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. 


Friday, October 30, 2009

Lauren hopped out of the car really quick, apparently there was one of those 3 inch long grasshoppers in the car...she wouldn't get back in until I got rid of it...I couldn't find it.

Hannah said "Oh great, now it's going to lay eggs in the car, and it will get 'fested."  I think she meant infested.  She made me laugh.

I know she got this story from me.  I told her the story my mom told me about how a praying mantis got into her school one year over one of the school breaks, laid eggs, and they returned to a praying mantis infestation.  See they do listen, when they want to...Hannah can say the funniest and meanest things at time.  She cracks me up.

***********
Sorry family, I haven't been posting much this week, I've been busy chasing a dollar.  I've applied for 100 jobs and haven't been interviewed for any of them.  Still working at the bookstore two afternoons a week, giving tennis lessons twice a week now, getting more students each week.  And I also rented a small store front in a local antique mall/craft mall/flea market.  I have been wanting to open a resale shop at the land, but lacked the ability to get any kind of small building out there, plus this places already has an established clientele and comes with heat, ac, electricity and a locked door.  It will be a combination resale, craft and antique place.  Hopefully I can make some money to help out with necessities.  It was very difficult coming up with the money to take the girls to the doctor this week, luckily enough kids came to tennis lessons that I could manage it.  Not whining, just stating a fact.

Gotta go, getting ready for a party...be back later.



Monday, October 26, 2009

More "Hannah-isms" and Prayers for Lauren

On the way home yesterday, the topic came around to my going to work full time, if ever it happens.  Hannah said "yeah, once James is weaned."  Lauren told her "you don't even know what that word means." My niece, Leighann asked "what is weaned?".  Hannah said "it's when the baby doesn't drink milk anymore from it's mother, like Sophie and the puppies."  Lauren and LeighAnn just looked at each other.  So, I guess a six year old does know what the word "weaned" means, and an 11 year old learned it's meaning too.  LOL!

The plan is to try and wean him to a cup by 1 year old, but still nurse him in the morning and at night.  We'll see how it goes, and what James' plans are for himself. 

Lauren has been having nightmares the past few nights.  I think she has been seeing too many scary movies.  I had to tell the girls to stop watching them on tv (October seems to be prime time for these movies to be inserted on regular programming).  I am diligently patrolling and not allowing them unlimited access to the television.  I think they also saw a scary movie the other night at the theater as both girls have been talking about it, and have been having dreams and nightmares.  Lauren's dream last night was about "demons" she said. She woke up and was scared, so we prayed and asked God to protect her mind while she slept.  She was fine the rest of the night.    So we had a long talk about demons today, and before bed tonight she asked me to pray for her again, so we did, praying for Hannah too, just in case. 

Defending My Lifestyle in the Words of Mr. Ayoob

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/ayoob60.html

I really like this guy.  I read all the articles in the magazine I receive, and am in the process of reading his back log of articles.  This is a particularly good article, as I receive some "flack" from friends and family on why I think the way I do on certain subjects, self sufficiency and being prepared being only ONE topic.



The kittens are on the prowl, again, and getting very rambunctious.

Co-op was canceled for the day, so we took advantage of the free day and went to the laundromat.  I was able to get the majority of the laundry done.  I plan to go back in the morning and wash a few blankets.  I think I will cover the washer and dryer with a tarp for the winter.  It takes entirely too long to wash and dry clothes in this cooler weather.  We'll just go to the laundromat for a while.

We met the tenant at the house and gave her a copy of the lease and gave her the keys to the house.  There are a few repairs to be completed and cleaning to be done.  We'll get started on that tomorrow afternoon.  We did stay at the house and the girls finished their schoolwork.  Had dinner in town, and then came home to put the laundry away.  The girls bundled up (very cold out here, compared to in town) and played in the mud while I cleaned.  James sat on the rug in front of the wood stove, while I threw stuff away, brought in wood, put most of the laundry away, and started cleaning the bedroom.  The kitchen needs to be done, and a few storage boxes put in the barn, then I'll be done. 

Applied for a job at USAA that my friend Lorie told me about.

