Monday Musing August 20, 2012

Right now... it is 6:50 a.m. and I just got done wrapping my ankle in an Ace bandage.  I did too much this weekend and I can't find my structured ankle wrap.  SOmeone helped me take it off late last week, and it's been missing ever since.  It would be really sore if I hadn't been wearing a pair of Bob's military boots.  They are about 1 size too big for me, but really work around the ankles.  K is being helpful and making Fixit some breakfast.  Bug and Bob are still sleeping.  Bob has the day off, so I'll let him enjoy it.

This weekend... was busy!  Saturday, Bob and I put in another 100 feet of fence and built the gate for the new pen.  This was a first, building a pen before we had a critter to occupy it. (smile) My Dad has a twist-style post hole digger that I can actually help use, after the hole is started.  It's a heavy son-of-a-gun, but it really works much better than the pinch kind. 

Saturday afternoon, we headed over to Mom and Dad's to pick up the trailer for use on Sunday.  Saturday evening, Bob and I enjoyed a date night.  It was the first time in a LONG time for us to go out with just us.  We started our evening at Fleet Farm and picked up the rest of the stuff we needed for the gate.  Then we headed to Barnes & Noble to look around and picked up a few books.  Our next stop was to Margarita's for dinner - it was so good, but we were so full.  Finally, we didn't want the evening to end, and we were too full to go out to a coffee shop, so we parked in the local Woodman's grocery store parking lot and read our books for 1/2 hour. 

Sunday, we were going to go to church, but I had found fence panels for sale on Craigslist and the lady was going to be gone after 10, so we had to go get them.  Loaded up the kids and drove with Bob and the trailer to a town about 40 minutes away to pick up 9 fence panels.  They are going to work great to build the sides of our animal shelters.  We're not putting in the fence posts for those, yet. For the tops of the shelters, we bought some heavy duty tarps - they used to be billboards, so should last for a long time.  Still working out the exact logistics of it, but it'll work.

Sunday afternoon, we went to pick up our new buckling from a neighbor.  They also let us buy a little doeling.  We built the new pen with 4' sides for the buckling.  They weren't high enough.  When we went back outside to check on them, he was in with all the girls.  Yes, we're going to have to put him in there eventually, but we really didn't want December babies, so we're hoping nothing happened and that we can initiate goat date night more for March or April babies.  I don't think anything happened, because Bell, our milking doe kept slamming into him, showing him who is boss.  Trying to catch him was a whole 'nother rodeo.  We didn't have a collar on him, yet, and that bugger can jump. (Obviously, since he jumped a 4' fence). 

So, now, the buck is back in his pen, with a lot less opportunity to join the girls.  We put Carmel's collar on him, after we finally cornered and caught him, and used the dog tie out to tie him in the far corner of his pen away from the girls.

This episode helped provide the names for the new goats.  The buckling is Knuckles, as in Knucklehead, which was a much nicer name than we were tempted to call him.  The new doeling we got is just a little thing - she was never aggressive enough to shove in to get feed.  I'm hoping only have two other goats to deal with, that she'll grow.  We're going to call her Bitty, as in Itty Bitty.

They are both "used" to humans, but are also used to being in with several hundred other goats, so no petting or snuggling.  Don't think we're going to get "snuggly" with the buckling, since I've had a few choice words for him, but K said she got Bitty to actually come up to her this morning and could pet her.

Some plans for this week...  Today, we're taking a family trip into Green Bay to go to Sam's to stock up. We might take the kids to McDonald's for lunch.  I need to get a batch of refrigerator pickles going with some cucumbers that Dad gave me.  I need to dehydrate some more zucchini and shred more for the freezer.  We also need to help K finish her fair projects and pick up the tags for the fair.  I have a Catechist meeting tonight at church to get ready for teaching 7th grade religion again this fall. 

I have to call on the rest of my appointments for work and try and get them all scheduled this week.  I also have to go in to the Tech College center to pick up my student ID and download the assignments onto my flash drive.

Wednesday evening, at least one of us needs to go school for the Kindergarten meeting.  There is a different teacher this year for Bug, otherwise, we probably wouldn't go. 

We're probably going to try and put in some fence panels for a shelter this week, if I can convince Bob to help me after work.

Saturday, Bob and K have to go to pre-fair judging for her Visual Arts and Woodworking projects. 

If I find some time for myself, I would like to... straighten out the crafting room and uncover some completed projects that I need to list on Etsy.  I would also like to stop at the library and pick up the books that I have on hold.

