ROCK, RUMBLE & GRUMBLE

Monday, April 28, 2014

Other than a branch out of the front yard tree, the wind/dust storm of yesterday has left us unscathed. Actually, today is very pretty, with fluffy sheep-clouds grazing across the sky.

Spring continues to give us pleasant surprises.  My honeysuckle are in bloom!  The one by the front steps is yellow and the one in the back yard has pale-pink blossoms, but they all smell marvelously sweet!  They are healthy bushes in part because, on very lazy days when we don't want to lug gray water to the trees, they get our water!  I can't complain, the pay-off is lovely.

After homeschool PE today, we spent a bit more time in the parking lot just chatting with the Doshers. Kids on both sides - male and female - keep telling us parents that we need to get together more often.  It gives me much satisfaction to see them so happy together.  Plus, Michelle & I find plenty to talk about, too.  I know the Lord pointed us in their direction...friends who won't be leaving soon because they're not AF!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The wind has picked up again this morning.  It's sunny and the leafing trees cast green curtains over everything, but that wind!  As one gal told me when we first moved here - always keep a ponytail elastic in your purse.  The wind is not friendly to hairstyles.

Actually, it got a bit scary.  While waiting in the airport parking lot for Jonathan's teacher to show up, the wind pushed and pushed against the van, sometimes making metallic scraping sounds.  No me gusta.  And on the way home, I noticed a dead tree had fallen across someone's yard, completely pulled out of the ground (though the roots looked pretty dead, too).  This is one of the reasons I keep my trees well-watered.  I want them to be strong enough to withstand the wind!

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

I went back to water aerobics for the first time since I smacked my knee.  It felt good, but my knee was a little worn out after the exercise.  Still, I missed the ladies and the gossip - I can pretty much find out about anything going on in town with them - and the laughs that we have.

Taking Jonathan to Scouts tonight, we saw some baby birds hopping around in the church parking lot.  I could tell they were babies - they hadn't lost all their fluff!  I wonder if the wind from yesterday blew them out of the nest...and if they'll be okay and be able to fly away.  There are plenty of predators out there!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Had to go to Lawton today.  Ken's employees (read: the inmates) need their incentives.  Checking out at Sam's with my kids beside me, I always feel guilty like I have to explain: "This isn't for my family.  This is for my husband's work.  The candy is incentives for his workers."  Just looking at all the junk makes my teeth ache!

But the view in and out of Lawton was nice, because everything is green and growing.  The tractors are plowing fields (dust clouds dot the air) and the cattle and horses are nurturing their newborns.  Funny, too, were all the birds gathered by the freeway overpasses.  They're swallows and they are building nests.  Hey, they eat bugs (which are coming out in profusion, too), so I'm all for more birds!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Today was filled with anticipation because this evening/weekend is the 6th Annual Rock 'N' Rumble in Altus.  Apparently we arrived in town last year just after the event.  It is a classic car event with a Battle of the Bands on Friday and Cruisin' on Saturday up and down Main Street.  People have been setting things up and reserving spots all up and down Main Street for most of the week.

Jonathan has always been a big fan of classic cars, and drools every time he sees one.  So it was a no-brainer for him.  Plus, his program director for Aviation Mechanics, Mr. Scott, is also a musician and would be playing and emceeing the Battle of the Bands competition.  Analiese was excited about the carnival atmosphere, with vendors and activities and music.  I think she just likes being out among people.

So, after water aerobics, I took the kids over to the courthouse, which is downtown, and where the bandstand and vendors were set up.  I treated the kids to Hawaiian ice, because the side of the truck had a place to "make your own" with flavors and they thought that was fun.  Also, we had to try Indian tacos, because it's apparently something big around here.  It's a fry bread with beans, ground beef, and taco-y stuff on it.  My kids really liked that.

The music was just getting going when...Ken called.  We had left him at home to sleep before going to work at Walmart.  But his tutoring family called and wanted to do a session RIGHT NOW and so, only half an hour into the event, we had to go home so I could turn the computer on for him (put in the password).  I wasn't going to go back because we had to park and walk and who wants to do that repeatedly?  I was a bit bummed, but more because Ken needs his sleep and should have just told the family no.  Still, the kids and I enjoyed the time we did have, listening and watching the neat cars go up and down the street.  I bet the local radio stations (we have at least five in town) broadcasted the Battle, but I didn't think to find out.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Today was supposed to be the really big day at the Rock 'N' Rumble, but we couldn't make it.  Jonathan had baptisms at the temple in OKC with the youth and they had to leave at 10:45.  He wanted his hair cut before he went (those clippers were a worthy investment).  Plus, I had stuff to do to prepare for dinner with the elders tonight and to work on my Primary lesson for Analiese's class tomorrow.

Just so you know how much work I went to for dinner: I made chocolate mousse pie, homemade wheat rolls, and chicken-broccoli divan casserole.  I also use my Saturdays to plan the next week of lessons out, so there was much to do inbetween the cooking.

Oh!  Also, Analiese & I finished a skirt we've been sewing together.  She did most of it, under my guidance, but I made the ruffle and attached it to the rest of the skirt.  She had picked out a fabric in her favorite color (blue) and this is how it turned out:

Ken said getting to Walmart for work in the evening was a hassle because of the event in town.  Walmart is on Main Street, but on the far north of town.  He took side streets as much as he could, but the cars lined up pretty far.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

It was nice to go to church today.  A couple of sisters asked me if I was doing better.  Trust me, the ward knows when I don't go to church...I have a lot to do!

I taught Analiese's Primary class today.  We talked about "Joseph in Egypt."  Seven wiggly, talkative girls are hard to get through to.  For starters, you need to nearly glue them into their chairs.  Then, there's the incredible temptation to bring duct tape (we learned about temptation today, so perhaps it was a good thing I didn't give in).  You have to repeat things several times and they all want to do everything, but they are cute and fun.  Still, I understand why they called a team-teacher to work with Sister Tyler!

Last thing:  here's a crazy picture of my kids showing you where we live in OK:

T-STORM OR NOT T-STORM

Monday, April 21, 2014

Put the van in the shop first thing this morning.  On the way to church yesterday, it was acting sluggish and kind of shaking.  Then the engine light came on.  That's not a good sign.  So, first thing, I took it to the Ford dealer.  I generally don't like going to dealerships because they charge more, but in this town, there's not a lot of places and - in the instance of Ken's Honda - they wouldn't even look at his car.  Just easier to take it to Ford.  I really don't have time to mess around.

