Fun Saturday at Shaker Village

After a week of heavy rain, Saturday proved to be a beautiful sunny day. 

What to do?

What to do?

I mentioned maybe going to Shaker Village if it wasn't too far. I googled it on my phone and seen it was only a little over an hour away. 

We got in the van and headed out. 

It was a perfect day to be out and about. 

We stopped for a quick lunch at Taco Bell in Danville and that's when I couldn't find my debit card. Luckily, I had Tara's phone bill money in my wallet and I was able to pay for our food. 

That still didn't help the "where is my debit card" pandemonium. 

Maynard went and searched the van because that's where I last had it. I was busy the night before and he had handed it to me and I remembered sticking it down my shirt. Ha ha. Yeah yeah. I know what y'all are all thinking. Anyway....I knew that I told myself to get it out before I lost it and I was most postitive that I had put it in my wallet. I looked and looked. Couldn't find it. I called and transferred all our money into Maynard's business account just in case someone had stolen it. That helped me breathe a little easier. Then I opened my wallet again and pulled out my checks. There was my card in a little pocket behind my checkbook. Hallelujah!  So glad I found it. 

Now I could enjoy the rest of our trip without worrying about my debit card. 

Moral of that story would be to just bypass sticking anything of value down your shirt. Ha ha 

Finally, we arrived to Shaker Village. 

Our first part of the tour was in The Dwelling House. 

It had lots of history about the life of a shaker. It showed replicas of their living headquarters and even had demonstrations on how to make brooms, leather/woodworking, and weaving and quilting and such. 

We missed the shearing of the sheep, but it was neat for my kids to see the sheep's wool being made into yarn. 

There was a children's room we spent a lot of time in letting the kids explore. 

You never get too old to play dress up. Yes, I know this dress didn't do me any favors. Ha ha

I fell in love with this dining room table. 

Those knobs in the table are for turning the table so everyone can serve themselves. How fun would that be?? I can see my kids fighting over that right now. 

"No, I want the last biscuit."

"No!!  You got all the macaroni and cheese."

All this while the table is being moved left and right. 

Yeah. Maybe that wouldn't be such a great idea. Lol

All that stair climbing made Maynard thirsty. 

Speaking of stairs.............................

This was the highest point in the house and the stairs were so steep I got lightheaded and felt faint. Maynard was very supportive. Poor Josiah refused to even climb this set. He was scared to go up stairs, but going down didn't bother him. I'm the opposite. I don't like climbing back down. I made the mistake of peeking down through the rails from the highest point and that wasn't smart. 

We made it!!!!!

We walked across to the other side to the Meeting House. It was the church house the the Shakers used. I took pictures on my snapchat, but forgot to save them. Here's one of the family sitting on hard benches waiting for the "meeting" to begin. 

 We were told a lot of history about how the Shakers worshipped and examples of how they sang. 

Men sat on one side and the women sat on the other. They would come and sit and wait to feel the presence of God. If they didn't feel anything they just went back home. Sometimes worship could only be 15 minutes and the longest recorded service was 23 hrs. 

My kiddos were getting bored and antsy so after 30 minutes we walked out. I made the comment as we were leaving, "Y'all couldn't last 30 minutes let alone 23 hours." Ha ha

I took this picture of a horse and buggy ride from the church house steps. 

Because my kids wouldn't hush until they found all the farm animals we went on straight to the barn. 

Titus made a friend right away with this horse. The horse followed him around the fence and would nuzzle his head. It was pretty cute. 

They were pretty excited about getting to hold a bunny too.

 

Inside the barn was baby chicks, rabbits, sheep's, goats, and rams. 

This Momma sheep was in a bad mood. She had just had twins on Easter Sunday, but she was mad because she wanted out in the pasture. The tour guide said she seen the horses come back in and she knew it was time for them to go out to pasture. She made this horrible sound that sounded like a loud burp expressing her anger. It was cracking us up. Amelia kept petting her even though she was warned that she was angry and may charge at her. That didn't stop her. That girl loves animals. She of course didn't inherit that from me. 

Titus was petting these rams and goats when he gasped and took off running. I asked him what happened and he said, "I forgot I was wearing red."

Ha ha. I explained that it wasn't a bull just because it had horns. 

We walked out of the barn in search of the bull they did have though. 

Amelia stopped to pet a huge cat. 

A cute picture right?

Well, let's zoom in. 

She was about to get bit. Ha ha

This cat did not want to be bothered during its nap time. 

By now the kids were hot, thirsty, and dirty. 

We walked back to another building and decided to go take a look inside. 

