tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88966159081156476712024-03-19T12:10:54.802-07:00On the Branham RanchAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-8687453615543447112013-09-30T13:11:00.000-07:002013-09-30T13:11:00.835-07:00Capturing the MemoriesWho is the photographer in your family? Ever notice how that person very rarely makes it into the picture. And I'm not talking about those bathroom mirror pictures, or the awkward stretch-your-arm-out-in-front-and-hope-you-aimed-correctly pictures either. (Who else has to take 53 of these to get one good one?) I have that problem. I'm the photog in our family. And in the rare case that I AM in the pic, my Hubby (who is taking the picture) is not! Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I think I am HOT STUFF, or even all that photogenic, but it would be nice to have some pictures of ALL of us! I know the solution is a family portrait, and I would LOVE to get them done once a year. But, lets be honest, they are EXPENSIVE!!! Not that I don't think those photos are amazing and worth EVERY penny, but those pennies HAVE to be spent on food, clothing and shelter for my brood (the law says I HAVE to provide these things). So unfortunately, those BEAUTIFUL images of my family faking smiles and lovingness, between spurts of fighting over where they stand, why they have to look nice, and why we have to do this anyway, will have to be put on the back burner. (I'm not exaggerating about that burner either. We haven't had family photos done professionally since the boys were babies!) BUT....our church was updating the directory and had Lifetouch come in to take the pictures. There's the clincher. We didn't have to buy ANY. We just had to get the one done for the church. But who can resist when they suggest all the cute little poses of the kiddos, and for ONCE they stop fighting and ASK if they can do the next pose? (Seriously I DARE you to try). So the end result (and in effort to easily share these with family)...<br />
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$289 and worth EVERY penny! Don't ya think? How about you? Do you get a yearly family portrait done? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-22970831201240013172013-09-30T12:30:00.001-07:002013-09-30T12:30:37.858-07:00And the blue ribbon goes to..... One of the things I most looked forward to when we bought our little homestead in the country was the possibility of going to the county fair. I know it may sound silly or old fashioned but I don't care. I couldn't wait to see the livestock, maybe buy an animal or two, enter crafts and goodies into the fair, and appreciate a REAL country type of fair. I have been to county fairs before, in the city, but it is just not the same feel. They are usually so crowded, as everyone is there just to go on the rides. Lines are long, and no one is really all that interested in "the stuff in the buildings". (Or at least I know I wasn't as a kid! lol) <br />
So when the summer activities were beginning to die down I was on the lookout for signs to tell me when and where the fair would be. Boy was I excited when my wonderful Hubby came home one day with a surprise... he brought me the fair book! (Yes, I do find that as an adult I get excited by some of the most domestic of things. Does that make me more mature? I doubt it. But its a nice thought anyway) I immediately began leafing through it with the boys. (who admittedly were not as excited as I, but faked it pretty well because they love their Mama) and shouting out all the things we could enter, all the exciting contests, events, and featured vendors. Seriously, I thought I was gonna pee my pants! <br />
We went through the entry booklet 1 item at a time and decided if we wanted to work on something like that, highlighting as we went. It was a HUGE boost of self esteem when we got to the baking section and my kiddos immediately piped up asking if they could make and enter some of their favorite recipes of mine as their own. They got so excited at the idea of the lego contest as well and dreamt up all sorts of creations to enter. Ginny wanted to enter in a coloring contest. There was even an entry category for something made of recycled materials. (We are pretty good at that around here!) <br />
So, needless to say, for the past month or so the kiddos and I have been putting together crafts, favorite recipes, and lego creations to enter in the Chowan county fair. We dropped them all off last Sunday and prayed that ours would be chosen for blue ribbons. It was so great to see the pride on their faces as they presented all of their hard work to the lady at registration, and she handed them off to be tagged and sorted on the different tables. I explained to the kiddos that while it is a competition, it is okay not to win. We should appreciate ALL the entries, not just our own. We had never done a fair before and it is was possible we wouldn't win anything! We would chalk it up as a learning experience, and try again next year, if they wanted to. We all went home full of excitement and anticipation. It was a long couple of days before we went to the fair to view the winners.<br />
The next day however, we received a phone call. Ginny had won the coloring contest and earned 2 free tickets to the fair! How exciting! I was so pumped, that I couldn't wait to tell her. She was sitting on the toilet and I ran in and told her. The conversation went like this:<br />
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Me: Guess what Ginny? You won the coloring contest at the fair!<br />
Ginny: I DID?!?!? Really?!?!<br />
Me: Yep! Isnt that awesome?<br />
Ginny (screaming) YEAH!!!! (now talking quietly) But, I have to go to the bathroom now....<br />
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So that was pretty cool and a great encouragement to the kiddos that we really could win SOMETHING!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8lUqto1Q8KFHOCV_8loHcDbS5B3lN6m1hhm_NXe6Aq1947R6V1ggzzCZp_1i1h4KhPuTFf_MM5oWSAqThgym7JDTT8ReavpF2p0zrcsGKMPjZtNUaKGs9bskEdcxRZ3tQqwsKbROL9SX/s1600/9-25-13+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8lUqto1Q8KFHOCV_8loHcDbS5B3lN6m1hhm_NXe6Aq1947R6V1ggzzCZp_1i1h4KhPuTFf_MM5oWSAqThgym7JDTT8ReavpF2p0zrcsGKMPjZtNUaKGs9bskEdcxRZ3tQqwsKbROL9SX/s400/9-25-13+099.JPG" width="300" /></a> Fast forward to Wednesday.... Hubby took the day off work so we could go to the fair from 10 - noon. It was kids day. (all the kiddos in the county from kindergarten through second grade go on a field trip to the fair! Lots of parents attended too. Super cool idea....super crowded though) We stayed for that 2 hour window and then came back in the evening when the gates opened to the public. Trevor went on incredibly dizzying rides (to the point that I felt I must be a bad parent to let him continue), <br />
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Tempe (who hates ANY ride that moves on its own) fell in love with the ferris wheel and super slide (oh, and the food! Its safe to say that child gets her love of fair food from her mother!), <br />
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Sebastian loved a particular dizzying ride (the Sizzler) and went on it approximately 9 times. He also befriended a llama, participated in a coloring contest and got a cool pirate hat in a ring toss game that the whole family played together.<br />
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Ginny was in love with the fair and the fact that she was tall enough to go on just about any ride she wanted, she fed animals, played games, and posed with wooden sculptures.<br />
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Lotte, cuddled in the Moby with me happily and without complaint, <br />
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and Chaz enjoyed getting to be a kid with the kids. He played the games, ate the food, fed the animals at the petting zoo, went through the fun houses, and most of all... rode the rides (one in particular, (zero gravity) that he went on with all 3 older kiddos and then wished afterwards he had not ridden)<br />
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It was a really good time and sufficiently wore us all out. And here is the part I am sure you were waiting for.... What did we win?<br />
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Ginny won 1st place for her Ginger Cinnamon Cookies, and 2nd place for her painted gourd! Don't forget about her blue ribbon in the coloring contest entry earlier!</div>
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Trevor won 2nd place for his robot made of recycled items. You cant see it very well but he used jeans for his facial features. There are buttons for the eyes, a zipper pull for the nose, and a zipper for the mouth! </div>
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He won 2nd prize for his rainbow painted gourd<br />
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And 1st prize for his peanut butter cookies<br />
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He got a participation ribbon for his lego truck. It was pretty neat but there was some really stiff competition!<br />
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Sebastian won 1st prize for his Chocolate Chip cookies</div>
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A participation ribbon for his lego restaurant. He had tables, dishes, different types of people. It was super cool!</div>
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He won 1st place for his area rug that he wove on a hula hoop using recycled t-shirts. We learned about this project <a href="http://spoonful.com/crafts/hula-hoop-rug" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlYzGu3HyamIlPB3ZfSbAeCgifdOhUVXu-J-PJiAAMbuBOFbUnQ7Zu-78GYHpdt9y6ozqxkckiqQr1m0U2CAIOz9OpZylLHniZmFoiWq0vWOcmBhzNP1synOAWxohW2Hk-ilczXWXV7XL/s1600/9-25-13+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlYzGu3HyamIlPB3ZfSbAeCgifdOhUVXu-J-PJiAAMbuBOFbUnQ7Zu-78GYHpdt9y6ozqxkckiqQr1m0U2CAIOz9OpZylLHniZmFoiWq0vWOcmBhzNP1synOAWxohW2Hk-ilczXWXV7XL/s320/9-25-13+096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And then a participation ribbon for his mixed media art. He used cotton balls for the clouds. Pretty cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhLuLEpy2hX2CWr_HFYcNldD0v3Wv29FfYtY8hyphenhyphenAnmxu62U2euND8r4FY3cOILBQ8d5BQz-KQrYYLTexAOp60V0t0utRZKGY7nNfDgQf7PmgqXA1qlL3UuSZaWAVmgCPONKNruy6I3lwM/s1600/9-25-13+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhLuLEpy2hX2CWr_HFYcNldD0v3Wv29FfYtY8hyphenhyphenAnmxu62U2euND8r4FY3cOILBQ8d5BQz-KQrYYLTexAOp60V0t0utRZKGY7nNfDgQf7PmgqXA1qlL3UuSZaWAVmgCPONKNruy6I3lwM/s320/9-25-13+089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I won 2nd place for my Snickers cookies</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP61XLD6hBn6eEI0EWVuJ6y-tXN_UqnUbzu6vGpQWlKD25g14_9dKz-hN9px8wrXZMebejbdaFBDO10Va4la1Ts2q0VYmZ3whLV1XsVorpFr7C2VYEMN7fEuwTTXJMIYpc3eZPkGFip1q5/s1600/9-25-13+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP61XLD6hBn6eEI0EWVuJ6y-tXN_UqnUbzu6vGpQWlKD25g14_9dKz-hN9px8wrXZMebejbdaFBDO10Va4la1Ts2q0VYmZ3whLV1XsVorpFr7C2VYEMN7fEuwTTXJMIYpc3eZPkGFip1q5/s320/9-25-13+082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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2nd place for my Zucchini Apple Bread</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh6SKwWHlq5foPg6KGS5CqZE1tfrHc2foxC4g5pZ6AKrQqUlfrjrFbJqJmEc13IqJ9Un5LmnAJn8JRHfh4O5IRTl_kAVkMtZ9-9nTCD3iOVvqvYq2g_-iNamLUtvkzarGL2s_MjY0Sdqr/s1600/9-25-13+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh6SKwWHlq5foPg6KGS5CqZE1tfrHc2foxC4g5pZ6AKrQqUlfrjrFbJqJmEc13IqJ9Un5LmnAJn8JRHfh4O5IRTl_kAVkMtZ9-9nTCD3iOVvqvYq2g_-iNamLUtvkzarGL2s_MjY0Sdqr/s320/9-25-13+083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
1st prize for my <a href="http://onthebranhamranch.blogspot.com/p/potato-bread.html" target="_blank">Potato Bread</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vz3UCJWBszzD6P20PN8WDc9uZbeb1HkT2vmc5WxoiDkI7DURqQCy-DstOMnPgaOlAtlRJKt3iRdJYf_BjVw_aqrhyphenhyphenZ7G1KnVC2DrQkSFHO3IuR-6gSxr0iMoTrTJ8W-vLcPVjEmJs6l1/s1600/9-25-13+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vz3UCJWBszzD6P20PN8WDc9uZbeb1HkT2vmc5WxoiDkI7DURqQCy-DstOMnPgaOlAtlRJKt3iRdJYf_BjVw_aqrhyphenhyphenZ7G1KnVC2DrQkSFHO3IuR-6gSxr0iMoTrTJ8W-vLcPVjEmJs6l1/s320/9-25-13+084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1st prize for the knitted chicken stuffed animal I made for Sebastian<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKnaZComqSo-VFiZlQWZwI5Bf3sPJxQ-V42yI3Qlo51Uf0wUtPscBB31myjk4IQ10oT5QVtXjc_9sZ0EGAWan7kK5RGjbeNO1fBi8JFTujdDayacImFiyLUC99jbv7IA8DD1U1jrlK7NY/s1600/9-25-13+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKnaZComqSo-VFiZlQWZwI5Bf3sPJxQ-V42yI3Qlo51Uf0wUtPscBB31myjk4IQ10oT5QVtXjc_9sZ0EGAWan7kK5RGjbeNO1fBi8JFTujdDayacImFiyLUC99jbv7IA8DD1U1jrlK7NY/s320/9-25-13+087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1st prize for the circular sweater I made for Tempe</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxzoeUlSWDwpusOhu3Zj6wJjMT8b8u9L_HbehhQOWxXv5xC1klqCuxmfG0GF5e9XlBetI0_N21GJz2870opVrUPNyrmQYNj_3l101x7A3JvScD5IzMPwtIGohlIUXJ0mBZoMHJCtrWBkH/s1600/9-25-13+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxzoeUlSWDwpusOhu3Zj6wJjMT8b8u9L_HbehhQOWxXv5xC1klqCuxmfG0GF5e9XlBetI0_N21GJz2870opVrUPNyrmQYNj_3l101x7A3JvScD5IzMPwtIGohlIUXJ0mBZoMHJCtrWBkH/s320/9-25-13+088.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
1st prize for my corn cob baby Halloween costume. Its not the best picture of it. But it is super cute I promise!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2AnZfvUE4cQqrVhOZnrHtzUluTRb2EQfUD16W1XVQr0JHxcusQ1W9J7VfrLCGnN7jFJ0XgdDPCSdiX_9H_po2anrr0_eflekrYZSicttOpfkwvey658leV3q0JCg2deV8MtJXZFHk_tU/s1600/9-25-13+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2AnZfvUE4cQqrVhOZnrHtzUluTRb2EQfUD16W1XVQr0JHxcusQ1W9J7VfrLCGnN7jFJ0XgdDPCSdiX_9H_po2anrr0_eflekrYZSicttOpfkwvey658leV3q0JCg2deV8MtJXZFHk_tU/s320/9-25-13+090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
