Eternally Happy

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T09:11:00.002-05:00

Here are some oldies. Pictures of my Valentine. Steve in Niagara Falls about 1996...Picture #2 Our picture we took for our engagement. Picture #3 Steve's Fraternity picture. This is what he looked like when we met. Pretty cute huh? Happy Valentine's Day Everyone.

4-H Sewing has begun!

2012-02-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

We had our first 4-H sewing meeting last week. It was fun but very crazy. Lots of new members, which is always exciting. We love to see 4-H growing! Here is some pictures of Curt's project. He finished it at home. He was very excited!

Sometimes it is Boring...

2012-02-01T08:51:00.002-05:00

Sometimes waiting at church for all the boys to be done with scouts is very boring!

What about Socialization????

2012-01-25T22:14:00.000-05:00

Here are some definitions... One is the definition of socialization and one is a definition of popularity.

Definition of SOCIALIZATION

: the process by which a human being beginning at infancy acquires the habits, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of society through education and training for adult status

http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/socialization

pop·u·lar·i·ty/ˌpɑ:pjəˈlerəti/noun

[noncount] : state of being liked, enjoyed, accepted, or done by a large number of people : the quality or state of being popular

I have only been homeschooling through Ohio Virtual Academy for this school year, and this question is by far the most asked. It is often the first question asked...and the one that drives me crazy the most. Let me just say...first of all...what is the main purpose of schooling? Is it not to learn concepts and be educated and increase your intellegence? I (call me old fashioned) think learning is one of the most important things that should happen at school.

I however have come to believe that perhaps people who ask this question are confusing the term socialization with popularity. I guess I could be wrong, but I don't think so.

Socialization as the definition states: Is the process by which a human being beginning at infancy acquires the habits, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of society through education and training for adult status.

Ok. So we are to socialize our children by teaching them how to function in society as an adult. I take that as teaching our children how to act, communicate, and follow the social norms of society.

For example: My children should be able to act appropriately in social situations, be able to speak intelligently and use a fork and spoon. :)

Where in public brick and morter schools does this "socialization" training occur? On the bus, where 4 letter words fly off the toungue? Is there someone there to itervene? Maybe the bus driver tells them to knock it off...maybe. Does it occur in the hall way before class? Where kids are bullied? Bumped into, called names? Does it occur during lunch hour when the talk turns to sex? and who is doing what with whom? Does it occur after school when kids are making out in the hall or by the bus?

I am 41 now...but it has been awhile since I have been to an "adult" gathering where 4 letter words were flying and people were talking sex and showing everyone how...maybe I go to dull parties. :)

If I was at such a party...I would certainly leave. At school kids are exposed to this all the time, but they can't leave. It is day in and day out. If you don't participate in this form of "socialization" you are usually rejected and deemed "unpopular"

The definition of popular is the state of being liked, enjoyed, accepted, or done by a large number of people. We all want to be accepted. I think that is a natural and normal feeling. You however have two choices often in public school. Follow the crowd (doing things done by a large number of people) or not follow the crowd (stand up for yourself or your beliefs) Following the crowd perhaps makes you popular, but it doesn't make you socialized. I think of when a fight breaks out at school...the kid might be popular and others will circle around the fight encouraging the fighters to hit each other, everyone wants to be there because they will be left out of the "group" and "action"... I however don't think anyone would define fighting as "socialized" behavior.

The other thing that irkes me is that popularity often has absolutly nothing to do with how people treat each other. In public school it often has to do with who your parents are, how much money your family has, what kinds of clothes you wear, if you are a good athelete etc. Being a good person and a good student often doesn't qualify you for popularity...in fact often just the opposite.

I think when others ask "what about socialization" they really mean, "what about your kid being popular?" If we really think about socialization and what it means, I would say most people could be socialized by a few ettiquet classes, and by watching other adults interact appropriately with each other.

Newsflash...being or trying to maintain popularity in a same age peer group can lead to bad decisions and life altering choices. I think we all know this, and at the same time have a desire to be part of the crowd. Nobody wants to be disliked or left out or treated badly. Yet it happens every day to kids all thoughout schools everywhere. Yes, it is part of life... but when it becomes your life...when every day is a living hell...when you have done absolutely nothing to deserve such treatment...it is depressing and awful.

Will my child be better "socialized" by having to deal with bullying every day of his life? Will my child be better "socialized" by learning bad language? Will my child be better "socialized" by being exposed to drugs and alcohol? Will my child be better "socialized" if he attends parties where alcohol and drugs are being served? Will my child be better "socialized" if he has a girlfriend? Will my child be better "socialized" if he is having sex? The answer is no.

He might be more popular though.

Catch up post

2012-01-17T21:36:00.001-05:00

Here is a post that is long overdue. It is just a bunch of pictures on my camera from most of December. So here they are in one long post. We had a great Dec and holiday. It was fun and we had lots to do. My mom was here for the month and that was a great help in the Christmas department. It is much more fun to shop with her than with Steve :) Did I type that? Sorry Steve.

Curt's Baptism

Doug passing out programs!

Family Dinner Out at Parasson's...my favorite!

Jacob straw action shot

Doug whats with the hair?

Christmas morning...

We found Maggie a spaghettio shirt. She lives on that yuck...

Can you guess who got Jacob this gift...yes...Steve.

January

2012-01-17T10:52:00.001-05:00

I have been waiting to have something spectacular to write. Still waiting. :) In January we have been really hitting the homeschooling hard. Maggie finished up her vocabulary and spelling units for the year. Now we are concentrating on harder subjects. Jacob is doing mid term tests this week. He has his spanish today...say a prayer...

Steve is doing great with his weight loss plans and has lost over 40 pounds to date. I am very proud of his efforts. I on the other hand...lose 2 gain 3 lose 3 gain 1...etc. I am not getting anywhere. Trying would probably help my situation?

Doug and Curt are still determined to stay in "regular" school. We tease them and try to entice them, but its a no go.

I am worried about grades for both of them. I think things get glossed over and once you miss something you are out of luck, unless you figure it out yourself. Meanwhile, it effects your grades until you figure it out...if you ever do.

Schooling has been fun but does seem to take over life at home quite a bit.

I have to download a bunch of pictures soon and post them. Like I said before, schooling is taking up most of my time.

Have a great day. I have to go grade Maggie's Literature Semester Assessment.

2011-12-23T22:48:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas

From our Home to Yours!

BBBTBB...

2011-12-20T09:47:00.002-05:00

Hello all...This post is titled BBBTBB. It stands for what we have been doing lately...

Birthday #1 Jacob turned 15!

Birthday # 2 Maggie turned 10

Broken Arm...Pretty isn't it...

Thanksgiving

Birthday #3 Curt turns 8!

Final B...Bloody noses...Don't worry...it was scouts and they were learning first aid. Fake blood. :)

If you are wondering why Maggie is at cub scouts...cause she is the only girl around and they often ask her to help. Her friend Cody is in the background.

Laundry made easy

2011-12-15T08:59:00.000-05:00

I decided to create a family closet. I was tired of picking up socks all over the house. The children would leave their clothing everywhere. It was in their bedrooms, it was in the living room, it was at the front door, dining room, and even in the bathroom. I moved every bit of clothing that the children own down to the basement where the laundry is located. I cleared off shelves and found a cheap way to make little cubbies for their of smaller items. Surprisingly everything fit. We did go through all the clothing the children own. The laundry chute empties into this area. We made a changing area for the children to dress and undress in. We put up a curtain for privacy and they take turns getting dressed. It has worked out surprisingly well. They are happy because they no longer required to take their clothes upstairs and put them away.

Changing area

Each child gets their own shelf.

Hanging Church Clothes

Sweater hanging thingys. One for each kid to hold pj's, belts, undies, ties etc.

4 hooks for pj's that don't need washing yet.

Baskets...one for girls socks, one for boys white socks, and boy dress socks.

The washer and dryer are right here. So I wash and fold and place on their shelf and laundry is done! I also have bins for summer stuff that we can switch out for the season.
This has been the best thing for me. If you have any space to try a family closet I recommend it highly. Another great the side effect is the fact that the children have a lot more room in their rooms for their things. They now can use their closets for toys and other things that they want to keep. Their rooms are also staying cleaner because they're not throwing clothes on the floor when they change. It took me about a day to set up everything. There are lots of online resources about people's family closet. This has been revolutionary.

Homeschooling

2011-11-17T16:47:00.001-05:00

Homeschooling has been wonderful. Maggie is a good student and doesn't give me much trouble. It does however take about 5 hours of my day. Therefore, I don't have much time left to blog. I have been working on our church's Primary Program for the last little bit, trying to write the darn thing. This Sunday we begin practicing with the kids. It is a bit later than most Primary programs, usually it is in Oct/Nov...but we are doing ours in Dec. We had a huge change of staff...with our choirister moving and getting a new pianist. Oh dear. It will be fine...

So I have been busy.

Plus another fun note. Steve broke his wrist playing church basketball a week and a half ago. He just went today for a check. He will be out for 3 1/2 more weeks. No working...
No working = less income. Nice. (that was sarcasm)

This might be the lamest Christmas ever.

