the last 3 weeks have been nuts!
we replaced everyone's mattresses. we replace everyone's pillows, we replaced my broken mixer, we replace my outdated (but still functional) blender, we repaired my sewing machine and i got a sewing surface extender. i got fabric for michael's christmas blanket, we got everyone halloween costumes.
for almost 2 weeks, we ran constantly. we've been to idaho falls 5 or 6 times this month. it seems like we haven't been able to get anything done cause we are always doing something away from home. things seem to have finally slowed down a little bit, and we are now home most of the time.
we started working on the kitchen cabinets. it's going to be a long process, and out plans have changed a few times, but we are so excited to finish it. the boxes and sides of the doors are going to be blue, and the fronts and backs of the doors are going to be the natural wood! it's amazing how much the natural wood matches the counter tops!
we finally had a full day to put towards school as well. now if i can only convince the kids to actually do the work, instead of "pretending!" as we're still in a learning process and figuring out how things work the best for us, i'm not entirely surprised we still have a few bad days here and there!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
fretting
shannon, age 5, knocking on dad's office door, "dad, what are you doing?"
dad, "fretting."
shannon, "that's a lot of fretting."
dad, "fretting."
shannon, "that's a lot of fretting."
Monday, October 13, 2014
on top of things, for now
my sewing is fixed!
i have a new mixer! we thought that was easier than dealing with repairs.
we replaced all the mattresses!
we replaced all the pillows!
everyone has enough good fitting clothes!
all the past due bills are paid up and a couple months extra!
we've paid off nearly all the small debt (<$500)!
now we just need to figure out how to take care of things normally....
i have a new mixer! we thought that was easier than dealing with repairs.
we replaced all the mattresses!
we replaced all the pillows!
everyone has enough good fitting clothes!
all the past due bills are paid up and a couple months extra!
we've paid off nearly all the small debt (<$500)!
now we just need to figure out how to take care of things normally....
what a week!
we heard 4 weeks ago, that mom's house had sold (shaun's mother). it was just a matter of getting everything finalized. paperwork signed, final bills paid, etc. last wednesday, shaun's siblings came over and delivered his portion.
how do you write about the finality of death and everything it brings?
with the inheritance, we've been working on getting basics back in order. bills paid, debts paid, clothes, beds,
we heard 4 weeks ago, that mom's house had sold (shaun's mother). it was just a matter of getting everything finalized. paperwork signed, final bills paid, etc. last wednesday, shaun's siblings came over and delivered his portion.
how do you write about the finality of death and everything it brings?
with the inheritance, we've been working on getting basics back in order. bills paid, debts paid, clothes, beds,
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
colors!
my evening went something like this.
boil 25.5 quarts of water, measure out 4 cups of salt, measure out 1.25 cups of fabric dye. place in large bucket.
stuff socks into dyeing water. wait 30 minutes, stirring twice.
rinse with cold water, wring out by hand.
haul down to the laundry room, dump in pile.
wait 2 hours on load in washer to finish so i can rinse them out properly.
80 minutes for rinse.
beautiful socks!
purple for ashley
pink for shannon
yellow for elizabeth
blue for taylor
now it will be immensely easier to sort and fold socks. not only that, but it will be a cinch to figure out which child left their socks under the table or behind the chairs!
boil 25.5 quarts of water, measure out 4 cups of salt, measure out 1.25 cups of fabric dye. place in large bucket.
stuff socks into dyeing water. wait 30 minutes, stirring twice.
rinse with cold water, wring out by hand.
haul down to the laundry room, dump in pile.
wait 2 hours on load in washer to finish so i can rinse them out properly.
80 minutes for rinse.
beautiful socks!
pink for shannon
yellow for elizabeth
blue for taylor
now it will be immensely easier to sort and fold socks. not only that, but it will be a cinch to figure out which child left their socks under the table or behind the chairs!
Monday, September 29, 2014
fall
with the coming of fall, comes canning season! i actually really like to can. i love knowing that i've put up produce for my family to eat at a later date. i love the way it makes the house smell. i love the bonding moments it produces.
i have a tendency to not let the kids help me in the kitchen. the kitchen is my domain, and i really don't like the extra work that comes with letting my kids "help." however, i've discovered (i should have already known this...) that when you are canning, "many hands make light work." having one of the older kids help me, makes things go twice as fast (imagine that)!
this year, i wasn't able to get the peaches canned before they went bad. i got them on a monday, and ended up working tuesday, wednesday, and thursday. by friday, they were beyond saving, so i made jam, dried them, and fruit leather.
then, we had an early freeze (like a month an a half early), and all my plums fell off and weren't usable. and all the red apples fell off and were bruised and mushy. wouldn't you know, though, that my apple tree is a granny smith, and they need the freeze to fully ripen! how i love me a tart granny smith! however, they make tart applesauce too.
i was able to find enough red apples (by searching all the dropped ones from ours, and a friends), to make 2 batches. then i broke down and bought some from broulims. they had them on sale for $1 a lb.
however, i don't have a victoria strainer, and didn't really want to spend hours slaving over my stove. so, i found a crockpot recipe online! it turns out fabulous! i was able to get 11.5 quarts out of 5 batches.
and, i even let the kids help me! i had them go get the granny's for me, and what they could find of the reds around the corner. i let elizabeth and taylor dice while i peeled and cored (this recipe was great for my granny's cause they didn't get sprayed this spring, and they are super wormy).
i'm working on letting them help. they want to desperately to, but it's hard for this mama to give up her control in her domain.
i have a tendency to not let the kids help me in the kitchen. the kitchen is my domain, and i really don't like the extra work that comes with letting my kids "help." however, i've discovered (i should have already known this...) that when you are canning, "many hands make light work." having one of the older kids help me, makes things go twice as fast (imagine that)!
this year, i wasn't able to get the peaches canned before they went bad. i got them on a monday, and ended up working tuesday, wednesday, and thursday. by friday, they were beyond saving, so i made jam, dried them, and fruit leather.
then, we had an early freeze (like a month an a half early), and all my plums fell off and weren't usable. and all the red apples fell off and were bruised and mushy. wouldn't you know, though, that my apple tree is a granny smith, and they need the freeze to fully ripen! how i love me a tart granny smith! however, they make tart applesauce too.
i was able to find enough red apples (by searching all the dropped ones from ours, and a friends), to make 2 batches. then i broke down and bought some from broulims. they had them on sale for $1 a lb.
however, i don't have a victoria strainer, and didn't really want to spend hours slaving over my stove. so, i found a crockpot recipe online! it turns out fabulous! i was able to get 11.5 quarts out of 5 batches.
and, i even let the kids help me! i had them go get the granny's for me, and what they could find of the reds around the corner. i let elizabeth and taylor dice while i peeled and cored (this recipe was great for my granny's cause they didn't get sprayed this spring, and they are super wormy).
i'm working on letting them help. they want to desperately to, but it's hard for this mama to give up her control in her domain.
Friday, September 26, 2014
not expected
i made it to the temple yesterday morning, and i'm so glad that i did.
i went looking for more guidance on some revelation i was given a few weeks ago, and found something completely different!
i did get an answer for that revelation, but it was, "you already got your answer, now get to work." .....um, yes, sir.
we've been struggling with school. the kids keep saying that everything is boring. i keep having to fight them on getting things done. they don't enjoy it as much as they should be, and we are all frustrated. i DO like the new school. it's less repetition for them, and more work for me ( i know that sounds backwards). because i have to go through and make lesson plans, i know what they are learning. i know what i want them to be aware of, but not take to heart.
i ran into an old friend in the dressing room at the temple. she introduced me to a lovely lady that homeschooled her kids. we talked for an hour (in fact, ashley was late to school because of it.). but, she reinforced some things that i had been thinking about and struggling with anyways. she also gave me some great resources, and places to go.
as a result of our conversation, i am overhauling our schooling!
i went looking for more guidance on some revelation i was given a few weeks ago, and found something completely different!
i did get an answer for that revelation, but it was, "you already got your answer, now get to work." .....um, yes, sir.
we've been struggling with school. the kids keep saying that everything is boring. i keep having to fight them on getting things done. they don't enjoy it as much as they should be, and we are all frustrated. i DO like the new school. it's less repetition for them, and more work for me ( i know that sounds backwards). because i have to go through and make lesson plans, i know what they are learning. i know what i want them to be aware of, but not take to heart.
i ran into an old friend in the dressing room at the temple. she introduced me to a lovely lady that homeschooled her kids. we talked for an hour (in fact, ashley was late to school because of it.). but, she reinforced some things that i had been thinking about and struggling with anyways. she also gave me some great resources, and places to go.
as a result of our conversation, i am overhauling our schooling!
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
when it rains.....
it pours...
i have been using the same set of contacts for about 6 months (possibly more). i've been doing that because we don't have the $150 to get another 3 months worth. i have one that has had some deposits on them that won't clean off for about 2 weeks. last night, i tore the other one...
i have a pair of glasses that are about 3 years old. they went through a toddler that liked to twist and break things. as such, they are not in the best of shape.
the internet/phone was going to be shut off, so i took the "rent" money and paid the phone bill instead.
i have been using the same set of contacts for about 6 months (possibly more). i've been doing that because we don't have the $150 to get another 3 months worth. i have one that has had some deposits on them that won't clean off for about 2 weeks. last night, i tore the other one...
i have a pair of glasses that are about 3 years old. they went through a toddler that liked to twist and break things. as such, they are not in the best of shape.
the internet/phone was going to be shut off, so i took the "rent" money and paid the phone bill instead.
anything but easy
i was kinda hoping for some easy answers.
i went to the doctor on friday to talk about some concerns. migraines, extreme exhaustion... i had a few possible answers, but needed blood tests to confirm them. all the blood work came back perfectly normal............
so, now i'm back to square one again.
both my thyroid tests came back well within the normal range.
my cortisol test came back normal.
that means, no thyroid problems, and no adrenal fatigue.
so, now we talk about the possibility of chronic fatigue .
and i try to remember about the burning cold sensation in my lower back.
i went to the doctor on friday to talk about some concerns. migraines, extreme exhaustion... i had a few possible answers, but needed blood tests to confirm them. all the blood work came back perfectly normal............
so, now i'm back to square one again.
both my thyroid tests came back well within the normal range.
my cortisol test came back normal.
that means, no thyroid problems, and no adrenal fatigue.
so, now we talk about the possibility of chronic fatigue .
and i try to remember about the burning cold sensation in my lower back.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
insanity
the definition of insanity...doing the same thing over and over and expecting to get a different result.
same old argument, same old result.
result...both of us are upset.
same old argument, same old result.
result...both of us are upset.
art
we went to the craft store on saturday to get the kids' art supplies. $80 later and we had all but 1 thing! i had forgotten how expensive good art supplies can be!
after getting home, a friend stopped by and told us that he had everything that we had just bought, and he'd just give it to us.....
so, i took just about everything back, and we will go "shopping" through his stuff.
hurray for getting money back!
after getting home, a friend stopped by and told us that he had everything that we had just bought, and he'd just give it to us.....
so, i took just about everything back, and we will go "shopping" through his stuff.
hurray for getting money back!
