Flybabies, June 4th

Good morning!
Heidi, I'm debating on the library program here. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to sign up for it. Our library has a different thing everyday for 2 months. But stuff for the younger kids are different days than the older kids. I'm so trying to save money by not going to town so often. I'm trying to make Thursday my town day because that's the day of the free movie at the theater.

Our town is really pretty kid friendly for it's lack of having alot of kid things. Free movie on Thursday, 2 month reading program at the library, VBS, swim lessons, team sports. Too bad it's such a drive (which I don't mind) and gas is so high (which I DO mind).

We had unexpected company last night. The house wasn't too bad (I've heard the company's house has trails thru it to walk thru, but never been there). But I pulled together enough dinner to feed everyone. Kept an eye on the sky and weather radar all evening with threats of hail and tornados, but all we got was a little rain.

I'll try to vacuum and maintain today. And my main decluttering goal is getting rid of a bag of stuff a day.

Hello! DS is napping right now. I've had some help with him (God bless you Mom) but he still takes up plenty of time! He is a VERRRRRRY slow eater, takes like 45 minutes and lots of hemming and hawing to finish a bottle.

Anyhow, I am not quite managing the shiny sink, but I'm getting him and me dressed and running the dishwasher every day, and I'm keeping the living room somewhat picked up. Saturday we had a babysitter and went out a little to run errands and hang out at Barnes and Noble. It was nice but DS wouldn't sleep for the sitter so his sleep schedule was all weird yesterday. Seems back to normal now though.

I'd better get to finishing up the pants I'm crocheting for him, before he outgrows them.

Good to see you peeking in. Glad you are all carrying on -- DD8 was also a very very slow eater. Feeding her was literally a full-time job -- I know I spent at least 8 hours many days just dealing with that one thing!

DD4 is done with school -- yay! -- so we are really moving into summer. I am trying to make DD8 "do school" til the end of the week, which is not too hard since our "must do" activities don't take that much time.

We are hardly signed up for anything this summer, either. I live in the middle of the city and I *still* get tired of driving all the time! (And yes, filling the tank.) I have a sitter 2 afternoons a week who takes the girls to the park, pool, children's museum, etc., and homeschool playgroup once a week, which seems like enough organized activity. We'll see.

Better get going. Just sat down at my desk to enjoy my coffee and catch up on "the news!"

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Hey Everyone -
Sputtering along here- 4 baseball games a week has me going in circles. Trying to maintain though.

This summer we are:
vacationing for 1 week in the Adirondacks
kids will go to summer rec at our park - mornings only for 5 weeks - yay!
DS will do baseball camp
DD will do soccer two night a week for 4 weeks
We will all just hang out and relax I hope - maybe do some daytrips, hiking, the zoo, picnicking (sp?)

Great to see you Becky!
Andrea

Andrea, sounds like a busy summer! And fun!

Becky, glad to see you poking your head in! I think first babies are hardest and longest to feed. Glad you two got a little time out together without the baby.

Hi shaun!

Yesterdays tada didn't add up to much. Got the living room picked up, 30 cheerleading uniforms washed in addition to the other load of laundry done, some weeding in the garden, dinner made. Then my stomach started hurting and I spent the rest of the evening laying on the couch hoping the kids didn't all kill each other til DH got home about 10:30 from Lion's club. LOL!

Feeling a little better today, got up and cleaned the kitchen. Talked to DH on the phone for a bit about farming plans for the next month or two (and the bills that goes with them. $15,000 for fertilizer and $12,000 for seed. Ouch!). I need to do some billing myself today for a bunch of custom work DH has been doing for some other farmers. Think I'll make it an office day today.

Good Evening!

TADA
morning routine
kids off to school
read paper
video store
bookstore
sorted mail
lunch
meeting 3-5pm
dinner in oven

PODA
clean up dinner
watch Norbit after DD goes to bed!

Jenny-why do you wash all the uniforms and not the kids that they belong to??? Seems like alot of work. Hope your stomach feels better.

Andrea-your summer plans sound good to me,we only have a couple organized activities and then lots of time to let them do their own thing.

Shaun-I know what you mean about filling the tank,ouch. Alot of plans this summer will be dictated by gas prices I am sure.

Better get dinner on the table...

Heidi

Thank goodness for that check Jenny! The numbers you and Jeff deal with are about 10 times the normal family I think. Hope you have a good year -

I dust mopped the upstairs today - dinner done and dishes done. Off to read to DD8 now -
Andrea

Good Morning!

Jenny- I caught that and left it that way cuz it sounded funny!(about washing kids)

Andrea-what did you ever think of 19 Minutes? It is nice that you still read to your DD even though she can herself, I plan to do that as long as mine allows too!!

