We celebrated Father's Day. Poppie got to read the cards that his little Princesses made for him. 

Dakota had to work and was on call that Sunday.  Bless his heart. He still made time to see his girls after church. 

Dear hubby has managed to get some of the trim work done for our kitchen.  

I believe these girls are flirting with my man. ❤️❤️

We got our counter tops put in. Thank goodness. Now we have our rock back splash up. My new sink is in. 

Dallas Company managed to upload some pics to their website and we caught glimpses of him. Next week he will be graduating AIT school.  We are so proud of him. 

While it has been heat indexes outside, I've been keeping busy. Remnants of fabric and $2.50 t-shirts make for some great pj sets. ❤️❤️

The picture does not do it justice. But a can of biscuits, 1 small bag of mixed vegetables,  1 can cream of celery soup and 1 can of canned chicken can make an easy tasty eat. It was all less than $5. 

You can feed your family during hard times. Get smart. We can survive this inflation.  

I talk about ways to survive these hard times in our latest video. 

https://youtu.be/mdeRQ60lRak

New Video Up

 We have a new video up and running on our channel. Be sure to check it out. You can view it here:

How To Survive Times of Inflation, Pandemics and Emergencies

Happy Fathers Day

  I want to take this time to say happy fathers day to my heavenly father. I thank him for his hand of protection of times when I was in danger and didn't realize it and in my youth when I stupidly put myself in danger and didn't care. For his provision when we didn't have much growing up and my self esteem when people laughed and made fun of us for not having much. For his mercy when so many times I just screw up and he still loves me and forgives me. Mostly for his forgiveness. I'm so thankful I can not "loose" him because I am in his hands and he holds me. For his love and grace. I have do not deserve any blessings but I guess he thought i did. He got me to where I am today. He has truly blessed me more than I could ever ask. Thank you Father.

To the first man who showed me what a husband and father was. He doesn't realize how much I learned sitting at his feet. He taught his kids about life and God. He loved my grandmother with a passion. He served his country, his family and his Savior. Happy Heavenly Father's Day PaPa. 💙

I am so thankful that this man is our boys and grandchildrens Father and Poppie. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this man always putting his family first and being the provider of our home. Our boys never had to worry about anything or need for anything. The only thing they had to worry about was what dad was going to so to them when they got in trouble. And even then, dad wasn't the bad guy. Dad has always been there even if he wasn't physically there. He hardly ever missed anything important because he would drive for hours getting to where he needed to be for them. I'm thankful they have a father that has tried to teach them right from wrong and to not make mistakes like we did. He's always wanted his kids to be better and do better. I'm glad our boys always had someone to give them the attention they needed. Sometimes I couldn't tell who the kid was, him or the boys. He played games with them, tractors, truck and horses, hot wheels, army guys, and their all time favorite, wrestling to which they still do occasionally. 

And then there's our grandchildren. Lord knows he loves his girls. Oh my does he love his Princesses. They love their Poppie with all their little hearts. 

We hope you have a wonderful Father's day. We love you.

Happy Father's Day to a man who took me in and treated me as his own. In the beginning I didn't treat him well because I didn't know what a father was suppose to be like or was. But this man showed me what a Father's love was. Happy Father's Day Daddy and Poppa. We love you.

Happy Father's Day to this guy. He has always been the provider for his family and hes always done a good job. He comes through for them and always has. He is putting to use all he has learned and watched all his life and he is doing a great job. These girls know how beautiful they are because daddy always tells them and he also toughens them up a little so they know how to take care of themselves. He worries for their well being in his own way and has his own stresses but you'd never know it. There's nothing like Daddys girls. Happy Father's Day Son. We love you and you are doing a great job.

Just A Few Helpful Tips

Ladies, or Gentlemen, whom ever you may be reading this, I want to talk about a few things today if you don't mind. First, I know school is out now and some of you have down time and some will still be working. The kids are out of school now and well, you are going to have to entertain kids. These tips can help wether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom or dad. If you are a working parent and your kids will be staying with someone this summer, maybe you can discuss with the caregivers to help in some of these tips. A caregiver can help implement some of these. 

I know summer times is suppose to be a time of relaxation and fun for the kids, but eventually they will get bored if you get wore out of providing endless entertainment day to day. Summer time can also be a good time to maybe establish new routines that can help no only during the summer but also during the upcoming next school year. Once these skills are practiced and become habit, it will make your life so much smoother and less chaotic. 

