BarbaraLee

Up coming 4th

2011-06-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well we decided that a family vacation is needed. So we are heading up to Duluth MN for the grand celebration. Rented a hotel for 3 days and take in some sites. This will be fun.

Hopefully my dd will be feeling better. Came down with an ear infection and is couching like crazy. She already missed the 4-H camp that she was planning for weeks with her friends.

DH and I had a little talk about our finances. So I need to get my butt in gear and get the budget together.

Have to get ready for work.

It's been a long time

2011-06-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been. I gave up blogging because I had other things that were more important. Something had to go. But I know I missed blogging and communicating with all of you.

Even though my dream was to stay home and take care of my family and the house I couldn't afford to do that. Granted we aren't hugely in debt but we didn't want to get caught up. Unfortunately this isn't the Walton's and I needed to go back to work. I am grateful that my children are old enough to handle things while I am gone to work. They are learning a few things too.

It is 8:43 am and my dh is still asleep. I wanted to keep things quite for him b/c he is back to work and coming home at 4:00 am. He was laid off for about 2 1/2 months. Not a good feeling.

So I guess there is a lot to catch up on. But I am not going to do that now. I am just trying to get reconnected with everyone. I miss this time.

10/12/10 Getting reorganized

2010-10-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Since I have started the new job I can go through my day and reevaluate.
I have adjusted to the new sleeping pattern. Back to the 8 hr day job M-F 3:00 to 11:00p.m.
I'm not sleeping my days away, unlike the 12 hr. shift. Bless any ones soul who can do it.
I am up between 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. I take L. to work and start my day off.
I joined up w/Curves again. So excited about that.

But I printed off a schedule to see where I am at w/my day.
Not much has changed w/that. I am going to get back in the swing of things w/no problem. B/c the kids are old enough to know how to do their chores I am just going to concentrate on the special cleaning that nobody does but mom. :)

I'll have to try and print it for you all here to show you. But for now I am just excited to have my days back.

9/7/10 It feels good.

2010-09-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

All last week I have been getting use to a new sleep schedule. No more 12 hr. night shifts. I am so excited to start a new job and hours. I was up at 7:30 and got my day going.
I showered & excrised.
Made bread
Shredded zucchini
Ran an errand in town ( L needed distilled H20 for science project)
Started dinner
Mailed off the phone bill
Checked w/contractor on projects in the shop
Started a grocery list
Thinking of a few menus (I'll be taking that to work to do on break)
Renewed a library book
All that before noon. Most days I would still be sleeping. I loved this time frame. This was what it was when I worked the other place before they switched to 12 hrs. Now I am back in the groove. It feels great.
I have the frig to clean and then I am done for the day before I go to work.

The rest of the week is busy too but just getting this much done today puts a smile on my face.

Tackling

2010-08-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

This is so great. I am up before everyone else and starting my day. How many mornings I have

missed b/c of 12 hr shifts. Will not miss them. I am going to like my new job just for the hours alone.

It is a bit cloudy today but there is alot I need to do and it is all paperwork.

I have already said my prayers. Seemed like ages that I have said my favorite ones. It will be a joy to say them again.

I will be running to the bank this morning to fill out loan papers for a tractor.

After that I need to put the living room back in order. I shampood the rug yesterday.

Then it is tons of bookkeeping. School curriculm to organize, invoices to print and send. Budget to look over.

Well I am going to finish up breakfast and head out.

Hope all of you have a blessed day.

Saying goodbye and starting over

2010-08-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a tough day. Our faithful friend of 14 yrs. has been put to rest. J & I had to take him to the vet to be put to sleep. He wasn't moving or eating any more. It was sad to see him go but he was suffering. The house will seem empty w/o him. I won't miss the hair balls that float around here but he would follow me everywhere. We buried him in a nice quite spot in the backyard.

On the good note, I found a new job. They called me today to see if I was still interested. I start Sept. 7th. I am pretty happy. I will be working in customer service answering phones. It will be a nice change from lifting boxes and pulling pallets. I'll have more energy at home.

No more 12 hour shifts. It is from 3 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Mon. thru Frid. Weekends off.
I'll get a better sleep and wake up at a decent hour.

Green beans & curtains

2010-08-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well I just finished some coffee and rasphberry cheesecake.
Waiting for my green beans to finish processing. 22 pints this year. I don't like this breed I bought. The same goes for my pickles. I usually like straight eights but could't find them. I did get 16 pints done.
My corn isn't much better.
Not happy w/my garden this year.
Maybe it has to do w/my long hours or the season. We had a lot of rain this year.
Didn't help that the chickens are eating my tomatoes.
I still got things growing.
Nice big pumpkins out there. Plan on canning several pints of those.
We will be digging up potatoes soon.

Have the curtains in the livingroom hung. Beautiful. Gives the room and nice soft glow. Feels comfy in there. I'll have to update pictures soon.

8/2/10 Mission accomplished

2010-08-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

The chickens are done. All tugged away in the freezer. No canning done. Way to hot. But the Lord did bless us w/a breeze.

These birds should have been done in June but the friend we got them from just does things by a different tune. For 2 weeks we had to feed them to fatten them up. He wasn't feeding them properly so they didn't grow like they should. He had a few die. He'll basically straved them.

But all in all the butchering is done.
The boys have their rooms changed and organized.
E took care of the horses and dinner today. She had to babysit this afternoon. Also got her scheduled for drivers training.
Wed. morning we have to serve for the 4-H stand. 6:45 to be exact. Putting 12 hr shifts at night, getting up in the morning kills me. I will be napping before work tomrrow when I get home.

Has a added surprise I mowed the lawn for D. W/all the rain we got and time running out for him I took advantage of the nice afternoon and did it. This is and old picture but as you can see this isn't your ordinary lawn mower. But it did the job.

I really do miss my mornings though.

Oh well, it is only once a yr. I should live.
Have a blessed night.

8/2/10 Butchering day.

2010-08-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well Tuesday we are going to finishing butchering the chickens. We got some from a friend but they were to small. So we decided to give them 2 weeks to grow. The friend didn't feed them very well. But now they are ready for the freezer. I am going to try and can some.
Tommrow is suppose to be warm w/chances of rain. Dad and I are going to be starting in the morning, hopefully it will be comfortable.

D & J have hair cuts and the farrier is coming to take of the horses.
E has to babysit later.

At the moment the boys are changing rooms. R works nights like me so I thought it would be a good idea for him to be downstairs were it is quite. They like the idea.

My day off. Always something. I do look forward to some winter days.

Happy tackling!!!!

7/30/10 Days have gone by.

2010-07-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I have been here. Since I started work a yr. ago in June I just haven't had time. I miss this part of my life, blogging w/all of you. Everyone says I should do face book. HA! Can't keep up w/this so where would I find the time to face book?

After a yr. of working full time I have managed to get somewhat of a routine down for myself. The kids just forget. It is going well though. The house is clean and picked up. Which in turn gives me time to redecorate and get the canning done. There is a list of things I am tackling at the moment and happy to report getting done in a timely fashion.

I have decided that this blogging world is a fun part of my life, I am going to squeeze time for it. I work 12 hr. days from 6p.m. to 6a.m.. Those will be the days I am going to blog and schedule. I sleep til noon most times so I do light cleaning or small projects.
B/c of the redecorting I want to take before and after pictures. Even though we plan on big changes in the remodleing department of the house the encomony will not allow much. So I am going to make things look cozy for us.

I have painted the living room already. I am working on replacing the window treatments. That will be my next post. But I don't want to post to much ahead of myself. I want to post as I go. Otherwise to much to soon. And it makes you all have to wait for the surprise.

So for now I am off. Cleaning the sewing room after the kids took everything out of the closet for a storm. Not happy about that one. I'll take pixs.

I'll also have to keep you all informed about our animals.

5/24/10 A nice long ride.

2010-05-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

It was really nice today. I have always wanted a horse and D got me one last yr. for my ann. gift. Love her. She is a 6yr. old Morgan/Abran. I asked some friends of ours to give me riding lesson b/c I am real new to this. K worked w/me last yr. on her ground manners and done well. So we went for a ride to build my cofindent and knowledge. E came w/us on Justin. What a nice ride. It was windy but no bugs or hot and sticky.

I even trotted a bit.

4/28/10 Getting started.

2010-04-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well I still have this cold. It is all in my throat so I loose my voice off and on. I am trying the old fashion apple cider vinegar, honey and hot water. That usually helps.

I did get what I wanted to get done yesterday. I took some cat naps through out the day. My bedroom is all done w/laundry. Went to pick up a few things in town for the business and some chick feed. Down to 4 chickens and still laying eggs. J picked Rosco up a new ball. Unfortunately he threw it up in a tree and can't get down. Poor kid.

I still need to work on my menus. I have to work tonight so I won't stress myself out by doing to much. But Fri., Sat, and Sun. I have off. I want to clean up the small room downstairs. Got a little table from a co-worker that will free up some room, but big enough to use for crafts or sewing.

Friday I will do some more bookkeeping. Hank the horse comes on Sat. also. And the girls want to go to a tack shop in Milica on Sunday.

Just enough to do around here.

God Bless.

I need to go back to bed.

2010-04-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I have been on here. I can't remeber how to do Mr. Linky to post a blog or my web page. I am going to lay down for awhile and wake up again.

It has got to be my cold.

4/27/10 Update!!

2010-04-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since I was here last. Time sure has away of passing you by. It's like having children. You don't realize how fast they are gr owning until they need new clothes or getting ready to move out. And before that they are consonantly reminding you of getting a car or a job.

Couple of Sat. a go we sold Pretty Girl. That was a touch good-bye. But E wants a different horse and we can't keep all of them. She is getting a pretty grey w/black mane & tail. She is a 5yr. old mare that needs to be broke. It is great that she is able to train w/the trainer, who is a our neighbor, so that she can learn w/her. If I am spelling it right her name is Taih.? We were also browsing Craig's list and found another horse near by. Went an bought him last night. He is a 3 yr. old Paint gelding named Hank. Gentlest thing you can find. His ground work is all done but he needs to be broke. So J & I have that project that summer. Not to mention my horse Sweetness needs some work too. She hasn't had much time under the saddle or neck rein so that is our busy summer. Justin is being worked by M. M has taken a liking to him and has wanted to ride for awhile. So almost everyday off that she has she is out here. These horses are getting a work out. Simple pleasure. It's even adorable seeing L.A taking a liking to them now. Before she would cry when she got close, at 2 yr. old everything is scary, she is in the saddle going for a 2 min ride.

Well it is 8:00 a.m. and I am ready for the day. Working 12 hr shifts has its toll. After a 2 1/2 months I am finally use to this shift. I have a sleeping pattern down and a cleaning schedule. Nether one is a big chore. Everyone is up and up on things. It's such a quite moment I enjoy around here that am taking advantage of.

Started the garden this week. D & E planted red potatoes. I need to buy the rest of the seeds. Plan is to have the garden planted by the middle of May. I won't need to plant alot of carrots or tomatoes b/c I canned enough last yr. Just enough for salads and fresh pickings. I am going to try covering the garden for winter storage and see how that works for the MN winters. They say that is how our pioneers did it. Storing potatoes can be a bit of a space issue. I will be canning some of them this year though.

But today I have off. I will be putting clothes away, cleaning my room, washing towels and hopefully setting up a monthly cleaning schedule. There are just some things that don't need to be done every day or week but need tending to. I am not going to count on my memory of when that is. It is full of other info that I don't need to clutter a cleaning project up w/either. Besides if the kids do it for me I pay them for it. My cabinets got done that way. $1.00 to $1.50 per cabinet goes a long way.

With a bit of free time I will get a menu started again and things recorded in the computer. I really don't work to hard on my days off b/c everyone does their thing to keep the house clean.

I have a few goals that I will be starting in May. 1st Bible reading at least once a week. I would like to find a study bible though so I can understand it. 2nd getting back into Weight Watchers point plan. I won't be doing the meetings again b/c I don't have the time or extra money but I do have the material to follow the plan. Squeezing some excrise time in.

That is about it. I feel a small cold coming on so I will be taking it easy through out the day but I have enough to do that it isn't stressful.

God Bless!!

1/2/10 Tackling weekly cleaning.

2010-03-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

Wow! I have to update this picture. I painted the livingroom before Christmas.

Anyway, I have the day off so I will be fluttering around the house cleaning. Just the dusting, vaccuuming and scrubbing. It won't take much. Maybe the scrubbing. But that is the goal for today. Happy tackling everyone. : )

Why go to church?

2010-02-24T20:18:00.001-08:00

Why go to Church? (This is good) If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope! Why Go To Church? A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment! All right, now that you're done reading, send it on! I think everyone should read this! "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me?"

Your Social Security

2010-02-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

Your Social Security
>> it doesn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. Facts are Facts!!!
>> Our Social Security
>> Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social> Security (FICA) Program. He promised:
1.) That participation in the Program would be
Completely voluntary,>>
No longer Voluntary
2.) That the participants would only have to pay
1% of the first $1,400 of their annual> Incomes into the Program,
Now 7.65%>>
3.) That the money the participants elected to put> into the Program would be deductible from> their income for tax purposes each year,>>
No longer tax deductible>>
4.) That the money the participants put into the> independent 'Trust Fund' rather than into the> general operating fund, and therefore, would> only be used to fund the Social Security> Retirement Program, and no other> Government program, and,>>
Under Johnson the money was moved to>>
The General Fund and Spent>>
5.) That the annuity payments to the retirees> would never be taxed as income.>>
Under Clinton & Gore>>
Up to 85% of your Social Security can be Taxed>>
Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are> now receiving a Social Security check every month -->
and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of> the money we paid to the Federal government to 'put> away' -- you may be interested in the following:>> ------------ --------- -- Q: Which Political Party took Social Security from the> independent 'Trust Fund' and put it into the> general fund so that Congress could spend it?>>
A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the democratically> controlled House and Senate.>> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -->>
Q: Which Political Party eliminated the income tax> deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?>>
A: The Democratic Party.>> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----->>
Q: Which Political Party started taxing Social> Security annuities?>>
A: The Democratic Party, wit h Al Gore casting the> 'tie-breaking' deciding vote as President of the> Senate, while he was Vice President of the US>> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ->>
Q: Which Political Party decided to start> giving> annuity payments to immigrants?>> AND MY FAVORITE:>>
A: That's> right!>> > Jimmy Carter and the Democratic Party.> immigrants moved into this country, and at age 65,> began to receive Social Security payments! The> Democratic Party gave these payments to them,> even though they never paid a dime into it!>> ------------ -- ------------ --------- ----- ------------ --------- --------->>
Then,> after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around> and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security> away!>>
And> the worst part about it is uninformed citizens believe it!>> >
If enough people receive this,maybe a seed of>
awareness will be planted and maybe changes will> evolve.
Maybe not, some Democrats are awfully> sure of what isn't so.>>
But it's worth a try.
How many people can YOU send this to?>>
Actions speak louder than bumper stickers.>> >
AND CONGRESS GIVES THEMSELVES 100% RETIREMENT FOR ONLY SERVING ONE TERM!!!>> > >>
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.> -Thomas Jefferson

2/16/10 Tackle it Tuesday. Cleaning spaces.

2010-02-16T17:31:00.000-08:00

Just started my 12 hr. shift on Sunday. WOW!

Something new to adjust to. But it went well. I slept til noon, I had my alarm set for 12:30, and woke up on my own. I felt rested.

Monday I had some running around to do but didn't get all of it done b/c I was tired later on that day. No big deal.

Today I did get some small spaces cleanned.

I started out doing my laundry and finished.

D wanted to go out for dinner so after doing History we went to MD.

After that D went to work. The kids & I went to the library and visited a friend.

