For years both Knight and I have wanted to eat more on the organic side of things but with 4 kids to feed, and basically a single income household we have found that it is nearly impossible. We have tried to make better choices in our grocery buying but have still found that there is a lot of chemicals that make it into our children's bodies that I would rather not.
Not that we will ever go strictly organic. I just can't see that happening. We make our living selling Little Debbie. How hypocritical would that be?
But I have friends that are almost all organic. And they have found a food co-op at decent prices. So now it is easier to eat more on the organic side of things. And the benefit to me is I don't have to go to the grocery store. I email my list, a couple days later it comes on a truck to my friends house and I go pick it up.
Yeah!
*for the locals...if you would like in on this just let me know. Deliveries every two weeks*
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Remodel update
Somehow I missed the fact that I have not put an update on the remodel project we were going to do. But as people have asked about it, I am guessing I need to post about it.
We are not going to do it.
Yes it is as simple as that.
I was really hoping it would come in at or under budget.
It didn't.
Not even close enough to push through.
It came in about $15,ooo more than what we really could justify spending.
We live in a very old house. We have a certain amount invested in the house. Actually it is more than what we could sell our house for.
If we did the remodel it would increase the value of the house. But not enough to pay for itself.
So now we are thinking of just insulating the house.
Or driving a semi through it.
*sigh* Oh well. It fits our family. That is what matters, right?
We are not going to do it.
Yes it is as simple as that.
I was really hoping it would come in at or under budget.
It didn't.
Not even close enough to push through.
It came in about $15,ooo more than what we really could justify spending.
We live in a very old house. We have a certain amount invested in the house. Actually it is more than what we could sell our house for.
If we did the remodel it would increase the value of the house. But not enough to pay for itself.
So now we are thinking of just insulating the house.
Or driving a semi through it.
*sigh* Oh well. It fits our family. That is what matters, right?
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
My Little Entrepreneur
I came downstairs to find that Rara had opened a pet shop in our living room. The cages were filled, the animals restless. And good news! If you buy one, you get to keep it for a whole 6 hours.
I love watching my kids play.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Twilight Zone
Imagine you are a homeschooling family minding your own business. In fact you are so good at minding your own business that at times you become concerned that your kids may be a little sheltered since most of their friends are christian homeschooling families. People tell you that you have great kids, that they are outgoing, well behaved children but they are concerned that they are not in the world enough.
Now imagine you are at your home on a quiet afternoon when those same sweet children come into the house saying that an acquaintance that you have not talked to or seen in a couple years is out front wanting to talk to Daddy. So Knight goes outside to see what's up.
Now imagine that this acquaintance starts going off about something completely crazy, making horrible, nasty and completely untrue accusations about a mutual acquaintance and yelling that Knight needs to stop playing dumb. Then when Knight completely does not know what this person is talking about, the person starts threatening Knight, as well as the mutual acquaintance who is not there to defend themselves.
Then imagine Knight talking to the mutual acquaintance to see if they know anything about this, only to find out that this person is on some heavy drugs and they know for a fact that this person owns a pistol. So, then Knight has to go to the local authorities to log a report just so there is a record just in case something happens.
Now I am imagining that you are thinking maybe we are not too sheltered from the world. If this is too much sheltering, I would hate to see what the opposite would be. And to think, we thought we were a sheltered home school family.
Now imagine you are at your home on a quiet afternoon when those same sweet children come into the house saying that an acquaintance that you have not talked to or seen in a couple years is out front wanting to talk to Daddy. So Knight goes outside to see what's up.
Now imagine that this acquaintance starts going off about something completely crazy, making horrible, nasty and completely untrue accusations about a mutual acquaintance and yelling that Knight needs to stop playing dumb. Then when Knight completely does not know what this person is talking about, the person starts threatening Knight, as well as the mutual acquaintance who is not there to defend themselves.
Then imagine Knight talking to the mutual acquaintance to see if they know anything about this, only to find out that this person is on some heavy drugs and they know for a fact that this person owns a pistol. So, then Knight has to go to the local authorities to log a report just so there is a record just in case something happens.
