A few Christmas memories

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and didn't over do it--either buy spending too much or eating too much!

Tom and I started our Christmas with his family. His brother, John and wife Chassidy did a wonderful job on the dinner--there was plenty to eat! We opened gifts and enjoyed watching Jocelyn enjoy her first Christmas.








At my family dinner there were over 100 in attendance this year. We had plenty of good food and a good time visiting. I really enjoy having such a large family. Mom and Dad had 10 children themselves--I'm #9. We have sort of come to expect at least 1 new baby each year!












Mom, me, niece Tara and sister Mary




The newest addition to the family-Daniel --about 3 weeks old

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! MAY YOU HAVE PEACE, JOY AND MANY HAPPY MEMORIES.

Something to think about

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

Benjamin Franklin

I thought this was pretty powerful! This seems to be where our country is.

Things

Yesterday I purchased a "new" couch from Craigslist. Toma and I picked it up last night and it's now in place. We really like it. A nice couch to snuggle up in!
I also finished the tree except for adding some more icicles. This year the angels didn't look quite right so, in an effort to be frugal, I used a red bow. I think it looks fine. Oh!my lamp in beside the couch is my 2nd 99cent find! I love to find practical deals like that and yes, I do like the look the lamp gives.
We are looking forward to having our kiddos home for the holidays! The days will go by so quickly.
Enjoy the Christmas season and take time to relax and make some lasting memories--I know Tom and I are.

Merry Christmas--just a bit early

Last night Tom and I went to Lowes and found our present to each other--well--at least that makes it sound good! afterwards we went to Home Depot and then, to top it off, we ended the eve. with caramel latte's at Panera. It was a nice evening together, enjoying the shop and each other.
This is something we were wanting and it will be pretty as well as functional--how can you beat that!? Oh-yes--romantic, too!!!!

Thankful

As thanksgiving is upon us I find I have so very much to be thankful for--we all do--even if at first glance it seems we could find more to complain or lament about.
The saying--just getting out of bed in the morning being something to be thankful for is very real. Think of those who can't or never will again. Yes, we can be very thankful if we can get out of bed in the morning-especially if we can do it without help.
I thought I'd just list some things I'm especially thankful for --not just on Thanksgiving but, every day. I hope you find just a minute to stop and think and be truly thankful for all your blessings--even those in disguise.
Now, my list:

Christ and all His provisions and GRACE! Without Him and His help and grace, I would truly be destitute. He is so AWESOME!!!!! And He knows!!! That's enough.

My wonderful husband who loves me, makes us his highest priority, works hard for us,seeks to be godly, loves his children (and grandchild), and the list goes on......

For my children . All of them are safe. I'm glad they choose to have a relationship with us and for the love we share.

I'm thankful for the prospect of us all being together in January.

For my large family and extended family. It's great to all be able to get together at the holidays. There always seems to be a new baby or two!

My marriage--this may sound like a repeat but, with satan wreaking havoc on so many marriages, I am thankful--oh, so thankful--for Tom and our marriage. He is an absolute gem and I'm so thankful God saw fit to bless me with such a man.

For life. We recently lost a dear friend-only 55 or so.A perfectly healthy, godly man, suddenly snatched away from family and friends through an accident. we never know our time--to be ready without a moments notice is the most important thing!

I know I could go on and on but, these are o few of the prominent things. I'm also sure your own list could go on and on and on..........

Enjoy the holiday and make some memories that will make you smile when you think of them on down the way!

this and that

up the tube to Tom


Feeding the hopper with insulation

Tom and I have been busy moving and trying to get settled in a bit. It will all come together in time! Tues. afternoon we put blown insulation in the attic. There was nothing there so it was an absolute must. Only took about 2 hours so it wasn't too bad.

This past Sat. we attended my niece, Danielle's, wedding. Tom sang "I will be here" by Steven Curtis Chapman. He did an excellent job! I was very proud of him. I can't post any pics because I don't have any yet. Later.

We are enjoying the new surroundings and getting to know our way around--well, at least I am. Tom doesn't go much and when he does we're always together so if I can't remember or don't know the way, we rely on the GPS! Tom tells me he loves to be with me and go places together. That's so sweet after 25 years. We're doing our best to make sure that never changes!!! With satan desperately trying to destroy marriages it behooves us all to build our hedges and keep the flame burning brightly! It's a lot more fun that way anyhow!!!

Enjoy your spouse today and make them feel special!

