To start with, I love it when the goat's production starts going up. :D That means we can start doing the chocolate milk & Vanilla Bean Yogurt. There's nothing like our chocolate milk, :D I've had people call me snobbish when I try other milk. But there is no way you can beat 1 pound of dark chocolate per gallon of milk. And our vanilla bean yogurt is the best and this batch is the best I've ever made being almost spoonable and oh so yummy. :D
Water pipes. Something that you (or at least I tend) to take for granted until you don't have it. :D In the past nine days our family has broken, not one, not two, but THREE pipes. All resulting in having to have the water off anywhere from two hours to two days. :D The first one was broken three days before Christmas, somehow Christin was able to pull the main pipe to the house out of the ground and bust it in half. Something about dragging the hose to an animal pen, I'm not 100% certain how it happened, nor am I sure about the on in the dairy. All I know is it was broken and the water was off for two hours while dad fixed it. And this morning when I came in from milking Emma had broken a pipe in the old laundry room and the water was off yet again. Thankfully I have a very handy dad and he had it fixed within hours. :D
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Christmas Season
Yes, the Christmas season is over, and one way my sisters figured that out was by the fact that my blog changed colors yet again. lol
Some sisters have noted that they missed the red, boots, and hats, while others said they like the bluebonnets. :D The comment that surprised me was the one that came from my dad when I asked him which color I should do with the bluebonnets. (We work together on websites, so we are always asking each other for help.) What he said was a little surprising--"I don't care what color you do as long as the red and boots are gone".
Oh, if only I had known. I sure hope those colors didn't bother anyone else!!
Some sisters have noted that they missed the red, boots, and hats, while others said they like the bluebonnets. :D The comment that surprised me was the one that came from my dad when I asked him which color I should do with the bluebonnets. (We work together on websites, so we are always asking each other for help.) What he said was a little surprising--"I don't care what color you do as long as the red and boots are gone".
Oh, if only I had known. I sure hope those colors didn't bother anyone else!!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
I sometimes Wonder
About my siblings and the things they can come up with. :D
One of those things is the insults that they come up with. Rather the things that they come up with, in which they hope to insult us with. :D (Mainly Emma and Timothy towards Chris, Grace, and myself). More often than not these "insults" tend to get more laughter then anger from the people they are trying to insult. This only results in a stomped foot and a “Don’t laugh at me!!"
But it is really hard not to laugh at them when they yell...
"You are an Eco-terrorist!!"
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas In The Country
How does Christmas differ from the living in the city vs. living in the country? Well, I'll give you a few examples. :D
1) "Santa's" reindeer don't get peanut butter anymore. Rather they get hay and alfalfa pellets.
2) We all try to stay up until midnight to hear the animals talk. (We've yet to hear them say a word).
3) The first thing on the list Christmas morning is no longer to open gifts. Instead it's feed the animals and milk the goats.
4) Christmas wish lists no longer consistes of Books, toys, bike helmets and computer games. They are now, knives for butchering, goats, riding helmets, and pocket knives for chores.
(I can't believe that I have posted over 200 times in the last 10 1/2 months!)
Friday, December 25, 2009
Bible Reading
When reading the bible for Christmas or Easter, I always like to read the prophecies and the fulfillments. In the past month I have been doing that with the blog. On the right side I put the prophecies first and then it's fulfillment.
But I have a verse and a chapter that my mom had me memorize a long time ago for a family play. Both of them have stayed with me and are what I read during the Christmas and Easter holidays, to remind myself that Christmas is not just the day when you stay up late one night to stuff stockings and wrap gifts and receive gifts, nor is Easter the day for "little bunny foo foo" and marshmallow peeps. God had a plan for sending Christ down and not just to help with people's earthly problems. He came to save us from our sins and these two sections from the bible show us that.
Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.
But I have a verse and a chapter that my mom had me memorize a long time ago for a family play. Both of them have stayed with me and are what I read during the Christmas and Easter holidays, to remind myself that Christmas is not just the day when you stay up late one night to stuff stockings and wrap gifts and receive gifts, nor is Easter the day for "little bunny foo foo" and marshmallow peeps. God had a plan for sending Christ down and not just to help with people's earthly problems. He came to save us from our sins and these two sections from the bible show us that.
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our report?And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.
Christmas Traditions--Christmas Day
Christmas day hmmmm....How do you describe the chaotic fun that goes on at our place during the unwrapping? Or the candy trading that happens over breakfast? I don't think there really is a way to describe it; you would have to see it to believe it.
I have no idea when the day starts for the younger children, but after staying up into the wee hours of the morning wrapping gifts, I stay in bed as long as I can. Then it's up and start the crazy day.
We start it with stockings being opened while someone works on breakfast and someone else gets dinner in the turkey roaster.
Then coffee is made and handed out, it's tradition to have good coffee with whipped cream and shaved chocolate on top. I promise you it's better than Starbucks!! Then Dad reads the Christmas story and does advent, everyone then tells who their secret person was and the it's gift opening time!
And that's when all the mayhem starts! Normally one or two people sit next to the tree and hand out gifts one at a time opening them only two people at a time. Sometimes that works, other times it doesn't. It all depends on if there are other people there helping.
As soon as all the gifts are opened and the paper picked up, everyone heads to their own spot to play with, read, and try out, etc. their new gifts. And the rest of the day is spent being lazy. We just lay around doing nothing really but playing and enjoying our gifts and time with our family. Then its evening chores and bed time for all.
Though this year it's a little different than most years, as it falls on a Friday. Fridays are our busiest days, it's the day when everything is loaded into the two cars for four markets, we make sure all product labeled, ice chest cleaned, ice ready, and people have what they need for to go to market. It makes for a VERY busy day. With it falling on Christmas it's all ready looking to be busier than most Fridays, thankfully we all ready had most of it done. :D
Now it's off to bottle milk and load the cars.
I have no idea when the day starts for the younger children, but after staying up into the wee hours of the morning wrapping gifts, I stay in bed as long as I can. Then it's up and start the crazy day.
We start it with stockings being opened while someone works on breakfast and someone else gets dinner in the turkey roaster.
Then coffee is made and handed out, it's tradition to have good coffee with whipped cream and shaved chocolate on top. I promise you it's better than Starbucks!! Then Dad reads the Christmas story and does advent, everyone then tells who their secret person was and the it's gift opening time!
And that's when all the mayhem starts! Normally one or two people sit next to the tree and hand out gifts one at a time opening them only two people at a time. Sometimes that works, other times it doesn't. It all depends on if there are other people there helping.
As soon as all the gifts are opened and the paper picked up, everyone heads to their own spot to play with, read, and try out, etc. their new gifts. And the rest of the day is spent being lazy. We just lay around doing nothing really but playing and enjoying our gifts and time with our family. Then its evening chores and bed time for all.
Though this year it's a little different than most years, as it falls on a Friday. Fridays are our busiest days, it's the day when everything is loaded into the two cars for four markets, we make sure all product labeled, ice chest cleaned, ice ready, and people have what they need for to go to market. It makes for a VERY busy day. With it falling on Christmas it's all ready looking to be busier than most Fridays, thankfully we all ready had most of it done. :D
Now it's off to bottle milk and load the cars.
Merry Christmas to All!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Christmas Traditions--Christmas Eve
Ah, Christmas Eve the Day in which any child under the age of 15 runs around shouting "Tomorrow is CHRISTMAS!! I can't wait for CHRISTMAS! You will never guess what I got YOU for CHRISTMAS!!" It's a fun filled day, in which we make sure all the kids are ready to go to evening service, all gifts are bought and wrapped, ready and waiting to go under the tree as soon as the kids are in bed.
