End of 2011

It is hard to believe that it is already the end of 2011! It was a busy year with Hannah's basketball games, school, the farm, and farmers' market activities.

We ended the year with John's knee replacement surgery. The healing process has been steady, but uncomfortable. John has been diligent with his physical therapy and will begin teaching again when his semester begins on January 9th.

We are thankful that Clay and Hannah have helped with the farm chores. On Monday, school starts for Hannah, and Clay has to put in a week of work at the college before his spring semester begins. That means back to farm chores for John. Hopefully, he will tread carefully when he heads to the barn.

Looking to 2012- we have a couple of exciting events happening.

Our first grandchild, a girl, is due on April 10th! Maria is very excited and is feeling better from the bouts of morning sickness she endured. This will be an exciting time for our whole family. We'll try our best not to spoil the tiny one!

The other big event will be Clay's graduation from Berea College in May. We are very proud of his diligence and hard work during the past four years. Clay is excited that the end of college life is near!

My thoughts have run out for now, so I'll close with wishes to everyone for a very happy, healthy new year!

Loving this Saturday

Today has been a nice day. Beautiful weather, and I've gotten some chores done around the house. A little later, I'll be going to a baseball chili supper where they will have crafters selling items. I'm going to set up a table to sell some of my items. I have a variety of scrabble tile pendants made up, some holiday potpourri mix, Grinch powder, and magic reindeer food. Cross your fingers that I sell some stuff! I'll try to post some pictures a little later.

A Nice Holiday Weekend

It has been an enjoyable weekend at home. On Thanksgiving evening, after cooking literally ALL DAY, 9 of us feasted on fried turkey, roasted ham, and ALL the trimmings. My favorites this year were the dressing and the pumpkin pie. I believe it was the best pumpkin pie I had ever made.
It was especially nice having all three of my kids at home together. Maria and Zac were here, Clay (Samantha went home to North Carolina), and of course, Hannah. We also had three of Clay`s Berea College friends who came to eat with us. They seemed to enjoy their visit with us. It was nice sharing our Thanksgiving meal with young people who weren`t able to go home for the holiday weekend.

It`s back to school for me tomorrow, but also a big day for our family. Maria has an ultrasound appointment and we might find out if she`ll be having a boy or a girl. I vote GIRL!

I'm Thankful

Many people have been writing daily thankful thoughts. I knew i wouldn't be disciplined enough to keep up with that, so I'm writing my top 10 list.
I'm thankful ...
1) for my husband and my children.
2) for my mom and dad who raised me in a loving home.
3) for neighbors and friends who always are there when I need them.
4) For friends I've had for years and even though we don't see each other often, we're still friends!
5) for my church families- current and part. They are and have been my brothers and sisters when I haven't had my natural siblings close by.
6) for my school - students and colleagues who are like family to me.
7) for good health.
8) for my home (washer & dryer, dishwasher, electricity, food to eat, hot shower,& a warm bed).
9) for the many freedoms which we take for granted - (freedom to pray and worship; the ability to feel safe in my home and community)
10) for patience - in dealing with all of the above, I have to have patience. Sometimes I fail, but I do try.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to ALL!

Project in the Works

A couple of weeks ago, we successfully rendered our own lard. It was a pretty satisfying project. The lard turned out snowy-white. I haven`t yet used any of it in cooking, but it sure does look pretty in the jars. We stuck it in the freezer to prevent it from going bad.

The project we have in mind is to make and sell homemade soaps. We are looking for sources of soap molds, essential oils, and lye. It seems that lye is a hot commodity because it is used in the making of meth. How sad that people who want to "get back to the basics" hit roadblocks because of those who break the law.

In the next few days, we will be placing orders for our soap making supplies. I'll let you know if our venture is successful or not!

Blessings~
Dorthy

Hannah's 11-11-11 Birthday

Hannah enjoyed her 15th birthday with Maria picking her up from basketball practice and taking her to eat Mexican with some friends. They went to the Garrard High football playoff game. Garrard won again, making their season record 11-1 on 11-11-11. Pretty cool, huh? They will play again next Friday night for the regional championship.

After the game, Hannah came home with 3 girfriends to spend the night. I know they were up late - I heard them still laughing at 2 am. They are all snoozing away now. I am wondering when they will be ready to eat something. Hmmmmm...hard to tell.

A Busy Week!

It has been a busy week for me! The combinaton of being busy and the full moon (kids go crazy during a full moon) has made me exhausted. So...why am I up so early on a Saturday morning? Maria is helping John at the market today, so I get the day off. I guess I got up so I could enjoy the day. I need to do some cleaning. Holiday time is near, and that makes me want to have things a little more organized. Our new Jack Russell, named Jack, is a loving little guy. He hasn't become attached to any particular family member-he just wants to be near people. He follows us around the house. I think he's a bit nosey. John has been letting Jack go with him to the feed store. Jack is learning to stay in his seat in the truck and to wait in the truck while John pays for the feed. On Wednesday, he managed to get put on the naughty list. When John got home mid-day, he discovered that Jack had destroyed five mini-blinds in the house. Jack also damaged a Christmas cactus. I might forgive him for the mini-blinds, but the cactus is one I can't easily forgive! Only his sweetness will get Jack forgiven. Thursday after school, I moderated the quick recall matches at the Superintendent's Cup. It is wonderful to see academically talented students show their knowledge during these matches. It was fun, but a long day. On my mind right now is what to cook today. I really want to make some sort of bread, but I know I don't need the calories. I have found a new love in the Pinterest app. There are tons of ideas and links to just about anything a person might be interested in. I have found tons of recipes to try! If you haven't experienced Pinterest, DON'T - unless you want a new obsession! I LOVE IT!

A new family member

Today Hannah got the new pet she's been wanting for a while.  She got a Jack Russell terrier.  He is a sweet little dog and seems to love his new home.  His name is Jack.  Not original, but cute. Jack got to go to the barn to help do chores.  He quickly decided that the big hogs were not something he wanted to explore.  He did enjoy sniffing the youngest piglets.  Hannah said that Jack thought the piglets were dogs because they were about Jack's size. Hannah just finished giving him a bath and said that they are now going to take a nap. I think Jack has found a good home and we have found a loving new member for our family.

A chilly Saturday at the Farmers's Market

The first Saturday market in November was a chilly one! John and I worked the market today and gave Hannah the day off. Clay was working at the college this weekend. Maria came and visited with us for a while. It was good seeing her, For those of you who haven't heard the news, Maria is giving us our first grandchild in April! We are praying for a healthy baby.

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it- with Christmas upon us shortly afterward. I wish I could figure out ways to simplify things this year. Any ideas?