It turned out that her son got hurt and she needed to leave. She asked L to babysit and J stayed to hang out w/I & N. Nothing for me to do so I went home. I rested for a short while then got up to clean this drawer. It has been bugging me forever. Well since we started school. As you can see I have school stuff in there. Well I had 2 file boxes, buy 1 get 1 free deal. 1 had our tax info in it, so the other was empty. Guess what I did! School stuff went into the empty one and now I have a clean drawer.

I also straighten a bathroom linen closet out. I can't wait for that laundry room to get done. I hate having things out of order.

I also bought new kitchen towels, rags & glasses. Family Dollar specials. I like them anyway.

Happy Tackle Tuesday!!!

2/8/10 Should I?

2010-02-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days I have been wondering if I should send my children to school. It has been one of those weeks when I felt I couldn't keep up or figure out a problem. I knew it would be hard to work and still h/s but I was determined. But as time goes by I am second guessing myself.

Talking w/K made me realize that there just aren't some things in the English books not worth figuring out. Half the time I wonder when we are ever going to use it. The way schools are now a days I would rather have my kids do nothing at home then send them to school. They would still learn more.

And working w/some of these people, I don't they learned anything.

So what is it that my children are learning? I have to really think about the benefits of h/s.
Yes, the text books can be a pain but not everything has to be done. Even the teachers don't do it all.
Life skills are the hardest lessons to learn. Caring for pets and responsibilities of every day chores all train them for future careers. But one thing that I have noticed is how they act. Having a nice conversion w/them is pleasant. They know how to talk to people w/o using foul language or slang. Respectable towards others too. They might not like that person but they show respect. All around good manners. It is a rare thing to see children and young adults w/this behavior. It is almost shameful.

Well, for now I will continue to h/s my children. I will just consecrate on simple basics skills that help them along the way.

A bit of fact.

2010-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Even if you aren't a sports fan this is very interesting!
During the past year:

36 have been accused of spousal abuse7 have been arrested for fraud19 have been accused of writing bad checks117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses3 have done time for assault71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit14 have been arrested on drug-related charges8 have been arrested for shoplifting21 currently are defendants in lawsuits,
And,84 have been arrested for drunk driving
In the last year
CanYou guess which organization this is?
NBA Or NFL ?

Give up yet? Scroll down,

Neither,it's the 535 members of theUnited States Congress!The same group that cranks outHundreds of new laws each yearDesigned to keep the rest of us in line.

You Gotta pass this one
ON November 2nd, 2010,
we need to replace all of them, 100%.

2/1/10 my new toy.

2010-02-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

I purchased a new vac. this weekend. My old one was 10+ yrs.
I shopped a bit but found the best deal at Sears. A Hoover bagless on sale for $92. It is normally a $150 vac.

I have a goal in mind and it won't be easy. It is to buy American made products. A Hoover is suppose to be but I noticed on the box it said assembled in Mexcio. Doesn't make to much sense.
But when I buy light bulbs or cleaners I will be keeping my eye out for this. I think clothes are going to be the hardest.
Time will tell. All I know is I want to support our country and save jobs.
That is a tackle for a life time.

1/28/10 Save US jobs. Buy USA

2010-01-28T22:11:00.000-08:00

One Light Bulb at a Time
A physics teacher in high school, once told thestudents that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn'tslow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thoughtin mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American ..
Good idea .. . . one light bulb at a time .. . . .Check this out ..
I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day forsome reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hoseattachments . They were all made in China .
The next day I was in AceHardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA .
Start looking ..In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job .
So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let's get behind her! My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more.
My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico ... nowI have switched to Crest.
You have to read the labels on everything ..
This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets . I wasin the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brandlabeled, "Everyday Value . " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats -they were the same except for the price ..The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but thething that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICOand the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA ina company in Cleveland , Ohio .
So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day thatare made right here ..So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets . .. . yep, you guessed it,Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Valuebrand was less money and MADE IN THE USA ! I did laundry yesterdayand the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been usingfor years and at almost half the price!
My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop foreveryday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - thejob you save may be your own or your neighbors!If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book sowe can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buyingfrom overseas companies!(We should have awakened a decade ago .. . .. . . . )Let's get with the program . . . .. help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U . S . A ..I Passed this on ......... will you ???????

1/26/10 Price tag on kids chores & coming home.

2010-01-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

As I walked into the house tonight I felt a great satisfaction that my children kept the house looking great. Things are put away and in order. I can't help have a smile on my face seeing the place looking so nice.
Going back to work, o/s of the home, wasn't an easy thing for me to do. But like so many other families we need the extra money. I am blessed that I don't need daycare. My children need me but we are together quite a bit b/c we h.s. That is the biggest plus for us. But they are learning some good qualities of a family working together.

I have always been organized and clutter free. It just makes life easier. If it didn't work out I would regroup and try it a different way. My family would get up set w/me when we 1st. moved in here 5yrs. ago. I must have rearranged the kitchen 6 times that yr.

The kids rooms aren't any diff. After doing some remodeling, the rooms they started out w/didn't work for them. So switched rooms they did. Even a little repainting. But now they have settled in.

B/c I had most of my house in order it is easy to keep up w/it. The kids have their chore list and days that are scheduled for various cleaning. Granted they don't always like it but it helps. And there are days not everything gets done, the "I forgot" syndrome. So we aren't perfect. But it helps to get things in order fast.

The kids get an allowance. I haven't always kept up w/this but I do make the effort. $.25 per age. At 13 & 15 that is enough. But they think it is the world. Well, not the world, but they like getting something. And it does teach them something.

Now, I have a chore list for daily duties and weekly. But there are the things that get done maybe 2 to 3 times a yr. My cabinets are one of them. So I went through and put a price tag on these extra task for the kids to earn. E tried upping the charge on a few things but I kept things at a fair value. After all it is only crumbs. They get to earn extra money and helps me out. Kind of like overtime at work. I like the ambition they want to earn.

Now that my hours will be changing to 12 hours shifts. Not looking forward to that one. But working from 6 p.m. to a.m. won't be easy. As a family we have been preparing for it. These last couple of days, is proving to me, that my family has values that respect each other and how we work together. Now if I can only get them to communicate better.

2010-01-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

Subject: Fw: Re: A Story>>>> A Return is Requested....You'll see why.>>>> Breakfast at McDonald's>>>>
This is a good story and is true,>> please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story,>> there are some very interesting facts!):>>>> I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12,>> 3) and have recently completed my college degree.>>>>>> The last class I had to take was>> Sociology.>>>>>> The teacher was absolutely inspiring>> with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.>>>> Her last project of the term was>> called, 'Smile.'>>>>>> The class was asked to go out and>> smile at three people and document their reactions.>>>> I am a very friendly person and>> always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this>> would be a piece of cake,>>>> literally.>> Soon after we were assigned the>> project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one>> crisp March morning.>>>>>> It was just our way of sharing>> special playtime with our son.>>>> We were standing in line, waiting to>> be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back>> away, and then>> even my husband did.>>>>>> I did not move an inch... an>> overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to>> see why they had moved.>>>> As I turned around I smelled a>> horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two>> poor homeless men.>>>>>> As I looked down at the short>> gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'>>>>>> His beautiful sky blue eyes were>> full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.>>>>>> He said, 'Good day' as he counted>> the few coins he had been clutching.>>>> The second man fumbled with his>> hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was>> mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.>>>> I held my tears as I stood there>> with them.>>>>>> The young lady at the counter asked>> him what they wanted.>>>>>> He said, 'Coffee is all Miss'>> because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the>> restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).>>>>>> Then I really felt it - the>> compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little>> man with the blue eyes.>> That is when I noticed all eyes in>> the>>>> restaurant were set on me, judging>>>> my every action.>>>> I smiled and asked the young lady>> behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.>>>> I then walked around the corner to>> the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray>> on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.>>>> He looked up at me, with tears in>> his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'>>>> I leaned over, began to pat his hand>> and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me>> to give you hope.'>>>> I started to cry as I walked away to>> join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and>> said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'>>>> We held hands for a moment and at>> that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been>> given were we able to give.>>>> We are not church goers, but we are>> believers.>>>> That day showed me the pure Light of>> God's sweet love.>>>> I returned to college, on the last>> evening of class, with this story in hand.>>>>>> I turned in 'my project' and the>> instructor read it.>>>>>> Then she looked up at me and said,>> 'Can I share this?'>>>> I slowly nodded as she got the>> attention of the class.>>>> She began to read and that is when I>> knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to>> heal people and to be healed.>>>> In my own way I had touched the>> people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that>> shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.>>>> I graduated with one of the biggest>> lessons I would ever learn:>>>> UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.>>>> Much love and compassion is sent to>> each and every person who may read this and learn how to>>>> LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS ->>>> NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.>> There is an Angel sent to watch over you.>>>> In order for her to work, you must>> pass this on to the people you want watched over.>> An Angel wrote:>>>> Many people will walk in and out of>> your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart>>>> To handle yourself, use your head..>>>> To handle others, use your heart.>>>> God Gives every bird it's food, but>> He does not throw it into its nest.>>>> Send it back, you'll see why !>>>>>> A box of gold>>>> *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*>>>> With a secret inside>>>> that has never been told>>>> *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*>>>> This box is priceless>>>> but as I see>>>> *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*>>>> The treasure inside is>>>> precious to me>> *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*>> Today I share this>>>> treasure with thee>> *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*>>>> It's the treasure of>>>> friendship you've>> given me.>>>> *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*>>>>>> If this comes back to you>>>> then you'll have a friend>>>> for life but, if this>>>>>> becomes deleted, you are>>>>>> not a friend.>>>>>>>>>>>> Send this to everyone you>>>>>>>>>>>> consider a friend!>>>>>>>>>>>> This is a magic frog.>>>>>>>>>>>> It will grant you one wish and only>> one wish,>>>>>>>>>>>> that is, if you decide to send this>> to others. You can wish for anything.>>>>>>>>>>>> Repeat your wish until you have>> stopped scrolling. Make it count!>>>>>>>>>>>> FOR YOUR WISH TO COME TRUE YOU HAVE>> TO SEND IT TO:>>>>>>>>>>>> 3 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE>> EVENTUALLY>>>>>>>>>>>> 5 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE>> IN 3 MONTHS>>>>>>>>>>>> 10 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE>> IN 5 WEEKS>>>>>>>>>>>> 15 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE>> IN 1 WEEK>>>>>>>>>>>> CAN'T WAIT A WEEK???>>>> 22 People- Your Wish Will>>>> Come True In 1 Day!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ******>> **********REMEMBER**************>>>> THIS MUST BE SENT OUT THE>>>> DAY YOU READ IT FOR>>>> YOU TO GET Y OUR WISH>>

1/14/10 Change of hours.

2010-01-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

6 mths I have been working at Pouche Tec. and enjoy my job. I am a Lab Tech now. Making it up in the company. Of course some of the people I deal w/are as pleasurable. Matured hits them to late in life, but that is another subject I just don't want to start up right now.
We all found out that our hours will be changing to a 12 hr. days. Not quite sure how this will pan out. I still want my p.m. hours though. Of course that is from 6p.m. to 6 a.m.. It might be a little rough adjusting to this but I will manage. We get more days off during the week.
This should be interesting.

1/11/10 Refection.

2010-01-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

I know that the blogs I visit are for women who stay home and take care of their families but I love them. There is always some great tip to consider or a recipe to try.

And it is b/c of these blogs that it has helped me stay organized when I went back to work.

Even though I helped D in the shop and ran our business together, I was still home or in this case back yard, taking care of things. I was able to drop what I was doing and start dinner or answer the ?? the kids had. We homeschool. So I was a bit spoiled when something came up I could go.

But working away from home is something that
I had to do.

W/the lawsuit over and done/w we still had to pay the bill. $15,000!! Most of it was paid for but we wanted to pay it off this year.

D was already working for W/S for a year already. Business slowed down enough that we couldn't make it. So it was agreed upon that I would find something too. We were truly blessed. I found something close to home.

Even though most of the lawyer bill was paid for about $5000 or less was left, we decided I would continue to work. There were extras that we wanted to do.

The lawyer is paid for as of Dec.2009.

Update the house.

New vehicles.

Lawn equipment.

Horses.

Build a barn.

Horses have been a dream of mine since I was a kid. The mare w/the white blaze is mine. I might be slightly afraid of them right now but I am learning.

The fence broke tonight and she got out. More curious then anything. But E was able to get her in w/some ease and a little help from J.

B/c our vehicles were getting beyond repair stages it was time to buy. We wanted to stay in a $$ range and bought a 2005 Trailblazer. Nice little toy for me. Still had the room I wanted but easy on the gas.

B/c our home is 30+ we wanted to update. Laundry room is in the remodeling stages. But we didn't want to put anything on credit cards. Cash only. We plan on retiring here. Updating here and there is what we are doing.

Our lawn mower and snow blower have just about had it. It is ready for the junk yard. So we invested in this little jem. Lawn mower and snow removal. We did buy a snow blower for the back but it was w/cash. Works like a charm.

Easy enough for me and the kids to use.

Even though we have these things and plans made didn't mean I didn't feel guilty about working out. No way. That was my biggest worry. They have always helped me take care of things. Our kids worked side by side w/us. But it was that fact that bothered me. Will they be able to handle it when I am gone? Getting their chores done w/out me reminding them? Well, there are times things get forgotten but my house isn't a mess. They are able to handle themselves quite well.

Tonight was a good example. When the mare got out E was able to get her in and fix the fence in the dark. That came from working w/her dad. Otherwise how would she have know?

Granted I have lists for them to follow and charts but they aren't depending on me so much. They know what to do b/c we have taught them. It feels good knowing that. When they are ready to start their own lives away from home they have a good start b/c they have had plenty of pratice at home.

T/T Finishing up for Christmas.

2009-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

It is 9:30a.m. and everyone is still sleeping. These children need to go to bed at a decent time. They get to reading and what not and stay up late. Go figure.

Any way, J & I have to finishing making our gifts for our names. With Christmas in a few days, we are doing pretty good.
D has to finish his too, so I am wondering how far he is on it. He is kind of sneaky but can't keep a secert if his life depended on it. Sometimes he's worse then the kids.

Had a great time w/our new Christmas tradition on Sunday. D came up w/the idea of him & I doing something w/the kids. He does something w/the girls, which was baking, and I do something w/the boys, bowling and shopping. It was great. We all had fun. Everyone agreed some time same place.
I am a glutton for punishment. Getting beat by my 4 yr. old grandson. 2nd place. Next time I just might use the bumpers too. It was great fun. I am the one who suggested bowling. Definitely a boys game. Those balls are heavy.

Everything around here is going rather smoothly, thank God, and going well.
I have my interview for the Lab Tech position at work today. The computation wasn't that high. 5 other people applied and I am the only 1 from my shift. But they would hire out of the company if they couldn't find someone qualified. But my supervisor said I had the job.
It feels good knowing that I have something better coming to me in the 6mths that I have been there. I see so many lazy people going through this place it's funny. This isn't rocket science. What a waste of talent.

Well off to my project.

Wrapping up the Christmas making to do's.

2009-12-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and we are all buzzing.

Most of us are making our gifts and we are finishing them up.

B, R and M bought their gifts. I am so disappointed.

Plenty of ideas floating around here.
For godparents & grandparents we have made bath salts, clothing shopping bags w/potatos & eggs, b/c we grew them can't get any more homemade then that.

We did get horses so that is part of their gift too. E is getting a different horse later this spring. She wants to barrel race. Heaven help us on that one.

J and I are going to finish ours up this week.

B/c of the Christmas hussle we put off formal school off until after the holidays. There is plenty of learning and busyness going on. They are playing catch up in reports and reading.

I am also getting ready for taxes.

All in all we are having a good time and cheap.

My Tackle for all:) A Christmas Blessing for all.

