Flybabies August 6th

Andrea, hope all goes well with the mammogram.

We reunioned and visited all weekend, so NOTHING got done all weekend! Laundry is piled, toys scattered thru-out the living room, bathrooms are horrid. And the kids rooms...yeah. The office and most of the kitchen are the only rooms that are decent! So I have my work cut out for me today.

I think first off, I'm going to tackle the kids clothes. What's outgrown, etc. Starting with the girls.

The school reunion was nice. Lots of people there. 3 from my husband class was there (this would be 15 years). I think Uncle Bob's class had the most there, 15 I think. They had an advantage of having the largest class ever graduate from our school: 43.

Ya'll have a good one!

Finished my last class of 5 this summer. Phew. Thank goodness the master's will be done this spring. If I didn't hvae that to hold on to, I'd be pretty darn discouraged right now.

So, as to the flying...

TADA
shiny sink
I know where my laundry is

PODA
continue plugging at the laundry
finish up and e-mail two papers
dinner: steak and baked potatoes (I wanted to get some veggies from the garden, but it is a torrential downpour out there. Yikes!)

Heidi, I've been working on writing up some thoughts about mothering teens, and what I wish I has known 4 years ago...If you're interested, I'll share it with you when it's done.

I'm excited that the next two weeks are quiet ones for our family. We need it.

Peace,
-Jo

HI All-

Just a quick lunch-time check in.

The reunion sounds like great fun Jenny!

Jo, I would love to hear your thoughts on the teen years too as I only have 3 years left until then for DS!

Got a lot of errands done in the city. Of course, nothing done here b/c I wasn't home! I'm off to tackle that now. Mamm. was ok I think. A radiologist will read it later.

See ya!

Good Afternoon!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
2 loads laundry
baked cookies with DD
Aldi for groceries
sorted mail
lunch

PODA
read with DD
Mom here to visit
dinner

Jo-yes I would love to see the teen stuff,thanks.

Better run....

Heidi

Jo, I want to see as well! Even though my oldest is only 10, it's never too soon to start getting prepared.

Well, girls' clothes are done. Managed to pack up a good sized box of too small stuff, and unpack a whole box of handmedowns for DD10 from older friends.

Haven't yet tackled room. Call 911 if I'm not back by tomorrow.

I like to pretend that my daughters will never be teenagers. That has worked well for me so far and I am sticking with it as long as I can!

DD4 is still sick! I feel guilty saying so, but it's really putting a crimp in our summer fun! We are trapped in the house all day. Poor baby had to go to the Dr. today, but nothing really wrong. Just a really long-lasting . . . something.

Been getting lots of laundry done, at least, plus I am motivated to keep stuff off the floor, so that it's easier to clean in the event of

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Morning Everyone -

Hope she is feeling better soon Shaun, and you can get outside!

PODA:
dw
exercise
laundry
bunch of errands, etc. to get ready for our trip

Andrea

Morning!

I didn't get the girls room done yesterday. Ran out of time. Had to help DH with the well, pulled some weeds while helping with that, got tomatoes out of the garden (now if I had enough bread I could have a BLT!), then had to quickly clean the house up for company and fix cookies and dinner for them.

Today we are off to town. Groceries and school supplies.

Good Morning!

Yes, Shaun, hope your DD feels better soon.

Andrea-where are you all headed again?

TADA
morning routine
read paper
put away laundry

PODA
several phone calls
vacuum upstairs
read with DD
board games/art project(rainy day here)
sort mail
dinner

Stuck inside so far here too due to heavy rains and lightning. Hopefully it will clear up so the kids can get outside.

Have a good one

Heidi

TADA
sink still shiny
dishes and one counter
another 2 loads of laundry washed and dried
van cleaned out
read 33 pages of the last of my summer classwork due the 13th

PODA
fold & put away laundry
treadmill
shower
dinner: burgers, broccoli, homefries from leftover baked potatoes
book club: we read a very interesting book called The Expected One

My floors are filthy. Really filthy. But, I have to tackle the clutter on the floors before I can clean them. It's really annoying my perfectionistic self who wants it all done now. I'm chanting about babysteps to myself this morning...

