An Award Winning Week!

I have been so blessed this week! Two of my readers have bestowed awards on my blog, for which I am greatly honored.

Mommy Reg from Mommyhood Adventures has given me this award:

This award comes with the following explanation -

“This blog invests and believes, in ‘proximity’ [meaning, that blogging makes us 'close' - being close through proxy]. They are all charming blogs, and the majority of them aim to show the marvels of friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize, and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut, or that they propagate? Then let’s try to give more attention to them! So with this prize we must deliver it to eight bloggers that in turn must make the same thing and put this text.”

I think this means that a blogger feels close even though they may be miles apart. I broke the rule a bit and have picked 5 blogs to pass this award on to -

- Mother Hen at Ship Full O’ Pirates - she and I have much in common and think alot alike (although she’s way funnier than I am!).

- Lea at Farmhouse Blessings - her sweet and friendly manner makes me feel like we’ve been friends for years.

- Kathy at Joyful Journey Journal - my real-life friend for around 30 years now. Her blog is very warm and transparent and welcoming.

- Michelle at Consider Jesus - another long-time, real-life friend – Michelle shares her heart and soul in the ministry that is her blog.

- Katy at The Country Blossom - Katy’s blog is such a joy to read as she shares her faith, family, and love with her readers.

The second award of the week was from Michelle at Sleepy Cat Hollow. She has honored me with this award:

“This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day.”

The rules to follow are :

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to other 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I am breaking the rules again with this one and passing it along to these 5 deserving bloggers -

- Kim C. at Life In A Shoe - a sweet and witty writer, Kim will always speak her heart – come what may.

- Kelly at Generation Cedar - Kelly is a warrior in the battle for the truth in the world today. Her love and concern for her readers is equal only to her boldness in proclaiming the truths of Scripture.

- Mama Archer at Mama Archer’s Blog - she also has such a heart to share God’s Word and proclaim the truth, popular or not.

- Monica at The Homespun Heart - Monica’s blog is so lovely, as she shares her faith and family with her readers.

- Cora at Hidden Riches From Secret Places - Cora shares her life so transparently and encourages and lifts me up so much with her faith amidst adversity.

So, there you have it! Please pay a visit to all of these ladies and you will be blessed by each and every one of them.

Thank you, again, Mommy Reg and Michelle, for so kindly blessing me with these awards – it was so thoughtful of you both!

Have a nice weekend, everyone. I will be popping back in on Sunday to announce the winner of my giveaway – the deadline for entering is Saturday night, in case you haven’t entered yet! I think I have a couple of hundred more giveaways to check out (last I checked there were over 1200 listed!), but the end is in sight and my fingers are breathing a sigh of relief!

Blessings,
Nancy

Thankful Thursday – October 30

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

I’m taking a break from the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival train to post my Thankful Thursday (assuming my fingers hold out). I am truly thankful for all of the sweet and lovely comments I have been getting on my giveaway post and for the wonderful new blogs I’ve discovered on my journey around blogworld. I can’t wait to get to know you all better!

And now for the “official” list – my Thankful list for this week -

1. I am thankful for the beautiful Fall days we are experiencing here.

2. I am thankful for all of the October birthday people in my extended family. We had such a great time celebrating them with our costume party last weekend. (P.S. Family – do I have your permission to share some of the photos? – e-mail me.)

3. I am thankful for Mommy Reg at Mommyhood Adventures for honoring me with a blog award this week, and for her visits to my blog and the blessing that her comments always are to me.

**Updated to say – ooo, I just found out that Michelle at Sleepy Cat Hollow has also honored me with an award! Wow! Two in one week! – I am truly speechless. Thank you so much, Michelle, for the award and for the blessing of your visits to my blog, as well! I’ll get those award posts up Asap!

4. I am thankful for the promise of a fun weekend ahead with our Fall Festival and Reformation Day celebrations.

5. I am thankful that my sister-in-law’s arm operation went well last week and that she is now on the path to recovery of arm movement.

6. I am thankful that Jack (our black Lab) did well this week with being crated in the house for the night, when it was too cold for him to be outside. It’s good to know that he will not be a challenge later in the winter when he needs to spend more evenings in the house.

7. I am thankful for the home and land that God has blessed us with in the country – and for the joy of being surrounded by nature and the lessons and love that God speaks to me of, through it.