2009-12-11T08:36:00.001-08:00

SPECIAL GROCERY LIST Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once. Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.' John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and the
grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?'Louise replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.' The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: 'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.' The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store..... The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs..' THE POWER: When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives. I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need God to do in your and your families' life . So dear heart, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen Don't break this, please! Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. May you always walk with Angels God Bless! My prayer for you today: The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message to others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will never fail you because He is Awesome! If you truly need a blessing, continue reading this email: Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings. Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know you are not done with me yet... In Jesus
name, I pray, Amen TAKE 60 SECONDS and send this on quickly and with in hours, you
will have caused a multitude of people to pray to God for each other. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves. Remain Blessed!!! Peace and Blessings...

coffee and cookies

2009-11-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

It is 11:32 p.m. I have just walked in from work, put on my pj's, made instant coffee, grabbed a cookie and am pleased at how nice the house looks. It feels real good that the kids are doing their tasks. The house was clean before I left and remained that way. I always tell the kids not to make things harder for themselves or others just because you don't have that chore for the week. Respect is what they are learning, for others and property. If they don't start at home they will not learn it anywhere else.
This also provides them w/the incentive to have free time. The less you do for clean up the more time you have for fun.

Wednesday I have places to go. E wants a new bathing suit bottom. No promises, we'll look and see what is affordable. The guys have haircuts too. Not sure if we are all going together. D has just as many stops to go as I do before we go to work.

E got to spend time w/her new horse today. We are getting one from the neighbor and she goes over there to work w/her. The mare will be coming to our place once the Arabian is sold. Another neighbor called and said she would be interested. So w/fingers crossed and a few more prayers we are hoping she will buy her. We were planning to take her to an auction but then we wouldn't know who or how the would care for her. This way E can go riding w/the neighbor and know she is being cared for.

I am struggling right now w/feels of too much on my mind. I trying to sort out. I am snapper w/D lately. I get the feeling he doesn't understand even if I tell him what I need to do. I can't drop everything him anymore. Working takes up a time span that can't be changed. He wants me to work so he needs to adjust more too. It doesn't help that he wants to get this and that but complains that this bill isn't paid for. How frustrating.

That is my main reason for the lists, charts and budget plans. We have a total of maybe $7000 in debt that we are trying to pay off. So I have been racking my brain to make the numbers work. Things don't happen over night like he wants them to. So I have been finally telling him enough. After we pick up the snow blower this weekend he is going to wait.
There is also going to be a list made of projects that are to be worked on w/the $$$$. And eating out is going to be limited. And as far as the business is concerned we will play that by ear. If it isn't profitable any more we will have to give it up.
I am tired of working 24/7. If there is work in the shop things don't get done during the week and weekends come around we trying to play catch up. I want to enjoy our weekends. D complains that nobody is riding the horses. Well we don't have time b/c of him and working so much. There is no reason for it. We both have good jobs and earning a good income that we don't need to be doing this. I want to enjoy my time w/my kids before they leave and start their own and my husband.

I am happy w/our little place. It is cute, cozy and peaceful. I want to enjoy life. I keep things very simple so it is easy to take care. But if we take on to much it piles up fast. I won't do it. Work is going well, I enjoy my job but I don't need to do extras at home here. Neither does D. We need to enjoy life. It doesn't have to be fancy or extravagant. Some of the simpler things in life are the best.

Routine & chores list made up.

2009-11-08T16:39:00.001-08:00

I finally have the list done. The first one is my routine. Granted it is flexible but it helps for a guide. The second list is a sample of for cleaning. Each room has a list. I printed 2 of each. One copy will go into a binder and the other will be in the room. I figured I can put them in sheet protectors on a cabinet door so the kids can check the list of what is expected of them.

Now I have to buy the sheet protectors. I swear I had a box full. Seems things disappear when you need them the most.

I have been thinking over my schedule. I have to remind myself it isn't in gold. I'll need extra rest if I am working late or go to curves on a different day for some reason or other. Flexible is flexible. Time frames can be worked around along w/tasks.
Mom’s Routine
8:00 to 8:30 a.m. Getting dressed
8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Making light breakfast , bake treats &/or laundry
9:00 to 10:00a.m. School with Jakob & History
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. School with Lizzy & History
11:00 to 12:00 a.m. Start dinner & misc. chores
12:00 to 12:30p.m. Clean up
1:00 to 1:30 p.m. Special projects or cleaning
1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Get ready for work & Curves
11:30 to 12:00 p.m. Check what’s for dinner, get ready for bed & prayer time

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Church laundry shower shower bookwork/shopping
Curves curves curves
Testing

KITCHEN/DINING ROOM
Cleaning
I. Daily
A. Prep for meal; includes dishes
B. Floors: shake out rugs & sweep
C. Fill butter dish, bread, salt & pepper
D. Counters are completely clean
E. Take out trash, compost & recycling
F. Clean towels & rags
G. Close window treatments & lock patio door
H. Turn garage light on
II. Weekly
A. Dust: pictures, shelves, fan, millwork & furniture
B. Wash counter tops, sink, appliances, floors, rugs & lights
C. Water plants
D. Check windows: wipe, bugs & cobwebs
E. Check ceilings for cobwebs
F. Pour ½ cup baking soda down sink drain

I plan on adding to my binder of phone #'s and such. So it will be a work in progress. But I do want this finished for the new year. When I started working outside the home I wasn't sure how things would go. The kids have been really good about getting chores done, withing reason. E curls up her nose at my lists but I feel reassured that they have something to fall back on. They just can't call me at work like they use to walk out the back yard to the shop and get help, guilt free. I feel another topic coming on for a blog.

11/02/09 Getting back into the flow of things.

2009-11-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

Since I have started work this summer, June to be exact, things have gotten a little out of control. The main purpose for me to work o/s of the home was to pay the lawyer fee. Well that is almost done.
But b/c we wanted horses we also started that. Putting up fencing and a shelter took up most of the summer.
E was the 1st to get a horse. 13 yr. old Arabian. Chestnut color and a beauty. J got a 9 yr. old black gelding Morgan. To smart for his own good. And this pretty thing is my anniversary gift from D. A 5 yr. old Morgan/Arabian cross. The sweetest thing. Which is what I named her. We actual got this snow last month. Unfortunately E is going to sell her Arabian. She doesn't behave well enough for us to handle her. She has trust issues that an experienced person can give her. But E has a another horse picked out. So as soon as we sell Meowia at auction we will be getting her here.

As for the house, well I am getting that back into shape. Work has been a challenge but I think I have somewhat of an idea has how to make up a new routine for us. At times you just have to play with it till you know what to do.

As usual I have cleaned a few rooms out of unwanted items. Not to much. A few clothes that we out grew or don't wear.
Cleaned out the extra room for storing canned goods from the garden w/the cookware that I use off & on.
Moved the table a little so I can still sew in there. Got rid of some material that I didn't use.
I did buy some drawers for the bathroom to put things in. Wanted to utilize some space.
Right now it is mostly dusting & vacuuming.

Beezer has come back into the house for another winter. Last yr. he went back into the wood shed b/c he peeped in the house. We think he got to hot and he did it on purpose. Well this time he has the cat and the min. poodle to keep him company. We will see how it goes.

I joined curves. So far it works out nicely. I go just before work.
My chickens are laying eggs. D got 6 for me for my B-day in May. At the time they weren't big enough. But last month we were able to bring them home. Now they are laying. I am getting 3 eggs a day.

Sunday while D & E were making hash browns for the freezer I was able to sort all the pictures on the computer. Now I have to figure out how to get them on a cd.?

Planning on having Thanksgiving Dinner here. M & D are coming over for supper. It'll be a nice quite time.

Well I think that is about it for now. Time for bed.

Getting over the flu.

2009-10-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

There are 5 living in this house and 4 of them got sick, on a nice weekend too. We had temps from 101 to 103. Thankfully I didn't get sick. I have a cough but nothing like the rest. So what did I do. I slept w/the rest of them. It is hard work taking care of a sick family. Pushed the meds, chicken soup and apple cider vinegar baths. Did I mention sleep.
Everyone is starting to feel better so now it is time to clean. Not much time to tend to the house when everyone is demanding you at once. But it shouldn't take much. The house is small and not much clutter.

I am excited that my chickens are laying eggs. I have been waiting for this for a long time.

Rethinking my list.

2009-10-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

As I reread my list I changed it a bit. Instead of assigning dates to them I am going to concentrate the list and not when I get them done.
I got the clothes done but by the time I helped J w/school & made dinner there wasn't time for the rest. I supposed it would have helped if we didn't stop to watch the horses play in the snow. Oh, but what a pretty sight.
It is hard to predict how long it will take somethings. One never knows how long it could take. I am content w/it all. And it is getting done.

D is working late tonight and that bothers me b/c he has work in the shop to do. All work and no play. He is going to complain that he doesn't have time to cut wood. I can hear now.

I found out today that there might be a position opening up for Quality. The nice part is that someone recommended me. I thanked her for that. She did suggest another but I do hope I get it. Other then that things are fine.

To much is going on.

2009-10-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

I had a slight break down Sunday. I was so tired I didn't even go to church. I was trying to do to much at once. Working a full time job and keeping up w/home has taken some toll on me.
Normally I'll just sleep a little longer and get some rest but I wanted things done. They were getting done but not fast enough. So Sunday when everyone was at church, D and I were home I just cried on his shoulders. I took a shower thinking that would help but it didn't. He was just giving me a morning hug and I started crying. It felt good to be in his arms. After a few words he sent me back to bed to rest some more while he cleaned the kitchen up. Soon I was up ready to go grocery shopping. We went together and had a nice time. I could still feel the sleep in my eyes but it did get done.

When we got home and put the groceries away I sat down and wrote a list of things I wanted to get done. I wasn't going to overwhelm myself. I figured a list would help me not go into panic mode.

This is my list:
Monday: send invoice to T.M.
clothes; switching seasonal clothes
clean frig
prep food

Tuesday: sort mail/bills
invoices to contractors
letter to county
pay bills
guest list for jewelry party

Now I have been canning these last 2 weeks and cleaning a room for storage. I have a few veggies to prep for the season but otherwise I am done.
This is all I am going to do on my list. Between school w/the kids and maintaining the house this will be enough.

Being too tired to raise my family isn't an option. I love what I do and staying healthy is necessary. So I will be looking over my schedule b/c I want my weekends for fun things. I want to enjoy my horse too.
I have been going through the house to make it run better w/easy clean ups. It isn't to bad b/c I have done this the whole time but I am converting rooms and cabinets.

By the way we are getting snow today.

9/28/09 Back to reality.

2009-09-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

D and I had a nice anniversary get away. Ashland WI is beautiful. We stay at this B&B and were spoiled. Penakoo Moutain Inn. Went horse back riding, hiked up to Morgan Falls & St. Peter's Dome and walked the streets of Ashland. 3 days of no worries.

But that had to end. Today it's back to normal.

We have started school and the spelling books came in. So far they are doing well.

The rest of the canning needs to get done. Cold weather is setting in and wood needs to be cut. I pulled the rest of the carrots today and will be taking the rest of the week to can them. I start work around 2:30 so this might be a bit of a challange. I already have some tomatoes canned and will be finishing them off too. Potatoes well be dug up later in the month.

I am getting in the mood to paint the main living area. I want to get this done before Nov. 8. I am having a jewelry & hopefully, MaryKay show. But I am not going to sweat about it either. It gets done when it gets done.

I haven't realized how long it has been since I have blogged. But life has a way taking order. Some things are more important. With fall & winter coming I might be able to chatch up on some pictures, sewing and cleaning in here. I have new ideas that I want to incorprate in the house. Life is changing.

7/27/09 Catching up.

2009-07-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! It has been a long time since I have blogged. It has been a productive summer.

I have been at my job for a month and a half now and all is going well. The supervisor is putting me on certain projects to make sure they get done. It feels pretty good. I have managed to keep things going with that. Granted it isn't my dream job but it is work and helps pay for the extras around here.

The kids are doing great keeping up w/the house. A few minor reminders of getting things done but other then that it is going well.

J is grounded from friends, any electronics and movies in his room. He had an extra friend over when he wasn't suppose to.

Had some family events we went to this summer. A family reunion and town festivals. We have a wedding and anniversary party to attend this coming month.

We added to our family of animals. We are getting horses. YAHOO!!!!!!!!! I have wanted them since I was a kid. I can't wait till we are all done w/the fence and shelter. Then we can bring them home.
We are only getting 2. The kids are at an age that they will grow up faster then I want them too and it will just be D & me. That is enough. As soon as we are all set up I will be posting pictures.
The kids are getting a real hands on project.

It has been busy and exciting around here.

Right now I am waiting for the bank to call me back about a small loan for a little JD tractor. It is so cute. It has a loader and mower deck on it. I can drive it. It will take care of D's problem for snow removal. We did buy a JD lawn mower too from Home Depot but I want to send it back. The tractor has a mower on it and we could take the push mower around the finer stuff. I told D it was up to him.

Has far as things go around here all is well and happy.

6/15/09 Surviving a new job.

2009-06-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

It has been quit a week. I started a new job and I am tried. I like what I do but it is different.
I have been sleeping a lot. Just trying to get use to the job.
Everyone at home has been great. J was at my folks for the week helping w/some wood.
But all in all everyone is keeping up. They had a good start when I was watching the grandkids. But this is a 40 hr a week job, more demanding.

We also bought a new vehicle. Yes, my old sub has retired after nine yrs. w/us. The mechanic said it is worth fixing b/c of the mileage. D & I have been talking for over a 1 yr about getting a new one. This one just kind of fell into our lap.
We were looking at Honda Pilots, but when we drove into our local town and seen this beauty it was to good to pass up, especial for the price. You know apples & oranges.
2005 Trailblazer. Has a towing package and enough goodies inside, not that is what we were looking for but the mileage was very low for the $$$$. So we have a new vehicle too.

On the side note I have kept up w/my routine so far. I am making improvements as I go, w/the input of the kids.
Today I did my laundry and cleaned my room. That is it. That is all I ever did on a Monday. That is enough for one day.
I have to be at work at 2:55 p.m. so I wanted to make sure things flow nicely.

It was cute. D did some dishes and cleaned the kitchen window. D never does dishes. So it makes me happy that he is being helpful in the kitchen. He is the one who dirty the dishes any way. And when we had the dust storm he is the one who left the window open.

6/10/09 living/family room

2009-06-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is how I keep things in order.

I made a list of to-do's.
I'll be printing this off to put into a binder. But as you can see my home isn't complicated.
I don't have a lot of nick knacks around, just special pieces. This is for easy clean up.
I have to say I can't wait to remodel for a more comfortable feel.

LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM
Cleaning List:
I. Daily
A. Straighten pillows & blankets
B. Put away electronics, remotes, games, movies, etc. by 10:00 p.m.
C. Close windows & curtains when it gets dark
II. Weekly
A. Dusting; don’t forget switches & plugs.
B. Vacuum rugs & vents
C. Water Plants
III. Monthly
A. Dust millwork
B. Clean windows
C. Vacuum furniture & windows/treatments
D. Swipe cobwebs
IV. Yearly
A. Shampoo rugs
B. Vacuum under furniture

Next will be the other rooms, later.

6/9/09 I made it.

2009-06-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

I survived the 3.5 mile bike ride. But I was determined to bike home. D dropped me off before work so it was just one way. I'll ride w/R the next 2 days to give my legs a break. I hope to build up to this pedaling business quickly. If D wouldn't be so upset I would bike home. But at 11:00 at night he wouldn't hear of it. That is the safest. NO body is on the road then. It does feel good.
Work was so boring, orientation . Watching all those videos, blah.
I start in the plant tomorrow.
Tomorrow the grandkids go to the new daycare. I hope they like it. It will give L & L to meet different kids and make friends. They always feel left out b/c R has friends from school. It will be fun for them. I miss them already. We were spending some fun time together. If I didn't have to worry about my own money issues I would still be w/them. Oh how frustrating!