It's that day when Christmas music is played nonstop (The only day that there is more Christmas music played would be Christmas). The kids eagerly talk about where we are eating out that night, and trying not to tell everyone what they got for everyone. :D
The morning of Christmas Eve is never the same, there are times when we do nothing that morning, where as other mornings we decorate cookies or the tree. Sometimes we've even watched one of the movies we have yet to watch.
But it\'s the evening of Christmas Eve that we can always count on being the same. Every year everyone gets dressed in their best Christmas clothes, we all load into the van and head out to eat. Where we eat all depends on what mom and dad want and how much time we have, we've done Jason's Deli, Cajun Town, and Fuzzy's Pizza, like I said it all depends on what mom and dad want. :D But no matter what for us children it's a treat and we always look forward to it enjoy the time out immensely!
After that (or sometimes even before that) we go our church's Christmas Eve service, where we get to sing Christmas hymns, listen to bible passages, and a short sermon from our pastor. It's my favorite part about Christmas Eve (the only thing better was when Christmas was on a Sunday a couple years back. :D ) Afterwards there is some visiting with other church members, and then on then on home we go.
Once we get home, after our traditional stop at Central Market, all the youngers get ready for bed, while the olders finish evening chores. Then we all gather around dad and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while he reads "The night Before Christmas" and "Texas Night Before Christmas".
After he is finished we all open on present and to a point we all know what we are going to be getting--A Christmas tree Ornament. Everyone gets one, so that we are "All grown up and have our own house with our own tree we will be able to have ornaments all ready to put on the tree. Mom and dad get one so that when we move away their tree won't be bare." :D It's always fun to see what we are going to get, for my 16th Christmas I got one from there I was born, another year I got one that looked like a scroll and had a verse on it that means a lot to me. Each year they are different, but they almost always match. Two years ago it was cowboy Santas for everyone, where as last year it was animal themed, and three years ago it was Texas themed.
Then everyone under the age of 16 heads to bed after putting out hay, cookies, peanut butter and a beverage. Then mom and dad relax while eating the eatable stuff put out for "Santa and his reindeer". Then mom and I will stuff stockings. After that everyone heads off to bed except for me and one or two other sisters who lock ourselves into my room and finish wrapping the gifts.
It's that day when Christmas music is played nonstop (The only day that there is more Christmas music played would be Christmas). The kids eagerly talk about where we are eating out that night, and trying not to tell everyone what they got for everyone. :D
The morning of Christmas Eve is never the same, there are times when we do nothing that morning, where as other mornings we decorate cookies or the tree. Sometimes we've even watched one of the movies we have yet to watch.
But it\'s the evening of Christmas Eve that we can always count on being the same. Every year everyone gets dressed in their best Christmas clothes, we all load into the van and head out to eat. Where we eat all depends on what mom and dad want and how much time we have, we've done Jason's Deli, Cajun Town, and Fuzzy's Pizza, like I said it all depends on what mom and dad want. :D But no matter what for us children it's a treat and we always look forward to it enjoy the time out immensely!
After that (or sometimes even before that) we go our church's Christmas Eve service, where we get to sing Christmas hymns, listen to bible passages, and a short sermon from our pastor. It's my favorite part about Christmas Eve (the only thing better was when Christmas was on a Sunday a couple years back. :D ) Afterwards there is some visiting with other church members, and then on then on home we go.
Once we get home, after our traditional stop at Central Market, all the youngers get ready for bed, while the olders finish evening chores. Then we all gather around dad and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while he reads "The night Before Christmas" and "Texas Night Before Christmas".
After he is finished we all open on present and to a point we all know what we are going to be getting--A Christmas tree Ornament. Everyone gets one, so that we are "All grown up and have our own house with our own tree we will be able to have ornaments all ready to put on the tree. Mom and dad get one so that when we move away their tree won't be bare." :D It's always fun to see what we are going to get, for my 16th Christmas I got one from there I was born, another year I got one that looked like a scroll and had a verse on it that means a lot to me. Each year they are different, but they almost always match. Two years ago it was cowboy Santas for everyone, where as last year it was animal themed, and three years ago it was Texas themed.
Then everyone under the age of 16 heads to bed after putting out hay, cookies, peanut butter and a beverage. Then mom and dad relax while eating the eatable stuff put out for "Santa and his reindeer". Then mom and I will stuff stockings. After that everyone heads off to bed except for me and one or two other sisters who lock ourselves into my room and finish wrapping the gifts.
Then it's off to bed with "visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.”
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
This Is A First!
I can't believe that it's Little Christmas Eve already!! And here I sit with presents all over my room and not a one wrapped. It's a first here, there's nothing else to say about it. Normally by the 23rd I've wrapped well over half the gifts (that would be all mine and half of the gifts that the girls are giving) if things keep up I won't be able to double or triple wrap them like I always do. On top of that I'll be up until milking time on Christmas. lol
At least I have a couple sisters who help, I just pray we can get them all done tonight as I am not to keen on staying up until the wee hours of Christmas morning. :D
On a side note, I've been dusting the bookshelves in the living room and listening to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, singing along with the music has cause that question that I have had for years to pop up again--How is the doll a misfit? I've been watching this movie for 21 years now and I have asked this question for at least the past decade and have yet to get an answer or figure it out. Maybe someone else outside of my family can shed some light on this puzzling Christmas movie question. :D
At least I have a couple sisters who help, I just pray we can get them all done tonight as I am not to keen on staying up until the wee hours of Christmas morning. :D
On a side note, I've been dusting the bookshelves in the living room and listening to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, singing along with the music has cause that question that I have had for years to pop up again--How is the doll a misfit? I've been watching this movie for 21 years now and I have asked this question for at least the past decade and have yet to get an answer or figure it out. Maybe someone else outside of my family can shed some light on this puzzling Christmas movie question. :D
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Christmas Traditions--Movie Watching (Non-Cartoons)
Here are the other two movies that we watch. :D
"Stingy old Ebenezer Scrooge is known as the meanest man in London. He overworks and underpays his humble clerk, Bob Cratchit, whose little son, Tiny Tim, is crippled and may soon die. He also has nothing to do with his nephew, Fred, because his birth cost the life of his beloved sister. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge has a haunting nightmare. He is visited by three ghosts and is given one last chance to change his ways and save himself from the grim fate that befell his business partner, Jacob Marley."
"If I could work my will," said Scrooge indignantly, "every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!"
"Mrs. Dilber: Are you all right, Mr. Scrooge?
Ebenezer: [ecstatic] I... I don't know. I don't know anything. I never did know anything.
Ebenezer: [ecstatic] I... I don't know. I don't know anything. I never did know anything.
[starts laughing]
But now I KNOW that I don't know anything!
But now I KNOW that I don't know anything!
[begins to sing and clap his hands]
I don't know anything! I never did know anything! But now I know that I don't know All on a Christmas morning!
I don't know anything! I never did know anything! But now I know that I don't know All on a Christmas morning!
[speaking again]
Ebenezer: Shall I stand on my head? I must stand on my head.
[He does so, and Mrs. Dilber runs out screaming]"
Ebenezer: Shall I stand on my head? I must stand on my head.
[He does so, and Mrs. Dilber runs out screaming]"
Ebenezer: I'll give you a guess!
Mrs. Dilber: [pause] To keep me mouth shut?"
