Times past and looking ahead....whew!

So much has happened in the past few months that I could barely keep up with it all.
I will try to recap just so I can catch all of you up on life in the big house.

At the end of July we made it through the wedding of second daughter Courtney, exhausted but elated. It was a beautiful ceremony and we are so happy for them both.

August was the start of another homeschool year. Hannah is in 8th, Noah is in 7th, Destini is in 6th, Miriam is in 5th, Jose is in 4th, and Mirranda and Lydia are in
2nd. The challanges of teaching special needs children can be overwhelming some days but everyone is fluently reading, (some said it could not be done) and all but 2 are in grade level studies (another can't be done comment inserted here). It proves to me once again that God and some good ole fashioned work go a long way in education. I only took three classes this semester and enjoyed the lighter load. The most fun day we enjoyed this month was playing in the rain. Sometimes you just need to feel the rain pound down on a hot summer day and just run around in it and get your clothes soaking wet!

September we hit Six Flags with all the children plus a borrowed one. We had a blast and closed the park down. Several small outings were had as well like going to the park, playing in the river and enjoying nature studies as they gave opportunity. I had the great priviledge of customizing my Harley with a little help from Tom. I learned alot, worked alot and busted my knuckles a little but the after effect was well worth it. New Z drag bars, lowered 2 inches, new vance & hines pipes, relocate the speedometer and add a fuel pack. Still need to change the mirrors and levers but that will wait till next year. Now, if I can just keep Tom off of it and make him ride his own... This month also offered learning opportunities with my new position on the state board for Susan G. Komen. I went to a 3 day training and am much more comfortable with my positional responsibilities from it. For fun this month I helped put up the sign at the local fire department and take down the shutters, repaint them and reinstall them. Just love going up that ladder!

October was just a mixture of violin/piano lessons, school, fire calls, college work and house duties. I took on a large custom drapery job for a local retreat center and have 12 windows to complete with pinch pleat draperies and cornices. The house is green with fabric but it proves to be a good challange. The children are all coming along nicely with school and music lessons. I love to hear them play but my favorite part is watching them help the younger ones learn a song. Seeing them bond in a different way always makes me smile. And, it makes up for all the other times that they are picking on each other :) October was fire saftey month and I really enjoyed giving presentations to several groups of little children through out the county. The highlight for this month was Tom and I sneaking in a little overnight at the George Washington Hotel. He surprised me with an evening of dinner and a suite at the hotel. The children like to party while we are gone. The cupboards are bare when we return and the house is crazy messy but it is all worth it in the end. The month ended with a nice visit from oldest daughter Ashley, her hubby and grandson Markus. Oh how I love being a grammy and watching my grandson grow, discover and...get into EVERYTHING!


November is the month of thanks and to be honest I am just thankful this year is almost over. It has been an extremely challanging year for me physically, mentally and spiritually. Somehow the thought of a new year just gives me the push I need to start with a fresh piece of paper and plug on. I did not get the opportunity to go hunting but maybe next year will be my year for that. Thanksgiving was laid back and pleasant but the food was consumed at a rapid pace. That particular meal has to be my all time favortie one to fix. I enjoy every part of it from the turkey to the pies it is all just comforting to me. The highlight of the month was making carmel apples with the children, plus some nieghborhood ones included!

December finally came to close out the year. The custom drapery job was finished early in the month and came out even more beautiful than I imagined. Christmas was ok. The highlight was a much needed visit from my dear friend Jackie and her daughter Izabelle. But to be honest, to finally see the close of this year was refreshing. I can only hope this next year is better and I hold hope in that. I rang in the new year alone but not really since God is always there with me! A new season is upon me and I look forward to what lies ahead...I think ;)

Where have I been!

