Super Quick Update...

I'm on my 5th load of laundry. How did that happen? We usually only average one a day.

Buttermilk brownies are cooling and being allowed to age before being tested. I'm trying a new recipe using Smart Balance instead of butter or oil. Plus I had buttermilk I had to use up.

Experimenting with buttermilk ice cubes- I'm hoping I can keep the cubes in a freezer bag and thaw as needed for recipes. We just don't go through that much buttermilk all at once, and the powdered instant buttermilk isn't as good.

DS14- soon to be DS15 - asked me to cut his hair. I offered to take him for a real, professional cut, but he said it didn't matter because soon it will be hat weather. I love that frugal boy!

Yumi is being really naughty. I can't figure out what's got her so ticked off. You should see DS11's feet!

I can't believe we're short about 4 feet of underlay in the hallway. I had really wanted to return that last $50 roll! Its seems to be a cruel joke I have to cut only 4 feet off of the 100 foot roll and be left with 96 feet. This confirms, we'll have to lay down laminate in the bedrooms one day to use it up.

Speaking of the flooring project, the living room is so close to being done. To our horror, we discovered our walls are not straight and now instead of that last row of planks fitting nicely, we are left with a small inch or so gap, too big for the quarter round to hide. Its only along half of the wall. We're thinking of cutting a sliver of laminate and gluing it in.

I've been taking magnesium pills. I didn't think I was low in magnesium, but I thought I'd try them and see what kind of results I ended up with. I had read magnesium helps with hypertension, nerve function and metabolism. Well, after a week, my RLS is gone and the scale is finally starting to move down! I'll have to re-test my blood pressure soon.

There goes the dryer buzzing at me. One quick fold and then I'm off to work. See ya later, gators!

Feeling Blah...

As if my wonky camera wasn't enough, now the computer is giving me the business when it comes to uploading my photos. I'll have to put the food diary on hold. Ever since we hooked up an external back up drive, I'm having to adapt to doing things a bit differently.

I'm feeling down, and I don't know exactly why. Its probably a trifecta of heat, humidity and hormones. Of course maybe the bank account and messy house are not helping either.

We have this strange leak of some kind happening in our kitchen. Its really strange, as if I poured brown sugar on the floor and wet it down. I can't figure out what it is, or where it is coming from. The pipes do not seem to be leaking, but this tan, grainy substance is showing up along the baseboard in front of the kitchen sink. I suppose I'll have to take everything out from under the sink and really investigate it tomorrow, when I have more time.

I think the Japanese beetles are bringing me down too. Our birch tree is infested with thousands and I'm fearing the worse, we'll lose the tree. Its funny how certain plants and trees they ignore completely, but others they swarm on. I've read you can chemically treat your grass to kill the larva but complete elimination of the pests could take up to 5 years of applying these chemicals. As sad as I am to see my birch tree killed, I don't think I want to dump all those chemicals on the lawn.

The mulberry tree/bushes they seem to leave along. Maybe I should encourage more wild mulberries to grow around the yard instead of trying to fight the beetles? The problem with mulberry bushes, they grow almost too quickly and for a deciduous tree, their leaves come out later than others in the spring and drop off too quickly in the fall. 

We have a mulberry bush that grew wild near the corner of the house. I had DS11 chop it down to the ground last year but we did not remove the roots. This year the bush grew back huge. Its over 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide in this growing season alone. If only we could place these bushes around the perimeter of the yard rather than the house, we'd have lots of quick privacy for part of the year.

On a positive note, as I sit here and type this, I can hear the boys outside moving the rest of the dirt off the driveway and into the garden area. They are laughing and having a good time, which is pretty remarkable considering its hard labor in the 90 degree heat. They are shoveling the dirt onto a tarp, dragging the tarp over to the garden beds and dumping it.

This is just proving to me I need to stop worrying so much about them. They are capable of hard work, and they are capable of doing it without complaining about it. I found myself worrying the other day about SAT preparations and questioning what more should we be doing, yet if I'd only relax and take a closer look, they are proving to be fine young men.

