Yes, it's been a week since our most American of holidays - Black Friday - but I'm finally getting to it. ;)
It all started the Thursday before Thanksgiving, when the Lighthouse of Faith Mennonite Church had their annual community Thanksgiving dinner and choir performance. We planned to go, so I had the boys start out early to walk the dogs. A little sooner than we expected them back, Cedwryck came back alone, with some out-of-breath story about the dogs getting away. So I took off and met Riah where he was trying to go into the woods. Turns out Ced needed to pee, so he asked Riah to hold his dog (Gina, a black and tan girl) while he went into the bushes. Riah proceeded to tie his dog (Duke, a big tan boy) to an electric pole so he could hold Gina. Well, he noticed Duke managed to get free of his tie, and in the excitement and trying to catch Duke he let go of Gina, and both were away into the woods. The worry here was that Gina was wearing a leash attached to a choke collar. Duke had his halter and leash.
Well, we called and spoke to the man at the nearest house, and went on to the dinner. Over the next few days we put up flyers, contacted the shelter, went door-to-door, and walked in the woods looking and calling. We also prepared to go to Bob's cousin's house in Branson for the family get-together.
On Thanksgiving day we went to Branson and spent a nice day with Bob's family. Everybody was together for the first time in 3 years. The cousin has a nice, HUGE house (3x the size of ours) and everybody was in a good mood. The food was good and plentiful, and the TV didn't stay on too long. After supper we made our exit and checked into a hotel. Because of a misunderstanding, we ended up with two rooms and split boys and girls+Daniel. We drove around the main drag, checked out some folks standing in line for store openings, and got fresh doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, then went back to hotel for baths. Daniel didn't want to go to sleep, but finally settled down in my bed about 11:30.
Friday morning we had breakfast in the hotel, featuring toaster waffles and the worst coffee ever made, during which a family with a show there in town came in, sang a song, and handed out flyers for their show. Then we went out for more sightseeing. The lakeside walks and fountains were accessed from Bass Pro Shop's parking lot, but with the shoppers out there was a line just to get in the parking lot. So we passed on that. We did go to one shopping center where I hit a Corelle/Pyrex/corningware outlet and Bob checked out a tool store. I got some mixing bowls and a storage set.
Then we headed home, where, when I opened my door to step out, there stood Duke! I didn't see him until I opened the door. He seemed very glad to see us and wanted lots of petting, then went to bed and slept the rest of the day. He still had his harness and leash, though the handle of the leash had been cut off. He had not lost weight. The boys assumed it was over for Gina and so were very sad.
After looking over Duke and unpacking the car, we went to Springdale. Bob got a DeWalt drill set at Lowe's, we looked at air compressors and cell phones in 3 stores, got a new leash, a sheet set, and granola bars. Then back to Lowe's for the air compressor.
The next couple of days are kind of a blur. Oh, I remember! I spent 2 or 3 days online, looking up cell phones and price plans. Finally decided on one and they wouldn't sell to my address. So tried again with MIL's address, and the third time it went through. :) But by then the phone was backordered and I'm supposed to get it Monday, but with this weather it'll probably be delayed. I got a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, with a pre-paid plan from T-Mobile. I'll let you know how it goes.
Yesterday we got a call from a family that had Gina. Bob went to their house, over 2 miles away, and Gina came to him when he called. They had picked her up off the highway, still wearing her choke collar and leash, and were feeding her. She was dirty but fat, and SOOO glad to see Duke. We were in shock that both dogs made it home - besides the leashes, it is deer season and the folks tend to shoot first and ask questions later.
Today Bob and Ced walked the dogs while Riah and I fed them and the chickens and it began to sleet. A few minutes after they got back, Riah decided to go into the dog pen to pet them, and they got out. Haven't seen or heard from them since. I'm trying to not care too much. I love dogs, and have always had one, and have always done my best for them, but these guys just don't want to be here, I guess. Maybe we need to let go a bit and view them more as barn cats.
Blackberry the cat has noticed a shift and has been coming in the house more lately than she did all year.
Friday, 6 December 2013
Saturday, 9 November 2013
giveaway
A blog that I follow http://inashoe.com/2013/11/giveaway-new-double-album-by-nathan-clark-george/#comment-113949 is hosting a giveaway of Nathan Clark George's new CD. You can listen to lots of his music on his website, http://www.nathanclarkgeorge.com/.
