A Family Outing

Hello everyone! Today, the Trent family set out on an adventure to Appomattox, Virginia! Dad was able to get an unexpected day off, so we decided to hit the highway and go visit the historical town. Mom and I just love the little antique shops, craft stores, and garden centers that make up the quaint downtown area. The men, however, are not too enthusiastic about the shopping part. They would much rather go to the civil war shops and the Appomattox Court House (where General Lee surrendered to Grant). Thankfully, both parties got to do what they wanted on this trip. :)

Here are Philip and Eric standing in front of the Appomattox sign. They are excited to be going to the civil war shops later on.

Here I am standing in front of Mom's favorite little trinket store. Unfortunately we did not pick up any good finds here on this trip.

This was Philip's favorite stop...a book store! He is an avid reader and always has his nose in a good book. We had to practically drag him out of here! It is a neat place though, perfectly equipped with a little cafe.

This is another one of Mom's favorites, and mine as well. This little antique shop is packed full of little treasures, and we almost always find something special. Today we were able to find a cute retro apron to bring home. We will definitely be getting some use out of it!

Whew! All of that shopping worked up an appetite! We headed over to Pizza Hut for a bite to eat. Afterward, we headed out to do boy things. The first stop...a civil war museum/shop.

Here's Eric in front of a civil war museum.

Next we arrived at the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. In this house, Lee surrendered to General Grant. We were able to go through the house with a tour guide who shared with us the history that took place here. Also, we looked in the surrounding kitchen, slave quarters, and ice house.

Philip looking through the window of a storehouse.

Dad the Navigator

Each house was uniquely furnished to look like it would have back then.

This the McLean House kitchen.

Here Mom and Dad are resting on the porch of the Clover Hill Tavern

after a long day of walking.

One great advantage of being home schooled is having the opportunity to spend time with each other...and taking really fun field trips. :) ~Alli

What's Cookin'?

Tonight I was able to try a new recipe from the Almost Homemade cookbook by the Gooseberry patch. It was a tasty and very simple chicken dish to put together, and we are definitely going to be making this one again! Even if you're not a big zucchini fan, it's really yummy! Here's the recipe, we hope you enjoy:

Zucchini- Stuffed Chicken

2 T. olive oil

2 C. zucchini, shredded (I diced ours)

1 onion, finely chopped

6 oz pkg. herb- flavored stuffing mix

3/4 C. water

1 C. shredded Italian-style cheese blend

8 chicken leg quarters (I used 5 whole chicken breasts)

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and onion; cook and stir for 5 minutes, or until onion is tender. Remove from heat. Stir in stuffing mix, water, and cheese until well blended; cover and set aside.

Carefully loosen skin on leg quarters to form a pocket (or split chicken breasts to form a pocket); fill evenly with stuffing mixture. Arrange in a greased shallow baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear when pierced. Enjoy!

P.S.- Don't forget the vinegar on your greens! :)

~Alli

They're Growing!

This year, our family has decided to save some money by growing our own veggies from seeds. This has been our first attempt to do so, and so far things are actually growing! Dad built us this cold frame from two old windows. We found these antique windows at our old farmhouse that has been in the family for many generations. It's amazing how the cold frame works just like a greenhouse!

Spinach is growing in the closest flat. Then we have assorted annual flowers in the middle and tiny tomato plants in the round pans. Our garden plot is ready and waiting for these new little plants to join the already planted salad mix, beets, and cabbage that we grew from seed as well. We didn't realize how simple it was to grow our own plants from the start! The other day, Mom and I saw a flat of flowers for 24$! It is such a great bargain to buy a pack of seeds for less than a dollar, and you end up with more for your money! Of course it takes a little more effort and patience to start from scratch. But on the other hand it is interesting to see the growing process of a plant , so intricately designed by our Creator! ~Alli

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT RHONDA

Today is my sisters birthday! She is 30 something! This picture was in 1970 something:) Very cute.

Rhonda, we hope that your life is filled with the joy that you have brought to ours!

We love you

Julie

Guess What?

Can anyone guess what this is? For those of you who said a pin-cushion, you are right! These little felt projects have been so much fun to make, and I've really enjoyed playing with all of the different color combinations and flower designs. I was actually able to sell one on E-Bay last week for the Spring!

I have been named the "crafty" one in the family because I always have my hand on a new project! Sometimes I think I have too many going on at once, but I love creating things and seeing the end results. I have just begun to get into embroidery, and I think I have embroidered just about everything in the house. My next project to tackle is embroidering pillowcases for Mom and Dad. Hey, they aren't complaining! :) ~Alli

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog! We have been blogging for some time now, and we have decided to take the plunge and start our own blog. We have received much encouragement from many of our favorite blogs and we hope that you will be blessed in the same way by ours. Here we will be sharing our thoughts, daily adventures, recipes, gardening attempts, sewing projects, and much more. We invite you to share your own comments and thoughts as you visit us here at the gathering place. ~The Trent Family