Monday, September 15, 2014
shaun
shaun's counseling last week revealed some things to the therapist that he hadn't been fully aware of. partly because shaun always feels like he's vomiting his problems when he talks about them.
shaun told him that he's to the point that he no longer cares. that he doesn't know why he keeps going or trying cause it seems like nothing ever changes. this was not anything new to me, but it was to the therapist. he got really concerned. he wants us to see a doctor about possible meds. shaun doesn't believe in them, and sees no reason why he should take them. he agreed to go, but only to get us off his back.
in talking with them both, i revealed my history to the therapist. it doesn't bother me, and will hopefully help him understand where i'm coming from when we talk about shaun. most of it shaun knew, a few things he didn't. but, the therapist was amazed at how i can be so positive after everything that's happened. when the other option is despair, no thanks. i'll take the positive any day!
so, i made an appointment for shaun, and he says he'll go, but he doesn't plan on asking for anything or taking it if it's given to him. ...so, what's the purpose in going?
i'm kind of hoping that things will change, but i'm going to keep my hopes up.
school
i was trying to think of something cool and witty to say, but it all sounds dumb.
life is life. we take what comes at us, and do what we can with it.
i finally got the last few things for taylor and shannon for school. i have about 4 weeks worth of lesson plans completed for each of them. i'm going to do 1 unit from 1 subject per night, and get the rest finished.
elizabeth has been working on this book i found for her. it's started to show us the problem areas. i have a few things that we are doing to work on them, and so far they seem to be working. it could also be because they are new ways, and when the excitement wears off, they won't work anymore....but, until then, we'll keep going.
shannon loves to learn, but her attention span is pretty short. still trying to figure out how to get her through everything without losing her all the time.
ashley just started head start today. she was so excited and couldn't wait!
michael has started getting really whiny and crying all the time. i'm not sure if it's cause he feels left out, or if it's something else.
life is life. we take what comes at us, and do what we can with it.
i finally got the last few things for taylor and shannon for school. i have about 4 weeks worth of lesson plans completed for each of them. i'm going to do 1 unit from 1 subject per night, and get the rest finished.
elizabeth has been working on this book i found for her. it's started to show us the problem areas. i have a few things that we are doing to work on them, and so far they seem to be working. it could also be because they are new ways, and when the excitement wears off, they won't work anymore....but, until then, we'll keep going.
shannon loves to learn, but her attention span is pretty short. still trying to figure out how to get her through everything without losing her all the time.
ashley just started head start today. she was so excited and couldn't wait!
michael has started getting really whiny and crying all the time. i'm not sure if it's cause he feels left out, or if it's something else.
Monday, September 8, 2014
school day
our first full school day was long and hectic. 3 different grades, 5 different kids begging for attention. i got seriously frazzled! thankfully, a few weeks, and things will settle down (at least, i hope so).
i've gotten a good head start on taylor's lesson plans. i've even put them into weekly lists for him to work from. i'm still waiting on a few books, but otherwise, i just need to finish plans.
i've also discovered that making lesson plans can be tiring. trying to read these books make my head hurt sometimes. ok, more than sometimes.
taylor was able to get nearly his entire list done today. elizabeth got hers done as well. shannons lesson plans are still in progress so we only got a little bit done. it's time to work on some more plans....
exhaustion
i get so tired every day, that it's crazy! within 2 hours of getting up for the day, i'm ready to go back to bed for another night. the doctors keep trying to tell me that it's because i have 5 kids. i'm pretty sure that there's something more, but no one really believes me.
i'm going to make an appointment with the doctor later this week. hopefully i can get someone to listen to me and get some help.
i also need to look at getting something for my migraines.
actually, i have another laundry list of things i need to talk about with the doctor.
i'm going to make an appointment with the doctor later this week. hopefully i can get someone to listen to me and get some help.
i also need to look at getting something for my migraines.
actually, i have another laundry list of things i need to talk about with the doctor.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
week in review
it's been kind of a crazy week, so, this is a short mass post.
monday, was labor day. i went grocery shopping, and we had a birthday party for a friend.
tuesday, i worked. kids didn't get much school in because i worked, and we are still waiting on books.
wednesday, i also worked. we were able to get a little more school done as books have trickled in. i wrote lesson plans.
thursday, work again. more books showing up, a little more school could be done. i wrote more lesson plans, and started on weekly plans for the kids to work from.
friday, i spent most of the day making lesson plans. i did so many, that i'm having to talk myself into finishing them!
today, saturday, we are trying to clean house, and i need to finish all these lesson plans! so far, we still have a long way to go on both!
monday, was labor day. i went grocery shopping, and we had a birthday party for a friend.
tuesday, i worked. kids didn't get much school in because i worked, and we are still waiting on books.
wednesday, i also worked. we were able to get a little more school done as books have trickled in. i wrote lesson plans.
thursday, work again. more books showing up, a little more school could be done. i wrote more lesson plans, and started on weekly plans for the kids to work from.
friday, i spent most of the day making lesson plans. i did so many, that i'm having to talk myself into finishing them!
today, saturday, we are trying to clean house, and i need to finish all these lesson plans! so far, we still have a long way to go on both!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
potty training
we're trying to potty train michael. it's been an up and down road.
yesterday, i took him in to go. he says,
"mom, i have to poop. ....grunt. it won't come."
mom, maybe there's nothing there."
"oh, it's there, mom."
mom, "well, let's try again next time."
"next time? ok, try again next time."
he's so funny!!
yesterday, i took him in to go. he says,
"mom, i have to poop. ....grunt. it won't come."
mom, maybe there's nothing there."
"oh, it's there, mom."
mom, "well, let's try again next time."
"next time? ok, try again next time."
he's so funny!!
Saturday, August 30, 2014
long day
this morning started out bright and early. too early for most of us.
the alarm went off at 6:30, and apparently i rolled over and turned it off...
6:57, 3 minutes before we were supposed to be out the door, i woke up and realized what time it was! i jumped out of bed, and raced to get kids up and ready. got everyone dressed, made my smoothie, and out the door we went. 20 minutes later than planned.
on the way out of town, the train crossing was malfunctioning. the rails were down, but there was no train in sight. traffic was backed up. we had to skip breakfast, and take the old highway to another entrance. we stopped in idaho falls and snagged some breakfast sandwiches. by the time we got back on the road, we were running nearly 40 minutes behind!
we got super lucky though, they have recently increased the speed limit on the freeway so, we were able to get there just in time!
elizabeth took the computer tests, and finished too soon. what should have taken her 2 hours or more, only took her about 45 minutes. she didn't get a score like we were hoping. even though these are informational tests, she failed them both. 12% and 28% so, we attempted the paper tests again. she again refused to take them.
which means that we need to move onto plan b. the options are as follows: back to a regular school, back to k12, or a custom home school curriculum. i'm not enthused about the first 2 at all. so it looks like a custom curriculum for us.
(i've been able to find a lot of free math stuff online.)
we stayed and visited with some good friends for a few hours, and then headed back home. (if it hadn't been for that time i got to spend with friends, it would have been a waste of time and money.)
4 hours of driving makes for a long day, regardless of what else happens!
the alarm went off at 6:30, and apparently i rolled over and turned it off...
6:57, 3 minutes before we were supposed to be out the door, i woke up and realized what time it was! i jumped out of bed, and raced to get kids up and ready. got everyone dressed, made my smoothie, and out the door we went. 20 minutes later than planned.
on the way out of town, the train crossing was malfunctioning. the rails were down, but there was no train in sight. traffic was backed up. we had to skip breakfast, and take the old highway to another entrance. we stopped in idaho falls and snagged some breakfast sandwiches. by the time we got back on the road, we were running nearly 40 minutes behind!
we got super lucky though, they have recently increased the speed limit on the freeway so, we were able to get there just in time!
elizabeth took the computer tests, and finished too soon. what should have taken her 2 hours or more, only took her about 45 minutes. she didn't get a score like we were hoping. even though these are informational tests, she failed them both. 12% and 28% so, we attempted the paper tests again. she again refused to take them.
which means that we need to move onto plan b. the options are as follows: back to a regular school, back to k12, or a custom home school curriculum. i'm not enthused about the first 2 at all. so it looks like a custom curriculum for us.
(i've been able to find a lot of free math stuff online.)
we stayed and visited with some good friends for a few hours, and then headed back home. (if it hadn't been for that time i got to spend with friends, it would have been a waste of time and money.)
