Tuesday DayLook: October 28, 2014

Picture:  Greg after the ND 9-man football playoff game -   LaMoure Loboes vs. Northstar Bearcats.  The Loboes came out on top 56 – 12.  It’s been an unexpectedly great season for the team and a lot of fun to watch.

Looking out my back porch... the day started out cloudy and it rained a bit.  It cleared for a while in the afternoon, but it’s cloudy once again.

I am thankful for... being able to be home!

I am reading… I’ve started to read a few other blogs.  I mentioned last week that I’d started to read Walking in Grace & Beauty, but I’ve also been reading 31 Days to a Clutter-Free Life.  The e-book is available on kindle, but the worksheets for each area are available for printing on each blog post.  Some can be skipped, but others have great tips.  I’ve actually saved a couple on specific topics, including digital photos and craft rooms.

I am praying for... a great outcome on the ballot measures which our state’s people will be voting on in the election this coming week.  GO VOTE…it matters!  Also praying that all the players on my son’s football team remain healthy and play with good sportsmanship in the quarterfinals this coming Saturday…win or lose.

A random thought… Make sure you vote next week.

I am hearing... the bubbling of the aquarium.

From the sewing/craft room… absolutely nothing has been started or finished!  However, I have been ‘pinning’ ideas for 4-H, Christmas and crocheting.

From the School Room... some days are good, some days stink. 

From the Kitchen...  before the home football game this past Saturday, we tailgated!  I made Mulled apple juice, Carol’s Caramel Corn, and Mom’s Pumpkin Pie Spice Chex Mix.

From the FarmYard… we STILL need to merge the two flocks of chickens.  There has just not been time to get the job done; it’s best done in the evening.

A successful moment…

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Tuesday: ortho & dance for Angelina, football practice for Greg (all week)

Wednesday: pumpkin carving

Thursday: dance for Angelina

Friday: It’s All Hallows Eve.  We typically don’t ‘celebrate’ this holiday, but I’ve become more ambivalent in the last few years.

Saturday/Sunday: ND 9-man quarterfinal football game, Bison home football game (we hope to watch the second half at home), annual Buffalo Supper at church

A picture memory...

Louis – June 2010

Monday DayLook: October 20, 2014

Looking out my back porch... it’s sunny today.

I am thankful for... good friends, my family’s good health, the fact that I can homeschool, living on a farm, fresh eggs.

I am reading… I’ve started reading this blog because while I’m not really into ‘fashion’, I would like to be able to combine what I have to make nice outfits.  I really appreciate Cyndi’s style…and she’s Christian.

I am praying for...  a young man who was in a serious car accident and has many months of recovery ahead of him.  Also praying our country’s leaders are able to make wise decisions and thus contain the Ebola virus that has now entered our country’s borders.

A random thought… I’d just like the members of my family, who are old enough, to pick up (and keep picked up) their OWN belongings.  Is this really such an impossible request/wish/want?

A favorite quote… “No one in the world can alter truth.  All we can do is seek it and live it."  ~ St. Maximilian Kolbe

I am hearing... the two youngest rolling around on their plasma cars.  This noise is worth it…yea, I know it can be hard on the floors, but my sanity and their ability to get out that extra energy is well worth it.

From the sewing/craft room… I’ve been thinking about Christmas & holiday crafts.  It seems early, but the time goes so fast.

From the School Room... we are pluggin’ away.  Graham and Zeke are staying on top of their subjects and doing great.  Angelina finds grammar, science (Biology), and Latin challenging this year, but I think it’s good for her to be challenged.  Most years, she doesn’t find the school work too hard.  Greg is does well, when he’s consistent in doing his work every day.  And therein lies his challenge! 

From the Kitchen...  I would so like to spend more time in my kitchen! I’m craving soups and baked goods.

From the FarmYard… we are almost ready to merge the chicken flocks.  This is probably the longest we’ve let the young flock stay in the Wahoo.  But, Fall has been so hectic.

A successful moment… making it through the month of September felt gratifying. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: stayin’ home, FB practice for Greg every day of the week

Tuesday: dance for Angelina

Wednesday: stayin’ home

Thursday: dance for Angelina

Friday:  NDSCS Diesel Days for Greg & the Bishop is in town to bless our newly remodeled rectory.

Saturday/Sunday: Football playoff game for Greg, 4-H Awards Program

A picture memory...

September 2011 – WOW…have they all changed.

Monday DayLook: August 25, 2014

 

Looking out my back porch... mostly cloudy, breezy and it just looks cool.  The wheat field is very ready for harvest, but thanks to the rain this weekend, harvest will wait for a few days.

I am thankful for... allergy medicine, shop-vacs, bacon, fresh peaches, a functioning computer and napping toddlers.

I am reading… a mish mash of books, magazines and online articles. 

