After a wonderful Thanksgiving with most of our kids and grands, we made it home late Sunday evening. Sam was up early to work Monday, then this morning (Tuesday) is off to Jonesboro, AR to work several days. He is exhausted.
This is our busy season for birthdays. With family and friends, we have about 5 birthdays every week through the first week of January.
Mr C and I decided to try to use down the stockpile of groceries in the pantry and freezer. I may venture to the Neighborhood Market or Aldi for fresh fruit & dairy. I cleaned out the fridge and its freezer compartment.
(Note to self: Label things. Please. You are really NOT going to remember what that frozen blob is when you see it again.)
I have my huge stock pot full of bone broth from a variety of saved bones and carcasses. (Turkey, chicken, duck, and a few beef bones.) I started it yesterday afternoon, and began canning batches of the broth today. The bones weren't all cooked soft today. I added more water to the pot after taking out the first five quarts of stock. Several hours later, I removed five more quarts of stock and added a bit more water. I intend to simmer it overnight, and finish up the canning tomorrow. I should get about 17-20 quarts all together.
In our Homeschool lessons, we are still doing Atlas Adventures. Nickole is working her way through the South American pages. We have watched a number of videos on Peru, and on Machu Picchu. In the immediate plans, we are learning about what the Bible has to say about the birth of Jesus. (Today, Nickole learned that there were not (just) Three Wise men/ Magi. And they didn't come meet baby Jesus while he was in the stable manger. It took the caravan of wise men many months to get to Galilee. (Which is why Herod killed all the male babies 2 years and younger.) I intend to walk us through all the Biblical accounts of Christ's birth in the next few weeks. Our emphasis will be on Jesus, and how many things became seasonal traditions.
We have been doing various writing assignments, math, health, science, just so much of everything.
We will probably do some crafting items for Nickole to present to people.
Nickole is supposed to go visit her Mom and Poppo on the 21st to 29th.
In January, we are going to have to double down on learning Spanish- Peru awaits!
Besides learning Spanish, we will learn more of the Peruvian cultures. I need to get mine and Tom's passports updated, and get Nickole her passport.
Perhaps we should start a separate blog for travel, and all the trip details?
In all my lack of blogging of late, have I failed to mention that Tommy is getting married in Peru next year?
Blessings, Y'all!
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Catching Up after Ohio
The weather guessers are saying we may get snow flurries this afternoon. (Or not.) We may awaken tomorrow to freezing drizzle. (Or not.) Sure makes it hard to plan anything. I would just as soon stay home as go out in the slithery damp.
We have been back from Ohio for 10 days. It was one of those trips I refer to as "Adventures". We stopped at the St. Louis Arch. My first time to get to see it up close.
Having already planned to stop for the night once we reached Indiana, our decision was reinforced with hitting a road hazard, which punctured the sidewall of the front tire. The time zone changes at the Illinois/ Indiana State line. We were barely short of the line.
Tom got the car safely off I-70 and into a gas station parking lot just as dusk was falling. We unloaded the trunk (including our huge tent!) to discover Sam's vehicle is equipped with a donut. Which needed air. And his jack was missing the crank handle.
We discovered the gas station is quite proud of their air pump. Two dollars in quarters were scrounged between us. Tom got the donut aired, and improvised a jack handle crank with a nut driver from the tool box. (This is the man who once saved the day by airing a flat tire with aerosol Right Guard deodorant!)
The trunk was repacked, with the flat tire down in the tire well, and all our baggage (including the tent!) back on top. We limped into the nearest town off this exit. It had already rolled up its sidewalks for the night. I suggested we might find a Walmart with a Tire & Lube Express, which usually are open until 8 or 9 pm. This town wasn't big enough for WalMart.
There is no "hurry" with a donut.
We headed east on I-40. The slower pace and less traffic was a good thing in our situation. A gorgeous, golden, full moon rose directly ahead of us.
I spotted the bright lights of a city just to our north. There was a WALMART! A quick circle of the building surprised several employees. We stopped to ask about their TLE.
We had found a Walmart Super Center that did NOT have a tire center. The town was so close to Indiana, the employees said the nearest tire shop would be in Terre Haute. Back to I-40 we went. As previously noted, the time zone changes at the state line. It was well after 9:30 when we reached Terre Haute, Indiana. The WalMart was located, its TLE closed for the night. We found a motel room (Motel 6. Low Rates for a Good Reason!) Then set off to feed our tummies.
We found a Popeye's Chicken nearby. Its dining room was already closed, but the drive through had another 25 minutes. The car ahead of us was full of "clowns". (That's as nice as I can be. I am not fond of clowns.) They were shouting at the Order Menu, so we could hear them. They asked for tacos. Then other food items that one does not get at a chicken restaurant. After 10 minutes (TEN. MINUTES.) of ridiculous nonsense, the car pulled around to the pick-up window. We placed our order and pulled around the building as well. The "clowns" continued their antics. Held out money to the drive through clerk- a kid who was ready to close up shop for the night. As the kid reached out, the driver played games. Yanked the money back, held it high, held it low, waggled it back and forth. Repeatedly. The kid finally just closed the window. The clown car pulled forward, then the driver hung half out the window, shouting back at the kid. He got back in, backed up to the window (leaving the car in REVERSE!) The kid opened the window, and the guy started to hand in the money. Another wig-wag. The kid went to shut the window, and the clown finally hands over the money. He got his food- as he reached for it, finally realized he was still in Reverse! and put it to park as he sat there handing food and drinks to his fellow clowns.
We collected our food and went to the motel to eat. The kid had been so distracted, we didn't get eating utensils and had to improvise to have our coleslaw, and rice.
The motel room had ONE bath towel. (Tom had paid for two adults and a child, we didn't try sneaking any of us in!) The beds were clean, but about the worst I have ever tried to sleep on. (They rivaled the upstairs mattresses at Dad's house!) Sleep was reluctant to tarry, as tired as we all were.
The next morning, we loaded early and went to Walmart TLE. We got the trunk unloaded (Including our huge tent!) and dug out the tire. Put all the baggage back into the car and headed inside. An employee saw us coming, before we reached the entrance. He looked at the tire and told us they can't fix a hole in the sidewall. I already knew that! But he sent us down the road to a competitor, that he assured us fixes holes in tire sidewalls.
The trunk was unloaded. (Did I mention we had a huge tent in there?) Tire put back in the tire well. Trunk reloaded. Back up the road to Tire King, purported fixxer of sidewall punctures.
It wasn't yet open.
We spent the next while unloading the trunk and digging out the tire, and putting the baggage back into the car. Want to guess? Tire King also Cannot Fix Sidewall Punctures. That's Ok. We bought a new tire, and the really terrific folks at Tire King opened the door for us early. One last unloading/ reloading of the trunk to put the donut back into its place, and we were on our way.
It was a good visit, though we didn't get to do any of the fun stuff I had hoped to do, such as hiking or attending the Pumpkin Show.
And the tent never left the trunk again until we arrived home.
We have been back from Ohio for 10 days. It was one of those trips I refer to as "Adventures". We stopped at the St. Louis Arch. My first time to get to see it up close.
Having already planned to stop for the night once we reached Indiana, our decision was reinforced with hitting a road hazard, which punctured the sidewall of the front tire. The time zone changes at the Illinois/ Indiana State line. We were barely short of the line.
Tom got the car safely off I-70 and into a gas station parking lot just as dusk was falling. We unloaded the trunk (including our huge tent!) to discover Sam's vehicle is equipped with a donut. Which needed air. And his jack was missing the crank handle.
We discovered the gas station is quite proud of their air pump. Two dollars in quarters were scrounged between us. Tom got the donut aired, and improvised a jack handle crank with a nut driver from the tool box. (This is the man who once saved the day by airing a flat tire with aerosol Right Guard deodorant!)
The trunk was repacked, with the flat tire down in the tire well, and all our baggage (including the tent!) back on top. We limped into the nearest town off this exit. It had already rolled up its sidewalks for the night. I suggested we might find a Walmart with a Tire & Lube Express, which usually are open until 8 or 9 pm. This town wasn't big enough for WalMart.
There is no "hurry" with a donut.
We headed east on I-40. The slower pace and less traffic was a good thing in our situation. A gorgeous, golden, full moon rose directly ahead of us.
I spotted the bright lights of a city just to our north. There was a WALMART! A quick circle of the building surprised several employees. We stopped to ask about their TLE.
We had found a Walmart Super Center that did NOT have a tire center. The town was so close to Indiana, the employees said the nearest tire shop would be in Terre Haute. Back to I-40 we went. As previously noted, the time zone changes at the state line. It was well after 9:30 when we reached Terre Haute, Indiana. The WalMart was located, its TLE closed for the night. We found a motel room (Motel 6. Low Rates for a Good Reason!) Then set off to feed our tummies.
We found a Popeye's Chicken nearby. Its dining room was already closed, but the drive through had another 25 minutes. The car ahead of us was full of "clowns". (That's as nice as I can be. I am not fond of clowns.) They were shouting at the Order Menu, so we could hear them. They asked for tacos. Then other food items that one does not get at a chicken restaurant. After 10 minutes (TEN. MINUTES.) of ridiculous nonsense, the car pulled around to the pick-up window. We placed our order and pulled around the building as well. The "clowns" continued their antics. Held out money to the drive through clerk- a kid who was ready to close up shop for the night. As the kid reached out, the driver played games. Yanked the money back, held it high, held it low, waggled it back and forth. Repeatedly. The kid finally just closed the window. The clown car pulled forward, then the driver hung half out the window, shouting back at the kid. He got back in, backed up to the window (leaving the car in REVERSE!) The kid opened the window, and the guy started to hand in the money. Another wig-wag. The kid went to shut the window, and the clown finally hands over the money. He got his food- as he reached for it, finally realized he was still in Reverse! and put it to park as he sat there handing food and drinks to his fellow clowns.
We collected our food and went to the motel to eat. The kid had been so distracted, we didn't get eating utensils and had to improvise to have our coleslaw, and rice.
The motel room had ONE bath towel. (Tom had paid for two adults and a child, we didn't try sneaking any of us in!) The beds were clean, but about the worst I have ever tried to sleep on. (They rivaled the upstairs mattresses at Dad's house!) Sleep was reluctant to tarry, as tired as we all were.
The next morning, we loaded early and went to Walmart TLE. We got the trunk unloaded (Including our huge tent!) and dug out the tire. Put all the baggage back into the car and headed inside. An employee saw us coming, before we reached the entrance. He looked at the tire and told us they can't fix a hole in the sidewall. I already knew that! But he sent us down the road to a competitor, that he assured us fixes holes in tire sidewalls.
The trunk was unloaded. (Did I mention we had a huge tent in there?) Tire put back in the tire well. Trunk reloaded. Back up the road to Tire King, purported fixxer of sidewall punctures.
It wasn't yet open.
We spent the next while unloading the trunk and digging out the tire, and putting the baggage back into the car. Want to guess? Tire King also Cannot Fix Sidewall Punctures. That's Ok. We bought a new tire, and the really terrific folks at Tire King opened the door for us early. One last unloading/ reloading of the trunk to put the donut back into its place, and we were on our way.
It was a good visit, though we didn't get to do any of the fun stuff I had hoped to do, such as hiking or attending the Pumpkin Show.
And the tent never left the trunk again until we arrived home.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Doing this life
Sometimes, a picture about does me in.
Just an ordinary picture.
Today, it was one of me holding two little boys.
Cousins, Gavin and Tyrel.
I don't have the solid silver hair that I have 12 years later.
I don't have the sorrow that has become part of my face.
The cares and worries and losses hadn't begun their haunt.
It reminded me of another picture of me, holding two little boys.
Those little boys are grown, one is gone. The other watching as time trickles by while he watches from a cage of his own failures.
Today, this life I'm in has me wishing for a do-over button.
Where would the do-over start?
That's one thing I can never decide.
Make your choices today out of love. Make them out of care and kindness to others.
Those babies grow up.
Those babies grow up.
Just an ordinary picture.
Today, it was one of me holding two little boys.
Cousins, Gavin and Tyrel.
I don't have the solid silver hair that I have 12 years later.
I don't have the sorrow that has become part of my face.
The cares and worries and losses hadn't begun their haunt.
It reminded me of another picture of me, holding two little boys.
Those little boys are grown, one is gone. The other watching as time trickles by while he watches from a cage of his own failures.
Today, this life I'm in has me wishing for a do-over button.
Where would the do-over start?
That's one thing I can never decide.
Make your choices today out of love. Make them out of care and kindness to others.
Those babies grow up.
Those babies grow up.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Another day in Coderville
Nickole is working on her lessons. Handwriting has been an issue, so we have backed up to beginning cursive. Which means learning to hold the pencil properly, and sit correctly as well as to form the letters properly. We aren't moving as quickly as I would like, but we are moving forward!
In digging through my old curriculum, I came across the math book I used from Ben through the twins. An old fashioned Arithmetic book. I am getting Nickole started on that today, to ensure I don't create any gaps in what she should be doing in math. We still are doing daily drills on simple addition and subtraction, and only getting 75-90% correct. I am hoping that one day it will lodge in her brain that the math facts do not change, 13-7= 6 will become as automatic as breathing.
I have purchased 3rd grade "PACE" in Language Arts, Sequential Spelling Book 1, Daily Science Grade 4, and Horizons Health grade 5. We continue with Atlas Adventures. We go to a cooking class series on Wednesdays, and a Homeschool group on Thursdays, both at the Library. She has both assigned and free reading, we do exercises and take walks. She runs and bikes.
We have the Taylor Family reunion coming up October 5th! Becky and I plan to meet and camp on Friday night, and probably Saturday night as well. I am considering that planning what to take should be incorporated into a lesson. Work on our reasoning and thinking skills. I am certainly planning this to be as minimalist camping as possible- not a great deal of campfire cooking and such. (Yeah, I will probably do hot dogs and smores if the grands are all together! Maybe even cocoa at night.) (Mr C has football to watch, so probably will not come with us!)
Our Autumn plans are coming together!
Hope your day is blessed!
In digging through my old curriculum, I came across the math book I used from Ben through the twins. An old fashioned Arithmetic book. I am getting Nickole started on that today, to ensure I don't create any gaps in what she should be doing in math. We still are doing daily drills on simple addition and subtraction, and only getting 75-90% correct. I am hoping that one day it will lodge in her brain that the math facts do not change, 13-7= 6 will become as automatic as breathing.