Although...Grandma is coming...so the kids will be spoiled and probably won't notice the lame gifts we get them anyway. So that is good.

No working = Being home all day every day.... (need I say more)

He also can't do any fix it projects while he is home. He can't move his hand. So he is kind of going stir crazy and we have 3 1/2 weeks to go. My mom is coming on Sunday...and it will be thanksgiving and Christmas.

I love to decorate for Christmas...I do it when Steve is at work...cause he hates it. He will be home this year...what fun (sarcasm)

He is going to drive us all nutso...I mean...I love being home with my hubby.

Wish me luck,

Julie

Slightly more craziness...

2011-10-24T10:27:00.002-04:00

Well since my last post, Maggie has come home to school at home with OHVA too. So it has been busy around here. We set up a classroom and got all the supplies and we are off and running! It has been lots of fun so far. Luckily we enjoy each others company. We are together A LOT. The two other boys said NO WAY! That is ok because I think I would freak out with two more kids to school. I would probably just handle it but it is nice to start slowly.

Jacob is doing great in his classes so far. Straight A's with the exception of Spanish. I hope he doesn't have my language gene...hopefully he has Steve's. One semester of Latin was more than I could handle.

Doug finished up his Cross Country season. He did well. He seemed to really like it and he wants to do it again. I hope he runs track this spring.

Curtis is Curtis. Pretty happy go lucky. He is playing soccer this year, but is considering football next fall...he should he is about 2 inches and 10 pounds heavier than the bigger kids in his class. He is SOLID! As Steve says..."ya can't teach them to be big"

Maggie is playing soccer too. She wants to start flute lessons. Hopefully we can make that happen too.

One more week and soccer will be over...yeah! Hip Hip Hurray!

The best part is that I am going to the temple on Sat. I haven't been in a long time. So I am looking forward to the peace that is found within the walls. I am driving so I hope we don't get lost! I also hope it is easy and I can feel more comfortable making the trip.

I was really hoping for a temple announcement in Kirtland, or at the John Johnson farm...two church sites that are close. I am greedy I admit it. I can't even imagine living in Utah where there are temples less than a half hour apart. That would be awesome. It would be like zipping out to the store...as opposed to 2 weeks of rearranging schedules, dealing with kids, finding time to be gone all day. Plus gas money to travel.

Oh well..I will stop whinning about it...

That is all for now. I think Maggie is about ready to get started on a new lesson.

Dad, My Hero....by Maggie

2011-10-08T20:28:00.002-04:00

My hero is my dad. My dad is really funn. He always makes really funny comments and knows every joke. My dad is also very smart. He can answer any math question. He helps a lot with homework.

My dad is very kind. He built me and my brothers an awesome clubhouse with beds, a table, and everything! I want to be just like my dad.

Maggie

A Day in the Life....

2011-09-27T21:19:00.000-04:00

Well I inspired myself...to document a day...in the life of me...cause I am sure I will block it all out...much like childbirth. :)

Here goes.

On the way to Seminary. Dark. Oh and Mr. Opposom...that we see each morning...was dead on the road...and he wasn't playin' possom either.

kiddos in the car...blurry like my eyes.

Doug and Maggie munchin' on breakfast.

Don't judge me...poptarts are the breakfast of champions...right?

Munching over...time to rest again. I love Curts hair.

A Little Scripture reading. I skipped over some...so and so begat so and so...and also the "he took her" "he layed with her" and harlot stuff. The old Testament is kinda racey.

Back home. Only went 70mph on the highway to make it in time...Time to brush teeth in the dark. While we wait for the bus.

Lucy patiently waiting to go out when I get back in the house.

Loggin in to find out Jacob's school work for the day.

Jacob at "school"

Laundry Mountain...Put in a load.

Sweet husband making me some breakfast.

Breakfast. We are trying a low carb diet...Did you know everything that I love...is a carb.

Going to Kohl's, Walmart, Marc's, and the Goodwill...

On the road again. About 9:30 I suppose.

Cute driver.

Riding in the car...

Found this at walmart. I saw some people reading it in bloggy land. So I got it...and read about half so far.

3:30 Cross Country Meet. Doug's home meet.

Starting line.

Muddy mess. He came in 8th. That was good. I can see him pushing harder with each race.

Dinner made by Steve. I was STARVING!

Before dinner.

Found maggie a sweater at goodwill for a buck.

Nagging kids to do their piano practice. Got one. She looks happy doesn't she?

Homework. Why does the little one always have more than anyone else?

Had to help Jacob fulfill his Physical Ed requirement. So we chose yoga. Deep breathing and stretching puts me to sleep.

Got the kids to bed. Its time for me to call it a night. Laundry is still drying. Got to check email and of course facebook. Then lights out.

Tired, worn out, and did I say tired?

2011-09-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

It has been a long time between posts. I guess I have blogger fatigue. My life just doesn't even seem interesting to me let alone to other people. I am running most days now from 5 am to 8 at night. I have been tired, grouchy, and worn out. I see no end in sight and there isn't much I can do about it.

So that is why I haven't been blogging. Life has been moving too fast for my liking and when I get a break...I take a nap.

So unless you want to see a pic of me sleeping...you won't see many of me.

Maybe if I have the energy and want sympathy I will show you my day. Hmmmmm.

Thanks for listening,

Julie

Doug's First Cross Country Meet

2011-09-07T10:01:00.000-04:00

Doug's First Cross Country Meet. They run 2 miles in 7th and 8th grade. It was about 95 degrees that day. So hot and sunny! We have a small team. I think we have 5 guys. The black team next to us seemed like they had a million! Things I learned. Wear sneakers because as a mom you are going to be walking from one end of the place to the other. Bring Sunscreen. My neck was sunburned quickly. My feet even tanned in my sandles!

His time was 16:45. Not too shabby for the first time out. There are some seriously fast kids though.

It is also amazing to me the size differences in the 7th and 8th grade boys. Some were Curt's size I swear. Others were HUGE.

Doug hamming it up of course!

Seminary Begins Next Week

2011-09-02T08:52:00.000-04:00

Probably the one thing I have been stressing about for the last year or so...Seminary. Seminary is a program at our church where youth ages 14 and up go in the early morning to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have fun and socialize also. It is every school day morning starting at 6 am.

I have been stressing because Steve has a hospital work schedule...so you never know when he will be home. Usually he is either already gone for the am or he isn't home yet. Sooooo.....this leaves the seminary to me. The bigger "problem" is that Jacob is the oldest. Sooooo.....I have three younger ones at home. I can't leave them here to fend for themselves. I just don't feel they are ready for that much responsiblity yet. That would be even more stress on me...wondering what was happening, and if they were ok. Soooooo......

THE PLAN....

It probably isn't a good one...but here it is. We all go. Yup. Everyone gets up and gets into their school clothes, and jumps in the car. Now when Jacob is at seminary...the older two have to be getting completely ready because as soon as we get home the bus comes...Like within 5 min of getting home. (if my timing is right)

Sooooo.....today I am going to buy some bins. Each kid gets their own bin. I am going to load it with....a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, barettes for Maggie, nail clippers and what ever else I think might come up in the morning. Also I am going to keep on hand extra school supplies. For example, paper, pencils, pens and clipboards. Just in case someone forgot to do some homework. I am going to make a bin of "breakfast" foods. Granola bars, crackers, juice boxes etc. Then take some fruit each day. I also plan on a bin of small blankets for staying warm or napping. Now while we wait the kids can have breakfast and we can have our family scripture time. I will have a captive audience. :) That van is going to get alot of living this year.

That is the plan. I really don't know how else to pull it all off. Not going is not an option. I have seen and worked with youth who attend seminary and they grow by leaps and bounds spiritually. I have also seen those who don't attend not do as well. There are exceptions to everything of course, but for us seminary is mandatory.

Let's see what you think. Am I crazy? or the Most Awesome Mom ever? or Both?

First Day Of School

2011-08-30T14:20:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day of school. 3 of the kids are off on the bus and starting their year. Jacob is home doing internet school through Ohio Virtual Academy. Steve is out working on the playhouse. I have finished up the laundry (that I know about), cleaned the kitchen and dining room, tidied the living room, at lunch and took a nap. I love the last part...took a nap. I think I will say it again...I took a nap!

Now I am blogging because I said I would get back into the swing of things again. I am also trying to work up the energy to jump in the shower and look presentable for the 2nd half of the day. Kids home at 4. Doug home at 5:30. Soccer practice starts at 6 and ends about 8:30. Home and showers and then we wake up and do it all over again. I am not sure where dinner fits in there yet? Hmmmmm???? Minor detail.

We are down to 9 chickens. Yesterday we found one dead in the yard. We also are not getting many eggs lately. I think they are starting to molt, and I also think we have an egg eater in the bunch.

Maggie wants to join a dog 4-h group and work with Lucy. Curt wants to do rabbits, " but just for a pet mom...not to eat!" we will see. I guess they start meeting in January sometime. I will see if the enthusiasm lasts a few weeks past the fair.

2011-08-29T07:57:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been missing in action most of the summer. It has been very busy! My computer has been very busy with 4 kids at home.

