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!