I have purchased 3rd grade "PACE" in Language Arts, Sequential Spelling Book 1, Daily Science Grade 4, and Horizons Health grade 5. We continue with Atlas Adventures. We go to a cooking class series on Wednesdays, and a Homeschool group on Thursdays, both at the Library. She has both assigned and free reading, we do exercises and take walks. She runs and bikes.
We have the Taylor Family reunion coming up October 5th! Becky and I plan to meet and camp on Friday night, and probably Saturday night as well. I am considering that planning what to take should be incorporated into a lesson. Work on our reasoning and thinking skills. I am certainly planning this to be as minimalist camping as possible- not a great deal of campfire cooking and such. (Yeah, I will probably do hot dogs and smores if the grands are all together! Maybe even cocoa at night.) (Mr C has football to watch, so probably will not come with us!)
Our Autumn plans are coming together!
Hope your day is blessed!
Friday, September 13, 2019
Almost Autumn (Someone tell the Weather!)
I saw a meme the other day.
"Moms! Pick your Battles!
Nope. That is too many battles.
Put a few battles back on the shelf!"
I need to learn something from that.
We started today, Friday the 13th (with a full moon!) with Much. Grouchiness.
MUCH. Moodiness.
Everything has been an argument or attempted regression.
"What's for breakfast?"
"Your usual choices: Cereal, oatmeal, or eggs."
"But I wanted leftover pancakes!"
"There aren't any, they are not an option today."
Much glaring.
"WHAT THE (garbled muttering)?!! WHERE are ALL the BOWLS? We HAD a whole STACK of BOWLS yesterday MORNING!"
More glaring, as if I have personally hidden all the bowls.
"We had guests yesterday, remember? And our supper last night used bowls as well. But I bet you they are CLEAN now- in the dishwasher until YOU get a chance to put them up."
"WHAT THE (garbled muttering)?!!! Is THIS the only kind of CEREAL we have left?"
(Pumpkin Spice Millville O's, or cornflakes, or Vitality Cereal with dehydrated strawberries.)
I was really getting annoyed with the attitude.
She picked the Pumpkin Spice O's- griping loudly, "I don't even KNOW if I'm going to LIKE this kind!"
(She got to eat them anyway.)
Then, we had to get dressed. So she wanted to wear a dressy dress. With heavy duty shorts rolled up under it. Fine. Not even arguing. She was giving me the "I dare you to make me change" look.
I really don't recall Becky having this much attitude.
The minute Tom or Sam walk in- it's cutesy widdle gur-ow (little girl) talk.
Onward to lessons. I cut a couple short, and we never even went to the online lessons today. "Atlas Adventures" was trying to find out more about salmon. If you aren't needing a salmon recipe, or looking for reasons why the wild sockeye salmon populations are decreasing- there wasn't much to find in the first two or three pages of You Tube searching, nor even Google searching. Watched a bit and decided we aren't EVEN going to attempt a paragraph about them today.
Just, NOPE.
I read a little bit of an article about "tapping" to reset ones brain. I figure head banging on the wall or my desk should do the trick.
"Moms! Pick your Battles!
Nope. That is too many battles.
Put a few battles back on the shelf!"
I need to learn something from that.
We started today, Friday the 13th (with a full moon!) with Much. Grouchiness.
MUCH. Moodiness.
Everything has been an argument or attempted regression.
"What's for breakfast?"
"Your usual choices: Cereal, oatmeal, or eggs."
"But I wanted leftover pancakes!"
"There aren't any, they are not an option today."
Much glaring.
"WHAT THE (garbled muttering)?!! WHERE are ALL the BOWLS? We HAD a whole STACK of BOWLS yesterday MORNING!"
More glaring, as if I have personally hidden all the bowls.
"We had guests yesterday, remember? And our supper last night used bowls as well. But I bet you they are CLEAN now- in the dishwasher until YOU get a chance to put them up."
"WHAT THE (garbled muttering)?!!! Is THIS the only kind of CEREAL we have left?"
(Pumpkin Spice Millville O's, or cornflakes, or Vitality Cereal with dehydrated strawberries.)
I was really getting annoyed with the attitude.
She picked the Pumpkin Spice O's- griping loudly, "I don't even KNOW if I'm going to LIKE this kind!"
(She got to eat them anyway.)
Then, we had to get dressed. So she wanted to wear a dressy dress. With heavy duty shorts rolled up under it. Fine. Not even arguing. She was giving me the "I dare you to make me change" look.
I really don't recall Becky having this much attitude.
The minute Tom or Sam walk in- it's cutesy widdle gur-ow (little girl) talk.
Onward to lessons. I cut a couple short, and we never even went to the online lessons today. "Atlas Adventures" was trying to find out more about salmon. If you aren't needing a salmon recipe, or looking for reasons why the wild sockeye salmon populations are decreasing- there wasn't much to find in the first two or three pages of You Tube searching, nor even Google searching. Watched a bit and decided we aren't EVEN going to attempt a paragraph about them today.
Just, NOPE.
I read a little bit of an article about "tapping" to reset ones brain. I figure head banging on the wall or my desk should do the trick.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
So long to Summertime
It's the end of August.
Last night brought a cool front, along with some severe storms. We didn't have any real damage with the high winds and inch+ rainfall. The rest of the 10 day forecast has us in the low 80's... so just MAYBE we are past summer's heat.
Over the weekend, Mr C and I took Nickole to visit Glynna in OKC. I think they enjoyed getting to see one another. Tom had not wanted me to fill out an approval form for him for visitation, so he waited in the car.
Today was the (second) day of a new school week. I am trying so hard to keep things rolling along. I get frustrated when the simplest worksheets are viewed as a dissertation for a Doctorate degree. (By this, I mean that the worksheet is so hard it is just asking TOO MUCH of a 10 year old to write five sentences, or do a 12 word Word Search. TWO pages of math, with 20 problems on a page? I'm talking addition and subtraction under 100) "BUT WHY! WHY? WHY! Do I have to spell the words correctly?"
The drama wears me out.
This week, I am (once again) trying a new approach. I choose videos and documentaries of subjects that need to be covered. Then I give her a related, "close reading" short worksheet . Swap subjects before frustration sets in.
I ordered the 3rd grade level "Pace" workbooks for English. They will cover quite a bit of our missing materials/ learning gaps. It goes over correctly forming cursive letters, consonants and vowels, names of parts of speech. Maybe we can get through them quickly. They are supposed to arrive next week.
For math, I am still using free worksheets and drills, but going to start her on Khan Academy soon.
Hope your day is blessed.
Last night brought a cool front, along with some severe storms. We didn't have any real damage with the high winds and inch+ rainfall. The rest of the 10 day forecast has us in the low 80's... so just MAYBE we are past summer's heat.
Over the weekend, Mr C and I took Nickole to visit Glynna in OKC. I think they enjoyed getting to see one another. Tom had not wanted me to fill out an approval form for him for visitation, so he waited in the car.
Today was the (second) day of a new school week. I am trying so hard to keep things rolling along. I get frustrated when the simplest worksheets are viewed as a dissertation for a Doctorate degree. (By this, I mean that the worksheet is so hard it is just asking TOO MUCH of a 10 year old to write five sentences, or do a 12 word Word Search. TWO pages of math, with 20 problems on a page? I'm talking addition and subtraction under 100) "BUT WHY! WHY? WHY! Do I have to spell the words correctly?"
The drama wears me out.
This week, I am (once again) trying a new approach. I choose videos and documentaries of subjects that need to be covered. Then I give her a related, "close reading" short worksheet . Swap subjects before frustration sets in.
I ordered the 3rd grade level "Pace" workbooks for English. They will cover quite a bit of our missing materials/ learning gaps. It goes over correctly forming cursive letters, consonants and vowels, names of parts of speech. Maybe we can get through them quickly. They are supposed to arrive next week.
For math, I am still using free worksheets and drills, but going to start her on Khan Academy soon.
Hope your day is blessed.
Friday, August 9, 2019
Ho Gung
I was Gung-ho with all my ideas for Home School with Nickole. Since some relatives are 'uncomfortable' with the whole idea of home education, I had thought that something like Alpha &Omega 's Monarch Academy would be just wonderful. The work is assigned and, for the most part graded by computer. You can log in anywhere, no excess stacks of workbooks. Most kids LOVE being on the computer. The learning segments have bona fide teachers who present the material. I could show that Nickole really is enrolled in a school.
As it turned out, Monarch Academy is NOT a good fit for us at this time. Monarch Academy starts on a third grade level. Third grade assumes you have learned the basics you need to add and subtract, to read and at least print. I enjoyed our one-month free trial, but I have to find something that will work on Nickole's levels.
We have to go back and cover some basic necessities. We almost have basic addition conquered, and subtraction is coming right along. Yesterday, I discovered we need to cover Roman Numerals, consonants & vowels. Since we haven't entered into the payment portion of Monarch, I am OK with letting Monarch Academy go for now.
I hate to think of it as 'flying by the seat of my pants', but that is kind of where I am at. I hate to purchase a curriculum that's going to be gone through at a rapid pace. I'm sure that she will quickly assimilate the missing blocks of information once it is presented to her.
So, I am outlining a plan. I am using free and low cost options from a number of sources. We have Khan Academy available for math and a few other subjects. I have access to Scholastic "Teachables" through our public library. I have free "Common Core" worksheet generators I can use in Geography, spelling, and Math. I have YouTube! (Is there ANYTHING you can't learn from watching a video online?)
We will be going back and laying the basic foundation stones in math, and the mechanics of language. We will learn what cardinal and ordinal numbers are. We will learn about Roman Numerals, as well as Hindi-Arabic numerals.
We have begun "Atlas Adventures", based off a sticker book kids atlas from Aldi. (3.99). I decided we will start at the beginning of the sticker book. Nickole chooses one sticker from the shadowed outlines in the book, and puts it into place. Then, we come to the computer and look up more information about the item depicted by the sticker. So far, we have learned about Día de los Muertos, The Day of The Dead celebration; and The Golden Gate Bridge.
I choose several videos about the subject, as well as a basic search engine information spread. We watch the videos and read about the subject.
Next, Nickole goes into a blank Word document, and summarizes what she has learned about the topic. EDIT: I realized we need to print the original, unedited draft. This is attached to the final copy. This proves her progress. I follow up with checking her spelling, punctuation, and paragraph structure. I highlight words that need to be corrected, suggest edits, and mark punctuation points. Using the Word program eases the frustration of having to recopy the paper repeatedly as we edit.
Once the paragraph corrections are made, we print out a copy, and Nickole draws a picture to go with it. (It just occurred to me, I need to be printing out the raw documents as well, not just the finished product, so we can demonstrate progress.)
We look at the globe, and at the atlas to get the idea of where on the planet our topic is located.
This has been more of theme of study than any particular "subject". Nickole is not only learning about the topic of the sticker, and where it is geographically located, but also grasping the main ideas of the materials, organizing thoughts into sentences, and sentences into a paragraph. She is learning computer skills. She will be gaining research skills. She will learn to spell correctly and soon move from paragraphs to essays.
In my opinion, learning HOW to learn is a vital step she needs to take in gaining an education. That hasn't been happening for her in the school system.
So maybe I'm not quite as gung-ho as I was a few weeks back. I have been frustrated and upset. This new direction has taken me from trying to force a quick paced catch-up, to more of a "start completely over" with the basics.
As advised by many, I am documenting, documenting, documenting. From the failures to the fantastics, the good, bad, and ugly all along the way. We are documenting the books Nickole has read, and the curriculum sources we have tapped as we struggle along.
Please pray for us in this journey.
As it turned out, Monarch Academy is NOT a good fit for us at this time. Monarch Academy starts on a third grade level. Third grade assumes you have learned the basics you need to add and subtract, to read and at least print. I enjoyed our one-month free trial, but I have to find something that will work on Nickole's levels.
We have to go back and cover some basic necessities. We almost have basic addition conquered, and subtraction is coming right along. Yesterday, I discovered we need to cover Roman Numerals, consonants & vowels. Since we haven't entered into the payment portion of Monarch, I am OK with letting Monarch Academy go for now.
I hate to think of it as 'flying by the seat of my pants', but that is kind of where I am at. I hate to purchase a curriculum that's going to be gone through at a rapid pace. I'm sure that she will quickly assimilate the missing blocks of information once it is presented to her.
So, I am outlining a plan. I am using free and low cost options from a number of sources. We have Khan Academy available for math and a few other subjects. I have access to Scholastic "Teachables" through our public library. I have free "Common Core" worksheet generators I can use in Geography, spelling, and Math. I have YouTube! (Is there ANYTHING you can't learn from watching a video online?)
We will be going back and laying the basic foundation stones in math, and the mechanics of language. We will learn what cardinal and ordinal numbers are. We will learn about Roman Numerals, as well as Hindi-Arabic numerals.
We have begun "Atlas Adventures", based off a sticker book kids atlas from Aldi. (3.99). I decided we will start at the beginning of the sticker book. Nickole chooses one sticker from the shadowed outlines in the book, and puts it into place. Then, we come to the computer and look up more information about the item depicted by the sticker. So far, we have learned about Día de los Muertos, The Day of The Dead celebration; and The Golden Gate Bridge.
I choose several videos about the subject, as well as a basic search engine information spread. We watch the videos and read about the subject.
Next, Nickole goes into a blank Word document, and summarizes what she has learned about the topic. EDIT: I realized we need to print the original, unedited draft. This is attached to the final copy. This proves her progress. I follow up with checking her spelling, punctuation, and paragraph structure. I highlight words that need to be corrected, suggest edits, and mark punctuation points. Using the Word program eases the frustration of having to recopy the paper repeatedly as we edit.
Once the paragraph corrections are made, we print out a copy, and Nickole draws a picture to go with it. (It just occurred to me, I need to be printing out the raw documents as well, not just the finished product, so we can demonstrate progress.)
We look at the globe, and at the atlas to get the idea of where on the planet our topic is located.
This has been more of theme of study than any particular "subject". Nickole is not only learning about the topic of the sticker, and where it is geographically located, but also grasping the main ideas of the materials, organizing thoughts into sentences, and sentences into a paragraph. She is learning computer skills. She will be gaining research skills. She will learn to spell correctly and soon move from paragraphs to essays.
