Garage Progress

Our yard is so muddy, I haven't ventured farther than our back porch to take a picture of the detached garage.  Sorry!  But, they've made a ton of progress in the past two days of work.  This is the east side of the garage.  I'll try to get a front-view picture sometime this week.  I'm sure they're anxious to get the roof at least covered with plywood so the rain/drizzle doesn't continually soak the inside structure.

Random Dozen

Random Dozen:


1.Candy corn: Your thoughts ?

It's actually my favorite candy at this time of year.  I was introduced to eating it with peanuts and THAT is yummy, too.  Tastes like a salted nut roll.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

I honestly don't remember my first conversation with my hubby.  We were good friends as 4-H Ambassadors for so long ... the first conversation could have been something about 4-H.  We also attended the same college. 

I do remember our conversation before we started 'seeing' each other, though.  He walked me back to my fraternity (I lived in a women's fraternity my last three years of college) from the opening dance at college.  He asked me to the FarmHouse Fall Formal Dance.  However, he'd had a serious girlfriend the whole time I'd known him and I wanted him to make sure that was over before we started spending any time together.  So, I didn't give him an answer until I was sure ... probably after our first 'date' when we talked again.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

No way.  I really like meat, especially steak and prime rib!

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

No.  Unless you count the kittens my cousin and I played with while visiting grandma on the farm.  We'd dress them and stroll them around in the carriage.

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Tea berry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).

I miss the unlimited reading I 'got away' with!

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

Yes, I do have a few.  My first was for Outstanding Junior 4-Her when I was in the 7th grade.  And where are they now??  In a tub while I decide what to do with them.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

The day after Thanksgiving.

8. What is your favorite board game?

Monopoly and Scrabble.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?

I dont' mind when they are gifts, but other surprises are not quite as fun IMHO.

10. Is it easy for you to say "I'm sorry?"

No, but when I should, I make myself.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

I don't think I have a favorite.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Caramel corn and warm apple cider or hot cocoa would be served.  As far as what I'd show them???  ... probably my quilts or sewing projects.


If you play along, let me know so I can come see how you answered.

TAG you're it ... (meme)

I was tagged by Christine!

Six names you go by:
Suzie
Suzanne
Suzaphone
Bones (back in grade school - same skinny thing going on here)
Mom
Mommy

Three things you are wearing:
Watch
Miraculous Medal
Eyeglasses

Three things you want very badly right now:
For all the kids to be done with their schoolwork (11:37a)
For the rain/drizzle to stop and not return until harvest is over
A REALLY clean house

Three things you did last night/yesterday:
Made double batch of cashew brittle
Enjoyed a glass of Dr. Pepper
Watched TV after the kids were in bed

Two things you ate today:
Honey Bunches of Oats for breakfast
Honeycomb cereal as a snack

Two people you last talked to on the phone:
My sister
My MIL

Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
Place an order from the Schwan's delivery man
I'm sure I'll get out of bed ... all other items are negotiable!

Your three favorite beverages:
Chai Tea Latte
Dr. Pepper
Bulldog (yes, it's alcoholic & I haven't had one for months!)

Tag you're it!  (if you want to play, just do & then let me know in a comment below so I can go read your responses ...no pressure, though.)

Wordless Wednesday - Entertaining Graham

A few more days ...

of soybean harvest!  They were able to harvest yesterday and may be able to go early today if weather cooperates.  Right now, they're harvesting the field farthest from the farm .... I'm told it will take at least three good days to get the crop off this field.  Let's hope today will help finish up that field. 

Graham was with his dad from just after lunch until 10p when they arrived back at the farm!  That's a long day for a 3yo, but he totally enjoyed himself.  He did, afterall, have his own lunch.  The only thing left was half his sandwich - that's normal for the boys - they eat the healthiest item dead last.  I wish I'd been able to snap a photo of him heading up to the combine with his dad ... lunch box and toy bag in hand ... very cute.