3rd prize for my Cinnamon Apples<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJweRwt7aw1kfsYj-jJhPVSPN1hSPpR-_JARvFCZjoP0Bb9ikr01IdtYUo2R2ScdgBO8Yq1LVXyoC4yMlVU6jYF0AVsL0DwgrXaN7sNi7FAkV0_zZa8B5IQlKbLMG6OumMMvsNSZse1KTQ/s1600/9-25-13+091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJweRwt7aw1kfsYj-jJhPVSPN1hSPpR-_JARvFCZjoP0Bb9ikr01IdtYUo2R2ScdgBO8Yq1LVXyoC4yMlVU6jYF0AVsL0DwgrXaN7sNi7FAkV0_zZa8B5IQlKbLMG6OumMMvsNSZse1KTQ/s320/9-25-13+091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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1st prize for my Pickled Watermelon Rind</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4yBOaiEohcR9ITimlHVtEnDJfL1OBgE19Gc3eseGp7H62PODd805JyP5CIE6agua90lvFxa99N3T08Dv8ajP7D7JNSvBhYMuZV8WRPfITDEKWxiuHlHoyIRbvtwDb5BmkGWrlZXqY_zl/s1600/9-25-13+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4yBOaiEohcR9ITimlHVtEnDJfL1OBgE19Gc3eseGp7H62PODd805JyP5CIE6agua90lvFxa99N3T08Dv8ajP7D7JNSvBhYMuZV8WRPfITDEKWxiuHlHoyIRbvtwDb5BmkGWrlZXqY_zl/s320/9-25-13+092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
1st prize for my Dehydrated Apples<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_-FjVDKNnTtc1jznGFcFCJr1L3bgUIsakO8lZDqax_2VBJ5pKfBCDuc6MfCrd0G7EU5ohPeas78OSrlMCVD5k7uQxlOKN0EIZC2J_izdiRI0g3Hilr2I4VpzSx0_iIbognU-0bXhFZVH/s1600/9-25-13+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_-FjVDKNnTtc1jznGFcFCJr1L3bgUIsakO8lZDqax_2VBJ5pKfBCDuc6MfCrd0G7EU5ohPeas78OSrlMCVD5k7uQxlOKN0EIZC2J_izdiRI0g3Hilr2I4VpzSx0_iIbognU-0bXhFZVH/s320/9-25-13+093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
1st prize for my Dehydrated Borage<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41MymWBeSeMPnYXYxD3ajkHD7gkZU7K4u3b-WGl33sp8oYT1EzfOmS1Ibh7wAJLb1Rw-Rk1joAVBbokngS2bsq6JDhz0pgNdk5_zJvOBhN-oHpDy4BRwHtlgzmT4IiWOvpjO3cDzK7SrQ/s1600/9-25-13+094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41MymWBeSeMPnYXYxD3ajkHD7gkZU7K4u3b-WGl33sp8oYT1EzfOmS1Ibh7wAJLb1Rw-Rk1joAVBbokngS2bsq6JDhz0pgNdk5_zJvOBhN-oHpDy4BRwHtlgzmT4IiWOvpjO3cDzK7SrQ/s320/9-25-13+094.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and 1st prize for my Pulled Pork</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YRq6wYR9tX1576CzaGG-zT-uuOdNP_dmv5Blx4vo9ZAt0nOCCAMkFHurqw9-tYAtrhEWhGCR3rHU24Yo6DNnAKo295CHdlom70iwIzY0KwASu8QqJLBCW5Cj2wzCcdbUBFqYdPMe-ldp/s1600/9-25-13+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YRq6wYR9tX1576CzaGG-zT-uuOdNP_dmv5Blx4vo9ZAt0nOCCAMkFHurqw9-tYAtrhEWhGCR3rHU24Yo6DNnAKo295CHdlom70iwIzY0KwASu8QqJLBCW5Cj2wzCcdbUBFqYdPMe-ldp/s320/9-25-13+095.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Along with our beautiful new ribbons, we received cash as well! Ginny won $7, Trevor won $11 (which he immediately spent on Yu-gi-oh cards), Sebastian won $15, and I won $48! </div>
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Can you tell we had a great time? We had so much fun at the fair and the weeks leading up to it that we are already planning what we will do next year! The kiddos really want to enter some of our animals.</div>
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Do you have a county fair that you just love? Have you ever entered anything? Tell me about it...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-57302384831827115782013-08-30T21:10:00.000-07:002014-02-08T21:31:43.335-08:00A forgotten post of summertime adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So here's a funny story. I wrote this post last AUGUST! I hadn't quite finished it so I saved it as a draft. Then I promptly forgot all about it until this very minute. So now, for your reading pleasure.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqj2-yEq304d6-FO258t3bsqYtW9wjfB3D2y2CRraP_lHesgb4wZnug-BAPnVu_-KPUaSyPjfKU7C73k-ykvItOixgFqxZ9pQT9Z4g1zSg_Zd4EabXIprksT7sbI4rhSXsPygoe08tD9c/s1600/8-11-13+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqj2-yEq304d6-FO258t3bsqYtW9wjfB3D2y2CRraP_lHesgb4wZnug-BAPnVu_-KPUaSyPjfKU7C73k-ykvItOixgFqxZ9pQT9Z4g1zSg_Zd4EabXIprksT7sbI4rhSXsPygoe08tD9c/s320/8-11-13+007.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Well to start... My Tempe Bell had a Birthday!!! She is officially 2 now! Though I honestly have no clue how that happened. We had a small family get together the Saturday before we left for our trip since her actual Birthday would fall on a day that we would be out of town away from the Hubs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J6LUGzrE53hEC_smDiqGAyWFTRZuH3GPhYWH9VBOk0mIxUqQobB1QVewmGeP8p32D46cUiqBhN8pQEzZdGjPyaKlBDtir8tRzYcRn7XRjaN2tvkGlms8AijHAW4EineyOpSwvW1eNn4m/s1600/8-11-13+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J6LUGzrE53hEC_smDiqGAyWFTRZuH3GPhYWH9VBOk0mIxUqQobB1QVewmGeP8p32D46cUiqBhN8pQEzZdGjPyaKlBDtir8tRzYcRn7XRjaN2tvkGlms8AijHAW4EineyOpSwvW1eNn4m/s320/8-11-13+012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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She opened presents. Pretty much everything was hand me downs from big-sister Ginny. We do a LOT of hand me downs. Anything that is still in good condition (clothes, shoes, books, toys) gets tucked away into storage so it can be new to the next little one. My kids love it when a younger sibling gets something they once loved. And the child who is getting the gift loves it just as much as the first one did. Hopefully they will always feel that way because BIG families come with a BIG price tag, and preparing in advance is a must! We did buy her a few new books though. Tempe adores books. I adore that about her! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGA7i6lNjxUv0iw0lqNFzzhDHjfOh5uKYPK9T8ulcy20b0vR7klllx86MFE8f9totoynI39TnW0aRbglMdjFo_-gYEBaxP37hGXevtBap0x2ELwm_1GKIsWQiRpSnQOrbzgF4XLvUJUC4/s1600/8-11-13+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGA7i6lNjxUv0iw0lqNFzzhDHjfOh5uKYPK9T8ulcy20b0vR7klllx86MFE8f9totoynI39TnW0aRbglMdjFo_-gYEBaxP37hGXevtBap0x2ELwm_1GKIsWQiRpSnQOrbzgF4XLvUJUC4/s320/8-11-13+018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We got several sweet smiles too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVp4XfKTo6VyxCOqtHX-D7co5hB5jDk_UgaV1SRlh-1RsSQUvURWufchm5lhdjJqYiiSmFYuKOn0UQiV1PRLg1VVFGkTTMVZu4P0fGQOnkbfovoU8I5fdBwhlIoFhF9K_buyrzF9N0SEg/s1600/8-11-13+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVp4XfKTo6VyxCOqtHX-D7co5hB5jDk_UgaV1SRlh-1RsSQUvURWufchm5lhdjJqYiiSmFYuKOn0UQiV1PRLg1VVFGkTTMVZu4P0fGQOnkbfovoU8I5fdBwhlIoFhF9K_buyrzF9N0SEg/s320/8-11-13+026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh and cake! </div>
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We had another family get together for her at my Mom's house on her Birthday. You'll see those pics a little lower....</div>
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So how many of you played the McDonalds monopoly game this past month? I can honestly say the kids and I had an addiction to it. We very rarely get to go to McDonalds though due to the cost and distance, so we didn't get to play as often as we would have liked. However, a road trip, teamed with the McDonalds gift card my Mom gave me, afforded us plenty of opportunity to feed our addiction, without strange looks from Hubby. Needless to say, more pee stops were had, than were probably necessary, at the very convenient McDonalds! Did we win anything? Well, you will just have to read on to find out, now won't you? MwaHaHa (does that read like an evil laugh? It sounded that way in my head)</div>
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On to the trip! We decided to break up the 12 hour drive to my parents into 2 days. People are always so surprised that I can do this drive with my kiddos by myself but honestly, I have to tell you, it isn't that bad. They were really good! No SERIOUSLY! Here is a picture of Sebastian (12) walking around at a rest stop with Tempe (now 2) to stretch their legs while I nursed Lotte. He is such an amazing big brother! </div>
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One of the monopoly pull off tickets gave us a free Redbox rental and we happened to stop at a McDonalds with a Redbox. (see I told you they were convenient!) So the kids got a movie (that we hadn't already watched 50 bagillion times) to watch in the van. That worked out pretty nice. </div>
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We stayed in a hotel the first night. Hubby reserved the room in advance because everything in the area was booked up and we were afraid we wouldn't get a room if we didn't. We got there around 3 pm. Plenty of time to settle in to our room and check out the town before dinner. </div>
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Couch is comfy. Check!</div>
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TV works. Check! Chair and 2 beds are comfy. Check, check and check!</div>
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Yes, even the coffee table is comfy. I'll go ahead and give that a double check just because she is the only one to think to check for that!</div>
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After settling in, we hopped in the van and drove around town. We found a Walmart really close and a few restaurants nearby. We went to Walmart first. There was a Redbox right out front so we went ahead and returned the video we rented earlier. We got it back on time which makes it free and well... that IS my favorite price so that was a win in my book. While in Walmart we bought some belts for the boys (who somehow had their new pants falling down around their hineys), Twizzlers (with a coupon and sale), microwave popcorn and 5 AWESOME movies from the $5 bin! I cant remember all of them but Annie was one of them. Can you believe my kids had never seen that?!?! Well now that they have, they LOVE it! Ginny runs around singing "Dumb dog, why are you following me? I ain't got a speck of crumbs for you or for me dog, so please let me be!" Melts my heart! Ok so out of my rabbit trail. Next we had to make a dinner choice.</div>
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I REALLY wanted to go to the Japanese steakhouse, but thought better of it when I remembered I was alone with my 5 kids, 2 of whom probably wouldn't eat anything there, and 1 who would eat them out of business, and me into bankruptcy. Another option was Shoney's. Kids eat free with each paying adult, so that makes it a little more affordable, and it's definitely family friendly. So, ok Shoney's it was. I wasn't happy about it at first but I am glad we made that choice now. From the start the waiter was incredibly nice to my kiddos. I LOVE it when they actually talk TO my kids and not AT them. Know what I mean? He was very attentive to the needs of a large family, especially one with only 1 parent present. I was ordering the buffet for Tempe (who likes an assortment of foods), Ginny (who eats very little other than fruit and cheese (both salad bar items)), and Sebastian (who will eat everything and then clean the plates of the neighboring table!). Trevor and I were ordering off the regular menu. The waiter asked how old Ginny was. I said 5. He said nope she is 4 and gave me a wink. She would be eating for free with a paying adult (me). Then he said Trevor looked manly enough, we could call him an adult. So Tempe would be eating for free too! Then he gave Sebastian (of all people) a children's buffet price ($4 cheaper than an adult. I think they lost a lot of money on that deal! lol) SERIOUSLY!?!?! My bill was only $25!!! It hasn't been that cheap since before I had kids!!! Then Trevor ordered baked spaghetti and garlic bread. When it came Trevor quietly voiced to me that he was hoping the garlic bread would be more like breadsticks (it was sliced garlic toast). Well the AMAZING waiter over heard from 2 tables over and 10 minutes later the cook showed up at our table with freshly made garlic breadsticks. How AWESOME is that!!! Needless to say he was tipped VERY well! It makes my heart smile just remembering it now. See, Shoney's was a good choice after all!</div>
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Next we headed back to the hotel and settled in for the night. With a sofa bed, 2 queen beds and a playpen we had plenty of room. I changed diapers and ordered a mandatory potty break. Then I made up individual bowls of popcorn and twizzlers and got everyone in bed. I turned on cable TV (a luxury we don't have at home) and found a good movie (Harry Potter). I turned off the lights and said "No one gets up", and that was it! </div>
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Trevor had the sofa bed</div>
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Sebastian and Ginny took one bed. Tempe in the playpen.</div>
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And Lotte and I took the other bed. We all slept like babies, and that made me a VERY happy Mommy.</div>
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In the morning we enjoyed the free continental breakfast around our coffee table</div>
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The next morning (Monday) we packed up and drove the final 6 gratefully uneventful hours to my parents house in Delaware, Ohio. </div>
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First we went to dinner with my Dad. Then we went to the bookstore my Mom works at for a little visit. Small bookstore (with fragile things), 5 tired kids, 1 tired Momma (holding a baby), and a Grandma who is on the clock and needs to be working. Yes a LITTLE visit. </div>
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Ginny found a stuffed flamingo that NEEDED to be dressed in other stuffed animals shoes.</div>
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Tempe found lots of little things on shelves that NEEDED to be removed.</div>
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And the boys found books galore that they could get lost in! Sebastian LOVES to read (just about anything) and Trevor LOVES cookbooks! Yeah, they get that from me! </div>
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Sleepy time at Maw Maw's house. </div>
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Lotte sleeps in bed with me.</div>
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Or on the beanbag...</div>
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Tuesday was Tempe's actual Birthday so we had another get together for her with Great Grandpa Trotter and Great Grandma Barbara in attendance as well. </div>
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I'm not sure who took this one. Its kinda blurry but that's us with my Dad.</div>
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Here's Sebastian with Great Grandma Barbara. He is showing her his angry birds activity book.</div>
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We had yummy Donato's pizza and a GIANT super cute birthday cake in the backyard. Maw Maw even made a delicious coconut, strawberry cream soda. </div>
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Look at those cute kiddos! </div>