I am grateful for... my super husband and his indulging me and getting more animals and building more fence.  I am grateful that K's fair projects are almost done and that we've started on the fair book - ugh.  For super-hero-loving girls with great imaginations.

Some prayer intentions for this week... That my Aunt Fran continues to improve from serious pneumonia that was caused by MERSA bacteria. She's been in the hospital for 2 weeks, and will be there for at least another week.  She is finally out of the ICU, the drainage tube has been removed, and they got her up and walking again.  I also need to do some praying to get excited about teaching Catechism again.

Something that makes me smile...  Fixit wearing a superhero shirt from her Aunt Vikki, a sweater from Grandma, the toolbelt from her cousin, and holding a superhero figurine and dinosaurs.

Monday Musings - July 2, 2012

Right now... 7:09 p.m. and we're watching an interesting show on the history channel on Modern Marvels about rice.  Lots we didn't know about rice.  Bug is trying to read a book and Fixit is "bugging her", so we had to avert a fistfight.

This weekend... was hot and sticky.  We had temperatures in the middle 90s with high humidity.  Yuck!  Saturday, we had the memorial service for my Aunt Anita and my Uncle Dan that passed away in February and March.  It was at least 90 degrees at the cemetery.  After the ceremony (thank you Father John for the short ceremony), we all headed back to my house for the meal.  We got a nice pit ham sliced at the deli along with sliced cheese.  We also had some of my Mom's homemade sauerkraut and some locally made polish sausage.  Not the way you want family to get together, but it was still a good celebration of their lives.

Some plans for the week...  It's supposed to be in the mid to upper 90s all week.  Ick.  Today, I had 2 farm visits for work.  One ended up a little more forceful than I like, when I have to leave a message and tell them that I was showing up at a certain time, but it worked out well.

Tuesday, I have 2 more farm visits, trying for a third, but no one is answering me. 

Wednesday, is 4th of July, but the only thing special is that Bob doesn't have to work.  We have been so dry for the last couple of months, that we have a total burning ban in effect, so no fireworks or fire in the backyard.

I can't schedule anything for Thursday and Friday, because neither of the girls that I get to babysit are available.

If I can find some time for myself, I will . . . Try to get to the library and exchange some books.  I've recently finished two good series Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan and Children of the Djinn by P.B. Kerr.  So, I need to find something else to read.  I've been reading The Hobbit at Bug and K are really enjoying it.

I am grateful for . . .  my Dad providing me with a job that I enjoy, but is also funding 3 major things this year:  propane contract that is already paid for, school for the girls at the local Catholic school which the money is in the bank for, and property taxes - which are also in the bank.  Everything beyond that is to sit in savings and hopefully give us a little for next year.

Monday Musings in a New Year Jan 2, 2012

Right now...  It is 7:07 a.m. It is COLD (brrrr) outside.  Temperature is about 5F, but the wind chill is below zero.  Everyone in the family has a cold.  Bug is on the bus for the first day back to school.  K is staying home sick after having a stomach bug yesterday.

This weekend...  was New Year's Eve which we brought in as a two-snore salute.  I took Bug to the doctor, because I was sure she had a sinus infection or bronchitis.  According to the doctor, it's just a bad cold.  I better not have to take her back in later this week.  Originally planned on doing something with the neighbors, but we didn't feel good all week, so we did nothing.  I thought about going to Mass Saturday night, but I had been up half the night trying to sleep in my chair with Bug and I'm pretty sure that I would have fallen asleep.  After all, there is always Sunday Mass, right? 

Unfortunately, that didn't happen yesterday.  K woke up vomiting and with diarrhea.  So, instead of getting everyone sick at church and to stay and take care of K, we didn't get to Mass.  I know that it was probably the right choice, but I missed it.

Other than being sick, it was a weekend of relaxation (and taking care of sick people), so it was a weekend of naps and snuggles and drinking ginger ale.  I did manage to get a bunch done on Fixit's new blanket.  Only problem on the stash busting attempt is that I only had one skein of a certain blue, so I think I'll have to go get one or two more skeins of that color.  (But in the interest of stash busting, I had enough of the pink and the white, and I'll end up using probably 5 skeins from the stash.)

Some plans for this week...  Today, call the gas station I applied at to try and set up an appointment.  Working a few nights and some weekends would really help the cash flow around here, with the added benefit of getting me out of the house.  I also need to snuggle with some sick kids and suck down the tea and elderberry syrup myself.

Some time this week, I need to update my letters for forensics judging and get those mailed out.  I would love to judge again, plus the money helps out.