Monday DayLook - October 26

For Today: October 26, 2009


Looking out my back porch... rain again throughout the weekend stalled the harvest again.  Will the yard ever dry out???

 I am thinking... wow!  To where did the month of October fly?  It's been such a jam-packed (at least on the weekends) month with crazy weather, that I've hardly realized we are already at the last week.  Once November hits, it's hard not to think about snow and colder temps.  I do like snow, though, compared to the black/brown colors that surround me right now.

I am thankful for... health.  We've had aches, sniffles and coughs, but nothing extra vitamins and rest haven't been able to cure.  And, this baby is definitely closer to being born!

From the sewing/craft room… maybe this category should be retired until after baby's birth (and a few more months!)...

From the school room... just plugging away at the routine.  Trying to get as much done as possible in the last few weeks before baby arrives.  I do believe this is the semester/year to work on obedience in a more profound way, especially for one of my children.  Last week I heard actor Jim Caviezel being interviewed ... I didn't catch the question, but his response was that 'we are in a time of great disobedience'.  Yes, I agree, on more than one level.

We have a slight competition going on between the two oldest in spelling. Angelina studied a bit more on her 'personal spelling list' (words collected from their writing) and is ahead of Dash in Phonetic Zoo. Dash is motivated and has actually been studying his word lists. Sure would be nice to incorporate that kind of study into a few other subjects!

From the kitchen... I've been planning out my meals and trying to double batches to stock up on freezer meals and treats.  Over the weekend, I made a double batch of Italian Sausage Soup (available in this e-book).  Angelina and I also made our first batch of Holiday Goodies.

I am reading... well, I cannot claim I'm reading more than our daily newspapers and schoolwork directions for the kids right now!!

I am hoping... for an uneventful and quick trip to the hospital when labor starts and that we reach the hospital in time (we are 100 miles out and this is my 5th delivery).

I am hearing... it's pretty quiet, except for sounds of dishes in the kitchen.  Do I dare think that morning chores are being completed without my reminding/nagging/reminding??

State of the house… don't look too closely at the edges and corners.

A successful moment… I made it through the week.  That's an accomplishment in itself.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: Angelina's dance class tonight

Tuesday-Thursday: Absolutely no set-in-stone plans for these days.  That means I might have the energy to do a craft!!  I have a few marked/starred at this blog.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday:
I have Dr. appt. scheduled for Friday afternoon; I hope it's my last. 

Saturday night, All Hallow's Eve, the Cathedral and our homeschool group usually co-sponsor an All Saint's Party.  This year, out of prudence due to the circulation of illnesses, we've scaled back the plans significantly.  Families will be encouraged to attend Mass with the kids dressed as saints ... and there is the possibility of candy bags afterwards.  Our kids would still love to attend (we haven't missed a year, yet) to see all their friends .... we'll see.  If we can't make it to Fargo, I hope we'll be able to go to reconciliation and Mass at the local country church on this evening.

Sunday is the annual Buffalo Supper fundraiser at Holy Rosary, the local 'country' church we attend.  Besides the meal, a silent auction on donated baskets is held to fund the religious ed program.  That's about all I know because we haven't been involved before now.

A look at my day, in pictures...

Graham is playing with a very OLD set of fraction manipulatives that were originally sold by Discovery Toys.  I guess my brothers and I used to play with them (although I really don't remember).  Now, all things sold by Discovery Toys are well branded!  Graham has a lot of fun with this fraction set.  He mainly likes to match colors and doesn't experiement with adding different fractions to see what makes a whole circle.  I don't care .... it entertains and that's its best feature!

It's about time...

Soybean harvest started yesterday! 

My hubby and Grandpa Green Acres are relieved, but not happy with the forecast for the coming week - rain starting tonight into Sunday and rain in the middle of next week.  What a crazy October.  At least it gets Dash out of the house; he's quite useful and absolutely willing to help. 