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Then she unwrapped her present from Maw Maw and Paw Paw. The little people farm. The perfect toy for her. She LOVED it and played with it the whole time we were there (and continues to do so now that we are home). Ignore her nakedness, she was covered in pizza and cake frosting and needed her bath. lol</div>
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The next day we had planned to go to the zoo but the weather chose not to cooperate with those plans. We hung around the house for a while. The boys played board games (we get our love of board games from this side of the family).</div>
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and Lotte hung out in her beanbag...</div>
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Trevor is a serious card player...</div>
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So our change of plans put us at the Polaris Mall playground. I had a hard time taking pics though as the little people don't really hold still in there. Mom and I watched the kiddos (and some super amazing parents who were watching their phones) from the benches with Lotte in the moby wrap. They burned all kinds of energy. It was awesome! <br />
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On the way out of the mall we went though JC Penney's kitchen department. Mom and I LOVED it. (the kids...not so much. They were worn out) They had some of the neatest things. (Please remember that my Mom and I haven't been to a mall in a VERY long time. I think it was last Christmas for me.... to see Santa) I bought a really pretty divided dish and a super cool teapot for my loose leaf borage tea. I have used it quite a few times already and I LOVE it!<br />
After the mall we went to a HUGE Goodwill store. The boys and I went in while Mom watched sleeping girls in the van. Sebastian bought some hotwheels and matchbox cars (his latest obsession), Trevor bought some board games (See? Board game family!), and I got a bunch of handheld electronic games (perfect for entertaining kiddos in the car) for 50 cents a piece! It was definitely a successful trip! <br />
Next we headed back to the house to let Mom's dog Honey out, and give her a bite to eat. Then out to eat for us as well. SKYLINE!!!! My favorite!!! We met my Dad and Grandma and Grandpa Kaster there (Mom's parents). It was kid's night so they had an activity. This time it was decorating pencil sharpeners and pencils... with SHARPIES!!!! SERIOUSLY!?!?! WHO gives kids SHARPIES?!?!?! What were they thinking. Fortunately nothing was ruined but their fingers were coated nicely. Thank you Skyline! The food was spot on, the common sense? Not so much. Had a great visit with my Grandparents though. I even discovered that my overindulgent obsession with chocolate may be hereditary, as my Grandma shared a story with me that she may not care for me to repeat in public, involving 12 lbs of peanut butter cups. Don't worry Grandma, your secret is safe with me. <br />
The next day, Thursday, I had a Dr.'s appointment with my endocrinologist at OSU. This was the whole reason for the trip to Ohio after all. After lots of traffic, going to the wrong location, and dealing with the (perpetual) construction mess, we made it to my appointment an hour late. So, in order to not have to go through my whole medical history in what has already begun to be an incredibly long, only to get longer, blog post, I'll just say this: the check-up went well and my tumors haven't grown any since the last visit. <br />
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Paw Paw stealing some Lotte love :)</div>
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Next was the POOL!!! Mom and Dad have a membership to the new YMCA in Delaware and took us as their guest. The kids were sooo excited! I stayed off on the side with Lotte while everyone else went swimming. It was perfect for me because I could see everyone. Ginny and Tempe hung out with Maw Maw and Paw Paw in the walk in area with the spraying toys, and the boys went on the water slide most of the time. The water was freezing so Tempe hated it at first and wouldn't go in unless she was securely attached to someone. She was terrified! That is until Paw Paw showed her some of the spraying toys. Little by little she got comfortable with it, and then... she LOVED it, blue lips and everything! You couldn't pull that kid from the pool! I know because we had to. Every hour everyone has to get out for 10 minutes. She cried the ENTIRE 10 minutes to get back in! </div>
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Ginny had a great time. She loved it right off the bat. Even in the deepest part she could touch. She loved being able to be so independent... until she wanted her brothers to play with her. That's when the trouble began.... I watched Maw Maw and Paw Paw playing with Tempe, and 5-6 feet away, Ginny was playing with her brothers. The boys went to leave and go play on the water slide. Ginny wanted them to stay, so she did what Ginny does... she flailed her arms and screamed. But, lets review, she is in the POOL! What do you think that looks like to, say, the LIFEGUARD!?!?! Watching the scenario unfold, I saw Ginny's reaction to her brothers leaving, and disregarded it as Ginny behavior... until I saw the lifeguard getting antsy. I knew what was about to happen, but I couldn't stop it in time. The lifeguard blew the whistle and went in after her. Everyone had to get out of the pool. Ginny immediately stood up and WALKED out with the lifeguard. An incident report had to be filed, talks had to be had and EMS had to be filled in and dismissed. What an adventure! Needless to say, we left and had a serious talk with Ginny about screaming in the pool. But, at least it made a good story, right? </div>
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Handsome boys with pool hair. lol They had so much fun on the giant water slide. Paw Paw HAD to show them the best way to go down so you got the most speed. Once they learned how, they pretty much never left the water slide area!</div>
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After Tempe fell in love with the water.</div>
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Friday morning Mom and I went out to her garden to harvest. I cant believe I didn't get any pics of that! She has done such an amazing job! She even has like a million different varieties of tomatoes out there too! (and she can remember which one is which! I couldn't do that! lol) <br />
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Look at all that deliciousness! Needless to say we ate a lot of fresh veggies while we were at Maw Maw's house. </div>
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One story I have to tell: When I was at my Dr. appointment, Mom made the kiddos lunch. Well, anyone who knows Ginny, knows that she doesn't eat.... anything, but especially veggies, especially tomatoes! So, of course, what does Maw Maw serve as a side dish with lunch? Tomatoes! Needless to say, there was some discussion there, and I would imagine, (knowing Ginny and my Mom) a little bit of a power struggle. But, wonder of all wonders, Mom somehow got Ginny to EAT her TOMATOES!!! (I think she should get her "Awesome Grandma Who Got a Kid to Eat Veggies" patch). So later, Ginny is telling me the story, and it goes something like this:</div>
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Ginny: "Maw Maw made potatoes for lunch. (she always gets those two mixed up. lol) And I ate ALL of them! </div>
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Me: "I heard about that. That makes Mommy very happy when you eat your veggies."</div>
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Ginny: "Yeah, well it took a while. I had to have a little fight with her about it. But we're okay now."</div>
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Me: *stifling gut busting laughter*</div>
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So, Friday we finally made it to the zoo! The kids were so happy! </div>
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By the time we got to Friday though, the kids were in an almost constant bickering mode. I mean who would have guessed this simple LARGE drum could cause a 5 minute fight over who's turn it is. Seriously? Its big enough for everyone! And its not like we came to the zoo to play a drum!</div>
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But not 10 minutes later, I catch them doing this. UNPROMPTED!!! See? They do LOVE each other! :)</div>
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I don't remember what they were looking at in this particular picture, but it looks like they both saw it! So cute!</div>
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Trevor, our navigator, directed us to all the animals we wanted to see. Love that smarty pants boy!</div>
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This was a HARD pic to get. Getting 6 people to hold still for a picture is hard enough normally but add in the fact that 5 of them are kids, and 2 of them are in need of naps.... </div>
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Cranky pants kiddos beat up their Paw Paws! lol</div>
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Look! They are being NICE again!</div>
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Resting with Maw Maw</div>
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8 week old Lotte stretching out</div>
When we finished at the zoo we went out to eat a neat little restaurant called Culvers. Great burgers! The little ones were exhausted though so we headed back to the house and got them in the bath and ready for bed. When Tempe and Lotte were asleep, Paw Paw stayed with them while Maw Maw and I took the bigger 3 kiddos out for ice cream! Another funny story for you: <br />
While Ginny and Tempe were in the tub they were talking to Maw Maw about the plans:<br />
Maw Maw: "We have to get Tempe to sleep before ice cream"<br />
Ginny: "Why are you gonna scream?"<br />
Maw Maw: "Not scream, ice cream!" <br />
Ginny: "Oh."<br />
I don't think she got it though because later while sitting on the steps waiting for Maw Maw to get ready to go:<br />
Ginny: "Lets go get ice cream!"<br />
Me: "We will Honey. We are just waiting for Maw Maw to finish up."<br />
Ginny: (covering her ears) "Okay Maw Maw. Go ahead. Scream." A short pause then looks up at me with her ears still covered and yells "Did she do it? Did she scream? Was it loud?"<br />
Me: "Yes Honey. It was REALLY loud"<br />
Ginny:" Okay Maw Maw lets go now"<br />
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So, here we are at Orange Leaf (the ice cream place) where the kiddos loaded their creations up with some of the most disgusting mixtures you can imagine, then preceded to eat (and surprisingly LOVE) every bite! (I'm beginning to think that kids don't actually have taste buds)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hgFKF_bl4YE4Yj4rA0s22UiFpLDG6fW0jMbmptgv0S0q1f2CNNHgbbXd8hB9jNGSUuUgRXtEbFpamFuUkrz8LLjEDQOoGlpuUKfCe6mSt-PJdlnMw8hmJg_8xv3-vqIZJeZbMon0IiHl/s1600/8-11-13+198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hgFKF_bl4YE4Yj4rA0s22UiFpLDG6fW0jMbmptgv0S0q1f2CNNHgbbXd8hB9jNGSUuUgRXtEbFpamFuUkrz8LLjEDQOoGlpuUKfCe6mSt-PJdlnMw8hmJg_8xv3-vqIZJeZbMon0IiHl/s320/8-11-13+198.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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Next was our 2 1/2 hour jaunt to Wheelersburg to stay with Hubby's family for a few days.<br />
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Tempe in one of her cousin's helmets</div>
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So here's something that is cute now but has me very worried for Tempe's future. She has an attachment to males. If her Daddy is not around she will pick one that is her favorite and cling to them (even more than she does with me!!!) While at my parents house, her and my Dad were inseparable. While at my inlaws, it was her uncle Matt. He wasn't allowed to go anywhere without her! </div>
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My sis in law Krista and her hubby Adam, with their adorable little man Connor. We were hanging out eating AMAZING grilled chicken that Adam made. We always stay at their house while we are in town. Brother in law Matt and his wife Amanda are usually there hanging out as well. We watch movies, the kiddos all get to go swimming, and play with their cousins. Its a good time.</div>
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Enjoying pancakes and the smoothies we went to McDonalds for. That's right. We went to McDonalds to get drinks for EVERYONE, to go with EVERY MEAL, EVERY DAY!!! (Hey, we had to increase our chances of winning big money right?)</div>
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Tempe clinging to Uncle Matt at the park </div>
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We went to the park and met up with ALL my sis and bro in laws, my parents in law (there has to be an easier way to say that), and of course ALL of my nieces and nephews! Including mine that is 14 kids in all! It was awesome! </div>
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Sis in law Cassie holding Lotte</div>
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Sis in law Krista holding Connor</div>
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Tempe and cousin Jeremiah held hands and walked all over the place together. It was so sweet! </div>
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Ginny loved the sand at the volley ball area. She also picked flowers to decorate with. lol</div>
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One last breakfast with Krista and her beautiful children before we hit the road for home.</div>