I think my fridge is dying. Everything is frozen and there is a pool of condensation on the bottom shelf constantly. Sigh.

later,
-Jo

Where I rented a rug doctor. oh well, it was time.

Clearly DD4 is still feeling poorly. The sitter is here and I am supposed to be working, but I have used a fair amount of time helping the sitter with the trail of poop in the basement and then running out to get the Rug Doc (now or never -- if I wait I'll never do it). At least I let myself stop at the deli for yummy sandwiches for lunch.

Boy oh boy am I glad I have been trying to keep stuff off the basement floor!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Oh Shaun, that really bites. Rug doctor is great - hopefully she will be back to normal very, very soon.

Hey Jo - sounds like one of my dinners - yum. You can't get by without a good frig - what a pain in the a$$.

Heidi, we are off to the Adirondacks for the first time as a family - Inlet area. I am really looking forward to it. DH and I were at Schroon Lake years ago w/o kiddos. We are renting a house on a lake - I think it will be a ton of fun. DS10 has a buddy joining him a couple of nights into it.

Got a lot done today, but I was grumpy for some reason ???

See ya in the am -
Andrea

Shopped til I dropped today. LOL!

Had to buy both girls new tennies for PE (to be kept at school and used only for PE). I was shocked that DD10 has had to go up to women's sizes and is a size 6. I'm a 7 1/2, it won't be long before she catches up and passes me! While at Walmart had to get school supplies (found a really neat calender that is by Sandra Boynton! It's got columns to list each family members activities. Unfortunately it only has room for 5 people. Fine for now, as Drew is attached to me still, but will cause a problem in future years as he gets his own schedule. I suppose by the time he really has a busy schedule, DD10 will be off to college).

Then I had to get jeans for DS4. He started last year in a 4, but has already outgrown 5s. So, off to the feed store for those. And while we were there, had the girls try on some and ended up getting them 2 pairs each. Glad we have a charge account there (I can pay it next month out of farm account and put it down as "work clothes". hehehe). Back to a different walmart for groceries (and found many good movies on the $5 rack), and home. Oh, also got the registration on the suburban taken care of (there is a DMV desk in the bank in next village over. Never a line!).

Not much planned for the rest of the evening except watch The Alamo (John Wayne version. Saw Dennis Quaid version the other night).

This comment has been moved here.

My gosh Jenny, you had a crazy day - accomplished a lot! Can't believe Shelby's foot is that big!! She will be a giant!

Chilling here - everyone in bed. Don't know why I was grumpy today - I guess just gearing up for the trip and the background worry of DD's upcoming genetics consult. I am pretty sure she is ok- Mom's intuition, but I could be wrong. We will handle it somehow, no matter what comes.

Took stuff to the church garage sale today (early) - it is really nice stuff - books, wooden puzzles, games. I keepy chanting Flylady - "I am blessing someone else with my things" - that is a really good feeling!

See ya in the am -
Andrea

Isn't that right by Brant Lake? Have I already said that I vacationed there lots of times as a kid/teen, and once since having DD8? Have a great trip Andrea!

That is a lot of school shopping, Jenny. I was women's size 8 by the time I was 10! Yes, in fact I am a bit freakish!

I've got to try to upload my avatar (me as a simpson!) and then get the kitchen finished up before bed. I got DH workin' the Rug Doc -- woo hoo!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Morning All-

It might be by Brant Lake Shaun - that was a long time ago that we were there - staying with a friend at her parent's house. I think I do remember you going there. Where exactly did you grow up Shaun?

TADA so far:
beds made
dw emptied

PODA:
exercise
clean 2 bathrooms
pay bills
laundry
Zone
maybe WM

This is the kids' last day of rec - they are having a carnival!
Andrea

Shaun, do you ski on those feet?! LOL! Sorry, couldn't resist!

Andrea, your trip sounds like it will be fun.

Hi Jo! You aren't alone on the floors. I was looking hard at my carpet last night and was like, WHAT happened to them! (except the living room, because I did shampoo that not too long ago). But hard to clean when clutter is on them.

