I have had a rough past few days.
We were informed that Tony's foster parents have decided to adopt him. :-( I am pretty devastated by the whole thing. The adoption "journey" isnt for the weak... that is for sure!!!
When I found out, I am pretty sure my heart skipped a few beats... and I went into denial. The news was confirmed yesterday... and I am slowly coming around to the fact that, that adorable little guy wont be calling our house, "home".
It has me feeling all kinds of different things... I am mad, because this family could have adopted him at any time over the past 2 yrs, and they didnt. I am upset because we are back to the beginning and cant recover any of what we spent. Yes, we were made fully aware of this at the start of the process... but that doesnt make it any less upsetting.
I am also happy. I am happy that Tony wont have to make the transition into a new family. He wont have to feel scared or confused... or worry if a new family will take care of him properly. In the big picture... this is what is best for him.
Stacy and I have talked about our plan... and how we want to proceed... what we should do next... Quit, move forward, give up, continue to on this journey...
I spoke with an awesome woman at the agency we are working with... we do plan on moving forward. And she thinks she does have some options for us... and more than likely we will have a new addition or 2 by spring.
I will be cautiously optimistic... time will tell. I believe that God will put the right child/ren with us... in his own time. Everything happens for a reason and the timing was just not right yet.
In the mean time... I will NOT be looking at ANY adoption website!!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
11/24/2013
It is a whopping 19 degrees out this morning!! I took the pigs out... and they didnt even want to be out there!! I no sooner put water in their bowls, and it started to freeze!
It made it pretty damn clear that I NEED winter cover-alls. I was using my hunting ones... but since I am actually hunting this year...I am not "allowed" to wear them out for animal care. It almost kills me to have to go and buy another set!! I guess I will pull out my TSC 10% off coupon and suck it up to stay warm this winter. :-/
Stacy's tractor is frozen too. It wont start and he is NOT a happy camper!! He has some yard clean up to do... since they worked on the roof yesterday and everything ended up in the side yard (extra metal scraps, the chimney they tore down & screws).
They did manage to get roofing on ALL of the actual house roof!! WOOO HOOO!! We just have the side kitchen yet (which was a porch) and the front porch. I am sooooo happy about all of the roof progress!!! It took 2 yrs for us to get a front porch, and this is the second fall that we have had the roofing laying in our yard.
There isnt going to be a "family dinner" today. Instead we are all going to go out to the gun club and shoot hunting rifles! :-) I sure hope the sun warms us up some!!
I finally got most of the rows back on the blanket that I had to rip out the other day... all because I some how managed to add 3 stitches and it would have drove me crazy if I wouldnt have fixed it. This is what happens when I crochet AND do a million other things like help with homework, carry on a conversation and try to keep up with what everyone is doing! LOL!!
I didnt sleep all that well last night. I am really hoping that tonight is different. That is 2 nights in a row I was up and down all night! I HATE when that happens.
Nathan spent the weekend with Debbie. He will be home around 11 to go shooting with us. He is always a real "joy" when he comes home. She doesnt follow our strict NO DYES rule... so it takes me DAYS to get him back on track.
This week is THANKSGIVING!! I cant believe how fast the year has gone. Next weekend this time I will be up to my eye balls in Christmas decorations! LOL!! I wish we were able to spend Christmas week at the cabin again... :-( Last Christmas was such an amazing trip. The snow was perfect... all 18 inches of it!! Hunting was fun... but the kids are severely allergic to whatever wood is being burnt up there... and since it is a mix, we have no clue which on it is.
I guess I should get to work! I have body butters to whip up... for Christmas gifts and a special blend for my piggies. Then I need to get started on some special crocheted gifts.
I officially started my Christmas shopping on Friday... I ordered my first gifts!! :-) I hope to have the rest all done this week... then I dont have to worry about it!! It will be smooth sailing into the Holidays at our house. I know my shop will be pretty chaotic and busy... usually is over the Holidays. Everyone wants pretty pups when people visit for Christmas!! Let's hope they dont wait until the last minute... Because I WILL be closed for the 2 weeks over Christmas and New Years this year!! I have some changes I want to make... I am going computerized... for billing and scheduling!! EXCITING!!! I just hope the "growing pains" arent too awful. LOL
It made it pretty damn clear that I NEED winter cover-alls. I was using my hunting ones... but since I am actually hunting this year...I am not "allowed" to wear them out for animal care. It almost kills me to have to go and buy another set!! I guess I will pull out my TSC 10% off coupon and suck it up to stay warm this winter. :-/
Stacy's tractor is frozen too. It wont start and he is NOT a happy camper!! He has some yard clean up to do... since they worked on the roof yesterday and everything ended up in the side yard (extra metal scraps, the chimney they tore down & screws).
They did manage to get roofing on ALL of the actual house roof!! WOOO HOOO!! We just have the side kitchen yet (which was a porch) and the front porch. I am sooooo happy about all of the roof progress!!! It took 2 yrs for us to get a front porch, and this is the second fall that we have had the roofing laying in our yard.
There isnt going to be a "family dinner" today. Instead we are all going to go out to the gun club and shoot hunting rifles! :-) I sure hope the sun warms us up some!!
I finally got most of the rows back on the blanket that I had to rip out the other day... all because I some how managed to add 3 stitches and it would have drove me crazy if I wouldnt have fixed it. This is what happens when I crochet AND do a million other things like help with homework, carry on a conversation and try to keep up with what everyone is doing! LOL!!
I didnt sleep all that well last night. I am really hoping that tonight is different. That is 2 nights in a row I was up and down all night! I HATE when that happens.
Nathan spent the weekend with Debbie. He will be home around 11 to go shooting with us. He is always a real "joy" when he comes home. She doesnt follow our strict NO DYES rule... so it takes me DAYS to get him back on track.
This week is THANKSGIVING!! I cant believe how fast the year has gone. Next weekend this time I will be up to my eye balls in Christmas decorations! LOL!! I wish we were able to spend Christmas week at the cabin again... :-( Last Christmas was such an amazing trip. The snow was perfect... all 18 inches of it!! Hunting was fun... but the kids are severely allergic to whatever wood is being burnt up there... and since it is a mix, we have no clue which on it is.
I guess I should get to work! I have body butters to whip up... for Christmas gifts and a special blend for my piggies. Then I need to get started on some special crocheted gifts.
I officially started my Christmas shopping on Friday... I ordered my first gifts!! :-) I hope to have the rest all done this week... then I dont have to worry about it!! It will be smooth sailing into the Holidays at our house. I know my shop will be pretty chaotic and busy... usually is over the Holidays. Everyone wants pretty pups when people visit for Christmas!! Let's hope they dont wait until the last minute... Because I WILL be closed for the 2 weeks over Christmas and New Years this year!! I have some changes I want to make... I am going computerized... for billing and scheduling!! EXCITING!!! I just hope the "growing pains" arent too awful. LOL
Saturday, November 23, 2013
11/23/2013
The guys are hard at work on the roof. We are sooo close to having it done!!
Today they are removing the chimney from what use to be the summer kitchen, but is now my laundry room. Finally figured out where the previous people had the dryer vented to... the chimney! LOL! Since we werent sure, Stacy put in a new vent when we first moved in.
After the chimney is gone... they will be installing the roof on that part of the house! After that... only my side kitchen and the new front porch will need done!! :-)
I can not tell you how much of a relief it will be once the roof is 100% complete... and not laying in our yard!! It will be one more thing checked off the "to-do" list that we need to have done before we bring home a new child!
Hunting season is fast approaching!! Mine and Nathan's guns finally came in. We will spend tomorrow sighting them in!
BUT, before I can worry about hunting season... We have to make it through Thanksgiving!! We are hosting dinner, as is our tradition! Only this year... I am not making EVERYTHING. This is a huge change for me... since I LOVE cooking all of dinner for everyone! We have just been saving and pinching in every area... since we will need to be providing for another "special needs" child soon. There is so much that we will have to have and buy... I just want to make sure the money is there when we need it.
I have decided to go without so much... and it is soooo worth it, and really not a big deal!
I gave up my satelite radio...which I do miss, but I am not in my car for huge periods of time every day... so no biggy.
I cut down on my Icee runs... except on high stress days... then I NEED them...LOL!! It helps that BK is having trouble keeping the machine working...so even when I do have a weak moment, 75% of the time the machine is down...LOL!!
I also cut back on the data plan for my phone. I thought about switching back to just talk and text... but I use my phone to make bank deposits and keep my shop appt book and the kid's activity calendar... plus notes and lists that get me through day to day life. I would seriously be lost without the features of my smartphone and it's apps!! Now if I could just get my hubby to cut back on his data usage...which is an ongoing battle!
We have opened up more of the house to the coal heat, by cutting our existing doors into dutch doors!! I LOVE THEM!! It keeps dogs contained without blocking the heat flow!
I make as much of the things we use as possible! Laundry detergent, fabric softener, snacks, breads. I make very few things out of a box.
AND... we have become a whole lot more resourceful or finding things that work, instead of buying new! Like the piggy pen we built last night!! Skids, stall mats, cinder blocks and an old dog kennel... all things we had laying around (except the cinder blocks... they came from Stacy's dad!)
Anyway...
I am completely fascinated by these pigs!! I cant believe how smart they are... and how loving they are! They have feelings and emotions just like ppl (proven fact)!!
I went and talked to some very knowledgeable pig ppl today... got some tips and tricks... so I am pretty excited about that! I just wish I could get Wilbur (yes, changed his name AGAIN...LOL) neutered. I cant stand how smelly he can be... especially when he catches sight of Piglet!! YUCKY!! Makes it hard to spend extra time with him... getting him use to people.
I LOVE the piggy pen Stacy and I built last night!! Easy to clean and they wont be able to let themselves out when I cant be sitting right next to them. I just need to find a FREE dog house, or build one from stuff we have sitting around!! That old truck cap may be a perfect resource... if the guy who wants to buy it never comes for it!!
I am going to try putting together a homemade coconut oil mix to battle Piglet's awful skin... plus I went and paid the $4 for Horse de-wormer just in case she has mange or mites... or whatever else could be causing it.
I got some GREAT pointers on helping Piglet drop weight without making her feel like I am torturing her or starving her! She is already shedding some pounds... her chins dont drag on the ground anymore, and you can see some extra skin hanging under her belly now. But she still a lot of fat rolls and there is no sign of hip bones!!
I am pretty sure we are past the "sugar crash" stage of getting her off the buffet of apples she was accustomed too. Her temperament is way more pleasant and she comes up to me for belly rubs and to be petted. Before she was just plain pissy!! LOL
Yes, I am probably a bit obsessive about these pigs... but they are just so cool!
The kids are all doing well. Brittany is adjusting to less cheerleading, now that football season is over and she didnt do winter cheer because of all the adoption stuff. It is nice having her home too.
She made HONOR ROLL for the first marking period! I am so super proud of her!!
Courtney got some great news too!! Her official start date at HGA is January 13th!! Which means we will be taking her up the Saturday before!!! I am soooo very proud of her, and excited for her!!! It has been a loooong battle, getting her in there.
Once we get through holidays, we can start packing up necessities and things.
Oh yes... Christmas... fast approaching!! I am doing a lot of homemade gifts, as I do every year. I am also letting the kids have more of a say in what they get this year. Usually it is a huge surprise Christmas morning... but they are all getting older now, and like what they like... not always what they end up with. LOL
Monday is Nathan's Turkey luncheon at school. I am in charge of the gravy!! They are making 4 20lb turkeys for this gathering... I guess it is going to be HUGE!! Stacy was suppose to attend with me... but since the guns needed sighted in, we opted for him to be off tomorrow. Instead, I will be taking Courtney with me to lunch! She just doesnt know it yet...LOL
It will be fun to gather with Nathan's school "family" for lunch!! I am so very thankful for NDCS... they have gone above and beyond with Nathan. Every one of his teachers are WONDERFUL and I have a great, open line of communication with them!