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Fortunately that road didn't hit back and we arrived home safe and sound to a man who missed us immensely! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-27430550819810966092013-07-27T09:17:00.002-07:002013-07-27T10:51:32.521-07:00Catching up...So... you know that feeling of being behind on something, and the idea of getting it all done is just too overwhelming, so you put it off until you "have more time". Then, when that magical time never occurs, you just get more and more behind, and eventually you realize there is sooo much to do that you cant even do it all anymore. Come on, I know I'm not the only extreme procrastinator here... right? Well I was catching up on this thing about a week ago, but then my computer acted up and deleted the whole stinking post! SERIOUSLY?!?!? So here I am now, not even remembering everything that happened since the 4th of July! Needless to say, this post will be mostly pics, because that is the only way I can jog my memory now. lol<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2jhCU-3IWviFJtID_IOAqEw5IF6vKlCQhM89ZjcE6R3P0WoMVZ5xpjk-_paNCCtJVB0Slbn9rvoHHxURG86t_xg67vBiKsJcGKEsR7GijAdMRMhMcZOlNag0qMSqjHCgk9zXwUW5Gw0g/s1600/3-2-13+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2jhCU-3IWviFJtID_IOAqEw5IF6vKlCQhM89ZjcE6R3P0WoMVZ5xpjk-_paNCCtJVB0Slbn9rvoHHxURG86t_xg67vBiKsJcGKEsR7GijAdMRMhMcZOlNag0qMSqjHCgk9zXwUW5Gw0g/s320/3-2-13+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So here's a cute one. Ginny was making a cake in her kitchen. She needed sugar and she said "its not esspensive. It only costiz two dollars." Trevor asked if he could help her and she said "as long as you don't give me any trouble!" <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzJza9y6syg8diGic-tH4ol9-ZDLZoLKsI0cOnpG3m2swldYSb8wZMMkHzCShnf5wMb7GXuyD12Uae_jBjTJy5ThyphenhyphenlUBmDyM9JsGKk-kgyqkNwCKSPoMzE3pSx2nlTJJXeQ8NRWT6RUaN/s1600/3-2-13+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzJza9y6syg8diGic-tH4ol9-ZDLZoLKsI0cOnpG3m2swldYSb8wZMMkHzCShnf5wMb7GXuyD12Uae_jBjTJy5ThyphenhyphenlUBmDyM9JsGKk-kgyqkNwCKSPoMzE3pSx2nlTJJXeQ8NRWT6RUaN/s320/3-2-13+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then she decided to put her pie in it as an extra ingredient. She told me "Im gonna put my pie in it to make it taste extra pie-y"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92dELspsqyByPfjpysl_ChQWc-Cp-F0eaUa7BbzBSLkuXvoI59qio_T9QIOkkfbsDjIZKpurPIIG6ogor-xtWCbJvEAF5PUweF4VDHWGEJ1c5mUcvHAVWD-jooR2vTJtJBrYCCVJfgcgr/s1600/3-2-13+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92dELspsqyByPfjpysl_ChQWc-Cp-F0eaUa7BbzBSLkuXvoI59qio_T9QIOkkfbsDjIZKpurPIIG6ogor-xtWCbJvEAF5PUweF4VDHWGEJ1c5mUcvHAVWD-jooR2vTJtJBrYCCVJfgcgr/s320/3-2-13+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's Sebastian making a yummy Dutch baby for us for breakfast. I tried to get a pic before we cut into it... but it was scarfed WAY too fast. Great job buddy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmP5krvpoML_MEraKRnKpK_FcVpg2k1lpljh0wqanW-XUacLJXsuysrPNDpL8nXrOfmxTr2BM3eeRV8ZLcRQRZTOUA2okQSrPLuUTLiCwhL3gZ1swnMRX6XzJveKeCCfT0csPm_YZQgzV/s1600/3-2-13+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmP5krvpoML_MEraKRnKpK_FcVpg2k1lpljh0wqanW-XUacLJXsuysrPNDpL8nXrOfmxTr2BM3eeRV8ZLcRQRZTOUA2okQSrPLuUTLiCwhL3gZ1swnMRX6XzJveKeCCfT0csPm_YZQgzV/s320/3-2-13+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And before breakfast was even gone, Trevor got busy making our dessert for that evening... custard pie!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3Zl9pVG4Sbr11NX7SesX8scQzmEFhWXlUtkI-lmEbc1rJgSz6bmmsaamMMXVyHlhUXL6nY5JSWsNSua24kFfdxuyPuaqd1Xf4komZ2fHIHvXj2JoQN3wVDgDuMftHjW-HieEmJw6n9su/s1600/3-2-13+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3Zl9pVG4Sbr11NX7SesX8scQzmEFhWXlUtkI-lmEbc1rJgSz6bmmsaamMMXVyHlhUXL6nY5JSWsNSua24kFfdxuyPuaqd1Xf4komZ2fHIHvXj2JoQN3wVDgDuMftHjW-HieEmJw6n9su/s320/3-2-13+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And if you think it LOOKS good... you should have tasted it! AMAZING!!! Great job Trevor! Love my little chefs!<br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6Z4i_XH_GVkA-MobXtUXikZwv3ACqvUXr9NqQsAy_NaI72KxHq33DmJb5HYR5McGsPloKguUcWMWpZmgQTQybogqBNz6dBTeNIw5baSyZna0MEJmJHCAtfhA5JwPIYwx0scXZmtQXcuP/s320/3-2-13+021.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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Here's some of the stuff I've been working on: up front is fresh potato bread (ready to be sliced up and devoured!) then left to right: dried squash, zucchini, more squash, borage leaves and flowers (for tea), peaches (for peach, vanilla, basil & pecan rice krispy treats (a sophisticated treat for the mature palette... or me! lol)), and apples (for apple cinnamon granola bars). Dried bananas were added later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI70zxsqzsGRRzm3YoO5AMTJadUbIHtCLUitV1frKpNXWh1L9PLbDYCiMqJO5rVlarm541QPvhRqOHItgECQEYRTUYNd5Bm-jJ_h5olX_OWEgHVyRagPo5ZmVKi4n6V-75h9Nlro2K_b3d/s1600/3-2-13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI70zxsqzsGRRzm3YoO5AMTJadUbIHtCLUitV1frKpNXWh1L9PLbDYCiMqJO5rVlarm541QPvhRqOHItgECQEYRTUYNd5Bm-jJ_h5olX_OWEgHVyRagPo5ZmVKi4n6V-75h9Nlro2K_b3d/s320/3-2-13+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This one has a cute story accompaniment, unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the crime in action. Tempe was supposed to be napping, but I heard her a stirrin'. I went in and didn't see her right away. But then... I saw her tootsies! Right there at the bottom of the SHEER curtains. She was hiding, very still and quiet. I said "Oh no! Where's Tempe?", and she responded by putting her finger to her lips and saying "sssshhhhhh"! ADORABLE!!! I went to get the camera though and she came out real quick. No photo evidence for this Momma :(</div>
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So during this big break, we had visitors! My mom and dad (from Ohio), and sister (Kate), brother-in-law (Jason), and cutie pie niece (Ellie) (from Florida).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRB6eMfz7ofd3SayxRaCj8MzH9-pKJKIM2NZqxOMru7xpu_yhlaronIzPAaPJvoSQu2cCevetGUKZN5bfggq7UUWjsMra6qC1vacbDXpLVQWPEJn6_GREwLsrYVlKeDfNAw2OgcdjaF8b/s1600/3-2-13+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRB6eMfz7ofd3SayxRaCj8MzH9-pKJKIM2NZqxOMru7xpu_yhlaronIzPAaPJvoSQu2cCevetGUKZN5bfggq7UUWjsMra6qC1vacbDXpLVQWPEJn6_GREwLsrYVlKeDfNAw2OgcdjaF8b/s320/3-2-13+024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's my beautiful sister!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKD5WcKj63u0tiVQmgZyP5REaRs3LM8nJ-i5q7DLLGcmW36p1iu9CGS3mx8mslpf9uzXTWZJZmN_hRMHVIgPAYYdpf44x8dwd_3Z0W4J5hB48gW4669WSCDyfTZ8hKux1GBtZUm-TXfP9f/s1600/3-2-13+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKD5WcKj63u0tiVQmgZyP5REaRs3LM8nJ-i5q7DLLGcmW36p1iu9CGS3mx8mslpf9uzXTWZJZmN_hRMHVIgPAYYdpf44x8dwd_3Z0W4J5hB48gW4669WSCDyfTZ8hKux1GBtZUm-TXfP9f/s320/3-2-13+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cutie cousins playing together Ellie (2) and my Ginny (5)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxl2wJWaoRHbzflWzDZnzOR6hE-D6LXVnvw5fEbkbxcx-OePLP6zekWICvRZvmVgPfKS0zw8BfX0h5wBoaxQ_Bv3PLLdyJPlExGn-kCciARw0UR2UE8hoPvxuLCd0McoU9tSBWE1k8WTKm/s1600/3-2-13+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxl2wJWaoRHbzflWzDZnzOR6hE-D6LXVnvw5fEbkbxcx-OePLP6zekWICvRZvmVgPfKS0zw8BfX0h5wBoaxQ_Bv3PLLdyJPlExGn-kCciARw0UR2UE8hoPvxuLCd0McoU9tSBWE1k8WTKm/s320/3-2-13+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My handsome Sebastian (12)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nJtrkfJcSipEob232hBVCQDYANp5w7SO5PDEfARXyH9qexJqafdsZaY76DDRh9VLFH6duB7O7KcfYD5dEBpGf7kZGQ2JMcc9_FRWNsSDwMeBhhIIaUGgDG2g07fAU_z8p6Qf7VYJwbyZ/s1600/3-2-13+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nJtrkfJcSipEob232hBVCQDYANp5w7SO5PDEfARXyH9qexJqafdsZaY76DDRh9VLFH6duB7O7KcfYD5dEBpGf7kZGQ2JMcc9_FRWNsSDwMeBhhIIaUGgDG2g07fAU_z8p6Qf7VYJwbyZ/s320/3-2-13+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Congregating around the boob tube.... Its what our family does best! lol</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUGD-7LbXo_n3ht32FigdEI9GB_mAzcUYAMmC1hp4ccfayuO-XMTxX0KRMHrnmPRxR_YWRX23V7BnWdatzyYyYwRrNDSQfyc93t_3lGnx2hjvVtD_aj5HPI3Eg_ceE7J3P0a7M5YFvShs/s1600/3-2-13+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUGD-7LbXo_n3ht32FigdEI9GB_mAzcUYAMmC1hp4ccfayuO-XMTxX0KRMHrnmPRxR_YWRX23V7BnWdatzyYyYwRrNDSQfyc93t_3lGnx2hjvVtD_aj5HPI3Eg_ceE7J3P0a7M5YFvShs/s320/3-2-13+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even Lotte is in on the action! lol</div>
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PawPaw Trotter met his 6th grandchild for the first time.... Needless to say, he is smitten.</div>
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She is pretty comfortable with him too :)</div>
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MawMaw got some cuddle time as well.</div>
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Here we are enjoying some of the yummy pie that Trevor made earlier that day whilst playing Monopoly Deal. Yep we are a board game kinda family! lol</div>
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The Hubs, brother-in-law and Dad played a lil horseshoes. It was an intense game of uncoordinated champions... lets just say they are all winners in my eyes....</div>
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Gathering to watch Thor. Def worth the price of admission!</div>
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Somewhere between these pictures my mother and father-in-law came for a visit too. I don't know how I managed to not get a single picture while they were here. But I promise they really were here! lol To prove it they also brought us a pickup truck and a riding lawn mower. These were 2 HUGE needs for us so it was an AMAZING blessing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! </div>
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Lotte and I in the bathroom mirror. </div>
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I remember taking pics like this with my other little girls when they were tiny lil things... and now Tempe is almost 2 and Ginny is 5!!!! Just look at these comparisons:</div>
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Ginny and I in the bathroom mirror</div>
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Tempe and I in the bathroom mirror</div>
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*HUGE SOBS* Oh where has the time gone?!?! </div>
Ok back to the present.. or at least the more recent past....<br />
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Tempe the turd sitting on my new Little House on the Prairie books. She took them off the shelf and set them there. I said "Tempe what are you doing?" She told me to "ssshhhh" then she backed up slowly and sat down on them. Like I said... turd</div>
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But it's okay because she makes up for it with her sweetness and cuddles :)</div>
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Ginny and Bunny. For those of you who know Ginny personally, you also know Bunny, as she can NOT exist without it. For those of you who have not met her, Bunny is gross as she often gets sucked on and dragged around (like any child's lovey I imagine), but she has had it since birth and will probably depart for college with it in her hand (but hopefully not in her mouth)</div>
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The Hubs getting some cuddle time with his girls.</div>
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Mommy's morning cuddles. Tempe was totally cheesing it up! lol</div>
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Oh and lucky me, I had a Dr appointment that I got the honor and privilege of taking ALL of my kids to... by myself. My (local) endocrinologist's teeny tiny little office all the way in Elizabeth City (about 45 mins away) is only ever filled with old people (never children). I desperately tried to keep my brood quiet and entertained, but seriously.... they are 5 CHILDREN.... There is only so much I can do. So I'm fairly sure I annoyed the crap out of a large group of senior citizens, and only heard half of what my Dr said, but it is what it is! In fact I'd say that they were pretty good considering...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWWnVo9obmENpVBlAvJHXMunSZc0pMCCFQ-Ebzvd88Yz3_aM6AY4T3IpSmr8C_dsJav90rkAEUtw6bRvCXWslxOn92jLC4J_0lfDUqf4c8sE9opPXToNgAKXab24xTEWALT_Jzy1z8M7O/s1600/7-19-13+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWWnVo9obmENpVBlAvJHXMunSZc0pMCCFQ-Ebzvd88Yz3_aM6AY4T3IpSmr8C_dsJav90rkAEUtw6bRvCXWslxOn92jLC4J_0lfDUqf4c8sE9opPXToNgAKXab24xTEWALT_Jzy1z8M7O/s320/7-19-13+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKzU9w5EcaeiMVwvj8xcIzkadsoVJAHhBxnMa6qgOIEta-ezsdqzJRvHjGjPnW1geO7TOgfRNIfJSoRA_3AMQe7MKoVbmm9amx_uiqpxiJE565DX8SnzY9pg36m_zFUSXP90BOvxHWrfZ/s320/7-26-13+001.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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Here is the gallon of vanilla extract I am working on. It takes 4-6 months to brew. I got the recipe from <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/everything-you-need-to-make-vanilla-extract-for-christmas-gifts" target="_blank">Heavenly Homemakers</a>. Its super easy and I cant wait till it's all done. I'll keep you updated on the progress.</div>