Zeke or Graham will get a chance to ride along today.  Their favorite part of 'riding along,' besides just being with dad or grandpa, is the LUNCH!  Everyone gets a lunchbox to take out to the field.  It's filled with healthy sandwiches, fruit and veggies, but there are also treats.  I'll let you guess what is eaten first ... because Mom is not around to supervise.

Garage Progress

For the last couple weeks, our contractor has been working on our detached garage/shop.  Yesterday, the framing started to go up!  I went out early this morning and snapped a pic while the sun was still coming up.

This building will sit just west & slightly north of our home.  There will be room to store all the out of season equipment (snowblower, rototiller, bikes, gardening supplies) and a space for my husband's work supply storage.  Previously, he'd rented a garage or storage facility in Fargo ... that's a little far away! 

Half of the building will also be a workshop; I hope to have the kids doing woodwork projects for 4-H and maybe building a dog house this winter.  They've probably overheard Eric and I talking about putting in a dog door on the NE corner.  We're hoping to attach a kennel to that side of the garage (even dogs need a little shelter and warmth during these harsh ND winters). 

Holiday Goodies

For the last couple weeks, holiday prep has been entering my thoughts.  I like to get a jump start and freeze a variety of treats in October/November.  It really makes Advent seem less rushed and most of my favorites hold up very well in the freezer.  Besides, I'm usually baking at least 6 dozen holiday treats for my college fraternity's Fall/Winter fundraiser held the first full weekend in November.  Why stop at 6 dozen?? 

This year, the addition of a new little one has me thinking farther ahead, and our local country church has their fundraiser next weekend (I'm assigned to bring a pan of bars).  I'd make them this week and freeze the bars, but they don't want them cut!  I'm sure that makes sense because then they will all be the same size ... but, for someone trying to check off items on the To-Do List, it's not very convenient.  The bars will need to wait.

These are the goodies I'd like to make this year, in prioritized order ... priority really meaning favorites first!  I've made most of these every year, except for Pizzelles.  Last year was the first year, and I invested in a pizzelle griddle because they were on sale.  Grandma Golden Acres and I had a fun time experimenting, but they are so easy we decided to make it an annual addition to our treat list.

• Divinity
• Cashew Brittle
• Pizzelles
• Turtle Cookies
• Suzie's Favorite Sugar Cookies
• Creme de Menthe Brownies
• Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Jam Thumbprints

I like to try something new each year.  In looking through my stack of holiday and cookie magazines, I came across a recipe for Chocolate Caramel Thumbprints (pictured below).  So, if there is time, I'd like to make that my experimental recipe for this season.  If the kitchen experiment actually happens, you can be sure I'll post pictures!

I'll take one serving of quiet, please!

Today seems to be one of those days where each of my children cannot hear anything - and I can hear every.single.little.stinking.scratch.or.movement - otherwise why would they all be talking at once after my repeated admonitions?  I may just go out of my mind!  At least school is done now and I can leave this room and the basement.  I think I may also ban them from coming upstairs at all.  Well, at least until dinner.  Even though we are done with school, they are still making the most noise possible, and they are all talking at once!

I'm sure that this has nothing to do with the weather and the fact that I haven't been able to let them be outside, or the fact that I've been around all of them for what seems like constant days on end (since that first weekend in October when I was able to spend 24 consecutive hours alone in my own home).

Do you ever get to the point where even the tiniest noise just makes your skin crawl and makes you want to scream??  I'm there right now.  I think I'll go find some chocolate or at least have a Chai tea.

Rain, again...

I really dislike wet fall weather.

Is there anything more penetratingly cold than a damp and dreary October??

I'm so thankful all the gardens were cleaned up before the rains came.  But what about harvest??  It does make one wonder what is better for harvest .... should we continue to hope and pray for sun and a dry-up OR should we just pray for a freeze that will hold the equipment up and out of the mud!  The farmers are going stir-crazy, and we all wonder just when harvest will start, much less finish.