I better get into the kitchen. Nathan brought home a ton of bananas from something they did at school during the week. He had plans of me making banana bread with it... so that is what I will do! :-)
I also have to make sure the soup is hot when the guys want to eat lunch. AND deal with some clutter!
Today they are removing the chimney from what use to be the summer kitchen, but is now my laundry room. Finally figured out where the previous people had the dryer vented to... the chimney! LOL! Since we werent sure, Stacy put in a new vent when we first moved in.
After the chimney is gone... they will be installing the roof on that part of the house! After that... only my side kitchen and the new front porch will need done!! :-)
I can not tell you how much of a relief it will be once the roof is 100% complete... and not laying in our yard!! It will be one more thing checked off the "to-do" list that we need to have done before we bring home a new child!
Hunting season is fast approaching!! Mine and Nathan's guns finally came in. We will spend tomorrow sighting them in!
BUT, before I can worry about hunting season... We have to make it through Thanksgiving!! We are hosting dinner, as is our tradition! Only this year... I am not making EVERYTHING. This is a huge change for me... since I LOVE cooking all of dinner for everyone! We have just been saving and pinching in every area... since we will need to be providing for another "special needs" child soon. There is so much that we will have to have and buy... I just want to make sure the money is there when we need it.
I have decided to go without so much... and it is soooo worth it, and really not a big deal!
I gave up my satelite radio...which I do miss, but I am not in my car for huge periods of time every day... so no biggy.
I cut down on my Icee runs... except on high stress days... then I NEED them...LOL!! It helps that BK is having trouble keeping the machine working...so even when I do have a weak moment, 75% of the time the machine is down...LOL!!
I also cut back on the data plan for my phone. I thought about switching back to just talk and text... but I use my phone to make bank deposits and keep my shop appt book and the kid's activity calendar... plus notes and lists that get me through day to day life. I would seriously be lost without the features of my smartphone and it's apps!! Now if I could just get my hubby to cut back on his data usage...which is an ongoing battle!
We have opened up more of the house to the coal heat, by cutting our existing doors into dutch doors!! I LOVE THEM!! It keeps dogs contained without blocking the heat flow!
I make as much of the things we use as possible! Laundry detergent, fabric softener, snacks, breads. I make very few things out of a box.
AND... we have become a whole lot more resourceful or finding things that work, instead of buying new! Like the piggy pen we built last night!! Skids, stall mats, cinder blocks and an old dog kennel... all things we had laying around (except the cinder blocks... they came from Stacy's dad!)
Anyway...
I am completely fascinated by these pigs!! I cant believe how smart they are... and how loving they are! They have feelings and emotions just like ppl (proven fact)!!
I went and talked to some very knowledgeable pig ppl today... got some tips and tricks... so I am pretty excited about that! I just wish I could get Wilbur (yes, changed his name AGAIN...LOL) neutered. I cant stand how smelly he can be... especially when he catches sight of Piglet!! YUCKY!! Makes it hard to spend extra time with him... getting him use to people.
I LOVE the piggy pen Stacy and I built last night!! Easy to clean and they wont be able to let themselves out when I cant be sitting right next to them. I just need to find a FREE dog house, or build one from stuff we have sitting around!! That old truck cap may be a perfect resource... if the guy who wants to buy it never comes for it!!
I am going to try putting together a homemade coconut oil mix to battle Piglet's awful skin... plus I went and paid the $4 for Horse de-wormer just in case she has mange or mites... or whatever else could be causing it.
I got some GREAT pointers on helping Piglet drop weight without making her feel like I am torturing her or starving her! She is already shedding some pounds... her chins dont drag on the ground anymore, and you can see some extra skin hanging under her belly now. But she still a lot of fat rolls and there is no sign of hip bones!!
I am pretty sure we are past the "sugar crash" stage of getting her off the buffet of apples she was accustomed too. Her temperament is way more pleasant and she comes up to me for belly rubs and to be petted. Before she was just plain pissy!! LOL
Yes, I am probably a bit obsessive about these pigs... but they are just so cool!
The kids are all doing well. Brittany is adjusting to less cheerleading, now that football season is over and she didnt do winter cheer because of all the adoption stuff. It is nice having her home too.
She made HONOR ROLL for the first marking period! I am so super proud of her!!
Courtney got some great news too!! Her official start date at HGA is January 13th!! Which means we will be taking her up the Saturday before!!! I am soooo very proud of her, and excited for her!!! It has been a loooong battle, getting her in there.
Once we get through holidays, we can start packing up necessities and things.
Oh yes... Christmas... fast approaching!! I am doing a lot of homemade gifts, as I do every year. I am also letting the kids have more of a say in what they get this year. Usually it is a huge surprise Christmas morning... but they are all getting older now, and like what they like... not always what they end up with. LOL
Monday is Nathan's Turkey luncheon at school. I am in charge of the gravy!! They are making 4 20lb turkeys for this gathering... I guess it is going to be HUGE!! Stacy was suppose to attend with me... but since the guns needed sighted in, we opted for him to be off tomorrow. Instead, I will be taking Courtney with me to lunch! She just doesnt know it yet...LOL
It will be fun to gather with Nathan's school "family" for lunch!! I am so very thankful for NDCS... they have gone above and beyond with Nathan. Every one of his teachers are WONDERFUL and I have a great, open line of communication with them!
I better get into the kitchen. Nathan brought home a ton of bananas from something they did at school during the week. He had plans of me making banana bread with it... so that is what I will do! :-)
I also have to make sure the soup is hot when the guys want to eat lunch. AND deal with some clutter!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Rollercoaster
Our lives have been such a roller coaster lately... at a bunch of different angles.
The one that sticks out most in my mind... is the adoption process!!
I have to admit... I have learned a lot about myself, my past, and my abilities through all of this. I have also learned a bunch about my husband.
I have always looked at my past as something to not be so proud of... to keep to myself. It turns out... all of those things I have been through and battled make me a much more desirable parent!! Who would have thought!! I mean... The entire time I have been a mother (the past 21 yrs) I have had at least one person tell me I was doing things WRONG! Our adoption counselor looked me in the eyes one day... and told me to think about that...really think. I have 4 amazing kids, who are doing great things... because of me and the way I have parented them!! Did I make some mistakes... of course. ALL parents do!!
Stacy and I want to add to our family so bad!! We have done EVERYTHING we have been asked to do. We have come up with care plans for a special needs child... we have come up with back up care plans for a special needs child... we have come up with back up to the back up plans!!! We have asked carefully picked family members if they would step up and help us if we needed that help... and asked them to obtain all of the required clearances. We have had our kids, still at home, get clearances.
We have researched, learned, and gone over all kinds of possible care needs.
It seems like we just keep going and doing... and we still dont have a new little person in our home yet!! :-(
I absolutely hate that a part of the reason for that... is it is such a money racket!! Of course, the process takes some time... we understand that. But at the same time... it is coming up with the required fees to get the training... get the special approvals... have what we need on hand... and all of the "fun" stuff needed to adopt from out of state.
It is pretty sad that the way the "system" works is that if we were going to adopt from the PA foster care system... they would PAY US to do so!! BUT... take it out of state, even with a special needs kiddo... it costs us an arm and a leg! I think that is what makes it all the more frustrating!!
We have had a bunch of ups and down through this process... at times I wonder if it will ever really happen. Will all of this hard work and saving ever give us what we are looking for...?
I just have to never give up hope and truly KNOW that it will all work out in the end.
The one that sticks out most in my mind... is the adoption process!!
I have to admit... I have learned a lot about myself, my past, and my abilities through all of this. I have also learned a bunch about my husband.
I have always looked at my past as something to not be so proud of... to keep to myself. It turns out... all of those things I have been through and battled make me a much more desirable parent!! Who would have thought!! I mean... The entire time I have been a mother (the past 21 yrs) I have had at least one person tell me I was doing things WRONG! Our adoption counselor looked me in the eyes one day... and told me to think about that...really think. I have 4 amazing kids, who are doing great things... because of me and the way I have parented them!! Did I make some mistakes... of course. ALL parents do!!
Stacy and I want to add to our family so bad!! We have done EVERYTHING we have been asked to do. We have come up with care plans for a special needs child... we have come up with back up care plans for a special needs child... we have come up with back up to the back up plans!!! We have asked carefully picked family members if they would step up and help us if we needed that help... and asked them to obtain all of the required clearances. We have had our kids, still at home, get clearances.
We have researched, learned, and gone over all kinds of possible care needs.
It seems like we just keep going and doing... and we still dont have a new little person in our home yet!! :-(
I absolutely hate that a part of the reason for that... is it is such a money racket!! Of course, the process takes some time... we understand that. But at the same time... it is coming up with the required fees to get the training... get the special approvals... have what we need on hand... and all of the "fun" stuff needed to adopt from out of state.
It is pretty sad that the way the "system" works is that if we were going to adopt from the PA foster care system... they would PAY US to do so!! BUT... take it out of state, even with a special needs kiddo... it costs us an arm and a leg! I think that is what makes it all the more frustrating!!
We have had a bunch of ups and down through this process... at times I wonder if it will ever really happen. Will all of this hard work and saving ever give us what we are looking for...?
I just have to never give up hope and truly KNOW that it will all work out in the end.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Back at it
After a 6 month break... I have decided to come back to blogging. I really dont think anyone knows what it takes to run the "Graff homestead"! With 6 kids (1 not under our roof, but living near by with his girlfriend) 5 dogs, a flock of ducks, 2 bearded dragons, and now 2 micro potbelly pigs... life is always an adventure!! Seriously, there is NEVER a dull moment around here!!!
Last evening, "Bacon" (or "Hamlet"... we are apparently still undecided on his name), the youngest of the pigs at only 4 months old, decided to let himself out of the yard!! Pigs are super smart... and I am learning that real quick! The kids and I searched Erdman for this little pig... looking in fields, yards, along the road and in the mountain. NO sign of the pig! Nathan was a complete mess... which is just his nature to panic and cry and basically completely freak out. Once the sun disappeared, we stopped searching. Stacy had a chiropractor appt... so we grabbed the spot light and looked along the way.
Of course, once we are in the chiropractor's office... my phone starts to ring!! The neighbors around the corner found the pig!! This is GREAT, you may think..... NOT when I am not home to deal with it! I called the house, Nathan answered the phone. I tried to give him detailed instructions on what to grab and where to go... and what to do once he got there. He apparently didnt hear my voice at all... and just ran out of the house with no coat, no carrier, no piggy treats... NOTHING!! I get a call from his sisters, because they have no clue where he went.
Eventually, all of the kids end up around the corner trying to catch the pig... along with some neighbors!! "Bacon" (or "Hamlet") is a whopping 40lbs at most, so he is fairly small. I guess everyone was trying to catch him and he kept darting out of their arms, between their legs and all over the yards!! Brittany said it was a hilarious sight and she couldnt stop laughing... I guess watching 2 grown ups and a hand full of kids pounce on a screaming pig is somewhat of a sight... One I wish I would have seen!!
The pig was eventually caught and contained... and brought back home. Which we are forever thankful for!!
I learned quite a lesson... it is no joke that pigs are the 4th smartest animals in existence and I better start thinking like a pig!
The first thing I need to do is put up a more secure run... inside the yard... in hopes that while outside, we have no more escapes!! Second, BUSTER CUBES!! This should keep the brainy bunch occupied over their favorite stuff... FOOD... for a bit of time, and their minds off of escaping!! Third, I need to fashion some "rooting boxes"... yes, just more hide and seek food opportunities!
"Bacon" came from an amish auction somewhere up north. He is terrified of people and doesnt have split hooves in the front. Leave it to me to find the one "special needs" pig in all of PA...LOL!!
He is a young male and I have a call in to Dr Tracy about neutering him. I am hoping he will be easier to work with once that is done! Added bonus-- he will be less stinky!!