In my opinion, learning HOW to learn is a vital step she needs to take in gaining an education. That hasn't been happening for her in the school system.
So maybe I'm not quite as gung-ho as I was a few weeks back. I have been frustrated and upset. This new direction has taken me from trying to force a quick paced catch-up, to more of a "start completely over" with the basics.
As advised by many, I am documenting, documenting, documenting. From the failures to the fantastics, the good, bad, and ugly all along the way. We are documenting the books Nickole has read, and the curriculum sources we have tapped as we struggle along.
Please pray for us in this journey.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Adventures in the Country
During one night, I was awakened by our Guinea Fowl Alarm. The rooster joined in. There was much squawking and crowing, clucking and screeching. I got on my muck boots, grabbed a flashlight, and went to investigate. I found a raccoon inside the chicken pen. I ran back to the window of the bedroom and awakened Tom. He brought out the .22 and soon dispatched the offending 'coon.
My Little Red Hen was already dead. The Guinea was minus a good handful of feathers, and several of the other hens were off their roost.
Had the window not been open, I could of lost my entire flock.
The 'invisible fence' is still working! We have gotten okra and green beans! The tomatoes have given us all we can eat, plus several batches of tomato sauce and canned tomatoes. The peppers are starting to 'come on'. The flowerbeds are hosting dozens and dozens of butterflies.
Between the garden produce, getting Nickole started in school (and the daily work that entails), trying to stay on top of the house- I am absolutely exhausted.
Last night was no help.
Jaffa and I were returning from a walk. It was already rather dark when he found his very first black and white striped kitty in the driveway. Here is my Facebook account of that adventure:
Last night, I went out for my walk just before it was dark. Down my lane where it meets the road, I met a neighbor couple I hadn't met before. I joined them on their walk up the road. As we returned, it was getting fairly dark. Jaffa (our elderly beagle mix) was with me, and we headed up our lane.
Just ahead, I could see a smallish creature ambling along. It was too dark to make out what it was. At first, I though it was a bunny, or a cat. It had a bouncy trotting gait, not quite as big as our cat. Jaffa ran several yards ahead of me to trade backside sniffs/ chase off this intruder to our lane.
The critter very quickly identified itself.
I was yelling at Jaffa, "NO! NO! NO!"
He's 13 years old and this was his first nose to tail encounter with a striped "kitty".
As Jaffa rubbed his face and eyes in the grass and dirt, the little Stinker headed towards me. I backed up, and it kept coming.
*Not a threat, not a threat not a threat! please please please don't spray me!*
It didn't spray me. but there was enough spray in the air that I didn't miss out on my share.
I walked the rest of the way to the house, Jaffa trailing behind.
As I walked inside, I asked Tom to guess what animal Jaffa and I encountered in the lane?
He had no trouble guessing at all.
I went outside, and Tom gathered washing material. Peroxide, Dawn, baking soda, dog shampoo.
I got to give Jaffa a scrubbing. (Several times) before stripping to my skivvies and heading to the shower myself.
After the second shampooing, I had the idea to use coconut oil. I used that liberally, then shampooed twice more.
Jaffa was banished from the house. His bed and bedding, water and kibble all set out on the porch.
It has been YEARS since he has had to sleep outside.
He would alternate front and back doors, barking, barking, scratching, barking, barking to be let in.
I called him down a number of times. He seemed to settle in, and I went to bed.
Back to the barking, barking, barking.
(Good thing we live so far away from our neighbors!)
I knew Tom and Sam both had to be up to work early this morning.
I went and carried all Jaffa's stuff to the wellhouse. It has a window and screened door. I left the light on and latched the screen door from outside.
I called him off barking and tearing at the door.
I went to bed.
By midnight, the incessant barking had me up again.
I stood outside, and called him down every time he started. About 40 minutes later, he settled into whimpering and shaking.
Poor doggy. But he was still not coming inside. He had all the comforts of the house, except his people.
I went to bed, sometime after 1.
Little Miss Sunshine and Sleep til 9 decided that TODAY is the day to get up early.
She was out chatting up Umpaw and Sam by 5:30.
Granny is a grouch this morning.
Jaffa destroyed the wellhouse screen door, but didn't get out.
I have all day to test methods of removing skunky odor.
The coconut oil seems to have worked for me, I may start with that.
***********
And what has Jaffa been doing all day?
The cotton picking mutt has slept all day.
(Barking ALL NIGHT is hard work!)
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
This is what we are up to this week!
Over the weekend, Nickole BEGGED Sam to help her build a clubhouse.
Sam has been watching a lot of survival videos. Together, they started building a wigwam. Sam has, of course, carried the bulk of the work, but has kept Nickole involved as well. This was funny, when at one point, having gathered a pile of slim, supple "weed" trees to the site of the wigwam- Nickole came in and announced she "just needs to relax- Sam can keep working" without her! Hahaha! Nope. This was her project. They worked until dark Sunday night, and have the basic framework of the walls. They ran out of zip-ties, and were at a standstill, when Sam remembered the roll of wire he and Daniel had for making chain mail. Last night after work, Sam sharpened his machete, axe, and hatchet, to be ready for another day's work.
Nickole asked me if she would be allowed to paint the inside of the wigwam. Even after MANY explanations and pictures of what a wigwam looks like, she still can't picture the end result. I told her NO, there isn't going to be anything paintable inside.
************
We have gone out on a couple of beautiful, clear nights with the twins' telescope. The first night, we saw Jupiter. We could SEE the wide stripes, and several of Jupiter's moons. A couple of nights ago, despite a blinding bright full moon, we got to see Saturn and her rings. I love "star time"- just sitting outside and looking at the night sky. It makes any problems feel so insignificant.
**************
Tom and I re-planted green beans and okra for the 4th and 3rd time, respectively. The "invisible fence" I mentioned seems to actually be WORKING! The surviving plants that had been grazed off nightly are trying to make a comeback, without a sign of deer in the garden all week.
We had our first batch of garden salsa. SO GOOD!
I have been trying to center our meals around what we are getting from the garden. I haven't canned anything as of yet.
**********
Today is the next-to-last day of the Summer Reading Program at the library. The only day we have missed has been when we went to Texas for Camp CowGranny. (Oh and part of the day I got my time wrong!) The drawing for the small telescope is next Tuesday. There are many prizes besides the telescope.
Nickole discovered a book series she absolutely has devoured- The "Stranded" series by Jeff Probst. She has asked me to order the next 3 books in the series, but I am considering I may look at a used book store first. She also loves graphic novels- the sort of book that tells a story in comic book style. The library had a few of these. Nickole asked for more- and they ordered more! Their first of the new ones came in last week, and the librarian put it back for Nickole. She was the first to get to check it out. (Nancy Drew series.)
**********
I am resorting to a pretty desperate measure on learning the addition/ subtraction facts. As of yesterday, there will be NO use of electronics until such a time as Nickole can complete five worksheet "drills" in a row, PERFECTLY. No mistakes. No little deception attempts (such as writing a number so poorly that it could be either a 13 or a 15.
"Well CowGranny, what did you think that number WAS? a 13 or a 15?" when she saw I marked it wrong. I explained it didn't matter which of those numbers it was supposed to be- the correct answer was 14.)
I KNOW she has a wonderful memory. She can catalogue every scrape, scratch, bump, and bruise she's had since she was 3 years old, and recount the circumstances of getting them, and how long each took to heal. Sam showed her keyboard notes, with their names ONCE. She can tell him what they are still.
She CAN memorize math facts. The stakes just have to be high enough.
**************
This past week, I had hoped for a couple of days at home. As it was, we were (and still are) battling the insurance company to get Nickole added. One of their required documents is a Federal Income Tax Return listing Nickole as a dependent. We won't have that until next year. They want it by July 31st, or they won't add her. We have explained (repeatedly) the situation. One person asked for a State ID card, with our address and her name and photo. So Thursday I went and got that. Then I went back to the Social Security office, and was able to get a copy of her Social Security card sent to us. So I have successfully proven to both my State and Federal Government that Nickole is our dependent! I don't know how we can satisfy the Insurance Company if these documents don't work.
Friday was supposed to be the Guardianship hearing. Our lawyer lacked some document, so the hearing is postponed until August 23rd. If you are so inclined, say a prayer for us!
This week is stacking up to be almost as busy as last week. Our grocery shopping / errand day is on Mondays. Yesterday, this included a blood donation from Sam and I. Today is Library, plus picking up missed grocery items. (Being out of peanut butter is enough to start Mr C's day off wrong. He has eaten a piece of peanut butter toast every morning for as long as I have known him.)
Tomorrow afternoon, we are meeting some friends from the Library and Homeschool group, and going to the Amazeum in Bentonville. Once again, I have made no plans for Thursday and Friday!
Sam has been watching a lot of survival videos. Together, they started building a wigwam. Sam has, of course, carried the bulk of the work, but has kept Nickole involved as well. This was funny, when at one point, having gathered a pile of slim, supple "weed" trees to the site of the wigwam- Nickole came in and announced she "just needs to relax- Sam can keep working" without her! Hahaha! Nope. This was her project. They worked until dark Sunday night, and have the basic framework of the walls. They ran out of zip-ties, and were at a standstill, when Sam remembered the roll of wire he and Daniel had for making chain mail. Last night after work, Sam sharpened his machete, axe, and hatchet, to be ready for another day's work.
Nickole asked me if she would be allowed to paint the inside of the wigwam. Even after MANY explanations and pictures of what a wigwam looks like, she still can't picture the end result. I told her NO, there isn't going to be anything paintable inside.
************
We have gone out on a couple of beautiful, clear nights with the twins' telescope. The first night, we saw Jupiter. We could SEE the wide stripes, and several of Jupiter's moons. A couple of nights ago, despite a blinding bright full moon, we got to see Saturn and her rings. I love "star time"- just sitting outside and looking at the night sky. It makes any problems feel so insignificant.
**************
Tom and I re-planted green beans and okra for the 4th and 3rd time, respectively. The "invisible fence" I mentioned seems to actually be WORKING! The surviving plants that had been grazed off nightly are trying to make a comeback, without a sign of deer in the garden all week.
We had our first batch of garden salsa. SO GOOD!
I have been trying to center our meals around what we are getting from the garden. I haven't canned anything as of yet.
**********
Today is the next-to-last day of the Summer Reading Program at the library. The only day we have missed has been when we went to Texas for Camp CowGranny. (Oh and part of the day I got my time wrong!) The drawing for the small telescope is next Tuesday. There are many prizes besides the telescope.
Nickole discovered a book series she absolutely has devoured- The "Stranded" series by Jeff Probst. She has asked me to order the next 3 books in the series, but I am considering I may look at a used book store first. She also loves graphic novels- the sort of book that tells a story in comic book style. The library had a few of these. Nickole asked for more- and they ordered more! Their first of the new ones came in last week, and the librarian put it back for Nickole. She was the first to get to check it out. (Nancy Drew series.)
**********
I am resorting to a pretty desperate measure on learning the addition/ subtraction facts. As of yesterday, there will be NO use of electronics until such a time as Nickole can complete five worksheet "drills" in a row, PERFECTLY. No mistakes. No little deception attempts (such as writing a number so poorly that it could be either a 13 or a 15.
"Well CowGranny, what did you think that number WAS? a 13 or a 15?" when she saw I marked it wrong. I explained it didn't matter which of those numbers it was supposed to be- the correct answer was 14.)
I KNOW she has a wonderful memory. She can catalogue every scrape, scratch, bump, and bruise she's had since she was 3 years old, and recount the circumstances of getting them, and how long each took to heal. Sam showed her keyboard notes, with their names ONCE. She can tell him what they are still.
She CAN memorize math facts. The stakes just have to be high enough.
**************
This past week, I had hoped for a couple of days at home. As it was, we were (and still are) battling the insurance company to get Nickole added. One of their required documents is a Federal Income Tax Return listing Nickole as a dependent. We won't have that until next year. They want it by July 31st, or they won't add her. We have explained (repeatedly) the situation. One person asked for a State ID card, with our address and her name and photo. So Thursday I went and got that. Then I went back to the Social Security office, and was able to get a copy of her Social Security card sent to us. So I have successfully proven to both my State and Federal Government that Nickole is our dependent! I don't know how we can satisfy the Insurance Company if these documents don't work.
Friday was supposed to be the Guardianship hearing. Our lawyer lacked some document, so the hearing is postponed until August 23rd. If you are so inclined, say a prayer for us!
This week is stacking up to be almost as busy as last week. Our grocery shopping / errand day is on Mondays. Yesterday, this included a blood donation from Sam and I. Today is Library, plus picking up missed grocery items. (Being out of peanut butter is enough to start Mr C's day off wrong. He has eaten a piece of peanut butter toast every morning for as long as I have known him.)
Tomorrow afternoon, we are meeting some friends from the Library and Homeschool group, and going to the Amazeum in Bentonville. Once again, I have made no plans for Thursday and Friday!
Friday, July 12, 2019
Give me Grace
There are some things that just HAVE to be done. As much as I want to throw up my hands, smack something, or just scream until I am hoarse... I have to persevere.
One thing is educating a reluctant learner. For the second summer, we are working on simple math facts.
We have worked these past 10 days on 7+6=13 . 6+7=13.
Flash cards. Drills. Physical exercise/ riding a bike and reciting with each push of the pedal :Seven. Plus. Six. Equals. Thirteen.
We have done sitting on our hands while using flash cards. Allowing to finger count.
Today I did several timed drills. Marked the spot where the timer went off, and then had her finish the sheet. ALL the mistakes are after the timer went off, or on untimed drills. She misses 6+7 / 7+6 as often as she gets it right. (And several others, but we have concentrated on 6+7 for more than a week.)
I am having her copy the sums down 25X each when she misses one.
There is wailing and gnashing of teeth.
(Hers too.)
We need to move on with other items to bring her up to grade level. But we are staying with the sums until she gets them down.
I need ideas. How do we overcome this... mental block.... or whatever it is.
There are some things she can be shown once, and remember forever.
And then there is 6+7=13.
We are not heading into 5th grade unable to do first grade math. We just are not.
One thing is educating a reluctant learner. For the second summer, we are working on simple math facts.
