A Little Trip

We have been a busy traveling family! The Professor is finishing up his PhD work and needed to see his advisor again (who lives in a state several thousand miles from ours) so we all took a trip. He went alone to his university, while the children and I stayed with family to reduce our cost. We wish we could have seen everybody this time around, but I'm sure there will be other times. The boys and Sweet Sis enjoyed the flight(s), even receiving some special priviledges. Our Lil' Farmer turns 5 tomorrow -I still can't believe it. I remember his birth like it was yesterday, I remember rocking him and singing. He was and is such a beautiful child, through to his soul. He loves to smile and is filled with joy everyday. He is a previous gift and addition to our family.I hope you enjoy the pictures of our adventure and of an early celebration. We still have not arrived home yet, so keep us in prayer as we make our way home. Professor made tremendous progress and is very close to finishing, so we are thankful. *The cord to our camera is 400 miles from our house, sitting in the back of our truck, waiting for Professor to pick it up on Sunday.

A Beautiful Moment

Since we are a no TV/movie family, this has actually never happened before. The kids were all ready for bed, and had a fantastic day together - so I blessed them with a documentary on the Iditerod - the Alaskan dog-sled competition. They were so cute and cuddly together!

Fun "Free" Day

A friend shared with me a great program that is running through the summer. It is called "Kids Bowl Free". For the length of summer, every child who is registered, gets 2 free games of bowling per week - all across the country. Although I have been registered for a few weeks, we have not gone. I wanted to make sure it was right for our family. To participate, the children must bowl between 9 am - 5 pm. Yesterday was the big day - the children were motivated to finish their work 30 min early, so we could leave by 3 pm. Even though we homeschool, we still "school". On another post, I will show our schedule, but, we start near 10 am with formal sit down school - after the kids have already been working since 8:15 am on chores, and music lessons. The kids had lots of fun! I just sat back and helped when needed. The alley was clean, very well lit, and nearly empty. Out of 40 lanes, 2 were being used - us and another family! It was a nice "once in a blue moon" treat for the kids. Enjoy the pictures!

Aren't these shoes adorable? They were so tiny and cute!

By the way, "Free" isn't always free! I had to pay $4 per child for shoe rentals! So it cost me $16. And I didn't get to play! Although I am a good ball pusher...

First Day of School

This past week we celebrated our first day of school! Always a big day in our Family. Enjoy the pictures!

Update - A Building Adventure

This past Sunday, Professor was able to construct the foundation for the Playhouse. He worked hard at staining the wood with the awful wood-preservative, to prevent future rot, and measuring, cutting, and nailing. He had some mighty good helpers to assist along the way. The playhouse is still undergoing remodeling (needs new hinges, a larger floor, some paint, and some hooks for closing the doors and windows), but at least it is up and the children can play in it while we work. It is large, as I can stand in it without bending over, as can Professor. (The last few pictures were taken by Straight Arrow - umm, he's still learning)

Coming of Age Tradition

Coming of Age - what exact age does that define? I believe it is referring to courtship age, but not sure. Well, we certainly don't have that age in our family (and hope we won't for a long time!), but we consider it a right of passage in our family when a child begins to read, and can read well enough to read the Bible during family worship time. So we buy the child's very own Bible (other than the one they get when they are dedicated as a baby). It is a surprise day and one in which I make a Bible Cover for them. With Kind Heart, we bought his Bible this summer at our favorite place while on our traveling adventures. So, I finally was able to finish sewing his cover. He picked out the fabric! Now, he is happy to tote around his Bible and show his friends.

A Great Escape

A few weeks ago, we decided to take a 3-day weekend and find some R & R in the wilderness. With everything we have experienced over the past 6 months, this was very much needed! We love to camp (especially in our camper) and love it more when we can relax, which with 4 small children, can be difficult! But with much success, we did! We had a wonderful time, and thoroughly enjoyed each other for 3 solid days. We are already planning a return trip soon! And, well, we only had one child overboard unintentionally - so I would say a success!

The beautiful drive!

Lil'Farmer pumping up our raft!

Sweet Sis all ready for a boat ride!

Country Needles relaxing while the boys row!

The night-cap, hotdogs and smores!

For my own sake, I have not published the picture of me jumping into the lake - it was a fantastic adventure shot - but, the ol' backside is showing! I'll spare you. So, I challenged Kind Heart to jump-in, assuring him I would if he did. He did - so I had to! No one else was as brave...

Chicken duty!

Sweet Sis taking in the majestic landscape.

Tough Moments

Today, I've been busy cleaning for the first time since returning from the East Coast. We have been gone for several months and many of you know, I lost my dear Momma to Lung Cancer. I just came across some papers. The papers that I wrote down her last prognosis. It was tough to read them, because I remember her telling me on the phone all of the words I wrote down. I was so impatient with her, with the situation - wanting more answers. Little did I know that when she told me the lastest news, that it would only be 3 weeks until she would Rest forever until the Lord calls her forth. I wrote down - "6 months - 1 year". Oh how I would love to have had even 6 months. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." My hope and peace lies in His Promises. I will see Mom again, according to His Will.

An Introduction

Welcome and Greetings!  After a small break, I have decided to renew my blogging presence.  In March, I retired my blog of 5 years.   I am looking forward to my fresh start and am eager to learn how to improve my blog, to add features and to really make it what I would like.  So what is the new blog going to be about?  Well, I suppose ramblings of my life!  So allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Country Needles.  I am Mom to 4 precious children; dear son Straight Arrow 7, dear son Kind Heart 5, dear son Lil Farmer 3, and dear daughter Sweet Sis 18 mos.  I am also the Teacher to our children in our homeschool.  I am Wife to my dear husband The Professor, who also acts as our Principal.  We currently live in the mid-west in a wonderful rural country home, but very soon, we will be moving to a major city.  I hope to capture our move, our adventures, our trials.  I have a few interests that really encompass me.  I have a passion for educating our children according to Biblical Principles (which alludes to my passion in The Word).  I greatly enjoy using my hands for a productive good.  I sew for my family, for friends, and for strangers.  I recently discovered English Smocking and my love for fine needle arts.  I enjoy knitting and crocheting.  Second to teaching and studying The Word, is my passion for Healthy Living.  We are a vegan family and I truly enjoy cooking with a plant-based diet.  Equally as much, I enjoy sharing my love for cooking healthy. I am a life long fitness advocate and enjoy exercise.  I am renewing an interest in running.

I am hoping to bring thoughts, encouragement,  ideas, recipes, and glimpses into our life to keep us connected to the ones we love dearly and to those we have not met yet.  Thanks for stopping by.  As I sip on my hot cup of Hot Apple Cider Tea, I hope you'll grab one too and relax.  May His Blessings be upon you.

Country Needles