I am praying for...  a successful senior year for Greg and a successful year for the rest of my kids.  I am praying they all stay healthy in their sporting activities, as well.  I’m also praying that Religious Education will run smoothly and that we’ll find a cook for the college fraternity I advise.

I am hearing... honestly, in the couple minutes I’ve been writing this post, the boys have scraped a stool across the kitchen floor three times, Dak threw a plate on the floor for clattering effect, and the middle boys were having an argument over who should pick up a game they were both playing.  Mix in a couple screams of ‘Done, done!’ and you’ve put yourself in my chair.

From the Home Front…today has been a doozy of a morning.  Why is it that we cannot discover a problem with our septic pump until water is spilling into the homeschool closet or spilling over the toilet seat next door?  We’d meant to get a back-up pump, but just hadn’t gotten it done.  Of course, my husband thought he’d have more than a year to accomplish that task.  It seems we go through a pump a year.  I think he’ll be getting that done a little sooner than planned.  For now, we are pumping into the backyard…good thing we live in the country and thank goodness it’s windy today. 

From the School Room... assignments are being completed.  Greg and I determined that he’ll be re-taking the ACT.  Unfortunately, there is only one date that works and it’s next April.  He’s also signed up for career days at one college and we’re planning on two college tours, as well. 

From the Kitchen...  Sweet ‘n’ Sour Baked Beans in the oven and Raspberry Chipolte Bacon fresh out of the oven.

From the FarmYard… Lily, our 4mo black lab, went missing last Wednesday.  She hasn’t returned, and we don’t believe she will.  It stinks.  We went out searching for three days in the area where the dogs were last seen, to no avail.  It rained the three nights after she went missing, so the odds of her surviving with an injury are even slimmer.  Bella, our older dog, has been moping around.  We all miss Lily.  Each morning, I’ve woke up hoping that she’d be laying on the mat on the back porch. 

The last batch of hogs goes to the butcher tomorrow.  It’ll be nice to get the barn cleaned out for the winter.

We still haven’t had an opportunity to move the chickens.  The weather played a part in the delay.  Oh, well.  It’ll happen when it happens.

A successful moment… the pile of shirts & handkerchiefs to be ironed has been pressed and put away. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
*First varsity football game for Greg on Tuesday and his second game is  on Saturday

*Zeke’s first football game is Thursday

*Angelina has an ortho appt in Fargo on Wednesday

*Graham begins Flag Football practice on Thursday

*Family camping trip – last one of the year – begins Thursday night or Friday morning

*Grandma Green Acres plans to take Zeke, Graham, and Louis to see Bob!

*Final prep for our first day of class on September 2.

A picture memory...

 

From our trip through the Smokey Mountains in June 2006.  From left to right: Zeke, Graham, Angelina, Greg.  The pic up top is also from our trip through the mountains.

Monday DayLook: August 18, 2014

Looking out my back porch... It’s partly sunny and the wheat field is ripening.  Another couple years and the tree rows will block my view of the field…I don’t look forward to that day.

I am thankful for... living on the farm, cuddly two year olds, snuggly four year olds, chores to get the kids out of the house.

I am praying for...  insight into how to encourage good work ethic in my kids.

A random thought… my oldest son has his work space in our school room and my work area is in the schoolroom, but situated behind him so that I can see his computer screen.  He dislikes me working on my computer or being in the room behind him during school hours.  I think it’s because he feels guilty.  Maybe it’s because whenever I walk back into the room, after being gone, he’s not doing schoolwork and switches his screen??  Trust is earned my boy…it’s earned.

From the School Room... while the room is more organized than last week, it’s still not ‘there’.  Too many piles on the windowsill, dirty windows, old wall posters, remnants of summer that need to be stored away.

From the Kitchen...  peach crisp in the making thanks to Angelina.  If all goes as planned, she’ll be canning peach something for a 4-H project.

From the FarmYard… another load of hogs goes in to the butcher tomorrow.  We are also planning to move our older laying flock this week.  I plan to have the boys help me move two sets of nest boxes to the Wahoo and then we’ll move the flock.  Ya see, there are rats in the barn where they currently live and we want to get rid of the rats.  They eat the feed meant for the chickens and also drink the water, which prevents any poison from working properly.  It’s a big project, but hopefully one that will improve the property.

A successful moment… the basement is cleaned and a couple loads of laundry were taken care of this morning.  Went through a pile of magazines and papers to donate, store or throw.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Cleaning and organizing. 
Greg has practice every day this week. Football practice for Zeke on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
A massage and meeting in Fargo for Suzie!
Harvest of the wheat begins this week.

A picture memory...

The picture is from last August, but this little guy turned two last week!  And, he is little.  10% for weight and 25% for height…very different from how his older siblings grew.  But, much easier on his older mama!!

