A Birthday Suprise!

So yesterday was my birthday, and I turned 30 years old! I had a great day relaxing with my family. We had a dinner planned that night just for the hubby and myself. But when we got to the resturant my whole family was there! It was so awesome and I felt so loved.

Trip to Cahokia Mounds

We took a trip to Cahokia Mounds today to learn about the Indians that were local to our area. I've never been there before today, and, lover of history that I am, I thought it was GREAT! Because my hubby was with us, we couldn't do much walking, because he sprained his ankle. But they had a wonderful museum, and the exhibits were awesome. I give it an A++!

Hubby's Birthday!

Today was my husbands birthday....I LOVE birthdays! My own mom always made it such a special day when we were young, so I like to do things BIG!
Birthday's are such a wonderful time to celebrate that person, and to treasure what a gift they are to you! This year my husband had already bought a big present, so the kids and I went and got him some smaller, still fun, presents.

To eat or not to eat.....

Recently I have been going to the chiropractor-a very new experience for me. The chiropractor I go to also deals with herbal medicine and treating the whole body in general. It really is amazing though! I have already seen huge improvements in myself on so many different levels. I started out by going so that I could try and get rid of the migranes that I have. I don't want to be on painkillers and medicine the rest of my life. I have been trying to help myself for quite a while, but this has been the push I needed.
So, with this new help comes a problem for me. Well, not really a "problem" but something very difficult. I am an emotional eater. So especially at times like this where there is an abundance of baking and yummy things like soups constantly on the stove, I struggle. I have finally kicked my coffee habit, which is huge considering I pretty much had coffee all day! So now I get to have it only when I truly want a cup. And that is all I have.
My biggest issue that I'm trying to take care of now is white carbs. I've know for a long time that I have an issue in that area, but now that I have seen how much it affects my health, I'm on a new mission to get rid of them! Next will be sugar~!

There's nothing like your boy playing in the dirt!

Grandma's Birthday!

End of summer produce

This is possibly the last of the veggies from the garden. I have broccoli, turnips, collards, and brussell sprouts left, along with sweet potatoes that still need harvesting.

Zucchini Cookies and Chili

I finally got up the energy to make this reciepe for Zucchini Cookies that I got from my mom. They are SO delicious!
Cody couldn't wait for them to be done!
Well, that got me in the mood to make some chili, and I got to use up alot of the veggies that I have grown over the summer.

Pumpkins and Potatoes

I have been really digging up potatoes the last week or so. This year I planted purple potatoes, which have been really fun to grow and plant. I also planted Yukon gold ones, which turned out yummy!
My pie pumpkins have taken off really well, and I can't wait to pick them and can them! I still have sweet potatoes growing, they will be awhile. My butternut squash is growing good too, I'll have to take some pictures!

Soap making!

I have a good friend who loves to make soap. She was willing to show me how to do it, and make some with her! I have just been so excited by doing this. This first batch that we made was Oatmeal Lavender. We have made a couple more batches since then of chamomile and oatmeal cinnamon. I can't wait until they have cured and we can use them!

First day of school!

I have always homeschooled. I have always wanted to homeschool, my husband however, has not always been on the same page. So our compromise was always that should one of the kids ever decide they wanted to go to school, we would let them try. Well, that has finally happened.
I went through quite a while of begging and pleading, then I realized I was acting like a 2 year old. :)
So I let go.
I have left it with my God who can perfectly handle it. She isn't really mine, she is HIS. So, that being said, I am letting go, and trusting in God.
This may not be a big deal to many people. But, for me, I feel to stay home, and be at home, raising children, and serving my husband. So now I'm just doing that a little differently.
Here is my daughter, sideways, because I can't turn it. On her first day of school.

A new miracle

I am an Aunt again! I'm so excited and thrilled for my middle sister who had my new niece yesterday! Praise God for new little ones....

Summer Sunsets.....

A night on the courthouse square....

On Thursday nights in our town we have concerts in the park. They are free weekly concerts, where you bring a lawn chair and relax. The music is different each week,but always good. Such a fun time to unwind and relax!

Spring gardening is looking like this right now. Lettuce,Strawberries, and little tiny blackberries growing. I can't wait until things are full swing! We have so much planted and it's still not everything I want planted. Hopefully I can keep up!

Summertime!
Our summer has been filled with swimming, baseball, 4-H projects, and lots of garden activity. Hopefully I can post more pictures soon!

Our Newest addition.

Ricco!

Our trip to Texas!