"Piglet" is a 10 month old female. She likes ppl and food. She came from an orchard, and is extremely grumpy over the fact that she cant graze on apples & pears all day!! The sugar crash was not very funny and made her 60lbs of pissy!! She tried pushing her weight around some... but quickly learned that wouldnt work in her favor. She is starting to come around and eat her veggies... and appreciates the occasional grape and piece of banana! If you havent guessed... she is way overweight, so we are really watching her food intake... in hopes to slim her down some.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner... a week away!! We will be hosting dinner here... as is our tradition! Usually I go all out and make the HUGE meal myself... and LOVE doing it. This year is a bit different. We have been pinching every penny to make adopting (I'll talk more about that in a later post) possible. No more icees ever day or every other day... I am down to about 2 a week tops. Everything we do is more carefully planned, so we dont have to do it again... or make another trip somewhere. If only I could get Stacy to cut down on the tea and soda OR the insane amount of data he "needs" on his phone... we would be home free...LOL!
I hate that I feel like I am the one giving up the most... and Stacy is business as usual. He cant seem to get it in his head that he cant have it all. But that is a completely different discussion that I wont get into.
Nathan and Brittany are back in school. Nathan is attending a local private Christian School and Brittany is back at UDA. They are both doing really well!! Which, again, I will get into in later posts.
That is about all I have time for today. I must get outside to take care of animals... and the dogs are being awfully quiet, and that probably means trouble!
Last evening, "Bacon" (or "Hamlet"... we are apparently still undecided on his name), the youngest of the pigs at only 4 months old, decided to let himself out of the yard!! Pigs are super smart... and I am learning that real quick! The kids and I searched Erdman for this little pig... looking in fields, yards, along the road and in the mountain. NO sign of the pig! Nathan was a complete mess... which is just his nature to panic and cry and basically completely freak out. Once the sun disappeared, we stopped searching. Stacy had a chiropractor appt... so we grabbed the spot light and looked along the way.
Of course, once we are in the chiropractor's office... my phone starts to ring!! The neighbors around the corner found the pig!! This is GREAT, you may think..... NOT when I am not home to deal with it! I called the house, Nathan answered the phone. I tried to give him detailed instructions on what to grab and where to go... and what to do once he got there. He apparently didnt hear my voice at all... and just ran out of the house with no coat, no carrier, no piggy treats... NOTHING!! I get a call from his sisters, because they have no clue where he went.
Eventually, all of the kids end up around the corner trying to catch the pig... along with some neighbors!! "Bacon" (or "Hamlet") is a whopping 40lbs at most, so he is fairly small. I guess everyone was trying to catch him and he kept darting out of their arms, between their legs and all over the yards!! Brittany said it was a hilarious sight and she couldnt stop laughing... I guess watching 2 grown ups and a hand full of kids pounce on a screaming pig is somewhat of a sight... One I wish I would have seen!!
The pig was eventually caught and contained... and brought back home. Which we are forever thankful for!!
I learned quite a lesson... it is no joke that pigs are the 4th smartest animals in existence and I better start thinking like a pig!
The first thing I need to do is put up a more secure run... inside the yard... in hopes that while outside, we have no more escapes!! Second, BUSTER CUBES!! This should keep the brainy bunch occupied over their favorite stuff... FOOD... for a bit of time, and their minds off of escaping!! Third, I need to fashion some "rooting boxes"... yes, just more hide and seek food opportunities!
"Bacon" came from an amish auction somewhere up north. He is terrified of people and doesnt have split hooves in the front. Leave it to me to find the one "special needs" pig in all of PA...LOL!!
He is a young male and I have a call in to Dr Tracy about neutering him. I am hoping he will be easier to work with once that is done! Added bonus-- he will be less stinky!!
"Piglet" is a 10 month old female. She likes ppl and food. She came from an orchard, and is extremely grumpy over the fact that she cant graze on apples & pears all day!! The sugar crash was not very funny and made her 60lbs of pissy!! She tried pushing her weight around some... but quickly learned that wouldnt work in her favor. She is starting to come around and eat her veggies... and appreciates the occasional grape and piece of banana! If you havent guessed... she is way overweight, so we are really watching her food intake... in hopes to slim her down some.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner... a week away!! We will be hosting dinner here... as is our tradition! Usually I go all out and make the HUGE meal myself... and LOVE doing it. This year is a bit different. We have been pinching every penny to make adopting (I'll talk more about that in a later post) possible. No more icees ever day or every other day... I am down to about 2 a week tops. Everything we do is more carefully planned, so we dont have to do it again... or make another trip somewhere. If only I could get Stacy to cut down on the tea and soda OR the insane amount of data he "needs" on his phone... we would be home free...LOL!
I hate that I feel like I am the one giving up the most... and Stacy is business as usual. He cant seem to get it in his head that he cant have it all. But that is a completely different discussion that I wont get into.
Nathan and Brittany are back in school. Nathan is attending a local private Christian School and Brittany is back at UDA. They are both doing really well!! Which, again, I will get into in later posts.
That is about all I have time for today. I must get outside to take care of animals... and the dogs are being awfully quiet, and that probably means trouble!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Truly blessed...
I always knew I was "lucky". I have 4 awesome kids... and awesome hubby... I love our home... I enjoy being able to work in my shop and do all of the other things I do.
More and more I am having those eye opening moments where I am seeing that I'm not just "lucky". I am truly blessed, in so many ways!!
Living with fibromyalgia isnt easy. Last week I had one of my worse "flares" ever. It was hard to get out of bed... let alone function. But still, I pushed on and didnt give up. I worked through the appts in my shop, with Brittany's help. (It is nice to be just busy enough I need a paid helper... even nicer that it is my own daughter, who usually knows what I want or need before I do!) I did miss a few things I wanted to do last week... but I will make up for it this week! It really makes me appreciate the days I feel GREAT, that is for sure!!!
I was extremely thankful that my flare cleared up in time for Mother's Day weekend!! This was the first Mother's Day that Stacy was off since we moved into this house!! And of course he and the kids had big plans! (I was woken up by the smoke detectors going off, bright and early...LOL) I LOVE our "adventures"!! We also included some Mother's Day visiting in our Sunday...which was really nice.
Here are the "projects" I was working on for Mother's Day--
My Grandmother's "Picture Pot"
Stacy's Mom's "Picture Pot"
And my HUGE Mother's Day surprise--
It is BEAUTIFUL... and I was completely shocked!!!
Let's see...
Since my last blog I have become an admin/moderator on 2 really cool FB pages--Old Structures & Interesting Places in Eastern PA... also in Central PA!! I am LOVING the fact that I get to share my photography work, and I am getting A LOT of feedback! :-) It helps that we go on TONS of "adventures"!! I am having a lot of fun with it.
Stacy and I took a sewing class together!!! It was a ton of fun too!! I have an awesome hubby to give up his Friday night to attend a class with me. Originally he wasnt going to go... but we needed 1 more person or the class was going to be canceled. Soooo... he "volunteered"! :-)
I took that opportunity to buy a new sewing machine. I am hoping to add doggy apparel to my shop sometime in the future.
I finally attended my first Bible Study at the church today! It was really nice. I was pretty nervous... since I am "new" still to the church. But I LOVE how welcoming everyone is!
I was really kind of bummed over the weekend. Not having my own mother to celebrate Mother's Day with. But over time... I have realized that God has put some pretty special ppl in my life. It is so true when they say He gives us what we need... not necessarily what we want!!
I reached out to Pastor Beth at a pretty difficult time for me. I am soooo glad she was there and "all ears"... and just as awesome as she was 5 yrs ago when I first met her! Love her!!!
I think that about sums up things lately.
I will try to get some pics posted of our "baby" ducks... which arent so small anymore. They are getting their real feathers... and growing every day! It is amazing to watch how quickly they grow!!
More and more I am having those eye opening moments where I am seeing that I'm not just "lucky". I am truly blessed, in so many ways!!
Living with fibromyalgia isnt easy. Last week I had one of my worse "flares" ever. It was hard to get out of bed... let alone function. But still, I pushed on and didnt give up. I worked through the appts in my shop, with Brittany's help. (It is nice to be just busy enough I need a paid helper... even nicer that it is my own daughter, who usually knows what I want or need before I do!) I did miss a few things I wanted to do last week... but I will make up for it this week! It really makes me appreciate the days I feel GREAT, that is for sure!!!
I was extremely thankful that my flare cleared up in time for Mother's Day weekend!! This was the first Mother's Day that Stacy was off since we moved into this house!! And of course he and the kids had big plans! (I was woken up by the smoke detectors going off, bright and early...LOL) I LOVE our "adventures"!! We also included some Mother's Day visiting in our Sunday...which was really nice.
Here are the "projects" I was working on for Mother's Day--
My Grandmother's "Picture Pot"
Let's see...
Since my last blog I have become an admin/moderator on 2 really cool FB pages--Old Structures & Interesting Places in Eastern PA... also in Central PA!! I am LOVING the fact that I get to share my photography work, and I am getting A LOT of feedback! :-) It helps that we go on TONS of "adventures"!! I am having a lot of fun with it.
Stacy and I took a sewing class together!!! It was a ton of fun too!! I have an awesome hubby to give up his Friday night to attend a class with me. Originally he wasnt going to go... but we needed 1 more person or the class was going to be canceled. Soooo... he "volunteered"! :-)
I took that opportunity to buy a new sewing machine. I am hoping to add doggy apparel to my shop sometime in the future.
I finally attended my first Bible Study at the church today! It was really nice. I was pretty nervous... since I am "new" still to the church. But I LOVE how welcoming everyone is!
I was really kind of bummed over the weekend. Not having my own mother to celebrate Mother's Day with. But over time... I have realized that God has put some pretty special ppl in my life. It is so true when they say He gives us what we need... not necessarily what we want!!
I reached out to Pastor Beth at a pretty difficult time for me. I am soooo glad she was there and "all ears"... and just as awesome as she was 5 yrs ago when I first met her! Love her!!!
I think that about sums up things lately.
I will try to get some pics posted of our "baby" ducks... which arent so small anymore. They are getting their real feathers... and growing every day! It is amazing to watch how quickly they grow!!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Changes...
So I guess I will let the cat out of the bag on some of the changes and "growth" going on around here!
Our first big change was the addition of a HUGE, amazing 4ftx8ft advertising sign with a COMPLETELY new look and design!! It was successfully hung yesterday (in Klingerstown) AND within a few hours I had a WINNER of the "find the sign" contest!! :-) I am so excited about our new look... and cant wait to order a new sign for out front and a few more to hang around Upper Dauphin County!!
Our second BIG change is--
We officially enrolled Nathaniel and Brittany in Northern Dauphin Christian School for the 2013-2014 school year!!!
I have some mixed feeling about this... but I think even through the growing pains, it was a great decision!! I prayed a lot about it, talked to MANY knowledgeable and helpful ppl... and I think we made a good choice!!
I will miss having the kids here... and doing all of those "fun" activities we do during the day. (Yesterday Nathan washed AND hung out his own laundry all by himself!! I am sooo very proud of him!!) But, I just feel like they will learn some "extras" with kids their age, that I cant provide at home. I am looking forward to their service projects!!
I get to be very involved with the school and learning. So that makes me feel quite a bit better about it! PLUS it opens up some time for me to be involved in some other activities in the community.
Lastly... my blog name will be changing over the summer!! I am thinking "Homestead Hobbies"... but I am just not quite sure yet.
I guess that is enough "sharing" for one day. We have more up our sleeve... but I will hang on to those "secrets" until the time is right!!
Our first big change was the addition of a HUGE, amazing 4ftx8ft advertising sign with a COMPLETELY new look and design!! It was successfully hung yesterday (in Klingerstown) AND within a few hours I had a WINNER of the "find the sign" contest!! :-) I am so excited about our new look... and cant wait to order a new sign for out front and a few more to hang around Upper Dauphin County!!