This summer had lots of camps, fairs, family time and vacations. This summer had some heartbreak too. We lost my father to cancer this summer. It is still surreal and I didn't really think it would happen at some level. It was still a shock.

So as we are trying to recover as a family, we came home to a week of county fair obligations, and now school begins today for Jacob and tomorrow for the rest of the kids.

Did I mention Jacob starts seminary this year? He will attend a church class for teens from 6 am to 6:40 am each weekday morning before school. That starts next week. Doug is running cross country this year. His practices will be after school. Maggie and Doug are in band and Maggie is in choir too. When Curt turns 8 he will be in the Cubs. The schedules are getting more complicated as years go by. I just hope the van holds up to all this ramming around back and forth.

I think bedtime will be about 7:30. (I wish)

Jacob is going to attend Ohio Virtual Academy this year for 9th grade. It was decided after many prayers. Today is the first day. He is excited and seems to like the idea of it. We have met some families at functions that have made the choice too. The staff was awesome and very helpful. I am hoping for a good year.

Today is open house for the rest of the kids. We get Doug's schedule and we find out who Maggie and Curt have for teachers. We also get to haul the 30 pound back packs to school with all the supplies in them and empty them out so they don't have to take them on the bus.

My to do list seems 1000 miles long. I am trying not to be overwhelmed by it all. One day and one hour at a time. That is my motto for this year so far. Once the schedule gets rolling I think I will be more at ease. I am sure things will be running like clockwork by May. :)

State Fair

2011-08-02T18:18:00.000-04:00

Well we are here. Not quite at the fair yet...but in the hotel. The kids are swimming and it is very quiet. I was just realizing that Doug who is 12 has no recollection of ever having stayed in a hotel before. I guess we should really have that family vacation soon! I guess it has been awhile! Tomorrow Doug's class is in the morning, so he will be done by lunch time and then we can go and explore the fair. It should be fun. Doug and I hardly ever get one on one time. I would say he is the quietest and most reserved of our kids, so it takes extra effort to get him out of his shell. He prefers one word answers... Yup, nope, ok...and the lengthier "it was fun". Hopefully he will be more talkative tomorrow when it is just the two of us. I will update more as we go through judging tomorrow.

Style Review 2011

2011-07-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

It has been crazy busy around here. We just finished up our 4-H style review. The kids finished sewing their projects and it was judging day. Here are some pictures of the outfits.

Jacob made a pair of denim jeans and the polo. He also made the hoodie sweatshirt. The jeans look really good on him. He put it lots of effort this year...but for a few minor reasons...the judges didn't place him. I was disappointed. They picked on things like...they saw two different blues in the thread he used to sew the jeans. They must have eagle eyes.

Maggie in her cute jumper. She placed third in her class. She can wear this in the summer with a tee and sandles or in the winter like shown. She also worked very hard and learned alot about hand stitching. The gal that placed 1st was 18 years old. They changed the requirements this year for the category... I don't think that is too fair...a 9 year old sewer up against an 18 year old. Live and learn.

Doug did Sewing for Others. His "other" is his Aunt Charlene. He made her a pair of scrubs for her work. He did very well...winning his category and he will be going to the State Fair next week to compete there. I am so glad he won. He has had something go wrong almost every year. Finally his year to win.

This was the first year they had a quilt category. Maggie learned lots about quilting. She made this beautiful pillow. I am so proud of her. She got a third place ribbon for this...but there was only three in the running. Once again...mom no likey the judges.

4-h projects done and complete is a nice thing to say. Doug is going to the state fair next week. Jacob to leadership 4-h camp the next week after that...one week of rest and then the county fair...after that...school starts.

This summer is flying by fast. We have had so much fun though.

Photos from Around the Farm

2011-07-15T07:44:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from around the farm. There is lots of green this time of year.

Side garden

Looking down the driveway

The kids play trees. Soon to be clubhouse area.

Barn pictures.

Inside barn. Now we have lots more hay.

Rock pile.

What I like to call the secret garden.

Looking up the drive.

The house of course!

Dad...

2011-06-19T16:53:00.000-04:00

Here is some pictures of my Dad. He is always doing something for the grandkids. Here he is making walking sticks for each of them. It is certainly something they will always treasure. They use them for hiking and for war outside, also it has been a flag holder, sword and probably a brother hitter.

Dad testing it out. It has to be strong... like him.

I love how the kids flock to him and watch his every move. They are surely learning how to be a worker.

My dad isn't a man of many words. My mom and I talk enough...he probably gave up trying to get a word in long ago. I love him. He is a fighter, he is strong, he is noble. He is honest and trustworthy. He teaches about life through his quiet example. He is never boastful or prideful. He always is willing to spotlight someone else. I love the way he is trying and doing new things. I wish I was always more appreciative of his quiet manner and his love. I know he loves me and I hope he knows how much I love him. We just aren't very good at saying it all the time. I am going to try and get better at it. Happy Father's Day DAD! I love you!

One more step closer...

2011-06-16T21:25:00.000-04:00

Here is some pictures of the basement. It is coming together. I didn't get a final picture yet, with all the furniture in place. I will I promise. We still have to save up for some more flooring on the other side near the washer and dryer...btw the washer still isn't fixed...We plan on putting down vinyl, but it looks like wood. It comes in strips. Hopefully it will look good when we get it done. Steve is going to do that part himself. I can't wait to be finished. Now we have to find some more space in the garage for some of our "stuff" that just needs to be out of the basement.

Anxiety, Laundry, and Messes

2011-06-10T05:46:00.000-04:00

I am up tonight at about 4am...why? Because of anxiety, laundry and messes! I am prone to anxiety...but what does not help in the least...is piles of laundry out of control and messes all over the house. The last two days or so I have gone into hiding mode. Which never gets me anywhere, but sometimes I just can't deal with the clutter. It makes me insane and I just want to pull the covers over my head and pretend like it doesn't exist. So I do.

Now I am up and more ready to take on the world today. I did one load of laundry and now my washer isn't working. My beautiful 4 year old front loading washer...it won't turn on. Yes I checked the plug.

Now what...oh Steve is going to be upset and I really don't want to deal with that today. I really don't want to have to wait for a repair man to come look at it, and I really don't need a repair bill.

The kids are officially out of school. Yeah! Now comes the hard part...keeping them from the computer games all day, every day...I have tried lots of tactics...open to ideas. We have timers with codes etc. They either disregard the code or they team up and stay on all day long.

I hate being a mean mom. Why don't they just listen and obey? Wouldn't life be much easier?

I am going to have to be mean I guess. They don't pick up their stuff unless asked 10 times. They leave crap everywhere. I have systems, they know them...there is a place for everything...they just don't care...or they wait for me to do it. I can't do it all. I get overwhelmed by all the stuff. Why is it hard to hang a coat and bookbag on a hook? Why can't you put your shoes where they belong? If you want to keep something...put it in your room, not on the dining room table right before dinner.

I just want to have a fun and happy life for my family. If things were picked up around here, we could be more free to do other things. Why do I have to threaten and yell? Well, ok I don't have to yell but I do...they don't hear me or acknowledge me otherwise.

Why do I have to be in a bad mood because I have to be mean to get things done around here. I am growing resentful and ticked off in general.

I know I am telling you all and I should be telling them...I have and I will continue, but I don't think it is sinking in...or ever will.

I can't believe my washer is not working...I am going to cry...I am not kidding. I feel sick to my stomach.

I would love to leave you with optimism...and how today will get better...but it just isn't in me...I am going back to bed...so much for getting a jump on the laundry mess. Well at least sorting is done...for all the good that does.

Pray for my washer...I hope it heals itself.

Blueberry Covering

2011-06-06T11:28:00.001-04:00

I made a nice post with all these pictures. I knew I had a limited amount of time. And poof they were gone. So now you will have to just enjoy the pictures. Steve is calling. We are still putting up the chicken wire fencing down the sides. Those blueberries are not escaping this year. **wink wink***

Jacob might have been made for the 50's

2011-05-24T13:21:00.000-04:00

Jacob attended a "decade dance" You got to dress in any decade you liked. Well we had all the "stuff" for the 50's so we went with that. His hair came out perfect. I am surprised he let me do it and that he didn't comb it all out.

He is now taller than Steve (or darn close) and his feet are bigger than Steve's. I bought him size 12 sneakers yesterday. He is only 14. I can't wait to see how much more he grows!

Doug's "Excellent" Trip to DC

2011-05-21T07:13:00.000-04:00

This is going to be an excellent adventure!

Doug with his eyes closed!

Having a chat with FDR.

Part of the Platoon

In the bread line.

Doug would be mearly a snack.

Capitol Building

The likeness is amazing.

World War II Memorial

Gathered 'round listening to the radio.

Doug and Eleanor

Museum of Modern Art...Most confusing.

Bus Troubles...what would a trip be without a good story???

Food storage website

2011-05-19T20:48:00.004-04:00

www.canorganizer.com

Organizing our food storage

2011-05-19T13:40:00.000-04:00

Steve found these neat can organizers online. They are made of cardboard and pretty easy to fold and put together. They make it easy to rotate your cans.