It is supposed to be 46 tonight, so we'll see how the heaters hold out here in the bedroom.  I keep forgetting to get another heater for the bathroom.  They are $9 at Lowe's, and it works very well.  I may get two after I get paid this week.  Checking into a space at the local flea market, it is an inside booth with a door.  That way I can have a place for selling stuff, if it isn't too expensive to rent.

Off to take care of the baby.

**************
I forgot to say it started raining early this morning, and continued to rain until this evening. It was also quite chilly too.  Very cold!  Started a fire in the wood stove, and it is keeping the front room quite comfortable.  The heaters in the bedroom (yes I have two) one by the door, and one that blows across the bed under the lot.  This keeps the bed area nice and warm.  Since it is supposed to so cold tonight, I may hang a blanket across the bed opening to keep the warm air inside.  Good thing I finished the laundry so everyone has their warm pjs and thick socks to wear.  I wish I would have washed the blankets earlier, they would have really helped.  But I hadn't checked the weather until tonight.

Things to do:

go to post office, mail package
call and get estimate or exterminator
rent carpet cleaner
clean blue house
clean cabin
sort through laundry and get rid of old/too small, etc.


Saturday, October 24, 2009

Man, I am tired..it's been a full week of showing the house to prospective renters.  Finally, after a "rent war" between several renters, a renter was chosen.  Turns out he used to work with my sister.  Out of over a million people in San Antonio,what are the odds that would happen.  Has to be a God thing, sending the right renter for us.  Not the ones I had originally wanted, but I have to remember that my plans are not always God's plans. 

I've been throwing trash out, and trying to clean what I can without water and electricity.  Very hard to do let me tell you. We brought a load home today, and I'll get another load tomorrow after church.  The girls are tired, and Lauren is down with a cold.  She had so looked forward to her friend's party tonight, but because of a variety of reasons she didn't enjoy herself, and chose to come home rather than spend the night.  I gave her some medicine and put her to bed.

Working on my lunch items for tomorrow's church fellowship.  I have a porkloin in the crockpot, and am baking a spice cake.  Took the time to gather the trash, put the laundry in the basket (it's dwindling thank God, I was able to use the dryer at the laundromat this week), and picked up the bathroom. 

The kittens are making too much noise, time for them to go in the carrier for the night. 

Hannah and I stopped by the small grocery store near the land to pick up some eggs and a few other items.  When I opened the carton to make sure none were broken, she said "hey how come they are white?"  Our eggs are light beige to dark brown.  I laughed, because it's times like those when you realize how "country" yoru kids are.  Our chickens appear to have stopped laying, and one of our hens is broody and sitting on a clutch of eggs.  Hope they hatch out.  I could use more hens.  

Time for bed.


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Sweet Baby James

My mom sent me a CD with this song on it for me to play for James.  Apparently she really likes James Taylor.  He's an old folk singer.  I remember hearing a couple of the other songs on the CD when I was growing up.
"Sweet Baby James" Lyrics
There is a young cowboy, he lives on the range.
His horse and his cattle are his only companions;
He works in the saddle and he sleeps in the canyons,
Waiting for summer, his pastures to change . . .

And as the moon rises, he sits by his fire,
Thinking about women and glasses of beer;
And closing his eyes as the dogies retire,
He sings out a song which is soft but it's clear—
As if maybe someone could hear.

Goodnight, you moonlight ladies;
Rockabye sweet baby James . . .
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose;
Won't you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby James.

Now the first of December was covered with snow,
And so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston.
Lord, the Berkshires seemed dream-like on account of that frosting,
With ten miles behind me
And ten thousand more to go . . .

There's a song that they sing when they take to the highway,
A song that they sing when they take to the sea,
A song that they sing of their home in the sky—
Maybe you can believe it if it helps you to sleep,
But singing works just fine for me . . .

So, goodnight, you moonlight ladies;
Rockabye sweet baby James . . .
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose;
Won't you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby James.

***************************

Washed a load of diapers this morning, then we headed out to the courts for tennis lessons.  I had a new student today, her name is Abagail.  Her mom is the Physics tutor at co op.  After tennis lessons I stopped by the laundromat to put the diapers in the dryer.  It really is a pain in the butt to not be able to dry them, especially in the rain.  It rained all night and today.