On the positive side, all the rain is helping the ground settle - A LOT - around the house where trenches or holes were dug during the building process.  Since there is no grass, we'll be able to fill in all the low spots next spring before seeding.  The depression below is about 10 inches deep.

The cement for the floor of our detached garage did get poured last week.  I know our contractor worked VERY hard to make that happen while the weather was cooperating.  I believe at least one worker stayed until 11p to make sure the troweling was done correctly.  Not sure how the rest of the building schedule will be affected by the current weather ...

Check this out

When Jamie and I visited last week, the subject of archiving our blogs came into the conversation.  I write my posts right in blogger; though I have copied some from a word processing program, I've found that copying makes for more work and editing.  So, I don't have a text file full of my posts.

However, should we even worry about saving our posts??  It's like a diary or journal for me, so part of me would like to always have a copy.  Another part of me says, "It's just another 'thing' to keep ... don't worry about it."  Well, that decision hasn't been made up in my mind, but this link shows the cutest idea - if you DO want to keep an archive of your blog.  I thought it incredibly clever, and there are a few options.

Am I an Introvert?

You bet, and I've never been one to hide that aspect of myself.  Jamie brought up the topic, linking to another blog.  The original blog linked this article about Introverts.  It explains a lot for those of you who didn't 'know'.  Absolutely LOVE these lines from the article!  

If we introverts ran the world, it would no doubt be a calmer, saner, more peaceful sort of place. As Coolidge is supposed to have said, "Don't you know that four fifths of all our troubles in this life would disappear if we would just sit down and keep still?" (He is also supposed to have said, "If you don't say anything, you won't be called on to repeat it." The only thing a true introvert dislikes more than talking about himself is repeating himself.)

I'm quite certain if I could run my home the way I want, it would "no doubt be a calmer, saner, more peaceful sort of place," too!  The last line is so telling of me ... I cannot stand to repeat myself.  That's a challenge in raising kids, who need constant repetition of ideas and directions.

There are plenty of moments where I come out of my shell and lead, too.  It's just that those types of activities do take a 'lot' out of me.  I'm so thankful for the break from leading the women's group at my church this year, and am also thankful for the current break from teaching our NFP class. 

I also need and crave down time where I'm alone.  Though as a mother I can -and do- sacrifice quite a bit of myself through homeschooling, involvement outside the home, and constant 'doing/touching' for the kids, at some point I need take care of myself, too.  I am more peaceful, calm, and patient when I've been able to re-charge during a bit of alone time. 

At least two of my children require time alone, too.  I'm careful to give them the opportunity for quiet play or reading time. 

Package in the Mail!

Who doesn't like packages??  Mail delivery is one of my favorite times of the day.

Anyway, I ordered a few books from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts last week.  A couple were for Advent ... I know it's early, but I won't be doing much after baby arrives.  Better to be prepared.

I also ordered a couple workbooks for Graham.  He's really into cutting and pasting, so I know he'll enjoy these two Kumon books.  In fact, just this moring he came up to me and announced, "I'm bigger.  And now that I'm bigger I should be in school."  *it might not have been quite worded that way ... my memory is fuzzy ...  but that is what he implied*  At any rate, he's always asking me for something to do.  I've been ill-prepared lately, so this is my attempt at planning a little bit more for him.

The book shown below will be a Christmas gift for one God-daughter and for Angelina.  The kids and I have enjoyed all the books written by Jennie Bishop, and I assume this one will be no exception.  The hardcover edition even includes an audio CD.

My last purchase was "30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family" by Rebecca Hagelin.  I'm cannot remember what about the book caught my attention while filling my order, but you have to admit the title is catchy.  I'm sure I felt like we needed saving!!  My reading is somewhat stalled right now, so it might be a while before I post anything about the book's content. 

Tuesday DayLook - October 20

For Today: October 20, 2009
 Looking out my back porch... it's still very damp from all the moisture.  The soybean field remains untouched...

I am thinking... will this be a normal day??  Will we get back in our routine today??