Our second BIG change is--
We officially enrolled Nathaniel and Brittany in Northern Dauphin Christian School for the 2013-2014 school year!!!
I have some mixed feeling about this... but I think even through the growing pains, it was a great decision!! I prayed a lot about it, talked to MANY knowledgeable and helpful ppl... and I think we made a good choice!!
I will miss having the kids here... and doing all of those "fun" activities we do during the day. (Yesterday Nathan washed AND hung out his own laundry all by himself!! I am sooo very proud of him!!) But, I just feel like they will learn some "extras" with kids their age, that I cant provide at home. I am looking forward to their service projects!!
I get to be very involved with the school and learning. So that makes me feel quite a bit better about it! PLUS it opens up some time for me to be involved in some other activities in the community.
Lastly... my blog name will be changing over the summer!! I am thinking "Homestead Hobbies"... but I am just not quite sure yet.
I guess that is enough "sharing" for one day. We have more up our sleeve... but I will hang on to those "secrets" until the time is right!!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Growing Pains
As most of you know... I have been doing some major changing over the past 6 months or so.
I havent had much time to blog... But I am anticipating that will change in the near future.
What will also change?
The focus of this blog!! :-)
I dont want to give away too much... just yet. Just keep an eye out for the fun stuff to come!! Until then, bear with me!
I havent had much time to blog... But I am anticipating that will change in the near future.
What will also change?
The focus of this blog!! :-)
I dont want to give away too much... just yet. Just keep an eye out for the fun stuff to come!! Until then, bear with me!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
So much...
...going on!!
I guess I missed a few weeks of blogging!! Things have been busy to say the least!
We started the paperwork and FAFSA forms for Courtney to go to college!!! We are probably looking at a Fall start for her, altho we arent counting out May yet, even if it is highly unlikely.
She is also motivated to work over the summer months... since she will have to pay for her own internet and cable while away at school. Since we are forking the bill for some of the schooling.
We are still nursing Quackers back to health...3rd round of antibiotics. It's been quite the journey with her!!
Runway was spayed yesterday. Brittany has been very attentive to taking extra good care of her! Really, she has been a nervous wreck!! LOL
We have an E-Lop in the house with boo boo ears... she sliced them under her nails.
I may have FINALLY (2 yrs later) found the super rare ducks I have been searching for. Fingers crossed that this "deal" works out!
We are thinking about (privacy) fencing in the upper part of the yard, where the coops are... and putting our "guardian dogs" to work at nite!! Our neighbors have all kinds of wild life living in their fallen down garage... and something is really after our animals up there. We lost another chicken.
We have started our "Family Dinner" nights!! It was nice to have everyone together last weekend! I think everyone really enjoyed themselves! Looking forward to the next one.
Looking into some advertising options for my shop. Excited about that!
Switched to a different Chiropractor... today was my first visit... I am happier already!
Nathan goes for his hunter safety course on Saturday!!
New truck tires are GREAT!! Love them... and they do awesome in the snow. Too bad I got to find that out in SPRING! LOL!!
Still loving my Land Rover! Way better on fuel... ugly or not! ;-)
Stacy has been hard at work on the Escort. The body is off... and it is in the garage for its motor swap. He had his steering parts custom made. It shouldnt be long now!!!
I've gone through hell and back with issues with my hip/knee. I am finally "over" the trauma from the hip injection... but I sure as hell wont be getting another one!!!! No thanks!!!
I think that about wraps it up. I am sick of this weather... and soooo ready for the "real" SPRING to show up!!!
I guess I missed a few weeks of blogging!! Things have been busy to say the least!
We started the paperwork and FAFSA forms for Courtney to go to college!!! We are probably looking at a Fall start for her, altho we arent counting out May yet, even if it is highly unlikely.
She is also motivated to work over the summer months... since she will have to pay for her own internet and cable while away at school. Since we are forking the bill for some of the schooling.
We are still nursing Quackers back to health...3rd round of antibiotics. It's been quite the journey with her!!
Runway was spayed yesterday. Brittany has been very attentive to taking extra good care of her! Really, she has been a nervous wreck!! LOL
We have an E-Lop in the house with boo boo ears... she sliced them under her nails.
I may have FINALLY (2 yrs later) found the super rare ducks I have been searching for. Fingers crossed that this "deal" works out!
We are thinking about (privacy) fencing in the upper part of the yard, where the coops are... and putting our "guardian dogs" to work at nite!! Our neighbors have all kinds of wild life living in their fallen down garage... and something is really after our animals up there. We lost another chicken.
We have started our "Family Dinner" nights!! It was nice to have everyone together last weekend! I think everyone really enjoyed themselves! Looking forward to the next one.
Looking into some advertising options for my shop. Excited about that!
Switched to a different Chiropractor... today was my first visit... I am happier already!
Nathan goes for his hunter safety course on Saturday!!
New truck tires are GREAT!! Love them... and they do awesome in the snow. Too bad I got to find that out in SPRING! LOL!!
Still loving my Land Rover! Way better on fuel... ugly or not! ;-)
Stacy has been hard at work on the Escort. The body is off... and it is in the garage for its motor swap. He had his steering parts custom made. It shouldnt be long now!!!
I've gone through hell and back with issues with my hip/knee. I am finally "over" the trauma from the hip injection... but I sure as hell wont be getting another one!!!! No thanks!!!
I think that about wraps it up. I am sick of this weather... and soooo ready for the "real" SPRING to show up!!!
Friday, March 1, 2013
2013... Weeks #8 and #9
Ok... it has obviously been pretty busy around here lately!
A quick recap-
*Something got in with the kid's ducks... we lost 1 and the other 2 were badly ripped up. These ducks have seen 2 different vets... been on 2 different antibiotics... tons of wound care... one got a nasty flesh eating infection that went all the way into the muscle. BUT, now we are seeing some recovery with both of them! They are living in our side kitchen right now... and we have yet to figure out what got them or how it got into the coop with them! Whatever it was got in with the chickens this week, we lost 1 chicken.
*STILL waiting on the new tires for the truck to arrive!!! Grrrr!!!
*Last week we were still looking for another vehicle. This week we decided on a Land Rover... and made the purchase. LOVE IT!
*Got rid of the CRX... It now belongs to Josh. He is beyond ecstatic about it.
*Ordered and received a book on mesothelioma for my grandfather. TONS of info... he is pleased with it. Just wish my asshole mother would quit using him to pay her way in life. He needs to really focus on himself and my grandmother!
*Stacy almost bought another Bronco. I am so glad that fell through... more trouble than it was worth! Now focusing on finishing the Escort!! ;-) His dad had that thing pulled out and on a tow dolly in less than 12 hours of Stacy saying he wanted to bring it home!! I bet he did a happy dance in the space it freed up in their yard!! LOL!!! I am excited to see some progress being made on it!
*Brittany is practicing with the UDA comp cheer team now!! They are in between seasons right now... but she is excited about cheering again.
*I will be placing my seed order THIS weekend!! I cant wait to get out into the garden... I have TONS of ideas!!
*It is actually starting to smell like spring... and my allergies are feeling it. I cant say I am sad to see winter go... I have had enough now. I am sick of slop falling from the sky. I am ready to get my hands in some dirt!
*Kids are doing good with school!
*Making good use of our "Y" membership.
I think that about covers things. I am hoping to have a bit more time in the upcoming week to put together a more in depth blog! Things have just been so damn crazy lately!! I am ready for some "down" time!!
A quick recap-
*Something got in with the kid's ducks... we lost 1 and the other 2 were badly ripped up. These ducks have seen 2 different vets... been on 2 different antibiotics... tons of wound care... one got a nasty flesh eating infection that went all the way into the muscle. BUT, now we are seeing some recovery with both of them! They are living in our side kitchen right now... and we have yet to figure out what got them or how it got into the coop with them! Whatever it was got in with the chickens this week, we lost 1 chicken.
*STILL waiting on the new tires for the truck to arrive!!! Grrrr!!!
*Last week we were still looking for another vehicle. This week we decided on a Land Rover... and made the purchase. LOVE IT!
*Got rid of the CRX... It now belongs to Josh. He is beyond ecstatic about it.
*Ordered and received a book on mesothelioma for my grandfather. TONS of info... he is pleased with it. Just wish my asshole mother would quit using him to pay her way in life. He needs to really focus on himself and my grandmother!
*Stacy almost bought another Bronco. I am so glad that fell through... more trouble than it was worth! Now focusing on finishing the Escort!! ;-) His dad had that thing pulled out and on a tow dolly in less than 12 hours of Stacy saying he wanted to bring it home!! I bet he did a happy dance in the space it freed up in their yard!! LOL!!! I am excited to see some progress being made on it!
*Brittany is practicing with the UDA comp cheer team now!! They are in between seasons right now... but she is excited about cheering again.
*I will be placing my seed order THIS weekend!! I cant wait to get out into the garden... I have TONS of ideas!!
*It is actually starting to smell like spring... and my allergies are feeling it. I cant say I am sad to see winter go... I have had enough now. I am sick of slop falling from the sky. I am ready to get my hands in some dirt!
*Kids are doing good with school!
*Making good use of our "Y" membership.
I think that about covers things. I am hoping to have a bit more time in the upcoming week to put together a more in depth blog! Things have just been so damn crazy lately!! I am ready for some "down" time!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
2013 week #7
I am really running behind on my blogs!! I have been sooo damn busy!
School is coming along. We have had some bumps in the road... but that is to be expected. Both kids have been working on putting together some HUGE portfolios!! I am impressed with both of them.
I FINALLY have peace and quiet from the drama!! Knock on wood!!
The 2 month long saga over truck tires has ENDED!! Tires have been ordered and will be in by the end of the week! We also replaced the steering stabilizers... and got an alignment done. I think maintenance on my truck should be about done. Only thing left that I want done is having the rear checked out. I am not liking that funny smell that seems to come from it.
My CRX gets inspected tomorrow... driving season is fast approaching.
Now, I am really hoping my hubby can turn his attention to his Escort project!!
We had a busy weekend. Saturday was a get together at Stacy's parents... Sunday we went to my grandparents to celebrate the girl's birthdays.
I didnt get much of my "weekend" things done.
Yesterday Britt and I had PT in the morning... the afternoon was spent on getting all of the kids hair cuts and picking up a few things we needed. Once we got home I threw together some soups... and called it a day!
Brittany is going to make her first attempt at cheerleading again... today! She is nervous... but I know she has this. The Physical Therapist has been giving her some great exercises to improve her stability! And boy... does that girl have some rock solid abs now!!
Oh... Stacy and I actually followed through on a date night last weekend!! It was more of a Valentine's day date... but it was awesome! He took me out to dinner... then we took the truck up the mountain to watch some beautiful snow fall!! LOVED IT!!
Yea, we need to do that kind of stuff more often.
And... lastly...
We are trying to put together a team for "Logan's Walk" for autism. I really hope we can pull it off!!
That's it for now.
School is coming along. We have had some bumps in the road... but that is to be expected. Both kids have been working on putting together some HUGE portfolios!! I am impressed with both of them.
I FINALLY have peace and quiet from the drama!! Knock on wood!!
The 2 month long saga over truck tires has ENDED!! Tires have been ordered and will be in by the end of the week! We also replaced the steering stabilizers... and got an alignment done. I think maintenance on my truck should be about done. Only thing left that I want done is having the rear checked out. I am not liking that funny smell that seems to come from it.
My CRX gets inspected tomorrow... driving season is fast approaching.
Now, I am really hoping my hubby can turn his attention to his Escort project!!
We had a busy weekend. Saturday was a get together at Stacy's parents... Sunday we went to my grandparents to celebrate the girl's birthdays.
I didnt get much of my "weekend" things done.