We spent the rest of the day at the blue house, and the girls did their school work, and James slept.  He had a fever and was fussy, so I rocked him in the recliner most of the afternoon.  I went to work a little early so that my boss could show me how to close out the register.  Good thing too because he was leaving for a funeral this afternoon.  We had the store to ourselves.  The girls were ecstatic! It is less stressful when we are there by ourselves.  They used the computers, James slept, and I shelved books and boxed up books for a new location in Lytle.  Pulled a couple of books off of the shelf to read.  I've actually read a lot more lately than I have in the past few months.  I need to stop, as I have too much sewing to finish.  Which, by the way I need to get  busy on tonight.

We headed into town after work.  I was meeting another homeschool mom at the Quarry to pick up a math  book for Hannah, then we went to Whole Foods.  They have discontinued Lauren's favorite Gluten Free snack, so she was bummed.  We did put in a request at Customer Service, and ordered a case if they can get one.  James got his favorite organic lollipop, Cherry, but fell asleep in the car with it dangling out of his mouth. (yes I let him have a lollipop, they are made with fruit juice).

We arrived home and I bathed James and put him to bed.  I had to give him more Motrin for his fever.  I am worn out with rocking him, walking him, and holding him.  He has been so fussy today, and he's so heavy that my arms and the middle of my back hurts really bad.  I sure hope he gets better, I hate it when the little ones are sick, they are so pitiful.  If he isn't better tomorrow, I'll call the doctor.  I am worried about the Swine Flu, of which he has the symptoms.  No, I am not paranoid, just keeping my eyes open.  Hannah has some of the same symptoms, except no fever yet.

Off to sew. 

************
Talked to my mom on the IM, she checks on me every night..I guess it's a mom thing.  LOL!  I can't wait until she comes right after Christmas.  She is looking for a place to stay, they are thinking a condo in Bandera, but I am hoping they will stay a little closer.  I am looking for a bed and breakfast, the hotel in Devine, an RV or something in the area.  She mentioned looking closer to me, as they want to come out and help me with a few projects. 

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Slippers and Chubby fingers


A new friend at the home school co op made these for James. Her name is Rose.  She just LOVES him.  She is also Lauren's crochet teacher.  James really liked these slippers, and kept rubbing them.  His chubby little hand looks so cute in the picture.   Rose took this picture at lunch on Monday. 

Such a busy day....washed clothes and cleaned a little, then had to head out to the bank to deposit my paycheck.  Headed back to the blue house to show it to a prospective renter before heading to work.  I then had to head back again for another renter.  We arrived home after 7 pm and I am so tired.

Have to get up early to put the trash out, I hope my new truck key works..it was dark when we got home so I didn't go out and try it.  I need to move the truck to the gate so the refuse man  can take all the garbage.  I have tennis lessons to give in the a.m., and I have two new students coming.  Yeah!  Then work again in the afternoon.  I have two prospective renters to show around during the day.  I sure hope one decides to rent out the house.

Trying to wait to see if anyone is renting before moving the fridge, couch and tv out.  I need to get the carpets steam cleaned and we need a new oven for the house.  The dishwasher needs to be taken out too, and either a new one put in or shelves.  I need to get some white paint, plus new tiles for the laundry room, they are torn up...it's amazing how one person can destroy stuff in 3 months that we had in place for awhile, and took care of....not looking forward to other renters destroying the house.

Not having a good day over all, hope tomorrow is better.
 ******************

Tomorrow's schedule

tennis lessons
school work at blue house
work at bookstore
head to S.A. to pick up Saxon math book for Hannah
stop at Whole Foods for Lauren's food
Listen to James' scream all the way home  because he is tired and we will be out too late
SIGH........




Saturday, October 17, 2009

Well, someone hacked my blog and left VERY interesting pictures on here, subsequently I have lost the last few entries I posted.  I don't remember what I posted about.

