Welcome to our Southern Farm

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

2010-08-31T19:00:00.004-04:00

For some reason I did not know it was even possible to make homemade condensed milk. I thought you had to get it from a can. A friend of mine told me of a great blog at www.everydayfoodstorage.net and here is where I found the recipe. So I tried it in a cheesecake. The recipe is equal to a 14oz can.

1/2 C hot water
1C dry powdered milk (if using instant - double the amount)
1C sugar
1T butter

Mix all together and it can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen.

A Place to Park the Camper

2010-08-21T05:58:00.002-04:00

In order to get our camper out of the driveway, we decided to make a place for it in the back of the house. First we had a man come out and make a flat place.

Put down gravel and wire

Then the work fast concrete. David says it is like fighting a fire...you must hurry before it sets up.

Even I got to learn a few things about concrete. I also take my "help meet" job very seriously. Sometimes I am the only one around to help David. Even if that means getting a little dirty.

And the finished project!

Summer fun at the lake

2010-08-20T05:49:00.001-04:00

We love hanging out at the lake!

With good friends!

We love to fish!

And try new things. This is Maranda knee boarding! I really hate for summer time to end.

Sarah's Work of Art

2010-08-19T05:46:00.002-04:00

Sarah has been very busy sewing this summer. She is modeling a shirt that she made and a reversible purse. Good job Sarah! God has blessed you with a great talent!

Sarah's quilt

2010-08-18T05:44:00.001-04:00

Sarah's first lap quilt!

4-H Fashion Camp

2010-08-17T05:36:00.001-04:00

The girls have been very busy this summer with 4-H. This is what Sarah made at 4-H Sewing camp this year. A "Me" doll, a fish pin cushion and a denim purse. For the purse they just cut a pair of jeans at the legs, turn inside out and sew bottom together. For the strap use the legs and sew the length that you want and attach to purse. Sarah added the ribbon for decoration.

Sarah's new dress

2010-08-16T05:31:00.001-04:00

This is Sarah's work dress that she won a ribbon with. This dress would have been worn for just everyday work in and around the house in the 1860's. It could also be worn with a hoop. Good job Sarah!

A New Dress

2010-08-13T06:57:00.002-04:00

My sweet friend Sandra made this dress for my birthday this year. She does wonderful work and I am thankful to have her as a friend. So this year, at the Ramsey House fashion show, I got to model it. I so love to dress up!

Fashion Camp

2010-08-12T05:51:00.001-04:00

This year Sarah went to 4-H Fashion Camp. She enjoyed learning how to sew new things. She won a ribbon for dress construction. The dress she entered was one of her reenactment dresses that she has been working on. Congratulations to all!

A Summer Birthday

2010-08-11T11:41:00.006-04:00

This year Sarah turned 14. Wow! How did that happen? Sarah wanted to make her own cake. She made a template with parchment paper from looking at a flip flop and then placed it on a square cake after it has cooled. She then cut it out and placed the cake pieces on a cake board. She decorated it and for the sand she used graham crackers. She really enjoys making cakes!

Dance Through the Decades

2010-07-30T05:58:00.001-04:00

This year Sarah's 4-H group put on a dance through the decades. Each person dressed up in a different decade. Sarah's choice was this decade.

Doing a line dance.

Taking a break.

David showed them how to Moon walk.

A silly picture. We teased Tucker for being all the girl's date. We called him King TUK.

Having fun.

Danced until their shoes fell off.

The Green MG

2010-07-29T05:40:00.002-04:00

David's dad (which sadly passed away this year) had two MGs. One was already restored and one was not. We decided to bring the one back that needs work. David thought this would be a great project car for the girls to work on with him. Sarah will be driving in a few years anyway. We like our girls to be well rounded in knowledge, so this was a great opportunity for them to learn about car care. I thank God that he gave David the ability to learn and enjoy working on cars.

The first thing they did was take out the interior.

After repairing a few floor pieces, they put the carpet back and new seat belts.

Next will be engine and outside body work.

Pictures of cold weather

2010-07-28T11:59:00.022-04:00

This year for our 19th anniversary, we rented a cabin in Gatlinburg...and got snowed in! In fact on the last day, we had to call the county to scrape the road so we could get off the mountain. So glad we brought food. I think we were at the highest peak. On one side we could see Pigeon Forge, the other Gatlinburg and from the driveway Ski Mountain. So I thought I would share these pictures of snow on a hot summer day!

When we arrived. Before the snow.

The Pigeon Forge side.

Our Cabin.

This is our romantic dinner David cooked. We had hamburgers, Sun chips, baked beans and Welch's grape juice. We were suppose to go to our favorite restaurant The Peddler. We did get to go the day we left. David did a great job anyway!! I thank God that I have such a wonderful husband!

Around the Farm

2010-03-30T05:51:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pictures of our farm. Enjoy!

The creek

What is a southern farm with out a magnolia tree? One of my favorites.

Our iris bed. This is an iris from David's grandmother's collections.

The field.

Some of our goats. We have nine. And yes they all have names.

Heather with one of her chickens. Yes they all have names too - all 32 of them.

A naughty chicken in the garden.

More in the garden, but it is ok here....it was fall.

This is Star.

Plumpy

Momma cat Shadow.

And the protector of the farm Pokey.

