flybabies july

Here I was, gone for 5 days (between cheer camp then discovering my wireless modem had kicked the bucket and I couldn't do a thing about it til today), and only ONE flybaby post!!! SHAME!!!

However, since I was without internet for days, I got stuff done! My room all CLEAN. Boxes of stuff that was sitting in there for the giveaway pile is out (and now in my laundry room). I'll take it next week to the church for it's garage sale. Cleaned two boxes of farm magazines out of DH's bathroom, too. I had a trailer load between the trash, mags, and some old branches and dumped it. Last night we loaded another load of branches. I still have about one more to go.

I also mowed all around the house and was working around the barns when the mower ran out of gas. And of course I had none. Filled up 2 5gallon jugs today so I'm set to mow, mow, MOW! Also bought new weedeater so I can trim, too.

I have been in town every day the past 6 days! Ready to just stay home all week! If I can stay off the computer, I can get SO much done!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

I know it's pathetic isn't it Jenny?! At least Heidi posted!

I am hoeing out for our church g. sale too. We can start hauling stuff on August 11. It is a great way to get rid of stuff. I am laughing at the two boxes of farm mags - OMG.

I am hanging in there - decompressing from baseball. DS has been asked to be on a tournament team which will play in mid-August. Of course we said yes! He is also starting football then so we will be juggling.

I will be busy for the next few days and will most likely not be posting. Will fill you in later! Keep on flying everybody! (Where is Linda?)
Andrea

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

That's right,at least I posted!! LOL

Monday's TADA

morning routine
read paper
DS to camp
bank deposit
Kohl's with DD
sorted mail
put away laundry
couple calls
paid a bunch of bills
weeded out DD's socks and undies
picked up DS
dinner

DD and I got her some new socks and undies(both were getting too small) and 2 pair of new shoes for school. Still need tennis shoes for gym days at school. Kohl's had an awesome clearance aisle for shoes. Got both for less than $25 and they are good ones too. DS needs a new pair of tennis shoes too but of course that requires him and his large teenage feet to come along with me! Let's hope that this pair will last most if not all school year.

Andrea-congrats to DS,are any of the baseball kids on his football team as well? Maybe carpooling to help with all that juggling? Good luck!

Jenny-yes I get more done when the computer is off too. Crazy how time consuming it can get. Now that you are unloading stuff at the church sale,don't buy anything at the sale!! LOL

Heidi

Morning!

Andrea, congrats to DS on the tourney team!!

Heidi, I know what you mean about shoes!! All three of my school aged ones have to have shoes just for gym, to be kept at school all the time. DD11 needs shoes just for cheering, and both will also need shoes just for basketball. The reason for shoes just for BB and just for gym is so that our gym floors do not get all messed up from stickers, rocks, and cacti that attach to the soles when worn outside.

I got a bunch of mowing done yesterday out around the pens and barns. Loaded up and dumped another trailerload of sticks and twigs. got out new weedeater and figured out how it all worked, got the yard all done with that. by the time I got in I was TIRED!

Still so much mowing to do. And much more junk to load up in the trailer. It's kinda warm out today, maybe I can work inside a while on decluttering or cleaning something and work out there this evening.

My only TADA for today was cheer practice this morning, helping the guys move tractors and trucks to another field, then brought home the 500 gallon deisel tank and filled it up. Oh, and fixed one of the cows water tanks (which I need to check on). Fixed the guys lunch (burgers) and was fixing to take it to them, but then they called and said they were broke down, had to head to town and would pick up something there.

I'm going to make some banana bread today, too. I have SO many things on my PODA, it's depressing. I'm not even going to list them here. LOL!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Good Afternoon!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
DS to camp
mailed bills
DD to park
Subway for lunch
sorted mail
several calls
golf in yard with DD
weeded front bed a little

PODA
pick up DS
dinner
showers
reading

Heidi

Is it Wednesday already? wow.

Heidi, putting or driving in the yard. How fun!! A little Tiger there?

It was a bit warm yesterday so I stayed inside as long as I could. Around 4 or so I finally went out and the girls and I loaded up another trailerload of misc stuff from the South and East sides outside the yard and mowed that. Cleaned the trash out of my car since DH wanted to take it to bigger town at 4am this morning to get a part for the tractor (he has requested I renew the Sirius Radio, my free trial ran out and he was stuck with local stuff. LOL!).

PODA:
*find more line for weedeater (already ran out)
*weedeat outside of yard fences
*crack whip over DD11 to weed the garden (it's her 4-H project)
*Dump trailer of junk
*load 'er up again down by the sheds/barns (I've got to get all that cleaned up before we work cows this week or next)
*mowin' mowin' mowin'...
*more weedeatin' down by the sheds/barns
however, it is supposed to hit 95 today, and humidity yesterday was 30 (high for us), so I may try to spend time inside when it gets to hot outside:
*shampooing carpets
*decluttering some of the kids rooms
*surely I can find a few things to get rid of in my kitchen
*and will probably fix the guys lunch and take it to the field (which is 15 miles away). Unless they break down and head to town again.