Yesterday Britt and I had PT in the morning... the afternoon was spent on getting all of the kids hair cuts and picking up a few things we needed. Once we got home I threw together some soups... and called it a day!
Brittany is going to make her first attempt at cheerleading again... today! She is nervous... but I know she has this. The Physical Therapist has been giving her some great exercises to improve her stability! And boy... does that girl have some rock solid abs now!!
Oh... Stacy and I actually followed through on a date night last weekend!! It was more of a Valentine's day date... but it was awesome! He took me out to dinner... then we took the truck up the mountain to watch some beautiful snow fall!! LOVED IT!!
Yea, we need to do that kind of stuff more often.
And... lastly...
We are trying to put together a team for "Logan's Walk" for autism. I really hope we can pull it off!!
That's it for now.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Logan's Walk and Run
This year we have decided to put together a team to participate in the 8th Annual Logan's Run & Walk for AUTISM !!!
DETAILS--
Saturday April 6th (my birthday)
City Island, Harrisburg
The 5K Run starts @ 10, Registration @ 9. $20 fee... with 3 cash prizes available! 1st-$125, 2nd-$100, 3rd-$75
The Walk starts at Noon... Sign in @ 11, no fee
There will be refreshments, entertainment and vendors!
We are looking for people who are willing to help out for a GREAT cause, who would like to join our team!!!
I have a bunch of fundraising ideas... but we NEED a team first!!!
We are also looking for business sponsorships... which will get the business's name on the event shirts and other things... depending on the amount they donate!
ALL MONEY RAISED GOES TO THE GREATER HARRISBURG AREA CHAPTER OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY!!!
THIS IS A GREAT CAUSE!!!
1 in 88 children born today will be diagnosed with autism!
The Autism Society is a leading voice and resource for the autism community in its grassroots efforts to educate, advocate, serve and support those affected by autism. The Autism Society is able to serve individuals and families living with autism as a result of events like this one.
Please run or walk with us to promote autism awaremess and support the local autism community.
We are asking for business sponsorships with many included benefits-
*publicity and exposure through area media (radio and TV)
*promotion of your organization in print on facebook and the web
*increased visibility with loyal customers
*positive image in the community
For more details... contact me!!
DETAILS--
Saturday April 6th (my birthday)
City Island, Harrisburg
The 5K Run starts @ 10, Registration @ 9. $20 fee... with 3 cash prizes available! 1st-$125, 2nd-$100, 3rd-$75
The Walk starts at Noon... Sign in @ 11, no fee
There will be refreshments, entertainment and vendors!
We are looking for people who are willing to help out for a GREAT cause, who would like to join our team!!!
I have a bunch of fundraising ideas... but we NEED a team first!!!
We are also looking for business sponsorships... which will get the business's name on the event shirts and other things... depending on the amount they donate!
ALL MONEY RAISED GOES TO THE GREATER HARRISBURG AREA CHAPTER OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY!!!
THIS IS A GREAT CAUSE!!!
1 in 88 children born today will be diagnosed with autism!
The Autism Society is a leading voice and resource for the autism community in its grassroots efforts to educate, advocate, serve and support those affected by autism. The Autism Society is able to serve individuals and families living with autism as a result of events like this one.
Please run or walk with us to promote autism awaremess and support the local autism community.
We are asking for business sponsorships with many included benefits-
*publicity and exposure through area media (radio and TV)
*promotion of your organization in print on facebook and the web
*increased visibility with loyal customers
*positive image in the community
For more details... contact me!!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
2013 Week #6, take 2
Yes, take 2... because the first one was full of screen shots and photos of what was really going on... BUT, I have decided to let it all go... I have no need to prove a damn thing!
This has been the hardest week of the year... so far! Not because of the kids, or Stacy... or that I have a TON on my plate!! But because my "father" is a real douche bag!! I really didnt think someone could be as twisted and demented at he is!! His crazy behavior went from name calling, to threats... to harassment... to spreading lies about me!! Really... GROW UP!
The difference between him and I... I can back up everything I have said about him!! He cant back up the LIES he spreads!!
I have decided NOT to go into all of the nasty details. I am better than this... if he wants to continue to show his bat shit crazy colors, he can go for it!! (He and my mother have TONS in common)
BUT... since I KNOW he is stalking my blog... because he TOLD ME--there was something that someone texted me about and another person messaged me about... I want to address one very small detail--
I DO NOT exist on Facebook to my "father"!! I deleted and BLOCKED him weeks ago!!!! He has no way of knowing who I am friends with, or who is friends with me!! (Hey... "Dad"... you are a DUMB ASS... a dumb ass with some SERIOUS mental issues!)
I also went through my friends list, and deleted and blocked anyone else I thought to be stalking my page for him. THEN, I went and set my page so that NO ONE can message me, unless they are on my friend's list!! The things I need to go through to have PEACE! But it is all fine now... and I can get on with my life... my happy, fulfilling life. Something my "father" has no idea about, will never have... and will never be able to take from me!!
The other day while I was talking about the situation with my oldest son... I was stuck on the fact that there was no way I came from these worthless individuals!! Josh made a very valid point... it isnt always genetics... it is who raises you!! THANK YOU, GOD, FOR MY GRANDPARENTS!!! <3
Through all of this... I have realized and figured out quite a bunch of things. First, I completely understand why my grandparents wouldnt let me off the porch for so much of my life!! The crazy bastard didnt want to steal me because he wanted me... he would have snatched me up for spite! He is all about "getting even" Second, The things I was told about him were true...and nothing he said was!
I have no doubts that my "father" was so stuck on that car of his that he would have left me without the surgery I needed. I witnessed that part of him first hand!! Jess had to spend her saving on her mother's final expenses AND he is losing his home... BUT, he sure as shit wont sell that crappy motorcycle of his!!
I really let this situation get to me this week! More so than I have let things get to me for a long time. I had a nice hike today to think about all of this. I am not upset because he is a loser...I expected as much. I am upset that he is trying to drag my name through the mud. Once I started to really think about it... I decided that I dont really give a shit. He is preaching about me to ppl who have no idea who I am!!! LMAO!! I dont care if they believe his nutty words. I mean, really, if they KNOW him... they already know he is fucked in the head!!!
So... THIS blog will be the LAST on this subject... I am over it, and tossing the BS out like last nites garbage. I just felt the need to get these things off my chest... and now that I have, it is over.
I am forever thankful for my amazing husband... and my super, awesome kids!! They took me out for a hike today... and even though my knee is killing me right now... it was sooooo worth it!! I got to spend some time with them...out side in the SUN, and I got some amazing photos!
I love that we live where there is so much natural beauty!!! The snow just added to it!
Thank you to those of you who texted, emailed, or called me to "check up" on me! I have THE BEST friends!!
<3
This has been the hardest week of the year... so far! Not because of the kids, or Stacy... or that I have a TON on my plate!! But because my "father" is a real douche bag!! I really didnt think someone could be as twisted and demented at he is!! His crazy behavior went from name calling, to threats... to harassment... to spreading lies about me!! Really... GROW UP!
The difference between him and I... I can back up everything I have said about him!! He cant back up the LIES he spreads!!
I have decided NOT to go into all of the nasty details. I am better than this... if he wants to continue to show his bat shit crazy colors, he can go for it!! (He and my mother have TONS in common)
BUT... since I KNOW he is stalking my blog... because he TOLD ME--there was something that someone texted me about and another person messaged me about... I want to address one very small detail--
I DO NOT exist on Facebook to my "father"!! I deleted and BLOCKED him weeks ago!!!! He has no way of knowing who I am friends with, or who is friends with me!! (Hey... "Dad"... you are a DUMB ASS... a dumb ass with some SERIOUS mental issues!)
I also went through my friends list, and deleted and blocked anyone else I thought to be stalking my page for him. THEN, I went and set my page so that NO ONE can message me, unless they are on my friend's list!! The things I need to go through to have PEACE! But it is all fine now... and I can get on with my life... my happy, fulfilling life. Something my "father" has no idea about, will never have... and will never be able to take from me!!
The other day while I was talking about the situation with my oldest son... I was stuck on the fact that there was no way I came from these worthless individuals!! Josh made a very valid point... it isnt always genetics... it is who raises you!! THANK YOU, GOD, FOR MY GRANDPARENTS!!! <3
Through all of this... I have realized and figured out quite a bunch of things. First, I completely understand why my grandparents wouldnt let me off the porch for so much of my life!! The crazy bastard didnt want to steal me because he wanted me... he would have snatched me up for spite! He is all about "getting even" Second, The things I was told about him were true...and nothing he said was!
I have no doubts that my "father" was so stuck on that car of his that he would have left me without the surgery I needed. I witnessed that part of him first hand!! Jess had to spend her saving on her mother's final expenses AND he is losing his home... BUT, he sure as shit wont sell that crappy motorcycle of his!!
I really let this situation get to me this week! More so than I have let things get to me for a long time. I had a nice hike today to think about all of this. I am not upset because he is a loser...I expected as much. I am upset that he is trying to drag my name through the mud. Once I started to really think about it... I decided that I dont really give a shit. He is preaching about me to ppl who have no idea who I am!!! LMAO!! I dont care if they believe his nutty words. I mean, really, if they KNOW him... they already know he is fucked in the head!!!
So... THIS blog will be the LAST on this subject... I am over it, and tossing the BS out like last nites garbage. I just felt the need to get these things off my chest... and now that I have, it is over.
I am forever thankful for my amazing husband... and my super, awesome kids!! They took me out for a hike today... and even though my knee is killing me right now... it was sooooo worth it!! I got to spend some time with them...out side in the SUN, and I got some amazing photos!
I love that we live where there is so much natural beauty!!! The snow just added to it!
Thank you to those of you who texted, emailed, or called me to "check up" on me! I have THE BEST friends!!
<3
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Bragging rights!!!
We are SOOOO SUPER proud of Courtney!!!
She made FRONT PAGE!!
http://www.sentinelnow.com/news/news%201.html
She made FRONT PAGE!!
http://www.sentinelnow.com/news/news%201.html
Monday, February 4, 2013
2013 Week #5
We are well into the start of the 2nd half of the year!! So far so good! :-)
There were a few "bumps" in the road for Nathan... liquid measurements... but we pulled out every thing that could measure liquid that we had in the kitchen, and now he has it!! Seeing the him have those "light bulb" moments will NEVER get old!!!
I spent some time last week getting everything together for our taxes... going tonite to have them done! I will be so glad when that is done and out of the way! I did do a great job at keeping all of my shop stuff organized... GO ME!! LOL
Speaking of my shop... I am really wanting to get back to working in my shop! I MISS IT!!
Let's see accomplishments this week--
-HUGE shelves are up in the side kitchen... as are the new curtains. All of the trim is stained and hung also!
-Most of my plants that needed repotted have been done... and everything is all pruned back and looking pretty.
-List is made for what needs done to the Escort... Stacy is now working on the estimates, so I know how much money to start putting back... so THAT can get DONE!
-Started tire/wheel shopping for the truck. Boy, what a nitemare that is turning into!! Plus with my knee, and not really being able to get in and out of it... it is just a depressing topic.
-I aired out the house on the 60 degree day we had... it was WONDERFUL!!
Today was my first follow up since my surgery. The Dr isnt sure if this "fix" will last as long as he thought. I have a mess going on in there and he is afraid to do too much... since I am still far too young for a total replacement. So, I have been cleared for 4 weeks of PT... and then he will reevaluate for a 2nd surgery. But I am not really wanting to jump into that option... so he and I agreed on the PT for now! LOL
Really... I should have been nicer to my body when I was younger... and crazy... BUT... shit happens.
I am just really glad to have the damn stitches out... they were driving me nuts!! LOL
I "splurged" on Etsy for some new crochet patterns!! Cant wait to get started on them!! I think I may need to pick up some different yarn for my little hearts for our season tree, tho. But I already started on a cell phone case... and I am chomping at the bit to start on the Crocodile stitch purse!!