Now I am imagining that you are thinking maybe we are not too sheltered from the world. If this is too much sheltering, I would hate to see what the opposite would be. And to think, we thought we were a sheltered home school family.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
hi
hi mom is sick and we are not going to Church because dad took forever socking walmart. so i am waiting to be dropped off at my friends house. so i am bored the house is clean, and so is my room. so i am going to say this I CAN'T WAIT TILL SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and happy s.t patricks day!!!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sing me a joke
Sometimes my kids crack me up. I especially like it when they don't miss a beat in their jokes.
The other day Rara was singing. She is always singing. I love the fact that she spends the majority of her life in song. She will sing as she is doing math "la la...five times zeeero is zeeEEeero" You get the picture.
So as she is singing along I just called out "sing if you're a dork."
Without pausing in her song she starts singing..."My mom's a dork because she sings all the time..."
What a kid
The other day Rara was singing. She is always singing. I love the fact that she spends the majority of her life in song. She will sing as she is doing math "la la...five times zeeero is zeeEEeero" You get the picture.
So as she is singing along I just called out "sing if you're a dork."
Without pausing in her song she starts singing..."My mom's a dork because she sings all the time..."
What a kid
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
13 things in this country I have yet to experience but want to...
1. Thunder over Louisville
2. Congress Ave Bridge, Austin TX at Dusk
3. Creation Museum
4. Grand Canyon
5. Arlington National Cemetery
6. Chincoteague Pony Swim
7. The Badlands
8. New Orleans
9. San Diego Zoo
10. National Air and Space Museum
11. Shedd Aquarium
12. Snorkeling in the Florida Keys
13. Disney's Animal Kingdom
What other events or places should I have on my list?
1. Thunder over Louisville
2. Congress Ave Bridge, Austin TX at Dusk
3. Creation Museum
4. Grand Canyon
5. Arlington National Cemetery
6. Chincoteague Pony Swim
7. The Badlands
8. New Orleans
9. San Diego Zoo
10. National Air and Space Museum
11. Shedd Aquarium
12. Snorkeling in the Florida Keys
13. Disney's Animal Kingdom
What other events or places should I have on my list?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Nearly Wordless Wednesday--Great Deals
When you are 9 and 10, and the liquidator is going out of business in your town so everything is 60% off of the usual price for the dollar store type junk items it is impossible to resist buying.
And so my kids have been spending their hard earned money and have purchased lots of things they don't need. Shower caps being one of them.
**Sorry for the quality of the picture. The lighting was wrong but I wanted to capture the moment anyway.**
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Whisper days...
For some reason as my kids were at my mom's the topic of whisper days came up. And for some reason they thought this was a weird idea. Let me explain to what they are.
If my kids are having a day where they are not using their words is a positive way, if there are a lot of fights, if they are just abusing the privilege of talking, I take the privilege away. They are not allowed to talk.
Now, I know that absolutely no talking is not practical, especially for long periods of time so I let them whisper. I can teach, answer questions, whatever. They seem to be calmer, and it becomes natural to whisper when everyone else is whispering too.
Maybe parents of school-age children that send their kids to school full time don't find a need to do this. Or maybe other homeschooling kids aren't like mine and never abuse the privilege to talk to each other. But when it's -20 degrees, kids have been cooped up for far too long, sometimes my kids get on each others nerves, and therefore they get on mine. Then it's time for a whisper day.
If my kids are having a day where they are not using their words is a positive way, if there are a lot of fights, if they are just abusing the privilege of talking, I take the privilege away. They are not allowed to talk.
Now, I know that absolutely no talking is not practical, especially for long periods of time so I let them whisper. I can teach, answer questions, whatever. They seem to be calmer, and it becomes natural to whisper when everyone else is whispering too.
Maybe parents of school-age children that send their kids to school full time don't find a need to do this. Or maybe other homeschooling kids aren't like mine and never abuse the privilege to talk to each other. But when it's -20 degrees, kids have been cooped up for far too long, sometimes my kids get on each others nerves, and therefore they get on mine. Then it's time for a whisper day.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Weekend recap
We are back from our weekend without the kids. The kids had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa as we knew they would. They are still thanking the Lord for being able to go for the weekend every time they pray.
