Thomas the Train & the NC Zoo

In September, we took a trip to a small town in western NC where there is an old train depot that has been made into a museum. Each year Thomas the Train is there for 2 weekends. A friend told us about it and we just HAD to go. Dalton is a HUGE Thomas fan and it sounded like a lot of fun for everyone. Plus, it was located only about 30 minutes from the NC Zoo and we have been wanting to go there for a while.

We invited my mom to go with us and my middle son, Justin. Brianna wasn't able to go because she couldn't miss school. We drove up on Thursday afternoon so we could be there on Friday morning without having to get up sooo early-- it was about a 4 hour drive. Friday morning we headed into Spencer to the NC Transportation Museum. Dalton was so excited over the trains, but when he saw Thomas--wow--he could hardly believe it!! He was ready to ride right then. Unfortunately, he had to wait a few hours because our tickets were for a 1:30 pm ride. That gave us time to see the museum filled with old cars, trains, and even airplanes. He met Sir Toppam Hatt and had his picture made and even saw Bob the Builder. Of coarse, the gift shop was full of tempting things...but he had to be satisfied with a whistle and a Thomas backpack. Finally, 1:30 came and we boarded the train. The ride lasted about 25 minutes and he loved every second of it! He was so tired I thought he would fall asleep, but he managed to stay awake for the entire time. I'm not sure which of us had the most fun:)

On Saturday, we went to Asheboro to the NC Zoo. It was much cooler and drizzled rain the entire time we were there, but we didn't let it stop us. We made it through the whole zoo in about 5 hours of walking...according to Justin the whole zoo is uphill:) lol We enjoyed all the animals. I really expected Dalton to be much more excited than he was at the zoo, but I think he was still thinking about Thomas.

It was a great trip and one I'd love to do again next year!! Who wants to join us?

Girls trip to Myrtle Beach

The first weekend of August, my Mom invited me, Brianna, and my 3 nieces to go with her to Myrtle Beach, SC. We walked on the beach one evening and it was so beautiful. The girls wore their bathing suits, but for some reason decided not to swim.

We also visited Broadway at the Beach; they have tons of shops, theaters, and amusement rides. We went there 2 different evenings after it cooled off a little. The girls enjoyed the rides; mom and I watched!

We also went to the outlets and shopped a little...I actually bought 2 dresses! I don't think I've bought a dress in about 4 years...so it was a pretty big deal to me! LOL Hey....it doesn't take much to amuse me, ok?

I also sneaked away to a scrapbooking store and bought some new albums and paper...now I just need to find time to actually scrapbook!!

Fun trip.

Summer Fun!

Dalton and Bri

in the pool.

Dalton play with his sand table.

Dalton Loves Corn on the Cob!!

Beach Vacation

We spent a few days at the beach (June 29-July 3). We camped in our pop-up camper and my mom slept in a tent. My daughter-in-law, Melissa, stayed with us a few nights and our son, Justin visited for a few hours one evening. The campground was nice and we were lucky to get a large camp site in front of a pond. It was full of HUGE catfish that we fed from the bridge and there were geese and ducks too. I have to admit that they became a little annoying! The goose acted like he was a guard dog for the baby ducks and if you got too close, he came after you!! One day, I was sitting out by the pond in a chair and the ducks and the goose came for a visit...I got some bread and started feeding them and the crazy goose ran up to me and I thought he was going to attack me...he got WAY too close! That was only the first of several "attacks"...

Dalton absolutely LOVED the whole trip!! He liked camping and being outside so much. He loved playing in the water!! We went to either the ocean or the intracoastal waterway everyday and we went boating one day. I think he would have stayed in the water all day if we'd let him! He was totally exhausted by the end of each day.

The only downside to the trip was the weather...EXTREMELY HOT and HUMID!!! I think it was the hottest week of the summer. Mid-day was almost unbearable. Our pop-up has an AC, but it couldn't cool very well during the hottest part of the day and who wants to sit inside a little pop-up all day anyway? Nights were nice...usually had a nice breeze and the AC worked great too!