Good thing, too, that Jonathan had no classes today because of Easter break (he starts up again tomorrow).  I don't know how he would have got there.  There was the Homeschool PE group today and Analiese really wanted to go, so she called the Doshers and she and Jonathan went.  He was reluctant at first (and complained about his legs aching after), but he and David get along so well, I think they need to get together.  Plus, there are other teens there, he needs to make more friends. Because Howard is moving in July and Chris will be leaving for a mission soon after.  There are supposed to be other families transferring in who have teens, but I just don't know.  Better to take advantage of all of our opportunities.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Got the van back this morning.  Luckily it wasn't over $400 to fix.  Unluckily, we're going to be tight again for a while.  Still, we need the 2nd vehicle, what with me driving Jonathan to and from the airport and all the 4H, homeschool stuff.

My tomatoes and peppers are looking pretty good, even though the cherry is still uncertain of itself.

 Also, the nasturtiums Analiese planted last week have popped their leafy heads up.  The marigolds and calendulas in the peat pots in the garage are starting to get their true leaves and one of my pansy baskets from last fall is still blooming!  

Lots of things are coming up in the front planters, too.  I think I've figured out the mystery plant and remember it blooming last year - it's a lily.  The hosta is getting it's leaves (it looks like it needs dividing, but that will have to wait till fall) and the cannas are up (I don't really like them - the flowers always look so shabby) and have pretty, variegated leaves.  I rather like spring!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

More spring news...doves and squirrels abound (one fuzzy fellow is quite bold and runs past me all the time) and the pecan trees are growing bushier by the day.  They also have these green hanging things coming from them that are not leaves.

 Are they flower-like with pollen to give me (eventually) pecans?  We shall see!  I also like the surprises that keep coming in my yard.

Not a nice surprise was the "cell" (apparently the code word for Scary Storm) that came into town this evening.  It was beautiful and sunny for most of the day, but the clouds rolled in this afternoon and by six were looking menacing.  The radio was full of special weather reports warning of high winds (somewhere actually had a touch-and-go twister), thunderstorms and possible hail as big as quarters.  Scouts and Young Women were cancelled.  The end result here: about 5-15 minutes of rain (if that), about an hour lightning & thunderstorm, wind.  People here go in with expecting the worst, I guess.  The weather is wackily unpredicable and maybe it's just better to be prepared.  Still, a bit of a let down from all the bruhaha.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Analiese and I did our monthly Meals on Wheels route.  We have our favorites and they are getting to know and expect us.  Even the kitchen staff like to talk with her and last month she even got a bakery goodie!  I like being able to say hi to the house-bound folks and see them light up when my daughter comes in.  She insists on bringing in the meals herself; I get the boring job of clipboards and signatures.

I went on base again today to (try and) help Kristi with her project while her kids and hubby are out of town.  Boy, is she motivated!  If I was by myself, it would be junk food, movies and naps!  Some people like being busy.

Friday, April 25, 2014

I love my son, truly I do.  I do NOT love the plastic BBs I keep finding in the laundry.  They roll around in the machines and make a horrible racket.  But I can't complain too much; my big fault is leaving kleenex in my pockets.  That makes a mess.

I gave my kids a treat today and finally took them to the library (after picking up Jonathan from the airport).  Really, they get upset with me if I go without them.  For all the hulabaloo, Jonathan couldn't find something he wanted to read!  Eventually I gave him a suggestion and he (actually truly) took it.  I came home with three books and one on order (they have a borrowing system here with local libraries), and Analiese had at least six.  I have no trouble getting these kids to read!

Saturday, April 26, 2014

I have a weird weed/wildflower (it could be both) in my yard.  I've seen it and other unknown vegetation growing around town.  Here it is, but don't ask me what it is...I don't know!

Another threat of storm has been predicted for this afternoon.  I read on a news report that this weekend is supposed to be bad.  We have an activity planned this afternoon and I keep checking my e-mail to see if it has been cancelled.

Nope!  Off we went to a local nursing home with our rabbits.  Our 4H Rabbit Club is visiting the seniors there as a service project (we're supposed to be involved in the community).  There were at least a dozen rabbits there (we brought our three) and we took turns taking them around the room for the residents to pet and comment on.  Jonathan's Twilight was a big hit, with his plush fur.  Many thought Fluffernutter was beautiful (she is...on the outside).  But both rabbits were very nervous in an unknown place.  Now, Analiese and Alice did wonderfully, but then, Alice is a very friendly sweetheart of a rabbit when it comes to temperament.  Everyone enjoyed looking at and learning about the rabbits. 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

I don't feel so good this morning.  I haven't slept well the last two nights and I feel dizzy with a terrible headache.  So, I stayed home from church.

The threatened storm showed up today.  We didn't get much beyond some wind and a lot of dust (the sky was brownish), but unfortunately, it headed up north east and hit the corner of the state and went into Arkansas.  We have family there (Ken's cousin and her kids) and they sadly lost their house and barns.  We don't know the conditions of their horses and cattle, but they are safe, having huddled down in a storm shelter.  It's a sad thing, but I'm glad they are all right!

LIFE AND DEATH IN OK

Monday, April 14, 2014

The cold front came in last night.  The jury-rig around my plants seems to have worked...they look good.  But my poor leafing pecans - will they be okay?  There are actually a few little snow flurries out there!

I opened the back door to take a closer look when, who runs across the ground in front of me?  A robin, male, with his dark coat and red chest.  His hopping was cute, but as the kids and I looked at him further, we noticed something odd.  He was hopping away when we followed him, but wasn't flying away.  Was he injured?

With more inspection (chasing him around a little), it seems he cannot fly.  He would run, open his wings a bit, and tip over.  And he's cold!  He keeps fluffing out his feathers to get warm.  So Jonathan carefully lifted him with leather gloves on, and we've put him in a rabbit nesting box in the shed next to the bunnies and put a towel over it so he'll stay warm and stay put.  I have a bit of birdseed and we gave him some water, but robins like bugs (he was eating one when we first met).  I think I may have to do a bit of research or call the naturalist at Quartz Mountain and see what to do with him.

