tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65352582024-03-13T13:29:42.523-06:00The Noel Family BlogThis Blog will keep you up-to-date on our family!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-71664995238457511012013-11-05T13:55:00.000-07:002013-11-05T13:55:47.066-07:00My mother Linda Hynick, passed away suddenly on November 2nd. Please keep us in your prayers. Memorial will be in Peoria, AZ on the 16th of November at Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church.
I'm still numb; we'll miss her so much. She was my best friend.
Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-33223714378135942622013-06-21T18:49:00.000-06:002013-06-21T18:49:22.436-06:00Here is a pic of my broody hen Savory, who is sitting on a nest of 8 Blue Orpington eggs. They are due to hatch tomorrow or the next day. I'll post more pics when they arrive!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXJ_Oeeg190/UcT0gidngfI/AAAAAAAAAas/xc1mjQTG8Fo/s1600/IMG_20130621_183814_991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXJ_Oeeg190/UcT0gidngfI/AAAAAAAAAas/xc1mjQTG8Fo/s320/IMG_20130621_183814_991.jpg" /></a></div>Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-29493237053336183862013-05-20T09:19:00.000-06:002013-05-20T09:19:48.934-06:00Spring is here, and I'm getting the garden in. We've had some ups and downs recently. Noel's dad passed a couple of weeks ago. He had lung cancer. We had him on Hospice at the end. Noel went down and made all the final arrangements. His dad wished to be cremated, so that's what we had done. A good friend of his dad's, Gilbert, was there to help Noel out. They emptied the trailer and it will be sold, and brought back an ATV and all of his dad's tools that were in his shed. Eli and Madelaine don't really comprehend the loss, but Mckenna has cried a couple of times.
Good news is that home values are up and we are no longer upside down on our loan and might even be able to sell our home and get a bigger place with more land. At the very least we will refinance with rates being so low. The chickens will appreciate more land and a bigger garden with room for fruit trees and berry bushes would be nice.
I also took a defensive handgun class that I've been meaning to take. Learned lots of good stuff. We received a certificate at the end that we can use to get a concealed handgun permit if we want. I'll think about that. lol
That's it for now......<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyJy1TFS0vQ/UZo-ahw12iI/AAAAAAAAAaE/kW12Sxd__g4/s1600/IMG_20130504_102532_942.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyJy1TFS0vQ/UZo-ahw12iI/AAAAAAAAAaE/kW12Sxd__g4/s320/IMG_20130504_102532_942.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GZ3E5j3Orw/UZo-udw7YiI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tDzKvYrnH-E/s1600/IMG_20130504_102257_345.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GZ3E5j3Orw/UZo-udw7YiI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tDzKvYrnH-E/s320/IMG_20130504_102257_345.jpg" /></a>Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-85463831256693546972013-02-05T15:08:00.000-07:002013-02-05T15:08:30.876-07:00Eli is potty trained! He's been accident-free for the last week and has even gone in the potty's at restaurants, too.
We had him watch his sister go on his potty a week ago and I'd give her a chocolate chip each time, and then we brought his favorite bear in and had the bear go on the potty. He and the girls got to giggling and stayed in there for quite a while making potty sounds. And that seemed to be all he needed. He got a treat after each successful potty until there were no more treats left, and he was cool with it and has kept at it. He even wakes up in the middle of the night or early morning to go on the potty. I'm not sure we even need to keep the pullup on him at night!
Anyway, just needed to document his success. The girls were harder and I really expected him to give me the most trouble, but he's been the easiest by far!
:DSaritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-69624557116152161052013-01-26T12:08:00.001-07:002013-01-26T12:08:33.074-07:00So, McKenna and Madelaine had a sleepover last night at Jasmines house. They had a good time. Mia, who lives two doors down, also spent the night. When I went over to pick the girls up she told me that her mom said she could have everyone for a sleepover at her house. I smiled, but didn't say anything - because, it ain't gonna happen! At least my kids won't be there. Mia's mother confessed to Inna (mother of Jasmine) that her husband had pushed her whilst they were arguing and she fell and broke her wrist. So no way am I letting my child spend the night at an abusers house. He's also been in jail and his father also, who likes to hang out over there all the time. I know McKenna will ask why she can't spend the night. I'm planning to tell her that I don't know Mia's parents well enough (I don't) but I know that won't satisfy her for long. After all, why can't I just go over and get to know them, right? And I'll tell McKenna that of course Mia can always come to our house for a sleepover. I'm wondering at what age I can feel safe to tell McKenna why she can't go over there. I'm expecting once she has the restraint not to blab to Mia about her dad being an abusive meanie (which I suspect Mia already knows). Inna says Mia comes over sometimes and sits looking shell-shocked for awhile before she starts playing with the others. So, I'll be the parent that says "because that's my decision" for awhile. Oh well, gotta keep them safe, right?Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-27379721660105143552013-01-22T15:47:00.000-07:002013-01-22T15:47:02.026-07:00It's been awhile, so here's what's happening -
McKenna is sprouting up and going through a growth spurt. She's very responsible and a vivacious charmer and social butterfly. We're having her teeth looked at. Did an x-ray at the orthodontist and she is missing her lateral incisors on the top, which means her canines will come down next to her two front teeth. The doc went over some options that we'll talk more about as she gets older. She is loving co-op, and is a great friend to her neighbors down the street. They get together all the time.
Madelaine is also sprouting up and has lovely wavy hair. She's a very considerate and nuturing soul, as she's always bringing someone a blanket to help keep them warm, or offering them a pillow behind their back. Her smile lights up the room and she loves getting tickles from Daddy. I'm seeing a new maturity to her face and that future inner young woman sometimes peeks out at me at surprising moments.
Eli, with his cherubs grin, will come and sit in your lap and give lots of hugs and snuggles. His little giggle is infectious and he can't help but brighten up your day if you're feeling a little down. Right now we are potty training him and he is doing fairly well. We've had a few accidents, but he's willing to sit on the potty to try and we're very proud of him. He loves playing with his sisters, but can be the instigator of fights. The rascal!
Mommy is learning to de-stress using meditation during morning or evening "mom" time, and floats in the isolation tanks at Drop of Calm. She's also getting a bit more organized with her homeschooling as the girls are doing very well right now. She's been taking yoga classes and has also been going to bunco games every month. Getting out and meeting some new neighbors was also an accomplished goal this month. She's also working on coddling the youngest a little less as he's getting a tad spoiled. Yea, Mommy!
Daddy has been busy at work and also working on his customers computers, but he always finds time to play, tickle and tease his kids every night after work. They pile on top of him like puppies and the squeals of delight will bring a grin to your face. He's a supportive husband and a loving father and is working on reining in that temper of his - and doing a marvelous job so far. The kids and wife like to snuggle with him at night sometimes in front of the TV. Daddy will be going on a float with his wife coming up in a couple of weeks. We'll be relaxing together.....
Family life has it's ups and downs, and there are always personal goals that we are working on, but overall we are blessed. Cooperation and communication are two items that we are working on applying better to our lives right now. Our newly established family meetings once a month should help us support and appreciate each other on a whole new level, as well.
Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-36316992132625706322013-01-06T15:04:00.000-07:002013-01-06T15:04:24.825-07:00So I just got back from Drop of Calm in Nampa, which is a floatation center. They have isolation tanks with water mixed with about 800 lbs of Epsom salts. You float in the dark and quiet, in water which is exactly skin temperature. All outside worries are put aside while you float. You let go of stress and depression and aches and pains and just let the salt water support you.
I received a gift certificate for a float from my hubby (thank you!) and went today. I went a little early and was greeted by a nice lady who offered the oxygen bar. I was hesitant at first, but decided to try it out. The oxygen came in different scents. I believe mine was peppermint. I didn't notice too much effect, except that it seemed to wake me up a bit. After about ten minutes of talking, I took off the oxygen and she took me back to the sensory deprivation tank. I chose the smaller one, which is less humid than the larger. The room was large enough for the tank and a small shower. Special shampoo was provided so that the tanks would stay clean. Ear plugs were also made available. I made use of them, as I hate getting water in my ears.