Today we made it to the bookstore at exactly 8 a.m.  The girls spent some time on the Internet, but also did their school work.  We were there for 4 hours, so took advantage of the time and quiet to have them do some extra lessons.  I've been reading about how the kids should at least do school work 6 days a week, this is supposed to keep their brains active.  Today they did Math and Reading.  A math lesson takes about an hour to complete, and Lauren has finally moved into the next Saxon Math level. She is also reading through the American Girl - Felicity series.  She is just about done.  She is also starting the Abeka 7th grade health text this next week. 

Hannah is doing very well with her addition facts, and we are starting the Abeka 3rd grade health text.  We've read through the others.  We are also continuing our lessons in How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

I sure wish I had a separate room or school house that could be devoted totally to school work.  Hopefully I can have this in the future.  It will greatly help keep their work organized, and give us a place to store learning aids, like maps, globes, microscopes, and other science experiment stuff.

 We headed to Hondo this afternoon, actually between Hondo and Bandera.  I had an interview as a ranch cook, only for the hunting season and on weekends.  It pays very well, and I get to take the children with me, if I am chosen.  The ranch is very nice, though there isn't an actual house.  More like a huge Metal Barn, that has dorms in it, a very nice kitchen, and outdoor kitchen and seating area.  There were also numerous cabins sprinkled around the property. 

We stopped by the blue house to continue cleaning.  We'll head over in the morning also.  Prospective renters are supposed to come out tomorrow afternoon. 

It's a little chilly tonight, 54 so far, and James has fallen asleep early.  He has a long day poor baby.  I feel really bad about dragging him around with me.  He does nap during the day, but he is happiest in his own bed and surroundings. 

Housecleaning and laundry is on the list for tomorrow afternoon, working, school work and caring for James takes up a lot of time, and doesn't leave much time for cleaning anymore.  I remember working full time and then coming home and cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids.  I often wouldn't get to bed until after midnight.  I find that I am more tired, so it must be an age thing, because I don't feel up to doing as much.  If I ever work full time outside the home again, I am definitely going to have to hire someone to come in and clean and help with the kids, because I just can't do it all.  Everyone wonders why I am grumpy, well it's because I am tired.  You'd be tired too if you only received 3 hours of sleep a day.

I've been sorting through the kid's stuff and taking out those clothes that are just worn out and too small.  It sure pares down the amount of clothes they have, and the amount I have to wash.  It just means I have to wash more.  They definitely need more socks, and Hannah desperately needs some jeans that fit her.  She has grown too tall the past few months.  We'll check the thrift store in Natalia next weekend, and if not head to Walmart.  Maybe they will have some one sale, and she can get one or two pairs.

Lauren has a costume party next weekend to attend.  It is her friend's birthday party.  We went by the costume shop in San Antonio this afternoon, and Lauren found a costume that she wanted, so we got it.  Good thing my boss paid me before he went out of town, or Lauren would have been out of luck. 

We also will be attending the Fall Festival at a church in San Antonio, and helping out with the games and food booths.    I need to get with the people at church to find out what needs to be done.

Well, off to wash dishes and clean the bathroom while the baby is asleep.  I think I'll light a fire too, it's very chilly in here, and my feet are freezing.




Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Felt like re-decorating a bit, so am changing my blog to reflect the season, fall colors. 

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

 I rarely watch tv but there are a few shows that I like...I never really liked reality shows, but I do like the Duggars, Little People, Big World; and the Little Couple. Plus, I like a couple of shows on the Sci Fi Channel. I tend to like shows that make me feel happy after I finish watching them. The one that hits me now is the Little People, Big World show. The man on that show has ideas that are a match for mine. I could see myself doing what he has done with his land. How totally cool! I have wanted a Pumpkin Patch, Christmas Tree Farm, camping grounds, fishing pond, petting zoo and selling produce for a long time. It is just very hard to prioritize and to make my dreams come to fruition. I feel like I am running out of time, and often wish I had been more confident earlier in life and had started pursuing my goals at a younger age.

Writing things down here helps to get my brain emptied and to see things in black and white.
I am thinking that doing something that provides an income sooner would be wisest, as it will at least pay the taxes for the year ($83 at this time). So, I am still working on the RV park scenario. Still trying to get the brake lights fixed on the truck so that I can pick up gravel, mulch and manure.

