How to dress a turkey

The first thing you need to dress a turkey is not a turkey. You need the proper tools; axe, dunking bucket, killing cone, twine, pliers, table and a source of running water. You may also want to use a torch to singe the back of the turkey to remove the quills or you may want to just go skinless.

Turkey Dinner Coming Up!!!

I'm so proud of my husband! Our beautiful rooster attacked our turkey and injured it. We waited 2 days for him to heal and he just wasn't able to move though still very healthy. We knew today the best thing to do for him and for us would be to butcher him. My husband did a fantastic job being his first time. And such a clean job at that. He now sits in our refrigerator we have in our garage for 2 days and then we'll cook him up! My husband will share the story and pictures shortly. Be warned though... some of the pictures might be a little graphic (not bad), so don't say we didn't warn you. Stay tuned for our story shortly.

By the way... the sad thing about the whole situation is that we really came to like our turkey. We came to find out about a month ago that he was a male. His waddler thing came down past his nose and he would arch his neck back and fluff all out. He was really becoming pretty! And he was so very sweet. Matthew would shake the food by our fence and he would come running all funny looking and excited leading the rest of the gang. He had a soft noise he would make and we really enjoyed watching his eagerness about life. He became our favorite. So, we will miss him. I'm glad to see that we can be attached to our animals and yet do what's necessary too. Makes for a good balance and enjoyment in life.

Flowers In Our Yard

My husband took these various pictures of the beautiful flowers around our yard the other day.

Peonies and Lilies

We went to a peony farm a few weeks ago located in Elma. It was an older couple who ran the 4 acre farm who had been in business only a couple of years. They gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers after we toured the farm.

We then stopped by another farm that had lilies. They are so beautiful! We were blessed to be given some beautiful lilies from the lady there as well. They looked so pretty on my kitchen table for a week.

Pool Time!

Here is a pool we bought for Elisabeth's birthday. We had put them in my Rubbermaid storage container for my fabrics and sewing stuff. It worked for a couple of days. But, we knew they would just love having a pool they could actually cruise around in. Elisabeth still hasn't figured out the slide yet.

Happy Birthday Elisabeth

Elisabeth just celebrated her 2nd birthday on July 6th. Here are some pictures of her at 2 years old eating a cupcake and 1 years old finishing her cake. Oh, I love her 1 year old picture. I can't believe the change! We are so blessed to have her in our lives, we couldn't imagine not having her. We bought her an outdoor pool to play in for the summer. She could live in the thing!

Just Pictures

What is she thinking???
Cutie Pie!
Serious Look!

Here's a variety of pictures of our daughters. Hannah is already up and cruising furniture. She has bonked her head a million and one times. Poor girl! She is only 10 months old, yet she can say guck (duck) and num nums for food. She is smart like her sister. She's very mindful too. We can tell her no on something and she will crawl away from it with a smile. She loves to please! Elisabeth on the other hand likes to test... from 9 months old believe it or not. We can tell her no on something and believe me, she's going to go for it again! She's a little stinker. But, she is so loving too. She loves sitting on our laps all the time and having her back rubbed. We try to comply most of the time as we know this time is short.

Sleeping Beauties...

Here are some various pictures of our daughters sleeping. They are so precious when they are sleeping aren't they?

Sewing Projects

So far I have made several bibs - you can see Elisabeth wearing the bib. It is toddler size as it covers her down to her lap. I think they are much cuter than what you would buy in the store... one of my big motivations for sewing! They have a pretty, flannel print on the front with a chocolate brown backing I got for $1 a yard. It actually looks really nice! I've also made a navy blue, knit maternity skirt. It is so comfy and looks really nice too! Let's see... a pretty pillow for Elisabeth out of the same ladybug, flannel material for the bibs. An apron for Elisabeth with the same ladybug material. I have yet to do a hemming on her dresses as I got too excited starting other projects. I will be finishing that this week though so she can start wearing them.

My sewing classes did not turn out so good. But I got one good thing out of it... a new sewing machine. The woman who was teaching me to sew had shared with me that they had used sewing machines in good shape and serviced. I thought I'd fare better with one from her than a cheapie one at the store. I trusted her. Well, after a short time I was having trouble stitching. It kept jamming in the bobbin below - all the thread. The stitches weren't stitching, as well as other problems. I cleaned the machine, adjusted the tension and all I could do (I had read tons of books on sewing and machines from the library). But, none availed. I found the machine to be quite dirty and dusty while cleaning it (contrary to what she had told me). I called her one day and shared I couldn't make it to class on Wednesday as the machine wasn't working. She never offered to look at it or trade it in. So, I quit going to class as I don't like to do business with someone who isn't right and my husband bought me a new Kenmore at Sears. I absolutely love it and it even has a 1-step buttonhole maker. I haven't had any problems sewing since!

So, now I am going to have to take more pictures of my completed projects, my new machine and start on some new projects. I think I'll make a patchwork pin cushion. I can't wait to get some experience down (I'm thinking a good 2 years) and then start buying some gorgeous fabrics so I can make quilts for our children as well as ourselves.