We first heard and met NCG at Family Camp in New Mexico, WAAAAY back when Cedwryck was the baby (that'd be 8 1/2 years ago). He sang a song about brushing off his children and getting grumpy, instead of being patient and available, and it made me cry. So I bought both the albums he had available at the time.
Then he sang another song that made me laugh, but I don't think it's on an album. It went something like this:
A chicken hawk and a vulture were sitting on a fence near a chicken farm, and the chicken hawk was worried that they would never find anything to eat, but the vulture said that the Lord would provide. The hawk saw a rabbit, but didn't catch it in time; the vulture just said, "the Lord will provide." Finally the hawk could stand it no more, and he attacked the chickens. The farmer came out and shot the chicken hawk! The vulture happily flew over, saying to himself, "I knew the Lord would provide."
So go take a look, and put in for the drawing if you want, but if you win I get to borrow your CD for a few days.
We first heard and met NCG at Family Camp in New Mexico, WAAAAY back when Cedwryck was the baby (that'd be 8 1/2 years ago). He sang a song about brushing off his children and getting grumpy, instead of being patient and available, and it made me cry. So I bought both the albums he had available at the time.
Then he sang another song that made me laugh, but I don't think it's on an album. It went something like this:
A chicken hawk and a vulture were sitting on a fence near a chicken farm, and the chicken hawk was worried that they would never find anything to eat, but the vulture said that the Lord would provide. The hawk saw a rabbit, but didn't catch it in time; the vulture just said, "the Lord will provide." Finally the hawk could stand it no more, and he attacked the chickens. The farmer came out and shot the chicken hawk! The vulture happily flew over, saying to himself, "I knew the Lord would provide."
So go take a look, and put in for the drawing if you want, but if you win I get to borrow your CD for a few days.
Monday, 4 November 2013
catch up again
I see that people still visit me occasionally. Old habits die hard, I guess. Anyway, a brief recap of the last two months.
Bob has been working with a friend, paid by the hour as a self-employed or independent contractor. They do construction, mostly; repairs and remodels as well as new work. The friend also has lawn mowing equipment, but he does those jobs by himself. We are using that money to make improvements on our own house.
... We are enclosing the carport (3 bay) to make a living room. The 1 car garage will be a library, but that will come later. Meanwhile, we knocked the rock siding off of the house/garage wall inside the carport and emptied the garage into the metal building. Then, since Bob's tools and photo equipment are now in the building, it became imperative to get electricity down there. The electric company has been called, and we bought the wires and boxes to fix that up. Bob also put in some insulation and hung pegboard in the first available corner.
In the carport We are going to pour concrete to raise the floor and keep it dry, build a couple of walls with a bay window and a new entry door, put insulation in the ceiling and walls and finish them on the inside; wire for plugs, lights, and fans, put siding on the outside... It will be a lot of work. But as our current living area is 9 1/2 by 19 feet (and 5 + of that 19 is entry/walkway), we need the space. We may also include a closet for our bedroom as well as an entry/coat closet.
We had a yard sale at the house a few weeks ago, and did o.k. on Friday, but nothing on Saturday. Then this weekend we took our stuff to Anna Mary's Cakes parking lot sale along with 4 other families and their warehouse sale. Friday we did well, and Saturday was slow but still sold some. We didn't keep track of our sales, but spent what we earned on other people's stuff and had some left over. What was left was packed up and donated to two charities.
I had a really nice birthday, where Bob conspired with my friend to have a surprise party. SSon even called to say Happy Birthday. I had two cakes and got some new clothes as well as a new canner, kitchen timer, coupon for babysitting, and chocolate.
We've had a couple of interesting dining experiences, such as the time at our Huntsville Sonic, where we ordered a cheeseburger with mustard, they rang up a hamburger (which isn't even on the menu), and when it arrived it had bacon on it, but the Jr burger which we requested plain, with bacon (it rang up correctly) came with only ketchup. Then another time we ate at Colton's Steak House in Fayetteville for the first time. They had a big banner up that "kids eat free". We asked and were told it was 2 kid's meals for each adult. As Taryn is an adult, we would get 6 free, and come out just right. Bob and I shared a combo plate and appetizer, and the waitress said she'd have to charge full price on the appetizer (it was on sale) so it could count as a meal to get the free kid's meals. We thought that was o.k. But when the ticket came, she only took off the price of 4 kid's meals. ugh. If she'd said from the beginning it was 2 meals for every entree, we would have found another entree to order, but we asked first and were told... Anyway, they were the best ribs I've had in a LONG time, and the cheese fries were good, too.