On Friday, we checked into the room, and I unpacked then we headed off to the grocery store. We had a heads up on what was on the menu and I wanted to stop and grab something. I was told that the prime rib was wonderful. Knight took my helping. I can't fathom how someone can eat that much meat, especially at one sitting but he enjoyed the food. They also had salad, baked potato and rolls so it was a fine meal for me as well.
Knight insisted that we bring the Wii, so after the first session we hooked it up and there were some who enjoyed playing. In fact, we didn't get back to the room until 11:30 where I realized that I need to make another quick run to the store. (Thanks Auntie F!) It was c.o.l.d. (around -18). Hop in the car, run to the store, get back and take a bath to warm up.
A funny side note. This is the same hotel that the ladies retreat is every year. At the beginning of the ladies retreat our well meaning leader reminds us that we are away from home and we need to be careful of danger. She asks us not to go out without a buddy, just for safety sake (right! have you MET me?!?). No announcement was made at the couples retreat. So when I found that I needed to go to the store at nearly midnight, my Knight in shining armor, my protector, said that if I insisted... he would go with me, but otherwise he would rather stay there.
So I got back, we did our homework from the session and Knight went to sleep. I channel surfed until this great documentary on Hippos came on at 2am. I watched the whole hour long documentary and finally went to sleep. At 6:45 I awoke to Knight taking a bath. Who really needs sleep anyway right?
Saturday went well. It was very relaxed as there was only one small session and the rest of it was truly a retreat. It ended with a meal at the local pizza pub. We took off to go home. We stopped and rented some movies, headed to our house for one last quiet night alone. As we come over the hill, we see cop cars everywhere. In our tiny town with a population of 1500, there was a stand off in the motel. Some guy had a rifle. Thankfully the streets that were closed off ended a block away and we were able to get home. We popped in T2 and I fell asleep.
My poor husband. Started the weekend with "romance" on his mind. And that is where it stayed.
On Friday, we checked into the room, and I unpacked then we headed off to the grocery store. We had a heads up on what was on the menu and I wanted to stop and grab something. I was told that the prime rib was wonderful. Knight took my helping. I can't fathom how someone can eat that much meat, especially at one sitting but he enjoyed the food. They also had salad, baked potato and rolls so it was a fine meal for me as well.
Knight insisted that we bring the Wii, so after the first session we hooked it up and there were some who enjoyed playing. In fact, we didn't get back to the room until 11:30 where I realized that I need to make another quick run to the store. (Thanks Auntie F!) It was c.o.l.d. (around -18). Hop in the car, run to the store, get back and take a bath to warm up.
A funny side note. This is the same hotel that the ladies retreat is every year. At the beginning of the ladies retreat our well meaning leader reminds us that we are away from home and we need to be careful of danger. She asks us not to go out without a buddy, just for safety sake (right! have you MET me?!?). No announcement was made at the couples retreat. So when I found that I needed to go to the store at nearly midnight, my Knight in shining armor, my protector, said that if I insisted... he would go with me, but otherwise he would rather stay there.
So I got back, we did our homework from the session and Knight went to sleep. I channel surfed until this great documentary on Hippos came on at 2am. I watched the whole hour long documentary and finally went to sleep. At 6:45 I awoke to Knight taking a bath. Who really needs sleep anyway right?
Saturday went well. It was very relaxed as there was only one small session and the rest of it was truly a retreat. It ended with a meal at the local pizza pub. We took off to go home. We stopped and rented some movies, headed to our house for one last quiet night alone. As we come over the hill, we see cop cars everywhere. In our tiny town with a population of 1500, there was a stand off in the motel. Some guy had a rifle. Thankfully the streets that were closed off ended a block away and we were able to get home. We popped in T2 and I fell asleep.
My poor husband. Started the weekend with "romance" on his mind. And that is where it stayed.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Weekends coming
Knight and I are heading off for a couples retreat put on by our church. Weekend without the kids. (thanks Mom!)