Well, TADA

DS off to school
morning routine

PODA

DD off to school
walk
read paper
1 load laundry
vacuum upstairs(slug)
get potting soil and annuals
pot up some and plant out the rest to fill in
lunch
sort mail
dinner
no homework
reading
DD bath

Got a window box and an urn that need some flowers as well as a couple bare areas in my perrenial beds so will do that this morning since no rain today,finally. Tomorrow is the last day of school and it is only a half day for both kids. They will be home before lunch. I think I will take em out to Subway to celebrate! Or maybe pick it up early since it will probably be mobbed...decisions,decisions.... A real good friend is closing on her first house today so want to get a nice housewarming gift and break open some champagne,may do that this evening or tomorrow.

Have a pleasant day and play nice!!

Heidi

Lucky you Heidi - done with school! I haven't read it yet - did you read it? (19 minutes) I got stuck on In the Company of the Courtesan - just finished that.

Andrea

Will be working in the house today. Winds are supposed to be blowing to 55mph. I ain't goin' out there! LOL!

But there is plenty to keep me busy, so don't worry.

Yes I read it and it was disturbing but good. I potted up several pots and windowboxes today and they look really nice. Going over to my friend's new house for pizza and champagne tonight. She closed on it today. We will drink champagne out of styrofoam cups and sit on the floor to eat pizza!!! Just like college,huh??LOL

Better whip something up for DS and DH to eat while I am there. See ya

Heidi

Good Morning!

TADA
morning routine

PODA
kids off to last day of school!
walk
read paper
work in garden
put away laundry
pay a few bills
bank deposit
lunch
sort mail
visit with friend here
dinner
bonfire

Good friend who I haven't seen in several years stopping over today,can't wait to see her.

Heidi

Heidi, it's so neat you have all these friends in your life to see. Very sweet of you with the friend's new house.

I need to do some cleaning in the old camper today. I listed it on Ebay and cleaned all the surfaces, but need to take care of inside the cabinets. A guy from town saw it on Ebay and wants to come by and take a look at it before he bids, he may be coming today. So I need to do that this morning.

TADA (already!):
last night's dishes this morning
cleaned out old pots and pans from camper and washed (stuff I have never used. Not even mine! Was SILs camper while she was in college 8 years ago, it's her stuff. LOL!)
changed sheets on my bed (I didn't sleep there. Sick DH did. Drew and I took the couch last night)
load of laundry washed and ready for the dryer (I thought about hanging on the clothesline, but between the still blowing wind and the 80 pound puppy chewing everything in sight, I decided against that).

Sounds like most of the kids are up, better get breakfast ready.

That's life blowing by me lately. Yikes.

TADA
cooked a good breakfast for the kids (exam week at the high school)
one load of laundry
changed out the dishes
registered for 4 summer classes

PODA
go to DD's concert at 12:30
dinner: something for the sports banquet potluck
go to the potluck, present track awards

I read In the Company of the Cortesan and really liked it, especially the first three quarters of it.
Nineteen Minutes is next for me.

Gotta run,
-Jo

What kind of classes are you taking this summer, Jo? That sure will keep you busy! I'm sure you just have all this idle time anyway, right? LOL!

Books? I finished Paula Deens autobiography, It Ain't All About the Cookin'. Great book! You'll look at her a little differently now (if you watch her on Food Network).

I got a bit sidetracked yesterday. I did get the old camper cleaned out a bit more and vacuumed. Then I got to checking out the Dittocam on Rush Limbaugh during his show yesterday, and since I was already at my desk, I got some filing done and cleaned off the other desk without a computer (was piled high with papers), then changed out pictures in frames (badly needed to do. There were no pictures of Drew in the house!!). Managed to clean the kitchen twice last night, baked brownies and a cake for tomorrow's golf tourney cookout. And dropped DD10 off at the fire station so she could help wash the fire trucks while the members had a meeting.

Today gotta call a guy about the camper and possibly wait around all day for him to come look at it (no idea, all plans are going around that). Need to take these desserts to the school along with the cheer uniforms. Call a gal about a quilt I'm supposed to do some embroidery for, maybe do a few other things around the sewing closet too.

ya'll have a good one!

Miss a couple of days and I can hardly keep up! Jenny that Paula Deen book sounds cool, I am bouncing around between re-reading Middlemarch, along with a homeschooling book and a book about the painting The Return of the Prodigal Son. I am a little scattered!

Know what you mean about needing a check -- I had one that was over due and one that I expected last week but that is officially due today, and they both came yesterday! Not a second too late -- I actually paid for some groceries on the CC "just in case." As usual, it will all disappear quickly.

