Sarah if you are not building right away I suggest you get a big Kohler sink in your kitchen. If fits in the standard sink space and is deep. Costco has them for around 250 bucks with the beautiful faucet too! It makes washing all those big pots and pans so much easier. ♡

Today’s video had several items that I feel led to speak about (and I am typically a one/two word commenter:) My husband and I felt in our heart that our family was not complete when I was in my mid-forties and and endured years and years of infertility (I gave birth to one miracle baby.) We had looked into many avenues of adoption, including international adoption, and our hearts were eventually opened to foster-to-adopt programs, particularly when we realized that our state had more children available for adoption in foster care than any other state in the US. God led us to our forever daughter, and we have all been blessed since she joined our family at 13 months old. As far as Santa, similar to what you shared, we just let that evolve. When she was old enough to “understand“ we explained that Santa represents the spirit of giving without acknowledgement or expecting something in return. Afterward, we had her pick someone that she wanted to be Santa for, and watch their joy of receiving her gift.

It was me who suggested “Preacher” it just seemed so fitting with your family and with his corralling your flocks. Thanks for considering.

@karenkuhr5698

8 ай бұрын

I really like that name!

Dont worry, you have a house and a dream to fulfill!! Im currently living in my attic, with a 1,5y delay in constructing the new part. Never been so happy!!!❤😅 keep going!!!

If my kids flat out asked me about Santa i answered that thinking about Santa made our hearts happy and that inside everyone is a Santa where we like to surprise and bring a little joy to others without having to say look at what i did for you!

@joangelaparker2845

8 ай бұрын

Omg look at the secret Santa’s out there that are millionaires and give millions in money donations for people that are struggling and pay off lines of Walmart layaways for people , and people that need help with a new /used , car or paying hospital bills in full , or funeral bills off , or need there cancer meds , need a furnace , hot water heater , a Christmas meal , food for the week , come on are you saying , if you fell on hard times , are you people saying you wouldn’t accept a Santa come on , your one heart beat away from a massive heart attack or death door , that can set you back mos if you have little children if ur unable to work , are these people saying they would turn down a Santa helper for the season of Christmas , you wouldn’t take your special gift from a secret Santa 🙏 nice answer Lynn

I was a little naive when I was young and believed in Santa, (and actually the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy) until I was almost 12. When I found out about them I was shocked. I never once, though, ever even thought to question if God and Jesus were real. Not ever. I actually think having Santa when I was young helped me to experience the feelings of miracles and belief in things unseen. I do have, and always have had, a deep and very personal relationship with God. The same was true with all of my now adult children and they all have very close and spiritual relationships with God. When they were old enough, I just let them know about the real St. Nickolas, with a book and a lovely poem, and told them that people liked to carry on his special tradition of giving to children. P.S. It is harder today to keep the Santa tradition because it's dispelled every where you turn. My kids were homeschooled and we did not watch much tv at all. I guess it would be harder if your kids were around many others who might tease them for believing because then they may have some resentment for being told there is a Santa, but I think there are some kids that just truly want to believe no matter what anyone says. My mom was so good at coming up with answers for my inquisitive questions, ie why did my friend find a wrapped present to her in her mom's closet that said, "from Santa"? Well, maybe her mom knew she wasn't that good this year and bought one for her herself. I totally believed that! LOL! When I was really young, my mom had some authentic sounding jingle bells and shook them in another area of the house. I'll never forget my feeling of wonder sitting at the window (amongst all my relatives) watching for Santa's sleigh that I just KNEW was going to fly over any minute. P.S.S. My mom has also always had a very deep and personal relationship with God and would talk to us about him, pray with us, and read us the Bible stories.

@joangelaparker2845

8 ай бұрын

@@daveshoemaker7137 I agree children need to have lite hearts , and not just hear about corruption and all the stress in our world , and so much drama children live today in there households , time to go back amd allow children protected from the evils , so many young children live in fear , not having enough food , or a home to live in , let the children be brought up with happiness , be joyful , and who cares if they suck on a milk bottle till there three , and belive in Santa , an Easter bunny and Tooth fairly , as long as there being brought up with Jesus and Love of parents , there living memory’s and fun filled life 🙏 my three siblings and myself are all graduates of college without mental problems believing in a wonderful Santa that brought us everything we ask for , and even took presents to neighbors houses that the children didn’t get much , Santa gave those children memories that they would had never had 🙏

Santa as far as St. Nicholas was very real and that’s how we raised our children with the spirit of charity. Gifts were part of the holiday but “Santa” was not. The fun shows etc… were also part of the innocent fun.