Speaking of clutter...today's plan is the office. No, not the girls room that I had planned. I have decided to move most of the books out of the girls room in order to make room in their room for other things on the bookshelves. This will mean packing up some of my breakable things, mostly music boxes that were my grandmothers. Until I get a nice cabinet to display those items anyway. I'm also going to give the bookshelves in the office a good repair job w/ a hammer and nails (they are cheap Walmart ones, nearly 10 years old). Once I move stuff out of the girls room, we can work on it.

Shoes,huh? Well my DS is a mens 12 and is 5"7" tall. He still has a few months til he is a teenager and is eating like no tomorrow! Not an ounce of fat on him either, I am jealous!

Shaun-how is DD feeling today?

Jenny-can't believe all that running around with all the kids in and out of cars and stores. I don't have the patience for all that,that's for sure.

Andrea- enjoy that wonderful vacation,sounds lovely.

TADA
morning routine
read paper
played several rounds of UNO with DD

PODA
general tidying
a little weeding
sort mail
read with DD
lunch
pool
dinner
DD bath

Heidi

I am always making sarcastic comments about the "dirt fairy" and "clutter fairy" visiting our house. DDalmost7 said yesterday that she thinks the "dog brushing fairy" visited as there are clumps of dog hair all over the floor. And here I sit on the computer...

TADA
sink still shiny
bank deposit (not overdrawn-phew!)
dropped off some chairs I was storing for a friend
fixed the email at the business

PODA
sweep the floor!
fold clean laundry (SLUG)
some more homework
pay for my fall classes
dinner: bourbon marinated beef tenderloin, fresh garden green beans, rosemary grilled potatoes

I know Schroon Lake! It's about 2 hours from here and gorgeous! Enjoy.

Off to sweep...
-Jo

Morning Everyone -
Boy that dinner sounded good Jo - how was it? We ended up going it so I need to grill up a pork tenderloin for tonite - try to use up some groceries.

TADA so far:
beds made
walked
dw emptied

PODA:
finish exercise
laundry
mop floor
do nails
vac van
call sitter
get $
call neighbor about watering
water
clean stairs
PACK

Before I can do any of that I need to feed kids though -
Andrea

Now that the office is done (mostly), time to tackle the girls' room (can you tell I'm procrastinating on this one?). Bleh.

Also need to fold a load of laundry. But I may go out and chop some weeds down before it gets too hot out there.

Baby awake. The latter will probably be put on hold.

i went out to an appt. this morning, and when I came home little DD4 was complaining that she still feels sick. The sitter (who has the girls for the afternoon) said that DD4 was "dragging" and needed a nap rather than some other activity. So I think I will be calling the Dr. again. I'm waiting til after she eats some lunc to see whether she might improve with some food in her tummy.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind going back to the DR. (who said call on Thurs. if she's not well), as I am concerned about this drawn-out sickness.

Hi to all -- gotta get something done before I start sick-kid care again.

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

I don't blame you Shaun - that is a long time to be so sick. Let us know what you find out, if anything.

Jenny, I am procrastinating too on my kitchen floor. I want it to be clean when we leave tomorrow am. DH said he would do it later, after he golfs, but I want it done now. I also need to pack for myself.

Off to mop (maybe)
Andrea

Good Evening!

Have a safe trip Andrea

Hope the Dr has some answers for your Dd Shaun

TADA
all the usual

How's that for an efficient TADA???!!!

Heidi

Love it Heidi!
Thanks - I may or may not post in the am depending on the status of packing - we are almost there.

I did a TON of things today - I am beat -

Take care everyone -
Andrea

OK, here I am - trying to wake up! I most likely won't post again. I am going to try to find internet access somewhere during the week.

Have a great week everyone - I'll be expecting lots of progress when I get back!
Andrea

Teenage boys can make such a mess. I should make them clean it up, but they both had to leave for work by 6am, and won't be home until mid afternoon, and I don't think I can take it that long.

TADA
not much. Oh, I made dinner last night (chicken parmesan, noodles, salad)
and meal planned
and got groceries
and did homework
and I walked too, I guess I did more than I thought yesterday...

PODA
dishes
vac the LR rug
clutter bust
fold some laundry
finish the stupid homework so I can have a life again until August 27th when my next class starts...

