tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90044375645510578402024-03-05T15:18:38.307-06:00Life with 9ndHouse!"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-55608402461855627052013-01-25T02:59:00.000-06:002013-01-25T03:33:00.125-06:00Fridge? What fridge?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEwi6cIg9reL7B25xtdFUHNgSW3z1LryrhO7gVfEftGuSGmBamXBVK3hZzE9hKAJyKMViN6IvPNuNMx1c8cESg3lqf5_zuLGS2UGxzY0FU2PAlTCaONqymzcDHXL66QJgVX9RDGQ7iOo/s1600/christmas+2012+and+2013+326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEwi6cIg9reL7B25xtdFUHNgSW3z1LryrhO7gVfEftGuSGmBamXBVK3hZzE9hKAJyKMViN6IvPNuNMx1c8cESg3lqf5_zuLGS2UGxzY0FU2PAlTCaONqymzcDHXL66QJgVX9RDGQ7iOo/s320/christmas+2012+and+2013+326.JPG" width="320" /></a>You ever have those moments in life when you stand there and think something along the line of, "This stuff only happens to me!" :-) Well, this is one of those moments. I'm thinking surely there will be a moment sometime fairly soon when I will look back upon this story and laugh, maybe not tonight but soon! I hope! My week began with my refrigerator being hauled out the door on its way to the repair place. Apparently 80* isn't cool enough, at least that's what the eggs where saying to the carrots. haha! After a couple of days of using the already over stuffed ancient <br />
fridge (Moses) in our mudroom and the back of my minivan as a fridge (it is less than 40* here and I blew the engine on my minivan so it's not going anywhere, another story for another time!), we got word from the appliance repair center that it was going to take about a week to diagnose and "maybe" fix my refrigerator. :-( So, I began to flutter my eyelids and blow kisses at my husband Michael and he agreed to let me try to find a cheap fridge on Craigslist! It might have had more to do with the fifteen minute search through the minivan and Moses to find the ketchup! Haha!<br />
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Well, I found my "cheap" fridge (which was a shocker, usually takes it awhile to find a good bargain!) and it didn't take long for us to hook up the trailer and head off on a short road trip (which means 40 miles around here) to pick it up. I watched from the warm truck cab as Michael and the seller loaded it up and strapped it down. It wasn't pretty, kinda old, needed some cleaning, but it was working and it was cheap! We stopped for fuel on the way home and Michael was telling me how heavy, very very heavy, that fridge was. I fluttered my eyes at him some more and told him how proud I was of his strength and refrigerator moving abilities. ;-) Hey, flattery goes along way!, well, sometimes haha! So, we happily headed for home, by now it was way after dark and getting colder and colder outside. A cold front was heading our way and I began thinking that soon my minivan was going to quickly become a deep freeze since the low for the night was supposed to be 12*. <br />
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We had our two youngest children with us, JJ, who was fast asleep and had been since we left the driveway and the Little Princess who hadn't stopped talking since we left the driveway, except for the few moments it took her to eat a slice of Casey's General Store pizza! All was good, the drive was relaxing, the heater was working, the moon was shining, the heater was working...you know where my priority was! haha and soon we were back home pulling down the drive and up to the house. Now there is a song somewhere that goes something along the line of "the Devil's driving that long black train..." but that night he was "riding a short blue trailer". Little Princess was the first one to jump out of the truck and as she did she turned back to us and in her sweet little g'url voice asked....Yep! You guessed it!!, "Where's the fridge?!!!" Michael glanced into the rear view mirror and jumped out of the truck with a speed that confirmed in my sinking heart what I knew even without turning around to look. "Katie!" Michael half choked, "I know I strapped that thing down!!" Now, I have to defend my awesome husband here, he has been pulling trailers since he was about 6 or so (that's what farm boys do in their spare time ;-) haha) and he's no dunce when it comes to strapping things down. I have no doubt that that big yellow metal box "had" been properly strapped onto that trailer!, but now? Where was it!? Did I mention earlier that it was very dark while we were heading home? yep, ok. Did I mention anything about being so excited about my new gardening book that I might have had the truck cabin lights on all the way home so I could read my very exciting new gardening book to my wonderful husband? nooo? Hmmm, apparently you can't see outside the truck windows or the mirrors very well at night when the lights are on inside. I know this very well, because Michael made me "try!" to see the trailer behind the truck with those lights on and I couldn't see it at all. I guess he wanted to prevent me from asking some sort of wifey type question like..."How could you not see a whole refrigerator JUMP off your trailer!!??" LOL, like I would ask such a thing! :-) All I could think of at that moment was...One missing old refrigerator: Time + Money + Fuel = NOT Cheap!<br />
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Well, after grabbing our oldest son from his Algebra workbook (which he just hated to leave ya know) we found that old fridge back down the road about 10 miles. Laying on its back, in the ditch, with one of it's doors beside it. We, and I mean mainly them, loaded that thing back onto the trailer (strapped it on, again) and took it home. The idea that there was any possible way that it could work now was crazy! Michael drug that beast into my pantry, repaired the door and....went to bed. The next morning when I came crawling out of bed, a good while after Michael, the first thing I heard was that fridge humming away in there!! The thermometers confirmed what I thought to be impossible! It Was Working!! Well, Thank you Lord for caring even about my old fridge! I think I'll name it Mike, it reminds me a little of Michael, 'cause I don't know which one of them "snores" the loudest, my husband or the old fridge!! But at least I know exactly where the ketchup is! And, now that I've sat down and typed this all out, read it and reread a couple times I guess now I can laugh, I've at least cracked a few smiles anyway! :-)9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-35063227358843210562012-06-22T13:44:00.001-05:002012-06-22T13:44:58.345-05:00Lovely Lunch Topics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmCDp_peVZKahDrckZWcMU4AXSHh_8uadzYrx1S0Yyahs_JTZdszW3ezzb6gBK9_tW3slSX0zLVWoBVrSWzMvE1sz4Ymawu31uDrTCOKWI3zFzRVVXJZmMg5-LTrQleZmihxfXjT07so/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmCDp_peVZKahDrckZWcMU4AXSHh_8uadzYrx1S0Yyahs_JTZdszW3ezzb6gBK9_tW3slSX0zLVWoBVrSWzMvE1sz4Ymawu31uDrTCOKWI3zFzRVVXJZmMg5-LTrQleZmihxfXjT07so/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a>Most of the time while my children are finishing lunch I am somewhere nearby getting a jump start on cleaning something, like, the dishes. LOL But today, since I was soo exhausted from cleaning my room (thanks for the help with that kiddos!) that I sat down in the living room enjoying my tea and watching out the window thinking far away thoughts....then I began to clue into the conversation from the dining room which I could see from my chair. All but my oldest where sitting around the table, Big Sis was absorbed in her latest book but the rest where deep in an amazing discovery. A great discussion about how our nose connects to our mouth. My 8 yr old, Wild man was explaining that indeed they do connect because Daddy had showed him. Miss Priss (6 yrs) was just amazed and totally hooked onto his every word, she asked "HOW did he SHOW you?" "WEelll," Wild Man began, " I told Daddy that there was no way my nose and mouth could be together then you know what he did?" At this point even Little J (5), who had been listening but still more interested in his food stopped to listen with noodle hung mid-air and leaned slightly toward his brother to hear better. Following this dramatic pause Wild Man continued "He leaned my head back like this, and then he poured salt water stuff in this hole in my nose!" (It was actually just a few drops of saline nose drops, but hey, it sounded good! ;-) lol ) "Where did it go?" Miss Priss wanted to know. "IN my Mouth!!! Wild Man exclaimed proudly while enjoying center stage. "I knew that!!" Little J yells as he continues to gobble up his noodles, "I knew that!, Daddy tells it to me too!" Now, Butterfly girl and Naynay had been giggling at Wild Man this whole time. "So, now you know that your mouth is connected to your mouth right?" Butterfly girls asked. Wild Man responded with a big nod of his head because by now his mouth is full of noodles too! NayNay began telling them that she found out this amazing discovery the first time her soda had come out her nose while she was holding her hand over her mouth (why, I have no idea lol) Everyone paused to take a bite and enjoy being the smart kiddos that we are always telling them they are. Then, Wild Man asks with a mouth full of noodles, "So, If this hole in my nose goes down to my mouth.....then does this one go up to my brain?" lol <br />
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Sigh, gotta luv 'em :-D9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-29067120989727765872012-06-22T11:34:00.000-05:002012-06-22T11:34:14.723-05:00Clean Your Room!!!Now, you probably think this is what I was saying to one or more of my many adorable sweet children. But, in fact today it is the other way around!!! Since we have come back from a recent trip our clothes just seem to pile up on the suitcase which is still on the dresser. Other "stuff" just seems to be stacking up around me!!! "It isn't that bad kids!! WHAT!, You want me to clean it ALL up! All of it! BUT, it isn't all mine!! Do I have to do it right now? Clean rooms before swimming shouldn't include my room too! BUT, but!" (I just found my computer!, which is why I decided I need to take and break and blog about how unfair it is that I have to clean up my room!) "I mean, I share this room! Shouldn't Daddy be here to clean up his half of the mess!! Can't I just put some tape down the center of the room and throw all his things over on his side for him to deal with later!!!??? And, I didn't leave this plate and glass here on the floor to grow penicillin so why should I have to be the one to wash it and make sure it's safe for future use!! I didn't get out the salve, peroxide and band aids!!! Why do I have to sweep up all this dirt, the mud caked boots that caused this mess certainly don't fit me!! Why me, it's not fair, But Kids!!!!!"<br />
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By now, YOU think I have lost my mind, but my kids are all standing behind me reading what I'm typing and laughing their adorable heads off. :-) I asked them if any of this sounds familiar? I think we have all agreed that all this complaining coming from me about cleaning my room and Daddy's "side" of the room sounds very silly. LOL I think I have proved my point and will now go back to cleaning my room with a smile! Oh, I've been looking for that...............<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTW, Happy Birthday Daddy!!!</td></tr>
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<br />9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-18472041847734912272012-06-11T01:15:00.000-05:002012-06-11T01:15:59.888-05:00Where does time go?Wow!! Has it really been that long since I have posted?!!! It seems like just a few months ago we moved back home to the farm!! This past year and a half has gone by so quick, I just don't know where the time flies off to. I recently heard a great sermon that mentioned time and how we use it. It really got me to thinking about how often I say "I don't have time for..." or "I didn't have time today to...." and thinking back over my day I wonder sometimes just how good of a steward I am of my time. How much time do I waste that I can never regain. Someone recently mentioned that the military seemed to have a "Hurry so you can Wait" theme going on. I wouldn't know about the military but I know it often seems true for me! lol After discussing the topic with Michael I have written a few memos for myself to remember throughout the day, a few things for me to take the time to do, things that seem to very important to those around me in our home. 1. Take time to SMILE 2. Take time to Listen 3. Take time to give full thoughts, answers and instructions 4. Take time to be Thankful. I'm sure there are many many other things to list as well but these were the things that seemed to be on the top of everyone's mind so we decided to work on these first! :-) Can you imagine having to remind yourself to smile!! LOL It's cute when Michael says "I like it when you smile, you're pretty when you smile"! haha It seems that we all have been a little sticky note happy lately with all the smiley faces plastered all over the house, my OCD is working overtime!! haha, but smiling brings laughter and laughter brings out the Joy Unspeakable and who can can complain about that!!! :-D9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-12847901503651387342010-11-11T09:53:00.000-06:002010-11-12T00:17:36.894-06:00Thank you Veterans!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKbXKJMiYVRRl4hJch1ZxI3zUrqfCURDr_VrWSfx2KUoZynZNGQ2tSUtmNus84iJ5HGsO2c9uvWuGthQJRrxVgSXRJDZZi_dcnYaNPceadN0gQIFo46GxDLDsmiitbhDoJ40CqPS-lmk/s1600/veterans+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKbXKJMiYVRRl4hJch1ZxI3zUrqfCURDr_VrWSfx2KUoZynZNGQ2tSUtmNus84iJ5HGsO2c9uvWuGthQJRrxVgSXRJDZZi_dcnYaNPceadN0gQIFo46GxDLDsmiitbhDoJ40CqPS-lmk/s320/veterans+day.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I just wanted to take a moment today and thank all the Veterans who have given their time and sweat and blood and more...THANK YOU!!! Last night at church the service of thanks for our soldiers and veterans brought me to tears several times. God bless our military and God bless America!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3_xlTapiNr9B4rJVi29GtjHSp3rZ_aN5B4kZSNb2QyHlILdfEgJnpgIVidDsMGCcanHSpkjZzlReRRzWg6pSPAFxDYg9rzR1I8VYhZLcWvG8zPh89JB8f-xagq4MCCDmClJUzOcWJzY/s1600/Thanksgiving+08%252B+and+Christmasa+08+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3_xlTapiNr9B4rJVi29GtjHSp3rZ_aN5B4kZSNb2QyHlILdfEgJnpgIVidDsMGCcanHSpkjZzlReRRzWg6pSPAFxDYg9rzR1I8VYhZLcWvG8zPh89JB8f-xagq4MCCDmClJUzOcWJzY/s320/Thanksgiving+08%252B+and+Christmasa+08+015.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Papa Lowell!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you David! (FIL)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaRRPAl1eKIxnjBSnP33CN-gGGQWJVaHHC2-lvLiXd8w6caNP-G3_LzJDciDYvVSPEsQvoOt2TFwTxlK430gRC81P-MPeXcoUWtL7yuMQiQd89gPQegJSfrhIA49RUgfpml5Mot67Ek0/s1600/veterans+day+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaRRPAl1eKIxnjBSnP33CN-gGGQWJVaHHC2-lvLiXd8w6caNP-G3_LzJDciDYvVSPEsQvoOt2TFwTxlK430gRC81P-MPeXcoUWtL7yuMQiQd89gPQegJSfrhIA49RUgfpml5Mot67Ek0/s320/veterans+day+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Gramps and Terry (BIL)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">....and thank you, Brother Morgan, Brother Simmons, Andrew, Tom, Dustin, PJ, Brother Shinkle, Brother Cooper, Brother Davis, Miss Jolene, Brother C. Davis, and............</div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-44262513079837920592010-11-04T15:46:00.000-05:002010-11-04T17:07:13.044-05:00Back from Crazy. Maybe.