These happen to fit perfectly on our narrow shelves. It will make it easier to see what we have and what we need to replenish. I love the fact that it will rotate the cans for you. It was always a pain to move the stuff to the front and try and put the new stuff in the back. Plus stacking cans doesn't always work well. If you have ever had a can drop on your toe...you know what I mean.

We will probably be getting more in the future to store more cans, since we are no where near the amount of food we should have for a family of 6. Most of these are almost full now. So we are saving up some pennies to get more boxes.

Some Flash Flooding

2011-05-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos of the other day. Wow we have never seen so much water here and it was moving fast.

It just came up to the chicken run we just completed. I guess we put it in the right place.

neighbors chicken run flooded.

Headed over the road.

Amazing! Luckily in a few hours it had gone down. Now it is just really wet as we continue to get rain each day. The lawn is loving it!

I think it is suppose to keep raining until Saturday. It is gloomy, wet and cool. Lovely weather! Hopefully it will let up soon so we can plant the garden.

More Saving Money Tips!

2011-05-13T22:22:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more ways that we try and save some money. Most save little bits at a time, but things do add up. Every little bit helps.

Use your public library. Don't buy books, unless you hit a great sale! The library can supply you with more than enough reading material. They usually get new selections and you can request books from other libraries, if they don't have what you are looking for. You can also sign out movies, books on cd or tape, magazines, and a host of other things. One library we used to go to, you could even sign out art for a month.
Check at Goodwill or Salvation Army first. If you are in need of something check these places first. Alot of times you don't find what you are looking for but SOMETIMES you get lucky. We have purchased two perfect suits for the boys for church for about $5 each. You can't beat that!
Limit your wardrobe. Buy used stuff from the goodwill. The less clothing you have the easier it is to maintain and keep up with the laundry.

Make your hobbies useful skills. My children are learning to sew. They like it. It will come in handy and they will have something useful to show for all their effort.
Limit Toys. Too many toys can cost a fortune, not to mention all that cleaning up. I have found too many toys give my children toy/choice overload. They end up dumping everything and not playing with anything.
Wait 24 hours before jumping in on big purchases. This is hard. Really hard. But if you do sometimes you change your mind or think of a better way. Give yourself time to reflect.
Sometimes...maybe once a week or so... turn off the lights. Use candles and/or oil lamps in one room of the house. It will be amazing to watch everyone gravitate together towards the light. It is fun sitting around telling stories and reading together. Remember to watch the kiddo's around open flames.

Use coupons. This can be a whole post in itself. Needless to say you can learn to coupon. Try it out. My husband is very successful at it. He has been saving about half off our groceries consistantly. That adds up! We have been using our whole budget and getting extra for food storage.
Make your own cleaning supplies. There are millions of posts about making your own dish washer detergent or laundry soap. Try them out. They literally cost pennies. Most stuff you can make with baking soda and vinegar.
Bake your own bread. This saves some money...it however has not helped our waist line. We tend to devour homemade bread. Learning to do this can help you in a pinch with your budget. If you are out of money budgeted for groceries but now need bread, you can make some yourself and not have to go to the store.

Plant a garden. We do have lots of garden. You don't have to have a big garden. Start out small. Plant things you will eat. If you have enough room plant some extra to can or put up for the winter.
Repurpose things. Use your noggin' before you go shoppin'. Is there a way you can fill the need you have by using something you already own?
If you have the need to buy some decorative item for your house...stop and just rearrange the furniture. I love to rearrange! People pick on me because the house is never the same way when they come back. It makes me happy and it is a new way of looking at the things you have and love.

Plant some berry bushes if you have the room. We save so much money on fruit by having our own bushes. We get tons and we can freeze or can the extra to last us all year.
Drink water. It's free.

Do the work yourself. Don't automatically go and hire someone to do something. Go to the library if you need help learning a new skill. Read about it and then try it yourself. Steve is great at this one. He has built decks, club houses, kitchen cabinets, refinished floors, tiled, painted, built furniture etc. If we had to hire someone for all those things we would be broke in no time.

The hardest one for last...Try and stay organized. When things get disorganized we forget what we have or where it is, we end up spending money on the same things that we already own. Keep track of your stuff.

Well I hope this post helps someone, or helps you think about some ways you can save money. Try some new ideas. Also, help me out...if you have any new ideas let me know. We can save together!

Stay at Home Mom and Saving Money How To's

2011-05-12T13:21:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking alot about the journey I have been on for many years now. I started being a stay at home mom about 14 1/2 years ago. My at home experience has long surpassed my work outside the home experience. Many people in this day and age think it is impossible to stay at home. It is not. You can do it if you are willing to make some sacrifices. Yes I know that isn't a poplular thing. No one likes to make sacrifices...everyone wants things and wants them now! But I promise if you evaluate the things that are truly important to you, it can be done.

Here is a picture of my oldest Jacob. Isn't he a cutie.

Here are some ways that women before me have taught me to save money. Like I said it has been over 14 years. I didn't do these all at once, but added a bit at a time and now most are completely second nature now. They are part of how we live and aren't a sacrifice any longer.

1. Make a budget. I love Dave Ramsey. We buy most everything with cash. We try...we aren't always perfect. Now going into debt makes my stomach churn.

2. If you are going to stay at home...stay at home. Don't ram everywhere everyday. Especially with gas prices going through the roof. When you go out, you spend. We have in the past assigned ourselves so much money for gas for the week. If the tank was on empty on Wed., then we stay home until the next fill. Make it a game. (of course make sure hubby has enough to go to work :) )

3. Cut the cable. I know I know...nobody wants to hear this one. Especially the guys. But it is so expensive. I find when we cut it we have lots more time for other things. We can also control what media comes into the house. The kids are more active and more creative. Trust me on this one. It will get worse before it gets better if you turn off the tube. Kids will whine for a week or two. They have to learn how to live without something that they have always had. You must allow time for relearning. What ever you do...don't vote on whether or not to turn off the cable. Kids will never give up the tv willingly. (Hubby does get a vote :) )

4. Look at all your bills. Can you change phone plans? Can you just go to cell phones and cancel your landline? Can you get rid of some dept store credit cards, pay them off and cut them up? Can you get your electric bill on a budget so you pay the same amount each month? Really really look at the list of things you spend on and write down how much you could save a month if you eliminated some things. Dance for the kids? Sports? etc. I know you don't know how you could do THAT to your kids. You can. You will have more time as a family and more money. You can dance at home and play at home. Limit the amount of activities you let your children participate in and don't be afraid to say no.

5. Turn down the heat. I get lots of grief and jokes made about me for this one. :) We keep the house cool in the winter. We layer clothes if we are cold. I do at least. I figure it is something you can get used to...the kids really do run around without socks or shoes and in a short sleeve shirt in the winter when the house is set at 64 degrees. We turn it down lower at night and make sure everyone is dressed warm for bed and lots of blankies on beds.

Well there is five of the easier things that we do to save money. I will have some more nit picky things later. Have a great day.

The Chicken Run is Complete!

2011-05-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

Here is the beginning posts. It is nice to have older boys that can actually help dig holes.

The crew working hard.

Jacob nailing up fencing

Curtis Concentration!

Dad giving a hammering lesson.

Chickens enjoying the outdoors.

The neighbors cows playing King of the Mountain. :)

Doug and Maggie are the best chicken catchers.

So funny, the neighbors chicken came over to take a look.

Happy Girl!

My Maggie

2011-05-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

.Today is officially girls day. Tonight the boys are going on a father/son campout and it will just be us girls! We have plans...oh yes we do...well I am going to wait and see what she wants to do...I hope it involves eating out! Usually girls night consists of painting nails and watching princess movies. We never get to watch girl movies around here. Boys always take over because we are way out numbered. I love the fact that I have a girl. I don't know what I would do without her. She reminds me of the fact that I have to teach her to be a woman. Therefore...I need to be a better woman. If it was just boys around here I would probably just completely morph into a tom boy. (which is a natural inclination)

Maggie is fun to watch and I don't worry about her too much YET! She can be sweet as pie and in the next second (if someone does her wrong) she really lets them have it! She can stand up for herself...well at least with her brothers, which I hope will transfer over at some point.

I know that things will change here very quickly...she is nine now. The next few years might be bumpy. I remember things being bumpy for me. I hope they aren't bumpy for her...but they probably will be at some point. I thought babies were hard, teens are hard. It is hard to watch them go through "stuff." I just want to protect them from things that hurt them, just like I did when they were small. Teens usually have to go through it and live through it and find their way. I hate that!

Doug and Steve are having some bonding time in Washington DC. I hope they are having fun. I can't wait to see the pictures and hear the stories.

Well I have a million loads of laundry to fold...ugh! So I guess I should go and try to get that done before my great girl night out!! Whoo Hoo!

Sometimes I like to whine...

2011-04-27T13:46:00.001-04:00

A warm wind is blowing. The windows are open...the lawn mower is humming and I feel like throwing everything away...it must be spring.