Robin-son Crusoe (Jonathan's name for him) didn't make it through the day.  By the time Jonathan and I came home from the airport, he was lying on his side, stiff.  The only one really upset about this was me.  We've been reading the Secret Garden and I really thought it would be nice to have a robin around.  I am not sure what he died of or what his problem was, but at least he had a nice warm place to stay during his last hours.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Another cold night last night meant another morning of concern for me.  My trees look like they're doing okay.  Jonathan thinks it's weird because I give them pep talks.  One tomato - the beefsteak - looks fine, the other - a cherry - is still struggling, but has been from the beginning.  The peppers look great.  Analiese also planted some nasturtiums, but they haven't come up yet.  But the marigolds and calendulas we started in the shed are up!

Took Jonathan to the Vo-Tech to talk about going to the college (next door) in the fall and to the shoe store.  He's growing up - physically and otherwise!  One of his friends in Seminary tells him he should go to the high school, but he said, "No way!  I'm going to college!"  I am excited for him.  He has handled the Aviation Mechanics course well and I think college is not going to be much more of a challenge.  And me...I won't have to plan lessons for him next year!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

I am a clumsy idiot.  No, really.  I get in a big hurry, without thinking, and injure myself.  Happens all the time and I never seem to learn from it.  Today, I was in a hurry to put a potato in a pot of boiling water (for a science experiment), that I rushed up the stairs from the dining room into the kitchen.  My left foot did not completely clear the first step and I crashed down on the corner of the second one...on my right knee.  I jarred my whole body, scraped one arm and basically put my body on the pain road.

There's only a small bruise - a purple line - on my right knee, but it's swollen and hurts when I try to straighten it.  My body aches all over; what I wouldn't give for a jacuzzi right now!  Not to mention the injury to my ego; I am such a clutz, it is really embarrassing.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Ken gave me a blessing this morning before leaving for work.  My knee is a bit less stiff, though I still ache all over.  I've rubbed some Deep Blue oil on the stiffest and sorest parts.  And I'm not going to rush so much today.  I'd say "if I can help it," but I know I can and I'd better.  Slow and steady, turtle!

Friday, April 18, 2014

No matter how I feel, life goes on!  I promised Analiese a haircut before Easter (because she's singing on Sunday), so after dropping Jonathan off at a friend's (no school today - Easter Break), we went to Walmart (of all places) to cut her hair.  We followed that up with a trip to the nail salon so I could get a pedicure.  It's been a couple of months, because I had stubbed my toe and torn off most of the nail, so I had to wait for it to grow back (I TOLD you I was clumsy).  But my ingrowns wait for no man or woman, so this was all I could stand.  Analiese was thrilled (not) having to wait for me and since the place was busy, they had her sit in the kiddie chair.

After the pedicure, we went to the Ambulance station to pick up Tarah's daughter, Jaylene, so she could spent the night.  She's not eight yet and gets bored staying at home while her mother works on the weekend, so we invited her to stay with us.  She adores the rabbits, so that was a no-brainer.

Besides rabbits, she played in the sand around the garden boxes, experimented on the piano, helped make personal skillet pizzas for dinner, and watched Scooby Doo.  At night, she got a little homesick, but did NOT want to go home (we have fun stuff planned tomorrow).  So her mom came, sang her a little song till she fell asleep, and left. And she slept through the night.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The girls and I started Saturday morning out by making Resurrection Rolls (we're doing Easter a day early so Jaylene can enjoy it).  The rolls are made by taking a marshmallow, rolling it in butter and cinnamon sugar, placing it inside a canned biscuit, roll the biscuit around it and roll THAT in butter, and bake it.  When it comes out, you open up the biscuit and there's a big empty space to remind you that the tomb was empty on the third day.  On top of that, it tasted good, too!

In the afternoon, we dyed eggs with the Fletchers.  Kristi and Tarah are friends, too, and Jaylene plays with her kids sometimes, so it was fun to have them all there to color eggs, play with rabbits (Avery Fletcher was always walking around with a rabbit in her arms), and playing in the sand.  Little Jacob Fletcher was so cute, he had to get a kiss...of course, I asked for one back!

After they left I had to work more on our Day-Before-Easter dinner with the missionaries, so the girls painted watercolor pictures on the floor of the bigger bathroom.  Jaylene made one of the flag for me, but didn't sign it, so I had her sign it and put it on my fridge.  I haven't had kiddie pictures on my fridge in a long time!

Our traditional dinner was ham, church/funeral/Relief Society potatoes, glazed squash, salad, and a trifle I made out of angel food cake, lemon pudding mixed with Cool Whip, and strawberries.  I had purchased a 14lb. ham and everyone ate a bit, but I still had a lot left.  Besides the bone, I had enough for two more meals!

We took Jaylene back to her mom after dinner, taking a couple of plates to her and her working partner, too, at the Ambulance station.  She's already asking for another sleepover, but I'm tired, so it might be a while.  I'm not big on sleepovers because, mainly, I don't sleep so good.  And I love my sleep!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Feliz Pascua!  I like saying it in Spanish rather than English because Easter is a pagan term.  Just me.

Analiese and the other girls sang a marvelous song in sacrament meeting today called "Gethsemane."  The first time I heard it, it gave me the chills.  It was so inspiring.

It appears that we may just get a real rainstorm today.  It dripped a little this morning and some during church, but as the afternoon and evening wore on, we've had thunder, lightning and...rain.  Lots of it.  We need it.

Before I close for the week, I need to make amends.  Apparently I have not been recognizing the absolutely amazing people in my life.  Like my sister, Wendy, who once (cutely) sent a package to our rabbits and recently sent Jonathan a funny card celebrating his Eagle.  Gush Gush Gush.  Does that cover it?

Spring, Spanish & Surprises

Monday, April 7, 2014

The sky is peppered with clouds as far as the eye can see.  On that big field of blue, puffy tufts float by.  Rain?  A teensy bit here and there.  It's like one cloud can drop a little, but it's neighbor none at all.  In the distance I see darker clouds and what looks like rain there.  There's even some thunder and lightning.  But that's far away.  Altus...nope, not really.

It didn't keep Analiese from P.E.  Nothing would, I think.  She ADORES P.E., especially volleyball.  She gets hot, sweaty and windblown, but the grin on her face is worth the whole things.  And she cannot stop talking about it.  I'm glad we have this opportunity.