Too bad Brianna was at camp and couldn't be with us. Other than that it was great!

In June, we made a trip to a small zoo that is near our home--Lynnwood Park Z00. My aunt, LuAnn took her daughter, Alli, and her grandchildren and I took Dalton. It was extrememly hot that day!!! But...we had a great time. There were lots of different animals, some domesticated and some exotic. We saw chickens, turkeys, cows, mini horses, zebras, snakes, birds, monkeys, etc. The kids were facinated by all the animals. Hopefully, we can go again this fall...or MAYBE we will make it to the NC Zoo in Asheboro!! That would be great.

Endings...and New Beginnings

L-R: Hillery, Lorrie, Brianna, Linda, Gene, Tommy

Brianna's parents and grandparents

Our family began a journey fourteen years ago...we weren't sure where we would end up or how long it would last. Now we've come to the end of this journey. On May 30, our youngest child, Brianna, graduated from our home school. It was a bittersweet day for me! Actually, I cried (off and on) throughout the ceremony that we held for her!

We were able to hold her graduation a the church she attends (and also where we used to attend). We invited our family and some of her close friends. The pastor of the church spoke for a few minutes about Brianna and gave her some words of wisdom and then her piano teacher spoke. Her Daddy, the principal of the school, told a little about our homeschooling journey and how blessed we are to have Brianna for our daughter. We played a song that she requested, My Wish, and then presented her diploma. It was a beautiful ceremony focusing completely on her.

We're all so proud of her and can't wait to see what she accomplishes with her life.

So...sadly our homeschooling journey has come to an end, but I know that God will open doors for us to begin something new. I will certainly miss my "job" as teacher, but I know that there will be new jobs around the corner. What? I don't know!

And for Brianna...it's the beginning of many things! She's such a special girl. She's dedicated to God and He will lead her exactly where He wants her.

Little Red Hens

Dalton has fallen in love with my chickens! He loves to help feed them every day. He takes one little handful at the time out and drops it on the ground for them. Needless to say, it is a time consuming process. They don't seem to scare him at all. Sometimes they gather all around him and you can hardly see him from the waist down. It's SO funny!

10 Things I Love About Spring

Spring is my favorite time of the year! Just thought I'd jot down a few reason I love it so much.

1. I love to walk outside on a spring day and feel the warm sunshine after so many cold days.

2. I love to see the first flowers pop up and bloom--mine are yellow crocus.

3. I love my Crabapple trees when they start to bloom--beautiful and delicious smelling!

4. I love to see the new green grass popping up all over my yard.

5. I love to work in my garden; preparing the soil and planting; then seeing the first tiny plants.

6. I love to see everything seem to "come to life" again in just a few days/weeks.

7. I love my Daffodils!

8. I love all the baby animals.

9. I love Easter...remembering God's awesome sacrifice!

10. I love all the colors associated with spring: yellow, pink, blue, green...so clean and fresh.

Splish, splash, I was taking a bath....

Dalton LOVES to take a bath. I think he'd stay in the tub for hours if I'd let him. But, he HATES to have his hair washed! We have to work on that.

He's finally well...after being sick for about a month. I definitely feel like a "grandma" after taking care of him for the past month with asthma and 2 ear infections back to back. I had a lot more energy 20 years ago:)

Who Taught This Kid to Drive?

Following my Own Blog....strange but true!

Ok, before everyone sees that I am now a follower of my own blog and thinks I'm a total idiot, let me explain. Well, actually, I can't explain....I'm not sure how I managed to do it really! Can anyone tell me how to remove myself as a follower?
If not, I guess I'll just continue to follow. At least I'll have one REALLY interested reader:) Help!!

In Memory

My dad wrote his very first poem several months before he passed away last July. It was written about his mother and he planned to have it published in the local newspaper in her memory on her birthday. He wasn't here when her birthday came and unfortunately we didn't have it in the paper (we planned to but never did it). So...I'm publishing it here on my blog in memory and in honor of both my dad and my grandmother. After his passing, we couldn't help but wonder if he knew his time was near.

