We have fish

On our little hobby farm, we have cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbit, cats, dogs, and love birds. According to the kids, the only things missing was fish. One day, on one of my outings, I found these cute little fish, that require no feeding. I brought them home to the kids. The orange fish is Oscar, and the cute little blue fish is Gus. They swim* in circles all day long.

* 2 AA batteries are required

Now, the kids are asking for a pony!!!

Jacob's Baptism

Today was Jacob's long awaited baptism. We are so proud of him. Jacob is now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and proud of it. He anxiously awaited his gift of his very own set of scriptures all day. Jacob choose to sing his favorite songs of "I am a Child of God" and "I Love to see the Temple". He asked Isaac to talk about Baptism, and Sister Burkholder to talk about the Holy Ghost. Opening and closing prayers were give by brother Ross, and Joshua. Sister Cochran sang and played her guitar for Jacob, singing his favorite song once again of "I am a Child of God". It was beautiful.....I had tears in my eyes, as I looked around at all the children sitting around me. Realizing and pondering how each one is a special Child of God. John's and my responsibility right now, is to teach and guide them in order for them to return His presence. What an awesome task. I pray we are able to do this right. It was a beautiful baptism and confirmation. We had lots of friends attend in support of Jacob and his decision. He is still beaming ear to ear about the whole day. What a memory for him!

Happy Turkey Day

Proud of our Thanksgiving table set for 15.

Even our Orange Rolls turned out!

The day started out with John gettin' called in first thing this morning to do an Ultrasound in the operating room. Kind of a bumber, because he wasn't here to help. But hey, double pay!!! So me, Shannon, and Hannah sent the rest of the clan upstairs for the morning, then later outside for the afternoon. We spent the morning and early afternoon cooking, baking, mixing, etc. We had turkey, stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes & gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing, orange rolls, beans, corn, cottage cheese jello salad, olives, spiced pumpkin mousse trifle, apple pie and ice cream. The girls put together cute little turkey cups with nuts and mints (a memory from my mom), and also corn rolls filled with little treats inside. Everything looked perfect, and the girl's were extremely happy with their results. The actual eating took about 30 min. Not much compared to the preparation, nor the clean-up after. But it all tasted wonderful. We were just happy to be altogether--or should I say thankful. After everyone sat around and we watched Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer. Sorry there aren't more pictures, the camera battery died.

The New Elton John

Zachery took this totally stilly picture of Elijah when he was playing the piano today. You don't often get Elijah to do something strange---so this is special!! Elijah started a year ago teaching himself to play. His idol would be Elton John. He has become quite good on this own. I would love to get him actually in some real lessons one day. He loves the piano, I can't hardly keep him off of it. He plays when he is happy, and he plays when he is in a mood. It is a comfort thing to him. Grandma Middie gave him an accordian a couple months back, and he is now picking right up on that also. He says if the house was to catch on fire, he would get the kids out first, them come back in for his piano............too funny!

Just Another Typical Day...