An errand-running day: need boots, batteries, soap, photocopies -- boring stuff!

In other news: I've sworn off Web Boggle! I am not getting enough done around here. But my decluttering is still going well -- I dropped off 2 boxes and 2 bags of stuff at a "free store" yesterday, and I have 3 big boxes of paper recycling for Monday's pickup. I have gathered all of DHs "closet shirts" (i.e., non T shirts) together and am still waiting for him to weed through them. He wears T-shirts every single day. In the winter he wears T-shrits with a fleece on top. Why does he need 14 short-sleeve button up shirts then?

Of course, I'm sure you could say the same about me in other areas.

Well, off to make my shopping lists -- hope this day gets everyone off to a lovely weekend!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Good Morning!

Shaun-way to go on all that decluttering!

PODA
morning routine
DS off to camp
bank
library
playground
get milk
home for lunch
sort mail
art project for DD
pick up DS
read paper
walk
dinner
reading
DD bath

My morning ritual of walking and reading the paper has been moved to later in the day now that school is out. I can't walk and leave DD home alone,she is 6. So need to walk after DH gets home from work. My neighbor is okay with it,just a new ritual right? DS starts acting camp today. It is for 4 weeks. The last couple days is when they put on their play for the community. I am always amazed at how these guys pull it off in such a short time. Well, better get some more zzzzzz's. I am writing this at 4:30 am after all,insomnia attack....

Heidi

My main thing today will be to do some final cleaning in the old camper. Under the bed, in the cabinets and the tub. It sold on Ebay (1984 5th wheel w/ generator brought $4,000! I'm happy!), and the buyers are coming Thursday to pick it up from Louisiana. We filled it with water last night so will be easier to clean. Really need to clean the living room in the house, too.

Oh, and playing PS2 with the kids some more. LOL!

Yay me!

That's it. That's all I have to share. Everything else is just typical daily life with a baby.

Will post some more Sam pics to my blog shortly.

Where is your blog Becky?

Glad all is going well -

Yay Becky! Need to shine mine as well.

The kids and I cleaned up the living room the other day. I went hunting for the odd smell by DH's bathroom again, it was driving me nuts. I finally figured out what and where it is, and there is nothing I can do about it. It's a dead mouse in the wall (I know it's in the wall because I moved the washer and dryer and cleaned all over the place and THAT was where the smell was coming from. It's IN the wall).

I'm sick of mice! Remember 5 years ago when we moved into this house I complained about how horrible the pantry smelled? How MIL and I did everything we could to get that smell out and no luck? Well, I finally figured out that the same thing happens there. It's a dead mouse in the wall, too. The stink dies down after awhile, but once a year or so it flares up again, I figured another one died when that happens. I hadn't seen any mice in a while, but my bedroom was smelling (ew, this is so gross!) and when I went to investigate found one in a forgotten trap. The boys room was stinkin' last week and same thing, but it was just dead under the bed, no trap. EWWW!!

I think they are getting into the walls from the attic. No idea how they are getting up there, there are probably many ways from the outside of the house. My attic is unaccessable really, no pull down stairs or anything. There is a piece of plyboard screwed over a hole in the garage and you need a ladder and an extra set of hands for it. So I don't store anything up there, it's strictly for accessing AC ducts or other maintenance. DH can't even fit thru the hole that's cutout! LOL!

Anyway, today I need to tackle the old camper (shouldn't take long). wash all the fabric I bought yesterday (the girls and I went shopping yesterday with the baby), put up the shelves I bought for the sewing closet. Work on paid sewing projects. Help dh road machinery to a field. Figure out and pay bills. Yup, all that should keep me busy! Ya'll have a good one!

Guess who shined my sink this morning? DH! Yay! It's one of those things that really gets to him.

So sorry about the mice. We are still sofa-less after sending the mouse nest to the dump. We still need to figure out where the mice are coming in and out while it is still warm and we have a chance of closing the hole while they are still outside.

Off to the library, then haircut for DD4, then home for lunch, then off to a local farm with homeschool group. Full day! (Oh, and maybe a FDay present in there too.)

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Good Morning!

TADA
morning routine
DS off to camp
read paper

PODA
store for fresh fruit and veggies
put away laundry
couple calls
sort mail
vacuum FR
pick up DS
out to dinner

Becky- yes let us know where to see pix!

Jenny-what paid sewing are you doing? Mice? Throw abunch of cats in the attic for a day!! LOL

Better get going here....

Heidi

Don't you people have cats? Or a low-slung terrier?

Lynn Siprelle, Editor

Hi All-

Not much new here - plugging along. Trying to maintain and do something extra every day if I can.