Have a lot to do before we leave. Have to get the kids an hour south of us, bring the dog to the boarding kennel 20 minutes away, drop off stuff at the school, pack, grocery shop, straighten the house, buy some jeans (stupid dog likes to eat jeans), oh yeah, and get ready for the day.
I wanted to let people know about a baby girl who could use your prayers. Her name is Geneva Joy. She was born to a local Christian DJ in our area. To read about her and get updates click here.
Have a lot to do before we leave. Have to get the kids an hour south of us, bring the dog to the boarding kennel 20 minutes away, drop off stuff at the school, pack, grocery shop, straighten the house, buy some jeans (stupid dog likes to eat jeans), oh yeah, and get ready for the day.
I wanted to let people know about a baby girl who could use your prayers. Her name is Geneva Joy. She was born to a local Christian DJ in our area. To read about her and get updates click here.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Update...
I am still here. My family is now convinced I am just a tad OCD. It all mostly has to do with the potential remodeling project.
Now I have known that I have expensive tastes. Not that I care about name brands or anything. I just like nice things that will add joy to my life. So as we are talking about what cabinets we want, what type of shower system we would like, and trying to get some unique features into our home we are running into lots of stuff we like.
Shower system...so, so nice. But for $5000 I'll have to pass.
Funky toilet...Hopefully. But only if the money is there.
Wallpaper...Sorry, but that is a must. It's only one wall anyway
The original cabinetry bid came just a tad high. Thankfully, I was prepared for this and had already started making adjustments to the design. Now we have a bid that I can live with. The jury is still out with Knight.
Still waiting on the rest of the bid.
But maybe I can actually sleep since I finally have a design I can live with.
Once the plans get finalized I will be posting them for all to see. And as long as Knight gives the ok, I will be giving you all updated on the progress along with the pictures.
Oh, the joys
Now I have known that I have expensive tastes. Not that I care about name brands or anything. I just like nice things that will add joy to my life. So as we are talking about what cabinets we want, what type of shower system we would like, and trying to get some unique features into our home we are running into lots of stuff we like.
Shower system...so, so nice. But for $5000 I'll have to pass.
Funky toilet...Hopefully. But only if the money is there.
Wallpaper...Sorry, but that is a must. It's only one wall anyway
The original cabinetry bid came just a tad high. Thankfully, I was prepared for this and had already started making adjustments to the design. Now we have a bid that I can live with. The jury is still out with Knight.
Still waiting on the rest of the bid.
But maybe I can actually sleep since I finally have a design I can live with.
Once the plans get finalized I will be posting them for all to see. And as long as Knight gives the ok, I will be giving you all updated on the progress along with the pictures.
Oh, the joys
Friday, February 22, 2008
I really am alive....
I have had a couple people ask me if I'm ok lately. I know it is my fault. I have not been keeping up with my blog, I have not been on facebook, myspace, on the phone. I have basically disappeared from society.
And with good reason.
I just don't wanna! Just kidding.
Open enrollment ended today and that means that I have been getting my school curriculum list together for next year. I have money to spend and product to figure out. Since we are technically public school kids I have to stick to their budget that they give me. With 4 kids I only have $4700 to spend on curriculum.
As any home schooler knows, that is more money than most of us budget, but since it is available, I am going to use it and get my kids a quality education. So that is taking up some time.
We also have been talking to a contractor and all that comes with him. We are going to start a remodeling project in our home. And not just any remodeling project. We are gutting our main floor and starting from scratch. Well, almost from scratch. We are keeping our hardwood floors.
So, I have been staring at house plans for days. Not a variety of house plans, the same ones. Anyone that knows me knows that I firmly believe that it is cheaper to do something right the first time instead of fixing it later.
It's a great way to live. Except it puts enormous pressure to make sure you are doing it right the first time.
Right now I'm not even bogged down with the appearance of the whole thing. I'm still stuck in the functionality of the kitchen. What cupboard do I want where? How do I want that cupboard to function? Is this enough counter space? Is it too little cupboard space? Where am I going to want to store my pans?
So many cabinet magazines only deal with what cupboard doors do you want and what color do you want them.
