The Bright Eyed Brunette

The Sunday before Christmas, also known as Christmas Sunday, is always a big day. We have our Christmas church service and in the evening the kids always put on their Christmas program. This was was the same, only the younger kids put on a mini program on Sunday morning and the big kids did their's that night. They all did a great job! Carlie's little class The Sunday morning program  My trio Anna Grace and Trey were the scientists in the night program. Makena and Michael were the narrators  Adam and Eve...I'm just glad they were clothed in more than leaves! Mary and Gabriel  Noah, as Noah Father Abraham  "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 Much Love, Beth

Our Christmas festivities began on the 21st with the Garrett Christmas in DeWitt. We had our party and played that darn saran ball game. I always watch but never play. It's just not my thing. I'm a party pooper; I hate dirty santa too! My parents/kids/grandkids My cousin, Brandon with his new fiancee, Ashlyn and my Aunt Shelia Party fun  After my grandparents passed away, I wasn't sure how often this side of the family would get together. Some of us are closer than others. When it comes down to it, family is family. You love some of them, you tolerate others. We get together once a year and that seems to be just fine with everyone. Much Love,  Beth

I'm having one of those soap-box moments, so just bear with me please.  Recently my sweet husband was given the opportunity to try out a new job while still working on the farm. He was a little hesitant at first but after talking it over and praying about it, we felt like we got a "green light" so to speak. This hasn't been easy on me or the kids (mostly T because it is taking away from his hunting time)  but I do feel like God sent this to us at a time when we needed it. Everyone has been super nice to Carl. They have welcomed him in and have treated him like he has always been there...except for a former employee who still shows up to shoot the breeze. This one person who Carl knows very well chooses to treat him so poorly (like he isn't good enough to be with this new crowd) in front of these people. Let me just give you a little back story about my husband. He is the nicest person you will ever meet. Seriously, to know him is to love him. He is good to ever...

Makena got her acceptance box to Ouachita Baptist University a few weeks ago. This is one of her top three schools. She said for the longest time that she wouldn't be happy until she had applied and was accepted into her #1 school, Pensacola Christian.  She still hasn't applied and since she started looking further into Ouachita,  she has completely changed her tune. It is looking more and more like we will have a Tiger in the fall! I am super proud of you, Makena Faith! Trey and his chicken hanging out by the old piano we took out of the house. Homeschooling these two is an adventure, for sure! Adjusting from homeschooling three kids to two kids was a little harder than I thought. At the beginning of the school year, it just seemed like we had so much extra time.  I felt like I was missing something (like a whole kid!). I have since found ways to fill those empty moments and have found that we don't have to be so structured...that IS the best part of h...

Time is flying by. But seriously, due to the fact that Thanksgiving fell so late in the month, November seemed eternally long. We have had fun celebrating this week with family. It's all fun and games at the Wings Over the Prairie Festival  Noah, Elijah, Ellie Kate,  and Trey were having a blast! My dad with Trey in the background buying kettle corn. Carl took Trey duck hunting on Thanksgiving morning. It totally made his day! Love my boys! Makena and Toby.  My three nuggets I am so thankful for them! Papa and Grammy.  At 91 and 84 -with early onset alzheimers, you better bet I'm thankful to be spending another Thanksgiving with them.  My sister was suffering from kidney stones, and her boys were unwilling to get in the picture, so this picture of Ellie Kate and Tim is going to be their family.  I am thankful them all. And this guy will never know how much he means to me. This has been a dozy of ...

On Sunday we celebrated both my mom and Carlie's birthday with lunch and of course, cake and ice cream. Their birthday is actually today but Carlie is at school and my mom is having another bladder surgery. It's hard to believe that my tiny baby is now 19. How in the world did that happen so fast? I am so proud of her. She loves school and has an awesome roommate. She loves being in the O.R. and handling body parts (eww). She is spreading her wings and we are proud..even if it is hard on us. I have talked about my mom many times. She is the best. Ever. She is selfless and passionate. She is probably my best friend next to Carl. I am thankful that God blessed me with them both! Today we (the other 4 of us) went to Little Rock to take Carlie and her friend Destini out for her birthday. I mean really? Did you think I could go without seeing her on her birthday?! Destini, Carlie, and Makena Even Trey took a picture with the Birthday girl. This is my G...

Happy Halloween! Our Halloween was a cold one but thankfully not a wet one. Our church held its annual trunk or treat but before all of that we had a full morning of grocery shopping and school! We had a few tests to take and made it a little more spooky we listened to our favorite Halloween playlist on Spotify via our friend Alexa.  After we finished that task the kids helped me stuff my candy bags.  Trey kept telling me that I was being chinch with my bags. I told him he was over filling his. We compromised.  Carlie came home in time for trunk or treat but opted not to decorate her car. Makena didn't dress up but did decorate her trunk and give out her own candy. At the last minute I decided that Carl and I would go as a deer hunter and deer.  Makena did my make-up and hair (and she did a great job). Trey wasn't really interested in dressing up this year either. He said he just came for the chili.  I started getting sick Tuesday evening ...

Whew, ya'll! Finishing up another doozie here on the homestead and thought I would share a few details (and pics) of our fun, busy week. My big girl is having the time of her life in the big city. This Carlie with her roommate, Destini.  They were all ready for their first day of clinicals. Anna Grace and Makena being silly at the Senior Citizen Bash at church. Makena and I had a quick photo session one day.  I'm jealous of how photogenic she is! Trey with his vampire pumpkin. Makena with her pumpkin Carlie with her finished masterpiece. They worked so hard.  I am just glad they are able to do it themselves now. Trey's Saturday bowling scholarship league with their check from the Lions Club. Trey finished this term in first place and with $100 in his scholarship fund. He also got his invitation papers for a tournament in Mar...