Speechless

I think most of my friends are speechless about our latest family decision. I have had one comment from my sweet Mary and bless her heart even she is not quite sure what to think of me and she knows me so well.

I will tell you that all the chicks are growing and doing well. They are eating well, pooping well and thankfully not pecking each others eyes out which is what one book told me they could possibly do. HOW AWFUL is that? We actually were graciously given three more chicks by a friend whose husband was very unhappy with her purchase without permission so now we have fifteen.

We have named several of our chicks but are waiting on one special one that I am going to name Murrr, in honor of my friend Mary. We are waiting because we want to make sure that the one we name after her is a hen and not a rooster because we can only keep one or two roosters and I want to make sure I don't have to get rid of Murr. AND even more so that she is not named after a rooster because the extra roosters will end up in my freezer and thus on my table. I just can't bare the possibility of eating my friend.

Will keep you posted on our little backyard farming.

We Did It!

We actually did it! We became the proud parents and brother and sisters to twelve three day old baby chicks. They are adorable. Yes, I know, they are really cute now but will not be so cute in a few months. I know they grow up and out of the really cute stage but that's when they grow into the egg producing stage. That's what I am looking forward to.

I also have heard many stories of strong odors, messy yards and just uncleanliness in general. I can promise you that if we have major odor problems or poop problems, I will do something about it. I don't know what, but I will do something. Or maybe we will just get use to it and not even notice. That could be a bad thing, I guess. Maybe Yankee Candles make a candle to put into a chicken pen.

I also have to remember that most good things come with a little price. I will let you know what

"price" I have to pay for getting delicious brown eggs right from our back yard.

I was telling a friend today at church that I think I might be interested in homesteading. There would be a lot of things that I would enjoy and some not so much. The not so much would include sewing our family's clothing. I like pretty clothes too much. (just being honest) I did like a comment that a lady made about what makes her content and it certainly speaks for me as well. She said that she is the most content when she lives a life in her home, doing the things that make her home run smooth and giving her family a quality of life that is fulfilling. I love being home with my family, enjoying time with them, cooking meals for them that are good for them and of course tasty, homeschooling them and just doing our own thing. I could become a hermit if I wasn't careful. I am just content at home when my family is here with me.

I will keep you updated on our new chicks and anything else that we venture into next. I have no idea what it might be, but God does. Keith was broken in properly by this baby chick. It pooped all over his hand and shirt. YUK! Glad it was Keith and not me.Doesn't this look like going to KFC and getting fried chicken? This is how we brought the chicks home.All the kids have picked their favorites and named them. This is Fluffy. Faith picked this one out especially for her. Daddy is teaching her how to hold it and not be scared.

And this is their new temporary home in a box in my garage. They seem happy, warm and cozy. If their not, I guess I will never know.

Something New

Most of you who know me think that I am pretty much a city girl. You probably wouldn't think that I would even be remotely interested in living on a farm or having animals. Well, I have to tell you that over the last few years this idea has been creeping up into mine and Donnie's thoughts more and more often. We do not plan on moving, but we do have five acres that are not being utilized to their fullest. We are trying to decide exactly what we are going to do, but we have decided on our first step. We went tonight to Tractor Supply to look at the little baby chicks that they have for sale. Yes, we are getting chickens. Can you believe it? I know that my mom and probably Mary think I have lost my mind. Maybe I have, I am not sure, but I can tell you that we are all so excited. We are looking so forward to having eggs in about six months that we can eat and hopefully have plenty to share with others. We will be building a chicken coop in the next few weeks for them but until then they will stay in my garage in a big box with straw and a warming lamp while they grow. We have to keep them away from Pood (our cat) for sure. We don't want her making one of them into her dinner.

After the chickens, we are not sure what we will do. We are definately planning another garden this year and are making plans on what we will grow. Faith and I are actually studying gardening for Science class.

Donnie and I both love the idea of our kids having some time and experience with at least a little farm life. I lived for several years on a farm growing up and both of my grandfathers were farmers. We believe it will be beneficial to all of us for many reasons.

I will be sharing stories of our life with chickens as soon as we get them. Donnie and I are always up for good advice if you have any especially since we are newbies at this.

I keep reminding myself that the Bible talks about diligent hands. I believe this is just one more way to keep us busy as a family and keep us from being lazy. We can have a fun, new adventure and get lots of rewards to boot. You all know that I love doing things with my family, so here goes another.

Big Girl Room

Faith has waited in line to finally get her bedroom makeover. She had to wait for Keith's room to be done, then Beth's and then finally hers. She has talked about a new big girl bedroom for a long time and now finally she has it.