Shaun, I hope DD is feeling better. Lingering yucks are not fun. Poor girl.

Have a great Friday everyone!

Jo

DD4 is still sick -- was up with her twice last night. We are all soooooo tired! I'm hoping to go scrapbooking to catch a break tonight . . . if I can stay awake! It is pretty stressful.

Have a great trip, Andrea!
Get your homework done, Jo!

Hi to Jenny and Heidi, keep plugging away!

Oh, and to perk up I took part in a homemade gift exchange among bloggers. So far you can still sign up to take part and get something from me!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Have a great and safe trip, Andrea!

Shaun, hope the dr figures out what's ailing DD.

Hi Heidi!

Jo, I think my husband is a teenager still. At least he makes the mess of one. Glad you get a little breather before school starts up again.

Yesterday's TADA:
Girls room clean!! (Ok most of it. It LOOKS clean. I still need to take care of some surfaces and behind/underneath dressers and desk, but it LOOKS clean in there).
Picked up living room (before it got messed up again by DH and children)
pulled/chopped weeds (got a blister from chopping)
Cleaned oven and stovetop (drip pans, etc) real good. Were black, now shiny.

Today I would like to attack the bathrooms and the kitchen floor. And since it's Friday, maybe attack figuring out bills and some old filing to be done. And register for my online class (and again figure out my 3 year plan on school, because my husband has decided he is going to take EMT-Intermediate in the Spring. So, I'm put on hold. again). Dh is off to either cut hay or to an auction, so he is out of my hair.

Good Evening!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
bank deposit
grocery for odds and ends
picked up school calendar
sorted mail
read with DD
lunch
carpet cleaned
weeded garden
dinner

Taking DD to a Bug Fest tomorrow at a park. All bug themed activities,right up her alley. Then we are headed to a get together for the evening with DH and the kids.

Have a good night guys!

Heidi

Good morning!

I got one bathroom cleaned up good yesterday, a load of laundry, fixed and cleaned up dinner (stuffed shells) and made a banana bread. But I don't feel like I got anything accomplished. Did turn on the sprinkler for the kids to run around in and I put on a bathing suit to get a little sun myself. Last night was spent watching ball game, then Ella Enchanted with the girls.

Kitchen floor on the list for THIS MORNING. It's BAD. Fold some laundry. I would really like to go dump some trash, if I can get DH's huge amp out of the backseat of my truck so the kids can actually sit. Or, leave girls at home and me and the boys go.

Sheriff is here. Apparently a paintball setup has moved in a mile down the road, right next door. Problem is, the owner of that section didn't know it (he lives a ways away)! So, DH is taking care if it for him.

I'm looking forward to school starting. DD10 hit DD8 with a wiffle ball bat last night, for really no reason at all. Lord, help me get thru til Thursday!

DD4 feels good enough to be bored and eat so that's an improvement. If we can get through the day with no fever, I'll believe we're on the upswing. But we've had better days before, so we'll see.

I'm going to try to get her to nap anyway. As you might imagine, we have a serious laundry and cleaning backup to tackle this weekend!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

I hope she's on the mend Shaun.

Well, I got my paper done. It ended up being 10 pages long, I guess I'm pretty windy today.

Tonight I have a wonderful friend coming over for wine and bitching. I'm going to make us some munchies and chocolate mousse as soon as I get my butt off this computer and into the shower.

TADA
dishes
one load of laundry
brought up the clean stuff to fold
picked up the family room
typed my head off

PODA
shower
make some mousse
make other munchies
fold clean laundry (SLUG again)
laugh with DF

See ya,

-Jo

P.S. The avatar looks quite like me, except my hair and legs are both longer.

Jo, do you think it's easier to write lengthy papers now than say, right out of high school? I remember that is was so hard to come up with the minimum. But now I find myself wanting to go on and on. Hmmm, much like me posting here (I just keep going, and going...)

Shaun, how did DD do over the weekend?

It was a fairly uneventful weekend. We went to church yesterday, kids went to Sunday School (it was SS kickoff), ate pizza afterwards. Then came home and pretty much vegged. Watched movies on TBS (two Harrison Fords in a row. I LOVE Harrison Ford. Not in a lustful way. My father looks EXACTLY like him, I kid you not). Played video games with the kids, did some online research on something dh and I are thinking about.