No matter how much I chuck it seems like stuff just keeps coming in...I really need to muster energy to go through closets again, take out winter wear and make sure everyone has what they need for summer. I need to limit the outfits in the closets so my laundry doesn't overwhelm me. I need to clear out our coat closet, which is overflowing...does everyone need 3 or 4 coats? I need to put some away. We do save coats to pass down to the next kiddo, it is hard to know what size they will be the next year.

Also on the organizing agenda...Christmas stuff. I used to have a big victorian house...long long ago and far away. I used to decorate a ton...but now that we are in our century old farm house and the kids are getting older and I have been simplifying so much of my life, it is time to let some of them go. I perfer simply and organic decorations now. I would rather have a basket of pine cones from the backyard than fake evergreen wreath. So that needs to be hauled out and use the space for something more useful.

Also hubby's tools. They are everywhere, but mostly near and intruding into my laundry area! WE need to orgainize them and find a place where they can be found and put away. By WE I mean him. :)

I can't wait to put up the laundry line again. It is coming soon. It is suppose to rain for at least the next week so I am not going to bother right now. I have a hankering for sun dried sheets and a nice clean bed.

Like I said already the windows are open and I seriously hope it is blowing the dust away as we speak. Sometimes I love cleaning, other times I get resentful and irritated.

I guess I just would like someone to respect the work I do around here, instead of just trashing everything and leaving it for me. Yeah I am complaining. sorry.

Back to spring....and nice things. I also need to rake up the flower beds, plan some sort of back porch/deck/ patio...and hopefully get a chicken run done this year.

Oh yeah and the garden...

Well by the fact that my list gets longer and longer the longer I sit here and think about it...I guess it is time to go!

Thanks for listening.

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

2011-04-23T10:57:00.000-04:00

Food Storage

2011-04-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

We have been working on our food storage more seriously. Steve has turned into the coupon king. Like most things...my idea and he follows through. Sorry this is a bit blurry. We took a lot of empty canning jars out and put them in a different spot...awaiting goodies later. We have more things on other shelves but it wasn't picture ready yet. Promise to post when we get everything cleaned up and in order.

This picture is a bit clearer. This is the smallest space in the house and tends to collect the most junk. Whatever we don't know what to do with...goes here. We need to break ourselves of this habit, and just keep this a nice organized space. Here's hoping...

Bedroom redecorating...just a little

2011-04-16T13:14:00.000-04:00

I love trees for some reason. So when I saw these branches I had to have them. I wish I was more talented and could just draw them on the wall and/or paint them myself, but I don't dare try. So I will stick to the decales. I love the little birds sitting on the branches.

I needed some new artwork for my walls. I love my kids and I love SIMPLE projects. So I found some fabric and traced their hands. Jacob's was so big I had to put it sideways in an 8x10 frame. Geez! I think they look simple and cute.

That's all for now until I take more pictures of the rest of the house. Maggie's room is redone...still need pictures of that. I will get to it I promise.

It's time to celebrate Spring!

2011-04-12T09:57:00.000-04:00

Fresh Flowers always make me happy.

Slipcovers in light colors lighten up the space.

I added a new chair to the mix so our whole family can sit in the living room at the same time.

I love baskets too.

How do you decorate for Spring? I am not usually a flower type person, but I think my likes are changing!

So much has happened...

2011-04-12T00:14:00.000-04:00

Let's see. Curt had a concert that I video taped and it refuses to upload to my blog! I have been redecorating again and moving furniture. I cleaned the whole house for spring. I love when the house is fresh and clean, of course it didn't stay that way long. I have some pictures from my trip to Virginia to see my parents. They loaded into the computer but I can't find them. Today was so warm,last night we slept with the windows open, it was like heaven! We redid maggie's room again. I did some "artwork" for my room. Oh I am sure more has happened that I am not thinking of... I am learning how to post from my I pod touch, it is weird and going slowly. I hope to do a quick cleaning tomorrow and then get some pictures posted of the things I am talking about. I dont know if I can post pictures from this thing, I will have to try it out. Goodnight.

Today's Curtism

2011-03-26T07:57:00.000-04:00

Today we are off to the sewing expo....Curt and Steve are staying behind. I asked Curt if he was going to help Dad with projects today.

"Yeah." he said. I said, " what projects does he have planned?"

Curt said, " I don't know what projects he has planned, you are the one who sleeps with him 365 days a year."

Well said.

Things coming up.

2011-03-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow we will be attending a sewing expo. The kids are entering their outfits for judging and they will be participating in the fashion show. I hope we have fun and find lots of things to do there all day. I will post some pictures when I have time.

Then on Sun we are traveling to my parents house to see them. I can't wait to be there. I just hate the drive. Hopefully I will have lots of pictures of that too.

I really hope when we return that spring will have sprung. I am really tired of cold weather! Yes I am complaining!!!!

I am exhausted today from laundry and packing and getting ready for the expo.

Good night.

Pie Auction and Chili Cookoff

2011-03-14T06:45:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago the Boy Scouts had their annual pie auction and chili cookoff. It is always fun! Steve made all the pies. We try and donate as many as we can because this year we have two boys going to boy scout camp. People are very generous and bit lots of money on pies and other sweets.

Pumpkin

Apple

Peach

Blueberry

Here is my chili. I was so excited to win 2nd place in the cookoff.

It doesn't sound like much, but I am not known for my cooking...and there certainly are lots of people at our church that are awesome cooks. So it was a pretty amazing night. They also raised enough money for all the boys to attend camp this year. That is the most awesome part.

Winter's still pretty...

2011-03-11T13:02:00.000-05:00

Scenes from around the house.

You didn't think I would venture outside, did you????

Princess Ball 2011

2011-03-10T06:37:00.000-05:00

Here is Steve and Maggie at the Princess Ball in 2011. They had a blast. This year Steve could dance. Last year he had just had his foot operated on right before the ball. This year they danced the night away. Steve even did the hokey pokey...which means he must really love his daughter!!!! He hates the hokey pokey. They also did the chicken dance. It was good for them to have some daddy daughter time together!

Sorry it has been awhile...

2011-03-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

I guess I should post something. Things have been busy around here. I need to take pictures and document things but life is getting in the way. We have been trying to lose weight...which seems like a full time job. We are also working on the basement...(still), laundry is piling up and I am finally getting to it today. We have been dealing with school bullies ( of the girl persuasion) and general stress of life. Plus Steve has been a couponing king...so we have been doing lots of stocking up on bargains.

I need to get my camera out and get going...I know...I know...

The sun is shining today even though it is cold...it is suppose to get in the 40's today I think. I can't wait for the furnace to go off for good. Warm weather and sunshine. I need sunlight!!!

So I guess you could say I have the end of winter blahs and am just surviving until Spring gets here.

Have a great day!

$3 Makeover

2011-02-22T10:21:00.001-05:00

Here is some pictures of Maggie's room. I found a pretty sheet at the goodwill and then found a duvet cover that matched. The cover was $2 and the sheet was $1. I made valances and pillows with the sheet and just put the cover over her princess comforter that she didn't like so much anymore. What do you think? I am still going to make a dresser scarf with the valance fabric and we are going to make some accessories for her doll house...so everything matches. :)

Doug's 12th Birthday!

2011-02-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

Doug is 12 years old now. Boy time flies! He is loving middle school and not being treated like a baby any more. He is doing quite well, a trend I hope continues. He is attending his first young men's meeting at church tonight. Amazing!

Maggie's new glasses

2011-02-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

This is the first year that she didn't pick purple or pink glasses. I am still getting used to them. She loves them and can see much better!

Feeling Crafty

2011-01-28T06:59:00.000-05:00

I felt like being crafty last night. I made this for over the mantle.

Now I wish I could tell you that I felt so crafty that I made this. I have been trying to learn to crochet. Let's just say I am crochet challanged. Everything I make or try to make comes out crooked and weird. I am only trying very simple things. I don't think crocheting is in my future.

I found this lovely throw at a store in town for $3.99. It is what I hoped a throw blanket would look like that I was trying to make. Sooooooo. I got it. For $3.99 I have a lot less frustration and I couldn't have bought all the yarn for that price.

This is better. The project of the throw is now done, and my family can stop making fun of my crooked and miss stiched creations.

Rag Rolling

2011-01-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

We rag rolled Maggie's hair last night for something fun to do. It came out cute and really curly. I figured she would hate it, but she liked it. So we left it kind of messy and fun looking. It is so much easier than sitting there with a curling iron. It worked much better and less pulling and complaining. I am sure we can get better at getting the sections just right so it is the same curl overall. We pulled up the back out of the way, she didn't cut her hair...it is still long.

Read Your Labels

2011-01-22T18:04:00.000-05:00

We were buying soda. (oh I forgot I am in Ohio now) We were buying pop at the store. We needed to buy so much to get money back at CVS. There wasn't much left. We grabbed some diet pop and some other kinds, and the last we grabbed was this. We figured it was diet so, OK. Well the "MAX" means it has way more caffeine than Mt. Dew. I read the label after the kids downed a bunch of them and they all weren't tired to go to bed. Hmmmmm. Next time I will look harder at the label.