We dropped by the Doshers on the way home.  Analiese disappeared with Charesa into her room right away.  It was going to take a crowbar to get her out.  Now, Jonathan, he got deeply involved in discussion with David and Geordie right off the bat.  They enjoy each other so much.  It's been nice to have found them.  Of course, I get easily drawn into conversation with Michelle.  I did manage to pull them (and myself) out in time so I could go to water aerobics.

Ken took me out to dinner tonight to Billy Sims.  It's a chain BBQ place in Oklahoma.  Apparently, Billy Sims was an OU and NFL football star.  The food was pretty good, smoked meat and such, but heavy and filling.  I had pulled pork and sides of beans and mac and cheese.  I couldn't eat it all.  Ken got four kinds of smoked meat (chicken, turkey, pork & beef) and took most of it home.  Not a cheap place to eat, but the flavor was good.  Jonathan would probably like it.  Analiese ate there once with the Sherlocks (she had grilled cheese?).

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

I went to a meeting about Foster Care today.  Yes, we've been tossing the idea around.  We especially thought that when Jonathan was on his mission, we might take in a foster child.  But actually, we could do it now.  We have the room.

They showed us a video; it was so sad.  The Momma Bear in me just wanted to take that little girl right into my heart.  Jonathan was with me (I had to drop him off at the airport right after) and he said he was saddened by how helpless the girl was.  Yep, children are at the whim of adults and sometimes the adults aren't good for them.  Ken and I have some talking, thinking, and praying to do.  But we have the room in our house...and our hearts.

This evening the kids and I enjoyed the backyard.  The rabbits were out while the kids cleaned the cages.  I groomed Fluffernutter because of late she seems to be sitting in a cloud of fur like Pigpen sat in a cloud of dust in Peanuts comics.  I pulled a lot off of her - can you make rabbit fur into yarn? - but still have more to go.  She was NOT happy, but endured it without biting me.  Her reward for sitting still was to run around the yard.  She's found a spot where some sand had been dumped; she likes to dig there.

I pulled some weeds, worked on the back planters (I have to get ready, my tomatoes are coming soon), and stared at my pecan trees.  They have buds!  They are starting to pop open and I can't wait to see the leaves come again.  They look so forlorn without them!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Today was an adventure in Spanish.  The Cruz's, the nonmember couple who have grown member children, needed a ride and some interpreting help at the Human Services office of the city.  Their son called me on Monday, telling me the situation and asking for my help.  I was a little stunned...my Spanish isn't great (well, compared to Ken) and the call was out of the blue.  But I scheduled it with them for today and, after taking Jonathan to school, I picked them up and away we went.

It took a lot longer than I expected, but I should have known.  There was an enormous amount of paperwork (they were applying for aid) and it asked a lot of questions...that I had to translate.  Some of these words, I had no idea for.  Ken, when he was in college, had reams of vocabulary for instances just like this.  How I wished it was him there and not me!  Then we had to wait in line to return the paperwork.  When I told the receptionist we needed a Spanish interpreter for the future interview, she blanched.  I was thinking, "Please don't make me come back here."  She had us sit and wait and eventually another worker called us into her office.  They decided to do the interview right then and there while I was there.  Lucky me (eye roll, please).  Turns out, they receive too many benefits to qualify for more services, but at least we got that cleared up.  The total time taken?  Nearly two and a half hours.  I was getting nervous, too, because I had to pick up Jonathan by 2:40.  But I got them taken care of and picked up Jonathan just fine.  Still, my whole afternoon was gone and Analiese was frustrated that I didn't get to work with her on a couple of things.

My plants came today!  Two tomatoes (a cherry and a beefstake) and two peppers (a green  sweet pepper and an Anaheim chile).  The tomatoes looked a bit worn from their journey in a cardboard box, so this evening I planted everybody in the planter right behind the house.  Hopefully, everybody will perk up soon!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

After I got the kids settled on the computers doing schoolwork, I went outside this morning to spray weeds in the front.  With the drought situation here this has been my decision: No watering the lawns.  This means the weeds grow like crazy; the grass, not so much.  The trees get all of my gray water (from doing dishes) because it is more important to keep them alive.  I can always reseed the lawns later.  Jonathan will continue to mow the front and back yards, but for curb appeal's sake and to save me effort & expense, I'm only using weed killer on the front yard, specifically on the walk ways and edges of the house and planters.  I hand-pull weeds out of the planters.  I've also been pulling dead and ugly stuff out of the planters so I can put in reasonable (big in the back, small in the front) and pretty things in them.  But there have been some pleasant surprises too.

This low-lying plant surprised me with a bunch of pretty little flowers.  The greenery is small and, when dead, is cactus-like prickly.  It's cute, but it's in the middle-to-back of the planter where it can't really be seen.  So, when it's done flowering, I think it is going to be moved forward.

Also, this stranger has pushed up through the ground.  I have no idea what it is.  Hyacinth?  No clue.  But it certainly looks interesting and I will watch it closely to see what becomes of it.

So I am starting to really like Spring and it's surprises.  The pecan tree buds are starting to spread out into leaves.  Birds are busy picking up sticks and grass to make nests.  A monarch butterfly flew around me as I was busily spraying weed killer.  I had to carefully apply the stuff because a breeze wanted to take it in different directions.  Still, the sunshine and the chirping and the breeze, along with the new bursts of green here and there are enlivening.  I like to be outside, just enjoying what my new sphere of life holds.

Friday, April 11, 2014

More monarchs and squirrels are around today.  Nice, too, is one lone dove who is frequenting the backyard feeder with the wrens and starlings.  It likes to sit up on the power line that stretches across the backyard and coo.  I like to listen to the bird songs, especially in early morning or evening.

After picking up Jonathan from the airport today, the kids went with me to Atwoods.  I had gone yesterday to pick up more rabbit food and noticed that - along with chicks, ducks, turkeys and guineas - they have more baby rabbits.  Not ours this time, though, and Analiese was excited to see them.

They are small and cute and fuzzy.  I am not sure of the breeds, though Analiese and Jonathan were guessing at them.  There were nearly two dozen there.  Someone is breeding like crazy!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

I hadn't gotten a basket in weeks, due to our big tax bill, but now I felt safe to do so and picked one up this morning.  They seemed less full to me than usual and I was a bit disappointed that there weren't any lettuce or spinach.  Still, there was nearly all the makings of salsa for Jonathan, I just will need to get some cilantro, and a good bit of fruit that was NOT apples or the pitiful oranges here.  I didn't recognize one fruit with a label that said it was from Mexico (and nothing else).  It wasn't until I cut into it that I figured it was a mango.  Different from other mangos on the outside, but definitely a mango on the inside.

