are some major changes that are occuring among us that could appear discouraging, but the Lord is really moving among us which lets me know that we are increasingly in His thoughts!

My baby girl ( I will try to get a picture posted, but who knows, I hear child #3 stirring in the next room) turns FOUR today!!! Oh my, I can't believe it. She is so excited about her birthday. I'm going to attempt a horse cake so I'm sure that the experience may prove humbling.

Speaking of baby, I'm so excited to know that there IS life within me. Having not been to the doctor yet (I'm trying to totally avoid the whole dr thing, can you tell?) OR having not taken a pregnancy test, even though my waistline is increasing, there is still something unbelievable about my being pregnant, yk? Well, yesterday (at 14 wks) I felt my first gentle nudge from this baby. It was way noticeable and I was really hungry, having skipped breakfast, so I think she or he was nudging me to get some nourishment going on! I usually feel the baby between 15 and 16 weeks, but since I really know what to 'feel' for, I'm not surprised at feeling the baby already. Anyway, I can rest assured that I'm not just getting fat! :)

Well, that's all for now. I will hurry and try to get a picture on here before I am surrounded by sleepy-eyed youngsters.

Drop me a comment if you're still reading! :)

Where I've been or rather, WHY I've been gone...

After my last post, I sort of decided to take a little break from blogging for awhile. I had several reasons, but none of them would probably make sense to you, if that makes sense. :o) In other words, it was totally a personal thing.
After I got back into the attitude of blogging, I discovered that all of the sudden I could not find time to blog. I was really tired and went to bed early every night. I was not as faithful to my early morning times with God, even though I almost always got up before the kids, in time to get my Bible reading and prayer in. It was rushed though, and I'm so glad that I'm settling back into the 5am routine. My body is getting more rested and it seems I do not have as much of a need for sleep. Finally. I've known the reason for a while. I've been wanting to share it with you too.
I'm expecting! A new blessing for us is coming around September 14th. I'm 11 weeks along, so I'm starting to get a tad more strength for my duties and other things that are exhausting, like blogging. :) We are excited and are looking forward to this new baby. We have received mostly positive responses, a couple negatives, but I've heard about a few negatives that were not mentioned directly to us. :) Just makes me sad all over again to think that a GIFT from God (Ps. 127:3) derives such negativity from people with misplaced priorities. I'm sure that's another post for another time.
The kids are doing well. The oldest is doing well with his schoolwork and I still love homeschooling. Youngest is talking up a storm and all he wants to do when he gets up in the morning is to put on shoes and go outside! We all have spring fever, I think more than we have ever had! The kids have come down with the sickies and we hope we still get to go on a trip that we have had planned for some time now. We are using a variety of natural remedies and a little Benadryl on the side for hopefully a speedy recovery.
I'm sure I've failed to mention a few things that we've been up to, but at least you have an update!
God is still good. I hope you and yours are doing well.

My Grandmother....

...passed away Tuesday evening at a little after 6 pm. She was 84. *Granny* was one of the godliest women I ever knew and her ultimate desire was to give praise to the Lord. I remember staying with her some during my childhood and it was not uncommon to here her going around her duties praising the Lord. She was a believer in modesty and godliness to the ultimate. She thought women should even wear pantyhose always to church. :o)
I so appreciate the heritage she left me. Because of her and my grandfather (mostly her, because he didn't get saved until later on in life), my mom is a godly woman and I, in turn, desire to be godly and holy toward the Lord.
Praise the Lord for my wonderful Grandmother! The funeral is today at 2pm. We have nasty weather here (may snow, but it has been really rainy and cold) and the two oldest has nasty colds and coughs. Should make for a bitterly cold graveside service.

Updates and such (with pictures)

Hello, dear friends!
I hope each of you are enjoying this *extremely busy* holiday season. I've not enjoyed my lack of blogging, but I did have a somewhat good excuse. My internet connection wouldn't work for a few days and since we've been back online, I haven't taken the time to blog. So, I decided that I would spend just 10 minutes blogging and if I don't get done, I will save it and come back to it later. Ya gotta start somewhere! :o)

Since I've been away, my eldest has turned 6 years old. Wow, isn't that something? I will add pictures of his cake and his small party with a couple of his newest friends.