A View From the Top

2010-03-29T05:43:00.001-04:00

The last motorcycle ride of 2009 was to The Cumberland Gap. We had such a great time together with our friends. Enjoy the view!

Our motorcycle group we went with.

Chuck the Cow

2010-03-26T05:26:00.001-04:00

This is Chuck. The girls named him that because he will be chuck roast in a few days. This is the first time us girls have raised a cow for food. David has done this practically all his teen life. So we did it. He weighed 1212 pounds. We recently went to a 4-H class on how to judge cows, so we found out that that was a pretty good weight. It was a great experience, but we do miss him.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T14:14:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year everybody! If you are looking for a great workout plan, like a lot of people do at the start of the year, let me recommend P90X. We started P90X two days after Thanksgiving in 2008. It is a very extreme and disciplined work out, but it works! Just stick to the plan and you can accomplish your goals. Go to the website here, it is worth it!

Christmas Stars

2009-12-31T06:10:00.000-05:00

Here is another 4-H Christmas Craft the girls did for the show. They weaved together reed and made Christmas Stars.

4-H Craft Show

2009-12-30T14:00:00.004-05:00

For a 4-H Christmas craft show, Heather wanted to make a Ginger Bread House. So she worked very hard at making the dough, rolling it out and baking it.

When it came to putting it together...Well, It started to collapse. We looked on the bright side and turned a negative into a positive. We decided to put caution tape (red and yellow wrapping ribbon) around it and put the tree cut out into one of the windows to make it look like the tree and snow fell on the house. It did not show up in the picture but the note says "No gingerbread men were harmed in the making of this catastrophe."

She still got a blue ribbon for her effort. :)

One Winter's Night

2009-12-26T14:15:00.001-05:00

This year the girls took a Hebrew dance class and an acting class. For the year end play, the school put on "One Winter's Night, The Phillips Brooks Christmas Story." It was about Phillips Brooks, the man who wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The girls both had dancing parts as well as speaking parts. Sarah was the head angel and a mom and Heather was one of the children and an angel in the play. Here are some of their outfits.

Hebrew children in Jerusalem

Angels

The moms and children

One of the dances

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T15:25:00.003-05:00

Have a wonderful Christmas and remember Jesus is the reason for the season!

Cross Country

2009-12-02T14:35:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of the school year, the girls did cross country again. They both really enjoy running. Sarah's best run for a 2 mile was 18 something and Heather's was 8 something for one mile. I can not remember the exact number, but they still did good.

The RFG team stands for Running for God

December

2009-12-01T05:30:00.001-05:00

Well Happy December everyone! The last half of the year is going by too fast. We have been very busy this school year. The girls have just finished a Christmas play they have been working on for the past three months. So far they have been involved in cross country, two plays and one movie, acting class, Hebrew dance class, sewing class, guitar lessons, and piano lessons. What is so funny is a lot of people thing homeschoolers do not get out and socialize. We have been out too much here lately! :) ha ha! Hopefully, the rest of the school year, will not be so packed. They have had a great time and have learned a lot. By the way I will get the link to the new movie soon. It was done by an Independent Christian film producer.

Happy Autumn

2009-10-30T05:29:00.005-04:00

I got this from my friend Linda. I am not sure of the original author.

How God Carves a Pumpkin

Create a pumpkin. Make it big, little, short, tall, fat or skinny. No matter which, it will be a Wonderful pumpkin.

"Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" Isaiah 66:2

Harvest the pumpkin when it's fully ready.

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Hold the pumpkin gently as you cleanse the dirt outside, washing all the dirt away.

"Get up and be baptized and wash away your sin." Acts 22:16

Make an opening at the top, search into the dark cavity for anything that needs to be removed.

"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward according to conduct and deeds." Jeremiah 17:10

Remove all the stringy pulp and slime, and clean out the entire cavity.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God." Psalm 51:10

Give that pumpkin a big set of eyes so that he may see all the good around him.

"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see." Luke 10:23

Carve a nice nose so that he can take in the wonderful scents of the world.

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart." Proverbs 27:9

Carve a great big smile so that he can bring joy to anyone who sees him.

"A Cheerful look brings joy to the heart of others." Proverbs 15:30

Make the pumpkin glow all over with a little light inside.

"God said, Let light shine out of the darkness an make the light shine in our hearts." 2 Corinthians 4:6

Rejoice in the "New" pumpkin that has been created and given new life.

"Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep. " Luke 15.6

Place the pumpkin in the perfect spot so that the light will guide others.

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise the Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

Now let it be a reminder to each of us to go out into the world and let our light shine for all the world to see!

Shorter Mansion

2009-10-23T17:34:00.002-04:00

Last weekend, we went to the Shorter Mansion. We love historical houses and took the opportunity to dress the part for pictures.

This was the inside of one of the fire places.

David loved the floor. Back in the 1800's everything was hand made. I am sure this took a long time. Very beautifully done!

Seasons Must Change

2009-10-21T05:20:00.002-04:00

Wow, it has turned off cold! But like the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season. Just a few weeks ago we were out enjoying God's creation on the lake.

Riding on the tube.

Doing some fishing!

We liked the neighborhood on the lake.

Sarah at the Wheel.

Beautiful ducks a swimming around.

Just relaxing.

David at the wheel.

While we were there, we got to see a bald eagle. That was the first time we have ever seen one in the wild. I was not able to get a picture of it though. It was a great day, we had the lake all to our selves that day.