The picture of my grandmother was published in the newspaper quite a few years ago in the local section. She always loved to garden and enjoyed her flowers most of all.

In Memory of Mary Alice Newbold

by Bud Newbold

My mother had a green thumb

with proven garden skills

She tried tirelessly to coach me

though I never had the will.

Wearing her large straw hat

the memories are so clear

When I pass by the home place

I feel her presence near.

Though her garden still remains

and she's been gone for years

I can't help but look for her

with eyes clouded with tears.

One day soon I'll see her

I'm waiting for the day

when the Master calls my name

I'll be on my way.

Blessings

When times are tough--and they definitely are right now--I think it helps to remember the many blessings in our lives. So...this list is probably for my benefit more than anyone, but maybe it will help someone else remember their many blessings too.
1. I know God and I know that He is still in control.
2. I have a good husband who has always tried to take care of his family.
3. I have 3 healthy children.
4. I had the opportunity to spend many years at home caring for and teaching my children.
5. I know I did my best to teach my children right from wrong--no matter what they choose.
6. I have a home and plenty of food.
7. I have an extended family that I can depend on when I need them.
8. I have friends that I can depend on to listen and encourage me.
9. I have 2 healthy grandchildren.
10. My husband has a job.
11. I have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my grandson.
12. God can help me grow and learn even during tough times.
13. I have many more blessings than I can really even count!!

Mom and kid

The new mom and her kid seem to be doing fine. I decided to get rid of dad, though. He's been annoying me for quite a while now, but I wanted to wait until the kid was born so mom wouldn't be alone. For some reason, he gets a little pushy every time I go in the pen to feed them. I don't particularly enjoy him ramming his head into my body!!

Good news...the guy that came and got Billy said that the kid is a girl! I was hoping for a girl so I can hopefully avoid future pushiness. So I guess the new member of the family will be called "Carly".

"Birth" Day

We have a new "kid" in the family! My goat, "Nanny Mae", finally gave birth to an adorable little kid. Unfortunately, after waiting anxiously and trying to keep a close eye on her so I could attend the event, I missed it:( I had an appointment and just as I was leaving, my husband announced that she was giving birth. If I had known it would happen so quickly, I would have waited a few minutes! I'm not sure if it's a boy or girl, but it's so cute! I was hoping for 2 kids, but mom was probably happy about a single!

Yesterday was also my dad's birthday...so it helped to have something good happen. Ok, don't laugh, but I plan to name the kid after my dad. He would think that was SO funny! He probably would have made a big deal about it being born on his birthday--a good day for "old goats" or something comical like that. As soon as I find out the sex of the kid, I'll name it. "Buddy" if it's a boy and "Carly" if it's a girl. My dad's name was "Carl Haywood" but everyone called him "Bud".

Sure do miss you, Dad!

We finally got some snow here in NC again...after many years. I guess we got about 2-3 inches. Ok, don't laugh...it's still beautiful! We enjoyed playing in it and my grandson LOVED it. I think he would have stayed out all day:) Unfortunately, by the end of the day, very little snow remained.

Snow Day!

Welcome...

Hi to everyone! I am beginning this blog at the suggestion of a new friend and because it sounds like fun. I live in Eastern NC, about 50 miles from the coast. As I write this first post, it is snowing here...very rare for us! It looks beautiful!
I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 19 years. I have 3 children--22, 20, and 17--and a grandson. We are in our 15th year of homeschooling. Of course, the oldest two boys have graduated from our school and only my daughter is left. She is a senior this year. In addition to homeschooling her, I babysit my 18 month old grandson. This will be a "big" year for me, since I will complete my homeschool "career" and move on to something else. I'm not sure what?!
My husband is a minister and also works for my family in an electrical business.
I have always enjoyed gardening and raising various animals. Currently, we have 3 dogs, 6 chickens, and 2 goats. Oh, and a fish aquarium. I also have a greenhouse in my backyard. Unfortunately, I don't use it as much as I'd like to.
I am currently on a mission to lose weight and improve my health!! And it is proving to be a slow and difficult mission, indeed.