Has the days go by I am going to post my schedule a bit of how I manage my home while I work o/s the home. Pictures will be included so you can see the results or know that I am not lying. LOL! I need to work on menus as well. I got out of that when my other computer went bloop.
All in all I have to say I can't do this w/o the help of my family. But then I think I had a great partner to help raise them and the guidance of God. God has blessed us well.

6/9/09 Starting today.

2009-06-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today I start the new job. I am somewhat excited. I feel good though. No guilty feelings of leaving home every day to work for someone else. But I do need to consider my families needs. We are going to prepare for the long haul around here.
With the president that we have nothing looks good. God protect us. I hope people wake up and realize what he is doing to this country.
Any way, I will be biking to work some days. I'll ride home w/R at night. My hours are 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. so riding at night isn't to safe. But I like the idea of biking 3 miles to get in fit 3 days out of the week.

I will be rearranging a routine though. Also I am going to print off the cleaning schedules so the kids aren't confused about what needs to be done. It is pretty easy for them. I tackle the things that need special attention. For instants, I will be shampooing the upstairs rug when I get home at 5:00 p.m. 1 of them will vacuum while I am gone.
I have to say I did get a lot of things done in the last 2 days.
Monday: my laundry washed & dryed
set up the computer program for the business (still not done though)
meals
Today: put clothes away
made 3 calls
paid the mortgage
dinner & 2 lunches for work
put my basket on my bike w/help from J

I keep a small to do list so I don't get overwhelmed. Everything fits into place. See what having a clutter free house can do for you. It is great.

6/5/09 Going back to work.

2009-06-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

I had an interview yesterday at 2:00. By 4:00 I got a call that I have a job. I was so excited I danced and screamed.
I was struggling w/this for several months. I feel my place is in the home taking care of things. That is a full time job. But like everyone else things have turned on its heels.
I have been babysitting for M & B. And my last day w/the grandbabies isn't going to be easy. Dang I'm tearing up already. But the income isn't enough for us. Alot of it has to do w/the lawsuit w/our neighbor. We won but we still have lawyer fees, almost $7000 worth. And the great USA doesn't permit that the loser pay for your lawyer fees. Listen to talk radio and you know wonder why there are so many lawsuits going on. Any way, we have that to pay for. It was either put in a new driveway that we not have gotten b/c of water issues. And besides he served us w/papers.

We are able to refiniace our mortgage. YAHOO!!! 4.86%. Couldn't pass that up. But, you knew that was coming, we have a home equity loan of $45,000. So that needs to get paid off.

Now these are the main reasons for me going back to work. After watching the grandkids these several months E & J have been doing a good job at home. So my fear of house maintance isn't the problem anymore. That might be due to the uncluttered life style that I am so proud of. But they handle things well. It isn't like I have babies at home that need me 24/7 either. We have a nice routine. We also sat down and talked about it all.
We are pretty confiencant we can handle this.
This also means there are going to be some unfinished remodeled projects that are going to get done around here.

I wish I could count on the work that comes in the shop but I can't. There are so many contractores out of business. The few peoople that we know are far and wide. But that money is just going to collected in a savings for now.

Well, I am excited about the new job and what it will mean for us. I do feel somewhat guiltly. This job could go for a man to provide for his family. But were are they? They don't make to much of an effort to find something. Remember, our president is going to spread the wealth.
It makes me sad to see so many parents raise lazy children. I hear so many times "I don't want them to go through what I went through". If there wasn't a drinking/drug problem or a lost parent due to illness they will be fine. Just look at the attuidues around. Snotty.
Our kids know what hard work is and they also know what fun is. And they are the most likeable and responsible children. There is an even balance when a family works & plays together.

5/29/09 A week ending.

2009-05-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well another week is coming to a close but life doesn't switch off.

I had a job interview Thursday and I really want this position. Not that I want to work o/s the home but we want to meet some of our financial goals. The lawyer fees are #1, which is on the credit card. We were able to refinancing the home mortgage, but the home equity is separate. And with this economy we need to do something drastic. That would be me going to work outside of the home. Lets face it. I have been working this whole time but in the backyard. Still I was available for the kids and able to far see the chores. We are sitting pretty darn good though. We really don't have alot of debt but just enough to not get farther.

Sat. is L 2nd birthday. We are working on poddy training. I set the timer for every 15 mins. So when the ringer goes off she does too. Hopefully she caught on.

I did some flower swapping w/KN. I have some Irises & she has a Bleeding Heart. Right now there is a soft rain falling. Thank God. We needed it.

I also need to do paperwork. Nobody better ask me for anything. Meals are going to be as simple as pop in the wave. I am determined to get this done. I have a new business program set up. Along w/paying bills.

Other then that house cleaning has been quick and easy. We pick up after ourselves and not much needs to be done. That goes for M & B home. The kids have been picking up their rooms and going to bed w/some ease. You just have to be there. But it is relaxing.

All is well in Popple Creek land. Things are peaceful.

5/26/09 Watching the garden grow.

2009-05-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

I got up Sunday a.m. w/the sun shining, I couldn't help go o/s. I watched the garden grow by a near by stump, which I have watermelon planted. I admired the rainbows that formed as the water springer went over the garden.

It has been a productive week:
Finished painting M & B home. It turned out nice. Need to take white paint to the ceiling to cover up boobs. Also went through some stuff over there.
M & I went grocery shopping Friday, w/D in tow, and we were talking about some of her can't throw anything away issues. That is why it was handy for me to do it. I have no ties. But I didn't get rid of anything. I put them in the shed so if she missed it I would get a call "Where is my so and so?"

We also had a sand storm here. D left the window open a crack. That was enough to mess up my kitchen. Guess who has to clean that. I was a little upset w/him. I just cleaned out the cabinet were the dishes are.

Applied for a few more jobs. Have an interview this Thursday.

Finished planting the garden w/mom yesterday, tomatoes & peppers. I have to get herb seeds for my herb garden. I want to start that this year.

Cut out a dress pattern but quit to go fishing w/D & J on Sunday. We had fun. It was so busy but found a quit lake. So relaxing.

Hurt my rib trying to get something out of the trash. It is like bending your fingers backwards. Hurts like crazy. Don't think it's broke but bruised really good.

Made apple strudel muffins today. Pretty good. Now just hide them so they aren't all gone in one day.

I guess it is the same old same old here. I love it. Life doesn't have to be filled w/adventure to be happy. Having a family is the adventure. Something is always happening. The laughter rings like church bells around here, well almost. But it is pleasant and joyful.

5/16/09 I have been thinking.

2009-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged. Almost 2 weeks. And around here there is always things to talk about. But that is the point, we have been busy. Not that were we are wearing ourselves raged but keeping up w/our lives. Making things run w/some fun in between.

I have been doing a lot of thinking of how our family is doing. I have been babysitting for M & B for about 3 months now and it is going well. I have been doing some rearranging, painting and decluttering at her place. The more I am there taking care of the kids I know how/what to organize. By listening to M and what she is struggling with. It makes me gun-ho to get it right. Working a full time job and taking care of a house w/3 kids isn't easy. I figured if I have to be there I want things to be just as easy. Time is limited. So w/? for M & knowing my dd, I have managed to give a face lift to the living room, refresh the 2 bedrooms for the kids and next is the bathroom this coming week. So far they are happy w/the changes.

I have also been keeping up w/my house. It is spring again and the school year is almost up. I didn't have to do to much rearranging but some light cleaning. L decided to put her desk back in her room. I put the long table in the small room. I will be looking through boxes and set up for a sewing area.
The kids will be doing math and reading through the summer. I have to check on the regulations for MN for testing. It would be nice not have to worry about it. We do enough.

I have also been looking for a full time job. For us to get caught up on things here it is necessary for me to find something. Business isn't booming like it use to be. We are still getting orders but not like before. I feel somewhat relieved but yet sad. I don't want my husbands business to fail but I am ever so tired being in the shop. Why do people have to be so lazy?
Anyhow, I need to find something. B will be going to days at the end of June so I will be babysitting full time, but if I get this position I will take it. B was talking about giving me a raise and such. But there just isn't a whole lot out there. So I will find out this week if I get an interview w/this company. It sounds promising. It has to do w/bad debt. Getting people in good standing w/credit cards. It pays $10.50 hr. + bonuses & benefits.

We are able to refinance our mortgage for 4.8%. So we are going to do that. My name won't be on the mortgage b/c of credit issues. It will be cheaper if D is only on it. No problem there. But we still have the home equity to pay, lawyer fees from the land suite and credit card, which go w/the land suit. So this is why I am going back to the work force outside of my home.
I never really got away from just being a housewife. I have helped my hubby w/the business. At times that was the same as working out. We are sitting comfortable but we want this debt paid off soon.

So for now I have to wait to see what the good Lord brings me. I am blessed w/children who know how to respect their home and how to actually work. This is what makes my decsion easilier. I feel comfortable about working. I am looking at 2nd shift work so I can see D just as much as the kids & the position I am going for I'll have dinner w/them and be home by 9:30 p.m. Some times I wonder how much they need me yet? :( It isn't like I have a baby at home that needs my extra care. But we will are able to work this out and a plan in motion so things run smoothly.

Our birds

2009-05-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

We have a family of geese in the backyard. W/40 acres you are bound to have a few creatures.

They are so cute to have back there. They are getting use to us. We can walk by and they won't take off or move the babies. They actually will listen to us.

D couldn't resist to bring out Henry for the kids. I think Henry is liking the attention. He was eating out of thier hand.

Mothers Day & my birthday

2009-05-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

My birthday landed on Mothers Day this year.
I took full advantage of the day. The house was already clean so there was nothing to worry about. I slept late, 7:30 for me, but I laided around in my pj's for awhile. I did some reading, took a shower and just relaxed. M & B came over w/the kids. So we had a pleasant day. The grandkdis enjoyed time on their bikes and ran all over the place.

M & D got together for a surprise treat. M had my choc. b-day personalized. Plus D thought it would be so cute to get 42 dilly bars. Well as you can see I had help eating them. But I am not a big dilly bar fan. I still had some but they aren't my favorites. And at $50 they should have been. I remeber when these things were so cheap.
It was a nice day. God blessed me well.

4/05/09 Woodchipper & oatmeal muffins

2009-05-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

Sat was a busy weekend. Perfect weather for chipping up that big old brush pile we had sitting in the side yard for over a yr. But that was o.k., it needed to dry out.

D kept talking about buying one of these big toys but I did mention for as often as we use it rent is better. What an amazing piece of equipment. It was hard to keep up w/it. But in 4 hrs that pile was done. It is a fun toy. I know it is a guy thing but it was really cool.

D even promised L that he could come over. For a 3yr. old boy this was a thrill. He even helped bring the brush to the machine.

The day was even gorgeous. My folks came out. This was good for dear dad. The hip replacment is getting him down. So D said to call him up and see if he wanted to help. The fresh air did him good. He was able to get on the 4 wheeler and help pull the pile apart. After awhile he stood by the woodchipper and shoved branches in.

Mom stood w/a rake did a little bit.

It was a very good day and good excrise.

Today I found a recipe for oatmeal muffins. I seem to have leftover oatmeal and hated to waste it. Fresh out of the oven.

4/30/09 Day off.

2009-04-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

I didn't have to babysit today or tomorrow so got a few things done.

I put in a few job applications in. Online is great for this, especially when gas prices go up and down.

Moved the love seat into J's room.

Put my clothes away.

Made 3 diff. batches of cookies. Yes, the mess is going to stay that way all night.

School, which included movies on the Crusaders.

Oh, played a game w/E. She won both times.

It has been raining all day so the baking seemed comforting. It does it to me every time.

4/28/09 Tub surprise

2009-04-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

E scrubbed the tub yesterday. I ran out of comet, which is the only thing that works for me.

To me this was such a nice surprise. I didn't have to tell her to do this. What a dependable young lady she is.

Look at it. What a shine.

4/28/09 Lollie

2009-04-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

When I got home last night E was all chipper. The distant neighbor got her a duck.

Meet Lollie.

Henry waddled into our yard back in Nov. 08. and after finding out that we could keep him E wanted a female. So she has been waiting for her arrival.
So here she is. They are so happy together.

Now that we have 2 ducks we have to tackle a pen for them. They can't stay in the 2nd garage forever. They poop over everything. The boat is going to need a good washing.

4/27/09 Good news.

2009-04-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

It turns out that my babybuggy needed 2 new batteries. Thank goodness. It already needs a major repair on the seals that will cost us $350 to $500. That is enough. But when they get this old things are bound to wear out. I can't complain to much. D is real good about keeping the vehicles tuned up.
Even though we would like a new vehicle we can't afford it right now. We need to keep them running. They are in pretty good shape.

Today at M's I will be cleaning out another cupboard. Hopefully this will work out better. Her kitchen is as small as mine. This is going to be a chore.

4/27/09 Shopping fun.

2009-04-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Tuesday K and I went to Aldi's. This was fun. She has never been there or heard of it, neither have I until I blogged.

It was just a big change of plans. I was suppose to help her w/some newel post but she didn't want to work on them. So we went shopping.

She couldn't believe the savings. I bought all this. I would type the list but it is too long. I spent $118 for 68 items. B/c I have a small price book I was able to compare prices. Potatoes went down while butter went up but compared to Cashwise & Sam's I still saved. On the way back we stopped at a nursery for seed potatoes. Save there too. Cheaper then St. Cloud. Great buys that day.

I finished my shopping on Friday. D decided to come w/me. I also brought L & L,being I have to babysit later anyway, so B could get some sleep. Over time is starting to get to him. Anyway, I bought some groceries for them too being I cook quit a few meals when I babysit. They were more then happy to let me. One less thing for them to do. Besides I had D w/me and that kept the grandkids busy. It was a very fun shopping day.

E and I went a little makeup shopping on Sat. We were excited to get our products and try them. It wasn't just makeup though. We got products for daily up keep on our faces. I feel slightly guilt about paying so much but we don't do this very often.

The whole week was a good one. Got a lot of things done. I painted the t.v. area at M & B. Looks good. I plan on painting their living room later this week. M got the paint supplies. I'll have to remember to take my camera for before & after pics.

I stop to think about what I all did this week and I can't remember. It is such a routine to get things done that it slips my mind. What I do know is that I can look at my house and M's and see things are in shape. Granted at M's we are reorganizing a few things but you can walk in and relax. She is calling me to see where I put a few things but that goes w/the territory.

This week isn't going so well. My suburban is working so we missed church. Now D notices a leak in the radior. I hate ask whats next but I am leaving it to the Lord. We are trying to make these vehicles last. Hopefully nothing else comes up.

I had to

4/20/09 Set times.

2009-04-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Over at Tammy's Making a Home a Haven there are routines being set.
As a mother of 4, grandmother of 3 and a wife this has been second nature to me. It is almost a time clock going off.

Even though my dear hubby hates it I need to go to bed a 10:00 p.m. It might sound silly but the bottom of my feet start to tickle. The only cure is a 10:00 bed time. I have managed to stay up later on movie nights but it is a struggle. D on the other hand is a night owl. He fits perfectly w/the 2nd shift.

Now when morning comes around I am up w/the birds or the sun, which ever comes first. I use to get up a 5:00 a.m. to milk the cows. Now today was the exception, I couldn't wake up before 8:30. I think my womanly thing is coming on.
But I am up early.
I start my day w/a
a.m. prayer
throw laundry in the washer
go excrise: bike or walk
change clothes
check the laundry
make breakfast
check e-mails
and the rest of the day is open for whatever needs to get done. By 2:30 I am off to babysit. Now I don't babysit everyday so I tackle big projects on those days. This is a nice schedule.

