James and Baby Goat
James watering the goats
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
More Pictures
James and his big feet
James wearing his Bubba's shirt. This shirt was Taylor's when he was little.
Very difficult to see (excuse my shadow)
This is the backdoor of the playhouse. The washer/dryer is to the left, the ladder goes to the loft where the girls play and have slept out there, I think twice. I installed a clothesline inside that my mom sent, not sure it can be seen. It was originally to be installed inside the cabin, but with the metal walls I couldn't figure it out. It works perfectly in the playhouse.
Another view. The thick line in the foreground is a line that Lauren put up for me. The other thinner one in the background is the five line, retractable line my mom ordered for me from Lehman's. Very cool. Helps with the cold and rainy weather. I hang up clothes, diapers, etc., leave a space heater on in there, and the next morning the clothes are dry. I've only had to do that twice. I have taken advantage of the recent sunny days to hang the clothes outside to dry.
My little dirt ball. He was sitting in the grass digging in the dirt with his fingers today. Now he is sitting on top of the washer while it goes through the spin cycle. He likes that, he laughs and laughs.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
My mom turned 60 yesterday! Happy Birthday Mommy!
The weather here is cold, rainy and windy...I have been hauling a lot of fire wood inside lately to try and keep the chill out of the air in the living room/kitchen..we aren't in there much at all, but I believe it helps to keep this room warmer, when the front room isn't freezing. I could be wrong. The goats are miserably wet in their pen..it is getting a little flooded in spots and definitely they need a drier spot. I think organizing the barn and getting it ready for them is next on the list. I sure am glad that we put the tarp on the north fence to help keep the wind out there, I hope it helps the cold anyway. They huddle under the lean to, and fight over the igloo dog house. Poor Dakota gets the short end of the stick most times. Another Buff Orpington has gone missing. She escaped the coop, and I think Bo killed her. I have been busy studying Poultry catalogs so that I can order a batch of chicks, as well as, looking at seed catalogs. I plan to plant a small container garden this year, AFTER I fence in behind the cabin. I plan on buying one stock panel at a time, until I can fence in an area behind the cabin to park the car and plant a garden. Once Mr. Cano finishes the porch it will provide a better sitting area closer to the cabin, as well as, a place to put a small table to eat at..
We are watching one of the Stargate DVDs. We picked up three movies at the library tonight, but watched them already. Two of them were only 30 minute children's videos. One on Harriet Tubman and the other on Thomas Edison. The longer one was Eloise at Christmas. We saw Eloise at the Plaza already. Pretty cute movies. Tomorrow we will pick up three more. I don't often miss the DirecTV, but when we have exhausted our supply of DVDs at home, it can get boring. The girls have been drawing tonight with their new art sets, reading more, and playing with their dolls. I normally clean, read or research information online at night. Plus, play with James and the girls. When it's nicer weather they are outside until dark, but with the earlier dark times, plus the cold and rain drives us inside.
"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." Proverbs 16:32
The above is my verse for the day to remind me to not let others get to me and to be slow to anger (or irritate).
I have been reading how we have two parts of ourselves the appreciation room and the deappreciation room. One room remembers and records all the positive and encouraging things our spouses or another says to us. These things edify us and lift us up. The other room records all the negative, hurtful things our spouse has said to us. While the things in the deappreciation room are true, so are the things in the appreciation room. We choose to dwell on one or the other. By choosing the more positive, the longer you dwell on the positive aspects of your spouse, friend, etc., the better you appreciate them. No one is perfect, not even ourselves. And while another may hurt us (either physically, emotionally or verbally) there are times that they are normal human beings and do things that please us. It may seem that these things are few and far between, but we need to ponder these things more often in order to dispel our anger against this person. Anger feeds on itself, and pretty soon your entire being will be filled with anger and hate towards a person that does not deserve these feelings. These ugly feelings will eat away at your soul too. These things make me thing as I have had many people in my life hurt me, more verbally, but a few physically. In general, I am not confrontational at heart. I used to grieve myself sick over any injustices done to me, but the older I grew the more I stood my ground. I still fail to understand why it is okay for one person to treat me wrong, but by standing up for myself I am viewed as the "troublemaker" or the one in the wrong. Boggles the mind.
I have ample reasons to be anger and filled with hate towards several people close to me. But I am choosing to let things go. Others may view this as being weak, but I view this as being smart, taking the high road, being the better person. I have too much responsibility to be weighted down daily by grief, anger and dispair. Don't get me wrong I am still bothered by these emotions at times. Grief over my father's death, grief over losing yet another child and being the only one who cares about that, grief and over not being able to grieve properly. Grief and anger over an ending marriage and loss of friendship. Most days I choose to move past these things, as the responsibilities that I bear are great in caring for three children alone. Oh caring for them alone is not new, I have done that the majority of their lives, but add to that the stress of providing financially for them in addition to the daily care is very pressing. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my children, but it must be wonderful to be a man and be able to walk away and live your life without a thought for your children's welfare. If I believed in reincarnation I'd like to come back as a man that way I could have an easier life. LOL
The weather here is cold, rainy and windy...I have been hauling a lot of fire wood inside lately to try and keep the chill out of the air in the living room/kitchen..we aren't in there much at all, but I believe it helps to keep this room warmer, when the front room isn't freezing. I could be wrong. The goats are miserably wet in their pen..it is getting a little flooded in spots and definitely they need a drier spot. I think organizing the barn and getting it ready for them is next on the list. I sure am glad that we put the tarp on the north fence to help keep the wind out there, I hope it helps the cold anyway. They huddle under the lean to, and fight over the igloo dog house. Poor Dakota gets the short end of the stick most times. Another Buff Orpington has gone missing. She escaped the coop, and I think Bo killed her. I have been busy studying Poultry catalogs so that I can order a batch of chicks, as well as, looking at seed catalogs. I plan to plant a small container garden this year, AFTER I fence in behind the cabin. I plan on buying one stock panel at a time, until I can fence in an area behind the cabin to park the car and plant a garden. Once Mr. Cano finishes the porch it will provide a better sitting area closer to the cabin, as well as, a place to put a small table to eat at..
We are watching one of the Stargate DVDs. We picked up three movies at the library tonight, but watched them already. Two of them were only 30 minute children's videos. One on Harriet Tubman and the other on Thomas Edison. The longer one was Eloise at Christmas. We saw Eloise at the Plaza already. Pretty cute movies. Tomorrow we will pick up three more. I don't often miss the DirecTV, but when we have exhausted our supply of DVDs at home, it can get boring. The girls have been drawing tonight with their new art sets, reading more, and playing with their dolls. I normally clean, read or research information online at night. Plus, play with James and the girls. When it's nicer weather they are outside until dark, but with the earlier dark times, plus the cold and rain drives us inside.
"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." Proverbs 16:32
The above is my verse for the day to remind me to not let others get to me and to be slow to anger (or irritate).
I have been reading how we have two parts of ourselves the appreciation room and the deappreciation room. One room remembers and records all the positive and encouraging things our spouses or another says to us. These things edify us and lift us up. The other room records all the negative, hurtful things our spouse has said to us. While the things in the deappreciation room are true, so are the things in the appreciation room. We choose to dwell on one or the other. By choosing the more positive, the longer you dwell on the positive aspects of your spouse, friend, etc., the better you appreciate them. No one is perfect, not even ourselves. And while another may hurt us (either physically, emotionally or verbally) there are times that they are normal human beings and do things that please us. It may seem that these things are few and far between, but we need to ponder these things more often in order to dispel our anger against this person. Anger feeds on itself, and pretty soon your entire being will be filled with anger and hate towards a person that does not deserve these feelings. These ugly feelings will eat away at your soul too. These things make me thing as I have had many people in my life hurt me, more verbally, but a few physically. In general, I am not confrontational at heart. I used to grieve myself sick over any injustices done to me, but the older I grew the more I stood my ground. I still fail to understand why it is okay for one person to treat me wrong, but by standing up for myself I am viewed as the "troublemaker" or the one in the wrong. Boggles the mind.
I have ample reasons to be anger and filled with hate towards several people close to me. But I am choosing to let things go. Others may view this as being weak, but I view this as being smart, taking the high road, being the better person. I have too much responsibility to be weighted down daily by grief, anger and dispair. Don't get me wrong I am still bothered by these emotions at times. Grief over my father's death, grief over losing yet another child and being the only one who cares about that, grief and over not being able to grieve properly. Grief and anger over an ending marriage and loss of friendship. Most days I choose to move past these things, as the responsibilities that I bear are great in caring for three children alone. Oh caring for them alone is not new, I have done that the majority of their lives, but add to that the stress of providing financially for them in addition to the daily care is very pressing. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my children, but it must be wonderful to be a man and be able to walk away and live your life without a thought for your children's welfare. If I believed in reincarnation I'd like to come back as a man that way I could have an easier life. LOL
Saturday, December 26, 2009
It's a Frosty One!
The past few nights have been quite cold outside. We have spent the days getting ready for each evenings cold. The first night (Christmas Eve) I didn't realize it was going to get as cold as it was until I returned home from my sister's house. It was so dark I couldn't do much. I draped a blanket over the pipes at the well, and left the water running at the outside spigot, and in the shower. It did no good, the pipes froze. As the day warmed up, the pipes did unfreeze, and I examined every junction to ensure that everything appeared to be working.