4 hours of driving makes for a long day, regardless of what else happens!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
celebrate youth
last night was the big back to school party at the park. (i LOVE living just down the street! i don't have to fight for parking)
they have carnival games, and a train ride, and bouncy toys, and free dinner, and a raffle giveaway. the kids always have a blast!
taylor, elizabeth, and shannon all geared up for the rock climb.
ashley wanted to try also!
shannon got about 6 feet off the ground before she came down.
taylor climbed to withing 5 feet of the top.
sitting on the train!
at this point taylor and elizabeth ran off on their own
bouncy house!
picking her nose....
chillin in the wagon!
face painting! a butterfly
a spiders web
bats!
they have carnival games, and a train ride, and bouncy toys, and free dinner, and a raffle giveaway. the kids always have a blast!
at this point taylor and elizabeth ran off on their own
friends
there's nothing like finding out you are not the only one who struggles to make for instant friends.
my library partner showed up today. which means that i was able to go to relief society. this months lessons have been on gratitude. a sister got up and talked about her struggle with depression and anxiety. i felt an instant kinship with her.
we talked afterwards, and i gave her my phone number so she could call if she needed anything. i kept reiterating that she doesn't have to do it alone. when i got home from church, i went searching for her on facebook. when i found her, i realized that they were called as new librarians a few months ago!
i'm so excited to get to know her better!
my library partner showed up today. which means that i was able to go to relief society. this months lessons have been on gratitude. a sister got up and talked about her struggle with depression and anxiety. i felt an instant kinship with her.
we talked afterwards, and i gave her my phone number so she could call if she needed anything. i kept reiterating that she doesn't have to do it alone. when i got home from church, i went searching for her on facebook. when i found her, i realized that they were called as new librarians a few months ago!
i'm so excited to get to know her better!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
potty training woes
i am trying to potty train michael. some days it goes really well, and some days not so much.
case in point...yesterday, he stayed dry all day and let me know when he needed to go (it might have helped that we spent a good portion of the day away from home). today, he didnt make it to the bathroom once.
i get really frustrated with the bad days. sometimes to the point that im ready to quit and just go back to diapers...
Monday, August 25, 2014
kitchen
this is what my kitchen floor currently looks like. right in the center, there is a hole that goes clear through to the subfloor.
we finished getting everything moved out this morning. so, this is what my front room currently looks like. stove, fridge, table and all....
Saturday, August 23, 2014
broken
my sister-in-law was participating in a wedding party. her dress didn't fit correctly. she needed it altered, so she called me. NO PROBLEM!
while i was sewing the alterations, i realized i really needed to clean my machine. so, i pulled things apart and cleaned out all the fuzz. in cleaning it, though, i dislodged a spring.
without the spring, my stitch length didn't exist.
shaun tore the machine apart and was able to put the spring back.
now i have my default stitch length, but it won't change. and it won't backstitch.
i had to call my sister to see if i could use her machine to finish my sister-in-laws dress. especially since i was sewing on satin, and chiffon. the stitch length needs to be longer for those.
now, i have all these half finished sewing projects, and ideas for denim quilts, and i can't do anything about them!
while i was sewing the alterations, i realized i really needed to clean my machine. so, i pulled things apart and cleaned out all the fuzz. in cleaning it, though, i dislodged a spring.
without the spring, my stitch length didn't exist.
shaun tore the machine apart and was able to put the spring back.
now i have my default stitch length, but it won't change. and it won't backstitch.
i had to call my sister to see if i could use her machine to finish my sister-in-laws dress. especially since i was sewing on satin, and chiffon. the stitch length needs to be longer for those.
now, i have all these half finished sewing projects, and ideas for denim quilts, and i can't do anything about them!
trees, and lack thereof
once again, i forgot to take before pictures!!
trees
i have been wanting to do this since we moved in, nearly 2 years ago.
i cut down the bush in between my front windows. clear to the ground! when it rains it would end up covering my walkway.
IT'S GONE!
i have 5 bushes on the south side of my front yard. they have thorns and those bean-like pods that curl. 2 of them were cut down to stumps when we moved in. the other 3 were still intact. in the nearly 2 years we've been here the 2 stumps have grown 7 feet or more!
THEY ARE GONE!
in addition to that, i trimmed up the burning bush. i did some trimming on the trees out back as well. all in all, it's been a productive day!
i cut down the bush in between my front windows. clear to the ground! when it rains it would end up covering my walkway.
IT'S GONE!
i have 5 bushes on the south side of my front yard. they have thorns and those bean-like pods that curl. 2 of them were cut down to stumps when we moved in. the other 3 were still intact. in the nearly 2 years we've been here the 2 stumps have grown 7 feet or more!
THEY ARE GONE!
in addition to that, i trimmed up the burning bush. i did some trimming on the trees out back as well. all in all, it's been a productive day!
time
it's time for any things, but there's no time for them.
it's time to go to the temple, but shaun can't take the time off from work to watch the kids so i can go.
it's the time of year to start canning. peaches and pears are ready...but there's no money to get them. money takes time to acquire.
i'm exhausted, but i have no time to rest.
it's time to go to the temple, but shaun can't take the time off from work to watch the kids so i can go.
it's the time of year to start canning. peaches and pears are ready...but there's no money to get them. money takes time to acquire.
i'm exhausted, but i have no time to rest.
Friday, August 22, 2014
brave?
not sure i believe her....
baking
as the weather is cooler, it's now safe to bake!
i started with a double batch of boyfriend cookies. one of our favorites! i've even tried to make these and we eat all the dough before i can bake them! i always make a double batch of dough, with 1 part mix-ins. they seem to be better that way.
then a double batch of pretzels!
darn it! didn't get nearly as much done as i wanted to today! here was my list:
cookies
pretzels
goldfish crackers
muddy buddies
poppyseed muffins
rolls
i'm gonna start again tomorrow, though!
i started with a double batch of boyfriend cookies. one of our favorites! i've even tried to make these and we eat all the dough before i can bake them! i always make a double batch of dough, with 1 part mix-ins. they seem to be better that way.
then a double batch of pretzels!
darn it! didn't get nearly as much done as i wanted to today! here was my list:
cookies
pretzels
goldfish crackers
muddy buddies
poppyseed muffins
rolls
i'm gonna start again tomorrow, though!
cooler weather
it's been raining for the last week, which also means cooler weather. i turned off the ac yesterday, and left it off today. i've opened windows, and doors.
today, since we don't really have anything else going on, i'm baking!
lonely
shaun has been working overtime, and double overtime, and triple overtime to get a job finished. all that overtime makes for a lonely wife.
in the last 3 weeks, i think we've slept in the same bed at the same time, 3 times. he's been working nights because he has less distractions.
today, though, is the last day he has to get it finished. the client is coming over tonight to pick it up, and treat us to a celebration party.
in the last 3 weeks, i think we've slept in the same bed at the same time, 3 times. he's been working nights because he has less distractions.
today, though, is the last day he has to get it finished. the client is coming over tonight to pick it up, and treat us to a celebration party.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
plant explosion!
i separated my african violets today. i got 22 new plants! i was pulling out every "disposable" tupperware container i could find!
i've put them up for sale on a local facebook group. i'd be happy to give them away, but the money helps!
car troubles
when the kids and i went huckleberry picking last week, the van tried to overheat on us. before we left, i checked the antifreeze levels and made sure they were full. even after that, i was still having troubles. on tuesday when we went down to idaho falls to do testing, it got a little to warm again. this time i got some oil and filled that up.
now i'm told that i put too much in, and that excess oil can cause as many problems as not enough. seems like all my attempts to make the van function are making things worse. (much like the time i put oil in the transmission fluid reservoir.)
shaun is going to take it into our mechanic and drain some of it off.
now i'm told that i put too much in, and that excess oil can cause as many problems as not enough. seems like all my attempts to make the van function are making things worse. (much like the time i put oil in the transmission fluid reservoir.)
shaun is going to take it into our mechanic and drain some of it off.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
cleaning
wee been struggling to get kids to clean like they are supposed to.
when my family was out here in june, candice made up a chore chart for us. it has the things that kids are supposed to normally do. but this way, they have a chart they can refer to.
however, most days are still a struggle. elizabeth doesn't like to help out much. i get more cooperation from ashley, who's 4, than i do most days from elizabeth. i did her kitchen job 2 days in a row because i couldn't get her to do it. as a result, she owes me $2.
my older kids are in charge of their own laundry. for some that might seem too early, but i need my kids to learn how to take are of themselves. laundry is a huge thing.
for about 3 months, i've been trying to get the kids to clean out the van. taylor, for 2 weeks, was supposed to clean it out to get himself ungrounded. he'd get about 1/4 of the way done, and claim he was too tired to finish.
i finally got fed up this week, and decided that i was going to get it taken care of myself. of course, once mom starts doing something, the kids want to help. hm, maybe there's a lesson in that for me... it's all cleaned out and vacuumed. i even put the kids to work wiping down panels and cleaning windows!
school plans
i'm having to rethink school plans for elizabeth. i still haven't figured out what to do. i was supposed to email the teacher last night and let her know what we were going to do.
most people have told me that i should put her back into regular school. i don't like the direction public education is going. (politicians who have no experience have no place making laws about my childrens' education) but, more than that, her anxiety gets the best of her so often, that i don't know that she'd be able to go to class half the time. (and no one will talk with me about getting her some medication for it!)
i can try to test her again, and hope that we have better success. but, i'd have to go down to pocatello. with no "income," and a vehicle that's giving me grief, i'm not sure that we can make it down there.
i can find another program, or develop my own.
in the state of idaho, i have total control over my kids education. as a homeschooling mom, i don't have to prove anything. i don't have to prove that/what they are learning, we don't have to participate in testing, i don't have to justify anything.
until i can figure out what to do, i'm going to email the teacher and see if we can schedule her for a retake, realizing that i won't be able to guarantee we'll make it down.
most people have told me that i should put her back into regular school. i don't like the direction public education is going. (politicians who have no experience have no place making laws about my childrens' education) but, more than that, her anxiety gets the best of her so often, that i don't know that she'd be able to go to class half the time. (and no one will talk with me about getting her some medication for it!)
i can try to test her again, and hope that we have better success. but, i'd have to go down to pocatello. with no "income," and a vehicle that's giving me grief, i'm not sure that we can make it down there.
i can find another program, or develop my own.
in the state of idaho, i have total control over my kids education. as a homeschooling mom, i don't have to prove anything. i don't have to prove that/what they are learning, we don't have to participate in testing, i don't have to justify anything.