Horsing Around

2009-10-19T05:12:00.002-04:00

This year we asked Heather what she wanted to do for her birthday this year. She quickly said "Horseback riding." So that is just what we did. Everyone had a great time and the ride was beautiful.

Heather with the cake her sister Sarah made and decorated. It is a horse shoe laying on a horse trail. :)

My Review of Denim Riding Skirt

2009-10-16T09:32:00.001-04:00

Originally submitted at Chadwick's

Denim Riding Skirt 6,6,6,6,8,8,8,8,14,14,14,12,12,12,12,16,16,16,16,14,18,18,18,18,4,4,4,10,10,10 DARK DENIM,DARK DENIM,LIGHT DENIM,LIGHT DENIM Long denim riding skirt sits at the natural waist. Imported. Sweeping hem for a great flattering shape Back zip and button close Misses 35''...

Great Modest Skirt

By Tammy from TN on 10/16/2009

Fit: Feels true to size

Waist: Feels true to size

Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Nice Fabric, Comfortable, Versatile, Flattering, Attractive Design, Nice Color

Best Uses: Casual Wear

Describe Yourself: Classic Dresser

Comfort vs Style: Style Driven

Thank you for providing a modest skirt to buy! They are hard to find now days.

(legalese)

Plantain

2009-10-07T05:35:00.001-04:00

This is a plant you can find just about anywhere. It is a common lawn weed, but it can be used as first aid. This handy plant is good for bug bites, stings and other minor skin irritations. You could even harvest the plant and dry it out to keep in your medicine cabinet. If you are out and get stung, just pick up a bunch and chew on it to get it moist and put on the sting. Make sure it has not been sprayed with anything. You could also mix it in with baking soda and a little water and spread on bug bites. It really works and is truly a God given "herb."

Goat Shed

2009-10-05T05:19:00.002-04:00

This year we decided to build the goats another shelter to go to when it rains. First we dug holes to put the post in, then framed it and put a tin roof on top. We also had to put chicken fence around our post because the silly things wanted to eat the bark off of it. The post are cedar. David and Sarah built this in a matter of hours. That night we came home from somewhere and came out to see our silly cow under the shelter instead of the goats. But I guess he is the smarter one after all. I am soo glad David takes the time to teach the girls how to work. He is such a hard worker and wants to set a good example. He has even taught them how to change the oil. David and Sarah have rebuilt a motorcycle carburetor recently and is currently wet sanding an old car.

Aprons

2009-10-02T05:08:00.002-04:00

This was our last sewing project to get done. We love to wear aprons while we work. We are working on 1860 work dresses now.

Charlotte's web

2009-08-18T05:49:00.002-04:00

Sorry the picture is so blurry. This spider was dangling from our deck. Right above her was a nest of hundreds of tiny spider babies. This reminded us of the book Charlotte's web. The spider was barley alive after having all those babies.

First Day of School

2009-08-12T15:09:00.001-04:00

Wow, summer is officially over. School has started, the busyness has just gotten busier. We have had a full summer, going here and there, gardening, participating in The Passion Play, and we only got to go to the lake two times.

The Passion Play

2009-08-11T15:15:00.002-04:00

It has been a busy summer. We have been participating in the Passion Play. We have had a great time. David only got to be in it one time, but us girls have be in it for several weeks. We played various parts each time. It will start back up in September, so we have a small break for now.

How does your garden grow?

2009-08-11T05:30:00.001-04:00

This is the way we plant our beans. We set up cane poles in the ground and tie them to each other on top, making a tepee. It makes it easier to pick that way.

While you were out

2009-08-10T15:23:00.001-04:00

While Sarah was off to camp, I had our friends come over and do a little make over on her closet doors. Sarah was soo trilled to see her new closet doors that her friends painted for her. Thank you girls, you did a great job! We really appreciate you and your talents!

Hanging out at the Lake

2009-08-09T15:28:00.001-04:00

We had a lot of fun recently with our friends at the lake. This was just the second time we got to take our jet ski out this year. We have just been really busy. We had fun enjoying the last little bit of summer.

riding the jet skis

After we down loaded our pictures...I thought this was funny. It looks like the canoe was pulling the tube.

Sarah and Elisa

Heather

Each summer I take a photo like this to see how much the kids are growing.

Surprise Birthday Party

2009-07-31T09:33:00.012-04:00

Last Sunday afternoon we went to a surprise birthday party for Andy Smalls aka Marshal Andy. We have know Andy for quite a while. Rhonda, the friend who put this party all together wanted us to dress in our costumes. We had a chicken dinner and watched Andy's Big Band play music. It was a real treat and I think he was really surprised. Happy Birthday Marshal Andy!

Sarah, Andy, Heather, Catherine, and Tammy

Mary Costa aka Sleeping Beauty and Opera singer, was also there.

Cival War Marker Dedication

2009-07-28T15:18:00.010-04:00

One of the projects, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, are to dedicate markers. We recently had a dedication for a Civil War Trails Marker at the Bleak House. The Bleak House is where General Longstreet had held his headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is also the house where the soldiers shot General Sanders from the tower of the house. H.K. Edgerton was there to give his rendition of "I Am Their Flag." H. K. use to be President of the NAACP, and now he goes around "Preaching" the truth about, The War Between the States. He is such a great speaker.

