So, after my last post where I indulged in a little “whine” about whether people actually stop by our blog, I’ve gotten some sweet comments from quite a few readers. Thanks a ton, ya’ll.
This post will be a “this and that” kinda thing. Just randomness about life here in the country :)
And, yes, we do now live in the country. We’ve been in our new house for about 6 months and I love it more and more each day. We’re just northeast of our quaint, little downtown, off an old road that all used to be farmland..and a lot still is. Our neighbors across the street used to own the land we’re on, and the neighbors on the left owned it at some time as well. She came by not too long ago and told me stories of living here as a child, and farming this land. I LOVE that.
Sign at the kids tumbling gym…I must get these words up on our walls somehow. And, recite it daily. Hourly?
We’re a good month into our homeschooling year. With some of our curriculum being new this year (we seem to change something every year…), it’s taking some getting used to, but we’re just about there. And, I’m pretty sure I’m liking everything so far. After finishing history last year up to the present, we’re back in Egypt and a lot of our history text is straight from the bible. Gotta love that.
I’ve finally found a way (that works for me) of being in the bible everyday. I came across a program that I can access from my computer or Iphone called “Project 345”. Reading a minimum of 5 days/week, it’ll get me through the New Testament in a year. I read about a chapter a day, so it’s not a huge, daily time investment. Which, at this stage of my life, is just perfect for me. If you’re interested, check it on on the “YouVersion” app or online.
Last month, or dog Jack turned 10. A few weeks later, he decided it was time to tear the ACL in his knee. Nice, Jack. He was running outside and just fell our, yelping his head off. He was on pain meds for a few days, and not getting much better, so we took him in this week. Surgery will be coming up within the month.
What are these, you ask? One of my latest Pinterest projects. My boards are over-flowing and I could seriously be in the kitchen for a month with all the recipes I want to try. (the pizza casserole was a huge hit last week…)
These are laundry balls. Take wool yarn, wrap into tight balls, tuck extra yarn under. Wash in HOTTEST setting on washer, dry on HOTTEST setting on dryer (I did that last part twice) and then you get this.
See how the yarn is now “felted” together. Now, instead of spending money on dryer sheets, I just throw these balls in the dryer with the wet clothes. The balls travel in and around the clothes, helping them to dry faster and the friction of the wool against the clothes softens them. I hear the balls last “years”, but do get smaller and smaller as they’re used. I sometimes put a few drops of essential oil on them for scent. Love this!
More Pinterest. Cheap beads from craft store (the kind designed for kids, not jewelry). Layer in a cake pan, bake in the oven till melted (can’t recall temp). It cools quickly, you pop it out, drill a hole in the top, and…
Sun catcher :) (this is a different one from the pan pictured above). I also made smaller ones in muffin tins, and they’re lined up in the window above my kitchen sink.
Let’s see, what else…
Should have my new wedding/engagement ring next week. I’ll post before and after pics. I’m excited.
I’m trying to eat better these days, drinking a lot of water, cutting back on snacks, sodas, etc. Upped my exercise as well….feels great, but when my stress increases I could eat a whole tube of cookie dough. But, I don’t!
I’m so excited about Fall, it’s my favorite season. We’ve got our plans nailed down for the NC State Fair, and a mountain festival in October. It’s been getting cooler at night, and some of our leaves are already changing. There’s not much better than NC in the Fall.
Work day tomorrow. Randy is beginning to get our shop (building behind our house) in order to host a youth bible study on Friday nights, and I think I might tackle one of the garages.
Well, those are my ramblings. Guess I better get some sleep. G’night.
September 29th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
I just love the suncatchers!!! What a great craft for the kids to do. Please send me the dirctions.
It’s funny I always have time to sneek a peek at others blogs and I have not updated mine in such a longggg time:(
I hope all works out well for Jack, poor guy.
September 29th, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Hi Donna, just wanted to let you know I follow your blog all of the time! I love to see what your family is up to and where God leads you. Crazy to think Dylan and Sarah will have Gotcha # 2 in just 2 months! Love how God works through these little blessings and so wonderful to see what God and a little love can do!
September 30th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Lovin’ stories about the country…I have one about the “country” in NJ, and yes, there actually is a lot of it in NJ!! We used to go visit my Aunt Nellie & Uncle Allen south of where I grew up….near where Billy & Karen now live. After my aunt & uncle passed away, their large farm was sold…and what is on it now is…Washington Township High School!! Billy told me it’s a pretty big high school and very popular in that area!
Love your “Peace” sign. Everyone should have that framed somewhere in their home to read all the time!
Homeschooling…so glad you’re getting used to the new curriculum so that the school year should go pretty smooth for all of you.
Love the picture of Jack, but don’t like that he’s gonna need surgery soon….he’s such a sweet boy!!! ((hugs from Granma))!!
Laundry balls…how clever, and I’m sure they smell so good when you put some essential oil on them. We found out years ago that if we put a good thick dry towel in with whites & towels, it helps to speed the drying time…love that!!
Your suncatcher is so pretty!!!! I have some in our kitchen window and LR window, which were gifts, but the homemade ones are beautiful!! (A Christmas hint…HA!)
Your dad and I have been to that mountain festival in October years ago, and it’s great!! It’s like a “mini NC State Fair”!
I’ve been drinking more water, also, especially at restaurants…I usually order water instead of iced tea or Pepsi. Your blog was very interesting & I enjoyed reading it…have a great week!!!
October 1st, 2012 at 7:59 am
Yes, I am one of those who read and do not comment, Hope you know this is a wonderful way for us to keep up with the grandkids. We just redid our garage. The floors look like a counter top or nice kitchen floor. Ron and I painted it on Saturday as he listened to the Ryder Cup. (For some reason he needed lots of breaks.)
October 1st, 2012 at 9:36 pm
I traveled with my sister and brother-in-law in 2008 to China so they could adopt a precious little girl. Since then, we try to keep up with some of the adoptions that are happening. Your family caught my eye when you were in China, as well as a family that was adopting a little girl. I look forward to seeing the progress that Dylan and Brynn have made. I think Brynn may have been in your group? Anyway…..even though you don’t know me…I feel that I know your family though this blog. And I feel blessed!
October 2nd, 2012 at 7:42 am
I just thought I’d add that I keep up on your blog as well =). I just got caught up after being on vacation. Love your family!
October 17th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Me, too … in the category of those who read, but don’t always comment. But you know me, I’ll speak up when I feel like it! :)
I saw your Pinterest posting on FB about the dryer balls, and have been working on rolling some yarn, but haven’t gotten around to felting them yet. I still can’t tell from photographs just how big around they should be before going in the hot water. The suncatchers look like fun, too. Not that I really need any more projects, though.