Also while I've been away, we made the Advent craft that I posted about in a few posts back. It turned out GREAT. I was surprised that I had that crafty side in me. :) Since this craft, I've had a few more ideas to pop in my head. We'll see how that turns out. :o) The sad thing is we haven't actually *done* any of the Advent activities yet. :o( I need a few more hours in the day! Anyway, we have put up the Christmas tree and the kids really helped with that. Erin (3 yr old) didn't put 5 ornaments per branch like she did last year (so cute!). She really did great! Evan has ignored the tree, pretty much, so that is a relief. I am ready for the *training sessions* should he start to throw the ornaments or such. :) Speaking of training, he is ripe for that now. I can't believe I was so dumb to think that kids couldn't be trained (or had never heard of such) when Emory was Evan's age). Evan will pretty much come when called and obey really well. It's so exciting to see this--really amazing. I'm soooo thankful to the Lord for allowing books like "To Train Up a Child" and "Raising Godly Tomatoes" to come in to my life. Thank you, thank you, Lord. I want to tell others about them, but sometimes ppl just don't want to hear what you have to say about things they look to the 'experts' on, ya know? Anyway, that is *so* off topic. Then again, I guess this post doesn't really have a specific topic, huh...

My dear husband is about to have a really big change happen in his life. A good change, we hope. :o) More about that maybe later. Just say a prayer for him next week....
Every year on my children's birthdays we try to weigh and measure them. We write it on a spot in their closets. At Emory's birthday he had grown 1 & 5/8ths inches and gained 3lbs since last birthday. We were proud of that--especially the weight. That boy sure does like to eat! :) So far since the last birthday he has: started school, memorized passages of Scriptures (like Psalm 1 & 23), learned to dress himself/wipe himself *smile*, learned to speak more clearly (this time last year he was saying, chuch for church, Ewyn for Erin, etc.) and he really behaves more pleasing. Just recently he has been admiring our new pastor's daughter, Maddie, who is a beautiful little girl age 7. He pretty much has *spoken* for her hand when the time comes. :o) I can't believe the crush bug bites so soon. :o/

My two littles have started playing really well together. Evan *adores* his sister!!! I mean he worships her, per se. He can be in the grumpiest of moods and she can say anything to him, or even come in the room and he is a different child! :o) I figure in a few months, they will be playing together as well as she and Em do now! Funny how they grow SOO fast.

As for me, the Lord has been so moving in my life. I'm still getting up early to seek Him and to read His Word. I have fallen in love with His Word! My prayer time is wonderful as well. Now, honestly, there are some mornings where I just can't *feel* it--other than my head nodding into my lap...lol...but a couple days a week, the Lord's presence comes by and I just bask in God's goodness. He is so real to me. I somehow *know* he has something for my family to do. Or, perhaps for my children. There is some reason He has led me into homeschooling, and other things that teach my children about God. It's exciting to know that God may use us in the Last Days! I read the other day in Acts how the disciples were being persecuted for Christ and they counted it an honor to suffer for Christ--they were actually happy to be beaten for Christ. I pray that I will love the Lord so much that I would do anything for Him--no matter what. I really am determined to go forward in God. If you've never had an *experience* with the Lord, I encourage you to seek Him, earnestly!

I will try to upload my pictures so I can send this and go to bed. I truly trust that all of my friends are having a wonderful holiday season. Be sure to blog about some of the things you and your children are doing. Let me know about your baking! :o) I love to bake--I may add a pic of hubby's early birthday cheesecake. It is delish! Also, other things I have made may be added (I guess I'm the only weird person who takes pictures of their culinary creations?).

Update: It has taken me several days to finish this post, as things have been really busy, so pls forgive my slowness at blogging! Here aare a few pictures to leave you with:

Working on the Advent Calendar:

Erin had fun taking all the matches out of the boxes and she and Emory also helped glue on the end pieces.

And Evan had fun putting the matches into the Coke, which by the way *wasn't* his..I got `verybody a drink that day for a rare *treat*.

And the final result! I love it--it turned out very festive! (Now we have got to start using it...I have been so unfestive this year, so far!) :o(

Now, some pictures of Em's party and cake:

A close-up of the cake, made by yours truly! :o) It was really good. I made the cake with a cake mix (but added 2 mystery ingredients to it) but I did make the icing from scratch.

Just some general baking pics (baking done over the past 2 weeks or so...I love to bake):

American Beauty cake made to take to an elderly sick man (I hate not being able to taste of something before I send it--so I don't know how it tasted!)