Good luck with the mice Jenny, that is gross. Guess there's not a whole lot you can do about it though!

HI Jo - what degree are you working on? I'm guessing special education? Is this your Master's Degree? Hope you like it!

Well, I'm off -
Andrea

But I can't quite figure out how to post them-- can someone help?

Good Morning!

PODA
morning routine
DS off to camp
read paper
vacuum top floor
water garden
spray round up
take DD to park
lunch
sort mail
pick up DS
ortho appt
dinner
DD bath
reading

Went to Outback last night for dinner,was DH 40th bday. Then home for cake and gifts. My mom came with us too. Nice evening.
Andrea- are your parents in town? Any special plans?
Jo- it sounds like sp. ed. to me,is that right? I would love to become an advocate in the coming years,slowly pursuing that here.

Have a great day.

Heidi

Morning!

Mmmmm, Outback sounds good! Happy 40th to your DH, Heidi! DS4's teacher has me doing a project for her. She is expecting her first grandbaby next month and I'm doing some name embroidery for her to make a quilt. It's a handprint of each close family member with their name on it. I also need to make a bunch of my fancy burp cloths for a craft fair thing this weekend in town for Heritage Days.

Jo, that is so many classes for a summer term! Good luck! Dh and I were talking about me heading back to school within the next two years. As soon as Drew starts preschool, he wants me to get my degree and help him out around here with the money. Can't blame him. Have the ranch pay for itself and the house, the farm pay for itself, and my job take care of anything non-farm or ranch, plus the med. insurance. Then anything left over from any of those can payoff vehicles, remodeling, or just saving for the kids college or ourselves when we are old and grey. It's a good dream, wonder if it would work?

As soon as Drew fell asleep for his nap, I went out and cleaned the rest of the camper. As soon as I got done, DH called and said the buyers made better time than they thought and would be at the house in 30 minutes, rather than them coming today! We took care of all that and I nearly cried as I watched it going down the road. Good memories in that camper.

Other than that, I didn't get a whole lot done. Oh, helped road machinery. Which I also get to do today. Along with the neglected bills. But mostly sewing, I hope.

The kids are done with school!

They are all sound asleep as I type too.

TADA
nothin'

PODA
dishes
shiny sink
throw in a load of towels
DS15 to a friends B'day party
dinner: ?

Yep, I'm finishing up the Master's. I am in panic mode because I have to be done by a year from now. We just can't afford to have me and DS17 both in college at the same time. So I have this year to "git R done". The Master's itself is in Curriculum and Instruction, but I want to becaome a peer coach for classroom teachers as the new type of special education called Response to Instruction is implemented here. The state says they will have fully switched over in the next 5 years, but we'll see. My thesis will culminate in a FAQ paper for classroom teachers to be published by the state Department of Ed and sponsored by the state Commision on Special Education. Yikes!

Boy I feel lazy today. And there is so much I *should* do. Maybe I'll catch a second wind later. I hope.

See Ya,
Jo

Good luck with that Jo! NY and my district are also working towards RTI, except here we call it Response to Intervention. I've gotten quite involved in the planning stages recently and will be even more so next year - if you ever want to toss around ideas, etc. let me know. It will be a learning process for sure. I've gone to a few conferences this year but am mostly self-taught.

The weather is great here and I just want to be outside!!! I am so ready for summer.

Heidi, my parents are here till the 4th when they fly back to MT. We have been super busy with sports as you know so outings have been few and far between. We meet for dinner a couple times a week and DD has spent the night there twice. They are coming over for steaks on the grill tonite - I may throw some shrimp on too. Mom, DD, and I are doing a house and garden tour on Saturday on a nearby lake - 8 gorgeous homes and gardens to gawk at. Then we're going to a baseball game (AAA) on Sunday for Father's Day. OUr whole Little League group sits together so it is fun - over 100 parents and kids probably. The kids can go out and play catch with the Red Wings and march around if they like.

Ok, break over gotta run-
Andrea

You guys are really on the move!

We are going up to pick up DD8 from camp this weekend -- it's a long drive, so we'll spend the night near the camp tonight and pick her up tomorrow. (Mom and Dad are in town this weekend, so they are keeping DD4) I'll be glad to see her -- and wash her off!

Back to school, Jenny? You are such a powerhouse, I'm sure you can do it.

Really, reading the boards this morning I am just so impressed by how much we all manage to do everyday. yay us!

I have been up working for a couple of hours, but I think I will finally feed DD4 and me some breakfast.

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Shaun you are brave! I don't know if I can send my kid to camp. I've only let dd10 spend the night once at a friend's house (Grammie's is a different story). I'm WAY to overprotective.