**************
Lauren woke with vomiting this morning around 2 a.m. It was pretty non-stop all morning. She rested most of the afternoon, sleeping the day away ;-)

She is feeling much better, so far, and did manage to eat a small dinner.

Tomorrow we have tennis lessons in the a.m., and then it's home for school work and house work (for me). 99% of the laundry is done, so I'd like to try and keep it up with for a bit. Now for the weather to cooperate. I love the rain, but it wrecks havoc with my clothes drying.

My oldest chicken died sometime last night or early this a.m. She was 4 years old, and was a great mom. She didn't lay anymore but was an excellent hatcher. She would hoard everyone else's eggs to sit on and raise.

The goats continue to irritate me by dancing all over my car, it is so scuffed. I have to open the hood to keep them off the car, and sometimes I forget, and have to go out and hit them with the broom. Dakota especially likes to push my buttons. I think she does it on purpose.

The dogs are also pretty irriating. Baeta and the puppies have taught Bo very bad manners. He is turning out to be a very sucky livestock guardian dog. He hates Jack and barks at him continuously. Muffin has taken to running all the way up the driveway and out into the roadway, chasing the car to go with us. Today, I had to turn around because she wasn't stopping. I whipped her and sent her back down the driveway. She went. I am going to have to make sure she doesn't follow from the house from the start. And the three little kittens are very noisy at night, if they weren't so small, I'd dump their hineys in the barn to fend for themselves. But if I did that, I am pretty sure the dogs would kill them. Trying to get them to the point they can run faster and get up on stuff to escape.

So all in all, the animals around here are driving me crazy LOL! It reminds me of that book Animal Farm, where the animals rise up and take over.

****************
At work today my boss told me proudly that my display had sold a book.  He was very excited, and the most animated I have ever seen him.  He told me to look for a replacement book right away to fit in the empty space.  I rearranged the books a bit, making sure the kids books were lower and at their high level , and then added "By the Shores of Silver Lake" by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  It takes place during the fall, or at least starts off that way.  Anyone who knows me, are you surprised by that choice?

I get to close the store on Friday and have it all by myself on Saturday.  He and his wife are going out of town and trusting me with their store.  I am beyond excited!






Sunday, October 11, 2009

(courtesy of www.homestead.org)

I am having a hard time keeping my eyes open. It's been a busy day.

Today was the day for the church to come out and help out around the farm. I was up early and made breakfast for the early crew. Bacon, Egg and Cheese tacos, plus I had cocoa, hot tea and oj. Was able to light a small fire in the living room to take the chill off the air, it was very nice, though a lot of mud, dirt, and wetness was tracked in. I'll deal with that another day. It was primarily the men, but my sister, Pastor's wife and daughter did come out also. The guys got the grass cut down on about an acre that surrounds the house. The Pastor (Kelly) did come across one rattlesnake. It was about 2 feet long and was shedding it's skin, but due to the rain and cold this morning (that was NOT in the forecast, supposed to be 80 and sunny), it didn't move, and my BIL picked it up by hand, and it didn't do much. It was right near the house. We find most of them right where the kids play and walk the most. It's just crazy.

My BIL mentioned bringing five calves over to eat the rest of the grass, and in exchange I would get one of the calves to butcher. We'll see how it works out.

Kelly and Randy (BIL) were able to install the motion sensor light for the front door area, so now it comes on when I pull up. So added with the motion sensor light inside, I am good to go.

The girls (me, Cheryl (PW) and sister April moved the stuff i was saving into the barn. I now have a lovely pile of stuff to go to the dump, once my truck is back on the road. I need the brake lights repaired, inspected and new tags, then I can take several loads of trash.

A good hot cocoa day. After the work day we had lunch, the I headed into town to stay at April's the rest of the day and use her washer/dryer. With the rain, it is next to impossible to get the laundry done. I have been trying to at least keep towels and diapers washed, but it takes so long for everything to dry. It was nice to get most of it done. I plan to finish the rest tomorrow, which consists of socks and underwear. I spent 5 hours at her house, arriving home at around 10:30 or so.