<div>Hello!!! Thanks so much to several people who have kept in touch while we have been without computer access. The occasional notes and comments were grea<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU104EAbEtpPkJhMUZw_vcHZqohNrniTVqKsM4y_xhRKGSDMDfq3GTSzR7DzVbNgTgVaoMBd21SxW7-D8u_YxbHPOJ5bqsSZjh0qrbsIyl2SCGsti5NNHzhGW66vFOfzpzRRv0rGs-Ypg/s1600/2010+010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535819215177668498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU104EAbEtpPkJhMUZw_vcHZqohNrniTVqKsM4y_xhRKGSDMDfq3GTSzR7DzVbNgTgVaoMBd21SxW7-D8u_YxbHPOJ5bqsSZjh0qrbsIyl2SCGsti5NNHzhGW66vFOfzpzRRv0rGs-Ypg/s320/2010+010.jpg" /></a>t. I missed being online and blogging and hope that I can get back into without neglecting my family too much<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAS9OyY-hQGAHVUJDl0qVovh1h_2bE2gYs67tkff7YjRJVVYjEr0Qub2HMVnjZFSXOe8iwm-KP6wWFb6LsjCM_5Y9Z4yi8gDlCq97YvDHFNC1rPVaa-lxI9isurtl8Qd3tnLbIz1FoXs/s1600/2010+011.jpg"></a>! LOL!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>It would take a really really big post to tell about all the blessing that have happened since my last post. We did relocate to the Wichita area for almost 2 years, but the Lord has brought us back home to our farm in Missouri and we are soooo glad to be home!<br />We had a lot of fun in Kansas, the Lord greatly blessed us there. We found a wonderful church family and really enjoyed getting to know several families there. We are going to miss them a bunch! Hopefully they will come and see us sometime, I know we are planning on visiting there again. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifljMzhxzeARJV-ktycuu7YwatFeSv7znZeSZn_E2i2EEPppBEkniIk3nM3TG4tzBiPPuyPA2_gXb4ONg5i2yhyphenhyphenjW17CYue-qwVT5KcLvpefdz6qQzhangwwbIgHVcjVhjdxE-iIVVS1I/s1600/2010+025.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535816057024615858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifljMzhxzeARJV-ktycuu7YwatFeSv7znZeSZn_E2i2EEPppBEkniIk3nM3TG4tzBiPPuyPA2_gXb4ONg5i2yhyphenhyphenjW17CYue-qwVT5KcLvpefdz6qQzhangwwbIgHVcjVhjdxE-iIVVS1I/s320/2010+025.jpg" /></a><br />So, I'm basically going to just pick up where we left off! Posting some pictures here and there of our time in Kansas. We stayed at the lake near Wichita, in our 40' fifth wheel trailer. Michael worked for Cargill and I was camphost of our campground. We took care of the horse campground and had a lot of fun. The trail and arena was very close making it so easy to ride almost daily. With the water so close the swimming was great too! We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay, the Lord truly took care of us. The lake was beautiful, even in the winter with several inches of snow!! Sledding will never be the same!, sliding down the side of a lake dam in a pick-up bed liner is the way to go!!!<br />We have been back home a couple of weeks now and I'm just now coming up for air. We sort of hit the ground running!! So many things are the same, so many things have changed. Like going through a time warp! We have been very busy working on the house, septic, wood stove, getting Michael's business in order and not to mention the hours of unpacking the HUGE amount of boxes that have been in storage!! Some <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RbZT9kAxQGdZGyFnp_13s4Q7SJipmD-sSC2NRvCP9ASJOKwNZb0wgR2gFulmM8upRMfRpyIpMN6jcBK0d-qvlPhM4VFdeXKWD_FkhF3JK6yIooXQON_pbB_LSNXd9bCB4lV4AQdTqBY/s1600/2010+071.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535816533838881138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RbZT9kAxQGdZGyFnp_13s4Q7SJipmD-sSC2NRvCP9ASJOKwNZb0wgR2gFulmM8upRMfRpyIpMN6jcBK0d-qvlPhM4VFdeXKWD_FkhF3JK6yIooXQON_pbB_LSNXd9bCB4lV4AQdTqBY/s320/2010+071.jpg" /></a>of the boxes are being opened and I'm just looking in and thinking, "Did I really pack this junk!?" haha! And, of course there are several boxes of clothes that will no longer fit the kids, or me! ha!, so the laundry pile is getting shorter the more I pile into the "give away" bags.<br />All in all, very soon I hope to have the whole house in order. That way I'll be ready for all the company I hope to have from our wonderful Kansas friends...hint hint!! and the wonderful friends and family here in MO! Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll be done in time to go see our wonderful family in OK for Thanksgiving and come home to a wonderful clean house!! Don't you just love that word, wonderful! WONDERFUL!!<br />Well, enough playing around. Better get back outside and quit hiding from my wonderful husband who is digging wonderful holes all over the yard trying to find and fix our wonderful septic! Have a Wonderful day!! :-D</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup-EcAHagWIZt63x_qNyw5qIt6En5ETi02EHPh1Z7FGhnFjQN3FqRVweusJbLIHVNPgPOPaSeG8qovfZF3XSwZu3mcSs2UJdwvOSAOBHk9KgLfDUg-3HVbdW9yDkFAYvnzPMI_oEZfQk/s1600/2010+064.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535815315437650946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup-EcAHagWIZt63x_qNyw5qIt6En5ETi02EHPh1Z7FGhnFjQN3FqRVweusJbLIHVNPgPOPaSeG8qovfZF3XSwZu3mcSs2UJdwvOSAOBHk9KgLfDUg-3HVbdW9yDkFAYvnzPMI_oEZfQk/s320/2010+064.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qJCYhoAkNLS7YjOuX03aYHymknceM2TmSAoYMKXVJCdxWXzDWUg0JrGRvW99XLUiCEtGnZQ9AOFcK8Sqo3E6oyTT7KvR5MxLCfJKTRD7_oowbfk3fOzzj-bypFiimMgr_e4w6sO17j0/s1600/2010+021.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535813709463983586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qJCYhoAkNLS7YjOuX03aYHymknceM2TmSAoYMKXVJCdxWXzDWUg0JrGRvW99XLUiCEtGnZQ9AOFcK8Sqo3E6oyTT7KvR5MxLCfJKTRD7_oowbfk3fOzzj-bypFiimMgr_e4w6sO17j0/s320/2010+021.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLbyvu7-wPUaWt142BJh6SYAjJ78JywbPUTzHv5vSfKwIY-a5qfNmOv7KwOJ_-IFOF622WrXHhylHeXmdvKol39BspPUfkwVJx3L81SSxcM-hXluijgMEzwCMSrMtp4LoVYcA14Q47DI/s1600/2010+059.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535811094306181666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLbyvu7-wPUaWt142BJh6SYAjJ78JywbPUTzHv5vSfKwIY-a5qfNmOv7KwOJ_-IFOF622WrXHhylHeXmdvKol39BspPUfkwVJx3L81SSxcM-hXluijgMEzwCMSrMtp4LoVYcA14Q47DI/s320/2010+059.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29vAGAxAFe3UwVgOkh88r7mHMtcqIRhbxQajlw4OjvUygF_tGPkc54tbfx5GBaQGzDEB1hYhqnyGPLRY_7Kqwunr-m04KDR11TVJOOKlH4TrOS66CUlI6VnfNUoKGAhW7ViEE5OyYr0Y/s1600/2010+073.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29vAGAxAFe3UwVgOkh88r7mHMtcqIRhbxQajlw4OjvUygF_tGPkc54tbfx5GBaQGzDEB1hYhqnyGPLRY_7Kqwunr-m04KDR11TVJOOKlH4TrOS66CUlI6VnfNUoKGAhW7ViEE5OyYr0Y/s1600/2010+073.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535809797098412322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29vAGAxAFe3UwVgOkh88r7mHMtcqIRhbxQajlw4OjvUygF_tGPkc54tbfx5GBaQGzDEB1hYhqnyGPLRY_7Kqwunr-m04KDR11TVJOOKlH4TrOS66CUlI6VnfNUoKGAhW7ViEE5OyYr0Y/s320/2010+073.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswnj32tRONF1zbzngBS63kLL90jkejRBqyrGksVr_o-AK2QmzxMFD7E85iI9bgEJS6rzOiXbtO9xhIpVule9OUXf09HIdqALdhjIAtZZrHJ_dYJ9aWuIZ_pzKKg8JDu3fCEllwmJ9dbg/s1600/2010+031.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535810444268065602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswnj32tRONF1zbzngBS63kLL90jkejRBqyrGksVr_o-AK2QmzxMFD7E85iI9bgEJS6rzOiXbtO9xhIpVule9OUXf09HIdqALdhjIAtZZrHJ_dYJ9aWuIZ_pzKKg8JDu3fCEllwmJ9dbg/s320/2010+031.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29vAGAxAFe3UwVgOkh88r7mHMtcqIRhbxQajlw4OjvUygF_tGPkc54tbfx5GBaQGzDEB1hYhqnyGPLRY_7Kqwunr-m04KDR11TVJOOKlH4TrOS66CUlI6VnfNUoKGAhW7ViEE5OyYr0Y/s1600/2010+073.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-54801475961382965042009-05-28T12:50:00.000-05:002009-05-28T16:01:06.298-05:00We're go'n crazy, wanna come?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYTOCgi-7W_vPolrXIzkgR0QzKKPkngoymvaAphSKAB13sRA1Ovw5G8LOz37p1q48p9pR5xKj0zFjFkKJqmMr7SOVBSQhZPVzJvasg7KhanXPc7rGi2BS138aIAVK6n1Zz0DMj4HNpno/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340977218098890018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYTOCgi-7W_vPolrXIzkgR0QzKKPkngoymvaAphSKAB13sRA1Ovw5G8LOz37p1q48p9pR5xKj0zFjFkKJqmMr7SOVBSQhZPVzJvasg7KhanXPc7rGi2BS138aIAVK6n1Zz0DMj4HNpno/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYTOCgi-7W_vPolrXIzkgR0QzKKPkngoymvaAphSKAB13sRA1Ovw5G8LOz37p1q48p9pR5xKj0zFjFkKJqmMr7SOVBSQhZPVzJvasg7KhanXPc7rGi2BS138aIAVK6n1Zz0DMj4HNpno/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+049.jpg"></a><br />Well, the latest adventure of our family is just about to begin. May 31st is our last day here on Emma Creek, our time here is up. We have been staying in a temporary rent house the last couple months provided by Cargill while searching the surrounding area high and low for a home to call our own. But, alas, it wasn't to be found. At least not yet! The Lord knows right where it is, and we are trusting that in His time He will let us know the when and where of things. So, pray for us, you know how crazy one can get when they are "waiting".<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div><div>So, while we are waiting we have decided to jump <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLbe7TyeufBpUOh1Vyl-lUklg-rs8h5xFeZexCJCfLDms3DbEcER39XVq1uDDCoaEs97Ix7F-oeZU_91UBLrOiH3osxA45H6FkpLgolyTBfrzByv5Z9KGLwM_q0dnrBm5w2Ct366PdoA/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340976055919402626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLbe7TyeufBpUOh1Vyl-lUklg-rs8h5xFeZexCJCfLDms3DbEcER39XVq1uDDCoaEs97Ix7F-oeZU_91UBLrOiH3osxA45H6FkpLgolyTBfrzByv5Z9KGLwM_q0dnrBm5w2Ct366PdoA/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+053.jpg" border="0" /></a>off the deep end! Right into the lake. We have been able to purchase an older 5th wheel camping trailer and an enclosed trailer and we are packing up and heading to the lake! The kids are so excited they can hardly sleep, and would go to bed wearing their swim clothes and floaties if I would let them! I'm on a roller coaster of excitement one minute and down the next. There is just something about being homeless that leaves funny feeling in your stomach! LOL! Michael keeps trying to cheer me up during those down times by saying "We COULD go find a rent house in town, but then we would have to get rid of the horses, Rowdy and probably a few kids to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWxpvDIxJKXIuhSnc4gPiQkMBNTvc1KeDi2u5lQPz_Nty4v1K3JCS3w2Z9oP9-gWvrCS8cs8bQMog3KkIW9iLZOvWqvoKY7GYLhrvUTBj9L2cdnVAQ4OiDeM15cuQUxrsat1BSmcLyvI/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340975372957476258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWxpvDIxJKXIuhSnc4gPiQkMBNTvc1KeDi2u5lQPz_Nty4v1K3JCS3w2Z9oP9-gWvrCS8cs8bQMog3KkIW9iLZOvWqvoKY7GYLhrvUTBj9L2cdnVAQ4OiDeM15cuQUxrsat1BSmcLyvI/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+057.jpg" border="0" /></a>fit!, at least this way, we may spend the same amount of money but the trailers are ours to keep in the end!" :-) Ok, I'll buy that, but something still sounds fishy!! LOL! I can just see the comic strip now...</div><br /><div><strong>9ndhouse</strong>!! Momma is running around bare foot and burnt to a crisp, trying to catch Baby J before he falls in the lake, smear lotion on the girls, wave the boys back to shore, grill dinner, keep Rowdy from chasing the Ranger, answer Wild Man's 100 questions, remind Miss Priss AGAIN to get her thumb out of her mouth all while tripping over the giant blowup whale to get Michael a glass of tea!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikry72ZtLEnYQx4-7ZZnDVJiew3_bX-i6Y5ekU4ppISP5fNbfCTAW7wu6NT8drDMgHjfUdNNKczKOh5Xtyi-KmkQ1wljH5__j4gh1DK572_FNXSbNx5E-ylmKMDuS_wI1PGDSO_XmKIj0/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340974150471357570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikry72ZtLEnYQx4-7ZZnDVJiew3_bX-i6Y5ekU4ppISP5fNbfCTAW7wu6NT8drDMgHjfUdNNKczKOh5Xtyi-KmkQ1wljH5__j4gh1DK572_FNXSbNx5E-ylmKMDuS_wI1PGDSO_XmKIj0/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+036.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>What do you think? Can you picture it? Well, it may not be like that exactly but at LEAST, I won't be pregnant!! LOL! Actually things look like they are going to work out great. The new horse camp ground near the trails has horse pens at the sites and an arena to ride in. The highway is nearby and will get Michael straight to work in about the same time, and the best part! We will be only 10 min. from church instead of 45 min!! Yea!!</div><br /><div>So, the main part of this post, was to say that in a couple days once again, I will be without Internet <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiZ0og5xXAbDqB_ATTOgwSqKh8P-kdLtMhpOJ0whwzz_J5KX-XpZZ_Twr3q4G743mVcxGgPNzNZkMIQtT2_DBo2H46U5VX8qoxRHWUqErmaRf3HF0GL4PK_MYrnDrt2hr1YwlA7NeyfA/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340974722961987794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiZ0og5xXAbDqB_ATTOgwSqKh8P-kdLtMhpOJ0whwzz_J5KX-XpZZ_Twr3q4G743mVcxGgPNzNZkMIQtT2_DBo2H46U5VX8qoxRHWUqErmaRf3HF0GL4PK_MYrnDrt2hr1YwlA7NeyfA/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+026.jpg" border="0" /></a>for awhile. Hopefully, I won't be gone for long, can't stand to not be blogging! We hope to find a wireless service that won't cost us an arm each month, but we'll see how it goes!! :-D</div><br /><div>Well, I better get back to packing. I'm having a little trouble with the labeling of the boxes this time. Half our stuff is back in a semi trailer in Mo, marked "long term". The boxes we had here at the rent house were marked "short term" and are now being boxed back up and put into another storage trailer. What should I mark them now, "Need it, don't have room, Long term-Short term"? :-)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-3565879789541348772009-05-18T13:23:00.000-05:002009-05-18T15:48:11.107-05:00She's growing older, I'm growing OUT!I love to go to garage sales! I have passed this love down to my kids too! Sometimes though we scare the daylights out of people when they see me and 7 kids climb out of a van and begin to roam through their yard! :-) Of course they are much relieved to see them behave themselves while they "shop", most of the time heading back to the van before I do. They are getting to that point where they don't want to spend their money too fast because something really neat could be waiting for them at the next stop! <div><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp-o6NczNU0Ecs43yPFJjUkp99-aRZq0R7mBJVfQFXLCrEN5B_LmogENGzND8olCRGyWVmDooeOSxwwo3JZCSOcLcPcjxaQEHWoJpjT2EysglJk2zCGmqPSJPdF2X00GvrXCRYssOvrY/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337266383744913458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp-o6NczNU0Ecs43yPFJjUkp99-aRZq0R7mBJVfQFXLCrEN5B_LmogENGzND8olCRGyWVmDooeOSxwwo3JZCSOcLcPcjxaQEHWoJpjT2EysglJk2zCGmqPSJPdF2X00GvrXCRYssOvrY/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A couple weeks ago, we were back at the Missouri farm and a friend asked me to go with her to a city-wide garage sale since we were in town. I was excited to get a chance to go, thinking I had missed all the city-wide sales and made plans with Michael to leave him with the kiddos while I ran off! My friend has a daughter a few years older than Sis who is almost 11, and I thought maybe Sis would like to come along and shop with the big girls! We had a great time and I was rather shocked to realize that...Sis didn't need my help! She had somehow grown up enough to do her own shopping and buying with out me! She bought some books, a few clothes and some trinkets for the little kids. Somewhere along the way she had bought a wallet and an adorable teenager-ish purse with the cutest puppy and kitten on it. I mean, one minute my friend and I are looking through some clothes and the next, we look up to see our girls, our young ladies actually, walking over to the next yard sale swinging their purses and laughing at something spoken between them. She's growing up! She's a big girl!