I am thankful for... making it through another very busy weekend and that I'm one more week closer to delivery of the next Lahlum baby. 

From the sewing/craft room… not a whole lot!  But, that's okay.  There'll be plenty of time another day for sewing and crafting.

From the school room... yesterday was shortened.  Today is a full day.  Angelina shared a bit of her piano playing and poetry with her great-aunts and grandparents.

From the kitchen... I'd like to get a few more meals into the freezer before baby arrives.  My plan is to double both the Tater Tot Hotdish and Italian Sausage Soup (found in this OAMC e-book).  Both freeze well with great results.

I am reading... I'm desperately trying to catch up on reading my StAR (St. Austin Review, co-edited by Joseph Pearce and Robert Asch) magazines!  I read a couple last week, but am still behind by about 4 issues.  A person just cannot rush through these articles, they need to be savored...

I am hoping... for a calm week with gorgeous fall weather.

I am hearing... the sounds of the kids finishing up breakfast and getting ready for the day.

State of the house… not bad because we were gone all weekend.

 A successful moment… we decided not to take the top carrier, hitch carrier or electric cooler on our trip to MN this past weekend.  It was surprisingly easy to get all of our belongings in the mini-van.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: My parents and two of my aunts, one from CA and the other from OR, stopped out for a visit to see our home.  We ate dinner/lunch together and visited for a while before they headed out to visit my brother in Bismarck.  They'll arrive back at my hometown for a short visit before flying home after attending the wedding this past weekend. 

A college friend dropped by because she was in the area.  While here this summer, she missed seeing the house because we all got busy visiting with old friends.  This was an unexpected, but pleasant visit.

Tuesday: Nothing special planned.  I'd like to just rest and catch up on laundry today. 

Wednesday: Nothing special ... maybe Dash or Angelina will feel like baking; I have quite a few bananas in the freezer and banana bread would taste wonderful about now.

Thursday:  Shhhh... don't tell anyone that this day is ALSO blank on my calendar!  A FREE DAY!

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: My hubby may take all the kids and go to the Bison FB game on Saturday - provided there is no harvesting.  My attendance is up in the air.  Usually I wouldn't miss these game days, but at this stage of pregnancy, they do wear me out and staying home alone is so appealing. 

A look at my day, in pictures...

I have absolutely NO pictures to show you from this weekend.  I took pictures, but they are on my SIL's camera.  I'm sure she or other family will forward a few to me and then I will share a shot or two of the wedding.  Pat & Anna's wedding was beautiful and full of memorable moments.  Fr. Ehli, newly ordained just this past summer in the Bismarck diocese, was the celebrant and this was his first wedding (he's a college friend of both Eric and Pat, two of my brothers).  His homily, both toward the congregation and the couple, was great!

Dash served during the wedding.  He did a very fine job, and he helped more than he has at past family weddings.  I guess they normally don't have altar servers for weddings at the Basilica ... I was very surprised.  People are always so surprised at how formal he is during serving, but that is what he's been taught.  To me, he is less noticeable because of his formality ... that's as it should be.  The Knights of the Altar program for alter servers at the Cathedral of St. Mary is wonderful and we hope to keep our boys active in the group as long as we can manage.

Believe me, at this stage of pregnancy, it's enough to get four kids and myself looking put-together for family pictures.  Eric took the kids out for a walk around downtown St. Paul on Saturday morning, so I actually had time to style my hair (this NEVER happens).  I was complimented ... that was nice.  At least it kept the attention upwards to my face and not toward my overly swollen ankles and legs!

It's actually a fact, which is wierd ... according to Dash

Me:  "Quit playing with the toy; put it down and get back to work"

Dash:  "I'm not playing; I'm thinking.  When I play with things it helps me think.  It's actually a fact, which is wierd... "

Me:  Not quite sure what to think.  To me, it seems that his way 'playing/thinking' actually makes the assignment take longer.  And, the noise of the playing is soooo very annoying to me!  Usually toy trucks (like the kind he was playing with) are not allowed in the school room during our active hours.  Distraction vs. Thinking in a 12yo .... how do you tell the difference??