I got a load of laundry folded, one washing, one drying. Also put away dishes (such a hard task for me to get done). BEFORE I got on the computer. LOL! Oh, and of course dressed right down to my holey jeans and boots. Not sure what the day will bring, there is so much to choose from! haha! I'll try to have a TADA later.

TADA
groceries
computer cleanup
DD's room

PODA
dishes
laundry
take DS15 to the dentist and then to get some sneakers
dinner: chicken nachos

Jenny, I do think I can go on easier now. Maybe more experience and all?

The boys have started pre-season sports practices. DS17 is playing soccer and DS15 is running cross country. They practice at 7am and 6pm every day. Sure keeps them busy. And tired. And hungry.

See ya,
-Jo

Uh, tada was nada yesterday. All I really got done was some desk things, going thru bills and such. Oh, and looking at houseplans online, still trying to pick out my dreamhouse (not that we are building one, but I enjoy looking. Enjoy it too much, as a matter of fact). I played video games with the kids instead. Then had dinner at a friends house.

But today, I need to mow the lawn, then I HAVE to take out all that trash. The guy that's going to install the french doors on my garage is coming by tonight with a contract and to talk about the plans a bit more. So I need to clean the garage a little. Hopefully there are no more rattlesnakes.

Then we HAVE to sort and label all the school supplies. Take them with us to registration tomorrow. Everyone is looking forward to school starting I think. Except news came last night that DD8 has not only lost her bestest friend in her class (transferring to the school in her district), but another close one is moving to Texas. She is a bit bummed.

Good Morning!

TADA
morning routine
read paper

PODA
nature center with friends
picnic there
sort mail
mow lawn
dinner

We are going to a different nature center today with some friends and packing lunch too. Hopefully it won't rain,looks a little dark out now. My dad and stepmom are due here friday so the rest of the week will be cleaning house,grocery shopping and setting up bedding and such.

Jo-my Ds will be doing track and field this year at school but that doesn't happen til spring at least. Good luck keeping 2 teen boys fed...I need a part time job just to pay for his food!!!!

Heidi

I had a marathon library research day so I am hiding in my office, worn out. DH took DD8 to "harvest" fresh hardwood logs from downed trees in our recent stormy weather. (He is growing shitake mushrooms on them -- I always take care to point out that he is growing *shitake* mushrooms . . . )

DD4 has had a couple of good days, although her fever is back this evening. Two weeks! She had a hard time getting started this morning and went back to bed for a while, then was up and happy for a while, but then by dinnertime was not well and running a fever of 101.6. So I assume we will be back to the Dr.s office, but only if they can tell me why we should be!

Been doing a bit of rearranging in the LR and trying to stay caught up on laundry. So far, laundry is in the lead, and I am a real dark horse!

Good luck all you back-to-schoolers!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

TADA:
*mowed front, both sides, back, garden, and more out front (about an acres was mowed total).
*met with contractor about doors for my garage, signed contract for work to be done (also had a nice visit with him. He has 3 girls at our school and 3 foster kids not in school yet)
*fixed a big lunch AND cleaned it all up (fried chicken, mashed taters, cornbread muffins)
*some desk work

not much, but I'm beat. No, I didn't get the kids school supplies sorted. Will do it in the morning, before we take it to the school later.

Shaun, how frustrating!! Wish they could figure out how to fix your DD up!

Good Afternoon!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
cleaned majority of house
paid a bill
sorted mail

PODA
read with Dd
perhaps grocery shop or tomorrow
dinner

Tonight or tomorrow I will shop for some things to have here for my dad and stepmom's visit and make cookies for them too. They are due here Friday afternoon. And school starts in a week! Yay! Looking foward to some peace and quiet but not the early morning routine or the homework police...bleh...