</div><br /><div>We had a blast that day and came home with lots of new treasures. It really opened my eyes to how much Sis has grown in the last several months. She is my little helper, a little mother and housekeeper. Today, I find her putting a stop to the fusses of the little kids, reminding someone to pick up their mess, start the day's laundry and planning the lunch. And now that I'm watching I realize that Kat who is 8 has picked out a bright flashy outfit (that reminds me of myself way back when!), cleaned up the kitchen and has the dishwasher running. Of course she was in a hurry to get out the door and have few minutes with the horses before Math consumes all her time! Naenae, just turned 7 not long ago and she too has ran out the door, but not before she changed Baby J and swept the floor! </div><br /><div>Sis and I had our first real shopping trip last week! We were getting ready for another trip to Missouri. This time for their piano recital. Sis and I had gone through her clothes and just couldn't find anything that seemed right for the recital. We came across a skirt that brought to my mind a blouse I had seen in the girl's clearance section of Cato a couple day's before. In a sudden mad dash, her and I were out the door and headed to the store a few minutes away. The blouse was still there and she too thought it would look great with her skirt. While there of course, we had to go over the rest of the clearance rack and came up with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjiPYvqP9RXJ_eLv9VtoOHAm5HbveHszmVhrj5VY1fKA0D_x7VkUR6eT8Inl8iLFP_GFyqWQe2jThg8v8Pob1GqauZP305lWWF9xDsL9klDQISXF3qGyq08kHNxss1yoWusCBKgR7Ciw/s1600-h/April,+May+09+recital,+house+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337265010093321602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjiPYvqP9RXJ_eLv9VtoOHAm5HbveHszmVhrj5VY1fKA0D_x7VkUR6eT8Inl8iLFP_GFyqWQe2jThg8v8Pob1GqauZP305lWWF9xDsL9klDQISXF3qGyq08kHNxss1yoWusCBKgR7Ciw/s320/April,+May+09+recital,+house+022.jpg" border="0" /></a>another summer skirt and top that was adorable. As we left the store, the Dollar Tree next door caught my eye and I remembered seeing the cutest head bands there. We had to go see of course and we found a pretty green one that matched her skirt. We picked out some lip gloss too, since we were there! :-) I began thinking and asked Sis about her shoes, with the move and all the trips lately I really hadn't a chance to check to see if the girls had summer shoes that still fit. With this in mind and Wal-Mart next door, off we went on a shoe hunt. I could tell that Sis was hoping to find an older style than the normal little girl shoes. After finding a pair of white flats in within my now <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45fvxIvfUk617wcJ0FvDohbEuUbHZgb_-n8S0qk1jgIGanwcxvypoDvOJdb2eokpLoISlNyMOOFORY1TJ6kGinZtxgjkXQkmWWnvUF1aLMNhmx-kOwoNlWTlJ54o7pMdJ-yHSsPGJGz4/s1600-h/April,+May+09+recital,+house+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337263444528730242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45fvxIvfUk617wcJ0FvDohbEuUbHZgb_-n8S0qk1jgIGanwcxvypoDvOJdb2eokpLoISlNyMOOFORY1TJ6kGinZtxgjkXQkmWWnvUF1aLMNhmx-kOwoNlWTlJ54o7pMdJ-yHSsPGJGz4/s320/April,+May+09+recital,+house+023.jpg" border="0" /></a>exploded budget, we rounded a corner and....Sis's face lit up at the sight of a whole rack of ladies dress shoes. Plain shoes with just a slight heel...a pump really. Sis knows a bargain when she sees one and any pair of shoes for $2.50! was a good deal! She got lucky and found one pair small enough for her foot. A dark dusty navy color that would go great with her new blouse and grey skirt. :-) Then, as we were leaving her new "big girl" shoes made her think of panty hose and so she asked for some. Panty hose!! Was she old enough for that too! I couldn't even think how old I was before I wore my first pair of real hose! She pointed at all the marks and scrapes on her legs <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6A5CxfKLny-mCiEIpcvs-_BlG4x6XpE58Gk89tKaZEDTa2Y3Wdr6HmagBcLgfk07-35uZ6pQwSUiMUmQmRzW_RwhHGTeddWWk5silK43nkFeDQj1EC6eSavH-Q9kacONd0rIsqox6xk/s1600-h/April,+May+09+recital,+house+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337262733645201138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6A5CxfKLny-mCiEIpcvs-_BlG4x6XpE58Gk89tKaZEDTa2Y3Wdr6HmagBcLgfk07-35uZ6pQwSUiMUmQmRzW_RwhHGTeddWWk5silK43nkFeDQj1EC6eSavH-Q9kacONd0rIsqox6xk/s320/April,+May+09+recital,+house+024.jpg" border="0" /></a>from tree climbing and horse riding as reason for needing them. I knew deep down that most ladies don't wear hose because they climbed too many trees but somehow this just didn't matter. :-) It must have been her lucky day, right on the end of a sock isle was a section of clearance foot wear, and near the top, just waiting for Sis, was a pink box holding four pairs of nude hose, size A! </div><br /><br /><div>SO, finally after shoes, hose AND a few hair clips later! we made it through the check out and were on our way. I smiled on the way home and told her how much fun I had on our first shopping <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjBaujGyYiS1sFs5wk9CxY_mB2hOWEvqdRIWdY9ciJ8qxLeiZXiOzSjYAiuLzfwe42J2CeHlvao1P0qcugCKDXpNYz7RFZJEyScSx489eH3yvKVKMvqs7WciM4kyh_OmoRMT82BNsQvc/s1600-h/April,+May+09+recital,+house+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337261861205014626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjBaujGyYiS1sFs5wk9CxY_mB2hOWEvqdRIWdY9ciJ8qxLeiZXiOzSjYAiuLzfwe42J2CeHlvao1P0qcugCKDXpNYz7RFZJEyScSx489eH3yvKVKMvqs7WciM4kyh_OmoRMT82BNsQvc/s320/April,+May+09+recital,+house+020.jpg" border="0" /></a>trip. Next time though, we would have to plan ahead since I was still wondering how I was going to explain this one to Dad! LOL!</div><br /><div>The kiddos all did a wonderful job at the piano recital, all dressed up in their nice clothes. Hair all in place and faces clean! It was great. Sis had picked some wild daisies and wanted her hair put up with them. I couldn't believe my eyes at how much older and pretty she looked! Won't be long before Michael will be bringing his shot gun everywhere we go! Sis also was awarded student of the year! I'm looking forward to future shopping trips with the girls as they grow up into lovely ladies. For now though, I better get up off my duff, 'cause while they are all growing up , I can feel my backside growing too! So, we are off to mow the yard! :-)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-72453608554197761222009-05-06T23:48:00.000-05:002009-05-07T01:36:15.510-05:00Skunk gunk!!! and ROWDY!!!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqtHQijIDvdrP86Gg6i9FZ_I2IlIw0QpYIhyMpQS77H5y738qiBc6_0NCRi68ocqCCwUaMcdRP6N6vROe9GXA7ma2F-pmxvC3liziSOfvC9EQac39vO9ZGJ1XAxZ9lIoiU97GTWE21H0/s1600-h/11-1-2007-58.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332941323486746818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqtHQijIDvdrP86Gg6i9FZ_I2IlIw0QpYIhyMpQS77H5y738qiBc6_0NCRi68ocqCCwUaMcdRP6N6vROe9GXA7ma2F-pmxvC3liziSOfvC9EQac39vO9ZGJ1XAxZ9lIoiU97GTWE21H0/s320/11-1-2007-58.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Have you ever plopped down exhuasted after a hectic morning and thought "That did NOT just happen to me!!!"? Well, let me tell you about what "did not" happen to us! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>One morning this week I got up at 4 am to sit with my husband at the table and "talk" before he went to work. WHO gets up that early anyway!!! It was still DARK outside!! LOL! </div><div><br /></div><div>As he was leaving and I was thinking of my bed, he noticed that the horses were not in their pen. The pen that should have ALL the gates shut tight so as to NOT lose any horses in the middle of nowhere Kansas! So I caught a quick nap while waiting for the sun to rise and then woke up the two oldest kiddos and out we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mhWzdFGWCxlfedpnxB7i8ckYg_diMV2JfWXHV0Pwcq53Laz-k0gMy09358odSO5PHuZrM47bnmpdQn7So8of5MP0W_HYj8dvIGl6X7YIh-IydfnwAQ90VYTVbxM-jKb-HU4fLQTD4HQ/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+075.jpg"></a>went into the....FOG!!!! Let me tell you it isn't any easier to find a black horse in the fog than it is in the dark! Well, we got busy and gathered up some ropes and a feed bucket and started out into the back field hoping that the strange moving thing on the hill behind the wheat field was a miniature horse. At least the kids did anyway, I was sitting on the front porch cheering them on with my head back against the door and my eyes closed! I'm so lazy! :-P I didn't get the chance to sit there long though, for in just a few minutes I was overwhelmed with the nastiest smell on earth and it was getting closer and closer by the second. Next thing I knew, from around the corner of the house came the craziest!, sneezing, snorting sounds and out of the fog came.....ROWDY!!!! UUHHGGGGG!!!! He had been... you guessed it!! Playing with a not so friendly skunk!! He was dripping wet, from skunk spray or dew off the wheat, I didn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzADb4x36__nSwppUfKtU27QrJ7FJSiFQLytOreaDWEGSnZkoted4UZMghY5K_mn8MUj7i0iirOGeJnxo2R-n-b7eS37nYNmvNgmLqqoINx6AxfV2pTyjvXLKpKS3hAEdDg3ODD8qKIo/s1600-h/Feb+and+March-09+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332962405922401298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzADb4x36__nSwppUfKtU27QrJ7FJSiFQLytOreaDWEGSnZkoted4UZMghY5K_mn8MUj7i0iirOGeJnxo2R-n-b7eS37nYNmvNgmLqqoINx6AxfV2pTyjvXLKpKS3hAEdDg3ODD8qKIo/s320/Feb+and+March-09+027.jpg" border="0" /></a>'t know but somehow he thought my lap was the place to go! I jumped up and ran down the side walk while yelling all sorts of commands; "SIT!", "GO LAY DOWN!" "STAY!" !! He figured out that I didn't want him and he sat down looking at me through squinted eyes with the silliest smile on his face. I think he thought it was funny!! Even the kids who were well on the other side of the field had heard me and I could tell even from that distance they had stopped to watch me dance across the yard. Thankfully, they had found two of the three missing horses and it didn't take them long to get back to the yard to find out what all the excitement was about. Of course they didn't really have to ask since they could smell the dog from a mile away! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I sent the kids in a different direction to look for the still missing stallion while I ran to the computer and Googled some skunk gunk removal ideas. After a quick crash course in de-skunking I realized a trip to town was necessary, I don't keep a couple quarts of peroxide handy around the house normally but it just might be a new "norm". I couldn't just use tomatoes and vinegar! Ooh no! The know it all vet online said "You must change the molecules to deodorize the skunk oil!" Of course! What was I thinking! Thankfully, a chemist had a simple recipe for a concoction of some sort that would do such a thing but it came with a nice warning. Two, actually. One warning was that if I didn't wash the dog as soon as possible the likely hood grew that he would smell that way the rest of his life!! The other was, that the potion had once turned a black lab into a yellow one! As Rowdy gazed at me through the window of the closed door, his p'arfume seeping in through the cracks I decided I'd better hurry! I could live with a blond Rottweiler! but, NOT with that smell!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I began thinking about where that horse could be, the kids had come back empty handed. I remembered the neighbor's dog down the road had been barking this morning and since they had horses too, I made a quick decision to see if my roaming stallion had decided to pay the neighbors a visit. We jumped in the van with our horse catching paraphernalia and ran down the road while leaving Rowdy to roll in the wet grass. Sure enough, there was our Tonka Toy!, getting his rear bit by the full size neighbor stallion who did NOT want to share his girl friend. Not that it was likely anyway, since the two horses were several feet taller than my 3' black stud muffin! :-) We finally convinced him that he was not wanted there, which wasn't easy!, he's soo hard headed! Finally the horses were back where they belonged and we were on our way to town to get the ingredients for our science experiment to de-skunk the dog. Once back home our chemistry class began... mixing peroxide, baking soda and liquid degreaser we came up with a foaming wonder to torture the dog with. It was quite a sight too! Me and the kids standing in the back yard pouring foaming goo on a stinky dog sitting in an old claw footed tub. AND!, it was starting to sprinkle!! As in like, the sky got dark and the thunder clouds were rolling in! We finally declared him clean enough and ran in the house to fight over the shower. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>By noon, I finally sat down with a glass of tea and watched the rain come down in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEZu4Wi5-gyQ5MOxL2YI7cKt0TwppTe8S_OxLZ4geSpd9L_laWoAk6qRhGWV5nxCQk5xfWLAJoJqOn2s_yk0-cpMmThq07L7gFP2OKqaCzwlGUVhO5z4p8b1asoZfDZOQBS6lGAtB5d0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332940849726723282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEZu4Wi5-gyQ5MOxL2YI7cKt0TwppTe8S_OxLZ4geSpd9L_laWoAk6qRhGWV5nxCQk5xfWLAJoJqOn2s_yk0-cpMmThq07L7gFP2OKqaCzwlGUVhO5z4p8b1asoZfDZOQBS6lGAtB5d0/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+016.jpg" border="0" /></a>bucketfuls, having washed the dog, burnt our clothes, taken 3 showers and fed the kids the last of the groceries.....Oh!...groceries!.... I needed to to the grocery store!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, By the time we went to town the rain had slowed to a light drizzle and as we went through town we saw a big sign..."Salvation Army- everything!- 25%-50% Off!" So, we stopped and had some fun! :-) The kids had some money they had earned so not only did they have science/chemistry class, they got math in too. Each kid figuring half of half off the prices of the great bargains they were finding and trying to decide which to spend their hard earned money on! We took our treasures, groceries and bought a "Hot-N-Ready" pizza for the ride home. It turned out to be a great day all in all.</div></div><div> </div><div><div><br /></div><div>BTW, in case your wondering the goo actually worked and all but the faintest hint of skunk was removed, a second washing later that evening took care of that. He smelled good enough I allowed him back in the house agian. AND.... he is still black and tan, just as a Rowdy dog should be! LOL!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>So, that's the story that "did not" happen to us.... but it did! :-) <br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Photos: Kiddos with Jetterbug, one of our mini-horses. Rowdy, smiling for the camera! and Wild Man and Rowdy laying in Mema and Papa's yard last Christmas.</div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-73791555572523467682009-05-04T23:51:00.000-05:002009-05-05T00:35:39.587-05:00Listen up please!! Ya hear me!!??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjYywqto2Ya2mSpCc9PbN2sfzjEgMZicbAcOU_7En38O88nSFp9t26XrQn47l1TVy-iOk3ozG_GSqk3WXoHZb1XycmlU85ymgbksulJrOMUyM8ZKMo6SHKqfjx07yU4-a2ACVUn85YYM/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332208270869880882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjYywqto2Ya2mSpCc9PbN2sfzjEgMZicbAcOU_7En38O88nSFp9t26XrQn47l1TVy-iOk3ozG_GSqk3WXoHZb1XycmlU85ymgbksulJrOMUyM8ZKMo6SHKqfjx07yU4-a2ACVUn85YYM/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I love my husband more than I can type! I really do!!! .....Can you hear the "but..." coming?</div><br /><div>But!...I wish he would listen to me when I say something!!!! AND, quit telling me how whatever I said isn't really the way I want it or whatever!!! Anyone with me on this!!</div><br /><div>Since we have been making so many trips back and forth from the farm to Kansas we have had lots of interesting conversations. Many of them have been about our new life here in tornado town. I'll talk about the house we might build one day and how I would like the roof to go this way or that way and come down into a cute little porch, only to get a 15 minute detailed explanation how I wouldn't want the porch that way because of the....I can't remember why...I tuned that part out, sorry. Now, many of you know my WONDERFUL husband, and how many of you can remember a DETAILED anything from him!! LOL!! Truth is he doesn't say a whole lot, not that he is shy or anything. Just figures people will figure things out on their own and if they want his opinion they'll ask. Well, I didn't ask him about the cute porch, pout, I was just dreaming of a real home all of our own again. </div><br /><div>Ever had that " I never get what I want" moment? Mine usually comes at the WRONG time, Like after he stopped at a garage sale (after pulling the trailer all the way around the block so he could park!) and then getting me a soda on the way home! So REALLY I have NOTHING to complain about. :-) He really is wonderful!