Thursday, December 10, 2009

Egg Hatching News

I almost forgot to give an update on the egg hatching experiment.
Well, if you remember from a previous post, Brandon thought that he heard some peeping coming from the incubator that morning while he was doing his math. Of course I was a little skeptical because it was a perfect plan to take a break from the dreaded math book!
He was right, however!! What an exciting science lesson. The boys wanted to reach in and help this little one out so badly but I wouldn't let them.


Finally she made her grand entrance into the world.



The boys liked to put the chicks on the school table while they wrote. The chicks would chase their pencil around and peck it.


The final results of our egg hatching was not an accurate count due to some help from my sweet, but curious little grandson, Parker. He was looking at the eggs in the incubator one day and Bryce remembered hearing him say, "What's dis?" Hours later we realized he was asking about the temperature knob, which he apparently turned higher :( So...we got 4 chicks out of 13 eggs. We will try again in the spring. Maybe we will use the primitive method and the incubator method and record our findings. Hmmm...I see a great science and math lesson in the future!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A Thanksgiving Chuckle

After spending two days preparing and cooking for Thanksgiving Day the moment finally arrived....Lunchtime! We had all the traditional fixins, you know- turkey,ham, sweet potato casserole, dressing, mashed potatoes, squash, pumpkin rolls, pie, etc. While everyone was busy making their plates and having a great time talking and laughing together, Uncle Brent was busy helping Parker make his Thanksgiving lunch plate. After Brent went through the entire menu of choices to eat, this is what Paker wanted...




Ha! Ha! What a hoot! I thought that was so funny I just had to share it with everyone! I just love two-year olds with a mind of their own!!

How was your Thanksgiving?

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Operation Christmas Child

Our family has been so busy lately. I wanted to share one of the projects we have been working on. It is Operation Christmas Child. I would encourage everyone to get involved in this ministry! Under the direction of Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son, shoe boxes are delivered to needy children around the world. This is a hands-on way for families to reach out to others with the Good News of Jesus Christ and to fill each box with toys as well as essential items such as school supplies and hygiene products. This is about our tenth year to take part in Operation Christmas Child. Through the years we have developed a plan to make as many boxes as possible for as little expense as possible. We do this by shopping all year long for the shoe boxes. For example, the shirt below I purchased at Children's Place for only $1.00 after summer season was over.
These cute leggings I was able to buy for only $.59 after halloween at Target!!! Needless to say, I stocked up on these!

Brandon and Bryce made a large storage box for all the goodies we gather throughout the year. We keep it in the garage and add to it all year long. We hit the off-season sales, back-to-school sales, etc. By the end of the year we are always surprised at the amount of items we have collected. By doing it this way we are able to fill many more boxes with very nice gifts. If we waited until November, when the boxes are to be turned in, we would not be able to fill very many due to the expense. Also, this keeps my children mindful of those less fortunate all year long!



I must add that I am very thankful and so proud of my daughter, Brooke. She truly has a heart for this program and missions in general! I wanted to include her post that she sent out to her Facebook friends ("encouraging" them to participate in Operation Christmas Child) to my blog today but I couldn't find it. In her writing she made it very black and white about where our priorities are as spoiled Americans. She stated it so well. Brooke was blessed to be able to go on a missions trip to Haiti one summer and it has forever changed her life. The stories she has shared with our family are heart wrenching!

Along with each shoe box that is delivered each child gets a booklet, provided by Operation Christmas Child, in their language of the plan of salvation. My children also include in each box a letter sharing their name and address and telling the child that they are loved and we are praying for them. Sometimes the child will write a thank you letter back, however, we have never received one.

The shoe box collection is over for this year but I hope I have encouraged you to begin collecting now so that next November you will be able to participate in this project as well! For more details go to samaritanspurse.org
Be a Blessing!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Good News!

I am so happy and excited for my niece, Rhonda and her husband, Neal. I got a phone call a few weeks ago from Rhonda. It was a phone call I have been waiting to receive for a long time. Rhonda has been very patient in waiting on the Lord to bring the right man into her life and her dreams have come true. I have not had the privilege of meeting Neal yet but I hope to get to see both of them during the Christmas holidays! And now for the long awaited news....they are having a baby!!! We are so very happy for the newlyweds!!

And more good news from the Castleberry family. My nephew, John and his sweet wife, Veronica are also having a baby!!! This is such exciting news as well!! I know my brother and sister-in-law are just as excited as these two couples. They will be blessed with not one but two precious grandbabies to hold in just a few short months!