On Christmas, I wrapped each outside faucet, and exposed pipe, with material I had on hand (fleece, flannel and old towels)> I used zip ties and rope to secure the material. We also took an old tarp that had torn and finished dividing it down the middle and then secured it with zip ties to the north fence of the goat pen. I am hoping this helps to keep a good amount of the wind from blowing into the lean-to where the goats sleep. I cleaned the pen, added hay, food, water, and a few pumpkins I had around. The goats have been hanging out in there all evening, once the sun set, and it turned chilly.
Tonight it is supposed to be 29 degrees. I finished bringing in a load of wood, as I normally stay up late keeping the fire going. This helps keep the drafts from the bedroom. It is very warm and snug in here, and the new heater works great. (Muffin has taken up residence on the couch right by the wood stove.)
We did hang out here at home this afternoon. The kids ran around, pulling James in the wagon, which he LOVES. I could hear his giggles from where ever I happened to be working. I cleaned up a lot of trash, and placed in the truck for the trash guy to pick up Wednesday. Thursday it is going in the shop....I plan to walk from the front gate to the barn tomorrow and pick up all the trash and place in the truck. I have several small trash piles that have accumulated and they need to go, in addition, to the old pool that the dogs chewed up. I am trying to get everything nice and neat. I cleaned up a large amount of debris by the cabin door, and once the barn is organized (next on the list after trash detail) we will be moving all the excess "stuff" behind the cabin to the barn. The larger trash piles will have to wait until next week, as the truck is almost full now. Oh, note to self, need more trash bags.
I installed the indoor clothesline in the "laundry room"/playhouse today, and hung a load up in there, plus one outside on the clothes line. I have several more loads to get done, so am hoping it is sunny again tomorrow.
Little by little we are getting more accomplished. I have been a lot more motivated lately, which is helping. Thank you Lord!
Cleaned the front room some, tossing out stuff, folding laundry and putting away, and getting Christmas gifts put in their place. Swept the floor, washed dishes, cleaned the bedroom, and made dinner. Now we are watching movies, well I am, the kids are sleeping.
On Christmas, I wrapped each outside faucet, and exposed pipe, with material I had on hand (fleece, flannel and old towels)> I used zip ties and rope to secure the material. We also took an old tarp that had torn and finished dividing it down the middle and then secured it with zip ties to the north fence of the goat pen. I am hoping this helps to keep a good amount of the wind from blowing into the lean-to where the goats sleep. I cleaned the pen, added hay, food, water, and a few pumpkins I had around. The goats have been hanging out in there all evening, once the sun set, and it turned chilly.
Tonight it is supposed to be 29 degrees. I finished bringing in a load of wood, as I normally stay up late keeping the fire going. This helps keep the drafts from the bedroom. It is very warm and snug in here, and the new heater works great. (Muffin has taken up residence on the couch right by the wood stove.)
We did hang out here at home this afternoon. The kids ran around, pulling James in the wagon, which he LOVES. I could hear his giggles from where ever I happened to be working. I cleaned up a lot of trash, and placed in the truck for the trash guy to pick up Wednesday. Thursday it is going in the shop....I plan to walk from the front gate to the barn tomorrow and pick up all the trash and place in the truck. I have several small trash piles that have accumulated and they need to go, in addition, to the old pool that the dogs chewed up. I am trying to get everything nice and neat. I cleaned up a large amount of debris by the cabin door, and once the barn is organized (next on the list after trash detail) we will be moving all the excess "stuff" behind the cabin to the barn. The larger trash piles will have to wait until next week, as the truck is almost full now. Oh, note to self, need more trash bags.
I installed the indoor clothesline in the "laundry room"/playhouse today, and hung a load up in there, plus one outside on the clothes line. I have several more loads to get done, so am hoping it is sunny again tomorrow.
Little by little we are getting more accomplished. I have been a lot more motivated lately, which is helping. Thank you Lord!
Cleaned the front room some, tossing out stuff, folding laundry and putting away, and getting Christmas gifts put in their place. Swept the floor, washed dishes, cleaned the bedroom, and made dinner. Now we are watching movies, well I am, the kids are sleeping.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The work at the shoppe continues. Helped Rosalinda put up the molding in "The Book Nook". That is her name for the Book Room. I wiped off the walls, pulled nails, and pounded nails, then held the molding in place while she nailed it up. Oh, I also painted the molding too. My arms sure did hurt by the time I left for work at 3 p.m. She was going to finish it with the help of her son. All that is left now is to pick up all the debris on the floor, put the new floor down, and I'd like to clean the walls with Murphy's Oil Soap, then apply Lemon Oil. We have plenty of pictures and educational posters to put up too. I'd love for the area homeschoolers to come out and use the room. We've been putting the word out.
She will start bringing her books and shelves, and I will set up the reading/sitting area for customers. We will be selling refreshments/snacks also. Lauren has asked to handle that aspect. I'd like to get their study area set up next week also, so they can get back to their books after the Christmas break.
After Christmas, we will be open Tuesday-Saturday, at least that is the plan for now. It could change.
I've been applying for jobs, but it doesn't appear as if the Lord wants me to have a job that doesn't allow me to home school. I firmly believe that I am supposed to home school my children, and that the Lord will provide for us. Sometimes I get worried and a little scared, but am learning to trust in Him day by day.
She will start bringing her books and shelves, and I will set up the reading/sitting area for customers. We will be selling refreshments/snacks also. Lauren has asked to handle that aspect. I'd like to get their study area set up next week also, so they can get back to their books after the Christmas break.
After Christmas, we will be open Tuesday-Saturday, at least that is the plan for now. It could change.
I've been applying for jobs, but it doesn't appear as if the Lord wants me to have a job that doesn't allow me to home school. I firmly believe that I am supposed to home school my children, and that the Lord will provide for us. Sometimes I get worried and a little scared, but am learning to trust in Him day by day.
I don't really like everything that the Pearl's talk about, sometimes I even am hesitant to believe half of what I read on their site, but this article made me laugh, and I can say I am pretty much in agreement with it....Mr. Pearl is not apologetic at all about his beliefs, though some of them are a little off, but at least he stands up for what he believes in, which is admirable.
http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/articles/child-training/art-of-training/article-display/archive/2008/november/26/hard-times-coming/
http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/articles/child-training/art-of-training/article-display/archive/2008/november/26/hard-times-coming/
Saturday, December 19, 2009
REMINDER
Wrap pipes under "cabin"
Wrap pipes at well
Clean goat pen
Put in clean hay
Put dogs in barn
Wash clothes
Wrap pipes at well
Clean goat pen
Put in clean hay
Put dogs in barn
Wash clothes
Friday, December 18, 2009
I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Wretha's by the way and thought I would steal the questions someone asked her and post here with my answers....
What would you have done differently if you were starting out now? I would not have bought the shipping container, but invested the money in one of those shed like cabins, and placed it under the trees for shade. The shipping container was never originally meant for us to live in but as storage for our furniture while we sold our main home. Didn't quite work out how I planned it, but life has lots of little (and big) road bumps.
What 3-5 things do you need right now?
Hmm, this one is difficult. I think right now I need a 220 plug so that I can use my dryer. While I used the clothesline exclusively in the spring and summer, line drying is not conducive to having dried clothes and diapers in the fall/winter, especially during a prolonged rainy/cold spell. I need a better housing arrangement as the container is too difficult to heat/cool, though it can be done, it is frustrating and overwhelming at times. Another thing that I need right now is my truck on the road. It runs great, just the tail lights need to be fixed. So, I will be dragging it to the shop, praying it is something simple, and then praying for the funds to get it fixed, tagged and back on the road. I really need the truck to help with income possibilities and hauling fire wood/grain/hay to the house. I need about 50 bales of old hay to insulate the bedroom portion of the container, the side that faces North (on the outside of course).
What would you buy if money were no object? It'd be great to hit the lottery, but since I don't play that isn't going to happen. But if money weren't an object I would have a storm cellar put in (I am scared of tornadoes), a small log cabin built, solar and wind power installed (and get of grid electricity). I'd also have several small cabin/sheds placed towards the front of the property to rent out for camping purposes, etc.
I'd like a bigger barn (a red one), filled with enough grain/hay for my animals. I'd get horses again, as well as, more goats, and ideally I'd love some fiber goats/sheep, and the money to pay a ranch/farm hand to help me with the heavy work. I'd also build a small chapel on the property, dredge out the pond, build a gazebo by the pond and maybe buy a new truck, a Suburban and a Jeep. And I'd buy a Berkey so I could answer the next question.
How is the Berkey System working? Well, I don't have a Berkey, but a local friend does, and it appears to be working great for her. Waters tastes good too.
How many solar panels do you have now? I only have one small solar panel that runs a set of lights. I'd love to get a small solar RV set up, but haven't the spare cash lying around. It's on the "the list" though...right behind getting a better house for my kids.
What do I miss the most? I miss my entire family being together. I miss total PEACE. I miss my blue house. I miss my dad. I miss not having to worry so much about my kids.