Update:  Since I couldn't quite figure out the whole google+ (I really just don't have the extra time), I shut off that feature.  I'm sorry to those who posted comments under google+ because your comments are now gone.  It's another of those tech quirks.

DayLook: Thursday, August 14, 2014

I am thankful for... the days of August when the weather is mild, kids enjoy being outside, chicken butchering is done for the year, and school hasn’t started yet.

I am looking forward to…Greg’s senior year of school and all that goes with it, football games for my boys and the NDSU Bison, camping one more time with family at the end of the month (never thought you’d hear me say that…for those of you who know me well!), and late Summer/early Fall colors in the flower garden.

I am reading… novels on my kindle.  Eric and I watched Divergent the other night, and while I’d read Divergent, I hadn’t read the other two books in the trilogy.  After watching the movie, I read the other books within the next two days.  I enjoyed the series for the most part.  I appreciated closure at the end, even if it’s wasn’t how I’d envisioned.

I am praying for...  a successful and uneventful harvest for our family and a smooth start to our school year.  October will mark one year since my dad’s accident.  I pray for him and everyone helping on my childhood farm as they enter harvest (and the combine) for the first time since my dad’s accident.

A random thought… another of my children has been diagnosed with shingles.  That’s right, I said another.  And they’ve both been 11 years old!  I find it interesting and maybe somewhat of a double standard that older persons who are diagnosed with shingles are not told to stay home and avoid people, but my two children…who both had the chicken pox at the ages of 3 and 1 years (not vaccine related)…were told to stay home and avoid contact with anyone.  I’d also like to see a bit more research on how/if the chicken pox vaccine is possibly related to an increase in the incidence of shingles in younger adults and children.

I am hearing... the ripple of the water from the aquarium.

From the School Room... slowly becoming organized for the coming year.  Still have last years completed work to sort through and file, but all the non-consumable texts and materials have been stored.  Supplies have been purchased and syllabi are updated.

From the Kitchen...  purchased two lugs of peaches earlier this week with the hope of canning at least one lug.  So far, we’ve only eaten them fresh, but they are delicious.  Angelina used up a zucchini by making chocolate chip zucchini cake; I frosted it with brown sugar frosting.  Very good recipe; even though I initially thought it would flop because she halved the pan size (didn’t read instructions carefully enough). 

From the FarmYard… chicken butchering was spread over three days on two different weekends.  It’s done for the year.  We’ve already started delivering some of the frozen birds to customers.  The laying hens continue to produce!  The newest layers will begin production as early as mid-September.  The sheep are done for the year, and the hogs are being taken in to the butcher in batches of 5 or 6.  It’s awesome to be able to produce so much of our own meat.  Just wish I was a little better about the garden…

A successful moment… both boys had physicals before football practice started, thank goodness.  I’d forgotten about that little, but major, requirement until two weeks ago.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
1. Mass to celebrate The Assumption.

2. Supper with friends.

3. Bills, bills, bills.

4. Trip to Fargo for a doctor appt. 

Picture memory...

Angelina’s dress for the 4-H Sew ‘n’ Show Contest.

 

Lily, purebred Black Labrador Retriever.  Newest addition to the farm and great fun.  She’s much bigger than this photo shows.  This was back in June 2014.

Sunday DayLook: May 18, 2014

Looking out my back porch... sun is setting & it’s slightly windy.

I am thankful for... the annual Father/Son Camping trip and easy to heat freezer meals.

I am reading… a few fluff books on Kindle, and pattern guides (it’s time to get those 4-H projects sewn).

I am praying for...  a peaceful, uneventful week with good travels.

A random thought… why is it every time I sit down to blog/read, the littlest figures that’s the perfect time to wake up from his nap.

I am hearing... the littlest squawking from his bed.

From the sewing/craft room… found time to sew several pairs of pajama pants for the boys.  Angelina is well on her way to completing her first dress; we’ll be waiting a few days for the zipper.

From the School Room... Greg still has a few subjects.  The room is a disaster area!  Needs a thorough cleaning and this years supplies need to be stored….another day.

From the Kitchen...  not much.  Thank goodness for frozen pizza and brats.

From the FarmYard… lots of feeding and cleaning.

A successful moment…

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: Youth Ministry training in Fargo, Spring planting

Tuesday: Youth Ministry training concludes; Consumer Choices contest for Angelina, Zeke & Graham

Wednesday: home today

Thursday: dentist appointments for two boys & a shopping trip to Fargo

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Family wedding, family get-together, graduation open house

A picture memory...

July 2011 – Louis after his first haircut

Thursday DayLook: April 24, 2014

Looking out my back porch... grass is greening and the sky clear and blue.

I am thankful for... family & friends, a home big enough to accommodate family for an Easter weekend gathering.