I am aghast at the fact that it is the middle of July and my last post was in March. Life these past few months have taken quiet a crazy turn and I have learned many lessons from all of the downs and few ups thrown my way.
In April Tom and I traveled to Georgia to visit Garrett on family day at Ft. Benning. To say the least it was a tear filled reunion (picture shown with his dad)and we had much to talk about in just a few short days. We had to leave earlier than we wanted to but I had to drive to Charleston as soon as I got home. I no sooner arrived home when the clothes came out of the car and new clothes went in. I was receiving recognition for being chosen as a representative from my college for my academic achievements. The West Virginia state governor presented the awards and I enjoyed a nice luncheon in the rotunda. (picture included).
After all that traveling I needed some grounding so I painted the little girls room. I have been wanting to do this for 2 years now and I was SO happy to have it done. Of course they all took a turn helping (as the photo shows) and the outcome was fabulous.
May too was a busy month with finishing out my college semester and finishing the homeschool year with the children. All the children did fabulous in their prospective grades and I managed to make the Deans list.
Right after our school wrap up we traveled once again to Georgia only this time it was for Garrett's graduation from basic. The two older children were able to go too along with husbands, a finance' and the grandson. We had a great time being with just our three older children telling stories, laughing and just enjoying each other. The graduation ceremony was breathtaking and I was filled with joy to see my son be a part of it. After coming home Ashley, Joe and baby Markus stayed for a few days and our house was a bustle of comings and goings of children. We did manage to collect them all together for a dinner out (courtesy of mom and dad) at our favorite place, Wyld Thyme. A new family picture was added as well and that was a treat to Tom and I.
June included a weekend getaway for Tom and I on the bikes. We did rough camping with a change of clothes, a garden hose shower, a two man tent and lots of laughs, good times and new friends made. I took on the job of doing some modifications to my bike and Tom had to supervise, which was hard for him:) We started this month to do an activity a week for the children and so far we have hit the Drive Ins twice, camping once and a picnic in the park and swimming.
Our activity time with the children continued into July and another park trip and VBS have been the highlights. Not sure if we will make goal this month as we have the wedding of second daughter Courtney at the forefront. She has been a great planner and has had everything just fall into place. I finished the customization to her gown on Sunday and now to finish the few alterations for her flower girls dresses.
The only other exciting thing to add for this month is that I went to active firefighter status this week. Already took my first call on an accident and broke in my gear. Tom is just shaking his head and smiling. Life is too short so you should try to fit in those things that bring you peace, joy and a little adrenaline rush!
June

Accepting change...and embracing it!

Well,I am into March full swing, spring cleaning is underway and the first bike ride of the season has been taken. Spring always brings changes and not just to the season but often to life. Grandson Markus sprouted his first tooth and found his tongue (oh how great it is to be a grammy), Garrett is well over halfway through basic training and Courtney is engaged to be married in the summer and I am half way through this semester in college and in homeschool.

As I sit here sipping some tea (yes, I am actually enjoying some down time as a dear friend told me I needed to take some time for myself) I am reflecting on the past few weeks with much to think about. After seeing the devastation in Japan I am once again reminded that life is short and we really should make the most of it. Disagreements and hurts seem so unimportant and living in the present means so much more. I want to try harder to make the most of everyday and to always find something to be thankful about even when it seems impossible. God gives me 24 hours in a day surely I can find a portion of that day to love, smile and be thankful!

History is the focus for the homeschool days and I am determined to get my timeline started this week since we are on a spring break. There is a list posted on my white board of goals to meet for the week while on break. Most of it is painting but I did completely rearrange the school book area and have posted pictures to show the before and after results. Organizing for a big family is a must and the children are better able to put their items away when there is a nice place to put them!

Hannah had a piano recital yesterday and she nailed it. I was overjoyed for her and am posting the video next time to share. I think there is a violin recital next month for the youngest seven and that is always a pleasant afternoon as it is usually held at a local nursing home. The residents always enjoy seeing the children play and it is so good for the children to interact with the residents too.

I am greatly looking forward to riding season. When I am riding I have time all to myself to reflect, pray, see the world in such a different way and just sense everything with renewed senses. It is probably one of my favorite ways to relax. Last year we were able to take in a few local bike events that we have had some fun at. The picture of me with the cigar is at Johnstown. The ride was beautiful, the sun was perfect and the cigar was NOT mine but I could not resist such a crazy photo op.

I am really looking forward to doing some baking and trying new recipes this week. Last week was comfort food (biscuit picture included)and now that the weather is looking nicer it is time to break into new foods. I find cooking relaxing but baking is my favorite.