And then again, we may just go down to the stock tanks and take a swim. The kids, anyway. I need to work on my tan. I have tan arms, white legs. LOL!
Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

TADA
morning routine
read paper
DS to camp
1 load laundry
talked to friend

PODA
see DS's play after lunch
bank deposit
sort mail
vacuum top floor
trash to curb
dinner
reading

Feels like fall today with cool temps and some rain. It has been so hot and humid that it feels good to have this break. Two more days of camp for DS. Today is the matinee performance and tomorrow is the evening one. They are doing FAME. This will be his last year at this camp as a camper,he can return as a junior counselor next summer.

Better get lunch made.

Jenny- I vote for swimming instead of all that yard work,FWIW.

Heidi

Enjoy your cooler weather, Heidi. FAME sounds like fun!!

We started out good today. DD11 and I got the garden all weeded, and I finished weedeating all around the outside of the yard and garden fences. When it hit around 90 we came in, fixed the guys lunch and took it to the field.

When we got home we found our beloved german shephard dead on the patio. He didn't look well earlier, but I thought the heat was just getting to him and I would cool him off when we got home in a little bit. We are all heartbroken, he was my baby and the girls and I have been crying all day. But he had a last day full of attention, it was also his 2nd birthday.

After that I just couldn't function anymore. I did get the kitchen cleaned up once, but after I fixed dinner it's all a mess again. I better get busy and clean it up. Was hoping DH would be home before 9 so we could bury Tex, but guess we will have to do that in the morning. I'm not sure I could lift him, he's over 80 pounds.

I'll try to check-in tomorrow afternoon. DD11 has cheer practice in the morning, then DS5 is going to spend the night at the inlaws.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Aw,Jenny, I am so sorry to hear about Tex. I wonder if he got into something poisonous or got bit?? He was so young and all. My thoughts are with you guys.

PODA
morning routine
read paper
mattress delivery
DS to camp
playdate here for DD
sort mail
several calls
put away laundry
pick up DS
dinner
reading
DS's play at 7pm

Heidi

Jenny, I am sorry about Tex How sad. I know you all are devestated.

We are back from the lake and had an awesome time, with a few exceptions which will make really good reading. House is clean with exception of dog hair, so will vacume today and do laundry. Stored trailer at the lake. Drove 5 miles home with it behind my Tahoe and turned back. Sure is not the smae as pulling it with hte truck. Ah look at my one finger typing... yes, I have a splint and a wrap on my left hand... Why?? I took a huge dive. We went fishing at the dam. you had to go down 100 concrete stairs down to get there. Storm rolls in, 2 adults and 8 kids race back up these stairs (think Rocky). I was carryng fishing polls in one hand and tackle box in the other. I fell and landed on at least 5 of those stairs. Broke my middle finger on my left hand, hip contusion the size of a saucer and more on foot, knee and wrist. Lovely. However, I did not break a nail! DD caught 2 fish, so she had a good time there. DD caught two nice bass. One in the boat and one on the pier. That was all he needed to want to hang out on the pier the whole time. We did not stay for the annual fish fry due to the weather and my injuries. I feel like I have been run over.

However, every time I go camping with my friends, I discover new food items to try. "Red Diamond sweet ice tea" is to die for, and "Margarita in a bag" from Walmart.

oh well, back to the real world... DD has cheer camp, so I better get her rolling...

Morning gals.

Heidi, how did the play go? I can remember watching FAME as a little kid, but I cannot remember who any of the characters were.

Ouch, Linda! Glad you are home now. Margarita in a bag? Hmmm, I will have to see if we have that one. I LOVE the ones in the bucket from walmart (and I'm out, dang it).

My TADA isn't much.
*got patio cleaned off where Tex had died (ewWWW)
*junior high cheer practice (I finally have half the dance down myself. LOL!)
*dropped DS5 off at inlaws
*picked up the office/music room pretty good and vacuumed/mopped the floor
*mopped the kitchen
*four loads laundry done and put away (2 to go)
*made double batch of pan cookies for 4-H meeting last night
*cleaned kitchen
*went to 4-H meeting. Helped fire department chief with cookout for the 4-H meeting and cleaned up afterwards (I'm kinda an auxillery member of the fire department)

Today's PODA:
*fix some fence (some calves got out yesterday. DH wants me to go pound in about 15 T-posts in the area they got)
*mow more (been a couple days)
*finish 2 loads of laundry
*hopefully get LR/DR, old office/kids TV room, and hallway carpet shampooed

DH should get done planting today. Now we just need a little rain this month, a little more next, and we should be fine.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

My only TADA was fixing the fence. Ended up pounding in about 25 t-posts and wiring all the barb wire to them (fixed about a 1/4 mile of fence). Took me about 3 hours and I was beat and useless the rest of the day. Well, except that I helped DH move the tractors around (he got done planting! yay! Now, just a bit of rain every so often). I'm beat, DH is beat (1000 or so acres planted), and I hope the kids go to bed soon. Hope to get to the carpets tomorrow.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Went to the orthopedic dr and he said I will live. buddy wrapped my fingers together. Concerned about the bruise on my hip though. Said to put a heating pad on it and try to massage it out so it doesn't form a hematoma. DH and I had a discussion about laundry today. I folded his underwear 10 days ago and it was still sitting there to be put away. Let him know that I was tired of always being the one to do stuff around here while he sat his *** on the chair. Went shopping and came back and it was put away. Why do I always have to be the bad guy to get stuff done around here. Something happenned with DD at cheer camp yesterday. She wouldn't tell me, but wrote it all in her diary. I need to pick the lock. Texted her coach to ask him what was up, he said she did great, so it must be something from the eyes of a 10 y/o. She is gone today from 12:30 - 7:30. Long day for her.