"On the Christmas Eve of Bedford Falls, the guardian angel Clarence is assigned to convince the desperate George Bailey to not commit suicide. George is a good man, that sacrificed his dreams and his youth on behalf of the citizens of his small town. He inherited the loan business of his father and he gave up traveling the world and joining University as scheduled. Later he resisted the proposals of the evil banker Mr. Potter, and never sold his business to protect the poor community of Bedford Falls and offer a means to afford to buy their own house. He married his beloved Mary Hatch Bailey and had four children with her and a tough life with his family. When his uncle Billy loses $8,000.00, found and stolen by Mr. Potter, George decides to commit suicide, since he believes he worth more dead than alive. When Clarence sees that he is not able to persuade George to give up his intention, he decides to show the life in town if George had never existed. George concludes that life is wonderful."
"George Bailey: I'm shakin' the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I'm gonna see the world. Italy, Greece, the Parthenon, the Colosseum. Then, I'm comin' back here to go to college and see what they know. And then I'm gonna build things. I'm gonna build airfields, I'm gonna build skyscrapers a hundred stories high, I'm gonna build bridges a mile long..."
"Clarence: You've been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.
Clarence: You see George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?
Clarence: You see George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?
Clarence: Strange isn't. Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole doesn't he?
Clarence: [In book inscription] Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends. "
" George Bailey: Merry Christmas, movie house! Merry Christmas, Emporium! Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!"
Christmas Traditions--Movie Watching (Cartoons)
One of the younger’s favorite Christmas tradition is the movies we watch. O.K. I have to be totally honest, some of the movies we watch rank pretty high on my favorite list of traditions. :D Since I couldn't keep the quotes down to one or small ones a couple of the movies, I decided to make this into two post, the cartoons and the non-cartoons. :D As you can see I am starting with the Cartoon movies. :)
"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"--Of the Cartoon movies that we watch, this my favorite. Don't ask me why, but it is and has always been. It could be, perhaps, all the rhyming. Or it could be "Little Cindy Lou Who". But I think that the most likely reason of all is the Grinch himself. Whatever it maybe be it the rhyming, or Cindy Lou, or even the Grinch himself. I love this movie and will always watch it even if there are no kids in the house. :D
"Little Drummer Boy"--Of all the movies we watch this is my least favorite, always has been. Way back to when I was eight or nine. It's one of those things where I can't pin point it and everyone else I know loves it, but I have always disliked it. There are times when even the music gets on my nerves. But, I sit through it and watch it for my family. But, between you, me, and everyone else in the world who reads this--I HATE that movie!!
"Frosty The Snowman"--A fun loving movie about a snowman, (which I have only made one of in my life, lol). I'm sure everyone has seen this movie (as well as all the other movies I have and will mention) at least once in their life. It's a fun movie all about the "magic of Christmas Snow" and good music, which makes for an enjoyable thirty minutes. :)
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"--The movie about the reindeer with a red-nose, good Burl Ives music, and nothing it oh so terrible and oh so boring. It’s all very enjoyable. lol And just in case you’re wondering when...In our family we all agree, that when they wanted something to give them an idea of reindeer playing they watched four day old baby goats.
"Sam the snowman tells us the story of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being ousted from the reindeer games because of his beaming honker, teams up with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, the prospector. They run into the Abominable Snowman and find a whole island of misfit toys. Rudoph vows to see if he can get Santa to help the toys, and he goes back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. But Santa's sleigh is fogged in. But when Santa looks over Rudolph, he gets a very bright idea"
"Bitter and hateful, the Grinch is irritated at the thought of the nearby village having a happy time celebrating Christmas. So disguised as Santa Claus, with his dog made to look like a reindeer, he raids the village to steal all the Christmas things, hoping to keep the Who's from having a Christmas that year."
"Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville - did not. The Grinch hated Christmas - the whole Christmas season. Now, please don't ask why; no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or it could be that his head wasn't screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small."
"And what happened then...? Well...in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day!
And then the true meaning of Christmas came through,
And the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches… plus two."
"And what happened then...? Well...in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day!
And then the true meaning of Christmas came through,
And the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches… plus two."
"When Aaron's family is killed, he hates all people and his only friends are the lamb Baabaa (we have a dog named Babaa, because he looks a lot like the lamb from this movie), the donkey Samson and the camel Joshua. But an unscrupulous traveling performer convinces them to join his troupe, and then sells Joshua to a trio of kings. Aaron follows the star to find Joshua, but then Baabaa is badly injured, and Aaron must overcome his hatred of mankind and find a gift with which to approach the babe in the manger and ask for help"
"Come they told me, pa rum pa pom pom
A new born King to see, pa rum pa pom pom
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pa pom pom
To lay before the King, pa rum pa pom pom,
rum pa pom pom, rum pa pom pom"
A new born King to see, pa rum pa pom pom
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pa pom pom
To lay before the King, pa rum pa pom pom,
rum pa pom pom, rum pa pom pom"
"A discarded silk tophat becomes the focus of a struggle between a washed-up stage magician and a group of schoolchildren after it magically brings a snowman to life. Realizing that newly-living Frosty will melt in spring unless he takes refuge in a colder climate, Frosty and a young girl who he befriends stow away on a freight train headed for the north pole. Little do they know that the magician is following them, and he wants his hat back."
"I suppose it all started with the snow. You see, it was a very special kind of snow. A snow that made the happy happier, and the giddy even giddier. A snow that'd make a homecoming homier, and natural enemies, friends, natural. For it was the first snow of the season. And as any child can tell you, there's a certain magic that comes with the very first snow, especially when it falls on the day before Christmas. For when the first snow is also a Christmas snow..."
"Sam the snowman tells us the story of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being ousted from the reindeer games because of his beaming honker, teams up with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, the prospector. They run into the Abominable Snowman and find a whole island of misfit toys. Rudoph vows to see if he can get Santa to help the toys, and he goes back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. But Santa's sleigh is fogged in. But when Santa looks over Rudolph, he gets a very bright idea"
"Have a holly jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year
Well I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
It's the best time of the year
Well I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Ho ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh bygolly have a holly jolly Christmas
This yea"
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh bygolly have a holly jolly Christmas
This yea"
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Traditions--Messiah
Another tradition that we always do is listening to Handel's Messiah.
We all gather in the living room, and spend the evening listen to scripture being sung. Sometimes it takes two evenings to listen to the entire thing, but hopefully we get it all listened to before Christmas comes around.
With the toddlers and younger children it's not a case of everyone sitting still and listening. Sometimes the youngers will play a game while the olders will wrap presents or work on Christmas gifts, the main point is that we are all there as a family and we are all enjoying the listening of the Messiah together. :D
We all gather in the living room, and spend the evening listen to scripture being sung. Sometimes it takes two evenings to listen to the entire thing, but hopefully we get it all listened to before Christmas comes around.
With the toddlers and younger children it's not a case of everyone sitting still and listening. Sometimes the youngers will play a game while the olders will wrap presents or work on Christmas gifts, the main point is that we are all there as a family and we are all enjoying the listening of the Messiah together. :D
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas Traditions--Light Seeing
For as long as I can remember when we lived in the city, twice a year ever year dad and mom would load us all up into what every vehicle that we had at the time and we would go around two neighborhoods and look at all the lights.
One night we would spend looking at lights in our neighborhood and the other night we would spend looking at the lights in the River Oaks area.
This is one of those traditions that probably stayed alive for all these years due to the amount of younger siblings that I have. Because something tells me that my dad wouldn't drive Chris and me around at the age of 20 and 21. lol (Though, this year I did offer to drive so dad could look, but he didn't take me up on it.)
And yet this is also one of those traditions that have changed over the years. First off there is not much to see in our neighborhood. So, we've gone to going only one night and with us being in Houston very rarely at night it's moved so that we look at lights after Christmas Eve Service. It makes for Christmas Eve being a litter later than it used to, but a very enjoyable and memory filled evening. :D
One night we would spend looking at lights in our neighborhood and the other night we would spend looking at the lights in the River Oaks area.