We have worked these past 10 days on 7+6=13 . 6+7=13.
Flash cards. Drills. Physical exercise/ riding a bike and reciting with each push of the pedal :Seven. Plus. Six. Equals. Thirteen.
We have done sitting on our hands while using flash cards. Allowing to finger count.
Today I did several timed drills. Marked the spot where the timer went off, and then had her finish the sheet. ALL the mistakes are after the timer went off, or on untimed drills. She misses 6+7 / 7+6 as often as she gets it right. (And several others, but we have concentrated on 6+7 for more than a week.)
I am having her copy the sums down 25X each when she misses one.
There is wailing and gnashing of teeth.
(Hers too.)
We need to move on with other items to bring her up to grade level. But we are staying with the sums until she gets them down.
I need ideas. How do we overcome this... mental block.... or whatever it is.
There are some things she can be shown once, and remember forever.
And then there is 6+7=13.
We are not heading into 5th grade unable to do first grade math. We just are not.
Monday, July 8, 2019
Foraging for Jelly, and other canning adventures
This year's blackberry crop has been amazing! Nickole and I have walked and driven the back roads around us, and gathered not only wild raspberries and blackberries, but discovered wild black cherries.
I have made a batch of plain blackberry jelly, one of blackberry basil, one of blackberry + wild black cherry. I bought Bing cherries on markdown, and spent a fun couple of hours pitting them. Then I made a "foolproof" Bing Cherry jam recipe. Apparently, I am a better grade of fool... because I followed the recipe exactly, and made a fabulous cherry sauce. It is fabulous, even if it didn't jell.
Peaches were also on sale... and I put up three quarts of gingered peaches.
The batch of Blackberry Basil jelly was an accident. I had intended to make Blackberry Sage jelly. At the fatal moment of stirring the herb into the jelly, I realized I'd gathered basil and not sage! However, it was wonderful as a glaze on grilled pork chops.
As for the regular garden, the deer have been eating quite well. We have replanted green beans three times already, with nary a single bean to reward our efforts. The okra and cucumbers are eaten to nubs as quickly as they can put up shoots.
Sam and Mr C saw an idea of an "invisible fence", and we are trying it. It is relatively inexpensive. We surrounded the garden perimeter with fence posts, then strung 30 lb. test fishing line between them. Our roll had enough line to make three strands. The premise is, the deer are sensitive to the touch of the fishing line, but unable to see it. They cannot tell how high this barrier goes, so don't try to jump over it. They don't realize how easily it breaks.
At least that is the idea.
We already had the fence posts, and a spool of line was less than $3. We shall see how this works out!
I have made a batch of plain blackberry jelly, one of blackberry basil, one of blackberry + wild black cherry. I bought Bing cherries on markdown, and spent a fun couple of hours pitting them. Then I made a "foolproof" Bing Cherry jam recipe. Apparently, I am a better grade of fool... because I followed the recipe exactly, and made a fabulous cherry sauce. It is fabulous, even if it didn't jell.
Peaches were also on sale... and I put up three quarts of gingered peaches.
The batch of Blackberry Basil jelly was an accident. I had intended to make Blackberry Sage jelly. At the fatal moment of stirring the herb into the jelly, I realized I'd gathered basil and not sage! However, it was wonderful as a glaze on grilled pork chops.
As for the regular garden, the deer have been eating quite well. We have replanted green beans three times already, with nary a single bean to reward our efforts. The okra and cucumbers are eaten to nubs as quickly as they can put up shoots.
Sam and Mr C saw an idea of an "invisible fence", and we are trying it. It is relatively inexpensive. We surrounded the garden perimeter with fence posts, then strung 30 lb. test fishing line between them. Our roll had enough line to make three strands. The premise is, the deer are sensitive to the touch of the fishing line, but unable to see it. They cannot tell how high this barrier goes, so don't try to jump over it. They don't realize how easily it breaks.
At least that is the idea.
We already had the fence posts, and a spool of line was less than $3. We shall see how this works out!
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Shopping is sooo fu-uh-uh-uhn
It's a well know fact of Tammy- I hate shoe shopping. Probably surprising to people who know that I detest bare feet- and 'flip flops' are the same as bare feet.
Over the weekend, Mr C needed new shoes. While he was shopping at a store that sells well made (PRICEY) shoes, I used their measuring tool on Nickole. It said she needs a 3.5 or 4 in "big kid" shoes. Her beloved rain boots were a 13, and the "galaxy" sneakers she has been wearing were 11.5. She does have a size 2.5 that are her 'least favorite'... but nothing larger.
We can't be spending $120+ on a pair of shoes she's going to out grow before they get broke in. So I took her shoe shopping today. This was the pair she begged for:
Her second choice:
Neither pair good for running and playing. Neither good for every day, nor even dressy occasions. Maybe for PLAYING DRESS UP?
But, no. I am not paying more than $40 for clown shoes.
She tried to throw a fit in the store. Same store Alana tried the same tactic in about 8 years ago! Same result.
I said put your old shoes back on and let's go.
I don't think she believed that I would leave without buying her what she wanted.
"SERIOUSLY? SERIOUSLY? But we came here to buy me SHOES! YOU said I need shoes."
The whining and shouting got louder as I said "Seriously. You can pick a more practical pair of shoes that we can BOTH agree on, or we can go home."
I headed to the exit.
She suddenly decided she would rather look at other shoes than leave without any.
This is what she finally settled on, after a hard fought debate with herself on "Memory Foam Vs. light Up".
I'm still twitching.
Over the weekend, Mr C needed new shoes. While he was shopping at a store that sells well made (PRICEY) shoes, I used their measuring tool on Nickole. It said she needs a 3.5 or 4 in "big kid" shoes. Her beloved rain boots were a 13, and the "galaxy" sneakers she has been wearing were 11.5. She does have a size 2.5 that are her 'least favorite'... but nothing larger.
We can't be spending $120+ on a pair of shoes she's going to out grow before they get broke in. So I took her shoe shopping today. This was the pair she begged for:
Her second choice:
Neither pair good for running and playing. Neither good for every day, nor even dressy occasions. Maybe for PLAYING DRESS UP?But, no. I am not paying more than $40 for clown shoes.
She tried to throw a fit in the store. Same store Alana tried the same tactic in about 8 years ago! Same result.
I said put your old shoes back on and let's go.
I don't think she believed that I would leave without buying her what she wanted.
"SERIOUSLY? SERIOUSLY? But we came here to buy me SHOES! YOU said I need shoes."
The whining and shouting got louder as I said "Seriously. You can pick a more practical pair of shoes that we can BOTH agree on, or we can go home."
I headed to the exit.
She suddenly decided she would rather look at other shoes than leave without any.
This is what she finally settled on, after a hard fought debate with herself on "Memory Foam Vs. light Up".
I'm still twitching.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Adventures at Camp CowGranny, Part 2
On Wednesday, a friend of Becky's came out to visit, with her 3 kids. The kids all swam until they were cold, then we made lunch. Mostly, the kids just all played together.
Once the friends had to go home, we went over and visited Nola for a bit. The kids all free- ranged, in the most literal sense.
They played in the tree fort/ clubhouse that Becky's kids had built themselves. Roamed the property. Kitties and puppies, ducklings and small hooved critters.
Ben and Paula stayed to supper, with a great bonus of Paula's fresh grown squash.
Althea decided to stay the night, as she was afraid we would be having too much fun without her!
A movie was rented, and the crew settled in to watch "How To Train Your Dragon 3".
Afterwards, the littles slept on the couches, while the biggers retired upstairs to continue listening to Bill Wallace's "Journey Into Terror" before it was lights out.
Thursday, the kids all pitched in with a huge "Community Service" project. We all worked together to clean out Becky's big walk in refrigerator. The kids worked together in hauling out and scraping out dishes that had sat forgotten for too long. They carried out bags of trash, and scrubbed doors and shelves, and swept the floor. Becky scrubbed dishes and jars.
Afterwards, we all rode to Eden, where two cartons of ice cream were obtained, and we went to the park. The kids had cups of ice cream and played until they were played out. Then, we took a scenic route home. There was swimming, and supper. The littles were read to downstairs, and the bigger kids got a few more chapters of their book. This was the day we almost lost a kid. The problem with taking more than one vehicle is the head count.
As we were leaving the ranch, Becky stopped to count. Nickole was missing! She'd been sent upstairs to put on a shirt without bare shoulders... and picked up a book. Got lost in reading instead of loading up! (She is VERY fair complexioned, and was already slightly pink, we were trying to prevent a bad burn.)
Friday, we swam early, did crafts, then met Uncle Daniel at a park by the river in San Angelo. We took a picnic lunch, and scooter, bikes, and roller skates. Ben and Paula arrived, and we spent several hours as the kids played. Then it was back to Becky's for roasted hot dogs and jalapeno poppers. The kids that wanted to help, got to help make the poppers. Becky was saying she was concerned that 48 wasn't enough. I thought it was overkill. Wanna guess who was right?
(Hint: It wasn't me)
Kids played outside later than we had been allowing, then all came in. Daniel finished off the last few chapters of our book upstairs, then we came down to visit. It was nearing midnight when we turned in. Grace woke with a stuffed nose/ breathing problems, so we were up and down with her the remainder of the night.
Saturday saw us on the road by 7:30, returning all the borrowed grands to their destinations.
It was a fun, exhausting week.
Link to lots of pics
Once the friends had to go home, we went over and visited Nola for a bit. The kids all free- ranged, in the most literal sense.
They played in the tree fort/ clubhouse that Becky's kids had built themselves. Roamed the property. Kitties and puppies, ducklings and small hooved critters.
Ben and Paula stayed to supper, with a great bonus of Paula's fresh grown squash.
Althea decided to stay the night, as she was afraid we would be having too much fun without her!
A movie was rented, and the crew settled in to watch "How To Train Your Dragon 3".
Afterwards, the littles slept on the couches, while the biggers retired upstairs to continue listening to Bill Wallace's "Journey Into Terror" before it was lights out.
Thursday, the kids all pitched in with a huge "Community Service" project. We all worked together to clean out Becky's big walk in refrigerator. The kids worked together in hauling out and scraping out dishes that had sat forgotten for too long. They carried out bags of trash, and scrubbed doors and shelves, and swept the floor. Becky scrubbed dishes and jars.
Afterwards, we all rode to Eden, where two cartons of ice cream were obtained, and we went to the park. The kids had cups of ice cream and played until they were played out. Then, we took a scenic route home. There was swimming, and supper. The littles were read to downstairs, and the bigger kids got a few more chapters of their book. This was the day we almost lost a kid. The problem with taking more than one vehicle is the head count.
As we were leaving the ranch, Becky stopped to count. Nickole was missing! She'd been sent upstairs to put on a shirt without bare shoulders... and picked up a book. Got lost in reading instead of loading up! (She is VERY fair complexioned, and was already slightly pink, we were trying to prevent a bad burn.)
Friday, we swam early, did crafts, then met Uncle Daniel at a park by the river in San Angelo. We took a picnic lunch, and scooter, bikes, and roller skates. Ben and Paula arrived, and we spent several hours as the kids played. Then it was back to Becky's for roasted hot dogs and jalapeno poppers. The kids that wanted to help, got to help make the poppers. Becky was saying she was concerned that 48 wasn't enough. I thought it was overkill. Wanna guess who was right?
(Hint: It wasn't me)
Kids played outside later than we had been allowing, then all came in. Daniel finished off the last few chapters of our book upstairs, then we came down to visit. It was nearing midnight when we turned in. Grace woke with a stuffed nose/ breathing problems, so we were up and down with her the remainder of the night.
Saturday saw us on the road by 7:30, returning all the borrowed grands to their destinations.
It was a fun, exhausting week.
Link to lots of pics
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Adventures at Camp CowGranny, Part 1
Nickole (2.1) and I left for Camp CowGranny on Saturday, June 8th. We picked up Alana (1.2), and headed to my folks homes in East Texas. (Mom and Dad live about a mile apart, with their respective spouses. The four are good friends, so there is no strife in hanging out together for our visits.)
Gavin (1.3) was supposed to meet us at my Mom's (GG) house. She lives just over halfway to where Gavin lives, from my house.
Due to car problems, Gavin's Mom didn't make our meeting. We had the choice of waiting until the next day to meet, or going on without Gavin.
Now that would be pretty sad- Gavin is Alana's little brother, and the only boy cousin anywhere close to Tyrel (3.1) in age. So we waited until Sunday... only to have more scheduling conflicts. When your car is broke down, you are at the pleasure of other people's timing when needing a ride. The girls and I drove farther south as Gavin and his Mom rode north. We met at a gas station, and were soon both on our way. It was well after 9 PM by the time we got back to my Mom's house.
Camp CowGranny was delayed by a day.
Sunday morning, Alana and Nickole baked cupcakes with GG Rose.
We missed a Feast of Shavuot celebration at Benjamin's house. It is a Jewish celebration commemorating the anniversary of the day God gave the Israelites the Torah. But we did have a very good extra day with the Great Grands at both houses.
Monday saw us traveling to Becky's house in West Texas. We had several stops along the way, since I try to stop and say hello to my kids every chance I get, even if it is only for a few minutes.
Arriving at Becky's late Monday afternoon, we were greeted with the rest of the cousins. Ben and Paula were there, and we all had a great supper.
Tuesday was our Zoo trip. A picnic lunch was packed. We planned to go to a splash pad after the zoo, but it was closed for maintenance. We played at a park instead.
Here are some pictures of the first couple of days.
For those unfamiliar with our shorthand system, my kids have a numerical designation based on birth order. The grandkids numerical designations are based on their parents designation, then their own.
I will try to post more pictures and CCG posts as I have time. Thank you for reading.
Gavin (1.3) was supposed to meet us at my Mom's (GG) house. She lives just over halfway to where Gavin lives, from my house.
Due to car problems, Gavin's Mom didn't make our meeting. We had the choice of waiting until the next day to meet, or going on without Gavin.
Now that would be pretty sad- Gavin is Alana's little brother, and the only boy cousin anywhere close to Tyrel (3.1) in age. So we waited until Sunday... only to have more scheduling conflicts. When your car is broke down, you are at the pleasure of other people's timing when needing a ride. The girls and I drove farther south as Gavin and his Mom rode north. We met at a gas station, and were soon both on our way. It was well after 9 PM by the time we got back to my Mom's house.