So, if your wondering where I am, I'm still here. Just overwhelmed.
On one more note, Cyn, my longest term face friend started a blog last night. If you want to show her some love and encourage her to keep going head on over to Seventy Six ways from Sunday.
And with good reason.
I just don't wanna! Just kidding.
Open enrollment ended today and that means that I have been getting my school curriculum list together for next year. I have money to spend and product to figure out. Since we are technically public school kids I have to stick to their budget that they give me. With 4 kids I only have $4700 to spend on curriculum.
As any home schooler knows, that is more money than most of us budget, but since it is available, I am going to use it and get my kids a quality education. So that is taking up some time.
We also have been talking to a contractor and all that comes with him. We are going to start a remodeling project in our home. And not just any remodeling project. We are gutting our main floor and starting from scratch. Well, almost from scratch. We are keeping our hardwood floors.
So, I have been staring at house plans for days. Not a variety of house plans, the same ones. Anyone that knows me knows that I firmly believe that it is cheaper to do something right the first time instead of fixing it later.
It's a great way to live. Except it puts enormous pressure to make sure you are doing it right the first time.
Right now I'm not even bogged down with the appearance of the whole thing. I'm still stuck in the functionality of the kitchen. What cupboard do I want where? How do I want that cupboard to function? Is this enough counter space? Is it too little cupboard space? Where am I going to want to store my pans?
So many cabinet magazines only deal with what cupboard doors do you want and what color do you want them.
So, if your wondering where I am, I'm still here. Just overwhelmed.
On one more note, Cyn, my longest term face friend started a blog last night. If you want to show her some love and encourage her to keep going head on over to Seventy Six ways from Sunday.
Monday, February 18, 2008
The invisible fence
I have had a rough time with having Allie a part of our family. This dog loves to run off. If she got any little crack to go through she would take off and run. This would leave us trying to catch her. She knows our car and will run from that, food is no incentive, and she learned that strangers would normally grab her for us. That left us with trying to chase her into a fenced area, trapping her. And that could take an hour. Sometimes more. Given that the kids are normally the ones to tie her out, we were doing this 3-4 days a week.
This is not something I love to do. Especially when it is -180 degrees with a windchill of -500. Yeah, it's been a cold winter up here in Wisconsin.
Knight wanted to keep the dog. Wouldn't you if you never had to deal with the running...or chewing...or whatever? Even the kids were getting ready to get rid of her. But being thesubmissive wife ok, trying not to start a war, I was trying to wait until the snow melts to get an invisible fence. But this was going to be a long wait. And it seemed longer each time she ran off.
I was at spanish class talking to one of the other moms telling her that I can't wait until the snow melts so I can get an invisible fence. I know this mom had dogs using an invisible fence. Her dogs don't ever leave the area. That is when she told me that the kind they have you don't have to bury wires.
Did you know there was such a thing????
I didn't. So I seriously went from spanish class to Menards to pick one of these babies up. It took a little while to figure out where in my house to put it and how big of a circle I could get without getting into the road or the neighbors yard. I put the flags up so she could see her circle. Then it was time to get the dog.
She hit that fence and recoiled. It worked. She didn't know what hit her but she knew she didn't like it. I showed her around the yard and let her know where her boundaries were. Then we went in the house.
The next day I just let her outside. By this time I think she forgot all about it, because she bounded out of the house with all her freedom, ready to run. And she did run. Right through the fence. But she did turn right around. It was beeping at her and she was so afraid to move that she wouldn't go anywhere.
Knight walked up to her and brought her back.
She was afraid to go out for a couple days. She still is getting comfortable with it, but she now has more freedom, more excercise, and I'm not dealing with the village law enforcement.
I love this thing!!
Now we just need to get her spayed, stop chewing everything, and keep her out of the areas of the house we don't want her in and maybe I'll be able to tolerate her better.
This is not something I love to do. Especially when it is -180 degrees with a windchill of -500. Yeah, it's been a cold winter up here in Wisconsin.