until i can figure out what to do, i'm going to email the teacher and see if we can schedule her for a retake, realizing that i won't be able to guarantee we'll make it down.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
scouts
taylor had pack meeting tonight.
he finally received his bear (after 6 months). and he also got 4 pins for his webelos. naturalist, athlete, citizen, and forester.
he received his communication pin last month.
now i just need to figure out what's left for him to get his arrow of light......
feelings
i am so past frustrated tonight, that the tiniest little things are setting my temper off.
the kids had entrance placement exams today in idaho falls.
shannon, did amazing. they said she was so far ahead of where they expect kids to be when they enter kindergarten. and she didn't even notice a speech problem!
taylor's tests were all on the computer. i won't know the results from those until thursday, but, he always does well.
elizabeth............, i'm ready to shoot. she did ok on the math part, but refused to take the reading part. i tried for an hour to convince her to do it, with no luck. i even told her i'd buy her a pack of gum if she'd just read the stupid test.
i have a few options, and i don't like most of them. put her back in a brick and mortar school, try to retest her next thursday in pocatello, or do a different program (or none at all).
the kids had entrance placement exams today in idaho falls.
shannon, did amazing. they said she was so far ahead of where they expect kids to be when they enter kindergarten. and she didn't even notice a speech problem!
taylor's tests were all on the computer. i won't know the results from those until thursday, but, he always does well.
elizabeth............, i'm ready to shoot. she did ok on the math part, but refused to take the reading part. i tried for an hour to convince her to do it, with no luck. i even told her i'd buy her a pack of gum if she'd just read the stupid test.
i have a few options, and i don't like most of them. put her back in a brick and mortar school, try to retest her next thursday in pocatello, or do a different program (or none at all).
Monday, August 18, 2014
wishing
around valentines day this year, i got a dog. without talking to shaun about it.
unfortunately, shaun is kind of dog phobic. there are pitches that dogs (and kids, sometimes) hit when they whine or bark, that make him feel like he's going to pass out.
the dog i got was a puppy that was used to being outside, and didn't like being kenneled. needless to say, i was unable to keep her..
recently, i got to the point that i've been thinking about getting another dog.
it will never happen, but i sure think about it a lot some days.
unfortunately, shaun is kind of dog phobic. there are pitches that dogs (and kids, sometimes) hit when they whine or bark, that make him feel like he's going to pass out.
the dog i got was a puppy that was used to being outside, and didn't like being kenneled. needless to say, i was unable to keep her..
recently, i got to the point that i've been thinking about getting another dog.
it will never happen, but i sure think about it a lot some days.
huckleberry or not
i want to go huckleberry picking again.
but, i'm still sore.
i tore a hole in my heel.
it would be just me, and 5 CRAZY kids.
i REALLY don't want the possibility of facing irate campers on my own.
but, i'm still sore.
i tore a hole in my heel.
it would be just me, and 5 CRAZY kids.
i REALLY don't want the possibility of facing irate campers on my own.
school
the kids have placement testing tomorrow in idaho falls. i'm excited but at the same time sad. im ready for more structure, and learning, but sad because it means summer is nearly over. well, that, and it means that i have another baby headed to school. i'm not sure i'm quite ready for that.
i was able to get last years test results for elizabeth to see if she qualifies for a grade retention. she didn't finish quite half of last years assignments, and i'm not ready for her to go on to fourth grade subjects being as unprepared as she is.
i just got a copy of shannons iep for speech as well. as no one saw fit to give me a copy last fall, i went into the district office and requested one. she accidentally printed 2 copies, but thats ok. that means i have a copy as well.
we got a letter in the mail last week, informing us when ashley starts headstart.
in all, that means i have only 1 child not in school this fall!
i was able to get last years test results for elizabeth to see if she qualifies for a grade retention. she didn't finish quite half of last years assignments, and i'm not ready for her to go on to fourth grade subjects being as unprepared as she is.
i just got a copy of shannons iep for speech as well. as no one saw fit to give me a copy last fall, i went into the district office and requested one. she accidentally printed 2 copies, but thats ok. that means i have a copy as well.
we got a letter in the mail last week, informing us when ashley starts headstart.
in all, that means i have only 1 child not in school this fall!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
huckleberry car snafu
when we got up to the spot to pick huckleberries, there were people camping where blythe had parked last time. we tried to park out of the way, and headed up to the bushes.
apparently, our "out of the way" wasn't good enough. we had ended up parking in front of someones trailer hitch. they were really upset. they stormed up the trail behind us, and got all possessive. (is there an unwritten protocol somewhere that says don't park in front of someone else's trailer hitch?) they demanded we move our cars, or they were going to move them for us..... um, what?!
we got the kids settled and went to go move the cars. we apologized and said we would move the cars. they continued to air their grievances. they couldn't just say it once, they said it like 5 or 6 times. i finally got a little fed up and asked them to drop it. then they were astounded that we were mad at them!
blythe and i decided that it was a good thing the guys weren't with us. it might have resorted to blows.
apparently, our "out of the way" wasn't good enough. we had ended up parking in front of someones trailer hitch. they were really upset. they stormed up the trail behind us, and got all possessive. (is there an unwritten protocol somewhere that says don't park in front of someone else's trailer hitch?) they demanded we move our cars, or they were going to move them for us..... um, what?!
we got the kids settled and went to go move the cars. we apologized and said we would move the cars. they continued to air their grievances. they couldn't just say it once, they said it like 5 or 6 times. i finally got a little fed up and asked them to drop it. then they were astounded that we were mad at them!
blythe and i decided that it was a good thing the guys weren't with us. it might have resorted to blows.
huckleberries
bright and early this morning, we packed up and went for a second attempt at getting some huckleberries. we went with blythe, cause she'd had luck in finding a spot.
the kids stayed excited for about 20 minutes. and then everyone was bored. shannon doesn't have enough of an attention span to pick. she sees one, and has to move on. taylor and elizabeth, who i thought were old enough that they would be a big help, weren't so much. taylor would pick for about 10 minutes, and then say he couldn't find anymore. elizabeth lasted about half that long each time. part of it was that they wanted to help blythe or her aunt, and not mom. as we weren't giving them that option, they didn't want to help at all.
while we were up there, 2 other girls came up to pick also. one of them had a little dog, and ashley pretty much stayed with them the whole time. as we were all withing talking distance of each other, i wasn't worried about her. michael kind of flitted between everyone. shannon and michael ran up and down the hillside multiple times.
the spot blythe had found was a treasure trove! we picked for about three hours before deciding to call it quits, and i brought home a quart!
we will all sleep extremely well tonight.
next year, i'm going to go up and camp, and pick all week. i'll go up monday afternoon and get camp set up. tuesday, wednesday, and thursday i'll pick all day. we'll get camp packed up friday morning, and have the weekend to get chores done at home and the berries put up.
the kids stayed excited for about 20 minutes. and then everyone was bored. shannon doesn't have enough of an attention span to pick. she sees one, and has to move on. taylor and elizabeth, who i thought were old enough that they would be a big help, weren't so much. taylor would pick for about 10 minutes, and then say he couldn't find anymore. elizabeth lasted about half that long each time. part of it was that they wanted to help blythe or her aunt, and not mom. as we weren't giving them that option, they didn't want to help at all.
while we were up there, 2 other girls came up to pick also. one of them had a little dog, and ashley pretty much stayed with them the whole time. as we were all withing talking distance of each other, i wasn't worried about her. michael kind of flitted between everyone. shannon and michael ran up and down the hillside multiple times.
the spot blythe had found was a treasure trove! we picked for about three hours before deciding to call it quits, and i brought home a quart!
we will all sleep extremely well tonight.
next year, i'm going to go up and camp, and pick all week. i'll go up monday afternoon and get camp set up. tuesday, wednesday, and thursday i'll pick all day. we'll get camp packed up friday morning, and have the weekend to get chores done at home and the berries put up.
Friday, August 15, 2014
summer reading lists
taylor
the giver
charlie and the chocolate factory
a tree grows in brooklyn
the adventures of huckleberry finn
james and the giant peach
number the stars
the indian in the cupboard
gregor the overlander
the candy shop war
the sisters grimm
elizabeth
the giver
charlie and the chocolate factory
a tree grows in brooklyn
ella enchanted
the sisters grimm
james and the giant peach
number the stars
the candy shop war
the indian in the cupboard
into the land of the unicorns
shannon, ashley, michael
are you my mother?
brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
good night moon
the grouchy ladybug
the little engine that could
the very hungry caterpillar
where the wild things are
caps for sale
the giving tree
1 fish, 2 fish, red fish, blue fish
alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day
the giver
charlie and the chocolate factory
a tree grows in brooklyn
the adventures of huckleberry finn
james and the giant peach
number the stars
the indian in the cupboard
gregor the overlander
the candy shop war
the sisters grimm
elizabeth
the giver
charlie and the chocolate factory
a tree grows in brooklyn
ella enchanted
the sisters grimm
james and the giant peach
number the stars
the candy shop war
the indian in the cupboard
into the land of the unicorns
shannon, ashley, michael
are you my mother?
brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
good night moon
the grouchy ladybug
the little engine that could
the very hungry caterpillar
where the wild things are
caps for sale
the giving tree
1 fish, 2 fish, red fish, blue fish
alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day
spider
last week, i sent ashley (4) into gather up all the dirty laundry in her room. i hear, "mom, there's a spider in the laundry!"
shannon (5) runs in, "where's the spider?"
"we can't find the spider, mom!"
a few minutes later, micheal (2) comes out with a shoe. "look mom, i killed the spider."
indeed, there was a smashed spider on the bottom of the shoe.
one of the funniest conversations i've heard between my kids in ever.
satisfaction
elizabeth, age 9, reading a garbage bag....