Nothing of any significance done today.

Linda, there is no telling what happened at Cheer camp. I managed to make one of my cheerleaders mad at camp because I picked another girl to be captain (the girl who wanted it didn't have her extreme routine down as well and has a negative attitude. Not a leader at all. I stand by my decision).

I got all the carpets shampooed today. Actually, I spot cleaned the kids rooms and old office, but did the hallway, dining room and living room real good. Need to clean up the kitchen and throw some supper together. Don't forget Hannah Montana 3D movie tonight. Hope you all got your free 3D glasses at Walmart. we all got ours! LOL!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Happy Monday, ladies!

I took a well deserved day of rest yesterday. We did get up and go to church, DH and I drove around town while the kids were in Sunday School looking at...things. I'll leave it at that. Ate some lunch, got some groceries and gas, checked rain gauges at various fields (got more rain the other night and nearly everything is coming up. Whew, breathe a HUGE sigh of relief!!). I had a headache when we got home so after we put away groceries we vegged the rest of the day. So NADA on any flying.

Today I need to tackle a weekly blessing. DH and the kids played legos til 11pm and left a huge mess of them on the floor! I would also like to shampoo my two big area rugs, I've had them outside for a few days to get them out of the way so they should be a little wet still from that rain. hopefully the dining room one's yogurt stains will come off easier. LOL!

But first we have cheer practice at 8:30. So I need to get all the kids up and around (DS2 will be the hard on there, he didn't sleep well at all last night, and niether did I!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Just me around here I guess. LOL!

I had such big hopes yesterday, really I did. But then while at cheer practice hubby kept calling me. He was actually TALKING to home builders (before we have even listed our ranch!). After this and that, I was told by DH that the floorplan I had chosen wasn't going to work, so I spent a good deal of day frying my brain in front of the computer trying to find the perfect home. It hasn't ended pretty. Sorry, I just don't want a ranch styled home. Just why is it that in any other part of the country it's cheaper to build 2 story, but here it costs more? LOL! Anyway, then the kids kept playing with the legos, and I just didn't get anything done.

But today...today I shall. And maybe get some mowing done while I'm at it, too. Especially down by the pens, since we are working cattle this weekend. Anyone want to come down for a branding?

Linda, if you don't mind me asking, how big is the pool you are looking at and how much is it going to cost (ballpark). One of my dreams is an inground pool, it's years off if affordable at all. And most people in the country here prefer INDOOR inground pools, I guess because of the dirt/sand factor when living around plowed fields during sandstorms.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

We are spending two days at our house on the coast. Never come down here. Usually rent it out to pay for itself. Saw a few open days so here we are. DH coming down after work today. DD and DS are fishing and I am trying to get the internet to work. I can hook right to the modem, but not to any ports. Monday I went to school and organized my classroom. Dropped a plastic crate on the top of my foot. Nice gash. I am a walking accident. Jenny, talk about a dream house, this house here is mine. DH built it himself exactly how we wanted it. There are alot of rough edges that need to be fixed (DH sucked at trim, I could have tiled better, and after 6 yrs, noticed the cabinet over the fridge is upside down.) I keep griping to sell, but when we are here, I like it. We rent it out, and the carpet is always nasty, that part I dont like.

My point, make sure it is exactly what you want. I would kill for a big laundry room in my house. We never use the formal dining room.

We signed all the papers for the pool, so now more papers to sign later in the week. It is 18 feet across and 32 feet wide. We have a big yard, so there will still be room for the trampoline.

I am losing sleep over the cost, but DH seems to think it is feasible if we eat at home!! We have a few toys to sell, so we need to get on that.

DD says she wants to quit cheer. She is mad (and her diary entry confirmed) that her friend is getting alot of attention. I wanted to give her the "someone is always prettier, smarter...." speech, but she wouldn't understand.

How cool, a place on the coast! What is it near? Maybe someday I'll get to go back to the beach. Last year we went to Port Aransas, was a ton of fun. RV park right by the beach.

TADA:
*load of laundry
*legos picked up (after some whip crackin')

My husband can spoil any plan. He called just after I posted and needed me to run something to him in town that he forgot. I did a few things at the University while I was there. Talked to DH and now have yet another scenerio of what to do if the ranch sells. LOL! We are back and forth between moving to town or moving to the farm. The big surprise, DH is the one who wants to move to town! LOL! Right now it's looking like we won't get our DREAM home, but a fairly nice one anyway. As always subject to change at any moment. LOL!

I have to go to town (again) for cheer practice, then an appointment at the college for advising. Another non-productive day.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

DH got here last night. Brought the boat to take DS fishing. Bummer is that DD and I have to leave today. DD has cheer. We will need to leave by 2 to get here there by 5. We will hit traffic, I am sure. I am ready though. I want to get in my classroom and get it finished up tomorrow. Need to buy a few things, but definately am giving myself a budget. 3 yards of fabric for a bulletin board, nameplates, and a new gradebook. I am really going to have to watch my budget.