An old Fashioned pound cake--never had made one before--it turned out tasting delicious, but I took it out of the pan before it had completely cooled--the result--it almost came apart)

Cheesecake for *Daddy*--early birthday present--a tradition going on for about 7 years--this is a 3-layer cheesecake--white chocolate, chocolate, and strawberry! :o)

Chicken-on-a-stick, a very good, easy supper! Kids love it! Well, that's all! It's taken me forever to finish this post--have a great day!

Friday's Fotos

Yay, it's Friday again! :o) One of my favorite days! We have had a good day thus far. The kids woke up a little grumpy from going to bed late. The fireplace really wouldn't get too warm this morning either, so it was a little bit cold. They didn't like that too much. :o) But, we have had fun today. Yesterday I caught up on laundry and dishes and so I have just hung out with the kids today. We have had a lot of fun being silly and it seems the Lord has just given me some extra *joy* today! I love Him so much!
Here are some pictures from our day or another day this week...

Emory, just coming inside, getting his creative juices flowing. *He favors me on this picture*

Erin, apprehensive about trying mom's new breakfast dish, Apple Dumplings. *Also looking like childhood mom in this picture*


New recipe, Apple Dumplings (from Amish cookbook)---they took a while to make but I would say they were worth it.

Erin, looking especially beautiful, before leaving for church.

Daddy, aka "scratching tree", tells the continuing saga of SeeMore and SeeLess, Raunchy and Nasty Skunk Family. :o)



It may be corny to post a pic of my laundry detergent, but my mom gave me this--she ordered a case--yay, I won't have to make any for a while! It is, of course, natural and it has a smell! That's the exciting part! :)


This is an awesome picture Emory drew today--probably my favorite so far! These are outer space creatures from the planet RobotLand. You can see WooWee, Gus, and a GeeBer, and a few more that hadn't been named yet (at this drawing). My favorite character is the alien over on the lower left. He comes out of the crater and that is his smile face he is holding. He has taken his smiley face off at this drawing. The alien on the planet at the top is sliding down the ring. That is Earth on the right. Pretty imaginative, huh? He took me on a 'tour' of this drawing and I was so amazed.

Erin's new puppy, Gabby. This is the 3rd Gabby we've had, so I hope that name doesn't bring bad luck. She is the sweetest puppy and is so clean and cuddly. We got her last night. She was supposed to be a Christmas present, but my dad got it for her and told her early. She is a Rat Terrier. That was what our previous dog was and she was the *best* with kids.






Just wanted to show off my holiday shirt! :o) It is so comfy and cute. I got it for about $4.00 at a burnt out type store. :o)

"The Mouse takes the....er...mouse" I don't know what the thing above is...a decorative cloud, maybe?? Another creative masterpiece today. :o)

About to attempt a nap--that is cake batter on her face. I made a cake (sort of like Red Velvet Cake) to take to a very sweet elderly man from our church because he has been really sick. They had fun eating the icing on the beaters.

Now I must do a few things before the really cold temps come down hard (22 degrees tonight). I also need to icing the cake. Hope you had a fun Friday and enjoyed my photo tutorial!PS. Sorry no pics of Ev Man--he was sorta sick today and wasn't feeling well, so I somehow didn't snap pics of him. He has a new haircut and is looking esp boyish, so I'll try to get him a shot on here.

What's going on Wednesday...

Let's see....

We are all doing really well, enjoying our favorite season. The kids are growing, playing, bringing such joy to my life that I can't explain adequately. This morning, Evan called to me from the bedroom to come get him (he can get down by himself, but for some reason he wants me to get him out of the bed in the mornings). He was sooo warm and snuggly. I couldn't help but kiss him a thousand times, it seemed. The kids and I got back into my warm bed and I read them a story. It was a very nice moment.

What's going on here....

Bathroom renovations....still. :o)

Daddy is busy working and coming home and working some more at times. We all look forward to his coming home in the evenings and sometimes a 'surprise' during the day.

I am, as usual, cooking, cleaning, washing, washing, and washing, diapering, clothing, mothering, training, teaching, nursing, and all the while praying that I'm doing and saying as I should to my precious ones. Today as I was outside toddling after my toddler, I couldn't help but offer hands raised in gratitude and thanksgiving for my being home with my children.

I am teaching piano lessons and am enjoying it thoroughly--I added two new students this week, making my total 6 or 7?? I get all of my lessons done on Thursday evenings so I don't feel like my time is taken from my children too much.

Emory is doing great in school. We cut back our subjects, 3 one day and the other 3 the next. Six subjects in one day was too much for him. This is working great for us.