"to avoid satisfaction..."
it actually reads, to avoid suffocation.
foray into the woods
this morning, we attempted to go huckleberry picking. i packed snacks, and lunch items, and packed the kids into the van. our trip didn't result in any berries, but it did make a mama sick. all the winding twists and turns made me sick.
either i went too far up the mountain, or not far enough up the trails i was taking
or, (and this is most likely) i don't know what i'm looking for.
on the plus side, though, we did see a wild turkey family. mom and dad, and 3 babies.
long time
clearly, i suck at this right now.
so much has happened since march, when i last published a post.
taylor finished 4th grade in homeschool. he did great! i was hoping he'd make a little more progress than he did, but considering this was our first year, i'm ok with it. taylor earned his wolf, but has yet to be awarded it. he has completed the first percy jackson series, and cant wait to read the next one! his summer book list is almost complete!
elizabeth didn't complete 3rd grade. i'm upset about it, and frustrated that she fights it so much, but i'm hoping this year will be better. elizabeth got reacquainted with an old friend, and they are too funny! she also attended a summer camp the school district put together. she had 2 bloody noses within 3 hours one day.
shannon finished her final year of head start, and is already starting to read! she attended the same summer camp elizabeth did. she taught herself how to ride a bike (i can't remember if she did it this spring, or last fall though). shannon got glasses at some point in the last year, and has managed to break 6 pairs, and lose 2.
ashley finished up her first year of head start, and can't wait to go back! ashley found a dead bird at the park one day and was playing with it.
michael is attempting to potty train! he had a thumb get infected. he had his tonsils out, and had an allergic reaction to the septra he was taking for his thumb.
we are changing schools in the fall, and i'm so excited! i think this one will be a better fit.
i broke my toe in april.. i started throwing kids who scream in the shower. i got a garden in this year, but apparently, i lack a green thumb. i broke my kitchenaid mixer in june when my parents were here. i went through the temple. i discovered the magic of massage therapy as a solution to migraines! i got some strawberries and was able to get almost 25 pints of jam. i discovered a tea that is all natural and helps with energy specifically for women. we had a flash-flood. started a new job chart with the kids, with the help of y sister. started a new grounding rule, and a new rule for if i have to do their jobs when they won't.
i managed to clean my room, and sort ALL the socks!
so much has happened since march, when i last published a post.
taylor finished 4th grade in homeschool. he did great! i was hoping he'd make a little more progress than he did, but considering this was our first year, i'm ok with it. taylor earned his wolf, but has yet to be awarded it. he has completed the first percy jackson series, and cant wait to read the next one! his summer book list is almost complete!
elizabeth didn't complete 3rd grade. i'm upset about it, and frustrated that she fights it so much, but i'm hoping this year will be better. elizabeth got reacquainted with an old friend, and they are too funny! she also attended a summer camp the school district put together. she had 2 bloody noses within 3 hours one day.
shannon finished her final year of head start, and is already starting to read! she attended the same summer camp elizabeth did. she taught herself how to ride a bike (i can't remember if she did it this spring, or last fall though). shannon got glasses at some point in the last year, and has managed to break 6 pairs, and lose 2.
ashley finished up her first year of head start, and can't wait to go back! ashley found a dead bird at the park one day and was playing with it.
michael is attempting to potty train! he had a thumb get infected. he had his tonsils out, and had an allergic reaction to the septra he was taking for his thumb.
we are changing schools in the fall, and i'm so excited! i think this one will be a better fit.
i broke my toe in april.. i started throwing kids who scream in the shower. i got a garden in this year, but apparently, i lack a green thumb. i broke my kitchenaid mixer in june when my parents were here. i went through the temple. i discovered the magic of massage therapy as a solution to migraines! i got some strawberries and was able to get almost 25 pints of jam. i discovered a tea that is all natural and helps with energy specifically for women. we had a flash-flood. started a new job chart with the kids, with the help of y sister. started a new grounding rule, and a new rule for if i have to do their jobs when they won't.
i managed to clean my room, and sort ALL the socks!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
homemaking
as things have gotten tight, i've started doing some things differently.
we ran out of dishwasher soap. i found a recipe for homemade detergent that doesn't use borax. with the tendency of my kids to get into everything, whether it's safe or not, using anything that has borax in it is a big concern. i made up a batch, and liked it. i've since made up another batch, and will keep making it.
here's the breakdown: one batch cost me $1.94 to make and gave me 32 tablets. the melaleuca detergent i have been using costs $7.89, and only gives me 20 uses.
last night, i ran out of brown sugar. when i went to go get milk, i looked at the price, and discovered that i could make my own for half the price. i bought 2 4 pound bags of sugar, and 1 small jar of molasses. this morning, i mixed them together. i haven't used it yet, but i'll try to post about how i like it.
laundry stuff is expensive for a family of 7. i spend $42 a month at melaleuca for our laundry stuff. blythe was given some homemade detergent one year for christmas, and we are both going to start using it. she also found a recipe for homemade fabric softener.
the foray into homemade cleaners and such has begun!
we ran out of dishwasher soap. i found a recipe for homemade detergent that doesn't use borax. with the tendency of my kids to get into everything, whether it's safe or not, using anything that has borax in it is a big concern. i made up a batch, and liked it. i've since made up another batch, and will keep making it.
here's the breakdown: one batch cost me $1.94 to make and gave me 32 tablets. the melaleuca detergent i have been using costs $7.89, and only gives me 20 uses.
last night, i ran out of brown sugar. when i went to go get milk, i looked at the price, and discovered that i could make my own for half the price. i bought 2 4 pound bags of sugar, and 1 small jar of molasses. this morning, i mixed them together. i haven't used it yet, but i'll try to post about how i like it.
laundry stuff is expensive for a family of 7. i spend $42 a month at melaleuca for our laundry stuff. blythe was given some homemade detergent one year for christmas, and we are both going to start using it. she also found a recipe for homemade fabric softener.
the foray into homemade cleaners and such has begun!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Overreaction
shannon, age 5, farted and giggled.
elizabeths response, age 8, "well, that was an overreaction!"
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
sleep talking
michael talks in his sleep.
last night, while i was awake in severe pain, we hear...
"adslgkjnasgoihng. hey, what you doing? ....hey!"
last night, while i was awake in severe pain, we hear...
"adslgkjnasgoihng. hey, what you doing? ....hey!"
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
wasn't me
i caught michael red handed unrolling a roll of toilet paper all over the front room. when i got after him, he responded..."wasn't me."
...............sigh.............
...............sigh.............
Saturday, January 25, 2014
truancy
yesterday, i got an email from the kids' online teacher. elizabeth hasn't gotten her basics done in time to work on her other classes. history, science, and art. without a 6% completion rate for the month, she will considered truant.
this child, although homeschooling has helped immensely with the anxiety, she fights me on every thing. she doesn't want to do her quizzes and tests cause she can't find the answers. all of the answers can be found in her lessons, but because they aren't obvious and stand out, she doesn't think they are there. i've stopped her math, cause it only did 3 days for multiplication, and then moved on to equations. 3 days is not nearly long enough to
although today is saturday, we are doing school for her. i HAVE to get her caught up. if she won't do it here for me, i'll have to send her back to public school, medicated. cause she just can't handle it. i would rather avoid medication for her, as long as i can.
this child, although homeschooling has helped immensely with the anxiety, she fights me on every thing. she doesn't want to do her quizzes and tests cause she can't find the answers. all of the answers can be found in her lessons, but because they aren't obvious and stand out, she doesn't think they are there. i've stopped her math, cause it only did 3 days for multiplication, and then moved on to equations. 3 days is not nearly long enough to
although today is saturday, we are doing school for her. i HAVE to get her caught up. if she won't do it here for me, i'll have to send her back to public school, medicated. cause she just can't handle it. i would rather avoid medication for her, as long as i can.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
just when i thought things were going to start getting better, we catch the flu. and this is legitimately the flu. it tested positive for influenza.
it involves high fevers; 103-105, upset tummies, severe congestion, and gunky coughs.
even though christmas break is technically over, the little girls have been home all week. i don't want to pass this on to anyone else.
but it means that i'm going a little crazy.
it involves high fevers; 103-105, upset tummies, severe congestion, and gunky coughs.
even though christmas break is technically over, the little girls have been home all week. i don't want to pass this on to anyone else.
but it means that i'm going a little crazy.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
teeth (for Christmas)
all shannon wanted for christmas was her 3 front teeth. instead, she lost another one....
she had been playing in taylor's room. she was on top of the banana chair, and taylor was under it. he bucked her off, and she hit her face on his bed. blood was everywhere. the next day, something else happened, and we had blood everywhere again. the following day, again. on the fourth day, the tooth came flying out, and we had blood everywhere.
i called the dentist cause we were concerned that part of the root was still there. as it was the holdiay, he wasn't in until today.
first thing this morning, i took shannon into the dentist. they took an xray of her teeth. there was no part of her tooth left in her gums. the other tooth that was bothering her, is not broken.
my kids are going to bankrupt the tooth fairy at this point.
she had been playing in taylor's room. she was on top of the banana chair, and taylor was under it. he bucked her off, and she hit her face on his bed. blood was everywhere. the next day, something else happened, and we had blood everywhere again. the following day, again. on the fourth day, the tooth came flying out, and we had blood everywhere.
i called the dentist cause we were concerned that part of the root was still there. as it was the holdiay, he wasn't in until today.
first thing this morning, i took shannon into the dentist. they took an xray of her teeth. there was no part of her tooth left in her gums. the other tooth that was bothering her, is not broken.
my kids are going to bankrupt the tooth fairy at this point.