It was so cute how it was set up. Little bedrooms with old time beds set up. Of course we assumed it was to show us their old living quarters. 

Titus ran in and jumped on a bed. Yep, dirty, sweaty and all. 

As he lay there a lady walked in and said, "Hey!  This is my room where I am staying"

Oops. We just toured inside the Inn where people payed to stay all night.  Of course that would be the norm for us Parker's. We always have an adventure wherever we go. 

We apologized and walked on back to their little kitchen area because we spyed a pop machine. Plus there may have been an ice machine in there too that I took an advantage of. Ha ha. We sat at their table and cooled off and enjoyed our drinks and the free ice then we headed back out again.

We learned that if a building had curtains inside then it was an inn and not for tour. That's always helpful to know. 

Before long it was time to go. We stopped for a family picture and then headed out. 

We stopped for a nice dinner at Texas  roadhouse to finish off our fun family Saturday. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and making memories that will last for a lifetime. 

Bluegrass Ladies Retreat 2015

I made it!!

I finally made it back to the Ladies Retreat. 

I always have a horrible time getting there. Last year my Mother-n-law passed away and I couldn't go. I got to go the year before for the first time and I loved it. I regret not ever going before, but it was usually on our wedding anniversary weekend. 

My alarm clock went off at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Then I started receiving  "Amy, are you awake" and "Amy, are you really up out of bed" texts. My newest friends know me so well already. Ha ha. Amy has to have her sleep. 

I left the house at 5:45 and made it to the church by 6. So much easier when there's only one of you to get dressed. 

8 ladies from FPC was able to go. We all loaded up on the church bus and headed for Louisville. It was nice getting to talk to each other and even watching the sunrise. 

We made it to the retreat right on time. They had just started as we were taking our seats so I didn't get to seek out my Mom, sister, or sister-n-law. 

We had a few songs and introductions and then headed to our first session. A few of us decided to go to Sis Mary Miracle's Children evangelism class. It was wonderful. She was such an inspiration. She has such a burden and passion for children. She even quoted the whole book of Jonah while showing pictures on PowerPoint.   It wasn't just quoting it. She was saying it expressively like she was telling the story. It was very impressive. I believe I could learn a lot from her. 

Then we met back in the auditorium and I still didn't get to see my family. 

We heard the main speaker and it was really encouraging as well. 

Finally it was time for lunch. By then I was starved and would have been willing to eat anything they served. Thankfully we wasn't too far back in the line and they had a yummy looking buffet. There were 2 lines and I still hadn't seen my family yet. 

I grabbed all our purses and went and saved our seats. 

Chicken cordon blue and turkey/dressing. Yum!!!

After we ate we took a few pictures, but the rest of our group was at different tables. 

Our normal look. 

Not so normal faces. Ha ha 

Then I finally seen my family and went to mingle a little bit. It was so good seeing friends I hadn't seen in such a long time. 

We were now full and sleepy, but it was time to head back for the second session. By now we were all fighting sleep. I was so tired I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. 

I had a blast with these 2 ladies. They were a lot of fun. I like that I can be myself around them and don't have to pretend to be someone else. Yeah, I'm a little more crazier than them, but they'll come around. Ha ha

We seen a skit and played "Price is Right". It was a lot of fun. I even won a door prize if you can believe that. I never win anything hardly. 

Our second class we went to was taught by Janelle Webb about marriage. She done a great job. I happened to make the comment, amongst my friends, that if Maynard got ahold of her notes I was gonna be in trouble. She may of as well had an alter call. I did glean a lot from what she had to say and I am trying to be a better wife to my husband. 

I was so sleepy though. I was literally feeling myself nod off. Not to mention I was sitting right in front of a rocking chair with a blanket and pillow. It was also dark and cool in there. I seriously could have laid right out and went to sleep. Then again I'm not used to getting up at 5 a.m. every morning either. 

We got a few more minutes to mingle and talk then it was time to head back. Things were coming to an end and they had one more special session. 2 ladies got up to share their testimonies and did an amazing job. One was my sister-n-law. I was so proud of her. She hasn't been saved too awful long. Maybe a little over a year and here she was up front in front of hundreds people sharing her testimony. 

Don't ever doubt what God can do because she is a living example of that!!

We dismissed and took some group pictures before we headed home. 

We wanted to do the crazy photo booth, but didn't want to have to wait for our turn. 

We made one pit stop at Arby's before the trip home and settled in for the ride. Once again we all got to talk and get to know each other better. 

