flybabies August

Good Morning!

I have a big TADA this weekend. I organized all DVDs and VHS tapes in our basement cabinet. They were all just shoved anywhere in there and now are easy to find and in rows. Didn't realize how many we had! Got some to drop off at the Goodwill truck too. That was some job,glad it is done. Went to Aldi for groceries and BJ's for lunch meat yesterday and watched the Olympics. That was about it for Sunday. It was cold and rainy all day so after the grocery shopping, I didn't feel like doing much else.

Andrea-have you shopped at Aldi lately? Even though they are less expensive than typical grocery stores,the prices have gone up, like everything else I guess. But I still got a whole cart filled of food for about $80. It lasts my family of 4 about 2 weeks. This doesn't include any meat since we have a freezer in the garage with 1/2 a cow and 1/2 a pig from my DH's cousin.

How did you all like the opening ceremony for the Olympics? It was so spectacular I thought. I like swimming and track and gymnastics the best. It is sort of a big deal at our house. We make popcorn and watch most of the events.

So today's PODA:

morning routine
read paper
bank
library
1 load laundry
couple calls
sort mail
walk or bike ride with kids
read with DD
sort school supplies
dinner
Olympics

Have a good one!

Heidi

Summer days like that are such a nice respite from the hustle that heralds September and everyone back to school/work.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Guess this site is working again!!

Not that I have a whole lot to report. We started school this week, so we were busy with practice and registering on Monday, shopping all day Tuesday, more cheer practice on Wednesday, first day of school Thursday (which started early because DD11 had to be there at 7 to prepare for 1st hour peprally), and DH and I hit town to take care of business that day (plus school wide cookout that I helped man the grill for that night). Friday I hung around the house with DH, doing some laundry and helping him leave for his EMT testing this weekend 5 hours away.

I did clean out a storage closet in the laundry room, and mowed/trimmed the yard today. Oh, and cleaned the fridge (puppies are enjoying all the leftovers). I cleaned up the kitchen pretty good, still need to mop.

Off to fix the kids some dinner out of a can (speghetti-Os), give baths/showers, and watch a movie with them (dang it, we are out of good popcorn!).

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Wow, that was tricky! I kept on posting, but nothing was ever accepted!

Back from a baseball tournament in Buffalo. Fun and exhausting!! Three games in 2 days and one more tomorrow - we are in a consolation game. We spent one night in a hotel with other families which was a lot of fun! Think 20 kids in the pool and 10 adults with beverages on the deck! I think DH is going and I am staying home with DD and another little sis tomorrow.

This is when I love our schedule - we still have 2 weeks of summer here!! Woot! Of course I will be bummed in the spring when you guys are out in May!

I hope to do a Zone tomorrow and some other stuff.

See ya!

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

it wouldn't accept my long post and I didn't have time to go back! Super busy around here. Classroom is all finished and (gasp)organized! I even organized my construction paper!! We have been in dumb meetings all week so I am glad I worked a few hours a day.

You know that box of filing that I was supposed to get to? Well, I filed about 75% of all the papers that needed to be done...Then... I tripped over the stupid box. Yes, down I go... Too much injury drama around here. Thought I broke my foot. Couldn't put any weight on it. Went to the urgent care and xrayed it. No break. Gave me a shoe and crutches. No way, I don't have time for that. The swelling went down and I can walk on it now. I have to turn my foot a little, but at least I can walk on it. Sheez!

Pool papers were signed. Of course, torrential rains all weekend. The outlook for every day next week has a big thundercloud on it. Supposed to dig on Monday. We will see if this will be my husband's "I told you so" moment.

Got back from 9:30 service. That was nice, ususally we go to the 11. A little time to settle before cheer at 2-4, then out to eat with family at 4:30. Parent meeting at 7:00 for cheer. Busy day.

Linda, I think you need to set up orange cones all around you (what movie was THAT from!). LOL! Your a walking danger zone!! LOL! But, glad the foot wasn't broken. Are you flying all us down to christen the pool? haha!