I am reading… ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling’ and ‘Bought with a Price’

I am praying...  that we can end our school year early, that my chicks arrive safely next week, that the weather stays warm and we are done with snow until October.

A random thought… Greg turns 17 today. 

I am hearing... silly computer jargon from the game Graham is playing.

From the School Room... it was a slow start to school this week.  I like taking off Holy Week, but it’s not really a vacation because there is so much going on!  I’d really like to be done.

From the Kitchen...  I made a few new recipes for Easter and hope to post them later on my cooking blog so I remember them.  The one was a Cranberry BBQ sauce that was served over pork/beef/lamb meatballs.  Everyone liked it.

From the FarmYard… 6 sheep arrived on the farm.  The momma rabbit was disturbed by all the new additions to the barn and did not deliver a healthy litter.  We hope to try again later and hope she’ll deliver in July.

A successful moment… all of my siblings and their families stayed at our home over Easter.  My in-laws hosted my parents (who appreciated the quiet!). 

A few plans for the rest of the week… I will be headed to Fargo for meetings on Friday and Saturday.  The kids have outside cleaning to do and Spring’s field work will start up if it’s dry enough.  The guys will work on the machinery if it’s too wet in the field.

A picture memory...

Dac at the ND State Fair in July 2013

Monday DayLook: April 14, 2014

Looking out my back porch... it’s snowing.  Thankfully, though, it’s melting when it hits the ground.

I am thankful for... grandparents/parents, sunshine, and good medical care.

I am reading… ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling’ and ‘Bought with a Price’

I am praying that...  my little Louis never has another anaphylactic reaction.  We spent Saturday night in the hospital for observation because his reaction couldn’t be controlled quickly enough with the medication administered in the ER.  And we were also told children have a tendency to relapse around 8 hours after their symptoms have been controlled.  We live 45 and 55 miles from the two nearest hospitals; that’s a long way to travel.

A random thought… we are fortunate to live in an area where our kids are welcome to participate in the local school sports and extra-curricular activities.  We probably wouldn’t have let the kids participate as much in Fargo, but I can’t say that definitively because we moved.  Recently, my husband was visiting with a friend who talked about another homeschooling family who was considering moving because they felt ostracized in the town where they currently live.  Very thankful for our location, just thankful.

A favorite quote… "No one in the world can alter truth.  All we can do is seek it and live it."  ~ St. Maximilian Kolbe

I am hearing... the vacuum.

From the sewing/craft room… last week, I finally made time to sew.  Of course, it helped that there was a deadline involved!  Greg needed the vest, bowtie or tie (he couldn’t make up his mind, so I made both) and pocket square by last Friday.  So, we have one vest that is too small and one that fits wonderfully.  Suffice it to say, when that little voice tells you to measure, you really SHOULD measure.  You shouldn’t talk yourself out of it by thinking that it’ll take too much time…NOT measuring definitely takes more time.  In fact, it takes the exact amount of time to make another vest AND measure twice to make sure you are right the second time around!

From the School Room... the younger kids finished up a lot of subjects last week.  We are taking Holy Week off from school, except that Greg will most likely continue to work in a lot of subjects.

From the Kitchen...  not much was planned over the weekend as we ate at our parish mission each evening.  This week, we have LOTS planned as we’ll be prepping for Easter and the arrival of family.

From the FarmYard… PIGS arrived last Thursday.  And they are so CUTE!!  They’re small, but they’re Spots (a breed) and they are seriously adorable.  The cousins are going to love seeing the animals during their visit.  Eric and the kids will be picking up more pigs at a sale this week.

A successful moment… the weekend activities are completed. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
We are taking the week off from school.  Angelina & Graham have ortho appts in Fargo, so we’ll be able to stock up on food and supplies for the family gathering over the Easter weekend.  Our family is hosting this year and looking forward to seeing family.  Other than that, we look forward to Holy Week and all the activities that go along with this most Holy time in our Church.

A picture memory...

Greg will celebrate his 17th birthday later this month.  How he has changed.  The pic above is from 2008 when he celebrated his 11th birthday…a couple months later we moved out to the farm.  That was a year of big changes for our family!

Monday DayLook: April 7, 2014

 

Looking out from my back porch... snow is pretty much gone and the sloughs in the fields around the house are catching the melt.

I am thankful for... a warm home, little boys (the 19mo old sounds cute, anyone else is more of an elephant!) who run through the house, awesome diocesan programs/gatherings for our junior and senior high kids, ability to bulk shop

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory,’ ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling,’ and ‘Bought with a Price’

I am praying for... the parent of a good friend who has been ill and a friend of my dad’s who is nearing the end of his earthly life.

I am hearing... Graham practicing the recorder.  He’s better every day!