4/2/09 At the job.

2009-04-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well it has been at least 2 months since I have been babysitting for M. M likes her job as a manger at the pawn shop and seems real happy. That goes for me too. I am enjoying my time w/the grand babies. No, everything doesn't work out and we have our bad days but I enjoy this quality time w/them. I do think I am driving M nuts when I clean. But I am not to worried about it. After all the house is in order. I want to make sure that when she has her days off she doesn't have to clean but have fun w/the kids.

Getting the house in order can be a bit of a challenge though. I want to make things easy to clean but not lose M & B's personal feel. I do let them know when I am going to do something and if they don't like it they need to tell me. For instance, I am going to paint. They said it was o.k. but I am not going to buy any. We have paint at home that I am using but they're not wild colors. Just until they decide what colors they want in here. I just reorganized some bear figurines. Some went into boxes for storage. Way to many. Collections are over rated. But the display looks more put together and enjoyable to look at. They have a wilderness theme going on in here. Bears are the main creature.

I went through the kids room and divided the toys up. Way to many things for them to play w/and a struggle to get them to put it away. Now it is easier for the little ones. I'll be painting L & L's room & shampoo the rug. R's room will stay the same color but add hot pink flowers.
After I paint we will set up the train track for L. He is ready to play w/something new.

I am excited about starting all this. It is fun doing someone elses house for a change.
I do have plenty to do at home. I have to finish shampooing the carpet at home too. When school is done I want to clean the school room up and convert it into a sewing room. I want to put the loveseat into J's room and get a small folding table in there.
I am so excited.

4/13/09 Getting going.

2009-04-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Winter has decided to leave MN. The days have been warming up and we can all enjoy the

great outdoors.

I have been doing really well w/the morning routine. The weekends are rough b/c we like to watch movies late. But Mon. thru Fri. I like to be in bed by 10:00 p.m. and up at 7:00 a.m. So far I have been keeping this routine.

Last night I was ready for bed at 9:00. I excrised for a few mins. on the stepper & thigh master, put my pj's on and crawled into bed. I did a word search and jotted down some to do's in my calender for the week. I was asleep by 10:00.

When I woke D slept on the sofa. He was crabby yesterday. So I left him there.

But I got up at 7:00, dressed to go for a short bike ride, put towels in the wash and went. It was a short ride but that is o.k. b/c it has been awhile. When I came in I took meat out for dinner, showered, said morning prayer & had a glass of water. I actually went back to bed to rest for 30 more mins. I felt nauseated. But that soon passed and I am up and at it.

Went through my to do list already and starting the chores for today. Plan on going shopping w/the kids for clothes. Kmart has things on sale for $1.99 can't beat that.

Easter at M & D was pleasant. Nice meal, conversation & cards. We did stop at M & B to visit a few mins. w/them but we really wanted to get home.

That wasn't so pleasant. It seemed like D was in a grumpy mood. He was complaining about the smell of the house. He smells something. Like mildew. He was trying to blame us for not drying the rug enough when we shampooed them. So no matter what anyone said he wasn't happy. This house is 30 yrs old. When we moved in 4 yrs. ago I could smell that basement smell. But now after remodeling and cleaning on a daily bases I/we don't smell it anymore. It is so frustrating.

4/9/09 Laundry room & homeschool

2009-04-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

This week D & J put up some of the ceiling in the laundry room. Little by little we are getting it done. Unfortunately they ran out of material.
Which I have already picked up but D has a few orders he needs to do anyway.

I told D to include J in this manly task. He will never learn if you don't let him help you. This is shop for him. He is getting better about that task, including the kids, I mean. D likes to work by himself at times but I told him when you have children that isn't going to happen.

This project would have been done sooner if it wasn't for the lawyer fees, towards the land dispute. We have stuck about $10,000 into it. Which by the way would have completed the laundry room. I would have had new flooring, ceiling,
paint, light/fan, toilet lid, cabinets and washer/dryer.

I try and not let this upset me but when I see things not going w/the flow or in its place I don't function well. But I guess the Good Lord is teaching us something w/this whole mess.
So far we have been picking our words very carefully when we talk about the neighbor and not using credit cards to complete the project. Pay as we go. Prepping for this economy that is coming up I guess. But it is taking shape.

On Tuesday K said her church/school was having a Reptile program and opened it up to homeschooling. So I wasn't going to miss this one. She couldn't go b/c of an appt. w/the counter guys so I picked up her kids and went. She picked them up later.

It was an hr program and the kids really liked it. I even brought L(3). I knew he would love it. He had a tortoise, 3 snakes & iguana.
I was pretty proud of my kids. They were well behaved and listen intensely. I was a little surprised how the school children behaved. You would have expected more out of them for a Catholic school. Oh well, nobodies perfect.

I had a little shopping to do so I traded kids w/K. She took the boys and I got the girls. We took L home, stopped to pay a few bills & went shopping.
I even snuck in a hair trim.

It turned out to be a nice day. We all had fun. I was able to visit w/K and admire her new granite counter top.

3/6/09 E's makeover.

2009-04-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

It is hard to let your kids be their own person. But letting them be creative, w/in reason, is showing them that we respect them too. That is love.

Along w/doing J's room on Monday we started on Es. I was suppose to babysit Tuesday but B called and said he wasn't going to work b/c of the weather, he works the late shift. We were still getting snow.
Well the snow stopped here in the afternoon so E and I headed to town for some paint. Now we got a heck of a deal. Most of customers can go into a paint store and ask for mistints to save money.

We had 3 colors to get. The green & orange were already done. As you can see she has a very colorful room. We were able to get the yellow & blue for free, even the primer for the pink, he just couldn't get the right shade. The Hot Pink we had to pay for. But what a deal. That is close to a $50 savings. Paint isn't cheap even on sale.

But we got the painting done in 2 days. Even w/a sleep over at my parents Tuesday night. My dad had a hip replacement and mom needed some help when she was at work.

Wed. afternoon when we got home we went full bore on the painting and were done Thursday morning. After dinner we shampoo the rug. She also swept for cobwebs and dusted the millwork.

It took her 2 days to get her stuff orgazined but she did it.

We got into a dicussion how this is home ec. H.E isn't just about cooking and sewing. Home decorating and budgeting is a part of it. She was a little surprised by that.

Well she is very happy w/the results. We have to put a sm. curtain up yet. Other then that it is finished. We had fun doing it too.

3/6/09 J's room

2009-04-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last week we did the bedrooms. J got the big desk which he loves.

He organized it himself. We also wiped down the millwork, swiped for cobwebs and shampoo the rug. Now it is refreshed.

It will be nice for him b/c he can do his school work in here more. He likes it.

3/4/09 Sat. morning walk.

2009-04-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

As I slowly woke up this morning I was thinking how nice it would be for a walk. The sun was shining through the curtains. I couldn't sleep any more and at 7:00 I didn't want to wake up D.

So I got ready. The air was a bit chilly but refreshing. I couldn't help but admire the view.

My goal is to try and take a walk every morning at 7:00. Lately I have been feeling very blah about losing weight. I know I need to excrise but I don't want to make this a chore. So I didn't run, jog, or speed walk. I just took a 15 min walk and enjoyed my time. It was rejuvenating. I am not going to worry about losing weight.
As housewives we don't get out much in the fresh air b/c we have our duties inside. But we need this time o/s too.

3/4/09 Dog recap listen to your pets.

2009-04-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

I had a blogger make a comment about how she felt sad about our Beezer.

After giving him a second chance after peeing in the house we sent him back out.

Our pets are special to us. We have a cat & a dog in the house. But if you don't listen to your pets they will let you know.

We have had Beezer for 13 yrs. We thought w/age he might need a bit more warmth from the MN winters. We were wrong.

He would sit by the patio door and pout. And peeing in the house was a way for him telling us he wanted to go back o/s. He was getting to hot.

When the kids took him for a walk he would head for the shed. (See we weren't listening.) He liked his shed, which by the way, is nice and cozy. Our boiler system is in there.

On really cold days he would come in and sit in the dining room but wanted to go back out.

Some dogs/pets love being o/s. They get spring fever too.

4/3/09 Tiried of trying to lose.

2009-04-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Last night I got frustrated. After a full day of painting E bedroom & shampooing her rug I was beat.

J & I finished up the dishes from both meals and the house looks tidy. So I am sitting in my rocker watching t.v. and thinking I should get on my stepper and excrises.

It's not that I am huge or anything but I could lose 30 lbs. which seems a lot. Especially when you have to try and squeeze in a work out.

Lets face it, we our working women. House work is hard work. It's not like we sit around eating bonbons & watching soaps. Most of us are making soap.

But lets face it, it is one more thing we have to do. Most of us are struggling to have some intimate time w/our husbands.

Maybe it is the weather. Spring is trying to sneek in and winter still wants to hang around. We got at least 5 to 10 inches of snow in the week.

I would join a club to give myself some inspiration, but who can afford that.

But I will get back on the wagon, again. I already watch how much I eat, so I'll pay attention to that a little more. I'll figure out when it would be a good time to go for a walk or on the stepper. It just seems like alot of work. But I know the Good Lord wants me to work on it.

3/29/09 A change of plans.

2009-03-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Monday is a big get together for all women who are devoted to keeping their homes a loving environment for their families. I no exception to the rule. I don't always follow along w/the blog b/c there are just different seasons for different families. So this is the changes going on in my home this week.

As I am sitting here blogging D decided to make sausage. So after getting the stuff earlier today he mixed the meat before church and him and the kids went to work. Other then smelling good in here, it is quite an interesting project. The kids are loving it.

I haven't gotten any more cleaning done in the kitchen last week. D & I had a house to paint, which took up most of my time in the morning and then off to babysit in the afternoon.
But that is o.k. b/c that $$ will be going to the lawyers. We won our boundary lawsuit.

In the mean time, little by little, we are starting to buy things for the laundry room so we can get it done. Sat. we bought the wainscotings. This is going to get painted and put on the ceiling. We also shopped around for a washer/dryer. We decided not to get a Lg. They have problems w/the parts & service. The quality is good but to much hassle. We checked out the Samsung. That is the one we are going with.

But for our big spring cleaning project it is downstairs. The weather might be struggling if it wants to be winter or spring but in here we are getting ready for the change of season.

E wants to finish painting her walls. 3 new colors going in there. She also wants the big desk out of there too. It will be going in J's room. He wanted it anyway. They went through the rooms to prep for it. J is going to get his room shampooed first thing Monday morning. It needs freshen up, w/a new dog being trained and all.

Simple dinner of burgers is on the menu today.

Tuesday we are going to arrange his room, get paint for E's room after dinner, & hopefully start painting that evening.

Later on in the week it will be shampooing the rest of the rugs downstairs, cleaning, and arranging rooms.
So I have a full week of spring cleaning. The way I see it, if the kids are getting the itchy bug to do it why not go w/the flow.

3/23/09 The Invisable Woman

2009-03-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0
Ladies,This is absolutely worth 5 minutes, 47 seconds of your day.I hope your heart is encouraged by this message.

3/23/09 Court is over.

2009-03-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well, we won. As great as that may feel the battle isn't over. We still have to deal w/the neighbor and moving his fence.

He has 30 days to move it but can appeal it. Which we don't think he would win anyway. He didn't show up for court when he said he would be ready. The judge didn't like the idea that it took him 2 years to resolve this matter.

He hasn't made much of a good impression on the whole matter.

But b/c we have lawyer fees to pay for I will have to find a job. The judge granted us money reimbursement from the neighbor, but when is that going to happen? Our lawyer isn't going to wait. So as much as I hate to do it D and I talked it over and decided this was the best thing to do. I have been praying about it. There is a company just 4 miles away that has openings for 2nd shift. This would be great b/c D works the same shift. I would do household & school in the morning and early afternoon. The kids are big enough so I don't have to worry about daycare. By the time noon comes around they are off doing there own thing in their rooms. School is almost done too.

I would work for the summer and if, IF, things work out fine w/me working these hours I would stick w/it for awhile longer. We would stick the money into the house and saving. Not much is coming through the business, so this is our other option. But only if things work out.

This would also help build a barn so we can get chickens, horses, & beef. Otherwise I can proudly say we could live off of D's income. But we are planning on staying here for retirement and want things up to par.

Like I said earlier, I have been praying about this matter. I don't want to take a postion that a man could have to provide for his family. I told God it was w/His guidance & D's approval that I would do this. It does seem though that so many Amercians are depending on Pres. Obama's promise of spreading the wealth that people have gotten lazy. What a shame.

God has given everyone so many wonderful talents that we are wasting them away. Well, I am not going to have this thing stress me out. I feel perfectly calm about this matter. I really haven't applied anywhere else though but I want that job. It is so perfect.

3/17/09 Kitchen cleaning.

2009-03-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

As I said a few blogs back I am working on my kitchen. Each week I am doing a section at a time.

Last week was the stove/frig area. I swear, grease has legs. The top of the cupboards were gross. It would help if I had a fan but the house didn't come w/one. Most of the time I open the window.

This week its the sink area. I am taking all week to clean that.
So the spices got looked over, thrown out, & rearranged. I do want to wipe down the lower cabinets for sure. My pots & pans are in here.

The one cabinet has my cookbooks. I need to just wipe them out. I am always tempted to look for recipes. But I'll have to make that a special day. The funny thing is I don't have many cookbooks b/c I go online now a days.

Spring is around the corner but March isn't over w/yet. In MN you just never know if old man winter is done making an appearance. But that doesn't mean my house is going to go to the dogs either. It's going to smell fresh in here.

3/13/09 A special night.

2009-03-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

D called me on his break for a quick chit chat. I couldn't quite hear all he was saying but it had to do w/work.

He asked if I was going to be up when he gets home? I said I would try. So I figured I would plan something a little more romantic. Besides slipping the nightie on that he suggested I stopped at the store to pick up a treat.

I am going to tidy up the bedroom. turn on the fireplace, set up a table for pie and wine coolers. It will be a late morning.

Wifely Wednesday: Spending time together.

2009-03-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

I find this blog fun and enjoyable reading. It is helpful to get a few pointers on marriage, no matter how long or well things are going.

Married to my husband for 15 yrs is never boring. W/4 children and 3 grandchildren it can be exciting and hair pulling moments. But one thing we do is take time for each other. We plan anniversary trips. Not that we take them every year or far away but we try and plan something every once in awhile. But I think it is the day to day time together.

For instance, Tuesday which I blogged about earlier, D wanted an us day. He really didn't care what we did just so it was him and I. These are the spur of the moment dates that D gets up his sleeve. I take this time w/him b/c it is important in our marriage. D works 2nd shift so he comes home at midnight. At times I try to stay up for him b/c he likes it. I sleep in the next morning or take a nap. It is the little things that count. You don't have to plan big.

The kids are always seeing us hugging and kissing. And solving disagreements. It is a part of life too.

I have to admit that this upsets me b/c I have things to do in the house and w/babysitting now I want to make sure they get done. But as long as I stay organized and clutter free the cleaning is minimal. Everyone, including D, helps make sure things are neat and tidy. We all live here. This is part of what keeps us a strong family.

3/10/09 Stove is done.

2009-03-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a bit of a miss match day. D decided he wanted to spend time w/me and go window shopping. He works at 2:00 it had to be quick. He sure can throw things off.

Went to Menards to price out some materials for the laundry room. A work still progress, no thanks to our neighbor. Then Home Depot to get measurements for the washer/dryer. I am getting a stackable Lg brand.

Then we went to Wendy's for our dinner out. We had to eat in a hurry so I really didn't enjoy his company or the food. It was snowing like crazy here so the drive was slippery. Man oh man. I new winter would go out like a lion. But all in all we still had a nice time together.