Now this post is getting way too long so I shall close it with one of my favorite quotes "Lord God...quiet me if I am not calm, that my soul may be able to contemplate and have an opportunity to grow. Help me that I may be able, even in discouragements to have the true preception of life.

Where oh where is my spring?

Can you say blahhhh? This is the time of year when nothing is much fun. Most people are sick of the weather, sick of being cold and sick of each other.

I for one would love to have some 70 degree days, wind blowing in my hair, playing outside with the children, gardening or riding on my new bike. Yes, to confirm all rumors my dear hubbster bought me my own motorcycle. A picture will be included :) This is a love hate purchase. I will LOVE having my own ride and that independence and sheer bliss of riding is almost unmatchable. But, I love riding behind my hubby, feeling him pat my leg as we ride taking in all the sights together. He bought me the bike back in January but it is still at the shop waiting to be picked up, better weather, need to lower it some. So patience I must have.

Spring break is almost here and I can honestly say I am really ready for it. I welcome the break from college work and home schooling as I have several projects to work on that can only be accomplished with a week off. Hannah is moving into a new room and it needs to be finished painting. Her old room needs a fresh coat of paint and the hallway desperately needs some painting so I will spend the week painting, painting and then for something new and refreshing....PAINTING!

I have been able to talk to Garrett about 3 times now. I miss him loads but I know he is quickly becoming a man. He even sounds different. I am taking some time later today to write him another letter. The weather is nasty outside with a little snow and lots of packed ice underneath.

Violin and piano lessons were cancelled today so we did a more full day of school and I have had time to tackle the laundry and even fit in some ironing. Why oh why do I like cotton clothes so much? I mean seriously now who in their right mind has 10 children with 7 still at home and chooses to wear cotton clothes that need to be ironed? If I were not so picky I would just take them out of the dryer and hang them up and wear them as is. But, I was raised by older parents and a grandma that ironed everything ! I can still see her with a little glass bottle and a stopper on the top that was made with sprinkler holes. She would shake the water on the clothes and iron them so neat. Every pillowcase was hand embroidered and starched stiff but it always felt so nice to sleep on; fresh feeling. Grandma always put nice touches on everything.

Talking about my grandma makes me want to go knit. I was able to finish another hat and am ready to work on some socks now. The picture of the red hat that Miriam is modeling is one of the last ones I made. I love those little take along projects that I can fit into a small bag and take to music lessons, Dr. appointments and so forth. Sure does beat the crazy reading material offered and I just like the fact that these little projects are something that I can finish quickly and get some satisfaction in the journey of motherhood that I have accomplished something :)

Dearest Destini turns 11 tomorrow and I can hardly believe she has blessed my life for 8 years already. I will always remember the day she came with her sad little face, broken heart and untrusting spirit. Oh what a miracle God has done in her life and for that I am truly thankful. I will be taking her out on our special birthday outing and look forward to spending it with her.

I included some pictures of the children having fun in the last snow, pictures of Hannah and Noah practicing violin together and some fun photos of playdough creations ( a minature playdough scene) we made during our fun time. Enjoy!

The rest of the week is looking to be fairly uneventful. Tom wants to have a date night Friday and go shoot some pool (which I love to do) and Saturday is a buckwheat cakes dinner at the fire hall that I need to help with.

Maybe next week I can find spring!

A somewhat quiet day today. We finished school early and the children wanted to play outside. I have to admit it is nice that they can all get themselves mostly dressed for snow play. My days of taking an hour to get each one dressed are about gone. You know for me it was "ok now lets get them in snow pants, jackets, gloves, scarves, hats".... and then just as the last one is dressed the first one would come in and say they lost a hat, mitten, glove, then I would get that taken care of sit down with a cup of tea then... someone is at the door again "mom I have to pee" ok back off with the pants, jacket, scarf, hat, gloves (whoever though it was a good idea to make gloves for little hands should be spanked! You know they want to wear them and it takes FOREVER to get their little hands in the correct holes.) :) you get the drift here. I would often get hysterical with laughter bacause all these moms would tell me how nice it was to get this break when theier children would go outside to play. I really dont' know what that is...something you eat?

I did have some time to tackle my mountain of paperwork for homeschool. The lists for what books I need to buy for next year are close to being finished, new insureance cards are ready to be put into the vehicles and Noah made me lunch. Does it really get any better than this?