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I was putting Lotte to sleep in my room when Tempe fell and got a boo-boo. No one could fix it except Mommy so up she climbed. The boo-boo healed very quickly however when she got distracted by the adorable baby to hold hands with....melted my heart. Then Ginny ran in and said "Oh let me get the camera!" Needless to say, she took this picture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaCWn6i0htEHEzw7yYq4b9wQpQ0IXesn-hyoQp9LV__7YqnP1YH3Q170vyCPSbpGiPg_uCcfwRTronumWlKHoxGde7Yh-GEMJKYlP2oyt-kARxvMvr967gj0k9pGPZePk25pSO2SHayyT/s1600/7-26-13+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaCWn6i0htEHEzw7yYq4b9wQpQ0IXesn-hyoQp9LV__7YqnP1YH3Q170vyCPSbpGiPg_uCcfwRTronumWlKHoxGde7Yh-GEMJKYlP2oyt-kARxvMvr967gj0k9pGPZePk25pSO2SHayyT/s320/7-26-13+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So the story behind this one: recently the girls doorknob broke, so that the door no longer latches. Tempe has discovered that because of this, she doesn't have to stay in her room at naptime now and immediately leaves her bed when we lay her down. So, everyone has been trying to assist at naptime. This time Trevor was laying down with her until she fell asleep, but then he fell asleep before she did.... and the end result is.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK0Yr_2CEjQDZC-e84JiwH3ZOF_xvhTbojbYJmN6hLuWpRXPkqaM5mC6fi7hMc3U7nwNud5oq5SQ64iYMFuuUxesoU2gzlhzJqEQLSWE0aCCxW_Tr6NrEGwrNA-DOnwISNGg3zAM65E6p/s1600/7-26-13+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK0Yr_2CEjQDZC-e84JiwH3ZOF_xvhTbojbYJmN6hLuWpRXPkqaM5mC6fi7hMc3U7nwNud5oq5SQ64iYMFuuUxesoU2gzlhzJqEQLSWE0aCCxW_Tr6NrEGwrNA-DOnwISNGg3zAM65E6p/s320/7-26-13+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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lol</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnpfcHDqlDLXxdC_EgiEvxY3yFMwANwReNxV0PupS2dsyVDXgva4QSbyyV58aUOubhFt_5GQZO1j0EVXA01h0wiBAIK_p2a0pSDe4MgXcAbXUm_QQnw0vg0g_tTlyGmD5QbteC18q8jvb/s1600/7-27-13+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnpfcHDqlDLXxdC_EgiEvxY3yFMwANwReNxV0PupS2dsyVDXgva4QSbyyV58aUOubhFt_5GQZO1j0EVXA01h0wiBAIK_p2a0pSDe4MgXcAbXUm_QQnw0vg0g_tTlyGmD5QbteC18q8jvb/s320/7-27-13+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is Hubby's method... yes it did present with similar results...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUDBvaAxN2LUy_Cb6EFpclNeHRlfLoFt7nxcc_a7CAsPQQP95WXrFSeIVUzz9oaKFJgBVMN6k44kWDNl4-7UErvfAjeJTODKZQd4NY7Ep7xyFbnzUz6UpGxSm2NOG7tOuJlQMSrrh5-5h/s1600/7-27-13+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUDBvaAxN2LUy_Cb6EFpclNeHRlfLoFt7nxcc_a7CAsPQQP95WXrFSeIVUzz9oaKFJgBVMN6k44kWDNl4-7UErvfAjeJTODKZQd4NY7Ep7xyFbnzUz6UpGxSm2NOG7tOuJlQMSrrh5-5h/s320/7-27-13+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And of course... Sebastian's method. He held the door closed by holding the bottom of it, causing her to sit on the floor and play with his fingers. Obviously Tempe 1 Naptime 0. I am definitely open to suggestions at this point.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyUnVsqnFcpcpkMWfde3N_XvrqKTG8axaSiCiWWayMtIlYrpCTUR58m0DoOkLJhQQ12GtXu_tW_BsyHsSPhIErkOGJeeVnU1NYngojrjOVoNDBgXhXduBCOVo677KRbNIA28MXg30MNnR/s1600/7-26-13+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyUnVsqnFcpcpkMWfde3N_XvrqKTG8axaSiCiWWayMtIlYrpCTUR58m0DoOkLJhQQ12GtXu_tW_BsyHsSPhIErkOGJeeVnU1NYngojrjOVoNDBgXhXduBCOVo677KRbNIA28MXg30MNnR/s320/7-26-13+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sebastian fell asleep watching Lotte sleep in her bouncy seat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaCktnbV1EuLBA9Oypjqz2xUsOW5Wn21kouRnExuvAq0dFvxDcAmswz5HlPJoOZB4TBk60tcu7YplPoA2YYuvUj3ilQijYr3BToJbEL4E8Oopdv9oOeLQMnx8axS6pzBS8AeNF5PfCHr2/s1600/7-26-13+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaCktnbV1EuLBA9Oypjqz2xUsOW5Wn21kouRnExuvAq0dFvxDcAmswz5HlPJoOZB4TBk60tcu7YplPoA2YYuvUj3ilQijYr3BToJbEL4E8Oopdv9oOeLQMnx8axS6pzBS8AeNF5PfCHr2/s320/7-26-13+031.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So cute and snuggly</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglo8aFgxQBWxoD8Dk5FKvJzUeqoKDUFZJLrKZPrgI10bP_L_RX8lBJ9kaZhWSZKenVwg8Q2E5mvyCfrINDt1fhjlm2EivWc5Awl3vgddotRDcywt1gOPiExlvEwdTmo_AEhlN61hGAcKJt/s1600/7-26-13+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglo8aFgxQBWxoD8Dk5FKvJzUeqoKDUFZJLrKZPrgI10bP_L_RX8lBJ9kaZhWSZKenVwg8Q2E5mvyCfrINDt1fhjlm2EivWc5Awl3vgddotRDcywt1gOPiExlvEwdTmo_AEhlN61hGAcKJt/s320/7-26-13+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sleeping peacefully</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkqiO10xXFIsvISv8jWR4r918sBu1qJ1a2qP1XqMSWjgBLpuh43ZngbGSz4I5ouGlEPJzxTk4PdadG0o3rMmJXBYgqO2NsNM1RMnAbRiiDMQMjdfd7ULoxhzCDWEYkVHaMBqXaazIq6zu/s1600/7-26-13+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkqiO10xXFIsvISv8jWR4r918sBu1qJ1a2qP1XqMSWjgBLpuh43ZngbGSz4I5ouGlEPJzxTk4PdadG0o3rMmJXBYgqO2NsNM1RMnAbRiiDMQMjdfd7ULoxhzCDWEYkVHaMBqXaazIq6zu/s320/7-26-13+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until her big sister starts playing with her...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25OYyWJeZIeBkZnC2xLwL8zNApmHhkZvRwH7Z0abS7SC0FyF2EMwEUD9UNVCzV99hfC-5G2I56ueolNPG5T991dZzadXq-plTSb2eZRpPjIn71tmCYtWeoUGUA9_bBydcHieFU8MoME56/s1600/7-26-13+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25OYyWJeZIeBkZnC2xLwL8zNApmHhkZvRwH7Z0abS7SC0FyF2EMwEUD9UNVCzV99hfC-5G2I56ueolNPG5T991dZzadXq-plTSb2eZRpPjIn71tmCYtWeoUGUA9_bBydcHieFU8MoME56/s320/7-26-13+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the end result of that is...</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWDsC15Xu8Dxg43VaMNE2SI3ACU6RrzUJ6EhPinehIw0tXDYHaHtJ5NUL9AKj4j4-HdjIPea33JyZum0VWeTVp32xM8f0DYhFfXuSRfu6EsHZWZBP3MdWvn9ZwM0HdaNeIf-y0IUjeTi0/s320/7-26-13+050.JPG" width="320" /></div>
Here's some more stuff I've been working on. This is just one can of each of the different things I canned up recently: Top row (left to right) Pulled pork (6 pints), watermelon jam (8 8 oz jars), pickled watermelon rind (5 8 oz jars), peach jam (9 8 oz jars). Bottom row (left to right) cinnamon apples (4 pints), cubed beef (13 pints), cubed pork (2 pints), sweet zucchini relish (4 pints), chili beans (3 pints), peach vanilla bourbon jam (8 pints). All delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2LkyDS26xWsu_1ZfiEwOWL1AQsFhfFsiTukOo9CnKRZyvAzTl4vLo5XYUUy6UWFRPuc10Gz5xBnADLo3PE7krIFZphRq9nNHgHHDD5uC3jpgT8NH9Keoil5_RwPbc6Qn5MSLGpzQS2IK/s1600/7-27-13+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2LkyDS26xWsu_1ZfiEwOWL1AQsFhfFsiTukOo9CnKRZyvAzTl4vLo5XYUUy6UWFRPuc10Gz5xBnADLo3PE7krIFZphRq9nNHgHHDD5uC3jpgT8NH9Keoil5_RwPbc6Qn5MSLGpzQS2IK/s320/7-27-13+003.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Lotte dancing in her bed... lol<br />
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So our next adventure begins on Sunday. I'll be driving myself and kiddos to Columbus, Ohio (a tiny little 12 hours drive time, 16 probably with stops) for a Dr appointment at OSU. Its going to be a lot of fun (once we get there) as my Momma is planning all kinds of fun stuff for us to do, movies, pool, zoo, etc. We will be in Delaware for a few days with my parents, then off to Wheelersburg to spend time with the in-laws for a few days. We are all very excited, including Hubby who has the house to himself to work on all kinds of home improvement projects around the house and farm, including....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LwuyAECqOXTpBuyrCapIWSRF4ObF2iguoBYZHGnizTntU7woM-f3D1uCT_dvTQ5ujE6wXczTWmsCNtQD4e0vAEErGUA8Oyr5-ZzN8iURqpdTzIbBN9BNgO-1dqniS-pZIoWVnMkGtMiG/s1600/7-27-13+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LwuyAECqOXTpBuyrCapIWSRF4ObF2iguoBYZHGnizTntU7woM-f3D1uCT_dvTQ5ujE6wXczTWmsCNtQD4e0vAEErGUA8Oyr5-ZzN8iURqpdTzIbBN9BNgO-1dqniS-pZIoWVnMkGtMiG/s320/7-27-13+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Building a dog house and pen! Because just last night we bought this beautiful purebred border collie puppy. She is 15 weeks old. The kiddos love her (obviously... I mean what kid doesn't LOVE a puppy... right?) The breeder is hanging on to her for us until we get home, so now the kiddos will even be excited when the trip is over! lol</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTR6xn80BCsU0my1v5XP1wbp0ezDGmujeGaJ1FV58mFlOPBGVoIEbqbFFYOEPt5gn2ysoaVZrsdHzQPjx0k_l9fVG6iysyqhv9fvNh-MlzIGX3jBvtHqKl_rgsUhBL-vi3AkAjqPWW4Xw/s1600/7-27-13+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTR6xn80BCsU0my1v5XP1wbp0ezDGmujeGaJ1FV58mFlOPBGVoIEbqbFFYOEPt5gn2ysoaVZrsdHzQPjx0k_l9fVG6iysyqhv9fvNh-MlzIGX3jBvtHqKl_rgsUhBL-vi3AkAjqPWW4Xw/s320/7-27-13+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIAVT2TATf5fGSxLNMC5gK-eig1tuFzr7soiE0tgG_CJEIc-L6FCM-9-Hch_DEyPMSHJWabsgMxUM47rjKK_tkMcdWFY9LKUHpfe1Pu72Z6AwRtvb_JKPGY7McPcyHKrrS2vTEB2z2Jyt/s1600/7-27-13+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Well that's all for now.. I think... I'm sure I forgetting all kinds of stuff though. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfJybtjxYxEJRh5m8Zi5IrEOtKmtW6vyp4SBmYOAdgcTTaGPE8LqYzyuZ9mPir4DSGerqiTsjJT_zsx3r3yf6MNSwBfALrvbYjb0UUbRzH5KArtOZGn2nunHq77WKNPlg_jVdDfpnqx25/s1600/7-27-13+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-9303511365061377852013-07-05T11:17:00.001-07:002013-07-05T11:17:59.660-07:00Red, White and Boom... or whistle, fizzle, crackle and sparkle...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Fourth Everyone! Hope you all got to spend yours with family and friends and got to enjoy food, fun and fireworks. Here on the farm there is always work to be done though, and today (much to my kiddos disappointment) was no exception. :( We got up early, (as is the norm anymore) and the older kidlings set off to do morning chores and pick up the yard for mowing. I got the younger ones up and moving and then started on breakfast. We had homemade blueberry Belgium waffles with blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream! YUM!!! The chickens were even treated with our leftovers (we have lucky chickens! lol) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54ux_biCJT3wEYCvQ9YMlC3YTG7cHAuOOjZ7kTa1mJJTQ5lDHAyJOGs2x77IF6-2a5ThvtAZxgzJEIaWL-lZNDJFluzdy5LzJ4x8q-ERr6Nihyphenhyphen-ewIn2E-NIWkjk59NxxgJt9EvCxcXq3/s1600/7-4-13+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54ux_biCJT3wEYCvQ9YMlC3YTG7cHAuOOjZ7kTa1mJJTQ5lDHAyJOGs2x77IF6-2a5ThvtAZxgzJEIaWL-lZNDJFluzdy5LzJ4x8q-ERr6Nihyphenhyphen-ewIn2E-NIWkjk59NxxgJt9EvCxcXq3/s320/7-4-13+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After breakfast we got back to work inside and outside. The girls and I worked inside. Laundry was folded and put away, floors were swept, the bathroom was cleaned. Hubs and the boys worked outside first repairing the lawnmower, then mowing around the firepit, weeding some of the garden, putting up the tiki torches and watering the garden. </div>
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But, right around lunch time, chaos reared its ugly head. Tempe had a BAD poopy diaper, leaving her with a horrendous diaper rash. We frantically searched the house for desitin or the like, but came up empty handed. She hadn't had a rash in ages, and we were just plumb out! I had to go to the store to get some, but that is no quick jaunt. Its 45 minutes each way, minimum! So Hubby dunked her in the tub and I loaded up Sebastian, Ginny and Lotte and went to the store. Its funny what little things you take for granted when you live in the city. We used to live 5 minutes from Walmart and ANY other business you could think of (fast food, fabric stores, hardware stores, movie theatres, the mall). Now going to the store is something to be planned in advance... a week in advance... with a well prepared list! At any rate, it got dealt with, we all lived. Nothing can ever be planned 100%. We DO have 5 kids after all! lol</div>
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For dinner we had an American favorite, (nothing fancy due to lack of time) grilled cheese and tomato soup. (Does anyone else put cheese and salsa in the tomato soup to get their kids to eat it? We LOVE it that way, and actually EAT the soup, not just dip in it. Well everyone except the no-food-itarian, Ginny.) For dessert though we had <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/firecracker-float" target="_blank">Firework Floats</a>. We made ours with sierra mist or strawberry Fanta, and strawberry or watermelon pop rocks. The kids had fun mixing and matching flavors and the adults felt like kids again as the pop rocks fizzled and crackled on our tongues.</div>
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So my Hubby LOVES the fourth of July. He LOVES fireworks! (I think its that he secretly likes to blow things up.) But when we lived in VA, fireworks were illegal, so no boom booms for the Branham family there :( When we moved to NC Hubs said that they are legal here so we would be buying them, LOTS of them! Unfortunately, not one fireworks stand is to be had around here, so me thinks he was mistaken about the laws. Instead we opted for lots of glow sticks and the wimpy fireworks. You know the ones that say "emits showers of sparks". Yep, that REALLY is ALL they do :( But, combined with some sparklers and glowing jewelry, the kiddos had a lot of fun! Hubby is disappointed for yet another year though :(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNg0smZBvB9gtVQg8pqSh2aTnZAy2RzdEp2sMtS-hON3LMP7oU7Fvvis_qUcykXdO4GYkJBeUAmQO0sETHGFtzmRPhfwXoqbkev65iBZBcEVNlDVYBBVBtP1VWX9FSpoPsJsNHL2DKu0K/s1600/7-5-13+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNg0smZBvB9gtVQg8pqSh2aTnZAy2RzdEp2sMtS-hON3LMP7oU7Fvvis_qUcykXdO4GYkJBeUAmQO0sETHGFtzmRPhfwXoqbkev65iBZBcEVNlDVYBBVBtP1VWX9FSpoPsJsNHL2DKu0K/s320/7-5-13+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My creative kiddos took several kits and made different things with them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUnN6ixTuDBqAbN84GAUYkqYowNqzjsY31nFn77HcpEzhsoHJLINszxes6A87zdKUuSYp-3F_Tb9PzAzWx5fom4QcpNy8fc4EHEkiKmDm337-tgdxSByVSG4N8KMckRL32SqYjZjnhgsd/s1600/7-5-13+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUnN6ixTuDBqAbN84GAUYkqYowNqzjsY31nFn77HcpEzhsoHJLINszxes6A87zdKUuSYp-3F_Tb9PzAzWx5fom4QcpNy8fc4EHEkiKmDm337-tgdxSByVSG4N8KMckRL32SqYjZjnhgsd/s320/7-5-13+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cant see Sebastian but his glowy-ness came out pretty cool!</div>
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Tempe's first sparkler! (Yes, I was holding it with her)</div>
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Ginny LOVED them!</div>
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Watching the "fireworks" show that Daddy put on...</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-15266270064036236632013-07-04T08:19:00.002-07:002013-07-04T12:01:51.271-07:00Boom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, we started our dang off with a bang. Or should I say a boom, a scream, and TONS of blood? I started off by being productive in the girls room, bagging up clothes that no longer fit and reorganizing their dressers. The boys went out to weed the garden (it is a LOOONG process!) When they came in, I told Sebastian to go hop in the shower before breakfast. Moments after the water came on I heard it. BOOM! Then a blood curdling scream (that only my 12 year old son can emit). I ran into the bathroom, ripped back the shower curtain and found him sitting on the bottom of the tub with blood gushing from his mouth (mouths really are bleeders aren't they?) There was blood everywhere! The shower curtain, the sink, the tub, the floor, himself! It looked like a massacre! He had slipped and fallen into the sink. I got him cleaned up and diagnosed him with a busted lip, and two chipped teeth (one of which is a permanent tooth!) He is okay now, but between him and Trevor (who lost a midnight brawl with a ceiling fan) lets just say we wont be ready for a family portrait any time soon! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFp-RYzu71TQNVNX3U8dNeM8uXmnqbuEFhvLZA4jACqF_ubscjjmTIZmZUfysALwxawOBYsQtkvaW28FexMRzzlJSvznjZRiuJEde5Iu0BDulNjOmhLxzwqoh3romsW4b7czB7U-gcfxz/s1600/7-3-13+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFp-RYzu71TQNVNX3U8dNeM8uXmnqbuEFhvLZA4jACqF_ubscjjmTIZmZUfysALwxawOBYsQtkvaW28FexMRzzlJSvznjZRiuJEde5Iu0BDulNjOmhLxzwqoh3romsW4b7czB7U-gcfxz/s320/7-3-13+037.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sebastian's brokenness :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbvPiKwiAOUfkmP-tmf-8Y4YQyGqN5empsi9V55ibO4xw9CT9qG7y8IK3nC2s-zykDvQsjsAlkwUjIy-1BoFQlQvgxnFkzmOqJER9lJ4HJT_DmSCsmEWHeQNg2L7JgcZTaCY1OhM7mFX-/s1600/7-3-13+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbvPiKwiAOUfkmP-tmf-8Y4YQyGqN5empsi9V55ibO4xw9CT9qG7y8IK3nC2s-zykDvQsjsAlkwUjIy-1BoFQlQvgxnFkzmOqJER9lJ4HJT_DmSCsmEWHeQNg2L7JgcZTaCY1OhM7mFX-/s320/7-3-13+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 chipped teeth and a fat lip. I would say "you should see the other guy" but... well... the sink is fine.</td></tr>
