Happy July 4th!! {day 1}

Husband's off all weekend, weather is cooperating and we are all together!  This definitely makes for a wonderful 4th of July weekend. 
Here's a pictorial of our first day...Field trip to a civil war museum, bar-b-q with friends and just being together!

 This morning we woke up and decided to take a field trip to a museum.  Not far from where we live are many historical places to visit. This one is called "Crooked Creek Civil War Museum". Choc-full of all kinds of civil war guns, uniforms, saddles, cannon balls, photos, and too many other items to name, we took a short trip to a little area in our county called West Point. It is such a quaint little part of our county. I wouldn't mind living there. The curator is full of stories and trivia that tell about what happened here during the civil war.

The guns they are holding are authentic and all were used during the civil war. 

  This a one of 2 huge dioramas that are in the museum. Look at the little tiny men, complete with guns.

 Here the curator is giving us a personal tour and describing many things in great detail.

 You can take a walk along the paths that cover the 40 acre historical site or you can drive down to the winding creek below. Various trails lead to different parts of the river, and to many holes where the soldiers actually fought and hide from their foes. One boulder even has 2 bullet holes in it.  They found several bullets near the boulder and they are on display at the museum.

 My husband and I are standing next to a cabin that was moved to this property for the benefit of becoming a bed and breakfast. Inside is simply lovely. All very primitive, but thankfully, complete with air conditioner. (our warm Alabama days are hitting up into the high 90's)

 This is a pavilion complete with a few pic-nic tables and 2 carriages. The old wheels date back to the late 1800's on one and 1904 on the other.

 Each buggy is a 2-seater. 

 This bullet collection shows and assortment used during and after the civil war.

 One of the things I love about visiting a place like this is watching the kids explore on their own. Austin is looking at a couple of pages from an old book.  The magnifying light/glass really shows the detail of the photo. He thought it was fun to turn the light on and off too.

 These guns are so heavy...built well and lasted nearly 150 years.

The back side of the little cabin. This cabin was actually taken apart and moved. All the boards were numbered, disassembled and  then put completely reconstructed as the original building. It's really something amazing to see. 

 After leaving the museum, we headed on over to visit with our good friends, Jeff and Bridget and their family. We had such a good time together!~

All the kids were there...having fun outside. We were inside getting all the food ready. Hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, along with macaroni 'n cheese, and au gratin potatoes and chips, topped off with sweet tea. It was yummie and everyone ate way too much!

Afterwards we went outdoors and watched fireworks go off one after another.  It was loud and bright! We loved it! Then we ate snow cones and let the kids light sparklers.     Such a great way to start our celebration of our 4th of July!

We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating Independence Day and that you are able to spend time with those you love and care about too. 

December Photo Project 2010 Day 18

 We are so excited this year because we have been reacquainted with our neighbors whom we lived next door to for 7 years!  In November of 2009, Christy and I decided that we didn't like living so far apart any more and decided to start getting our families together again.  We would get together and cook breakfast for our families, have bbq's, dinners and then that turned into Bible study time and then they started coming to church with us. When when we moved into our little place here in the woods, they would come over and help and help and help!!  This year mark's one full year that they have been coming to church!  It's no longer Grant and Kimi's church! It's now "Our church", says Bob and Christy and their kids.  Below is a photo taken in August of 2010, a day they chose to renew their marriage vows!  What a blessing for us to witness and how marvelous is OUR God!!  

 Thank you Lord for bringing the whole Sattler Family into our lives and to the TRUTH!

Fresh Eggs Everyday!

It has been very cold here and when it gets cold my little chickens don't want to lay their eggs as frequently.  Soooo, we have a red warming lamp in their coop to help them along.  It keeps them warm in the cold of the night and then when the sun is starting to come up in the morning they come out and begin to peck around. 
 Here is Bridget.
 She found 2 eggs this morning and we're going to go see if they've laid any to others around the barn. 

Nope, the little ladies didn't lay any more, so we'll check back later. Did you know that 'hens' don't need a rooster to lay their eggs?  Most hens are born with the capacity to lay between 2000 to 4000 eggs in their lifetime.  Isn't that amazing!  The reason you would have a rooster is so that the eggs could be fertilized and then set by the hen. This would give you little chicks.  So technically we don't need our roosters. I just like them because they are so pretty to look at, but with the way they've been acting here lately, they may end up on our dinner table!