We are now holed up in the toasty warm bedroom (glad I left the heater on, and the bedroom door shut) under the blankets. The kids are sleeping and I am getting ready to head there myself.

I'd like to get some of the roofing tin set up in the goat pen to provide more shelter for them from the rain. I also need some bedding to help with added warmth. I'll check into that tomorrow.

A few more projects for me:

organize barn
divide up sides
take rabbit to a friend's
clean up behind cabin
Start sewing - have items to finish for a friend plus the girls and James need warm pjs



Friday, October 9, 2009

It's dark and chilly out tonight, 54 so far at 11:30 p.m.

We have three new kittens, courtesy of the kid's grandmother, and one less banty hen, courtesy of Bo.

James was very excited over the kittens, laughing and giggling as they ran around chasing paper, and jumping on him. He finally got hold of one by it's ear, and being 8 months old proceeded to "hug him, and squeeze him, and call him George". (remember that cartoon?) James promptly ripped a whisker off the kitten, who squealed really loud. We had to get the kitten away from him by prying his fingers open, which left the whisker behind. That was stuck to his sweaty little hand.

We received two inches of rain today, roads were flooded as we traveled into San Antonio. We were over by Talley Road and Potranco and the Road was under water, the police had barricades up, and people were still driving through the deep water like idiots. The police weren't there when we went by (we drove around the Walmart and out the other side to avoid the deep water and the barricades), but were there ticketing people who went through the road block.

Managed to get the banking done, and then headed back to Walmart to get a few things:

duct tape
pacifier (James keeps losing his by chunking them ???)
small heater for the bathroom ($9, it's cute!) - works great so far
warm pjs for girls and socks
jeans, two shirts and a sweater for me (finally something to wear that isn't over a year old and maternity clothes)
a couple pair of sweat pants for James.

I managed to get everything on sale, and within budget, so that is a plus

I have enough food, warm clothes, the bills are paid, and life is good.
********************
Wanted to mention that James is trying to crawl, gets around by sitting on his hiney and turning around in circles until he gets across the floor. He is also rising up on his knees, and using different things to try and pull up. Yesterday, he tried to pull up on the high chair and pulled it down on himself. It hit is face and scratched his eye. He reminds me of the lion Scar in the Lion King cartoon. Poor baby.

Today, he was pulling up on my knee as I was sitting on the floor. He thinks he is funny, but he is actually scaring me. He has extremely weak ankles. LOL. I think he might actually walk before he crawls if he keeps it up.

He is also developing a very bad temper and gets quite angry when I tell him no. He tells me no back and waves his hands, trying to smack me.

So far his favorite words are "good" "dog" "no" and he likes to shake his head "yes", though I am not sure he knows when to say it..


It is raining! I woke at 4:3o a.m. to the sound of rain. There goes my laundry. I have got to learn to bring it in..I left it sitting on top of the washer, and never went back out to put it in the washer. My clothes are definitely going to get ruined. I think I am going to hunt down a laundry mat and wash everything at once. All this rain lately, is causing issues.

I went back to sleep, and woke around 7 a.m. to more rain, thunder and wind. It is a really strong wind, because the pet carrier sitting behind the cabin, is now sitting in the front field.

It's getting chilly in here, time to turn off the AC, though I confess the "white noise" of the AC provides some cover for the rain, and the kids are still asleep. I am just freezing sitting here in the rocker while I type.

Time to start my day! Happy Friday!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Country Girls

You know you live in the country when your girls come running in screaming about the goats. Lauren told me that the boy goat was trying to "make babies with her". This made Hannah (6 yrs old) laugh and say "those would be ugly looking babies". Ah, country girls, they know too much sometimes.

They spent the morning stalking through the tall grass playing spy. (I would have said no if they would have asked - rattlesnakes.)

Playing with the goats, chasing the chickens, running with a pack of dogs, tracking in mud, smelling like sweat and grass, all these are things you would associate with boys, but my girls, are country girls.