Children are a blessing and gift from the Lord!

Friday, November 6, 2009

The Best Birthday!

Wow, is it already the second week in November???? My days have been extremely busy lately and I don't "do" busy if you know what I mean. Also, my family has been taking turns with a stomach virus for over a week now. Just about the time traffic slows down to the bathroom and I breathe a sigh of relief....someone else darts by me headed to the bathroom. It has been a couple of days now with no "incidents" - dare I breathe that sigh of relief? Ahhh, such is life in a large family.


My birthday was the last week in October and I was fortunate to spend it in my favorite place ever, the Appalachian Mountains!!!! Monroe and I sort of had a trade-off. You see, he was invited to go to Texas on a hunting trip with a friend. As a matter of fact, he has been gone this week on his hunting trip (he missed out on the sharing of the stomach bug...lucky). So when my dear friend, Kay, mentioned that she had a trip planned to the mountains to see the gorgeous fall leaves it was a done deal ;-) I think we hit the autumn show at the peak time too.


This time Bran and Bryce were able to go along as well. We had such a good time just being out in nature enjoying God's creation. We went on long drives every day we were there. I know the pictures don't really capture the true beauty we saw but here are a few of my favorite shots.

This red tree just stood out all alone. Isn't it beautiful!




I don't know if you can see it but there is a farm down in the valley in this picture. Ummm....what was that tenth commandment?....something about coveting?....ah geeez!

One day we went for a drive on the Cherohala Parkway. You could hear the ooooo's and aaahhhh's as we climbed higher and higher. The contrast in the colors of the leaves was just amazing. Then we began to notice bare trees. When we made it to the highest point it was a completely bare forest as you can see in this picture with Bryce.

We enjoyed delicious picnic lunches each day. Kay baked a turkey breast before we left Georgia and it was so good. We dined on cheese and crackers, sandwiches, hummus and chips. I think it tasted even better because of the atmosphere and chilly weather!! Yummy!



Another picnic spot by the river. This was another day, I promise! We did do more than eat!!




Even on a rainy day Tallualah Falls Gorge was breath taking!!





Another shot by falls. I can't remember the name of these falls.


A highlight of the trip was our visit to Foxfire. The boys and I are studying American History this year and this was a perfect field trip to add to our school year. How about that for creativity. I was able to add in a day of school on our vacation. Shhh, don't tell the boys.






This is a picture of the gorge at Tallulah Falls. It is out of order with the other pictures. I can no longer move my pictures around with blogspot. I'm not sure why. Anyway, views like this one always make me stand in awe of my Creator. He is so big and powerful and yet he takes notice of ME?

"When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers,
The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;
What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him?
And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?
Oh Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8: 3-4 &9

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fall Gardening Has Begun

Can you guess what we are having for supper? I have a pot of mustard greens cooking. My house smells of greens and that gives my family the feeling of fall...even if it is 90+ degrees outside. No matter the weather, our mustard greens are faithful to grow so beautiful and tasty! So, tonight we will dine on greens, chicken and rice casserole and cornbread.
I have rutabagas (left row), mustard greens, collards, beets, spinach and turnips planted so far. The only vegetable ready to eat, however, is the mustard. I can't wait for the cool weather. It always "sweetens" all of the greens. The mustard greens have been so plentiful we have been able to share with many friends and family members. I will be putting some in the freezer as well.

I don't really know what happened to my row of broccoli. These two lonely little plants are the only ones to survive. Oh well, I will put in another row tonight. I will be planting a variety of lettuces, onions, carrots cabbage and another row of mustard soon. Collards will last all winter but the other greens will not so I must plant more mustard to be able to eat it all winter.


I just had to include this cute picture of our farm cat, Sparkle! Doesn't she look so sweet and cuddly? She really is too. I walked into the kitchen and found her in one of her favorite places but she has never chosen to nap in my seed box before. She usually just sleeps on the shelf.


By the way, would you folks up north kindly send some of your cool weather our way? I want to open my windows and let the fresh air in so badly!!!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

I'm A Little Scared!

Not of these two sweetie pies. Yes, I am a little scared of this little sweetie pie!

Let me explain. You see, Brooke has a photo shoot this morning at a local private school and she needs me to babysit for her. I love to keep my grandbabies but I have never kept Reese for more than a couple of hours because she is a baby that will only take her Mommy's "nursie". She will not even take Mommy's pumped milk in a bottle. And we have tried all types of bottles! This girl knows what she wants!! Funny thing is her Mommy was just the same way!
So, I have this.....