Ooooooohhhhhhbama

If some of you were like Tom and I , you couldn't take it and went to bed BEFORE the election was called. It was such a disappointment to wake and find that our country--well, at least the unthinking, welfare grabbing, liberal-and I mean liberal- people have elected such a liberal, socialistic minded man to lead our country. Black has nothing to do with it, although I do believe there is a lot of racism there-especially his wife. I would gladly have voted for Alan Keys had he had a chance-and he's twice as "black" as Obama.
Change is on it's way--let's hope he does a good job and makes such a mess that in 2 years there will be an overthrow in Washington and we can salvage something. I just cannot believe the ignorance of people. It's so disheartening.
As for the early voting--it's such a crime--I wonder how many of those early voters wish they could recall that vote!
I'm ranting, I know. All is not lost though. To those who enjoy a handout and think the govt. and everyone else owes them a living--they won't be affected at all! Isn't that great? In fact. they'll get more checks! How fantastic is that! Do we live in a great country or what!
Anyway- God IS in control. A lot of times we see that it takes great crisis to bring change in a people or nation. Maybe this is the beginning of the end-maybe not. I do feel sorry for the folks who work hard for a living and have met with success--they stand to lose a lot.
Enough of that. God is always good and will forever come out the Victor. This is what we have to keep in mind. Besides, if this is a prelude to the end--that means redemption is closer than it was yesterday! Try to have a good day!! I'm going to.

Sorry the pics are blurry. I guess I got too close.
These are the flowers Tom got me and then a very large, interesting bug that Tom found on the porch. Not to friendly looking-yuck!
We are moved-at least WE are-not quite all the stuff. We are liking the new place. Tom has been able to see several deer --he's ready to get settled a bit so he can actually hunt! I'm hoping to make him feel like he can do that by working hard to get things pretty much in order.
We are planning to host Tom's family for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners like We've done the past few years. They always enjoy it and we do, too. Then, on Dec. 6 I will be hostess to my family's girls Christmas exchange. They get to drive clear from Fostoria to Dayton but, hey, it's a real girl's day out! I'm looking forward to it. So, I have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks.
Enjoy your day!

Almost

Well, our move is almost complete and we are very happy about it! Tom is enjoying the fact that even if he works late, he's still home by a decent time!
I'm anxious to throw a little color o the walls--white everything seems a bit--I don't know--just not to homey--maybe a bit cold.
Weds. eve. when I got back to Dayton, Tom not only had super started but, he had gotten a beautiful fall flower arrangement for me! How sweet was that! I want to post some pics but, as of right now the printer has yet to be hooked up again. Maybe I'll get to that today--then again--maybe I won't. There's only so many things I can do in a day and like I said, these walls are calling for some warmth!
Have a good day All! I plan to.

Making a statement

Okay--so I had a quaint idea while we were loading to make a trip to Dayton Saturday. In discussing where we would put the moose antlers, Tom was going to put them on top of the load. That's how they traveled here from Alaska and it was quite funny to be video taped while driving down the road. We joked that we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies!
Oh, well--I digress----anyway--I thought we could put a sign on the back about moving Sarah Palin to Washington! So I made the sign and Uncle attached it to the back of the load. The only glitch was the placement of the antlers--they ended up on top of the Blazer. This somewhat minimized the effect of the sign but, it was still fun to watch people as they went by and made the connection. We even got video taped once! I was following Tom so I got to see some of the reactions. Great fun and I enjoyed making a statement!
Moving is going --well--it's going. I'm so glad to be moving!! We'll be official Dayton residents by Sat.

65 years and decor

Yesterday, October 16, my parents celebrated 65 years of marriage! Quite the milestone. We celebrated with a carry-in dinner at my sisters house for mom, dad and just the children and their spouses.
After the dinner I was off to Dayton again. I think I'll know that road well by the time we're moved! Not near as well as Tom knows it, though!!! He's so happy to be moved and only 20 mins. from work.
Following are a few pics of the beginnings of putting the house together. Tom and I are having fun doing it together.
As a side, the table in the dining room is not the real one!! We'll pick up our new (used) dining set with small hutch next Sat. I'm excited about it!

The News

Okay, here's the news. After 3 1/2 yrs. of Tom driving back and forth to Dayton for work (almost 180 miles a day!) we are moving to Dayton! I am very happy to be moving and Tom is very excited to be moved, too. He'll only be about 15-20 mins. from work. He'll actually have some time to do something besides get home, eat and go to bed!
As an added benefit he has access to all the hunting area our landlord owns--200 acres behind our house plus many more acres close by. He is really looking forward to that!
The house was a wreck but, it has been completely redone from the drywall out--well--except for the floors! That's ok--we can deal with that. So I'll have a brand new kitchen--how nice is that! We'll have plenty of room when the kids are all home, too.
Did I mention that Tom and I are very excited to be moving? It's like starting over again but, I have to say--I'm still happy to be moving.
I've posted some pics--mostly for the kids to see-so I hope they don't bore the rest of you. You know what life will be for me for the next little while since I'll be doing most of the sorting and packing by myself. What a job! but, I'll just dig in and get-r-done!
As a side--I hope you're all paying close attention to the candidates--I think if you do you'll have NO choice but MCCAIN/PALIN!



Our new home




this will be the computer/reading room




looking in from the front door




my new kitchen




other side of kitchen-frig. goes here-laundry room off to the side




upstairs bathroom-bedrooms are all upstairs



to the attic



The yard and such is to be taken care of yet and the pond is to be cleaned out and some bushes cleaned out. The owner is a very nice but, no nonsense man. Most of his renters stay with him because he's good to them so we're looking forward to being here a long time.
I know that wasn't as exciting as you might have thought it would be but it's very exciting for us. The other news would have been w-a-y to exciting!!!!! hehe

HAPPY 45!!!!!