Have laundry put away when I get home. I brought a basket with me to do here! My car is in need of a major wash. When we were in Dallas, the ice chest leaked water. Now it stinks. Need to figure out how do deal with that. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.

Broken finger is really cramping my style. Still is painful and whole hand cramps up with it tied to my index finger.

Enjoying the quiet. Everyone is still asleep at 9:30!!!

We had a great day yesterday. DH, DS, DD and I went out in the boat fishing. Enjoyed us being a family and doing something all together. Before you know it 2:00 came and went. I decided to let DD skip cheer. DH and DS decided to drive back later. She and I left about 5:30 and stopped and had a dinner date together. When we got home, she and I popped popcorn and had a girls movie night watching High School Musical. Boys rolled in at 10:30.

Today is her 10th birthday. I have a gift card for build a bear, so I am going to take her there this afternoon. I have another for the Nestle tollhouse, so we will stop there and get a cookie slice. I did not give her a party because I was holding out for the pool to be done. Now I feel bad, but I told her as soon as it is done, we can have one.

Sorted through mail. All junk, one bill. Life is good. Hand was killing me, so I woke up in the middle of the night and took an Advil and a Vicodin. The pain was all the way up my arm into my shoulder.

Today's list:
Call pool guy for amendments
Change sheets on beds
swiffer and vacuum dog/cat hair
change litter box (too gross, p.u.)
scrub toilets (even grosser)
wash car
teacher supply store
fabric store
date with DD to build a bear and cookie place
DD private at 4:00
make spaghetti and garlic bread for birthday supper.

Sounds ambitious. I am sure I will need a nap since I woke up so early! Hopefully my hand will feel ok enough for me to do some of this manual work.

Morning! Was in town all day yesterday so it was a bust doing anything around here. But, did get my advising done, listened to an hour sales pitch to get me to join Mary Kay (got a free eyeliner out of the deal. LOL!). Didn't join their ranks, of course. Helped DH road machinery again. Looked at a house in town (model home), discussed options some more. DH can't decide what he wants: build on the farm (the best option if we continue to farm, but what if we don't?), get some acreage in town and build (expensive, but all the room we would need for a small barn, big enough house, and still keep the horses and have a pool someday), or just build in a nice quiet neighborhood in town (more affordable, but small lot. Probably no pool, barely a backyard, no barn. But the people in that neighborhood are great, we know many of them). Oh, the decisions!!

Today I'm going to turn off the computer and work. Supposed to hit 100 today, I hope to mow before that happens. Boys are asleep still (well, DH got up and gone with the sun), girls spent the night at MILs. Hopefully in the heat of the day I can work on the house.

Linda, happy birthday to your DD! Build a Bear looks like fun! We saw one when we went to the American Girl shop in Atlanta visiting my mom for Christmas (but had already done AG, could afford to do both. Maybe next time we are there). If you can, let the are in the car air out with the door open. Try some Fabreze, too.

So, I better get busy, hope to have a TADA later! How many times have I said THAT! LOL!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

HI All!

Returned from our Minnesota trip late Tuesday night. Still in recovery mode with lots on my PODA, but I am getting there.

We had a nice time, complicated by a few family dynamics. We celebrated DH's folks' 50th by staying at a lovely resort on Lake Superior for two nights. It was a lot of fun! I ate and drank way too much though - I probably picked up 5 pounds or so! There were always hors d'ouevres laying around, etc. We did some other fun things too and DH got to meet his great-nephew! Back to reality now - I have a little more than 4 weeks left of summer and a lot I want to get done. DH is doing some of it - painting my bath and the hallway. I want to organize my linen closet, catch up with scrapping, and maybe do some sewing with DS - plus the regular stuff.

You guys have been doing tons of fun things without me! Sorry about your daughter's troubles Linda - that really bites. Why do girls have to be so mean?! Jenny, wow - a new house!! I am totally jealous! I can't see you guys living in town for some reason, but maybe you would adjust to it. Hey Heidi!!

I'm off -

Andrea

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

I have a black cloud hanging over my head!! Went to school and worked til noon, came home and picked up DD to go birthday shopping. Driving down the main street and car in front slams on their brakes, I slam on mine, tell DD to hang on, and guy behind me doesn't break in time! BAM! He hits me...BAM! I hit car in front. Great!! Call the sheriff. Hit F250 with paper plates, fresh off the lot. Not a lick of damage on her truck. The front bumper of the Tahoe is bent. Trailer hitch saved the rear. Guy behind me's bumper is off and grill is toast. Yep, he has no insurance. I called my friendly wrecker service. You know those wrecker drivers, they start circling. Wanted my own vulture!! Had car towed in and got a rental. Made it to DD's private and still to Build a Bear. Then we went to the toy store and bought her a fuzzy papasan chair. Also got her a Loving family van. She still plays with them, I know my time is running out though. Soon, she will be listening to an Ipod and thinking I'm stupid!

Made spaghetti for dinner and cleaned last weeks dishes out of the sink. Had birthday cake. That is about it around here!