I am still working on the latch hook rug... I found one to do for Nathan's room too. Not sure how long they will actually take for me to complete... since it seems really hard for me to focus on actually doing it.
I managed to make my way through my first lesson in my photography work! Boy... HUGE difference from the Penn Tech classes I took! But I am up for the challenge.
We are still waiting on word from Courtney's Neuro Psych eval... The April start time at HGA is fading away... which pisses me off!! She will have to wait until Fall. Which means we will be back to the JOB fight!
I think that covers it all... until next week!
There were a few "bumps" in the road for Nathan... liquid measurements... but we pulled out every thing that could measure liquid that we had in the kitchen, and now he has it!! Seeing the him have those "light bulb" moments will NEVER get old!!!
I spent some time last week getting everything together for our taxes... going tonite to have them done! I will be so glad when that is done and out of the way! I did do a great job at keeping all of my shop stuff organized... GO ME!! LOL
Speaking of my shop... I am really wanting to get back to working in my shop! I MISS IT!!
Let's see accomplishments this week--
-HUGE shelves are up in the side kitchen... as are the new curtains. All of the trim is stained and hung also!
-Most of my plants that needed repotted have been done... and everything is all pruned back and looking pretty.
-List is made for what needs done to the Escort... Stacy is now working on the estimates, so I know how much money to start putting back... so THAT can get DONE!
-Started tire/wheel shopping for the truck. Boy, what a nitemare that is turning into!! Plus with my knee, and not really being able to get in and out of it... it is just a depressing topic.
-I aired out the house on the 60 degree day we had... it was WONDERFUL!!
Today was my first follow up since my surgery. The Dr isnt sure if this "fix" will last as long as he thought. I have a mess going on in there and he is afraid to do too much... since I am still far too young for a total replacement. So, I have been cleared for 4 weeks of PT... and then he will reevaluate for a 2nd surgery. But I am not really wanting to jump into that option... so he and I agreed on the PT for now! LOL
Really... I should have been nicer to my body when I was younger... and crazy... BUT... shit happens.
I am just really glad to have the damn stitches out... they were driving me nuts!! LOL
I "splurged" on Etsy for some new crochet patterns!! Cant wait to get started on them!! I think I may need to pick up some different yarn for my little hearts for our season tree, tho. But I already started on a cell phone case... and I am chomping at the bit to start on the Crocodile stitch purse!!
I am still working on the latch hook rug... I found one to do for Nathan's room too. Not sure how long they will actually take for me to complete... since it seems really hard for me to focus on actually doing it.
I managed to make my way through my first lesson in my photography work! Boy... HUGE difference from the Penn Tech classes I took! But I am up for the challenge.
We are still waiting on word from Courtney's Neuro Psych eval... The April start time at HGA is fading away... which pisses me off!! She will have to wait until Fall. Which means we will be back to the JOB fight!
I think that covers it all... until next week!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
End of the 1st half!!
Today we are finishing up ALL work and finals needed to be DONE with the first half of the school year!!
It is hard to believe we are half way through this year already!!!
Both of my kiddos will be ending this marking period with A's and B's!! :-) I am VERY proud of both of them!!!
Yesterday the 3 of us had a nice lunch together at Silver Springs Diner... while Courtney was finishing up some testing she needed to have done for her admission into HGA. We are finally moving in a forward direction with that HUGE step for Courtney! I hope and pray every day that things keep going in a positive way with that.
Tomorrow is my surgery day. I am all nerves about it. I am more worried about getting the kids where they need to go after the surgery! Since I am the only one that does those things! UGH!
Anyway...
Here is praying for a smooth and fun 2nd half of the school year!!
It is hard to believe we are half way through this year already!!!
Both of my kiddos will be ending this marking period with A's and B's!! :-) I am VERY proud of both of them!!!
Yesterday the 3 of us had a nice lunch together at Silver Springs Diner... while Courtney was finishing up some testing she needed to have done for her admission into HGA. We are finally moving in a forward direction with that HUGE step for Courtney! I hope and pray every day that things keep going in a positive way with that.
Tomorrow is my surgery day. I am all nerves about it. I am more worried about getting the kids where they need to go after the surgery! Since I am the only one that does those things! UGH!
Anyway...
Here is praying for a smooth and fun 2nd half of the school year!!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
2013 Week #3
The 3rd week of 2013 has been an interesting one!
Anyone one my FB saw the little "blow up" between me and my dad. Yea... that last comment he made on that comment thread... was the last I have heard from him. That tells me alot! It isnt like he doesnt have my number. Oh well. I almost took a few steps backward in my rejection/abandonment issues. BUT... all of that therapy in my past flooded my mind... and I am moving forward.
I have way too much going on in my life to let it affect me.
Brittany is adjusting to PT and not going to gymnastics. It is crazy to watch her learn to use muscles she never used before!
Courtney had a neuro-psych appt on Friday. In typical Courtney fashion... she manipulated the person giving the testing... and I have to take her back tomorrow to finish. I am NOT happy about that... especially with the snow coming AND the fact that I have TONS to do before my surgery on Wed!
I am making HUGE leaps forward in getting rid of ALL of our paper clutter!! :-D This makes me soooo super happy... and every day I feel like more and more of a weight is being lifted from me and our home!!
The kids and Stacy are both liking that I make homemade snacks every week! It is going over better than I thought it would! I am always finding really cool snack recipes that fit our "diet" perfectly!
This weekend I am doubling up on all that I make... and half is going into the freezer for next week, since I dont know how long it will take me to get back on my feet after this surgery. I am also stockpiling homemade bread in the freezer!
We are still doing GREAT with our budget... and have even been able to move some funds around to get some of our home projects more completed! Again... I am super tickled about this!
Stacy and I were able to spend some one on one time together this weekend. It has really been a long time since we have been able to spend some time completely alone... just focusing on eachother!! No kids... no projects or stuff that needed done. Granted... we should have been doing something else... but we both needed the time for just eachother.
We watched 2 great movies... we went for a nice hike... did some caching... it was soooooo nice!!! :-D
This week I took a huge step!!!
I enrolled in NYIP!!! Yes, finally! I have talked about it for months... and this past week I enrolled and paid the tuition... and I a super excited to get started!
I already received my first certificate from Penn Tech for the first class I took with them... I am close to finishing the 2nd class and getting my 2nd certificate! :-)
So... 3 weeks into 2013... life is pretty damn good!
Let's hope that week #4 is just as good! Hoping and praying that the surgery goes well and recover is quick!
Anyone one my FB saw the little "blow up" between me and my dad. Yea... that last comment he made on that comment thread... was the last I have heard from him. That tells me alot! It isnt like he doesnt have my number. Oh well. I almost took a few steps backward in my rejection/abandonment issues. BUT... all of that therapy in my past flooded my mind... and I am moving forward.
I have way too much going on in my life to let it affect me.
Brittany is adjusting to PT and not going to gymnastics. It is crazy to watch her learn to use muscles she never used before!
Courtney had a neuro-psych appt on Friday. In typical Courtney fashion... she manipulated the person giving the testing... and I have to take her back tomorrow to finish. I am NOT happy about that... especially with the snow coming AND the fact that I have TONS to do before my surgery on Wed!
I am making HUGE leaps forward in getting rid of ALL of our paper clutter!! :-D This makes me soooo super happy... and every day I feel like more and more of a weight is being lifted from me and our home!!
The kids and Stacy are both liking that I make homemade snacks every week! It is going over better than I thought it would! I am always finding really cool snack recipes that fit our "diet" perfectly!
This weekend I am doubling up on all that I make... and half is going into the freezer for next week, since I dont know how long it will take me to get back on my feet after this surgery. I am also stockpiling homemade bread in the freezer!
We are still doing GREAT with our budget... and have even been able to move some funds around to get some of our home projects more completed! Again... I am super tickled about this!
Stacy and I were able to spend some one on one time together this weekend. It has really been a long time since we have been able to spend some time completely alone... just focusing on eachother!! No kids... no projects or stuff that needed done. Granted... we should have been doing something else... but we both needed the time for just eachother.
We watched 2 great movies... we went for a nice hike... did some caching... it was soooooo nice!!! :-D
This week I took a huge step!!!
I enrolled in NYIP!!! Yes, finally! I have talked about it for months... and this past week I enrolled and paid the tuition... and I a super excited to get started!
I already received my first certificate from Penn Tech for the first class I took with them... I am close to finishing the 2nd class and getting my 2nd certificate! :-)
So... 3 weeks into 2013... life is pretty damn good!
Let's hope that week #4 is just as good! Hoping and praying that the surgery goes well and recover is quick!
Monday, January 14, 2013
2013--Week #2
Week #2 of 2013 has been a rough one!!
Let's see...
We went to our storage unit to find the whole damn ceiling/roof leaks!!! A LOT of the stuff is ruined. Soooo... I am dealing with that. They guy is a real douche bag and wants me to put a claim into our home owner's insurance to get money from them first and he feels he should only have to pay out deductible... NOT!!! I told him we can work this out between me and him... OR... I can take him to small claims! I thought I was being real nice when I only asked him to pay whatever we paid on CL for the things in storage... I am not asking for replacement values!!! I also want the 6+ months of storage rent I was paying on a DRY unit!!!! I told him I am SURE that no judge is going to order me to put a claim in with our home owners... and then he pays the difference!! He backed off and assured me we can come to an agreement! I told him I want to hear from him by Wednesday.
It was bad enough he was on a nice, relaxing cruise for 10 days and I had to wait until today to get to speak to him!
Brittany got hurt at gymnastics on Tuesday. Well, the pain she has been having just got to the point where I got super concerned and we took her into OIP for xrays and an expert opinion.
Turns out she has Hyper Lordosis of her lumbar spine. If left go and left to continue with gymnastics... it could cause her some real problems.
She has a month of PT... which she started today. It went great. We really got a good look and understanding at how her muscles have over compensated for the back issue... and have made things worse.
The good news is that she will be able to continue with a rec gymnastics class... but nothing hard core. Or she could possibly go back to a competition cheer team... but not right away. We have to get her muscles where they should be and see if that helps with the pain she is in.
It was completely devastating to her... and it broke my heart to see her so heart broken!
Over the weekend (Stacy had 3 days off)... he and the kids managed to put redo the dog run... putting in a paver floor. NO MORE MUD! AND, I made a CL find for another nice kennel for HoBo! No more out on a chain for him... THANK GOD!!! I HATED putting him on a chain to be outside... I HATE chained dogs... it is so sad.
It is so weird... I am gearing up for spring already! Seed catalogs have started to roll in... and I am in "garden planning" phase already! I have some big changes to make to my garden this year!! I am thinking of a nice ornamental picket fence... and maybe letting 3 of the ducks make the garden their "home"... I am thinking they will keep bugs down... and it be a great fertilizer!
At this point our back yard looks more like a mud bog... so I am pretty sure we will be doing a total till of the side yard, then some leveling... then reseeding! The pool is going to be relocated, as is the trampoline.
This week we are working in the side kitchen. Hoping to get the window trip finally up... and my new plant shelves across the windows (container gardening!). Also on the back burner is the crown molding for the kitchen. I think I will have the kids start painting it awhile... so all Stacy has to do is measure and install.
We are doing pretty good at keeping on budget!! I am really proud!!! We have opened up some funds to join the "Y"!! :-) It is so "eye opening" when we record and see exactly where every single dollar that comes in is going!! WOW!
I am still doing really well with making ALL of the "snack foods" we are eating!! I love it... I can control exactly what we all consume... NO artificial crap! This week's snack box is full of homemade granola bars and perfectly portioned applesauce cake! Oh, and of course oatmeal cookies!
Next week is my knee surgery. BLAH! I am NOT looking forward to it... but I want to get it done and out of the way so come spring and summer it isnt an issue anymore.