I'll leave for work soon and hopefully this will distract me. I can only do what I'm capable of. I don't have to try and solve all my worries at once. The Japanese beetles, the mystery sugary goo, the messy house, the bills to pay, they can all wait for me or I can let them go, and just try redirecting my focus.

Rambing...

I have to add to DS11's bucket list- meet Chumlee at Gold and Silver Pawn, see "those faces in South Dakota, the presidents I think", and a visit to Salt Lake City. If only we had the time and money to take our family to these places. I would love to make his dreams comes true.

Our family watches Pawn Stars on the history channel. Chumlee is an employee at Gold and Silver Pawn, who usually provides the comic relief on the show. Its interesting to learn about these historical items but unlike the show Antique Roadshow, the items on Pawn Stars are bargained over for value.

We also enjoy watching Pickers, a show about two antique dealers from Iowa driving around "picking" through people's old barns looking for valuable junk to resell. We're wondering if on our road trip to the family reunion in Kansas if we'll come near their store. I'll have to Google it and see.

Yesterday I picked a few more sugar snap peas. I had them sitting on the kitchen table. Later DS11 told me, "I ate my pea pod for the day." On the first day I had picked 4 pods, I told each family member we each get to try one. Now I guess DS11 thinks I meant everyday he has to try one. LOL!!! Works for me!!

Today begins our village's Fourth Of July celebration weekend. Our town celebrates with small town charm. The park is set up with tents, selling homemade pies, barbecue chicken, brats, etc. We have music, games, softball tournaments, your typical summer festival fun. Tonight they are shooting off fireworks in addition to more scheduled for Sunday the 4th. I'm sorry I have to work tonight. It sounds like fun, as long as you have mosquito repellent. Our park is located next to a lake.

Sunday we'll also have our parade. True to a small town farming community, we'll have an endless stream of tractors and farm equipment all washed and shined up. The Dairy Queens will ride by in their borrowed convertibles, waving their robotic wave. The baseball teams, the local businesses throwing candy and Popsicles, the high school band, its all very Norman Rockwell and I love it.

I better get moving here. I've been requested to make mancakes for breakfast and I still have to get my walk in.

Random Babbling....

Can you crave smells? Right now I want to smell candles that have been snuffed out. Is that strange?

I've read recently when it comes to heart disease, not drinking enough water is as damaging as smoking. Teas and other beverages don't count. It has to be plain water. Guess what's always going to be within my reach now?  I'm hoping to become a chain water drinker.

We're under a severe winter weather warning for tomorrow. We could end up with 11 inches of blowing, drifting snow. You would know it, DH has an interview tomorrow, and I'm suppose to work at the pool. I need spring soon.

I decided to try Wii Gold's Gym Cardio while jumping on the mini trampoline, (re-bounder). My legs now hate me, but I keep telling them Capri weather will come back soon. It will all be worth it. Plus, I did greatly improve my jump roping count. I think the trampoline helped with my rhythm. I hope I can keep it up.

We watched Whip It before the Superbowl yesterday. Now I want to unpack my long lost roller skates, and tear it up. My children are mortified. I can remember being young and spending virtually all weekend on those skates. My dad bought them for me because I saved him the cost of a hotel, agreeing to drive 12 straight hours home instead.

Why does Netflix mail travel so quickly but it takes several days to send a letter? Does Netflix pay the USPS more? Don't get me wrong. I think its awesome we're saving over $80 on our cable bill and still able to watch all these movies. I'm a complete Netflix convert.

Wish there was a Bookflix. Or would that be "Netboox"?

DH is going to call soon and tell me he's on the way home. This means I'm going to have to figure something out for supper. Hope I can sell everyone on leftovers.

Wednesday's Ramble Into Unschooling Thoughts...

I'm trying not to freak out. DH is away doing a favor for his old boss and of course, a potential job lead calls. Oh, the irony. It is impossible for DH to call this recruiter back because he is currently sitting just feet away from Mr. Ex-Boss. I have this sinking feeling DH will miss out on an opportunity because he is trying to help bring work back to his old employer. I told him the first chance he gets, break away to return that call!