Knight wanted to keep the dog. Wouldn't you if you never had to deal with the running...or chewing...or whatever? Even the kids were getting ready to get rid of her. But being the
I was at spanish class talking to one of the other moms telling her that I can't wait until the snow melts so I can get an invisible fence. I know this mom had dogs using an invisible fence. Her dogs don't ever leave the area. That is when she told me that the kind they have you don't have to bury wires.
Did you know there was such a thing????
I didn't. So I seriously went from spanish class to Menards to pick one of these babies up. It took a little while to figure out where in my house to put it and how big of a circle I could get without getting into the road or the neighbors yard. I put the flags up so she could see her circle. Then it was time to get the dog.
She hit that fence and recoiled. It worked. She didn't know what hit her but she knew she didn't like it. I showed her around the yard and let her know where her boundaries were. Then we went in the house.
The next day I just let her outside. By this time I think she forgot all about it, because she bounded out of the house with all her freedom, ready to run. And she did run. Right through the fence. But she did turn right around. It was beeping at her and she was so afraid to move that she wouldn't go anywhere.
Knight walked up to her and brought her back.
She was afraid to go out for a couple days. She still is getting comfortable with it, but she now has more freedom, more excercise, and I'm not dealing with the village law enforcement.
I love this thing!!
Now we just need to get her spayed, stop chewing everything, and keep her out of the areas of the house we don't want her in and maybe I'll be able to tolerate her better.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Wisdom and humor of a 9 year old
My baby girl turned 9 yesterday. Yes, I still have my boy who's younger, but Rara is my baby girl. She is the same height, weighs less, but now has such a big number attached to her. I'm amazed that she can be that old.
The thing with Rara is that she is so funny. All my kids are funny and sarcastic. I think it has something to do with their dad since I am NEVER sarcastic...or something like that.
Today Rara wanted to spend her birthday money. She knew what she wanted and since she saw both of my parents last night, she had birthday money burning a hole in her pocket. She wanted new animals from the build-a-bear type thing in our town.
I had to drop something off at the accountant, so she rode with me and then we headed up to get her new friends. We sang with the radio, picked out the names she wanted, and then she talked, and sang, and made noises, and kept her mouth going...and going...and going.
It never stopped.
So I asked her if she knew who she was reminding me of. Then I let her know that my family always said that I never stopped talking, and singing, and making noise. (I am now understanding what my family was talking about)
So she came back with...
"Did you cry yourself to sleep everynight and then snored? That's the only way you can always make noise"
Yeah, she's definately a product of me. Poor thing.
The thing with Rara is that she is so funny. All my kids are funny and sarcastic. I think it has something to do with their dad since I am NEVER sarcastic...or something like that.
Today Rara wanted to spend her birthday money. She knew what she wanted and since she saw both of my parents last night, she had birthday money burning a hole in her pocket. She wanted new animals from the build-a-bear type thing in our town.
I had to drop something off at the accountant, so she rode with me and then we headed up to get her new friends. We sang with the radio, picked out the names she wanted, and then she talked, and sang, and made noises, and kept her mouth going...and going...and going.
It never stopped.
So I asked her if she knew who she was reminding me of. Then I let her know that my family always said that I never stopped talking, and singing, and making noise. (I am now understanding what my family was talking about)
So she came back with...
"Did you cry yourself to sleep everynight and then snored? That's the only way you can always make noise"
Yeah, she's definately a product of me. Poor thing.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Adventures in Vacuuming
I have the perfect children.
What? I haven't mentioned that before?!?!?
Well, I do.
Last night I headed out to have dinner with my sister. I drove down, and before we could leave we had to wait for our dad to fix her computer. Then we were all sitting around visiting when my phone rings.
That ring. That means the kids are calling.
And then I am greeted by this story:
The pellet stove went out. It is fine as it needs to be cleaned out anyway but I had figured the kids would just fill it again while I was gone.
Nope. My perfect, wonderful, sweet, helpful children decided that it does need to be cleaned out and they would take care of that for us.
Awww! How sweet!
They waited for the fan to quit blowing, signaling that it is ok to clean the stove out. That is what we've done. The only step they have apparently missed by watching us is when we check and make sure there are no hot coals.