What would you have done differently if you were starting out now? I would not have bought the shipping container, but invested the money in one of those shed like cabins, and placed it under the trees for shade. The shipping container was never originally meant for us to live in but as storage for our furniture while we sold our main home. Didn't quite work out how I planned it, but life has lots of little (and big) road bumps.
What 3-5 things do you need right now?
Hmm, this one is difficult. I think right now I need a 220 plug so that I can use my dryer. While I used the clothesline exclusively in the spring and summer, line drying is not conducive to having dried clothes and diapers in the fall/winter, especially during a prolonged rainy/cold spell. I need a better housing arrangement as the container is too difficult to heat/cool, though it can be done, it is frustrating and overwhelming at times. Another thing that I need right now is my truck on the road. It runs great, just the tail lights need to be fixed. So, I will be dragging it to the shop, praying it is something simple, and then praying for the funds to get it fixed, tagged and back on the road. I really need the truck to help with income possibilities and hauling fire wood/grain/hay to the house. I need about 50 bales of old hay to insulate the bedroom portion of the container, the side that faces North (on the outside of course).
What would you buy if money were no object? It'd be great to hit the lottery, but since I don't play that isn't going to happen. But if money weren't an object I would have a storm cellar put in (I am scared of tornadoes), a small log cabin built, solar and wind power installed (and get of grid electricity). I'd also have several small cabin/sheds placed towards the front of the property to rent out for camping purposes, etc.
I'd like a bigger barn (a red one), filled with enough grain/hay for my animals. I'd get horses again, as well as, more goats, and ideally I'd love some fiber goats/sheep, and the money to pay a ranch/farm hand to help me with the heavy work. I'd also build a small chapel on the property, dredge out the pond, build a gazebo by the pond and maybe buy a new truck, a Suburban and a Jeep. And I'd buy a Berkey so I could answer the next question.
How is the Berkey System working? Well, I don't have a Berkey, but a local friend does, and it appears to be working great for her. Waters tastes good too.
How many solar panels do you have now? I only have one small solar panel that runs a set of lights. I'd love to get a small solar RV set up, but haven't the spare cash lying around. It's on the "the list" though...right behind getting a better house for my kids.
What do I miss the most? I miss my entire family being together. I miss total PEACE. I miss my blue house. I miss my dad. I miss not having to worry so much about my kids.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Log Cabin/Gingerbread Houses
Lauren's Log Cabin
Hannah's Log Cabin
I read about making these log cabins in a book, so we bought the ingredients tonight and the girls plugged away. They had a lot of fun....
James on a sugar high (pretzels dipped in icing)
James at his bath - annoyed at being disturbed
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Edge Family Christmas Letter
I don't know that I have written a Christmas letter but one other time. Our tree is up on the dresser, so that James won't pull it down. He is fascinated by the lights and ornaments. Lauren and I decorated the front gate in garlands and a big wreath. It looks beautiful from the roadway.
Living out in the country without near neighbors is peaceful, as well as, daunting. I've learned more about myself the past five months then in the past 20 years. The best nights are when there isn't a moon, the starts shine so brightly, and I really feel how small I am, and how big God is....and how near the coyotes are too!
As the youngest and born this past February, James Christopher Waters Edge just started crawling this month at the age of 10 months, and is pulling up and "thinking" he can walk. He often lets go then falls. We about dispaired of him ever crawling, and thought for sure he was going to zoom straight to walking or running. He has 10 teeth (including two molars). He isn't much for baby food preferring "grown up" mashed potatoes with brown gravy, applesauce, iced tea, cheetos every now and then, and he LOVES chocolate, which he will steal when I am not looking, and when I don't put them up high enough. He is a cutie with chocolate streaming down his face.
Hannah, at six, is loving her "words". She strings letters together a foot long and then asks what they say. More often than not they don't say a thing. She loves to read, and her favorite book is "Toot, Toot" a book about the fall of Jericho. It is an easy reader, and she can read almost all the words on her own. She loves drawing, writing and spending time with her best friend Shelby.
Lauren is twelve and growing up so fast, it brings tears to my eyes. She loves to crochet, organize and to play with her donkey. She is a big help to me, and James loves her greatly. They enjoy hide and seek.
Our herd of goats increases and decreases depending on who is new to the farm, and who goes to the great pasture in the sky. We have four Boer and one Toggenburg (our milk goat). I am looking to come across more goats as I can, and possibly a sheep or two.
We have learned a lot these past few months as we embark on our new journey together as a family of 4 instead of 6. Our father and brother having left the home to live elsewhere. Taylor left late last year, and I struggled at the strangeness of it, only to have to learn to deal with a greater strangeness of not having a father/husband presence in the home. I have learned how to rely on God, not myself or a husband or father for what I need, and am trying to teach my girls that God will provide for our needs, if not our wants. I am trying to learn to be content in my present circumstances. It is a long, painful journey, but I see hope on the other end, as I learn to trust in God in a way I should have learned a long time ago. I find this all exciting and exhilarating at times, in good and bad ways.
Our homeschooling venture has taken a new twist as I relax and allow the girls to expand their minds and interests. I still insist on math work and plenty of reading, in addition to their Bible study work. Lauren has a great interest in Natural Science, especially learning about all the animals we find on our property, while Hannah LOVES math, and has a quick mind.
Big news is that we opened our own shoppe. I say "our" because the girls are a big help in stocking shelves, sweeping floors and love to "make sales". The shop is called Amy's Attic, and I dearly pray that the Lord will use it as a mean to support our little family, as I have been unable to find a traditional job. Please pray for us and that we have the energy to continue working hard and find success along the way.
I did want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Love,
Amy, Lauren, Hannah and James
including the dogs Baeta, Bo, Muffin, Rose, Annabelle and Sophie
the goats Dolly, Dakota, Blue Jeans, Larry and Curly
our two Diva cats Lily and Smarticles and
Jack the Bethlehem Donkey
Living out in the country without near neighbors is peaceful, as well as, daunting. I've learned more about myself the past five months then in the past 20 years. The best nights are when there isn't a moon, the starts shine so brightly, and I really feel how small I am, and how big God is....and how near the coyotes are too!
As the youngest and born this past February, James Christopher Waters Edge just started crawling this month at the age of 10 months, and is pulling up and "thinking" he can walk. He often lets go then falls. We about dispaired of him ever crawling, and thought for sure he was going to zoom straight to walking or running. He has 10 teeth (including two molars). He isn't much for baby food preferring "grown up" mashed potatoes with brown gravy, applesauce, iced tea, cheetos every now and then, and he LOVES chocolate, which he will steal when I am not looking, and when I don't put them up high enough. He is a cutie with chocolate streaming down his face.
Hannah, at six, is loving her "words". She strings letters together a foot long and then asks what they say. More often than not they don't say a thing. She loves to read, and her favorite book is "Toot, Toot" a book about the fall of Jericho. It is an easy reader, and she can read almost all the words on her own. She loves drawing, writing and spending time with her best friend Shelby.
Lauren is twelve and growing up so fast, it brings tears to my eyes. She loves to crochet, organize and to play with her donkey. She is a big help to me, and James loves her greatly. They enjoy hide and seek.
Our herd of goats increases and decreases depending on who is new to the farm, and who goes to the great pasture in the sky. We have four Boer and one Toggenburg (our milk goat). I am looking to come across more goats as I can, and possibly a sheep or two.
We have learned a lot these past few months as we embark on our new journey together as a family of 4 instead of 6. Our father and brother having left the home to live elsewhere. Taylor left late last year, and I struggled at the strangeness of it, only to have to learn to deal with a greater strangeness of not having a father/husband presence in the home. I have learned how to rely on God, not myself or a husband or father for what I need, and am trying to teach my girls that God will provide for our needs, if not our wants. I am trying to learn to be content in my present circumstances. It is a long, painful journey, but I see hope on the other end, as I learn to trust in God in a way I should have learned a long time ago. I find this all exciting and exhilarating at times, in good and bad ways.
Our homeschooling venture has taken a new twist as I relax and allow the girls to expand their minds and interests. I still insist on math work and plenty of reading, in addition to their Bible study work. Lauren has a great interest in Natural Science, especially learning about all the animals we find on our property, while Hannah LOVES math, and has a quick mind.
Big news is that we opened our own shoppe. I say "our" because the girls are a big help in stocking shelves, sweeping floors and love to "make sales". The shop is called Amy's Attic, and I dearly pray that the Lord will use it as a mean to support our little family, as I have been unable to find a traditional job. Please pray for us and that we have the energy to continue working hard and find success along the way.