*************
Feeling much better today. Took some herbal meds, aspirin, o.j. and slept for a long time. Still tired, but don't feel like I am going to die like I did last night.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

I'm sick. I think it's the flu, I have all the symptoms. Going to bed.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

I was called for an interview for the Ranch Cook position. I talked to the Ranch owner's daughter and she said that it would be cooking for the family to include regular hunters, about 10 men for the weekend. I am scheduled for an interview on the 17th of October, when she will be in town. It'd be nice if all the details I need worked out, work out. If not, I'll not stress. If God wants me to have this position he'll take care of it. The details being kids, salary and bookstore job. I want to still work at the bookstore also during the week.

Girls spent the evening with their dad, and saw the movie UP. I went to the fabric store to get a couple of pieces of fleece to make more hats (a cowboy print and a horse print).

Co-op was good today, though I neglected to make sure we had lunch stuff. I need to get better at this...i have made a list of items to pick up tomorrow, so that I will have appropriate lunch stuff. James did great at being left in the nursery. He is getting better all the time.

He is working on crawling, though he prefers to scoot his hiney, and roll around to get where he wants to go. He is very happy, and is so cute when he smiles and flirts with all the girls.

It feel a little chilly tonight. I am getting ready for bed.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

I like this!

I saw this poem on a friend's blog, and wanted to copy it here, it is from an old magazine. So, since James is my fourth living child, this is for him.

"Song for a Fifth Child."
Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth
empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
hang out the washing and butter the bread,
sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
but I'm playing Kanga and this is my S
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs.
Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep

Grocery and Prepping List

I like to combine the two, because I really try to store foods that we eat on a regular basis. This is made doubly hard by my kid's finickiness and food allergies. I would like to say I encourage and often force my kids to taste something new. My mom reinforced this when she was here in January by telling them they can"t say they don"t like something if they have never even tried it

I am working on filling in a few small holes in my pantry.

So for this month I will be purchasing the following items:


25 lbs of flour (mine got ate up by weevils in the move) and then store it correctly -bought 10 lbs
25 lbs of corn (Walton feed) - bought 5 lbs of cornmeal
25 lbs Oatmeal (in cans, find out where) - I love oatmeal in the winter, plus oatmeal cookies are wonderful
the store only had instant, will try later
5 lbs of pasta - DONE
6 lbs assorted noodles (egg noodles) -DONE
1 can of dehydrated eggs ( i really LOVE these, they are great in baking)
canned butter
25 lb sugar - bought 10 lbs, out of bigger bags
10 storage buckets with lids (check cake shop)
1 48 oz bottle of veg oil - DONE
1 16 oz bottle of olive oil (for medicinal use) - DONE
10 lbs of salt - DONE

20 lbs meat - DONE
1 case green beans
1 case corn
1 case tomatoes - DONE
dried fruit
jelly/jam
syrup - DONE
1 large bag of candy (hard, no chocolate!)

*fill up one more 5 gallon gas can
get four wheeler fixed
buy one case of motor oil
fill water reservoir on car to clean windows
clean out trunk of car
target practice with 12 ga.
call dr. get meds filled

We stopped at a local flea market again today and I managed to pick up three more small area rugs for $1. This now covers the entire floor from door to bedroom. I am aiming to keep the floor covered for the winter. I also managed to find an entire set of old mason jars still in their box for a couple of bucks, an old metal cake pan, and three crockery bowls. I am always in need of bowls. That's about it..trying to limit my spending to only useful/needed items. They did have a good apartment (stackable) washer and dryer set that I would love to have. I think the would fit better in the cabin, but the price is too high, and I have a brand new washer/dryer I'll have to make do with...


Saturday, October 3, 2009

This is EXACTLY what I was thinking about...I thought I was coming up with something new and unique...now I just need a load of pallets...how cool is this, a shed made out of pallets?

It's been a great couple of days. I've been systematically cleaning, though there is still too much in here. The rain doesn't help, as I have stuff stacked in here out of the weather, and I am delayed in moving stuff to the barn. But other than that, I feel like I have gotten a lot completed.