Daniel got his first molar a couple of days ago, and has been randomly screaming throughout the day. He also persists in learning new things, and exploring with all his might. He can open the child safety lock on the kitchen cabinet, and easily climbs into any chair and on the table and piano. He is interested in the fire, but so far has not burned himself. He likes to hand me a stick to put into the fire. He can say several of our names, including his own, but always at full volume. He really just likes to yell, and yelled joyfully, without stopping, for a whole trip through Lowes while we priced flooring, lights, and siding. He's starting to get predictable in his bowel movements, so I put him on the toilet a couple of times. He grunted away when I told him to go potty, but nothing happened. He does still like to play in the toilet water (or whatever else might be in there, thanks to older siblings who don't always flush). We moved his bed into the boys' room this week, and he slept all night last night.
O.K. Enough for now. :)
Bob has been working with a friend, paid by the hour as a self-employed or independent contractor. They do construction, mostly; repairs and remodels as well as new work. The friend also has lawn mowing equipment, but he does those jobs by himself. We are using that money to make improvements on our own house.
... We are enclosing the carport (3 bay) to make a living room. The 1 car garage will be a library, but that will come later. Meanwhile, we knocked the rock siding off of the house/garage wall inside the carport and emptied the garage into the metal building. Then, since Bob's tools and photo equipment are now in the building, it became imperative to get electricity down there. The electric company has been called, and we bought the wires and boxes to fix that up. Bob also put in some insulation and hung pegboard in the first available corner.
In the carport We are going to pour concrete to raise the floor and keep it dry, build a couple of walls with a bay window and a new entry door, put insulation in the ceiling and walls and finish them on the inside; wire for plugs, lights, and fans, put siding on the outside... It will be a lot of work. But as our current living area is 9 1/2 by 19 feet (and 5 + of that 19 is entry/walkway), we need the space. We may also include a closet for our bedroom as well as an entry/coat closet.
We had a yard sale at the house a few weeks ago, and did o.k. on Friday, but nothing on Saturday. Then this weekend we took our stuff to Anna Mary's Cakes parking lot sale along with 4 other families and their warehouse sale. Friday we did well, and Saturday was slow but still sold some. We didn't keep track of our sales, but spent what we earned on other people's stuff and had some left over. What was left was packed up and donated to two charities.
I had a really nice birthday, where Bob conspired with my friend to have a surprise party. SSon even called to say Happy Birthday. I had two cakes and got some new clothes as well as a new canner, kitchen timer, coupon for babysitting, and chocolate.
We've had a couple of interesting dining experiences, such as the time at our Huntsville Sonic, where we ordered a cheeseburger with mustard, they rang up a hamburger (which isn't even on the menu), and when it arrived it had bacon on it, but the Jr burger which we requested plain, with bacon (it rang up correctly) came with only ketchup. Then another time we ate at Colton's Steak House in Fayetteville for the first time. They had a big banner up that "kids eat free". We asked and were told it was 2 kid's meals for each adult. As Taryn is an adult, we would get 6 free, and come out just right. Bob and I shared a combo plate and appetizer, and the waitress said she'd have to charge full price on the appetizer (it was on sale) so it could count as a meal to get the free kid's meals. We thought that was o.k. But when the ticket came, she only took off the price of 4 kid's meals. ugh. If she'd said from the beginning it was 2 meals for every entree, we would have found another entree to order, but we asked first and were told... Anyway, they were the best ribs I've had in a LONG time, and the cheese fries were good, too.