Plans always change. the bills STILL aren't done. I had an unexpected trip to town. First to help DH move machinery around, then I made arrangements with friend for my paid sewing work to meet at her house and pick up the rest of material, but DH needed me AGAIN. By that time, my truck was on vapors. Made it to town before I ran out of gas, filled up, washed up, paid a big bill, got DH lunch, stopped by inlaws (they had been gone for 2 weeks on Alaska cruise), saw 600 pictures from said trip, home. Got some sewing done, need to do lots more today.

And already today, my husband has messed up my day, because I'm probably going to have to run out to the field. DH forgot his phone. Yes, I realize that people survived farming for THOUSANDS of years without cell phones. LOL! But my husband cannot. He's already gotten 2 phone calls and one text message, and it's just 8:22. He talks more now because he got a Bluetooth thingie last week. whoohoo, hands free talking. LOL!

Ok, so may be out to the field for that, sewing, bills. I HAVE to get the latter two done!

Good Afternoon!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
DS to camp
mowed front and back yards
watered potted plants
bank deposit
took DD to nature center
sorted mail

PODA
vacuum top floor
return videos
pick up DS
dinner
reading
bonfire?

My daughter the naturalist helped save a dragonfly's life. It was stuck in some netting by a window at the local nature center. She got to hold it and they took her picture for the newsletter. DS is bowling after camp so he will eat at the alley with all the other campers,need to get him after we eat here. He got a pretty good speaking role in the play. They are doing Footloose this year.

Shaun-what type of camp did your DD attend? We haven't attempted sleepaway camp yet. Ds does not seem interested,prefers day camps. But I would be willing if it wasn't too expensive.

Need something new to read. Any suggestions??

Have an awesome weekend everyone!

Heidi

I'm reading Buffalo Soldiers Heidi - care to join me? Just started it -

Off to a baseball game so no time to type - see ya!
A.

I'm reading Being Dead is No Excuse. It's a Southern Ladies guide to hosting a funeral. Very funny!
Got the bills mostly done (just need to sign the checks and stuff the envelopes and mail). Got alot of sewing done, til I bent the needle. Can't find the rest of my needles right offhand...

Good Afternoon!

Andrea- hope you meant the Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian because that is the one I got at my library. There are other books called Buffalo Soldiers but they are history books and I did not think that is what you meant??!! So I will give it a go and see if I like it.

TADA
morning routine
read paper
trimmed some branches and shrubbery
spread mulch on rear beds
lunch
sorted mail
vacuumed top floor(slug)
picked up rent check
Radio Shack for a special battery for DH

PODA
bbq at 4pm at cousin's
have fun and drink adult beverages!!!

Heidi

Yes, that is it Heidi - one soldier only! He wrote Midwives, which you might've read. Plus some others I see. Enjoy your party.

Well, we are on a high b/c DD8 got 3 hits today at her game after hitting rarely all season (only 2 other hits). She has started hitting leftie, believe it or not! And then DS10 won his playoff game 14-10 - it was a great game and he hit a double, a triple, did some fielding and pitching! Yes we eat, sleep, and breathe baseball in the spring!

Flying? Maintaining more like it - still have a load of laundry to fold - everything is is ok shape though.
Andrea

Good Morning!

couldn't get on the site yesterday. Hope all the DHs had a nice Father's Day. We stayed in and DH watched golf,my mom came over in the afternoon and watched a movie and we got Chinese for dinner,relaxing day.

PODA
morning routine
read paper
DS to camp
DD to swim lesson
bank deposit
drop off form to sub at Bd of Ed.
return part at car dealer
lunch
sort mail
set up slip and slide for DD(almost 90 next 2 days)
pick up DS
dinner
reading
DD bath

Keep cool today,literally and figuratively!!

Heidi

Morning!

Heidi, are you going to go down the slip and slide? LOL!

Saturday sucked. I didn't sell a single thing in my craft booth. I give up. Sunday I was going to go to church and meet our new minister, but after have the boys with me Saturday, didn't think I should expect them to be good Sunday too. So we stayed home all morning then went to inlaws for Sunday dinner (she made turkey, dressing, homemade rolls and mashed taters).

My house is so suffering! As soon as I got up I got dressed, started the dishwasher and mopped the kitchen before little ones could get up and prevent me from doing so. I'm going to do the whole weekly blessing today. Then I need to finish up the second half of paid sewing gig.

HI All-
The slip and slide sounds fun Heidi! HOpe the kids like it. I saw a really cool water toy the other day - it was a giant ball that hooks up to the hose and water sprays out of it!

Sorry about the craft booth Jenny. Bummer.