We made it to church this morning, both the girls acolyted (dressed in robes, lit the candles, helped with the offering). Ate Pizza Hut buffet afterwards. DH got in late last night and is taking a little nap now. Then he's going to go play music with his dad, and I may work on massive mowing (the 2 or so acres around the house). We've had enough rain so that if I mow it will look green rather than brown. But for the most part it's just a lazy Sunday. The week will be busy enough, it's fair time. Even though we aren't entering anything this year (or maybe? Will see if DD11 wants to enter her zuccini, maybe do some baking?). I'm not a 4-H mom. Wish I was. Maybe next year I'll be better. Will have cheer practice at least once this week, school M-W (thursday is fair day). First football game is next week.

Have a nice Sunday! Maybe I'll find a football game and try to convince my 97th%tile-height-and-weight 5 year old that he should play that instead of soccer. Take out aggression in hitting people when you are supposed to. LOL! In the meantime, figure out when soccer signups are around here.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Yes, red alert for Linda please!!! Stat! I am impressed at your organization with your class. Wow.

We are coming off of our tournament weeked - Angels in the Outfield Summer Classic in Buffalo. Wow it was a ton of fun!! We spent one night in a hotel with 6 other families - I think I said that. Came home last night and played again today. We were 2 and 2 - ended up in 5th place. They all got trophies for their wild card game today - DS11 played well - still not hitting the way he would like - we are considering hitting lessons for him in the winter as part of a gift - we'll see.

Tomorrow - school shopping with DD - hopefully all will go smooth...

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Andrea, sounds like fun (baseball)! Have fun shopping!

I got from the front of the house to the road mowed. Need to work on the side to the horse pasture, back to the horse arena, then the other side to the cattle pasture and around the hired hand house done (we don't have a hired hand. Well, unless you count me. LOL!). I won't be able to work on any of that til later though, because we got ANOTHER inch of rain last night. Bringing us up to 4 inches in the last week (not as much on the farm, but enough to ensure we should have a crop. If only we could have afforded fertilizer this year...).

So, guess I'm working inside for a while. Plan on doing a weekly blessing this morning. I need to climb back on the flylady wagon.
PODA:
*pick up (just throw everything into a laundry basket, put it away later)
*vacuum
*dust
*mop
*load of laundry (or 2 or 3)
*change sheets on some beds (all five? we will see)
*make banana bread for funeral this afternoon. Bad thing about living in small towns: you know everybody and their uncle/cousins/parents/aunts/siblings. I can literally tell you how half the staff and kids at the school are related to one another directly or by marriage. LOL! Father of a friend died last week, don't know if I will attend the services or not, but I will at least make something for the huge meal that will be there. DH knew two of the funerals that were held last week (but didn't attend either). They had to put a fence around the cemetary, people are just DYING to get in. Get it? Dying! Baddabing!

Oh, did I mention I'm taking 3 classes this semester. One (history) doesn't start til October, but the other two (English and Anthropology) start this week. So, I need to get online and order my textbooks! They are all online classes, so at least I'm not going anywhere yet. Don't think DS2 would allow that yet. Maybe next semester.

Have a great day folks!
Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Good Morning!

PODA
morning routine
read paper
paid organizing work
lunch
sort mail
1 load laundry
register DD for gymnastics
couple calls
dinner
reading
showers
Olympics

I have been doing organizing at my Mom's friend's house again. Went a few times last week and will go a few times this week. It is mostly paperwork and filing,some moving of furniture,etc. She just let it all accumulate again after I got it under control last time. Oh well....maybe she'll be better at keeping it under control this time. Dd likes to tag along and play with her dogs so it works out well all around.

DD starts school on Friday and DS starts on Monday. Working on early bedtimes this week so they get used to waking up for school. Got all their supplies in their backpacks and forms all filled out,etc.

The district started an automated call system for substitutes so hopefully I will still get enough assignments to work my 3 day a week preference. Sometimes I worked 4 days a week but mostly 3. I like the flexibility of saying no when I can't come in.

Jenny-ambitious to take 3 classes. Good luck with it. How much closer will you be after this semester?