Behind the house in the beautiful gardens.

Children leading Dixie.

We first met HK at the Chickamauga reenactment.

Day 2 through 5

2009-07-28T14:55:00.011-04:00

Sunday, we went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville, North Carolina. We decided to go back to Ghost Town. Thursday, we went to Kings Island in Ohio, with our Youth Group. Friday, on the way back home, we went to the Creation Museum in Pettersburg, Kentucky.

Creation Museum.

Methuselah who lived 969 years.

Five States in a Week!

2009-07-28T14:33:00.002-04:00

Wow! We have been busy keeping the roads hot. Saturday we went to Chickamauga Battlefield in Georgia. We toured the museum, which had an impressive gun collection, watched a film and went on the car tour. We also went up the Wilder memorial and had a picnic on the grounds. We went with our Children on the Confederacy group, Sam Davis Chapter. While we were in the area, we went to the Chattanooga Aquarium in Tennessee as well. We had a lot of fun, with our group.

Wilder memorial.

A view from the top. Yikes!

We went on a carriage ride in Chattanooga. I have always wanted to go on one.

Listen to "Boots" playing us a song. We had met him a looooong time ago in Nashville.

Birds in the Aquarium.

I thought these were beautiful!

Soap Recipe

2009-07-17T16:36:00.003-04:00

2 C shortening
1 C olive oil
1 C peanut oil
3 T Scented oil
1 C milk
1/3 C water
1/2 C + 2 T lye

Add lye slowly to water in a glass jar, stir. Cool to 85 F. Add milk to lye and stir. Cool to 90 F. Meanwhile, heat oils (not scented) to 90 F in stainless steel pot. After oil cools, pour into plastic bucket add lye mixture slowly while stirring. When mixture starts to thicken add scented oil. Stir till trace, which is when mixture is soo thick it will "write" on top when holding spoon up. When mixture has reached trace pour in molds. You can make your on mold by putting a plastic bag in a shoe box. Cover with a blanket for a couple of days. Let "cure" for about a week. Cut into bars. Be extremely careful when making soap! Use plastic gloves and goggles. If you get lye on your skin, just rinse with cold water. If not you can get a chemical burn! Also wear old clothes as well.

Making Soap

2009-07-17T16:08:00.012-04:00

My good friend Sherry has taught me how to make soap. She has taught me how to knit, and make baskets also. The knitting part I am not very good at though. :) Homemade soap is wonderful. It makes your skin soft, does not leave soap scum in your bathtub, and there are no left over pieces.

Sherry!

Stirring the lye. It turns into crystals.

Heating the oil.

Stirring the lye with milk added.

Stirring the mixture till trace.

Finished product.

Harvest Time

2009-07-17T15:59:00.004-04:00

Everything in the garden is starting to come in. We normally just freeze the vegetables. To freeze okra, just wash off, slice on a cookie sheet, freeze for about 30 minuets, then take out and bag. For squash, just slice and bag. Beans and Corn are about done the same way. After you have strung and broke the beans, wash off, bring to a boil for 7 minutes. Drain and soak in a cold bath, drain when cool and bag. For corn after you have shuck and silked it, wash off, boil for 7 minuets, drain and soak in cool bath then bag.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-06T13:45:00.009-04:00

This year we spent the 4Th of July with David's dad and Mardeth. We went to Maggie Valley North Carolina. A very beautiful and peaceful town. We also went to Ghost Town in the Sky, and it is "In the sky." It was a little chilly when we arrived. I can not believe we were actually wearing jackets in July.

A view from the top

A gun fight in town.

The gun slingers.

We did the Indian Friendship dance.

Got to pet a red wolf.

Met Stella Parton (Dolly's sister).

We went straight up the mountain to get to the top and of course we had to go back down. I held on tight going up and down. Heights make me a little nervous.

Another view from the top.

Party recipes

2009-07-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

Cream cheese mints are pretty easy to make. It is Cream cheese, powdered sugar, a little water, and peppermint extract. Just keep mixing till it is a shape able putty. We made balls and then smashed them with a fork, like you would do for peanut butter cookies.

Pastel punch. Combine in punch bowl, one pint of vanilla ice cream, one pint of lime sherbet, and one liter of club soda.

Happy 13

2009-07-01T13:50:00.001-04:00

I can not believe time has flown by sooo fast. This year Sarah had a birthday tea. We had chicken salad on croissants, ham and cheese, cucumber sandwiches, cream cheese mints, chips, fruit and vegetable tray, banana nut bread, cake, ice cream, punch and of course friendship tea. Everyone came in Sunday best or 1800's. We all had a great time.

Ramsey House

2009-06-28T13:38:00.001-04:00

We participated in the Ramsey House reenactment again this year. It was a very HOT day. I think it was the hottest day we have had. But I personally enjoy hot weather better than cold. We really enjoy being in the fashion shows. I could dress like this everyday!

Father's Day

2009-06-22T13:45:00.001-04:00

Dad cooking.

Dave in his new chair.

For Father's Day this year we went on a picnic in the "Moutains." We had such a great time just relaxing by the river.

Our Beach Trip

2009-06-19T13:26:00.010-04:00

This year we went to Myrtle Beach for Bike week and Mother's day. David rode his Harley all the way there in 2007. This year we went camping with our friends, so we just hauled it there. It was not very crowded this year as it was in 2007. The city of Myrtle Beach passed a bunch of ordinances about Bike week. It looked like they lost a bunch of money because of it.

