I'm Disappointed

 I had a thing planned today, however with the Hurricane coming through the coastal part of Virginia where I was going to, God changed my plans. I am very disappointed because I don't know if I will ever get the chance to again but God can see things I can't. 

I was going to visit some ancestry grounds today where some of my own ancestors walked, lived, and was buried. 

On that one piece of paper I have included is our ancestry that a family member took the time and was provided the resources to trace our ancestry. We were always told all our lives by family members that we were related to an Indian Princess but no one knew who. 

At the bottom of the list and underlined is my biological great grandfather. We were traced back to none other than the Legendary Chief Powhatan, through one of his many daughters, Cleopatra,  half sister of the Legendary Pocahontas.  I'm sorry to find out that not alot of history surrounds Cleopatra but she did however go on to become the Chiefs Wife of the tribe (who in turn winds up being her half uncle, half brother to Chief Powhatan, after their father passed) I guess which made her a Queen of the tribe. All Powhatan chiefs were called Chief Powhatan.  They were not called by their real names. More history is focused on Chief Powhatan and Pocahontas due to what happened at the settlement of Jamestown,  VA and England. 

I was going to visit the Jamestown Settlement, Living Jamestown Settlment  Museum and the Pamunkey Indian Reservstion where Chief Powhatan is buried. Chief Powhatan had many tribes in his confederacy and spent alot of time at the settlement and Cleopatra and Pocahontas visited and played with many children at the settlement.  Cleopatra is buried in Maryland and Pocahontas is buried at a Cathedral Church in England. Pocahontas was baptized into Christianity in England before she married John Rolfe and changed her name to Rebecca. 

Maybe next year. 

Enjoy the pictures.

Random Tidbits

 Our bedroom view

One of our meals:

Went galavanting (that's southern for loafing,  running errands, sight seeing, driving around looking, etc.) yesterday and went back to a thrift store ( one of my many weaknesses) and bought me a new purse and this. I could not believe it. I have been wanting one for so long. It is a digital photo frame and digital photo album. 📸  This cuts down on getting pictures developed and putting them into photo albums, and then finding storage space for bulky photo albums. You can upload over 3000 pics onto a flash drive or SD card and view them like a physical photo album. I have two full bookcases of photo albums going back to my childhood and  teenage years. If it doesn't work, I am only out $10. These things are over $100. I could not leave there without it. 

Dear hubby just got told last night that he can leave a few days earlier, so I've got cleaning up to do here and repacking. I have one more place I want to go to tour before we leave here but I can't tell you just yet just in case I don't get to go. It will be a surprise. 

I have a new video up and running today. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at canning, carrots is the easiest thing to start with. So go check out my video on our YouTube channel of Canning Carrots 🥕 😀 

I hope you enjoy. 

Happy National Son Day

 

National Sons Day 

To my boys. Gosh, where do I start. It was a joy and blessing when they laid you in my arms. It was scarey when we thought we were going to screw this parenting thing up. It was aggravating as you got to the point to where you wanted to do things your way. 

But looking back, all those years were molding and growing you into the men you are today. When you were dedicated to the Lord, we asked God that you would have a life of testimony. Well, Ya'll sure have one. You learned things on your own that couldn't be taught. Your struggles made you stronger. Sometimes you have to walk through the fire to get to the blessing. 

Strive to be the best you can be in all things and people will notice. Use what you have learned to help others. 

We are very blessed to have you boys in our lives. We love you.  

Spoiling Myself

 Update: 3 weeks into this dip gel powder manicure I did. Only had to maintenence one time due to lifting and nail bed growing away from cuticle. All I did then was buff and apply a fresh top coat. I have scrubbed pots and pans, used my fingernails to scrape gunk off counter tops and stoves and such, swam, grab things,  used them to open boxes. Not one chip, no breakage, and no peeling. I would say this kit has more than paid for itself and future manicures for a year.  Well worth it.

Why yes, this is my plate and because I can. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🫐🧇

I am so loving this book by Elizabeth George.  These are my words not hers. 

IN ALL THINGS, PRAY. Then start learning to listen and let him guide you. One reason why we get into so much turmoil in our own lives, is because we try to do it our way. Trust me, I know and it didn't work out good for me. When I finally broke and prayed and let him lead, man, God opened the gates of Heaven and rained down his blessing. 

This is why I say you can't always "follow your heart" . Our hearts can want so many things, but if it is not Gods will for your life, you're not going to do it or have it. Praying and seeking God's will for your life is the best way to gain so much wisdom. You're life is not going ao great right now? PRAY. You need to know what to do about making changes in your life or for the well being of your family PRAY. You want to better yourself or have better finances? PRAY. Not sure of relationships or if a person is right for you? GOOD HEAVENS YOU BETTER PRAY. God hears even small little concerns like a stay at home mom needing to plan her day with children in tow, how to shop wisely for groceries to get the most for your finances, how to plan your day so the home runs smoother, how to pay the bills and when? etc. 