Well, let's see:

TADA yesterday:
one load of laundry done
wrote card with photos to DSIL
kids to birthday party
DD to soccer pick up
p/u DS from park
dinner made and dishes done
watered gardens
planted one perennial
planted one geranium in a pot with other stuff in it
sorted through massive papers books, etc from kids' backpacks
a bunch of other little stuff!!

Tonite we are going out for dinner with my parents, so that will be nice. It is super hot here again so I will need to do some watering. Maybe work a bit on a scrapbook page - I am actually making some progress. When I am done working I am going to tackle the garage and also DD's room. She needs a new plan in there - none of the furniture matches. We need a theme - she wants kittens and puppies! Aaaargh! I told her we need to choose something she will still like when she is 12.

See ya -
Andrea

Well, yesterday was a flop. We went outside and refilled the pool, but the wasps (of which I had seen none of this year) decided to come out and play. So that didn't last long. The kids and I spent a good chunk playing PS2 together. Had 4-H meeting last night. And finished paid sewing work. Will meet the gal today to give it to her.

No, I didn't do my weekly blessing. I find myself just not caring anymore about the house. It's just too depressing to spend alot of time cleaning it, and 1 hour later the kids and DH have it trashed again (read: mostly DH. And he WILL NOT pick up after himself. And if you say anything to him, I get a "I WORKED ALL DAY" attitude). So, I give up.

Good Afternoon!

TADA
morning routine
DS to camp
DD to swim lesson
walked trails with DD
picked up and deposited check
returned equipment at cable company
bought some fruit
lunch
read paper
went to creek with DD

PODA
pick up DS
early dinner
meeting

Jenny-sorry DH is no help with house stuff. Let it go for a bit,it is not worth your sanity...

Andrea- I am half way done with Buffalo Soldier. I like it. Now I will have to read his other books! How was dinner out?

Better run,have a nice evening

Heidi

Lots of work to do before we go on vacation in a few weeks.

Jenny! Sorry you are having so mnay frustrations. I know, my DH and I go round and round about housework. He has been doing a bit more lately, but I really know what you mean.

DD8 was at Chinese camp, Concordia Language Villages. Very cool! She wants to go back for 2 weeks next year. I can hardly image this. But I think we will try it anyway. There is a ton of great staff, so the kids are never just running wild through the woods. (She did get 2 ticks, but she got them out, and they were just wood ticks anyway.)

DH has friends from college visiting this weekend -- yikes! I need to sit down and make a list of what I *must* have done before then, and then what *must* happen before we go to Michigan for the week.

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Ok, I'm am SO freaked out!! I went out to the garage to get some pork chops out of the freezer. On the way back I HEARD a rattlesnake! Couldn't see it, it was behind a bunch of stuff. But I HEARD it!! I managed to JUMP onto a step stool, then from there hopped to the baby changing table (which is living out there in the middle of the garage since leaving the baby's room), then LEAN over to open the door to the house, threw in the pork chops, then jumped in myself. SLAM the door and lock it. The snake was in the pile of firewood I keep in the garage, right next to the door to the house.

I called DH to tell him, then called a contractor. He will be out Friday or Saturday to give me an estimate on replacing the garage door with french/patio doors.

In other news, I think saying I'm not going to do anything is good. When I make a list of things I'm going to do, I do nothing. When I say I won't do anything, I get stuff done. I got the:
bathrooms clean
kitchen clean
living room/dining room all clean and vacuumed
mowed the front, side, back, and garden
3 loads of laundry done

I feel pretty good about getting stuff accomplished. But my hands are still shaking after the close encounter with the unseen but HEARD snake. shudder!!!! I SO need a vacation!!

C'mon up to Northern New York, Jenny! The biggest snakes we get round hee-yah are 2 foot long garter snakes, one of which my cat killed a few days ago.

That is creepy Jenny. I'm sorry about DH too - he has no idea how lucky he is. You did get a lot done yesterday!

Well, you are ahead of me Heidi! I'm only about 40 or 50 pages into it but I do like his writing style. I liked Midwives a lot too - you would like that. I think I"ll try some of his others too. I want to read more this summer (if it ever comes!) Dinner out was good - Chinese - I tried to be good and not overdo it.

Shaun, I read about the camp on your blog. How cool is that?? It doesn't surprise me that she loved it. What a great opportunity for her.

I"m at work so must run - when I get home my PODA will be:

scrapping
put laundry away
figure out dinner
I may need to run to the store in there if I can't figure out dinner
DD's game (next to last one)

See ya!
Andrea

Good Morning!

TADA
morning routine
DS off to camp
DD to swim lesson
couple calls

PODA
1 load laundry
lunch/playdate at friend's
pick up Ds
buy coffee!!
sort mail
dinner
reading
DD bath

RATTLESNAKES...YIKES!!! Get me outta there fast, I couldn't do what you do,Jenny.