The wrecker driver told me that if I had turned the wheel 3 inches over, I would have deployed the air bag. That would have sucked big time. My shoulders are sore, so know I can add that to injured body parts.

I am upset that the guy had no insurance, but he got out of his car and made sure my dd and I were ok. He stood there and owned up that he was at fault. I asked him if he had insurance and he said he couldn't afford it. I have a $500 deductible. My budget is screwed!

Oh Linda! I am so sorry! You have had a rough time of it lately with all of this crazy stuff happening. I'm glad no one was hurt at least and that the guy was nice about it (besides not having insurance). Isn't it required by law or something? I think it's great that your DD still plays with that stuff. Mine will be 10 in November. She does like her ipod, but mostly listens to Hannah and the other Disney chicks. She is somewhere in between - she will still play with dolls.

Well, I accomplished a lot yesterday, except for the kitchen floor. I have quite a PODA again today so I need to run -

Andrea

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

OMG! Linda, so glad you guys are ok, but sucks that the guy had no insurance. I'm sure it's law, but doesn't mean people abide by it. The police/fire scanner is on here 24/7, and I hear people all the time pulled over and DMV has no record of insurance (the dispatcher will either say insurance status is "valid" or "unknown").

My DDs listen to MY iPod, but I have their Hannah Montana, etc. on it for them. I actually love HM/Mylie stuff and I think Ali and AJ are really cool (love the acoustic version of Like Whoa!). They still play with their loving family dollhouse, too (ages 11 and 9). This is a good age, they can just stay here forever. They don't hate me yet, still play with toys, but grown up enough to play with hair and paint nails, too.

TADA from yesterday:
*got a little mowing done. At least by the pens where we will be branding cattle this weekend, or next week. Whenever.
*then it got too hot, 98, to do much outside
*vacuumed
*picked up living room and kids tv room
*cleaned kitchen, kept it clean all day. Even prepared dinner earlier in the afternoon and cleaned all that up.

PODA:
*some laundry
*finish registering for my classes this fall (and pay for them)
*clean old leftovers out of fridge (hehe, time to feed the puppies!)
*declutter something
*hit a hotspot or two (my desk would be a good place to start)

Summer is almost over. School starts in two weeks. I'm a horrible mom. We didn't go ANYWHERE this summer: not to the pool, not to any of the free movies on Thursdays (well, we did go see the new Indiana Jones Memorial Day weekend, but it wasn't free), we didn't go camping (taking the camper to Lubbock to SILs house so DH could go to the Willie Nelson concert and I babysit does NOT count!). We didn't work on 4-H projects. Nothing but kill rattlesnakes and hang around the house and help dh farm. We are bums. Guess our only trip will be Labor day for family reunion. But we actually have school that Friday and then a football game that evening that DD11 has to cheer at. We won't be able to leave til Saturday. Bleh.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

I like Hannah/Miley too Jenny. Crazy. I was just listening to it on my itunes while scrubbing the floor. I am loving 9 and 11 too - wish I could keep them this age forever!

Yes I did get the floor done and am now off to WM for an oil change and a bit of shopping.
See ya!

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

* Took DD to see Kit movie. Two thumbs up. It was good! She wanted to see Space Chimps, but I did a little research and talked her out of it.

* $1500 damage to front end. $250 deductible. Bummer. Dorks didn't look to see if any rear damage. DUH?

* DS addicted to club penquin. Playing it for 2 days non-stop.

* House verging on disgusting. Dog hair everywhere. Too hard to clean one handed. Ran vacuum and emptied it twice.

This is why nothing gets done. I start, get disgusted and quit. ARGH!

Yeah, but think of all you get done outside of the house Linda? We loved Kit too - all of those AG movies have been very well-done I think. Club Penguin was on at our house too - DS11.

DD has a friend over now, after spending the afternoon at her "lake house" - yes they have two houses. Not sure if we can compete with our pool from Wally World. Ah well.

Got a lot done today - even worked in the gardens a bit...

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

No sign of Kit coming here, guess we will have to wait for the DVD. Glad to hear it was good, though. We have Samantha and Felicity movies, but I haven't watched them yet. I did see Molly when it was on TV. I hope they make a Kirsten one soon. And a Josephina, too.

Last night before we went to bed, the kids and I ran thru and picked up a few things. It was nice to wake up to a fairly clean house this morning. The best kid I have when it comes to picking up when I ask is the 2 year old. Go figure! Of course, I have to be specific: pick up the trains, or the legos, but he does do it. Most of the time. I also got 4 loads of laundry done, folded, AND put away. Most of the day was spent trying to be quiet for DH to sleep (he baled hay all night and again last night). And it was too hot to play much outside (upper 90's).

I still need to clean out the fridge of leftovers. Need to thaw out a roast and cook it up so I can make some BBQ for next week. That seems to be a staple when we brand cattle: BBQ, mashed taters, brocolli casserole, and something yummy for dessert (my MIL makes an apricot cobbler and homemade ice cream, then brings it all in the back of her explorer to the ranch when FIL brands). Luckily, my ranch is at my house so I won't have to go far. LOL!