So I stripped, showered, and opened up the lid to the chamber and looked in. It looked like something that wanted to bake me and I wondered why I was doing this. Then I remembered the incredible stress I've been going through and decided to take the plunge. I sat down inside the tank, then closed the door. Complete darkness. Whether my eyes were open or closed, I saw only pitch black. I settled onto my back and found that holding my hands up behind my head was the most comfortable. I bumped into the sides several times before finding a point where I wasn't touching the sides, then let myself relax. I started to concentrate on my breathing, which sounded incredibly loud after a few minutes. Then I became aware of a loud knocking and started to get upset that I could hear anything. It was supposed to be sound proof, this oven I was currently baking in! I had the ear plugs in too, so I tried to not hear the noise, and after a bit came to the realization that I was hearing my teeth touching together! I experimented and sure enough, when I bit down I heard this loud knocking sound. So, I kept my teeth apart and tried to settle again, and soon found that I felt as though I was slowly revolving around in a 180 degree circle. I knew I wasn't, as I wasn't touching the sides at all, but it felt so real. I started to enjoy the sensation and imagined myself going faster.
I cannot testify to seeing any strange images, as some people have reported, and as I have never done a drug in my life and wasn't at this floatation center for that purpose, I cannot say that I was disappointed. I did experience a very calm, zen-like float, but unfortunately I had to interrupt the float twice by getting out and putting more Vaseline over a cut or scrape that started bothering me from the salt. I thought I had been careful to have everything healed up, but this wasn't the case. After the second time getting back into the tank, I was feeling better, and was just starting to get back into it, when some salt water dripped into my eye from all of the up and down that I had been doing. That finished the float for me. So, I got out and showered off – the Epsom salts are crazy about wanting to cling to your skin. I washed down twice to get it all off of me, and then dressed and looked at the time. I thought, what with the interruptions with my float, that I had been inside only 20 minutes or so, but the full hour had passed. Time definitely flew while I was in there. And I felt great!
My time in the tank relaxed me in a very profound way. I felt like I was floating on air; I was calm, felt light, the stress was gone, my spirits felt buoyed. I sat and chatted with the lady who was helping me and another woman who floats there regularly. They told me of some of their experiences, and I said that I would absolutely be back. If anyone has any doubts about trying it, I would but them aside and go for it. If you're claustrophobic, even that's not a problem as you can prop the door open. I loved it and am looking forward to seeing what comes of the next session. :)Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-46701749557833043242012-11-13T08:23:00.001-07:002012-11-13T08:23:53.530-07:00So, as you can see from my blog, I've started writing articles. Constant Content brings together writers and clients and has strict editing standards, if fact, you have to do your own editing; if they see a mistake they immediately send it back to you to fix. I can submit articles on pretty much any subject, and then when I'm more confident I can submit articles to public and private requests.
The average selling price ranges from $20 to $80, although there are articles that sell for lower and a lot higher. Constant Content takes a 35 percent cut, but considering that you can make much more money on your article there (unlike $2 at other places), it's worth it, in my opinion. Another reason you can make so much is because of the tough editing standards. You really have to know your punctuation and grammar inside and out. I've found it helpful to review on Purdue's website.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing how prolific I end up being. There's no lack of subjects for me to write about. Parenting, power company info, and natural birth have been a few of my subjects covered so far. I really can't wait to write more. I find that the best time is when kids are asleep, either in morning or evening. I've also found success during the day if I send them up for a bath. Once I have my thoughts organized and the article researched (and especially if I know the subject matter well) I can whip up an article in about 30 minutes.
So, in other news. Noel had his vasectomy. Recovery was a little rough, but he's better now. According to the doctor at his most recent check, he still has a few swimmers. He also went hunting with a co-worker but didn't get any elk. He had a chance and shot, but missed. Came back to the camp and found that his gun sight had gotten knocked out of alignment. He tried again on another trip but only saw females. So, no venison this year, and I was really looking forward to it!