What I'm referring to is: Chores. Yep, chores. Yes, summertime is suppose to be a fun time,  but like I said, they are going to get bored and things will start getting chaotic while they are at home. Every summer I see the same thing over and over on social media. Parents post things like, "I'll be glad when school starts back because these kids are driving me crazy!" or "How am I suppose to feed these kids during the summer?" Sadly, we have become a nation too dependent on the school system to raise and educate our children. I'm sorry, but our children's education and care starts in our own homes and is suppose to start with our care and instruction. Personally, it saddens me when I hear people say those things. It's like they don't want to enjoy their kids company and forgot how to take care of them all the sudden. I know it is a little harder especially if you are a working parent and have to pay for childcare during the summer. However, we know year after year that summer time is coming and we should be prepared. 

When they get bored and get tired of "being entertained",  give them some responsibility. You have the extra hands now, and able bodies,  and you can start teaching them and holding them accountable. 

On our Homemaking page,  (link is in the subheader at the top of the blog page, just click on Homemaking),  I discuss raising capable kids. This means teaching kids life skills that will help them when they get older and go into the real world on their own. Part of these skills are chores. You can't follow them out into the real world and do these things for them. Don't handicap your children by always doing things for them all the time, because they grow up with unhealthy habits and no skills to take care of themselves. 

So, now is a good time to start practicing and teaching and summer time is a good as a time as any. 

A child as young as toddler age can be taught simple chores that are easy for them to do. It want be done perfectly, but as they grow they will perfect the skill. Start with easy things. Make chore time fun, make a game of it, and most of all maybe establish a reward system. It doesn't have to be money, it can be anything like maybe earning screen time or an outing for ice cream or a play date. Toddlers up to Kindergarten age actually love helping and doing whatever your doing. The older a child gets, it may be harder to motivate. This is where accountability come into play. Consequences also. Think of some chores that can be passed down to kids to help you out around the house. Have a family meeting and state that some things are going to change and this is what you are going to do from now on. Then, work on a routing or schedule to do these chores. Maybe morning time during the summer, so that way they might be motivated to hurry and get done so they can have the rest of their day to play. When school starts back and they have mastered doing chores, keep this routine up, but switch it to the times as soon as they get home from school to evenings. 

These skills not only teach children responsibility, but help around the home as well. I have alot more tips on this on our Homemaking page. Be sure to check it out. I have cleaning tips that helps moms out also. I talk about Time Management and Organization also. 

Keep summertime fun but also educational and helpful to where when school begins, you already have a routine that will flow into the school year and cut down on chaos. If you are working and have a caregiver for your children, maybe see if they can help with this plan. They can always report to you how your children are doing. 

There are all kinds of chore charts on Pinterest or internet. These are just a few examples. These charts are not just for kids, but for Keepers of the Home also. Ladies, I would encourage you that if you suffer from not being motivated and struggling to run the home, please check out my page and come up with a system that works for you and your family. Make a chart or a few for yourself and create a schedule. 

My next tip is: If you are an overthinker and have 100's of windows open in your brain that it makes you edgy and overly anxious, get you a planner. Yes, a monthly planner. I am an overthinker and I honestly have to write things down and have a mental brain dump every night. In my planner, I write down important dates like birthdays, dr appointments, upcoming events etc, to make sure I'm not forgetting something. I also have a To Do List that helps me stay on track and motivated and focused. There is something about writing something down and then crossing it off that brings me absolute feeling of accomplishment. I have a section for Goals. I have a Menu Plan and Grocery List section. Most of all I have a place to journal daily happenings. I have to have a brain dump before I go to bed to release some of the emotional anxieties of the day. I have a place for Prayer requests and answered prayers. I have found this to help me so much. I got one for my sons girlfriend because she is just like me in this area. It has helped her so much too. 

Next thing I have learned is no matter what; make your bed every morning. Yes, MAKE YOUR BED.  As soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning, I turn around and make my bed which only takes like 3 minutes. This gives me such a feeling of organization and accomplishment for the day already. Not to mention, it makes the room look clean which gives me a nice cozy feeling. Clutter and mess creates anxiety. It has been proven. 

