New year, new house

This new year will be a big one for the homestead. We have moved to a property that has almost 2 acres. We are in process of planning our garden and chicken coop. We are hoping to have a very large garden that will not only feed us for the spring and summer but sustain us through the winter months. Along with the garden, we are in search of the best egg laying chickens as we eat 2-3 dozen a week. We are thrilled at all the possibilities of our land and look forward to sharing them with you! Happy New Year!

Pop culture is out of control.....

at our house. After countless references and reenactments of Disney shows, we have changed the way we view TV, play video games and computer time. We have established a check system. For every chore done to the kids' best ability and with a joyful heart they receive 1-2 checks depending on the size of the job. After they receive 10 checks they earn 20 minutes of free time on the TV (shows I have prerecorded), game system or computer. So far it is working very well but with everything once the new wears off we will see how it works.
Not only is this system to help limit screen time, as you can see from the pictures, we are also making a HUGE effort to reward good behavior. We have the chart on display in the hallway so everyone can see there hard earned checks.








What are the screen time rules at your house?

Well the countdown has begun! We leave for the beach in 9 weeks and yet again I am on a crusade to lose weight. Also, as usual I have set the expectations on myself WAY too high. One would think I would have learned by now that I am not SUPERMOM! (que cool super hero music)
I will try to keep you updated on my progress, but spare you the before picture! HAHAHA!

The kids are so excited about the trip. K already has her beach trip pack list written out. She likes to prepare ahead!
Hope you all have a great week!

The weather has been a bit wacky here in TN. Snowy one day then mid 50s the next. The kids have been enjoying a new park we recently discovered near our house. Here are some pics of their adventures.

prayer request Part 2

Well, sweet baby T has joined the stomach virus crew. Bless her heart she is just pitiful! If you could add her to the prayer list as well as the rest of us we would really appreciate it. Thanks again!!

Prayer request

The homestead has become over run with a stomach virus. Please be in prayer with us that it will not continue and contaminate the younger three kids. Currently, KK and I are the only ones with symptoms.
Also, we are supposedly getting some winter weather. While this is normally not a major issue, Burt will be traveling to SC over the mountains where they are expected to receive 6-10 inches of snow. So, we would also appreciate prayers for his safe travel this weekend.
Thank you!!

Winter break is officially over. The spring semester started yesterday with the lovely noise of a 5:45 am alarm clock. I am taking 2 classes this semester, English Comp. and African American Studies. This will be the first writing course I have taken in ten years, so I am a little apprehensive.
Our new daily schedule is in place and so far seems to be running smoothly. I will be posting it next week, after we have a good solid run at keeping it going. Well, study time is calling. Have a great weekend!!