At hump day and for some reason I have been tried more spiritually these last two weeks than I have been in quiet some time. Finally received Garretts address so now I can send him some encouragement! I can't even imagine what he is going through right now.

I posted a picture of a jewelry box he made for his girlfriend. Tom helped him some but he had in mind what he wanted and worked to make it happen. Also is a picture of my dear grandpumpkin. I just love being a grammy!

Here's to hoping the rest of the week holds some blessings and lots less stress not just for me but for all who read life in the big house!

Busy life stuff

The past several weeks have been a blur of activity. Garrett was getting ready to leave for the army and I was preparing myself mentally and physically for the change in our family. I already miss the stupid stuff he would do to make me laugh, his puddles left around the house and all that was a part of making our house more full of joy and love. He left last Tuesday and we all felt a part of us go with him.

We have been in full swing homeschooling and the children are all doing very well. Joshua and his many facets are the focus of bible studies and American history from the Revolution on is our focus for history. We learned how to cast lots, we are getting ready to make history lapbooks and have been doing lots of map making with colonies, indian tribes and states joining the union. We took half a day for snow today and might take the whole day tommorrow for snow and baking. I let them loose with the playdough today and they started out making cupcakes and goodies but it soon turned south as they were making cut off fingers, tougunes and eyeballs! Gotta love that sense of creativity. I also posted some pictures of our art projects. I am really liking our art days and look forward to seeing how each child embraces there talent.

Theater class is cancelled for the week so that will give us more time to look over the newest script of Knights of the Round Table. I was asked to audition for the February play of Love Letters but I just dont' know if I can fit it in.


College is going better than expected. I am at full time status this semester with 5 classes and so far it is working out. I could never do it with out my dear spouse pushing me along and the children always helping or spoiling me with tea.

Tom finished Hannah's hope chest and it came out beautiful. That is one gift that he gives our daughters on their 13th birthday that I could never give. He puts his heart and soul into each one of these and each one is different and unique. I included a picture of Hannah's.

We have about 8-10 inches of snow outside so the rest of the week is going to be project and homework time. I traced some blue jean patches for a new quilt and I am itching to start making some more. The oldest two girls have one but I stopped there and have helped make many for gifts but no more for my family so my goal is to start working on some for the rest of the children. I will post pic next time so you can see how they look. I also want to start on some new dress patterns for myself and the girls as we could also use some new dresses in the closet.

The last couple of weeks have been challanging spirtually to say the least but I am determined not to let the enemy win this battle!

Changes in the new year...changes in life

I have lots to reflect on this past year. Lots of mistakes to learn from (lots), lots of joys to relive(the birth of my first grandchild),lots to be thankful for and lots to look forward to.

Some major changes in the Cowie household will be my first son leaving for the army on the 18th of January. The picture is of him and my hubby making a picture frame. Hubby does woodworking as his stress relief and can make some great stuff. The baby of the family (Lydia)turns 8 and I will turn the great age of 45!

Acceptance of what is,seems to be the goal for my new year.

I need to accept that a dear family member chooses to be the way they are and only God can change that and it has nothing to do with me or my abilities. I need to accept that I can not please even most of the people most of the time :) but to just try my best to be the person God has me to be. I need to accept that I will NEVER be caught up on laundry (this is my favorite one) and I need to accept that my personal growth in God will help not only myself but others through His work in me. How is that for a list of acceptances!

A New Year approaching is always very exciting to me. I feel like it is a new slate on which to write on. I have been cleaning out cobwebs on my break between semesters and so far i have tackled my scrapping area (which is in a corner of my bedroom) and my sewing area. It feels so good to finally have both of them sorted through. I included pics of both areas after the clean. I quick vacuum and I will be finished. Next will be the school area and all that it entails then on to the boys room. I purchased a giant cubicle wall unit from a Curves fitness going out of business. it will be perfect to put on there wall and get all those Lego's and playmobil off the floor. Painting in the girls room is included in my list and I hope to have all that put behind me before May.

This past year has been very difficult on me personally, spiritually, financially, and emotionally but God has seen me through it. It can be so hard to press toward the mark but I know what goal lies ahead so I continue to be in the race. May each of you join me at the finish line :)

Tis the season...

