Parent's Weekend and SNOW

I was so glad to visit my freshman Alex for Parent's Weekend.

Sarah was so glad to be there too.

And then it started snowing.

In October.

Record snowfall, to be exact.

In other words it wasn't normal.

The snow in October, that is.

And we had a grocery run and a Target stop on our list.

And I just had this one day to do it.

So I did what any other frantic Floridian would do,

when faced with these driving conditions.

I called an experienced winter driver.

My Ohio born and raised husband.

My frantic text went something like this.....

"Please give me the best advice for driving in the snow."

His reply:

"If you start to slide, take your foot OFF the brake

or you won't be able to steer."

Even though it sounded weird, I went with experience.

And we survived.

And got to throw snowballs in October:-)

The First Egg

Lo and behold there was an egg.

What a momentous occasion.

Yippee! 

Yahoo!

We finally have an egg!



Ranae is 13!

This is the day my Ranae is 13.

It seems so unbelievable.

13 seems so young.....

But.....

Just two more years until she learns to drive.

Just 5 more years until she leaves for college.

13 is getting older by the minute.

Bat Hat

Things are getting "batty" around here.

Goats and Bears - Oh My!

Goats really aren't afraid of bears.

Teddy Bears, that is.

In fact, they don't mind them at all.

Even if they ride on their back.

Indoor Picnic

This picture makes me smile.....really big.

I was busy at the computer when I looked up and saw this scene.

Sarah was having a picnic.

Lucky I had my camera within reach.

Lucky for Kitty and Bulldog too.

They had a pleasant fruit and veggie salad.

Compliments of the house.

Putt-Putt Party

To celebrate Ranae's birthday

she and a friend played putt-putt.

To say they had fun is an understatement.

Middle-schoolers were born to have fun.

Even the ducks noticed and came to see what all the fun was about.

Did I mention she is turning 13?

A teenager.

I made her promise she would try to maintain her

joy

enthusiasm

and ability to listen.

I can always hope and pray.

At any rate, I know teenagers.

I have had three before this.

I still have two besides her.

I can do this.......right?

Wish me luck.

~ ~ ~

And pray.

Always pray.

XCountry Finals

Before the final Cross Country race.....

it's nice for someone to show you which way to run.

At the start of the race everyone has butterflies.....

and extra energy.

And after the race....

everyone had muddy, wet tennis shoes.

Parts of the trail were underwater by 2-3 inches.

That's October in Florida for ya.

Wet and Sunny.

Matthew's 20

My oldest just turned 20. 

He is no longer a teenager.

Wow.

That makes me feel old.....er.

I did notice that with all his candles lit

he can almost set off the fire alarm.

And that makes me feel a little better.

Welcome to my world, Matthew.

Pumpkin Patch

After church today we went to our neighborhood pumpkin patch.

They had small pumpkins,

bumpy pumpkins,

white pumpkins, green pumpkins,

and perfect pumpkins.

Any Day Now

My chickens are scheduled to start laying

ANY DAY NOW.

Chickens start laying between 18-24 weeks of age.

Victoria is 22 weeks.

Henrietta and Lucy are 18 weeks. 

I keep hoping and looking around

and anticipating

and sifting through the nest boxes.

I just can't wait!

.....Mowing.....

My chariot awaits.....

(I just have to say - that sun shade is a blessing)

The grass needs to be mowed.

It's good for the grass

and good for the cow birds too.

(otherwise known as Cattle Egret)

and I always try to enjoy the ride.

Watch your thoughts...

they become words.

Watch your words...

they become actions.

Watch your actions...

they become habits.

Watch your habits...

they become your character.

Watch your character...

it is your destiny.


Author Unknown

Manatee Madness

Today was a beautiful day to be on the water.

My little 4-H group jumped in canoes

and went searching for manatees.

It was relaxing and exciting at the same time.

Every boat had a close encounter with a manatee.

Most of them were as big as our canoe.

And Brian almost got to touch one.

Before we were even finished,

I wanted to do it again.

And again.