I am getting Lasik on the 29th of this month. I'm really excited and even though I know recovery will be rough, I can't wait! I'm supposed to be able to drive for a follow-up appointment the day following, so we'll see.
On another note, my chickens are molting. I opened up the coop and it looked like someone had been murdered, sans the blood and body. Feathers were everywhere! Casey is my easter egger and she has fluffy neck feathers that have been coming out, seemingly overnight, LOL! I've seen another chicken sitting by her and plucking out loose feathers, too. So far, no bald spots, but it's been getting cold and I've found her sitting in the coop at times probably trying to stay out of the wind. A few days ago, she was acting ill, just staying by herself and fluffing herself up and walking slowly. She just must have been uncomfortable because she's acting her normal self now.
Enough for now. I need to get school started. :)Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-60114369349145529082012-09-20T21:22:00.002-06:002012-09-20T21:22:59.236-06:00What's new?<br />
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Well, our oldest cat Diablo developed diarrhea and so after doing some research on cat nutrition found that we were feeding an inappropriate diet of dry food. I found out that wet food is much better for cats because they get up to 80% of their moisture from their food and they have an inherently low thirst drive, which means if they are on dry food they are in a constant state of dehydration. Diablo finally ended up developing an allergy to all of the grain products in his food like corn and soy and wheat.... SO....<br />
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I have moved them over to grain-free canned cat food and have seen a huge improvement in Diablo's output (plus a softer, shinier coat!). Nice formed stools, no more diarrhea sprayed all over the girls bedroom rug or the hallway carpet runner. It's all in the litter box where it belongs. BUT, grain-free canned is EXPENSIVE! The cheapest I can find it is 1.09 a can, unless I get the large cans in bulk, which drops the price to 95 cents per can. Now, only Diablo needs the grain-free, so if I keep Azrael on regular canned and Diablo the pricey stuff, the least amount I will spend would be $45 per month.<br />
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After having investigated the raw diets, I believe I can feed them for cheaper using raw meat/bone/organs with some extra supplements added for cheaper than feeding canned, and the raw diet will be much healthier for them. The meats need to be sourced still, but if I can find good clean meat at good prices I'll be set. Then I can grind everything and add supplements or see if my cats will eventually go "whole prey" style. Throw a rabbit leg or ribs or whatever on the ground and let them go at it. Or a whole rabbit! LOL<br />
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I've got lots more research to do! :)Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-27088114839696952722012-09-08T20:47:00.000-06:002012-09-08T20:47:21.803-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Took the family blackberry picking today. A coworker of Noel's invited us to come pick - he said they were sick of blackberries so we relieved his burden willingly. LOL Kids jumped on their trampoline that was ground level with a pit dug out beneath. Pretty cool, until McKenna stepped on a goat head. Anywho, came home and I made blackberry jam. Then Noel went to pick up milk and I made some butter. I was planning on making some bread, but due to a, a'hem, mishap in the oven we went sans bread. Tonight Noel picked up tomatoes and peppers and he chopped them up planning to make salsa, so we'll can that tomorrow. Busy, busy... Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-74589586051279995902012-09-06T10:38:00.002-06:002012-09-06T10:38:43.662-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-88673054619213958252012-08-25T16:21:00.001-06:002012-08-25T16:21:57.812-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're having fun this week. Noel and the girls took Grandma up to the top of Bogus Basin so they could get some pics. We went to the park and fed the ducks and we've been to the archery range so the girls could show off their skills (and Mommy, too!) and we did Roaring Springs water park yesterday, which was a bunch of fun. Grandma got more pictures than I did put I'll put up some of what I have. Tomorrow we are going to the fair and will get more pictures!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-56373235148559400922012-08-20T21:13:00.000-06:002012-08-20T21:13:07.021-06:00Grandma Carlson is here! The kids are excited and have already worn grandma out, I think!<br />