Ok, who turned off the heat outside. Now Don't get me wrong I mean I love winter too but the drastic changes are sometimes too much of a shock to the system.
So, what have I been up to? In November we had birthdays to celebrate, Thanksgiving to be thankful for and violin concerts to play in.

I found several of the children all laying on the floor looking at view master reels and laughed to myself. I count it a great blessing that they are entertained by such simple toys in a techno world.

Now I find myself in the full swing of the CHRISTmas season and not quiet there mood wise yet. I had a tough semester in college but made it through with great grades (Tom says I am too hard on myself) and I am still dealing with some family stress that I know God and time will take care of.

There was a nice highlight to it all as the 7 younger children were all cast and performed in our local community theater production of "The Grinch". They all did a fabulous job and a dear friend posted it on youtube for all to enjoy.

I did meet up with another Weaver mom over coffee. She wanted to borrow a volume I had and it was so nice to catch up on what God is doing in her life, challanges of another homeschooling mom and just celebrating life as moms.

This week will be sending out Christmas cards, making cookies and hitting the Chiropracter for some relief. Oh the gym will be added in also as I attempt to rid myself of 7 extra pounds of "college weight".

I hope in the new year to post more often as I find it not only refreshing but challanging to me personally to share more with dear family and friends.

May God be with each and every one of you this season of celebration!

It's the little things that count

If you were a child of mine you would hear that phrase lots. I believe with all my heart that it is the little things that count. It is remembering special days, sending cards, making a simple phone call, chocolates on the pillows (Ashley recently did this for us on our visit to her place), hugs, kisses, handwritten notes, cheap mini-vacations, drives with the children, little hands placed in mine unexpectedly, tickling a child, popcorn in mom and dads bed, playing hidden objects games with all the little ones crowded around, teenagers hangin out in our room to talk about their day and so much more.
The older I become the more effort I put into working on the "little things" or better stated I am noticing and/or acting more on the little things.

October seemed to fly by as I look back on it all. This semester in college has been draining to say the least but I have seen my dear family come to the forefront and do more to help me out than I deserve. Little girls have brought up trays of tea and treats while I studied, Tom has washed countless dishes and prepared countless meals upon HIS insistence, and the younger children have shared how they "prayed for mommy to get a good test grade" more than once. I am humbled so much to be so blessed.

Home school is moving exceptionally well this year and everyone is staying on track. I have graduated all to the reading stage and am working on just the fluency stage for the last couple of children.

We had a nice trip to Ashley's in Virginia Beach for a weekend and the children played in the ocean (even though it was very cold), played two long games of putt, putt golf and just enjoyed hanging out with their sister and nephew Markus. I personally enjoyed all the Grammy time and marvel at how much a child grows when you do not see them everyday.

We ended the month with a trip to the Perry zoo, which is a local small zoo, and the children just love that place. You can feed most all of the animals and we just enjoyed the ride there looking at the leaves and scenery and then stopping by at a local famous tourist attraction, the turtle. This rock that looks naturally like a turtle was painted several years ago to look even more like a turtle and about every couple of years someone gives it a different paint job. Some years have been great and others average, this year was an average paint job but the children enjoyed it none the less.

Tom has been using more of his culinary skills and has been on a soup producing binge so now the freezer is full of broccoli soup, clam chowder and lobster bisque. Not sure when his next cooking class is but I almost can't wait to see what we get to try next!

Being a mom is so hard at times and this month has reminded me of it more than ever. My failings and shortcomings seemed to overtake my triumphs and this has made me ever so thankful that I serve such a loving and understanding God.

