Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday on the Homestead
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We woke up to a chilly 25 degrees this morning. At least the sun was shinning though. We don't take the sun for granted anymore around here. The girls are glad it's Friday. They are so glad to be done with school for the week. I can't say that I blame them. Yesterday I made beef stew in the crockpot. It was very good. Today I will make sourdough bread and probably some type of casserole. I'm not sure which one yet. Chad and Lauren are coming home from Texas on Monday. We are glad. We sure miss them. I'm praying for good driving weather. They don't have to be back at school for another week after that. They have had a very long break. Well I better get going and get off the computer if I'm going to get anything done today. I hope everyone has a great day and that it's productive. Love, Tina |
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year
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First I would like to wish everyone a happy new year. Here in Tennessee it is warm, (around 50 degrees)! I personally would like it to be a little colder. I was browsing around quiverfull's blog and saw how they had a massive amount of snow up in Washington state. Her pictures are simply beautiful. It makes me homesick for my childhood up in Michigan. We had so many good winter memories. The snow just makes everything breathtaking. We all had a nice Christmas holiday and now on to a new year. I hope everyone uses this time of year for a fresh new start in self improvement. I know I do this every year. For this reason alone I love the time right after Christmas when we clean out and throw away both physically and mentally. Yesterday I made a big pot full of chicken and dumplings. We will eat this tonight for dinner. Along with homemade bread. I haven't decided yet what I will make for dessert. Something yummy thats for sure.  I just love making desserts. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Love, Tina |
Monday, November 17, 2008
Busy but fun days
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Well, I say everytime I get on here that I will do better and post more but................this is what happens. I am a busy mommy and wife and 1 month later. Here I am again. Promising to blog more. This is where I am most comfortable. I love it here and I will do better. We have been on retreats, celebrated birthdays, had lots of company, fenced........but I love winter and am anticipating it slowing our life down just a tad. I hope. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a blessed day and spends time with their family, in the word and in prayer. I know those are the most important things in the world to me. Love, Tina |
Friday, October 3, 2008
Another Year
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Yes I am another year older as of 1 week ago. Last Friday was my birthday and I turned 40. I had a great week. My husband threw me a surprise party. He bought me pearls. A necklace , earrings, and a bracelet. In both white and gray. They are all beautiful. This week the weather is turning a little more chilly. Lows in the 40's at night. The sky is beautiful though. Cornflower blue is what they call it. Oh I almost forgot he bought me boots from TSC too. My others were just not as comfortable as I would have liked them to be. He's so good to me. We had a busy week. Today is catch up day. Lots of laundry and cleaning and cooking. Just my kind of day. I love to be at home making it cozy for my family. Finding happiness in life's simple pleasures Baking Bread, Pumpkins, Caramel Apples, Autumn Blue Sky, Corn Stalks, Fallen leaves, Fires in the stove, Fresh Eggs, Quilts on the clothesline, Yellow Mums, Candles burning Just a few of my favorite things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone have a blessed day, Tina |
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday on the homestead
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Woke up to a sunny and warm morning. I am anxious for fall but learning to cherish everyday and just enjoy being in the moment. I think that comes with turning 40. Yes I will be 40 this month. Several things are on my mind and prayer list. Carson- 4th grader in school with Abigail who is experiencing kidney failure due to possible e.coli infection. Chad - son in college ( he is doing great though) Hurricane victims in Texas church at Eagleville upcoming election my family Life is a series of ups and downs. But through it all God is always good. I am home today just cleaning and doing around the farm. I'm letting my chickens out in their yard. We had to put them up because they were getting out and we were afraid something would get the younger ones. I miss seeing them pecking around though........ So today I will give them free range and try to do a better job of putting them up every night. I have to go the store and get chicken feed today. I love having them. We may go to the State Fair tomorrow. I hope the weather cooperates. My favorite thing to do is look at the livestock exhibits. Well I better get going or I will not get anything accomplished. Love, Tina |
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Welcome Rain
