Friday, October 31, 2008

Just checking in

Happy Halloween all! Hope your all going to do something fun tonight. We are just going to visit the homes of a few friends we have here in town. Wednesday we had our harvest party at church and the kids had a blast. Saw some old and new faces there. To see pictures of the party visit Amy's blog at www.thisthatandlifesjoys.blogspot.com

Just thought I should check in as it has been awhile since I have been int the swing of blogging. Guess not much to talk about, even though many people felt the need to bring up the "incident" at the party. Just wanted to let everyone know we are alive and kicking. Oh, and saw gas for $1.99 today at the end of our road! Wish it had been yesterday since had to drive first to Manchester then to Tullahoma to renew my drivers license.


Wanted to share this picture of my dachshund, Howard, you guess which one he is - LOL



Do you think she wants to cook something in the microwave or clean something in the dishwasher? If she is just looking for some place to nap, the middle of my kitchen isn't it.

See you next month. Blessings, Beth Ann

God goes before you today and His presence is with you.

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you." 2Corinthians 13:14 NLV




Monday, October 27, 2008

Menu Plan Monday



Greetings all. Hope you are all enjoying a wonder fall season. The weather has been fabulous here in middle TN. and only the past couple of days have cooled off. Being from northern MI however I don't mind this a bit. Where I come from (up by the bridge) this still considered short weather - LOL The winters are soooo long and sooooo cold that in the spring as soon as temps in the 40's or 50's roll around, the shorts come out! Ah, good times, good times. LOL

Many fall type activities this week, so a hit and miss menu. For more Menu Plan Monday please visit www.orgjunkie.com

Here is what we are having for dinner this week:

Monday: Eggs and toast (Big kids on Hay ride and DH at work, just me and twins)

Tuesday: Orange Chicken w/rice and mixed veggies

Wednesday: Harvest Party at Church!

Thursday: Mexican zucchini casserole w. quinoa and pineapple slices

Friday: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Bat wings(spicy), bug salad (raisins), goblin eggs (deviled w/food coloring) and jack o' lantern cheese ball!

Saturday: Home made pizza w/tossed salad

Sunday: Beef Chop Suey w/cashew rice and pineapples & salad

Whats for dinner at your house?

Blessings, Beth Ann


Sunday, October 26, 2008

Moving on



I have had many well wisher and people praying for me and my family since I mentioned the break - in at our home while we were on vacation. We are handling it a little better every day and trying to move on. Many friends and family members keep asking about up-dates. I am only going to mention it this one last time to fill people in and then would rather not bring it up again unless they recover our items or catch the thieves. Then I will share the good news! LOL

(Sunrise on Edisto Island, S.C.)

No, they haven't caught anyone. No, they have no information. Yes, they took some expensive items and some irreplaceable items. They came back a second time and tried to re-enter our home while some one tried to steal my DH truck. Police believe they were going to clean us out and us our own truck to do it. The second time was pre-meditated as they dismantled our out door lights over the garage and carport. They only recovered one partial finger print, and no you can't get them off of wood. Yes we have combed all the pawn shops, eBay and Craigslist. Do we still have hope of them being caught, not much. Will we go on vacations or week-end camping trips again? Maybe, what else are they going to take? Do we feel safe in our own home, more each day thanks to new locks that DH installed and some wonderful people at church. Did we cut our trip short, yes by a few days. Kind of like getting your vacation stolen too. We go every year and save for it all year long :( They have NOT stolen our faith and we still LOVE our home. We will grow old in this house and pass it along to our children and grandchildren. We have prayed for the people who have done this and asked God to give them forgiveness and touch their hearts. May you please do the same.

Will try to resume my normal posting in the near future, have some great pictures of the kids to share from S.C.

Blessings, Beth Ann



Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Top ten . . .