Daniel got his first molar a couple of days ago, and has been randomly screaming throughout the day. He also persists in learning new things, and exploring with all his might. He can open the child safety lock on the kitchen cabinet, and easily climbs into any chair and on the table and piano. He is interested in the fire, but so far has not burned himself. He likes to hand me a stick to put into the fire. He can say several of our names, including his own, but always at full volume. He really just likes to yell, and yelled joyfully, without stopping, for a whole trip through Lowes while we priced flooring, lights, and siding. He's starting to get predictable in his bowel movements, so I put him on the toilet a couple of times. He grunted away when I told him to go potty, but nothing happened. He does still like to play in the toilet water (or whatever else might be in there, thanks to older siblings who don't always flush). We moved his bed into the boys' room this week, and he slept all night last night.
O.K. Enough for now. :)
Sunday, 6 October 2013
for fun
tabs currently open on my browser:
http://thecommonroomblog.com/2013/10/shutdown-open-air-scenery-the-ocean-cancer-treatment.html
http://hotair.com/archives/2013/10/04/senior-admin-official-admits-were-winning-so-it-doesnt-matter-to-us-when-the-shutdown-ends/
http://washingtonexaminer.com/morning-examiner-meanwhile-in-other-news-federal-bureaucrats-still-gone-wild/article/2536817
http://judithcurry.com/2013/10/03/did-the-ar5-take-the-dangerous-out-of-agw/
https://www.google.com/search?q=pecuniary&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
earlier today I read about the content of 2 random chicken nuggets, some recipes, some games, my brother's blog, and various other news and editorial articles.
sorry they aren't links, if you're interested; highlight the addy, right click, and select "open in new tab."
http://thecommonroomblog.com/2013/10/shutdown-open-air-scenery-the-ocean-cancer-treatment.html
http://hotair.com/archives/2013/10/04/senior-admin-official-admits-were-winning-so-it-doesnt-matter-to-us-when-the-shutdown-ends/
http://washingtonexaminer.com/morning-examiner-meanwhile-in-other-news-federal-bureaucrats-still-gone-wild/article/2536817
http://judithcurry.com/2013/10/03/did-the-ar5-take-the-dangerous-out-of-agw/
https://www.google.com/search?q=pecuniary&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
earlier today I read about the content of 2 random chicken nuggets, some recipes, some games, my brother's blog, and various other news and editorial articles.
sorry they aren't links, if you're interested; highlight the addy, right click, and select "open in new tab."
Friday, 4 October 2013
the big blur
The last couple of weeks have been a little hectic.
We were disorganized and had to run into Huntsville at least once a day last week.
Riah had a birthday, at which we realised we have a birthday or major holiday every 2 weeks from Mid September through the end of January. He got a bow, but not the one he wanted, so he gave that to Naysha and bought another, which Cedwryck likes, so he got one, too. They've been shooting every spare minute.
Taryn finally got her eyes checked, and needs glasses. We shopped around some and finally ordered a pair at Walmart. While checking the mall stores (minnimum $300 at LensCrfters) we popped into J C Penny. I gave up shopping there years ago, as the one in Abilene never had any of the advertised specials, and the one here didn't have a "women's" section. But they'd remodeled recently, and it was close to LensCrafters. Right as we walked in there was a rack labeled $1.98. Found a shirt for each boy, and 2 pair of pants; cheaper than Goodwill! Then found the large ladies area, and pulled out 2 tops that fit me, both on sale.Went to check out and saw coupons on the counter for $10 off a $25 purchase, so picked one up. The lady rang up a couple things and mentioned that one of my tops was $30 (still a discount, but not what I'd thought). I was going to leave it, but she suggested I ring it up seperately from the other thingfs and use another coupon. Smart! So we left there feeling happy.
Saturday we stopped at our friends' house for a minute to pick up some milk, and while we were chatting they got a call from another friend who was on the way over and was having car trouble. Bob put on his mechanic hat and offered to take a look. Long story short, we stayed at their house for 9 hours while Bob replaced the brake line which was worn completely in two. I'm glad we all get along so well. It was a long day for an introvert, but it was mostly enjoyable.
Cedwryck was baptized on Riah's birthday, and the next Sunday we went to see our friends' middle two baptized at their Mennonite church. Two very different services, but both beautiful and meaningful.
We brought in, sorted, and washed all the winter clothes. I sorted through another 3 bookshelves. Bob began the great remodel. We are adding on to our living room (9x19 just ain't enough) by enclosing some or all of the carport. First he cleared the area, and then he knocked the rock siding off. Then he bought some insulation for 1/2 price. Then we atarted talking about all vs part. hmmm.