Dave with his bike.

Hanging out at the street watching the bikes go by.

Got a little golfing in.

Played in the cold ocean. :)

Took a dip in the pool.

Field trip recap

2009-06-18T12:54:00.001-04:00

Here we are with our good friend Houston!

Wow, school is over and we are still busy! I was just thinking about two field trips I never got posted. One was Disney on ice. While it is not school related, I always wanted to take the girls to see the show. I thought I better do this before they got too old for it. Well, does anyone ever get to old for Disney? The other trip was the Sam Davis' home. Sam Davis is known as the "Boy Hero of the Confederacy." He was a scout and was captured carrying a letter and newspapers written for the Provost Marshal of the Army of TN. He was charged with spying and sentenced to be hanged. Right before he was about to be hung, he was offered freedom if he would reveal where he got the papers. His response was "I would rather die a thousand deaths than to betray a friend or be false to duty." He was 21 years old. After the Sam Davis' house we went down the street to the Stones River National Battle Field, another Civil War battle ground.

Putting a flag on Sam's grave.

This is our Children of the Confederacy group.

This trench was filled with blood during the battle.

Uses for Lavender

2009-06-16T11:00:00.003-04:00

People use Lavender for medical purposes, cleaning and for cooking. It is such a great plant! Here are some yummy recipes for Lavender flowers.

Lavender Lemonade - Steep for 5 minuets 1-2 T of fresh or dried lavender flowers, then add frozen lemonade mix with the water. Remove flowers, chill and serve.

Lavender cookies - Just add 2 T of fresh or dried flowers to your favorite sugar cookie mix.

Lavender Syrup - Bring 3 C of water to a boil (non aluminum pot) then pour over 1 C fresh herbs. Steep for a couple of hours, strain and combine with 2 C sugar. Bring mixture to a boil again, when sugar dissolves continue to cook 10-12 minutes or until syrup thickens. Cool and bottle. Keep in refrigerator. May be used as an ice cream topping.

Have fun!

Growing Lavender

2009-06-08T13:32:00.006-04:00

My Lavender plant is bloomed and growing great. This is a Thumbelina variety Lavender plant. It is a little smaller than most. We love the smell and color of this plant. Lavender is a woody shrub and Middle East native. A raised bed or slope with compost or organic material is a great growing surface for Lavender. For the first planting of Lavender, it needs to be watered every 2-3 days, after that it does not need extra watering. Although you can plant in a container, they do better in the ground. The best time to harvest for drying is when it is showing color, but not fully bloomed. It is not necessary to prune the plant, just prune off any brown.

Lemon Icebox Pie

2009-05-27T12:56:00.004-04:00

This is a great Spring dessert. Mix one can of condensed milk, 1/2 cup of lemon juice (or lime) and 1/2 container of cool whip. Then pour in a graham cracker crust and refrigerate. Very yummy!

Artist Reception

2009-05-22T10:40:00.006-04:00

For the end of the year Art Class, we had an artist reception. All the children enjoyed displaying their art creations for the year.

What a barn

2009-05-19T11:51:00.007-04:00

We were invited to a concert that my dad played in. It was in a huge barn. David's comment was "What a man cave!" A retired owner of a coal mine did this in his spare time. It is called The Stables. Enjoy the pictures!

The girls with Marshal Andy.

My Cowgirls

Dancing to the Tennessee Waltz

Growing Big

2009-05-18T16:00:00.007-04:00

Things are growing fast that we have planted a few weeks ago.

Beans

Salad garden

Even the chicks

pink azalea

Parade Time

2009-04-28T12:59:00.006-04:00

David West and Marshall Andy

Mary Costa

We were able to join the Dogwood Arts Parade last week. We had a lot of fun waving at everyone!

Early Spring Garden

2009-04-22T12:32:00.011-04:00

At the end of February/beginning of March is a great time to get lettuce and broccoli started. We made a small bed from lawn timbers and dirt that the goats had a little help in making. :)

We smoothed out the dirt to get it ready for planting.

Then we marked areas for carrot seed.

Sprinkled lettuce, broccoli, turnips and spinach seed in different sections.

Marked where everything was planted.

Of course watered. Next is watching it grow.

Easter Chicks

2009-04-15T12:36:00.001-04:00

Chicks from the Easter Bunny! Actually these are part of the Chick Chain Project for 4-H. We got 12 Barred Rocks and 12 Red Sexlinks and 2 Blue Andalusians. We will have a lot of eggs by next spring. The girls are really having fun raising them.

Learning to Sew

2009-04-13T14:08:00.000-04:00

We are taking a sewing class with our good friend Mrs. Dunn. Our first project, was a drawstring bag. These will work great with us reenacting the 1800's. Each one of us did a different type of bag. The basics are about the same. Start with a 12X24" piece of fabric. Fold in half, measure 2 1/2" down from each corner, mark with a pencil. Sew the two sides up to the drawn line. Flat iron the seams open. Fold down 1/2" from the top, then 1" more. The edge of the fold should just meet the top of the side seams. Sew across the lower fold from one edge to the other 1/4" up from the fold. Then sew across again 1/4" below the top fold, edge to edge. Repeat on other side. The drawstring will be a 1/2" ribbon or cord 30" long. Cut this in half to get two equal parts. Use a safety pen as a guide to pull the ribbon through the casing. When there are equal ribbon on each side, remove pin. Turn bag over and do the other side the same way. Match up the ends of the ribbon and knot them together. Turn bag right side out and tie ribbons in a bow. The yellow bag is two bags sewn together to make two bags (turning one inside out for a different colored bag.) The pink was used from a curtain with lace already sewn on it, and the green was done per the directions.