Monday Daylook - October 12

For Today: October 12, 2009


Looking out my back porch... well, there was no grass planted this fall.  Even though that's the one project I really wanted done last Spring, I'm okay with it now.  So, it's black dirt covered with a dusting of snow that fell last night, the tree rows (which grew very well in the weather we had this year) and the 'still' unharvested soybean field. 


I am thinking... one day at a time ... please let the harvest start and finish (the guys are going to 'try' combining this afternoon) before real snow flies and covers the ground ... and preferably before this baby is born.


I am thankful for... being one week closer to the end of the pregnancy and the prayers of a few good friends.


From the sewing/craft room… I purchased crosses last week for the three rosary books, so the books are completed and stored for Christmas gift-giving.


From the school room... both Angelina and Dash needed to re-work a couple writing assignments.  Directions are important!  I intentionally made this a lighter week because I don't want to be stressed (we have my brother's wedding in the cities this weekend), and I want the kids to get  assignments done on time and by Thursday morning. 

From the kitchen... finished up canning pear sauce, finally made the pear struesel pie, and canned a bit of salsa last week.  Of course, there are more tomatoes to be used, but at least they were all picked before the frost (every last one with a little bit of color)! 

I'm planning to make Chicken Potpie (a double recipe = one for the freezer) for supper tonight or tomorrow night, depending on the harvest schedule.  This is one dish that is frozen with raw pie crust and baked when you take it out of the freezer.  It doesn't taste like leftovers - although the leftovers are yummy, too -  ... and the whole family craves its creamy goodness.


I am reading... same books.  I've finished a few, though!  I finished up 'That's So You!'  I enjoyed the book, but am looking forward to using more of the information after pregnancy.  I think I do a pretty good job of choosing clothes in general (although looking back I have made plenty of fashion mistakes!).  I'm at a tough stage of dressing right now.  What were comfy pregnancy clothes are NOT comfortable and everything is too small in all the places you want a little more room.  Another tough time for me is right after pregnancy where I'm in-between my normal clothing and wearing what I call post-pregnancy clothes.  I don't really like many of my post-pregnancy clothes, but they are necessary for me!

Finished reading the first chapter for Women of Grace, but decided not to attend the meeting last Friday.  I also finished 'Vaccinations: Deception and Tragedy'.  Very interesting read.  Many statements I do agree with and I found the book to be well referenced to source texts.


I am hoping... the week goes smoothly.  We could use a couple weeks of warm weather to start/finish harvest and get the garage project underway - warm weather is at the top of the prayer list.


I am hearing... normal school day sounds:  math manipulatives, clicking of the computer keyboard, idle chit chat (that I'm trying to still!).

Later in the morning, hopefully there will be sounds of machinery.  Last week, work started on our detached garage.  Right now, the contractor and dirt hauler are hard at work with dirt.  The western side needs about 2-3 feet of extra dirt which means a lot of extra prep and a retaining type wall, but it's the best location.  Hopefully the weather will warm up enough to pour cement.  Otherwise the project will be held up until next Spring.


State of the house… the kids helped a lot last week, so the floors are clean.  That always makes me feel better ... can't see the dust on the wood laminate as I'm coming up the stairs from the basement!  Laundry is caught up and the kitchen is tidy enough. 

I believe the upstairs bathroom, which is shared by all the kids, is finally clean to my standards!  You see, I have a checklist for the kids to follow, but not all appreciate lists or the cleaner may not think certain steps are necessary.  This particular bathroom has been assigned to a particular child for the last week ... each day, because parts of the checklist weren't completed.  Today, all steps were completed!!!!! Hooray for one truly clean bathroom.

We'll be gone over the weekend, and I like to come home to a clean house.  We'll be entertaining visitors this coming Monday (Grandma and Grandpa Golden Acres and relatives from out of state), so we'll try very hard NOT to make messes and keep the house presentable.