My diet is working out rather well... still making progress... baby steps, but in the right direction! :-)
The only other thing that went on last week... Linda's memorial.
I didnt go.
I am having some feelings that I am just not sure what to do with. I feel like I am chasing my dad around... and not getting anything in return. I am not about to force on a father/daughter relationship. I would def like to have one... but if he doesnt feel the same way, there isnt nothing I can do about it.
I did address it with him... and got some passive aggressive response... which irritated me some. I am really not being a "bitch" about it... just trying to put my feelings out there. I know better... or at least I should!!! UGH!
Whatever. He knows where I am and how to get ahold of me... the ball is in his court now.
I understand he just lost his wife. Lord knows I have had more than my fair share of loss over the years. It never gets easier... but it should make you realize that tomorrow is never promised.
Really... he is talking to a person who never had real parents... and has been used and abused by most "men" I have come across. Not to mention the other personal losses that I have experienced!
This whole thing frustrates the hell out of me... and it hurts.
Ok... I am done with that.
Oh... FINALLY got my Keurig... LOVE IT!!! So does Stacy and the kids!! :-D
And I only got it because PSECU gave us free money... for being members!! REALLY COOL!!!
That is all I have for now!
Let's see...
We went to our storage unit to find the whole damn ceiling/roof leaks!!! A LOT of the stuff is ruined. Soooo... I am dealing with that. They guy is a real douche bag and wants me to put a claim into our home owner's insurance to get money from them first and he feels he should only have to pay out deductible... NOT!!! I told him we can work this out between me and him... OR... I can take him to small claims! I thought I was being real nice when I only asked him to pay whatever we paid on CL for the things in storage... I am not asking for replacement values!!! I also want the 6+ months of storage rent I was paying on a DRY unit!!!! I told him I am SURE that no judge is going to order me to put a claim in with our home owners... and then he pays the difference!! He backed off and assured me we can come to an agreement! I told him I want to hear from him by Wednesday.
It was bad enough he was on a nice, relaxing cruise for 10 days and I had to wait until today to get to speak to him!
Brittany got hurt at gymnastics on Tuesday. Well, the pain she has been having just got to the point where I got super concerned and we took her into OIP for xrays and an expert opinion.
Turns out she has Hyper Lordosis of her lumbar spine. If left go and left to continue with gymnastics... it could cause her some real problems.
She has a month of PT... which she started today. It went great. We really got a good look and understanding at how her muscles have over compensated for the back issue... and have made things worse.
The good news is that she will be able to continue with a rec gymnastics class... but nothing hard core. Or she could possibly go back to a competition cheer team... but not right away. We have to get her muscles where they should be and see if that helps with the pain she is in.
It was completely devastating to her... and it broke my heart to see her so heart broken!
Over the weekend (Stacy had 3 days off)... he and the kids managed to put redo the dog run... putting in a paver floor. NO MORE MUD! AND, I made a CL find for another nice kennel for HoBo! No more out on a chain for him... THANK GOD!!! I HATED putting him on a chain to be outside... I HATE chained dogs... it is so sad.
It is so weird... I am gearing up for spring already! Seed catalogs have started to roll in... and I am in "garden planning" phase already! I have some big changes to make to my garden this year!! I am thinking of a nice ornamental picket fence... and maybe letting 3 of the ducks make the garden their "home"... I am thinking they will keep bugs down... and it be a great fertilizer!
At this point our back yard looks more like a mud bog... so I am pretty sure we will be doing a total till of the side yard, then some leveling... then reseeding! The pool is going to be relocated, as is the trampoline.
This week we are working in the side kitchen. Hoping to get the window trip finally up... and my new plant shelves across the windows (container gardening!). Also on the back burner is the crown molding for the kitchen. I think I will have the kids start painting it awhile... so all Stacy has to do is measure and install.
We are doing pretty good at keeping on budget!! I am really proud!!! We have opened up some funds to join the "Y"!! :-) It is so "eye opening" when we record and see exactly where every single dollar that comes in is going!! WOW!
I am still doing really well with making ALL of the "snack foods" we are eating!! I love it... I can control exactly what we all consume... NO artificial crap! This week's snack box is full of homemade granola bars and perfectly portioned applesauce cake! Oh, and of course oatmeal cookies!
Next week is my knee surgery. BLAH! I am NOT looking forward to it... but I want to get it done and out of the way so come spring and summer it isnt an issue anymore.
My diet is working out rather well... still making progress... baby steps, but in the right direction! :-)
The only other thing that went on last week... Linda's memorial.
I didnt go.
I am having some feelings that I am just not sure what to do with. I feel like I am chasing my dad around... and not getting anything in return. I am not about to force on a father/daughter relationship. I would def like to have one... but if he doesnt feel the same way, there isnt nothing I can do about it.
I did address it with him... and got some passive aggressive response... which irritated me some. I am really not being a "bitch" about it... just trying to put my feelings out there. I know better... or at least I should!!! UGH!
Whatever. He knows where I am and how to get ahold of me... the ball is in his court now.
I understand he just lost his wife. Lord knows I have had more than my fair share of loss over the years. It never gets easier... but it should make you realize that tomorrow is never promised.
Really... he is talking to a person who never had real parents... and has been used and abused by most "men" I have come across. Not to mention the other personal losses that I have experienced!
This whole thing frustrates the hell out of me... and it hurts.
Ok... I am done with that.
Oh... FINALLY got my Keurig... LOVE IT!!! So does Stacy and the kids!! :-D
And I only got it because PSECU gave us free money... for being members!! REALLY COOL!!!
That is all I have for now!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
2013 Week #1
I cant say I was awake to bring in the New Year... because I was sound asleep!! LOL Stacy stayed up with the kids... even tho he had to work bright and early in the morning. He is quite the trooper!!
I have our goals up and so far we are doing a pretty good job of keeping up with them! (Knock on wood)
I am really glad I cracked down with the budget issues we have been having! I have even gone as far as putting our monthly "allowances" and the "family entertainment month in labeled envelopes. Once the money is gone... it is gone for the month! This seems to have made spending a real reality for the kids!! I even have the kids keeping track of what we spend as we put things in the cart at the grocery store... we take along a calculator!! THIS was a real eye opening experience for the kids!!
I am glad that we switched to this way... it has really made EVERYONE aware of what we spend!! It is always so easy to just whip out our check card and buy... not anymore! :-)
Another real positive with our goals is the no more bought "quick" snacks! I am making ALL of our snacks now! Sooo much healthier!! Granola bars taste so much better when I make them... and sooooo much less expensive to actually make! I even found a recipe for "pop tarts"... havent tried it yet. I have never really bought pop tarts for my kids... they are so unhealthy!
Another HUGE bonus to making all of the kids snacking foods--- NOTHING ARTIFICIAL!! ;-)
I am down 3lbs since our Christmas vacation!
My only real problem is dealing with all the Fibro pain am having right now. This knee issue is really throwing everything off for me... so exercising isnt real easy. My surgery day is fast approaching... and even tho I am REALLY unsure of going through with it... I am hoping it helps.
I have also set an unwritten goal of working with the rest of our dogs more.
Gunner usually gets most of my attention... as far as training. I am starting to focus more on the others.
Nanuq and Sakari have a real barking issue... and I am about sick of hearing it! I started focusing on Nanuq this weekend... and have already decreased his barking by a ton!! Sakari will be next!
Sprocket and Gunner are both working on "tricks"!! I have them both doing "spins" for treats... and Gunner is really picking up on that. No hand signals necessary for him anymore! He is so damn smart! I think next weekend I will start "duck and cover" with him! He still wont go anywhere near the agility equipment! Sprocket is my star agility dog!! He LOVES to run through the tunnel.. and is pretty good at "jumping" too.
The kids are close to the end of the 2nd marking period!! They are both ahead on all of their lessons... so that will be nice when I have my surgery!
Next week, Stacy is taking them snow tubing! I obviously cant do it... but I am sure those 3 will have fun!
Tomorrow is Courtney's IEP meeting... should be interesting! I finally got OVR to push her eligibility through... now to push them to get her enrollment for HGA started!
Josh and I are having a failure to see things eye to eye. I found out last week that he has been lying to me, even more than I already knew. And I am about sick of that shit!
I also think he needs to get his ass in gear and get a full time job and a place of his own. He is really starting to remind me of my mother!!! BUT, my grandparents are allowing it. He will be another person completely screwed if/when something happens to my grandfather. I guess he and my mother will both have to learn the hard way.
I have completely stepped out of the Josh shit now as well. We are done paying his storage. It has been a year now... and he is still in the exact same position as he was. No effort at all to better his situation. It is time to spare myself the money and heart ache.
He and Ashley broke up... and I cant say I much blame her, if all she told me is true.
Well, that is the going ons around here for the first week of 2013.
Time for me to cut up granola bars... and get dinner started.
I have our goals up and so far we are doing a pretty good job of keeping up with them! (Knock on wood)
I am really glad I cracked down with the budget issues we have been having! I have even gone as far as putting our monthly "allowances" and the "family entertainment month in labeled envelopes. Once the money is gone... it is gone for the month! This seems to have made spending a real reality for the kids!! I even have the kids keeping track of what we spend as we put things in the cart at the grocery store... we take along a calculator!! THIS was a real eye opening experience for the kids!!
I am glad that we switched to this way... it has really made EVERYONE aware of what we spend!! It is always so easy to just whip out our check card and buy... not anymore! :-)
Another real positive with our goals is the no more bought "quick" snacks! I am making ALL of our snacks now! Sooo much healthier!! Granola bars taste so much better when I make them... and sooooo much less expensive to actually make! I even found a recipe for "pop tarts"... havent tried it yet. I have never really bought pop tarts for my kids... they are so unhealthy!
Another HUGE bonus to making all of the kids snacking foods--- NOTHING ARTIFICIAL!! ;-)
I am down 3lbs since our Christmas vacation!
My only real problem is dealing with all the Fibro pain am having right now. This knee issue is really throwing everything off for me... so exercising isnt real easy. My surgery day is fast approaching... and even tho I am REALLY unsure of going through with it... I am hoping it helps.
I have also set an unwritten goal of working with the rest of our dogs more.
Gunner usually gets most of my attention... as far as training. I am starting to focus more on the others.
Nanuq and Sakari have a real barking issue... and I am about sick of hearing it! I started focusing on Nanuq this weekend... and have already decreased his barking by a ton!! Sakari will be next!
Sprocket and Gunner are both working on "tricks"!! I have them both doing "spins" for treats... and Gunner is really picking up on that. No hand signals necessary for him anymore! He is so damn smart! I think next weekend I will start "duck and cover" with him! He still wont go anywhere near the agility equipment! Sprocket is my star agility dog!! He LOVES to run through the tunnel.. and is pretty good at "jumping" too.
The kids are close to the end of the 2nd marking period!! They are both ahead on all of their lessons... so that will be nice when I have my surgery!
Next week, Stacy is taking them snow tubing! I obviously cant do it... but I am sure those 3 will have fun!
Tomorrow is Courtney's IEP meeting... should be interesting! I finally got OVR to push her eligibility through... now to push them to get her enrollment for HGA started!
Josh and I are having a failure to see things eye to eye. I found out last week that he has been lying to me, even more than I already knew. And I am about sick of that shit!
I also think he needs to get his ass in gear and get a full time job and a place of his own. He is really starting to remind me of my mother!!! BUT, my grandparents are allowing it. He will be another person completely screwed if/when something happens to my grandfather. I guess he and my mother will both have to learn the hard way.
I have completely stepped out of the Josh shit now as well. We are done paying his storage. It has been a year now... and he is still in the exact same position as he was. No effort at all to better his situation. It is time to spare myself the money and heart ache.
He and Ashley broke up... and I cant say I much blame her, if all she told me is true.
Well, that is the going ons around here for the first week of 2013.