Shaun-that is a great program for your DD,she is lucky.

Have a good one.

Heidi

I'm sure I spelled that wrong, but I should get points for effort!

TADA
ran/walked 4 miles
dishes
sink
down to one load of laundry
read some homework
read Nineteen Minutes
made some good dinner lately

PODA
dishes-again
sort out DD's clothes, she has grown so much!
clean the camper
run some errands
read some more homework

I love Chris Bojalian! Water Witches is my favorite one of his.

Well, I have a lot to do. Better get my butt off the computer and do it!

See Ya,
-Jo

Hi Jo! Nice try on the French! I know none and was afraid for a minute that bon Jour meant goodbye - that you were leaving us. It means hello, right?

I forgot to put my big TADA from yesterday. I forced DH - sat down with him and did it - to go through a couple of his dresser drawers - tshirts and such to sort through. Much better now - let's see if he will keep them neat!

Game tonight so we didn't have a real dinner - everone ate there except me - I did my own thing when we got home at 8:30! Besides that just maintaining,

I'm off to read now -
Andrea

Good Morning!

PODA
morning routine
DS to camp
DD to swimming
Aldi for groceries
lunch
sort mail
read paper
put away laundry
vacuum main floor
call Mom
pick up DS
walk
dinner
reading

Andrea- The book was good,thanks again. I will head to the library Friday to get another of his books.

Well, off to catch a few more zzzzzz's before the day really starts

Heidi

OK, I'm really depressed that you finished that already. Jealous is more like it!
By the way, you really shouldn't be up so darn early!

I'm at work early gearing up to get some stuff done. PODA for today? not sure yet. Just get through the day I guess. Maybe go out for ice cream with my folks after dinner. Can you belive I put that on my PODA!! Pathetic -

This is my kids' last day of school so they are excited to find out about next year's teacher - DD will call me -

See ya!
Andrea

Ice Cream sounds like a good PODA to me! Can I come?

Heidi, why were you up so early! wow!

The only way I knew Bonjour was hello was from the last two episodes of Sex and the City when Carrie when to Franch. LOL! French would be a good language to learn. I'm determined NOT to learn Spanish right now. DH and I are still really ticked off that half the school's graduation ceremony was in Spanish (they say it was for the parents, Lord knows how many of them are illegals. But I have doubts if one of the 15 graduates even KNEW English and probably is illegal herself. At least she wasn't one of the two knocked up. I'm having serious issues with our school right now).

I didn't do ANYTHING yesterday. My tummy was kinda upset and I just laid around most of the day. But I did get a whole book read (Princess Diaries #1. DD10 just read it, I wanted to also. Boy, sure is different from the movie!). Oh, and I picked 2 squash out of my garden yesterday. cool! Not enough to do anything with, but I'm excited just the same. Be more in a few days anyway.

Today is errand day. I'm going to see if a decent movie is playing today for the kids' free show, go to the library, hit the grocery store, swing by the bank, probably bring DH some lunch out in the field (Subway).

My big project to be done in the next few weeks is take EVERYTHING out of the garage. DH couldn't find the rattlesnake the other night when he got in. I peek my head in there every couple hours and poke things with a stick (not leaving the doorway) and I'm sure he is gone. But I can hear the mice moving around. Ugh. I can't believe we are infested so bad! At least they aren't in the house.

HI again-

Carrie went to "Franch"??!! Is that anywhere near France? Thanks for the chuckle Jenny, and yes you can come with us for ice cream. I am cleaning out my garage too this summer. I need to find some kind of storage solution for sports stuff, etc.

See ya
A.

You could also say "Mes amies" if you know you are addressing a group of women.

We are in a state of transition these days. DH is being medically retired from the Army. It is a long, drawn out process, over which we have very little control. I have gone back to work in Rehabilitation Nursing. DH will probably turn out to be a better flybaby than me It sure was nice to come home tonight after a 12 hour shift and smell the lasagna in the oven. I could get used to this!

Oh, Rose, I'm so glad your DH is home!

Ok, the good news:
I killed a snake in the garage! Yup, I went ahead and shot that sucker. Yes, in the house, technically (since it's an attached garage).
The bad news:
It's not the one I heard the other day. This one was a baby and didn't even have rattles yet. So, another one (a bigger one, a mama one?) is still at large. No idea where. Could be in the garage, could be he/she is gone.
But of course I took pictures. Before I shot him and after. LOL! I'll put them on my blog.

In other news: I got errands done. I'm EXHAUSTED. I want to go to bed (ain't gonna happen any time soon).