Yeah, you see where this is going don't you?
So they start vacuuming the ash...and start to notice that the vacuum is starting to shoot sparks. They don't want to reach their hand near the area of the sparks so they unplug it. (Thankfully)
They take off the cover and notice that the filter bag is on fire. A couple of glasses of water poured on the vacuum and it is no longer burning. (See why I'm thankful they unplugged it?)
Then I get the phone call.
J-Bell is crying. Scared. Freaked out.
She says she is so sorry but she thinks she's ruined the vacuum and tells me the story.
At this time I knew no one was hurt and the house is not on fire.
I calmly tell them to put the vacuum on the front porch and that their dad will be home soon. (He had actually gotten home and was finishing his work in his truck). I can't quit laughing, but I'm trying my best not to let her know it.
To top it all off, I made the comment to those sitting in the living room at my sisters that it looks that I'm going to need to go buy a vacuum. My dad starts telling me what consumer reports just said about vacuums and recommended a high rated vacuum (Kenmore) that is the best value for it's money. It's about $300.
No offense Kenmore, but no thanks. I'm not about to spend $300 on something that my kids set fire to the last one. I paid $15 for this one at a garage sale. It lasted a year and a half and went out in style.
Lesson learned with no one getting hurt. It's paradise!
What? I haven't mentioned that before?!?!?
Well, I do.
Last night I headed out to have dinner with my sister. I drove down, and before we could leave we had to wait for our dad to fix her computer. Then we were all sitting around visiting when my phone rings.
That ring. That means the kids are calling.
And then I am greeted by this story:
The pellet stove went out. It is fine as it needs to be cleaned out anyway but I had figured the kids would just fill it again while I was gone.
Nope. My perfect, wonderful, sweet, helpful children decided that it does need to be cleaned out and they would take care of that for us.
Awww! How sweet!
They waited for the fan to quit blowing, signaling that it is ok to clean the stove out. That is what we've done. The only step they have apparently missed by watching us is when we check and make sure there are no hot coals.
Yeah, you see where this is going don't you?
So they start vacuuming the ash...and start to notice that the vacuum is starting to shoot sparks. They don't want to reach their hand near the area of the sparks so they unplug it. (Thankfully)
They take off the cover and notice that the filter bag is on fire. A couple of glasses of water poured on the vacuum and it is no longer burning. (See why I'm thankful they unplugged it?)
Then I get the phone call.
J-Bell is crying. Scared. Freaked out.
She says she is so sorry but she thinks she's ruined the vacuum and tells me the story.
At this time I knew no one was hurt and the house is not on fire.
I calmly tell them to put the vacuum on the front porch and that their dad will be home soon. (He had actually gotten home and was finishing his work in his truck). I can't quit laughing, but I'm trying my best not to let her know it.
To top it all off, I made the comment to those sitting in the living room at my sisters that it looks that I'm going to need to go buy a vacuum. My dad starts telling me what consumer reports just said about vacuums and recommended a high rated vacuum (Kenmore) that is the best value for it's money. It's about $300.
No offense Kenmore, but no thanks. I'm not about to spend $300 on something that my kids set fire to the last one. I paid $15 for this one at a garage sale. It lasted a year and a half and went out in style.
Lesson learned with no one getting hurt. It's paradise!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tapestry Reminder!
Just a reminder that this is the last day to order Tapestry of Grace at the old price of $180. Tomorrow the price goes up to $225.
Year 1 Redesigned
Year 2 Redesigned
Year 3 Redesigned
Go to Egypt
Sail to the New World
My affiliate code is TOGDEW. You can type this in at the Save and Share code are at the bottom of the bookstore page. Please use this code if you are ordering and you don't have a code you are currently using. Thanks so much!
Year 1 Redesigned
Year 2 Redesigned
Year 3 Redesigned
Go to Egypt
Sail to the New World
My affiliate code is TOGDEW. You can type this in at the Save and Share code are at the bottom of the bookstore page. Please use this code if you are ordering and you don't have a code you are currently using. Thanks so much!
Friday, January 25, 2008
What is your favorite food?