The weather has been hot lately, upper 80's to 90's.  The poor bunnies are panting, so we've opened the door into the shed and put a fan on them.  Fluffer and Twilight, with the densest coats, have the hardest time.

I made a new cookie recipe today I'd found on Pinterest: Cinnamon Chip Snickerdoodles.  My husband and the missionaries (one in particular) will tell you - they are good!  They smelled luscious in the oven, full of cinnamon and the chips.  Here's the recipe:

http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/05/soft-and-chewy-cinnamon-chip-snickerdoodle-cookies.html  

By the way, you can find cinnamon chips in the store.  I got mine from Walmart.  I bet they'd be good in oatmeal cookies, too.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Wow!  The wind is really going at it!  It nearly pushed me over in the parking lot at church.

For some reason, the wifi/internet server at the church was down.  Believe it or not, this impacted a lot of people.  I could not access my scriptures on my app (which is weird, because it works independent of the web) and I couldn't go try and look for them on the church website.  I wasn't the only one who couldn't do this, but it was harder on teachers who intended on using media from the web for their classes.  Analiese's Primary teacher couldn't show her girls a video and my RS teacher today couldn't show us a segment from a conference talk.  Kind of sad we're so dependent on the technology!  Embarassing, too!

After church, Jonathan and I had to go get our ox out of the mire.  Really, it was ministering to my poor plants.  The wind and heat are beating them up.  Plus - and this is just crazy - there is supposed to be a deep frost in the next day or so (I hope it doesn't hurt my poor pecans that are just beginning to leaf out!).  So, using a metal stand that we'd found in the garage, we wrapped floating row cover around the plants to protect them from all three things.  I'd been warned in advance that I should do so because of the wind, but I also know that row cover is for protecting plants from frost.  I hope it does a little shading, too.

HONORING AN EAGLE

Monday, March 31, 2014

The month is gone...and I wonder, where is Spring?  Today acted more like summer in the high 80's and distinctly uncomfortable.  Because my stupid windows are all painted shut (okay, maybe three out of the twenty-odd can open) I have to turn on the A/C to cool the house down.  Seriously.

I hurried through grocery shopping today, even though there were several people there for the Walmart Meet and Greet.  I could NOT be late today; Analiese would kill me.  She had her homeschool P.E. again and absolutely loves it.  They stretch, run some laps, play capture the flag, and then divide into groups for basketball or volleyball.  She has discovered volleyball and it is her new passion.  Trust me, she can tell you all about it!

This evening our family went with another one to the church to clean it up and set up chairs for the Court of Honor on Wednesday.  Had to be tonight: a) families are all together, b) I am going to Lawton tomorrow for the cake, punch stuff, and paper goods.  I will leave right after picking up Jonathan from class, so I probably won't even get to Lawton until close to 4:00.  And I may end up doing three things at Sam's: 1) Court of Honor shopping, 2) Ken's work junk food shopping, 3) stuff I need shopping.  Plus, I want to go to at least one more store to look for some stuff (Yeah, stuff.  I'm not saying what.  Maybe I will later.  Because maybe I'll run out of time to do it tomorrow.)

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

This day was no prank and I was in no mood for any as well.  I have mucho-mucho to do, and no time for goofing.

I played rabbit-herd (instead of shepherd) to the three bunnies while the kids cleaned the cages in the morning.  Fluffer and Alice really enjoyed running around the yard and binkying.  Alice was funny because she kept running around the garden box in the sand.  But Twilight...I had to hold him the whole time.  If I tried to put him down, he bee-lined for one of the girls.  I tried about five times, and then just gave up and held him.  The kids put the girls back first, and then he could get a chance to run around, but he's a lazybones.  Even with Jonathan chasing him, he only ran a little bit and then just stopped as if to say, "I give up.  You caught me."  He wouldn't last long in the wild.

The afternoon was a trip to Lawton.  I'll call it a triple-header to Sam's, because I had three trips in and out of the store.  Trip One: Ken's Candy for work.  Trip Two: Cake & Paper goods for tomorrow.  Trip Three: Home needs.  By the third time, the gal at the exit knew my face pretty well.  And I said I would NOT be back (at least, not till next month).  But the cake turned out nice, and I only have a couple more things to get tomorrow for the evening's festivities.  Almost done - almost over!

Here's a newspaper article about tomorrow's Court of Honor. See for yourself!  http://www.altustimes.com/news/news/3214890/Local-Scouts-receive-rank-of-Eagle-Scout-at-a-triple-Eagle-Court-of-Honor#

Wednesday, April  2, 2014

Yes, I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off (a farm metaphor for y'all).  Atwoods, check!  Walmart, check!  Braums, check!  Flower shop, check!  It's all the last minute stuff, paper goods, water, lemon-lime soda, etc.  I hope it's enough.

We got to the church by five, so that we could finish decorating the cultural hall and set up the stuff for dessert.  We had tables set up to display each boy's interests and achievements.  Jonathan's had a lot of airplane stuff.  Weird, huh?  LOL

We started pretty much on time, which considering three families and all their friends were in attendance, is saying something!  We almost filled the whole gym and I think that was in part because we'd invited the Webelos to come do the color guard and the rest of the pack so they could see how great it was to become an Eagle!

And it was great!  The moms had a hard time not being emotional, but we were in good company.  The Scoutmaster had his moments...and so did our Eagles.  The tributes given to them...and to their families and mentors were really touching.  There were video presentations for each of the boys, too, so we could see how they've grown over the years.  Now, we did videotape the whole thing and had a photographer take pictures, so I hope to post them soon.  For right now, you'll have to deal with my amateur photography here.

The boys were blown away.  They didn't realize what a big deal this was and how great an honor.  Someone came from the AFB to speak and all three boys received letters and commendations from local mayors, representatives, and the governor.  Jonathan got a special letter from the Reagan Presidential Library, mainly because Ronald Reagan is one of his heroes and we've been to that library so many times!