Friday, December 27, 2013
more christmas
i figured a couple of small posts about christmas was better than a great big long one!
this is our christmas breakfast spread. the fruit tray has strawberry dip, oranges, bananas, green apples, kiwi, and red grapes. i've dubbed it our fruit rainbow. there are hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and danish. milk, orange juice, and eggnog to drink.
as blythe and blaine had just moved 2 days previously, we had them over for dinner. we also had millers, and des. that was a total of 16 people for dinner! it was actually a lot of fun. i managed to make it through without have a breakdown at all!
for dinner, we had ham (it was a 13 lb with bone, but i still have 1/2 left!), funeral potatoes, a huge veggie tray (carrots, celery, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower), rolls, and salad. if anyone was hungry when dinner was over, it was their own fault!
christmas continued
our good friend, blythe, moved back from texas this week. so, monday was dedicated to helping them get their stuff moved in, and semi-settled (we got beds put up).
tuesday, we found someone to watch the kids so we could do some last minute errands. we got some help with christmas this year, and needed to pick it up. however, it made no sense to do it WITH the kids, as it was for them. besides, upon picking it up, it filled the van. there wouldn't have been room for them. there was 3 times more than i was expecting!
upon going through the stuff, i discovered that there was way more stuff than we needed. i pulled 3-4 items out of each of the kids' boxes, and put them up for a later occasion. some of the stuff didn't fit, or was too "young" for them. but, i have birthday stuff for taylor, elizabeth, and shannon this next year (i think).
that night, i proceeded to wrap everything. it took me a little over 2 hours to get everything wrapped. all the kids had 6 gifts, plus their santa one. 7 is more than enough. next week, we will go through their old toys, and choose 3-4 to give away.
taylor received a couple of i spy wii games from santa. he had a wallet, an emergency bracelet, skipbo jr, a scarf, and various odds and ends in his stocking. he got a bunch of cars, 2 consructo-bot transformers, a voice changer, a slinky (which the little kids have destroyed), a pair of jammies, and a top racing game. there are other things that i can't recall.
elizabeth got an alarm clock from santa. her stocking contents are a mystery to me right now. she got a large doll, a doll head to practice hair-dos on, a couple of princess barbies, a pair of jammies, boots, gloves/hat set and a complete outfit.
shannon got a princess tea set from santa. a pair of jammies, a complete outfit, a couple of princess barbies, some hair things; barettes, clips, headbands, a scarf/gloves/hat set, and various odds and ends in her stocking as well.
ashley got a plastic tea set from santa. she also got a pair of jammies, hair things, a couple of princess barbies, a new pair of sunday shoes, a new dolly, a musical guitar, and various odds and ends in her stocking as well.
michael received a steering wheel that makes different vehicle sounds, fire truck, car, big truck, etc. he also got a new outfit, a play phone, some trucks, a set of little people super heroes, a pair of jammies, and some books.
shaun got the hobbit on extended dvd, a new ball cap, the original story of superman book, published in 1978, a nice hoodie jacket, a shirt, a 12 piece screwdriver, a model car to assemble and various odds and ends as well.
i got a pamper pack from santa. it had 8 or so pairs of socks. it also had a sleep mask, but it gives me a headache to wear. i got a pair of jammies, some jewelry, a water tower for my christmas village that is still being painted.
santa also left us a gingerbread kit, which the kids started to put together today, and a snow disk. from their aunt, they received 2 snowman kits. eyes, coal, buttons, noses, and scarves.
tuesday, we found someone to watch the kids so we could do some last minute errands. we got some help with christmas this year, and needed to pick it up. however, it made no sense to do it WITH the kids, as it was for them. besides, upon picking it up, it filled the van. there wouldn't have been room for them. there was 3 times more than i was expecting!
upon going through the stuff, i discovered that there was way more stuff than we needed. i pulled 3-4 items out of each of the kids' boxes, and put them up for a later occasion. some of the stuff didn't fit, or was too "young" for them. but, i have birthday stuff for taylor, elizabeth, and shannon this next year (i think).
that night, i proceeded to wrap everything. it took me a little over 2 hours to get everything wrapped. all the kids had 6 gifts, plus their santa one. 7 is more than enough. next week, we will go through their old toys, and choose 3-4 to give away.
elizabeth got an alarm clock from santa. her stocking contents are a mystery to me right now. she got a large doll, a doll head to practice hair-dos on, a couple of princess barbies, a pair of jammies, boots, gloves/hat set and a complete outfit.
shannon got a princess tea set from santa. a pair of jammies, a complete outfit, a couple of princess barbies, some hair things; barettes, clips, headbands, a scarf/gloves/hat set, and various odds and ends in her stocking as well.
ashley got a plastic tea set from santa. she also got a pair of jammies, hair things, a couple of princess barbies, a new pair of sunday shoes, a new dolly, a musical guitar, and various odds and ends in her stocking as well.
michael received a steering wheel that makes different vehicle sounds, fire truck, car, big truck, etc. he also got a new outfit, a play phone, some trucks, a set of little people super heroes, a pair of jammies, and some books.
shaun got the hobbit on extended dvd, a new ball cap, the original story of superman book, published in 1978, a nice hoodie jacket, a shirt, a 12 piece screwdriver, a model car to assemble and various odds and ends as well.
i got a pamper pack from santa. it had 8 or so pairs of socks. it also had a sleep mask, but it gives me a headache to wear. i got a pair of jammies, some jewelry, a water tower for my christmas village that is still being painted.
santa also left us a gingerbread kit, which the kids started to put together today, and a snow disk. from their aunt, they received 2 snowman kits. eyes, coal, buttons, noses, and scarves.
considering that until the week before, we weren't going to have more than 3 gifts each, we made a haul!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
christmas
it's been a few weeks.
trying to get ready for christmas, and all the normal stuff has taken up almost all my time.
the kids have struggled the last 2 weeks or so, getting school done. i think they're ready for a break, but if we take too long, it will put us further behind, and make it that much harder to get back into it. i've discovered that incentives help elizabeth with her literature. and that taylor can get his entire schedule completed in less than 3 hours when he wants to. this week, being christmas, we are taking it easy, and just doing spelling.
i had an impromptu goodie baking day with a friend. i mentioned to her that i wanted to do a few more goodies, but was unable to because of funds. she offered to purchase the supplies, and then we had fun the rest of the day! we made fudge (YUM!), we tried eggnog fudge (WOW! i don't like eggnog, but that stuff was divine.), we tried caramel (the first batch ended up too hard. the other batches i made at a later date, were just right!), and we made a pumpkin roll. she took everything we made back to her house, cause there were less fingers to snatch pieces, and a "hiding" place.
later, i made some m&m sugar cookies, and dipped some pretzels. days later, i still need to get everything plated.
i made 2 batches of danish. and we gave away an entire batch.
christmas breakfast was delicious, as always. this year, i wasn't able to manage strawberries, so we did fruit dip instead. i didn't do pineapple either. it always ruins my pan.
our menu consisted of, scrambled eggs, danish, hashbrowns, bacon, sausage, orange juice, milk, and eggnog. my favorite meal of the day!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
christmas baking
as christmas draws ever closer, and i realize how close it's getting, it's time to start on the christmas goodies.
fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, danish, caramels, cookies...and anything else i think of.
as things have been a little tighter than normal, i tried substituting in the fudge recipe. i didn't think things through far enough, and the fudge didn't turn out. a 4.4 oz chocolate bar is a lot less than a 12 oz bag of chocolate chips. it tasted ok, but not normal. but it was super greasy, and when you cut it, it all crumbled. the second attempt, i got the correct ingredients, and it finally turned out right. the kids mutilated the fudge, so i can't cut it and put it on plates to give away.
crooked smile
yesterday morning, michael pulled the pan of fudge of the counter...
last night, as shaun was getting him ready for bed, we discovered that his lower jaw appeared to be crooked.
glass pan
5 lb of fudge
...right onto his face. there was blood, but we couldn't find the source (he wouldn't let me in to look either).last night, as shaun was getting him ready for bed, we discovered that his lower jaw appeared to be crooked.
you can see where his middle teeth don't match.
so, late last night, 9:30, i took him up to the hospital to have him checked out. we were able to quickly see the doctor, and he saw the concern. he ordered a ct scan so that we could have a clear picture, especially, since michael wouldn't let us look inside his mouth.
and then we waited. they had to send the scan out to have it read. finally, at 11, we had the results. no fracture, no misalignment. (YEHAW!) the doctor thinks it's just swollen and bruised, and that he's holding it at a spot so that the least amount of discomfort occurs.
if things don't improve by tuesday, i'll take him back in, and have him re-evaluated.
Monday, December 9, 2013
slow and steady
i have finally reached the point where things have started to slow down. at least it feels like it. it's entirely possible that i've just gotten accustomed to the new normal for us.
mondays are insane. at least they feel like it. we have an appointment at 10, and again at 1. between the two, there is just enough time to make sure kids get fed, and check on a few things.
today, we added another appointment at 9, and then a desperate need to get milk and eggs. i've been running since 7:30 this morning, and won't be able to stop until after 10 tonight.
school is very short on mondays because of all the appointments.
i think the thing i've learned the most over the last few weeks is to just take things a little slower. if i keep trying to run all the time, i'm going to fall short. and i hate falling short. i've stopped trying to be supermom, and i'm just focusing on being the best mom i can.
mondays are insane. at least they feel like it. we have an appointment at 10, and again at 1. between the two, there is just enough time to make sure kids get fed, and check on a few things.
today, we added another appointment at 9, and then a desperate need to get milk and eggs. i've been running since 7:30 this morning, and won't be able to stop until after 10 tonight.
school is very short on mondays because of all the appointments.
i think the thing i've learned the most over the last few weeks is to just take things a little slower. if i keep trying to run all the time, i'm going to fall short. and i hate falling short. i've stopped trying to be supermom, and i'm just focusing on being the best mom i can.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
power
this morning at 6:30, the power went out. the outside temperature was -11F. needless to say, it was cold. as the power was out, i used the good brain i was given, and figured that the little girls would be out of school today.
we bundled everyone up, and tried to stay warm. the power didn't come back on until close to 2, and by then the temp in the house was only 60.
we are starting to stay warm now. hope it doesn't go out again!
we bundled everyone up, and tried to stay warm. the power didn't come back on until close to 2, and by then the temp in the house was only 60.
we are starting to stay warm now. hope it doesn't go out again!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
finality
shaun's uncle passed away last week. he had been on dialysis, and was a diabetic. i'm not sure what killed him in the end, but i suppose it doesn't really matter. we were all a little surprised he went first. his wife is just as bad off as he was.
the saddest part, is that his family doesn't believe in the gospel. they had been members at one time. he lost a daughter in a horse riding accident. since then, they have been antagonistic toward the church.
the funeral was on friday, but we'd had sick people and were hesitant to attend.