A week of wonders

This week started out just unbelievable. Monday I schooled the children in the morning then went to a United Way meeting luncheon. Ended up chairing that meeting and then heading to college for some tutoring help with my Algebra class. Got myself underway there and left just in time to head back home to change clothes to help with a fundraiser for a friend that is running for the House of Representatives. The governor was coming in to show his support for him also so the place was packed. I did get the opportunity to talk with the governor again as we have spoken in the past about foster/adoption issues. After being social for way too long :) I was able to slip out and go home.
Tuesday it was the start of music lessons for the children and we added in the last three this year so all seven younger ones are now in lessons. We did 1/2 day of school before leaving though so that makes the day even more productive. After lessons we came home and I hopped into the car and headed out to college class (Algebra tonight). Home late again.
Wednesday the older children stayed home to do school while I took the youngest 4 to the dentist for cleanings. As soon as I came home I had to unpack 4 and pack one child (17yo son) into the car. I thought he had strep as his throat was full of blister but fortunately he has another type of bacterial infection and is now on antibiotics! Home again only to pack ALL my college books into the car and leave for school so I could make up a test I missed last week when I was ill. Finished the test, worked on homework and went to Teacher Education class.... home late again.
During all this time my dear hubby has been fixing meals, checking on my homework progress and keeping me going all while working several overtime hours himself for his job. Can I just say how wonderful he is here? Lets just say we are both looking forward to a night out together and this weekend we are invited to a wine dinner and are taking advantage of the invite.
The real blessing to all of this craziness is that through it all the children have just stepped up to the plate with Hannah (13yo) asking if she and Destini (10yo) can take over the laundry because they really like doing it. Gee... let me think about this? Hmmm... 3 loads of laundry 6 days a week... I guess if they reeeaaalllyy want too! I keep walking over to the laundry area thinking I need to start a load and tada there is no laundry! This is very sweet indeed!
With all this busyness I am even more appreciative that I am a homeschooling mom. I love being at home and working on all the projects I have going, cooking, cleaning and all the monotonous jobs that go with it!

addition

Forgot to explain one of the pictures. The dog has pieces of a game laying on him. The game is Some-body and it is all about body parts. Well.....give some homeschool children a game like this and they will find a live specimen instead of the cardboard one. The dog just laid there taking it all in.

summer is winding down and fall is taking over

The last few weeks have been very busy scurring about with the tail end of produce season. Our local heritage day celebration in the town was last week too and that had me making breakfast for 200 at the firehall, making lunch for 175 and fitting in some time to walk around our town to see what the venders had for sale. I ended up purchasing a miser's purse that was hand crocheted. It will be a nice accessory for next years reinactment costume that I am working on for me. Hannah wore one that I made 3 years ago for her sister and her friend wore one that I made 2 years ago. Our summer was very tied up so I was unable to make new dresses this year.
College classes are going way better than expected. I am actually learning to like Algebra and the other two are just great.
My dear grandson called today (via mommy) and babbled to me. Oh what joy it is being a grammy. I am watching him grow so quickly and look forward to seeing him.
This week was also recovery week as I had severe allergies that then settled into my chest. I am still coughing but thankful that it was not a virus. The children were all so worried about me and I ask them why? They proceeded to let me know that I NEVER got sick and what was the world coming to with MOM being down!
Oh 2 weeks ago Tom decided to take us on a spur of the moment fun day and drove us to Black Water Falls. We had a great time going up and the children love seeing the falls. After some time at the falls we stopped by Mt. Storm lake and let them wade in the water that is always very warm. We packed a lunch and just had a great family time. I love it when he gets one of his wild hairs!
This week looks like overload with meetings, speaking presentations, dentist appointments and the start of music lessons. The end of the week will be great though as I have a date with my hubby and Garrett was asked to go to homecoming with a young lady (that i like very much). Glad I am not in control of my time or I would really be in a sling!
Oh also included photos of my living room redo. Amazing what a $15 dollar can of floor paint will do and rearranging what you already own.

what a weekend!!

The zoo trip was just perfect! The weather was great, the zoo was way more than we expected and there were so many bonus' to the trip that we know for certain God had it all planned for us.

We started out by arriving at the zoo and heading up the escalator to the entrance. You have to know Pittsburgh and understand that everything there is built on a hill. Most of the children have never been on an escalator so you can imaging the craziness getting everyone on and then watching them as we go up. They were falling all over themselves and Tom and I were doubled over laughing at the sight of it all.

Next, we watched in amazement as the children light up all over at the sight of all the animals we saw. The elephants and the penguins were some of the favorites. We came at just the right time for feeding for several of the animals so we were able to watch them eat. We watched a show that had small animals (hedgehog, skenk lizard and others) and the children were able to pet them and really see them up close.

