Still here…

all of the kids have been gone – at the same time – for a portion of this week, allowing me to get quite a bit done.  The oldest two are home now, and working on 4-H or goofing off (‘said child’).  I’m not quite sure why I expect ‘said child’ to come home changed; seventy times seven and I must have a mean positive streak.

Anyway, some of the accomplishments:

1. Cleaned the school room thoroughly and re-arranged furniture.  Well, almost thoroughly cleaned.  Still need to dust the wood blinds – my least favorite task.

2. Made copies and organized more of the lessons and supplies for the coming year.

3. Planted and weeded in two flower beds.

4. Met for DRE training.  My head was practically swimming and I’m sure I left with a glazed look on my face.  I think the reality (unplanned, of course) of the baby arriving right when all the RE scheduling for the new year begins has finally hit.

5. Cleaned the basement guest bedroom, again.  And to think that the kids aren’t supposed to be in there, much less eat in the room!  Why should a mom have to find sticky ice cream sandwich wrappers, candy wrappers, and cups with dried chocolate milk tipped on their sides stuffed under the bed, dressers and wherever??

6. Planned the menu for next week.

7.  Finished sewing a summer maternity shirt.  I’m getting bigger, which means I’m growing out of some of my tops…and bottoms.  And, knit material is quite warm!  Time for some light-weight cotton.

I’ll leave you with a few pics of the youngest three.  They were up visiting Grandma & Grandpa Golden Acres for the week.  Graham and Zeke attended CVBS (Catholic Vacation Bible School) with cousins and Louis was along for the visit.

Louis, left, and Cousin, Mr. M.

I asked my mom if she’d mind, if she had time, helping Graham (above) and Zeke finish up one of their 4-H projects.  There is a very nice greenhouse located in my hometown, so the boys had fun picking out flowers.  My mom made it a fun project for them.  They’ve had a great week filled with CVBS, swimming, playing with cousins, and playing baseball with Grandpa.  The boys have also been helping with clean-up projects around the farm.  It’s always best to keep busy!