The move to Ohio

2011-01-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

When we moved to Ohio we knew it would be a big change. We were moving from a postage stamp lot in the burbs to 6 acres and a 100 year old farm house. The land has a barn, garages, fruit trees, berry bushes and gardens. The kitchen needed updating and that is the first project we took on. We have been doing projects ever since. (although this isn't much of a change in life, we have been remodeling since we were married)

We love the old floor boards. We love the openess of the rooms, which is unusual for an old farm house.

What I did not know, or could truly understand when we moved here is that these would become part of all our wardrobes.

I can't believe we have these.

I can't believe I can make this.

I can't believe we help with all this.

I can't believe I learned how to do this.

I can't believe the kids aren't upset by finding this.

I can't believe I am not freaked out by this.

or this

I can't believe this is starting to feel like home. Finally. (sometimes)

Coupon Time

2011-01-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

Here is my new coupon binder.

CVS shopping: Spent: $16.18 Saved $60.29

Giant Eagle shopping: spent: $25.42 Saved: $17.70 on specials $28.50 Coupons

Walgreens Shopping: spent: $ 27.04 saved: $50.59

Total spent: $68.64 Total Saved : $153.18

Tons of Fun...You should try it!!!

Pillow Update

2011-01-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

I made some adjustments to the pillows. Mainly added more yo yo's. Steve said the first ones looked like eyeballs staring at him...Whatever!!!! I am sure he will come up with something for this design...but they no longer look like eyeballs. Good grief.

Rant about a 14 year old...

2011-01-14T07:14:00.000-05:00

Let me just preface to say I was probably extremely frustrating to my mother at the age of 14. I do remember clearing out my closet on a regular basis because I had NOTHING to wear. I remember not being very nice about being woke up in the morning, and I am sure I was rude and abnoxious sometimes.

Jacob can make me crazy!!! We went to the store to buy him some shirts because his were getting too short. He is growing like a weed. He really like the one polo type shirt. for $25. I bought one...he however needed more than one shirt. I found some nice hensley shirts on sale of $9 each. He hesitated but tried them on. They looked very nice on him. They aren't weird. They aren't a weird color, or bad fit. They just aren't a polo type shirt (heaven forbid) Another side note: (2 years ago I couldn't get him in a polo type shirt...it was too nerdy then)

They look awesome on him. Make him look tall and lean and they are long enough to cover his long body. The colors HE picked were gray and dark green.

Now he doesn't want to wear them...because in his words.

"He doesn't think it will go well."

What the H double hockey sticks does that mean? He thinks he is going to get picked on because he dared wear a different type of shirt to school that he doesn't normally wear. Are you kidding me?

Yesterday he did break down and wear the shirt, (under protest) but wore his hoodie all day over it. Today I noticed he was wearing a shirt that is too short under his hoodie.

Did I mention that it is 19 degrees and he refuses to wear a winter coat...he only wears his hoodie. Apparently coats aren't "cool"...

I give up. I am taking the shirts back to the store and get my $18 dollars back...He can wear the one shirt he likes all year and wear the ones that don't fit. I am sure no one will mention THAT at school. (sarcasm)

Did I also mention that we HAD to go out in a blizzard to the store that night to get new shirts because he would DIE if he had to wear those short shirts anymore?

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel better.

Is there anyone out there that can relate...NO COMMENTS FROM MY MOTHER!

I did it...I think.

2010-12-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

I learned how to create a signature...

New Pillows

2010-12-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

I thought I would spruce up some old pillows that matched the loveseat. They were pretty flat and stained. I made new covers for them and wrapped them with some batting to puff them up a bit.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T08:35:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2010.

Curtism

2010-12-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

The kids are playing hide and seek. Curtis can't find Doug. I told him to go and yell...
Ollie Ollie In Free.
He said ... " I don't think that will work, he doesn't know Spanish."

Curtism

2010-12-25T18:32:00.002-05:00

"Bacon fixes everything."

Look to the Light

2010-12-24T20:37:00.000-05:00

Tree redecorating...

2010-12-22T22:05:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else see all the little elves in a clump in the center front of the tree?..I think the tree has been redecorated.

Coupon Update

2010-12-21T07:05:00.000-05:00

Went shopping last night. Here are some results.

Spent $124.98
Saved $89.15 on in store specials
Saved $81.70 with coupons

Total Saved this year so far...
weekly specials $412.51
Coupons $270.02

Total 12 month savings $834.28

This is the total and basically I started couponing in Sept. of this year. Not too shabby.
I can't wait to see totals for next year.

Stay at home mom poem.

2010-12-17T13:56:00.000-05:00

I found this while looking at blogs. Thought I would share...

At seven A.M., I don't envy the mob

Who rise, shine and shower and go to the job.

In rain, sleet or storm, whether snowing or blowing,

I stay home and savor the joys of not going.

Cheers to you dears out fulfilling yourselves.

I'll bake me a cake, and I'll straighten my shelves,

I'll write some light verse and I'll practice some Bach.

If my neighbor drops in, I'll take time for a talk.

I'd rather have a family than fortune or fame;

I don't think my apron's a Red Badge of Shame.

You're welcome to banking, computers and math,

Guns, plumbing and business. I'll take a hot bath.

Art, music, letters—the good things of life

Are no less my own, since I'm mother and wife.

If I scrub, mop or dig in the garden, I'm free...

Remember, the choices were all made by me.

Helene Lewis Coffer

Food Storage on my mind...

2010-12-16T20:51:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about food storage lately. I really need to start working harder at it, there is something about the cold of winter that makes me want to stay home and hibernate. If I have everything I need, food wise, then I don't have to run to the store when it is cold outside.

We have been clipping coupons and really stocking up when we find good deals. We even canned some this year. We probably could have done a lot more. I think I just need to stay more focused...I also need to clean out the food storage room...which has become a catch all. We are working on storing both the basics, and the things we eat. ( and trying to combine the two categories)

I'll keep you updated with what we are storing...I will try and get the room cleaned out so I can take some more pictures. Right now it is ~~a mess~~ organized chaos. Steve plans on making me a nifty rack that will rotate cans and always make sure we are using the oldest cans first.

Images of Winter...

2010-12-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

Birthday's Galore!

2010-12-09T19:53:00.000-05:00

Curtis had his 7th birthday!

He got a snuggie, books and a magnet game.

Maggie had her 9th birthday!

She absolutely loves her doll house.

We are now officially done with kids birthdays before Christmas. Now with 15 days left we can concentrate on Christmas completely. I really need to get shopping so we can have a few things under the tree. I don't feel as stressed, although I probably should be. Oh well I am glad I feel fine. I basically know what I am going to get everyone so it is just a matter of "getting it"

Well that is all for now. Probably won't write again until Christmas...I will however still be following along with everyone else's blogs. I love to see what and how other people are celebrating the season.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Stuff that has been happening around here.

2010-12-03T12:48:00.000-05:00

Jacob turned 14 this year. I can't believe it! That is a lot of candles on that cake. He is looking so much older and truly isn't a little kid anymore. Amazing.

It was also Maggie's 9th birthday this year. Oh my. This is her all dressed up for a family wedding. She had a great time dancing the night away!

Doug being Doug...

Miss Lucy the dog. This is the face everytime I am eating anything. She is there looking at me...waiting for a bite to eat too. You would think I would lose weight always having to share.

This last few weeks we traveled to Virginia for Thanksgiving and for early Christmas. That was fun. We got to see everyone and eat too much. We have been celebrating birthdays. Curt's is coming up soon. We are still working on Christmas shopping. The tree is up, the nativity is up and I am really not feeling like doing to much more decorating. The kids seem satisfied and so why make myself crazy. I am trying to clean out stuff...making donations to Goodwill...coats and things that we have grown out of. Curt has his first talk at church on Sunday. We still have to write that. He will have to practice a lot. He tends to mumble and get really quiet when he is nervous. I hope he does fine. Steve had me go to the store and buy primer for the basement walls. I hope we can finish the basement soon. That would be a great Christmas gift.

Helping????

2010-11-12T06:40:00.000-05:00

I was very stressed yesterday about all the things I had to accomplish that have deadlines. Deadlines that are coming up very fast...things I am totally responsible for accomplishing. I voiced my stress to Steve. He said he would stay home and do the laundry and pick up the house. Great!!! That helps soooo much to take some of the stress away. I love him so much but sometimes I don't know if I should laugh or cry ... He did the laundry....I think he may have left out a few steps.

They are all clean. uuuuggggghhhhh!

My exciting day.

2010-10-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

Today I treated myself to all sorts of fun and wonderful things. Let me just say that your attitude dictates how you feel about things. Here is two stories of how my day went...

Version 1:
In the morning I had an appointment at the tooth spa. It was lovely. I read magazines and got to relax in a chair while people attended to me. They thought I was so pretty they took pictures of me. They loved my winning smile. Then I decided to treat myself to an elegant lunch. I had fun chatting with a friend on the phone and making plans. Then I decided to go shopping. I was looking for something specific. I couldn't find what I was looking for so I visited a few stores. I enjoyed walking around and getting some exercise. Then I got in the car for a nice ride home. It was peaceful and lovely.