The Red Carpet Event

2009-04-09T12:09:00.009-04:00

A few weeks ago we got to walk across "The Red Carpet." Not the one in Hollywood, but the one in Gatlinburg. Our friends entered the movie the girls were in, in the Gatlinburg Film Festival. They took home second place. Way to go girls!!!

Remembering Nanny

2009-03-31T11:45:00.005-04:00

We lost David's dear grandmother, Sue. Sue was like a mother to David. David moved in with his grandparents when he was 13. She enjoyed sewing all of her clothes and quilts. She also enjoyed her cats and all animals were her friends. She is loved by four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed!

Honor Club

2009-03-17T14:48:00.006-04:00

Sarah and a few of her buddies have just been nominated and approved for the 4H Honor Club. The Honor Club is recognition for participating in educational opportunities. Congratulations girls for a job well done!

Another Service Project

2009-03-13T15:04:00.004-04:00

We have such a great time giving back to others. This time the children participated in making a blanket for Downs Syndrome Awareness. The blankets will be part of a kit parents receive in the hospital after their down syndrome baby has been born. We got a yard of polar fleece, cut slits on the edges, then tied the slits into knots.

Service Project

2009-02-25T13:41:00.007-05:00

Our home school group was able to participate in the making of "butterflies" for the Holocaust Museum display in Houston. These butterflies will represent 1.5 million children that died in the Holocaust. That is so sad - this is just representing the children that died. I am so thankful that my children can be involved in a group that loves to help others.

Easyriders Bike Show

2009-02-12T11:29:00.006-05:00

Funny to see all the blue jeans and black shirts in the background!

This past weekend, we entered David's motorcycle in the Easy Riders Motorcycle Show. He WON second place in the Antique/Old School Spectator Class. He has worked very hard on this bike and we are very proud of him! He got a very heavy plaque and he will be in the Easy Rider magazine which is published world wide. Way to Go Dave!!! By the way this is a 1965 kick start Harley Davidson Sportster.

New Consultant

2009-02-11T09:35:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Sherry Marler! Sherry is the newest team member of Tammy's Terrific Team. I know she is going to shine bright! We are very happy to have her!

Labels

2009-02-10T14:16:00.004-05:00

This is what the different labels mean. Family Info - is your address, emergency numbers and so on for baby sitters or quick reference. Neighborhood phone list - is well just what it says. Daily Schedule - what needs to be done everyday. Monthly plan - What is due when. This is from what needs to be cleaned, payed, planned and so on. I also have a page from Consumer Reports that tells when things go on sale. Inventory - This is how I keep up with my freezer. I have wrote down everything I have and how much. You could also do one for your pantry and refrigerator. This is great when you are making your menu and grocery list for the week or month. Expenses - Everyone needs a budget - even millionaires. Menus - these are new and used menus to keep on hand. Cleaning - This is the schedule to keep your home looking great. This is also a good spot to file cleaning recipes in. Household Projects - This is what needs to be done or updated in and around your house. Wants and needs - A list of what you/your family would like to buy or get as a gift. Planners - one for birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. These keep you organized so you will not forget anything, from meal planning to gifts and guest list. Also, when you purchase your notebook, buy one with pockets. I keep flower tags, sports schedules etc. in mine.

Household Management Folders

2009-02-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

This is my Household Management folder. It is another way to stay organized. Inside are sections labeled, Emergency numbers, Neighbor's numbers, Daily Agenda, Monthly plan, Inventory, Expenses, Menus, Cleaning Schedule, Projects, Party and Holiday Planners, and a whole lot more. I will go into details on each category later. This is a great way to keep everything in one place and also for other family members to go to in case you were sick and needed help or something. Some great websites for print outs are.... www.executivehomemaker.com www.happyhousewivesclub.com you can also google a search.

Oh What Fun You Can Have With A Box

2009-02-02T11:55:00.008-05:00

I remember when I was little, my parents bought a stereo. You know the kind, that is a long piece of furniture, with the eight track, and record player. I remember playing in the box it came in and how much fun it was. So, when we where putting the wood stove in, we had to get a chimney liner. It came in a BIG box. I gave it to the girls, and this is what they came up with. They even put a spider in the corner.

Drawers and Cabinets

2009-01-29T11:41:00.003-05:00

Here is another organizing tip. Organize one drawer or cabinet, everyday. If you do one a day, you will not be overwhelmed. Always remember the number one rule of organizing...Everything has a place and there is a place for everything! If not, get rid of it. It is only stealing your time and space.

Lee/Jackson Dinner

2009-01-27T14:22:00.008-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the Lee/Jackson dinner we attended this weekend. The Sons of the Confederacy conduct an annual birthday dinner for Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. It was held at the Foundry. For the history of the Foundry click here

Putting in a woodstove and making a hearth

2009-01-27T14:13:00.002-05:00

Finished project

David had to put a new liner down the chimney.

new hearth

Grouting

We recently bought a wood stove. In order for it not to go through the floor, we needed to build a hearth to put under it. We had to get fireproof backer board and hardy backer, then ceramic tiles. David glued the tiles down and after 24-48 hours we put in the grout. I thought the grouting part was fun. David said he would not want to do a whole room. Here I was ready to redo the kitchen floor next!