I came down with a nasty headache last night on my drive home from work. I tried to sleep it off, but by 3:30am it was so painful, I couldn't sleep. I took a few Advil and calmed my meningitis fears. A local college student lost their battle with meningitis, and because I work with so many college kids and being in a lack of sleep state, I worried irrationally that I may have contracted meningitis.

This morning I woke with a duller ache and a more rational thought. I'VE BEEN STRESSED OUT- ITS NOT MENINGITIS!! I don't normally get headaches or even sick for that matter, but with all the stress I've been under, this is perfectly normal. I need to focus on taking better care of myself.

I asked the boys to start thinking of something they could do that would produce tangible evidence of their learning. (Will I be forever deschooling myself?) I didn't care what they did, but I just felt like we needed something to show that unschooling does indeed work. (Again, I'm sure this is because I've been stressed.)

DS14 decided he would like to produce videos. At first he asked for a new camera, but I reminded him we're in unemployment survival mode. There's no room in the budget, work with what we've got. He impressed me with his resourcefulness. He found a computer program I didn't realize we even had, and he taught himself how to use it. He now has a few short clips under his belt, and he's asking for permission to post them on Youtube. Unschooling does work.

You may already realize the unschooling benefits, but forgive me for wanting to point a few out. (Like everything in my blog posts, its mostly for my benefit.)

1. What he wanted couldn't be given to him. He had to go and get it for himself. (motivation)

2. He taught himself a new computer program without anyone's help. (creative thinking)

3. He enjoyed the work he put in to the project. (satisfaction and confidence)

4. He used his sense of humor along with his intelligence. (joy)

5. He has a desire to share his work with others. (community)

6. He wants to produce more, even bigger and better. (continued growth)

Its not difficult for me to see the future benefit of "playing" around making video clips either. If he doesn't end up in movies or television, he could have a future in advertising, archiving, or technology. This could branch out in any direction he wants to take it.

As for DS11, his fascination with Canada took him to a place I didn't expect. I knew coming off of watching the Winter X Games, he had his mind on the winter Olympics. I thought he would be more interested in learning about Vancouver, but one of his first bits of information he shared, "Mom, We need $10,000 if our family wants good seats at the opening ceremony. If we're going to watch Shaun White, we'll need another $3000." He's also figured out its going to take us over 33 hours to drive there. (He doesn't want to fly in airplanes because they crash.)

I had to remind him as well, we're in unemployment survival mode. He said its okay if we just watch the Olympics on TV.

So does this mean DS11 is headed towards a career in financial planning, accounting, travel agent, chauffeur, airline safety expert? Who knows. The point is to focus on how their interests will lead them to possibilities you may not expect. This is how I need to deschool myself. My job is to help them realize they have all the power if they want to claim it. Its not about meeting the expectation of others, but about exceeding the expectations of yourself.
  

Killing time Babbling on my Blog

I'm waiting my Wii Fit turn. The laundry is washing and drying, and I've got Soup blasting out from my windows. Thought I'd kill some time here if you don't mind.

Yumi is still not feeling well. I limited her to water only last night and this morning first thing I gave her hairball meds. She ate a few bits of dry food, and then proceeded to puke in DS9's bed. The bedroom doors are all now closed. Except for the vomiting she isn't acting sick. She still wants to play, jump up on the counters, escape out the door, beg for Pounce treats....I'm debating as to when I should call the vet.

I started to type up a budget. Its painful, but I know it has to be done. I find myself praying away the financial stress on a regular basis, and I know the Heavenly Father's watching me to see if I'm learning and growing from this.

We're in a supper rut. I hate cooking because its too much pressure to make an affordable, healthy meal my entire family will eat. If we could live on baked goods alone, we'd be set. Plus I'm a vegetarian at heart, living with carnivores. They ask for burgers and I know making them at home is healthier and cheaper than eating out, but the thought of raw meat in my hands makes my stomach turn over. Playing short order cook is getting old.

