Five Things For Friday

1

Things rarely go as I plan.  I was hoping to accomplish some grocery shopping on Monday, in preparation for the big week ahead.  Tea went ahead and climbed up and then subsequently fell off of a pretty low (but high enough) shelf in the toy room. Unfortunately the Shoenhut piano broke the impact of her head and left a nice 'T' shaped gash in her scalp. 

 

2

As a result of Tea's fall, I calmly and firmly directly Ria to place an emergency call to her Daddy.  She did is much better than last time... and last time she did a terrific job.  The gash had pretty much stopped bleeding on its own by the time Jessie arrived home (within 5 minutes of the call)... so long as I held it together.

 

3

Jessie applied skin glue, while I held the gash in place.  He then got excited and got Tea excited about a non-stick tape he'd seen (and wanted to buy) at Tractor supply.  If I'm correct, I believe they use this "tape" to tape up horses' forelegs.  Anyway... he bought pink zebra, which Tea was thrilled with... though she did say it was too bad there was no orange zebra... which is particularly funny since she asked for pink.  She ended up looking quite the punk rocker by Tuesday morning (this all happened Monday early afternoon, of course).  So, needless to say... the grocery trip (and mostly everything else, too) was put off.

 

4

Is it somehow true of everyone... or just me?  That when I have the most to do (or would like to get done) the least is accomplished?  *sigh*  That seems to be the case for this week... big birthday coming up... so of course it's uber difficult to accomplish what needs to be done!

 

5



I've now been blessed to visit the temple six weeks in a row.  The visit during the second week was just that, but it's still a visit to the temple!  :)



Five Things For Friday

1



Let's see... this week was pretty quiet.  I did experience a marked improvement in my experience of milking Tulip.  Tulip is the last doe we added to our "tiny farm" just nine days ago.  She had a kid on her, so she's in milk.  YEAY!  You would've laughed till you cried if you'd've seen me milk her the first few times!  Seriously.  No stanchion is a serious hold-up, yall!!

 

2

My Mom will be here in less than a week for Tea's fourth birthday.  The fourths are big deals around here (4, 8, 12, 16).  Those are the birthdays that we celebrate with family PLUS friends (whomever the child wants to invite, within reason.  It should be exciting!  Thankfully, the whole not-really-having-big-birthday-parties-every-year-thing has it's side benefits.  Like, for instance, when my children are given the opportunity to tell me all their hopes and dreams for their birthday party, they are actually (almost all) really reasonable and doable!  :) 

 

3

 I made my first batch of goat's milk soap (today, actually).  It didn't turn out as well as I was hoping.  Must try again ASAP since I'm SERIOUSLY hoping to use the soap as end of the year gifts to my family!  We've never been able to give gifts all around because we simply cannot afford it... but there is the possibility this year and I SO hope it works out.  If not this year, I'm definitely shooting for something canned, some honey and some soap to give next year.  Of course, it may not be the end of the year, which would be just great, too.  :)

 

4

 I have a friend.  We've known each other for around two years now.  She is amazing!  We've been spending a bit more time together recently and I've come to love her very much.  The last time we were able to spend time together, as I was leaving, I felt this surge of love for her and almost told her I loved her.  I stopped myself, though, because I didn't want to freak her out.  Well, today, when I was getting together to depart she told me she loved me!  I felt super happy - especially in light of the way I feel Heavenly Father has been telling me He loves me through people this week.  They haven't said those words, particularly, but He's been SHOWING me... well, this dear friend of mine was someone I wanted to be friends with before I received my assignment from Heavenly Father TO BE friends with her... I sure am thankful!!!

 

5

 I gave two guys haircuts this week.  It's so funny when we buzz Jmy... the girls all say some version of, "Oh, look how much he looks like JJ!!"  I think Jmy does look a little like JJ, but mostly, I think JJ is the primary young boy in our extended family upon whom the girls can compare and reflect (they haven't been around his younger brother as much).  Anyway... fun/funny stuff.  :)

 



Five Things For Friday

1

Even though we had to be out and about in the evening, on Monday, my kiddos accomplished most of their tasks AND school today.  Usually school is done, but other bits left undone... it's nice when it comes together better. (Monday, October 1)

2

I learned something this week that is a pretty big deal to me.  Unfortunately, it's not something I'm comfortable talking about at this point.  (Week of Friday, October 5)

3



 We've had our goats for two weeks now.  We love them and having them!  Kat is especially bonded to the baby who is now almost 3 weeks old!



4

 General Conference was wonderful.  Did you see it?  Do you want to?  It was really awesome.  I highly recommend it!

5

 Kat turned six this week!  She was super excited that we got to do our second October Temple trip on her birthday!  We sure do love going to the temple.  :)



Five Things For Friday

1

I picked up some more chickens this week.  Six hens and 1 roo.  All are around 14 months old, which means I don't have to grow them.  YEAY!  Excited about them especially because they are Wyendotte: dual purpose breed AND their feathers are very camoflauging!  :)

2

Tried to purchase a possibly preggie doe (goat), but it didn't work out.  The seller was late to our meeting place and when I sort of decided that I shouldn't wait any longer, that maybe it was better that the sale didn't work out, I felt an amazing sense of relief.