List of things I have learned since being robbed blind ~

10. Not all police officers are created equal.

9. Your stuff is just stuff, until they take your kid's stuff.

8. Apparently all my neighbors are deaf and blind.

7. Something rotten happens every year on my birthday, hence forth all my future birthdays are being canceled as of now!

6. The perps can't read as they took none of the brand spanking new books I got the kids for Christmas and hid in my room.

5. The perps drive a crappy old truck too, as they stole the ignition switch from my DH piece of junk.

4. Something like this shows you how strong your family is and what their made of.

3. I refuse to be a victim and have my piece of mind also stolen from me.

2. I have never in my life been so blessed as to have the friends we have down here in Tennessee!

And the number one thing I have learned since being robbed blind is . . . Pawn shops are great places to do your Christmas shopping!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Warning

Warning - we returned home today from our vacation in South Carolina, early, because our home has been broken into and robbed. They also smashed and tried to steal my DH truck. They got many items and violated us. I am extremely angry and am not sure when normal blogging will return. I am warning that if you read this blog in the near future you may only encounter angry rants. Will try to keep you posted. Oh, and for family members - they stole the Christmas gifts I already had bought and wrapped - sorry - nothing more coming this year.

Beth

Friday, October 10, 2008

On Vacation

The H-D family will be on vacation, on Edisto Island South Carolina, from Oct. 10 ~ 22. See ya all then and keep us in your prayers, and stay out of trouble (you know who I mean!).

Blessings, Beth Ann and family

Thursday, October 09, 2008

On the road

It has been a very busy week here at our homestead. So much to do to get ready for our vacation, it rained for the first time in 32 days and then we headed out for a inspirational movie. Fireproof. It was a wonderful movie. It was an awesome movie. It is a must see movie. What else can I say? I will defiantly be buying two copies of this t comes out on DVD. One for us and one for my dd who just got married. If I was made of money I would buy one for my ex and my church as well. If you are married, been married or just thinking of getting married ~ see this movie!!!

I have added the new blog feature, follow this blog, to my site. Please feel free to do so, it is located top right hand corner. I enjoy seeing who is all reading my random thoughts besides my family - LOL Even if you are family, please join in the fun and sign in.

Here is our Minnie Winnie, in her resting place at home. DH had this carport put in special, just for her. In about an hour DH is going to back her up and take her out to get filled up. Great news, gas here is down to $2.99! Never thought I would be excited about that! But it is the cheapest around. DH was in Manchester yesterday and they were still about 30 cents higher, usually they are the lowest in middle TN. We also checked when we drove into the city (M'boro) and they were also 30 cents higher, usually the Wal-Mart is the cheapest there. So we are excited that we can get such a great deal about a block from our house.

We are leaving around eight in the morning and won't be back for almost two weeks. So excited. Hope I have blogged enough this week to keep ya all occupied. I just wanted to get the b-day pics and p. patch pics up before we left, for the family. I know when we get back I will be way to busy and will have a bunch new to share. (busy with laundry - unless we head into Hollywood about 30 miles away to the nearest laundry mat) So please keep us in your prayers as we spend two computer - free weeks on the beach.



Our blue-tick heeler, Hershey, says "follow this blog for beach up-dates in two weeks!" We'll see you then!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Going to the movies

Looks like we are heading out tonight to the movies. A couple we know (bff) invited us to see a new christian film. I remember reading rave reviews about it on Lysa TerKeurst blog. Sounds good, and my friend has seen it twice already. Apparently she is so taken by it that she wants to go and see it again with us. I'm pretty jazzed. Last time we headed out on one of these we saw Ben Stein, love him. It will also be nice to see our friends again before we head out to S.C. on vacation, been awhile.





Will keep you posted on how the movie was. On top of all this, like I could stand more excitement, DH offered to buy me a Sonic burger on our way into the city; for dinner - LOL Just gotta laugh.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Whats up Wed. ~ Birthday edition

To day on Whats up Wed. I want to share my dd b-day pics with you. Her birthday was the second of the month, she turned twelve. Big sigh. Almost a teen. I vow to enjoy this last year before aliens take over her sweet disposition - LOL

What could it be? (birthstone earrings)


Such a big box!