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We had a welcomed visitor this morning. It was raining when we came out of church. It is still coming down. A nice steady drizzle. The grass was beginning to look awful and dry up. I was hoping that the trees wouldn't be affected this fall either. We'll keep our fingers crossed. Yesterday we painted all the railings on the deck and finished our little deck off the back one. We got alot accomplished. A nice day to end the week-end. Maybe I'll get a nap in but probably not because we have Sunday night singing tonight at church and I have to make a desert for that. We always have snacks on singing night. It's alot of fun. Chad will be home this week-end for the long holiday week-end. We all miss him. I will be getting ready for alot of good cooking. I think he is bringing friends home too. I'll have to stop by www.thepioneerwoman.com for some great recipe ideas. If you haven't discovered that site, you need to. It's a good one. I hope everyone has a great week. I am going to do my best to post everyday instead of just Sunday's. I don't know what is wrong with me these days. I know it's late but I would like to wish momtoall a very happy birthday . Her birthday was August 17th. She is my cousin and we are 6 weeks apart. I won't tell anyone how old she is but I will be 40 in 6 weeks. Hint Hint!I did send her an e-mail on her birthday but thought you all could tell her too. They just got back from a long birthday trip. Now thats one family who knows how to play and lives life to the fullest.I Love You Andrea! The next 40 years are going to be even better. Love, Tina |
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Beautiful Sunday
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We had a great day today. We went to church this morning and had a great lesson with several of our friends visiting. We went to eat after church at our little Mexican restaurant in town.After that we came home and washed all the vehicles. Terry got called out on a fire call. They had a brush fire and then got called out on another one. The girls and I and Garrett went back to church tonight. Terry was still at the fire. We came home and made our traditional grilled cheese and shell soup for supper. I stewed tomatoes and put them in the freezer. I made about 6 quarts worth. I still have quite a bit left but I think I will make salsa with the rest. Today while I was out feeding the horses and calves we noticed a new little chick with her mama. We'll see how long she'll last. We took Chad to college yesterday. I miss him so much but I know he is where he needs to be. He loves it there and I am so happy he is getting to go there. My Dad went to the same college 43 years ago. He is blessed . Well, tomorrow will come soon so I better get ready for bed. I hope everyone had a blessed Sunday. Love, Tina |
Monday, August 11, 2008
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This has been a long break for me in the blogging world. Tonight my hubby said he has missed seeing me blog. So after a long break I will post a little of what has been going on. Our garden has came and went. My hubby plowed what was left of the weeds and grass. It was the worst garden that we have ever had. Partly due to my failure to weed as needed. Next year I think we will have to find another spot for it. We need to replenish the earth in that spot. We have wonderful church friends who gladly have given us their surplus. I put up 200 ears of corn about a month ago. Lots of green beans too and just tonight she sent 2 bucket fulls of tomatoes. Our calves are doing great. We now have 2 horses. Duke and Gracie. Duke is a walking horse and Gracie is a spotted saddle horse. Our Rhode Island Red hens are the settingest things I have ever seen. I prefer to have layers only and not setters. We got some Red Stars about 2 months ago. I can't wait until they start laying.I will phase the Rhode Island Reds out. The girls started back to school today. Britt is a senior and Abigail is in 4th. Chad completed his first year of college and also finished his EMT class and passed his national registry exam. He is now an EMT. I am so proud of him. Next week-end he will be going off to college. It's 3 hours away.  I know I will see him regularly but we will still miss him being here. I will get on track and start blogging again. I have missed you all. Love, Tina |
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Summer Is Here
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Summertime has come to Tennessee again. It's been in the 90's for a couple of days now. I guess we will have to get used to the heat because it is here to stay. I love it though. Our garden is doing good. Grass and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to find out what is eating the cabbage plants though. I don't like that. Those poor little leaves getting ate all up. Not nice. I am off of work all next week so hopefully I can get a lot of stuff done here on the farm. Our calves are weaned and out in the pasture now. They are doing good. My chickens are laying really good and I have more chicks coming at the end of this month. I am glad I can pass up the eggs in the grocery store. It is such a good feeling. I am going to start baking more than I have. I go in spurts for some reason. I will get caught up this week. Tomorrow night Terry and Chad are having to deliver his back-hoe that he sold to Tupelo, Miss. He will leave after Chad gets out of EMT class. I hope God gives them a safe trip. Brittany and Abigail are spending 3 days a week babysitting for my brothers girls. His wife works out of her home. They are really enjoying that. Well I hope everyone has a great week . Maybe I can blog a little more in the next few days. Love, Tina |
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Soap making questions ,flowers and FFA