I didn't get any cleaning done b/c of it but I did get my starter seeds going. I am starting out w/tomatoes & sweet peppers. I was thinking about broccoli & cauliflower but I might start them in the garden right away when it is warm. Right between the corn.

Today on the other hand I got the stove & frig area cleaned. I'll do the cabinets tomorrow. Grease sure can travel. Yuck! It's so sticky too. But it is done and crossed off my list.

With school work done & the area clean I have some time to kill. I might rest a little. I want to wait for D when he comes home. He likes it when I am up for him. It is some quite time for us. My shoulder is still bothering me so I am going to put a heating pad on it for awhile. I can't seem to get over this pain.

3/9/09 Making a list.

2009-03-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I sat down and started my list for this week. With babysitting 3 days out of the week I want to make sure my home stays up to par. So w/my calender in hand I wrote what I wanted to do in my to-do list. No particular day to get them done, just get them done.
This week:
Clean burners
stove top/under
cabinets above stove/frig
start garden seeds.
I am taking one section at a time so I don't get overwhelmed. I made a list for the next several weeks.

Saturday was a big day for me. I did all my book work. W/my computer on the frizz I had lost my banking info. How frustrating. I like the quicken program but it doesn't do me any good if the computer isn't working. So I decided to go paper. So much for going green. But it is such a hassle. I did search for a budget book but couldn't find anything that fit my needs, so I took a notebook at hand and started over. It wasn't to bad b/c I use the checking account only for paying bills. I use cash for everything else.
It felt so good to get the bills updated. I am so excited that we are caught up on all our bills. I was able to pay the gas tank off. In the country we don't have pipelines going into our house so we have a propane tank. A 500 gal. tank and it cost big bucks to fill. Try $600 some dollars. I have made payments but they expect you to pay it in full, even though they will take payments, but w/interest.
That is including the stores were we buy our supplies at for the business. Oh what a feeling.
I did have to finish writing checks out on Sunday but that didn't take much.

J had a friend Sat. over night and had a blast. E, D & I went to a local auction in town. A hardware store went belly up. What junk. It was all those cheap tinkery stuff. People bought the stuff up like crazy. I asked 1 lady what she does w/them. She sells them on E-bay. I couldn't believe it. People buy this stuff for their kids. It's junk you would get from a Happy Meal. We bought some CD's. E was excited b/c they were forgien language. She is working on Russia. There were also some Lego game ones too. J enjoys those.

I have to figure out how to download and file my pictures. That is why I don't have any pics on my blog. I miss them. It just adds a little something to it.

D took our bed to his brothers to adjust the frame. He needs to wield the bars down so the mattress sits lower. Right now we could use a ladder to get in.

Finally got our taxes done. We are getting a nice refund back but it is going to lawyers fees. I was hoping for more but we made too much. Go figure. But that is good news. We want to refinance our home and home equity loan together for lower interest rate. So I need to run to the bank. We are shooting for 4%. I'll be doing some extra praying.

Babysitting is getting better.
L is still a bit of a struggle but we are working on it. L & I put his train set away b/c he didn't do it Friday when I was there. I want to stick to my guns. So they got packed up. I also thought of a reward for him if he keeps up w/his room & behavior. He loves to play on the game cube so after so many days of keeping up he gets to play. I did this for R today b/c she has been a really good helper.
I informed M that I will be cleaning to make things work. I am trying to keep up w/their house so that when she is home she doesn't have to play caught up. Also if I have to keep up w/the kids I am going to make it easier on myself. I guess I forgot how little ones like getting into things. M sounded OK w/it so each time I am there I will do things little by little. There is a couple things that I don't do. Cleaning the litter box & folding socks. Sounds like the cat will be leaving. I think the dog should to but she is loved to much. She sheds like crazy. Her breed is a hunting kind so she isn't really made for in doors but the park rules are for small in door pets.

I am trying to stay up for D. He likes it when I wait up. He is back to a 40 hr. week after the company laid off 20 people. Their hoping for 4 bids that will bring people back to work. W/that they would also buy 2 company's out of state. This would be great. It would mean that they would be getting the contracts that the companies have and keep employees working. I keep praying for the success of this company. Beat the unemployment rate.

I have Tues. & Wed. off so I can sleep in a little. D comes home at 12:00. What a late night. Oh well. I am hoping to get my list done on my days off, but I won't sweat over it. Well that is about it for now. I have a productive week ahead of me and feel good about it.

2/2/09 Getting it all done.

2009-03-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

As I woke up slowly today I said my Rosary. I always feel my day goes better when I say this simply length of prayer. But I can feel myself getting nervous. I am thinking of things I have to do today and I am raveled. So I am trying to see what needs to come first.

Prayers are said.
Load the washer.
I need to get info off the external hard drive but I can't get a hold of him.
Package meat. I have 80lbs of hamburger to separate. I want to get this done before I go babysitting.
Help J w/school.
That is enough for today.

I am edgy. I ran out of my vitamins and going through my womanly issue. Not that I let that get the best of me but I can tell that I need my vitamins to keep me balanced. I am adjusting them at this time I'll have to see how they go. So in the mean time I used some lavender oil. This does work to keep me calm.
Well I have to get busy. My day is on the right track and have to be able to adjust to unplanned things.
God bless.

3/1/09 Grocery shopping.

2009-03-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

D and I went today. I was going to try and do this Sat. after I got my hair done and it didn't happen. I stopped by moms to see if she wanted to go shopping for curtains. So after dinner we went. We knew what we were looking for so it didn't take long.
But mom wanted to see if she could find pictures for her living room. We to the Goodwill, nothing. But Savers was a gold mined. We found 5 pictures that she loved. Next was the curtains. We picked up the sheer curtains for $4.00 a piece, 4 panels. Shopko was our next stop. She picked out 2 patterns and took them home to see which would work better. They were on sale too. What a great buy.

We did try to go grocery shopping in between time, it was awful. You swear it was Christmas.
No matter where we went parking was packed. The stores were crowded. I could move my cart anywhere or look at the selection of food. We left Sam's Club.

I love to shop but if there is way too many people, for get it. I get overwhelmed. It takes the joy out of it. So I went home w/mom, put up her curtains, pictures, and accessories.
She is tickled pink.

But I had to go get groceries. So D and I headed out this morning at 9:00. We stopped at M for my check. I had $400 for food. Cashwis: $35.78, Sam's Club $254.38 and Aldi: $102.93.
We spent some time talking to the butcher at Sams. They offer discount on meat if you buy in bulk. For example; our hambuger was $1.74 lb. if you buy 80lbs of it. Now the prices to change but what a deal. That also goes for the other meat. So I did spend a little more on meat this trip but I will save later on.
I was even excited to find a Aldi near by. It is about 42 miles from where we live. I got really excited when I heard there is one coming to the city I shop for groceries all the time. That is 20 miles.

I do have a busy schedule this week. I babysit 4 days out of the 5 this week. I have to go to the local school to get info off of my external hard drive, my MAC is broken, I need this for taxes on Wed. and I think Mom wants me to shampoo their living room rug Wed. and finish putting things back. In the between all that I have laundry to do, house to keep clean and school w/the kids. Lord willing He will keep my sanity and strength up . After this week things should slow down.

D was telling me about my birthday gift he wants to get me this year. I am really hoping he does. He knows this lady at work who has a friend that has a horse. The horse is 3 yrs old and is green broke. E lit up when I told her. So I am crossing my fingers.

2/25/09 I just don't want to do it.

2009-02-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today is just one of those days. I am tuckered. My shoulders hurt, mainly the right one. I fell out of bed awhile back and didn't go to the chiropractic. But the past 3 weeks have been productive.
We have been helping my mom & dad refresh their house. New mill work, paint, carpet, and entrainment center w/fireplace. Even though we aren't happy w/the guy who built the bookshelves. The faceframe is built & put together wrong. It made D feel embrassed to stain it. Not to mention $$ doesn't = quality. We haven't seen it yet so I am hoping it is turning out better.

Last weekend we went to D's parents and spent the night. What fun.

That took up most our time. I started babysitting and that is taking an adjustment. It is going well but need to establish a routine, here at home but also over at M's.

I did cut D's hair this morning. But after that my back & shoulders hurt to much. So I just took it easy. The kids did what they could on their own for school. The house is still in shape but I do have paperwork calling my name. Some of the dishes need to get done yet.

Thursday isn't any better. We have court in the morning for our land issue. I have to go to a local school to print some paperwork off b/c my MAC is broken. Later I take E to M so she can babysit for me on Friday, I have to take my dad to the cities for a doctors appt. and then the chiroprator. All this needs to be done during a snow storm. Yes, we are to get 4 to 8 inches of snow. Hopefully this will clear up before Friday. I have to drive for over an hr.

I am looking forward to Sat. I get my hair done. It needs help.

2/25/09 What a is our Pres. trying to pull.

2009-02-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

At his speech he bragged how MN was saved by the Stimulus Package. It put 57 police and firemen on the streets. Not so. Gov. P. didn't use that money. MN cut back. I am not saying we have it all figured out but Obama had better get is facts strainghten out before he announces anything.

This man is causing a big stir in the USA. To get more true facts go to Foxnews or Talk radio.

A Billy Graham Prayer.

2009-02-25T13:15:00.001-08:00

THIS MAN SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY!
Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation 'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have pollute d the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.

1/18/09 Mac is dead.

2009-02-18T17:02:00.000-08:00

I got the bad news today. My laptop MAC is history. It needs a new video part that will cost $800. For that price I can buy a new one. I don't have the extra cash to do either. So the solution is to bring the family computer up here. J is sad b/c it was in his room. But I need it up here. I do have problem w/the info on my MAC b/c this is a HP. I'll have to convert business info to this one. Business is slow so I will be able to do this at a decent pace.

I'll have to have D drill a hole in the desk top. I have been wanting him to do this for awhile for the phone cords. So we will have to see if I can get him to do this tomorrow.

2/16/09 Some one else's house.

2009-02-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note here. My computer is in the shop again. How frustrating. So while I am babysitting I am using M computer.

Babysitting is going well. A few adjustments but all in all things are going well. It's nice to spend time w/the babies. I did a few light house cleaning so M doesn't get behind. I guess from what B said today the store is busy. For a pawn shop the selection is big. I am still worried how long it will last. Oh well it gives us all a chance to catch up on some bills.

School has been pretty hurry up and go time. I want to make sure we have the studies done before I leave. E isn't so bad b/c she does it on her own but J still needs help.
I am loving the movies we are getting from the library for history. I love the added information that it can help w/the understanding of the subject.

As we were coming home from mom & dad last night I couldn't help feel happy. I almost cried. They are so happy w/the results w/the rooms so far. Mom keeps opening and closing her closet doors and saying "COOL!" Not that closet doors are a new invention by all means but she acts like they are. While we were at it we cleaned above mom's cabinets. We are still amazed how grease travels. But everything came down and clean up. I rearranged things while I was add it to give it a new look. It is fun doing someone else's house. Now I want to do my.

Dad is a different story. He doesn't say much but I think he likes it. He is so preoccupied trying to get things done he really hasn't taken they time to enjoy it. He wants this all done before his surgery on his hip in March. It been more of what mom likes. But we have been asking him what he likes or doesn't like. Especially the curtains in his office. I told him he had to be sure b/c we have to cut & sew. For what we paid for them we couldn't be the price.

I learned something of my dad this week. He is a paper pack rat. Mom was saying that she just doesn't know what paper work is were. I was concerned if something happen to dad if she knew where things were. She said she did but she would have to hunt for them. Then I was worried if something happen to both of them if one of us kids would be able to find anything. So digging I went. Oh my goodness. They paper work dear old dad had. I found things as far back as the 1980's. His tax guy told him he should keep info for 10 yrs. but I said 7 was the legal guide line. This stuff wasn't for memory sake either. I did find some documents for the farm that can go to the Historical Society in the county. Everything else for the stove.
My dad is a very good business man. He loves sales and numbers but organizing wasn't his strong point. Papers weren't categorized in the right area mainly. So I rearranged his files. His filing cabinet thanked me. That poor thing. It has a few dents in it.

I have to say I had fun with it all. We aren't quite done yet b/c the living room isn't finished but they are loving what is done. As soon as everything is done I am going to take pictures. It looks so cozy and comfy. I think we had dad come to tears last night.

1/9/09 Rainy day

2009-02-09T06:08:00.000-08:00

As I look out my window and see the gloom in the day. It is suppose to be rainy this week w/some snow. But life doesn't stop there. Today is Monday and there is laundry to do, patching, cleaning my room and some school work that the kids need to finish.

J is still training Roscoe. It is going fairly well.

The rest of the week is scheduled out. I'll start babysitting the middle of the week.

D will be finishing up mom & dad's house this week, or the main part of it, then it will be the back bedroom. That won't take to long. They are so happy w/the changes.

Spring is almost here even though Mr. Groundhog says we'll have 6 more weeks of winter. Life goes on. I'll be starting my veg plants Tuesday. I can't believe how time flies.

1/8/09 Our new family member.

2009-02-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Well Rosco joined our family this week. He is the cutest little thing. He is definitely a loyal puppy. He follows J around every where and if he can't find him he starts to whine. When J is doing school work he'll sit by his chair. But for know J is house training him and doing well.

It is official, I am babysitting for the grandkids. M has the job and we agreed upon things. Hopefully things will work. The extra money on both our parts will be a blessing.

Have been busy this weekend at mom & dad's with the house. D is putting trim in and it is looking nice. Trying to get it done before Dad has surgery in March.

Bought the dirt for my start plants. I want to get them going this week. Right now it is tomatoes and sweet peppers. I also want to plan the garden it self. D & I have been talking about the chicken coop for this summer. We really want to get going on that this year. Also setting up the fence for a couple of head of cattle. Nothing big but I know Mark wants to put in about 4 again. We'll get some meat in return for the rental of pasture. D still wants some of his own though.

The kids were over for awhile Sat. B helped E w/her math. What a chore. But they did figure it out. Algebra, who needs it?

Well off to dad's again. Hopefully D will get all the base done so they can put in carpet this week.

1/3/09 Rescheduling

2009-02-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

I was in the mood for waffles. After E wanted them yesterday morning but didn't have time. So I made a double batch. D was in a goofy mood this morning too. I was talking to K while I made waffles and he was being a pest. But I soaked it up any way. I love his playful moods.

I have to rethink my schedule a bit. M called and told me she has a managers job in St. Cloud. A new pawn shop is opening up.
But b/c she will make more then B he would quit his job to stay home w/the kids. I don't like that idea at all. We both agreed it would be better if they had 2 incomes coming in to pay up on their bills that they are behind on and build a savings. After raking my brains of who could babysit the kids w/o B quiting his job I will be babysitting. My dad wasn't to sure if he wanted to do that. So after talking to K about this matter and what to do or maybe just someone to listen to me I had a small talk w/God.
Now is not the time to take chances w/jobs or a new business starting. So I asked God if I was to babysit D would have to agree to it. He did. It is from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.?. M-F while he is at work. Also on a temp bases. I want they to get there bills taken care of 1st and try to find someone closer for babysitting. But mainly to see how long this store stays open. I am a little concern about M dealing w/stress. She isn't very good at it but as gotten better. I have noticed her and B have been planning things out better so this is a plus for them. Like so many couples bills just piled up. They were doing so well until the cost of utilities went up.

But as long as D agreed to me babysitting I will do what I can. Besides I have flexibility w/the kids. I won't do it for nothing either. I figured $150 a week for 3 kids, 4 hrs a day, 5 days a week is fair. Plus while I am there I'll be doing little house cleaning and maybe so grocery shopping. I might as well. But home here has to be in order. Which it is most times if not all times. I have to do school while I make dinner and right before I leave. E & J might come w/if they want too. But I have to be extra organized. The best part of being grandma babysitter I can bring them home if I want. B is in school right now but if this last till summer I can bring them home too. So planning I have to do.