Today was a typical day here at our house. What is a typical day? Our days always start bright and early with kids ready to go first thing. They are dressed, beds made, rooms cleaned, and outside feeding their animals first thing and bringing in wood for the day. It is a rule that the kids have to feed the animals before they get fed. (You should see how fast my kids can do their chores!!!) Breakfast is next (this also is a quick event--the first ones are done before I even give the last kid their food!!) Inside jobs, as the kids call them, come next. Each of the 10 oldest children have one job they are to accomplish each morning such as floors, sweep, dishes, clothes, laundry, etc. The wonderful thing is, with that many kids doing jobs, they only have to do that particular job once a week. Jobs usually take us about 10 minutes. The little ones are so anxious to be big and get a job. I usually end up giving them each a baby wipe, and have them wipe down the fridge or the white door way trim, this being where all their cute little sticky hand prints show. After is school time. The little kids go upstairs are happy to have out a different bin of toys to play each day. They are pretty content doing this for a couple of hours, minus a squabble here and there. This is easily resolved with a quick yell upstairs to "play nice guys!" with all 3 replying "we are mom!" Morning school consists of Handwriting, Spelling, Math, and Language, and a timed Reading Comprehension. Monday's we have a word of the week (this week it is "vivacious"). A quick clean-up with the younger kids upstairs, and lunch is then begun. After lunch the younger school kids are on the computer doing their lessons, while the 3 little ones watch and pick up on a few things. In the meantime, the older kids are sent to their desks to do their History, Health, Science, and their map of the week. This usually takes an hour or so. After this they all get free time the rest of the day to do whatever they want. They usually play games, draw, or play Lego's etc. Or if it is nice out, they will go out and play (not as much anymore). Towards evening, animals need to be done once again, and then we double up with 2 kids in a room to straighten up a little before dinner. After dinner, they get ready for bed, quickly clean-up their room if needed, and brush teeth, etc. They know now to bring down their blankets, because they get to watch a short movie before bed. After the movie, or at 7:30 pm, whichever comes first, we gather for family prayer. Prayer is said, and songs are song (favorites include "As I Went Down to the River to Pray", "Book of Mormon Stories", and "Who Stole the Cookies From the Cookie Jar". A few times we have even went on a Bear Hunt!! We read the little kids a quick story, and at 8 pm it is off to bed for the younger group (under 8 years old). The older ones have an extra half an hour to stay down and talk with me about things that happened that day, or about the goings on of the next day. This is a fun time to find out their feelings about things, and get them involved with the family life. They seem to enjoy the older people talk! At 8:30 pm they are sent upstairs to read. It has been a tradition in are family since Elijah was just little to read each night for an hour. It has been happening for 11 years now. They are allowed to stay up till 9:30 pm if they are reading. If we hear goofing off, then lights are out early. They are usually really all good about it.........all the kids enjoy reading! Finally about 10 pm everyone is safely tucked away for the night. I get a few minutes to check email, clear tables, turn out lights, load the stoves, take some Advil, etc. before John gets home. Then I talk to him for a bit and fall asleep while thinking about doing it all over the next day. Now yes, we do alter our routine here and there, depending on activities.........but this is the typical day! Now you know what we do, and how we do it.

Brenna Marie

I took these of Brenna on Saturday. I promised Brett I would put them on, so he could see his little girl. She is getting big. She is just starting to fill out a little again, so we are expecting her to grow taller real soon. I love how blonde her hair is....she is a doll.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I got on today, and realized that it has been 2 weeks since we lasted posted anything. Wow, does time go by fast. We have been busy, busy, busy. Not a whole lot has happend. I tried to put on the most exciting things. The only thing worth mentioning was the kids' first real square dance. I didn't get any pictures of it.....but they had fun, and did a wonderful job. They actually a little ahead of all the other new beginners in the area. Because they are 'class' dances they won't have a chance to go to a dance again till January, but they are looking forward to this. Heck, they are already asking about when they will graduate......Graduation day is not 'till May!! Last Tuesday at our lessons, there was a local newspaper person there, that talked to the kids and took pictures. We will see what comes of that this week in the paper. Too funny!!

~*~

Today we went to our one and only appointment this week--yipee! That is a relief compared to the last couple of weeks. We are all excited to have the week together and to be home! I had a very good talk with DCYF today, alot of questions were answered that we have been wondering, and the counselors have been asking. Come what may now. We have done all we have been advised and felt we needed to do. "It is what it is"--my favorite saying.

~*~

We made our Thanksgiving List of foods tonight--we shall have a table full. (good thing we have the biggest table ever!!) I have my recipes, and me and the girls are ready to do some cookin'. This will be a fun Thanksgiving.

~*~

I will ttry to do better at the posting, now that things have calmed down.