A successful moment… did I mention that at least one bathroom is/was cleaned to my standards??  And, our outside winter prep is done. 


A few plans for the rest of the week…


Monday: Hopefully harvest will start.  I had hoped hubby would be able to drive Angelina to dance, but harvest is more important than a stay-at-home evening for me.


Tuesday: A free day???  Probably not.  We'll all do a little house cleaning, and as a carrot for helping clean and then keeping everything clean, maybe this craft for the kids.


Wednesday: Packing for the wedding weekend and maybe another craft - or I may just resort to a movie - to keep kids entertained and semi-quiet.


Thursday: I get to visit Jamie today!  I'm really looking forward to seeing her and her family (especially, Sweetie Pie).


Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Rehearsal, Groom's supper (at the Spaghetti Factory - yum!) and Wedding (at the Basilica) this weekend.  Eric is planning to take Angelina, Zeke and Graham to the Science Museum while Dash (I guess he'll be serving) and I (one very large and wide reader) are at rehearsal.  We are all looking forward to seeing family and friends.

A look at my day, in pictures...

Front cover of the Rosary Books - simple.

Creamy Chicken Potpie - scheduled for supper, either tonight OR tomorrow tonight!

The dusting of snow that arrived during the night.

Now, that's determined

I found this post about a determined young girl to be absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious!  We do homeschool, so I can relate ....

Fall chores

Just for the record, we did have snow flurries yesterday (Friday, October 9) and today.  Thursday night brought a killing frost to the area, so the growing season is officially over.  Brrrr it's cold! 

Eric, Angelina and Greg did a bit of outside work to clean up and prepare for winter.  Angelina and her dad harvested the carrots and Angelina prepped the onions (which have been drying in the garage for the last couple weeks) for storage.  Dash and his dad cleared the well frozen and dead zucchini, tomato, and pepper plants from the garden.  Eric put away all the garden hoses, summer equipment, and patio furniture.  The summer shoes and rubber boots are stored and have been replaced with warmer winter boots to keep those toes warm in the frosty weather.  The Carhart jackets and overalls are definitely out and in use!!  After lunch, the two oldest will help their dad move rabbit cages to the barn for the winter.  And, all the sand box toys will be stored, too.

Instead of changing colors, the leaves are just falling from the trees.  Guess we missed fall color on the farm.

Wordless Wednesday - Cheap Entertainment

The Effect of Music

I NEED more music in my life.  Classical music has been a favorite of mine since ... well I really don't remember not listening to classical music because I studied dance from the age of three.  Classical music is incredibly relaxing - it's about the only thing that inspires my romantic side.  However, I forget to use it because my day is so cluttered up and I don't have a reliable CD player in my kitchen (most of my after school hours are spent in the kitchen area).  I've been searching for something similar to the spacemaker radio/cassette player I installed in my Fargo home so no valuable counter space is wasted with electronics.  But, I haven't found a spacemaker CD player with excellent reviews, yet.

I purchased the above pictured CD collection for Dash and his music study this year.  It includes Baroque selections from a variety of English, Italian, Mediterranean, and French composers, but focuses in particular on Bach (2 whole CD's are devoted to his works).

**Update** on Hedge Apples

I think they work.

I haven't had nearly as many creepy crawlies since putting the hedge apples in the basement.  So, either we'd already caught & crushed the bugs or no others have come into the house.... time to laugh out loud right now!  With four kids going in and out the doors and no killing frost, there were bound to be more crawlies in the meantime. 

So, my verdict is that hedge apples DO INDEED repell the creepy crawlies and were worth the very small investment.

Monday DayLook - October 5

For Today: October 5, 2009

Looking out my back porch...  it's another cloudy and grey morning.  Everything is still soggy from the steady rains at the end of last week.  The tomatoes are still ripening and more are ready to be harvested.  Soybean harvest will hopefully start this week, but we'd need to get some sun to dry the crop out, first.