We pulled into the church parking lot and I was so happy to see my family waiting there for me. Yes, I enjoyed the time away, but yet I couldn't wait to get back to them. 

We went to Cheddars to eat before we headed home. 

Maynard had done an awesome job with the kids. They had already had their baths. The house was cleaner than what I left it. The yard was cleaned and he even cleaned our van out. 

I was very thankful that he didn't care if I went to the retreat and in fact he encouraged me to go. I felt so refreshed and ready to take the wife and mommy role again. 

Can't wait to go next year and hope to bring more with us. 

Spring Break 2015

Spring break has come and gone. I can honestly say that I enjoyed having my kids home this past week. They behaved and played together so well with each other. It was a nice week off. We had lots of rain so we didn't have too many options in what we could do. 

Monday and Tuesday we stayed home during the rain and I got some housework done and the kids cleaned their rooms. 

Wednesday we decided to get out for awhile. First stop was the library where the kids read books and played on the computer. Then I had to go to Corbin to pick up my glasses. Of course the kids were starved by then so we went to the McDonalds Playplace. While the kids were playing, I looked up to see the Cumberland Falls sign. My mind began to go in overdrive. 

"Should I take them to Cumberland Falls?"

"The sun is finally shining?"

"I've never driven there before by myself with just the kids."

"I'm only 15 miles away."

"The kids would love it."

"Can I handle all 3 kids by myself?"

"Will Titus mind me and not jump in the water?"

I debated and debated and finally mentioned it out loud to the kids. 

"YES!!!  Please, Mom. We promise we will obey you."

"Can we get ice cream there", asked Amelia. 

We left McDonalds and headed for the Falls. I am so glad I took them. They were little angels and so very appreciative that I took them on an adventure. 

The water was muddy and raging from all the rain we have had lately. It was still pretty and the sun would peek through the clouds every now and then. 

We walked along and went on some trails. It wasn't very crowded and we enjoyed taking our time and having fun. 

Titus and Amelia climbed every rock they could and posed for a picture. Josiah was a little more reluctant. 

Shew!!  That boy is quick on his feet!!

After we walked and climbed around we decided to go back and look at the mining thing they had set up. 

You could go buy a bag of dirt and sift for gems, jewels, and fossils. 

Well y'all know I'm not gonna pay for a bag of dirt, so we just played in the water finding fragments other people left. When I say we, I am in fact talking about myself because it was a lot of fun treasure hunting. 

My boys made some friends with experts who gave them lots of advice and tips. 

They may have gotten a tad dirty. 

I let them play until about 4 when the park came to close that part down. We needed to head home anyway because we had church that night. 

Since the snack bar wasn't open for the season yet, we stopped at a store for slushies. 

I can't even tell you how many hugs, thank you's, and "I love you's" I got that day. My kids had a good time and they we're thankful for the time we spent together that day. I am so glad I did take them on that adventure. I also kind of like that the older my kids get the easier it seems to be in doing stuff like that together with them. 

Thursday we woke up to some beautiful sunshiny weather. I texted some friends to get to the park stat!!  We got there about 11:30 and didn't head home until after 4. 

There's a new park here in town that has a skateboarding park. Titus found a skateboard in the woods, near the park, so he thought he would try it out. I was a nervous wreck. Thankfully, he didn't get too brave and only sat on it going down the ramps. Of course, I had to walk away because I couldn't stand to hardly watch that. 

We enjoyed the sunshine, a picnic, and just being with friends. 

Friday was our last official day of spring break. The kids had asked all week to go to "Mr Sketti's" so I thought I would treat them for lunch. Plus, Josiah had won a free kids meal in his Easter egg so that was a plus. 

Amelia ate a salad, with no dressing, and goldfish. She said she was sick of pizza. Ha ha 

This goes to prove they don't like Gatti's for their food!!!

I used the money we saved on Josiah's meal to use in the game room. 

I took pictures but they were too dark. 

We left there and ended up at the library again. They had a special program and the kids wanted to go. 

All too soon it was over and they went back to school today. 

I really did miss them, but they were anxious to get back. 

Easter 2015

I love Easter. I'll be honest though, it stresses me out. I fret over getting everyone coordinated and with matching outfits. It has to be just right. My boys are more difficult because they are not your average sized boys and everything has to be altered. I try to do the alterations myself to save money. I'm not real talented in that area, but the more I do the better I'm getting. 

Then, once I get them dressed I worry about them staying clean until we can get pictures and make it through church without any crazy accidents. 

So as soon as church is over and the egg hunts and pictures are done, I finally can relax. 

Why am I like that?