Last thing is: get yourself ready. No matter  how badly you want to stay in those pj's, get up, shower or refresh yourself if you showered the night before, get dressed for the day. Yes, I can have lazy days, but they make me feel so much worse and I only have a pj day as a occasional reward. If I get my self ready, it makes me want to face the day and tackle it for some reason. Most of all it boosts my self confidence and self esteem, which in turn motivates me and makes me more  functional and productive but most of all, HAPPY.  

I hope these ideas have helped you in some way and I hope you can establish some schedules and routines for you and your family that will bring more peace and harmony instead of chaos and anxiety into your home. 

A Needed Break

 We had a wonderful break for  week. We went home and got to see our girls and take care of some things. It was their mommys week to have them but I called and asked if  we could spend some time with them since we were going to be home that week. It was no problem. I had so many plans for us and fun things lined up to do, like I always do, then their daddy called me and said that Atleigh was signed up for Kinder Camp at the school and she had to be there everyday from 12 to 3 pm. Well, rats. That spoiled all my plans. However, when I saw how excited she was, I didn't feel gruff anymore. She is so excited about starting school, there will be no problem that first day. I also counted it as time I got to spend one on one with Caroline. Of course Caroline didn't mind at all. They have started this in our area as to let the kids get some kind of idea about Kindergarten and get use to it and give the teachers an idea of who all might be coming into their class. This will help that first day transition go a little smoother. I know how some children are on the first day of Kindergaten,  they are clingy and crying. This will not be so with Atleigh. She was hopping out of my truck like a big girl. She had so much fun and had tell us all about it when we picked her up. I used the morning time and evening time to do fun things with them. While she was at school, me and Caroline took a nap and played. Bible strories always go good with breakfast. 

We had movie night with popcorn at bedtime. And church was Sunday morning.

They helped us outside and we took trips on the Ranger. 

Someone missed her Poppie.

I squeezed in some treat baking time one morning and we made some rainbow cookies. 

More outdoor time after school when it was cooler. 

This was her first day,,and mine and Carolines nap. She has always grabbed my hand and kissed it and held it at naptime to fall asleep since she was a baby. 

Then one morning we got supper going that morning. We started with me teaching them to make deviled eggs. 

The last morning, we had one on one time for a few minutes. Atleigh wanted to play a game with Poppie and Caroline wanted me to do school with her. Then they just wanted to play until it was time to get sissy to school. 

The night after they left, Poppie was out side at dark by the Ranger headlights and flood lights putting Atleighs bday gift together. We got her a swingset for our house. 

That Saturday we had her party. How is it that my little buddy is 5 already. From sleeping on my chest for hours and days at a time, singing lullabyes, to helping me cook and bake to now being half my size. Time goes by so fast. Her Daddy and bonus mom did a great job with the party and food. 

Poppie is always gonna  be where the kids are.

Water slide fun. Caroline was headed up the slide when I saw her backing down. Then I asked her if she wanted me to go down with her and she said yes, but as we got to the top again and fixing to go down, she started backing down again. I said, nope, we going down. I grabbed her and she started squirming. No, I did not almost break her neck, I got her upright and in my lap before we hit bottom. I could not let her go. We got to the bottom and she was mad at me and ran to Poppie. She didn't stay  mad long. She loves me too much. It only lasted about 20 minutes. Then she was loving on me again. Needless to say, I was so sore, I could not hardly move that night and was worse the next day. 

I have to come in and say this. Her mommy and bonus dad were there too. You see, Dakota has been in the healing process with a whole lot of thanks to his girl Jordan. He invited her mommy and her feller. This is a great accomplishment for him to get to this point. The bitterness and anger is getting less and less and he is healing. This is an answer to prayer. I know it is still hard on him and kind of weird, but he is getting there and learning. Jordan has been such a blessing to him and our family. She has taught him to have peace and me too actually. God has answered our prayer too of bringing Dakota the happiness he deserves. We are so thankful to her. She keeps the peace between them and she is an asset to this coparenting thing. Her and our exdaughter in law get along good and for that we are greatful. She has a sweet personality and a peaceful soul. 

This horse is 21 years old. We got it for Dakota when he was 3. It has rode him and Dallas and now our granddaughters and others as well. 

When she got home, she got her big present from Daddy and Jordan, bonus mom. 