Today I went outside to check on the children and he was raking leaves, putting them into the wheel barrow. He had also stacked some wood at the front door. He made his bed without my asking and cheerfully did his chores. I was so proud of and thankful for him.

Erin is my playful one. She wants to play all day--and she does mostly. She becomes really engrossed in play and will play for hours at the time. She still isn't interested in learning her letters and numbers. LOL

Evan is sitting down beside me, playing with my camera, saying, "Cheese". He is saying a LOT of words. He is a joy to train and teach to obey. He is doing great in our mini training sessions. He loves balls and trucks and loves to play hard. He loves outside and can now climb up the slide and down by himself.

Today I have been baking--baking 2 loaves of Chocolate chip Banana Nut Bread and 2 loaves of White Bread. The kids did their chores, I talked to my sister on the phone for a while, and washed the hubs clothes. We are settling in for our evening routine...time to wake up Erin and punch down my bread. Then it will be time to get ready for church.....

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday evening!

Wednesday's What's Going On?

Hello, dear friends. Autumn is definitely here and after yesterday's few inches of rain, today has been cool and breezy. Crisp. Don't you love it when the weather gets crisp? Today Evan and I mowed a little grass and the crisp wind hit our face and it was enough to make me say, Ah, Thank you Lord for the different seasons! One thing God isn't and that's Boring! :o)

So, what's going on with us? Well, life is busy and going at the speed of light. Every day we make memories, laugh, cry, stress, are at peace, and in the midst of it all are busy. I enjoy the routine things we do: the making of the beds, the hanging out of the clothes (I so love this, it's therapy), the reading of the Word with my children, the reading of Black Beauty, the fixing the lunches and breakfasts, hearing my children say the blessing, the scooter riding of my son (in the house, every day), my daughter playing with the kitten most of the day, imaginative play coming from my kids' room, changing the baby's diaper, consistent nursings, watching my baby shake his head after he eats something he doesn't like, learning to read with my oldest, saying prayers at night, bathing, tucking in, hearing my little girl say, "Is it time for you to lay with me?" :o) All of that makes a day just so wonderful.

What's new going on with me? Well, this week I am starting to take a Probiotic called, ThreeLac. It is supposed to help or get rid of the overgrowth of Candida Albicans in the body. Candida overgrows and takes over the good bacteria when one takes antibiotics and/or has stress, eats too much sugar, etc. Some signs of it include Irritable Bowels, Fogginess (Brain fog, anyone?), Stomach cramps, Allergies (ME!!!!!!!!!!!) and Asthma (ME!!), skin rashes (ME, too), and other symptoms. Mostly everyone has it. Anyway, I'm giving some of the probiotic to Emory too. He has some of the same symptoms as I. I have also started taking Flax Oil capsules for the Omega 3s and giving the kids Cod Liver Oil for Omega 3s and other benefits.

Hmmm...what else? Oh, I got me some new glasses last week and I really like them a lot. It has been years and years since I had a new pair and mine were so outdated. I'm enjoying the new 'look'.

Emory is learning, learning in his schooling. He is reading more each day and learning about stuff in HIstory that I never learned about (pyramids, mummies, that sort of stuff). He can do a page of adding in no time. He is really good at math.

My little princess of a darling is soo much fun to be around. She is getting taller as I have noticed she can look at herself in her mirror. Tonight she was taking off her shoes and her dad and I commented on how she had left her shoes off all through church. We were so proud of her. She grinned and gave us a 'thumbs up'--except it was her pointer finger. LOL.

Evan has been 'counting'. I can't believe it. He loves to play outside with the others. He will get right in the dirt with the other two. I can sit back and relax more and watch them play together. He is starting to copy them. Tonight in church, they had FunPads to draw and color in...well he had to find him one as welll. He is growing up and learning some new words!

I have this huge bouquet of flowers growing in a stick pile in our field. They are gorgeous. We went and picked a bouquet and I'll leave you with a picture. We also picked some pears from our trees and I *hope* I get around to peeling and slicing them before they rot!

What else? Oh, we gave our new puppy away to a good home. I really missed him the first couple of days he was gone. He is a *hog* dog so we gave him to a little guy that hunts hogs. He is my former student and I think he will take good care of him. :o/

Tonight was Fried Pork Chops, Garlic cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Peas, and cornbread. Dessert was Pecan Pie Muffins. It was a pretty nice supper! We had to rush at it before time to get ready for church.

Gotta go to bed if I'm to get up again with my sweet husband. God bless you, dear readers! :o)