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We went on a walk earlier and caught a few cute pics... enjoy!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-11044550582632397892012-08-19T21:13:00.001-06:002012-08-19T21:13:21.818-06:00A little rain, a bowl of ice cream and some coffee. Yum... and the kids are in bed, too!<br />
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We had a good day today getting ready for Noel's mom's visit. We shampooed our carpets, which sorely needed it, and mowed lawn and did mountains of laundry. This coming week will be the fair, a water park, and our annual family portrait taken outside by a river. I'm looking forward to it and the girls are, too. <br />
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I also helped out my neighbor today. We drove out to Boise and picked up an electronic piano since her kids are taking lessons from me and are showing lots of interest. Her son, Simon, is especially motivated to play. We also picked up a trampoline for them as well. They had it set up and our girls were over there jumping on it this evening.<br />
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Coffee's finished! :)Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-53403552462046001962012-08-16T10:01:00.001-06:002012-08-16T10:01:43.529-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aN9YCPsFPo4/UC0ZQ0DXW4I/AAAAAAAAAXE/jwZK90ac5TE/s1600/220px-Toddy_coffee_system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aN9YCPsFPo4/UC0ZQ0DXW4I/AAAAAAAAAXE/jwZK90ac5TE/s320/220px-Toddy_coffee_system.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
This morning found me trying out my cold-brewed coffee. Less bitter, most definitely! I liked it. I had ground up the beans last night and let them sit in water all night, then drained them. It makes a concentrate. 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water (or so depending on strength). The concentrate lasts for 2 weeks in the fridge, but I'll go through it faster than that! The pic isn't mine, but gives you an idea. I just used a measuring cup, funnel and coffee filter! Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-67816286385782730362012-08-14T15:40:00.000-06:002012-08-14T15:43:08.478-06:00Well, we're ramping up for the new school year! We're doing Saxon Math this year, which holds your hand a bit more and something that will be good for me. Gives more structure and such.<br />
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The girls are coming to the end of summer and it's been a fantastic time of swimming and gymnastics and vacations and visits from Grandma and Grandpa and now another Grandma is coming to visit so we've been one busy family.<br />
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The girls are doing really well with their new chore system. Earning tickets for doing their chores and those tickets earn them privileges (which used to be gotten whenever they wanted - within reason!)<br />
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They can earn 3 tickets a day and each ticket gets them 30 minutes of screen time. They don't do that segment of chores, they don't get a ticket. They can also earn bonus bucks and privilege passes and best behavior cards. I like handing those out! :) So far, chores are getting done and that makes me happy! The system is called Accountable Kids and I'm very happy my sister-in-law mentioned it to me!<br />
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Noel may be going in for some surgery in the next few weeks. (It's time to turn the baby-making machine off ;) Probably that will happen after his Mom leaves. We'll see. And my friend might need me to drive her kids to school for awhile because she just had a seizure. So there will be driving restrictions for awhile.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFw5ckcG7h4/UCrGVtWf_qI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/bczn3em4hew/s1600/2012-08-06_10-45-56_384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFw5ckcG7h4/UCrGVtWf_qI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/bczn3em4hew/s320/2012-08-06_10-45-56_384.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Just had the kids hair cut. They're looking good!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-80086218750459575882012-06-26T19:59:00.002-06:002012-06-26T19:59:41.008-06:00Well, Miss Madelaine, just shy of her 4th birthday, has learned to ride her bicycle! She was determined to keep up with her big sister and that's some powerful motivation. :) She was so excited to tell her Daddy when he got home and had to show off her new skills. I'll try to get a pic up of her tomorrow.Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-22084714403112498392012-06-13T21:40:00.001-06:002012-06-13T21:40:30.722-06:00Well, that tooth finally came out and she pulled it herself!<br />