If I Was The President

2009-01-20T09:37:00.002-05:00

When Heather was in Kindergarten, during the last election, her teacher told the class to write "What they would do if they were President." Heather wrote "I do not want to be President. I want to be the Queen!"

Snow Day

2009-01-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

The first snow of 2009! I took this picture from my front porch. The children were all excited. The only problem is, is that we have colds. Heather even has an ear infection. So they were disappointed, about not getting to finally play in snow. We got about 1/2 to 1 inch of snow.

Calendars

2009-01-14T12:57:00.004-05:00

This post is about getting your time organized. At the beginning of the month, the girls and I get our calendars out (they get a calendar every Christmas) and we schedule everything that is going on in that month. This way they know what to expect and know how to dress for the activity. Example - Art class is once a month, so on that day they know to put on something that can get a little dirty. I usually go ahead and schedule 3 months out myself. That way I do not double book anything. I also get prepared for the next month, for instance, if there is any birthday gifts to buy. I also go ahead and purchase what I need a month ahead, instead of rushing out, (and stressing) stopping at the store before the activity. This also includes non perishable food items to stock up for children's parties and activities. By the way, I get David's schedule as well, so I will not book anything that he has already planned. Be sure to also have a central calendar for all the activities to be put on for quick family reference.

Organizing

2009-01-06T13:44:00.004-05:00

Lets get 2009 organized! First get everything out of the filing cabinet and put it in a box. Of course if you are super organized (like I strive to be) put each category in envelopes, then in the box. That way if you do happen to need something, you can find it fast. By the way, label the outside of the box 2008. Leave out the items you need for your taxes. If you have people do your taxes for you, now is the time to set your appointment up before you and them get booked. The sooner we get this out of the way the more organized our office becomes. More on this next time.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2008-12-25T16:41:00.001-05:00

A Christmas Tea at Crescent Bend

Movie Trailer

2008-12-23T13:44:00.002-05:00

Click here to view the trailer to the movie.

Movie Stars

2008-12-22T20:18:00.005-05:00

The girl's friends made a movie this year for the Marble City film festival. Sarah and Heather got to be in it as well. We were involved in the WWII reenactment so the movie they made fit right in. They had to make a three minute movie in ten hours. They WON in the Junior division. View it here.

How to install a solar panel

2008-12-11T13:13:00.001-05:00

Be sure to route your wires so they won't get caught up in the gate when it opens and closes...

Make good connections to your battery. I have found it best to make sure the battery is level. Purchase a good quality battery box that will not only hold up under the sun but also the weedeater.
It is hard to connect the wires once the panel is mounted so make them before you install the panel.

Place the panel facing South to get the most sunlight. My lovely assistance is doing a wonderful job. To make sure it is working....you can put a battery charger on your battery and if it is maintaining a good charge you are good to go.

How to build a wood fence

2008-12-10T13:09:00.001-05:00

Here is the final product. Nice and even.
These are locust posts and should be here when the "Cows come home," 16 foot treated rough 1x6's and lots of screws. Use a couple of scrap pieces to maintain even spacing between boards.
Once again....my lovely assistants are doing a great job.

Bristol Motor Speedway

2008-12-08T12:59:00.001-05:00

Front stretch of the World's Fastest Half Mile "Bristol." This was our Pit box during the ASA race this year. The driver is Billy Crane from Missouri. His Myspace page is here.

David got to live out a dream of his this year. He got to be in a pit crew at Bristol Motor Speed way. Here is the view from the pits. But I guess his really big dream would be to be actually racing there. As many people know, he use to drive a race car on dirt.

What we have been up to

2008-12-04T16:26:00.006-05:00

We have been adding a shed to our barn and....

making Christmas projects for 4-H. The girls had a lot of fun making a gingerbread house. They also made a center piece with a candle in it, a wreath, tree, and candy cane from recycled things around the house and salt dough dolls. They got blue ribbons on all their entries.

Christopher Place

2008-11-20T15:37:00.000-05:00

We like to stay in Bed and Breakfasts. This year for our anniversary we went to Christopher Place. The views and the food was excellent.

Dave's Fish

2008-11-08T12:46:00.006-05:00

Here is the picture of a flounder David caught on a Flounder gig in North Carolina this summer. These are found in shallow salt water at night. Well I guess you can see them during the day as well but anyway - He went at night. Flounders are a flat fish, that lay on the bottom. You shine a flashlight into the water and look for the outline with two circles sticking up (which is the eyes). When you do see one you have to stab it with a fork like instrument, made for catching these, right near the head. He brought home dinner for the next night. He even cooked it! He did great - it was good!

Battle of Fort Sanders

2008-10-28T19:54:00.009-04:00

We participated in the Battle of Fort Sanders a few weeks ago. The girls and I were in the fashion show and the girls also did a demonstration of children's games of the 1800s. The ditch that was dug out, was the exact measurements of the original during the war.