45 years ago today my hubby made his entrance into this world. We don't know any of the details because he's adopted but, I'm sure glad he made it!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful man!

In a couple days I'll be able to share the latest news and a few pics. No, it's not that! Until then, here are a few things we've been working on.
I must say that it's so good to know that GOD KNOWS! What a comfort!!

We moved our cider making out to the garage. It was to nice of a day to be in the basement!




Our apple washing system-so innovative!




Our new Cuisinart ice cream maker-a nifty tool for a quick, easy treat

Cider time! This year Tom put a motor on the press. Last year he had sore joints from cranking the thing so much. Then, when it would catch, that didn't help. So--with the motor, cider is much easier to do! The hard part this year is getting the right mix. We couldn't get the same kind of apples we got last year--which made a delicious cider! We're starting all over trying to find the right combination. Tom likes to do it more "scientifically" instead of just throwing any and all apples together. It was very rewarding last year--our cider would last almost 2 weeks in the frig. and still be good--not hard! Everyone who tasted it really thought it was an excellent cider. I don't think we'll be as pleased this year, although we're certainly trying to get a good mix.
Fall is upon us and I must admit, it feels sort of good. Tom is anxious to get to the woods and hunt. It would sure be nice if he could get another nice deer this year. Last years was soooooo good! One nice deer would complete our meat for the year since I'm getting a 1/2 pastured pig and a 1/2 grass-fed beef. Funny-in Alaska just 1 good sized moose would be all you'd need for the year!

Aaron is doing well in training. He did have to have 15 stitches between 2 fingers. A week ago Sun. he was cut by a knife- right down between the fingers. OUCH! They wanted to set him back but, he said no-he'd met all the requirements just like everyone else had. So--they let him stay with his company. Hopefully it's healed well and he'll have no problems. Of course. I started to talk to him about keeping it clean, etc. He stopped me and reminded me that he knew all about that--they're all given basic medic training! Is it hard not to be Mom?????

I must end by reminding you that God is truly an AWESOME God! How He loves us and cares for us is nothing short of amazing! He has proven it over and over. I wouldn't know what to do without Him.

Enjoy your day/week! Save your pennies!

The modernized cider press! Complete.





Here comes the juice!




The first jug of juice - this is just the base--golden delicious

On being helpful

Ok, so there I was, standing near my man, not quite by him, while he was busy sucking yellow jackets up with a shop vac. We were helping a neighbor--the yellow jackets were coming into her daughters room.So--being the helpful, loving wife that I am--I was there with Tom. Mind you-I-(yes,me)- was the one standing pretty still while Tom was moving around and making quick movements-something bees don't like. Well-as you've probably already guessed--I was the one to get nailed! Now, I don't think it was looking for me but, I was in his line of fire and he hit me right under the nose! I hurried home-about 2 mins. away at my speed today--to get some comfrey to help lessen the swelling. I knew I wasn't getting it on fast enough to keep it from swelling but,I knew it would probably keep it from being full blown. The treatment does look lovely, don't you think? Call it a spot facial!

Chemical free products!

Surprise

Last weekend when Tom and I were in Dayton, we ate at a very eclectic restaurant.The food was good and the dessert was great! I can't remember what the waitress called it but, it was a chocolate lava cake. Tom really liked it so-----last night I surprised him with it! I know this is so bad--sugar and white flour! then add the Breyers icecream!--oh, my. It was a hit with Tom, though. It will be one of those few and f-a-r between treats!

Correction

Aaron is not at camp Lejune--he's at camp Gieger. This is still in NC and actually close to camp Lejune.
He flew there Mon. morning and will be there for 52 days. After that--it remains to be seen.
There is a good possibility that his company will be called up in the next6 months I guess. That is not a comforting thought.
Pray for him if/when he comes to your mind. I'm sure he would appreciate it.

These are some more pictures from Aaron's graduation and some fun time Tom and I had. The troops did an early morning run on Thursday and we were able to be on base to watch. After the run they cleaned up, got into thieir uniforms and there was a small ceremony in the building before releasing them to their families for a few hours. They could not leave base but, there were plenty of places to eat and shops to go to. It was a nice time.
Now Aaron heads to Camp Lejune, NC for another 52 days of training. I guess there is a good chance his company will be called up- maybe in a few months or so. I know this is what they were trained for but, we sure hate to see him go. It's such a scary prospect.
Hope you enjoy the pics and have a great day!

Aaron is bearing the flag-3rd guy to the right




Platoon 1062 of Delta Co. D--Aaron's platoon


OUR MARINE


Family time--lunch at Traditions on base Thursday



my most favorite man in all the world

getting our fire going


canoeing on the black swamp creek-SC

taking a lunch break