Lots of changes were made. We went from a twin bed to a full bed. We went from light pink and beige to bright blue and green. We put little girl "stuff" away and brought out bigger girl "stuff". She is so excited with the changes we made. This is definately a happy room.


This makeover was a family affair. From painting to hanging, from putting together to taking away, we all worked together to get this done for Faith. We worked late night (into the morning) hours and laughed through most of it. The Kinsers can always find a way to make something funny when others probably wouldn't see the humor at all. That's another thing that I love about my family. I also love that everyone is willing to work together to get something done.



Faith can't wait to have her first friend to sleep over in her new bed. No more sleeping on the floor for Faith and Lily. Now they will both fit. Hooray!! And when mommy lays down with Faith at bedtime, there will be plenty of room. Hooray Hooray!!

Faith's old room and comforter. Bye bye sweet pastel colors....Keith worked on outlets, painting, moving and other necessary jobs.
Beth built things, hung curtains, painted and anything else that I was doing. She's my painting and construction partner. Very handy.Donnie helped paint polka dots at 12:30 am after just getting home from work. What a great guy.Hello happy room!!! We only put polka dots on one wall right behind the bed. We love this room and all want to stay in there. It just brightens your mood.This is Faith's little play and tv nook. I expect to see lots of Barbies and doll playing going on here.Faith's original artwork. LOVE IT!!

Faith is one happy little, I mean bigger girl. The smile is worth it all. She kept bouncing around saying "This is my room, this is my room." How sweet to hear words of gratitude and happiness. I am so happy that she is so excited.

JOB WELL DONE, KINSER CREW!!!

Spring is Here

Oh how happy I am that this is the first day of spring. I love springtime with everything coming alive outside, the grass turning green, the birds singing and the wonderful sun beginning to shine. I think I have told you that I love being out in the sun. It just makes me happy and makes me feel good.


I hope everyone of you are also enjoying the beauty that this season brings and that the sunshine will brighten your heart and your mood.


Isn't God the most wonderful artist?

Happy 17th

We celebrated Keith's 17th birthday today. I can't believe my first born baby is now 17. Boy, it makes me feel old. You know my birthdays don't bother me, but my children's do. I am not ready for them to be grown up. I am not ready to have to let go. I love my children so very much and can't imagine them being away from me. But, I know the time will come and with Keith it will come soon. "Lord, prepare me."

We were supposed to go to Olive Garden tonight but because of unforseen circumstances we needed to stay in Tullahoma and eat. So China Wok was it tonight. Keith was perfectly fine with going to eat chinese because his daddy promised he would take us to Murfreesboro this weekend to Olive Garden. We also took Keith to rent a movie to watch for his birthday. You will never believe what he picked; 16 episodes of Green Acres on DVD.

We got home and opened presents and ate cheesecake. Keith loves any and all kinds of cheesecake so I don't have to have birthday cakes made anymore. Kind of sad because I miss Cindy's delicious cakes she made for us every time a birthday came around. Another part of growing up, I guess.

We have settled in now to begin our Green Acres marathon and fall asleep in front of the televison. I think Keith has had a good birthday. I think he felt special today on his special day. I sure hope so because he deserves it.

Happy Birthday son. I love you more each and every day and I think that you are the finest young man in the world. I am so proud and thankful that God gave you to me on March 16, 1992.

The First Breakfast

Faith took this picture and wants everyone to see what her first meal was with her missing tooth. She fixed this wonderful breakfast all by herself. Whole wheat waffles and organic cheese crackers were her foods of choice. YUMMY!

"I'm A Big Girl"

From the mouth of Faith..."Daddy, daddy I am a big girl. I am a big girl!!!!" Why is she a big girl? Because she lost her first tooth this morning.

She has wiggled and wiggled this tooth for weeks and has been so ready for it to come out because she says having a missing tooth will make her a big girl. Well, she decided today to just get that loose tooth out on her own. She bent it forwards and backwards and forwards and backwards until it finally just popped right out.

She has been running around the house screaming and jumping. She of course called her daddy to let him know of this major step in her maturing process. She is a big girl now, remember, and wanted her favorite man to know about it.

Now we look forward to the tooth fairy coming tonight.

The Other Mouse

Faith and I got to spend the day together yesterday while Donnie, Keith and Beth went to Acquire the Fire. We don't get much alone time together so it was very special for both of us.

She loved it because she got to go to one of her favorite places of all time; Chucky Cheese's. Who knew that on this rainy Saturday that every child in Murfreesboro along with every cousin they have would also be there? It was packed but Faith didn't mind. She had a blast!

Notice the pictures of Faith with the chapped lips. She gets them about twice a year and they usually stay that way at least two weeks. She HATES any and all kinds of chap stick so we have to either put it on when she is asleep or threaten her if she doesn't let us put it on. Poor baby, they are painful.