Better get coffee started here.

Hellos to Everyone!

Heidi

Yea Jenny! I loved online classes. Especially since I used to sleep wierd hours. Spent today in meetings...again. Class lists are posted tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me to get a good group of kids!! I have been lucky so far!

Big hole in the backyard. I had a dream that the house slid into it last night. Not only is the backyard a disaster, but the front yard is too. They drove up the driveway thru the front yard into the back.

I am burning kid music cd's. Hopefully, I can use these to keep the kids on task and mellow!

Already miss being with my own kids during the day. Will really miss DH since he will be in jr. high.

I think the rain is stopped. The skies are clearing out. Am ready for the money pit in the backyard to be done!!

Yesterday was a flurry of activity as we got the house cleaned up for realtors (yes, two came. Long story, we signed contract with one). Kids rooms weren't as clean as I would have liked, but the center of the floors were clean. Monday evening I finished the mowing around the house. I still want to do the mowing on the other side of the drive (around the other house, around all the farm implements, etc). That will take more work, no telling how much baling wire/twine is out there that will wreck out my mower, must be very careful.

So, ranch is for sale! Classes start today (must order books). Need to declutter, mostly the kids rooms. Laundry must be done. I'm nearly on E in my expedition, need to run to town and get some gas and groceries TODAY. It's crazy around here!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Yesterday's TADA:
*2 loads of laundry
*bank (two banks, actually)
*gas
*groceries
*tickets for arenacross on Saturday (at the fair)

Not much. Was kinda worn out by the time I got kids from school. No school today (Fair Day, but we aren't going to the fair). We are going to work on decluttering the girls room a bit, another load of laundry, try to keep up with the basics, maybe some more mowing.

Linda, I put the kids CDs on my iPod, we can jam out to Hannah Montana, High School Musical, or Camp Rock whenever.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Good Afternoon!

Today I am 40,I can't believe that,feel younger,more like 25. Took DD to ice cream social at school,dropped off her supplies at her room,and said hello to all the teachers/kids/staff. Tomorrow she goes for a half day and then they both go all day starting Monday. It was good to see everyone again.

TADA
morning routine
read paper
sorted mail
lunch
ice cream social
put away laundry
out to dinner,hopefully!
early bedtimes
Olympics

Heidi

TADA
morning routine
read paper
let out neighbor's dog(they are away)
sorted mail
went to art show with DD

PODA

rest and relaxation/watch football game
dinner
bonfire?
video?

Pretty easy/lazy day. Like those once in awhile. Next week will be a hectic one for me with several evening meetings,subbing, and both kids starting school. Need to make a couple dinners ahead that can be warmed up since I will miss a few meals at home this week. I don't like that but this is not usually what happens here so I don't feel too guilty!!

One more night of Olympics!

Heidi

I have so much going on that my head is swimming. School starts Monday. I am ready for what should happen...maybe not what will happen

Thursday, my dad tells me that he is in the hospital and scheduled for a bypass on Friday. Nice notice dad! Turns out he had a quadruple bypass. All is well, but did not plan for trips into town for visits. Took off Friday to be there with him, so school was open on Saturday and spent most of the day there. DD had tumbling, so took hr break for that.

Got up early this morning with the cleaning bug. Started to do major work around here. Cleaned 12, yes 12, half drank out of water bottles off the coffee table. I feel like I live in a frat house. Going to have serious talk with kids about that and DH is no longer allowed to waste money. Drink from the faucet! I have been really good about doing laundry every day and happy to report that it is under control.

Jenny, how exciting. Hope you are able to sell quick! It is hard to keep your house sell ready with kids underfoot!

DH informed me that we HAVE to go to church today since the band director is leaving. Dang. I scheduled a hair appt for DD at 11, I need a new fingernail and we have cheer from 2-4. DD also needs some new tennis shoes for school. Ds has first day of jr. high tomorrow and I am stressed for him. Sometimes he gets overly nervous in new situations.

testing

Boy, I hate it when I can't post!! Makes me feel disconnected with the world. LOL!