Camp CowGranny was delayed by a day.
Sunday morning, Alana and Nickole baked cupcakes with GG Rose.
 |
| 1.2 and 2.1 with GG Rose |
 |
| 1.3 with GG Rose |
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| 1.3, 5.0, 2.1, and 1.2 in Dallas |
Monday saw us traveling to Becky's house in West Texas. We had several stops along the way, since I try to stop and say hello to my kids every chance I get, even if it is only for a few minutes.
Arriving at Becky's late Monday afternoon, we were greeted with the rest of the cousins. Ben and Paula were there, and we all had a great supper.
Tuesday was our Zoo trip. A picnic lunch was packed. We planned to go to a splash pad after the zoo, but it was closed for maintenance. We played at a park instead.
Here are some pictures of the first couple of days.
 |
| 4.0(s), 4.1, 4.2 |
 |
| 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 3.5, & 3.4 |
 |
| 1.3 |
 |
| Front to back, 3.3, 3.1, 1.3 |
 |
| Front row: 2.1, 4.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.2 Middle/ Top row: 3.1, 3.5. 1.2, 4.3, 3.2, 1.3 (corner top) |
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| 3.5 |
 |
| 1.3 |
 |
| Picnic at the Abilene Zoo |
For those unfamiliar with our shorthand system, my kids have a numerical designation based on birth order. The grandkids numerical designations are based on their parents designation, then their own.
- Christopher, my eldest is 1.0
His children are Connor (1.1), Alana (1.2) and Gavin (1.3) - Bill was 2.0
His child is Nickole (2.1) - Becky is 3.0 , her spouse Stephen is 3.0(s)
Their children are Tyrel (3.1), Kimber (3.2), Dakota (3.3), Grace (3.4) and Katie (3.5) - Benjamin is 4.0. Paula is 4.0(s)
Their children are Jasher (4.1), Althea (4.2) , and Milo (4.3) - Stephen (Tommy) is 5.0
- Daniel is 6.0
- Samuel is 7.0
I will try to post more pictures and CCG posts as I have time. Thank you for reading.
Monday, June 17, 2019
---> ---> Processing ----> ---->
It may take me a few days to get my Camp CowGranny post(s?) and photos done.
But TODAY!
Today is the 23rd anniversary of Daniel and Samuel's births.
Happy Birthday, guys.
Dan and Sam are remarkable young men. Both are patient and kind. Neither is afraid to stand up for the weak, or to lend a helping hand, or to give generous gifts.
I'm not in Texas to make Dan a special birthday dinner. Mr C has gone to town to get stuff for Sam's requested meal. He asked for BBQ Beef Ribs.
Once again, our weekly routine is a bit off kilter. I got home from my travels for Camp CowGranny yesterday afternoon. Alana and Kimber both came home with Nickole and I. Today, we returned Alana so that she can get ready for her next camp. Her entire summer is scheduled and organized, but she squeezed in a night to visit her Umpaw.
I have laundry going, while Nickole and Kimber play together. Or argue. None of us much felt like yet another car ride!
Tomorrow is Summer Reading at the Library. Afterwards, we will go get the groceries we missed today. The blackberries are ripe and begging to be picked... we need to try to do that one morning this week. We got another 2.5 inches (and still falling) of rain over the last 3 days.
Have a blessed day, and please remember the Z family in your prayers today and tomorrow.
But TODAY!
Today is the 23rd anniversary of Daniel and Samuel's births.
Happy Birthday, guys.
Dan and Sam are remarkable young men. Both are patient and kind. Neither is afraid to stand up for the weak, or to lend a helping hand, or to give generous gifts.
I'm not in Texas to make Dan a special birthday dinner. Mr C has gone to town to get stuff for Sam's requested meal. He asked for BBQ Beef Ribs.
Once again, our weekly routine is a bit off kilter. I got home from my travels for Camp CowGranny yesterday afternoon. Alana and Kimber both came home with Nickole and I. Today, we returned Alana so that she can get ready for her next camp. Her entire summer is scheduled and organized, but she squeezed in a night to visit her Umpaw.
I have laundry going, while Nickole and Kimber play together. Or argue. None of us much felt like yet another car ride!
Tomorrow is Summer Reading at the Library. Afterwards, we will go get the groceries we missed today. The blackberries are ripe and begging to be picked... we need to try to do that one morning this week. We got another 2.5 inches (and still falling) of rain over the last 3 days.
Have a blessed day, and please remember the Z family in your prayers today and tomorrow.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Camp CowGranny 2019: Plans
We are headed into "Camp CowGranny" next week. It is our (try for annual!) get together of the mine and Tom's grandkids, to hopefully help the cousins build stronger bonds with one another.
This year, we plan to have it at Becky's house... because she has more sleeping space, and because there are LITTLE cousins that need to be home at night. Seems like a great plan at the moment- we have has 2.5 inches of rain since last night, and it's still pouring.
There has been more rain than usual in Becky's area as well. They still have green grass- and it's already JUNE!
I'm not even taking the tent. I don't have room to haul it. Mr C wanted me to drive the truck, but I have 3 kids to haul, and we won't all fit. Sam is graciously allowing me to use his car.
I pick Alana up in the morning. We drive to my folks place in East Texas. Seneca is meeting us there with Gavin. From there, we stop in Dallas- Tommy has something to send to Becky, plus I need a hug from my kids when I can get them! From Dallas, the planned route is through Glenrose to Ballinger, to Ben's. He has a shindig planned for Sunday afternoon.
Most of our 'plans' have already been thwarted. The Bat Cave at Mason- you have to ford a river to get to it... and for one thing, the river is flooded. The Bat Cave is closed at this time. It doesn't say WHY, but likely due to the Mommy bats being on maternity leave. So there went that plan!
I had hoped to visit the pictographs in Paint Rock. That proved to be too pricey for our group- for something the kids would only find mildly interesting and reluctantly attend. Even the museums are pretty proud with their entry fees.
So! Swimming at Becky's. Wading at Ben and Paula's. The Abilene Zoo. MAYBE we can visit a Fire Station and see real fire trucks up close? We are flexible. Arts and Crafts. Parks and picnics. Lots of "free play" time for the cousins to just hang out. I will try for pictures. My camera has been terrible lately. (It was cheap when I bought it 4+ years ago!)
It's supposed to be cooler than the normal Texas temperatures- mid 80's instead of low 100's. Becky and I were just making meal plans... some stuff we leave til last minute!
Becky and I have been trying to think of "cabin" arrangements. Her upstairs has a boys bedroom, and a girls bedroom, with their "classroom" in between.
Granny will have a bed in the classroom to keep havoc to a minimum.
Alana will sleep next door with Teresa. Nickole will share a room with Kimber and Dakota. Gavin will share Tyrel's room.
The little girls, Grace, Althea, and Katie will sleep in the little girls' bedroom.
That leave Jasher as "odd one out". Not sure if he should sleep upstairs in the classroom near me & the big kids, as that implies he is a big boy (Which he clearly considers himself to be!).. or downstairs with the Little girls, as he is closer to their ages.
I don't want to put him in the room with the 12 year old boys without very close supervision.
This year, we plan to have it at Becky's house... because she has more sleeping space, and because there are LITTLE cousins that need to be home at night. Seems like a great plan at the moment- we have has 2.5 inches of rain since last night, and it's still pouring.
There has been more rain than usual in Becky's area as well. They still have green grass- and it's already JUNE!
I'm not even taking the tent. I don't have room to haul it. Mr C wanted me to drive the truck, but I have 3 kids to haul, and we won't all fit. Sam is graciously allowing me to use his car.
I pick Alana up in the morning. We drive to my folks place in East Texas. Seneca is meeting us there with Gavin. From there, we stop in Dallas- Tommy has something to send to Becky, plus I need a hug from my kids when I can get them! From Dallas, the planned route is through Glenrose to Ballinger, to Ben's. He has a shindig planned for Sunday afternoon.
Most of our 'plans' have already been thwarted. The Bat Cave at Mason- you have to ford a river to get to it... and for one thing, the river is flooded. The Bat Cave is closed at this time. It doesn't say WHY, but likely due to the Mommy bats being on maternity leave. So there went that plan!
I had hoped to visit the pictographs in Paint Rock. That proved to be too pricey for our group- for something the kids would only find mildly interesting and reluctantly attend. Even the museums are pretty proud with their entry fees.
So! Swimming at Becky's. Wading at Ben and Paula's. The Abilene Zoo. MAYBE we can visit a Fire Station and see real fire trucks up close? We are flexible. Arts and Crafts. Parks and picnics. Lots of "free play" time for the cousins to just hang out. I will try for pictures. My camera has been terrible lately. (It was cheap when I bought it 4+ years ago!)
It's supposed to be cooler than the normal Texas temperatures- mid 80's instead of low 100's. Becky and I were just making meal plans... some stuff we leave til last minute!
Becky and I have been trying to think of "cabin" arrangements. Her upstairs has a boys bedroom, and a girls bedroom, with their "classroom" in between.
Granny will have a bed in the classroom to keep havoc to a minimum.
Alana will sleep next door with Teresa. Nickole will share a room with Kimber and Dakota. Gavin will share Tyrel's room.
The little girls, Grace, Althea, and Katie will sleep in the little girls' bedroom.
That leave Jasher as "odd one out". Not sure if he should sleep upstairs in the classroom near me & the big kids, as that implies he is a big boy (Which he clearly considers himself to be!).. or downstairs with the Little girls, as he is closer to their ages.
I don't want to put him in the room with the 12 year old boys without very close supervision.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Adjusting to the New Normal
Oh yeah. "Normal" is a setting on the dryer. It doesn't really tell us very much, except our clothes ought to dry without too many wrinkles.
It was just a few days in to our new journey that we concluded that artificial food coloring IS an issue. We have been working hard to avoid it.
The days are mostly peaceful. I've been having a LOT of stress and stress related headaches. Having tachycardia (high heart rate) and my blood pressure has been higher than usual.
I have been dealing with trying to make wellness visits to the doctor. Dentist appointments, as it's been awhile since she's seen a dentist (2 years according to her records sent to me, and looking at her teeth). I can't change her Primary Care Provider without re-applying to her coverage provider with our information... and we don't qualify. She can't be added to our insurance without a judge granting guardianship. The paperwork we have is "permissive" guardianship, not legal. I CAN take her to the doctor in an emergency.
In dealing with trying to get her a bank account, I find I need a photo ID for her. This requires her actual SS card, and a legal copy of her birth certificate- not a copy of a copy.
We are going to have to talk to a lawyer ourselves.
Seems like every time I speak with Grandpa Glenn, I get overly stressed out. I don't know if he is just trying to make conversation, or what.
He questioned me about the number of children my daughter has, whether she's going to have more, and whether or not she's ever heard of birth control.
He asked about Sam, when does Sam finish school? I told him Sam graduated Arkansas College of Electricity a couple of weeks ago. "So now he's gonna be out there looking for a job? Good luck with THAT! So now that he's graduated, are you looking at getting him out of the house, having him make his own way?"
He didn't believe that Sam has worked his way through college, is gainfully employed, and pays us rent every month.
None of these things are even remotely his business. If he were just enquiring to be polite, he should restrain his opinions on the matter.
I believe it may be due to unforgiveness on my part. I keep having 'flashbacks' to the night we arrived at his house after Bill died. All the grief of losing a son, and he is standing behind me, going over his record book of all the wrongs he has recorded that Bill had done since he had known him.
I tense up, I start shaking, and pretty soon my heart is racing, my head is pounding, and I am in tears.
I THOUGHT I had forgiven him, but my body is reacting as it did that night.
I remind myself, he has tried to do what he could in raising Nickole. I was upset over his remarks that "now we are getting a taste of what he's gone through with her and her ways!"
I really have no idea what he means. He says stuff like that every summer, and we have never had any problems. She may be reluctant to try new foods, but many kids are. We make her try them anyway- and she has discovered she LIKES many things she didn't know she would like.
It makes me wonder how much of the problems he has with her is based on her body's response to the foods she was eating.
Nickole found a cookbook for children at the library. She's been anxious to try many of the recipes. Eager to help in the kitchen. (Until actual help is asked for!) (At least she's showing an interest, on her own terms.) When she gets up this morning, she is going to learn to make Grancakes. My own recipe... which she has loved to eat every time she visits. Today, the secrets will be revealed.
It was just a few days in to our new journey that we concluded that artificial food coloring IS an issue. We have been working hard to avoid it.
The days are mostly peaceful. I've been having a LOT of stress and stress related headaches. Having tachycardia (high heart rate) and my blood pressure has been higher than usual.
I have been dealing with trying to make wellness visits to the doctor. Dentist appointments, as it's been awhile since she's seen a dentist (2 years according to her records sent to me, and looking at her teeth). I can't change her Primary Care Provider without re-applying to her coverage provider with our information... and we don't qualify. She can't be added to our insurance without a judge granting guardianship. The paperwork we have is "permissive" guardianship, not legal. I CAN take her to the doctor in an emergency.
In dealing with trying to get her a bank account, I find I need a photo ID for her. This requires her actual SS card, and a legal copy of her birth certificate- not a copy of a copy.
We are going to have to talk to a lawyer ourselves.
Seems like every time I speak with Grandpa Glenn, I get overly stressed out. I don't know if he is just trying to make conversation, or what.
He questioned me about the number of children my daughter has, whether she's going to have more, and whether or not she's ever heard of birth control.
He asked about Sam, when does Sam finish school? I told him Sam graduated Arkansas College of Electricity a couple of weeks ago. "So now he's gonna be out there looking for a job? Good luck with THAT! So now that he's graduated, are you looking at getting him out of the house, having him make his own way?"
He didn't believe that Sam has worked his way through college, is gainfully employed, and pays us rent every month.
None of these things are even remotely his business. If he were just enquiring to be polite, he should restrain his opinions on the matter.
I believe it may be due to unforgiveness on my part. I keep having 'flashbacks' to the night we arrived at his house after Bill died. All the grief of losing a son, and he is standing behind me, going over his record book of all the wrongs he has recorded that Bill had done since he had known him.
I tense up, I start shaking, and pretty soon my heart is racing, my head is pounding, and I am in tears.