I did want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Love,
Amy, Lauren, Hannah and James
including the dogs Baeta, Bo, Muffin, Rose, Annabelle and Sophie
the goats Dolly, Dakota, Blue Jeans, Larry and Curly
our two Diva cats Lily and Smarticles and
Jack the Bethlehem Donkey
Saturday, December 12, 2009
James playing with Legos at Pizza Inn
We had a good day at the shoppe today. Good sales and I got a lot done. I swept and mopped all the wood floors using Murphy's Oil Soap. Cleaned the bathroom as best as I could. The former tenants left paint all over the tub, not sure how to get it off. Plus, they didn't have electricity, so used candles, and evidently stuck the candles on various surfaces and just let the wax drip where it sat. I have been scraping off dried wax. I started setting up one room as the resale shop, and the other will be "The School Room" where I plan to have home school curriculum and educational resources for sale. Still need to work on a complete inventory for each crafter, price merchandise and take a picture of the shop. A friend helped (actually did most of it) moved the washer and dryer into the playhouse/shed. I am so excited. It is so much nicer to wash clothes "inside" than outside. Plus, I was worried the washer/dryer would be ruined sitting out in the weather. Next on the list is to get the dryer hooked up, but until then I will be installing the indoor clothes line my mom sent me, plus putting my drying rack in there..I think with the heater going in the playhouse, the clothes should dry sooner than hanging outside in the cold, damp air. The washer/dryer fit wonderful in the spot I wanted.
April was headed to the local Christmas Tree farm with her son's GT class, so once we closed the shoppe, we headed on over. We had never been. I'd like to take the kids back so that we can do everything.
I took the profits from the day and bought two candles from the gift shop at the tree farm, plus four ornaments, one for each of us for the tree. Since all of ours were ruined, I've been picking up inexpensive ornaments. The tree farm had a good selection and they were inexpensive, but cute. I got a red,tin cardinal for me, a large painted jingle bell for James, Hannah picked a blue sled, and Lauren chose one with a cute little saying on it.
The tree farm is run by a local Christian family, and is EXACTLY what I had pictured in my head for myself. We'll see how it goes....
Afterwards we had dinner at Pizza Inn, their pizza is cheap, though not very good, but the kids didn't care. They put a few quarters in the game machines, and then the "littles" played Legos. James had a lot of fun, especially when he stole a building that Hannah made. He was excited and kept laughing, but Hannah was less than happy when I wouldn't let her take it back from him. She had a huge pile already, so she could share with him.
We arrived home for the night, and cleaned the bedroom, then settled in to watch a few movies. We have canceled our DirectTv service and are watching movies we check out from the library, Netflix, and every now and then Blockbuster. We have watched a few movies at www.hulu.com also, plus re-watched our library of DVDs. I'll miss a few of my programs, and I am sure the girls will miss the Disney Channel, but it will save a bunch of money each month, so is necessary at this point in time.
We are all snuggled in for the night, and the kids are sleeping. Need to run out and lock up the goats that way they won't make too much noise tonight or dance on my car in the morning.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Merry Christmas from the Little Edge Family
James' First Christmas
Lauren took this picture the other night. It was a surprise for me. She set up the backdrop and the props herself. She did a good job, he looks so cute!
Our Little Tree and Our Little Ham
Monday, December 7, 2009
More Pictures
Pictures from Lauren's camera...we downloaded her entire camera...these are from about September 2008 until recently.
Duchess
I believe this is a Wild Hog jawbone
Isabella and Chip
Lauren and Rose (wearing daddy' jacket)
Baby rabbit -our first litter
This is a horse near our property. We saw him standing under this flag remnant one day and I needed a picture. We swung back around and took a picture.
Jack the Bethlehem Donkey
He's getting kind of old, this is an old picture. He is fat and sassy now and REALLY appreciates his sweet feed.
James - just born
Feb 2009
Daddy and James
James listening to his 'Tunes
My poor little Nena
My happy boy
The playhouse decorated for Christmas 2009
(the baby gate keeps the dogs off the porch
or they will sleep on it)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Watkins Hot Cocoa Sampler
This is really good stuff, especially the Cinnamon Cocoa.. Let me know if you want to order some for the holidays...
I put this here because it is a chilly night..a great hot cocoa weather night. It is 34 and rainy. Supposed to have a slight chance of snow/sleet, but I doubt it will appear. I have the wood stove cranked up, and keeping adding wood to keep the chill off the house, and the heaters in the bedroom are doing their job..the kids fell asleep and are cozy and warm in the little nest under the loft. The thermometer says 68 so that is good.
Today was another relaxing day..we did run into town again to dry some more clothes, mainly diapers for James. We then came home and spent the rest of the day on school work. Lauren and I read out of the McGuffey Third Reader. There are some really great readings in there. She did two lessons in her Saxon Mathbook without even being told, so that was wonderful. We have also started a new handwriting book on the Parables of Jesus. Last year it was Presidential Inaugural Speeches. Lauren has really great handwriting (cursive). I believe this is because she learned cursive first in Kindergarten using the Abeka curriculum. After Christmas we will start Hannah on her cursive program. Hannah and I also started reading the Elsie Dinsmore series and are on Book 1. James took a great nap and was awesome tonight at the bookstore. The girls were a little wound up after being cooped up inside all day with the rain, but they calmed down when I let them get on the computer online.
We opened the first door on our Advent Calendar today. The girls are taking turns. This is the first year time we have done this, and they appear excited. We will set up the tree tomorrow, and continue our decluttering of unnecessary belongings inside....
I had someone ask if they could build a solar heater on top of the container...plus a blower type thing that will draw the heat from the wood stove to the back room...pretty cool idea...
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Power of Motherhood - Isaiah 66
I have felt for a long time a specific need, though I receive criticism at times, to mother my children a certain way. It wasn't until I read this verse, and heard of the book entitled "Power of Motherhood" that I realize that it is okay the way I do things.
For instance when James doesn't feel well, is fussy, or has hurt himself I wipe his tears, rock him, and offer him a chance to nurse. It only takes a few seconds to comfort him, and then he is off to explore again. I received a little criticism this weekend for "nursing on demand", which irritates me. And I have been asked by several people "Are you STILL nursing?" "When are you going to stop, etc.,?" I feel like saying "What's it to you?"
I don't understand why it bothers people that I LOVE nursing my babies. They are only little for such a short period of time. I don't want to be made to feel guilty. I even had a man say that women who nurse are selfish, because it means then that the father can't feed the baby. I wanted to scream. Selfish?! Is he crazy? If a man/father REALLY wants to be a father and help parent, he will find ample opportunity to help with the baby/children, the short period of time it takes to nurse the baby is not taking away from the other hours in the day a man can bond with his children. Plus, I don't know many men who REALLY help with their kids anyway. As much as I love my dad, he didn't help with us. He never attended a tennis match, a violin recital, a school program, or church special that I or any other sibling participate in. His job was working. And he did it great. My dad was a work-a-holic. He loved to work, and lived to work. Even on his day's off, he would often go in because he felt useless without working. When my dad wasn't working, he was asleep. I am sure he was tired from working to support five kids, but it felt like he didn't want to be part of our lives, so he worked.
Nursing a baby isn't selfish, it is the most SELF LESS thing you can do. I don't think a man could understand how much a mother "dies to self" when she is a mother. Not many men can say the same thing, at least no man I know. To go without sleep, showers, bathroom breaks, meals just to care for a baby. It can be frustrating, but it is also the most wonderful thing in the world. If I had been less selfish, woke up earlier to God's dictates for my life, and in a more godly relationship, I would have had more children. Sadly I only have four living children. A couple are already in heaven with God, and I wonder what they look like, and what kind of person they would have been. It can be heartbreaking if you allow yourself to dwell on it, so I push it to the back of my mind most days. And because I am 40 I am running out of time to have more children, and plus I am lacking a husband and father for them. I am not looking either. I have ZERO plans to ever get married again. The children are worth it, but the pain of giving every part of yourself to a man to only be rejected in every way possible is too much for me to want to go through EVER again. I will content myself with raising my children and enjoying every moment of their lives. Something most parents aren't able or willing to do.
"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far ABOVE RUBIES or pearls."
Proverbs 31:10
For instance when James doesn't feel well, is fussy, or has hurt himself I wipe his tears, rock him, and offer him a chance to nurse. It only takes a few seconds to comfort him, and then he is off to explore again. I received a little criticism this weekend for "nursing on demand", which irritates me. And I have been asked by several people "Are you STILL nursing?" "When are you going to stop, etc.,?" I feel like saying "What's it to you?"
I don't understand why it bothers people that I LOVE nursing my babies. They are only little for such a short period of time. I don't want to be made to feel guilty. I even had a man say that women who nurse are selfish, because it means then that the father can't feed the baby. I wanted to scream. Selfish?! Is he crazy? If a man/father REALLY wants to be a father and help parent, he will find ample opportunity to help with the baby/children, the short period of time it takes to nurse the baby is not taking away from the other hours in the day a man can bond with his children. Plus, I don't know many men who REALLY help with their kids anyway. As much as I love my dad, he didn't help with us. He never attended a tennis match, a violin recital, a school program, or church special that I or any other sibling participate in. His job was working. And he did it great. My dad was a work-a-holic. He loved to work, and lived to work. Even on his day's off, he would often go in because he felt useless without working. When my dad wasn't working, he was asleep. I am sure he was tired from working to support five kids, but it felt like he didn't want to be part of our lives, so he worked.