Look, the new comforter set I wanted!



B loves to stamp cards and what not, she got a couple new sets of stamps on her b-day.



Here is the little kitten we gave her, taking a nap in her slipper! LOL
We also celebrate my mother, grandma V, DH father and my b-day this month. Happy birthday to everyone and anyone I missed. Hope the up coming year is a blessing to you and all your loved ones.
Blessings, Beth Ann





Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Pumpkin Patch

Last Saturday we took the whole gang, their friends, and our adopted grand parents to the pumpkin patch. It was part of my middle dd birthday party. We like to go to Ceaderwood, in McMinnville. We have gone every year since we moved here, and it gets better each time! Just wanted to share some pictures with you and a disclaimer; most pics are only of youngest dd. Oldest son and middle dd were to busy with their guests and twin ds spent most of his time lying on the deck over the pond watching the ducks and catfish. Twin dd was only to happy to be our model - LOL

Here are the twins at the entrance of Ceaderwood Nursery. I also get my mums there every fall, never been let down.

L to R; middle dd, her friend M, oldest ds, his girlfriend C and the twins


Here is twin dd driving an old fire engine. Such a beautiful day, only 83 ! We all came home with sun on us.



Twin dd sharing an outhouse with a friend!





Twin ds having a roll in the hay!



Twin dd and friend, trying to pick the perfect pumpkin!
Happy fall ya'll !
Blessings, Beth Ann





Monday, October 06, 2008

Menu Plan Monday ~ two-fer


Greetings all. Second week of October already!!! My goodness, I can hardly believe it. I can remember everything I said and did on St. Patrick's day, like it was yesterday. Am I the only one who thinks time goes by more quickly the older you get? On the other hand, with the arrival of fall comes more bearable temperatures outside and a break on our cooling bill - hallelujah! It also brings our annual fall trip to S.C and the Atlantic Ocean. We are leaving this Friday for almost two weeks. So I will be posting both weeks of menus. I will be computer free and loving it! When we camp, we camp. No satellites, no mega monster motor homes, no expensive equipment, just the six of us and our two dogs crammed into our pre-loved class c. Basically we park, make camp and only go inside to sleep. We do most our cooking outside and even sit in the rain (which led us to get those nifty plastic runners for the RV from Wal-mart - LOL). When we walk past those 45 ft. MH with the large HDTV outside and their propane fires and ginormous fans, we look at each other and shake our heads. Why are they even camping? I know a lady that thought she was so cool, they bought a 45ft. 5th wheel w/2 baths! Now she doesn't fit into most State Parks. I think she regrets that a bit. On the other hand I know plenty of people who would rather only be at RV parks, big difference than a State Park. There is truly something out there for everyone. Some even view their trailers as status symbols. Us, we view it as a blessing and a great way to travel and have adventures as a family.
Menu's for Oct. 6th - 12th.
Monday: Chicken and wild rice pilaf casserole w/ steamed broccoli and fresh home made bread
Tuesday: Home made portabella egg rolls w/ tossed salad
Wednesday: Church (but eating at home) Grilled chicken breast w/crock pot baked potato and green beans
Thursday: Beef Kabobs w/ rice and salad
Friday: On the road/ Smoked ham with veggie sticks
Saturday: Home made RV pizza w/ chips
Sunday: Crock pot meat loaf w/ potatoes and veggies
Camping menu for Oct. 13th - 20th.
Monday: Chicken Enchiladas w salad and cheese rice
Tuesday: Awesome crab soup w/garlic bread and veggie sticks
Wednesday: Mystery? My birthday (big one) and DH said he would take care of it!
Thursday: Camping chili w/ corn bread and tossed salad
Friday: Hamburgers w/ tater tots and veggies
Saturday: Home made RV pizza w/ chips and salsa
Sunday: Spaghetti w/ garlic bread and salad
Monday: On the road/ Deli fried chicken w/ potato wedges and veggie sticks
I know there are a couple of unusual meals for camping listed. All I can say is that I am trying to cook some of my families favorites and I am using way more pre-pared food than usual. I make almost everything form scratch at home, but I am on vacation too! The difference sure showed up in our grocery bill too! However we don't eat out at restaurants when we camp, so it works out in the was as they say. Like I have mentioned in other posts, we litterly eat while driving down the road! LOL
For more Menu Plan Monday please visit www.orgjunkie.com
See you in two weeks. Blessings, Beth Ann