8. I am thankful for the blessing of my children, who are so special and precious to me. They each have their own unique strengths and gifts to offer the world and I look forward to seeing God’s plan for them unfold in their lives in each unique way.

9. I am thankful for my husband – the man that God has given me to walk this pathway called life with – for his patience, forgiving spirit, faith, and love for me, even when I don’t deserve it.

10. I am thankful for the truth of this verse of Scripture -

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Thank you for sharing my list with me today! To read more thankful thoughts, click the button below to find the list of participants in this week’s Thankful Thursday.

Blessings,
Nancy

Bloggy Giveaway Time!

Wow! It’s already time for the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival again! Are you ready? Are your fingers ready? It’s time to spend the week running around the blogsphere, visiting many wonderful blogs and turning your fingers to mush signing up for giveaways.

If you’re new here, I’m so glad you stopped by! I hope you’ll come back to visit when it’s all over and the feeling comes back to your fingers. I am a Christian, home-schooling mother of nine and I enjoy sharing about our life on our rural 2 1/2 acres here. Whether it be a laugh, some inspiration, a new recipe from the kitchen or a little encouragement, I hope that I can add something in some small way to your day. And now, on to the giveaway . . .

I am giving away this seasonal basket of goodies. Included in the basket are 6 Yankee Candle votives in the following scents -

Spiced Pumpkin
Sparkling Cinnamon
Farmhouse Apple
Gingerbread
Autumn Leaves
Home For the Holidays

Also included are 2 hurricane glass votive holders, Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Cocoa, Celestial Seasonings Gingerbread Spice Tea, Cinnamon Swirl Guest Soap, Pumpkin Pot-holder and the November issue of Country Sampler filled with lovely Christmas decorating ideas. The berry garland surrounding the basket is also included for adding a beautiful touch to your home.

Do you get the picture here? Some cozy afternoon or evening during the upcoming weeks, you light some seasonal scented candles, pour yourself some delicious cocoa or tea (use your pot-holder so as not to burn yourself!), and snuggle down with this beautiful magazine to dream for a little while. On second thought, maybe I’d like to keep this basket myself! No, I won’t . . . but, you can be sure I’ll be spending some time like this myself in the next few months. . . and enjoying every minute of it! Won’t you join me?

Here is a close-up of the goodies in the basket -

All you need to do to enter this giveaway is to leave me a comment on this post. That’s all . . . nice and simple. All entries need to be in by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, November 1st. I will draw a winner using the random number generator and post the result on Sunday. Due to the cost of shipping, I’m sorry, but I must limit entries to the continental U.S.

This giveaway is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike, but if you don’t have a blog, make sure to leave me your e-mail address, so that I can contact you if you win.

To find the exciting and ever-growing list of blogs hosting giveaways (I think it’s up to 800 now!) click here to visit Melanie at the Bloggy Giveaways site.

Have a fun week and come back to visit soon!

Blessings,
Nancy

The Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ October 27

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~

Outside my window. . .A cold front has blown in nice, cool temperatures – should be in the 60’s today. The wind has also blown many leaves to the ground, where they await little feet to run crunching through them at play.
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I am thinking. . .that I would like to have Andy Taylor’s perspective on life and people more than the Barney Fife tendencies I see in myself.
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From the learning room. . .some Math, some Reading, some Spelling, some Writing, some Nature Study and many lessons from life as it comes. Also, those Fall worksheets that never got printed last week are now printed out and ready for fun this week.
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I am thankful for. . .my first blog award given to me by Mommy Reg! I am so honored by her sweet comments on her blog and thankful to her for thinking of me. I will post about the award as soon as possible. I am so thankful for all of you who stop by and visit and bless me with your comments and encouragement!
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From the kitchen. . .Cheese toast for breakfast. Dinner tonight will be Sloppy Joe’s and Tater Tots. I may simmer some Apple Cider after dinner for an evening treat.
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I am wearing. . .blue capri pajamas – starting slow today.
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I am creating. . .a seasonal basket filled with cocoa and candles for the Bloggy Giveaways this week – please check back -I’ll have the post up later today.
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I am going. . .to be busy visiting blogs all week, signing up for giveaways and finding lots of new friends to inspire and encourage me.
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I am reading. . .“Little House” with the children and my Bible – not time for other reading right now.
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I am hoping. . .to make some good progress cross-stitching Michael’s stocking this week.
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I am hearing. . .Sarah and David chattering together in my room, the kitty’s collar bell as she takes off on another wild run through the house, “Andy Griffith” dvd, hammering outside.
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Around the house. . .remnants from the weekend needing tidying up, David now jumping on my bed (have you ever tried to type while your laptop bounces up and down?), a row of tomatoes ripening on the kitchen windowsill, lots of winter clothes pulled out of the attic waiting to be laundered to freshness.
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One of my favorite things. . .warm apple cider with cinnamon and cloves on a cold Autumn evening.
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A few plans for the rest of the week. . .catching up around the house, cleaning out the upstairs hall, Fall Festival and Reformation Day celebrations this weekend.
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Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . .

The Autumn book basket that sits on my dresser, full of wonderful Fall picture books.
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To read more Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Have a lovely day!

Blessings,
Nancy

The Wonka Kids

I came home from the store one day and was met with a strange sight in the living room (no, not the mess – that’s normal everyday fare) – four of my children were lined up . . . facing the television . . . dancing . . . Oompa-Loompa style -

I’m not sure that David was keeping up with the steps, but he was certainly not going to be left out of the fun.

You never know what to expect from one minute to the next around here, but this one really cracked me up.

Blessings,
Nancy

Sporting a New “do”

Ryan came over last week and asked if I would cut his hair. This is not out of the ordinary, but then he told me how he wanted it cut – that was out of the ordinary. He said he wanted it cut really short. Now he doesn’t normally wear long hair, but he’s never had it super short either. He was definite about it, so we proceeded. Here is the before shot (isn’t he cute?) -

Here we are in the process of removing those lovely locks ( told him I was going to save them for his baby book) -

And here is the final result -

I think he’s still pretty cute, even after being sheared!

Blessings,
Nancy

Thankful Thursday – October 23

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Happy Thursday! What are you thankful for today? Here are a few things that I am thankful for this week -

1. The blessing of a good night’s sleep and the newness of each day.

2. The arrival of a cold front yesterday that has dropped temperatures into truly Fall-like weather (and sent me scurrying into the attic to find warm clothes for the children!)

3. The blessing of all those clothes I found in the attic to keep my little ones warm this winter.

4. Warm and cozy flannel sheets and quilts on a cold, Autumn night.

5. All of the delicious recipes that I have found on so many wonderful blogs that have been such a blessing to my family so far this season.

6. The right and priviledge that we have in our country to vote and have a voice in our government. I early voted yesterday and, as always, was struck by the blessing of this priviledge.

7. The Bible lesson we have been discussing this week centering around Matthew 6:33 -

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” or the way it is worded in the “Day By Day Kid’s Bible” – “Put God first in your life. Then He will make sure you have everything you need.”

8. My husband, who gets up early, without complaint, every morning to go to work and provide for his family.

9. Fun old movies and shows that we can enjoy together as a family, learning good lessons and creating strong bonds together.

10. The promise of the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner!

To read more thankful thoughts, click the button below to find the list of participants in this week’s Thankful Thursday. Have a lovely day!

Blessings,
Nancy

Apple Dumplings

This has got to be my favorite apple dessert! I got the recipe on The Pioneer Woman cooking site earlier in the year. Everytime I make these we are amazed at how delicious they are – and so simple to make, too!

Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples

2 cans Crescent Rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

cinnamon

1 small can Mountain Dew

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. (Or say “yes” when your daughter asks if she can do this step, like I did) -

Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. -

Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon. -

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. -

Here’s how they look when they are done -

Serve with ice cream and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top. -

Yummy!

Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) ends this recipe with these words – “WARNING: PREPARE THIS DISH AT YOUR OWN RISK. IT IS BEYOND IMAGINABLE.”

I totally agree.