Princess Hannah and Princess Cassidy

Once upon a time (Saturday to be exact), all the prettiest girls in the land (of Northern New England that is) were invited to Princess Sierra's enchanted castle to celebrate her 8th Birthday. Princess Hannah, and Princess Cassidy dressed in their finest dress and prepared themselves to have a ball. Preparation began with Princess Cassidy (after 2 long months of pleading and begging) getting her ears pierced. Next came the princesses baths, a little touch of blush, and a squirt of perfume, then the beautiful gowns, and lastly their priceless jewelry (Walmart specials!). Princess Hannah and Princess Cassidy looked as pretty as ever. They presented themselves on the front porch and did a couple twirls for us all to see. They were very pleased with our reactions. John started their chariot and they were off. When they returned........they were all full up to their ears, and had such tales to tell. They had fresh vegetables, and fruit, and little princess cakes. They made necklaces, and played musical chairs. All in all they had a wonderful time. Meanwhile, back in reality land, the rest of us stacked another 3 cords of firewood, before the freezing rain came.

Happy 13th Birthday Caleb

Two Friday's ago was Caleb's Birthday. But once again, since John was working, we waited till he was home to celebrate. The girls decorated the dining room yesterday while I made the traditional 13th birthday, 3 layer candy cake. He loved the little planner organizer the most. Caleb is easy to please and a joy to have around.

Quirky Habits Tag

I was tagged, as it is called, by my wife, Jenny.

Here is the TAG...List 6 quirky habits that you have... tag 6 quirky friends & link the person who tagged you.

1. When I shovel snow, I have a real had time knowing when to stop. I don't mean where, just when to stop. I can go over that same patch of driveway spot forever - smoothing it out just so. I am a perfectionist.

2. My paranoia is, when I go into a retail store I always feel like someone's going to think that I'm trying to steal stuff because I've picked it up to look at it, etc. Of course now with the detectors at the exit, I'm always thinking I'm going to set it off with that carton of eggs in my cart!

3. I can get pretty hung up on the details of anything. I would be perfectly content to take my paint brush and work on an area of wall about 2 feet square...all day, you know, just till I get it right. Another perfectionist moment!

4. Lists. I like to make lists. When I get free time at work I'll sit down and write a list - of whatever. then later I'll rewrite the list so that it's neater and more organized. The funny thing is I'll get home and won't even be able to find the list. did Jenny tell you that one of her favorite things to do is to throw away lists?

John couldn't think of anything else......so I will happily finish with a couple of his quirks......lol!!!

5. He always has to start a load of dishes and laundry right before we head out the door for church. Never fails...even though we are running 10-15 minutes late.....we always have to wait while he starts something else.

6. He always has a smart or sarcastic comment for nearly everything someone says or does. He is not nearly as bad as some of hs older brothers though....one in particular (Ben).

7. You say something to John, and he will start singing a song that has something to do what you said.

I better not mention anymore. He tags Stephanie (can you send us invite to your sites using our new mail please!!), and Bruce!

8.

Quirky Habits Tag

I was tagged, as it is called, by my new friend Traci.

Here is the TAG...List 6 quirky habits that you have... tag 6 quirky friends & link the person who tagged you. Traci's blog is listed on the side of my blog page...check it out!

I have been thinking all night and day about this. I wish I had some really good and quirky thing I do, but I am afraid I am pretty normal and simply boring.

1. Ever since high school, I have been paranoid about someone messing my hair up. Do NOT touch the hair. Pretty silly because all I do is pull it up, it can't be messed up. And I will NOT go out in public or let my husband see me without my make up on or hair not done. Never have, that would be so embarrassing. And I always have to have my lipstick!!! I have like about 20. In the car, purse, jacket, coat, diaper bag, night table, bathroom, kitchen cupboard, in each car, etc. They are everywhere!!!

2. I absolutely love to pull teeth out. The kids run and hide when they find out that I know about their loose tooth. I like to get my fingernail and plop the tooth right out. I don't know why that is exciting to me.