With everyone sick this weekend, the house looks like it.  SO, double time on dishes, laundry, and straightening out.  (There is a benefit to K spilling a box of cereal on the floor - the floor has already been swept! :) )

I took inventory of my Etsy stuff this weekend and it is now contained in one box.  However, that led me to realize that I have LOTS of stuff that I have to take pictures of and get on there.  (I hate setting up my stuff for taking pictures, so I have to get is set up and be able to leave it up for a couple of days, so I can take LOTS of pictures.)

I'm hoping to finish Fixit's blanket, if I can get the rest of my yarn.  I'll check with Mom to see if she can stop after work one day and get them for me. 

Friday, my sweet sister-in-law is coming over for a girl's day.  Ok, all the kids will be here, but we haven't seen each other in over a week.  We're used to seeing each other twice a week, but now that my brother is laid off for the winter, he watches my nephew.

This weekend, we have another play practice at church. Sunday is the day of the big performance.  My kids are so excited.

If I can find time for myself, I want to...  work on Fixit's blanket. Go to the library and get a couple of books.  Ok, in all honesty - I want to kick this cold and feel better.

Some prayer intentions for the week...  That we all start to feel better...that my sister's ankle continues to heal after being casted last week and that she stays off it...that the weather cooperates and my younger sister and her family can make it this weekend...

Something that makes me smile...  Wow, my brain just froze up and I can't think of anything.  I'm not saying that nothing makes me happy, just that my brain is tired and I can't come up with anything right now.

I hooking up with Nadja over at Patch O Dirt Farm today with Monday Musing.  Ok, I've got mine done before here, so we'll see if she does one today. :+)

Monday Musing - December 5, 2011

Right Now...  It is 10:20 a.m. 

Fixit has been keeping herself busy for the past hour.  She played with the Fairy Connectagons - and put them away, then she played with CoCo the Clown - and put him away.  Now, she is working on her 2nd puzzle of the morning.  She is awesome at puzzles at about 25 pieces. 50 pieces can frustrate her. 

I've gotten my Ebay sales (that paid) in the mail this morning.  Updated my Etsy and my Ebay spreadsheets with new listings and sales.  I've also spent over an hour fighting with our health insurance claims website. It said the old site had transitioned to a new site, so I signed us up on the new site - where it couldn't find anything on us! Ugh.  Then, after I set up the new password and account, now it says that the new information is incorrect.  And, I can't call them to have them fix it, because I'm not the insured and they will only talk to my husband.

Which reminds me, that I have to have him call the ER Doctor's billing group, because they won't talk to me, either, even though he has told them repeatedly that I have access.

K forgot her lunch box at home, and I refused to take it to her.  Sometimes it's too easy to forget and have Mom come to the rescue.  She can have hot lunch today, even if she doesn't like it.

This weekend was...  Busy.  Friday night was the annual Christmas party at the Pulaski Library. They have pizza and hot dogs, plus you can listen to Mrs. Claus read a story, sit on Santa's lap (K wondered why Santa said "God Bless!"  Because he knows the real reason for the season!), do a hayride and see all the Christmas lights, and do crafts.  The kids really had fun and I didn't have to come up with anything for supper!
Saturday, we had Cathechism.  I would like to think that my 7th graders are learning something. At least there was a little more cooperation this weekend than there has been the last few weeks.  Then, we had program practice.  Saturday afternoon, we baked a 5-gallon pail's worth of sugar cookies and gingerbread men. 
Sunday - I fully intended to go to Mass.  However, I had 3 little girls that decided to eat every one of the last batch of cookies on the counter and they were already grouching.  So, another Sunday that I'm going to have to add to my next confession.  Then, my sister-in-law and I spent a wonderful day together. It was so much fun and so reenergizing.  THANK YOU!

Some plans for the week...  Mail out my Ebay sales.  Hopefully, get pictures taken and a few more things listed on both Ebay and Etsy.  I want to get rid of some of the fabric that I will never use that I got from an estate sale.  Slowly been thinning it down - which is good, because it is paying for the fabric that I got at this estate sale. :)  Normal stuff like dishes and laundry.

I have to make two castles, a wizard, a dragon, and a double-sided castle/pirate map to finish my custom orders from last week's craft show.  I want them all down by the end of the week, Wednesday would be better.

Wednesday, I'm watching my nephew earlier than usual, because my SIL has a dr's appt. She's returning the favor and watching the kids while I'm at my dentist appt on Thursday.  Thursday is also 4-H and Feast of the Immaculate Conception - so have to get to Mass.