Heidi

Took the kids to school, brought home same ol' paperwork to fill out for 2 of them (preK didn't have there's yet). Took in school supplies, talked to teachers. Not a big deal. We know them all anyway. And they are always very respectful to us, since DH is school board. LOL! Well, except one. DD8's teacher doesn't think twice about talking back to him. Probably because she married his cousin 25 years ago. While DH was still in elementary school and while he had a crush on her. You know, the pretty high school girl on the bus that was always sweet to the elementary kids. So DH doesn't intimidate her. LOL! DD8 is excited about being in her class and is trying to call her Mrs. E-- rather than her first name. LOL!

Anyway, we all went to Dairy Queen for lunch, then groceries, some tractor parts, and home. Groceries put away, I'm checkin' email. DH is making a shelf for DD10's locker, DD10 is trying to figure out the combination lock.

No flying today. We are fixing to clean out the garage so the door guy can get to work whenever the doors come in and we can figure out where mice are coming in from in there.

First official day of school. I of course went, took both girls to each of their classes, took pictures, etc. Stayed around for the assembly, too. Always do, to see what the cheerleaders have worked up over the summer (Since I'm planning on taking over the cheerleading program in a few years, important to keep up with them now, I think). A little wierd, having a daughter in middle school (which is the other side of the building). Got a locker even.

Baking a cake now for tonight's Watermelon Welcome at the school (cheerleaders have a cake auction. I'm putting one in for my elementary squad). Will do some other piddly things. No real PODA right now. Just kinda nice without DD10 screaming at DS4 all the time, and DD8 complaining about how bored she is (she had a fit about taking a shower yesterday "because it's boooooring!").

All the back to school excitement sounds like a good time at your place, Jenny.

I am mulling over some kind of back-to-school event just for my girls, since it will be DD4s first year of homeschool. (Although I am always suspicious of the term "home preschool," DD4 will be aware that she's not going back to regular preschool, and that DD8 is "doing school.)

Gotta run to the library -- we're down one car today, so a lot more messing about to get where I'm going!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Yikes!

My kids start on the 29th.

I have a happy, big PODA today-Lookit!

got all the laundry folded and put away last night as I watched Feasting on Asphalt
got all the dirty laundry except one load washed
washed a bunch of blankets
cleaned out the van. again.
registered for my Speech Language Disorders class
bought DS15 a locking knob for his bedroom and an alarm clock
went to the dentist to get 2 cracked filling replaced
made DS17 an appointment for wisdom teeth removal
made DH an appointment for a cleaning
dishes
made a blackberry pie with DD and the berries she picked at my mom's
made really cool scratch magic pictures with DD
painted our toenails sparkly red (DD painted the dog's toenails too)

PODA
dinner: carmelized onion marinated grilled chicken, tater tots (DD's idea) and garden carrots
read with DD (Unicorn's Secret series-awesome!)
school shopping tomorrow. Yikes!

Have a great one Flyfriends!
-Jo

Good Evening!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
baked 2 batches of cookies
grocery shopping for company
general tidying
sorted mail
dinner

Made choc chip and oatmeal raisin today. Hopefully they won't be gone before my dad arrives!! Tomorrow I will swipe both bathrooms and get bedding and towels set for them. The house got cleaned yesterday so I guess we are good to go.

Jenny-lockers and changing classes in a 3 minute interval were the hardest for my DS to get used to. I think he carried all his books in his back pack for awhile til he got used to the whole thing! Your days will be a little quieter now? When does Chance start school?

Jo-dental work all around for everyone huh? My DH hasn't been in I don't know how long. I have nagged and prodded to no avail,men...

Have a pleasant night.

Heidi

At least we have 5 minutes to change. And she doesn't have far to go. The middle school consists of 4 classrooms all in one building--one hall with lockers, two rooms on each side, and a set of bathrooms at the end. PE is in the gym, and Music is right by the Ag shop, which is between the middle school and high school halls.

Chance starts school Monday. Then it will be just me and Drew. Wow. I won't know what to do with myself when I'm not screaming at all the kids. LOL!

I didn't get anything done, except for the cake (which my darling husband won back in the auction for $95! It's triple chocolate fudge!). A good time was had by all. The librarian bought a cream pie and shoved it into the superintendent's face (it was auctioned for that purpose). I helped the cheerleaders with selling hamburgers and hotdogs. I bet we sold about 300 of them. I'm exhausted! And I didn't even get to eat!