3. I was happy to notice that there are quite a few people that have the same quirk as I do about popping things, like zits. I am absolutely terrible. I do it to my husband, and my boys. I don't understand it. It just looks like something that needs done, so I do it.

4. When I go to sleep, I have to have my pillows all around me (my husband hates this, the pillow that goes in between us he has officially named George now), my Indian blanket that I have had since I was little, and the fan HAS to be on for the noise. I have to lay on my stomach, slide down to the bottom of the bed, and hang from my shins down, off the bottom. That is really pathetic, now that I read it. But it is the way it HAS to be, or else I can't fall asleep!

5. I have a serious problem with sweets. I think we got it from my dad. When we were little, he would always have candy. We would give us a couple pieces out of each bag, but hardly any. So now that I am an adult.....that has turned into me. If I happen to buy a treat.....well OK, I can't only buy one treat.......I have to buy a few. I always have good intentions of sharing it with all the kids........but it never happens. I end up eating them all by myself. And worst part is, it is always gone the first day, sometimes even the first hour. I am so bad. The one good thing is that it definitely isn't chocolate......don't like the stuff!! This doesn't happen that often......maybe every couple of months. I am working on it.

6. Alright my boys said that I have to have everything with burgundy in it. It is true!! My kitchen is burgundy trim and burgundy apples, bathroom is burgundy, dining room, burgundy table cloth, with burgundy accents, house doors and shutters are burgundy, family room has burgundy accents and rug, living room has a burgundy rug and accents. OK, maybe it is overkill......every room in my house has burgundy. It has to all match and blend together doesn't it???!!!

OK.........I tag Lana, Kristy, Mike, John, Mark, and Beth (from Denver). I noticed you check in once in a while. I hope you don't mind.

Tag Your It

Tag your it!!

Posting for Hannah.

Responding to Erin's Tag.

Three names I answer to:
1.Nanner
2.Hannah-Banana
3. Hannah

Three resturants I like:
1.Asian Gardens
2.Burger King
3.Pizza Hut

Three trips I have planned for the year:
1.Massachusettes
2.Vermont (for church every week)
3.Pennsylvania

Three things I really want:
1.Baby Alive Doll
2.A Pear
3. A pony

Three pets I have/had:
1.Max & Smeagol (dogs) Pip & Squeek (love birds) Oreo (cow)
2.Cinnamon & Canada (cats) 24 Clucky's (chickens) 5 Donald's (ducks)
3. 3 Porky's (pigs) Patch & Taz (sheep) Earnie (rabbit)

Three things I did yesterday:
1.Orthodontist
2.Science Museum
3.Read the Friend Magazine

Three things I ate yesterday:
1.Banana
2.Meat and Cheese Roll-Up
3.Cereal

Three fears I have:
1.Bears
2.Dying
3.coydogs

Three things I plan on doing/did today:
1.School
2.Square Dancing
3.Eat

Three things I plan on doing tomorrow:
1.School
2.Clean
3.Go up to church

Three holidays I love:
1.Christmas
2.Easter
3.Thanksgiving

Three beverages I like:
1.Fruit Punch
2.Chocolate Milk
3.Kool-Aid

Three people I tag:
1.Daisy
2.Rebecca
3.Chloe

TAG YOUR IT!!!!

Field Trip

Today Caleb and Hannah had an orthodontist appointment. So last minute we decided to bag school for the day, and take a Science field trip before the appointments. We went to the Montshire Museum in Norwich, VT. This is a very nice place to take kids to, lots of hands on activities for kids of all ages. (You should have seen all the older people there in their wheelchairs.) All the kids loved it. Elijah kind of threw a fit at first, and wanted to stay in the van. But as you can tell from the pictures, he did get into it after a while. We learned lots of new things, and had a fun day together. We came home with some fun new science things for our classroom also. The fun never ends!

