That Christopher Columbus was a swell guy~

Because if I were him, there is NO way I'd be sailing the ocean blue...

We visited- ok, drove by- these replicas of the Nina and Pinta over the weekend~

pretty neat, but we were expecting monstrous ships- definitely not something a bit more than a row boat :)

Yes, I am exaggerating just a bit :) It does give you an appreciation to the hardships the early explorers surely faced~

and hopefully make you appreciate the luxuries we so quickly take for granted today in America. If you want to see if the Nina and Pinta will be docked in your area~ check out the Columbus Foundation's Site here.

my boys in the hood

Yup- our hooded guys are still workin'~

always time for a cookie break- and they're SO happy Mom's making them look her way for a picture :)

ahhh--- indian summer

Would it be too much to ask for the Indian Summer to last for the next few months? It's been a beautiful week for some trail walking~

Always an adventure to be found~

New trails- new bugs~

Does it get any better?

first needlepoint~

She's quite proud to introduce her first needlepoint-- are you surprised it's of a horse?

And yes, it looks like part of a leg is missing- it wasn't her fault, but the cheap kit that lacked the leg on the paint template- does ANYONE make quality items for children anymore?

Only in West Virginia...

...could your husband get away with making a sidewalk like this.

Just another Saturday...

...with men and power tools in hand, along with DUST- EVERYWHERE!~

lots of help from little guys~ LOTS of pounding~

and yet another hole in the house~ still undecided whether that's a good thing or not :)

chirstmas and amish country

Seems like I just posted about this- the years DO pass by so quickly!

Keeping up with our fall tradition- what better way to celebrate, than with family and travels to Amish Country and the annual Christmas in the Woods Festival~ along with shopping and good eats of course! :)

Let's not forget the highlight of the festival~ the one and only B.E. Taylor and friends~

Education in crafts of the past~

2 LONG days for little eyes~

4 bundled blessings~ The only thing that could have made it better was the rest of the western family being here-- and a LONGER stay!!! :)

Until next year...

Horses

They're still dreaming of horses~ meet Hezron~

and Gabriel~ Something in the back of my mind tells me that just as with karate, I'm going to have to join with them if I ever want to see them :)

just a little panic

This is the look--

the oh.... SHUCKS look! Cause that neat little back-hoe thingamajig that weighs 8,000 pounds is now stuck over the hill-- over the hill that from my window looks as if it drops off into never-never land. Really it did-- the picture doesn't do the panic-factor justice :) Below that little pile of dirt is a LONG way down!

Thankfully 4 hours later, we're back in business~

this is what happens when the weather doesn't work out :)

And this is our new football field~ I'm still thinking we should scratch the whole future addition thing and go for BIG in-ground POOL!!!!! One step closer to that green grass :)

83 days away...

Yes- in just a few short 83 days, it will once again be Christmas Day :)

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm one for structure, order, and cross-off lists with items to be completed. So much so, that my goal each year is to be DONE with Christmas prep (except for the actual decorating) by October. I'd much rather enjoy the sights and sounds of the season by playing with the family and heading out to our own family traditional activities without spending needless money, and without the stress of HAVING to buy last minute gifts, etc., etc., etc.

This year I'm late. I haven't even thought of gifts nor have I saved any money. (yes-- I REALLY can hear you all giggling at how crazy I must sound to be so particular-- LOL! :) ) There is a point here--- I just came across a site that will help you complete the Holiday items that might drive you crazy each year--- if you need some organizational help: check out OrganizedChristmas.com. They have a 6-week course to help get you ready and organized by the first week of December. If Christmas is a stressful time of year for you, maybe this can help you focus on what is really important and not on the things Christmas was NOT intended to be--- I intend to take full use of this site now that I feel so unprepared... :)