Pardue Farms

         This was the third year that we made a trip to the mountains to cut our Christmas tree, and this year had to be the best yet. Because we hosted a party on Saturday evening, I needed the trees as early as possible and that meant going the day before Thanksgiving to get it. We didn't have many options available since most farms open after Thanksgiving, but one farm looked promising.  Pardue Farms in Sparta, NC. 

           Driving down the gravel road, we see several chickens darting amongst the Frasier Firs and hear the barking of dogs. When we pulled up to the house, Mark and Harold came out to greet us.  Three hours later we had two trees, a wreath, and a wealth of information about farming. Most importantly wonderful memories of a day spent with family and our new friends.

Not one, but two trees on this trip!

Warm hospitality, wonderful family- we will be back. 

Of course she rode Charlie!

Goats, dogs, cattle and chickens too.

So thankful that the grandparents were able to come with us.

I got my very own lesson on how to make a boxwood wreath. 

Where else can you swing from a tree limb while you wait for your tree to be bound?

And directions on how to get out of the mountains.

Thank you so much Pardue Farms. We made memories to last a lifetime!

Dear Blog, It is now Autumn

I'm sorry I have neglected you. I just needed a break. House guests, home improvement, life- it has been extremely busy. However, I miss writing and adding photos. I miss the urgent emails reminding me to update the blog, and who knows, maybe posting on a regular basis will help bring a little order to the chaos. You never know :)

I Heart Faces- Play

This week at (http://www.iheartfaces.com) the theme was play. Way too many photos to choose from, but loved this photo of Big Girl after field day last month. She decided to use my lens as her mirror to add more paint. This is the first time I have entered any challenge at this site- thanks for looking!

To Dye for

Yeah, yeah. Corny title, but I only get to use it once a year. We still have one child here trying to stay awake past her parents so she can get a head start on eating the goodies in her Easter basket! Dying the eggs this year wasn't nearly as messy as last year; only one cup of dye was lost. Enjoy!

Little Man and I took a morning walk to see God in all his glory. Spring has arrived. Enjoy.

Love my little boy and happy I have these photos of us. Happy weekend everyone!

Another Nephew!

This sweet little boy was born on Wednesday. It amaze me how easy my sister can have children, but how I needed massive drugs and surgery. The girls squealed with joy when I showed them the pictures that Paw Paw sent. All of us wonder when we will have the chance to meet this little guy as well as their other little cousin living in Texas. I hope it's soon.

"The happiest days are when babies come."

So true Melanie Wilkes. So true.

Two in a Row!

Awwwwww. . . Inhale the cuteness of my little Snow Angels. While Big Girl was sick inside, the little ones and I made good use of the new fallen snow. Enjoy!

Mardi Gras Mystery #9

The birthday party season is over until October, but we ended it with the best party for Big Girl to date. She wanted a {slumber} party at home; however, Mom wasn't quite ready for all the drama and sleeplessness that goes with a sleepover. Another idea she had was a Nancy Drew party or a Mardi Gras party. After a little brainstorming session we had it- A Mardi Gras Mystery Party! I hid envelopes all over the house with an anagram of each child's name on the envelope. That child was given the responsibility of reading the clue so the group could hunt for the next clue. All 14 girls had a ball scouring the house for envelopes. I made it even more mysterious by turning off the main lights and let the girls use flashlights to carry out their detective work. At the final clue, the girls had to unscramble a set of letters and determined that the treasure chest was in the attic.

Sadly, I was so engrossed in the party and making sure the toddler was being a good detective that I only got a few photos and nothing on the camcorder!

Sledding

Sledding and shoveling snow this weekend. We have a snow day tomorrow so the fun will continue. . .

Long time, no post

So Christmas and New Years has come and gone and we are gearing up for "birthday party season." My disorganization has been severely cutting my time on the computer, and my dear blog has suffered needlessly. our trip home was wonderful. Unfortunately the kids all got sick on the way home and were sick for several days. Second year in a row that this has happened, so maybe we should get the family to come out here for Christmas in 2010. I would like to state that I will post more pics of our Christmas trip to Louisiana, but I will be knee deep in boxes, trash bags, and Clorox wipes over the next few days. Wish me luck! The great house decluttering of 2010 has begun!