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Next I got back to the girl's room. They have soooo much stuff! And they just keep accumulating more. Its different with the boy's stuff. When they grow out of things, whether it be toys or clothes, we just get rid of it. But when one of the girls grows out of something, we hang on to it for the next one to grow into. It truly is a never ending process of bagging, labeling, storing and pulling out the next batch of stuff to be put away. So anyway, that's what I worked on. I almost finished the whole room too! Meanwhile, Lotte did her job. Hey, its exhausting being this cute! </div>
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Later I sliced up all the zucchini left in the house (there is STILL more in the garden!) and put it all in the dehydrator to preserve it for later. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMthSXMaiXe55rFwntsIR0qxmpfoYHacqu_QBrzGWOxhlMsGZs7c7_viL2630yfybUWR3y-6b5-UVfVx57ZBH92HqS2DTHhenCaK5yp2ZmVxvwtCvRYvM2ygzUBIc9Qon1mtgTmUEOvPlz/s1600/7-4-13+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMthSXMaiXe55rFwntsIR0qxmpfoYHacqu_QBrzGWOxhlMsGZs7c7_viL2630yfybUWR3y-6b5-UVfVx57ZBH92HqS2DTHhenCaK5yp2ZmVxvwtCvRYvM2ygzUBIc9Qon1mtgTmUEOvPlz/s320/7-4-13+022.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZKkIWtAbd1SaFkQDD0pc-U9sutfZLgDJrMDapzgdWsFve5VqkWYF6EthSfwMMcD-1SQKbdUUfJDCn9ifYvaFnXrvRCwm06bE0iU9ElVVZgikPUA9p7fUyUZaD_LNmWx-oCbr6m9XxSql/s1600/7-4-13+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZKkIWtAbd1SaFkQDD0pc-U9sutfZLgDJrMDapzgdWsFve5VqkWYF6EthSfwMMcD-1SQKbdUUfJDCn9ifYvaFnXrvRCwm06bE0iU9ElVVZgikPUA9p7fUyUZaD_LNmWx-oCbr6m9XxSql/s320/7-4-13+029.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And I put away the borage I dried before. Isn't it beautiful? It is all ready for making my delicious borage mint tea with honey!<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhBYQWwL4Dd0rQI1RH3pwqRqsSNfJj-SbzfpckqQXxIGlvM8V6K1yu8YJ-dmwXITzWfCDe3at_eX7pBOULJyEu8XH7nSGWhUiSOQ62h6527S4cMpiyO13JeHngUQ0MMVv-x8nUpfEy4O4/s320/7-4-13+024.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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Then I did my squats. Yes. My squats! I started the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/953534-30-day-squat-challenge" target="_blank">30 day squat challenge</a>. I am only on day 3 and my legs feel like jelly. I think that's a good thing though.... right? If all goes well I wanna do some other type of 30 day challenge after this one. Wish me luck, and feel free to join in on the fun and tell me about your progress! ;)<br />
When Hubs got home he cuddled with the little ones while I worked on dinner, a family favorite, spaghetti braid. I added some cooked up Italian sausage that I had in the fridge from a previous meal. (I love using up leftovers to make a different meal!) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3u88eEUm38IjfzyBDpwgkxeLvcAooN4vz1Z9MgxJDmPGOi57TENkEAQwtktcaYmRdP2y4Cn_S3fM9j-v5bpi4BVvuhdELvZJHMKZdu9t6gtglwaAQj98X19BKjRREjFaLBhvuUZRjYEw-/s1600/7-4-13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3u88eEUm38IjfzyBDpwgkxeLvcAooN4vz1Z9MgxJDmPGOi57TENkEAQwtktcaYmRdP2y4Cn_S3fM9j-v5bpi4BVvuhdELvZJHMKZdu9t6gtglwaAQj98X19BKjRREjFaLBhvuUZRjYEw-/s320/7-4-13+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Warm, golden, melty, cheesy, and has pasta ... you just cant beat those qualities. <br />
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For dessert I made cookies from the cookie dough I had in the freezer. I love batch cooking. It makes future meals soooo much easier. Plus I love homemade cookies warm and fresh from the oven! It also helps with portion control. I only make enough for each of us to have 2 for dessert. That's much better than having a whole batch of cookies just sitting around waiting to be eaten (by me).</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwzsxwAFuI5f439qzvpgRFBrMaiYzVZBSwKhHEtGsjxijYOxVPpW9R_iVKuvDaTa_eRtayDCJD8c7FbldxQHFIH5KvNZu5M49LK9kM_-AcJEJ8Q2-eTQIMKrYNi3LPD_hyphenhyphenm4KLexSHynF/s1600/7-4-13+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwzsxwAFuI5f439qzvpgRFBrMaiYzVZBSwKhHEtGsjxijYOxVPpW9R_iVKuvDaTa_eRtayDCJD8c7FbldxQHFIH5KvNZu5M49LK9kM_-AcJEJ8Q2-eTQIMKrYNi3LPD_hyphenhyphenm4KLexSHynF/s320/7-4-13+027.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
I ate with the shortlings while the Hubs headed to the Wednesday evening church service, and to check on some friends of ours who are having a hard time right now. (They have really been a blessing to us, and they are in our thoughts and prayers everyday.) <br />
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After dinner my handsome and helpful son Trevor washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen! High five for helpfulness! <br />
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Then the kiddos went off to the living room to play cards with Daddy while I got little Lotte ready for bed. With her all tucked in and cozy I thought it would be a great time to dye the gray mop on my head. I checked in on the family and asked the Hubs to listen for bebe. I put the dye in my hair and did what any good housewife does with the only 10 minutes of free time she gets all day... I cleaned the bathroom! lol I hopped in the shower to rinse when, wonder of all wonders, the baby woke up, and suddenly I couldn't get out of the shower fast enough! Hubs was trying to calm her down so I could get dressed, faster than I have ever gotten dressed before. I sat down to nurse her and instantly all is right with the world again. A mother's work is never done! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-26965344067482082972013-07-03T08:27:00.000-07:002013-07-03T09:03:05.264-07:00New Job, New Day, New Schedule... for ALL of us!<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, here it is. Tuesday! We are no longer military. We are civilians! I have never been so excited and terrified at the same time. Hubs started his new job today. Technically it is the exact same job (same office, same people, same job description) he is just working for a contractor instead of the Navy. So different pay, different wardrobe, and (strangely since he still works at the same desk) different phone number. lol </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuYBLuVmUdECtDLh0ezevsjSgfD-4e_m2RJr2RsepaCy2mE6HwI2LgF2ejwSjlNY9ePT4jNxp22XNgTIGudbJYGKmCX0s1HWZQfL5S_-yWgHewcMYF2RJLeZxZN1bBcjA9nXcW7vR9TIA/s1600/7-3-13+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuYBLuVmUdECtDLh0ezevsjSgfD-4e_m2RJr2RsepaCy2mE6HwI2LgF2ejwSjlNY9ePT4jNxp22XNgTIGudbJYGKmCX0s1HWZQfL5S_-yWgHewcMYF2RJLeZxZN1bBcjA9nXcW7vR9TIA/s400/7-3-13+004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my HANDSOME Hubs heading out the door!</td></tr>
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So, since he has a different schedule with set hours (finally), so do we! That means getting up at 5:00 am to start our day. The boys are appreciating doing their morning chores outside before the sun has really come up, and it is still cool. The girls are struggling a lil bit with adjusting to it though. It requires a lil more snuggle and play time in the wee hours (which I will gladly provide)<br />
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Tempe snuggled in the blankies with a snack</div>
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Ginny the kitty cat (the tail I knit to go with her unicorn costume last Halloween)</div>
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Swim goggles are COOL! What do you do with them again?<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3jx-B2VVXlD8nUqcn7Uq8Vc-T2VnwJa9q0wqcoXLOYnYVSTG_A4kQcW193oc2PcuH8UC_bIkFIVC0FodrMpTCcy3VAxfZiaHjJyJlqDe4ic8cqj6Inhyh-6dX511PxhTIk9PbMS_ZlWd/s320/7-3-13+017.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZSzwlDtzIlRwbY4hlrosSbUBNRRtfGR2Do_mkgUDGxTXZAqiqIDTWg6yn3BPhHR7Uu75Dbc7Xzbj1CQd7pN8dpwN-E81U5s2d8syHFwrXs4eNpyfaDxTS0YaRvEi0DuB410yvMCH4HlQ/s1600/7-3-13+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZSzwlDtzIlRwbY4hlrosSbUBNRRtfGR2Do_mkgUDGxTXZAqiqIDTWg6yn3BPhHR7Uu75Dbc7Xzbj1CQd7pN8dpwN-E81U5s2d8syHFwrXs4eNpyfaDxTS0YaRvEi0DuB410yvMCH4HlQ/s1600/7-3-13+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZSzwlDtzIlRwbY4hlrosSbUBNRRtfGR2Do_mkgUDGxTXZAqiqIDTWg6yn3BPhHR7Uu75Dbc7Xzbj1CQd7pN8dpwN-E81U5s2d8syHFwrXs4eNpyfaDxTS0YaRvEi0DuB410yvMCH4HlQ/s320/7-3-13+016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also got busy trying to find ways to preserve the multitudes of zucchini. One solution is to shred and freeze in pre-measured portions in baggies. In this case I shredded 52 cups and froze them in 2 cup portions. They can then be thaws and used to make zucchini frittatas, croquets, zucchini bread, zucchini and apple bread, zucchini cake and so on and so forth. I was freezing them in slices but soon discovered that they take up a LOT of room this way and space in my freezer is definitely a commodity right now. Next time I will be drying slices to use in soups, stews, casseroles and the like. They wont take up as much room in the pantry as they would in the freezer. </div>
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Then the Hubs came home from work. He had a good day, and that makes us all happy! So far, so good with the civilian life, eh?<br />
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Upon checking on the hens today we found an abundance of eggs. I candled them closely to ensure that none were fertile, as we do have a broody girl out there sitting on over a dozen. These were all good, and upon cooking dinner, even discovered that one was a double yolker! lol</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyTymVC8wsXpNRGe2EuwaOic34tJ4T-_etrlyj67kvVE224uDzu1xqIYiLdbl5F4NUI-YFH9RV6hcoFcK6asQT4FZCIQi_tTte_jsUU6kQyc2GN46IzVLTCV3ItCgLS1nBzxbNGRpOasR/s1600/7-3-13+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyTymVC8wsXpNRGe2EuwaOic34tJ4T-_etrlyj67kvVE224uDzu1xqIYiLdbl5F4NUI-YFH9RV6hcoFcK6asQT4FZCIQi_tTte_jsUU6kQyc2GN46IzVLTCV3ItCgLS1nBzxbNGRpOasR/s320/7-3-13+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In an effort to use up our surplus of squash I made <a href="http://onthebranhamranch.blogspot.com/p/squash-croquets.html" target="_blank">squash croquets</a> to go with our dinner. They were delicious, and it was wonderful to know that it was made with our fresh eggs and squash. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_ZFnxq8wNASCuMy9DbEMtZUGEKEDdwqyFreDukGmAtjD1CvZaOIhW79Rnug8-lke4FbqDMibbUPyyILiEXCzTgVzCaapABevMkDF7hlGOHS1Zt-EZ6v7NC_bXn7vOqo49KSQqiDS5ryc/s1600/7-3-13+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_ZFnxq8wNASCuMy9DbEMtZUGEKEDdwqyFreDukGmAtjD1CvZaOIhW79Rnug8-lke4FbqDMibbUPyyILiEXCzTgVzCaapABevMkDF7hlGOHS1Zt-EZ6v7NC_bXn7vOqo49KSQqiDS5ryc/s320/7-3-13+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So, still no goat fence, or weeded garden, or lawn mowed, but... tomorrow is another day.... (in which we will probably still not complete those things.... lol)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-10217999475696835092013-07-03T07:48:00.003-07:002013-07-03T07:48:52.901-07:00A Rainy Saturday... Rain, rain, go away.... please? <br />
Well, we still haven't gotten the goat fence done, or the weeding, or the lawn, and it isn't looking to promising for the rest of the week either. The evil weather man in calling for rain and thunderstorms ALL WEEK!!!! This does not work into my plans very well..... <br />
I was able to go out do some harvesting this morning though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujFnOm9pUEukqeBDn2Vv4HpdVB9Wvmeh5C3Aw3b4TIvAcAuOU-LWadr5-vvabXNupsa7b9arBs4hbVbP9KiGGfAsTc6UTZVwbpskmC-91pXp08Uoi2yXIMeejGqQSIZDegX0dNLhal1-N/s1600/6-30-13+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujFnOm9pUEukqeBDn2Vv4HpdVB9Wvmeh5C3Aw3b4TIvAcAuOU-LWadr5-vvabXNupsa7b9arBs4hbVbP9KiGGfAsTc6UTZVwbpskmC-91pXp08Uoi2yXIMeejGqQSIZDegX0dNLhal1-N/s400/6-30-13+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the size of the squash and zucchini I picked last week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tyo1WUh1IL-DKHd4OldUIYtlYjUvK2TuhM3Mej4OYwKZ7wFCz2Jtn6-ogWhUEqQQTa6bWm5ppav1TAkX67auAmXEPJu1NJdjUwg7VCdv43u-u6OvdgqXsIw-mEIa3zDmsccbAhyphenhyphenJFo2B/s400/6-30-13+012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the squash and zucchini I picked today! HUGE size difference huh?</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaV6G6qZv4e5nqebYKON_lRJHA-g7HU997WKL0EdDVL7LLx9XlvZOWvAnGcDvST6AUdHZrkifzfpzaOYSFF46W9qvIuGdroQ_wK8tuokwnl_6iYgowupDXGV_NK9UirFSF7HTdZ5iST4x/s320/6-30-13+015.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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I also picked LOTS of borage flowers and leaves, basil, and mint. (ps do you know how awesome borage is? any interest in a post about the benefits of borage?)</div>
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Then, remembering that the Hubs starts a new job on Tuesday (SQUEE!!!) we went to Goodwill to see if we could find him some dress clothes (and get the ever-growing little people some new duds too). </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBppXa2SPJRXXYOqgZ3losRlYaam-d5TsHz4rYb21aazMfqFBkBD3_TlWJm_JYui0Mm4syj0Pnf2EoW8bb-xhJCu-TiLXKVfX-aiWM5BKOVsqMnMsJmxxGJGBDTXGOBhoGXFEwyi5ELL8P/s320/6-30-13+007.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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See the bored Hubby? He is not much for clothes shopping, but was a huge support! <3 him!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoCB5UGgFS2FZQAaI10joTO-V1c5jsDxu3KdRv6_wLHehGXUZZxqTLUX25cCcDryfhTptaSC1bbNnzd4HQg52ac5PVKcYmlKxa5DXcHQpKx0bpvtJVs9wqIpcDCBCpoOuGhv2LLLRjg85/s1600/6-30-13+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoCB5UGgFS2FZQAaI10joTO-V1c5jsDxu3KdRv6_wLHehGXUZZxqTLUX25cCcDryfhTptaSC1bbNnzd4HQg52ac5PVKcYmlKxa5DXcHQpKx0bpvtJVs9wqIpcDCBCpoOuGhv2LLLRjg85/s320/6-30-13+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lotte didn't seem to mind too much though. She snoozed the day away in the moby wrap.</div>