Nursing a baby isn't selfish, it is the most SELF LESS thing you can do. I don't think a man could understand how much a mother "dies to self" when she is a mother. Not many men can say the same thing, at least no man I know. To go without sleep, showers, bathroom breaks, meals just to care for a baby. It can be frustrating, but it is also the most wonderful thing in the world. If I had been less selfish, woke up earlier to God's dictates for my life, and in a more godly relationship, I would have had more children. Sadly I only have four living children. A couple are already in heaven with God, and I wonder what they look like, and what kind of person they would have been. It can be heartbreaking if you allow yourself to dwell on it, so I push it to the back of my mind most days. And because I am 40 I am running out of time to have more children, and plus I am lacking a husband and father for them. I am not looking either. I have ZERO plans to ever get married again. The children are worth it, but the pain of giving every part of yourself to a man to only be rejected in every way possible is too much for me to want to go through EVER again. I will content myself with raising my children and enjoying every moment of their lives. Something most parents aren't able or willing to do.
"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far ABOVE RUBIES or pearls."
Proverbs 31:10
Today was a wonderful and relaxing day. With the exception of making a quick run into a local small town, we were home all day. We stayed in bed until about 8 a.m. enjoying the warmth of the electric blankets, and listening to the rain fall on the roof. We did go by the shoppe earlier in the day. The new paint job on one side of the stucco looks wonderful, it will be beautiful once it is done. The shoppe was broken into over the weekend, and thankfully nothing was taken. I guess they were looking for valuables, and clothing and craft items don't figure into the equation.
I began cleaning up outside and brought the truck from the gate so that I could place trash in the back. I do this to prevent the dogs from tearing it up, and to keep the truck running by moving it a couple of times a week. Once the weather clears up, Lauren and I will fill the bed with hay to bring to the barn. I picked up trash out of the yard, and tried to think of what to do with the boxes sitting outside the door. Many are papers/records that I don't know what to do with...I don't have a safe place to store them, so I guess I need to burn them...I sure hope I don't need anything out of them some day...I am going to try and sort through them to see if I can spot any important ones to set aside.
I spent the day cleaning (finally able to do so), sorting through old clothing and getting rid of what doesn't fit, going through tubs in the barn looking for blankets, sweaters and any Christmas decorations that weren't ruined. 20 years of Christmas decorations were for the most part ruined when they were left in the rain. Something I don't appreciate, but I can't fix it. These were memories that can't be replaced and it is hurtful, but it is just one in a long line of hurts, so I expect I'll get over it some day.
The girls spent the day in the playhouse doing school work and then playing Barbies. James played with them for about an hour while I cleaned up in the front room, folding clothes, bringing in wood, sweeping floors and washing a few dishes until the water grew cold.
We made soup on the wood stove and cooked grilled cheese, along with milk, carrots and chocolate covered Oreos, it was a great dinner. The stove has been going all day, and has kept the place nice and warm. It is 75 in here now, though I expect it will be colder later tonight since the temps are supposed to drop, and the stove won't be stoked all night while we are sleeping.
Muffin has been sneaking in throughout the day to sit by the stove..she gets booted out again after a while. I wouldn't mind her staying inside, but she has a horrible habit of tearing up trash, and peeing in the middle of beds. So far, she hasn't done that here, but I don't want to take the chance. Maybe I'll lock her in the bathroom so she'll be warm. The kittens keep trying to sneak in too, every time the door is opened. The goats have been penned up from the night, the dogs are sleeping on the porch to the playhouse out of the wind and rain, and the coyotes are LOUD.
We received an early Christmas present from a friend in California. She sent us two electric blankets that she had bought for her children a while back, and they have since moved out, and she had them around the house. The girls are beyond excited, and we each now have our own electric blanket. What a great present!
James and Lauren are having a ball. Lauren is laying on the floor at the foot of the bed, and James keeps throwing himself off of the bed. Lauren puts him back on the bed, and he crawls to the edge again, and flops onto her. They are laughing and laughing...it is so funny.
I began cleaning up outside and brought the truck from the gate so that I could place trash in the back. I do this to prevent the dogs from tearing it up, and to keep the truck running by moving it a couple of times a week. Once the weather clears up, Lauren and I will fill the bed with hay to bring to the barn. I picked up trash out of the yard, and tried to think of what to do with the boxes sitting outside the door. Many are papers/records that I don't know what to do with...I don't have a safe place to store them, so I guess I need to burn them...I sure hope I don't need anything out of them some day...I am going to try and sort through them to see if I can spot any important ones to set aside.
I spent the day cleaning (finally able to do so), sorting through old clothing and getting rid of what doesn't fit, going through tubs in the barn looking for blankets, sweaters and any Christmas decorations that weren't ruined. 20 years of Christmas decorations were for the most part ruined when they were left in the rain. Something I don't appreciate, but I can't fix it. These were memories that can't be replaced and it is hurtful, but it is just one in a long line of hurts, so I expect I'll get over it some day.
The girls spent the day in the playhouse doing school work and then playing Barbies. James played with them for about an hour while I cleaned up in the front room, folding clothes, bringing in wood, sweeping floors and washing a few dishes until the water grew cold.
We made soup on the wood stove and cooked grilled cheese, along with milk, carrots and chocolate covered Oreos, it was a great dinner. The stove has been going all day, and has kept the place nice and warm. It is 75 in here now, though I expect it will be colder later tonight since the temps are supposed to drop, and the stove won't be stoked all night while we are sleeping.
Muffin has been sneaking in throughout the day to sit by the stove..she gets booted out again after a while. I wouldn't mind her staying inside, but she has a horrible habit of tearing up trash, and peeing in the middle of beds. So far, she hasn't done that here, but I don't want to take the chance. Maybe I'll lock her in the bathroom so she'll be warm. The kittens keep trying to sneak in too, every time the door is opened. The goats have been penned up from the night, the dogs are sleeping on the porch to the playhouse out of the wind and rain, and the coyotes are LOUD.
We received an early Christmas present from a friend in California. She sent us two electric blankets that she had bought for her children a while back, and they have since moved out, and she had them around the house. The girls are beyond excited, and we each now have our own electric blanket. What a great present!
James and Lauren are having a ball. Lauren is laying on the floor at the foot of the bed, and James keeps throwing himself off of the bed. Lauren puts him back on the bed, and he crawls to the edge again, and flops onto her. They are laughing and laughing...it is so funny.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Fall Fest Pictures
I haven't developed my pictures yet, but a friend had these on her Facebook page, so I am sharing them with my family and friends here...We had loads of fun at a friend's house. This is the second Fall Fest at her house we have attended, making this our first anniversary! LOL! By the way, these are ALL home schooled kids.
Lauren in her Holly Hobby costume, after the hayride and around the bonfire..Hannah hanging out.
James and his first hayride
Saturday, November 28, 2009
My intention had been to take a long break from writing, but I find posting allows me to decompress and release the mountains of stress that I am under, even if I don't post deeply personal information, which I feel I rarely do.
Anyway, I will just update myself here with what is going around here.
It's been quite cold at night, which has prompted me to have a fire every night. This helps keeps the chill off the house, and the dogs tend to congregate and lay on the porch behind where the wood stove is at...it warms the wall. ;-)
The goats are doing well. I haven't been buying feed the past two months, and they are subsisting on a diet of only grass/browse. We did break a pumpkin and give to them tonight. Dolly promptly tried to hog it all. She is definitely the Queen goat. She came in and bullied her way into the herd. She has bonded with Larry our largest Boer Goat, and they walk, eat, and sleep beside each other all the time. She is kind of mean to the others, I hope she turns out to be a good mom.
The shed arrived, and the girls love playing in it. It is a big stress relief to have it, as it frees up lots of space in the loft. I can't wait until I actually have the washer/dryer inside.
Tonight Lauren and I raked up a load of hay from in front of the land. The state comes by and shreds, and it leaves lots of great hay. Now, if I could just get them to shred the land, I could rake that up too. We are in the process of filling up the bed of the truck. We'll then stuff the hay into bags for later use. The "plan" is to get a moment to clean up the barn, organize the storage bins, and store the hay in the barn. We just haven't had a moment hardly to ourselves. I feel bad for the kids with the constant running around, but there isn't a solution for it in the near future.
I have loads of things to do this week. Tomorrow is our monthly church fellowship luncheon, and then Monday I need to paint at the shoppe, as well as, get all the stuff out of my booth at the flea market this week. Rent is due the end of this week, and I won't be renewing since I have the shoppe.
I also need to pass out flyers again regarding our Grand Opening. I have been busy rounding up products to sell in the shop. So, in addition to continue decluttering the cabin to sell unneeded items at the shoppe, the girls school work, working at the bookstore and giving tennis lessons we are always on the go. I absolutely hate the fact that I can't be home more. Once the shoppe is up and running, it will be easier to stay home, plus the girls can do their school work at the shoppe. I have a large desk set up for them to use.
Lauren and I have been going through lots of our stuff to get rid of, and are clearing off the dressers in the bedroom. One we will use for the Christmas Tree (it's a small one) that way James can't pull it over, and it will leave space in the walkway. After Christmas, we will be putting up new shelves from the top of the dressers to the roof. This will give us some more much needed storage space, as well as, lots of lovely new storage in the loft. It's been rough storing stuff outside in the rain. A lot of our belongings have been ruined from the rain, the dogs and the goats. I did manage to clean out behind the cabin on one section, close to the washer. I threw all that stuff away, and the refuse man hauled it off.
I am in the process of working on the side closest to the front door. But it is slow going, since we aren't home most of the time during the day, and by the time we get home at night, it is way too dark and cold.