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We've signed all three kids up for gymnastics. They're having lots of fun and our summer is busy already. Russian lessons from our neighbor in exchange for piano lessons. Mom and Dad will be coming up end of July. Dad's having some dental work done that hopefully will be complete by the time they leave.<br />
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I'm doing massive de-cluttering of my house. Getting up early helps keep ahead of the game (and the kids). Laundry once a day is a must or I get behind. The cats get extra time with me. Only down side is I like staying up later after the kids are in bed and now I'm so tired I'm going to bed half and hour after they do. I guess my schedule will get tweaked a bit. I made a chore calendar and a meal calendar on google in addition to my regular calendar. It's nice. Noel likes knowing what's going to be for dinner and I can plan ahead and see what needs to be defrosted.<br />
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<br />Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-13851248994433498572012-05-31T10:32:00.002-06:002012-05-31T10:32:35.899-06:00McKenna has a loose front tooth. Very wiggly, a bit painful and periodically bleeding. I've told her she should be the one to pull this one out. The others have either fallen out on their own or were pulled by her father or I. She's very excited but nervous. I'm hoping she doesn't swallow it in her sleep!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-90040543152772233892012-05-25T14:00:00.005-06:002012-05-25T14:16:22.284-06:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oz00wxfcMQU/T7_ocL6JE8I/AAAAAAAAAWE/6Kw8sYaeIuI/s1600/IMG_4628.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oz00wxfcMQU/T7_ocL6JE8I/AAAAAAAAAWE/6Kw8sYaeIuI/s320/IMG_4628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746567220478677954" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1_QWzHBtVs/T7_oIqACIRI/AAAAAAAAAV4/QoiGz0cM_bM/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1_QWzHBtVs/T7_oIqACIRI/AAAAAAAAAV4/QoiGz0cM_bM/s320/IMG_4669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746566884959068434" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcXnfKs-nf0/T7_n6N_QOpI/AAAAAAAAAVs/cnwUx7snLjM/s1600/IMG_4440.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcXnfKs-nf0/T7_n6N_QOpI/AAAAAAAAAVs/cnwUx7snLjM/s320/IMG_4440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746566636921436818" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKWABbP43jw/T7_nYmb17II/AAAAAAAAAVg/hqwPL54TzVk/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKWABbP43jw/T7_nYmb17II/AAAAAAAAAVg/hqwPL54TzVk/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746566059368246402" border="0" /></a><br />It's been a bit since I posted so:<br /><br />McKenna was enrolled in Foundations Homeschool Co-op on Monday mornings. She really liked it and took a class on The States, a PE class and a Super Science class. Madelaine and Eli were in the nursery with me. It's going to be a great experience. She currently has the summer off and will restart in the fall.<br /><br />Noel had some tests done on his wrists as they bother him after he's been doing heavy work with his hands. They ruled out carpal tunnel and we still don't know what the problem is.<br /><br />We have some new chicks. They are almost 9 weeks old and I just sold two cockerels. One, a white one, was McKennas favorite and there were some tears, but we can't have roosters in our area so they had to go. Luckily, they were purebred Ameraucanas from Wayne Meredith lines and were a "blue" (actually grey) color. A man and his family purchased them for his breeding operation as he breeds the blue egg-layers, too. I have one more boy left to sell and hopefully the rest will stay girls. LOL<br /><br />Eli is currently being potty-trained (summer is a great time for that!) and this weekend I'm night weaning him as well. Last night was the first night and he hit and kicked me and then snuggled quite grumpily next to me. I wore a sports bra to help discourage him and he didn't like it one bit. Noel took today off and since Monday is a holiday, I'm hoping Eli will be sleeping through the night soundly by the time Noel needs to go back to work. After that, we'll wait another few weeks and then put Eli into his own bed.<br /><br />Not much else. I have my garden going and we're brewing Kombucha around the clock as the kids really like it. Noel bought a smoker for $10 at a yard sale and it's worth $200 retail. Works perfectly and produces nice flavor. He also picked up a student microscope worth about $400 retail for $3 dollars at another yard sale. Those two purchases, made within a week of each other, have to be the best deals he's ever gotten at yard sales.