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… over the weekend, I finally cut out the pattern for Greg’s vest and tie.  I’m almost done sewing the vest…needs shoulder seams sewn, button holes & buttons and a final press.

From the School Room... very thankful the kids are finishing up quite a few subjects..just in time to send them out into the warm weather.

From the Kitchen...  over the weekend, I crock-potted two chickens.  I like to do two at a time so I have meat to dice and freeze.  So, we ate chicken a la king for lunch with enough leftovers for supper.

From the FarmYard… snow melt means mud and rubber boots and loads of muddy jeans coming my way.

A successful moment… school planning was finished on Friday and the kitchen stayed clean over the weekend..

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: staying home today & I’ll be sewing

Tuesday: potluck supper for Loboe Little Wrestlers and families

Wednesday:  my sister and her two boys are coming to stay overnight

Thursday: morning visit with my sister & boys

Friday: Greg is attending prom with a friend tonight, our parish mission is this weekend, Grandma Golden Acres is coming for a visit

Saturday/Sunday: parish mission

A picture memory...

Dac in April 2013.  Just reminds me how much all the boys look alike!

Monday DayLook: March 31, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... overcast and very windy.

I am thankful for... 18mo little boys, warm weather beckoning us all outside (Sorry! The dreadful wind has just started to blow ice chunks around.  I am however, thankful I hadn’t washed all the winter gear!).

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory,’ ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling,’ and ‘Bought with a Price’ by Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde (Bishop of Arlington).  The later was sent to me by my mom…I wish it weren’t timely or necessary.

I am praying for... a young man, near my son’s age, who is going through a difficult time.

I am hearing... ice chunks pelting the school-room window.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… vest and tie for Greg’s prom attire…I’m at least thinking about cutting out the pattern.

From the School Room... subjects are being finished up by most kids.  The oldest struggles to maintain focus, making me ponder quite a few things.

From the Kitchen...  working on finalizing the Easter menu, trying to restart menu planning in general!

From the FarmYard… I haven’t been outside for quite some time to visit the chickens.  However, we should have a batch of rabbits right around Easter if all goes well.  Pigs will be arriving in a couple weeks.  The chickens are starting to wander out farther to scratch and ‘find the good stuff’. 

A successful moment… dance is finished up for the year for Angelina.  She has improved so much over the last year…fun to see her dance.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: think we’ll stay home today

Tuesday: wrestling for Louis/Graham/Zeke

Wednesday: another day to stay home

Thursday: wrestling for Louis/Graham/Zeke, evening meeting for Suzie

Friday: wrestling tourney for Louis/Graham/Zeke

Saturday/Sunday: Jr. High Youth Rally for Angelina,  Greg & Eric (sponsored by the diocese & Catholic Youth Advisory Council; Greg & Eric  will be ‘working’ as a CYAC member/advisor), Eric’s RE class received their Confirmation & First Eucharist,

A picture memory...

Easter – April 2006

Zeke 3yo, Angelina 5yo (would be 6yo in June),  and Greg 9yo

Monday DayLook: March 24, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... it’s a beautiful (but cold!) sunny morning.

I am thankful for... one dance recital finished, workbooks being finished, 18 month old little boys running down the hallway, sunshine, fresh eggs, grandparents who come down for the weekend to watch grandkids in their activities, opportunity to connect with homeschool friends this past Friday, cute little wrestlers & a working washer/dryer to do laundry.

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory.’  As I come to areas in the book where I’m asked to write or brainstorm, I’ve written everything in a journal.  I figure it’s a good record to look back to in reference.  Also started reading ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling’ by Debra Bell. 

I know it seems odd for a mom who’s homeschooled for TEN years to purchase and read a book like this, but this particular book has a section on teens.  It’s what I need.  I’ve always said I reaffirm my decision to homeschool every year…and believe me, when you homeschool teens you’ll go through ups and downs that shake you and make you doubt your conviction that homeschooling is the right decision.  I’m not even through the first chapter on teens and already this book has fortified my resolve!

I am praying for... the young man from our community who is going through a difficult time.  My friend’s father came home from the hospital last week, so his long road to recovery is now taking place at home…he still needs prayers.

I am hearing... the phone is ringing again.  No need to answer this one.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… laundry is being done.

From the School Room... Greg is gone today for FFA Crop Judging, so the rest of the kids have my full attention.  We started the day in their bedrooms, because our ‘life skills’ class has been neglected the last few weeks.

From the Kitchen...  I’ve been reading ‘Say Goodbye to Survival Mode’ by Crystal Paine.  This week, I’m focusing on de-cluttering the kitchen.  I’ve included the pantry and dining room because it just makes sense to me. 

From the FarmYard… snow is almost all gone and its not as muddy anymore.  We can see buds starting to form on the trees!