I THOUGHT I had forgiven him, but my body is reacting as it did that night.
I remind myself, he has tried to do what he could in raising Nickole. I was upset over his remarks that "now we are getting a taste of what he's gone through with her and her ways!"
I really have no idea what he means. He says stuff like that every summer, and we have never had any problems. She may be reluctant to try new foods, but many kids are. We make her try them anyway- and she has discovered she LIKES many things she didn't know she would like.
It makes me wonder how much of the problems he has with her is based on her body's response to the foods she was eating.
Nickole found a cookbook for children at the library. She's been anxious to try many of the recipes. Eager to help in the kitchen. (Until actual help is asked for!) (At least she's showing an interest, on her own terms.) When she gets up this morning, she is going to learn to make Grancakes. My own recipe... which she has loved to eat every time she visits. Today, the secrets will be revealed.
Grancakes
1 very ripe banana
2 eggs (3 if they are small)
1 cup of uncooked oatmeal
1/4 tsp. aluminum free baking powder
1/2 tsp.(or more to taste) vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
Heat heavy skillet or griddle, lightly oiled.
In food processor, grind oatmeal to bits that cannot be identified as oats.
Peel ripe banana, add to food processor.
Add remaining ingredients, and process to a smooth batter.
Pour out into desired sized pancakes on hot skillet.
Carefully flip as the bottom side browns lightly.
Finish cooking. (both sides lightly browned and set)
Serve as desired with: butter, syrup, whipped topping, fresh fruit, powdered sugar
****************
Nickole will not even TRY a banana. She won't eat oatmeal, even in a cookie. Yet, she begs for these pancakes. They are high in protein & fiber, gluten free, sugar free and basically fat free (before toppings).
From time to time, I add spices to the batter. Cinnamon, nutmeg, a hint of ginger. Try adding pecans or walnuts for a banana bread flavor.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Third Day
Today is our third day of the new adventure, Parenting A Grandchild.
Thankfully, we have had no blow ups or major issues.
We are learning more about one another's likes and dislikes. I absolutely despise being patted on the head. (Stems from a condescending Doctor who had to reach UP to pat me on the head when I was a teen.) This is a deep loathing I have had.
Nickole has been patting me on the head. I finally, politely asked her to NOT do that.
She explained how she LOVES to be patted on the head. It is a gesture of affection for her.
I realized I am not a particularly demonstrative person, with a child who NEEDS to be hugged, touched, and patted. Knowing this, I am making an effort to give and receive hugs (and head pats... without shuddering).
We are finding our way through meals. I am making small accommodations to her dislikes, and she is making efforts to eat what I make. I find we have both given one another The Look of "Really?".
We have had a couple of - I hesitate to say "compromises"- more of picking my battles. She is into zombies. I . am. NOT.
Yesterday, we went to the library. Nickole got signed up for the Summer Reading Program, and now also has her very own library card. I was telling Mr. C, "Now, if Nickole damages one of their books, they take HER to jail instead of me!"
Oh my, the look she had!
"You signed the paperwork, didn't you?"
"Yes, but I didn't know it said THAT!"
"Did you read it before you signed it?"
"No..... ...."
"Oh, man. You should ALWAYS read things before you sign them. You better be REALLY careful to take care of the library's books."
"I WILL!"
(Her library book was something containing Teenage Zombies. Ugh. Chose not to make it an issue.) Also learned our library has the entire Rush Revere collection. I got Rush Revere and The Brave Pilgrims. I read the Forward aloud, then had Nickole read the Prologue. She used her most bored, unexcited monotone... until she discovered she LIKED this book. Then some character crept into her voice. We put it away after the Prologue, and picked up at Chapter One in the evening. I read, and she snuggled close by, begging me to "keep reading" every time I had to stop for a sip of water.
The reading aloud last night came about after some discussion about a movie.
Nickole has a child sized recliner she brought with her. It was filthy and stank. We got some upholstery cleaner yesterday, and she worked on cleaning it up. In her cleaning, she found a movie disk, "Coraline", down in the depths of recliner guts. She asked Mr C and Sam to watch a movie with her when they got home. Tom had to fix the car first, and it took awhile. After he ate, she got the movie. Tom asked if it was going to go over past bedtime, as he was pretty tired. I looked up the movie online, to find the running time.
In looking it up, we found that it was PG-13. HORROR genre. Sex, violence, language, and adult situations.
Uh..
.... NO.
We are NOT going to watch this movie.
"But I have already seen it. It's one of my FAVORITES. It only gave me nightmares at FIRST, but now it doesn't!"
We aren't watching it. I am at a loss as to why any adult would think it "OK" to allow a kid who wasn't even 10 years old ("It was lost a few years ago, who knew it was in my recliner all that time?") to see it in the first place? It only gave her nightmares "at first".
I really don't know WHAT to do with the disk. My thought is to throw it in the trash. But it isn't MINE. I put it up where it is unlikely to be encountered as I figure that one out.
*************
It looks like our household is going to need to undergo a dietary makeover. While I am not yet certain, I strongly suspect Nickole is sensitive to food dyes. I MAY be sensitive to CORN... and hoo boy, not only is corn in most everything, I often use corn products to fill in for myself when others have gluten. Tom wants to lose weight, Sam wants to eat less sugar. So, I need to work around no gluten, dyes, corn, weight conscious, using lower sugar, lower sodium foods . I'm thinking this may be a bit gradual overall- not replacing items as we run out. (Thought I was out of wheat flour, but Sam had stashed a bag!) I just ran out of corn starch. I have a package each of flour and of corn tortillas to use up by those who may. We have a supply of tortilla chips, and frozen corn to get through. I can just avoid those myself as we use them up. I checked a few of the snacks, and so far none have artificial dyes.
Today's breakfast is Grancakes. Nickole loves my pancakes, but in summers past, I have had to make them before she gets up, as she doesn't like oatmeal in ANY form, nor bananas. My pancakes are ground oats, obliterated bananas, and eggs. (vanilla, salt and baking powder). Don't ask, don't tell! Or, if asked, deflect without lying.
Thankfully, we have had no blow ups or major issues.
We are learning more about one another's likes and dislikes. I absolutely despise being patted on the head. (Stems from a condescending Doctor who had to reach UP to pat me on the head when I was a teen.) This is a deep loathing I have had.
Nickole has been patting me on the head. I finally, politely asked her to NOT do that.
She explained how she LOVES to be patted on the head. It is a gesture of affection for her.
I realized I am not a particularly demonstrative person, with a child who NEEDS to be hugged, touched, and patted. Knowing this, I am making an effort to give and receive hugs (and head pats... without shuddering).
We are finding our way through meals. I am making small accommodations to her dislikes, and she is making efforts to eat what I make. I find we have both given one another The Look of "Really?".
We have had a couple of - I hesitate to say "compromises"- more of picking my battles. She is into zombies. I . am. NOT.
Yesterday, we went to the library. Nickole got signed up for the Summer Reading Program, and now also has her very own library card. I was telling Mr. C, "Now, if Nickole damages one of their books, they take HER to jail instead of me!"
Oh my, the look she had!
"You signed the paperwork, didn't you?"
"Yes, but I didn't know it said THAT!"
"Did you read it before you signed it?"
"No..... ...."
"Oh, man. You should ALWAYS read things before you sign them. You better be REALLY careful to take care of the library's books."
"I WILL!"
(Her library book was something containing Teenage Zombies. Ugh. Chose not to make it an issue.) Also learned our library has the entire Rush Revere collection. I got Rush Revere and The Brave Pilgrims. I read the Forward aloud, then had Nickole read the Prologue. She used her most bored, unexcited monotone... until she discovered she LIKED this book. Then some character crept into her voice. We put it away after the Prologue, and picked up at Chapter One in the evening. I read, and she snuggled close by, begging me to "keep reading" every time I had to stop for a sip of water.
The reading aloud last night came about after some discussion about a movie.
Nickole has a child sized recliner she brought with her. It was filthy and stank. We got some upholstery cleaner yesterday, and she worked on cleaning it up. In her cleaning, she found a movie disk, "Coraline", down in the depths of recliner guts. She asked Mr C and Sam to watch a movie with her when they got home. Tom had to fix the car first, and it took awhile. After he ate, she got the movie. Tom asked if it was going to go over past bedtime, as he was pretty tired. I looked up the movie online, to find the running time.
In looking it up, we found that it was PG-13. HORROR genre. Sex, violence, language, and adult situations.
Uh..
.... NO.
We are NOT going to watch this movie.
"But I have already seen it. It's one of my FAVORITES. It only gave me nightmares at FIRST, but now it doesn't!"
We aren't watching it. I am at a loss as to why any adult would think it "OK" to allow a kid who wasn't even 10 years old ("It was lost a few years ago, who knew it was in my recliner all that time?") to see it in the first place? It only gave her nightmares "at first".
I really don't know WHAT to do with the disk. My thought is to throw it in the trash. But it isn't MINE. I put it up where it is unlikely to be encountered as I figure that one out.
*************
It looks like our household is going to need to undergo a dietary makeover. While I am not yet certain, I strongly suspect Nickole is sensitive to food dyes. I MAY be sensitive to CORN... and hoo boy, not only is corn in most everything, I often use corn products to fill in for myself when others have gluten. Tom wants to lose weight, Sam wants to eat less sugar. So, I need to work around no gluten, dyes, corn, weight conscious, using lower sugar, lower sodium foods . I'm thinking this may be a bit gradual overall- not replacing items as we run out. (Thought I was out of wheat flour, but Sam had stashed a bag!) I just ran out of corn starch. I have a package each of flour and of corn tortillas to use up by those who may. We have a supply of tortilla chips, and frozen corn to get through. I can just avoid those myself as we use them up. I checked a few of the snacks, and so far none have artificial dyes.
Today's breakfast is Grancakes. Nickole loves my pancakes, but in summers past, I have had to make them before she gets up, as she doesn't like oatmeal in ANY form, nor bananas. My pancakes are ground oats, obliterated bananas, and eggs. (vanilla, salt and baking powder). Don't ask, don't tell! Or, if asked, deflect without lying.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
The Welcome Project
Grand Daughter Nickole has been granted her wish to come and live with us. This was basically a start from scratch opportunity to put a room together that I hope she will like. The only purchased furniture was the bed and the
night stand. I think all together I have spent under $150., including paint and all new bedding.
 |
| Night stand from a "pickin'" sale. Was beige and gold. |
night stand. I think all together I have spent under $150., including paint and all new bedding.
 |
| The bed. Uncle Tommy brought it up and assembled it. Bedding from Walmart ties the color scheme (or lack thereof) together. Small lamp has a hummingbird motif. |
 | |
| From the head of the bed, window on the left, closet ahead, door to hall is on the right. Another small shelf I've had forever, repainted and repurposed! |
 | |
| The heart shaped light switch cover was in a different room of the house when we bought the place. Fresh paint! Little "clothesline" of pictures sports tiny clothespins. |
 | ||
| Overhead light off. Picture of her Daddy in the frame, with a picture of Nickole- frame and Nickole photo are from her cousin Kimber. Mirror is 30+ years old, a garage sale find from GiGi many years ago. Butterflies have been around since the 90's sometime, now with new paint. Paul Hancock (my godfather) made me the square in square display shelf in the 80's. The shelf unit was a school garage sale find from back before my Mom (GiGi) retired. Baskets on the shelf unit were Aldi finds. Curtains were Great Grammy Kathie's contribution. Most everything has a new coat of paint. Stars on the ceiling were there when we moved in- I love them! |
Friday, April 12, 2019
Wacky weather!
This week we had two days of 84* weather and CRAZY winds. (45mph + gusts 50>) I actually turned on the AC- which reminded us that it needs a system check up! I got that scheduled.... and this weekend, we are expecting SNOW showers. Temperatures are downright chilly at the moment. 41*.
The winds knocked my seedlings off the greenhouse shelves, as the walls whipped about in the high winds. Several holes were torn into the plastic mesh fabric. I am sad and discouraged at this!
Over last weekend, Tom and I went to see my folks in East Texas. Dad wasn't feeling great, and actually had to go to the hospital. The Docs put a stent in his heart, and he is headed home this morning. I have been stressed out at being so far away, but there is little I could do even if I were there.
Dad is feeling much better.
I am thinking today's working plan is the re-organization of the freezer. I have several items inside the house that need to be put back into their homes in the well house- where the freezer is located. Get my "but firsts" in order and get with the program!
I have things to do in the "spare" (formerly Daniel's / soon to be Nickole's) bedroom. ALL of those things involve a degree of "but first", with items I don't have on hand and don't NEED to make a trip to town to get. I need to get some of the stuff done before Becky and the kids arrive.
Tomorrow, Mr C is hoping to get some gardening done- at the least tilling! "But First" we have to go to town and get bug killer granules, which need to be spread before the "heavy downpour" of predicted rain hits. THAT is a fine window of time- we need the bug killer to reduce the flea and tick population in the yard, but can't spread it too soon before a rain, as we have a dog, a cat, and 12,000+ bees to think about. Tomorrow morning may prove a busy time.
May your day be blessed! Hug your folks, squeeze your kids! Call your siblings for a "just because" chat.
Thanks for reading!
The winds knocked my seedlings off the greenhouse shelves, as the walls whipped about in the high winds. Several holes were torn into the plastic mesh fabric. I am sad and discouraged at this!
Over last weekend, Tom and I went to see my folks in East Texas. Dad wasn't feeling great, and actually had to go to the hospital. The Docs put a stent in his heart, and he is headed home this morning. I have been stressed out at being so far away, but there is little I could do even if I were there.
Dad is feeling much better.
I am thinking today's working plan is the re-organization of the freezer. I have several items inside the house that need to be put back into their homes in the well house- where the freezer is located. Get my "but firsts" in order and get with the program!
I have things to do in the "spare" (formerly Daniel's / soon to be Nickole's) bedroom. ALL of those things involve a degree of "but first", with items I don't have on hand and don't NEED to make a trip to town to get. I need to get some of the stuff done before Becky and the kids arrive.
Tomorrow, Mr C is hoping to get some gardening done- at the least tilling! "But First" we have to go to town and get bug killer granules, which need to be spread before the "heavy downpour" of predicted rain hits. THAT is a fine window of time- we need the bug killer to reduce the flea and tick population in the yard, but can't spread it too soon before a rain, as we have a dog, a cat, and 12,000+ bees to think about. Tomorrow morning may prove a busy time.