A Trip to Amish Country-Tennessee

Last week for my birthday, we took a day trip to a nearby state to visit an Amish Community. The night before, we packed a huge pic-nic basket and carry cooler with lots of homemade goodies, homemade bread, muffins and sweet tea for the trip, so we wouldn't need to use the dreaded 'drive-thru' or stop at the convience stores on the way there or back home.  It made the trip so much more enjoyable, because I knew we were going to feel better the next day.  We went with our good friends Jeff and Bridget Koehoorn and their two boys, Tanner & Jody.  Since all of us like the outdoors, it made the day even better.  Such a great way to celebrate my birthday...

Here's  a little photo gallery of the day...heading into the Gorgeous state of Tennessee

I always enjoy seeing the ridges of the mountains as we pass by

On the way we saw these rolling hills...

 And this breathtaking valley!

 

 Here we are entering into the Amish community. We reserved a wagon for us all and arrived  that morning.  It was ready and waiting on us, so after walking around the little gift shop we all boarded and off we went!! Isn't this home charming?   Notice there are no electric poles/lines. I would love to have that clothes line in my back yard...talk about hanging out some clothes!!  They do not use any form of electric at all.  Their homes are very simple with little to no yard ornamentation.  Very beautiful though.  Very simple and lovely!

 

 This is a working saw mill, where they cut their own lumber to make everything from homes, outbuildings, sheds and workshops to furniture, wheels for buggies and tools.  Nothing is made using A-N-Y    F-O-R-M  of electric.  It is made using 'MAN POWER ONLY'.  

 

 Here is a beautiful home place.  You can see where the garden was and will be this spring.  They grown most everything they consume. 

 

 This is our driver/tour guide.  He was so friendly and very accomodating to us as a group.  Since it was about 20 degrees, he put gas heaters in our cart and put a cover over the top to keep the wind out.  It was very, very windy that day.  Micaylah is actually driving the horse and buggy herself!!  She was a little nervous at first, but then found out it wasn't as hard to do as she thought. 

 

 Garrett and Kyle are very interested in something across the road.  Our buggy seated 11 people and we had 10.  They have another buggy that seats 15 or 16.  Next time we will need to bring more friends!!

 

 Jeff and Bridget are enjoying some cuddle time...you two are sooo cute! 

 

 Austin is now driving the buggy.  He decided to give it a try too. 

 

 Camille is driving the cart now!!  Hey!  Keep your eyes on the road!  :)

 

 Austin and his Daddy are having some cuddle time too!  Sweet guys!  I love 'em!

 

 This little country store was probably one of the highlights of our trip.  There were more things in this little store than my little camera was able to capture. 

 

 This is the front of this little country store...look at the front. Isn't is so quaint!!

 

 Here are the proprietors...Grandma and Grandpa!!

 

The kids are taking it all in and of course, laughing, cutting up and being silly!

 The day was so pleasant and it seemed like it took only a moment to come and then go.  We visited with 'Grandma and Grandpa' and then we were on our way back home.

Thanks for coming by to share our trip with us! 

~Good Coffee, Good Food and Great Friends~

Growing up I remember always spending the holidays with my family.  There were so many kids running in and out of my Grandma's big house on the lake, adults and young people laughing, joking and sharing memories. My Daddy always went hunting early the morning of Thanksgiving and more times than not, brought home the deer that would last us several months of great meals. Oh, we always had turkey with the trimmings and would sit around my Grandma's huge table eating, talking and just being together. My Mama could always make the best creamed (mashed) potatoes ever! I loved it and have the best memories in my heart.  I will treasure them all my days.
After I married my beloved husband, I moved to another state.  One thing I couldn't bring with me was my sweet family.  Traveling back every year to visit with them, especially during the holidays was something my husband made a point to do for me. In the last 4 years it has been very difficult for us financially, to be able to travel. My heart breaks any time I even think about it. 
But with trials come victories!  And God will bring joy to those seeking Him!  Over the last 10 years the Lord has brought a very special family into our lives. Every holiday that we are both home, we spend it together.  Either at our house or at theirs.  God has a way of easing the heartache and bringing happiness at the same time.  I'm not sure if they know how much they mean to our family, but I think they're getting a pretty good idea of how truly special they are.  

Thanks Jeff, Bridget, Tanner & Jody for becoming our family.  We love you!

What a great time we had for Thanksgiving! Did you say we're coming to your house for Christmas? 

