Library Fun!

The kids and I love to hang out at the library, though for vastly different reasons.  Though we differ in our reasons, I take full advantage of their desire to go.  I love to read and I love books!  Our little library is a cozy little place that stays very active with patrons.

A usual visit includes dropping off the items we're done with and checking the shelf for new holds that have come in.  The kids find their way to the computers as I head to my favorite spot (which is usually open!), plop down my stuff and browse the magazines.  As delightful as the magazines are to me, all those shelves full of books in all their shiny and brilliant colorful glory hold an even greater allure. 

Familiar with my favorite aisles, off I go to see what catches my eye, plucking lucky contestants from their lonely seat reminiscent of those set free on the Price is Right.  Yes, I judge a book by it's cover, but not in a judgmental sort of way, but in a knowing what I like sort of way.  I'm careful not to be too religious in my routine, making sure to branch out to new adventures, maybe in the next aisle or even two. 

Finally, full arms find their way to that spot in the corner surrounded by windows, with the tree giving some privacy from the chair on the other side.  On a good day, the foot rest is also available.  In no time, I'll be lost in pages, maybe to an organic farm in New England,  a world of crafting, even before the throne of God.  I'm lost in the amazement of all that is at your fingertips, the world layed out before you....and the best part, it's FREE! (well, sort of).

The picture above shares some treasures from a recent excursion.  Not every trip is as successful, but the quest is just as fun.

What's your favorite thing about your local library? 

Homing

Ignore the dirty oven.  :)

Had a case of homing and nesting tonight.  Love it!  Made a honey-orange glazed ham with sweet potatoes, kale and broccoli for dinner.  Do I have to tell that broccoli was ruined because my steamer ran out of water?  Smoked broccoli is NOT appetizing, trust me!  lol.  :) 

I also had a hankerin' for a pecan pie.  I was so thrilled to find this recipe that does NOT use corn syrup.  I just finished a piece and it is soooo yummy.  And fairly easy also.

A cozy fire is roaring and tonight I will stay up late (after the kids are in bed) to watch one of my favorite Christmas movies....Prancer!  The kids don't appreciate it as much as I do so it's best enjoyed while they slumber and the house is as quiet as a mouse. 

What nesting projects have you been up to?

Not Just Christmas Lights

I have been so blessed by my kids' desire to tackle the project of hanging the outside Christmas lights.  Last year, my oldest did them all on his own.  This year, it was a collaborative effort, from getting the lights out of storage, checking them, replacing bulbs, and finally hanging them.  They have let the true Light shine and I am so pleased.

A Tree is a tree is a tree, NOT!

Before

Tree hunting is serious business.  It is a process and takes careful examination, from all angles.  That's why it was so surprising that we found a tree so quickly this year!  It maybe only took 15-20 minutes!  And it is beautiful. 

The last couple years we purchased a $10 permit to go up in the mountains to cut one.  The kids weren't too thrilled about it because the trees just aren't as lush as the ones at the u-cut farms.  But it was so fun and quite an adventure.  We just weren't prepared this year and we've had quite a bit of snow in the hills already so we just went to a local u-cut place. 

Enjoy your Christmas season and I pray that you will take LOTS of time to reflect on the real meaning of it.  And may we all be lessed consumed by the sticky fingers of consumerism.

After

Happie Locks Are Here



In process



For quite some time, I've been fascinated by dreadlocks.  It started a few years ago when Sara took the plunge in her own dreadie journey.  Growing up in a town that, in large part, is stuck in the hippie era, I saw a lot of dreadlocks and thought some were interesting and some, not so much. 



Today @ two weeks



Sometime in the first week



From Sara's blog, I found all kind of other pictures and information.  My fascination grew and it totally fit with where I was at in my desire to simplify my life.  Never one to be too fancy in my style and certainly not liking to spend too much time on it, it seemed to be a perfect fit.  It took a while to get my nerve up.  But finally, I was ready and the appointment was made.  I chose to have a "professional" do it using the crochet method to help speed up the "locking" process. 

When I would mention to people that I wanted dreadlocks, any negative responses came because of the name and what myths or misinformation they may have associated with it.  My very smart hubby suggested renaming them to "Happie-Locks" and it stuck. 



Today, freshly washed and still damp



Today marks two weeks since I had them done and I couldn't be happier.  They have a journey of their own and it's fun to watch them change.  They are a bit fuzzy now, but I like it.  :)  My hubby seems to like it too, which is a HUGE bonus and the biggest decision-maker or breaker.  I am so thankful to have his full support.  I'll probably write more about them in the future, but don't want this post to get too long.  Enjoy the pictures and feel free to ask questions! 



Fun & Frizzy!





Burger in the House

Real, honest-to-goodness beef burger has been somewhat of a rarity around here. The prices are outrageous and turkey burger is leaner. I would also like to have some ground chicken to make healthier breakfast sausage, but it's expensive also.

A couple months ago, my hubby bought the grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer. I finally put it to use today and it was sooo cool!  The grocery store had ground round on sale for $1.69 lb!  Pretty cheap for good, lean burger. Only took minutes to complete. So now I have nearly 6 pounds of fresh ground burger in the freezer! And the men in the house couldn't be happier.  :)  I would prefer it to be grass-fed beef raised ourselves, but it's a step.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Here's a picture of my girls enjoying themselves in the yard the other day.  I thought I had all seven when I snapped the picture, but Miss Ethel (see sidebar) escaped.  She must have thought she was having a bad feather day.  I just love watching them and it is so much better than TV! 

We are only getting 2 or 3 eggs a day now due to less daylight.  I keep going back and forth on whether or not to use artificial light to keep production up through the winter.  But much like deciding what we will do with Jesus, choosing to do nothing is the same as saying no.

There are sure to be more chicks in the spring and though I don't want to wish time away, I can't wait for those fuzzy little girls!  But until then, I plan on enjoying the slower pace of winter.  :)