I am thinking...   whew! One more packed weekend is done and one week closer to delivery.  Yes, I'm looking forward to labor; although, don't ask me about 'labor and my current feelings' during actual labor!!

I am thankful for...   cool weather.  I'm a 70's (as in temperature - even though I was born in the 70's) gal.  I'm most comfortable when cooler and like wearing sweaters and jeans.

From the sewing/craft room…   mmmm, I've not been focused on sewing lately.  Although, I have been working on rosary books.  They'll be Christmas gifts for a few friends this coming Christmas.  All the pictures are organized; I just need to print, crop and insert the prayer pages.  I'd also want to decorate the cover in some way - most likely a small crucifix in the 'photo' area of the front cover.

From the school room...   piano lessons, courtesy of Alan Jemison, in our home are going much better this year.  It's fun to hear Angelina and Dash actually starting to play songs that require more skill - both hands, sharps, flats and rythym.  Last week, Dash played while Angelina sang along ... really cool!

From the kitchen... I'd like to add more variety to breakfast and more protien.  Seems like we get stuck in the cold cereal rut so often because it's easy for the kids to fix their own.  I'd like to have at least one week day where we have an egg bake or quiche.  I have a few recipes, but am working/researching to increase the number of dishes our family enjoys and will look forward to eating.  Finding a few recipes that my older two could assemble the evening before is a goal, too.

I am reading...   same books!  Well, I did start a new book titled "Vaccinations: Deception and Tragedy."  I haven't finished anything, yet; but the vaccination book is short and will most likely be finished first. 

I am hoping...   for prolonged Fall weather (preferably a bit of sun so harvest can be completed) and no more health issues in the last weeks of this pregnancy.

I am hearing...   the sound of Lincoln Logs being picked up and the chit-chat of the two youngest at play.

State of the house…   better than last week!  Which isn't saying a whole lot, unfortunately.  Laundry is caught up and the kitchen is passably clean, though.

A successful moment…   pretty much all my plans changed and goals were lowered last week because a mild case of hives turned into angioedema, again.  However, I was able to do the laundry, keep the kitchen clean and get all the schoolwork corrected.

A few plans for the rest of the week…  
Monday:   Football game for Dash and dance lessons for Angelina. 

Tuesday:  Nothing special planned for today.

Wednesday:  Our Lady of the Rosary feast day!

Thursday:  Last football game for Dash and an Ortho appt in Fargo for Angelina.  Since I have a meeting in Fargo this evening and a dr. appt on Friday morning, Angelina and I will be staying overnight.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday:  Dr. appt and Chapter 1 meeting for Women of Grace on Friday.  We kept this weekend open because all others in the month are scheduled ... that and hubby will hopefully be harvesting.  Sunday is our second NFP class, and the last we'll teach in this series.  We've arranged for another teaching couple to take the third class because this baby is due to arrive in November.

A look at my day, in pictures... 

We only have two Play Mobile sets (both farm related), but they are loved.  They also have the smallest pieces - little mice and carrots with removable green tops.

Concentrating on a spelling test.

October - Month of the Most Holy Rosary

One of the goals for this school year was to add prayer and NOT let it slip away after just a few days.  Thus far, we've been successful!    I've changed our original plan of 2 decades in the morn, 1 decade after lunch/dinner, and 2 decades before bedtime ... to ... 2 decades in the morn and 3 decades before bedtime.  This seems to fit our family better.  Evening has always been a set prayer time, so the decades were easier to add into the schedule at that time.  The new morning prayer time is certainly a LOT easier than mid-day, at least for our family.  Just seems like mid-day is the most hectic time of day:  two finishing up school, dinner prep & clean-up, a few afternoon chores, another finishing up school after lunch, etc.  Besides, maybe it was a bit much to add two new prayer times and expect all of us to 'take to it'!  I'm just thankful we finally seem to have found something that works.