A successful moment… was able to attend one day of the North Dakota homeschool convention. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: dance for Angelina

Tuesday: wrestling for Louis/Zeke/Graham, dance rehearsal for Angelina

Wednesday: dance for Angelina

Thursday: lunch with our new Bishop, wrestling for Louis/Zeke/Graham, dance for Angelina, Mass with the new Bishop

Friday: dance for Angelina, wrestling tourney for the Louis/Graham/Zeke

Saturday/Sunday: dance rehearsal and Ballet Academy Recital for Angelina

A picture memory...

Louis (almost 3yo) & Graham (6yo)

August 2012

Monday DayLook: March 20, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... the truth is it’s gloomy and cloudy.  Rain and snow are in the forecast this week.  Only a little longer!

I am thankful for... a warm home, good health, our Neato vacuums (one on main level and one in basement), warmer weather, Chai tea & rubber boots!

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory’ thanks to my ‘old’ study group.  The current leader sent me an extra copy and I’ve finally found the impetus to just read it and not fret over starting on an odd day.  It is helping a LOT; it’s just what I needed. 

I’ve also been reading ‘Say Goodbye to Survival Mode’ by Crystal Paine.  Sarah at More Than Enough talked about this book and it sounded like a great fit for me and how I feel like I’ve been living…though that’s not how I’d like to be living. 

I am praying for... a young man from our community who is going through a difficult time.  Also, for the father of a good friend who has been in the hospital for going on three weeks.

I am hearing... Zeke just finished up practicing piano.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)…  a little bit of laundry, but absolutely no sewing.

From the School Room... so thankful that subjects are nearing an end for some of the kids.  Greg is doing better at keeping a good pace and checking off assignments.  I am constantly praying for focus for my children.

From the Kitchen... the grill was fired up this week for hamburgers (needed to clear snow and ice from the patio and the weather finally cooperated last week).  The first grilled hamburgers of the year tasted great!  There are some brown bananas that are just begging to be made into bread.  They may end up in the freezer…

From the FarmYard… the rabbits pens have been cleaned.  It’s time to start thinking about when we want baby bunnies – about 30 days gestation – so in time for Easter?? 

The chickens are off in their laying.  They haven’t been laying as many eggs this week and I’m not sure why.  Could be that they’re about a year old and it’s time for a molt.  It’s really not the greatest timing with egg demand increasing at this time of  year.

Also, it’s mud time around here.  The snow and ice have been melting.

A successful moment… Angelina and I are registered for the Minnesota Homeschool Conference…and rooms are reserved, too.  She’s coming along because I hope to drop her off at camp on Sunday evening.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: First Reconciliation for Graham, dance for Angelina, Golfing for Eric (all. week. in. AZ.)

Tuesday: wrestling tourney for Zeke & Graham

Wednesday: hopefully spend some time outside, dance rehearsal for Angelina, It’s a Solemnity!!

Thursday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham, dance for Angelina

Friday: ND Homeshcool Convention & Catholic homeschool gathering in the evening

Saturday/Sunday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham, rehearsal & dance recital for Angelina, Greg leaves for ND State FFA Crop Judging, Grandma & Grandpa Golden Acres plan to come for a visit.

A picture memory...

July 2010

Angelina and our God-daughter at the ND State Fair.  They were born in the same year, Angelina in June and our God-daughter in August.

Monday DayLook – March 10, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... the sun is shining and the back patio is slowly clearing of ice and snow!  (I’ve been working to lower the huge drift in front of the BBQ grill by shoveling and chipping away at the ice layer.)

I am thankful for... a warm home, good health, Lent, fresh eggs, Confession, my washer and dryer,

I am reading… ‘Froggy Gets Dressed’ is one of my favorite children’s books.  I also enjoy reading ‘Little Blue Truck’ to my boys.

I am praying for... Graham to have a memorable First Reconciliation later this month.

I am hearing... the neato vacuum taking care of my floors while I sit in the schoolroom supervising and helping with subjects.

I am wearing… a t-shirt and jeans.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… Greg and I purchased fabric for a tie and vest.  He was invited to prom by a homeschool friend in a nearby town and wanted to spruce up his suit a bit.  I told him if he was diligent in his schoolwork and helped keep his siblings occupied, I’d have time to sew these for him.

From the School Room... the kids are starting to finish up a few workbooks.  Greg had a great day on Thursday last week and finished assignments in each subject.

From the Kitchen... Angelina and a friend made chocolate chip cookies. 

From the FarmYard… the eggs are so dirty when they’re brought in from the coop because the hens have been scratching = dirty feet = dirt in next boxes = dirty eggs = more work to clean them up.  But, eggs are good!

A successful moment… Eric and I went through calendars.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: dance for Angelina

Tuesday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham

Wednesday: hopefully spend some time outside

Thursday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham, dance for Angelina

A picture memory...