we hope that the rest of the family can find some peace.
the saddest part, is that his family doesn't believe in the gospel. they had been members at one time. he lost a daughter in a horse riding accident. since then, they have been antagonistic toward the church.
the funeral was on friday, but we'd had sick people and were hesitant to attend.
we hope that the rest of the family can find some peace.
updates
i seem to make all these grand plans, and then things fall apart.
i've been trying to keep up on the blog. i love that it can be used as a journal, and at the same time keep family up to date. it's hard to do updates, or anything for that matter, when you don't feel well.
i spent last tuesday and wednesday cooking for thanksgiving. i got pumpkin roll and rolls done. and since i was trying to stay awake, i also made cookies, and something else...can't remember what it was.
wenesday night, i woke up in severe pain. i have a very high tolerance level, so for something to wake me up like, it has to be pretty bad. we called a friend, and he was able to come help shaun give me a blessing. within 20 minutes, the pain was gone and i was able to go back to bed.
thursday, i cooked the turkey, and the rest of our thanksgiving dinner. that night, i had pain again. it wasn't as bad as the night before, but it still hurt.
friday night, we were up most of the night with michael. he was throwing up something fierce. the poor kid dry heaved for hours. saturday we were kind of lazy. since shaun and i had been up all night, we were really tired.
saturday we cleaned. we were able to get the house pretty well done. elizabeth and shannon didn't get their room as clean as it needed to be, which is nothing new. i'm ready to take away all their toys, and leave them with just their beds, their clothes, and one blanket for sleeping. both shaun and i went to bed early, 10:30/11. only to have to get up and sit with ashley who said her bum hurt. we never did figure out what the problem was.
the alarm went off this morning, and as usual, i turned it off. the next time i woke up, the clock said 9:45! we were late for church and i was going to be in trouble if i didn't make it there to do the library! i threw on some clothes, told shaun he'd have to get the kids ready and bring them later, and ran out the door. i made it there in plenty of time, and my partner made it as well! i learned just today (i've been in the library with her for 4 months or so), that she suffers from migraines.
i've been trying to keep up on the blog. i love that it can be used as a journal, and at the same time keep family up to date. it's hard to do updates, or anything for that matter, when you don't feel well.
i spent last tuesday and wednesday cooking for thanksgiving. i got pumpkin roll and rolls done. and since i was trying to stay awake, i also made cookies, and something else...can't remember what it was.
wenesday night, i woke up in severe pain. i have a very high tolerance level, so for something to wake me up like, it has to be pretty bad. we called a friend, and he was able to come help shaun give me a blessing. within 20 minutes, the pain was gone and i was able to go back to bed.
thursday, i cooked the turkey, and the rest of our thanksgiving dinner. that night, i had pain again. it wasn't as bad as the night before, but it still hurt.
friday night, we were up most of the night with michael. he was throwing up something fierce. the poor kid dry heaved for hours. saturday we were kind of lazy. since shaun and i had been up all night, we were really tired.
saturday we cleaned. we were able to get the house pretty well done. elizabeth and shannon didn't get their room as clean as it needed to be, which is nothing new. i'm ready to take away all their toys, and leave them with just their beds, their clothes, and one blanket for sleeping. both shaun and i went to bed early, 10:30/11. only to have to get up and sit with ashley who said her bum hurt. we never did figure out what the problem was.
the alarm went off this morning, and as usual, i turned it off. the next time i woke up, the clock said 9:45! we were late for church and i was going to be in trouble if i didn't make it there to do the library! i threw on some clothes, told shaun he'd have to get the kids ready and bring them later, and ran out the door. i made it there in plenty of time, and my partner made it as well! i learned just today (i've been in the library with her for 4 months or so), that she suffers from migraines.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
....
it's been an interesting week and a half. the kids are all great, the problem has been me.
i went in to the doctor on the 15th. i'd been having sharp pains in a knee when ever i knelt down. since i have 3 little kids, i kneel down a lot. so, this was causing some problems. while i was visiting with the doctor, we addressed several issues. my wrist pain is most likely tendinitis he thought the pain in my knee was also tendinitis i think it might be a torn muscle. my night sweats are most likely due to being overweight (i don't want to hear anything about how i'm not, because i know that i am. about 20 pounds). the migraines we discussed some possible reasons, but didn't come to any conclusions. my back pain, he wanted to get some xrays of.
the next 5 days, i went through some serious exhaustion. so badly, that only bare basics got done. and i'm so grateful to shaun for picking up the slack. i would get up at the same time, 7:30-7:45 to get the girls off to school. by 11, i was so tired that i would get the kids some lunch, some days, and then have to go take a nap. i would sleep until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. i would go back to bed around 10-11 and sleep the night through. the next day, i would do it again. about the time i was going to go back in to the doctor to get some tests done, i was doing better.
thursday i was able to make it in to get the xrays done. friday, i got a call back from the doctor office with the results. i have arthritis in my lumbar spine, and a bone spur forming, somewhere.
friday, elizabeth and i both got haircuts. i'll try to post pictures soon, after i take them....
saturday, i woke up with a headache. i took an aleve and tried to get going for the day. 20 minutes later, it was a full-blown migraine. i went back to bed and waited for it to ease up. it never did. it got worse. i spent the day in bed, sleeping off the migraine.
a good friend of ours had come over to paint with shaun. he graciously bought us dinner, and continued to help shaun with the kids.
needless to say, it's been an interesting time.
i went in to the doctor on the 15th. i'd been having sharp pains in a knee when ever i knelt down. since i have 3 little kids, i kneel down a lot. so, this was causing some problems. while i was visiting with the doctor, we addressed several issues. my wrist pain is most likely tendinitis he thought the pain in my knee was also tendinitis i think it might be a torn muscle. my night sweats are most likely due to being overweight (i don't want to hear anything about how i'm not, because i know that i am. about 20 pounds). the migraines we discussed some possible reasons, but didn't come to any conclusions. my back pain, he wanted to get some xrays of.
the next 5 days, i went through some serious exhaustion. so badly, that only bare basics got done. and i'm so grateful to shaun for picking up the slack. i would get up at the same time, 7:30-7:45 to get the girls off to school. by 11, i was so tired that i would get the kids some lunch, some days, and then have to go take a nap. i would sleep until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. i would go back to bed around 10-11 and sleep the night through. the next day, i would do it again. about the time i was going to go back in to the doctor to get some tests done, i was doing better.
thursday i was able to make it in to get the xrays done. friday, i got a call back from the doctor office with the results. i have arthritis in my lumbar spine, and a bone spur forming, somewhere.
friday, elizabeth and i both got haircuts. i'll try to post pictures soon, after i take them....
saturday, i woke up with a headache. i took an aleve and tried to get going for the day. 20 minutes later, it was a full-blown migraine. i went back to bed and waited for it to ease up. it never did. it got worse. i spent the day in bed, sleeping off the migraine.
a good friend of ours had come over to paint with shaun. he graciously bought us dinner, and continued to help shaun with the kids.
needless to say, it's been an interesting time.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
midnight ramblings
there is a teenager in my ward who is pregnant. i don't know the particulars, and it doesn't really matter for this ramble. she attends the alternative high school. the alternative high school is where they send the trouble kids. the ones that can't seem to succeed for whatever reason.
i recently read a story somewhere, where a 16 year old girl was raped and forced to attend the alternate school instead of her normal high school, because she was pregnant, and the administrators were afraid she would be too much of a distraction.of course, she'll be a distraction! but not necessarily in the way they are thinking. the poor girl can't sit in a normal desk, you can't put a pregnant belly in those tiny things. she can't walk normally, her hips hurt, her back hurts, her feet hurt, and once that baby drops, she won't even be able to sit comfortably.
the good distractions will be that people will think a little more about their decisions. leave a pregnant girl in regular school, and those that are active, will get to see the possible consequences of their actions every day.
this is one of the reasons that we have so many unwed teen pregnancies. we hide the consequences by putting the mothers in alternate schools, or pulling them out and home schooling them. girls are made to feel like they are less important and "damned" by their parents, so they hide the pregnancies and then abandon the babies at dances or in parks etc. and those consequences are far worse than just being an unwed mother.
i recently read a story somewhere, where a 16 year old girl was raped and forced to attend the alternate school instead of her normal high school, because she was pregnant, and the administrators were afraid she would be too much of a distraction.of course, she'll be a distraction! but not necessarily in the way they are thinking. the poor girl can't sit in a normal desk, you can't put a pregnant belly in those tiny things. she can't walk normally, her hips hurt, her back hurts, her feet hurt, and once that baby drops, she won't even be able to sit comfortably.
the good distractions will be that people will think a little more about their decisions. leave a pregnant girl in regular school, and those that are active, will get to see the possible consequences of their actions every day.
this is one of the reasons that we have so many unwed teen pregnancies. we hide the consequences by putting the mothers in alternate schools, or pulling them out and home schooling them. girls are made to feel like they are less important and "damned" by their parents, so they hide the pregnancies and then abandon the babies at dances or in parks etc. and those consequences are far worse than just being an unwed mother.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
eyes
we have a family history of bad eyes, on all sides. all but one of my siblings has glasses, and all of shauns (that i can think of) also have them.
taylor got a new prescription 2 weeks ago. 4 days into the new glasses, and they got broken. when we were finally able to get back in to the doctor, they had been lost.
shannon was due for an exam. i think it was just routine, and to make sure she was ok. she is not getting glasses. she's so excited! she keeps asking me when we can get them, and telling me that she wants them... funny girl!
exhaustion
today is the first day in almost a week that i haven't desperately needed a nap in the afternoon. i should have taken one yesterday, but was able to push my way through, barely. as it was, i went to be at 8:30 when the kids did.
i haven't been able to figure out why i'm so tired. although, i've had lots of suggestions given. one day, maybe i'll find out why i do this.
i haven't been able to figure out why i'm so tired. although, i've had lots of suggestions given. one day, maybe i'll find out why i do this.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
exhaustion
i am thoroughly exhausted!