Plus. all week, have to make at least one batch of candy every day.  I'm hoping to get the toasted coconut marshmallows done today and maybe the butter caramels.

I am grateful for...  my sister-in-law who wanted to spend the day with me and treat me to lunch and a pedicure.  My wacky and wonderful kids.  For plenty of food in the cupboards and the ability to buy more. Having extra money to be able to give to those who lost everything this weekend in the horrible fire in Pulaski.

Prayer intentions for this week...  For Mrs. Joan Ladowski, the art teacher/librarian at my daughter's Catholic school.  She's been suffering from cancer and we got a letter from the principal today that it has gotten more aggressive and she's been told to keep her friends and family close.  She's such a wonderul, giving, and caring person.  For the victims of the 5-alarm fire in Pulaski, thank goodness that everyone is okay, but that the community will pull together and help those who lost everything to get a new start in their lives, especially Mr. Kelly, the custodian at K's school.

Something that makes me smile...  a clean living room, love you dear.

heading and idea from http://patchodirtfarm.blogspot.com/

Monday Musing - End of November

Right now...  1:30 p.m.  All 4 kids are finally napping.  Chilly outside but not snowing.  I'm watching my nephew, so my sister-in-law can get some sleep. She feels crummy.

This weekend...  We had a great get together with family on Saturday for Thanksgiving.  I learned some interesting things.  I can try new things with the squash (never doing that recipe again!); we can try something new with the potatoes (the ranch slow cooker potatoes were good), but I better not mess with the stuffing.  I started making the stuffing about 10 years ago, and it has been my job ever since.  I make an apple sausage stuffing, where I use my home canned apple pie filling.  I wasn't going to make stuffing, we always have too much food.  My brother did NOT like that idea, that's why he came home from college. Mom's pumpkin pie and my stuffing.  Ok, quick change of plans and trip to the store and we had stuffing.  And WHY do I listen to how long they say to cook the turkey???  Why??  Because I started it way too soon, again, and it was a bit dry.  ugh.

Then, Saturday night, K and I went to 7 p.m. Mass.  It was our first Mass with the new translation.  I thought it was very good and that more people actually paid attention.  Only thing I don't like is "consubstantial" - really? that's easier to understand??  Sure not easier to say. 

Sunday, I cut felt, sewed felt, organized felt.  Ugh, I think my brain is felty.  It'll be nice to get the puppets packaged tonight.

Some plans for the week... 
Tonight, I have to finish the puppets and printing out the cards and package them.
Tomorrow, I have to make sure I have everything ready for my craft show.
Wednesday, is the craft show at my husband's work. I made good money at this one last year, so I'm hoping they like my new stuff.
Thursday, December 1st!  Wow!  I have the artist's reception at The Art Garage (still can't get over the artist part, but if it helps sell some of my stuff, I'm all for it!)
Friday, get my lesson plans ready for Cathechism on Saturday and probably mix about 4 batches of cookie dough.
Saturday, Catechism at 9. Christmas program practice right after at 11.  Then, come home and see if the neighbor is home to start the Great Cookie Bakeoff in preparation for the cookie party on the 10th.
Sunday, Mass - Santa is coming after Mass - turn in our Giving Tree presents at church, then go out with my sister-in-law.

If I can find some time for myself, I would like to...  Um, this week is about being busy.  My alone time is during naptime.  But we did start the Holy Heroes Advent Adventure and the kids seem to like it.

I am grateful for...  My husband who helps me cut out felt, even though he doesn't want to. My kids for being so enthusiastic about helping me cut out stuff for my puppets yesterday.

Some special prayer intentions for the week:  For my friend, Teresa's father, he's been in the hospital and suffered respiratory and cardiac arrest last night and they think he has a brain bleed.  I'm hoping they can find peace. She is on her way home to Wisconsin from Arizona right now.  That I have patience with my kids this week to do things with them instead of yelling at them.  That my craft show goes well and that Etsy sales take off, so I can do a few more things with the Giving Tree and maybe send some money out as the Christmas Elf to some people that I know need things more than we do.

Something that makes me smile...  The look on Fixit's face this morning when I declared today a pajama day - for her, not me!  The look on Bug's face when she came home to tell me about the new girl in her class.  K's enthusiasm for life and how generous she is.  She chose her own name from the Giving Tree and wants to use her own money to buy the present for this little girl.

I got the Monday Musing idea from Nadja at Patch of Dirt Farm .  Thank you and I'm so glad that I found you.