Tonight was spent raking hay, picking up the yard, throwing out trash inside, and doing laundry. We ran into town really quick to dry a load of diapers. Always diapers. We then stopped at a local store, and bought a few little presents for James for Christmas. Working at the bookstore today gave me $20 that we used. So, I am thankful for that money. Christmas is going to be a worry, and I don't know how to explain to Hannah there isn't a "Santa". Oh, she knows it is Jesus' birthday, but she also believes in Santa, and I just won't have the money to provide "Santa" presents this year. Praying for a miracle, knowing that God will provide in some way.
Off to clean the kitchen and bathroom so will finish updating later
Anyway, I will just update myself here with what is going around here.
It's been quite cold at night, which has prompted me to have a fire every night. This helps keeps the chill off the house, and the dogs tend to congregate and lay on the porch behind where the wood stove is at...it warms the wall. ;-)
The goats are doing well. I haven't been buying feed the past two months, and they are subsisting on a diet of only grass/browse. We did break a pumpkin and give to them tonight. Dolly promptly tried to hog it all. She is definitely the Queen goat. She came in and bullied her way into the herd. She has bonded with Larry our largest Boer Goat, and they walk, eat, and sleep beside each other all the time. She is kind of mean to the others, I hope she turns out to be a good mom.
The shed arrived, and the girls love playing in it. It is a big stress relief to have it, as it frees up lots of space in the loft. I can't wait until I actually have the washer/dryer inside.
Tonight Lauren and I raked up a load of hay from in front of the land. The state comes by and shreds, and it leaves lots of great hay. Now, if I could just get them to shred the land, I could rake that up too. We are in the process of filling up the bed of the truck. We'll then stuff the hay into bags for later use. The "plan" is to get a moment to clean up the barn, organize the storage bins, and store the hay in the barn. We just haven't had a moment hardly to ourselves. I feel bad for the kids with the constant running around, but there isn't a solution for it in the near future.
I have loads of things to do this week. Tomorrow is our monthly church fellowship luncheon, and then Monday I need to paint at the shoppe, as well as, get all the stuff out of my booth at the flea market this week. Rent is due the end of this week, and I won't be renewing since I have the shoppe.
I also need to pass out flyers again regarding our Grand Opening. I have been busy rounding up products to sell in the shop. So, in addition to continue decluttering the cabin to sell unneeded items at the shoppe, the girls school work, working at the bookstore and giving tennis lessons we are always on the go. I absolutely hate the fact that I can't be home more. Once the shoppe is up and running, it will be easier to stay home, plus the girls can do their school work at the shoppe. I have a large desk set up for them to use.
Lauren and I have been going through lots of our stuff to get rid of, and are clearing off the dressers in the bedroom. One we will use for the Christmas Tree (it's a small one) that way James can't pull it over, and it will leave space in the walkway. After Christmas, we will be putting up new shelves from the top of the dressers to the roof. This will give us some more much needed storage space, as well as, lots of lovely new storage in the loft. It's been rough storing stuff outside in the rain. A lot of our belongings have been ruined from the rain, the dogs and the goats. I did manage to clean out behind the cabin on one section, close to the washer. I threw all that stuff away, and the refuse man hauled it off.
I am in the process of working on the side closest to the front door. But it is slow going, since we aren't home most of the time during the day, and by the time we get home at night, it is way too dark and cold.
Tonight was spent raking hay, picking up the yard, throwing out trash inside, and doing laundry. We ran into town really quick to dry a load of diapers. Always diapers. We then stopped at a local store, and bought a few little presents for James for Christmas. Working at the bookstore today gave me $20 that we used. So, I am thankful for that money. Christmas is going to be a worry, and I don't know how to explain to Hannah there isn't a "Santa". Oh, she knows it is Jesus' birthday, but she also believes in Santa, and I just won't have the money to provide "Santa" presents this year. Praying for a miracle, knowing that God will provide in some way.
Off to clean the kitchen and bathroom so will finish updating later
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I find myself with a few minutes and thought I'd write here. Many things going on recently, and life is too busy. I have been taking my eldest son to his new job and picking him up. This takes a big chunk out of my day, and uses a lot of gas. I am grateful for the job a friend has given him, and honored to be able to take him, though I admit I do stress at times about the time constraints and gas usage.
It's a chilly night, and I am tending the fire in the living room. It doesn't warm the back room, but I find it prevents the really cold air from drifting into the bedroom. It is 65 in here and that is wonderful. The kids are sleeping, the gingerbread is baking in the oven, and the kittens are scratching at the door to come in. They haven't taken kindly to being booted out. It's been a couple of weeks, but they haven't caught a clue. Making the gingerbread was fun, making me think of "olden days". I only have two electrical outlets in the kitchen area, a few more would be nice. Anyway, I unplugged the microwave so that I could plug in the oven. I placed the butter on a blue enameled plate and set it on top of the wood stove to melt while I measured out the other ingredients. Hannah helped me to stir, she likes to help me cook and make things. It's a little crowded in the cabin's kitchen but we managed to get into the oven to bake for about an hour. I had planned to make molasses cookies to take tomorrow also, but ran out of time and energy, in addition to every time I start a project James wakes up crying.
Bought a bale of old hay today at the feed store and cleaned the goat pen a bit, then spread hay under the lean to and in the big igloo dog house for the goats to get out of the cold weather.
Painted for a couple of hours today at the shoppe, in addition to scraping, sanding, and priming. Lauren helped too, while Hannah watched after James.
Speaking of which, he bit me on the nose last night causing me to bleed. I couldn't see for a while it hurt so bad. He started crying, so I think he must have hurt himself a little.
Have most of the laundry done, cleaned up behind the cabin closest to the washer/dryer. Trying to find some help to get the washer/dryer in the shed, but everyone tends to disappear when I need a little help. Very disconcerting let me tell you.
Worked at the bookstore tonight, the girls played on the computers most of the evening. James crawled around the bookstore, and it was a chore to keep him from pulling books off of the bottom shelves. Between all three of us, we managed it. He was filthy by the time we left, and his once nice white socks are dingy gray.
Just made some tea from the hot water kept in the tea kettle on top of the wood stove. I'd love to sleep on the couch in there by the wood stove, as it is nice and cozy in there, but waking up to an icy room is not on my list of "fun" things to experience first thing in the morning.
It's a chilly night, and I am tending the fire in the living room. It doesn't warm the back room, but I find it prevents the really cold air from drifting into the bedroom. It is 65 in here and that is wonderful. The kids are sleeping, the gingerbread is baking in the oven, and the kittens are scratching at the door to come in. They haven't taken kindly to being booted out. It's been a couple of weeks, but they haven't caught a clue. Making the gingerbread was fun, making me think of "olden days". I only have two electrical outlets in the kitchen area, a few more would be nice. Anyway, I unplugged the microwave so that I could plug in the oven. I placed the butter on a blue enameled plate and set it on top of the wood stove to melt while I measured out the other ingredients. Hannah helped me to stir, she likes to help me cook and make things. It's a little crowded in the cabin's kitchen but we managed to get into the oven to bake for about an hour. I had planned to make molasses cookies to take tomorrow also, but ran out of time and energy, in addition to every time I start a project James wakes up crying.
Bought a bale of old hay today at the feed store and cleaned the goat pen a bit, then spread hay under the lean to and in the big igloo dog house for the goats to get out of the cold weather.
Painted for a couple of hours today at the shoppe, in addition to scraping, sanding, and priming. Lauren helped too, while Hannah watched after James.
Speaking of which, he bit me on the nose last night causing me to bleed. I couldn't see for a while it hurt so bad. He started crying, so I think he must have hurt himself a little.
Have most of the laundry done, cleaned up behind the cabin closest to the washer/dryer. Trying to find some help to get the washer/dryer in the shed, but everyone tends to disappear when I need a little help. Very disconcerting let me tell you.
Worked at the bookstore tonight, the girls played on the computers most of the evening. James crawled around the bookstore, and it was a chore to keep him from pulling books off of the bottom shelves. Between all three of us, we managed it. He was filthy by the time we left, and his once nice white socks are dingy gray.
Just made some tea from the hot water kept in the tea kettle on top of the wood stove. I'd love to sleep on the couch in there by the wood stove, as it is nice and cozy in there, but waking up to an icy room is not on my list of "fun" things to experience first thing in the morning.
http://wretha.blogspot.com/2009/11/warning-politics-ahead.html
I just wanted to encourage everyone to go to the link above and vote in Congressman Flemings poll on his website. I love the idea that he feels the Congress should have the same "nationalized" health care that the rest of his poor folks get....
I am totally not for any involvement in my health care choices by the government. Not their business.
I just wanted to encourage everyone to go to the link above and vote in Congressman Flemings poll on his website. I love the idea that he feels the Congress should have the same "nationalized" health care that the rest of his poor folks get....
I am totally not for any involvement in my health care choices by the government. Not their business.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thanksgiving Week
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We are still here, and getting through one day at a time.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A wonderful Tuesday morning, so far. Lauren and I are getting ready to head out to meet a friend at our rental house. Moving some odds and ends, it takes a while because I can only fit so much in my little car.
