Monday, November 30, 2009

Rental House

After a few phone calls, we were able to go and look at the rental house. (If you have not heard the story, click on the link..it is amazing!)



It is a cute little house with just the right amount of space we need. It even has a room that we could use for homeschooling which is more than we expected. GOD IS GOOD.

We are thrilled that it is just block and half away from our house. We just wanted something in the same town, but God gave us something so close that it will make moving a lot easier! GOD IS GOOD.

Scot had said that he hoped to get a rental house for a specific price. I thought we would never get a house to fit a family of 6 for that price, but would you believe it is exactly what he wanted and what we were praying for? Of course you would, because GOD IS GOOD.


We don't have to sign a year long contract, they are willing to let us rent as long as it takes to build.

So many of the things that we had questions and concerns about were answered and not even an issue or problem!

GOD IS SO GOOD!



Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us

~Ephesians 3:20

Saturday, November 28, 2009

AMAZING

I am completely amazed at how God has worked over the last few weeks. I always knew God would take care of all the details that come with moving, but I am just amazed at the way He is doing it! All I can do is stand in awe at how God orchestrates our lives down to the smallest details!


Here is the latest incredible story.

We have been looking for a rental in our little town since we sold our house. I called every realty place in the area and even drove all around town, both inside and outside the city limits, trying to find something--anything for rent! There is just not anything right now.

We decided we may have to move to "the city" as our last resort. (The reason it would be a last resort is that it would cost us more and we would be farther from where we are building our house.)

I was getting a little discouraged because that was not what we wanted to do, but I kept saying that God has not brought us this far to abandon us now....how true that has proven to be!

Well, early Friday morning, while standing in line waiting to go into a store on Black Friday, I started talking to some people around me in line. One of them mentioned something about my town and I asked if they lived here. One of the girls said yes and I told her I did too and that I lived on our street's name. She that said her husband's grandmother lived on my street too. Come to find out the grandmother is my neighbor across the street!

I mentioned we had just sold our house and were looking for a place to rent while we build our new house. She said that her cousin just moved to another part of the state and she thinks that she is putting her house up for rent this weekend.

I asked a few more questions and then I realized I knew the cousin through a friend of mine! Isn't that crazy???

So I told the girl that I would call my friend and get in touch with her cousin, who was in town for the weekend.

Now do you see why I say it is amazing the way God works???

To think I was in line on Black Friday at 5 am, freezing to death, making conversation with other shoppers...who, come to find out live in my small town... and their grandmother is a neighbor...and they have a cousin who is here getting ready this very weekend to put their house up for rent!!!

That is not a "happenstance" that is GOD! He allowed our paths to cross and our conversation to turn to this!

I stood in line at this store hoping to get an incredible deal on a Christmas gift and ended up getting a lead on a rental house!

AMAZING!

Oh and by the way, I got the "deal" I went for too!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

First Meeting with the Builder

We met with the builder on the 19th. It was so much fun!


This is something that we have dreamed of for a very long time and I have been saving ideas just waiting for the time to come...and now it has!!!



I am not sure he was expecting me to bring so many pictures and files and plans, but he was gracious and patiently listened. We talked through everything and he even gave some great suggestions and money saving ideas!



We will be meeting with him again next week. I can't wait to see what he has come up with for our dream house!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Results

For all those who have asked, the inspection went well. We will sit down with the buyer after Thanksgiving to work out the final details. It is getting closer....

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Inspection

I am busy getting ready for the inspection that is taking place tomorrow afternoon. I have so much that still needs to be done, but hopefully after tomorrow, we will know more as to when we will close on the house, etc.

Thank you for your words of encouragement and, more importantly, for helping us pray as we navigate through this transition.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Pumpkin Dump Cake

This is one of the yummy dishes I will bringing to Thanksgiving this year!


2 (15 oz) cans of pumpkin
2 cans evaporated milk
4 eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups sugar

1 yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter
1 cup chopped nuts

Mix together pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 pan.
Sprinkle with cake mix. Drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

Bake 350 for 1 hour and 20 minutes

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

New Family Game

For B's birthday, Nana gave him a new game that the family is getting to enjoy too.


Have you heard of it? It is so much fun...and even a little addicting! It really takes keen eyes to win!

It really is family fun for all ages!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

E's Garage Sale Find

At a garage sale on Saturday, E found this cool chair from PB Teen. The one she got was lime green to match her new room and she only paid $5.00!



We looked up the price online and it sells for 99.00! (Can you believe someone would pay that for a chair???) Anyway, it is in great condition and the best part is that she got it for a steal!

I will have to show you some pictures soon of the progress we are making with her new room. It is really starting to come together!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Offer

We got an offer on our house today. I cannot tell you how excited we have been. I know God's timing is perfect, but it has been a long year!



We have started negotiations.....I will let you know as soon as we get the official word!


I still can't believe that we may be about 30 days away from starting construction of our dream house!!!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Pecan Pie Muffins

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and we, like a lot of you, are getting our menu together. This is something that E and S made last year. It was a huge hit. They are planning to make them again this year.

If you love pecan pie, you will love these muffins. They are great for those who want "just a taste of pecan pie."



1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup plain flour
2/3 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten

Combine brown sugar, pecans, and flour in a bowl and set aside. Combine butter and eggs. Mix well and stir into flour mixture. Fill greased mini muffin tins about 2/3 full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes.

Remove from muffin tins immediately and cool on wire racks.

Makes 2 dozen


For more fall recipe ideas, check out our family recipe blog.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Out of the mouth of Babes

B had a question in lanuguage where he had to choose the best answer.

"I have ___ shoes on my feet."

He said mom I can't find ZERO! Don't they know homeschoolers don't wear shoes to school :)

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Parade 2009


We love all the family traditions that come along with this time of year. Picking up peanuts before the parade begins is no exception!




Our family gets together to watch the parade as it goes down Main Street. This year some friends joined us too. It was such a fun morning!




Friday, November 6, 2009

Fair...Take Two

Guess who went to the fair?

S has been battling strep throat this week. She was sick on Tuesday when we went to the fair as a family, so I brought her tonight.


We met up with my sister so she could haver her cousins to ride with. We had a great time!

Look no hands! She was so funny. She would say that on all the rides!


Although I did not like not being able to enjoy the fair together as a family, S and I did have a great together just the two of us!


She was so happy to be able to drive the bumper cars!


My cousin Billy came with us. Aren't they cute???


Here they are at the pony ride. Billy spoiled her all night long!

Of course, we had to end the night with the traditional peanut picture!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Celebrating the Harvest Days

What a fun day we spent celebrating the fall harvest!

We have gone to this festival year after year and the kids never tire of doing the fall activities that the Harvest Celebration brings.

Picking Cotton

Pony Rides

Hay Rides

Corn mazes

Tractor Parade


Peanuts, Peanuts, Peanuts!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pumpkin Decorating Contest 2009

I am so proud of each of my kids for all their hard work decorating their pumpkins this year. They had fun doing it which to me is the most important part..well that and that they do their best. The theme this year is "Passport to Fun" so they got their ideas based off the theme.

E and her "globe" pumpkin





She won 1st place in her division!



S and her peanut people waving as an airplane with a banner flew by. She won Honorable Mention for her pumpkin!


See their signs.

She also added jewelery to the peanut people so you could tell which ones are girls!



B also won 1st place in his age division!



He made an airport with the people peanut people lining up to go on a trip.



Then had another airplane flying by with the festival banner.