Words I Love To Hear

I love to hear my kids talk about their relationship with God and what He is doing in their lives. This morning Beth said something that especially blessed my heart. She told me that she sure had been having fun with God at night. When I asked her what she meant she told me that she had been reading her Bible at bedtime before she went to sleep and that the things she was reading were coming alive to her. Her exact words were that she felt like she was right there with them. WOW! I love that for her. I love that she feels that sweet closeness with her Father. She said she fell asleep praying last night and felt a little bad about it. I don't know your thoughts on it, but to me there is no better way to fall asleep than in the presence of my Daddy.

Let us all remember to have fun with God. He so wants that fellowship with us.

Always Prepared

Faith was one prepared little girl today when she found out we were going on a "long" drive. The last time she went on a long drive with daddy, she ended up throwing up all in the van, all over her and everywhere else.

What I saw her carrying out the door with her this morning were two bowls. One was big and one was little. When I asked her what they were for she told me that they were just in case she or Chloe had to throw up while on the trip. Notice the size of the bowls that she chose were just right for her and her best friend in the whole world.

Thankfully, the bowls were not needed. No stomach ailments today for Faith or Chloe.

Homeschooling Perks

Just thought I would share with you one of the many perks, benefits, luxuries, whatever you want to call it, of homeschooling our three children.

We started our day doing Bible study outside at around 9:00 am and spent most of the rest of the day outside doing school work. We don't do that often, but today it was just wonderful to be able to.

Notice that Beth's PE is practicing volleyball all by herself because her mom is not a volleyball player. Beth doesn't care though. She and her daddy have bought enough volleyballs that she is able to do all kinds of drills without having to chase the ball down too often. She also sets up chairs to act as people so that she can practice positioning and accuracy. Have I mentioned that Beth LOVES volleyball and everything about it?

Loving the Sunshine

I don't know about you but I absolutely love the sunshine and being outside. I love working outside, playing outside, eating outside; just about anything that you can do outside, I love it.

I went to Big Lots this afternoon, (because, unlike my sweet friend in Georgia, I do not have a brand new Super Target), and bought some new summer stuff to spruce up my deck. I had a blast walking up and down the not so beautiful aisles, with my wobbly old buggy buying some things that would make me so happy to decorate with outdoors. (love you Mary) It really was fun!

When my kids weren't helping me work, they were also having a big time being out of the house. Faith played in the water, Beth practiced volleyball and Keith read. Poor Donnie, working so hard so we can play. He is a good good man.

Oh glorious sunshiny days are here for awhile. I know, I know...we still have all the"winters" to go through, but at least I know that I am closer today than I was last Sunday when we had 5 1/2 inches of snow on the ground.

Anytime you want to come over and spend some time with us grilling out, playing volleyball or horseshoes, come on by. We would love the company!

Happy Birthday, Honey

Happy Birthday Donnie. We love you so very much and think that you are the most awesome daddy and husband ever.

There are so many reasons why we think you're the best and we want to tell you what some of them are. So here goes...from the mouths of your children and me.

1. You have a genuine love for the Lord.
2. You have a lot of wisdom
3. Faith doesn't like when you go on trips far away because she loves having quality time with you.
4. You are so special and we don't know what we would do without you.
5. You are the most honest person that we know.
6. You are fun to talk to.
7. You are loyal.
8. You are easy to talk to about anything.
9. You are fun to beat in sports.
10. You make us laugh when you do the Vonage dance.
11. You are fun to play with at the beach.
12. You have the prettiest smile of anybody we know.
13. We love to hear you laugh.
14. You have always taken care of us and all of our needs.
15. You make us laugh and you make us smile.
16. You are so easy going.
17. You teach God's Word in a way we can all understand.
18. You can do anything on a computer.
19. You are wonderful.
20. You are a true man of God.
21. You are competitive but in a fun way.
22. You can do anything that you set your mind to.
23. You make up funny songs.
24. You are fun to cuddle up with.
25. You are a fun person to be with.
26. You are a good daddy and a good friend.
27. You show unconditional love.
28. You always look at the big picture and we know that's the best way.
29. You love and respect your parents.
30. Your goofy is cool. :)
31. You try to be friends with everyone and never leave anyone out.
32. You always put others first.
33. You taught mommy all about Jesus.
34. You opened the flood gates.
35. You are a great athlete even at your age.
36. You're an awesome dude.
37. Faith says that you are so lucky to have a wife like mama.
38. You taught us about Jesus.
39. Beth says you are making it hard for her when she starts looking for a husband because you have set the standard so high.
40. You always make funny noises during movies just to try to make us laugh.
41. You have a great sense of humor.
42. You always try to scare mommy and everybody else.
43. You are strong.
44. You are never afraid and make us not afraid.
45. You are the best daddy that God ever made.
46. WE LOVE YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE YOU AND WE THINK YOU ARE PRETTY MUCH PERFECT!!