May your day be blessed! Hug your folks, squeeze your kids! Call your siblings for a "just because" chat.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
No Foolin' April
Four months into the "New" year. (Ever feel like you are four years into a new month?)
I'm trying to stay busy today, stay on task... but, ohhh- SHINY!
I have been de-arranging the house, trying to make it comfortable for everyone. Over the weekend, Mr C and Sam brought the shelving cubby unit out of the shed, and helped me sand and paint it in anticipation of Nickole moving in. It was bittersweet. I sanded off old "Buzz and Woody" stickers that the twins had stuck to the unit, back when we still lived in Marlow. We moved from Marlow 15 years ago last month.
But first....I needed to move the tall book case shelf out of Dan's old room. It needed to go "somewhere else".
That somewhere is my room. I had to put it where the smaller bookcase in my room was... sort of behind the closet door, when the closet is open.
But first...Before I could move ANY of the book cases or dresser, they had to be emptied.
And here I am now. Worn out and ready for a break! I have the two book shelves and dresser moved to where I want them. I still have all the "stuff" that was on them piled up- mostly on my bed! The cubby has to wait for Tom and Sam to get home- it is REALLY heavy.
Other than placing the stuff back on the book cases, I have plenty to do over the next six or so weeks.
Becky and the kids are going to come visit. We will shop together for a bed unit for that bedroom, and a small lamp. Sam will need to decide where his and Dan's excess stuff can be stored. I toted some out the the storage shed, only to be admonished at how temperature sensitive these items are, and they are back inside. I have to figure out where we will store the File cabinet. As described in a prior post, it is almost as tall as I am (54" to my 62") and made of industrial grade steel. It weighs probably 80 lbs. EMPTY. And it isn't empty. Ugly and utilitarian, sturdy enough to last 100 years... and probably will be that old soon. It will likely have to move back to my room. Somewhere.
But First... I better get back in there and call this break "over".
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
In Which You Laugh At Me
Just laugh folks- I have to!
Where do I stick the fork? I am SO done.
I had been talking to Tommy (my 5th born) and thus avoiding the Very Necessary chore of vacuuming the living room, which I successfully procrastinated off last week. I finally cut our conversation short and got out the vacuum.
(Gotta love talking to your grown home schooled kids, we had been discussing quantum entanglement.)
The kitty had some spilled cat food from his dish on a small rug in my bathroom. I figured, I was already closer to the cat food than the living room, why not vacuum up the cat food first?
Using the wand of the vacuum, I was snagging individual kitty kibbles, when the throw rug got sucked a bit into the nozzle. I stepped on the rug and tried to pull the nozzle free.
This only made the water and food dishes tip over, spilling onto the floor. I grabbed for the water dish- and my sweater fell off my shoulders into the toilet! Standing abruptly to fish the sweater from the pot- I hit my head on the corner of the upper cabinet door, which someone invariably leaves open.
I then had spilled cat food, water all over the floor, a dripping wet sweater and a knot on my head- and I still hadn't even STARTED to vacuum the living room.
******************
That was on Friday.
I do so love going into a weekend being able to relax and not worry about playing catch up the house work. It was a damP weekend. I know my kids and close friends heard the emphasis on the "p" in damp. I always emphasize the P... since the time I had a whole gaggle of church ladies come to my house for brunch one day. A last minute inspection of the facilities, just as I let the ladies in, revealed several freshly used bath towels across the bathroom floor. I called the guilty children in and demanded they get in there and pick those damp towels up off the floor.
A collective gasp came from the Church Ladies.
I turned to see mouths agape.
"DAMP! I said, DAMP!"
They all laughed, but I was embarrassed.
Anyway, Mr C decided it was too wet to garden, but the winds were light. So we burned brush. Both on Sunday and Monday. I was dragging dead branches hewn from the trunk of a fallen hickory tree over to the bonfire. I hoisted the limb and gave it a heave into the fire. The limb retaliated. I got whacked in the head with a well seasoned hickory stick.
If you are counting- that is TWO conks on the noggin in less than 4 days. Both while TRYING to work. (Neither are serious, just bruising.)
We have two major piles of deadfall and brush reduced to ash, which can be spread on the garden.
Oh, I said I loved going into the weekend being able to relax and not play catch up on housework, didn't I? Well, this was YARD work. In addition to burning brush, and picking up dead fall branches from the yard, I moved all the rock edging from my front flowerbed so that it could be expanded and tilled. (Then the rain started, making it too wet to till!) I also mucked out the litter from the chicken pen and dusted it with diatomaceous earth.
Today, the laundry which was generated over the weekend. Watering the greenhouse and adding a few seeds that need started. One day soon, I need to shop for a bed for Nickole's room.
Have a blessed week!
Where do I stick the fork? I am SO done.
I had been talking to Tommy (my 5th born) and thus avoiding the Very Necessary chore of vacuuming the living room, which I successfully procrastinated off last week. I finally cut our conversation short and got out the vacuum.
(Gotta love talking to your grown home schooled kids, we had been discussing quantum entanglement.)
The kitty had some spilled cat food from his dish on a small rug in my bathroom. I figured, I was already closer to the cat food than the living room, why not vacuum up the cat food first?
Using the wand of the vacuum, I was snagging individual kitty kibbles, when the throw rug got sucked a bit into the nozzle. I stepped on the rug and tried to pull the nozzle free.
This only made the water and food dishes tip over, spilling onto the floor. I grabbed for the water dish- and my sweater fell off my shoulders into the toilet! Standing abruptly to fish the sweater from the pot- I hit my head on the corner of the upper cabinet door, which someone invariably leaves open.
I then had spilled cat food, water all over the floor, a dripping wet sweater and a knot on my head- and I still hadn't even STARTED to vacuum the living room.
******************
That was on Friday.
I do so love going into a weekend being able to relax and not worry about playing catch up the house work. It was a damP weekend. I know my kids and close friends heard the emphasis on the "p" in damp. I always emphasize the P... since the time I had a whole gaggle of church ladies come to my house for brunch one day. A last minute inspection of the facilities, just as I let the ladies in, revealed several freshly used bath towels across the bathroom floor. I called the guilty children in and demanded they get in there and pick those damp towels up off the floor.
A collective gasp came from the Church Ladies.
I turned to see mouths agape.
"DAMP! I said, DAMP!"
They all laughed, but I was embarrassed.
Anyway, Mr C decided it was too wet to garden, but the winds were light. So we burned brush. Both on Sunday and Monday. I was dragging dead branches hewn from the trunk of a fallen hickory tree over to the bonfire. I hoisted the limb and gave it a heave into the fire. The limb retaliated. I got whacked in the head with a well seasoned hickory stick.
If you are counting- that is TWO conks on the noggin in less than 4 days. Both while TRYING to work. (Neither are serious, just bruising.)
We have two major piles of deadfall and brush reduced to ash, which can be spread on the garden.
Oh, I said I loved going into the weekend being able to relax and not play catch up on housework, didn't I? Well, this was YARD work. In addition to burning brush, and picking up dead fall branches from the yard, I moved all the rock edging from my front flowerbed so that it could be expanded and tilled. (Then the rain started, making it too wet to till!) I also mucked out the litter from the chicken pen and dusted it with diatomaceous earth.
Today, the laundry which was generated over the weekend. Watering the greenhouse and adding a few seeds that need started. One day soon, I need to shop for a bed for Nickole's room.
Have a blessed week!
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Sproing!
(The sound of Spring being Sprung)
Which reminds me of the first poem I ever wrote. I think I was seven.
"Spring Has Sprung
The Grass is gris
Uncle Denny is wondering
Where all the fishes is"
**************
Well, I was just 7!
And I have no idea how I knew what "gris" meant.
*****************
The first day of Spring is our dog's birthday. Jaffa is 13 (or 14?) today.
No doggy party is planned, but maybe he can have some extra meat tonight.
*************
Some big changes are headed our way.
Our Grand daughter Nickole has asked to come and live with us. She's supposed to move here once school is out for the summer. We look forward to having her, and ask prayers for all of us as we adjust- including her Mom and Grandpa she is leaving behind.
The timing of waiting until school is out for the summer may make it easier for Nickole, as she has come and stayed with us during the summer for a number of years now.
I have a lot of hopes, and a number of fears regarding this.
We will lay the fears into God's hands, and trust Him to fulfill our hopes as well.
*****************
Kids grow up SO fast. They have so much to learn, and time does fly.
Thank you for praying for us!
Which reminds me of the first poem I ever wrote. I think I was seven.
"Spring Has Sprung
The Grass is gris
Uncle Denny is wondering
Where all the fishes is"
**************
Well, I was just 7!
And I have no idea how I knew what "gris" meant.
*****************
The first day of Spring is our dog's birthday. Jaffa is 13 (or 14?) today.
No doggy party is planned, but maybe he can have some extra meat tonight.
*************
Some big changes are headed our way.
Our Grand daughter Nickole has asked to come and live with us. She's supposed to move here once school is out for the summer. We look forward to having her, and ask prayers for all of us as we adjust- including her Mom and Grandpa she is leaving behind.
The timing of waiting until school is out for the summer may make it easier for Nickole, as she has come and stayed with us during the summer for a number of years now.
I have a lot of hopes, and a number of fears regarding this.
We will lay the fears into God's hands, and trust Him to fulfill our hopes as well.
*****************
Kids grow up SO fast. They have so much to learn, and time does fly.
Thank you for praying for us!
Friday, March 15, 2019
Ides of March
In reading Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in high school, I wondered about "The Ides of March", and looked it up. Back then, no internet! I learned it referred March 15.
How's that for a bit of trivia from more than 40 years ago? (May 28 will be 40 years since my High School graduation.)
A more recent anniversary is coming up. March 24, 2008 was the start date of this blog!
(Leave a comment, I'll send you something!)
Today, I have a few pots of seeds starting for our garden this year.
I have the house in decent shape, no longer a terrible struggle to stay on top of everything. I have fewer balls to juggle these days. All of my kids have finished their Home Schooling. All but one have found time to "prove up" on their education and gain a GED.
Just one grown child left at home, plus Mr C and myself. I am no longer babysitting... I had Matthew T. when I began the blog here. He is graduating Jr High in May. On to High School this fall! I am currently not holding any job outside of the home.
I am trying to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, or friend, to those I encounter.
God has been teaching me things, whether I wanted to learn them or not. How to listen for His voice, when trying to encourage others. How to walk out grief... though it seems more He is dragging me through some days when I fall in a heap and refuse to move.
I wonder if He ever rolls His Eyes at me in exasperation? I remember how one of my kids would RUSH though school work, completing every assignment in minutes. In grading the assignment, I would find most answers incorrect. Giving the assignment back to the child, with instructions on correcting the wrong answers would send the child into a tantrum (there isn't any other word for it that comes to mind) where said child would lay in a sobbing heap on the floor, screaming I 'only marked the answers wrong because I hated (this child). I didn't mark brother's answers wrong! I love brother more than (this child)'! (Brother who took three hours on a ten minute assignment made me as exasperated as this child who rushed through, but for other reasons.)
No amount of explanation of why a subject had to be mastered for ones own benefit would penetrate the tantrum.
So, I lay in a heap and cry. I scream and question, "WHY?"
God is teaching me the things I need to know to further His plans for the Earth. I have to walk the walk (or be dragged along like a recalcitrant toddler). There is a reason for all we walk through. We may or may not ever know how it all fits together in this lifetime. God already knows, and we just have to accept that, as my kids had to accept that they would someday need to know the lessons they learned in their school work. (Except maybe algebra. I have never used it in the 40 years since graduation... but that's beside the point.)
May you have a blessed day, no matter where your circumstances of the day land you.
How's that for a bit of trivia from more than 40 years ago? (May 28 will be 40 years since my High School graduation.)
A more recent anniversary is coming up. March 24, 2008 was the start date of this blog!
(Leave a comment, I'll send you something!)
Today, I have a few pots of seeds starting for our garden this year.
I have the house in decent shape, no longer a terrible struggle to stay on top of everything. I have fewer balls to juggle these days. All of my kids have finished their Home Schooling. All but one have found time to "prove up" on their education and gain a GED.
Just one grown child left at home, plus Mr C and myself. I am no longer babysitting... I had Matthew T. when I began the blog here. He is graduating Jr High in May. On to High School this fall! I am currently not holding any job outside of the home.
I am trying to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, or friend, to those I encounter.
God has been teaching me things, whether I wanted to learn them or not. How to listen for His voice, when trying to encourage others. How to walk out grief... though it seems more He is dragging me through some days when I fall in a heap and refuse to move.
I wonder if He ever rolls His Eyes at me in exasperation? I remember how one of my kids would RUSH though school work, completing every assignment in minutes. In grading the assignment, I would find most answers incorrect. Giving the assignment back to the child, with instructions on correcting the wrong answers would send the child into a tantrum (there isn't any other word for it that comes to mind) where said child would lay in a sobbing heap on the floor, screaming I 'only marked the answers wrong because I hated (this child). I didn't mark brother's answers wrong! I love brother more than (this child)'! (Brother who took three hours on a ten minute assignment made me as exasperated as this child who rushed through, but for other reasons.)
No amount of explanation of why a subject had to be mastered for ones own benefit would penetrate the tantrum.
So, I lay in a heap and cry. I scream and question, "WHY?"
God is teaching me the things I need to know to further His plans for the Earth. I have to walk the walk (or be dragged along like a recalcitrant toddler). There is a reason for all we walk through. We may or may not ever know how it all fits together in this lifetime. God already knows, and we just have to accept that, as my kids had to accept that they would someday need to know the lessons they learned in their school work. (Except maybe algebra. I have never used it in the 40 years since graduation... but that's beside the point.)
May you have a blessed day, no matter where your circumstances of the day land you.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
And speaking of time...
Mr C has been working on replacing the timing belt in our Honda. (I use the term "our" loosely. All of "our" vehicles are Mr C's. But he lets me drive them.)
I got to help mostly by holding the flashlight. And making suggestions, most of which were shot down. Some were received and, surprising to some, actually worked. But mostly, I held the flashlight and kept company. As long as it is as disassembled as it is, Mr C may also check/ replace the brake pads.