This is one of those traditions that probably stayed alive for all these years due to the amount of younger siblings that I have. Because something tells me that my dad wouldn't drive Chris and me around at the age of 20 and 21. lol (Though, this year I did offer to drive so dad could look, but he didn't take me up on it.)
And yet this is also one of those traditions that have changed over the years. First off there is not much to see in our neighborhood. So, we've gone to going only one night and with us being in Houston very rarely at night it's moved so that we look at lights after Christmas Eve Service. It makes for Christmas Eve being a litter later than it used to, but a very enjoyable and memory filled evening. :D
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Christmas Traditions--St. Lucia Day
"The Story of Saint Lucia stretches back to the time of the Vikings and the Roman Empire. According to legend, Lucia was a brave young woman from the island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean. When Lucia heard about the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Diocletian, she gave one Christian family her entire dowry. This so angered her betrothed husband, that he told authorities that Lucia secretly practiced Christianity. Lucia, who died a martyr’s death, was much admired for her courage, generosity and faith."
In case you haven't found out yet we are Swedish. (Thanks to my mom the Carlson children are more Irish then Swedish, but don't tell that to my Grandfather. lol) But, being the traditionalists that we are we do a few traditions from Sweden. O.K. so this is really the only Swedish tradition we do in our family, but it's one that our parents love and that the kids enjoy doing.
Every December 13th, the oldest daughter will serve coffee and breakfast in bed to either her entire family or just her parents. It all depends on the family traditions and I am guessing that family size. She wears an outfit of all white, except for a red sash. She will also wear a crown or wreaths with candles.
In our family it's every December 13th the oldest child gets up at whatever time she has to get all of the food cooked and coffee made for the entire family before we have to start our activities for that day. As soon as the food is made she gathers all the children into the kitchen and hands out stacks of plates, napkins, cups, utensils, plates filled with rolls or fruit and someone to carry the coffee pot. Just in case you’re wondering it takes everyone to get all of those things into mom and dad's room.
We all do our best to dress in all white as the tradition would have us do, but as I gave up white clothing about a decade ago it's hard to find all the gear for all of us. And as it wouldn't be all that safe to have lighted candles we just have one of the younger children hold an unlit candle.
You might guess that being the oldest I am always the first in line with the rolls. But in truth I am not for more than one reason. A couple of my sisters wanted to be the "Lucia Bride", plus it's hard to make sure everyone is in line and not dropping any food, plates, candles, etc. when you’re in the front. So starting a few years back we decided that when you were 13 and 15 you could be the "Lucia Bride". And for the past 6 years I have not had to go in first and worry who was spilling or dropping what, as each of my sisters from Chris on down to Linnea have been the "Lucia Bride" and made my job easier.
Once we've brought the food into our parent’s room everyone finds a spot where ever they can, food is served, we all eat and then dad does the advent reading of the day. :D It's a tradition that the girls always look forward to and I am assuming my parents do as well. :D
In case you haven't found out yet we are Swedish. (Thanks to my mom the Carlson children are more Irish then Swedish, but don't tell that to my Grandfather. lol) But, being the traditionalists that we are we do a few traditions from Sweden. O.K. so this is really the only Swedish tradition we do in our family, but it's one that our parents love and that the kids enjoy doing.
Every December 13th, the oldest daughter will serve coffee and breakfast in bed to either her entire family or just her parents. It all depends on the family traditions and I am guessing that family size. She wears an outfit of all white, except for a red sash. She will also wear a crown or wreaths with candles.
In our family it's every December 13th the oldest child gets up at whatever time she has to get all of the food cooked and coffee made for the entire family before we have to start our activities for that day. As soon as the food is made she gathers all the children into the kitchen and hands out stacks of plates, napkins, cups, utensils, plates filled with rolls or fruit and someone to carry the coffee pot. Just in case you’re wondering it takes everyone to get all of those things into mom and dad's room.
We all do our best to dress in all white as the tradition would have us do, but as I gave up white clothing about a decade ago it's hard to find all the gear for all of us. And as it wouldn't be all that safe to have lighted candles we just have one of the younger children hold an unlit candle.
You might guess that being the oldest I am always the first in line with the rolls. But in truth I am not for more than one reason. A couple of my sisters wanted to be the "Lucia Bride", plus it's hard to make sure everyone is in line and not dropping any food, plates, candles, etc. when you’re in the front. So starting a few years back we decided that when you were 13 and 15 you could be the "Lucia Bride". And for the past 6 years I have not had to go in first and worry who was spilling or dropping what, as each of my sisters from Chris on down to Linnea have been the "Lucia Bride" and made my job easier.
Once we've brought the food into our parent’s room everyone finds a spot where ever they can, food is served, we all eat and then dad does the advent reading of the day. :D It's a tradition that the girls always look forward to and I am assuming my parents do as well. :D
Saturday, December 12, 2009
It's That Time of Year
When the kids in the family run around counting their pennies and asking what everyone wants for Christmas. For some people it's easy to guess what they want but just as fun to ask them to see if what they want is something you can get for them. As buying, wrapping, and giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. I'm love the Christmas, I am always helping others buy and wrap gifts.
Some years I can't get what they want and some years I can. Seeing as this year one of my sisters wants a goat (a wether no less), another wants Mecate reins, and another wants a tent for when we do reenactments I don't think I will be able to fulfill all their Christmas wishes, but I can get things they will like, right?
We’ve also noticed that since moving out to the country almost everyone's Christmas wish list has changed. It's gone from things like pencils for drawing, Barbie’s and stuffed animals (no, that was never me), and computer games to. Goats, horse tack and a knife (set would be nice) with knife sharpener for when I have to butcher (yes, that would be me and it's the first time in five years I have a wish list).
And here my parents thought that Linnea was a little over the top with a tent on her wish list. I don't think they ever would have thought that one of their daughters would have asked for "A knife (set) for butchering" for Christmas. Oh, how the country can change people. lol
Some years I can't get what they want and some years I can. Seeing as this year one of my sisters wants a goat (a wether no less), another wants Mecate reins, and another wants a tent for when we do reenactments I don't think I will be able to fulfill all their Christmas wishes, but I can get things they will like, right?
We’ve also noticed that since moving out to the country almost everyone's Christmas wish list has changed. It's gone from things like pencils for drawing, Barbie’s and stuffed animals (no, that was never me), and computer games to. Goats, horse tack and a knife (set would be nice) with knife sharpener for when I have to butcher (yes, that would be me and it's the first time in five years I have a wish list).
And here my parents thought that Linnea was a little over the top with a tent on her wish list. I don't think they ever would have thought that one of their daughters would have asked for "A knife (set) for butchering" for Christmas. Oh, how the country can change people. lol
Friday, December 11, 2009
I Love My Siblings...
But...
O.K., no buts about it, I love them. And I love them all. Yes there are times when they try my patience, and yes there are times when I wish that they would be a lot more quite and mess with my stuff just a little less than they do. But I do love them one and all.
There are a few things that they do that bother me to no end and I think sometimes they do it just to see what I will do. Other times they do it without thinking about what I might do.
Such as when they take my clothes, leave my books out in the rain, spread my shoes from one end of the property to the other end, eat my treats, or the one that prompted this post...Taking my timeline cards and using them as money or coupons. lol
But, those are the times when I do my best, (mind I don't always succeed) to remind myself that they are blessings and they are more important than my 3x5 card with a date on it. :D
O.K., no buts about it, I love them. And I love them all. Yes there are times when they try my patience, and yes there are times when I wish that they would be a lot more quite and mess with my stuff just a little less than they do. But I do love them one and all.