The church is supposed to be out here tomorrow, and I am in no way ready. I wanted to have the house clean, but so far, I have managed to get the dishes done, and the bathroom cleaned. I've been washing clothes, but with the damp weather, I have stopped. The clothes are taking too long to dry on the line. I am kind of embarrassed at the condition of the barn, and while I know they are coming out to help me, I am still embarrassed. I have locked the goats up, and they can stay in the pen tomorrow while everyone is here..

I have the no trespassing and beware of dogs signs posted at the gate, and in the window of the cabin. I have one motion sensor installed, but need another done, hopefully tomorrow.

The girls and I stopped at a local flea market today and Lauren found two large fire place logs/fire starter type for $1. They are way more expensive at HEB. I can cut each of these into three pieces and it will help get the fire underway.

Looking for ideas of what to cook. I'd like to start organizing my pantry and sorting through my food stores to make sure I have enough on hand. So far, I am good to go with dry goods, I am just waffling on filling the freezer.

I am applying for a couple of jobs, two part time and one full time. We'll see what pans out.

Please pray for a friend of mine who has had a recent death in his family, they need prayer for strength and traveling safety.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

http://www.landmarkinntx.com/

Lauren had a dental appointment today and afterwards we headed into town to do our banking. On the way back I decided to swing by a local small town where I heard of a job opening. While we were there the girls and I decided to do the walking tour of this historical site.

It used to be operated by the Parks and Wildlife and recently transferred over to the Historical Commission. While we were there I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of contractors hired by the state to rework the historical program offerred at the site. They asked me a lot of questions about what I looked for in places like this, and I suggested more live demos, living history type of events. Something out front to catch the eye..because right now it is easy to miss. We really enjoyed the grounds, the river, the little foot bridge, the old buildings and museum displays. It really needs to be expanded to take full advantage of the site.

While there one of the docents suggested we go over to the Steinbach House that is run by the Chamber of Commerce. I have seen this house for years but never stopped to see it. The house was originally built in the 1600's in the Alsace region of Europe. They have a sister city with the local one here, and sent this house over here where it has been beautifully restored. The downstairs houses the chamber offices, but the upstairs has two bedroom displays, a living area, and dining area. It is quaint and wonderful. I could have stayed all day. The girls decided they like the 400 year old house better than their cabin. LOL! They had job openings at both these locations and I am applying.

In the future, the chamber will build a new building and the entire house will be a museum. Here is a link, go and see how cute it is! www.castroville.com/steinbach_house.htm

After leaving the Steinbach house we headed over to the local bakery. Lauren loves their rice krispy treats. I also picked up two of their sugar cookies. One for me and one for James. Man were they good! Made me wish I had bought more, but I am trying to keep to my budget. Oh, by the way, the locations above were free today, so that was a great bonus.

We arrived home to a welcome party of dogs and goats.. It amazes me that the goats come running when they see us. Bo's foot is doing great. I have been draining it, and keeping it cleaned out with peroxide, iodine and neosporin. I alternate treatments. Plus, he is taking a couple of days of antibiotics. So far, he isn't limping anymore, and he's eating well, so I believe he'll be fine. It looked really bad yesterday, but I'll keep an eye on it as it heals.

I've been cleaning and decluttering tonight. Put clean sheets on the bed, and getting my sewing area organized. I hope to begin some sewing for a friend over the weekend, but I want my work station clean, and the house clean, as I am having company on Sunday.

Need to work on the laundry tomorrow. Talked to my mom, and she and her husband are constantly worrying about me. I guess I am the only one okay, because I don't feel worried at all. With God watching over you, not much left to do but surf the net. LOL!

They ordered me two motion sensors, and a retractable indoor 5 line clothesline. My mom is so cute. I appreciate everything she is doing for me, even though she is several states away. Thanks to all my friends and family who continually send me notes of encouragement and call me to make sure I am doing okay. God provides for me daily, in the way of financial needs, peace and friendship.

Well, I am off to finish the dishes. Talk at ya'll later!



Happy October!


Well, it is the 1st of October. I can hardly believe how the time has gone! We have had a busy week/month. The girls have been working on their school work at the bookstore and at home in the morning.

I am looking forward to the fall, and with it cooler temps, NOT cold though. I am not prepared yet, still trying to get some insulation in the cabin, and more wood by the wood stove.