We were so pleased to have all of our local friends that we had invited attend.  The Doshers came and were impressed by the program.  Jonathan's teacher, Mr. Hall came with his wife and the program director at Aviation Maintenance, Mr. Scott, came.  Mr. Hall surprised Jonathan with a shotgun (he had my approval) and a case to go with it.  Apparently a fellow-student is a championship shooter and they are going to go shoot clays sometime in the future.  Hands down, Jonathan won the prize for the boys with most exciting gift!  Even Ken was impressed.  Uncle Mack now says it's time for Jonathan to go learn to hunt deer.  

The cake was just enough, thank heavens!  I also had purchased a couple of fruit trays, and only half of one was left.  Our punch was a great success, too: Braum's Cherry Limeade sherbert with lemon-lime soda.  Everything got cleaned up fairly quickly (we really didn't want to come back another day to deal with it) and we were home by 9:30.

It was a night I'm sure Jonathan will never forget.  I believe he now thinks it was well worth the effort to earn the Eagle, and takes the Eagle Charge seriously.  I am immensely proud of him and the coming years are going to show people just how talented and special he is.  He's been through a lot and, while  I'm sure there's still more to come (isn't there always), I am confident he will meet the challenges head on into adulthood and is going to make one fine man.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Guess what we did today?  Not much more than what we had to!

Jonathan DID go to Seminary; all three boys made it.  He didn't complain about being tired or doing any work, he just went on and did what he had to.

I made homemade buns tonight to go with BBQ pork sandwiches.  I didn't really want to go to any store today and I'd found a recipe.  I wanted to see if they'd be any good.  Glad to say, it was a success.  Much tastier and cheaper than those things you find in the stores.  I'll have to make a bunch to keep on hand for busy days.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Pretty much an ordinary day: lessons, laundry, driving back and forth and back and forth to the airport...

Went on base this afternoon.  It's been quite a while and the west entrance (where I've gone in before) apparently isn't the visitors entrance anymore.  That's on the south side on Broadway (going toward Lawton).

They were on higher alert today (probably because of the recent Fort Hood shooting), so I had to have my van totally inspected (I had to even lift my hood so they could see the engine).  Then I had to wait to be "sponsored" by a friend in our ward so I could go to her house.  It's quite the process. 

I was "helping" (loosely) her figure out how to reorganize some rooms in her house to help the flow of kids, toys, crafts and office stuff.  Other than being a sounding board, I don't know how much good I was.  The main thing was that Analiese got to spend the night there with a fellow Activity Days girl.  I didn't get much of a goodbye; she was too involved in playing!  I think our last words went like this: Me: "Goodbye!  Try hard not to miss me!"  Her (in another room): "I won't!  I'm busy playing Mario Brothers!"  I feel loved!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Evidentally, she did miss me.  She had an allergy attack last night, which meant a horrible headache and a lot of sneezing.  They had a dog not too long ago (sadly it has passed), but there was enough hair still left to give her a problem.  She wasn't going to come home until the dad dropped her off on the way to Priesthood Session, but they're bringing her home this morning.

Biker group just rode in front of my house.  Yep, seven of them.  No mufflers for these guys!  I pretty much know where they live, too.  It's down Walnut west of us.  They sit out there with their big motorcycles all the time.

I guess I wasn't paying much attention to the announcements of new general authorities, because I totally missed that Ken's mission president - Lynn G. Robbins - was just made a member of the Presidency of the 70.  It's embarrassing when your sister notices and you don't.  Meri has sharper hearing, I guess.  Or she wasn't sleeping!!

Another nice thing about being able to watch conference at home: Ken got to see some of the Priesthood Session.  And I didn't have to take Jonathan to the church or try to finagle a ride for him!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

What is it about Sunday afternoon session that makes me want to go to sleep?  Maybe it's all that sitting around for hours for two days.  Because that's when I always want to sleep!  Jonathan poked me with his pencil once. I was listening - honest!  Just with my eye closed, that's all.

The kids got to Skype with their cousins in between sessions today.  That's another technology I am grateful for.  California doesn't seem so far away when you can see and talk with others as if they're right in the room with you!

MARCH OUT

Monday, March 24, 2014

So much to do on Mondays, maybe I need to re-evaluate what my plans are for them.  For starters, today Analiese went to a Homeschool PE class in Martha, which is just north of Altus and south of Blair.

She was upset at first because we were a little late.  I had had to go to the Vo-Tech and pay for Jonathan's Aviation courses to become college credits at WOSC.  I had questions, and that takes time.  Then I had to do some grocery shopping, and ended up with a four-times Meet-and-Greet.  I didn't get home until five after two...and the PE was at two.

The nice thing was, the Doshers were there, so they could take her home with them if I didn't get back in time.  I had to run to pick up Jonathan from school and take him to McDonalds.  That place is getting really frustrating.  Still no uniform, and the manager on duty had no idea he was supposed to be there...or even who he was!  They put him to work, and then I went to the Doshers to visit awhile and get Analiese.  She was gushing all the way home about running, playing "Capture the Flag" and learning how to play volleyball.  She is excited to go back!  Plus, she didn't mind the time playing with Charesa at her house!

The bad thing was...Jonathan was supposed to not be worked later than 10 p.m. Ten comes around, Jonathan will walk home, so give him to ten-fifteen.  No Jonathan.  At 10:30 I left a message on my cell phone, which I'd given him to let me know what was going on.  "Are you coming home?"  No response.  At a quarter till eleven, I get in my car and go over there.  He's still working.  I look at the night manager and tell her, "He's sixteen.  He's not supposed to work past ten."  She had no idea.  None of them do!  I took him home, but I was angry.  These people do not have their act together!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The McD's saga continues.  They have been hanging on to Jonathan's Social Security card for over a week now.  They should have just taken a copy and given it back to him.  Every time he or I have asked, nobody knows what's going on.  I went there this morning.  I'm afraid I got a little short.  The manager there had no idea, and their main manager was not in.  When would he be in?  They don't know.  So I gave them my phone number and said to have him call me immediately.  It was important.

When he called (in the afternoon, when Jonathan was in school), he was all defensive.  He didn't know it was in there.  He would never keep that kind of thing.  Blah blah blah.  I had Jonathan go get it from him after school.  Jonathan up and told him he quits; that just isn't the place for him.  The manager fires a parting shot, "Tell your mother not to give my employees a hard time."  I don't have to.  From the way they've treated Jonathan from the start, they give their own employees a hard time.  It was ridiculous!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Rain!  Our day started with a nice, fresh rainstorm.  I could just feel my yard soaking up all the wet goodness.  The air smelled great, too.  We'd seen clouds building like mountains on the horizon last night and knew it was coming, but we were praying it would give us more than just a sprinkling.  I am glad to report, it did!