OK, Jenny, you have pretty much prevented me from ever looking at your blog again! I swear, you get some nasty photos!

Rose, sounds like a major transition for you all. Hope it goes well.

I am up too late and off to bed. Hi to all!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

John has finally gotten me into target shooting. I like a .22 pistol myself.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor

And please tell me that they are all locked up with no ammo in them with kids around. I know that your kids are taught early about respecting guns but I freak about that kinda thing with all the kids that come visiting and all. Glad you got one snake,hope the other is long gone from your garage.

TADA
morning routine
DS to camp
DD to swimming
gassed up van
couple calls

PODA
lunch
read with DD
sort mail
art activity or walk with DD
pick up DS
vacuum
pay some bills
dinner
bonfire tonight

Hope evryone is having a good day today

Heidi

Yes, they are locked up. The gun cabinet is a metal one in my bedroom. The key is high up where they can't reach it. But they have ammo in them. If I need a gun, I need it to be ready. The kids get a demo pretty early on in life of what a gun can do (DH will shoot a coyote with a kid and talk about life and death). When they are old enough they will go thru hunter safety courses, too. In fact, I'll have to ask the preschool teacher at what age those start (no, not in preschool. LOL! Her husband teaches the course in our county. And she will come by today because the paid sewing I'm doing is for her and she has more for me to do).

Well, I'm not sure what the day will have in store. I thought about attempting to work on the garage. But there is the possibility of another snake out there (shudder!). DD7's birthday is tomorrow, but SIL is coming into town tonight. Dinner at the inlaws, but I said I would bring a cake and we can celebrate tonight. Then make another cake for tomorrow for more partying? I don't know. I haven't gotten her a thing because I can't shop for her when she is with me 24/7.

Saturday! whoohoo!

All I got done yesterday was bake a cake and take it to inlaws for dinner (SIL came to town with kids for the night and part of today). More paid sewing done. And contractor came by to look at job to be done. Will get back to us next week with an estimate, but will still be a couple months before he can get around to it.

I need to bake another cake today and spiff up the house a little bit for inlaws to come over here tonight for dinner. Because my younger daughter is 8 today! Whoohoo! These kids are growing up too fast!

I'm showered and fed, no one else is up yet. DH is out spraying a field with his new 60ft sprayer and then he will swing by town and find something to give her for her birthday. No idea what!!

Just had to comment that I live in the Twin Cities of MN, which means that we are a big jumble of urbanites, farmers, and prairie folk (sometimes all in the same person). Of course here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, fishing season is a bigger deal, but still, many an urban wife with early Christmas shopping, nice dinners out, plays, movies, and cocktails on her mind *dreads* the hunting season! And then try hanging a deer to "drain" in your tiny urban garage in plain view of all your urbanite neighbors! Another reason to love MN: we ain't totally homogenized yet!

Speaking of which, I need to get cracking on my day, which includes running a pile of errands and preparing for a couple of Manhattanite friends to come visit for the afternoon/evening. Though the He of the couple is NY wealthy by birth, I'm still hoping that the fact that we don't live in a tiny apt. with no yard will be novel enough to gloss over the mess! I got some passion fruit margarita mix and new glasses, so we'll just load 'em up with those and they'll be loving the midwest in no time!

Can't believe you have another girl moving into the tween years Jenny! Happy bithday to her!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Good Afternoon!

Jenny- Happy Bday to your DD. What gift did DH find for her?

Shaun-margaritas served to anyone usually makes for acceptance of any household situation!! LOL. Enjoy...

TADA
morning routine
read paper
folded 1 load,washed another
weeded a little
brushed dog
waited for cable guy to install cable card
lunch
sorted mail
trimmed DD's bangs

PODA
walk with DD and dog
read with DD
dinner
bath
video night?

DS went to work with DH today,the lure of money works for him now that he is almost a teenager!
Andrea- I am now reading Water Witches by Chris Bohjalian. My library didn't have any other books of his in so I will request them from another branch. His novels should keep me through the summer at least.

Off to take a walk....

Heidi

Good Morning!

PODA
morning routine
DS to camp
DD to swimming
read paper
bank deposit
DD to creek
lunch
sort mail
call Mom
swim here
pick up DS
walk
dinner
reading

DH set up our pool yesterday. It is supposed to be in the 90's a few days this week so it was just in time. i guess our afternoons will be spent in there most of this week! Took DD to a nature center program yesterday on spiders and then we walked around the wetlands there,lots of people out yesterday walking dogs and pushing strollers. Beautiful day.

Better get started here,have an enjoyable day

Heidi

Hi Everyone -
I'm going to start a new thread - I'm tired of scrolling!

Morning Heidi!
Andrea