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We got bags and bags and bags (wish I had taken a picture) of clothes for the littles (nothing for Chaz unfortunately) for $117. Love those prices! And now my kid's tummies don't show when the raise their arms and they are no longer waiting for a flood! Yeah!</div>
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Next on the agenda: Ginny's hair needed a trimming! (I really need to learn to cut hair, it would save us a LOT of money) So it came out SUPER cute (it helps that she is SUPER cute! ) and all layer-y. The picture really doesn't do it justice. </div>
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Ginny REALLY wanted to go get a mani/pedi after that, (in celebration that her thumb nail has finally grown back after a door slamming/ finger pinching/ nail falling off accident a few months ago) but that is something that I CAN do, and (I'll use a phrase the Hubs hates) "we be po'". Okay... we aren't poor (that's why he hates it) but I am ALL ABOUT saving money! So we did our at home. We got out all the polish and she got to pick the colors for both of us. Being a bit indecisive though, she picked them all, and a wonderful Mother/ Daughter bonding experience was had! </div>
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Her pigglies.</div>
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My fingies.</div>
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Bedtime around here is always a trip! Tempe climbed into this little plastic toy organizer with a taplight (headlight). She kept saying "choo choo" as I pushed her around the house (with my foot) and off to her room. </div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ6QAQE5XcAWWRfeHdZM9vIsXPhxvewukueFH6FLVE8BSjkBJ7jsFB2XMc2ENvLtVv2FLiITPR7KEZVE5H1ofYYgCMm27TxU2QBTQzqNtF4lyat7_QoP4mD-6Ciy-SpFyF8vsQeGVjv8g/s320/6-30-13+004.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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Tomorrow we plan on getting up SUPER early to try to beat the rain and get some yard work done before church. But, until then, its sleepy time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbgDY96SUhmSfFf64ygKwvGRrkzQLJN2tv__2bVOF-aM_k3lTOrUFRR5ILFW3i3us_kP7adgAY5MclRHOW2jv20EfqTafpREBYG6GAvMb8Bt4twLTNAWVc1mdhNgcbxH1ncAY3hK_7sHI/s1600/6-30-13+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbgDY96SUhmSfFf64ygKwvGRrkzQLJN2tv__2bVOF-aM_k3lTOrUFRR5ILFW3i3us_kP7adgAY5MclRHOW2jv20EfqTafpREBYG6GAvMb8Bt4twLTNAWVc1mdhNgcbxH1ncAY3hK_7sHI/s320/6-30-13+023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-27552442923201451262013-06-27T19:54:00.001-07:002013-06-27T19:54:08.882-07:00Just a regular day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I spent the day just appreciating everything the Lord has given me. I have been VERY fortunate, and sometimes, when I am having a stressful day over menial things, I (like all of us, I'm sure) tend to forget that. But, in light of recent events with some very close friends of mine, (I will not name them publicly, but know that they are in my heart and prayers every day) I am forced to remember just how menial my stresses truly are. And I REALLY should take the time to appreciate God's grace more often, as we are not promised another day. </div>
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That being said, today was not a big work day here on the farm. It was hot so we mostly hung out inside. The animals were taken care of at their appropriate times and the garden was watered (but not weeded, though it desperately needs it!) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLV8avG88JBCQdHbRSHtdl0r-xLcgkUx8P2vPPkJiwMINoxzG3o78nDxFhxtlnjj6x7zZ13FxFtC4Uj3HxIbyZrxzK6ExdwwKPPyjjuFYv8D2wmgv-U5LDQdviOllTw8JMinWxPPXQcqZe/s1600/6-27-13+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLV8avG88JBCQdHbRSHtdl0r-xLcgkUx8P2vPPkJiwMINoxzG3o78nDxFhxtlnjj6x7zZ13FxFtC4Uj3HxIbyZrxzK6ExdwwKPPyjjuFYv8D2wmgv-U5LDQdviOllTw8JMinWxPPXQcqZe/s320/6-27-13+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Crows A Lot (the darker one) corralling his girls </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf_2tgiWK4X3prC98FC2bIcF-pkWNBpVzuduSkMrrd2s1zXy5ZJk9If4DtBuL8WI81E4F_YI6LFQK-4l0HXiZ775ckn88CwYmmEA9ly3SzTQPx7z-O2w-fRxepuT5a_1sRMjwIjWCsn1p/s1600/6-27-13+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf_2tgiWK4X3prC98FC2bIcF-pkWNBpVzuduSkMrrd2s1zXy5ZJk9If4DtBuL8WI81E4F_YI6LFQK-4l0HXiZ775ckn88CwYmmEA9ly3SzTQPx7z-O2w-fRxepuT5a_1sRMjwIjWCsn1p/s320/6-27-13+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broody Henrietta is sitting on over 15 eggs now!<br />
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I went on my daily walk (without children) around the farm, checking on all the animals and plants, and I snapped a couple pics just for you.</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1d6-Lz-7mGoC_NdvHA8nNwr9CDuMTul__y7m2ieeJz4z0xnfvo5WBqr_oBcPXrSIEW0GzQYB9ycYFyHp_zFZ7KVfahivE-_WYB-L-hEsQ2Ax1AAEBRjJcpdMOd6-6AN5_y2KqvBIzA_Y/s320/6-27-13+007.JPG" width="320" /><br />
The first bed. It is mostly tomatoes w/ borage, nasturtium, basil and marigolds tossed in there too! We have 2 other tomato beds like this one. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBez_gc28X8VWE9aPam8aT9Tv6To8DEZuYM_i_BZQam4UhKPx0YFvUC1CUgzOJcNPgmErggMKthNmEkKJZzIFt28xR7lDa4YJYXHElOClt18x7iEYFNu5B6W4HyJCQEMbEr_0tBasWnD1/s1600/6-27-13+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBez_gc28X8VWE9aPam8aT9Tv6To8DEZuYM_i_BZQam4UhKPx0YFvUC1CUgzOJcNPgmErggMKthNmEkKJZzIFt28xR7lDa4YJYXHElOClt18x7iEYFNu5B6W4HyJCQEMbEr_0tBasWnD1/s320/6-27-13+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are some of those beautiful tomatoes we talked about! :)</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGN4lr-U4qboqA6cCBn2Q7mRwwPJ60z5zeD2lEvEtWZjouJ6h_bwwJrrMCEpVRbzQA2ii6MLB-SqJ5P3tEYuzUk55-JJl6LuTvfc-l0esqBo2SZ15qLAJmWAjW3tkq6pQPV3a_xeXu084/s320/6-24-13+038.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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A HUGE harvest of borage leaves and flowers! Dehydrating them for a great tea! Very good for you and very good for other plants too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqrRteBAQzK6y6NlR_0veSATFKLGX-U9-SeGTM5KoRarZZk6UKY4n8OMOIYwn5XrlsToxrJynVfxgDotBwN2hrFN2reZdVvlq-lEgWf6dIxPWV64M0mVg8l0VU-Q7Zh1uQOPJDnFSXZSp/s1600/6-24-13+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqrRteBAQzK6y6NlR_0veSATFKLGX-U9-SeGTM5KoRarZZk6UKY4n8OMOIYwn5XrlsToxrJynVfxgDotBwN2hrFN2reZdVvlq-lEgWf6dIxPWV64M0mVg8l0VU-Q7Zh1uQOPJDnFSXZSp/s320/6-24-13+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple trays of basil in the dehydrator as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXJdYPjhKaT1uJVNZxjcO0NDIERmOK6pT3IbZnT4VOl9E03jD9-4UBPEhkONF35xRcEzwgHz1dA4JKi5A_zKQ4EiOSSCXpO8AJcYkzteNLgkHpZLU2lwzj6wmCQKovj4Jof1RL0WIQpyY/s1600/6-24-13+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXJdYPjhKaT1uJVNZxjcO0NDIERmOK6pT3IbZnT4VOl9E03jD9-4UBPEhkONF35xRcEzwgHz1dA4JKi5A_zKQ4EiOSSCXpO8AJcYkzteNLgkHpZLU2lwzj6wmCQKovj4Jof1RL0WIQpyY/s320/6-24-13+042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is our squash and zucchini harvest 3 days ago....</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJOyFkebLhDk1Z2brsBjdCuJeYterVi622Am17vhAuq6Sdbd2FHLToVi9DpVt_usij2zHtXPBNaX6R50WpzqtJZgWj4ZXJ5EjSZbTg-YPFdL8_jhT9_cSV99X5unBv5yjYh0xdjZOwp5X/s320/6-27-13+009.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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and HERE is one of the plants today. I counted over 12 this big out there today! We literally have squash and zucchini coming out our ears! </div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw8WE4_p0kOUUOI0DXUosXK0mnssbLVRBSUTe2qrlQQjQBgAQzwoFcHiRGVazsfGGK4xzoDtcoxNPoh_AphuReqFWMzwa5KInHF9UyV3LIaJIUj6QZQolQvXdo_lnOXRYoyTRiA_9tWbp/s320/6-27-13+010.JPG" width="320" /><br />
And speaking of ears.... (lol) look how well the corn is doing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFB2CmKwSVVZYrUackwx68guhHzACCrH9NC99WvjW5JZ4F3T7X-sQSvgtpUvfmmXsBg3s0zl34acG6sbP9UOCSKID-xXEsr9Nn6KJOn_0h_igFLIkSlY-eiAMy7YWO_UgfWr3zWGOsmDy/s1600/6-27-13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFB2CmKwSVVZYrUackwx68guhHzACCrH9NC99WvjW5JZ4F3T7X-sQSvgtpUvfmmXsBg3s0zl34acG6sbP9UOCSKID-xXEsr9Nn6KJOn_0h_igFLIkSlY-eiAMy7YWO_UgfWr3zWGOsmDy/s320/6-27-13+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this miniature Truffula tree! Just kidding! Sebastian picked this flower for me. I have no idea what it is but it is super fluffy and smells wonderful! (and you have to admit it bears a striking resemblance to those magnificent Seuss-ian trees!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHHLqP2niWAv9ziOvTgEokbM2z9jCod4QvNjDODbWwvg2QwCz8E5aWk3nmzpicSGOCX5dnGBh2qS30-yGllAVKG5a51dJ_QXvjWttCEJzEpd6SiTBF8eWylzKkPNh3REMQn0ulftT9Cwi/s1600/6-27-13+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHHLqP2niWAv9ziOvTgEokbM2z9jCod4QvNjDODbWwvg2QwCz8E5aWk3nmzpicSGOCX5dnGBh2qS30-yGllAVKG5a51dJ_QXvjWttCEJzEpd6SiTBF8eWylzKkPNh3REMQn0ulftT9Cwi/s320/6-27-13+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Some pretty glads that popped up in the yard. </div>
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Then I came in and gave little Lotte her bath. She is already 16 days old! Can you believe it? She was so alert and happy (AFTER her bath was over). She has the cutest little dimples when she smiles (I cant ever seem to capture them on camera though). None of my other littles have dimples, and I have NO idea where she got them, but they are A-FREAKING-DORABLE!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4VuDy3-EF_7wZUXJag8Gd4RbaM9pME3dF9l8zSgjha2dVmsylj34cxQhkLiTizGdcdX1QYvQc_WhtWpAUVwJVTkkrLDJJOxLwFoVXi_v6kHutfNVW9pIb_1Gm6ia3sYi49SyLTr0fnpu/s1600/6-27-13+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4VuDy3-EF_7wZUXJag8Gd4RbaM9pME3dF9l8zSgjha2dVmsylj34cxQhkLiTizGdcdX1QYvQc_WhtWpAUVwJVTkkrLDJJOxLwFoVXi_v6kHutfNVW9pIb_1Gm6ia3sYi49SyLTr0fnpu/s320/6-27-13+003.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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I actually got to sit and crochet a little today too! Here is my work in progress. I have been using scrap yarn to make granny squares. They are each 9 inches and when sewn all together with make a super cute blanket. (Anyone who has seen my sweater knows how much I like to do scrap yarn stuff.) So far I have 15, and it will probably take me umpteen gazillion years to finish all the squares at the pace Im going, but, there it is! Watcha thinkin' Lincoln?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKK1O3CcyPQqRGafTPopQ-FA-O2bHRd0M9FyInJmS-cOvh-x56EpqIUolyuw0zVbP0_D_ihyS9ZP4-0op5ZWXR2EpKd4i_DhxDnrmMnj38-vgD6JmeydhYy1dDtWMCWNqKso2m-7xIG6S/s1600/6-27-13+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKK1O3CcyPQqRGafTPopQ-FA-O2bHRd0M9FyInJmS-cOvh-x56EpqIUolyuw0zVbP0_D_ihyS9ZP4-0op5ZWXR2EpKd4i_DhxDnrmMnj38-vgD6JmeydhYy1dDtWMCWNqKso2m-7xIG6S/s320/6-27-13+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vVMTkAQis6XRxjS5xdt7oJds-NTQLxKyZ1HhBzXZ3CQc7mjrEQVmNmJtP3WwV7OL0Rok_Gjzqo1nmvZ4Fx7kmaYb2y_uyBPjzKe6hPIJuf5-bEHLLKQ58DSCe2U4MC75dXMbXfC44C3u/s320/6-27-13+005.JPG" width="320" /><br />
Oh and here is an update on the goat fence. There it is. All the wires and poly tape are up and ready. Hopefully the Hubs will be able to juice it up this weekend. Right now we have to take the goats out on leashes and tie them to a tree in the pasture during the day. HUGE HASSLE!!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7yUdtbo25OHBbi7-N5b8xOWCOdmXae5OHF_Tg97LMwbYWiSwL-Ls_wiW6pRrXoryeeWqWCiqfYqSv9QZcmwhXpIqg4ZfiwZmN6R-V4khavojDEJKbfOisUEu3kpld-LODwf_IFWmpxx3/s1600/6-27-13+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7yUdtbo25OHBbi7-N5b8xOWCOdmXae5OHF_Tg97LMwbYWiSwL-Ls_wiW6pRrXoryeeWqWCiqfYqSv9QZcmwhXpIqg4ZfiwZmN6R-V4khavojDEJKbfOisUEu3kpld-LODwf_IFWmpxx3/s320/6-27-13+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now just some pics of the oldest blessings, with my youngest. Love them all to bits!!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9cMOODhZIsEO4n9t3jMQVtN7JyWf-CiB0NQvAdC-xuZ3kwMroq4bn7i05QpZ37mort6Ldrw1QBbe8CeVXz3TW9KfWQ1vlERylgeIdJI9jTjZC2Y7O2toEebzbiyPJXQlqW4CZ0bYu6fv/s320/6-27-13+015.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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Well... That's all for now. Just wanted to show you how grateful I am for everything God has blessed me with (even though sometimes it can feel like a burden). Now, your mission is to spend a day just appreciating your life and all the wonderful things in it. Take lots of pics, and tell me ALL about it! God Bless!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-2586673743016337842013-06-25T11:58:00.001-07:002013-06-25T11:58:31.042-07:00We had an unplanned day.... Okay. So the first post didn't kill me and I haven't been publicly "booed".... yet. So, I guess that's a sign that maybe I CAN make a go of this! I'll start today's post by saying that things did NOT go as planned. But, hey, I have 5 free-spirited kiddos and a (currently) military Hubby. What's a plan anyway?<br />
What WAS the plan? The Hubs was GOING to go into work for a LITTLE bit to do some paperwork for his transition out of the military (in 7 days). Then he was GOING to come home and finish the goat's fence and some yard work (he is technically on leave until Thursday, so we want to finish everything before then). While he was gone I was GOING to work on some surprises for our 9 year anniversary tomorrow, then do more batch cooking and some house work. <br />
But, instead..... Tempe (23 months) woke up w/ bumps all over her legs, prompting us to make her a same day doctor's appointment (her Dr. is an hour away BTW). So Hubs drove the motorcycle to Norfolk (1 1/2 hours away) this morning. Then the kids and I scurried around to get things done while he was gone, but hardly accomplished anything, because, as previously mentioned, I have 5 FREE-SPIRITED kiddos! lol About an hour before it is time to leave for Tempe's appointment. Hubs calls to say he wont be home in time to take us. I'll need to pack everyone up, and go on my own. (First time taking ALL 5 kids out alone. Kinda nervous) Ok. So I get out the door. 10 minutes late. (Have I mentioned how much I hate being late?!?! Well, you'll come to realize it is one of my BIG pet peeves.) <br />