<br /><br />Enough for now. :)Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-28802216420398157212012-03-16T10:07:00.001-06:002012-03-16T10:07:20.064-06:00<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">When despair for the world grows in me<br />and I wake in the night at the least sound<br />in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,<br />I go and lie down where the wood drake<br />rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.<br /><span class="text_exposed_show"> I come into the peace of wild things<br />who do not tax their lives with forethought<br />of grief. I come into the presence of still water.<br />And I feel above me the day-blind stars<br />waiting with their light. For a time<br />I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.<br /><br /> Wendell Berry, "The Peace of Wild Things" from The Selected Poems of Wendell Berry. Copyright © 1998. Published and reprinted by arrangement with Counterpoint Press.</span></span></h6>Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-42536214361434728232012-03-01T15:45:00.004-07:002012-03-01T15:48:50.837-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMJcgmyLoBY/T0_8VEqTzQI/AAAAAAAAAVA/JfgHfAgKKWs/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMJcgmyLoBY/T0_8VEqTzQI/AAAAAAAAAVA/JfgHfAgKKWs/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715063891115101442" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzZwigL2pbs/T0_8U8V0yuI/AAAAAAAAAU0/syPK49vWREM/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzZwigL2pbs/T0_8U8V0yuI/AAAAAAAAAU0/syPK49vWREM/s320/IMG_0953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715063888881699554" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrAnD3U1cKE/T0_8Ud8sO_I/AAAAAAAAAUs/8o3PZBEKzmY/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrAnD3U1cKE/T0_8Ud8sO_I/AAAAAAAAAUs/8o3PZBEKzmY/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715063880723217394" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbrSCesOy1Q/T0_8Vt5If1I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/yr6ffsZgMtY/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbrSCesOy1Q/T0_8Vt5If1I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/yr6ffsZgMtY/s320/IMG_0961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715063902183128914" border="0" /></a><br />Part two of my latest pics. Had a problem uploading more pics!<br />These pics were taken by a friend as McKenna's 1st grade photos. Some of these are cute or silly, so I thought I'd throw them in! There's more pics in the earlier post so check it out!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-70500582611993305182012-03-01T15:19:00.003-07:002012-03-01T15:44:56.677-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-cOTaBVBCg/T0_6CfWim2I/AAAAAAAAAUM/DEBa678x1Vk/s1600/IMG_4518.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-cOTaBVBCg/T0_6CfWim2I/AAAAAAAAAUM/DEBa678x1Vk/s320/IMG_4518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715061372839172962" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0oMGic6wGM/T0_6BSi5ONI/AAAAAAAAAUA/cymGEWEJ8LM/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0oMGic6wGM/T0_6BSi5ONI/AAAAAAAAAUA/cymGEWEJ8LM/s320/IMG_4514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715061352221456594" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUrpCLogupo/T0_6A1W1T7I/AAAAAAAAAT0/H4nA_23gSfY/s1600/IMG_4507.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUrpCLogupo/T0_6A1W1T7I/AAAAAAAAAT0/H4nA_23gSfY/s320/IMG_4507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715061344386240434" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0xeVFswV-s/T0_6AUrre_I/AAAAAAAAATo/18kAV2eT08M/s1600/IMG_4497.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0xeVFswV-s/T0_6AUrre_I/AAAAAAAAATo/18kAV2eT08M/s320/IMG_4497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715061335615306738" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZNI1DAgcrg/T0_6DMnbrlI/AAAAAAAAAUY/oYNpwCf7K5g/s1600/IMG_4522.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZNI1DAgcrg/T0_6DMnbrlI/AAAAAAAAAUY/oYNpwCf7K5g/s320/IMG_4522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715061384989617746" border="0" /></a><br />It's a snowy day here today. We probably got about 4 inches. The ground isn't frozen though so I'm hoping that it will absorb it all when it melts in the next 24 hours instead of flooding out my chicken coop like it did last time.<br /><br />Noel's boss Steve Appleton died last week and the memorial service was last Thursday. He was the CEO of Micron so there's a little uncertainty about the future but I think they have a good interim president so we're not terribly worried.