Regarding toys, I found The Minimal Mom on KZread a few years ago and she really helped me pare down our toys (and other things) to what we really needed/wanted. It was such a game changer. Also Dana K. White, her container concept will change everything.

The pond is so beautiful! I can only imagine all the fauna and flora there! It would be fun to make an inventory and become more knowledgeable about these local species. Fascinating! and, the new pup to protect the bigger critters, the Great Pyrénées will be more than happy to keep an eye on all them and keep them safe... with Love ❤

What a fabulous answer to the Too Many Toys question!

Love you place, so peaceful❤

You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

Hello and thanks for answering the adoption question. It is a really tough one. Sooo much prayer goes into it. One of the families we know did have an adoption not go through. It was heartbreaking for them. On a brighter note the family who adopted from Kyrgyzstan found their son at an orphanage, started the process, then the country closed . They visited him when they could, then 7 years later the country opened back up and they adopted him as a teenager.... AND also his best friend. Quite the story. 😊

Yes! of our 35 grandchildren, aged 37 this month down to 8 years, 13 are adopted... although we do not know who is which! And by the way, celebrate with us the birth of our 23 great grandchild yesterday! #23 in '23! We are blessed.

Saint Nicholas!! The spirit of that time.😊

I ALWAYS TOLD MY KIDS THAT THERE WAS A SANTA CLAUS AND THAT IT WAS THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

I believed in Santa as a child and the magic has stayed with me. I explained to my own children that Santa wasn't just an open book and you couldn't get everything you wanted but that parents had to contribute to how much their children received. As a result, we retained the magic of Santa, without truly believing that he came down the chimney and answered all their dreams.We explained to our children that christmas was about the nativity and that their emphasis was on the birth of baby Jesus and that his presents were from the three magi and that Santa epitomized this in the current day. We've always loved the magic that christmas brings, without all the hype.

I agree, I am at a season of trusting God too. I love it. I feel his guidance and love!

Renters could cost you big time ,not worth it , automatically when they move out , figure new carpet throughout, paint every room hallway etc , dents in walls and doors , cracked windows , we had to replace central air , we will never have rental properties again , and ours were extremely middle class housing 🙏🙏🙏 before you rent it , it’s not like renting your travel bus

Hi Sarah I just love where you live looks so peaceful God Bless you ❤AUstralia xx

I totally agree, I was in the worst position of my life when I bought my most recent house, I waited until I was 59 1/2 to draw the down payment from my IRA so I wouldn’t have to take a penalty and then I could not find a house to save my soul because of Covid and then once Covid started lifting the interest rates creeped up so I lost the benefit of getting a 3% interest rate in and the house that I did get, the house payment was $800 more than I had anticipated. But we made it work in the long run.

Oh I love your response about toys ! I struggle with this so much.

We have 4 kids now and I've been doing the container system for About 6 months and it's amazing. They have to clean up all the Lego before they can get out the magna tiles etc. I really wanted to get rid of all the toys at one point though. They were so overwhelming and with 3 kids with 3 birthdays and all the toys they ever wanted at Christmas I was so done. This was a good compromise. Now I don't feel guilty for getting rid of the smaller junky toys when I need to because they still have plenty to play with

Love seeing your property during the fall season

I told my child that we were sorting through her things twice a year. We donated to Goodwill and Half priced books, where she picked out some new books for her current age. We donated things not played with, nor worn in 1 year. She went with me to do the donations.

The new puppy is adorable. God Bless ❤

When I took care of 3 & 4 year Olds. I taught how to play with one toy at a time. They had to put away a previous toy, books, or crayons away. It worked it kept the living room tidy.

I understand the peaceful feeling in the country. I can’t wait to get out of town and back o the country when I have to go in.

With so many birth children, no need to adopt. Your family runs a children’s home in Kenya, that’s your contribution. Adoption is not easy mix with own family. Speaking from experience of adopting 2 + our 3.