No circumstances too small or too big for God not to hear your concerns or ideas.

Because I can, that's why!

Jump in the lake by day, jacuzzi at night. Because I can.

Happy National Daughters Day

 These girls may not be my daughters but trust me when I say they are close enough. They have been Gmaws  buddies since the day they were born and nobody can deny it.  When you are not there and they cry for you, or they choose to talk to you because they are having a melt down or a bad day and you can calm them down,  then you have a bond that no one can break. 

Happy National (Grand)Daughters Day to my little buddies. ❤️ ❤️ They truly are a blessing from above.

Happy Daughters Day to young ladies who are making our family complete. Lord knows they need all the prayer they can get. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 They have brought happiness and joy to our family. We love you two. ❤️❤️

Just A Relaxing Week and Computer Work

 I have had to do alot of computer work, blog work and YouTube work done this week.  My computer had over 10,000 pics on it. Yikes! I am a picture taker for memories but my computer can only hold so much. Same goes for videos. I needed to get unedited videos edited and scheduled for our channel and back them up onto dvds. Nobody wants to loose all that hard work that's for sure. And then updating alot on our blog. I am still researching email subscription hosts to put on my blog. I have no clue what I'm doing there. But I will figure it out. 

When you have blog work and video editing to do but you still want to be by the water, you just pack a bag and go down to the dock. Hey, a girl gotta eat too. 😋

I only ventured out one day this week and did ok. I am planning an outing this week but can't tell you what it is yet just in case I don't get to. 

That man of mine should know that I'm going to find a sewing and craft store near me no matter where I go. If you sew, you will know patterns can be expensive. Anywhere from $13 to $20 a piece. Well my friend, this week at Joanne's, Simplicity patterns were $1.99 each. I wait for these sales and I stock up. What would have cost me $145.00 only cost about $20 because three of those I has to get two different sizes. Hobby Lobby use to run sales all the time for $.99 and they stopped. 

I have really been enjoying this book and all books by Elizabeth George. 

IN ALL THINGS, PRAY. Then start learning to listen and let him guide you. One reason why we get into so much turmoil in our own lives, is because we try to do it our way. Trust me, I know and it didn't work out good for me. When I finally broke and prayed and let him lead, man, God opened the gates of Heaven and rained down his blessing. 

This is why I say you can't always "follow your heart" . Our hearts can want so many things, but if it is not Gods will for your life, you're not going to do it or have it. Praying and seeking God's will for your life is the best way to gain so much wisdom. You're life is not going ao great right now? PRAY. You need to know what to do about making changes in your life or for the well being of your family PRAY. You want to better yourself or have better finances? PRAY. Not sure of relationships or if a person is right for you? GOOD HEAVENS YOU BETTER PRAY. God hears even small little concerns like a stay at home mom needing to plan her day with children in tow, how to shop wisely for groceries to get the most for your finances, how to plan your day so the home runs smoother, how to pay the bills and when? etc. 

No circumstances too small or too big for God not to hear your concerns or ideas.

When you get to talk to your girls and they sing songs to you that they have learned in school, and walk you around the yard showing you bugs and wild strawberries and that they "rustled" with Finn and they won. These girls are a hoot.

This thought has weighed heavily on my heart this week:

We have become a society that justifies the sins we want to commit by offering excuses or scapegoats. I get tired of hearing things like, "lighten up!" "times have changed, its time to change with them", "embrace the change", "follow your heart," and all the other false, misleading, immoral advice circling around. The Bible is full of scriptures telling us to withstand the wiles of the Devil, fight the good fight, stand firm, speak up for all that is holy. If we weren't meant to do this, then God would not have equipped us with all the Armor we will ever need. The helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit, Shield of Faith. Stand Firm. 

Information Please

 I realize Blogger has taken down the Feedburner Email Subscription feature from the platform. Can anyone please tell me what you replaced it with and how it is working for you? 

I am in search of another. I have lost many subscribers because of this and I'm very disappointed in Blogger for doing this.  I have also lost my people that I was subscribed to too. 

New Video

Latest video on our channel. 

https://youtu.be/MEIwieBa6Iw

I May Have Forgotten

 Oh My Gosh, I just realized I may have forgotten to post something. I could kick myself too because it is so important to our family. 

We have a new member in the family. Well, she has been in the family for almost 4 yrs anyway. 

This was done on September 12. 

YAY!!!!!!!I have a daughter in law. On paper today but family ceremony coming as soon as we get home cause they just couldn't wait anymore. 🙃 Ahhhh....Young Love. ❤️💙 Welcome to the family Brylee Dixon. I like the sound of that. You can change it now and make it official.

He is doing all the planning for the wedding and she is totally fine with it. She told him to go for it and she would be fine with whatever he did. Now, isn't that total trust. 

We love this young lady so much. She is an answer to my prayers for him. I thank the Lord for her everyday. 