I think I'm going to try and put away a few paychecks and splurge on a nice hotel room when DH takes me to see Blind Melon. I had a dream I was waiting for DH to join me in a nice hotel suite, but people from work kept showing up at the door. At one point in the dream the hotel staff asked if I didn't mind sharing my room with another lady because they had overbooked the hotel. I finally screamed, "NO! I'M WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND!" I think my subconscious is saying I need time alone with him.

I'm think in a past life I was separated from those I love. This is why in this life I relish spending as much time with them as possible.

Oooohhh! St Andrew's Fall! I have to go turn it up and sing with Shannon. I love this song!

Then I'm going to go and kick DS12 off the Wii or I'll never get my turn.

See ya later gators.....

See ya soon macaroons...

Must...Blog...Something...Cohesive.......

ARGGHHH!!!

I'm out of my regular blogging routine and don't know where to begin. Lots has happened, but I don't have the writing talent to bring it all together cohesively in a nice little blog entry. So here's my ramble. Take it or leave it.

We're all sore. Thank you Wii Fit. I'm also addicted. Dare I say its more fun than blogging? BLASPHEMY! Don't worry. I'll grow weary and be back blogging soon.

The boss asked me last night if I'd give her a head's up if I choose to leave work due to gas prices. I assured her I would. She mentioned she may give me new responsiblities which I could perhaps work on from home, and she said she'd compensate me. I hope this is true and it works out. Its getting very close to not paying for me to drive to work.

We finally got our sunflower seeds for the great sunflower project. We have them planted in a sunny spot and we're watering daily. So far, no sign of sprouting plants.

Did you know Niagara Falls is moving upstream? I hadn't realized water falls do this. We came across a great show yesterday on the science channel about it. The water is of course washing away the rock and moving the falls back. I've always wanted to visit Niagara Falls and now I'm really itching to go.  I want to explore downstream the valleys where the falls used to be thousands of years ago. You can discover huge chunks of rock that broke off and find evidence of aquatic life on the forest floor.

DS9 has been busy with Ape Escape once again. He's now designing his own game manual, mapping out levels. He's been using my camera to take screen shots. He wants me to help him print them out for his game guide book. I wish I knew how to hook up the computer to the game. The screen shots would look much better. You see there is no cheat guide for the version he's playing so he's decided to write his own. He wants Nintendo to buy it. Now I know this won't happen, but he's learning through this process. Its not about making it to the end goal. I'm sure at one point, he'll realize Nintendo won't buy his book, but that itself is a life lesson. What can I do differently next time? I'm not about to squash his drive by telling him, "No one will buy your book."

DS12 is excited he's been invited to a laser tag birthday party. I'm excited he's mixing it up with new friends.

The Posse Rats are now an endangered species. I had banned them from the basement boycave after the eldest rat turned on our cable and had everyone watching an inappropriate horror movie. They played outside for awhile but now its dropping off. DS12 told me they are acting obnoxious.

"How so?"

"They are always talking about sex."

"Um.... What do you mean?" -trying to maintain a calm voice.

"They say stupid stuff like, 'Look at so and so, he's got a boner!' and they just try to act cool. They aren't being themselves anymore."

I'm a proud mom! I hope DS12 can continue to recognize the peer garbage that is starting to happen as we enter the middle school years.

As the calendar turns over to June, I'm more aware my big day is coming. I still don't know what I'll do to celebrate. I was going to dye my hair, but to be honest, these past few weeks I'm starting to like the gray. Now that there is more of it, it looks like highlights. The tattoo idea is out. The smoking my first joint idea is out. Skinny Dipping is probably out. No to sky diving, bungee jumping- anything having to do with heights. A day at the spa? Too typical. Break a law? I'm not that old yet. What does a nerd like me do to celebrate her 40th? I need suggestions people!

I have to get up now. I think Wii Fit is looking for me.

"Coming my darling!"

Have a great weekend!