There are a few things that they do that bother me to no end and I think sometimes they do it just to see what I will do. Other times they do it without thinking about what I might do.
Such as when they take my clothes, leave my books out in the rain, spread my shoes from one end of the property to the other end, eat my treats, or the one that prompted this post...Taking my timeline cards and using them as money or coupons. lol
But, those are the times when I do my best, (mind I don't always succeed) to remind myself that they are blessings and they are more important than my 3x5 card with a date on it. :D
Thursday, December 10, 2009
You Know...
Your Predictable When..
You pull into a parking spot at church and your five year old brother shouts "Yes, Katie got HER spot!!" while another sister mutters "Yeah, her spot all right. They might as well Write 'Katie's Spot, no one park here!"
Or when you walk into a store to get coffee and by the time you get to the counter the lady as your cup ready and asks "Espresso shot today?"
When you walk up to get a drink at market and the person serving ask "Cherry-Lime Italian Soda?"
You pull into the parking lot and you Grandfather asks "Going for your favorite spot? What are you going to do if it's filled?"
One of your sisters ask you to pick the movie we should watch and another one groans "No! Not her! She's going to pick "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "This is The Army" or some other patriotic movie and I wanted to watch something else."
One of your sisters asks you what you want for Christmas and another says "Her two front teeth. You know she never makes a list, just get her what you think she'll want".
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Christmas Traditions--
I wanted to talk about some of the traditions we do in our family, I already talked about one--Advent. Now to talk about another tradition the Carlson Family does yearly. :D I'm a little behind on this one as we did it a few days ago, but it's all the same when you are talking about it, right?
The first tradition that we do by the date is St. Nicholas day. Every December 5th we read a chapter from "Family Activities for the Christmas Season" on St. Nicholas, and then before the kids go to bed they put out their shoes, rather theirs and everyone else. lol
The following morning they wake up to find that "St. Nicholas" has left them a gift in their shoes. And they all know what to expect, Candy coins, orange and sometimes a cookie. They might get more and they might get less it all depends. :D
"Saint Nicholas (270 - 7 December 346) is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a saint and Bishop of Myra...
In his most famous exploit however, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them...Hearing of the poor man's plight, Nicholas decided to help him but being too modest to help the man in public, (or to save the man the humiliation of accepting charity), he went to his house under the cover of night and threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins through the window opening into the man's house." (Pulled from Wikipedia).
Of course there is the coal in the shoe or black mark on the arm that goes with all the stories, and sometimes we do them sometimes we don't all depends on who feels like being up when everyone else is asleep and writing on people. :D This year it was Tim with a green marker since he couldn't find a black one. lol
Like all legends there are different stories and different ways to celebrate. This is the way we've done it for years (or my whole life). We used to each put out a set of shoes, but since that got to be way to messy we've moved to a shoe a person and that does include the parents and any other family members or friends visiting when we do it. :D
The first tradition that we do by the date is St. Nicholas day. Every December 5th we read a chapter from "Family Activities for the Christmas Season" on St. Nicholas, and then before the kids go to bed they put out their shoes, rather theirs and everyone else. lol
The following morning they wake up to find that "St. Nicholas" has left them a gift in their shoes. And they all know what to expect, Candy coins, orange and sometimes a cookie. They might get more and they might get less it all depends. :D
"Saint Nicholas (270 - 7 December 346) is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a saint and Bishop of Myra...
In his most famous exploit however, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them...Hearing of the poor man's plight, Nicholas decided to help him but being too modest to help the man in public, (or to save the man the humiliation of accepting charity), he went to his house under the cover of night and threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins through the window opening into the man's house." (Pulled from Wikipedia).
Of course there is the coal in the shoe or black mark on the arm that goes with all the stories, and sometimes we do them sometimes we don't all depends on who feels like being up when everyone else is asleep and writing on people. :D This year it was Tim with a green marker since he couldn't find a black one. lol
Like all legends there are different stories and different ways to celebrate. This is the way we've done it for years (or my whole life). We used to each put out a set of shoes, but since that got to be way to messy we've moved to a shoe a person and that does include the parents and any other family members or friends visiting when we do it. :D
If I Ever Become A Millionaire.....
Linnea (pictured above and below) told me her list of things she would get each person for Christmas if she ever became a millionaire.
For mom and dad she would redo the house as they want it. For Christin the best sewing machine she could find. For Grace a horse and all the tack to go with it. All through the list, she would get each person something that they have wanted for a long time, and all the very best that she can get.
The most surprising part about the entire conversation? Well, besides the fact that she was planning for when she will be a millionaire. Which one of the kids told her would never happen. They told her that her chances of becoming a millionaire were less than me marrying six times. (That's saying never, since they are for sure that I am not going to get married, since I am an “old maid” now. lol)
The thing she has on her list to get for me when she has oodles of money is a Limo. A LIMO!! A limo of all things, as if I need or WANT a limo. I would rather have a bike then a limo! lol Oh, well I will worry about her getting me limo when she becomes rich enough to get me one. lol
"Sisters, sisters....I'm there to keep my eye on her"
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Hard Part About Owning animals
We get asked all the time what the hardest thing about having animals is. Most people think that the hardest part is all the work that we have to do. But in all honesty that is not the hardest part about owning goats or any animals for that matter.
The hardest part about owning goats is not...Trimming hoves, raking pens, doing midnight baby checks when it's 25 degrees out. It's not those rare midnight milkings, it's not all the extra work, it's not the time taken from reading or watching TV to make sure the animals get all that they need to.
No, the hardest part about owning animals is losing them. It's hard losing a goat even though you know that they are going to die. When you know that they aren't doing well at all and there is nothing that you can do for them, that is one of the hardest things.
The only thing that is harder then having a sick goat and knowing that there is nothing that you can do for them, is having a goat that is seemeling fine one day and gone the next. You see the goat and it is alive and as far as you can see acting fine and then the next day they are gone. That's the worst thing ever!! That feeling that there had to be something that you missed that might have saved the goats life, that thought that maybe if you had been there three minutes earlier you might have been able to help is hard to take. Even though you know deep down that there really was nothing you could have done to
And yesterday that is what happened. I say yesterday, as it was before we went to bed, but we found one of our lovely Nubains had died between milking and this last check of the goats. It's really hard losing a goat esp. when she is one of you favorites and the foundation of your herd. The only thing that about this is that God is in control and he knows what I do and don't need for my herd, even with that in mind it is very hard to lose Dawn.
I am very thankful though that my dad has given me permission to Dawn's kids from this year (she had them Saturday morning while I was at market.) Hopefully they will grow up to be an asset to my herd. Though I will miss seeing Dawn the Tank out in the pasture sunning herself, I can't wait to see what these little guys will look like and how they will help mine and the families Nubian herd.
Now, to decide what to call these boys. :D
The hardest part about owning goats is not...Trimming hoves, raking pens, doing midnight baby checks when it's 25 degrees out. It's not those rare midnight milkings, it's not all the extra work, it's not the time taken from reading or watching TV to make sure the animals get all that they need to.
No, the hardest part about owning animals is losing them. It's hard losing a goat even though you know that they are going to die. When you know that they aren't doing well at all and there is nothing that you can do for them, that is one of the hardest things.
The only thing that is harder then having a sick goat and knowing that there is nothing that you can do for them, is having a goat that is seemeling fine one day and gone the next. You see the goat and it is alive and as far as you can see acting fine and then the next day they are gone. That's the worst thing ever!! That feeling that there had to be something that you missed that might have saved the goats life, that thought that maybe if you had been there three minutes earlier you might have been able to help is hard to take. Even though you know deep down that there really was nothing you could have done to
And yesterday that is what happened. I say yesterday, as it was before we went to bed, but we found one of our lovely Nubains had died between milking and this last check of the goats. It's really hard losing a goat esp. when she is one of you favorites and the foundation of your herd. The only thing that about this is that God is in control and he knows what I do and don't need for my herd, even with that in mind it is very hard to lose Dawn.