The next day, we got to do a little trim in the kitchen.  Our handyman will get a few more things done and soon we will be getting our counter tops in and put in place along with the backsplash put up. Next will be upper cabinets installed.

You know you have trained your husband well when he  makes the bed. All joking aside, this goes to show how much your husband knows you are OCD and have to make your bed first thing when your feet hit the floor in the morning. I had to run errands this day and while I was in the bathroom,  he beat me to it. He knows it would have bothered me all day long if it had not been done. Hes just good like that. 

Then it was time for us to head back out. I was still so sore from going down that waterslide that it made the drive for me a little hard. But we made it. We sure was not ready for that alarm clock to go off this morning. 

I have a new video up on our channel. 

Keeper of the Home at 4D Farms

Memorial Weekend

Dear hubby was off Memorial weekend so he wanted to take me somewhere. Well, while driving, we spotted these and the first thing I thought was, "he's gonna feed me to the gators!". Needless to say, he didn't. Instead, he drove straight down to Rutherford Beach ⛱️ and walked the coast line with me to pick up special shells 🐚 and write our name on the beach. Although he did say duct tape would have come in handy due to me asking so many "whats this?" "What's that?" questions in my excitement. Also the occasional "there's a gator!" outbursts while he's trying to drive, keep his eyes on the road and trying to keep us safe.  

We got to a hotel, showered and changed clothes and found a Cajun restaurant.  Then he surprised me with a walk on the boardwalk around Penoine Lake which is connected to St. Charles Lake.  He's so romantic. 
 

The next day we went to  the Veterans Memorial Park in St. Charles. While we were there we got the chance to talk to Dallas since he had his phone for a 4 day weekend. He sent us a pic of him and some of his buddies. They had had tests all week and their brains were fried. They grabbed some energy drinks and pizza to just relax and gather their thoughts back. We told him to tell his friends we said Hello. Disclaimer: one picture is just all in fun between dad and son. We would never downgrade another branch of the military.  

Then we had to get back to the cottage and to work the next day.  We were sent these pics by their mommy. They were so proud that they made a cake and had to show me. I was so proud.  

Then they are with Daddy and bonus mom and they sent me this pic. I am so not ready for my little buddy to go-to Kindergarten.  The time is going too fast. We will save this pic for when she graduates high school.  

This is my next read and some inserts so far. 

I am so thankful for this young woman right here. If you don't know what has happened and you are new here,  a quick fill in. Our son was married to his high school sweetheart but after 6 yrs she decided she didn't want to be married anymore. She never wanted to marry to begin with. Our son begged her to go to marriage counseling but she refused. So, she filed and it took forever for our son to sign the papers. He thought there was still hope. However, he finally did. We went through all stages of shock,  hurt, depression, bitterness,  anger to recovery and acceptance.  After almost 3 yrs of praying and crying for God to heal my sons broken heart and home, he sends this young lady and has captured his heart. She has brought him peace and everything I have prayed for.  She is a peace keeper and has helped them learn how to co parent and get along for the children's sake. She is a God send. She loves our girls and has taken them under her wing like they were hers. They feel safe and secure. We love her too.  To see the smile on my sons face now is priceless. That smile makes this mommas heart happy.  

We do however have some more adjusting to do and changes coming. We have been told that the girls mommy is pregnant with their little brother. This has put a strain between her and her own family. Her mom is beside herself.  She is wanting to leave the father of this child too. Her mother is beside herself. I'm still trying to process all of this.  I do still love her. She is our grand blessings mommy and that will never change.  I pray for her and ask God to help her find peace and settle her spirit which is disturbed.  We are all trying to process it. We believe we know what is going to happen next but I will keep those thoughts to myself for the time being. I willsay, I can forsee the girls being with their daddy and bonus mom full time. 

On a lighter note, 

 Easy, quick and affordable kids snack or lunch. You can make pizza out if anything. Toast, spaghetti or marinara sauce, slice cheese. Pair with a fruit. Viola! You're welcome. Feeding them in the summer after school is out is not hard. ☺️ Feed the children.

These scriptures were also in the book I'm reading. Extra Bible study for me. 

We will be making a trip home for a week and take care of business with our counter top guy and other things.  And also have a bday party for a special little girl. 

That's all for now. God Bless.