Analiese & I saw a blue jay in our yard this afternoon, when the sun came out.  He was cocky, showing off his pretty coat and crest.  Analiese loves looking for all the different birds around here, and she's found some pretty ones, too!

Tonight I had kids going in two different directions.  Jonathan was meeting with the youth at the Pack's, and Analiese had Activity Days at the church.  I couldn't ask Ken to help...he was so tired (he worked all day and night Tuesday and then through today), so one of them had to be a little late.  Because Analiese gets really upset if we're late (see Monday), we dropped her off first at the church.  Both of the kids got rides home, which I appreciated.  Their leaders (husband & wife) live south of us, so we're on the way home.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Meals on Wheels deliveries were this morning.  Analiese saw a cardinal in a tree...her second one!  I'm really sad, because I haven't seen one here, I've only seen one when I was in Massachusetts.  She described it - a red bird with a crest.  Yep, that's it.  I'm so jealous.  Like I said, she loves the birds.

The day started off very windy.  It was really pushing at my van and was at its worst when I was taking Jonathan to school.  By the afternoon there was a lot of dust in it and I started feeling sneezy.  It wasn't as bad as last week's and I think it's because of yesterday's rain.  But, the puddles are all dried up now!  So much so, that I could let Fluffer hop around the back yard, which she loves.

The rabbits also love dandelion flowers.  I have tons of weeds in the front and back yard (I've been focusing on keeping my trees alive to the neglect of my lawn) and some are getting yellow dandelion heads.  I feed them to the rabbits which prevents the spread of the weeds (some) and they get a treat. Unfortunately, they don't eat the weeds when we let them hop around the yard.  I guess I need a goat.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Clouds are overhead, making things look a little gloomy.  But no rain is predicted.  Can I pout?

The Relief Society Book Club is meeting here tonight so I have been busy getting the house ready for guest.  We always serve snacks there and so I put together strawberries with dipping stuff (cream cheese dip, cool whip, sour cream & brown sugar) and I made some chocolate-covered strawberries.  Boy, those are heavenly!  And not too hard, either.

I set a pretty table, too.  No, I did not take a picture.  I forgot.  Analiese & I had sewn a yellow table runner to go over a plain plastic tablecloth.  I also purchased some gerbera daisies at Walmart in yellows and oranges.  They looked pretty, spring-ish, and perfect for the table.  I still have those, so here's their picture:

We discussed "The Rent Collector" by Camron Wright.  It was a great discussion about how we don't know people's stories and shouldn't judge them.  Also, we talked about the importance of "story" in our lives, how it explains and helps us understand our world.   I love books and literature, so I was in my element.  There was only seven of us, but we had a nice time!

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Being very lazy this morning.  Yes, there are things to do, but I am not jumping up to do them quickly.  I woke up around 6:30 and heard Ken come to bed after working at Walmart, but I managed to sleep in for another two hours!  Lazybones!

Actually, the kids and I spent the morning working in the fronst yard.  Jonathan mowed the weeds (our grass is dead due to the drought, but our weeds are flourishing.  Go figure!  Analiese and I worked on the front planter on the west side of the front door.  We removed weeds and branches and dead plants.  The most important thing we took out was an ugly old bush of dusty miller.  I have never been fond of it, but the bushes on either side are scraggly and right in the middle of everything.  So, with pruners and a shovel...we got the one out on that side.  Next time...the next side!

Don't laugh - okay, laugh, I did - but my roast for tonight didn't fit in my crockpot, so I had to cook it the old-fashioned way: in the oven.  It didn't turn out bad, it just wasn't as moist as my crockpot version.  I also over-peppered the gravy; I guess I got carried away with my pepper grinder.  But it wasn't too bad.

Analiese and I ate quickly and left Ken and Jonathan with the dishes because we had our first Women's Conference together.  The women gathered together early so we could enjoy ice cream before the broadcast.  It was adorable to see all the little girls stand up in the conference and sing "Teach Me to Walk in the Light."  It's hard to believe she's getting so big, but she was eager to start this new tradition with Mom!

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Sunday started out pretty normal at church until Jonathan noticed Sra. Cruz in the back during the sacrament.  She is the one we visited in December with the missionaries and Nasly.  Her daughter is a member and lives about an hour and a half away and was here for a visit, so she brought her mother to church.  Ken was home sleeping, so I got to go to Gospel Principles Sunday School and interpret (apparently the daughter is more Spanglish??)  Anyway, I liked the daughter and we enjoyed sharing testimonies in English and Spanish.

I don't know if this is good for rabbits or not, but I've been feeding them dandelion flowers.  The weeds haven't been sprayed for poison (yet) and the rabbits really like them.  Hey, I figure they help keep down weed propagation!

SPRING BREAK

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patty's Day!  Believe it or not, it is a holiday we actually pay some attention to, mainly because we see it as a time to recognize some of our heritage.  Analiese likes to play the leprechaun, and invariably we find our milk has turned green in the morning.  This year I think she went a little overboard, but fortunately, there wasn't much milk to speak of in the jug.  I have a hard time facing green milk.

The kids wondered if I would see Green Bowler Hat Guy at Walmart in honor of the day.  Nope.  Actually, I haven't seen him in a while...unless he shaved, cut his hair, and lost the hat.  Then I wouldn't recognize him!  In reality it was Senior Shopping Day at Wal-mart and I felt very young.  I got to chat with several nice senior ladies and even helped one find something on a shelf.

Analiese went with me, for the purpose of buying new church shoes and a new bra (ugh).  Well, they didn't have any shoes worth speaking of that didn't have a high heel (seriously?) and the bra choice was limited, too.  I mean, who buys an 11-year-old an underwire bra?  I don't like them personally, but do 11-year-olds need to worry about that stuff yet?

We stopped at Atwoods for some rabbit food.  Couldn't resist a peek at the chicks!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

I am trying to set up a compost bin/enclosure thingy with two sections.  Jonathan & I tried to drive fence poles (metal) into the ground.  We had something to drive it in with, but didn't think we needed to make a hole in the ground first and then drive it deeper.  So we didn't get very far...not even past the first one.  I am still thinking and rallying around how I'm going to do that; I guess I'll have to borrow someone's post digger (yes, I know someone who has one I can borrow).  When the six poles are driven in, I will be winding that orange plastic netting/fencing around them and attaching it with cable ties.  Then I'll have two piles: one for dumping stuff into and a working pile.