And an assortment of food....
I'll let you know how it went! Yikes!
Well, everything went great today. Reese slept all morning. When Brooke came back Reese was STILL asleep. I was busy keeping up with two little guys, however. Whew, bedtime will be early for me tonight!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Dativus/Comarada BBQ

My two college boys are in a club at their school called Dativus. It has been a great experience for them! The girls' club is called Comrada. These clubs are service clubs. They volunteer many hours each year to the Care Center in town. They have helped out with building houses for those in need through Habitat for Humanity. They also work in the community helping the needy or elderly with yard work or other chores around their homes that they can not do.

Last Thursday night we hosted the 2nd annual BBQ for these guys and gals. Below is a picture of the first arrival of club members. They slowly came in groups of 3 or 4 until we had about 40 kids in our home. Of course we loved every minute of it!

After the chaplain of the club Blessed the food the line quickly formed. Everyone LOVED the food but then we all know how starving college kids are! We were told time and again how delicious everything was. I laughed and told them they were just happy to not be eating cafeteria food as the majority of them live on campus ;-)
The menu consisted of Monroe's smoked chicken, smoked pulled pork, baked macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, baked beans, corn casserole and cherry delight for dessert. Monroe and I watched as the guys kept going back for thirds and fourths! As for the girls, well... we ladies would never divulge information like that on each other. My lips are sealed! However, when all was said and done the only thing left was a few pieces of chicken and a little bit of beans. As you can see, we had to squeeze everyone in the house. It was in the high 90's outside!

After supper, the original plan was to roast marshmallows outside over an open fire. However, the mosquitoes were horrible not to mention the heat wave we are currently experiencing in Florida! (Hurry up Fall!) So, on to plan B. Pull out the board games! This great group of kids didn't appear to mind at all. They were such good sports. They seemed to enjoy just fellow shipping with each other.
If you look closely in the circle below you can see Brandon and Bryce. How sweet they were to even include the two younger brothers in a game of Apples to Apples!



Bryce even got to watch a game of chess. Pay attention Bryce, watch and learn! Later on in the evening a game of Spades was started. Four guys remained playing this game until 11:30 or so. As they gathered their belongings to leave, one of the four commented that next time he would have to teach Monroe and me to play. He went on to explain that when he was growing up his Mother didn't think there was anything worth watching on tv so they didn't have one. I told him she was my kind of woman!

I must say we were very impressed by this group of young people! The entire night we heard no bad language and no negative or bad comments. I felt very comfortable letting my younger boys mingle with the older guys. We received many, many "thank-yous" and hugs. What a pleasure it was to be able to have them in our home. I am already looking forward to the 3rd annual BBQ!! As a matter of fact, I think I overheard Monroe making plans with them for some kind of get together in a couple of months when it cools off and we can actually enjoy a bonfire. Sounds great to me!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

A Fantastic Weekend!

We had the privilege of going to Georgia this past weekend to see my cousin, Alesia and her husband, Kenny. A dinner was held on their behalf as they will be leaving the comfort and safety of home to travel abroad on very important business-The Father's Business. They will be working in an unfriendly environment and in a country that is not nearly as blessed as the USA. Their beautiful children that will be going as well. Please join our family in prayer for their safety and protection as they follow their Father's leading.


I was doubly excited to see these folks as well!!! With my Mother and Father in heaven I often get that homesick feeling for my kinfolks. There is just something about being with relatives that makes me feel connected. Just to hear that familiar Georgia accent and to see my aunts and uncles that remind me so very much of my parents, whom I miss dearly! In the picture below are my Dad's sisters and brother. Left to right, Aunt Frances, Uncle Harvey, and Aunt Nellie. Just to see Uncle Harvey Saturday morning brought me to tears. I know that may sound silly but he walks and talks like my Dad and looks like my Granny. What a truly awesome day!



Brandon and Bryceton immediately rekindled the friendship with their cousin, Ethan. These three played all afternoon together and they hated to say goodbye.






I had not seen these guys in several years. Left to right is Jonathan, Lanna, Wilma and Donny, my cousins. It surely was great to visit with them and catch up on everyone's lives.