Need to move the dog pen so it's in some shade. I have to get these puppies out of my yard, they are tearing the place apart! Was confirmed last night that they do have pit bull in them, so really not sure if we are going to keep them or not.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Hi Guys!!

Iwas AWOL all week because....we were on vacation. We went to Vegas and then drove to Grand Canyon,Zion National Park, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and of course saw a couple shows in Vegas. It was awesome for us because it was the FIRST time my kids(13 and 7)flew on an airplane!! We always drive to our vacation destinations. I myself had not been on a plane in 15 years!! So that was an adventure right there. It was super hot in Vegas but dry so bearable. The canyons were awesome and the Strip was crazy. We saw a magic show one night and Cirque du Soleil Mystere another night. I am unpacked. Need to unpack DD suitcase tomorrow and do a grocery run. I washed all clothes before returning so just need to put away.

More later,time to get DD to bed,gotta adjust to time change again.

Heidi

Heidi, I didn't know ya'll went to Vegas! How fun! I'm going to go someday...yeah, right. LOL! Some friends of ours went a couple weeks ago and got to see Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry. I want to go to the Hilton and see all the Star Trek 4-D things. The Borg Invasion just gives me goosebumps, they are freaky!! LOL!

Kept the house fairly clean all day. Had to help DH move machinery again (does that ever end?). Then he wanted to run to town and have me look at a house (which was very cool, even though it's only 2x4s right now).

We will be off to church tomorrow. Don't think we will work cattle til Thursday, so I have some time to make all that food.

I'm off for a shower.
Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

What a great vacation Heidi! Wow! I hope everyone had a good time. Flying is an adventure - especially nowadays. We usually HAVE to fly b/c of the distance.

Hey Jenny - did you make it to church? I did for the first time in a month.

I just finished hoeing out my linen closet - it looks great! This was one of my big projects for this summer. Now on to the scrapbooking and figuring out my camera. I got rid of several things for the church's yard sale. there are a few items I don't know what to do with - an old pillow we got for our wedding. Cross stitch things I spent hours on - stuff like that.

I'm off -

See ya!

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Morning Everyone!
Rise and shine! I am not shining here - very rough night with DD9 - up late, lots of tears, DH and I in an argument. Tired, tired, tired now. She is in a rough patch with sleeping and we are not sure how to deal with it.

Anyway, onward! I'm off to WM very soon to get oil change in van and then walk home. Have some chores lined up today - I'll check in later -
Andrea

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Oh, Andrea. Hope all is resolved soon. How far is it to WM?

As par for a Sunday, we didn't do much. Went to church (which marks us every Sunday for a month now!), ate some lunch, got some groceries, looked at the house DH has decided he wants (still under construction), came home and vegged.

But today back to it. Now that the appraisal is back on our ranch, it's time to really clean it up and sell, Mortimer, SELL! LOL! (Trading Places, with Eddie Murphy).

Post a TADA later, hopefully will be significant. LOL!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the support Jenny. Me too.

I'm back from WM - took me 30 minutes to walk home so it was a nice walk. It is probably 1.5 miles.

Must be some kind of record for you - 4 times in a row, huh? What has prompted you to sell your house anyway? I can't remember! The house he likes is in town, right?

Well, I have walked, vacuumed, tanned, have laundry in dryer and sheets ready to make bed up. I am busy uploading pictures to Picasa Web Albums - will take me awhile. Off to shower now and do my Zone.
Andrea

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Andrea, hope DD will be ok. Your kids must be the same age as mine. DD just turned 10 and DS is 11. Jenny, free and clear sounds good to me! Especially just built.

We are going to hunker down here and wait for the storm tomorrow. Our beachhouse is smack dab in the path. DH seems to think it will be a rainstorm. I hope it is a little more! No loss of life of course, but I would love the storm to blow a big hole in the boat down there!

Spent the morning at school and then DD had a playdate. Wait...oh no, you are coming in my house so I can sign a release to let her go swimming? You will be here in 15 minutes??? Yikes, just the incentive I needed!! My downstairs is spotless!! I cannot stand for anyone to come over to my house. She actually said she liked my wood floors. Good thing I vacumed the dog hair up!! Anyway, DD invited her friend to spend the night.

DS gets his braces in the morning. My room at school is good enough!! Need to file these papers. I am running out of town.

Jenny... how would it feel to live "in town" does the new house have a lot of land, or will you have neighbors.

Linda -
Yes I think they are. I remember that from your first post. Jenny's two older girls too. DS11 was born 12.21.96 and DD9 11.19.98. they are 23 months apart. I love the ages they are at now despite the issues. You would think we'd have the sleep one figured out by now though! She goes in spurts. Usually it is fine! She does have an anxious side though and any scary movie or stories throws her for a loop. She has gotten into the habit of moving into the guest room with or without me, sp that disrupts DH's sleep.

I took on way too much today and slugged a lot of it. I did purchase 5 hostas from my favorite store - the WM. It is 1.6 miles away Jenny. Will plant tomorrow I hope. I clocked it in my van since I was there 4 (yes 4!) times today. I did wipe down my kitchen counters though and am working on my picasa.

See ya in the am!
Andrea

://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Morning!