1/30/09 Frugal Goverment

2009-01-30T04:31:00.000-08:00

If you ask me our government should learn to be more frugal. I am so mad right now it boils my hide. We have to watch how our money is spent but not the government. If I am running short of grocery money that bag of chips has to be put back on the shelf.

Just last week our Pres. O lifted the ban on stem cell & abortion funding. Who the hell is paying for that? Now Nancy P wants to include birth control pills in the stimulus package. Just b/c she doesn't like children the rest of us shouldn't pay for it. And we all know what that is going to cause. They have proven more STD, sex w/God only knows who and more killing of innocent children. Why can't they pass a law if you are going to have an abortion you have to have your baby to full term & put it up for adoption. You know, the people who can't have children. They do everything else.

And I like to know why people who work in the government aren't paying taxes? It is an income just like ours they just make more of it. Wasn't there a politician who said "These people who make all this money THINK they have the right to keep it." (or something along those lines.) They earned it you ignorant fool. I find it amazing that these officials tell us it is Patriotic to pay taxes when they don't. How easy it is to spend someone else's money.

What good is a stimulus package if they have to borrow the money? What a couple of idiots in the office.
The unemployment level is so high. No it is not. Well maybe. But it wouldn't be if women who are married w/families stayed home. They men can be men. Earn a living to support their families and not feel like wimps. I know there is exceptions like a single woman or widow. But don't give me this divorce bull. That is the reason they are divorced. Look at the research. Back before women's lib. Women were healthier & happier when they stayed at home to take care of their homes. Less children had mental problems or weight problems for that matter.
I hear way to often that some working mom is on pills for depression. Why is that? This I want to get out of the house and do something doesn't fly by me either. Do you know how much volunteer work is out there? Schools are more then willing to take some of your time. Hobbies can be started and finished. I find this a big hype for women who were able to find a man to marry. All they did was make it rough for us sah mothers. What happen to our rights?

Our Gov. Plawenty in MN is making cuts and of course the Democrat's don't like it. He told them to prioritize. The Mayors are whining about "Their goes our policemen & firefighters". Gov. P said "Why? Why do you need a Human Rights office when it is already free through the state?" DUH!! Just trying to find money to spend again.
We even have a woman politician who wants to make it illegal for you to smoke in your car w/our children in it. First, of all they aren't her children. They are my children. Second, it is one more way to get money for the government. B/c they would fine you. Third, whats to stop them from invading your home. This is ridiculous. They have done the research. Second hand smoke is a big hype. What a surprise. They just don't tell you about that one b/c they got money from the tobacco company. I don't smoke and this bothers me. B/c if the government pushes this what is to stop them from other issues. Are they going to start regulating how many children we have or how to parent?

These people are making up things to spend. Why do we need to research the life of a bear? It knows how to live. It doesn't need our help. Yes we need to take care of environment. Do what is right to take care of this Earth that God gave us and there shouldn't be issues. But not to lie about Global Warming to make Al Gore rich. That doesn't make sense to me either. How can he get rich off of this stuff? Isn't that money suppose to go to the problem he is talking about? Throw your trash in the garbage and not on the road side. Recycle when you can. Plant a tree or/& flowers. Always keep things clean. One thing that always got my goat was these contractors. They would saw up all these trees to clear land for building. Why aren't they replanting? Lumber companies have to if they want to stay in business. Contractors should do the same to preserver the environment.

My family does what we have to do to stay in budget, take care of what we have and yet we are not hurting. We have to be patient and wait. God has blessed us well and shown us in our hard times that we have strength in Him to pull us through. We appreciate the good time that we have and find simpler things to have fun. Our government needs to do the same.

1/27/09 Remodeling at M & D's.

2009-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

In a few mins. I am going to join J for some movie time. I got some from the library to go w/our MOH. So I am popping popcorn.

This weekend & week is full. We are doing M & D's bedrooms & living room. (L is showing mom how to work her new digital camera).
So Sat. we removed all furniture, bedding, clothes and anything that was on the walls. We ripped out carpet & mill work. We set them up in the other bedroom. We are doing 1 room at a time. Today we, or mostly D, painted the room. Dad & I cleaned out the other room.
D is planning on finishing the mill work so that he can install it on Friday & Sat. They have to put carpet in yet. Heck they have to pick it out.

Mom loves purple. The color is Perfectly Greige from S/W. I just had a feeling she would like it. Just got off the phone and she loves it.

So right now we are going to focus on that project for now. It is exciting doing this for them. What else can parents need? This is something they wanting to do, so we took the opportunity to make this a gift for them. It is actually kind of fun. Mom has a hard deciding what colors go w/what so I get to help.

1/22/09 Saving dessert.

2009-01-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

Well today is Thursday and I want to get back on schedule. Today we clean the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen & dining room.

I started the day w/my rosary in bed and took my shower. I was ready to begin. Oatmeal was made and 1 by 1 the family gathered for breakfast.
D was busy looking at a blueprint on a cd for a project he wants to bid for. I am not so sure on this. It is to big for me to tackle.

While he was doing that I was cleaning the tub. The shower curtain went into the washer. I scrubbed w/baking soda. Who ever thought those stickers that they put on the bottom of the tub was cute. Not. Dirty just sticks to them. It took me 15 mins. to clean that tub.
As I was cleaning I got to thinking. I wonder if the White House staff is using eco friendly products. While the rest of us are using b.soda & vinegar to keep cost down and for safety what are they using. They preach up a storm about going green I just wonder how green they are? The kids did a few things to help me. It really didn't take long.

D & J went to Sherwin-Williams to pick up stain for dads job.
So I started dinner. We had chicken, potatoes & corn. I wanted to try this new dessert. Hot Milk Cake. I am not very good w/the broiler. As a matter of fact I have never used a broiler in my life. I can see why. The thing was on fire too, w/the smoke alarm blaring. So out the door it went for awhile. I was hoping I could save it. And I did. I was able to pick off the burnt crust and remade it.
This time I put the pan on a lower rack and watched it. Literally knelt in front of the stove and watched it. It came out a lot better the second time around. No alarm going off.

After school and supper I finished my cleaning. The kids took on a few more tasks and I did the rest. I wiped the counters down w/the Thieves cleaner. It has a nice cinnamon smell to it. I am finding out it does cut the grease. I'll be using that on cabinets when I start cleaning them. I did use the laundry soap windfresh for the floors. It said on the container. So I tried it. It did a nice job.

As I was visiting a blog I reviewed her home binder. I really don't use one but I was thinking of having something made up. Just for emergencies. Something simple. So I'll have to think on this matter.
House cleaned and time to myself. Tonight is also my bath night. I soak in a tub of baking soda. It is so refreshing.

1/21/09 A little romance & just school.

2009-01-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

I slept in today. After 2 nights of staying up late I just couldn't get up. It was almost 10:00 a.m. when I crawled out of bed.

The 1st night D called me from work. He wanted a special supper when he got home. Lately he has been working till 10 and home by 10:30 so this was doable. So I made a small surprise for him. He loves blueberry pie. So it was more dessert then supper. I did put cheese, crackers & sausage in case he was hungry. I only had diet coke products so that is what we drank instead of wine.

I went and dug out this nightie from the tub of summer clothes. This is about as sexy as I have.
But I had to go to bed around 11:00 b/c my feet were tickling. It happens when I am tired.
But D woke me up when he got home. He went back to normal time 11:45. He had a big smile on his face. He didn't think I was going to plan something for him. I guess I don't do this enough.
While we were eating our pie he was excited about work. He was telling me how the company is doing well and they might buy a shop in Kansans. Spreading the work around. D was also talking about how M.S. is a good business man. He knows his stuff. I am so grateful God provided D w/a job. D knows his stuff too. He is very good at what he does.
So we had a very romantic night Monday.

But on Tuesday I had to pick him up at work. Our day just wasn't going right. He had to fix some doors and the stain wasn't sticking to the plastic grid. So by the time we had to deliver them it was time for him to go to work. Which was up the road. So that is what I did.

It didn't pay for me to do school w/the kids. They did do somethings on their own. They made up some game and were drawing. I guess there is a comic book in the making.
So we headed to the library and I did a few earns along the way.
It was a relaxed evening. I managed to stay up to get D. We talked a bit about the I. Ball and what this next 4 yrs. is going to bring. Whatever is going to happen we are doing pretty good. Most of our debt is cleared up and when the timing is right we are going to refinance our mortgage. When we got home I went to bed right away. D watched some t.v.

So today was just a get caught up on school day. I did run into Foley to pay for our business insurance. But other then that I was home.
It is nice to be home.

1/20/09 Sworn into Office.

2009-01-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

Today is the big day. Obama takes over as President of the USA. I am not a big fan of this man or his V.P. and cabinet. For a group, these people they didn't do anything for this country to get elected. They caused the problems w/the housing industry, energy nonsense, killing of innocent children and kicking God out of our lives . To me that isn't good politics. Our country is based on God's guidance.
So these people have a lot to prove to everyone. I pray they can do it.

You would think that w/the country in debt that this Ball they are throwing, which not everyone can go to, should be rethought. The news said it cost $45 million. Where is that money coming from? If it was stashed away for this I think it should have gone towards the bail out. There should be some cost cuts here. If it is coming from our tax money I don't want to pay for it.
I feel the Lord is teaching us something right now. I can see mothers going home to their children and fathers providing for their families. It is a time of who is going to following God's leadership. It might be scary but w/faith we can make it. This might be a blessing in disguises.
I will do my best to respect our leader of this country.
God Bless Amercia!!

1/19/09 Rearranging

2009-01-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

I was getting tired of how some of the furniture was arranged.
So I got busy.

This hutch went from this corner to this wall. Some of the pieces are in a different order too.

This buffet & bankers desk went from this to this. It gave the house a new look.
I am real happy how this turned out.
The desk I mixed a little old and new together. I went threw D's things and incorporated them into the desk. D's mom kept a calender of the yr. he was born. D has some old books that I put on display w/his report cards. They looked old. D's step-dad gave J a hand BB gun. So I put it on top of the calender. It just has an old western feel to it.

I like using things to put on display. People have keepsakes stuck away in boxes where nobody can see them. How can you enjoy them if they are put away. So out them came.

1/18/09 Holding my tongue.

2009-01-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

Today I went grocery shopping. My intent was to do this Sat. after me & mom went clothes
shopping. Did my days ever get screwed up.

It started on Friday. We took the order out on schedule and then some.
Took E to M for the weekend. She was babysitting so they could go out for their ann.
On the way to make the deliveries D thought it would be a good idea to call dad and see about getting the millwork for their house. We had the red trailer so we could haul it right away.
So after dropping off an order we went to pick up another.
By then it was 10:00 so I called J to see if he wanted to hang out w/us. R could bring him to the store and we would pick him up. So we did.
We spent the rest of the day at m & d's. We also had to sign some bank papers for M & D to refinance.
D & dad went and got the millwork & I stayed at their place till it was time to pick up mom. Then we met the guys for a quick lunch. The guys had to go back to the store b/c they forgot the list that I brought.
M & D are updating their home and we are helping them w/the decor as a Christmas gift. They have everything. Dad told us what he wanted to do and he asked me what would I do. I told him I wouldn't do what he wanted. Just updated the millwork, paint, closet unit & carpet were it is needed. Mom was happy that I changed his mind. Too much work that isn't necessary.

Mom, J & I went back to mom's. I was going to go shopping and asked her if she wanted to come with. She was looking for a digital camera. So plans were made. Then the 3 of us went home to movies & pizza.

When dad called Sat. morning I had that feeling that my day wasn't going to get done. I really wanted to make only one trip into town and stay home Sunday. But dad said something about fishing and getting a trailer. So D landed up going w/me. J was going to stay home by himself but thought he would enjoy going to his friends house. Which he did and he had fun.

D put his fishhouse in the back of my suburban and headed out. We went to the bank, hardware store and dropped J off. Mom had dinner ready so we had dinner. Mom and I went shopping while the guys did what they needed to do.

We had fun. We found mom's camera at Walmart. Then we went to my favorite store. Christopher & Banks. Awesome sales. 2 racks for tops for $10.00 & pants $14.99. I bought 11 pieces of clothes for $119. Even mom found a top she liked, on sale too. This in 1 of my outfits. Now I was told that the pants are to short & the legs look funny. I just can't win. Mom and the lady at the store said they looked nice on me. If D had his way I would be walking around naked.

Later we all went to church. After church m & d took us out for dinner again. They wanted to thank us for the work we are going to do. Even though it is a gift they weren't happy unless they did something.

So now it is Sunday and J went to church w/R. I was getting ready to go get groceries and D decided he wanted to come with. But yet he wanted to work on the door order. So he quizzes me on how long it is going to take me. I basically told him if he is going to put a time frame on this shopping he might as well stay home. I just don't know how long it is going to take. I did want to be home around 3:30 to 4:00.

Shopping did go well. D was driving me nuts a bit though. Some of the other women could sense it by the look on my face. I just wanted to get what was on my list and he wanted to get stuff for making sausage. D was dragging his feet and I had time on my mind b/c he wanted to be home by a certain time.
On the way home we picked up E and went home. All in all we had a nice time and we didn't get the stuff for making sausage.

D is in the shop doing the doors and I got the groceries put away.

God sure gave me the opportunity to show honor to my husband today. As I could feel myself getting upset w/D I kept my cool. I know I could have done better but I didn't create a scene. I didn't embarrasses us. I have noticed this of late how young couples cause a commotion and bring attention to themselves. I feel like going over there and telling them how to act. Such a difference how times have changed. What is considered proper now a days. What a shame. And they don't seem to have shame either.

1/15/09 Grocery shopping online.

2009-01-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

I need to make out the grocery list. I'll be going online to Sam's & Cashwise to see sales and making the list. I'll be getting the basics and plan the menu later. It is kind of nice to shop online like this. I can get a rough idea how much I'll be spending for groceries. The only thing I don't like is I can't get my main meats listed. But this still saves me money. I could place the order and just pick it up but I am not sure when I'll be going. Sam's gets the order w/in 24 hrs. so that leaves me out. But I like shopping anyway.

D & J went out to the shop to finish the order. J is pretty proud that he is able to help dad. He said he could do it himself. 1 problem. He doesn't know how to work the sprayers.

I ran into town real quick to pay a loan, drop books off at the library, pick up paperwork from the county & ship off 2 packages. 1 is for a replacement for a ps2.
While I was at the bank I talked to Philp about our house payment check on the interest rates. Unbelievable. For a 30 yr. 4% interest. I asked him if he could look into it for us to refinance now instead of in May. That is when D started at W/S. I told him we have been keeping up w/our payments & bills. D is working a f/t job and we are still getting jobs in the shop. We are hanging in there. I pray that you will bless us God. I will do my best to manage our money. So far we are doing pretty good. We aren't eating out as much if at all. This is a big plus. We have one more c.c. I try not to use it but I have. M said she is going to pay us 1/2? of what they owe us. Which would be nice b/c that would pay off the c.c.
We also want to shop around for insurance. On everything. D better get busy on that. That is his department.

J had a rough time w/school today. He just couldn't get motivated. But he got it done. We skipped a lesson due to the fact he knew the info. Worked together on some material. I was going back and forth between the kids. E was relaxed on the floor in the other room so I didn't have to go far. I couldn't help think how free they felt. J was getting tired of sitting so he stood up and did his work for a short time. If he was in school guess what kind of trouble he would be in. His work was done w/little mistakes. Later he stretched out on the love seat for English. E had help w/her homework from her cat. When was the last time a student could lay on the floor in a classroom to do their work? Not to mention we are able to laugh freely. No they don't like the work they do all the time or most of the time but they are learning. The free time is creative.