@LeahFairfield

8 ай бұрын

Not everyone has the same experience with adoption.

The Father Christmas disclaimer is fabulous 😂

There are many organizations this time of year looking for gently used, re-gift-able toys. When ours were young, we would ask them to consider "donating" so that other, less privileged kids could have a good Christmas. We also tried to sort out "broken" or unloved toys a couple of times a year.

Love your property and the wind blowing, the beautiful trees beautiful,

Yes love preacher.

Great update we dont do the Santa or Christmas anything just another day for us .. everyone is different and different is good ..❤❤❤

@davisange

7 ай бұрын

Yep it’s ok either way. Christmas is just a day, it can be celebrated or not. Even with celebrating it can be as simple as having a bible study and thank God that He sent Jesus to be born here on earth all for our benefit. It doesn’t have to be complicated to those who choose to celebrate the day

I absolutely believe that God takes us through the process as it should be. Its hard to understand and not get frustrated but you just need to have faith. My husband and I wanted to have children but couldn't get pregnant. Adoption was too expensive and I was unwilling to do IVF , its also very expensive and was not covered by insurance when we needed it. It worked out best for us because my husband came down with multiple health issues that required lots of time and money. I was also a special education teacher and put my mothering into my students. We also ended up spending tremendous time with our three nieces, who had cystic fibrosis, loving them as if they were ours!

@karenkuhr5698

8 ай бұрын

God in his great glory knew what was right for you. Sometimes I have a difficult time with that at first, but eventually the great plan is revealed.

It’s difficult to sell a house with a pool. Most buyers don’t want the maintenance costs and liability. That being said, it only takes one buyer that is looking for a pool.

My kids believed in Santa and the Tooth Fairy. It was Magical for them! Now they are grown and well adjusted.

@mktay2067

8 ай бұрын

I was taught Santa. When I found out my parents had lied to me I totally lost trust in them. I have watched other kids go through the same thing. Having my own kids now they know I will not tell them a lie.

@glendaruff125

8 ай бұрын

Do people call Solo Preacher? People do call ministers here Preacher. When I was a child, some of my cousins had a big house. Their parents put a whole swing set in the basement. I thought that was the greatest thing. Lol

@ladyt4062

8 ай бұрын

Pagan, ungodly. “ Thou shall have no other gods before me “ Exodus 20

@RepentAndBelieve1437

8 ай бұрын

​@@ladyt4062Amen

@RepentAndBelieve1437

8 ай бұрын

​@@mktay2067exactly. Its lying. Parents dont realize they are actually lying because of being caught up with all the jingle bells and gifts etc. Caught up in all the glitz... it's not worth it. My parents did the best they did. And I understand why they did it so I didn't hold it against them. I'm doing different however.

My mother started teaching me to drive at 9....by the time I was 15, I could drive an automatic, a stick shift, and a shift located on the steering wheel thanks to mama, a teenager across the street, and my older brother. Mama wanted me to know how to drive all types of shifts.... including my uncle's cattle truck, so I would never be stranded.

We loved exploring the woods in winter especially when it snowed. We looked for animal tracks and tried to identify the tracks…and threw an occasional snowball.

We play a game in winter. We take a phone and try to identify the different animal tracks we find. ( the phone so you can see if you are right 😂)

@OurTribeofMany

8 ай бұрын

Fun!

My Daddy’s dog growing up was named Preacher!! He followed him everywhere!!

Very beautiful property i always tried to keep the old traditions Santa Easter Bunny but my kids grew up in Church they knew eventually it was just a thing they didnt get traumatized over it wasnt real nor did they think i was a liar just fun old traditions now are over thought kids are just little awhile learn them God they know right from wrong i see no harm in it love your beautiful Family and videos each Family do what you thinks best for you❤

"I want this, or something better" makes room for acceptance of what is to come!

St. Nicholas was a real person who enjoyed giving gifts. Just as we might celebrate other people in the past who are no longer with us, we let our kids enjoy the spirit of Santa when they are little. Usually when they reach the age of somewhere around 10, they start to figure it out. When each of my kids reach that point, I tell them that now they can help keep the magic for their younger siblings for a little while longer and they seem to really enjoy that. There has been no trauma, they still believe in Jesus, and they were able to experience that unique excitement of childhood that only lasts a short time. Just my two cents. Would do it the same again.