<br /><br />The kids are all doing good. We're ready to be healthy and well, though. They had the stomach flu last week and a nasty head cold this week. We all suffered, even Noel for different reasons. He had a pinched nerve in his back that I couldn't remedy. I massaged it as best I could and since he hasn't gone in to see a chiropractor like he was talking about I assume it's feeling better for him.<br /><br />I received my bow from ebay and have to take it in to Archery Central to get it strung, a nock put on and some arrows cut and measured for me. I'm really happy with it. The draw weight is about 22 pounds which will be good for working on form. The girls are really into archery too. We purchased a membership at a local bow range and we take their bows there so they can shoot them. We also have a 3D deer target set up in the backyard.<br /><br />I enrolled McKenna into a homeschool co-op that meets Monday mornings. She gets the experience of being in a typical school-type classroom with different teachers. She is taking Social Studies: States for 1st period, P.E./Health for 2nd and Super Science for 3rd. Eli and Madelaine stay with me in the nursery although Madelaine may be ready for structured classes next year. At home, she's learning her letters and their sounds and knows her shapes and colors. She really likes to "do school" with her sister. Eli sits and plays with legos or tangram blocks or pretends to shoot us with his toy bow and water gun.<br /><br />Noel is doing reloading for his guns and Eli will sit with him for an hour just watching the machine measure out the gunpowder and then watching Daddy fill the bullets. He really enjoys pulling things apart - just like his father at that age. He'll climb anything he can wedge his little toes into and delve into the garbage to help Mom out! He loves helping me unload the dishwasher. He'll stand on the door and hold things out for me. He's still in his crib sidecar co-sleeper in our bedroom but likes snuggling in bed with his sisters when they're being put to bed so I have no doubt that soon he'll be wanting his own big boy bed. (Which will be fine with Noel!)LOL<br /><br />I'll have to throw up some pics!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-56010765811020257542012-01-06T14:52:00.001-07:002012-01-06T14:55:29.892-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ShpOGUk35Q/Twdtq4jSQ8I/AAAAAAAAATc/hVM9SGWdLeg/s1600/IMG_4398.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ShpOGUk35Q/Twdtq4jSQ8I/AAAAAAAAATc/hVM9SGWdLeg/s320/IMG_4398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694640837335598018" border="0" /></a>A couple pics of the guys!! Eli loves helping Noel out with anything technical. LOL<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X30EMZvZ0Yw/TwdtNBRvCAI/AAAAAAAAATQ/NJgDuae5HTU/s1600/IMG_4410.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X30EMZvZ0Yw/TwdtNBRvCAI/AAAAAAAAATQ/NJgDuae5HTU/s320/IMG_4410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694640324281829378" border="0" /></a>Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535258.post-10769200302075376222011-11-06T14:57:00.005-07:002011-11-06T15:03:09.068-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AeaMQZZ1C8/TrcEB77PDnI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8VPYQy3e7KM/s1600/IMG_4260.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AeaMQZZ1C8/TrcEB77PDnI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8VPYQy3e7KM/s320/IMG_4260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672006687008951922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8GaXBaxHIU/TrcDvxEfWlI/AAAAAAAAASE/dTqwV631wA8/s1600/IMG_4304.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8GaXBaxHIU/TrcDvxEfWlI/AAAAAAAAASE/dTqwV631wA8/s320/IMG_4304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672006374857333330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZVKZKoWftk/TrcDkAiTpeI/AAAAAAAAAR4/gMHhCJ6yjGw/s1600/IMG_4262.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZVKZKoWftk/TrcDkAiTpeI/AAAAAAAAAR4/gMHhCJ6yjGw/s320/IMG_4262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672006172850496994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxF19LzcFWQ/TrcDTvcRSaI/AAAAAAAAARs/WawdVfDWAa8/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxF19LzcFWQ/TrcDTvcRSaI/AAAAAAAAARs/WawdVfDWAa8/s320/IMG_4315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672005893383866786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnYMOQRdvZg/TrcDNQvBm_I/AAAAAAAAARg/S_Nke9fbdYM/s1600/IMG_4319.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnYMOQRdvZg/TrcDNQvBm_I/AAAAAAAAARg/S_Nke9fbdYM/s320/IMG_4319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672005782061816818" border="0" /></a><br />Eli is growing fast! Here's some pics of him getting into trouble! And here are a few pics of our pumpkin patch train ride!Saritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786622608463142900noreply@blogger.com0