</div><br /><div>I guess the real kicker is what happened the other day. While on the way to town, I was doing my usual dreaming about this and that and he was doing his usual correcting. We decided to grab a quick breakfast at a local cafe and as we pulled into the parking lot and walked to the door I very sweetly told him he didn't have to correct EVERYTHING I said! He smiled that cute slow smile, kissed me on the forehead and said "Yeah, I do." !!! AND!, would you believe just a few minutes later.... after glancing at the menu, I told the waitress I wanted the Mexican omelet, all the ingredients except with green peppers instead of hot peppers. She then... tossed Michael a "let me help her" look... squatted down so as to be on "my" level...and said with a sloow so you can understand me voice, "Weell, Huneee, we'll just get you the garden omelet then! Since it has the same ingredients and green peppers instead!" :-) SIGH! I looked into her very close, blue eyes and said......." Soooooo, ham is the same as sausage then? 'Cause I chose the mexican for the sausage and vegetables over the garden with ham and vegetables." ( I WAS nice!!!) She quickly stood up, wrote down the order and tossed a "Got it!" over her shoulder as she disappeared through swinging doors! </div><br /><div>I looked at Michael and said, "SEE! I never get what I want without someone trying to tell me I want something else!!" LOL!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The omelet was delicious by the way! and now that I have that "funny probably only to me" story off my chest I'm headed to bed!! Someone is going to want HIS omelet early!!! :-D</div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-38427825694406300972009-04-29T15:59:00.000-05:002009-04-29T18:09:22.025-05:00Never Fear! We're Still here!!!..or is that there!!???<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgQ42nVAA6opziV2moIhsE0rvu-uMrTQzYZiOpf8SsbEUbihOpMxlbWkXbxXuUuBBCna49SQJH7F7iUA1VzzDQkcOJZ4uONnf-NkKouxsDFaxMvV_-bHvM-_EIYykrdpepoyqxyFxyd0/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330248899287110290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgQ42nVAA6opziV2moIhsE0rvu-uMrTQzYZiOpf8SsbEUbihOpMxlbWkXbxXuUuBBCna49SQJH7F7iUA1VzzDQkcOJZ4uONnf-NkKouxsDFaxMvV_-bHvM-_EIYykrdpepoyqxyFxyd0/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+063.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Hey All!!! We've have had a very busy time the last few months. I've mentioned before that Cargill, the company that my husband works for has shut down the local plant and relocated us to South Central Kansas. So far everything has been going great and the Lord has truly blessed us and watched out for us. Michael is loving his new job and is enjoying the training period he has while working side by side with the people he has some to supervise. He has teased several times about "learning to do their jobs so he can tell them how to do their jobs!" :-) He says he has a lot to learn and is really enjoying the challenge. Pray th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWibRv5ZJMgTGPwIGrPO54aqWqwKksAOZUY-CIK-H_Ui5Xqyq6pXCLr6WYKV66CkoIGBrZE-GEVVrtddYzz3ckRxyUTaT7Iy7-MztneB9T8noWqqp5LnqRj0kcqRzUjPWdSdrsZAPHsQM/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330252605886979426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWibRv5ZJMgTGPwIGrPO54aqWqwKksAOZUY-CIK-H_Ui5Xqyq6pXCLr6WYKV66CkoIGBrZE-GEVVrtddYzz3ckRxyUTaT7Iy7-MztneB9T8noWqqp5LnqRj0kcqRzUjPWdSdrsZAPHsQM/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+053.jpg" border="0" /></a>e Lord gives him the wisdom he needs to be a good leader! </div><br /><div>So far we have found a large farm house to rent as temporary housing and will be here until the end of May. We are looking for a house closer to the church we have found and are excited to see where the Lord plants us this time. Moving over and over hasn't the greatest appeal but soon this will all be long over and we'll look back and laugh. Especially since I once told a cousin of mine who had had the "privilege" of moving several times that I envied her being able to redecorate and paint a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb8TN_T10Vj0jSyBqEv-5khhOTMy59qpFWtzsQRnxOWKHjlOMZlMapOKNZwN4mKApSblvVhwuRKOa9qmc7dQd_8QCa8GFEo2Llw53MDZyLiJIB9jNFpZ0DTDPcU4D56XxfiYv9m84KOc/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330251224545443010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb8TN_T10Vj0jSyBqEv-5khhOTMy59qpFWtzsQRnxOWKHjlOMZlMapOKNZwN4mKApSblvVhwuRKOa9qmc7dQd_8QCa8GFEo2Llw53MDZyLiJIB9jNFpZ0DTDPcU4D56XxfiYv9m84KOc/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+029.jpg" border="0" /></a>new home, it sounded like sooo much fun to have a fresh canvas to work with. Thinking of course at the time we would never move and I would live and die at the old farm house! Well, never is a long time and here we are!! After we find a house to rent while we wait till our farm sells back in Missouri, then find a piece of land to buy and build a new home later, I'll have had the "privilege" to move at least 3 times in about a year!! I just love God's sense of humor!</div><br /><div>Well, our Internet is rather sporadic and I am looking forward to the future when I will be back blogging full time! I have a ton of facebook and bloggy pals to catch up on!! :0)</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JWiZzcCrE4fCFTJWJKZOUxqsBTRJ8dNXMkXufjOde8B43Tk3P4P24f93LZkJzlBl86u_oYS68N8uQY6CnD71ClzuXnLuYnanPQAl-Lqxspa6sVCVR9QbCJbQa26ZNZRohfGvT63NTKM/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330234549265832386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JWiZzcCrE4fCFTJWJKZOUxqsBTRJ8dNXMkXufjOde8B43Tk3P4P24f93LZkJzlBl86u_oYS68N8uQY6CnD71ClzuXnLuYnanPQAl-Lqxspa6sVCVR9QbCJbQa26ZNZRohfGvT63NTKM/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKRjhXh77TTT63VEM2Rojv09l4NvjMwzmzar1QxUrzkCb7nxVwtH2nBak2B9Iu3WW21R4rUTNWQ01yQP_Fb4seSICMzEwj7Z0S7_LbcUCiO8iU9gz4H6LuN6lU8L_67AS6DE9neZXzvE/s1600-h/March+09+Wichita+zoo+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330230985642560946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKRjhXh77TTT63VEM2Rojv09l4NvjMwzmzar1QxUrzkCb7nxVwtH2nBak2B9Iu3WW21R4rUTNWQ01yQP_Fb4seSICMzEwj7Z0S7_LbcUCiO8iU9gz4H6LuN6lU8L_67AS6DE9neZXzvE/s320/March+09+Wichita+zoo+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Photos of the kiddos at the zoo, it was a very fun and exciting day! </div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-44990723982754999032009-03-13T01:39:00.000-05:002009-03-13T03:19:59.458-05:00"Is that elbow straight?"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIyc92akui7b5sLgTf6zHKkIcGXS7zbq6Nigptng3Joc53FmSjzC1KhZIcv1iWsL1GgYDGeC6Zlhmxf7xRWvUDQPPgVhEhKIipQeSSUf2DSje00llwjEWgZyUviXOjYz7Kx6vCK4YBSw/s1600-h/7-28-2007-56.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312580140992875218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIyc92akui7b5sLgTf6zHKkIcGXS7zbq6Nigptng3Joc53FmSjzC1KhZIcv1iWsL1GgYDGeC6Zlhmxf7xRWvUDQPPgVhEhKIipQeSSUf2DSje00llwjEWgZyUviXOjYz7Kx6vCK4YBSw/s320/7-28-2007-56.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The last few weeks have been a whirl wind experience! We have come home from our survey trip of the very large, very intimidating city of Wichita and into a fast paced race to pack the mountain of belongings of our family. The whole nine of us own the biggest pile of junk I have ever seen!! The closets just keep spewing forth with stuff that I had thought long gone! Somehow things that I have thrown away 3 and even 4 times are resurfacing amongst our "treasures"!! LOL! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now, I am a pack rat. I will admit it. "I'm a pack rat." Now, I feel better. BUT, I can't have all my kids becoming pack rats too!! I can remember my mom talking about all the little pieces of paper she used to find in my room and all the "valuable" collections I had stuffed into drawers and shoved under my bed. Well, rest assured Mom, I'm getting my pay backs! Trying to talk a child out of porcelain doll that is missing half a face, a hand and most of her legs is a lot more difficult than you'd imagine. :-) We have all attached memories, thoughts and stories to our junk making it very hard at times to part with it. Over the last week or so though we have sorted, tossed and pitched more things than I thought we could have possibly owned. The rest was boxed, labeled and placed in an organized fashion into our semi trailer that will make unpacking at our new home a breeze. YEAH RIGHT! LOL! Well, all the boxes and most of the furniture has made it into the trailer, we'll see about the last part! Ha!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One thing I can say is, so far our kids are having a blast! Wonderful friends have taken time out of their busy schedules and come by to help us finish building our home. We have been working on remodeling and adding on to our home for the last few years and now the time has come to get it DONE!! Just in time to sell! LOL! The kiddos thought that "school" was packed away last week into boxes but little do they know I have been recording their education everyday, and what fun education it has been. They have all been following Dad and the workers around asking great questions (driving them crazy :-} ) learning all about plumbing, electrical, carpentry and many other wonderful things. They are hammering , sawing, drilling and <u>fetching </u>their hearts out!! And that's just on the inside! Outside we have been dozing stumps, property lines and <u>my flower beds</u> !! Taking apart fencing, tearing down old sheds and building the biggest burn pile we've ever had!! Tons of neat things are being learned from professional people willing to let my kids tag along and drive them nuts with all their questions. The electrician, Wild Man calls "Truck" (we are working on that ch sound) keeps coming back for more torture and I am extremely grateful. I just love electricity, don't you? It just lights up my life! The plumbers!! Wonderful people aren't they!!?? and when you bring electricity and water to the same appliance, such as a washing machine or a dish washer!, it is a VERY exciting moment!!!</div><br /><div>And what good is a second floor without a marvelous set of stairs leading to it!! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So!, now with this wonderful education the kiddos are getting they should be able to help out in any area of home construction. Even answering simple questions like the one Michael asked me yesterday, "Is that elbow straight?". While I sat there looking and thinking the answer came from a nearby professional, " NOOO, PVC elbows are bent at 90*!!" :-) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think I'll go make some sweet tea!!!! Cookie anybody? </div><br /><div></div><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p>Photo of Kendal asleep at the table, work is exhausting!! :-)</p>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-51777591654117954662009-02-28T01:21:00.000-06:002009-02-28T02:37:19.930-06:00Are you a King, a Queen or just a Full?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoX-KeTInUxL4Cg4LJbxmAPLjgNr4C25kRvdViXvPNiys441HO7VAAbMAi1Fm8EEY2TXjZ9LKXzL420kVPaZpDrGoVMsABAXOmEOKHZD2CqBXyJ1MMsJWuAaSYVhB52lq7PPXNdACYIE/s1600-h/11-1-2007-30.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307763480807974914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoX-KeTInUxL4Cg4LJbxmAPLjgNr4C25kRvdViXvPNiys441HO7VAAbMAi1Fm8EEY2TXjZ9LKXzL420kVPaZpDrGoVMsABAXOmEOKHZD2CqBXyJ1MMsJWuAaSYVhB52lq7PPXNdACYIE/s320/11-1-2007-30.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Several years ago I somehow learned the neat trick, that putting two twin size mattresses together would make a king size bed. Being in the Missouri "show me" state I naturally had to check this out and put some together, measure and see for myself that this indeed worked and it did. A person always thinks the grass is greener on the other side and I have for years looked with green slimy envy on anyone who was lucky enough to have a wonderfully huge king size bed, not to mention the gigantic room needed for such a wonderful bed!!! Several years ago we measured our master bedroom and came to the conclusion that a queen bed with a small wardrobe cabinet on each side would be all our room would hold. Although some nights with my head buried under a mountain of pillows for a sound barrier while fighting for blankets I would think "WHY didn't we get queen size WARDROBE cabinet with a TWIN size bed on each side!!" LOL!</div><br /><div>Well, several weeks ago I thought I had it made. I decided that our bedroom wasn't ever going to be dry walled and finished as long as we were still in there. So I took it upon myself to help encourage my wonderful husband to finish our room by moving all our stuff upstairs to one of the kids' small rooms. The only problem was there was no way to get our bed up the stairs, SOOOOO I grabbed a few extra twin beds we had around and shoved them together and topped them off with a king size sheet. Tada!!! A king size bed!!! In a small room! Who needs wardrobe cabinets anyway!! :-) </div><br /><div>Weeeellll, there was one thing about this neat trick that I had failed to remember. The twin mattresses needed for this were the standard flat ones, and a thick king size padded bed cover was a major part of making the bed comfortable. So, you know where this is leading! We have the rounded edged puffy topped mattresses that formed a grand canyon when pushed together and did NOT make one comfortable large bed for "us" but made a "his and her" bed instead. He slept on his side and I slept on mine, the only plus to this situation was that we each had our own blankets! Ha! Somehow though, those where the coldest nights!! </div><br /><div>Well, once again we have flip flopped rooms and are now sleeping on our "wonderful" queen size mattresses, topped with my favorite soft green sheets. So now when I feel a chill I just roll over and snuggle up to Michael. I mean, I might as well since we are going to be fighting over the blankets anyway!! :-)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I want to say thank you to so many of you for thinking and praying for us during this time of waiting to see what would happen with Michael's job. Well, the news is...he has accepted the job offer to move with the Cargill Corp. and we are now launching into a full blown mission of dragging our junk to Kansas! He is very happy with the new position and is looking forward to the new job, we are all excited for such a new adventure. A touch of sadness lurks around us as we know we are leaving a huge group of great family, friends and neighbors. We have a ton of things to do before everything is final such as finishing the house, getting it sold, packing, moving, finding a new home large enough for our crew and getting settled is just few! :-) We have lived here since the day we were married and I'm up to my nose in junk!! I can't believe we have SO much stuff!! LOL! Well, tomorrow is another big packing day so I'm headed to bed! :-) Goodnight ya'll!!!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Photo of Baby J, sleeping on our bed when he was just a couple days old. ;-)</div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-78038607565466232792009-02-04T10:04:00.000-06:002009-02-04T11:18:16.545-06:00Did Daddy take it?<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Aj7VFWAUTcBwdq7ls20U7dTcp77HjdGpCg62eSmDjZ0CPqKUYnk_Zk9bLjbUSoDwUIBYOWjoKLHEH4vJqmcXDE5ldNBz0FRraUOOS2KTNCyA84qoVq9Rj501xOVPBVaMJF1wcgPtVlY/s1600-h/Jan08+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298989006516003090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Aj7VFWAUTcBwdq7ls20U7dTcp77HjdGpCg62eSmDjZ0CPqKUYnk_Zk9bLjbUSoDwUIBYOWjoKLHEH4vJqmcXDE5ldNBz0FRraUOOS2KTNCyA84qoVq9Rj501xOVPBVaMJF1wcgPtVlY/s320/Jan08+029.