3

Drove more than 2 hours to purchase a dual registered, white with golden spots, 2.5 year old doe that is not preggie, but has super good genes and has kidded (birthed) twice on her own without any problems.  YIPPEE.  She's a sweetheart!  Kiara joined our family on Thursday.

4

Saturday (tomorrow based on the back-date of this publishing) we drove almost 2 hours to purchase another doe.  This one was exactly 7 days old when we picked her up.  She is tiny (as all Nigerian Dwarf goats are - especially as babies) and almost all black.

5

I missed the General Women's Broadcast because I was out of it and trying to get my children to bed and sleep after our crazy long day driving (picked up goat, went to temple, went home: = 4.5 hours just driving.  Thankfully I can watch it this week before General Conference.

 

Actually Published on October 1, 2012

Five Things For Friday

1

I have a few pregnant does (female rabbits) around here.  I'm hopeful that we'll be able to make more barter deals with kits (baby bunnies) in exchange for other items we desire, in another 7-8 weeks!

2

The children and I enjoyed another Park Day.  The girls make friends everywhere they go, so I have continued to feel happy that they have done so with ease among this group of homeschoolers.  I was pleasantly surprised and greatly pleased with how easily Jmy has blended in among the homeschooling boys.  Please keep in mind that Jmy is 18 months old and the youngest boys in the group are 5 and 6 years old.  Jmy just tags right along and the boys help him be with them (by and large, though not the entire time, of course).  It has truly warmed my heart: the generosity of spirit and kindness of these sweet guys!

3

I made some more progress on my rabbit hutch.  I just LOVE building stuff from bits and pieces!!  It is so very fulfilling!  I had to put the hutch on hold so that I could make a nest box for one of my does who is due to kindle (have her babies) in another few days.  They should have their nest box for a few days so they can pull fur out of their own bodies to line the hay stuffed box and birth their kits (baby buns) into that.  It's very cool!

4

Temple day!  YEAY!  We went to Best Buy (in Orlando) and bought the piece that needed to be replaced so that this computer would work again AND a new printer since the other one went kablooey recently.  I'm glad to have a printer via which I can FAX.  Now... just need to get some families who want to host foreign exchange students!  If you live in Volusia County, they come for a year and it's a WONDERFUL experience!  Let me know if you're interested and we'll talk!  :)

5

Relief Society is an amazing organization.  I am especially fond of Visiting Teaching and Compassionate Service as facets of the Relief Society gem!  ^_^

Five Things For Friday

1

My brother Ben had a birthday yesterday.  I hope the fam up there were able to do something fun in celebration.  :)

2

We went to Park Day to meet other homeschoolin' families for the first time this week.  It was a blast!

3

I made my first batch (very small) of soap this past week.  Thrilling.  Just thrilling!  Now to wait for curing time... only six weeks!  ;)

4

I began to build a new rabbit hutch this week.  Progress is good.

5
Stake Conference coming up.



Actually published September 20 due to computer down for a while.

Five Things For Friday

1

Have you heard?  A noise.  It's the same kind of noise one can produce by running a slightly damp finger around the top edge of a thin-ish edged glass... like a wine glass.  It's basically that same exact noise, but up in the sky.  Or in the air in your home.  Have you heard such a noise?  We have.  Disturbing = hearing displaced sounds at various times of the night.

2

I was so looking forward to getting out to meet Homeschoolers on a Park Day, but the kiddos were sick, so we missed it.  Hopefully next week.

3

Aunt Flo just ended her visit at the beginning of this week.  I know I have no REAL clue how it feels to deal with infertility, but the sorrow over each visit I've had since the miscarriage... not to tears, but just this deep panging sorrow.  *sigh*

4

Started some more jam.  The eggplant kind.  It's surprisingly wonderful, actually!  I hope to be able to share it with some of those I love who live afar off at some point in the near future.

5

My emotional life - pertaining to marriage - has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately.  I'm ready to get off this ride, folks.  Can I pull an emergency cord to get this thing to stop... anyone?  (Jocose, of course.)

Actually published on September 20, 2012 due to computer's ill health.  ;)

Five Things for Friday

1

I mentioned it yesterday, but because I just still feel so thrilled by it, I just have to mention it again.  :)  Kat taught FHE this past Monday.  My three girls have been taking turns planning and executing FHE for the last few months!  Yes, they really are AWESOME!

2

Three people have given us either money to buy dresses or dresses for a Relief Society Service Project organized by a local (but not my) Relief Society.  It feels super nice to be able to contribute so many more dresses than we could give ourselves!  We've collected more than 50!!!  The dresses will be given to a local Women's Shelter....  So totally wonderful, right!

3

This week we have accomplished much.  Jessie has been actively engaged in checking things off the to-do list.  YEAY!  Among the things accomplished, I've been able to gather most of the bits we need to make more rabbit hutches.  I've been working on the design for a while, so I'm pretty excited to see it come to fruition.