Since that didn't work too well, the kids & I took a field trip instead up north to the Southwest Landscaping and Nursery place.  The owner goes to the Garden Club meetings and I've wanted to go for a while.  They have several greenhouses that we toured (well, one person enjoyed it) and bought some bush beans seed (I have everything else on order, but the beans I wanted was out of stock).

After that, we stopped at a rodeo center on the way back to ask about horse manure.  You can imagine how excited the kids are about that (not).  But they are part of the Western State College campus, so they're closed until next week.  I know someone with a truck and trailer who can help me load some (for free!) to take home to put in my beds.  It's the best stuff for gardening.

The afternoon and evening was "Everybody Visit the Bolton's" Day.  I was glad to have Tarah from my ward come over to visit and share with me her essential oils diffuser (to help my allergy-related cough and congestion).  I like to have people just come, sit down and visit.  It makes home homey.

Then I forgot Sue from water aerobics was coming to do yoga, so at 7:30, while Jonathan & I were watching something on Netflix, she knocked at the door.  That was okay, too, because I haven't done yoga in a while and needed a good stretch.  But as we were doing our relaxing end savasana, the missionaries knocked at our door.  Two are being transferred, and they wanted to come say goodbye.

In between all of this visiting, the wind picked up.  When Tarah left, the sky looked brownish gray; if I hadn't known better, I would have thought it California smog.  Then I started to smell dust in the air, even in our closed-off house.  The wind just howled around the house; it's a bit disturbing.  When Sue and the elders came by, it was all I could do to hold on the door as they came and left!  And it kept up well into the night!  It is one thing I have to get used to or I won't be sleeping well often.

But I confess, I did stay up later than I should and I can't blame that on the wind.  Once the kids were in bed, I called my friend in town, Michelle.  For all we live in town, we have a hard time with our schedules getting together.  And we enjoy each other's company!  We were on the phone for nearly two hours; that beats my mom!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Dust lies everywhere.  Anytime anyone goes outside, they come back in and sneeze for a while.  There's stuff I'd like to do outside, but just dare not!

I picked up announcements today for the triple Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  It's a week and a half until the event and well time to get them out!  They look really nice.  I think it is going to be a very special evening.

Analiese and I worked on a sewing project this evening.  We are making a table runner for my kitchen table.  I am hosting the RS Book Club next week and I want to have the table decorated Spring-like.  I'll put down a white table cloth with the runner over it.  I think I am going to serve strawberry cupcakes with lemon frosting and then have fresh strawberries with dipping stuff on the side.  Plus water.  I always like water.  

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Girding up my loins, as it were, I tackled the garage and shed today.  Really, the shed is a big storage room on the side of the garage, but I don't always want to say "the storage room off of the garage," so I just say "shed."  And to be honest, it wasn't just me; the kids were instrumental in getting it done.  When we first moved in, we just dumped stuff on the floor in the shed and left it there.  After time, the place has become an obstacle course and finding anything was always a guessing game.  It was driving me nuts, so I had made the goal to clean it up during spring break.

So we took everything out, sorted them into piles, swept the floors (lots of bunny bedding and leaves all over) and put it back in...in specific places: Garden, Tools, Pets, Storage.  Even Ken noticed the difference when he came home from work.  That says something!

In between this, taking a lunch break, I went to have lunch with Tarah (see Tuesday) at Taco Mayo.  They'd been advertising fish tacos, which I adore and have been craving (and couldn't be found here anywhere), and so I had to have one!  Actually, I had two and, for not being California, they weren't bad.  They certainly hit the craving spot but, sadly, are only available for a limited time.  Taco Mayo'd be my best friend forever if they'd put it on the regular menu.

Tarah and I had a great visit and, after over two hours, I guess I had to go back to finish the shed.  The kids had swept it all out and everything went back in smoothly.  Ken was so delighted with the shed (and a tutoring check that will help cover our tax bill immensely!), that we had Arby's to celebrate, while watching "Catching Fire" on our Roku.  It was one of the most relaxing evenings we've had as a family in a long while!

Friday, March 21, 2014

Woke up with a major headache this morning.  Can't seem to lose it.  Probably a side effect from yesterday...dust will do it to me every time.  I've tried Tylenol and various essential oils.  That sucker just won't leave me alone!

And on such a beautiful day!  The sun is shining, there's a light breeze, the birds are chirping, and the squirrels are back!  Apparently they believe Spring has come, because they are bounding about the trees and the roofs.  Jonathan caught one on camera fairly close:

One of the few things left on my Spring Break to-do list: wash the van.  I didn't have much to do with it beyond putting quarters in the machine.  Jonathan handled the sprayer; Analiese worked with the brush.  The dust and mud on it made it's color nearly indistinguishable.  Now, it's that gray-green again.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Lazy day!  I got up late, slugged around for a while.  I don't think we even had devoitional until 9:30.  Probably the last time in a while I'll get to be lazy, so I took advantage of it.

I did have to do a quick store run to get stuff (namely produce, which doesn't last long in stores here) and get dinner ready to put in the crockpot (Family: Did you know you can put together Mock Taco meat in your crockpot?  Nice and easy on low for the day and Bingo!).  Oh, and I made brownies, for dessert.

I had to clean off the dining room table.  I had stuff on it from all the shuffling from the garage and working on high school transcripts for Jonathan.  Sometimes it just means shuffling it somewhere else until I can put it back, but I do try to actually put some away.  With a clean garage, it's much easier to figure out where things go!

Jonathan went to McDonald's today for employee training.  After about 6 hours of video - which he probably could have figured all out in 2 - he came home tired and hungry and headachy.  We didn't let the missionaries eat it all (I even saved him a brownie).

Ken is helping Nasly (the gal from Honduras who was baptized in December) fill out an online application to work at Walmart.  She's so funny.  Plus, she's helped my Spanish to get better!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Nice, normal Sunday.  Nice quiet afternoon after church.  Starting organizing the stuff for the week: lessons, menu, grocery list, errands & chores.  Oh, and we found on Amazon Instant the 2nd half of Doctor Who Season Seven!  Made for a nice evening! (Okay, I'm a nerd!  Sue me!)