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Miss Priss is 3!!! Happy Birthday! Her last two birthdays have been pretty simple, a cute homemade cake after dinner and a small gift or two to round out the evening...AND of course the pictures taken for the photo album. We can't have all pictures of the older kiddos ya know! :-) </div><br /><div>We invited a few friends and neighbors, Grandma and Grandpa and some cousins and had a good time. Even though this was her first "big" party, she seemed to know just what was supposed to happen! When we all went to town last week we got ready for the party by stopping at the local Dollar Tree, she had a blast picking out a few <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-34Gu8gwHDt5r3I5zK4I-Aeurydsl-AdduadTcBnDMgUDx4tO_k7zgI9T0hkNGgwZalvLXWmonZW4pBg1zXGisvK-PgR6ZJfAsYjgZHO6lgniAt2cHCJkJCfQKlILhAJE_0h3B2y5lo/s1600-h/Jan08+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298986153991792610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-34Gu8gwHDt5r3I5zK4I-Aeurydsl-AdduadTcBnDMgUDx4tO_k7zgI9T0hkNGgwZalvLXWmonZW4pBg1zXGisvK-PgR6ZJfAsYjgZHO6lgniAt2cHCJkJCfQKlILhAJE_0h3B2y5lo/s320/Jan08+027.jpg" border="0" /></a>purple plates and some balloons. She just had a fascination with the little punch cups and kept them tucked under her arm, I HAD to let her have them too! We found a cute set of Winnie the Pooh character toys for the cake and some other Winnie the Pooh themed toys... jump rope, silly putty, coloring books and crayons...all for a $1 each! :-) We had to be creative when it came to keeping these things out of her sight but she was so focused on the plates and balloons she didn't really notice what all her sister's and brother's were carrying around! LOL! She was the one who spotted the Winnie the Pooh Christmas wrapping paper for 50 cents, so we added that to our cart. For the main gift we started at the Dollar General store in hopes of finding a baby doll on sale, she had been asking for one for days, but we lucked out. So we met Daddy over at the Wal-mart store and tried again, here we hit the jack pot! As soon as we hit the clearance isle, she spotted the baby doll of her dreams! A cute little baby that screams it's head off if it loses it's pacifier!! Isn't that neat!! (at least it doesn't wet it's pants!!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNf5_acr4IP2-Q4gCGvMkHffl8iSvZ9jCrklv5z6TbNOxkEMkBTCUx_daqP7eh40VnNLfjLhM3Jwoqt3AMS_t_bPR1d-YUEjAyQr3xA3AKrx-YP1t_wnnkqWaM_TfVqvl4WCDZbX791M/s1600-h/Jan08+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298985082472780866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNf5_acr4IP2-Q4gCGvMkHffl8iSvZ9jCrklv5z6TbNOxkEMkBTCUx_daqP7eh40VnNLfjLhM3Jwoqt3AMS_t_bPR1d-YUEjAyQr3xA3AKrx-YP1t_wnnkqWaM_TfVqvl4WCDZbX791M/s320/Jan08+036.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, this time it wasn't so easy to get the large box off the shelf and hidden without her knowledge but we finally thought we had her fooled and off we went to browse the sale racks. Soon we were at the check out where Daddy grabbed the doll box and headed through the cashier first, all the big kiddos were behind him to block Miss Priss's view, but I couldn't believe it! She realized we were ready to check out and she leaned way over and looked on the bottom of the cart!, "Where's my baby!" She said! How did she know!?! These kids are getting smart! I rambled for a moment or two about how we couldn't get a baby today but maybe for her birthday but all <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU4UKT3Tkzag0K6F9omD46AEKhDfDyLMyKoltHd-rkOVvJHp4a_KCMslrxnSxEXCOHc1sDCeFoUA_8lO4tgvrSHyHbMDUb2M0rfPGw2uT3CEQnRqvg1IqqNlheFLB3gnT38REGqqm7Fw/s1600-h/Jan08+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298984512125253698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU4UKT3Tkzag0K6F9omD46AEKhDfDyLMyKoltHd-rkOVvJHp4a_KCMslrxnSxEXCOHc1sDCeFoUA_8lO4tgvrSHyHbMDUb2M0rfPGw2uT3CEQnRqvg1IqqNlheFLB3gnT38REGqqm7Fw/s320/Jan08+037.jpg" border="0" /></a>the while she was looking in the cart, around the cart, at each kid and finally the check out isle. Thankfully the lady had already hidden it behind the counter, so as soon as Michael had paid he grabbed it and made a dash for the truck. The kiddos and I followed and paid for a few things we had picked up for a baby gift for our neighbor, but still she was asking and looking for that baby doll! The lady cashier commented on her persistence! "She gets it from her Dad :-) ". Finally we were headed out the door and again we were telling Miss Priss that we didn't have a baby doll but maybe she would get one for her birthday. How did she get sooo smart!?! The older <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBqxl3H5jK1RCZFFS_XiZ2vVU7AmJK76xkliMrzS5lKTG3C9m8MfutK97sYz9vw-C4yEGuU5dQACO-eI8M7QWsIRECcPhgpsAPW99hmFKTMcLgE5tBW4yvoZWqxoMbG3HlyddsAkQNxo/s1600-h/Jan08+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298984085607840626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBqxl3H5jK1RCZFFS_XiZ2vVU7AmJK76xkliMrzS5lKTG3C9m8MfutK97sYz9vw-C4yEGuU5dQACO-eI8M7QWsIRECcPhgpsAPW99hmFKTMcLgE5tBW4yvoZWqxoMbG3HlyddsAkQNxo/s320/Jan08+042.jpg" border="0" /></a>kids were so much easier to trick at that age! "Where's Daddy?" she asked. "Waiting in the truck, so we can go home.", I answered. </div><br /><div>...."Did Daddy take it?" (that's her) "MOOOaaaaann" (that's me)....." Is this lying?" (that's big sis)...."SIGH" (that's me again) :-)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Photos of the next evening at her party, as you can tell we made it home with the Baby and had a great time. Nothing says Birthday better than Frito chili pie, chocolate cake, balloons and a house full of friends and family!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-13318410134385188122009-02-03T15:06:00.000-06:002009-02-03T15:48:35.548-06:00He prayed...and he got it! :-)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbHjs_zEl-R7HSfOuSQ-BUEIAM-917wevFsFAZad8I6MgqeTfXrnKXNbgbJNt_yUHVkN_Ne5GsrwM-jygDSmXe3UTfSrnHdpeK3WbbHORcCCnNvQrgb5scHc_YqfePRDTETjV6kDa_7c/s1600-h/Jan08+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298689836431599794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbHjs_zEl-R7HSfOuSQ-BUEIAM-917wevFsFAZad8I6MgqeTfXrnKXNbgbJNt_yUHVkN_Ne5GsrwM-jygDSmXe3UTfSrnHdpeK3WbbHORcCCnNvQrgb5scHc_YqfePRDTETjV6kDa_7c/s320/Jan08+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>....Just don't blame me!!! :-)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"MOM! It's SNOW'N", Wild Man yelled from the front door as Bubba walked in with wood for the stove. He jumped up and stood for what seemed an hour at the door watching the wonderful white fluff float down. Soon the flakes began to get smaller and were coming down faster and faster making the land seem foggy in the fading sunset. Daddy's truck lights turning down the drive broke the moment and as the other kiddo's crowded the window trying to catch a glimpse of Dad and waving with all their might, Wild Man made his way over to me in the dining room with the biggest grin and day dreamy eyes of blue still sparkling with excitement. "MOoooom!, I prayed to God for this snow!", He giggled softly in awe of the moment, "It's go'n to be a BIG one!". I smiled and glanced out the window, unsure if I should explain that we haven't had a "big" snow in awhile and that the weather man had only predicted ice and sleet. My heart ached for any disappointment he might feel if this wasn't his "snow man" snow after all, "We might not get very much snow, maybe only ice. That would be ok, wouldn't it?", I answered him hesitantly. Confidence lit up in his eyes, a smile even bigger than before graced his face and he jumped up and down, "Nope, it's go'n be a big one!", he sang joyfully then with a sudden flash he was off to tell Dad the good news! I stepped over to the window and watched the snow fall as if through the eyes of a 4 yr old boy, "Thank you, thank you Father! For the faith of a child and for all the smiles you bring to our family!", I softly whispered to the Maker of the Snow.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Photo of one of the little snow...people the kiddos made. :-)</div><div> </div><div>I do want to say that my heart and prayers go out to the many people who lost loved ones, were injured or lost power during last weeks ice and snow storm.</div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-90074252276740483702009-01-20T19:08:00.000-06:002009-01-20T19:22:01.508-06:00Update! It's still cold outside, BUT....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwz53N5v477cF7CEv2altLfP5uJ-EMHgKAHS2hPdcxgcUXHyUbdooK5RmdxgJs-NRnWxxxG-KO9NOq2Xeq_6W_bWbYsO7u-sXEIeeB8_FRpKQIrpUflj94arwC2-2InLxBtSFX_7xDoc/s1600-h/Jan08+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293550781901852754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwz53N5v477cF7CEv2altLfP5uJ-EMHgKAHS2hPdcxgcUXHyUbdooK5RmdxgJs-NRnWxxxG-KO9NOq2Xeq_6W_bWbYsO7u-sXEIeeB8_FRpKQIrpUflj94arwC2-2InLxBtSFX_7xDoc/s320/Jan08+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> I just had to run out and snap these pictures!!! Michael was unloading, uh...I don't know what it was but it was REALLY heavy!!! He knew the tractor wouldn't pick it up very easily, Ya think?!!! A few seconds later he was down and moving the box out of the way. He knows I know he is in complete control of everything! :-) Although, He said "Don't post those on your blog....Katie!!" as I ran back into the warm house! He knew I would, he won't be mad. I don't think!~! Hehehehehehe! So, What's your husbands "up" too? ;-}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD1_rwHM7GuvMwR1uUBT8N3j4yI3bZcEvv3aBo6O8C-t7nbbnUYYIO0sLldSoU_2z1zDEPSYhpI8qTwRKsEpn50G64v2XjqPzYv5Zcpi05d7ITTBOx7EcdnJNO6h7WKMAIyS0jK9cOd8/s1600-h/Jan08+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293550338586808914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD1_rwHM7GuvMwR1uUBT8N3j4yI3bZcEvv3aBo6O8C-t7nbbnUYYIO0sLldSoU_2z1zDEPSYhpI8qTwRKsEpn50G64v2XjqPzYv5Zcpi05d7ITTBOx7EcdnJNO6h7WKMAIyS0jK9cOd8/s320/Jan08+021.jpg" border="0" /></a>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-29875549786104573152009-01-20T16:08:00.000-06:002009-01-20T17:03:14.592-06:00How much wood can a woodchuck chuck.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQngXtrFiEJZGwWo-2iNeCCrouek7aPul2q-yeNAsN58VtWafMjrbZizopLxjS_pFwlqesCD5nHJlb73iYtuM0hGNL55rbYTi_6xHnNKdj3GgNUHlIHWbW_NKQJddGqqi8elfoYoBNLc/s1600-h/7-28-2007-29.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293506812512629378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQngXtrFiEJZGwWo-2iNeCCrouek7aPul2q-yeNAsN58VtWafMjrbZizopLxjS_pFwlqesCD5nHJlb73iYtuM0hGNL55rbYTi_6xHnNKdj3GgNUHlIHWbW_NKQJddGqqi8elfoYoBNLc/s320/7-28-2007-29.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> It's been really cold the last few days. When it is cold we go through a ton of wood to keep the house warm!! Some days I really wish I could just turn the thermostat up and be done with it, but then I talk to a few friends and they start complaining about the electric bill or the gas bill and I'm very thankful for the wood heat!! At least it warms ya twice! Once when ya cut and haul it in and then when ya burn it! LOL! Thankfully though, knock on wood :-D, we haven't had an ice storm this winter. Not a bad one that knocked out power anyway. The kiddos kinda wish something would happen so we could all snuggle in for a few days, but Daddy has four wheel drive. It would take an Alaskan blizzard to keep him home because of snow, and if someone called and needed him he would find a way!! I do wish the kids could have at least one good snowman snow this year, maybe it could snow on all the yards but not the roads? Just a thought!! But, since the weather man is saying that we are going from 3o* something to 50* something in the next day or so, I guess we'll have to wait on that snow!! :-) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXcv_kXAk5zpi3rK-j0a4xlRi6JQvyt8l5tgq7sXGLkDizwPxO-3Pa8_IjzovU4gJ8hkWRivIaiHrAoDuNDaKRt7wWvh_CtIB2S-53cADQ4y4dPiCJN2tFOnaTKJ_7xdk_rg5qju2E2w/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293507865067572434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXcv_kXAk5zpi3rK-j0a4xlRi6JQvyt8l5tgq7sXGLkDizwPxO-3Pa8_IjzovU4gJ8hkWRivIaiHrAoDuNDaKRt7wWvh_CtIB2S-53cADQ4y4dPiCJN2tFOnaTKJ_7xdk_rg5qju2E2w/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>Guess we'll just have to make our own fun till the snow comes!! We love taking mini vacations and recently we ran to town and rented a room at the local hotel with an indoor swimming pool!! We had a great evening, the kiddos absolutely LOVE to swim!!! The room had a small microwave and fridge, so we brought lots of small potatoes and toppings for a baked potato dinner. Although Michael did run across the parking lot and grabbed some snacks for me and him from Arby's, SHHH! Don't tell the kids!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyOdtl0jzgSoQwP4v79kRCgAwZD8Xu2vNMqhxlq7Rf7PaF7nz8Ku2DnSyRsXDtDpJzqsxokwkJxwCICcG9SEiER9UUs8IzvmvxWQ_j9nlkhaFQBBfYjEhPoFXdSiOB07enJuyeBuH28/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293508290946081266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyOdtl0jzgSoQwP4v79kRCgAwZD8Xu2vNMqhxlq7Rf7PaF7nz8Ku2DnSyRsXDtDpJzqsxokwkJxwCICcG9SEiER9UUs8IzvmvxWQ_j9nlkhaFQBBfYjEhPoFXdSiOB07enJuyeBuH28/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy winter! Stay warm! or Cool!!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IdOuv-t3kMXuZZq1Tw6IRDpr32vAuZwORM8EytWkkwx9jHCnGrZ5iS50MfZRrxI8OhXlpBEgYUfem_AtFTM5RGxlbRwZfdYZPYxSlUgRQ-6pGbUHY45Vggver71c7vAtMJlNJJgw3s/s1600-h/Jan08+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293509380904420530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IdOuv-t3kMXuZZq1Tw6IRDpr32vAuZwORM8EytWkkwx9jHCnGrZ5iS50MfZRrxI8OhXlpBEgYUfem_AtFTM5RGxlbRwZfdYZPYxSlUgRQ-6pGbUHY45Vggver71c7vAtMJlNJJgw3s/s320/Jan08+005.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IdOuv-t3kMXuZZq1Tw6IRDpr32vAuZwORM8EytWkkwx9jHCnGrZ5iS50MfZRrxI8OhXlpBEgYUfem_AtFTM5RGxlbRwZfdYZPYxSlUgRQ-6pGbUHY45Vggver71c7vAtMJlNJJgw3s/s1600-h/Jan08+005.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IdOuv-t3kMXuZZq1Tw6IRDpr32vAuZwORM8EytWkkwx9jHCnGrZ5iS50MfZRrxI8OhXlpBEgYUfem_AtFTM5RGxlbRwZfdYZPYxSlUgRQ-6pGbUHY45Vggver71c7vAtMJlNJJgw3s/s1600-h/Jan08+005.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IdOuv-t3kMXuZZq1Tw6IRDpr32vAuZwORM8EytWkkwx9jHCnGrZ5iS50MfZRrxI8OhXlpBEgYUfem_AtFTM5RGxlbRwZfdYZPYxSlUgRQ-6pGbUHY45Vggver71c7vAtMJlNJJgw3s/s1600-h/Jan08+005.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IdOuv-t3kMXuZZq1Tw6IRDpr32vAuZwORM8EytWkkwx9jHCnGrZ5iS50MfZRrxI8OhXlpBEgYUfem_AtFTM5RGxlbRwZfdYZPYxSlUgRQ-6pGbUHY45Vggver71c7vAtMJlNJJgw3s/s1600-h/Jan08+005.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IdOuv-t3kMXuZZq1Tw6IRDpr32vAuZwORM8EytWkkwx9jHCnGrZ5iS50MfZRrxI8OhXlpBEgYUfem_AtFTM5RGxlbRwZfdYZPYxSlUgRQ-6pGbUHY45Vggver71c7vAtMJlNJJgw3s/s1600-h/Jan08+005.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmtDmfdDZEFzglsrIJdzvfEIE2qqsU-dFmm299iCW5ae5mGofOSlw0q9BeaJ1mUcN3pSKgQNbitgCkY0vlsdJz-Uaeh9Q2RJrahsQ_EByLPe4toottfnQI1aAaC8v1OKrb6fq3y8mPMg/s1600-h/Jan08+007.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmtDmfdDZEFzglsrIJdzvfEIE2qqsU-dFmm299iCW5ae5mGofOSlw0q9BeaJ1mUcN3pSKgQNbitgCkY0vlsdJz-Uaeh9Q2RJrahsQ_EByLPe4toottfnQI1aAaC8v1OKrb6fq3y8mPMg/s1600-h/Jan08+007.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293510002779024050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s320/Jan08+008.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Photos: Dad and the kids cleaned up a fallen tree in last year's ice storm, right out our front door! The kiddos helping hold the trailer down while we cut wood. Some swimming pictures from our mini vacation, "Sink or swim, Dad!".