Time for me to cut up granola bars... and get dinner started.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
2013 GOALS
So... here is when I list my goals for 2013. This year is a bit different... I dont have nearly as many. With all I have going on right now, I decided to focus on keeping up with my past goals and only adding a few new ones. I also had the kids pick 2 goals each for the year!!
Here they all are-
Mine:
-At least 6 family camping trips
-Hiking at least 2 times a month over the winter... 3 times a month during good weather
-Walks at least 3 times a week from Spring to Fall
-Keep a photo journal of all of our adventures (since a written journal didnt work out)
-Use my "NeatDesk" to its fullest
-Keep track of ALL of ourl expenses... (maybe using NeatDesk)
-Make all of the kid's snacks from scratch. No more bought granola bars or PB crackers etc.
-Continue making 95% of the bread we eat
-Buy even MORE locally
-Make and stick to our 2013 budget!
-Enroll in Photography School... and stay on track with the classes
-Continue to SIMPLIFY all aspects of our life.
-Continue to avoid artificial dyes, flavors and perservatives
-Once again use ALL of my garden beds
-Start and maintain a fitness program-Try 1 or 2 vegetables in containers over the winter months
-Hold at least 1 "gathering" a month with friends/family (card nite, dinners, movie nite...etc)
-Start putting making and putting various crafts away for next season's craft fairs
-Keep up with our "Happy Memory" jar
-Get at least 1 weekend away ... just Stacy and I
Courtney:
-Do more cooking
-Work on becoming more independent
Brittany:
-Become a better photographer
-Try more new things... in gymnastics and out of gymnastics
Nathaniel:
-Take better pictures
-Try to airbrush things
Here they all are-
Mine:
-At least 6 family camping trips
-Hiking at least 2 times a month over the winter... 3 times a month during good weather
-Walks at least 3 times a week from Spring to Fall
-Keep a photo journal of all of our adventures (since a written journal didnt work out)
-Use my "NeatDesk" to its fullest
-Keep track of ALL of ourl expenses... (maybe using NeatDesk)
-Make all of the kid's snacks from scratch. No more bought granola bars or PB crackers etc.
-Continue making 95% of the bread we eat
-Buy even MORE locally
-Make and stick to our 2013 budget!
-Enroll in Photography School... and stay on track with the classes
-Continue to SIMPLIFY all aspects of our life.
-Continue to avoid artificial dyes, flavors and perservatives
-Once again use ALL of my garden beds
-Start and maintain a fitness program-Try 1 or 2 vegetables in containers over the winter months
-Hold at least 1 "gathering" a month with friends/family (card nite, dinners, movie nite...etc)
-Start putting making and putting various crafts away for next season's craft fairs
-Keep up with our "Happy Memory" jar
-Get at least 1 weekend away ... just Stacy and I
Courtney:
-Do more cooking
-Work on becoming more independent
Brittany:
-Become a better photographer
-Try more new things... in gymnastics and out of gymnastics
Nathaniel:
-Take better pictures
-Try to airbrush things
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
ChristmasWeek
Well, it was an interesting start to our "vacation"...
The kids were suppose to go up Sunday morning with my grandparents... BUT, snow had hit and my grandfather found it best to wait for me and Stacy.
Soooo.... We all (including Josh) headed out Monday morning, Christmas Eve.
The sun rise that morning was beautiful!
Once we were all packed up... we went back in the house to double check everything. That was when my phone rang... it was my Dad. My stepmother had passed away just a few hours earlier. Needless to say, I felt pretty bad about leaving for the week.
We loaded up, kid's with tears in their eyes, and headed out.
It was a fairly easy and normal trip up... Until we got to the road back to the cabin...
Josh didnt even make it onto the road!
Josh's car got taken back to the Black Forest Inn to sit! AFTER we ripped his bumper off and I hurt my back and knee trying to get it unstuck. I wasnt very happy... because I had told him to leave his car back there in the first place! Does he ever listen...??? NO!
We all managed to make it back to the cabin. It was "iffy" for my grandfather... but, he too is pigheaded. When we first walked into the cabin... it was a VERY chilly 20 degrees!! Even my big dogs were shivering! LOL!! We got the fire going... and put lunch in the oven... I think we saw 65 degrees before bed time!
It was a very awesome Christmas Eve!! We followed our tradition of reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas"... and I had all 4 of my kids together again to enjoy it!! THAT made me happier than I could put into words!!
Stacy also did a great job putting up some lights for us...
It was a perfect first day... if you ask me! Even with Josh getting stuck, freezing our butts off, and the usual drama when we take the kids anywhere with my grandparents... AND adding our dogs to the mix!
Christmas day started out with PRESENTS...of course. Like I said before, we did a "Christmas Lite" this year, since a ton of money went into the trip and boarding Gunner. But it didnt seem to bother anyone! We even had a tiny Christmas tree... supplied by Grammy Graff!
The day after Christmas...
Stacy, Britt and I headed out to do some hunting! Britt and I saw some great sights!!! The snow made it sooo much easier to track the deer!! BUT, no luck with getting anything.
Later in the day we decided since a HUGE snow storm was about to bear down on us... we better get my grandfather's car out to the Black Forest Inn. Yep, you guessed it... he ended up stuck too!! Good thing I have a truck that can handle these types of things!! LOL!!
We ended up waking up to 12 more inches of snow the next morning!!! I was BEAUTIFUL!!!
Pictures just dont do it justice... it was amazing... and wonderful... and beautiful... and soooooo much FUN!!
This day was also me and Stacy's 4 anniversary!! :-)
Needless to say... we spent A LOT of time out in the snow with the kids and the dogs! Sprocket LOVED it!!! We wrapped him in orange and let him run! Our only mistake was when we let him AND Sakari off leash at the same time... They got soooo involved in a game of "chase" that they took off down the road and we lost them for a few! Brittany and I took off after them... and they eventually realized that they couldnt see us and turned around!
By this point Brittany was pretty sick. She was having an allergic reaction to something...I am pretty sure it was the wood we were burning. She broke out... her mouth, lips and tongue swelled up at one point... her eyes swelled almost shut... Good thing we had benedryl!!! She always seemed to feel better when she was outside... soooo, we tried to get her out as much as possible!! She is a trooper... she hung in there and made the best of it.
Stacy also took another shot at hunting... I wanted an "anniversary deer"... LOL
He used the snow to track down a doe... and came face to face with it!!! Aimed, fired... well, at least tried to... the gun wouldnt go off! LOL!! He tracked down that deer and tried to shoot it 6 times... and his gun would just not fire. Too much snow and moisture, I guess. I felt pretty bad for him... but he had a nice story to share! After that... he was DONE hunting...LOL
Stacy and I also took a ride... We wanted just a few minutes of "alone" time on our anniversary... BAD IDEA!!
See what happens when I let Stacy drive my truck.....
Yea... that was a big ditch on the side of the road. Good thing there was that embankment... or we may have ended up on our side!!!
And dont think for a second that the come a long you see Stacy hooking up was in fact operated by Stacy!! Nope... I was the one out there cranking on that damn thing for an HOUR trying to get us out! Stacy got to "drive". Let me tell you how scary that sight is!!!! Wheels spinning in that HUGE ass truck... aimed right at me! UGH! ( I am pretty sure I saw Stacy's deer wander by, laughing at him... AGAIN! LOL)
I am still paying for that day. I really hurt myself there. But, it was an adventure. He never did get me up to the Vista that day... LOL!
Once me managed to get back to camp Stacy and the kids got out on the snowmobiles again. It wasnt easy, because of all of the snow we had... but they managed to make the best of it!!
The following day we packed up, cleaned up, and headed out! I managed to get about 400 pictures by the end of the week! LOL
It was an absolutely amazing trip... and I am sooo glad we did it!!
The kids were suppose to go up Sunday morning with my grandparents... BUT, snow had hit and my grandfather found it best to wait for me and Stacy.
Soooo.... We all (including Josh) headed out Monday morning, Christmas Eve.
The sun rise that morning was beautiful!
We loaded up, kid's with tears in their eyes, and headed out.
It was a fairly easy and normal trip up... Until we got to the road back to the cabin...
Josh didnt even make it onto the road!
We all managed to make it back to the cabin. It was "iffy" for my grandfather... but, he too is pigheaded. When we first walked into the cabin... it was a VERY chilly 20 degrees!! Even my big dogs were shivering! LOL!! We got the fire going... and put lunch in the oven... I think we saw 65 degrees before bed time!
It was a very awesome Christmas Eve!! We followed our tradition of reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas"... and I had all 4 of my kids together again to enjoy it!! THAT made me happier than I could put into words!!
It was a perfect first day... if you ask me! Even with Josh getting stuck, freezing our butts off, and the usual drama when we take the kids anywhere with my grandparents... AND adding our dogs to the mix!
Christmas day started out with PRESENTS...of course. Like I said before, we did a "Christmas Lite" this year, since a ton of money went into the trip and boarding Gunner. But it didnt seem to bother anyone! We even had a tiny Christmas tree... supplied by Grammy Graff!
After presents and breakfast we took care of cleaning up, burning all of
the wrapping paper... THEN... out to snowmobile!!! Since even more
snow came down over night!! :-)
Stacy, Britt and I headed out to do some hunting! Britt and I saw some great sights!!! The snow made it sooo much easier to track the deer!! BUT, no luck with getting anything.
Later in the day we decided since a HUGE snow storm was about to bear down on us... we better get my grandfather's car out to the Black Forest Inn. Yep, you guessed it... he ended up stuck too!! Good thing I have a truck that can handle these types of things!! LOL!!
We ended up waking up to 12 more inches of snow the next morning!!! I was BEAUTIFUL!!!
This day was also me and Stacy's 4 anniversary!! :-)
Needless to say... we spent A LOT of time out in the snow with the kids and the dogs! Sprocket LOVED it!!! We wrapped him in orange and let him run! Our only mistake was when we let him AND Sakari off leash at the same time... They got soooo involved in a game of "chase" that they took off down the road and we lost them for a few! Brittany and I took off after them... and they eventually realized that they couldnt see us and turned around!
By this point Brittany was pretty sick. She was having an allergic reaction to something...I am pretty sure it was the wood we were burning. She broke out... her mouth, lips and tongue swelled up at one point... her eyes swelled almost shut... Good thing we had benedryl!!! She always seemed to feel better when she was outside... soooo, we tried to get her out as much as possible!! She is a trooper... she hung in there and made the best of it.
Stacy also took another shot at hunting... I wanted an "anniversary deer"... LOL
He used the snow to track down a doe... and came face to face with it!!! Aimed, fired... well, at least tried to... the gun wouldnt go off! LOL!! He tracked down that deer and tried to shoot it 6 times... and his gun would just not fire. Too much snow and moisture, I guess. I felt pretty bad for him... but he had a nice story to share! After that... he was DONE hunting...LOL
Stacy and I also took a ride... We wanted just a few minutes of "alone" time on our anniversary... BAD IDEA!!
See what happens when I let Stacy drive my truck.....
Yea... that was a big ditch on the side of the road. Good thing there was that embankment... or we may have ended up on our side!!!
And dont think for a second that the come a long you see Stacy hooking up was in fact operated by Stacy!! Nope... I was the one out there cranking on that damn thing for an HOUR trying to get us out! Stacy got to "drive". Let me tell you how scary that sight is!!!! Wheels spinning in that HUGE ass truck... aimed right at me! UGH! ( I am pretty sure I saw Stacy's deer wander by, laughing at him... AGAIN! LOL)
I am still paying for that day. I really hurt myself there. But, it was an adventure. He never did get me up to the Vista that day... LOL!
Once me managed to get back to camp Stacy and the kids got out on the snowmobiles again. It wasnt easy, because of all of the snow we had... but they managed to make the best of it!!
It was an absolutely amazing trip... and I am sooo glad we did it!!
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