Butchering Day

Saturday turned out to be our official butchering day I guess you could say. It started out with John, Elijah, Zachery and Caleb wrestling the 3 pigs, through the muck and guck, into the trailer in the morning. Our butcher came and took 2 away and the third one we took over to Vermont towards evening. Estimate weight was about 220 lbs. Not to bad, considering we rationed the food to a bag each day. Zachery then had the brilliant idea to butcher the ducks and a few chickens. The reasoning behind this, what so that he wanted to prove to me that he could do this, in order to get himself a knife. So I guess I have to at least think about it now, since he fullfilled his part of the deal. Below are pictures of the process, if'n you don't want to see the process, then don't click. Although it wasn't really all that gruesome; I thought it would be a lot worse. The kids were not around for the actual killing and bleeding out. But they did wonder around once in a while during the dipping, and plucking, etc. It didn't seem to bother them, which I am glad. Caleb and Hannah were the only two that stayed away completely. We are happy to have a few meals in the freezer, and to have gained the experience of learning to butcher. Check out the picture of the eggs from inside the chicken. Who would have known they were all clumped together....strange stuff!! Comments made by the kids were:

Willem: "That duck is dead, we better take it to the doctor."

Cassidy: "Why are you taking a picture of this!?!?!"

Elijah: "My legs feel wobbly and weak."

Brenna: "What's that mom? Oh, chicken?! I like chicken. Can we have that for dinner?"

Jacob & Joshua: "This is so cool."

Shannon: "I get the wishbone!"

I can't say I had much to do with the process. I am a whanny, I know. I would if I had to, but I don't, so I won't. John and Zachery did the job. I took over with putting a new router and wheel bearings on my van. Something I can handle!! lol Sorry Kristy, now you will never again eat chicken or duck, I know. I will be the reason for you becoming a vergetarian!!

Running on Empty

Thank goodness it is nearly Friday. I am so anxious for the weekend to be here. John will be home this Friday night, and I am ready for his back-up support. It has been a wild week, chalked full of appointments and activities. We have had 2 dentist appointments, 2 doctor appointments, boy scouts, cub scouts, young women's activity, 3 counseling appointments, had our pigs butchered, our sheep sheared, square dancing lessons, grocery shopping, and shoe shopping. And if there was anything else in between this, I have completely forgotten about it. This is just what I can remember off the top of my head. That's not including the daily cleaning, bathing, cooking, farm animals, and schooling. Thank goodness the youth combined activity was canceled due to expected rain; I am completely exhausted. People are always asking how I do it all. To tell you the truth, I don't think I do it all. Each night I am completely worn out, and am so happy to get in my bed. Each morning I silently think, "Here we go again!" Such terrible thoughts. I love all that I am able to do with the kids, and accomplish, but I very often wish I could do more, and had more energy. And then there is my poor van. It has about had it. Not only is it running on empty, but it's also now making quite a few new sounds. I am a little concerned worried about this. Right now, my van is so very important with all that is going on. Next week also brings the same: 4 doctor appointments, 2 orthodontist appointments, 4 counseling appointments, square dancing lessons, youth fireside, boy scouts, young women's activity, Sierra's birthday party, Merit badge college, Caleb's birthday, 1st real Square Dance, school, and all the rest of everyday life. So I am needing to refuel not only the van, but myself this weekend, with John's help, and prepare myself for another wild week ahead. Let it be known--I wouldn't have things any other way though!!

3 Big Pigs

This is for Leslie. I thought I would put this on the blog, since you said you check it on a continuous basis. Which I am guessing might be a good way to communicate with you, seeing that I am busy with kids and school all day and never have a chance to return your calls. Sorry about that!! Just keep telling yourself "Jenny is not ignoring me!" It will make you feel better. Anyway, these are our pigs.....I don't know which one is yours exactly. I guess at this point, it will be whichever one we can't catch on Friday (butchering day) and is left behind. I would go out with the tape measure and see how many inches they are around, so we know the approximate weight. But as you can tell by the muck in the pen........it might not be in my best interest to do so. I have a feeling I would be swallowed up by it. So they weigh what they weigh, at this point. I just want them in the freezer.