</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmtDmfdDZEFzglsrIJdzvfEIE2qqsU-dFmm299iCW5ae5mGofOSlw0q9BeaJ1mUcN3pSKgQNbitgCkY0vlsdJz-Uaeh9Q2RJrahsQ_EByLPe4toottfnQI1aAaC8v1OKrb6fq3y8mPMg/s1600-h/Jan08+007.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldMc3cl9NoZCPGcCW_sumKjdYAF5HwYYCfpzNm0tH4IDV0eT7_GCKd0SsO1lZ-DQEMOG7wKI8YmXxZBJiuSltH2VNa-_pDoclracRaBtK8JafIbNtSyhHh54k4yw69JorcDowm1KsTc/s1600-h/Jan08+008.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmtDmfdDZEFzglsrIJdzvfEIE2qqsU-dFmm299iCW5ae5mGofOSlw0q9BeaJ1mUcN3pSKgQNbitgCkY0vlsdJz-Uaeh9Q2RJrahsQ_EByLPe4toottfnQI1aAaC8v1OKrb6fq3y8mPMg/s1600-h/Jan08+007.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-50148142283060360252009-01-19T00:30:00.000-06:002009-01-19T00:43:58.126-06:00What a helper!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2aDux7wM3En75d-VjhnOomBSG5-w4D21NPArMI9FA5kWHWwstonzfdEjLyZR29ewj8CQTI_fco4u-1v0FnYB5NPYF13lH1SnC1EP_T09ofub3wa6LP6HOTXnb5Q63no5n9Np0dlYLn4/s1600-h/Jan08+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292889628262390290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2aDux7wM3En75d-VjhnOomBSG5-w4D21NPArMI9FA5kWHWwstonzfdEjLyZR29ewj8CQTI_fco4u-1v0FnYB5NPYF13lH1SnC1EP_T09ofub3wa6LP6HOTXnb5Q63no5n9Np0dlYLn4/s320/Jan08+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>When ya got a job to do, just roll up your sleeves and get'r done!!! Nanae was doing just that! </div><br /><div>After an evening of noodle making with Dad last week, the wonderful homemade noodles dried on the table over night. The next morning we saved some for supper and froze the rest. Then came the cleaning part. I guess Nae decided a little elbow grease was in order and got on top of the job, literally! She was very proud to show me her clean table! What a great job she did too! I have some very good helpers and am very proud o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCnB6vM0oHcpatNc3TaPTz37e7OiIpX0cE3Wk8Kg2YdWz_qxBBlL5FXshhKtg4nqSHWz7WFVHbmPYA-vMGjmEZQX4bcraTdsMr3TazJpDF1SscbpCMFXqSTJmlwjiko9EffReQcjU2X8/s1600-h/Jan08+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292891245307051906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCnB6vM0oHcpatNc3TaPTz37e7OiIpX0cE3Wk8Kg2YdWz_qxBBlL5FXshhKtg4nqSHWz7WFVHbmPYA-vMGjmEZQX4bcraTdsMr3TazJpDF1SscbpCMFXqSTJmlwjiko9EffReQcjU2X8/s320/Jan08+014.jpg" border="0" /></a>f them all!!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Even the little helpers that like to sleep in!! I don't know where he got that habit! :-}</div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-77472568426574026012009-01-12T12:26:00.000-06:002009-01-12T13:37:16.982-06:00My Pantry?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gyTu_RiQLVYmQkmi3CvffwF1CAUEl_ZPHpeeSheq9UWVyeARw2yvLj67hAwJQ7tyEwWJB4JDAZYQIA1gIGplEtTuBz0H7QU6GcbbHV4M0qe3eJuhOv1Ip0og-Oe9VUmXDDr7PMUMs28/s1600-h/pantry3+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290492876101989490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gyTu_RiQLVYmQkmi3CvffwF1CAUEl_ZPHpeeSheq9UWVyeARw2yvLj67hAwJQ7tyEwWJB4JDAZYQIA1gIGplEtTuBz0H7QU6GcbbHV4M0qe3eJuhOv1Ip0og-Oe9VUmXDDr7PMUMs28/s320/pantry3+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> I was browsing around some of my favorite blogs and found Jen over a Sprite'sKeeper <a href="http://www.spriteskeeper.com/">http://www.spriteskeeper.com/</a> (I REALLY need to learn to link!) having a sort of pantry war! I'm rather crazy about keeping my pantry organized, but it doesn't always happen thanks to the many hands who raid it continually! My pantry is a little low right now I really need to go shopping but.....maybe a soon as my allergies release the pressure on my head!! I really have to brag on my wonderful husband for my wonderful pantry, he improved my flimsy metal shelves into these sturdy wooden shelves with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvc_K8p3Yn9MyUCutQnmy8LkukRXMi-cMzlaf-1o4bdUSNO2YI8ZWkACBlSITIC2k8Sa7kZLXxfN6eWMauUy2WireohmOqlZpJXEI6l-jG8CMZGb2ug8f7YqsCgpSjZeFUjlynQwC8Nk/s1600-h/pantry3+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290492231525805666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvc_K8p3Yn9MyUCutQnmy8LkukRXMi-cMzlaf-1o4bdUSNO2YI8ZWkACBlSITIC2k8Sa7kZLXxfN6eWMauUy2WireohmOqlZpJXEI6l-jG8CMZGb2ug8f7YqsCgpSjZeFUjlynQwC8Nk/s320/pantry3+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>tons more space. My I'm begging for a matching set on the opposite wall for the canners and empty jars. With 7 kiddo who are always hungry we need a big space for all the grub, this room was originally a porch that was enclosed before we bought the house. Now that we have added on to the house this room sits off the kitchen and make the perfect pantry. A matching fridge and freezer set sits by the door and is really handy. All the coffee tubs are just storage containers, they come to me free from my grandparents and make wonderful storage tubs.<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div>I usually shop about twice a month and buy in bulk if it's on sale. The Aldi's store in town in one of may favorite bargain grocery stores. I recently found a canned veggie sale at a near by grocery store though and we became the joke of the moment to all the shelf stockers who watched as we unloaded the shelves into our carts and headed for the check out isle. The joke is really on them though when they turn around and have to restock those holes I left behind! LOL! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJY3fnn86BDA_bDYqBTTnYA1jirKRehbxSrfVjgK04bdhC1Xh5VQe6KCFDjLN_q5RyUfnaI-wqE8owT6tfJsxpjIwUbcfapNbc82jxjgDGZIaNcRy776l89yyviOiCljWNgYMKB-4CKY/s1600-h/pantry3+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290491571635605346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJY3fnn86BDA_bDYqBTTnYA1jirKRehbxSrfVjgK04bdhC1Xh5VQe6KCFDjLN_q5RyUfnaI-wqE8owT6tfJsxpjIwUbcfapNbc82jxjgDGZIaNcRy776l89yyviOiCljWNgYMKB-4CKY/s320/pantry3+003.jpg" border="0" /></a>We shop at Sam's some too, but I always have my calculator handy, it isn't always cheaper to buy it by the gallon. Although I love that a big box of toilet paper will last over 3 months!! The Dollar General store has redone their stores here and now have some great grocery isles too.</div><br />Well, I'm just playing around and better get back to work! Ha! Anyone else want to show their pantry? How often do you shop? Do you shop in bulk? </div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-81423791205711624952009-01-08T13:47:00.000-06:002009-01-08T15:10:13.469-06:00Christmas Pictures!!!Did I mention I found my camera!!!???!!!! Yea! Just in time for Christmas!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzKphbCtOI2cY_lMR59u0X0V9p-38sEZWeG4G1_NohtedmwViwl3w5MNPvvCiaBkoJrDR7tNjkV9fBMUzmbkmxGFnEA6xJyHKUUSzFCPPAtJaB7YozO2gPAeQ2UoxdiXs4KJX8jABUBQ/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289016048154348338" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzKphbCtOI2cY_lMR59u0X0V9p-38sEZWeG4G1_NohtedmwViwl3w5MNPvvCiaBkoJrDR7tNjkV9fBMUzmbkmxGFnEA6xJyHKUUSzFCPPAtJaB7YozO2gPAeQ2UoxdiXs4KJX8jABUBQ/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+037.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S6f4z2CEVeUJrNUKUA5SzgcJ47wEcAp1gA01nnJf5fwNwbPcuAKngbpY5PfHMKJHx15lO9ZcEYtroW8EKr4ysiVvIb-gwAa_HJLeAlQeSu9DNrLq-EvHQ0F2Be0j87xExcE6VCYmRbA/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289016488442968018" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S6f4z2CEVeUJrNUKUA5SzgcJ47wEcAp1gA01nnJf5fwNwbPcuAKngbpY5PfHMKJHx15lO9ZcEYtroW8EKr4ysiVvIb-gwAa_HJLeAlQeSu9DNrLq-EvHQ0F2Be0j87xExcE6VCYmRbA/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk0NIljbbZ3ossgfMI7ALp8VTvETpHMH2kObC-5021BNIaIeXHdZIWbCwuZE0mlNs5dyoUKHBNZdhj59Fe9EV8IBlNIeJEcqtZ9fytwoZ-HrrePI0Z1KjZp3iQnqwfEIBLbsOthCWvKY/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289026539963197426" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk0NIljbbZ3ossgfMI7ALp8VTvETpHMH2kObC-5021BNIaIeXHdZIWbCwuZE0mlNs5dyoUKHBNZdhj59Fe9EV8IBlNIeJEcqtZ9fytwoZ-HrrePI0Z1KjZp3iQnqwfEIBLbsOthCWvKY/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI-gjauEmoMgx0a-0iOUcwYDplgdbFBB8BiH1XI8U6c1uCbN_1ErPB-Q5IQQcGxKT0yF88Flvh0y3TG6a8CaPsou5NBTVDnA3Y7agkhzm12zDabMOc_iOb616xMR_dZDfgo-dpzPY5iI/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289025333417922418" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI-gjauEmoMgx0a-0iOUcwYDplgdbFBB8BiH1XI8U6c1uCbN_1ErPB-Q5IQQcGxKT0yF88Flvh0y3TG6a8CaPsou5NBTVDnA3Y7agkhzm12zDabMOc_iOb616xMR_dZDfgo-dpzPY5iI/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsbzH92c4hw25MbsWOjBp1cpSPsJdp64tUEvDpXxHL1jxPraMNmBf5rVKA4odDeayqO6yOAsLeM-zb4ZtwxNYQAmK79wU_YLlE3BAFilpyKA3JjZ-VWAp8YKeNyqNxYCeBP4nOm6kq5c/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289025944664551858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsbzH92c4hw25MbsWOjBp1cpSPsJdp64tUEvDpXxHL1jxPraMNmBf5rVKA4odDeayqO6yOAsLeM-zb4ZtwxNYQAmK79wU_YLlE3BAFilpyKA3JjZ-VWAp8YKeNyqNxYCeBP4nOm6kq5c/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW_jLY6rfgktL03hcVyYgjcAUF0hSpWEDd-MvJuHCiUG3qP4cPhXII-UJE39lsRCGaOu2qUbt_VpLBdqG-TKqzv07f0sf44B97Bf0H1Xi2mHjwRdj7SNae7CWzmjlX94DpWdrLOLiCN0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289024642922839554" style="WIDTH: 320px; 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CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxk3IjI9g2T-AS620Rx9zeP6ndWEAVSOajIYT9L8eoRo6CL_hqFGY_6m3nPFUV6lURZQpe5Vy1pvhU6owBMAIWmtmERkAQ2JAB9DR8j3_Imk1wwCmB6hvUi-MzY7Pb-AgT1K4I-W2X5E/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLApW9u2w6AMkPpQ4tKXxd5FrYRVLmEu-hCiEnjJVbMiC3qJFxK4O3IeombsNf8Z49IVpUxTOz3BBF7cqdSNV9xShpZNZd1lxCUJeuMmqeAO_1RAxG5LNTcvULtHEsGeeH4B4a7V8hHq0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289018082157653970" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLApW9u2w6AMkPpQ4tKXxd5FrYRVLmEu-hCiEnjJVbMiC3qJFxK4O3IeombsNf8Z49IVpUxTOz3BBF7cqdSNV9xShpZNZd1lxCUJeuMmqeAO_1RAxG5LNTcvULtHEsGeeH4B4a7V8hHq0/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+040.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9eFTbwU6rU57rYffiH_j_L7jsp_zJEJJQJs6QzTSFDXZOXv7URlUFeeeW6V0KcxDo2XT49MKYCVgUSPkRF34nG_tsj3ZCo2DLo12b8Q8Q-PpfIG7M-4L6hFYiBSjfZEADMbidzUtTo4/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289017175808468482" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9eFTbwU6rU57rYffiH_j_L7jsp_zJEJJQJs6QzTSFDXZOXv7URlUFeeeW6V0KcxDo2XT49MKYCVgUSPkRF34nG_tsj3ZCo2DLo12b8Q8Q-PpfIG7M-4L6hFYiBSjfZEADMbidzUtTo4/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29N5V6ZzNWUfMevu2HBmrsM4C7ZqmDnir8KDfxoBQPrnebdYOxn6VZ9QengYMP51smQoDHfAgBY8_WwRH8fB6G-KcRL-yNcTTxqMawBTBl86_TcMydCr47qubyvGo74A6ECbaRmPC9nE/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289030084405905938" style="WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29N5V6ZzNWUfMevu2HBmrsM4C7ZqmDnir8KDfxoBQPrnebdYOxn6VZ9QengYMP51smQoDHfAgBY8_WwRH8fB6G-KcRL-yNcTTxqMawBTBl86_TcMydCr47qubyvGo74A6ECbaRmPC9nE/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuFkqR3Tg52LALkJ2NrHJYLC7Gea7V4Q43MAWXkbcAuiC0a8mqJvrv2lT63PN_FLaYuzptY6Y-aP83wZq89Mi9buhECt4o-AA-BWGjSGxDNTnc5jFursjHDTLftEu7KO52sW3JvxXMXQ/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289012540956985122" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuFkqR3Tg52LALkJ2NrHJYLC7Gea7V4Q43MAWXkbcAuiC0a8mqJvrv2lT63PN_FLaYuzptY6Y-aP83wZq89Mi9buhECt4o-AA-BWGjSGxDNTnc5jFursjHDTLftEu7KO52sW3JvxXMXQ/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+005.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>So, has everyone caught their breath from Christmas yet? My neighbor mentioned the other night they still have one Christmas party left to go! </div><div>Anyone want to brag on their husbands?</div><div>Michael surprised me big time this year and did way more than he should have! He got a "new to me" cook stove to go in my "new to me" kitchen! :-) Some of my favorite perfume and a pair of sparkly ear rings!! The kids also gave me a wonderful bath soap set and a pretty glass chess game. </div><div>We had a great Christmas, not because of our gifts though, but because we enjoyed getting together with all our family and friends during this time of remembering the birth of our Saviour and why He came.</div><div></div>Hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br /><div> </div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-44722545759447753832009-01-08T13:12:00.000-06:002009-01-08T13:46:54.140-06:00The Green eyed monster!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-KF8IjqsWck6c7Zp8DmAKmRXLrnjCe0I6vZ8dFol82xRp8snbs1j16kNm22qVGyD4w5Wo7O6KoUZIUPkF5ZUUQ-UBQ6ayg1kDXwfv2w8SrNyuAmx7Zz-uwzpzRdXETwGd4bSYgr0AeA/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289011328561565986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-KF8IjqsWck6c7Zp8DmAKmRXLrnjCe0I6vZ8dFol82xRp8snbs1j16kNm22qVGyD4w5Wo7O6KoUZIUPkF5ZUUQ-UBQ6ayg1kDXwfv2w8SrNyuAmx7Zz-uwzpzRdXETwGd4bSYgr0AeA/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hi all! We are home today because the green eyed monster has come to visit! </div><br /><div></div><div>On Thursdays we are usually sailing around town for piano lessons, library and of course a quick browse through the Salvation Army!! But today poor Wild Man can hardly see through his swollen eyes with all the green snot oozing out. LOL! Baby J isn't feeling up to his usual smiley self either, his green snot is mainly in his nose though! Ha! The rest of the kiddos are in different stages of allergy attacks from the wonderful weather that can't make up it's mind to be 50* or 20*. Instead it is jumping all over the thermometer driving our heads crazy!! The only person feeling fine here is Dad, but his turn to battle allergies is coming 'round this spring and summer!</div><br /><div>So, I have given everyone their doses of Garlic oil (antibiotic) and Sambucol (elderberry syrup for and expectorant) and a few extra Vit. C's and things are turning from green to clear! We should be back up and running in no time!!</div><br /><div></div><div>In the mean time I am taking this day to finish reorganizing the school room. My wonderful husband Michael, who reminds me often that he is a welder by trade, NOT a carpenter!, has finally placed my new book shelves on the wall. I am SO excited!! It's amazing what 3 boards and some shelf brackets can do to uplift your spirits!! LOL! I have a ton of books. Books of all kinds! I can now place them all (or at least most of them) on my new shelves and throw away all the boxes!!! Books are keys and I have collected them for years, mainly from garage sales and thrift stores and the kids and I can now browse our "library" for adventures. I also found that I have 5 copies of Black Beauty, 4 of Tom Sawyer, 2 of Charlotte's Web, 5 of Box Car Children Vol. 1, 6 To Train up a Child books, and.... :-) Oh, well! I'm sure we will put them all to use! The funny thing was once the new shelves were up Michael thought that the other shelves in the room that are holding all the school books assorted by grade were going somewhere else!! I laughed and told him that there was no room for school books on the new shelves, he had to go look to believe me! But they are full!!! and getting fuller by the day! Poor Hubby, he melted while I was talking about more shelves on the other wall! hehehehehehe!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Photo of Wild Man giving Baby J a ride on the Christmas horse!