Enjoying this warm weather together

It is always nice to get together with friends. Especially when the weather warms up and all the kids can get outside. I love to make homemade pancakes and waffles from freshly ground wheat. I know that may sound weird, but they really taste so much better than the other flour. So, Christy and I got together and made some breakfast for us all! Now between us we have 13 children. Not all of them were here this particular day...that is really ok. But we did have a great time and enjoyed a nice breakfast together. Now you know homeschoolers...we do accomplish our studies...here we all are in the kitchen. Time for some fun! Ashley and Christy hard at work! Hee-hee! Love you guys!

A little syrup - homemade!! MMmmmmm...good!

Everyone in the kitchen around my little farm table that Bridget gave me...it just fits me! Thanks Bridget...wish you were here too! And Tammy, and Christy B, and Tammy A, and my Mom, and Von, and Michelle, Andrea, Marsha....

Jesse and Garrett preparing their plates.

Emily, Micaylah, Katelin, Ashley, Christy, Austin, Jesse & Garrett. Me(taking pic).We all sat down and had a nice breakfast of freshly milled, homemade pancakes, waffles, and sausages. Complete with homemade syrup. There was a few pancakes left so we sent them home to Bob and Micheal. (Christy's husband and son). Hope they liked them!

Camille and Ashley are catching up on conversation.

Here's a new 'do' for ya! Turned out pretty Camille :)

Another day on the dirt mound...Jesse and Austin

Jacob is driving this half track, front end loader...big guy!

Emily is holding Dusti, Micaylah and Katelin are keeping Laci still. What sweet friends

We ended the afternoon with some soccer ball and running.

Christy and I got to sit on the patio watching them run and play and talk a while. It was a very nice day...I am looking forward to doing it again soon. Now she is not my neighbor any longer...she is my friend. God has a way of bringing special people into our lives.

It's another adventure!

Ok, yes! We are embarking on another fun adventure. What would life be like with out something to work toward. Where would we be, if we didn't have a VISION? Ok, I know that is something spiritual, but you have to admit, it is truth. Now, we are getting ready to move. We have been working out at our new place and preparing it for our family to move into. It is a lovely brick home that needs some TLC. I just love doing this sort of thing...but I will have to admit, it has been harder this time. Selling my home has been an adjustment, but with the economy like it is and the Lord blessing my husband with a job in the restaurant industry, we are choosing the path God has set out for us. You know, it is A choice, after all. We do have the choice to choose which path we take. God has given us a free will and has allowed us to make choices and then, of course, live with the blessings or the consequences of the choices we make. Here is part of what we've been doing in regards to moving forward into what and where God is leading. I used to think that not everything is spiritual. I used to think that. Not any more. My view has been in the mode of change for a long, long time now. I'm glad it is. Something as simple as painting a house, among other things, (ha-ha) can be used to bring God glory, and bring people together.(once again) I'm so thankful for what God is doing in a very special family's life! Bob, Christy and all your kids...we just love you guys! You have been a wonderful blessing to us and we are so glad that we are all getting to know each other and become friends. Getting together with you all and getting to know your children has been wonderful! Each of them are very unique and special, with their own talents and gifts to bring and share. I'm so excited to see what all God has laid out for your family. It's only the beginning and it's wonderful how God does things...we think you all are great! Below are some photos of the effort and the beginning of the 'transformation' that is taking place out in our little part of the country. We started with the girls room. It's pink and brown and we are going to use polkas and geometrics. Wheewwww! What next?

Missy painting their door! It will be pink on the inside and rice paper on the side.

Painting their wall! A lovely pink and chocolate brown. Looks real nice!

Michael is shopvac'n the remnants of wall repair.

 working on the pink walls. Austin is getting the door way.

Austin and Jesse gett'n R done! Yes, the boys did help in a pink room. What troopers!

Christy working on the pink room. See the brown. It really looks nice. Thanks Christy!

Ashley is repairing the walls. Jeff and Grant ended up taking down the chair rail and then Ashley came in and repaired the aftermath. She did a super-dee-dooper job! Guys, you have a rival in workmanship here!

Missy is getting every last bit. Great job Micaylah!

Bob and Grant have taken out some cabinets in one of the rooms so we could paint and make room for the boys. Wow! What a nice size room. Too bad we had to lose these cabinets, but with 2 boys in there, it will make for more room.

We are choosing to follow after God things and create an Apostolic culture for our heritage. This is where we are living. In that Apostolic culture. It's great! Not only are we out in the country, but we are bringing our lifestyle with us out there! Country never seemed so good! More coming soon and updates on the redecorating of our new home. Much love! Kimi