Happy 46th!!

The Snowy Day

Is it just me or does the snow bring out the inner child in you too? I love snow!!

It all started at around 8am when I looked out the bedroom window and saw the deep blanket of beautiful white snow covering our yard and everything else. Donnie saw it about the same time that I did and that's when the "child" came out. We both started dancing and jumping around like we were five years old. You can tell that we don't have snow very often.

Then came the wait.....waiting.....waiting longer. I wanted desperately to wake the kids up so they could see it and be as excited as I was. Donnie wouldn't let me wake them up because we were all so exhausted from sale week and volleyball tournament and they did need their rest. So I waited....and waited.

What's really odd about me (one of many things) is that I like to see the looks on my kid's faces when they see something for the first time. I wanted to make sure that I saw their faces when they walked downstairs and looked out the window. I at least wanted to see Faith's face because she had never seen that much snow. So what did I do? I took my pillow, blanket and laptop and went upstairs and waited and waited in the hallway outside of her door until she woke up. I waited almost an hour in the hallway with my pillow and laptop until she finally woke up and came out. Was it worth the wait? ABSOLUTELY!! She was thrilled when she walked downstairs and saw that gorgeous gift of snow that God had given us. I don't think she danced quite like Donnie and I did, but she was thrilled.

Next I had to wait for Keith and Beth to get up because I wanted us all to go out together at the same time. (odd again, right?) Keith woke up about an hour after Faith and then Beth woke up around lunch time. Uck!! I (we) had to wait f o r e v e r to go and play. Faith was okay waiting because she wanted Diddy outside with her as well.

We were finally ready to go outside and it was so worth the wait. We had a ball. We made snow angels, built lopsided snowmen, threw snowballs at each other and just layed in the snow. We took a walk in the woods and just took in all of the beauty We even spotted a pretty little buttercup that had peeked its head out of the ground that was covered in snow.

We played and played and played. It was awesome. It's amazing that something as simple as snow can take you back to your childhood and make you want to just let go and have fun.

I am not sure who had the most fun. It was probably Donnie and I because we just played like we hadn't been able to play in a long time. And how much fun it is to play with your children and them look at you and say, "mom and dad, you really are fun to be with".

Thank you Lord for snow days and slow days. Thank you for good, I mean great, times with our children. Time goes by so fast and days like yesterday let you slow down and enjoy the gift of family.

Can I Brag a Minute?

I know we are not supposed to brag, but I have to congratulate my Beth who played in a volleyball tournament this weekend in Murfreesboro. At the end of the tournament awards are given to individual players as well as to the teams and thus my bragging time. Beth received two awards for her team. The first, and we believe the most important, was the Christian Character Award for her team. The second award was the All Tournament Award (MVP) for her team. Both of these awards are voted on by all of the coaches from all five teams. What an honor!! Needless to say, Donnie and I are so very proud of her.

CONGRATULATIONS BETH!! YOU ARE AN AWESOME YOUNG LADY AND A FANTASTIC VOLLEYBALL PLAYER. You have got four more years to play and I can't imagine how much better you are going to get. I also can't imagine how much harder your serve is going to get and how many more girls you are going to knock down. GO SMACK!

Finished, Over, Done...

Finally the sale is over! It's not that I don't enjoy doing it, but it truly does exhaust me. This sale actually lasted four days longer than my others. We decided to do it longer and offer more shopping days. It was a good decision.

The sale went great! We had lots of shopping going on the whole week. People left with bundles of goodies and then sent their friends to find their own treasures. I think the economy probably helped as people are realizing that they need to save money and consignment sales are one way to do it.

I want to say thanks again to my children and husband who help me make this sale what it is. My kids know the ins and outs of the sale and I COULD NOT do it without them. They are great. Thank you, Keith, Beth and Faith. You are all awesome workers!

Thanks again to my friends who helped through volunteering their time. I also couldn't do it without them. They make my job easier and so much more fun by them just being there. One of the volunteers commented that she never dreamed how much fun she would have being there "working". I am so thankful when ladies can get together and laugh, play, work, and just have fun being together.

So...the sale is over this time around and now we can rest, check out what we bought and get caught up on everything that we slacked on over the last week and a half. School starts back and routines get back in order. My house will finally be cleaned and my laundry caught up.

I pray that the Lord was pleased with all that took place over the course of the sale. I pray that we ministered to somebody in some way. I know my heart was blessed repeatedly by so many people and for that I am grateful.