I remember almost crying one year because I thought I forgot to pack their matching socks to go with their outfits. I felt condemned after I ended up finding them though. 

We started our Easter celebration by going to an egg hunt on Saturday at the fairgrounds. Maynard went off with the boys and I took Amelia to her age group. I forgot to remind Maynard to take pictures so I only got pictures of Amelia.  It's been nice having Maynard home on Saturdays.  Last year I had to take the kids everywhere by myself and I am so thankful he can be with us now for special fun Saturdays. 

She found so many eggs that she couldn't fit anymore in her bucket. Even after the hunt was over she kept walking the field to make sure there wasn't any straggler eggs. 

The Easter Bunny made his grand appearance, but he at least sang a song about the resurrection. They also told the story about the crucifix and resurrection to the crowd before they started the egg hunt. I was horrified at how rude the people were during the story. No one was listening and they were all talking. It was so rude and I felt sorry for the speaker. No one wanted to hear about Jesus. They were just there for the free food, prizes, and the egg hunt. It bothered me. Actually, it bothered me so much that I walked up to the pastor's wife and apologized after the hunt. According to her it happens every year. 

Later that day the kids had fun dying eggs. 

They were begging to eat the eggs before the dye was even dry yet. Well, Amelia wasn't. Me and her are the only ones who don't like boiled eggs. 

And because y'all love my "blonde moments" here's one for you:

I had went to Krogers to buy eggs for them to dye. I was gonna get a carton of 18 eggs thinking that would be plenty. Almost all of them we're gone except for maybe 6 cartons. I opened all of them and each carton had 2 or 3 cracked eggs in them. As I was looking, another man started going through them too. I explained to him that each had cracked eggs in them and I would just have to get a dozen carton. I walked away and as I rounded the corner I noticed the man doing something brilliant. He exchanged the cracked eggs for good eggs out of the other cartons. Then I got tickled at myself. I never ever would have thought to do that and I thought he was a pure genius. He on the other hand probably thought I was an idiot.Ha ha 

Saturday evening the boys got haircuts and we started baths. They were so dirty from playing outside all day. Plus they kept forgetting to use the egg dipper and kept sticking their hands in the dye. They were finally clean and sent off to bed while I started all the ironing and panicking when I realized the boy's new shirts were made irregular. They just wasn't going to work, so we had to pull out their matching white shirts instead. I was so thankful we had something they could wear instead. 

Easter morning the kids woke up to finding their baskets in their bed. 

We all got dressed and took some pictures outside before we left. 

Silly boys. 

Can y'all believe I wore a dress?  It's been years since I wore a dress. I fell in love with this one though. 

We made it to church and Amelia passed out treats in her classroom we all had made at home. 

It was a group effort, but we all had a lot of fun and it turned out cute. The boys took some to share at school too. 

Church seemed to be a blur because we had Sunday School and then I taught children's church. All too soon church was over and it was time for the egg hunt. 

I think this was the only 2nd time my kids got to have an egg hunt at church. 

Once again Amelia scoured the field for any eggs that may have been missed. She had no problem wearing her heels so all her worrying was in vain. Lol

Josiah was rolling them sleeves up getting ready for action. 

The kids got tons more candy and Josiah  even found 3 prize eggs. 

We took a few more pictures. 

I am so happy for Amelia's new little friends. She's never had anyone close to her age before and she truly doesn't know how to act!!  Lacie is 4 months older than Amelia, but look how big Amelia is compared to them. 

I'm also happy for my new friend Heather. When I was so lonely and my heart was broken, God sent me a friend to help keep my chin up and heal those wounds. 

After church we went home to change clothes and do some last minute cooking for our Easter dinner at Maynard's brother's house. 

Some of the Parker cousins ready for their final egg hunt. 

We enjoyed the evening spending time with family and the kids had a blast going on 4 wheeler rides with Uncle Frankie and Daddy. They loved everything about it. The weather was perfect for it. 

Maynard rode Amelia and Titus and Josiah rode with Uncle Frankie. 

Here are some collages I made from all the Easters years back when we first started our little family. 

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!  

We played a resurrection game in children's church. I put a blanket over a table and the children took turns playing Jesus. They would sneak out the back of the table and then I would jerk the blanket off and the "tomb" would be empty. One child, in particular, had pure joy on his face every time the tomb was empty. Over and over again we played until every child had a turn. Every single time David squealed with joy and amazement when Jesus was gone from the tomb. I don't ever want to lose the awe and amazement of the crucifix and resurrection. I want it to be as real and fresh as it was to a 3 year old  in children's church.