Me on the steps of one of the historic homes

Last month we went on a field trip to Camden, SC. It was the site of several key battles of the Revolutionary War. Since we homeschool, we were able to go right around the time Mitchell was studying that in US History.

Hunter, Mitchell, and me with cannons used in the Revolutionary War

I am so lucky that Mitchell is like me in that he loves history. He really enjoyed walking around and looking at the various sites and wondering how it felt way back then for all the soldiers who were there.

Mitchell in the stockades

We were able to tour several homes that date back to that period in history.  Inside were artifacts that had been unearthed in Camden.  We saw guns, tools, cannons, and lots of other things. 

Hunter and Adam in the stockades, with their feet, lol

We also did a driving tour of the battles and saw graves and homes from that time.  I really loved seeing all those old homes.  The neighborhoods were so cozy and you could really picture how living back then would have been like.

I can't wait until it's time to eat turkey today!   It will be weird since we're usually at Cora's house, but since she passed away this year, they aren't having a dinner.  I'll be making dinner for our family and I hope it will be great!  I wanted to post a few things I am thankful for today:

1. Jesus dying for me!
2. My husband for loving me and working hard so I can be a stay at home mom!
3. My aggravating, handsome, and sweet sons, who I love more than anything!
4. My family for putting up with me!
5. My friends for always being there for me!
6. Having a home to live in and share with friends!
7. Our wonderful church family!
8. My beautiful chickens who I love just watching peck around the yard!
9. Having at least one car that runs!
10. My laptop! (Just keeping it real folks)

 I could come up with many, many more, but those are just some of the things I am thankful for this year!  What about you, what's on your list?

 How cute is this kitty? Stylin Online just released the "Soft Kitty" singing plush toy. It's a 10 inch long grey and pink plushie.  When you push it's paw, it sings the popular tune from the CBS hit TV show Big Bang Theory. The song Sheldon taught to Penny when he was sick. It goes like this: "Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr".


I also received this cute t-shirt. The shirt is 100% cotton screen printed with the words to "Soft Kitty" on it.  It's super soft, and is a stretchy form-fitting style.  The t-shirt also comes in mens sizes.

Super soft and stretchy tee with Soft Kitty

If you know someone who loves Big Bang Theory, either of these would make a great Christmas present for them!  The t-shirt and plushie can be bought together for $44.99 or the t-shirt by itself for $18.88.  The kitty plushie can be purchased for $29.99. 

Here's a short video clip with the "Soft Kitty" song!



I received this Soft Kitty t-shirt and Soft Kitty Plushie from Stylin Online in exchange for this post.

Jason's friends remember him

3 years. It can't be, can it? Seems like just yesterday when I got that awful phone call in the middle of the night. It was 3 years ago yesterday that my nephew Jason died. He would be 18 now, should  be 18! 

Jason looking so happy

In case you're new here, I'll tell you a little about him. Jason was a smart kid, popular, handsome.  Unfortunately he had gotten into huffing.  Huffing is when you inhale vapors to get high.  It probably seems less dangerous to kids since they are inhaling everyday items like aerosol dusting cans of air, nail polish remover, and gasoline.  Of course there are many more things that you can huff, those are just a few.

The other side of the rock

The night Jason died he was huffing gas.  I know he thought everything would be fine, but it wasn't.  Huffing gasoline killed him.  I think it almost killed his mother too.  We all miss Jason, some days more than others.  I try to write about Jason every year.  I hope it helps others to know how dangerous huffing can be.  For more information on huffing and symptoms to be on the look out for please go here.

I love my dirty, smiley, little big boy!

I'm loving this cool, autumn weather we are having here! I heard that a lot of states have had snow already. That just seems wrong this early!  Of course, I think that would help put me in the mood for the holidays a bit better!

Since it's cool now, I thought that I would have a little giveaway for something that might be able to warm you up some! I have a couple of cards for a Free Noodles, Soup, or Salad Bowl at Noodles & Company. You can check here to see if you have a Noodles & Company near you.  These cards will expire on December 31st.

Use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter!

This giveaway is sponsored by me. I just happened to have 2 extra cards and want to share them!

Mitchell in his Scarecrow Ghost Face Costume

We started our Halloween celebration on Saturday with our church's Trunk-or-Treat. We had barbeque and lots of sweet desserts, games, and of course candy.  We had costume contests and trunk decorating contests.  It's always so much fun to get together with our church family!  And even better when I can dress up! 

My pirate costume

My costume this year was a pirate.  I put it together from different pieces I already had and I got the vest from a thrift store.  The only pieces I had to buy for my costume were the shirt (on clearance), the boot tops, and the pistol, all were on sale too.  The vest was a sleeveless shirt, but I made it into a vest by cutting it, putting in grommets, and adding laces.

Me as a pirate and Barb as a gypsy

Then on Sunday our town had a Trunk-or-Treat.  So we took the kids to that too.  Hunter had so much fun in the bouncy castles, getting candy,  and sno-cones.

Hunter as a Knight (he lost his helmet)

Last night on Halloween we went to town and Trick-or-Treated. 

Mitchell changed to a scarier mask for Halloween

We walked half the way, then my husband drove the truck the rest of the way with us in the back.  Boy was that nicer than all that walking!

The kids on the back of the truck

Hunter was so excited he didn't pay attention and fell all the time, poor thing!  it only hurt the last time when he fell on the pavement. 

Running back to the truck after getting candy

I hope y'all had a fun Halloween too!