Helping Already!

After Elisabeth's several attempts to grab dishes while emptying the dishwasher, we decided to let her help! She does a marvelous job. We grab the knives of course and then she hands us the silverware. She then pulls out the rack and hands us dishes and even the glasses. Mind you, our glasses are actually the Ball canning jars so they are really pretty resilient towards breakage. She then pushes the racks in and shuts the door. Now her sister wants to help. Hey, you can't turn down good help! Well, we'll wait another year on that.

Daddy's Fire Pit

A couple of weeks ago around the 4th of July, Matthew decided to build a fire pit. Now this isn't any ordinary fire pit in which you just dig a hole in the ground. My husband laid brick within on the bottom and sides so tight that you could step on it and it will not move. Then he laid the pretty rock around it - nice, flat rock perfect for the project. Unfortunately, it's been so windy and cold here in the evenings (and most days) that we have yet to go sit out and enjoy ourselves. We'd love to have a type of rotisserie across it one day for real barbeque! Notice the progress of his work.

Cockle Doodle Doo

A few weeks ago I picked up a beautiful red rooster off of Freecycle. I couldn't believe how big and beautiful he was. One of the first things I asked the people who owned him is if he crows. And yes, he crows! But, it is a lovely sound and he doesn't wake us up in the morning. We enjoy it. He also likes to escape his pen and walk up our driveway to pay us a visit sometimes. I took some pictures of him on July 4th walking around visiting with us. In one picture, you can see my husband in the background working on our fire pit. You can also see from the pictures how he was in our backyard. The girls thought it was interesting. Poor Hannah isn't so fond of his crowing, it scares her.

Our Ultrasound Appointment

WE ARE HAVING A..........
















BOY!!!

I am just in shock! I can't believe it. Finally!!! I have wanted a son for 21 years since I first started having children. Well, here he finally is! The Lord has blessed us with a healthy, beautiful son. He's already 11 ounces and the ultrasound tech shared that he's big... they are normally around 8 ounces at 19 weeks. He'll have beautiful, dark brown hair one day with his striking blue eyes (we both have dark hair and blue eyes).

I wanted to make sure we were having a boy so the ultrasound tech showed us "several" pictures of his little penis. You couldn't miss it! He's a boy for sure. He was moving around like crazy too. The ultrasound tech kept saying what a little mover he was. I just can't believe we're having a boy.

I always wanted a boy but now more so for my husband. He's 48 years old and could use the help in about 15 years with chopping and stacking wood, working with the animals, etc... I'm so happy for my husband. He's elated! He can bring him up into the young man he visions him to be one day. A father is invaluable to a son. He will teach him the morals and ways of God that are so lacking in young men today. I (and his sisters) can help teach him a proper, healthy love towards women one day. His father will be the greater part of teaching him to be strong and of good character. I think it's beautiful what the Lord is doing and can't wait to see the fruit of it in the upcoming years.

His name is Matthew Jeremiah Geraci Jr. Before we got married I had a dream I believed was from the Lord that we would have a son one day and to name him Matthew.

The only reason I wondered if this was a boy is because the Lord knows how much we can handle. I had postpartum depression after Hannah was born for 4 months or so. I couldn't lose my weight as I usually do during that period of time. It gets a little hard being pregnant for the 3rd summer in a row - the back pain, the swelling, fear of giving birth. It's hard knowing I will be missing my sleep at night again in 5 months, and not having my time after 8:30 at night each night (I cherish this time). So, the Lord knew the timing of all things and knowing we are having a son invigorates me to continue on. It opens my vision for our future wider.

I love, love, love my girls. So, much that it would break my heart if I couldn't have our last child be a girl though. They are so soft and delicate as babies. There's nothing like holding a baby girl and touching their delicate face and head. So, within 15 minutes of the ultrasound I was already sharing my thoughts on this with my husband.

But, for now it's all BOY! We get to buy cute boy clothes and a new bumper and quilt for the bedding of the crib. John Deere tractor toys, cute navy corduroy overalls with trains on them. I feel him kicking me right now. This extra weight doesn't matter for now. The aches and pains to come will all go to the wayside after the baby is born. I pray that he will be just like his father. He's an upright man more than anyone I've ever met. Many men could learn from him. I know one day it will be so. Keep him in your prayers if you are a praying man or woman. He's writing a book called, "Where Did the Strong Man Go?" It's a book to lead men who lust to freedom in Christ. It is beautiful and even more beautiful to see the excited glow on my husband's face each night after he writes or anytime he talks about it.

Okay, back to our boy! I just can't wait. This is a day to remember. The Lord has blessed us once again. Thank You Lord.

Is It a Boy or a Girl????

PINK OR BLUE?????

Be sure to check back in here next week on Wednesday and we'll post whether this little one is a boy or girl (as long as he/she doesn't do what Hannah did last year and have the umbilical cord stuck between the legs).