I am very thankful though that my dad has given me permission to Dawn's kids from this year (she had them Saturday morning while I was at market.) Hopefully they will grow up to be an asset to my herd. Though I will miss seeing Dawn the Tank out in the pasture sunning herself, I can't wait to see what these little guys will look like and how they will help mine and the families Nubian herd.
Now, to decide what to call these boys. :D
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Living In My Large Family--Answers
As I got only one question to my "Living In My Large Family--Your Turn" post this should be the shortest of all my "Living In My Large Family" posts.
The question that I got kind of surprised me as it's the first time anyone has ever asked me this question. Normally I get "when do you get time for yourself?" or something along those lines, so when I got this question it was a wee bit of a curve ball and is one reason I didn't get it posted the last two weeks.
The question I got was--"Do you ever get tired of being the oldest of so many siblings?"
There, I was honest and the question was answered. :D
The question that I got kind of surprised me as it's the first time anyone has ever asked me this question. Normally I get "when do you get time for yourself?" or something along those lines, so when I got this question it was a wee bit of a curve ball and is one reason I didn't get it posted the last two weeks.
The question I got was--"Do you ever get tired of being the oldest of so many siblings?"
To be brutally honest yes I do.
There, I was honest and the question was answered. :D
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The World Is Coming To An End!!!
You know the world is coming to end when it's forecasted to snow all day in Field Store, Texas!!!
In a post yesterday, I talked about the possibilities of there being snow flurries Thursday or Friday. Well it turned out I was wrong (yes, I admitted it, I was wrong). From the very begging there was really no chance for it happening today, rather it was all forecasted for tomorrow.
When there is always a chance for snow the weather is checked every hour to see if there are any changes as the kids are praying for snow. Well, the weather did change, but all in favor of snow.
One place I saw said that they weren't 100% certain about Houston's chances for snow, but that most definitely north of I-10 was going to get some snow. )For those of you that don't know it Swede Farm is North of I-10.) But then this afternoon it changed yet again and again all for snow.
We are now starting the day in the upper 30's with the day getting colder as it goes. My dad read somewhere that we have chance of anywhere from 2-4 inches of snow. I'm not so sure if I can believe that.
But then when you look at weather.com and see it forecasting slight snow, snow, or snow shower and when you notice that it says that Waller is under a winter storm warning you know you’re in for some trouble. lol
I sure wish there was some way the goats could milk themselves and the milk could pasteurize and bottle it’s self so that I don’t have to leave the warmth of my room. :D Oh, well I guess tonight is the time to pull out the sneakers and thicker jacket. lol
Swede Farm Happenings
Let's see...
We are recuperating from Thanksgiving and having friends over for 5 days. We LOVED having them here, and wished that they could have stayed longer. Having a break is always a good thing, but for some reason it always seems to take a week to get over that break. :-S
__________
The Youngers in the house are counting down the days to Christmas and counting their money for our wonderful day of gift shopping. Where Mom and I get a list from everyone what they want to buy, they hand over the money and then we all go out and hit three or four stores (sometimes more sometimes less) to buy everything on the list. Everyone but dad is normally there to help pick out the items that they want to buy. But as "Santa's honoree elf" at Swede Farm I always the main one shopping and wrapping. (Which reminds me, I've got to start wrapping sometime soon.)
It's the funniest thing to hear Timothy, Liberty, Noah, and Judah sing the Christmas music that we have been playing. (Thanks to dish network we have a half dozen to dozen channels of Christmas music). The renditions and antics that we get is enough to keep us laughing half the day.
__________
Our kidding Marathon began Sunday morning, as we were running out the door. So, some of the Carlson Clan did not go to church, while others assisted with the birth and then headed out for church. lol
We just had does kid yesterday, two LaManchas and two Alpines. The fourth one kidded around 11 PM and with her kidding, she broke our record of most kiddings in one day which was three. We got a grand total of 7 babies in the four kiddings. :D All spoken for and hopefully will be at their new homes by the end of the week.
Now we have four more does to kid. One of which is one that I bought two years ago and I am praying (well, I have been praying) for a doeling from her, as I have yet to get one from her. :D
__________
Now, I am off to do laundry for with kidding season comes a real need for someone to stay on top of laundry and not always for us humans. Esp. in this cold we have to always have fresh towels to wipe the babies off as the enter the world and to cover them up with as it's a huge change from mom's 102 to Field Store's current 50 (or colder if it's after dusk, which all but three were yesterday). On top of that the girls are forever changing since they hate to have the birth goo on them. (Not sure I can fault them for that one!!)
Oh, plus the girls have yet to find a way to keep a diaper on the goats, so I am washing more bedding as the girls will fall asleep cuddling a goat and wake up to a nice puddle in the middle of their bed. lol so, its towels and sheets for the goats and then clothes and bedding for the girls.
And then time to prep dinner. I just wish I had a ball game to watch as I am getting a little tired of watching the "House Hunters" and "Dinner Impossible".
__________
And thanks everyone for putting up with me messing with the blog. :D
We are recuperating from Thanksgiving and having friends over for 5 days. We LOVED having them here, and wished that they could have stayed longer. Having a break is always a good thing, but for some reason it always seems to take a week to get over that break. :-S
__________
The Youngers in the house are counting down the days to Christmas and counting their money for our wonderful day of gift shopping. Where Mom and I get a list from everyone what they want to buy, they hand over the money and then we all go out and hit three or four stores (sometimes more sometimes less) to buy everything on the list. Everyone but dad is normally there to help pick out the items that they want to buy. But as "Santa's honoree elf" at Swede Farm I always the main one shopping and wrapping. (Which reminds me, I've got to start wrapping sometime soon.)
It's the funniest thing to hear Timothy, Liberty, Noah, and Judah sing the Christmas music that we have been playing. (Thanks to dish network we have a half dozen to dozen channels of Christmas music). The renditions and antics that we get is enough to keep us laughing half the day.
__________
Our kidding Marathon began Sunday morning, as we were running out the door. So, some of the Carlson Clan did not go to church, while others assisted with the birth and then headed out for church. lol
We just had does kid yesterday, two LaManchas and two Alpines. The fourth one kidded around 11 PM and with her kidding, she broke our record of most kiddings in one day which was three. We got a grand total of 7 babies in the four kiddings. :D All spoken for and hopefully will be at their new homes by the end of the week.
Now we have four more does to kid. One of which is one that I bought two years ago and I am praying (well, I have been praying) for a doeling from her, as I have yet to get one from her. :D
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Now, I am off to do laundry for with kidding season comes a real need for someone to stay on top of laundry and not always for us humans. Esp. in this cold we have to always have fresh towels to wipe the babies off as the enter the world and to cover them up with as it's a huge change from mom's 102 to Field Store's current 50 (or colder if it's after dusk, which all but three were yesterday). On top of that the girls are forever changing since they hate to have the birth goo on them. (Not sure I can fault them for that one!!)
Oh, plus the girls have yet to find a way to keep a diaper on the goats, so I am washing more bedding as the girls will fall asleep cuddling a goat and wake up to a nice puddle in the middle of their bed. lol so, its towels and sheets for the goats and then clothes and bedding for the girls.
And then time to prep dinner. I just wish I had a ball game to watch as I am getting a little tired of watching the "House Hunters" and "Dinner Impossible".
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And thanks everyone for putting up with me messing with the blog. :D
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
It's COLD!!
And it promises to get colder!