@jaimec3159

8 ай бұрын

Absolutely!!! ❤

@beautifulandbold7117

8 ай бұрын

Wonderful answer💛✨️

On Santa I disagree! It does not hurt to let littles believe in Santa. I was so peed off when a strict Christian friend ruined it for my son who about 7. You can believe how you want but you have no right to ruin it for other children. We are Christian and we were going to tell him when we were ready to tell him. He knew Christmas was Jesus birthday ect. Santa was just extra to it.

@louDAY831

8 ай бұрын

Teed off 😆

@anarhlia

7 ай бұрын

Is it really other people’s job to maintain essentially a lie that you told your kids?

@dzejnalukovic9920

7 ай бұрын

​@@anarhliaHmm 🤔......... agreed. Only if the question is asked of that individual.

@davisange

7 ай бұрын

It is wrong if you believe in not lying to your children

Please pray for my state of Alabama, we are dry as a bone and under a burn ban but have a 80-100 acre fire only 10% contained about an hour from my house. Some house in that area have already burned.

Great video. We told our kids that Santa is a Christmas game our family play at Christmas about giving and receiving. A little off topic, last Christmas was the first year that some some of us went completely one use gift wrap free. I kept fluking bargain Christmas fabric and bags. I said I will have the wrapping back thanks. Some kept theirs to reuse.

Yes great background to film

Sorry to hear the house hasn’t sold. The interest rates are ridiculous!!! We are ready to buy a new home but we have decided to wait until they drop back down, we strongly believe they will. I just wanted to chime in on the rental option. I know you guys painted and put in new carpet. If you rent it out count that cost as well because most likely you will have to do repairs, new carpet and paint when they move out. We have two rental homes on our block and every time the rental families move out they have to invest a lot of money on the repairs. It is so much more money than a deposit. I hope it sells soon!

In 1979 we purchased a new build in California the interest rate we paid was 17% so today's rate doesn't seem so outrageous.

21:49 switch those toys out, especially if you have little ones. I worked at a daycare after school when I was in high school. We’d switch the toys out, sanitize then, and then put them on the shelf in a Rubbermaid container. They “new” container of toys was like Christmas for the kiddos!

you are very strong because i could never keep that puppy outside 😂😂😂 or I would be sleeping outside next to him LOL

Yes rotate toys makes them more fun.

We went through the VA and our interest rate is fixed and it is 3.75%. The thing about it is, when taxes go up, your house payment goes up. I still believe in Santa! 😊

@jenniferwilliams545

8 ай бұрын

Only if your taxes are escrowed into the mortgage the payment goes up.

@effusivelyme2

8 ай бұрын

Property tax is seperate from interest rate. Fixed interest rates never change. Taxes however change every year. Some people pay it monthly in their mortgage payment and some pay yearly.

@hoosierladyus48

8 ай бұрын

@@effusivelyme2 I know!

I don't think our pyraneise knows that her hair is self cleaning. Lol! Brushing helps a lot. You probably won't have to brush his till spring or summer when he's shedding his winter coat.

Good morning !!!!!!

When my son asked if Santa was real, i would ask him what he felt deep down in his heart. He would awnser i believe the spirit of santa is true. To this day we both when we are out in public we carry on the spirit as there is so many kids and we want them to continue to believe

It is called an interest buy down. You can do it for more than a year perhaps reducing the buy down for a couple of years. I was in real estate for 34 years and can honestly say it always happens when it is supposed to.

We had 3 dogs, two we adopted from the shelter at 8 weeks old. One was a rot/Doberman mix, his name was Crash Apparatus, he had cancer and we had to but him down because he couldn’t eat and cried. 4 years later we miss him, he was the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. Our other dog is medium mixed breed and his name is Gordo Davenci and we have a pit/lab mix and her name is Ellie Kate but we call her “no no”. She is 6 now and Gordo is 8. Ellie for two years would smell the right side of my neck and lick it and then stare in my eyes, we thought she was trying to tell me about my blood sugars. Found out later that I had/have thyroid cancer on the right side and 7 lymph nodes. She is very much my protector.she is a mama’s girl. And she no longer sniffs or licks me since I have had my thyroid removed and had radioactive iodine treatment. So to say dogs are so good to have.