Baby is still sleeping, I have changed him while he is sleeping, and all is left is to scoop him up and head to the car. Off to feed the animals, with baby monitor in hand. It took a while to find one with a reception of over 500 feet. Anyway, the Pyr is barking at the donkey Jack. We let him out in the home pasture to eat, the dogs are not happy.
Dolly our Togg doe appears to be pregnant, she is getting huge, and often I swear I see movement. Have no idea when she might be due. They appear to be thriving on their diet of soley grass, though I have had other "experienced" goat breeders tell me they need more grain. I disagree, from what I read it is healthier for them. I do give them a mineral block to help supplement.
Hope to get a small patch of wheat planted this week, it is an experiment. I"ll see how it pans out> Off to let the goats out for the day and head into town.
Baby is still sleeping, I have changed him while he is sleeping, and all is left is to scoop him up and head to the car. Off to feed the animals, with baby monitor in hand. It took a while to find one with a reception of over 500 feet. Anyway, the Pyr is barking at the donkey Jack. We let him out in the home pasture to eat, the dogs are not happy.
Dolly our Togg doe appears to be pregnant, she is getting huge, and often I swear I see movement. Have no idea when she might be due. They appear to be thriving on their diet of soley grass, though I have had other "experienced" goat breeders tell me they need more grain. I disagree, from what I read it is healthier for them. I do give them a mineral block to help supplement.
Hope to get a small patch of wheat planted this week, it is an experiment. I"ll see how it pans out> Off to let the goats out for the day and head into town.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Last day of co op for this semester was today. It will be nice for a little break, even though we greatly enjoy co op. Lauren has made three friends, Grace, Christina and Mady. They are all about the same age.
We had a planning meeting at lunch to map out possible classes for next semester. If I am not working I plan to teach tennis again, and bread baking. Several of the older girls (teens) were interested in signing up for that one. James had a lot of fun in the nursery. He is more active and animated lately, and loved scooting around the floor playing with the blocks and hugging on the babies. Not sure they were so thrilled with his attention. Hannah is staying the night with a friend, she really likes staying there, and doesn't miss us at all. LOL.
We'll get her in the morning when we go to the blue house to continue taking things out of there.
We had a planning meeting at lunch to map out possible classes for next semester. If I am not working I plan to teach tennis again, and bread baking. Several of the older girls (teens) were interested in signing up for that one. James had a lot of fun in the nursery. He is more active and animated lately, and loved scooting around the floor playing with the blocks and hugging on the babies. Not sure they were so thrilled with his attention. Hannah is staying the night with a friend, she really likes staying there, and doesn't miss us at all. LOL.
We'll get her in the morning when we go to the blue house to continue taking things out of there.
I was sent the information below in an email this morning. It reminds me that Women with dreams have been ridiculed throughout the ages, and for me to keep on going.
****************************************
It's the start of a new week.
Do you look at life as a game? I do . . . and on
Mondays it's the start of a new round!
How many fun things can I do . . . how many fun
things can my kids do? How many people can we
assist . . . how many peoples' lives can we impact
in a positive way?
Memories don't get made and relationships don't
get built if you never reach out.
Today starts round 45 (translation week 45) --
that means there are a total of 8 weeks left
in 2009.
What will you do to move closer to your goals
for the year?
Are you beginning to plan your 2010?
****
Here are a few quotes my friend Phil Humbert sent
me:
"Courage is doing what you are afraid to do.
There can be no courage without fear.
-- P. Hayes
"Every man dies. Not every man truly lives."
-- Braveheart
Entrepreneurship is a state of mind, a can-do attitude,
a capacity to focus on a vision and work toward it.”
-- Barry Rogstad
"In each of us are places where we have never gone.
Only by pressing the limits do you ever find them. "
-- Dr. Joyce Brothers
To my family and friends, have a great Monday!
****************************************
It's the start of a new week.
Do you look at life as a game? I do . . . and on
Mondays it's the start of a new round!
How many fun things can I do . . . how many fun
things can my kids do? How many people can we
assist . . . how many peoples' lives can we impact
in a positive way?
Memories don't get made and relationships don't
get built if you never reach out.
Today starts round 45 (translation week 45) --
that means there are a total of 8 weeks left
in 2009.
What will you do to move closer to your goals
for the year?
Are you beginning to plan your 2010?
****
Here are a few quotes my friend Phil Humbert sent
me:
"Courage is doing what you are afraid to do.
There can be no courage without fear.
-- P. Hayes
"Every man dies. Not every man truly lives."
-- Braveheart
Entrepreneurship is a state of mind, a can-do attitude,
a capacity to focus on a vision and work toward it.”
-- Barry Rogstad
"In each of us are places where we have never gone.
Only by pressing the limits do you ever find them. "
-- Dr. Joyce Brothers
To my family and friends, have a great Monday!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Wow! I've been checking my email and I came across one from Friday where I am being considered for a job with the Department of Energy in Wyoming! The pay is pretty good. I am supposed to have a phone interview next week. Not sure I want to move to Wyoming, but at this point in time I will not turn down a good paying job.
**Did more research into the job, and it doesn't really pay enough to move to Wyoming....plus it's way too cold ;-)
**Did more research into the job, and it doesn't really pay enough to move to Wyoming....plus it's way too cold ;-)
Lauren is complaining that I keep it too hot in here. I guess that is a good thing, better than the alternative. I spent the evening cleaning. James was not too happy with my vacuuming or washing the dishes. He played with the kittens most of the night, but I had to keep stopping to take care of him, which meant it took triple the time to finish the dishes. He is very needy lately, and doesn't take well to playing by himself on a blanket.
The kids are finally all asleep. I can now go finish the dishes and continue sorting through our belongings getting rid of too small clothing, broken stuff, and things that plain don't fit in here.
The kids are finally all asleep. I can now go finish the dishes and continue sorting through our belongings getting rid of too small clothing, broken stuff, and things that plain don't fit in here.
Negative Nellies
It is really starting to irritate me when I receive negative feed back from a few "negative nellies". Just because they don't agree with me, or don't like my ideas does not make me crazy. I guess they expect me to roll over and die? Sorry, that is not in me. I admit I have moments of sadness, and other times I am downright ticked off, but overall my every waking thought is how to provide for my children. Housing is provided for them, but child support does not provide for all their needs. Recently, I have had unexpected expenses such as doctor visits, medicines, car repairs, etc. None of this provided for by child support. Between working at the book store, doing odd jobs, giving tennis lessons, selling items at my shop or on craigslist, I have been able to just make it. Selling the rest of my guns and/or my truck is very last on the list. I absolutely do not want to sell the truck as I need it in case the car dies.
I have applied for over 50 jobs, but have not had even one interview. I cannot sit around and wait for someone to hire me, THAT would be crazy.
I did barter for a sign for the land. I now have a sign that says "Red Rock Farm". This will enable any prospective RVers to find me here. I have put ads in an RV magazine, and online.
I have lots of "irons in the fire" because I can't sit around and wait for poverty to hit me harder. I have children to provide for, and I don't have the luxury of worrying about only myself. I would just LOVE for these naysayers to take care of three children (one being an infant) on a regular basis. I mean really care for them without help. I don't have help on a day to day basis from family. I live too far from them. I have been offered a place in Boerne and in Florida, but I really don't want to move at this time. I am praying my shop takes off, and/or I find a full time job that pays a viable wage. I'd like to keep the shop for the weekends and have a full time job that pays good enough to provide for my kids, making child support as "extra". Still working on that avenue.
Frankly, I am tired of being made fun of and talked about behind my back, but on the other hand I don't expect any different. I am trying to take the high road and not get upset, but it is hard. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of my plans or ideas. I accept that others just need to ridicule me in order to feel better about themselves, it's the nature of the insecure. .
I have applied for over 50 jobs, but have not had even one interview. I cannot sit around and wait for someone to hire me, THAT would be crazy.
I did barter for a sign for the land. I now have a sign that says "Red Rock Farm". This will enable any prospective RVers to find me here. I have put ads in an RV magazine, and online.
I have lots of "irons in the fire" because I can't sit around and wait for poverty to hit me harder. I have children to provide for, and I don't have the luxury of worrying about only myself. I would just LOVE for these naysayers to take care of three children (one being an infant) on a regular basis. I mean really care for them without help. I don't have help on a day to day basis from family. I live too far from them. I have been offered a place in Boerne and in Florida, but I really don't want to move at this time. I am praying my shop takes off, and/or I find a full time job that pays a viable wage. I'd like to keep the shop for the weekends and have a full time job that pays good enough to provide for my kids, making child support as "extra". Still working on that avenue.
Frankly, I am tired of being made fun of and talked about behind my back, but on the other hand I don't expect any different. I am trying to take the high road and not get upset, but it is hard. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of my plans or ideas. I accept that others just need to ridicule me in order to feel better about themselves, it's the nature of the insecure. .