I made another 2 batches of pickles and some relish.
Haven't got any sewing done.
We were disorganized and had to run into Huntsville at least once a day last week.
Riah had a birthday, at which we realised we have a birthday or major holiday every 2 weeks from Mid September through the end of January. He got a bow, but not the one he wanted, so he gave that to Naysha and bought another, which Cedwryck likes, so he got one, too. They've been shooting every spare minute.
Taryn finally got her eyes checked, and needs glasses. We shopped around some and finally ordered a pair at Walmart. While checking the mall stores (minnimum $300 at LensCrfters) we popped into J C Penny. I gave up shopping there years ago, as the one in Abilene never had any of the advertised specials, and the one here didn't have a "women's" section. But they'd remodeled recently, and it was close to LensCrafters. Right as we walked in there was a rack labeled $1.98. Found a shirt for each boy, and 2 pair of pants; cheaper than Goodwill! Then found the large ladies area, and pulled out 2 tops that fit me, both on sale.Went to check out and saw coupons on the counter for $10 off a $25 purchase, so picked one up. The lady rang up a couple things and mentioned that one of my tops was $30 (still a discount, but not what I'd thought). I was going to leave it, but she suggested I ring it up seperately from the other thingfs and use another coupon. Smart! So we left there feeling happy.
Saturday we stopped at our friends' house for a minute to pick up some milk, and while we were chatting they got a call from another friend who was on the way over and was having car trouble. Bob put on his mechanic hat and offered to take a look. Long story short, we stayed at their house for 9 hours while Bob replaced the brake line which was worn completely in two. I'm glad we all get along so well. It was a long day for an introvert, but it was mostly enjoyable.
Cedwryck was baptized on Riah's birthday, and the next Sunday we went to see our friends' middle two baptized at their Mennonite church. Two very different services, but both beautiful and meaningful.
We brought in, sorted, and washed all the winter clothes. I sorted through another 3 bookshelves. Bob began the great remodel. We are adding on to our living room (9x19 just ain't enough) by enclosing some or all of the carport. First he cleared the area, and then he knocked the rock siding off. Then he bought some insulation for 1/2 price. Then we atarted talking about all vs part. hmmm.
I made another 2 batches of pickles and some relish.
Haven't got any sewing done.
Friday, 20 September 2013
Some sayings of the little boys
This week:
Elijah, while I was giving him a shower: Don't do
this to me! It's a dumb idea!!
Daniel, while playing on the lawn mower, stuck the
key in the ignition and said," brmmmm."
Daniel rushes into the boys' room after they were in
bed and yells "roar!"
Recently:
Elijah: there's nothing
to DO in bed.
Bob: Yeah, sleep!
Elijah: That's BORing!!
Bob: Yeah, sleep!
Elijah: That's BORing!!
July 15:
In which Elijah confesses his utter dependence
on talking:
Bob says: Be quiet!
Elijah: If I'm quiet I can't breathe, and that's the problem.
Bob says: Be quiet!
Elijah: If I'm quiet I can't breathe, and that's the problem.
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
been thinkin
I might oughtta blog now and then.
Daniel is such a hoot! His hair might look blond sometimes, but he definitely has a red-head personality. He is very smart and creative - a real problem-solver. He likes to play with Bob's computer mouse (wireless), so he'll get a book and take it to Bob as if he wants to read. Bob will take the book and open it up, and Daniel will use that moment of distraction to grab the mouse and run away.
He likes to stick his hands into holes. He will figure out steps to take to accomplish his goals. He's learned two ways to open things - pulling off a cap, like for a marker or chapstick, and using his teeth to open flip caps, like my tube of lotion, which he likes to lick.
He's starting to talk, and will say "hi" out of the blue. When I say "I love you" he gives me a hug. In fact, he hugs me a lot, because I'm his favorite person ever, and he's been super clingy ever since the teacher training I went to in July, and will push others away from me. He's also learned to punch, and to shoot with a pretend gun (complete with sound effects). :( He points and says "look!" or gasps as if in astonishment, especially at lights. He stacked 2 blocks a week or so ago. He will deliberately make a mess so I will clean it up and he has a chance to get into something else. But he has learned what "no" means (and protests its usage).
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