</div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-78362452240155557982009-01-02T14:09:00.000-06:002009-01-02T15:08:47.690-06:00A Big Nickel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Eh4O_TXxv92RGPCI_WvC92UbBaCCj8EqAFrp8epbnq6KHhxdowyEkDu5jmMbxXKXv_y5jQZiDiE86uku3okr3yNSRGRhbxkHbXs5IBom-zKmfTQbyq1hdXWp-6Zkt4NKqH_qLiChCc/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++and+Christmasa+08+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286806092037214898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Eh4O_TXxv92RGPCI_WvC92UbBaCCj8EqAFrp8epbnq6KHhxdowyEkDu5jmMbxXKXv_y5jQZiDiE86uku3okr3yNSRGRhbxkHbXs5IBom-zKmfTQbyq1hdXWp-6Zkt4NKqH_qLiChCc/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+and+Christmasa+08+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've heard of these things being called by several different names...Thrifty Nickel, Lucky Dime, Penny Pincher and so on. The classifieds newspaper that I most enjoy around here is the Big Nickel, you know the kind of paper with tons of want and for sale ads listed so you can drive yourself crazy thinking about what you could sell or buy! I just know everyone loves to do this sort of bargain hunting right!! :-) Each week after church on Wednesday we stop at the gas station to pick up a copy, well, sometimes two copies so we don't have to fight! :-) Most of the time we don't even know what we are looking for but surely there is some treasure we don't need listed there to make us dream or drool for the next week or so! </div><br /><div></div><div>Once the week's paper has been replaced with the latest edition it goes into the "pile" to be used for something else later. I thought all the kids knew all about this paper, what it was and what it was called. I guess I now know that mainly the excitement is shared with the older kids who are better readers and have bigger wants than the Dollar Tree provides! LOL! </div><br /><div></div><div>Last night was one of those evenings where everyone is in their own world doing their own thing and it is really easy to ignore...I mean... not listen to... I mean... not hear, someone calling for you. We have some mini dachshunds and one of my mama dogs had a litter of 7 puppies a couple weeks ago. Since I'm so soft hearted and couldn't let them sit outside in the cold, I brought them in and made up a box in the corner. Mama dog has done a great job so far keeping them all spit shined but I still change the newspaper lining everyday anyway. SO, this would be the time I'm standing by the dog box cleaning up puppy yuck and call for one of the kids to bring me an old Big Nickel. After a few moments I call out again. Several children walk back and forth on some mission or another but still after a few moments I have not been brought the needed papers. Of course I then do what any good Mom would do... I stand up and holler!!! I called very loudly ;-) and said " I want a Big Nickel and I want it right Now!!" Dust was flying and kids were scattering and within seconds I had more old newspapers and Big Nickels I could use. I thanked the kiddos and went back to work. All was well!</div><br /><div></div><div>A little while later, Michael comes in and has that "cat that ate the canary" look. I told him to spill it and he told me I must have made Naenae nervous when I had hollered. She too had ran for what I had asked for but was unsure of exactly what it was, so to be sure she stopped to ask Dad. She had a bright shiny new nickel in her hand and showed it to Michael and wanted to know for sure was this what Mom wanted, she didn't think my request made any sense. He laughed of course and told her no, that wasn't what I wanted. She made a face and shook her head. Put her hand on her hip and said, "Well!, How big does she want it!?!" </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>LOL!! Guess I'm clear as mud at times!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hope ya'll had a great Christmas and Happy New Year's Eve!!!</div><br /><div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-6737018016072365292008-12-15T14:08:00.001-06:002008-12-15T16:30:33.953-06:00Days 6 & 7: Our Crazy Life!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280138349941847058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 472px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s400/Thanksgiving+08%2B+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x5cpprBkbi6oDVQcrpCIt15pEmVk1r-XtgL43n6mQg5M5BM-q3cXwem6bY4ACVaYOJBhwPP62di5Olkym4Uh_eM-wc263B-8tZ_18cOehKGhpe3NQaloYsENSYLHZAgIutCzrddDxp0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++019.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I thought since I was a day behind, and our weekend was pretty simple I would just throw them together. Ever had one of those weekends that all you can really say you did was eat and sleep! I hate to admit it but I slept in Saturday morning, waaaaaayyy in! Michael took the boys outside to do what ever it is that men and boys do, while the girls and I tried to straighten the house out and get everything ready to go to town. The kids were all excited, their church choir parties are this afternoon and they were ready for fun! I was ready for some fun too, since the 5 older kids are occupied with their parties for about 2 hrs I had talked Michael into taking me to Arby's for a small snack and party for two. Well, that would actually be four if you count Baby J and Miss Priss, but when you only have two out of seven it really doesn't feel like you have any at all!! LOL! We dropped the kids off at the church and as my usual luck goes, we were delayed a little thanks to the wind! The wind storm was blowing some of the roof tin on the front of the church up, so Michael called a friend and they soon had it secured back down. I asked Michael if our medical ins. covered an ambulance ride, he said a part of it, was I planning on having a wreck.?. I told him of course not but I wanted to know what to do if he blew off the roof! It might be cheaper just to duct tape him to a board, wrap a towel around his neck and haul him to the hospital myself! He's always touched by my concern for his safety, so he gave me a good kiss before he went up on the roof! ;-) Soon we were at Arby's chowing down on curly fries, potato cakes and sandwiches. Our snack turned into a mea<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3OfoABXBbb_xFAZURmcZLn8OtyFMs8ZAC579rSEfk_CTodlbXsaJX7HUj8qJ21vd8LSr2k7eOtCfLorpZS3IeAKB7CZ_eJ4BWChuLmfleyygD1CCCme6EN-orMIt33nt6TpDhbP_d88/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280138979190651522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 472px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3OfoABXBbb_xFAZURmcZLn8OtyFMs8ZAC579rSEfk_CTodlbXsaJX7HUj8qJ21vd8LSr2k7eOtCfLorpZS3IeAKB7CZ_eJ4BWChuLmfleyygD1CCCme6EN-orMIt33nt6TpDhbP_d88/s400/Thanksgiving+08%2B+021.jpg" border="0" /></a>l, basically we pigged out!!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The adult choir had a practice after the children's party and that took up a little over an hour of time, we have more people in the choir this year and it sounds really neat with every one's voices ringing through the sanctuary! Our choir special will be tomorrow night and we are ready as we can be.</div><div><div><br /><div>We made a few stops on the way home and called Michael's sister too see if her and her family wanted to meet us at home for some games and nachos. They weren't able to come tonight, so the kids thought this would give us a good time to watch the family movie I had picked up from the library. I baked up some hamburger and scalloped potato casserole and threw a salad together for dinner instead of nachos and we sat down to watch the second Ice Age movie. At first I thought it was making fun of the flood of the Bible, but it wasn't and it turned out to be a pretty good show. Not one I would let the kids watch anytime they wanted over and over, but it made a nice family night movie. Some friend recently told us about something they called a TV Guardian. Ever heard of it? I guess it hooks up to your vcr/dvd player(s) and takes out or replaces the not so nice words that movie makers seem intent on throwing into the movies. We are thinking about finding one, we love to sit down to a good movie and a TV Guardian might broaden our choices! :-)</div><div></div><div>We had the kids set out their clothes for church in the morning and sent everyone to bed. Even Michael and I headed to bed early!!</div><br /><div>Sunday morning was bright and WARM!! This crazy Missouri weather is driving my allergies nuts! Our K-5 Sunday School class went well, we are going through the Christmas story. It is soo fun to see the kids get all excited about the story and look over the nativity. Of course we don't know when Christ was actually born but it doesn't hurt to stop and remember to say a thank you to Him for all He's done it our lives. Today was a "potato Sunday" as we have started calling them. A mission in town sometimes gets a semi load of potatoes and they distribute them through their center and often they will bring a pallet over to the church. We then send every family home with a ten # bag of potatoes as they leave. Can't leave without one, of course!!! Everyone had such fun teasing about the potatoes, it was mentioned that they couldn't be unloaded till after church so we couldn't use them to throw during the service! :-) Although the man that lead the evening service did give everyone a hard time for not taking them ALL home that morning instead of leaving some "ammo" in the entry way!! </div><br /><div>Sunday afternoon was more of the eat and sleep routine I mentioned earlier! We made it up and back to church in time for the choir practice and the evening service. We enjoyed singing in the program and it all went very well, the music was very pretty.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7lbuzYF4x0c8xMvBXuMtVuSTmw_Jc7uGa7cCbMLUBkH_wde-audIXrE4YSucQbM3B0RIfpKIgWNkqDeDOSeCn-G5on6CDL_j4tAcHTsCtlguWiMZTYxj1DfrLYNUXMr7ROFaN5ve-ug/s1600-h/46260037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280140841596243586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7lbuzYF4x0c8xMvBXuMtVuSTmw_Jc7uGa7cCbMLUBkH_wde-audIXrE4YSucQbM3B0RIfpKIgWNkqDeDOSeCn-G5on6CDL_j4tAcHTsCtlguWiMZTYxj1DfrLYNUXMr7ROFaN5ve-ug/s320/46260037.jpg" border="0" /></a> It must have worked up another appetite with me and Michael because we invited the "Friend" family out to Wendy's to help us spend some more of those free Frosty coupons! They had some coupons too, and we all pigged out again on ice cream with, of course, ;-) a burger thrown in to round out the meal! I do owe a new craving to Mrs. Friend, see I had eaten my burger and fries before I started in on my ice cream (I'll pick up on that diet tomorrow!), but was interested when "she" requested her husband get her some more fries for her Frosty! I thought no way that can be good!! BUT, Mr. Friend is a sweet guy who ordered a large for her to share with me and I hate to admit that I ate <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl-7CQBRSaK8GMwsZLFgvpv2YyUTGxTZxhLRrhn6BGKRNLa24EKvEUUElIAvZG_dsINKJfH_m_7rqBSrepTUzc9t03Gqu6E7BqjzNac4bC8twrBOWq9PNWqPiwbelVryLsB24R8Ugf20/s1600-h/46260038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280140362791566258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl-7CQBRSaK8GMwsZLFgvpv2YyUTGxTZxhLRrhn6BGKRNLa24EKvEUUElIAvZG_dsINKJfH_m_7rqBSrepTUzc9t03Gqu6E7BqjzNac4bC8twrBOWq9PNWqPiwbelVryLsB24R8Ugf20/s320/46260038.jpg" border="0" /></a>my fair share of her fries...you guessed it! By dipping them into my chocolate Frosty!! The combination of warm salty french fry dipped into the cold sweet ice cream was absolutely delicious!! So, I will always pay attention when she makes food combination suggestions in the future!! I do not know what I'm going to do though when this gets to be a habit and I gain 40 #'s!!!!! Well, as we sat and pampered our sweet tooth's, the weather outside was stirring up some more action. We watched as the rain came in again bringing ice and sleet with it. We tried to ignore the slippery white accumulating outside but soon we had to face the fact that we must brave the cold. What happened to today's 50* weather !!!!! I guess Monday's ice storm couldn't wait till we were tucked into bed :-). The trip home was slow but we made it just in time to stoke up the fire and hit the hay!! Completing the eat and sleep cycle once again!!!</div><br /><div>That brings me to the end of the week in our crazy life!! Hope you weren't too bored out of your minds, we are just regular people doing regular things. I really hope I find my camera soon!, I haven't taken our family Christmas picture yet!!! Hope ya'll have Merry Christmas, a good Monday and an even better week!!!! Thanks for reading !!! :-)</div><div></div><div>Photos of the kiddo taken on Thanksgiving and a few pictures of last December's ice storm. The picture doesn't really catch all the beautiful glistening of the sun shining on the ice!</div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-63201584619990887742008-12-14T22:59:00.000-06:002008-12-15T00:48:28.864-06:00Day 5: Our Crazy Life!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT5-ASyPt5cofRTDLd78sv9X94w8jPOeNmVYGXWpIe-M6eEivdjBOH4dmWZVAb11aUquvfOPSbpfrbnKy_txpGEN0-dPRZR5__mzWXrFyiPCeozeWXaGKhK-b952y8X871joourPS2XA/s1600-h/12-16-2007-46.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279901120420253954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT5-ASyPt5cofRTDLd78sv9X94w8jPOeNmVYGXWpIe-M6eEivdjBOH4dmWZVAb11aUquvfOPSbpfrbnKy_txpGEN0-dPRZR5__mzWXrFyiPCeozeWXaGKhK-b952y8X871joourPS2XA/s320/12-16-2007-46.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, I knew this would happen I'm a day late!! The last two days have just flown by so fast! Friday morning found me very happily listening to Michael telling me about how he was going into work but would be home in few hours to be with us around the house. Wow, were we excited! Daddy staying home doesn't happen often, he's a work-a-holic of sorts. Even on snow days he's waving his good bye through the back window of his Four Wheel Drive.</div><br /><div></div><div>Since we didn't have much time before Dad would be back we launched into getting as much school work done as we could. If Dad is home it's always a holiday, so we worked quickly and got math done in less time than normal, practiced piano in between reading and writing. A quick spelling bee for the older kids and some practice naming colors for the little kids. Wild Man had a great time learning to write the number 3 and proceeded to make sure every one's paper had a bright orange 3 at the top. Much to Sis's distress I might add, but Kaykay was able to hide away her journal just in the nick of time. I guess he thought since everyone seemed so impressed they needed one of there own! :-)</div><br /><div></div><div>Soon, Dad was walking in the door where he was dog piled and the wrestling began. I was surprised he brought me a soda (Coke with just a little ice :-) ) and quickly rescued it!! I began to let Michael know about all the wonderful sales that were going on this weekend and how we could probably finish all our Christmas shopping in just one trip. I would even help him pick something out for me!! BUT, as I figured he would he had a plan of action for all of us. The wood trailer was getting mighty empty, in fact the rest of the wood fit into the stove. He built it to hold practically a whole rick! Well, not quite, but it's big and it would be hungry soon. His plan was for all of us to get our chore clothes on and fill the trailer high with firewood to last us through the cold spell that is coming on Monday. So the Weather Man said anyway. We all bundled up and headed out, the kids made a little fun of me. I don't like to get cold so I had several layers on underneath my coat, hat and gloves while they were more comfortable in a heavy jacket. It didn't take long out in the timber where the wind wasn't blowing to work up a little sweat and soon I was peeling. It happens every time I think, I over dress and end up throwing most of it on the tractor. I really wish I had pictures of us all out there, but my camera is missing. I seem to have lost it somewhere between now and yesterday :-). It didn't seem to take long, with Michael cutting down the trees and slicing them up into stove size bites, me piling brush and helping the kids stack the wood onto the trailer we made a good pile in a couple hours. Of course the kids are always up to something. They are building a log cabin and had to take a little time to drag usable pieces for the walls and "build" a little here and there. Bubba likes to find a tall cedar tree and climb to the top. You know he must be up a tree when he is there one minute and had totally disappeared the next. Usually you'll find him pretty quick if you scan the tree tops for large red objects. The girls are starting to get brave and soon they'll all be up a tree! ;-) Once we were all loaded with firewood we climbed on the tractor and trailer headed back for the house. Rowdy decided since we had worked so hard he was going for a swim as we headed around the pond, that silly dog! The harder I try to keep him clean and smelling sweet (or as sweet as a dog can smell) the harder he tries to stay disgustingly dirty!