Father’s Day in June 2011.

Tuesday DayLook: February 25, 2014

 

Looking out from my back porch... it looks crisp, cool and slightly windy.  I really don’t want to stick an arm out to see if the temp predictions are accurate!

I am thankful for... warmth and a solid home – who in these northern climes isn’t thankful for those two at this time of year?  Also thankful that in February I can start to see the end of some homeschooling subjects…lighter days are ahead.

I am reading… newspapers and blogs.

I am praying for... a good friend’s father who is in the hospital with pneumonia.  Graham, who is preparing to receive his first Reconciliation this coming Sunday.

I am hearing... the water trickling through the filter of our aquarium.  It’s a peaceful sound.

I am wearing… black knit pants (kinda like leggings, but heavier material), a purple knit top with a green/aqua cami underneath.  I needed color today.

From the School Room... as I mentioned earlier, we are seeing the end nearing in some subjects.  It’s a great feeling and makes the kids want to work ahead even more.

From the Kitchen... over the weekend, I made up meatloaf and meatballs to ‘base’ our meals for the week.  We look forward to spaghetti and meatballs today.

From the Garden… if I’m going to start seeds, it will happen in March.  Will I have the gumption?

From the FarmYard… a friend in Fargo sells eggs for me, thank goodness!  Last year, Angelina was interested in Polish chickens, so we purchased 10.  There were quite a few cockerels, so not all are laying hens.  However, between them they produce about 2 dozen small eggs each week.  I don’t sell these, but they’re great for egg dishes like omelets, french toast, scrambled eggs or boiled eggs.

A successful moment… the boys (Graham and Zeke) wrestled in their first tournament last Friday and each placed third in their group.  They were happy and we thought it was fun to watch.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Tuesday: Little Loboe wrestling practice for Zeke & Graham, Greg will help with practice

Wednesday: Eric and I plan to attend a sponsored talk on ‘technology’ – free meal with the deal – is it a date?

Thursday: Little Loboe wrestling practice for Zeke & Graham, Greg will help with practice, Ballet Academy for Angelina

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Well baby check for Marcus, bulk shopping in Fargo, First Reconciliation Retreat & First Reconciliation for Graham, Scrap quilt workshop for Angelina, Crop Judging for Zeke & Angelina, Possible Wrestling Tourney for Zeke & Graham

A picture memory...

Zeke above and Graham below in 2009.  Zeke would have been six and Graham three.  My how they change over the years…the interest in Legos and building, however, has NOT changed!

Tuesday DayLook: February 11, 2014

 

Looking out from my back porch... it’s a cold, crisp, & slightly VERY windy day.

I am thankful for... a warm home, reliable vehicles, being able to homeschool, the Neato robot vacuum given to us at Christmas, and good health.

I am reading… blog posts, board books, and the newspaper.

I am praying for... a young man from our area who is going through a rough time and an acquaintance who just found out he has a cancerous brain tumor.

I am hearing... the shrill music from Marcus’ riding toy.

I am wearing… a t-shirt, jeans & flip-flops.

From the School Room... the two youngest managed to crack the screen on the tablet, so it’s been a challenge for the two middle boys to do their memory work.  I hadn’t realized how much we’d come to rely on the tablet…until it wasn’t available!

From the Kitchen... made cranberry swirl bundt cake yesterday and white chicken chili.

From the Garden… it’s out there somewhere. 

From the FarmYard… need to order chicks!  The current hens lay more than 14 dozen each week.  It’s wonderful.

A successful moment… the weekend packing list is written up and ready for the kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Tuesday: middle boys have wrestling

Wednesday: nothing extraordinary planned

Thursday/Friday/Saturday: State Wrestling Tourney (all plan to attend), Crop Judging for Angelina & Zeke at Little I and Kindred, Visit with Uncle Eric & Grandma & Grandpa Golden Acres

Sunday: 4H Citizenship in Action for Greg

A picture memory...

This is Zeke in December 2004 (22months); he’ll turn 11 next week on February 18.