I have LOTS to do this week! This weekend is our big family reunion/camping trip. I have to make sure enough food is packed for my 6, plus anyone else who visits our camper, enough old clothes, enough towels, enough snacks, drinks, more food, enough gas for the 4-wheeler, enough guitars, and of course enough ALCOHOL!!!

And I still need to get this house show ready, just in case. I spent an hour cleaning the dungeon that is DH's shower (ugh!), plus got the rest of the bathrooms cleaned. Spent the afternoon doing some mowing, got a load of laundry done, helped DH move to another field, fixed him lunch. Dinner simmering now. Help kids with homework. Oh, and my own homework for 2 classes (I'm half done, due tonight).

So much to do, little time! Better go!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Good Morning!

PODA
morning routine
read paper
kids off to school
organizing work for 2-3 hours
bookstore
home for lunch/shower
mammogram/checkup at gyn(UGH)
meeeting at 4:30
dinner
sort mail
homework check
reading with DD
DD shower
collapse!

Jenny-is this the reunion that is on top of some mountain? I recall something like that. Sounds like fun,enjoy.

I will have a busy day today,then subbing Wed and Thurs,with a big lecture Wed evening that I help with at the high school. Can't wait til the weekend!!

Heidi

Heidi, I tried and tried and tried a few times to wish you happy birthday and TNH wouldn't let me post. So, I hope you had a WONDERFUL day and that you got a nice night out!

Yes, this is the reunion on top of some mountain. LOL! Don't know how much family reunioning we will do, we are actually taking three friends with us (well, three totally unrelated families: a party of 1, and two families of 4).

I helped DH with machinery all morning, he took me to breakfast and we looked at some land real quick. Today I'm going to clean out the bed of the blue pickup (pulls the camper) and the inside as well. Maybe more mowing. Don't know, my blades are getting hammered.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

I'm back to town today. Gotta get groceries for this weekends camping trip, and dog food for the dogs that must stay behind (would like to get a feeder box for them so I can not worry about them getting food for 4 days). Will also wash the truck and pick up some gas for the lawnmower.

This afternoon I hope to do more mowing (if DH remembers to get new blades for my mower while he is in bigger town doing some business). Seems like the area I just mowed last week needs it again already. My blades are shot, I have to overlap every round for the stuff they missed.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Good Evening!

TADA
morning routine
kids off to school
gathered all materials for meeting
subbed half day
meeting at high school/dinner
sorted mail
homework check

PODA
DD shower
read paper

The meeting went really well,we could have used more people to help set up but we managed. Tommorrow I sub in the office at DD school all day so she can ride back and forth with me if she wants. Can't wait til Friday,this was a hectic week.

Heidi

I shopped today. Filled my cart with lots of junk food (chips, stuff to make dips, snacks, stuff for smores, etc). Went to the feed store for dog food and they had a whole bunch of boots marked down to $50 (was $125), so I had to get a pair (really cute orange and brown Ariat Fat Babies). DMV to renew pickup registration (of course, no waiting! Gotta love small town DMVs!), diesel for truck, gas for lawnmower cans. Unloaded almost all the groceries straight to the camper. Changed blades on mower and mowed the lawn.

I'll cyall in the morning!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Morning!!

It's like Friday here, sorta. There is school tomorrow, but we won't be here. Nope, leaving at 6am to head out to the mountains, where the temps will be 70-75 highs and 49-52 lows. I will be breaking out the sweatshirts and coats and we will sip drinks around a roaring camp fire. And eat. Alot. Diet out the window this weekend! LOL!

But today. Today I must finish up all laundry. Then pack clothes (summer and winter attire. And old stuff, too. We get dirty up there). Finish loading food and other necessities, clean out the inside of the truck. And THEN, if I finish all my going camping stuff, I get to mow some more! LOL!

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Good Morning!

Thanks for the bday wishes Jenny. 40 isn't too bad so far!

TADA
morning routine
DS off to school
read paper
baked muffins
1 load laundry

PODA
DD off to school
couple calls
bank deposit
grocery shopping
general tidying
sort mail
dinner
no homework....TGIF
video or game night or high school football?