From a website I was referred to...i'd like to see what I have to be prepared
Under $20
Small first aid kits - done
Flashlights for the whole family - NEED
Jumper cables - done (maybe I should get one more set
Fuel for your camp stoves or grills - NEED
water storage containers - DONE
spices and herbs - DONE
work gloves - DONE (get another set though)
seeds for the garden - DONE
bottles/jars for canning - need more
$20 - 50
Water purifiers - NEED
good-quality sleeping bag - NEED
jumper cables - DONE
Dutch oven - DONE
Solar-powered radio (or solar radio/flashlight combo) - HAVE HAND CRANKED (2)
Wheat grinder (very small, hand cranked - useful if you lose electricity!) - DONE
$50-100
Ready-made 72-hour kits - NEED
Wheat grinder (small - hand cranked or automatics) - done
Pressure cooker (small) - done
Dehydrator- done
55-gallon drum for water storage - DONE
$100-200
Rotating shelf systems (small) - what is this?
Wheat grinder (small electric) - done
Good quality electric or hand-crank wheat grinder - done
Pressure cooker (large) - NEED
$200+
Rotating shelf systems (small to large) - ??
Good quality electric wheat grinder - NEED
Pressure cooker (huge) - NEED
Good quality, large solar oven - NEED
$500+
Generators (for information on these, read a Popular Mechanics article here) - HAVE ONE, NEED ONE MORE LARGER
You could also just ask for some actual food storage - #10 cans of wheat, rice, beans, oats, powdered milk, etc.... YUM! Besides Amazon, there are many companies you can browse through as you make your wish list (or as you make your gift giving list). Check out Survival Outpost, Food Storage Depot, and Shelf Reliance, just to name a few!
Under $20
Small first aid kits - done
Flashlights for the whole family - NEED
Jumper cables - done (maybe I should get one more set
Fuel for your camp stoves or grills - NEED
water storage containers - DONE
spices and herbs - DONE
work gloves - DONE (get another set though)
seeds for the garden - DONE
bottles/jars for canning - need more
$20 - 50
Water purifiers - NEED
good-quality sleeping bag - NEED
jumper cables - DONE
Dutch oven - DONE
Solar-powered radio (or solar radio/flashlight combo) - HAVE HAND CRANKED (2)
Wheat grinder (very small, hand cranked - useful if you lose electricity!) - DONE
$50-100
Ready-made 72-hour kits - NEED
Wheat grinder (small - hand cranked or automatics) - done
Pressure cooker (small) - done
Dehydrator- done
55-gallon drum for water storage - DONE
$100-200
Rotating shelf systems (small) - what is this?
Wheat grinder (small electric) - done
Good quality electric or hand-crank wheat grinder - done
Pressure cooker (large) - NEED
$200+
Rotating shelf systems (small to large) - ??
Good quality electric wheat grinder - NEED
Pressure cooker (huge) - NEED
Good quality, large solar oven - NEED
$500+
Generators (for information on these, read a Popular Mechanics article here) - HAVE ONE, NEED ONE MORE LARGER
You could also just ask for some actual food storage - #10 cans of wheat, rice, beans, oats, powdered milk, etc.... YUM! Besides Amazon, there are many companies you can browse through as you make your wish list (or as you make your gift giving list). Check out Survival Outpost, Food Storage Depot, and Shelf Reliance, just to name a few!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Corn Maize
Hannah 6yrs and James 9 months
We spent the day at the local corn maize. It was Homeschoolers Days. Everyone in attendance were homeschoolers. The owners of the maize are homeschoolers and give homeschooling families half off one day a year towards the end of the season. Several families from our co-op group attended, though we did go separately. We went with another mom and her 9 year old son. I really enjoyed talking to Rose today. The kids went through the maze, jumped on the big "popper", then we left for lunch at the local McDonald's. The girls and I returned to the maze to go on the hay ride, then headed home. We stopped at the feed store so I could check on getting a shed delivered for my washer and dryer, and talk with someone regarding getting the fields ready for planting hay in the Spring.
Rose took the picture above of Hannah and James. James had a lot of fun today. He was very happy, and flirted with all of the girls there...he drew a lot of attention with his smiles and flirty face.
There is a carnival and craft show in town this week, as well as, a parade on Saturday. It's the annual Fall Festival that the town hosts. I met some really interesting people at a local quilt shop. I had no idea this quilt shop was even there....
Well, off to bed. I plan to spend the morning cleaning here, then heading to the blue house to clean, and move items out of the house to the shop and to here. I hope. I asked my son and his grandfather to help, but haven't heard back from them. If not, I'll have to find someone else to help me, or put an ad on craigslist to get the stuff out of there before next week.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Co op today
I can learn a lot of things, but I am never quite skilled enough. I don't have a natural ability creatively or athletically. I am glad that Lauren loves to do this, maybe she'll teach me how to do this new stitch.
*******************
Today was busy, we had co op today, and we only have one more in this semester before breaking for the holidays. After co op, Hannah spent the night with her best friend, and Lauren and I put a load of clothes in at the laundromat to dry, then headed to the blue house to continue taking stuff out. We don't have much, but the car is small, so I can only fit so much in, and still fit the kids too. I can't wait until the truck is finished. I really need it done so that I can get busy. I have several things I need to do. I am checking the fuse and the bulbs to see if that is the issue, after that I guess I'll have to illegally drive it somewhere to get fixed. Everyone is too busy to help me, and I can't wait any longer. The car is acting up, and I desperately need the truck ready to go, because I don't want to be left without a working vehicle. The baby has a doctor's appointment this month to maybe get his eyes fixed, and being way out here a working vehicle is important. Phone reception is lousy, and I don't have anyone to rely on to help in an emergency, which is a very scary feeling. I wish my dad were here.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
I was checking the forecast and happened to read that it was 46 degrees on Friday evening. That explains so much! We arrived home late, and the house was cold, and we went straight to bed. It was SO cold all night...I never really got warm. It was pretty miserable. Last night it was 48 degrees and really cold, but when I got home, I lit a fire, and had the heaters going. The house warmed up pretty good. Then I made everyone put on warm PJs, piled all the blankets on the bed, and it was so much better last night. I thought it was in the mid 50's and couldn't understand why it was so cold, but now that I know it was in the 40's I feel much better.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Today was a busy day, though good. We were at the new store until about 2 p.m. Then we came home to rest and get ready for the Fall Festival that we were working at tonight. The girls had lots of fun, and Lauren won first place in the costume contest. She was Holly Hobbie. She won a $25 gift card to Toys R Us. Hannah was upset, but she won 6th today at the Antique Mall and received a necklace and earrings. But being 6 she was very upset.
James had lots of fun, and was very animated, laughing and eating lollipops. He fell asleep around 8 p.m., and slept for an hour in the stroller. We arrived home right before 10 p.m.
I lit a fire in the stove, turned on the heater in the bathroom, and have left the door open, then have both small space heaters on here in the bedroom. We use duct tape and taped baby quilts to the wall under the loft, and then I hung a curtain over the bed opening. It is nice and toasty in there now. The kids are all asleep. Much better than last night. We got home late and went to bed straight away, which was a big mistake. It was cold all night. So now I know that when it is below 50 in here, how I need to handle it. I will be hanging more quilts on the wall in the bedroom. Just one more wall left, then I will hang a quilt on the wall outside the bathroom. Kind of like tapestries in castles along time ago. Helps to serve as insulation and the drafts off the cold walls are much less, and greatly helps keep the room warm. Now, if only the goats would go to sleep and stop thumping against the back wall. I think I will start locking them up again at night in the pen with Bo. Because I don't like them climbing all over the car, and jumping against the cabin.
If I had more money I'd keep them in the pen all the time and feed them, but letting them out to roam and eat, I don't have to buy feed at this time. I'd really like to fence in the back field and keep them out behind the barn, but I lack the ability at this time. My other option is to finish organizing the barn, and fence off one side of the barn so I can pen them up there at night. The pen is really too small for all of them, plus they have tore up the chicken coop. Goats are very destructive, though they are fun and lovable. I just don't like all the destruction.
James had lots of fun, and was very animated, laughing and eating lollipops. He fell asleep around 8 p.m., and slept for an hour in the stroller. We arrived home right before 10 p.m.
I lit a fire in the stove, turned on the heater in the bathroom, and have left the door open, then have both small space heaters on here in the bedroom. We use duct tape and taped baby quilts to the wall under the loft, and then I hung a curtain over the bed opening. It is nice and toasty in there now. The kids are all asleep. Much better than last night. We got home late and went to bed straight away, which was a big mistake. It was cold all night. So now I know that when it is below 50 in here, how I need to handle it. I will be hanging more quilts on the wall in the bedroom. Just one more wall left, then I will hang a quilt on the wall outside the bathroom. Kind of like tapestries in castles along time ago. Helps to serve as insulation and the drafts off the cold walls are much less, and greatly helps keep the room warm. Now, if only the goats would go to sleep and stop thumping against the back wall. I think I will start locking them up again at night in the pen with Bo. Because I don't like them climbing all over the car, and jumping against the cabin.
If I had more money I'd keep them in the pen all the time and feed them, but letting them out to roam and eat, I don't have to buy feed at this time. I'd really like to fence in the back field and keep them out behind the barn, but I lack the ability at this time. My other option is to finish organizing the barn, and fence off one side of the barn so I can pen them up there at night. The pen is really too small for all of them, plus they have tore up the chicken coop. Goats are very destructive, though they are fun and lovable. I just don't like all the destruction.
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