Monday DayLook: January 27, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... more snow than Friday, but not enough for my boys to be happy about (ie. it’s not enough to snowmobile in the fields).
I am thankful for... a sense of peace, healthy kids, a warm home (Friends in a nearby city are affected by the pipeline explosion and have been asked to keep their thermostats at 60 degrees.  The windchills make it so cold that some schools have cancelled class today and tomorrow.)
I am praying for... a better day tomorrow for Greg.  He was stuck in town over the weekend due to the blizzard and because he was gone all last week, he’s having a hard time getting back into a routine for school.  Mmmm, maybe I should just pray he finds a routine. Period.
I am hearing... honestly, one of my kids is screaming.  I think it’s a happy scream, so unless I find out otherwise, I’ll just stay right here.
I am wearing… jeans, a long sleeve pink t-shirt, and flip flops (they’re my indoor shoes, regardless of season).
From the School Room... we did not get done with everything today.  The two middle boys snuck outside and Angelina wanted to play with the youngest two; Greg….sigh.  Tomorrow is another day.
From the Kitchen... banana bread (I actually posted the recipe on my food blog – because it was just that tasty), Chocolate Cake Donuts by Zeke for National Chocolate Cake Day, and Chocolate Chip cookies by Angelina and Louis.  I think Louis mainly taught Marcus how to dip fingers in the bowl for sampling.
From the FarmYard… lots of eggs.  I’ve started sizing them.  You wouldn’t believe the Jumbo eggs some of the hens have been laying.
A successful moment… organized my school closet, office files, & pantry.  I purchases some of those vacuum space saver bags for Angelina – WOW!  5 feet of costumes, tutus and tulle condensed into mere inches.  Well worth the investment to reign in the clutter that is her closet.
A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: dance lessons for Angelina, wrestling practice & FFA mtg for Greg
Tuesday: wrestling practice for Greg, Zeke & Graham, Eric has meetings all week
Wednesday: wrestling practice for Greg
Thursday: wrestling practice for Greg, Zeke & Graham, dance for Angelina
Friday/Saturday/Sunday: wrestling practice for Greg, I sure hope we are able to have religious education classes this weekend,
A picture memory...

Marcus up close and in motion.

UPDATE:  I suppose this could have been a post for Febraury 27, but I thought it might be less confusing to correct the title and list January as the month!  Imperfection...indeed.

Wednesday DayLook: January 22, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... snow, fresh clean snow.  It was looking a little dirty after this weekend, so the pristine white is a much better picture.

I am thankful that... Greg is able to attend the March for Life with a group from the Diocese of Fargo. 

I am reading… quite a bit of fluff on my kindle.  Candy for the mind?  But, I’ve also been reading ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ courtesy of an abandoned subject that I was trying to work through with Greg.

I am praying for... improvement in a relationship and all the marchers in DC.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… no crafting in quite some time.  Although, I admit to taking out the material for a new tree skirt in December (the material has been in my possession for two years already) and considered whether it was even attainable…it went back into the cupboard.

From the School Room... most kids are making progress in the majority of their subjects.

From the Kitchen... I so want to cook or bake!  It’s a creative outlet for me that hasn’t been used lately.  Truthfully, I didn’t make ANY treats for Christmas this year.  It was that kind of Advent.  When we were visiting up at my parents’, I attempted to make my favorite – Divinity – and it flopped!  For the second time in my life (the first being when I was 9yo), my batch of Divinity flopped completely.

From the FarmYard… the chickens are producing eggs regularly due to the light timer installed.

A successful moment… I’ve got a post!

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Wednesday: Enjoy the day at home and cook a ‘real’ meal.

Thursday: Trip to Fargo for a meeting & supper with a friend.  Greg arrives home from his trip.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Wrestling tourney for Greg.

A picture memory...

Graham, Marcus & Louis – December 2013

Tuesday DayLook: January 29, 2013

Looking out from my back porch... dusk is approaching and there is a light snow falling every once in a while.  It just looks cold, but I’m not going to check!

I am thankful for... babies who make me smile,  schoolwork that is finished without complaint, helpful mothers and friends, ice packs that help migraines, my chiropractor, simple meals, and the knowledge that some year I will sleep better at night.

I am reading… Backwoods Home magazine on my Kindle.  It’s great!  Lots about canning, simplicity, bit of politics, animals, homesteading…etc.

I am praying for... dear friend who had surgery last week and for my family.

I am hearing... the fan over my cooktop.  Cheesy broccoli soup is cooling.

I am wearing… today is a sweatpants and t-shirt day.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… geez, I should just take this category off until we start up 4-H projects.  Oh, ya!  I’m in charge of a craft demo at our 4-H meeting this weekend – stenciled glass.  Wonder when I’ll find the time to get that organized?

From the School Room... let’s just say it’s once again a challenging year.  I’m trying new things and just pray that the efforts present results.

From the Kitchen... meatloaf, veggies and cheesy broccoli soup.

From the FarmYard… I ordered chicks yesterday!  Speckled Sussex, Welsummer, Ameraucana, California White, Golden Laced Polish, and Cornish Rock cross slow broilers. 

A successful moment… the Christmas thank-you’s are started?

A few plans for the rest of the week…

Wednesday: to town for errands

Thursday: to town for errands & dr. appts

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: crop judging starts on Saturday and kids have 4-H on Sunday

A picture memory... I don’t do much blogging right now, but there is a good reason!  Marcus Laurance was 5 months on January 12.