I got the front lawn mowed and the kitchen cleaned up pretty good. Most of the rest of the house is at least picked up. Will vacuum, mop, and clean up the bathrooms real quick today. Real estate guy coming by this afternoon to take a look at the place.

I'll be turning the computer off so I won't be tempted. LOL!

Linda, in town means, in town. LOL! No acreage, it's a subdivision. At least that's the plan for today. LOL! We have thought about some acreage closer to town, but do we really want a view of trailer houses (there are trailers everywhere you look in the country here. And with no trees or hills to block the view, well, lets just say we don't want to spend $250,000 or more for a view of a trailerhouse). It would be SO different for DH, he only lived in town for a few months back when he was in college. But it's a pretty nice subdivision, most of the houses have been built the last 20 years (many more recently).

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Morning Guys!

Got my hostas planted. Yay! They look good. Now I have to remember to water them. We have friends over today until 3:00 so I think I will take them mini-golfing/go carting. Also want to do a Zone and do paperwork for my flex pay at work.

Jenny, that sounds nice. We live in a subdivision. It is nice and quiet - not much traffic because the only people who drive through live here! The downside is that the kids can't walk or ride bikes down to the village b/c they have to traverse a very busy road. So DH would still work the ranch/farm even if he got the FD job?

See ya -

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Hmm not much of a storm here! Rained. That is about it. Missed us almost completely. They say it is supposed to be bad later tonight. I won't hold my breath.

DS got his braces today. Class act over there. They have a movie room, so the girls watched Alvin and the chipmunks. He was just a little nervous, but no problems. Hopefully, they can whip those beaver-teeth in quickly.

Jenny, we live on a culdesac in a subdivision also. Our house is on a pie lot, so we don't look into our neighbors house. They are very strict with the rules, so if there is a problem, it usually is handled quickly.

My room at school is looking good. I am not ready to go back. This summer went quickly.

Weird Linda. We have heavy rain here, I'm sure it is completely separate from your storm though. Braces. I think DD will need them. We have been to see the orthos the last 2 years. He said to come back in 2 years. Yay. I'm kidding - my parents splurged for braces for me and I thank them everyday I look in the mirror.

Jenny, sounds like a good plan. So no more cattle? It is amazing that the real estate is holding up so well in your area. Is it just the ranches that are doing well? How about a typical house in town? Here we are steady, but I know other areas have plummeted (the property values). Our house is worth maybe 1.5 times what we bought it for 15 years ago. Not great but at least it is something.

Off to bed...

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Morning!

Woke up and the house is still clean! LOL! Helped that DH spent the night in town at the fire station (think of it as a slumber party every night).

I need to spend the day cooking (and finally cleaning out that fridge). We are branding tomorrow and cowboys think they deserve something to eat. Oh, I might need to run to town, I'm out of beer. Thought I would make some BBQ pork roast, BBQ ribs (both of which I have dug out of the depths of my freezers), Hashbrown casserole (or mashed potatoes), and brocolli casserole. And homemade buns (I'll make today, in case I screw them up). For dessert...I have no idea. Maybe PWs chocolate sheet cake?

Also should tackle laundry today.

Andrea, land prices seem to have risen here. Alot. And I have no idea why. Which is why we have decided to get out now (in case they crash). But, I found an article in the local paper a few months back that says homes in town are increasing in value a little still and that the problems with the housing market in other parts of the country haven't hit here and probably won't. See, we ARE 10 years behind the rest of the world! LOL!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Well, that is a time when it is good to be 10 years behind! The slump has not hit our area either in a big way. Things are selling - is just may take a bit longer. Prices have increased over the past 15 years but not a lot, like I said before.

Your food sounds yummy! I was just salivating over PW's latest cooking post - pork shoulder - shredded with tortillas - I am going to have to make that sometime soon. Very soon.

Up early and got kids off to rec. Picked up DS's football stuff - he is going to look so cute in those pads! Exercised, got laundry going, watered a couple things - now off to the rest of my poda!

See ya!

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Picked up Tahoe yesterday and it has a new bumper, grill and rear bumper. Looks snazzy... but ... it still stinks inside. Even worse! Smells like a wet towel. Must be moisture somewhere. Need to clean it out and take it to get detailed. If it isn't one thing, it is another! Had to pay $500 deductible until they get the police report to prove uninsured motorist, then I will get $250 back. I was a little bummed about that.

Lots to do today. I can completly clean and decorate my classroom, but I can't put away baskets of clothes in my house. Sheesh.

Oh well, here it goes...

Bake breakfast cassarole to take to 9:30 - 12:30 meeting.
Drag box of books to school and finish sorting them.
Mail tax return.
Pick up downstairs for band practice at house tonight.
Take DD to private at 4:00

I'm tired!!

Yesterday I was going to fix that pork roast and ribs for BBQ, but decided it wouldn't be enough food. So, went to town to the store and got me a 13 pound briscut, cooked it and made the BBQ last night. Invited my MIL to come over today, and she volunteered the buns (hehehe, I'm sneaky! NOBODY can make buns like her!!). This morning DH and I sorted the cows at 6am, found all the branding irons and got ready for the crew (which consisted of 2 teenage boys, 1 teen girl, FIL and another guy). We worked all 50 calves before noon. Then I came in and heated up all the food and we have been laying around ever since.