This is Aunt Frances with my cousin, Angela. Lunch was great as we talked and talked and ate and ate. There are many wonderful benefits in being from the South but among the best would be the food!! The food table must have been at least 20 feet long and absolutely full of delicious southern cooking. Southern Hospitality at its best. Aunt Frances and Aunt Nellie both made my favorite cake, Pecan Cake. Can I just say it was heavenly!! Of course I had to have a piece of each one. I mean I just wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, you know. By the way, they were both delicious!




On the way home we were finally able to find the memory marker for my mother-in-law. It is on I-75 near the Gainesville exit but we have never been able to locate it. It is usually dark when we go through that area southbound. This was not a "fun" stop but one we needed to make. It brought closure to our hearts. We miss her tremendously.



We made one more stop in Georgia and I just can not believe I forgot to get pictures! My dear friend, Kay, now lives in GA. We had the most wonderful visit with her! We had plenty of time to chat. We went on a golf cart ride down some old Georgia clay roads in the woods...yeah! We were gone for 2 hours but it seemed like maybe 30 or 45 minutes! We found 2 old, deserted homesteads with the barns. We stopped in front of one of the places and daydreamed about what it must have been like to live in that time period. Hey! I think I will count that as a field trip for my boys....Living History! Kay, my boys are still talking about driving your golf cart! Thanks for the great time. Next time I will definitely remember my camera!!

Let's see... what will we do this coming weekend? Whatever it may be it will be hard to top this past weekend!
Thank you Lord for the "extra" blessings you sent to me!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Too Cute!

How about this little face to brighten your day? This should bring a smile to anyone! I made Luke a peanut butter and marshmallow (fluff) sandwich and then I went about my chores in the kitchen. A few moments later I turned around and this is what I saw. I had a good laugh and ran to get the camera! I believe he really enjoyed that snack! It was the first time he had ever had a peanut butter and fluff sandwich and if his Mommy has any say-so in the matter it will be his last for a long time.

However, when he is at Nonna's house he can have a peanut butter and fluff sandwich anytime he likes ;-)
And that, dear friends, is what Nonna's (Grandmothers) are for, RIGHT???

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Watching and Waiting...

My Rhode Island Red hens are getting old...I mean really old. I know I am suppose to "get rid" of them when they are no longer productive but no one around here seems to be able to "do it". Imagine that! I mean, after all I have all these hunter/men around me! Even though the chickens stay in a very large pen we have gotten attached to them. I don't really know what we are going to do about that situation. However, we are only getting about 2 or 3 eggs a day from 13 hens. Not good. And certainly not enough eggs to feed my bunch! So, we decided to try to hatch some eggs ourselves with an incubator. We collected the eggs over a period of 3 or 4 days. We have been faithful to turn them over daily and keep water in the bottom. Now we just wait and see! We should be getting our first chicks any day now. Brandon thought for sure he heard a peep-peep coming from an egg this morning but so far nothing has happened.
We have hatched eggs in the past with a very basic method. Monroe did this when he was a kid and it worked so we tried it too. You use a 5-gallon bucket with hay in the bottom. Place the eggs on the hay and hook up a small lamp to rest on top of the bucket. I used the kind with the flexible neck. Place tin foil around the sides and around the lamp. Turn the eggs daily and in 21 days we had chicks! We have never used a real incubator before now so we are curious to see how much better the real incubator works compared to our very primitive set-up. I'll let you know in a few days!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

The Dog With the Heavy Head


Our family has a most unusual pet/member of the family. Meet Keiko. She is a Black and Tan coon dog. We "inherited" Keiko from our son-in-law, Ricky. Keiko has always lived with us because she was a gift from Brooke to Ricky before they were married. Ricky wasn't able to have pets where he was living at the time so we kept Keiko here at our house.



Well, after Brooke and Ricky married they moved into a really tiny house so Keiko didn't fit...literally! That was okay with our family so she just stayed on with us. But, back to what makes Keiko unusual. I must say that I have never had a pet that would find such unusual positions to relax! Take a look at the next few shots and see if you don't agree! Here she is daydreaming about being outside. However, when I let her out she is like a child wanting in and out all day long!

Isn't she a hoot?!




We just walked into the kitchen and there she was, all propped up!

She is a wonderful farm dog though. When my chickens get out she loves to catch them but she will not hurt them. She just traps them against the fence and holds them with her mouth or her paw until we can get to her. Other than alot of slobber, the hens are perfectly fine!


My older boys always begged me to let her go hog hunting with them but I never would let her go. She definitely has hunting in her blood but I would never want her to become a hunting dog. So, she is resolved to hunt the family farm hens and when she gets REALLY bored I can find her hunting house flies! Really!!