Glad the craziness of this week is over,today I play catch up. In a week or so I have another week like this then it should taper off,definitely not my cup of tea.

Have a great long weekend,everyone. What are your plans?

Heidi

test

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

OMG I think I can post for the first time in 2 weeks or so!!

Have a great camping trip Jenny!

Happy Birthday Heidi!

We have no plans at this point as DS11 has injured his foot in football - xrays showed no break but a contussion - we are getting crutches today I think. So most likely he will be off fb for awhile and just taking it easy. Very hard for him.

See you!

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

Wow, the whirlwind of school has begun. I got a great class with maybe 2 small exceptions, but I will whip them into shape in a hurry. It is amazing how the 3rd year is a charm. I actually know what I am doing now. The pool is coming along. They cut the phone line and the cable line, DH repaired the cable, but we need to call the phone co. don't have time, so for now we will just use cell phones! It looks awesome, but our yard looks like something out of a war movie. DS started middle school and loves it. Loves the independence. DD is still at school with me, this will be her last year since she is in 5th. Tried keeping up with laundry, a little every day. Everything else has gone to pot around here. This weekend we are going to do a big house cleanup!

We are keeping an eye on Gustav. I am sure we will dodge this one as well.

Good Evening!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
planted ornamental grass out front
did some weeding
sorted mail
friend over to visit for awhile
watched football with DH
filled fishtank

PODA
dinner
????

Andrea-thanks. I was wondering what happened to you around here. Sorry to hear about your DS. I bet he is bummed.

Hi Linda-what grade do you teach again? I love being back to subbing,especially the variety. One day I can be at the high school, the next at the preschool or anywhere in between.

If it cools down some I may do a bonfire but it is soooo hot right now that I can't fathom sitting around more heat!!LOL

Everyone have a good night. If you are out driving this weekend,watch your speed. This is a weekend for lots of tickets.

Heidi

HI Guys -
I hope this will work!!

Hope things settle down Linda - I hope you have an awesome school year! I am looking forward to mine - trying some new things -

We are warm here too Heidi - I am loving it!!

Guess what ? I am totally caught up with DS's scrapbook - just finished baseball stuff!! I am so proud of myself - I have about a year to catch up with DD's but that shouldn't be too bad. This was one of my big projects this summer - so it feels good. Also did one set of sheets, laundry, cut and color, went up to my parents' apt. to unpack a bit, emptied dw, and some other stuff!

See ya -
Andrea

http://blackcatchronicles1.blogspot.com/

I teach 2nd grade. This is my 3rd year teaching. I love it. Unfortunately, it is hard for me to not think about it 24/7 during the school year. This year I made a goal to be home by 5:00 and leave school behind. I subbed for 6 months at my kids school.

Andrea, I bet your son is disappointed. It is going to be tough for him being on crutches at school.

I hope Jenny is having a good time.

Had fun. Ate much. Drank much (hehehe). It was cold and rainy most of it, yesterday's high was 55. We almost didn't make it out of there with all the mud, made it hard to hook up to the campers.

Home now. Camper unloaded. One of many piles of very dirty laundry in the washer. Kids are clean. I have homework to do TONIGHT before i can crash.

More tomorrow.

Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Boo!

Hello!

Every now and again my computer updates and loses all my favorite places. Then I found you, and I had forgotten my password.

It's good to be able to post again.

I guess I'd better catch up first...

I'm back to teaching full time again. I finished my Master's in May, and with DS18 in college, I had to bring in some more $$.

We are in our second week of school today. I teach special education, with 50% of my time dedicated to enrichment for students who need a challenge.

As I said, DS18 is off to college. We dropped him off on Friday. He's in the "big city" that is 60 miles away. He majoring in criminal justice, and our house is much, much calmer with him gone. He's has been the chaos king the past few years. I'm really glad he gets to go grow up now.

DS16 is a junior in high school this year. he just bought a truck, and he's excited about his classes this year because he gets to take environmental science and forestry.

DD7 is in third grade. She's gotten very athletic all of a sudden, so we spend a lot of time trucking her around to practices and games.