More Relaxing and Less Work

 Well, maybe I need to work too but right now I chose to relax again. I went back to the lake another day. I got to see my little friends again. They were so relaxed and comfortable with me that they fell asleep at my feet. When it was time to swim, I told them to follow me and they did. They followed me right to the water and got in with me. I have a video of it but it want upload because it is too many minutes. Bummer. They were so cute. 

Over the next few days I have been enjoying the hot tub too. Don't be hatin'

We enjoy having our morning coffee on the porch on Saturday mornings and watching football all day. Dear hubby will cook on these days as well. 

However, today is a work day. 

When you have blog work and video editing to do but you still want to be by the water, you just pack a bag and go down to the dock. Hey, a girl gotta eat too. 😋

I am editing alot of new videos coming soon on our channel. And I have alot of blog work to do. 

Right now, I'm just gonna work and enjoy the view too. 

Proud Parents

 We got a text a few days ago from our youngest 

We are very proud of him. 

A quick recipe:

If you like cheesesticks but are diabetic or on a keto diet. I have a recipe and will post below. They are really pliable to hold up during dipping in marinara sauce. 

 They pair really well with chicken parmesean. And they are yummy. 😋

https://www.instrupix.com/keto-cheesy-garlic-breadsticks-4-ingredients/

New Read

 I am so enjoying my new read. 

I would like to make a recommendation if I may. If you are struggling with, curious about or want to know how to be a better Father, Mother, Husband, Wife, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter, Provider, Keeper of the Home, Your Prayer Life, Your Relationship With God, please check out any and all books by Jim and Elizabeth George. They have individual books for men and women and then even all ages down to preschool. They have a couple of couples books you can read together. I highly recommend them. 👌

Holiday Tip

 

I am not one to start decorating or anything before Halloween but I do have a valuable tip. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL 2 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS TO START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. Instead, you can start now putting aside a little money each paycheck and save it for Christmas. Or, starting now, you can buy one or two gifts a a paycheck and before you know it, you will have all your shopping done. A better idea, starting in January of next year, put back money each paycheck. Over a years time, you will have what you need for Christmas shopping. I know people love to wait until Black Friday to do their shopping, and think they are getting amazing deals. In all honesty, if you shop sales through out the year, you will get good sales. Sometimes, they mark up things and then put it on special so you will think it is a great deal. Compare sale prices through the year to Black Friday Specials sometimes. You'll see. 

 Stress robs people from enjoying the holidays. Don't let it rob you.

My YouTube Friend

 I would like to introduce y'all to a YouTube friend of mine. Here is her channel.  I hope you give her a shout out in her comments. 

https://youtu.be/qIolA8EHWH4

A Day of Relaxation

 Supper is in the crock pot but my back side is lounged right here in this chair getting some water and sun therapy. FINALLY! I am hanging onto summer like grabbing a tiger by the tail. 

 And for the record, I am a Princess. Since I have been here, animals have come to check me out or literally as these guys, swam with me. I kid you not. I headed to the water and told them to come on and they got in and swam with me. However, it was rude of them to eat from my hand but not let me pet them. 😤 It's cool though. 😎 Just call me Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Aerial, or whatever. 👑👑👑👑👑👑

David is not a big fan of soup but I have been craving broccoli and cheese soup for over a week and he let me satisfy my pallet tonight. Added bonus was the Cheddar biscuits. They are actually keto and diabetic friendly and are just like Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits. I will put the link down below for the recipe on Pintrest. I have attached a pic of the labels to see the carbs.

https://www.instrupix.com/the-best-keto-cheddar-bay-biscuits/

Packing Lunches

 My adult lunch for a day at the Lake. I love Bentgo boxes as well as the next, but not the prices. Yes, I see posts about them at Walmart. However, our local Walmarts do not have this special at the time. If they run it any time soon, I will purchase some. Right now, I just want to show you that lunch box accessories do not have to break the budget. 

I have included pics to show examples of the different compartments and how they can be removed for bigger items or smaller items and how it functions together. You can create more compartments by adding cupcake liners in any of the big sections top or bottom. The small container with lid is perfect for sauces or butters and will not leak. Little hands can operate these boxes as well. I have two grandchildren that can open theirs with no problems and they have used them for two years now. They were 3 and 4 when I bought them. Also, other little containers such as the one I have trail mix and cheese in, and the empty one (just for post purpose), were purchased at Dollar Tree for a $1 each.  They can hold veggies with their dips or fruits, yogurt and granola. The possibilities are endless. The little fork, spoon and knife kit came from Walmart for $4. Water bottle which will be filled when time to go was just a $1 at the Dollar Tree and it holds up in the dishwasher (top rack away from heat element) nicely. 

I love how it all goes back together and snaps nicely and securely. Even if placed on its side, it packs very well. I paid $10 for the Sistema box at Walmart. Bentgo is the name brand. However the idea came from  Bento lunches that is used in Japan. Bento is an organized lunch preparation that is used by the Japanse in their school systems for children. It contains an item from all food groups.  It is also an organized container that they use to hold their lunches when outside of the home. Research Japanese Bento Lunches.