Version 2:
Had to go to the dentist. Blah. I hate waiting in the waiting room...so what if I was 1/2 hour early. I read horrible magazines about marriage problems and how to lose 10 pounds in 10 days. They are nice at my dentist, but they always bring up my wisdom teeth and how "they might need to come out" Stressful! They asked me if I was pregnant and then gave me xrays. I hate those little wing things you have to bite down on.
I took myself to McDonald's. I usually eat in the car but decided to go in to eat. The only place to sit was by someone who looked like a scary homeless man. The other half of the McDonald's was full of 1st graders on a field trip. I had to call my doctor's office to change my appointment. Call, busy. call, busy, call, busy, call, we are on lunch break until 1:00, call, busy, call...get through and change appointment. They are sweet there too. Then I went shopping and couldn't find anything I was looking for. Annoying and time consuming. Got in the car to drive home and got behind someone going 10 mph below the speed limit. I am not a lead foot but I do like going the speed limit. Made it home a half hour before the kids.

Attitude is everything...

Halloween Pictures

2010-10-27T22:47:00.000-04:00

Doug as a skeleton...not too far of a stretch!

Curt wanted to be a mime.

Jacob...rock star

Maggie the witch!

Curt again. I think I did pretty well with the makeup!

I wasn't jumping on the bed....

2010-10-25T17:28:00.000-04:00

If you are going to fib...don't have photographical evidence...documented by another sibling.

On my way to the chicken coop...

2010-10-21T16:06:00.000-04:00

These are some views on my way to the chicken coop. The lovely crab apple tree in the front yard.

Beautiful trees with the leaves changing.

Eggs in the nesting boxes.

My favorite "girl" She is always sitting in the window. I think she really really wants to hatch something.

She is always puffed up and laying on the thermometer. Maybe she thinks it is a big egg?

She is the sweetest and you can pick her up and pet her and love her and she doesn't care.

Here is how warm it is under her. She always sits on the thermometer. It is about 55 outside. It is a warm 89 degrees under there.

Collecting eggs for the walk back.

Picture of the back door. I love pumpkins in the fall.

Have a great day!

The Frugal Christmas

2010-10-13T18:36:00.000-04:00

I am going to renew my efforts for the frugal Christmas. Things have been getting tighter and tighter around here. Car repairs, unexpected financial boo boo's, just plain ol ignoring things. Steve and I both had surgery in the past 12 months. We do have insurance but when the one bread winner isn't working it is tough. So here we are again with Christmas approaching and a meager budget to work with this year.

I am going to try and get over the guilt of the impending sighing of the children. It will be ok. It really really will. The older boys lists are crazy anyway and even if I had all the money in the world I wouldn't get them smart phones, or $300 ipods or hand held ps3's (I don't even really know what that is?) So who cares what they think. I won't be able ever to get them their dream Christmas. Sorry. (PS. they know I won't get them things like that anyway...but every kid can try right. They aren't the bratty types but boy if we won the lotto they would totally love to have those things)

The smaller kids I will have more of a chance pleasing. After all Curtis asked for an apple peeler for Christmas. The kind that hooks to the counter top. That is a frugal and practical 6 year old if I do say so myself. Maggie would be pleased with books and little trinkets/stuffed animals. ( I hope )

I am going to be doing thrift store searching for cool and unique gifts. I also plan on some homemade gifts this year. I have been searching the internet for ideas and the only criteria is so soo soooo simple, and cheap. I am not a crafty person and I have very little patience for details. Sorry but it is true.

Some ideas I might try:
Journal's covered in material with cool pen
Tea cups for Maggie's dolls
Stationary
Craft supplies (for future fun)
Nail polish kit (obivously for the girl)
Pretty / cool boxes for keepsakes
Soaps with little toys in them.
Lip balm
Sewing simple jammie bottoms or a few skirts for Maggie...

Oh by the way, I have to remember not to let them read this post. Shhhhh don't tell.

I also want to plan more family time. I AM NOT RUSHING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS LIKE A CHICKEN WITH MY HEAD CUT OFF.

I hope to have some quiet bonding time with the kids and invite the Spirit into our home.

I know the Spirit of the Lord will fill in the gaps of the home made gifts, practical gifts and my frugal Christmas. It always does.

Wishes...

2010-10-11T22:24:00.000-04:00

I wish I had something exciting to write about. I wish I had a funny story to tell. I don't. Tonight was fun, we went to the library for some books, and to the taco bell for dinner. Maggie met a new friend at the library. They talked like they have been friends for years. Avid readers unite! The girls went back and forth suggesting books they had read. They ended up exchanging addresses so they could be pen pals and maybe make some library dates. Where it goes from here nobody knows.

The boys are more anti social. Oh well. I didn't get the chance to get any books since I was trying to keep people together...and keep an eye on everyone. Not that the library is a scary place or anything...I just like keeping track of my kids.

Parent/teacher conferences are coming up soon. I love going to Maggie's...straight A's! I however get scared going to Curt's...I just never know...

The primary program is next Sunday. I am a bit nervous about the whole thing. I think it will be fine. The kids are great and they have no fear about singing or speaking. I love that about our church...everyone is so used to being in front of a large group.

For some reason there is no school on Friday. I haven't figured that one out yet.

The older boys came home and said they watched some news show that they have on at school for school kids and they were talking about Christopher Columbus as being a terrible person because he brought plagues and slavery to America...uh ok...revising history is one of my biggest pet peeves, even if it is truth...that doesn't negate everything else he has done. It makes me really hate public school.

What else? Hmmm. Let's see...we picked squash today to put away for winter. We saw a bunch of moles living in the garden. We need to put the garden to bed so to speak before it gets cold outside. Steve saw a wooly bear with a big brown stripe in the middle...read on someones blog what that meant...I can't remember...now I have to go looking for that post.

Some wishes expressed at dinner...I wish we could go to Disney World. I wish we could go to Cedar Point. I wish we could go to Antartica. I wish you named me Mark.

Warm and Cozy at Home

2010-10-02T20:26:00.000-04:00

Tonight is a warm and cozy night. Well not real "warm" because I refuse to turn on the heat...but warm in my heart. I love when the kids settle in and relax...fighting is at a minimum and we are all getting along. Today we had soccer games. The kids did well, but it was cold. I was chilled to the bone. Got home took a hot shower and the kids cuddled up with blankets to watch movies. It gave me some time to clean up and take some pictures of some goodwill finds from this week. My camera is giving me fits. I have always loved the way it took pictures but now the little setting wheel has gone berzerk...it keeps changing settings in the middle of picture taking...so sometimes it does weird things...like take video when I have it on candlelight setting. Maybe santa will bring me a new camera...oh and a toaster oven, and a new food processor...if any of you know santa will you pass that along?

Well here is some of the pictures from around the house.

I love to burn the oil lamps in the evening.

My cute chickens that I got at the good will.

I just love signs.

Love to have lots of library books to look at and curl up with at night.

New lampshades from my mom. Love them!!!!

Reminders of good friends...love this little statue.

cozy and warm evenings.

Coupon Report

2010-09-28T19:50:00.000-04:00

This week we only bought a few things...since it isn't pay week.

Total savings: $56.38. Saved $31.50 in coupons, $22.81 in weekly specials.

We purchased...Quaker oats...free after discount and coupon. Love that! We got 8 boxes.
Good night.

My radical rebellious day....

2010-09-24T13:17:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. Today I did something radical! Well radical for me...I am not much of a risk taker...so I know you will laugh when I tell you the radical thing I did. Believe me it is going to not go over well with the hubby...I am being rebellious I guess...

Without further ado....

Yes...I did my nails! I am sick of narly short nails. I got myself some pretty ones. They are short and I can still type and everything. Oh yeah and I rounded off the straight corners...which my husband really dislikes. Oh well. I think they look nice.

Repeating myself...Repeating myself...Repeating

2010-09-23T08:36:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I think I could parent via tape recorder...geez does tape recorder date me??? Ok how about this CD on repeat.

I mean really do I need to be here for this mind numbing part????????????

Alarm rings...Good morning everyone...time to get up...

Are you up?

Time to get up.

I know you are tired...time to get up.

Maggie are you alive?

Time to get dressed.

Time to get dressed.

Are you dressed?

Where are your socks?

Socks?

Socks that match?

Hurry up or you won't have time to eat.

What do you want to eat?

There is stuff to eat.

What do you want?

You want eggs. Ok.

Why don't you want eggs? I made them.

Just have a yogurt then.

Hurry.

Where is your papers?

Where is your bookbag?

How can you not know?

Is it on the book bag hook?

Why not?

Where are your shoes?

Can't wear those you have gym today.

Where are your shoes?

How can you lose one shoe?

Look for Curt's shoes.

That is his old shoe from last year.

How did one shoe end up in the basement and one under your bed?

Time to Brush teeth.

Brush teeth.

Go brush your teeth.

It is getting late. Go brush your teeth.

Hurry.

Let me smell your breath.

I know you said you brushed your teeth.

Go use toothpaste.

Time to go out to the bus.

Where are your glasses?

Where did you take them off?

Why aren't they by your bed?

Don't put your glasses in your pants pocket!!!

Do you have everything?

Are you sure?