4

We had double stuffed twice baked potatoes the other night.  The girls have declared it a new favorite meal.  I'm sure it hasn't over taken spot #1 (pizza), but it's among the new top 10, so they say.  :)  They were super hungry when we sat down to eat and when they saw only 1/2 a potato with stuffing, they exclaimed that they would surely need more.  There was much dissappointment when they learned there was only a single half left and that it was being reserved for Daddy.  However, no surprise to me, they were absolutely stuffed when they finished the half they thought couldn't possibly be enough!

5

Currently 2 or 3 of my does are pregnant.  Jessie butchered 3 bucks and we ate one for lunch on Wednesday.  I'm hoping he'll make a deal with a buddy who wants to try rabbit... and Jess will get some rolly-shoes, which he has wanted for some time.  One of my great hopes is to get into bartering and trading for more of what we need/want.  This would be a terrific first step into this sort of  'realm' of market exchange!  ^_^  So, whether the exchange: rabbit for shoes, transpires or not, our little herd of rabbits is and will be providing us with some more benefits very soon.  Exciting!

Bonus



As a result of Jessie borrowing the tool necessary, I was able to cut apart some wood with a sawzall in preparation for building the rabbit hutch... SO excited!  I did wear eye protection.  And I only almost cut myself once.  I altered my position and method thereafter, and finished the part of the job I wanted to complete with merely some muscle fatigue.  On another note: I was able to start another batch of my "secret" jam made from a plant in my garden.  I expect to finish cooking and canning it up tomorrow.  I'm going to hold-out a little longer on tellin' you WHAT the jam is made with because I'm worried that a friend who has some may not have tried it yet.  I don't want her to know what it is and have that knowledge negatively influence her experience of it!  :)  I am hoping to be able to reserve a couple jars for Christmas presents to family... as lame as it may be, there may be a few families that have to share due to proximity, availabilty and feasability  "/

Five Things For Friday

1

I'm finally feeling significantly better most of the time.  My sleep issues persist, but I feel more able.  I feel particularly a great deal more endurance.  Able to do physically strenuous work for more than 30 minutes at a pop.  YEAY!

2

I made some more jam on Tuesday.  It turned out well.  I bet you'll never guess what fruit and/or vegetable I used to make it.  Oh, come on... take a guess anyway!  :)

3

Ria and Kat have been so much more self-motivated with school lately.  It's been a HUGE blessing and I've been super happy about the progress they have made with far less effort to cajole from me.  Praise the Lord!

4

I made some great chicken stock from a huge bag of complete legs (thigh and drumstick).  It's a lovely dark color because I roasted the bones.  I haven't tasted it, but it smells awesome.  I then proceeded to, basically, can it up.  The problem is... I didn't read the directions for my pressure canner BEFORE I put the broth in the jars.  GAHHHHHH!  So, needless to say (I hope you know I'm smart enough to NOT go through with the process... even though I had the canner all "battened down" and ready!), I've got a bunch of basically canned (the lids even pinged) chicken broth in my fridge.  I'm going to freeze it.  *sigh*  Note to self: read all the info in the pressure canner manual BEFORE going through the effort to can only to find out that you're doing it wrong and have to stop!)

5

I watched The Bourne Legacy.  WOWzers.  So much of truth and 'telling us of what is to come' in that one.  If I didn't have God big in me, I would be shiverin' under something and trying to figure out how to cope with day-to-day life.  (I know because that's the reaction I had when I first began to awaken to less than lovely aspects of our current world.

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Five Things for Friday

1.

The garden.  It's time to get it cleaned up a LOT more, seeds started, and swiftly set in the ground.  It's that time.  But I'm not getting it done.  :(  I'm just tired, yall!  So very tired.

2.

If you don't already know about the problems with genetically modified organisms, I encourage you to become a tiny bit more informed by looking at this picture/posted.  I hope it might inspire you to gather more information and become an informer about this truth.  We need to know what's in our foods, but agribusiness has full-time lobbyists and we're not informed.  It's lame and we need to fight to gain the information we should've always had ready and constant acess to! 

3.

I continue to feel less and less anger and more control over my thoughts and feelings.  I still struggle a lot, but the improvements continue and I feel they are increasing.  I attribute the increasing swiftness of the change to my brain (becoming more Christ's, I believe and hope!) to the daily meditation that I have added to scripture and prayer.  I'm grateful for this tool in my life!

4.

We've been microwave free for a few years now.  Although it was difficult in the first few months to get used to using the stove and oven for everything, it's second nature now.  And I would rather spend a little more time on our food than feel the great concern over the additional radiation and denaturalizaion of nutrients in our food that I felt from the time I learned about microwaves until we gave it up for good.  I'm so grateful to have learned about this stuff quite a while ago!  God is GREAT!

5.

I'm struggling with a bad attitude in some very specific areas of my life.  Overall, not having a tough time, but the specific areas seems to cast a huge shadow over the rest.  bah!!

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