Two Dresses Almost Made

I started sewing class last Wednesday. It went very well. The best part was the owner helped me finish a dress I started to make for Elisabeth last year. She spent 2 good hours with me as she had me do every stitch of sewing, apply the interfacing and even use a serger. On the yellow dress I just need to put a hem in the bottom of it and on Wednesday we will be putting in the button holes so I can put on the cute, red buttons.

I decided then that I didn't want to forget all that I had learned and bought some cheap fabric at Walmart to make another dress. It's almost to where the yellow one is now as I've worked on it some today. Here's a picture of the pattern laid out.

I bought the used, cream colored Kenmore sewing machine from the owner for $50. I just don't need anything fancy until I get a handle on sewing and maybe by then I will know what I want. But, I kept eyeing the beautiful, old, black, straight stitch sewing machine. Since she was only selling it for $35, I couldn't resist! I want to make quilts some day. I've wanted to for years actually. So, this would be great for quilting. I think it's just pretty to look at!

So, that's my sewing for the week. I will have to post some pictures of Elisabeth in her new dresses once they are completely finished. I'd like to do a project a week. There's some really cute pillowcase dresses and pillowcase skirts online. I might try my hand at that next.

Learning to Play Piano

Well, I'm actually learning to play the keyboard. But would love to play the piano one day. Since I'm just learning we thought it best to start with a keyboard. Also, we really don't want to move a piano to Tennessee... if we ever sell our house that is!

So, I got the keyboard delivered by UPS on the 23rd of May. I started studying the keyboard notes, hand positions and trying to learn how to read music. It was coming together just fine for a couple of days but then came to a standstill. I knew I needed some helps that I could have practice in learning how to read the music. The keyboard is really easy as each octave (a grouping of keys on the keyboard) is comprised of 12 keys. All the keys are the same in each octave. Anyways, remembering what note is on what line or space I was finding to be a little difficult. At Matthew's suggestion I went to a music store and bought a beginner piano book. The man at the store recommended:
http://www.amazon.com/Adult-All-One-Course-Lesson-Theory-Technic/dp/0882848186

I bought the one with the music CD and am glad I did. It really helps to know that what you're playing sounds right. Anyways, I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. I am so excited to be doing this and actually playing now. I'm already on song 27! Mind you, many of the songs are comprised of few notes to help you learn them. But, there are some actual songs in there. I started posting questions on a Piano World forum and have come to find that this is the book that most of the piano teachers use for their students. It usually takes a good 9-12 months before completing the 1st book but once you do you're a pretty proficient piano player. Some of the songs I'm working on right now: "Jingle Bells" and "When the Saints Go Marching In."

This has been the hard part for me. There's the treble clef and the bass clef. The right hand plays the treble clef (looks like the swirly S picture), the left hand plays the bass clef (looks almost like a backwards Nike swoosh). Note how the notes are on different lines - yikes!

http://www.free-online-piano-lessons.com/piano-notes.html

Homemade English Muffins

I went to the local bakery outlet to buy some bread and was about to pick up some english muffins when I thought, "I've always wanted to try my hand at making them". So, I decided to leave them be and made homemade english muffins later that week. I let the dough ferment overnight so they had a really good sourdough, almost beer like taste to them. Yum! Matthew had 2 more today for breakfast. I think they'd be great with eggs. They are very easy to make too.

Having Fun Outside

Matthew took Elisabeth outside one day and they just walked all over the yard. He took some pictures of her here.

Elisabeth's Last Bath in the Sink

It's been a long while since I've given Elisabeth a bath in the sink. I needed to give Hannah a bath and was just tired... didn't feel like lugging them upstairs, etc... So, I filled up the sink and bathed Hannah. Next, I decided to bathe Elisabeth as I thought she might still fit. She sure did. She loved it. She loved it so much that for the next two days when Matthew would fill up the sink with soapy water for doing dishes, she would come begging to have a bath.

Day at the Ocean

Here's Elisabeth after spending some time at the ocean on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. She walked and ran and ate lots of sand. Yuck! She picks up rocks and tastes the sand off of them. She had a ball. Here she is tired, stripped of her sand filled pants and shoes, ready to go home to eat lunch and take a nap.

Our Home on a Beautiful Day

I started taking some pictures of our home on a lovely day outside. But, unfortunately I ran out of space on the camera so I will have to take some more coming up the drive and around the home on another pretty day. The little building in one of the pictures may have been a grain storage, cold storage or water house. We're not too sure. But, we think it's pretty! Another picture is of one of our pastures that the cows graze on and the other just to the side of our barn.

Our Ugly Turkeys!!!

Here's some pictures of our ugly, little turkeys. They are actually growing on us though. When Matthew goes down each evening (as he is right now) to secure them in the stall, they come running really, super fast towards him. They look so funny! They follow him around everywhere. I think he might have a tougher time butchering them when the time comes. We'll see.....