Ok Love you.

Have a great day, see you tonight.

The End. (until tomorrow)

Couponing...my new passion...

2010-09-22T08:53:00.000-04:00

I have tried to cut coupons in the past. I would end up with a wad of little papers and go to the store. I would say nine times out of ten it was still cheaper to buy the store brand. So I would leave the little coupon by the product and sigh. I was cutting coupons for other people. It seemed like a huge waste of time...plus it made grocery shopping so much longer! I really do not like to grocery shop. Buying food is just as boring as cooking dinner. I hate them both. Side note...the best invention ever is the "Super Store" I leave my husband (who loves to grocery shop) and I go look at other things, anything other than canned goods.

Back to couponing. I attended a basic couponing class. Did you know that you can buy coupons? They already come clipped and ready to go. It seems to defeat the purpose of saving money but stay with me...When I feel I had a really good deal going (when paired up with store sales) I go and buy coupons and then go and stock up on the product. Soups seem to be big this month around here.

I never though of couponing as working on food storage...Light bulb moment.

I am not fantastic at it (yet)...made some mistakes so far...(learning) but it has been fun. I am not so grumpy about grocery shopping. Steve is happy cause I am not so grumpy about grocery shopping and he loves to get things cheap. Yes I said cheap and not "inexpensive"...If you are cheap...embrace it!!!

Some things we got completely free...Toothpaste and toothbrushes. (laugh but we have run out of both before) we stocked up as much as we could. Still need more for a year supply, but we have only "couponed" for 2 weeks.

Mostly shopping at one store which does double coupons we have saved...

In one week we saved...$86.83

Weekly Special Savings...(you know using that store card before checkout)

$121.42

So all said and done...$188.25 saved.

Yippee!

Just so you know our "grocery budget" is to try and stay under $150 for 2 weeks. (feeding 6 people) I would dare say usually we go a bit over. So saving or getting almost $87 is huge for us.

Some things we stocked up on:

Soups, cereals, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bleach, string cheese, frozen veggies,clorox wipes, yogurt, Boxed potatoes, Cocoa, Cheese slices and chocolate.

Oh and by the way still canning too. Grape juice for the year...

and last but not least...Curtis...who is so excited cause he got a free batman toothbrush!

I have tons more to learn...like how to navigate those drug store sales...that apparently you can actually make money on buying products there. I haven't wrapped my brain around that one yet. I'll get there though.

If you have tried couponing before, maybe you should give it another try.

One of these things is not like the other...

2010-09-20T07:54:00.001-04:00

Remember that song from Sesame Street? Come along with me and play the game....One of these things is not like the other....Can you tell which one?

We have an over achieving chicken. All I can say is OUCH!

Library Book Sale...

2010-09-17T20:24:00.000-04:00

The kids participated in the library program this summer. The kids got tons of little prizes along the way, but they also got "book bucks" for each 30 minutes they read. Well they started to add up. We saved them for the book sale in the fall.

Books were 4 hardbacks for a dollar, or 5 softcover books for a dollar. Then assorted stuffed animals and whatnot. CD's and DVD's and lots of vhs tapes (we don't even have a vhs player anymore) It was so much fun picking out books. Maggie had 12 book bucks and Curt had 5 book bucks. We got tons of books and some stuffed animals.

We didn't have to pay anything extra...just used the book bucks. Each kid still has a dollar left for the next sale. The people at the sale were so impressed. Maggie and Curt were beaming from their accomplishment of doing so much reading this summer. We left with armfuls of books and the kids were so excited to do the reading program next year. They plan on earning more book bucks than this year!

Not even one lesson!

2010-09-09T06:13:00.000-04:00

Tid Bits and whatnot...

2010-09-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

Entries for the fair...

Maggie's Doll collection

Curt's shell collection

tomatoes yum

green beans

My Birthday Flowers!!!

First Day of school picture.

A day at the Fair

2010-08-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

Here are three of my cuties at the fair. Jacob wouldn't stick his head through the holes for his picture..mubbling something about it not getting on facebook...oh to be 13...

Some bad pictures of the rides.

And last but not least Jacob with his huge plate of curly fries with Bacon and cheese....mmmmmm

Sorry it's sideways. No time to fix it...Goodnight.

A Girl and Her New Looks...

2010-08-21T19:12:00.000-04:00

Maggie and I had fun today. We had to buy boy clothes too, but they are easy...I like that shirt get me one in each color...these jeans fit I'll take three. So Boring!!! Girls are much more fun to shop with and try on clothes. Here are some new outfits we got for school.

Sewing...My first attempt.

2010-08-20T19:45:00.000-04:00

I made Maggie this little skirt for school. It came out pretty well. She likes it. I don't know if I will ever progress past simple skirts, but it was fun to make. Here is some pictures of it completed.

Eggs Eggs Eggs

2010-08-18T09:52:00.001-04:00

We got two double yokers the other day. Yesterday we got 7 eggs. Not bad for 12 chickens.

Curtism

2010-08-12T10:49:00.002-04:00

Me... Will you help me clean the bathroom?

Curt... To clean that bathroom you would need a blowtorch and a sledgehammer!

Nesting Boxes and Eggs!

2010-08-10T21:51:00.001-04:00

Here is some pictures of the girls. Curtis took most of them so some may be blurry. Sorry. We are getting a few eggs a day. Steve got the nesting box together today and we had an egg in there tonight when we checked on them before bed.

They are so curious. They were all anxious to see what it was.

Yummy goodness!

Curt's First Sewing Project

2010-08-06T18:18:00.000-04:00

Curtis is so proud of his bag he made. He is going to enter it in the fair.

So cute!

Girl vs. Boys

2010-08-05T08:58:00.001-04:00

When it comes to being tidy my boys are lacking some sort of gene. Maggie has her moments but overall is light years ahead of the boys in the cleaning department. She dragged me upstairs to show me she refolded her clothes and organized her closet (for fun) . So of course I had to take a picture and then for fun and without warning (not that they would care) we took pictures of the boys closets.

Maggie's closet.

Curt's closet.

Doug's closet.

Jacob's closet.

Apparently there is some sort of substance on the shelves of their closets that makes all the clothes slip off and fall into big piles on the floor. How many times do you think I have washed clean clothes? I tell them to clean up the room and all the sudden I have 40 loads of laundry.

Garden Delights

2010-08-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

The garden is starting to shine. The squash and cucumbers are coming on strong...the corn and tomatoes are soon to follow. Mom you are going to be here for prime corn season ( unless we eat it all first...better hurry)

We also got a surprise when we fed the chickens today! Eggs!!!!!

We are having a bit of everything for lunch!

4-H Style Review 2010

2010-07-28T10:50:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of the 4-H Style Review. Jacob won in his category and is going to the state fair to compete with his outfit. Doug took 3rd and Maggie took 3rd. Other family news...my niece Rachel won her category and Champion of Champions. My other niece Caroline won her category, my nephews Jack and Garrett won their categories. So they are all going to the State Fair too. So exciting!

All the winners!

Close up of Jacob's outfit.

Jacob in the line up!

Doug modeling...needs to look up...

Maggie..so cute!

announcement of winners. She took 3rd.

Garrett my nephew. Took 1st.

Rachel my niece took 1st and Champion of Champions!

Caroline my niece is in the pokadot shirt and Jack my nephew is the one with the camo shirt. Everyone did quite well.

Time to start planning next year!!!

blueberries and dinner

2010-07-23T02:36:00.000-04:00

Here is one picking of our blueberry bushes. I am sure they are ready for picking again...we are working on freezing them for now. We will probably make some blueberry jam or jelly in the fall. They are so yummy.

Here is Yummy squash for dinner...Curt was a great help. Everyone likes it except Maggie...no surprise there.

MMMMMMmmmmmmm Summer Foods

2010-07-19T21:12:00.000-04:00

Here is Steve's yummy macaroni salad...it was mmm mmm good! He wanted me to take a picture. :) It tasted as good as it looked.

Sewing has begun.

2010-07-15T08:41:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted much in the last month. Summer is picking up steam and we have survived 3 camps, vacation to my mom's house, 4 doctors appointments, swimming every day for a week, beginning our 4 H projects, church activities, library reading programs, piano lessons ( sometimes), boy scouts, activity girls, rearranging bedrooms so each can have "their own space"..... I'm tired...and the laundry has been neglected for too long, so has family dinners, bed times, cleaning, and all around rules. Yet to do...meet with our financial guy...who we don't know because the guy we liked left...YUUUUgggghhhh! Class reunion, swimming with the cubs at pack meeting, more doctor appointments, 4 H judging (after we actually finish), more library programs...and I don't even know what is happening in Aug. I do know that is when soccer starts :( 3 kids in 3 different levels...saturdays filled with games at different times. Oh I don't look forward to any of that! I can't even go there, it makes me want to cry.

Here are some pictures of sewing. One day at a time...one day at a time...I keep telling myself.

More Vacation Pictures

2010-06-29T08:06:00.000-04:00

The Gang

The gang and Grandma and Grandpa

Maggie and Grandpa

Vacation to Mayberry

2010-06-27T20:21:00.000-04:00