Then we visited the African area and had our picture taken with a 3 year old elephant. We were petting her afterwards and the children thought they had just died and gone to animal heaven.

As if that was not enough, we watched the polar bear eating, the penguins interact with the children, and the seals interacting too. The kangaroos so close you could touch them, the stingray petting area (yes, you can actually pet stingrays and these ones loved to be touched)and the sharks swimming over the heads of the children in the water tunnels.

We went to my parents afterwards and the next day it was kite flying, the slip-n-slide and a fire with marshmallows.

God knew that we have a busy school year ahead for the children and for me and we felt so blessed to be able to have this little slice of fun before finishing the canning season, starting homeschool and starting back to college.

The children were so overwhelmed by the weekend they just begged to go back soon. Fortunately the ticket sales person at the zoo suggested we buy a year membership and saved us about $30 off admission so now we can visit as much as we want in the next year. Did I mention how blessed we felt.

Canning this week so I will post the results, good and bad and how my college classes measure up to my liking and of course the homeschool happenings!

leaving one zoo for another!

After days of canning everything possible we are retreating for the weekend to visit my parents and to take the children to the Pittsburgh Zoo.

I cannot believe all the wonderful jars of goodness that are bursting out of the pantry. More beans, blackberry jams, and salsa along with dried nectarines rounded out this week. I will have more to do next week including peaches, more corn, lots more salsa and some zucchini made into crushed pineapple. I know sound weird but it tastes just like it!

My dear sweetie made supper tonight (BLTs) so I was able to get stuff together for the weekend and tie up some loose ends.

The children all packed their backpacks with goodies to keep them busy for the trip and then the older ones helped the Little's pack their clothes. They also worked on laundry and did all the house chores so we can come home to a tidy house.

Next week is official homeschooling and I start back to college. I am hoping for a better semester than last and count it as one more down.

some of the children are finishing their shower, some are already in bed and my hubby is waiting for some wife time :) and all extra produce was just picked up so off for an early start on a fun weekend.

This is the day that the Lord has made...

A much needed refreshing Lord's day here at the Big House. Tom has worked so much he decided on a family worship day.

Yesterday I went with him on a loonngg ride on the motorbike. We put in well over 300 miles and it was a great ride to de-stress him after so many 16 hour working days. I often just watch the stress melt away off his back and see his muscles relax as we ride. I was ever so thankful for the children letting us go. Hannah had them all bathed and in bed when we came home. Garrett graciously picked up our produce order and now I have salsa and pickling to look forward to for this week.

The large Rhino beetle is still a visitor here even though he did manage to escape his quarters for a brief time. Miriam brought me a roly poly bug as I was having some bible study time on the porch. I told her to just feed him to our bearded dragon lizard but she was not too happy about my suggestion. Hannah is under the weather today so I think some game playing will be in order instead of swimming.

I also plan on working in some knitting time. I joined the hat of the month club (at Millicents yarns) in March and I am behind a hat. I like the fact that they are portable so I can take them places to work on. There has only been one that I do not care for and I plan on replacing that pattern with a Tam style. I figure that if I do one hat a month until next March I will have a hat made for everyone in the family!

Winding down...for now!

My life is not only full but also very interesting and at times down right amazing! The last several weeks were full of canning peaches, tomato sauce, pickles and relish. Freezing corn and 28 loaves of zucchini bread rounded out the list. Hannah decided to make some little pizzas for the freezer and at 13 she did a super job. There are several little pizzas tucked away now awaiting to be pulled out and topped. She also tried her hand out at making sauce for them as did super on that as well. Now before anyone thinks she is just such a super child notice the added picture of her with the brown substance on her finger and the light brown curly items sticking out of it. Well... she came to me and said "mom, Oscar (our pug puppy) has worms" then she proceeds to lick her finger to which I am now permanently grossed out!

Today it is cookies and brownies as the cookie jar has been empty for way to long! I also want to make some rolls and bread but we shall see what time permits.

Tom has been working some tremendous overtime for the last three weeks and most days were 16 hour ones. I was was sitting in bed last night watching something on my laptop when my dear son Garrett decides to show me his new found friend. Now what part of this bug is not something you want to see before you go to bed? I think I might need therapy after this one!