TADA
The past month our family has been doing a "clean sweep" in our house. It's 15 years old now, and was really showing it's age. We started by painting the LR, hall, master bedroom and bath, and the stairways down to the cellar and up to the boys' room.

This past weekend, we emptied the great room of everything, including the piano, lower cupboards, appliances, and very heavy granite topped island. Then we sanded and sealed the wood floor and painted the kitchen and big bow window. The register covers were removed and everything was vacuumed clean. No dog hair or dust anywhere! Amazing. It took us three 10 hour days, but it looks so beautiful and everything is so clean. I'm very excited! Now, to keep it that way...

PODA
decide how to hang all the pictures back up
re-organize the colored glass collection on the bow window
dinner: grilled ham steak, spinach, roasted potatoes

See ya flyfriends!
-Jo

Hiya Lois and Jo!!! Wow, been a while for both of you!! So glad for your update, Jo! Good for DS going into criminal justice! Was that unexpected? Yay for the DEEP cleaning on the rooms!

Andrea, sorry about DS! Will he be down for the season or just a couple of weeks?

Heidi, you would have loved our bonfire this weekend (well, when it wasn't raining and we had a bonfire. LOL!).

I have SO MUCH to do this week! My mother et al are coming next week, so I not only need to get the house clean, but have this week's AND next week's homework/studying done as well. Oh, and the house needs to be cleaned anyway incase someone comes to look at the house. I have unloaded the camper, but need to clean it good. And there is SO MUCH laundry to do. Garden and flower beds to weed. And of course more mowing (after I fix the mower. I hit a hidden piece of barb wire and it screwed up my mower deck. Ugh). And sometime this week we will probably haul cattle to the sale (yearlings that were branded a few weeks ago), and I'll have to help DH move machinery around so he can rake and bale hay. Volleyball game tonight, too. First home game, we should go.

Ok, on with today's PODA:
*laundry (oh, yeah. Lots of it)
*clean kitchen (counters, floor)
*vacuum
*dust
*bathrooms
*clean/mop office
*what's for dinner? Oh, yeah. Volleyball game. Concession stand.

Later gators!
Jenny
http://heresyourtrouble.blogspot.com/

Good Afternoon!

TADA
morning routine
read paper
kids off to school
baked cookies
made dinner early(Open House tonite)
sorted mail
vacuumed upstairs and main floor
bought stamps
picked up certificates for teachers
library return
and........hung out with dog!!!

Yes,we have a dog. She was here on a trial basis for the weekend and has done well. She looks so much like the one we had for 10 years that was put down 7 months ago with cancer. We all want her to stay but DS was having a hard time cuz she looks like Shadow. But he said that he likes her and she is sweet and that it will be okay. So we named her Onyx(like the gemstone) since she is a black Lab. She listens well and is not wild and can care less that there is a cat in the house. She rode in the van with me to do errands today and likes it so at least I know she doesn't get carsick as some dogs do. So...so far so good.

Tonight is Open House at DD's school at 7pm. I'll go since DH hates that stuff. I made meatloaf and mashed potatoes earlier so we can eat early before I go.

JO and Lois-WOW! Good to hear from you guys. Been too long. Chime in more often,okay?

Have a good night

Heidi

TADA
one load of towels
dishes
hung a few pictures
moved a table for more lamplight in a reading area

PODA
hang more pictures
put some of the books back in the bookshelf
dinner: sirloin tips, mushroom & onion gravy, mashed potatoes, tomatoes, snow peas

Busy week with stuff going on every night. Ugh.

Heidi, Onyx is a beautiful name, I'm glad she's mellow too. DD7 gave our dog a bath and serious brushing last night. Looked like that vacuum commercial on our deck with all the hair mats floating around!

Jenny, how are you guys doing with drought/rain this year? I was thinking of you when I saw the projected path of Gustav and heard the "this could help with the drought" talk. The farmers around here got drenched all July and most of August, but thank goodness it has dried out in time to harvest the corn!

Later!
-Jo

New thread time....