Yeah, I know those of you North of us are going to comment on the fact that I'm currently warm. But for this southern girl it is slightly chilly! It's 47 with a wind chill of 41. All my siblings are running around with arctic jackets on, and think I am crazy to be going around with a short sleeve shirt and sleeveless jacket (if I could get away with it I would have my window open as well). :D
Though the big news right now that is going through the house, is that there is a small chance that there might be snow flurries Thursday or Friday. :D
While the older people in the house and those that have to either be out with the goats when they kid or who are milking are praying that it doesn't snow. While the younger children and those with inside jobs are praying that it will snow (just in case you’re wondering I'm in the "No Snow, Please" camp).
But those who want snow can't wait to see it and won't stop talking about it. As if they didn't get enough snow four and half years ago in Virgina.
Yeah, I know those of you North of us are going to comment on the fact that I'm currently warm. But for this southern girl it is slightly chilly! It's 47 with a wind chill of 41. All my siblings are running around with arctic jackets on, and think I am crazy to be going around with a short sleeve shirt and sleeveless jacket (if I could get away with it I would have my window open as well). :D
Though the big news right now that is going through the house, is that there is a small chance that there might be snow flurries Thursday or Friday. :D
While the older people in the house and those that have to either be out with the goats when they kid or who are milking are praying that it doesn't snow. While the younger children and those with inside jobs are praying that it will snow (just in case you’re wondering I'm in the "No Snow, Please" camp).
But those who want snow can't wait to see it and won't stop talking about it. As if they didn't get enough snow four and half years ago in Virgina.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Advent
"Advent means coming..."
And thus starts the most important of our Christmas traditions.--Advent, in which we do a bible study every day starting the four Sundays before Christmas (this year that was the 29th of November). Our family would willing give up all the other traditions of movie watching, tree decorating, and cooking baking if we had to keep only one tradition and the one we would keep is that of reading the advent books every day of the Christmas season.
Each day we light a candle that symbolizes something to do with the birth of Christ. With us lighting a candle each day and adding a new candle each Sunday. The First candle is the "Prophecy Candle", and that week we spend reading from the Old Testament, and the prophecies of Christ's birth. The candle we light is the "Bethlehem Candle", the third week is the "Shepherds' Candle", on the Sunday before Christmas we light the "Angel Candle", the one that everyone loves lighting is the one on Christmas day--:The Christ Candle".
As the days pass dad reads to us from four books. The first book he reads--"Family Activities for the Christmas Season" is a book that he has been reading to us for years. As in Chris, Grace, Sara and I can tell you what story dad is going to be reading, after the first three words. It's a great book telling about the different Christmas traditions in different cultures.
The fourth book is one that we have had for a long time as well--"Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration", each day a different passage is read from the bible starting in Genesis--the creation and fall of man, going through the prophecies, to Jesus' birth and working through the shepherds and magi's visits.
The third book that dad reads to us is my personal favorite--"Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader". Each day you start the chapter with a verse that has a part in the Messiah, followed by a short story, from Christmas tree traditions, to World War one truces, stories about people who raise Reindeers, with a carol quiz, and things that keep you thinking year round about why Christ came to earth. We end this chapter each day by listening to the part of the Messiah that corresponds with the bible verse we read to start off the chapter. It is a very interesting book that we have greatly enjoyed for 9 years now.
And the 4th book that dad reads to us is one that he added this year--"Christmas in Texas", we have read very little of this book so far, but from what we have read it is very interesting. Well, for our family it is at least. :D It is chalked full of Texas history and how Texans have celebrated Christmas starting in the late 1700's and going to modern day, With crafts, foods, and other things that Texas have done to celebrate the Christmas season.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tradition
At this point I am sure that there are a few people out there who might have a song other than a Christmas tune in their head now, I know I do. lol
Tradition is a very important part of our family. In one way or another we all stick to it. Some of us are a little loser when it comes to tradition, thinking that maybe a twist here or a twist there is lots of fun and what we need to keep the tradition going in our family this year. While some of us stick to the old way and don't want it changed at all.
Some traditions we have had since before I was born, while others have been made a tradition in the past few years, and then there are those traditions that been around forever but changed to fit our family.
While there are some traditions I can't wait to do, such as playing Christmas music first thing bright and early to wake everyone up the day after thanks giving. There are those that are hard to wait for, like waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to listen to, play, and sing Christmas music (esp. when now a days they are playing Christmas music days before thanksgiving!!).
Then there are others that I enjoy but wouldn't mind if well...If there wasn't so much work in it, such as bring mom and dad breakfast in bed while trying to get every child involved in the whole process on St. Lucia day.
The reason I am talking about tradition is because December is a month in which we do many different traditions. Starting from the day after Thanksgiving, (yes, I know that day does not fall in December) and lasting until New Year's Day (again, yes I do know that New Year's is not in December).
With traditions from Christmas music, to cooking, from decorating, to lighting candles, watching movies, to listen to Messiah. And as each and everything is something that is important to us, hardly a day will pass by this month in which we do not do a tradition of some sort.
As more times than I care to count I have been accused of being a traditionalist, I talk about the traditions we do all the time, and I am hoping to share some of our traditions here, but only as they happen. :D
Tradition is a very important part of our family. In one way or another we all stick to it. Some of us are a little loser when it comes to tradition, thinking that maybe a twist here or a twist there is lots of fun and what we need to keep the tradition going in our family this year. While some of us stick to the old way and don't want it changed at all.
Some traditions we have had since before I was born, while others have been made a tradition in the past few years, and then there are those traditions that been around forever but changed to fit our family.
While there are some traditions I can't wait to do, such as playing Christmas music first thing bright and early to wake everyone up the day after thanks giving. There are those that are hard to wait for, like waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to listen to, play, and sing Christmas music (esp. when now a days they are playing Christmas music days before thanksgiving!!).
Then there are others that I enjoy but wouldn't mind if well...If there wasn't so much work in it, such as bring mom and dad breakfast in bed while trying to get every child involved in the whole process on St. Lucia day.
The reason I am talking about tradition is because December is a month in which we do many different traditions. Starting from the day after Thanksgiving, (yes, I know that day does not fall in December) and lasting until New Year's Day (again, yes I do know that New Year's is not in December).
With traditions from Christmas music, to cooking, from decorating, to lighting candles, watching movies, to listen to Messiah. And as each and everything is something that is important to us, hardly a day will pass by this month in which we do not do a tradition of some sort.
As more times than I care to count I have been accused of being a traditionalist, I talk about the traditions we do all the time, and I am hoping to share some of our traditions here, but only as they happen. :D
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday--I'm Thankful For.....
As I am busy cooking and directing people in cooking, cleaning, and child watching (the parents have gone to get animal feed), I don't have the time to upload pictures. So, today it's just a list of the things I am grateful for...
Stove and oven, even if they are are electric and not gas.
Running water and electricity, both of which I don't even think about until the power is out or the well is off.
Pre-made clothes
Sewing machines
Computers and Internet,
MP3 players and radio
Cars
Running water and electricity, both of which I don't even think about until the power is out or the well is off.
Pre-made clothes
Sewing machines
Computers and Internet,
MP3 players and radio
Cars
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday--I'm Thankful For.....
I'm thankful for God's many blessing to our family, starting with...
The goats, the girls that give us milk, both for our family and anyone in Houston who is interested.
The Dairy...In which it is made possible for us to pasteurize milk, make yogurt, chocolate milk, capracino, kefire and cheese.
Our small vet pasteurizer, that made it possible for us to make all the products mentioned above. And so that dad can now work from home and spend more time with us all!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday--I'm Thankful For.....
My parents--Tim and LeeAnne
My Siblings.....