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Nancy

The Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ October 20

Good morning! Here is my Daybook entry for today ~

Outside my window. . .bright, sunny skies with a bit of a breeze; squirrels busy at work all over the yard; leaves putting on their Autumn array.
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I am thinking. . .organizing thoughts. I have declared this to be “Put It Away Week” at our house.
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From the learning room. . .Basic studies this week – reading, writing, math. spelling and Bible with some fun Fall puzzle and coloring sheets thrown in – no major projects or crafts as we will be spending our time “putting things away”.
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I am thankful for. . .the blessings of home and family.
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From the kitchen. . .Meat Casserole, Corn, Green Beans, with Apple Dumplings for dessert.
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I am wearing. . .White t-shirt and navy capris.
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I am creating. . .a peaceful home with “a place for everything and everything in it’s place” (at least most of the time).
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I am going. . .to have to run to the store again today – I just went last night, but there is always something that pops up when I return that I didn’t realize we needed!
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I am reading. . .“Little House in the Big Woods” and my devotional Bible.
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I am hoping. . .that Season 2 of the “Andy Griffith” show arrives in the mailbox this week. We’ve about worn out Season 1 now.
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I am hearing. . .Michael and David reading books, Anna counting her pennies, “I Love Lucy” dvd finishing up on the television, more hammering outside as a house is being built across the creek.
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Around the house. . .a few tiny watermelons we salvaged from the big garden sitting on the kitchen counter, a build-up of items that are waiting to be put away this week, all of the children’s books in the playroom are on the floor after David wiped them off the shelves again this morning.
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One of my favorite things. . .farm or country toile fabrics, especially when paired with gingham.
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A few plans for the rest of the week. . .“Put It Away Week”, getting into the attic to pull down the winter clothes and assess what will be needed to fill in the gaps, deep cleaning out of the upstairs hall and the boys’ room, Keepers Club meeting, October family birthday party, and planning my giveaway for next week’s Fall Bloggy Giveaway Carnival.
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Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . .

Apple Dumplings – one of my favorite apple dishes – on the menu for tonight . . . yummmm! (I’ll try to post the recipe this week.)
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To read more Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook, and have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Nancy

This and That Outdoors

With all of the beautiful weather we’ve had here lately, we’ve been spending alot of time outdoors. My camera accompanies me out when I think of it, and I’ve been compiling a bunch of random pictures that have been taken while enjoying the great outdoors. The picture above is a corner of my patio garden, which is usually taken over a bit by now with marigolds, which I don’t mind at all, as it makes for lovely Fall scenery.

The rest of the patio garden seems to think that it is Spring again the way it has started producing in recent weeks. You might be able to pick out several vegetables here (if you look real close – kind of like one of the kids’ seek and find books!) – the tomatoes are loaded down with new fruit, the okra plants decided to finally come up after being planted months ago and are producing abundantly (unfortunately I haven’t been picking them and they’ve gotten huge!), and there are bell and jalapeno peppers producing again (you can see these plants peeking their heads over the marigolds on the right side of the picture). Of course, there are also lots of dead weeds and a few dead sunflowers – just ignore those – I seem to have done so. Can you find all of the plants? -

Across the sidewalk is my herb garden, which is looking lovely and lush. My dill is all gone – ravaged in a couple of days by caterpillars awhile back, but the basil, rosemary and thyme are doing quite well. I need to start cutting and drying these . . . I think -

Enough of the gardens, here is my little pumpkin on the front porch on our first cool-enough-for-a-jacket day. He’s the one in blue, not the one in orange. -

Our scarecrow friends on the front porch – they have been brutally attacked a few times by Jack, but have come out alive and still smiling -

One day we saw this crawling around our scarecrow buddies. He was about 2-3 inches long! He looked like a giant wasp, but we never saw him fly -

Probably the most common places to find the children when playing outside are the trampoline or the swingset, but there have been other interesting activities going on, as well. Climbing trees is always fun – Tommy and Sarah rigged a basket system up to this tree to haul books, stuffed animals and toys into it -

One day they decided to dig a hole – “why?”, I asked. “”Just because”, was the answer. So we found an acceptable spot behind the barn and they started digging. They worked on it several days, and then decided they’d had enough fun with this project. -

One day the activity of choice was collecting horse apples all around the yard in the wagon. It was quite heavy when they finished -

Michael enjoying the nice cool weather -

Sweet Laura, whose outdoor time usually includes playing with Jack, taking him for walks, and keeping him out of mischief -

And speaking of Jack, he loves for us to come outside to play with him and sits on the porch with us (when he’s not attacking scarecrows) and enjoys the company. I’m afraid he has overstepped his bounds here, though – although Laura thinks it’s so adorable -

Sarah took this picture of a bird’s nest in one of our Rose of Sharons. Now that the leaves are falling off, we were able to discover it and marvel at it -

And one last picture – of some of the Fall Foliage on the trees that we are enjoying (sorry for the blur)-

Well, I didn’t mean for this to get so long, but wanted to share with you some of our outdoor moments. Hope you’re enjoying your Fall as much as we are!

Blessings,
Nancy