A Bump in the Night!

Last Saturday at 4:30 am I awoke to the sound of our HUGE oak tree hitting the ground. The whole house shook! So we jumped out of bed and headed outside in the dark to see what happened. By the light of day this is what we saw. Thankfully it missed the house, but unfortunately it completely destroyed the boys Youth Fair Citrus Tree Contest orange trees. The other casualty was our really cool rope swing that was hanging from one of the limbs. The mess is almost cleaned up now, and a load of oak will be taken to Peebles BBQ which will open next weekend. So if you eat any Peebles BBQ in the near future, it might just be smoked on our oak. :o)

Why City Folks Should Not Move to the Country!!

I was cleaning out my email this afternoon and came across this. It is so funny, I just had to share it here! I actually saw one of these ugly "cats" walking across my backyard the other day. Enjoy!!

My New Project

I recently told my husband that I had a project in mind that I would like to do. He promptly asked me if it involved him and if he would be required to build something. (Our last project was a major bathroom re-do!) I told him yes, but it would be well worth it! So here's the deal. I have been very convicted about the amount of money we are spending on food each month. I would like to be more self reliant when it comes to the food we are consuming. Do we really know where the stuff in the store comes from? I am very concerned about all of the processed food my family is eating and we are eating out way to much! So... I proposed to him that we (OK, he and the boys) construct a long term food storage pantry. I also would like to purchase a wheat grinder and grind my own flour. In the process of researching this, I have found some great resources to help me accomplish my goal. Check out the links on the "Simple Living" tab at the top of this blog. I know some of you are trying very hard live a self-reliant and independent life, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know. And so my journey begins...

Summer Fun!

Boy, summer sure went fast around here! Here is a little glimpse of what we did for fun!

Summer just isn't summer without Team Tennis! Many hours were spent on the court in the hot Florida sun. These players really love it to play in 95 degree weather!

Wycliffe Bible Translation Discovery Center is an incredible place. Visit http://www.wycliffe.org/ for more information on this life changing work. A visit there sure changes your perspective on what is really important in life.

A day with the Stricklen Family is always fun!