1/14/09 Nice day at home.

2009-01-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

I took my time getting up this morning. I don't have any little ones that need my attention and no big messes to clean so I though why not. I could feel a dull headache coming on so I just took my time getting ready.
D & J went outside to stain up those doors so I got right to work making banana bread.
I am so glad I took out those bananas yesterday. I think I counted 3 doz.? Just when I had them all unthawed and 4 loaves made I opened the freezer and seen 6 more on the top shelf. Not that I had used up all the mashed bananas anyway. I think I could make 6 more loaves.? I was thinking of make bars w/some of it. My new toy that K gave me for Christmas worked great. A hand held mixer. Worked nicely for the bananas. Can't keep E from eating the strudel. Well I need to put the bread away and refreeze the mashed banana. I'll do 2 cups in each bag. I would bake more but I am running out of oil.

You know what is more annoying then a cat in heat? Nothing. She has this aggravating meow. And it is so loud. Not to mention she is very friendly now. You can't sit down w/out her rubbing against your leg. If I could afford it right now she would be fixed.

E finished her book and she told us what it was about. J finished his book on tape too. They enjoyed the books they picked out. The book J and I were reading isn't going so well. I have heard such good reports about G.A. Henty's books but I have a hard time reading them. J liked the ones on tape but they don't all come on tape. I just wanted J to read good books and get a better feel for History. I am a bit disappointed. School went well.

D should find out today if he is put on days next week. I am so grateful that God has blessed them w/work.
My day is winding down and I'm really not in the mood to do anything. Not a big project anyway, something small, so if I got sick of it I could put it away easily w/out a big mess to clean up. So I crocheted some squares.

1/13/09 A jar full of cookies.

2009-01-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

Today was a baking kind of day. I made 2 kinds of cookies sugar & oatmeal choc. chip. It never dawned on me that when I put them on the cookie sheet I was making a doz. at a time. Go figure. So I had 6 doz. each. Would have had more if they didn't disappear off the racks. I landed up w/2 ice cream pails to boot.

After making a few business calls we were able to straighten out when this order was to get done.
Plus an order for doors.

I felt so bad when M called. She was reminding me of R confession appt. and I blew a fuse. I forgot it was today and not tomorrow & wanted to call her earlier in the day to see if she can reschedule when B was home from work on the weekend but forgot. I just didn't want to go anywhere in the cold & get my stuff done.
But instead of calmly discussing it w/her I yelled. Not so much at her but the issue. It has worked out for me taking R to religion on Mondays b/c of J's bible study & I am in town and this isn't a regular day. This church seems to do things differently then what I am use to and throws me for a loop. I even swore. So after giving my oppion on how it should go and how the parish needs to compromise to their parish members I told her to give me a call back if they won't cause I would still come. Well she called back in a few mins. and was able to reschedule. After she told me I apologized before she could say anything else. I explained how my day was going and felt overwhelmed. I didn't mean to yell but I wanted to talk to her about it. I truly didn't mean to make her upset and I hope she knows I am really sorry. We talked about a few other things before we said good-bye.
This just reminds me how I want to treat my family. I want to treat them better then a friend. I see so many people treat friends and co-workers better then their family from tone of voice to snobby remarks. I know we kid around a lot and have fun but there is a time when things get serious and we need to be careful of what & how we say things. I know this is a work in the making for me but I will never give up on trying to improve on this behavior. I am not afraid to apologize to my family. I don't ever claim to be perfect. So with Gods help I will remember. What would I do w/o you Lord? I know. LOST!

I took out all the bananas in the freezer. Oh my goodness. I was thinking of making b.bread tonight but I might not be able to. I must have a ton of bananas. I don't want to be up all night. So I'll have to rethink this.

1/12/09 My Mondays

2009-01-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Before I sat down I wanted to make sure my laundry was done and the house looked tidy. Mission accomplished.

All day I was thinking about my Mondays. How do I want them to go.
This morning I did dishes from Sunday. I want to try and have the dishes done at all times. But my dishwasher is very small. Bedsides that it doesn't do a very good job and hard on the electric bill. I want to use it only on weekends when we are to relax.

As I am going through my day I was making mental note of what was going on.
E was telling me about a show she watch w/friend H2O. Some teen channel. She made the
comment how it was a modest show to watch.

J was suppose to have bible study tonight but D said to stay home b/c of the weather. It snowed pretty good this a.m. and the wind advisory was going to get worse. I felt bad b/c I take R to religion and she was
going to miss it. But the class was cancelled due to weather. So I am assuming so was J's class.

This was one of the reasons I don't want my Mondays to be a rat race. It is also why E wanted to change our school schedule from Mondays to Fridays. So far it is working.
So Mondays are going to go like this:
Laundry mine & D w/towels.
Clean our bedroom.
Meals.
Bible study for the kids.
That should be enough for one day. Clothes don't get done all at one time. So it does take me all day to do them. I manged to squeeze in the vacuuming.

1/12/09 Sunday visit.

2009-01-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

Didn't get to do an entry last night b/c we settled in for a night of Ma & Pa Kettle again. Can't help love that family. They don't make holism movies like that any more.

D & I layed in bed for quite awhile talking. I think this funny b/c he told a co-worker on NYD that we went out for dinner. The c/w asked what we talked about. D told him nothing. We have nothing to talk about and when your married for as long as we are we know each other already.
Here we laid in bed for about 3 hrs and had bedroom conversation. Don't remember everything we talked about but it was nice. I did get him to agree on getting a test done. It will help determine what vitamins he needs. I gave him a guilt trip and it worked.

About noon D decided to go fishing. I was going to stay home and do some sewing but D call my dad to see what he was doing and if he wanted to go. He also ways thinks of my dad b/c dad has a hard time setting up after getting hurt at work. The 1 of the things I love about him. Anyway dad said he need to do stuff at the church till 2 and he would see after that. He asked if I was coming b/c mom & T were going to be there later. So J & I went with. D went to a lake near by so I wasn't out of the way. We had a nice visit. J played w/his cousins and I worked on my crocheting. Gab, gab, gab.

We didn't make it to church later b/c D didn't get off the lake soon enough. I wasn't going to make him feel guilt about it either. It took me long enough to get him to church that I was going to do that to him. He likes going to church now and pestering him about not making it will not help matters. I'll just have to plan better if I know he is even thinking about going fishing. The good Lord blessed us w/a nice day and I am going to leave it at that.

When I got home I went to pick up E from her friends house & I chatted w/K for a bit. She gave me the Kettle movies to watch. We enjoyed our night in a snuggly warm house. I feel like back in the good old days. It was comforting. Thank you God for this wonderful day.

1/10/09 Lazy Sat.

2009-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

This morning we had to take an order out so hubby was up at 6:30. I got up an hr. later not intending to. I was going to get up w/him but just couldn't wake up. No big deal. He had some
cereal and checked the stove. We wrapped and loaded w/out a problem. The trimmer wasn't out there right away so we went for donuts & choc. milk. Couldn't get in anyhow. After 30 mins we were done. So after that took a check to the bank, had a quick bite at burger king and visited w/M & B for a bit.
When we got home we took a nap. So much for hating cats.

D decided to go fishing this afternoon and I took the kids to friends. I stay for an hr. to visit also. They'll becoming home Sunday.
So I'll have the house to my self for awhile.

So I took the time to fix the blanket I gave M for Christmas. I stitched the big holes together.
She said you could feel the cold come through the holes. So I took care of any stitches that were coming undone. I was a little upset. I should have used a different pattern. She uses it. I think this patter was designed for looks only. Not to mention I'm not experienced crocheter. So I hope this takes care of the problem.

For the rest of the night I am going to relax, watch a little t.v. and blog.

1/9/09 Fin. goals.

2009-01-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

As D and I were working in the shop we discussed what we were going to work on this summer.

Settle the land law suit from our neighbor & pay for the lawyer.

Pay off the credit card $1500? & home equity loan.

Start saving acct. for retirement & emergencies. Thankfully D didn't believe in 401Ks. We would have lost big time.

Clean up the yard and build a chicken coop & sm. shed for beef.
Plant fruit trees and garden. He is extremely proud of this. It has helped the grocery bill a lot. Not to mention it we know what we put on it. I do have to invest in some more jars.

Finish the laundry room which includes new tile flooring, wains coating on the ceiling & walls, millwork, cabinets & appliances.

Painting the main level of the house and touch up family room.

I want to update the towels, curtains & shower curtain.

So we have decided to finish up any projects that were started. The laundry room is the biggest & most expensive.

I like the ideal we are doing a homemade Christmas this year again. It was so cheap that I didn't spend hardly anything at all. I have already started making blankets for my godsons.

We are still getting movies from the library for weekends & making pizza. I do buy pop b/c you just can't have pizza w/o it. But it is as cheap as I can buy. We are going to invest in a new vcr/dvd player b/c we have movie nights.

I am going to invest in more games for us too. For the last 3 nights we have had the t.v. off. I have been cleaning and the kids been doing things in their rooms. D is at work so I want to be able to spend time w/him when he is home instead of clean.

1/08/09

2009-01-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

I didn't feel like getting up today. I woke up around 5:00 to go to the bathroom and started my cycle. This disappointed me hoping I was w/child. It seems like forever. I am getting tired of waiting for God to bless us. But in due time it will happen.
Well I got up at 8 and took a shower just to wash my hair. I figured that the nice hot water would make me feel better and it did. I wasn't in a bad mood or anything so the day went fairly well including when D told Girtz we could get the job out by Sat. morning. If looks could kill D would be 6 ft under. But he said if it didn't come at a certain time they wouldn't expect.
So D went w/me to do my earns this a.m. We even went into St. Cloud and deposited a check that we got last night for a job. Later we got another check in the mail.
D & I went to burger king and got lunch & took some home to the kids. Before that we stopped a flooring place to compare prices. What a set up.

After school I watched the 2 cooking shows at 6:00. Then I got to work on the closet and taxes. It took about 2 hrs. I ultimated the file boxes that had the tax papers in the back of the closet and put them in one tub. It was heavy carrying it into the garage. Thank goodness J is a strong kid. Found a new storage spot for somethings. Which I'll need to clean the hall closet out. Other stuff went in the trash. I really didn't have much stuff in there but the space is small so it looked more then it really did.

All in all I am happy w/the task. Things are in place, some went out the door and I finished all my water for the day. I will not be looking forward to Friday b/c I have to help D stain. Oh well that is what I do. I am so glad we work well together. We wouldn't be able to stand each other. Maybe that is why he has a hard time finding some one to work for us. No one holds a candle to me. LOL!

1/7/09

2009-01-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

The day is coming to a close. I have been thinking about the blogging world. It is fun how we use this as a way of visiting. It is nice to hear from ladies w/the same interest. But it is also a way women use to journal on the frontier. I love the Little House books. Laura brought history to life in her books. I might not have a book published but my life is a story. So you might find my blogs a little different as if I am writing in a diary. Don't we all want to read some elses diary?

I had a good day. I'm sitting down and wrote my to do list for the rest of the week. My plans are to finish the paper work so I don't have to worry about it.
I worked on getting the checkbooks updated and paid some bills. I am not completely done w/the paperwork though. I got the paperwork together for medical asst. I'll be taking a trip into town to drop them off. It'll be cheaper for me to run into town then make copies. It is only 10 mins away. I want to do this in the morning.

Still haven't received the Girtz's order. He wants it done for this weekend. If the millwork doesn't come Thursday I'll have to give him a jingle and see what is going on.

Fine tune the kids chore chart. I'll be posting them tomorrow. J seems to have a forgetful mind. He likes the list so that he can check off.
The kids have been doing pretty good at keeping up w/the chores. So it makes it easier to keep up w/the house.

Tonight I am going to take a nice bath w/baking soda. This seems to soft my skin. I did find a recipe for goat soap that I want to try.

I have to read w/J. He isn't much of a reader right now but likes to listen to them on tape. Unfortunately this one wasn't on tape. But he likes the cuddle time.

I am not quite sleepy yet so I thought I'd watch the news for awhile. Nothing good yet.
As I was taking my bath I was missing my old tub. I wish there was a way I could get my clawfoot tub in this bathroom. I could just lay back and relax. It was nice & deep tub. It was so pretty.

I was thinking how I gave D a hard time about not being on time for dinner. He does this way to often. It interferes w/my schedule. I want to get dishes done by 1:00 so I do school w/the kids. His protest that he was doing it for me didn't go over very well b/c the stuff he was doing could wait. Better yet the kids could have done it. All he has to do is open his mouth and say something. I get so upset w/him for not letting the kids know or do things. Then he complains that they don't do anything. Which of course isn't true. They keep up w/their chores and when ever I need help their there. I even have them ask dad if he needs help. But he usually says "if I need help I'll ask." Sometimes that man can boil my hide. Oh well he likes his alone time he says. I'll hold that to him.

I'll be going to bed soon. The Lord has blessed me well today. I worked at a steady pace, E and I worked on some math together and had a few laughs in the process. Things are in order and the house is warm. Can't ask for anything better then this.

Keeping up.

2009-01-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

For today I am just going to work on paperwork, meals & school. I took way to much time off for the holidays. I am not going to overload my day w/a list. It's only 3 things but it is enough.

W/tax season around the corner I need to get ready for that. Who said owning your own business was so great. I feel I have extra work at times. It wouldn't be so bad if builders paid us on time and we could hire a reliable person to work in the shop. Ladies make sure you raise your children to have good work ethics especially the sons. I am doing a mans job out there.

Anyway I am determined to get the books updated. Bills to pay, invoices to send out, forms to fill, calls to make and who knows what else. But once I am caught up it will be easier. I do our household accts. every other week. That is when dh gets paid and it doesn't take me long to do.

Business has been slow for any construction worker. But we do things for remodeling. I would like to see God bless us w/cabinet jobs. Big $$ for our time. But He has blessed my dh w/other employment. We'll have to wait and see how much work we get. I don't want to completely shut down but keep it flowing so we can handle it comfortably. I don't want to see my dh work like a mule either. He tends to over do it.

We have no overhead to pay for expect the supplies we need to do the jobs as they come. Dh was a smart business man. He didn't buy new equipment till one was paid off first. So when times got hard like now we didn't have to worry about it. Such good business sense. He is determined to keep this business going. I just have to be there to help when he needs it. It is nice to see ds2 getting involved. He helps when he can. He is only 12 but can be a big help.
Well back to business. Hope everyone has a nice day.

Hem on skirts.

2009-01-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

I have been debating if I should shorten my hems on my skirts. Sorry for the dorky picture. I am short 5'3" and pear shaped. Can you tell? So my skirt lengths are to be above my calves.
What a tackle.

Left over sp. sauce

2009-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

I love it when I make to much. I have enough sauce for another meal. This was a challenge for me yesterday. Besides feeling blah I haven't quite made a sp. sauce that my family likes. They love Prego. Well we all know how much that went up in $$. But this came out pretty good. I use my own tomatoes from the garden. Not sure the correct measurements though but there is enough pepper. I made sure to note that on the label.
What is in Italian seasoning anyway?

First Monday of the new year.

2009-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well ladies it is here and I can't get going. I have this slight headache that is annoying. I finely broke down and took something. I feel like crawling back to bed and sleep. I know I haven't taken my vitamins on a routine bases so that is probably it.
I have managed to do my laundry, some book work, pay 2 bills or is it 3? ; \ Now the cat pooped in my plant.

Well everyone is feed and the house is clean so no major dilemmas. Later ds1 & I are going to put his app. in at a bus company. Hopefully he'll get full time work there. He doesn't know where to go so I am going w/him. And we will pick up bread later.

Can you just hear the BLAH in my typing. Well I am glad I said my prayers this a.m.