*****************
In other news, today is the hard day. 7th anniversary of Bill Joe's passing.
I have been laying awake at night, bombarded by so many thoughts. One was about the most elementary of things we learn in Science class in grade school.
Matter and energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but only changed in form.
I thought of the glucosamine tablet we give Jaffa every evening. I put it into a mortar, and crush it to dust with a pestle.
The essence of what it IS remains, but its form is gone. No longer the familiar capsule shape, but a fine powder. Turn the wind upon it, and it blows away. Is it gone? Yes, and NO. The form has changed, but the glucosamine is still what it was before.
What about us? Are we gone because our earthen vessel is destroyed?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
********************************
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I started this post on Sunday, the 10th.
This is Wednesday the 13th.
The Honda remains on the jack stands, as the timing belt cover had been broken. We had to order a new one, so the repair project is on hold.
Thank you to all who have been praying for me.
I got to help mostly by holding the flashlight. And making suggestions, most of which were shot down. Some were received and, surprising to some, actually worked. But mostly, I held the flashlight and kept company. As long as it is as disassembled as it is, Mr C may also check/ replace the brake pads.
*****************
In other news, today is the hard day. 7th anniversary of Bill Joe's passing.
I have been laying awake at night, bombarded by so many thoughts. One was about the most elementary of things we learn in Science class in grade school.
Matter and energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but only changed in form.
I thought of the glucosamine tablet we give Jaffa every evening. I put it into a mortar, and crush it to dust with a pestle.
The essence of what it IS remains, but its form is gone. No longer the familiar capsule shape, but a fine powder. Turn the wind upon it, and it blows away. Is it gone? Yes, and NO. The form has changed, but the glucosamine is still what it was before.
What about us? Are we gone because our earthen vessel is destroyed?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
********************************
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I started this post on Sunday, the 10th.
This is Wednesday the 13th.
The Honda remains on the jack stands, as the timing belt cover had been broken. We had to order a new one, so the repair project is on hold.
Thank you to all who have been praying for me.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
March times on... er, Time marches on
Today is my Dad's 82nd birthday. I called to wish him a good day, and many more to come. He pointed out that he hasn't got many more to come. I wish I could spend more time with my parents.
Today is known as Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, 40 days before Christ's resurrection (mistakenly referred to as Easter... but you can look that up yourself if you are interested.)
Many religions use Lent as a time to "give something up", in remembrance of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. Less religious folk sometimes observe this period for various causes, and make use of the time period to make changes in their lives.
One such thing going around is to de-clutter, tossing/ donating one bag of items from ones home every day for forty days. My life can use less clutter, and I have nearly 35 years worth of various collections to go through. I am thinking, pick one drawer per day. If I am keeping stuff from the drawer, it goes back in... or to an assigned "home" for that object.
I have many "floating" items. Not gravity defiant- but objects I have never decided a "home" location for. I pick them up from where they are sitting- in my way at that moment- and not having a "home", they are set down in another location... until that too is in my way. I must assign homes to these items... and not just stuck into some random drawer to be forgotten about until I get "a round tuit" and clean out the drawer again... which might be years.
I need to deal with sentimentality. Most of my kids could not care less to keep some toy that they favored as a toddler. I have boxes of photographs, many as blurry as my brain. Random scenery... of places no photo can do justice to capture... and I don't recall where half those places were. The task seems too large to tackle. But maybe, one drawer at a time. One box at a time, one day at a time, in a committed manner... I can overcome. I am prone to continuing to hold on to special things- cards from my kids, a gift from a friend, items that made my grandmothers smile.
I don't HAVE to keep 10+ years of just the mundane letters, as much as I might like to. Many of these are already burdensome simply by volume. Keep the special ones, let go the rest.
I am trying to stay busy, as the anniversary approaches. It's just an anniversary of some stupid random day. I should be able to breeze though by now.
I wanted today to be a productive day, and I have made a start on general cleaning/ maintenance. I will have to pick a very easy drawer or hot-spot to de-clutter today, or it isn't going to happen... and then, knowing myself... I can't do it every day because I didn't start on the proper day! So, may your day be blessed. Say a prayer for someone on your heart.
Today is known as Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, 40 days before Christ's resurrection (mistakenly referred to as Easter... but you can look that up yourself if you are interested.)
Many religions use Lent as a time to "give something up", in remembrance of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. Less religious folk sometimes observe this period for various causes, and make use of the time period to make changes in their lives.
One such thing going around is to de-clutter, tossing/ donating one bag of items from ones home every day for forty days. My life can use less clutter, and I have nearly 35 years worth of various collections to go through. I am thinking, pick one drawer per day. If I am keeping stuff from the drawer, it goes back in... or to an assigned "home" for that object.
I have many "floating" items. Not gravity defiant- but objects I have never decided a "home" location for. I pick them up from where they are sitting- in my way at that moment- and not having a "home", they are set down in another location... until that too is in my way. I must assign homes to these items... and not just stuck into some random drawer to be forgotten about until I get "a round tuit" and clean out the drawer again... which might be years.
I need to deal with sentimentality. Most of my kids could not care less to keep some toy that they favored as a toddler. I have boxes of photographs, many as blurry as my brain. Random scenery... of places no photo can do justice to capture... and I don't recall where half those places were. The task seems too large to tackle. But maybe, one drawer at a time. One box at a time, one day at a time, in a committed manner... I can overcome. I am prone to continuing to hold on to special things- cards from my kids, a gift from a friend, items that made my grandmothers smile.
I don't HAVE to keep 10+ years of just the mundane letters, as much as I might like to. Many of these are already burdensome simply by volume. Keep the special ones, let go the rest.
I am trying to stay busy, as the anniversary approaches. It's just an anniversary of some stupid random day. I should be able to breeze though by now.
I wanted today to be a productive day, and I have made a start on general cleaning/ maintenance. I will have to pick a very easy drawer or hot-spot to de-clutter today, or it isn't going to happen... and then, knowing myself... I can't do it every day because I didn't start on the proper day! So, may your day be blessed. Say a prayer for someone on your heart.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Disrupted routines
I think that I get a little too comfortable with my routines. I have never adapted well to change. Today is Monday- our regular shopping / errand day. I don't know if we are even going out today- we are generally in the store by this time.
Mr C has been sick for several days. He is somewhat on the mend, but not 100% yet. And the roads are covered in slickery. We got about 1/2 inch of snow yesterday. It won't get above freezing until tomorrow- and then, barely so. It is 6* right now ("feels like -3*"). Sam went to work in his nice, front wheel drive Subaru. He said there ARE patches of black ice, but those who take it slowly won't fall off the road. Between sickness and ice, I really don't think we HAVE to go to town today.
We had a wonderful visit with Ben and Paula and their offspring last week. Milo decided he really CAN walk while they were here. He also warmed up to me... on Thursday. (They left Friday morning.) That's how my kids always were. When grandparents came to visit, they were aloof and wary until the last day or so of the visit.
It really was a nice visit.
Even if Cowgranny scared the shrieking bejeebers out of Milo, and made Althea SO sad. I told Paula, "Althea says I can keep Milo here when you go home." Althea had said no such thing, and burst into tears, she didn't want to leave her baby brother behind. (Most of the other grands would of argued with me as I teased. Althea took my word as fact. I felt bad!)
One afternoon, Milo and I were playing "peek". There was a recliner between us, and we would peek at one another. We would try creeping around and peeking from a different point at the other, and laugh and laugh. So, knowing how much Milo loved playing "Monster Roar" with his Dad... I stayed hidden behind the chair. He came wandering around- I wasn't there. (I kept the chair between us.) Then as he was rounding the chair, I popped out with a "boo". Poor baby! He screamed- which brought Mommy running from another room- and burst into tears. Granny was no longer a fun person. (He forgave me and snuggled shortly afterwards.)
I am coming up on my grand daughter Alana's birthday tomorrow, and my Dad will be 82 the day after. I had mailed Alana's card early, as they were going on a cruise. But I completely let Dad's slip my mind until yesterday. In Becky's facebook feed was a picture taken 7 years ago, of the family gathered for Dad's 75th birthday.
It was our last family gathering with Bill Joe. Roger was there. My cousin's DIL was there. Those three are no longer with us. Sunday will be 7 years since we lost Bill Joe. I try to let March slip past me without dwelling on it... but I am not quite successful. Six years, eleven months and 20 days ago.
The clock keeps ticking. So I remind everyone once again- give your family a hug. Tell them that you love them. We aren't promised tomorrow.
Mr C has been sick for several days. He is somewhat on the mend, but not 100% yet. And the roads are covered in slickery. We got about 1/2 inch of snow yesterday. It won't get above freezing until tomorrow- and then, barely so. It is 6* right now ("feels like -3*"). Sam went to work in his nice, front wheel drive Subaru. He said there ARE patches of black ice, but those who take it slowly won't fall off the road. Between sickness and ice, I really don't think we HAVE to go to town today.
We had a wonderful visit with Ben and Paula and their offspring last week. Milo decided he really CAN walk while they were here. He also warmed up to me... on Thursday. (They left Friday morning.) That's how my kids always were. When grandparents came to visit, they were aloof and wary until the last day or so of the visit.
It really was a nice visit.
Even if Cowgranny scared the shrieking bejeebers out of Milo, and made Althea SO sad. I told Paula, "Althea says I can keep Milo here when you go home." Althea had said no such thing, and burst into tears, she didn't want to leave her baby brother behind. (Most of the other grands would of argued with me as I teased. Althea took my word as fact. I felt bad!)
One afternoon, Milo and I were playing "peek". There was a recliner between us, and we would peek at one another. We would try creeping around and peeking from a different point at the other, and laugh and laugh. So, knowing how much Milo loved playing "Monster Roar" with his Dad... I stayed hidden behind the chair. He came wandering around- I wasn't there. (I kept the chair between us.) Then as he was rounding the chair, I popped out with a "boo". Poor baby! He screamed- which brought Mommy running from another room- and burst into tears. Granny was no longer a fun person. (He forgave me and snuggled shortly afterwards.)
I am coming up on my grand daughter Alana's birthday tomorrow, and my Dad will be 82 the day after. I had mailed Alana's card early, as they were going on a cruise. But I completely let Dad's slip my mind until yesterday. In Becky's facebook feed was a picture taken 7 years ago, of the family gathered for Dad's 75th birthday.
It was our last family gathering with Bill Joe. Roger was there. My cousin's DIL was there. Those three are no longer with us. Sunday will be 7 years since we lost Bill Joe. I try to let March slip past me without dwelling on it... but I am not quite successful. Six years, eleven months and 20 days ago.
The clock keeps ticking. So I remind everyone once again- give your family a hug. Tell them that you love them. We aren't promised tomorrow.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Best laid plans of mice* and Moms
*No mice are involved in this post!
So, Ben and Paula decided to take an extra day in arriving, so they can detour by and introduce Milo to his Great Grands in East Texas!
That's OK... but I went into crastination mode.
I think my elementary school science is coming into play in my life. I'm becoming inert. (An object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.)
I'm getting so that I don't leave the house unless acted on by an outside force. In today's case, my outside force is that we have guests coming. My floors need to be swept, as one of these guests is still basically a crawler. My broom is broken. For real, not like a child's retort, "Do it yourself, your leg's not broken!"
Jaffa seems to have intestinal parasites, which has cause some vomiting. I had not associated vomiting with parasites, but he exhibited other telling behavior and I looked up treatment- and found vomiting is also a sign of parasites.
Anyway, Jaffa vomited by the front door. Mr. C was forced to deal with it, as I am a sympathetic puker. Despite being asked to use the ratty "porch broom" (about a dozen times in the past!) for clean ups of this kind, he grabbed my 'good' kitchen broom. During the course of the clean up, the broom's handle bent, almost in two pieces. It is rendered useless.
So "broom" was added to the shopping list. And I need it TODAY.
The shopping list has grown. It is longer today than it normally is for an entire week's worth of shopping- and we just went Monday! We had skipped buying fresh fruit, thinking we had "plenty". Found we had a couple of apples and one orange when we got home. Not cool! Didn't have any yogurt left, when we thought we had several on hand. So- to market I go. Today.
Then, floors and bathrooms remain on my to-do list. (Laundry is caught up, horizontal surfaces are purged and cleansed.) I have bedding and such set into the "guest" room, but not set up. Mr C has boxes of car parts that need toted OUT of the living room to his tool shed tonight. I need to locate the stored box of toys and bring them in from storage, and we will be all set.
I suppose I better get myself in gear and GO!
Have a blessed day.
So, Ben and Paula decided to take an extra day in arriving, so they can detour by and introduce Milo to his Great Grands in East Texas!
That's OK... but I went into crastination mode.
I think my elementary school science is coming into play in my life. I'm becoming inert. (An object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.)
I'm getting so that I don't leave the house unless acted on by an outside force. In today's case, my outside force is that we have guests coming. My floors need to be swept, as one of these guests is still basically a crawler. My broom is broken. For real, not like a child's retort, "Do it yourself, your leg's not broken!"
Jaffa seems to have intestinal parasites, which has cause some vomiting. I had not associated vomiting with parasites, but he exhibited other telling behavior and I looked up treatment- and found vomiting is also a sign of parasites.
Anyway, Jaffa vomited by the front door. Mr. C was forced to deal with it, as I am a sympathetic puker. Despite being asked to use the ratty "porch broom" (about a dozen times in the past!) for clean ups of this kind, he grabbed my 'good' kitchen broom. During the course of the clean up, the broom's handle bent, almost in two pieces. It is rendered useless.
So "broom" was added to the shopping list. And I need it TODAY.
The shopping list has grown. It is longer today than it normally is for an entire week's worth of shopping- and we just went Monday! We had skipped buying fresh fruit, thinking we had "plenty". Found we had a couple of apples and one orange when we got home. Not cool! Didn't have any yogurt left, when we thought we had several on hand. So- to market I go. Today.
Then, floors and bathrooms remain on my to-do list. (Laundry is caught up, horizontal surfaces are purged and cleansed.) I have bedding and such set into the "guest" room, but not set up. Mr C has boxes of car parts that need toted OUT of the living room to his tool shed tonight. I need to locate the stored box of toys and bring them in from storage, and we will be all set.
I suppose I better get myself in gear and GO!
Have a blessed day.
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