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It's been a busy time here on the farm. Spring is always like that. We got the garden planted last week-end before all the rain came. The calves are growing and starting to eat grain now. The hens are all laying. I'm happy to get eggs again. I have my hanging flower baskets on the front porch and I have a few marigolds in the ground as well as in planters. I never can get enough flowers. I have a question about soap making. I bought lye crystals from the co-op. Is that the same thing as regular lye that you use for soap making? I am determined to make soap with-in the next month. Any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated. I am making goats milk soap. Last night we had the people over from church for a potluck. We had a great time of fellowship. Today all the kids from FFA came over to make slide show for the graduating officers. Britt is a junior this year, and next year it will be her. Last year it was Chad and it sure was a tear jerker. Its a wonderful program and my kids have learned so much from it. I am tired and I have to get up early so I will retire for the day. I hope everyone has a good night . Love, Tina |
Monday, April 21, 2008
Farm news
Posted in Homestead News
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What a beautiful day it was. 80* and sunny. The calves are doing great. They anxiously await their morning and evening bottles. Dad and Mom came by and helped us feed tonight. Our 2 Rhode Island Red roosters are quite fiesty. They may end up in the stew pot. Our hens are laying good now. The eggs are getting larger by the day. For those of you who are thinking of getting chickens, I recommended Red Star. They are so docile and very sweet and laid back. Roosters too! I will not get Rhode Island Reds again. LOL. Live and Learn. Tonight we had left over lasagna and bread. Terry had fire training. Chad is at EMT clinicals. The girls and I are at home. Another busy little day on the farm. |
Friday, April 18, 2008
Better Today
First of all I want to thank everyone for all of the nice comments concerning my kidney stone. I went back to the doctor today to get the stint removed and I was totally shocked when they removed about a 12 inch piece from me. I was expecting a 2 inch or so thingy to be in there. I was SHOCKED to say the least. And for those of you who read my last blog, I realized that I spelled knew wrong. I think I just forgot to hit the k and I spelled it new. I am not a scholar but I need all the credit I can get. LOL!We are suppose to get some thunderstorms tonight. Maybe they aren't going to be too bad. This week-end I was planning on getting some outside stuff done. Hopefully I still can. I hope everyone has a blessed day. Love, Tina |
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Lots going on
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Last Saturday I got up and made breakfast and then went into the bathroom to do my hair and all of a sudden I felt this little twinge. Well I am not used to getting kidney, bladder etc.. infections, but I knew enough to know there was something going on. So I went and drank 2 big glasses of water,thinking that would help. Well about 5 minutes later I was in agonizing and I mean agonizing pain. To make a long story short DH finally talked me into going to the hospital about 1:30 and after blood work and a CAT scan they told me I had a 7mm kidney stone and that you cannot pass one that big so they had to do surgery to remove it Sunday morning. I came home Sunday afternoon and I have been out of it for most of the week. They had to put a stint in that I have to go have removed tomorrow. I am hoping that I will feel even better after that. My DH was so loving and very attentive and caring during the whole thing. I am so lucky to have him.He slept in the hospital bed with me Saturday night to make sure I didn't run a fever. I Love him so much. Also this week we got 3 baby calves that we have been bottle feeding twice a day.They are holsteins and we will raise them for beef. The weather has been beautiful, to bad I have not been able to enjoy it. I am hoping to get some flowers and some of my garden out this week-end. MY mom came over when my hubby had to go back to work and she took care of things here for me. I am so thank-ful to have such a wonderful mom. She is so giving and always puts her children first. She taught me alot of things when I was a child, but the lessons I have learned from her as an adult leave me speechless. I am going to spend time with my youngest since it is just her and I at home right now. I am trying to capture every moment that I can. I hope that everyone has a blessed day. Love, Tina |
Friday, April 4, 2008
Raining Again
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Well! Surprise! Surprise! It's raining again. I mean lots of rain. My chickens are running around with their little feet squishing as they go. It's very amusing. I guess, if your not a chicken. We have had our share of rain, but after last year of the drought, we should not complain. I love it when I don't have to go anywhere on days like this. I may go to the grocery store, if I think of something special that I want to cook. I always come up with some dish that I just have to have. Especially after browsing around thepionerwoman .It's amazing. She has some awesome pictures of every dish as she is cooking it. Now, unlike some of you ladies who are very health conscience, I would like to confess. The more butter the better is my philosophy. So if you are looking for healthy recipes, you won't find them at my site or hers. But Oh! They will be good! She has given me some very good recipes and ideas. Enjoy! |
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Customizing Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I really want to change the look of my blog. I want it to reflect a more simpler, primitive feel. How hard is it and do you have to purchase the images from different places? Please help! Have a wonderful Day! Love, Tina P.S. I found that blesseedmomof10 has a blog on the homeschool blog site! I was happy to see that everything was O.K. |
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Good Day!