</div><br /><div></div><div>Well, tonight is the night of our adult Christmas party at our church, and it was time to get ready. I had my heart set on making some baked crab rangoon. I had gotten a recipe for it earlier this week. It looked soo easy, but I have never used crab for anything before so I wasn't sure how expensive it would be to make up several batches to serve at the party. Knowing though, that this is one of Michael's favorite things at the restaurants I sweet talked him into running me to the small town nearby and getting what I needed to make them. Of course being a man, a hungry man at that, he thought we ought to make at least 80 of these things!! I talked him down to 60, which wasn't too hard since the package won ton wrappers came in that amount. :-) We found what we needed and headed home with some cookies for the kids. Soon the house was smelling wonderfully good with the crab rangoon, which I wrapped up for travel. Michael loaded the 3 youngest kids, the food and gifts for the party while I ran through all the rules again for the older kids. I still can't believe they aren't babies anymore!! I gave them a long list of fun things to do and then we were ready. The church dining hall was all decorated and smelled wonderful as the food was set out. Food is my favorite hobby you know, at least eating is! :-) A group of teenagers relieved me of the little kids and they were off to play. The crag rangoon was soon almost gone, so I'm taking this as a sign that it was a good recipe to pass on. Fresh from the oven would probably have been the best option, but Michael was satisfied so I'll take that as a good sign.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Baked Crab Rangoon</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1 can (6oz) white crab meat, drained and flaked</div><br /><div>4 oz cr. cheese, softened</div><br /><div>1/4 C thinly sliced gr. onions</div><br /><div>1/4 C mayo</div><br /><div>12 won ton wrappers</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mix the four ingredients in bowl with spoon. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray and gently place won ton wrappers into the wells. Place a spoonful of mix in each wrapper. Bake @ 350* or 18-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and filling is heated through. Garnish with extra chopped green onions (opt) and serve warm.</div><br /><div>You will also find this recipe on Kraftfoods.com with a short video included. Of course they will tell you exactly which brands to buy too! :-)</div><br /><div></div><div>After everyone was stuffed till they couldn't see their toes, the Dirty Santa game began. Now, let me tell you that we are all a nice bunch of people and I have never seen anyone upset, maybe they are good at hiding it but either way everyone seems to have a really good time and tonight was no exception. I usually don't do this but this year I brought a gift that I really wanted to keep! It was a metal tricycle decoration that had been welded together with a planter basket for a seat. It's not quite 2 foot long and a little over a foot tall. I put together some flowers for the basket and it was painted up to look rustic, all together I thought it was just incredibly cute. Well, if you don't know, this Dirty Santa game can be a little tricky. See, everyone has a number on a ticket. The other half of your ticket has been thrown into a large bowl. All the ladies gifts were placed on one table and the men's gifts on another. When the first number is drawn that person chooses a gift from the table and unwraps it showing it to everyone. The next number is drawn and that person has a choice to choose a gift from the table OR stealing the gift already opened. Then the game continues in that manner with loads of laughs as gifts are opened and stolen, great antics are used with bribes and jokes, everyone trying to give or steal away gifts. Well, my tricycle was opened before my number was called and I had a hard time staying loyal to that trike as I watched all kinds of cute and neat things being opened. Including a quesadia maker I would have loved to taken home for the kids to try! But when my turn finally came around I was mean and stole the tricycle hoping I would get to keep it. As my luck would have it though it was soon stolen from me. Now, everyone needs a friend as sweet as this, my wonderful good friend ??? (can't tell ya who!!) had also brought a gift she wanted to keep. A gift certificate to Bath and Body Works, she had been the one to open it and was so far able to keep it. She quickly motioned for me to steal it from her and then she would steal back my trike. Hmmmm, is that cheating? :-) Well, it was worth the risk so we put the plan to action. It all fell through shortly though when the gift card was stolen from me. I felt soooo panicky, WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO!! I looked to see if "She" had another idea, she just laughed and shook her head, so I wandered to the gift table to try again. I couldn't believe it when the gift I opened was a soap set from Bath and Body Works!! The game ended soon and "She" was happy to trade with me knowing she could keep the set or exchange it. I never could quite explain it to the kids why I came home with the same gift, they couldn't understand why I had taken something I didn't want to give away!! I would have been happy with anything all the gifts were nice but I proudly displayed my new tricycle on the piano and made threats to all who thought about touching it!! LOL! It would take more time than you or I have to explain all the stealing and trading that went on on the man's side!! Michael did come home with a nice set of pliers and wrenches in exchange for the Galileo thermometer that he took. That was stolen several times times till it was pronounced "dead" on the third steal and that thief got to take it home! ;-) Hope ya'll had a fun Friday night too!</div><div> </div><div>Photo of me and WildMan taken when we knew where the camera was!! haha!</div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004437564551057840.post-56471059753885864012008-12-12T10:36:00.000-06:002008-12-12T13:02:03.617-06:00Day 4: Our Crazy Life!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgERsMDUEJNa4Y1pi8cYjbv0VSADGJaz3GFhXp9VCsNk12hJl3qYc6POVTfUTERO4s5_Qq5aFuw2q3J1EAsMzdcYv4bNrPb-8bdON7pk065yZz9bx5bdvjojdzhIepTZDkzfbEoRB3Nw/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278977142024385298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgERsMDUEJNa4Y1pi8cYjbv0VSADGJaz3GFhXp9VCsNk12hJl3qYc6POVTfUTERO4s5_Qq5aFuw2q3J1EAsMzdcYv4bNrPb-8bdON7pk065yZz9bx5bdvjojdzhIepTZDkzfbEoRB3Nw/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>Well, Bubba made oatmeal for breakfast! How's that for getting up on time! ;-) He is usually my earliest riser, I don't know how in the world he does it since he is usually the last to go to sleep. I can hear him singing from his room or he will scare me as I walk to the bathroom, calling out "luv ya Mom!" waaayy after he should have been asleep. Funny, I remember doing this same thing to my Mom when I was kid. Guess he might be related to me, but me and mornings don't get along, so he must have gotten that from Dad!! Baby J liked the oatmeal, he proceeded to smear it all over his face in the process of eating, sometimes I wonder just how much the guy gets in his stomach! He stays fat so he must be getting something! ;-)</div><br />Today is Piano Day, forget Thursday, getting to piano on time with enough practice to play the music well, is usually the main focus of the day. So today we start our schedule with our chores and breakfast a little late but <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDSeV1UbHoscfgy_cR1StpZbXrzs_bioceWwTnoZO7siy_XZzumszAaSEfhDSH-aZrX627vzSkIObATuFBU-Ca0jM9EtgQncjU9R6LxC6AS2E8HIUNRRtTCDcmtntONDb34nGi2aAwrI/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278977605634033298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDSeV1UbHoscfgy_cR1StpZbXrzs_bioceWwTnoZO7siy_XZzumszAaSEfhDSH-aZrX627vzSkIObATuFBU-Ca0jM9EtgQncjU9R6LxC6AS2E8HIUNRRtTCDcmtntONDb34nGi2aAwrI/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+044.jpg" border="0" /></a>still make it to "school" on time. Today I added some worksheets for Kaykay and Nanae during math, they enjoyed that since they had some coloring included in the work. Some quick speed drills with our flashcards for Bubba and Sis to go along with their work and we were ready for our first hour of reading. Today is the day we also "get" to go to the library. So usually the kids are on that last book and want to finish it before we go so they can check out all new ones, being the softy that I am, we had some free reading time first today. I was a little (ok, a lot) upset though, when it came time to collect the library books for the book bag and several kids have misplaced a book or two this time. OOOOooo! I turn a few different shades of mad and decide to call Dad! We decide a two book limit is in order until they can be a little more careful. So we move through the morning reading, writing, practicing the piano, and finally make it to lunch.<br /><br /><div>Most of the time lunch for us is left overs or some kind of soup, sometimes sandwiches. I found some small bread loaves on sale at the store the other day and I though I would toast the kids a treat and make open turkey sandwiches. I thought it would be nice to mix together a "special" sauce I like, (thanks Michelle!) and mix together some mayo, dijon mustard and honey. Very good, or so I thought. I spread the sauce on the bun halves and top with turkey and cheese and serve them warm from the oven. During clean up afterwards I hear Bubba say that he was eating his 3rd partial sandwich. WHAT!! Who didn't like it!?! I guess some of the little kids didn't appreciate me messing with their mayo!! I have to admit spending time on the computer writing yesterday's post was why I wasn't present to watch and prevent th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jQqrJc_BE89xgOEPN-IUS3vIFsy4pi3Yq5WIHc_xhhvUl1yv4ZL0QeWNw1Zi-GKMiBiwzjIj22qyZL-7NReRMvsFXv1IXlxN6Pn1LJ4mp-UzF4VQKE5CoT_GNU1DJ-8su-hVOGvoWXw/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278976266724263410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jQqrJc_BE89xgOEPN-IUS3vIFsy4pi3Yq5WIHc_xhhvUl1yv4ZL0QeWNw1Zi-GKMiBiwzjIj22qyZL-7NReRMvsFXv1IXlxN6Pn1LJ4mp-UzF4VQKE5CoT_GNU1DJ-8su-hVOGvoWXw/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+040.jpg" border="0" /></a>e total disregard of "eat your own lunch" rule. I let starvation be the natural punishment (as if that could happen on fruit and chips) and make a mental note for future references! ;-)</div><br /> Wildman spent some time with his linking chains practicing his sequencing, hand eye coordination and counting, while I initialed practice time sheets and put the piano books in order. He was a little distracted today but very happily chanted " 12, 14, 16.....11, 22!! Cute son, cute.<br /><br /><div>Suddenly the clock strikes and the mad dash for today begins, we now have 30 min to get out the door. Town clothes on, check. Piano bag, library bag, diaper bag all packed, check. Hair brushed, check. Shoes on, check. COATS!!! We are on our way!! We take a little detour on the way to piano lessons each week, just a little stop at Sonic for a gulp of soda! As a reward for being my kids I get them a Rt. 44 Cherry Vanilla Root Beer, with EZ ice of course! Who needs more ice when you can have more soda! A Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper for the piano teacher, a Ocean Water for her babysitter and a Coke for me! This is the best reason to come to town today! Michael is cutting off my soda intake thinking it might help me loose the extra baby fat I keep complaining about, he is a fixer you see. I try to tell him that my Coke is helping my mental health but I lack the research to prove it. Although I do have quite a file built up in hands on experiment documenta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTWchBMwWIi1Sh0PBmiZoU58Pp4NFcu9CM6K9dP6evPZPn7F3kKhfP3auymu5orA7quWfWGGJxOFN0hvM1_TXlelcZGbLNWa-nKLPM26cmGLSIiTCXV66ZzfMl16y4csYDJPheLq72yg/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+08++010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278975437322370594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTWchBMwWIi1Sh0PBmiZoU58Pp4NFcu9CM6K9dP6evPZPn7F3kKhfP3auymu5orA7quWfWGGJxOFN0hvM1_TXlelcZGbLNWa-nKLPM26cmGLSIiTCXV66ZzfMl16y4csYDJPheLq72yg/s320/Thanksgiving+08%2B+010.jpg" border="0" /></a>tion ;-).</div><br /><div>The poor piano teacher, we bomb her house each week for lessons, she is such a sweet lady!! The four older kids all decide who's turn it is to go first and off he or she goes to the piano room. Wild Man, Miss Priss and Baby J all head over to the end of the living room with all the toys to play with the piano teacher's son J-kid, while the older ones and I grab our readers and start our lessons on the other side of the room on the comfy couch. We are there a little over a hour and a half so this gives me a great chance to go over spelling and reading lessons in our McGuffey Readers. So in between chatting with the young lady who comes to help babysit J-kid and his twin baby brothers, I am rotating kids through piano and reading lessons. Usually listening to 3 kids spell different words at the same time is enough to make me wish I had a Rt. 44 too instead of a medium!</div><br /><div>Once the lessons are over, the toys picked and the couches fluffed, we then jump in our big red van and head for the library. There is a little cloud over the visit today since they can't all check out the normal pile of books, but I try to encourage them to do better next time and being the softy I am grabbed a family movie along with the usual educational ones I usually get. As everyone goes to their sections and picks out books, Baby J (who is content to sit in his stroller most days) and I direct traffic from our favorite table in the main isle. Today, Michael calls and lets me know he is heading over to a friend's house to pick up the bouncy horse for Wild Man's Christmas. I suddenly feel the need to be with "Adult Friends" and quickly come up with a plan for him to invite these friends to our house for dinner. He says he'll ask when he gets there and let me know. Of course I can't help but get excited anyway and I whisked the kids out (thankfully they had all their books) and drove over to the grocery store. Fast delicious menus and quick cleaning strategies are running through my head as I grab frozen tortellini (which I have been craving for days and this is my best excuse to make the purchase!!), french bread and salad toppings to round out the rest of the ingredients I have at home. I'm almost to the van when Michael called back and then hands his phone over to Mrs. Friend. It turns out she needed an excuse to order Papa Murphy's Pizza (BIG YUM!!) and offered to share it with us if we all head to her house instead. I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings of course, so we headed that way and helped them with their pizza! :-) We all won! My kids love playing with the Friend's kids and everyone was happy! Thanks so much for the fellowship, Mr. and Mrs. Friend!! </div><br /><div>And as it usually happens, I started talking about picking up toys and clearing out about 8:00 but when we finally tore ourselves out the door with a promise to have them over soon, it was much later than that. Tired but very happy, a quickie stop at the gas station and we were on our way home to bed. :-) God is good!</div></div></div></div></div>9ndhouse- Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03354836851346081701noreply@blogger.com2