Teen girl is still here (she ended up babysitting so I could work calves) and I'm going to take her home and enjoy her swimming pool later.

Vegging the rest of the day!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Hi All -

Geez, I'm tired just reading your post Jenny! So when you say briscuit, (I know that's beef but I can't buy that cut around here) do you make BBQ beef sandwiches out of it? Shredded? Your MIL's recipe must be mighty fine to go to all that work making buns when they are so easy to buy. Post it? Email it?

I have cooked a lot this week - grilling, etc. and just burned out tonite. DH made lemon clam spaghetti which turned out awesome. Not sure what we will do tomorrow - I bought a pork shoulder for shredded pork ala PW and also tilapia for fish tacos and shrimp. Or we may go out but I hate to spend the $$$. We spent over 50.00 the other nite at Applebees for 3 of us- yes the food was good, but not that good!

I got a lot done on my poda, but not everything. I blessed our church yard sale with a lot of our stuff so that felt good.

Busy day tomorrow - I have two appointments - mammogram and my annual exam. How much fun can I "squeeze" into one day?! LOL.

Bye guys -

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Good Morning!

Yesterday's TADA

morning routine
read paper
2 loads laundry
paid several bills
bank deposit
mailed cookies to my dad
sorted mail
several calls
dinner
watched Nim's Island with DD and DH

The movie was good. It stars the same little girl that is in Kit Kittredge and The Ultimate Gift.

Jenny-when you brand the cattle,what is the marking? Is it your initials? Did the kids go swimming with you or was that a solo swim? Sounds like a great reward after all that work!

Andrea- I hear ya on spending money to eat out. After our vacation,the last thing I want to do is eat out for awhile! But today is BIL bday and the family is meeting for dinner at a ....restaurant!! Oh well...

Linda-what do you teach? I sub as an aide in our district. I love it. Glad you got your Tahoe back. Put a container of Damp Rid in it. Should help with the odor.

PODA
morning routine
read paper
get card and gift for BIL,wrap gift
put away laundry
call Mom
mow backyard,or have DS do it
sort mail
general tidying
read with DD
BIL bday dinner

Heidi

TGIF (last one before school starts next week!)!! Not that it matters since we don't have school on Fridays anyway (except next Friday).

Andrea, I will post that recipe for you soon. I'll tell ya though that it's called Tupperware Bread, and you use a large Tupperware Fix and Mix bowl (which is really huge). You have to seal and burp it then wait for the lid to pop off. I suck at it, but MIL has it down to an art.

As for briscut, are you sure you can't get that cut? It's just a big old slab of meat, about 10-15 pounds or so. I put some salt and pepper on it (or just make up a batch of Paula Deen house seasoning), put it in a pan of water and in the oven uncovered at 250 for 2 hours. Then check the water level, cover with foil, bake other 4-6 hours. You can eat it just like that, but to make it BBQ, I make up a batch of sauce (another MIL recipe) and just chop up the meat, put it in the sauce, mix it up, put it in the fridge overnight. Warm it up the next day and serve. Eat just like it is, or put it on MIL's buns. LOL! MIL made several batches of this very recipe for SIL's wedding reception (about 200 people).

Heidi, all brands are registered with the state. I have to renew it every three years. You can pick your own brand as long as it's not already used. Some ranches name the ranch and have a brand similar to it. Ours is a J, then a backwards E, with a rocker over it. Anyway, I won't go on about it here, but I had a whole blog entry about branding here:
http://www.jandjessary.com/2008/02/branding-cattle.html
including a good picture of our brand, and several other pics as well.

We did go swimming last night. Teen girl has an above ground pool. The three older were fine on their own, but I had to get in for DS2.

Today I get to clean the kitchen, since I was too tuckered to do so last night. Then I think we are going back to teen girls house this afternoon. It's her birthday (now officially a teen, she's 13 today), and her mom said let's have a cookout! Cool, because the teenage brother, who helped brand, has Rock Band and I can't wait to try it out! But I will try to pick up a little around here and do some laundry (yesterday's clothes are caked with manure and blood, plus I didn't do any this week so it's piled up).

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Manure and blood - you better get cracking Jenny!!

Two Dr. appts. today. DS went along and we had lunch at Macaroni Grill - also got his school shoes. Did my two appointments. Besides that - not much!
Andrea

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

I guess everyone is out enjoying one last fun weekend?

Just me I guess. I haven't done much, either. Sure, I got the kitchen cleaned up and worked on some laundry. The later which caused me a headache last night. More in a minute.

We were invited to a friend's house for a playdate, so we scooted over there. While there got a call that SIL made a surpise visit, so after the playdate we slid over to the inlaws. Where we remained til 1am. MIL once again whipped out a batch of her delicious rolls, along with a briscut and a pot of beans (I did the mashed potatoes). When we got home (minus 3 children who wanted to spend the night at inlaws with cousins) I walked into the kitchen to a flood. The washer had dripped after it's last spin cycle and my kitchen and laundry room were flooded. By 2am we had that contained and went to bed.

For the first time in over a month we are ditching church. Heading over to the inlaws for more visiting, imagine we will be there all day. Tomorrow we have cheer practice and school registration. Summer is over.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/