Tomorrow morning Chance has his assessment. I'll finish the bills and work on laundry then, too.

Been working in the garage today. DH decided Let's clean it out. We have almost everything out. Except weight bench set, 2 freezers (full of meat) and 1 broken fridge. Well, and there are built in shelves with stuff on them. But I had to take a break from smelling dead rats and their feces. Ugh. LOL! That room is going to be nice when we finish it, though. DH is excited that it will be HIS. I am excited that I can kick his printer, desk, stereo, CDs, amps, and guitars out there and out of my office.

Time for some more chocolate cake now.

We need to tackle our garage too (just dead mice, though!). DH wants to set up a shop out there, and I've told him he can get new electrical out there for it (cheaper than moving to a big multi-building property in the country just so he can go out and play with his tools!).

Kind of a lazy day today -- cleaned up the kitchen, moved the laundry around, then did some knitting and took the kids out to play in the neighborhood. Now we're home and I need to think about dinner!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

Morning Everyone -

We got home yesterday about 1:00. It was a fun trip - Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks is beautiful! The kids had a fun time, including DS's friend who joined us on Sunday. Lots of fishing, swimming, some hiking, and generally hanging out. It is good to be home though. I spotted two little brown mice in our house on the lake last Sunday - we put them out, but I was never quite at ease there, if you know what I mean!

Sounds like everyone has been busy!

I'm not doing a PODA today - I know what needs to be done, mainly mail, gardens, finish unpacking. Laundry is mostly done. I have a hair appointment at 10:00 - oh and I need to exercise!
Andrea

Welcome back, Andrea!

MIL wants us to come over today. She is keeping my niece and nephew for the weekend (lucky SIL and her DH went tubin' with some friends), so we have to go over to play and eat. First I want to finish up the bills here (print the checks, stuff the envelopes). Then we will be outa here. Oh, and must clean the kitchen. Family wanted pancakes. By the time I got done enough to eat my own (meaning everyone had their seconds), family was done and gone and I had to eat by myself. That depresses me a little. No one wait around for mom. I still need to clean the kitchen up, but I want to take a shower first.

Glad you had a good trip Andrea!

It is a gray, rainy, gloomy morning here -- and DH was up working til 3:30 am -- so I slept until DD8 woke me at 8:45 requesting breakfast. She and I got up, and DD4 must have slept at least another hour. I finally dragged DH out of bed around 11:30!

I have freelance work to do, since DH was gone all day yesterday I got nothing done in that vein.

Jenny, your pancake story reminds me of traditional (Asian) Indian pancakes, where mom does the same thing -- cooks and cooks until everyone has their fill and *then* finally gets to eat. It's like when I visit my mom: we're all at the table, waiting to eat (well, I make my part of the family wait for her anyway!), and she's still running around saying "Does anyone want me to make another side dish before we start?" All our dinners start with me saying, "No, mom, just sit down!!"

Maybe we all need to train our children to do this!

Shaun
www.redseahomeschool.wordpress.com

HI Guys -
Thanks for the welcome back! Glad you are poking in more Shaun.

Yes, that eating thing happens to me too and I don't like it!

I've gotten most of the catch up done - still have to work some on gardens. I am feeling a bit pressured - we have 2 1/2 weeks left of summer and I don't want it to end. I think I've gotten a fair amount done, but I really want to do more scrapping, do DD's room, and all of those fun projects and outings with the kids! Just not enough time! I refuse to do school shopping until the last minute b/c then I feel like summer is over!

See ya -
Andrea

How about an old fashioned bun warmer, Jennye? Put pancakes in it as they're done, and they stay hot - everybody can eat at the same time!

Now this may sound like I'm a wee little piggy who can't wait (OK, I am), but when we do pancakes, I make two or three for ME, fix 'em up how I like them, THEN I make pancakes for everyone else while I stand there and eat. Then, by the time they are done, so am I. No conversation really, but then our breakfasts are usually fast so DH can get off to class and my toddlers are just eager to play before it gets too hot outside. Anyhow, then I'm not sitting there trying to eat while my kids are asking me for favors since they are done ("Mom, can you come help me with this?" "Mom, where's my...?" etc).