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me. driving.</div>
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We're driving when the Hubs calls to remind me that I don't have a current military ID and wont be able to get on base without him. So he will meet me at the gate. Oh and BTW, a bunch of stuff came up in regards to his transition. He wont be able to come home until late tonight, and he will have to come in for the rest of the week. He is no longer on leave. (Still with me so far? Confused yet?) This SUPER STINKS!!!<br />
Well the girls all knocked out on the seriously loooong drive. Hubs met us at the gate and even took Tempe to her appointment But, the rest of us had to hang out on base until it was time to pick them up. So, I drove to the jogging track.<br />
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The girls were still sleeping but the boys wanted to run off some energy. They are crazy like that. It was HOT out there today! So, I hung out in the AC with the snoozers. <br />
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Ginny did get up eventually though in time to catch some bugs with Sebastian. After a while it was time to pick them up. Tempe got an "all clear" from the Dr. and a diagnosis of heat rash and some bug bites. After all this sitting in the car we were not about to just head home though. We decided a trip to the mall was in order. I cant even remember the last time we went to the mall. Nope. Just remembered. It was Christmas. So I figure we were probably due. So off we went! <br />
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Once at the mall the kiddos wanted to head to Target to spend what little bit of money they had with them. I needed to get a few things as well. Final cost: $43 for me. $0 for the kids. What happened? I needed to get a gift for a friend and a cute Birthday outfit for Tempe. I bought them both on sale. Over 50% off! Final cost: $53! Yikes! Next, of course I needed to feed them dinner. It WAS 6 o'clock after all. Everyone wanted to eat at a different place in the food court but when it was all said and done, $27 (at least EVERYONE ate EVERY bite. That NEVER happens). <br />
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Next on the agenda: a diaper change, for BOTH lil ones! This one took some thinking. I had the boys watch Tempe and Ginny (age 5) on the ride on toys outside the bathroom while I changed Lotte (13 days). Then I put her in the moby and brought Tempe in. Lifting her onto the changing table while Lotte was in the moby was a trip, and changing a wiggly toddler with an infant strapped to my chest was SUPER FUN too! But it worked out okay. Hurray! That was a challenge I was dreading and I totally mastered it right out of the gate! I think I should get a "Double Diaper Changing" badge for that one for sure! <br />
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So the kids were being awesome and I was in a good mood from my latest conquest so I decided to let the 2 older girls go on one of those little quarter machine rides. The space shuttle one. The thing is, Tempe likes to sit and play in those things... but heaven forbid it makes noise, or worse yet.... MOVES!!!! Ginny climbed in this one with Tempe, causing the doorway to be blocked. Sebastian put the quarters in and for a millisecond... Tempe enjoyed it. Then the screaming started. She was flipping out and trying to climb out the window. But the ride spins around so we could barely get ahold of her to get her out. She was TERRIFIED! Lesson learned. Save our quarters. <br />
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After that we just had to have some sort of dessert to calm us down. (yes, this IS how I justify dessert. lol) Sebastian and I opted for smoothies, Trevor and Ginny had ice cream and Tempe chose a cookie. Final cost $17. Now, anyone that knows Tempe, (or has ever eaten ANYTHING within her eye sight) knows that just because she chose a cookie doesn't mean that she wont eat all of the other options as well. Good thing we are a loving and sharing family and we fully support over eating of junk food. lol<br />
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When we get home, Sebastian (12 years old) informs me he has a tick on his back. (His 3rd in 7 months. Yes he plays in the woods.) I remove it and the boys help me get the girls off to bed, then help me clean up in the kitchen. They play some video games for a lil while and tell me about their favorite characters and then hit the hay.<br />
So now here we are. Home. Where we were supposed to be ALL day. Its midnight. The kids are in bed and my Hubby (of 9 years officially, as of this minute) calls to tell me he went to the ER. (He had bumps on his legs as well, that have swollen into welts). Ill stay up and wait for him, because I love him and it is probably the ONLY time I'll see him on our anniversary anyway. <br />
We didn't get ANYTHING done on our list today, but I spent some quality time with my kiddos and we had fun. Wish it hadn't cost so much though. $140! And that doesn't include the gas to get around either! So, Im gonna pretend that was free, cause I don't really wanna think about how much MORE money we spent today! (This is why we don't go into the city very often). <br />
Anyway, here's to hoping your day went a little more on schedule than ours did. Unfortunately, our next few days aren't looking very promising either, but we will roll with the punches, because that's just what we do. If he sees you to it, he will see you through it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896615908115647671.post-86368010994288133672013-06-23T19:59:00.000-07:002013-06-24T07:38:14.345-07:00In the beginning.... <br />
So here we are. My first blog post. Try not to be too critical if you don't mind (and I'll try not to be too critical of myself). Right now I feel as if I may be biting off more than I can chew by expecting that I will keep up with this, but I LOVE to write, and I REALLY think its important to keep track of our family's memories on this awesome journey! <br />
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So, where are we at right now on said journey? Well, our 5th little bundle of cuteness (Little Lotte) came into this world a mere 13 days ago. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8TivOsdAePSN79-mxNPK0hAor5mCz5lQJNSQlsB6ZM65cpqB3tJC2NSfltFBSBK2A9TkPlHhWJpxSzbmwn0M4NKDp4kRB5ltxy98dJzf2Y0CRUG9I5qYKsgSzIDkP3TlAFRk2mXCgjj4/s1600/6-14-13+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8TivOsdAePSN79-mxNPK0hAor5mCz5lQJNSQlsB6ZM65cpqB3tJC2NSfltFBSBK2A9TkPlHhWJpxSzbmwn0M4NKDp4kRB5ltxy98dJzf2Y0CRUG9I5qYKsgSzIDkP3TlAFRk2mXCgjj4/s320/6-14-13+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here she is just 1 day old :)</div>
She is amazing, and we are completely smitten, as we always are. Labor was... well... LABORING! I am a firm believer in an all natural child birth as I believe that it is called "labor" for a reason. I think you have to EARN that baby. You should feel it all. Its part of the experience! Now I realize that I may have already angered some of you out there, but, it is what it is. We are all entitled to our own opinions, and this is mine. <br />
On to less controversial topics. lol Currently we have 3 rabbits (2 female, 1 male) for the purpose of breeding and then eating, though they are currently not reproducing. (which is shocking to me since I thought that was ALL rabbits did!) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4trfHro7A0K03NbJdexxA5jzCzPEOCwSPW1C16TD6i9z6LcoNIyseaDD_TpTV82_N5bc_kMhDiMojFBgEImrzBVTi39l972OfBSCPqweDbNgvEoivj5DUEStHvxHuzMEdVlSPMYNE2QD/s1600/3-5-13+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4trfHro7A0K03NbJdexxA5jzCzPEOCwSPW1C16TD6i9z6LcoNIyseaDD_TpTV82_N5bc_kMhDiMojFBgEImrzBVTi39l972OfBSCPqweDbNgvEoivj5DUEStHvxHuzMEdVlSPMYNE2QD/s320/3-5-13+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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kinda hard to see... but there are 2 of the 3. Lil Daddy (front) Mrs. Nibbles (back)</div>
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We have 12 hens and 1 rooster, for the purpose of meat and eggs. We raised 15 chicks this year(purchased as 1 day old chicks), and butchered our first 7 chickens when they were 16 weeks. Wow! What an experience! The raising and the butchering! Disgusting, but I def think I should get a special "Chicken Farming" badge for it or something! lol <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeLnIFKAyv-CzQMziUKhKJaZn-mfG0vIW-92cyCj1qv5QI-oSXoD6N8VBqEL3xG05m35xFkqXQAmOidhKJleQ8YeBjS8t-hW77VEJkzy4uGl3LYKJBfLhRzlTnPvdcptHbpLPxbvzNgXn/s1600/5-5-13+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeLnIFKAyv-CzQMziUKhKJaZn-mfG0vIW-92cyCj1qv5QI-oSXoD6N8VBqEL3xG05m35xFkqXQAmOidhKJleQ8YeBjS8t-hW77VEJkzy4uGl3LYKJBfLhRzlTnPvdcptHbpLPxbvzNgXn/s320/5-5-13+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is 4 year old Ginny carrying one of our chickens to the chopping block. She handled it REALLY well! Definitely a needs a "Farmer's Daughter" badge!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9gyNsx37S7PNxeLe5_SZhY1Ff67l7h9K7L22mT8kkh2TysGzDz4RVUwadm28k1beQc9YC6lhnkSKe1LUkUm14gC7I5c0ZnuDh8jrpPg0I-h4Jarc88fVsTE3znV6nfB5KwIXpfyPozfn/s1600/5-5-13+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9gyNsx37S7PNxeLe5_SZhY1Ff67l7h9K7L22mT8kkh2TysGzDz4RVUwadm28k1beQc9YC6lhnkSKe1LUkUm14gC7I5c0ZnuDh8jrpPg0I-h4Jarc88fVsTE3znV6nfB5KwIXpfyPozfn/s320/5-5-13+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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7 bags of chicken ready for the freezer! </div>
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So, now we have our first broody hen. She has been sitting on that nest of eggs for 6 days now. 15 of them! We cant get in there to candle them so I just hope they are doing their thing, because she has stopped us from getting any eggs from anyone else in the meantime. She just keeps pushing them into her nest! About 2 more weeks and we should know. We are all very excited to have a hen to raise our chicks for once instead of a brooding box. <br />
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Last (for now) but not least, we have our goats. 2 beautifully fluffy living marshmallows. Sweetie Pie (left) and Rosanna (right) being raised for milk... way down the road.<br />
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This is when they were 4 weeks old</div>
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We bought them when they were 3 weeks old, gave them their first shots, bottle fed them 3 times a day, built a shelter, built a fence, extended their fence, extended their fence, extended their fence, extended their fence..... Boy are they clearing our land for us! But, they have also learned how to jump their 4 foot wire fence and have decided to help us clear our garden as well! So we bought the materials to build our first electric fence. It is 400 feet around and in our clearing under a row of telephone poles. The Hubs and Trevor (age 11) got a good start on it yesterday. They put in all the step-in posts, and ran the poly-tape on the top and the 3 wires on the bottom all the way around. Tomorrow they plan to set up the gate, run some guy ropes, hook up the energizer, dig a trench for the power cord, bury it, and juice it up! I cant wait to see it all done, and I promise I will take pics for you all to see as well. But, as I always say "you could see it a lot better from here, so come on over for a visit!"<br />
And to tempt you to do that, let me tell you what the rest of us have been working on. Sebastian (age 12), Ginny (age 5), Tempe (age 23 months) and I have been cooking up a storm here in our lil country kitchen! We do a lot of baking and cooking from scratch and batch cooking for canning and freezing. (and yes I DO plan to post recipes at some point)This week so far we have made 32 cinnamon rolls for the freezer, 2 batches of chocolate chip cookie dough for the freezer, 1 batch of Reese's Pieces cookie dough for the freezer, and individual cheesecake jars for the freezer (an anniversary present for the Hubs). We also made peach upside down cake and 15 jars of peach jam from locally grown peaches, homemade hoagie rolls (for pot roast sandwiches), 4 loaves of potato bread (a family favorite that usually gets made several times a week), French bread bowls (for our homemade canned ham and bean soup), 4 loaves of zucchini bread, and several bags of sliced zucchini for the freezer (from the 40 bagillion zucchini we have been harvesting from the garden this week), and 2 dozen bagels (that'll last a few days... tops). We definitely take pleasure in cranking out the good stuff in our lil kitchen and I know I always feel good when I see my family enjoying something that I worked hard to make from scratch (and my wallet appreciates it too!) <br />
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My kiddos are learning the value of hard work on the homestead and learning about all the benefits of this life. I homeschool them all, and we learn the basic stuff that public school kids learn. But, as an added bonus for them, they also get to learn life skills as well. They know how to properly cook and clean, how to take care of animals, how to do a budget and meal plan, how to tend the yard and garden, and even how to make homemade cleaners! (Id say that's a pretty well rounded education! Wouldn't you?) And as an added bonus for me, I get to KNOW my children! I get the pleasure of their company (the good, the bad, and the ugly lol) all day, everyday. I know each one of them PERSONALLY. I know their friends (and their friend's parents), their interests, and their personalities. I get to hear all their thoughts and dreams whenever they want to tell me, not just when their school day is over. And I can happily say that I have NEVER missed a "first". First step, first word, first food, first loose tooth, first crush... and I never intend to! I'm not saying that homeschooling is for everyone, or that my kids are better than anyone else's kids, just that homeschooling IS for us. Its what God has led our family to do, and we are very happy with it. <br />
Okay, so end of rant. How did I do? Not really ever sure where to start and end, but there it is. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12177826612335273617noreply@blogger.com6