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Today was a very profitable day. I got a few loads of laundry done. I cleaned alot,well actually I put alot of things away that I still had out for winter etc....I love winter so I try to drag the winter decor out until April but by then I am more than ready for the spring pretties! Tonights menu was Chicken and Dumplings Sourdough Bread Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake I love cooking all day. I went out and fed the chickens. Still no eggs. My little guys are crowing now. I forgot how much I missed that. Chad is at EMT class. He started his clinicals last night at the hospital. He got to start an I.V. or 2. He also had to take stool sample from a 96 yr. old man. I am so proud of him. He is 18 and I just love the fact that he wants to serve in the medical field. Brittany is gone to FFA Convention. She will be home tomorrow. I miss her so much. She is my quiet middle child but she is missed so much when she is not here. Abigail and I have spent alot of time together. She gets alot of one on one when they are gone. She misses them though. That leaves Terry, last but definatly not least. He is working on Chad"s car. For the 2nd night in a row! The fire dept. guys are here too. They all really look up to him. He helps so many people. I am so proud of him. He keeps me going and I really don't know what I would do with-out him. He is the capturer of my heart! I love to serve my family and I hope they see the love I have for them.I took alot of pics today around the homestead. I am hoping to get them on here tomorrow.I hope everyone had a blessed day.Love, Tina |
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tuesday on the farm
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Before I get started I thought I would tell what is on my list for today. I will have chicken and dumplings for dinner along with sourdough bread and a big salad. I will also make chocolate swirl cheesecake for hubby. I came across the recipe while we were in Florida and I promised that I would make it for him. Cheesecake is his favorite.The sun is out today and it is beautiful but I don't know how wet it is because we had very heavy rain during the night. If it is not too wet I will also try some seed planting in the garden. I need to plant Abigail's cabbage plants but I'm sure she would like to plant those herself. I will try to get back on later and update on the farm happenings. We still haven't had an eggs yet from my new hens. It really should be anytime now. I hope everyone has a blessed day! Love, Tina |
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tina's to do List
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Tina's list for today 1. Catch up on laundry 2. Make Amish friendship bread. 3.Make a visit with hubby to a fellow firefighter friend who was hurt. 4. Make beef stew and sour dough bread 5. Clean Sounds like a day that I love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just taking care of my family! Love, Tina |
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Give me Simplicity
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We have just spent 1 whole week at the beach. The girls went with DH and I, as well as Garrett. Chad had to stay home because of his EMT class.We had a wonderful time. I treasure the times that we can be together all day and just enjoy each other. It is so wonderful. I also really love the times that it is just DH and I. This year the family went too! We did get to go out to dinner 1 night by ourselves though. It was very nice.We were all eager to get back home though. The ocean is beautiful but when you live in Tennessee among the hills, there's no place like home. I guess I need those times to revive me and get me ready for a busy season of planting the garden and everything else that comes with spring.I also need that time to make me reevaluate my own life and get me back to where I need to be. When I get out with those crazy people(it was spring break) need I say more, I just can't believe how far the world has gotten away from Gods plan. Some things we saw were down right sickening. I just wanted to get back to my little corner of the world.All the junk that people were buying and the flashing neon signs, all the immodest clothing and the language. It was enough to just make me sick. The sad part is the downward spiral of society so fast. Those things would not have been tolerated a very short time ago. Anyway, I am now wanting my oil lamps, my garden, my stove, my tranquility and calmness of my farm more than ever! Welcome Home! Love, Tina |
Friday, March 14, 2008
Rainy Friday
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It's Friday and it's raining. We may have some storms this afternoon and into tonight but they just can't really be accurate in this part of the country....ever!Anyway, it's raining! Last night Terry tilled up my garden spot with his tractor and I was really hoping to get out there today, but that will have to wait. He told me that this year all he was going to do was till it up and the rest of the work would be mine. I am kind of excited about that because he usually does the planting too and he plants sooooooooooooooooo much and I can't ever keep up with it. So this year he said I can do whatever I want to with the garden. So I will plant what I think I can keep up with and try some experimental things that I haven't done before. I am also going to plant flowers in my garden along with the veggies to make it pretty. Brittany has a softball game tonight, but I think they will cancel it because of the rain. Yipee! It's a 2 hour drive to where they have to play tonight. Yuck!  Last week we had bad weather too. Last Friday a winter storm came in and Terry and I were flying out to Michigan and then we had to drive a moving truck back for his sister who is moving to Alabama. Terry did a marvelous job of driving through ice and snow through Cincinnati. He can do absolutly anything he wants to do and he is so good at it. I am so lucky! I thank God that he is so capable of taking care of this family. I am not one to travel alot. I love it here in my little corner of the world and I would be perfectly happy to not have to ever go anywhere! He keeps me balanced!I have included a really neat web site on my links. You can get to it here too.the pioneer womanIt's a great site ! She also has a link to her cooking site with alot of step by step recipes and pictures. She is a very funny lady who lives on a ranch. She doesn't like to leave her place either. That seems to be a sentiment of alot of ladies here! Well I better get going for the day. There is alot to do. I hope everyone has a great day! Love, Tina |