Yummie Tummie

2008-10-22T11:46:00.007-04:00

This is a commercial for my cousin Betty's store. She sells Yummie Tummies, Pouchee and Pursekets. The Yummie Tummies are great and they work! I will not tell you what they are, you just need to check out her store and see for yourself. Go to Ebay.com click on Stores, then search for Special Spaces. Special Spaces is the name of her Ebay store.

Spring/Fall Cleaning

2008-10-17T13:44:00.003-04:00

Every Spring and Fall I deep clean my whole house. The tops of my kitchen cabinets can get a little yucky from all the dust and grease. How the grease gets there, who knows? I have thought up a plan for easy clean up. I put aluminum foil, wax paper, newspaper or what ever we have on hand down. That way the next time I climb up there to clean it, all I have to do is throw the paper away and put down new. That way it stays clean.

God's Provision!

2008-10-15T10:42:00.003-04:00

I just had to tell about how Great God is!!! Last week we went to my family reunion in way south Alabama. We left on Thursday. Friday, we were going to see one of my cousins who was going to take us to see the old home place and cemetery. About a half a mile from his house our fuel pump went out! We call him and he came to tow us in with his Ford truck. The funny thing is, is our truck is a Chevrolet. So he tows us to his house. We get on the phone to see how much it would cost to take it to the shop. Very expensive! We find the part at Advance Auto. I just praise the Lord for giving David the ability to know how to fix vehicles. We ended up paying over $300.00 for this part. David had to take the whole bed of the truck off to get to the fuel pump. He fixed the truck, but it took all day. I am just thanking God that we did not break down between here and there pulling a camper! I can just see how God's hand was with us by letting us break down near my cousin's house and David being able to fix it. God is GOOD!!!!!

Ramsey House

2008-10-08T12:42:00.007-04:00

Last Spring we went to the Ramsey House for a reenactment. The reenactment was a War Between the States battle, although the Ramsey House was built before then. My UDC group put on a fashion show. We had a lot of fun showing our beautiful dresses.

That is me with the Generals Forrest and Lee

Me and General Longstreet

Battle of Chickamauga

2008-09-26T16:03:00.010-04:00

Last weekend we went to Chickamauga GA. It is a very cute and historical town. I would like to go back and stay at the bed and breakfast they have there and look at all the cute stores. We just went Saturday to reenact at the 145th anniversary of The Battle of Chickamauga.

A Big Thank You!

2008-09-26T14:02:00.006-04:00

I won this coffee mug from Melissa's blog. She also sent me a copy of the magazine she is a writer of. Thank you Melissa, I am enjoying both! Go to her site for the yummy recipe of Mocha punch.

Using Wheat

2008-09-21T17:34:00.008-04:00

We grew Soft Wheat this year. Soft wheat can be used for biscuts, cakes, pancakes, waffles and other soft pastries. Usually, hard wheat is the one used for bread. First grind your wheat in a grinder. I have a k-tec, that sounds like an airplane. Now your wheat berries have turned into flour. Use it for this waffle recipe.
Whole Wheat Waffles

3 c of flour
1t salt
4t baking powder
1/2 c oil
4 eggs
3-4 c milk

Mix dry ingredients, then add liquids. Pour on hot waffle iron. Cook til brown. Enjoy!

Threshing the Wheat

2008-09-15T15:01:00.006-04:00

We tried a five gallon bucket, but it was too small. Use a big barrel.

Floor method

To get the wheat off the stalk, we had to beat it to death. We first tried to lay the stalks on the ground and beat the wheat with a stick. The wheat just flew all over the place. We then decided to beat it on the inside of a big barrel. Just grab a handfull at a time. That kept everything in one place. Next, we had to get the chaffe off of the wheat berries. It was not very windy, so we used an electric fan. Now the wheat was ready to be used. This has taken months to finish. David said "You can not pay me to do this again!" Well at least we know how our ancestors done it. It has been a great learning experience.

Bringing in the Sheaves

2008-09-04T16:41:00.006-04:00

Now to cut it! Well we first started with the hedge clippers, the flower clippers and then scissors. Scissors worked well but that was going to take forever. David had a great idea....Electric trimmer. That worked great! Just watch out for the power cord. We learned that the hard way. :) After you cut the wheat off at the ground, lay it on some twine, then tie the wheat into stooks. After you have it in stooks, you store the wheat somewhere to dry. We put it in our barn. After they have dried out, (a couple of weeks) you have to thresh the wheat heads out.

Amber Waves of Grain

2008-09-04T16:12:00.000-04:00

This year, well part of last year, we grew Soft Winter Wheat. It was a great experience. First we plowed up the garden, after everything had come in. We hand threw the seed and let it fall where it would. We then raked dirt on it and covered it with leaves. Then we waited and waited. David kept commenting "I do not think it is going to come up." It finally did. So we waited some more.

Then it was ready to harvest - BY HAND!!

Just starting to grow!

Not ready yet but growing....

2008-08-27T11:35:00.000-04:00

Hello blog world! We just started, so it will take us awhile to figure everything out. The picture is from a trip to Georgia we just took. We went to Kennesaw Mountain. It was beautiful! On a clear day one can see down to Atlanta. It was not a very clear day when we where there though. Kennesaw Mountain was were the Confederates were trying to keep the Union out of Atlanta. The Rebels won the battle...but Sherman destroyed the rails and went around the mountain and on to take Atlanta. We had a good trip. We look forward in sharing all of our fun trips especially the historical ones.