omg thank you so much you mentioned that you know so many people that struggling through process. we a re having though year and everything is messed up. nothing went smooth.... :( when i am looking around i only see others who looks like they sorting things right and quick. was thinking we are the only one which always have a rising stairs up in front of us

Hi Sarah!!! Love, love, love you and your family!!!❤️❤️❤️ Have you and Solo considered just adding on to your small home? A dog trot style home would give you the additional space without requiring you to move out while it is being built. This is from a person who is NOT an architect. 😊

@OurTribeofMany

8 ай бұрын

We want a newer home and keep this one for family and guests so that is why we don't want to put a lot into renovating the little one.

@geenastarr2745

8 ай бұрын

Great idea!!!!

Good morning family

Had our kids practice driving in a cemetery. Lots of turns and little traffic. Also don't forget to have them practice driving at night.

@marieneu264

8 ай бұрын

That’s a really good idea! My daughter just turned 16, and I don’t feel like having her drive in a huge and empty parking lot is teaching her much.

@MrsIEllis

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for this idea, I would have never thought.

Why the war against Santa? He creates such excitement and happiness for kids. I would never consider to leave him out of Christmas.

Hello my husband and I are going through the same thing with deciding to either rent out our home in town or sell it. I'm saying rent it and he's saying sell it. But the realistic thing to do is sell it, but if push come to shove I guess we could do a rent to own to help the buyer out and we'd still get our asking price with interest.

Sarah, you and your family are a light in my life. I suffer anxiety and when I have your videos to watch it promotes calm in me. It helps me to focus on being a better person, mother, and wife. Thank you for these videos and insights into your life. You are appreciated.

@Lisa.Halloran

8 ай бұрын

Yes! You have stated exactly what I was thinking as I watched Sarah today. So Sarah, if you see this, thank you from me also! ❤

Love this property and admire your patience with the process ♥️. Did you name the small house/property? 😊

Goodmorning Sarah.I have 4 girls.I did the same about Santa.I would ask them who they thought he was?We watched Christmas and Santa movies.Always be open for conversations. 😊

Amen to that”I believe He knows the process “ I trust Him 🎉❤

Preacher is perfect!

My son and daughter in law have two Air B&B and love them.

I just love your family, your children are beautiful, as you & Solo too.

Micah will be a good driver 😊

Sarah and Solo, I have been praying for God's will in your life about your house in town, as I know you have. I tell my adult children when things don't go the way they planned it, "When you pray for God to direct your steps and He does, just rest in it." Like you said, we don't see the big picture and He does. Thank you for your testimony.

@RepentAndBelieve1437

8 ай бұрын

Amen 💝

Adorable puppy in the background

So sad to hear of adults denying children the joys of make believe.

Great examples of how you teach your children to socialize with friends and learn hospitality and enjoying the company of friends. These are special moments. This is what memories are made of.

Santa is real if you want him to be! Just as some believe in God and others don’t, it’s not for me to convince others. I simply say that I believe. Love your backdrop it’s just so beautiful, love your family 🥰🇦🇺

Love the toy answer.

Gable 😁👍❤

My sister, 5 kids, makes all her kids donate 10 toys to the local church, every Xmas. Not broken toys, good toys! Or no Xmas presents! I’m sure they would still get Xmas pressies, but it’s a good thing to clean out bedrooms, make them think about those less financial etc

🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 I enjoyed my visit!

You could also do air BB to help with your house until you can sale air B&Bs are very popular

I understand everything you're saying regarding Santa. My oldest is 20 and my youngest is 12. I set out with my first daughter with the intentions that I was not going to teach her to believe in Santa, however that went out the window as soon as she was in school around peers. So that just kind of took over and I was like you I did not want to take that away from her, and even more so did not want to ruin it for her peers. My 12-year-old however is very inquisitive and she stopped believing at a much younger age and I was actually thankful for that. It's kind of strange the way the whole thing surrounding Santa works. It truly is more about all the people that surround our children will instill that intense need to believe. I wish there was that intense need to believe and understand in Jesus, more than there was in Santa for all those who are struggling to find their way to Christ. I always love your videos, and seeing what's happening with your family... Much love, many hugs, and lots of prayers for all of you XOXO

Chistmas was more focus as baby Jesus Birthday and we made him a cake. Given (3) presents each due to budget. Then we volunteer and or help someone else.