i have been doing laundry for 5 days straight, and i'm not even close to being done. i got nearly done with the lice laundry, and was finally able to start the regular laundry. then we discovered even more lice laundry. and then i discovered completed lice laundry that had to be redone! blankets and pillows that had fallen or been put on floors that hadn't been vacuumed yet.
unfortunately, laundry will continue for a few days.
the local head start has a no nit policy when it comes to lice. that means that if the kids even have empty egg sacks still in their hair, they can't go back. both shannon and ashley have been home all week.
school has been difficult to manage. when we discovered the lice, i scheduled the next day as a vacation day. both taylor and elizabeth tried to get school done. we are still at the point that school requires a lot of mom help, especially for elizabeth. trying to do school and delousing was not working. that was why i planned to take the day off.
i have been doing laundry for 5 days straight, and i'm not even close to being done. i got nearly done with the lice laundry, and was finally able to start the regular laundry. then we discovered even more lice laundry. and then i discovered completed lice laundry that had to be redone! blankets and pillows that had fallen or been put on floors that hadn't been vacuumed yet.
unfortunately, laundry will continue for a few days.
the local head start has a no nit policy when it comes to lice. that means that if the kids even have empty egg sacks still in their hair, they can't go back. both shannon and ashley have been home all week.
school has been difficult to manage. when we discovered the lice, i scheduled the next day as a vacation day. both taylor and elizabeth tried to get school done. we are still at the point that school requires a lot of mom help, especially for elizabeth. trying to do school and delousing was not working. that was why i planned to take the day off.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
baby prayers
today, michael gave the prayer at dinner. it went like this:
mom, "time for prayer. everyone fold your arms."
michael, "heavenly father."
mom, "...thankful for this food."
michael, "food"
mom, "please bless it."
michael, "bless it"
mom, "help it to nourish."
michael, giggle, giggle, giggle
mom, "and strengthen"
michael, "strengthen"
mom, "our bodies."
michael, giggle, giggle, giggle
mom, "in the name,"
michael, "AMEN!"
mom, "of jesus christ"
michael, "AMEN!"
amen
mom, "time for prayer. everyone fold your arms."
michael, "heavenly father."
mom, "...thankful for this food."
michael, "food"
mom, "please bless it."
michael, "bless it"
mom, "help it to nourish."
michael, giggle, giggle, giggle
mom, "and strengthen"
michael, "strengthen"
mom, "our bodies."
michael, giggle, giggle, giggle
mom, "in the name,"
michael, "AMEN!"
mom, "of jesus christ"
michael, "AMEN!"
amen
pumpkins 2013
shannon wanted a horse. and of course she had to have a picture with it as well.
i normally end up doing pumpkins by myself with the kids. this year, shaun wanted to save me some stress and frustration by helping out. after the first 2 cutouts didn't work well, we decided to just cut the peel off. some of the designs had very tiny places to "cutout." it wasn't worth it!
halloween 2013
frustrations
i got everyone treated yesterday, except for me. in the middle of ashley's, the comb starts to break. i was able to get her finished, but because the comb broke, wasn't able to get me done. so, i sent shaun to the one place in town that i knew had them. they were all out! (apparently, this is a wide-spread issue.) on his way home, he stopped at our little corner pharmacy. they could order us one, and have it to us first thing in the morning. since there wasn't another option, we went ahead and got one.
this morning, shaun took the girls to school. the van was clean, and i was not... . they checked the girls, and still found nits. (what frustrates me, is they check twice a week, monday and wednesday. monday when they checked, they didn't find anything. but i know that shannon had it. so, they don't find them when they are there, but find them when they are not?!)
so, shannon and ashley had another vacation day from school. and both were greatly upset that they couldn't go.
this morning, shaun took the girls to school. the van was clean, and i was not... . they checked the girls, and still found nits. (what frustrates me, is they check twice a week, monday and wednesday. monday when they checked, they didn't find anything. but i know that shannon had it. so, they don't find them when they are there, but find them when they are not?!)
so, shannon and ashley had another vacation day from school. and both were greatly upset that they couldn't go.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
oocoos no more
oocoos, again
as if life wasn't crazy enough!!
last night, elizabeth complains that her head itches. so, i sit her down and start looking her over.
sure enough, she has lice.
and so begins the process of de-lousing the house.
i treated elizabeth last night. shaun stripped her bed down, and vacuumed it. we started washing things and throwing other things in the dryer.
today, we treat the rest of the family, and hopefully get the rest of the house taken care of.
the kids are all staying home for a vacation day (some vacation, huh?). we'll all be working our tails off though.
last night, elizabeth complains that her head itches. so, i sit her down and start looking her over.
sure enough, she has lice.
and so begins the process of de-lousing the house.
i treated elizabeth last night. shaun stripped her bed down, and vacuumed it. we started washing things and throwing other things in the dryer.
today, we treat the rest of the family, and hopefully get the rest of the house taken care of.
the kids are all staying home for a vacation day (some vacation, huh?). we'll all be working our tails off though.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
success!
i have had troubles getting elizabeth to read. anything. which has been making school difficult.
she doesn't even like to read things to me.
yesterday, i found a "solution," at least temporarily. i had seen an image somewhere, they had to convince themselves to study (must have been a dry subject). they placed skittles at the end of each paragraph in their textbook. when they reached the skittle, they could eat it. i was in the process of making individual bags of snacks, while i was trying to get elizabeth to do her literature. so, i placed a mini marshmallow at the end of paragraphs. when she reached the marshmallow, she could eat it. she read her story without any problems!
now, granted, this is not a permanent solution. but, for now, it will work.
she doesn't even like to read things to me.
yesterday, i found a "solution," at least temporarily. i had seen an image somewhere, they had to convince themselves to study (must have been a dry subject). they placed skittles at the end of each paragraph in their textbook. when they reached the skittle, they could eat it. i was in the process of making individual bags of snacks, while i was trying to get elizabeth to do her literature. so, i placed a mini marshmallow at the end of paragraphs. when she reached the marshmallow, she could eat it. she read her story without any problems!
now, granted, this is not a permanent solution. but, for now, it will work.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
learning curve
homeschooling has created an interesting situation in our house. first of all, it's a HUGE learning curve. second, it means that any free time i'd gotten from having everyone but the baby in school in the morning is now gone. the other day, i had one of those moments where i wasn't sure the trade-offs were worth it.
today is better.
the other problem i've run into, is that the week i started homeschooling, my schedule exploded. i had multiple things going on each day that took time away from school. i think next week slows down. at least, i hope it does!
when i signed the kids up, they warned me that it would time to get a good schedule going. they told me to expect a minimum of 6 weeks to get things straight and fluid. i hope it doesn't take quite that long, but with the first 2 weeks so crazy insane with appointments, it might.
as if all that wasn't enough, i have a severely depressed spouse who refuses to entertain medical solutions. and all my alternative ones aren't working.
today is better.
the other problem i've run into, is that the week i started homeschooling, my schedule exploded. i had multiple things going on each day that took time away from school. i think next week slows down. at least, i hope it does!
when i signed the kids up, they warned me that it would time to get a good schedule going. they told me to expect a minimum of 6 weeks to get things straight and fluid. i hope it doesn't take quite that long, but with the first 2 weeks so crazy insane with appointments, it might.
as if all that wasn't enough, i have a severely depressed spouse who refuses to entertain medical solutions. and all my alternative ones aren't working.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
see, i'm trying.
today, we had an eye appointment for taylor. he's jumped 2 strengths in the last year.
i was able to get halloween costumes finished for the girls. with lost of help, of course!
i got granola bars made, and brownies made, and dinner done.
and throughout the day, we did school. taylor struggles to do his math. after that, he breezes through everything else. elizabeth doesn't like to read. which causes a problem, cause just about everything requires reading.
today, we had an eye appointment for taylor. he's jumped 2 strengths in the last year.
i was able to get halloween costumes finished for the girls. with lost of help, of course!
i got granola bars made, and brownies made, and dinner done.
and throughout the day, we did school. taylor struggles to do his math. after that, he breezes through everything else. elizabeth doesn't like to read. which causes a problem, cause just about everything requires reading.
Monday, October 28, 2013
in a funk
i have tried for weeks to get posts up. and i keep running into blocks. either emotional, or physical. i get on the computer to write, and get lost in cyberland (not a good thing!). i get on to write, even have the page up to type, and for some reason, can't get myself to put anything down. or other times, like today, i get started and then i have to go change a bum and get kids dressed.
i suppose it's mostly cause i'm in a funk right now. the last few days have been strange. i know what needs to be done, and i want to get them done, i just can't seem to do them. the basics get done, cause they are habit. i've done laundry for so many years, that laundry day just happens, even if it is a little late some days. some days, dinner is a little more difficult to do.
i'm not really tired, but all i want to do is sleep. it just occurred to me that things could be much worse if i weren't on my medication.
some additional thoughts are required on this.
i suppose it's mostly cause i'm in a funk right now. the last few days have been strange. i know what needs to be done, and i want to get them done, i just can't seem to do them. the basics get done, cause they are habit. i've done laundry for so many years, that laundry day just happens, even if it is a little late some days. some days, dinner is a little more difficult to do.
i'm not really tired, but all i want to do is sleep. it just occurred to me that things could be much worse if i weren't on my medication.
some additional thoughts are required on this.
Monday, October 7, 2013
donating
i am doing something i never thought i would do...
i am donating all my baby clothes.
i have recently joined a group that's all about helping out and donating things to those in need.
i had been keeping all my baby clothes until i was sure that we were done having kids. especially since baby clothes are so expensive.
but since being on this group, i've discovered that there are A LOT more people in need than i am. and since they aren't currently being used by us, they should be used by someone else.
besides that, if and when the time comes that we need some, the means will be there to get them.
i am donating all my baby clothes.
i have recently joined a group that's all about helping out and donating things to those in need.
i had been keeping all my baby clothes until i was sure that we were done having kids. especially since baby clothes are so expensive.
but since being on this group, i've discovered that there are A LOT more people in need than i am. and since they aren't currently being used by us, they should be used by someone else.
besides that, if and when the time comes that we need some, the means will be there to get them.
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