Christin and her sewing abilities
Grace and willingness to teach about horses
Christin and her sewing abilities
Grace and willingness to teach about horses
Sara and her corny sense of humor
Linnea and her flare for dramatics
Emma and her ever ready smile and helping hand
Emma and her ever ready smile and helping hand
Timothy and his enjoyment of everything
Liberty and her sweet attitude
Noah and his dare devilish ways (Don't let this picture deceive you!!)
Judah and his every ready smile and hug
Seth and his laugh
Liberty and her sweet attitude
Noah and his dare devilish ways (Don't let this picture deceive you!!)
Judah and his every ready smile and hug
Seth and his laugh
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thanks.....I Think
As I'm sitting down for dinner, I notice that I don't have a roll. I look at Sara who was serving the rolls and asked her where mine was.
She was sure that she had given me one, but it wasn't there on my plate. Oh, wait yes it was, with a little hand on it as well. :D
Judah looks up at me with that impish grin of his and says, "There was sauce on it, so I licked it off for you, here's your clean roll". (Mind you that was three year old talk, with a little lisping here and there, and a laugh at the end.)
Sure enough, there was a little sauce left, after he had "cleaned" it for me. I feel so loved, to have a little brother who cares enough about me to make sure I have a clean roll. lol
She was sure that she had given me one, but it wasn't there on my plate. Oh, wait yes it was, with a little hand on it as well. :D
Judah looks up at me with that impish grin of his and says, "There was sauce on it, so I licked it off for you, here's your clean roll". (Mind you that was three year old talk, with a little lisping here and there, and a laugh at the end.)
Sure enough, there was a little sauce left, after he had "cleaned" it for me. I feel so loved, to have a little brother who cares enough about me to make sure I have a clean roll. lol
Baseball
Right about now is when I start going into Baseball withdrawals. This is the time of year when after a long hard day of farm or house work I would love to curl up on the couch with a nice cup of extra strong, dark hot chocolate and watch the Astros play.
But, I don't get to. This is the time of year where I either curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book or curl up on the couch and watch TV with my sisters.
The only problem is all my sisters are growing up and they all know how to handle a remote control or what they want to watch. So, if I don't get the remote first then I am stuck watching ranch life on RFDTV, or What Not To Wear on TLC, when I would rather be watching the History channel, Food Network, or sometimes when I can catch it Mythbusters.
But, more often than not the girls are a lot faster than I am and I am stuck watching women dress up or large families. (As if we needed to know how it feels to live in a large family. lol) So, this year when ever the baseball withdrawal hits (which it has been a lot lately, it's like when a good friend moves away!!) I am normally found in my messy room with a book, whishing that there was a game I could watch and counting the days until the winter Olympics.
But, I don't get to. This is the time of year where I either curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book or curl up on the couch and watch TV with my sisters.
The only problem is all my sisters are growing up and they all know how to handle a remote control or what they want to watch. So, if I don't get the remote first then I am stuck watching ranch life on RFDTV, or What Not To Wear on TLC, when I would rather be watching the History channel, Food Network, or sometimes when I can catch it Mythbusters.
But, more often than not the girls are a lot faster than I am and I am stuck watching women dress up or large families. (As if we needed to know how it feels to live in a large family. lol) So, this year when ever the baseball withdrawal hits (which it has been a lot lately, it's like when a good friend moves away!!) I am normally found in my messy room with a book, whishing that there was a game I could watch and counting the days until the winter Olympics.
Missouri
Next on the list is Missouri, I love this state. There are very few states (two that I can think of right now) that would tempt me to leave Texas of my own choosing and Missouri is one of them
Kansas City
The Missouri/Kansas border.
Some of the many fields of some sort of crop
(in this picture, it's corn. :D ).
(in this picture, it's corn. :D ).
Some of the landscape that we saw.
.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Circus
A week and half ago the circus came to town!! And we got to go!!
I'm sure that everyone is thinking about Barnum and Bailey and that they came to Houston. If so, you are incorrect. :D We went to the Carson and Barnes Circus, in Waller Texas.
It was a Monday morning, and mom and dad were out of town still (they asked for the weekend off in Austin, and Christin and I said "Sure why not?"). And I had to get the younger three boys and Liberty out of the house so the older girls could get the house cleaned for mom and dad. Remembering that they were setting up the big tent that morning, I loaded GrandDavid, Seth, Noah, and Liberty in my car and asked my neighbor if they could take Judah (as I already knew she was going with her two children and had a spare seat).
I didn't think we would be able to go as it cost over $150 for our entire family, but I thought this would be a great way for the youngest four to see some of the circus fun and for GrandDavid to see it and remember when he went when he was a child.
So, we went and saw all the sights, watched the elephant help put up the tent and left. As we get in the car GrandDavid asks how much it would cost for our entire family to go, thinks on it for ten minutes and says "Let’s get the tickets, I think everyone will LOVE it!!". So we got the tickets, and the younger’s are ecstatic and the older are excited (Chris and I being the only children who had seen a circus, 17 years ago, were the only ones not talking about their first time at a circus).
All in all it was so much fun, the kids loved, the dogs, the olders loved the trapeze act, and of course the elephants were a hit with everyone. :D Even if Seth was way too tired and Judah decided that that was the best time to be sick all over dad.
I'm sure that everyone is thinking about Barnum and Bailey and that they came to Houston. If so, you are incorrect. :D We went to the Carson and Barnes Circus, in Waller Texas.
It was a Monday morning, and mom and dad were out of town still (they asked for the weekend off in Austin, and Christin and I said "Sure why not?"). And I had to get the younger three boys and Liberty out of the house so the older girls could get the house cleaned for mom and dad. Remembering that they were setting up the big tent that morning, I loaded GrandDavid, Seth, Noah, and Liberty in my car and asked my neighbor if they could take Judah (as I already knew she was going with her two children and had a spare seat).
I didn't think we would be able to go as it cost over $150 for our entire family, but I thought this would be a great way for the youngest four to see some of the circus fun and for GrandDavid to see it and remember when he went when he was a child.
So, we went and saw all the sights, watched the elephant help put up the tent and left. As we get in the car GrandDavid asks how much it would cost for our entire family to go, thinks on it for ten minutes and says "Let’s get the tickets, I think everyone will LOVE it!!". So we got the tickets, and the younger’s are ecstatic and the older are excited (Chris and I being the only children who had seen a circus, 17 years ago, were the only ones not talking about their first time at a circus).
All in all it was so much fun, the kids loved, the dogs, the olders loved the trapeze act, and of course the elephants were a hit with everyone. :D Even if Seth was way too tired and Judah decided that that was the best time to be sick all over dad.
"I'M GOING TO THE CIRCUS!!!"
"I'm not so sure about this circus thing, I saw those animals that are larger than my house and could eat me for dinner. Isn't there something else we could do tonight?!"
"Please hurry up and open!!"
(We got there 45 minutes early as it was a first come first serve for the seating and with the amount of people we have and all the littles that we have, we wanted to make sure we could all sit together at a "lower" level. Thus, making for a long wait and some impatient toddlers. lol)
(We got there 45 minutes early as it was a first come first serve for the seating and with the amount of people we have and all the littles that we have, we wanted to make sure we could all sit together at a "lower" level. Thus, making for a long wait and some impatient toddlers. lol)
Everyone waiting for it to start.
Oh, look Seth likes cotton candy. Two weeks before at our church's Reformation party, he wouldn't touch cotton candy with a ten foot pole (as he had his hand over his mouth to make sure no one would force him to eat it.) But at the circus, he loved it. lol Go figure.
The Elephants
The trapeze act
The Elephants
The trapeze act
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