That's good to be walking the property with your puppy. It will teach him to know the boundaries of your property and he'll be less likely to run too far.

I would be afraid of people trashing the home as a air BNB. Especially on football weekends.

If the naughty or nice theory of Santa Claus was true, we would know that none of us would ever get any presents, because we've all blown it sometime in the year! 😂

Santa stemmed from a monk (St. Nick) for his untold generosity and selflessness.

You have your own beautiful park

I did a drivers Ed program through my high school where we drove 2 hours with a state patrol officer who had been to a special driver school. It was my first time on the interstate as my parents weren’t comfortable driving on the highways and interstate with me at that age fkr my first time. The state patrol officer took me to our small airport after a snow and got us in a spin and taught me how to get out of it. ( he was driving) I am not sure I could remember now but that was very helpful for where we lived at the time where it was very possible for me to get into a slide while driving due to where I lived when I was 16. The program took us out of school for our 2 driving hours. If we had good grades. I will never forget this experience. It helped me and my parents. More police officers should teach students how to drive.

🇦🇺When my kids were small all toys where in containers in a locked cupboard. They needed to ask to play with something. The rules where put something away to get something out. It contains the mess and is less stressful.

I have a few toys out on shelves the rest are away and I just swap them over and because there isn’t many it works well and the children already more interested, also because I homeschool I can put toys out that meet their needs and interests

I try not to judge other parents, but I always told my kids that Santa was for kids who didn’t have Jesus. As a child I instinctively knew Santa was not real and so, as a parent, always used Christmas to focus on Jesus. We still had lots of fun…food, company, presents, games, etc. We knew who we were celebrating and from whom our blessings came (come).

Hey guys! As long as your child is able to stay on the actual planet, I've found that A REALLY GREAT PLACE to teach your child to drive at first, is at the cemetery! There's generally very few people there if even any at all😊

@OurTribeofMany

8 ай бұрын

Great tip!

@COEXIST-ny4db

7 ай бұрын

@@carolkimbell5174 It ABSOLUTELY IS! And I agree with you a million percent. HOWEVER... in absolutely ZERO WAY am I implying to do bad or "MESS AROUND" at all!!! I'm just talking about a very quiet place with little to none traffic. I've been doing this and teaching my cousins, nieces and nephews and my own daughter to learn to drive without ANY issues at all. I would NEVER EVER do anything to jeopardize a cemetery as I agree with you 100%! (And for the record... I'm that person who goes to the cemetery EVERY YEAR to clean my VERY LARGE FAMILY'S headstones as well as many MANY extras whom obviously no longer have anyone to care for theirs anymore. (It's so extremely sad and difficult for me to see that there are SO MANY headstones that are completely grown over and taken back by nature. Almost never available for anyone to ever see again😢😢😢

The more you include him inside the more attached & protective of your kids he will become. It’s a good thing.

@bonniemullen4990

8 ай бұрын

AGREE

So many great comments for You to read as I a 72 year old Happy Ager….I still learn so much from You Both…the name Preacher is KEEPER…..my children had GP and loved them……BUT my comment is on HOUSING…..we moved out to a one level home in Olympia in the country to be near our Grown Children and GrandBabes…….(another Daughter and son-in-love teach school Beijing and they love it ) and will never regret having a bit of land to take care of for the Lord…..but I read online people in PNW ie Seattle are having to lower the prices of their homes as mortgages are so high…..I too believe “ in the fullness of time” ……all works for the glory of God….Amen

Property so absolutely beautiful, so glad you are able to be there and enjoy it. Praying your in town house sells soon so you can move on to building your new home on the property.

I love the name “Juno” for a white colored puppy.

I think people are suggesting Preacher after ours! They Love him! We named him Preacher after Clint Eastwood in Pale Rider! But, he was supposed to be our Gaurdian livestock dog but,he needed a lot of prayer when he was born because he had bone problems and prayer he got from all over! He is still with us 9 years later. He herds us humans but no animals and he does Preach! We are huge believers! Fun Fact my maiden name is Gable lol