Friday, October 03, 2008

What do you think?

What do you think this paper says? My four year old dd drew this a couple days ago. My first take on it was "HELP". I know it's not a great picture, but just wondering what others thought of this. I would hate to think the first word she spelled was help! Help what? Help, get me out of this nut house? Looks like she went back to fix the L or what ever it is and then added balloons at the bottom. Just wondering . . .

Blessings, Beth Ann

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Happy Birthday B!

Today is my middle dd 12Th b-day! So this blog is all about her. I did a birthday blog for her big sister K, and she wants one too. I have no problem with this as I feel she is a wonderful young lady and love to spout her merits (like any mom would-LOL).

The twelve years have sped by and I am not sure where they went. She has been head strong from the get go. Heck, she was two weeks overdue as a baby. She started out as a quiet child but soon learned that if you want to be heard in our crazy house, you have to speak up! Now she talks, and talks, and talks, and . . . well you get the picture. Since she is a Libra she is naturally creative and artsy.
Here is a picture of her being crafty at the Creation Museum, back in March. Don't you love that smile? (soon it will be paid for)

Every year when we have our one and only snow day, B runs outside and makes a snow man, no matter what! Sometimes it is little more than a pile of dirty white covered rocks, but hey, she revels in the moment.


I had posted last week that 3 little kittens were left on our doorstep. Bre took it upon herself to care for them, she even got up every two hours to feed them. I am sad to report that it turned out that they were only 4 weeks old and had Coxcydia. Two of the little kitties didn't make it. Bre did a lot of growing up this past week and I am soooooo proud of her. We still have the runt and am glad to say that she has responded to the medican and B's attention, most likely she will make it. So today on her b-day, we told her she may keep the little white bundle of fur for her own. What a lucky kitty.



Not a great picture but here is b and her new friend on the back deck working on school.

Finely, Miss B has a thing for boots. She had this old pair of brown boots with blue corn flowers on them about 5 years ago. Oh how she loved those boots. She wore them day and night. She even wore them a year longer than they actually fit! Sad day in this house when we finely had to put them up. Then her feet went through this ginormous growth spurt and our now the same size as mine. So we have had a hard time finding another pair to replace them. Most women's boots have heels way to high to be appropriate for a young girl. But today . . . of all days . . . on her birthday . . . .


We found them! The perfect pair of B boots. I had taken her to our local consignment shop to look for stuff for Halloween. When I saw these, they just screamed B's name - LOL They are so her when she is wearing them.

My middle dd is growing up fast and we are enjoying every precious moment of it! Can hardly wait to see what she will be when she is all grown up. One thing we know for sure is that we have given her the tools, and spiritual foundation to be successful in life, period.

Blessings, Beth Ann (proud mom of 5)

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

What's up Wendsday . . .

my youngest dd ! LOL The days are just beautiful here in middle TN and we take full advantage of them. My youngest dd has learned to "pump" and can now swing all by herself. A joyful achievement for her and a blessing for the arms of the rest of the house! The girl can swing for hours!
Here she is on the wind up . . .


making a smooth swing through. . .
and she finishes strong! Yea E!
Blessings, Beth Ann