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
Monday, November 30, 2009
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)