Candy,Candy,Candy, and carrots.
What is your favorite book/author/or book series? Why?
Nancy drew. I love mystery's.
What is your favorite season? Why?
Winter, i do not like bugs and bees and 90 degree weather.
What is your favorite memory?
my brother jay-bird being born because i had been praying for a boy not a girl. ( i wish i prayed for a girl ) and my 10Th b-day the car broke down and we walk about a mile.
Candy,Candy,Candy, and carrots.
What is your favorite book/author/or book series? Why?
Nancy drew. I love mystery's.
What is your favorite season? Why?
Winter, i do not like bugs and bees and 90 degree weather.
What is your favorite memory?
my brother jay-bird being born because i had been praying for a boy not a girl. ( i wish i prayed for a girl ) and my 10Th b-day the car broke down and we walk about a mile.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thursday Thirteen--Leeann style
I saw this on Leeann's blog and thought it would be fun to play along.
13 Things I Want To Know About You
1. Would you eat spoiled food from the garbage, or go hungry?
Go hungry as long as I could. Eventually I would probably eat it, but I would have to be starving to death. Literally
2. Would you make one adult film, if it meant that you would never have to work again?
Absolutely not.
3. In your relationship, you find out that a baby has been conceived. One of you wants the baby, the other doesn't. Who has the right to choose?
The one that wants it. But they also have to take care of it in every way
4. You are in a serious accident in the middle of nowhere and you only chance of survival is to cut off your own arm. Would you do it?
I don't know. Because I would probably die anyway
5. Do you think it is important to tell the truth, or spare someones feelings?
I err on the side of grace. I don't necessarily lie, but truth does not always need to be said out loud. It's ok to just shut your trap
6. What is something you find yourself constantly thinking about?
The mess in my house
7. If your house was on fire, what is the one thing you would have to save (of course, I am assuming that all people/pets are safe)?
Car keys, cell phone, insurance papers. (No, not the pictures. That is why I use web albums.)
8. Forgive and forget? Or forget to forgive?
Forgive, but who ever really forgets?
9. Why are you best friends with your best friend?
Because we can be real with each other
10. Name one challenge you are faced with on a regular basis.
Depression
11. Do you think its possible to only love one person for the rest of your life?
In a perfect world, yes.
12. If you had the skills, what is your dream job?
Flipping houses
13. What is your favorite quote/saying/scripture?
“No bastard ever won a war dying for his country. You win a war by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.” — General George Patton I read this in Flags of our Fathers and thought it was great.
13 Things I Want To Know About You
1. Would you eat spoiled food from the garbage, or go hungry?
Go hungry as long as I could. Eventually I would probably eat it, but I would have to be starving to death. Literally
2. Would you make one adult film, if it meant that you would never have to work again?
Absolutely not.
3. In your relationship, you find out that a baby has been conceived. One of you wants the baby, the other doesn't. Who has the right to choose?
The one that wants it. But they also have to take care of it in every way
4. You are in a serious accident in the middle of nowhere and you only chance of survival is to cut off your own arm. Would you do it?
I don't know. Because I would probably die anyway
5. Do you think it is important to tell the truth, or spare someones feelings?
I err on the side of grace. I don't necessarily lie, but truth does not always need to be said out loud. It's ok to just shut your trap
6. What is something you find yourself constantly thinking about?
The mess in my house
7. If your house was on fire, what is the one thing you would have to save (of course, I am assuming that all people/pets are safe)?
Car keys, cell phone, insurance papers. (No, not the pictures. That is why I use web albums.)
8. Forgive and forget? Or forget to forgive?
Forgive, but who ever really forgets?
9. Why are you best friends with your best friend?
Because we can be real with each other
10. Name one challenge you are faced with on a regular basis.
Depression
11. Do you think its possible to only love one person for the rest of your life?
In a perfect world, yes.
12. If you had the skills, what is your dream job?
Flipping houses
13. What is your favorite quote/saying/scripture?
“No bastard ever won a war dying for his country. You win a war by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.” — General George Patton I read this in Flags of our Fathers and thought it was great.
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