iNeed a Break

Outside my Window:  It has been rather dreary the past few weeks with the sun only making minor appearances.  Fortunately in the greenhouse you're in a weather-warp and only realize the chilliness when you're running from house to house.  Snow has melted and the driveway is finally beginning to get back to normal.  The muddy ruts were seriously getting old.

 What's on my Mind: Almost to much to put into words.  Fundraising for the 4H Feeds Families Committee, marketing for the Lapeer County Concert Choir spring concert "Cinema Sinfonia," trying to keep involved in the Wild Lapeer event, revising the animal barn, conducting a virtual schooling experiment with my middle school boys next year, and hoping that the sports schedules don't collide too much.

Thankful for: Hot baths, tequila shots, and Netflix on my Kindle Fire.

Creative Endeavors: Nothing lately, although I did lovingly caress my novel and read through a couple pages this past week.  Really need to get back to editing....... 

Latest Project: Benjamin and I are working on a plan to revise the animal barn.  We did some pricing at TSC to see what things costs retail, and are checking into buying some used equipment.  The goal is to have two areas set up, one for pigs, the other for lambs and we'd like to recycle/reuse materials we already have on the property as much as we can.  He has a budget of $300 to work within.  I'll keep you posted on the progress.

My 3 Sons: Benjamin was selected to go to Space Academy in Alabama this summer, all expenses paid!  One of the teachers has been taking kids to the space camp program, on scholarships collected from donations and fundraisers, for many years.  This year she expanded to include middle schoolers and have 6 students attend.  He, of course is beyond excited, the trip is the same week as 4H camp however so he will not be able to be a day camp counselor this year but worth the trade off.  :)   http://www.spacecamp.com/camp/sa

Ethan's report of 6th grade camp was not very favorable.  This kids acted terribly, there was a lot of quarreling among friends, the classes weren't that great, the food was awful, and nobody slept at night.  Total waste of my money in his opinion.  Got the call from his baseball coach, the first practice will be the second Tuesday in April.  No word on the game schedule or where we'll be playing yet.  This is a 'travel' team so it will all be new to me.

The younger two boys are also venturing into raising meat rabbits and plan to each have a pen of 3 in the auction this year.  We've got 12 on order, half of which will be ready next weekend.

Fox's first track meet was canceled.  So we'll do a restart the Wednesday after the kids get back from Easter break, North Branch is hosting.  He tried for time in the 800m and made a good showing but I've been told the time is not bloggable yet until he gets it down a little more.  He's hoping to run the 800m and 2-mile this year.  I think it would be cool if he got on a relay too but we'll see.  They have a lot of guys to choose from right now but we'll see who makes it through the season.

The first Born:  Finally pain free and feeling much better after battling an infected wisdom tooth.  Investigating extraction options with her funky insurance plan.  Dropped out of choir for now.  Looking into a second job at a place her friend works at.

Employment News: Well, I didn't get the other job I interviewed for.  Still hanging in at the greenhouse but not sure if he'll keep me through retail because I can only work mornings.  There's no way with everything the boys and I do after school and evenings that I can pull it off without losing my ever-loving mind.  So I'm sort of on hold again at the moment.  I can try and pull some sub jobs again while I revamp and figure out what's next.  Honestly I've got enough "work" to do around the house and property and would really rather concentrate on that.  Hoping the new expansion into selling machines at Rob's work will turn into some extra commission checks soon!!

Hoping to Improve: My sustainability factor.  When we first got this property I was huge into gardening, preserving, raising chickens, we also had sheep for years and meat rabbits.  It got to a point where I bottomed out with everything I was doing so I closed down the gardens and haven't done vegetables or fruits in many years, the orchard has been severely neglected and we're not using the land as we should.  I'd really like to get back to the basics like we were when the kids were little.  The boys are all big enough to contribute more and Fox for certain appreciates the concept of healthy food not processed so hopefully this time around we can work more as a team and have an even bigger impact.  This is my dream.

Food for Thought: To feel pleasantly hungry and to satisfy that hunger is a gesture of self-love we can repeat over and over. Hunger is not the villain; it is ignorance and fear of our hunger that lead us astray.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

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iSing for Joy

Outside my Window: The sun is shining, the snow is melting, everything is brown and dreary, but the anticipation of spring is in the air!

What's on my Mind: Getting my men (old and young) trained up to keep things rolling around the house and property since I am not always here to coordinate things while working full-time.

Thankful for:  A wonderful choral experience this weekend being part of the Flint Festival of Choirs hosted by the Carolyn Mawby Chorale with guest conductor Hugh Floyd from Furman University.  Ms. Mawby is an inspiration to so many people in so many ways.  She always has a smile on her face and encourages others even while going through some very challenging times in her life.  Being part of the Lapeer County Concert Choir has been such a blessing to me in a variety of ways, the music, the friends, the opportunity to grow administratively as Vice President, and the internal challenge of making time to have it in my life.  Very thankful.

Creative Endeavors: Nothing to much lately, other than putting together a quick display for the 4H Feeds Families Committee table for Spring Achievement.

Latest Project:  Committee and Board work mostly.  Getting marketing materials prepared for the choir's spring concert, moving forward with the new 4H committee, and getting ready to share some songs and games at the next Camp Counselor training meeting.

My 3 Sons:  Reports cards are in.  Everyone took a slight dip in their grades this trimester which seems to be typical.  Nothing terrible although I was I little bummed to see a C for Fox's AP Psychology class, other than that everyone pulled As and Bs.  Fox started track last week.  Got Ethan signed up for baseball and Ben for soccer.  Also, Benjamin applied for the third time to go to space camp and this time made it to the second step- an interview which will take place later this week.  All three boys also took a few projects to the 4H Spring Achievement event over the weekend.  Ben got an Honorable Mention for his wooden sword and Ethan took 2nd Place for his Science Project on electrical circuits.  Below is a snap of the boys walking up from the bus stop after school. 

The first Born:  Dealing with excruciating pain from her wisdom teeth coming in.  :(  Finally got an appointment with the dentist today, hopefully it will be remedied quickly.  She's also assisting me with the drama program and is going to take a part in '12 Angry Swine' for me.

Employment News:  I have been planting up a storm at the greenhouse and am dubbed the Geranium Goddess after potting up nearly 3000 of them.  Gotta love the trolley when you're hauling dirt and plants through the house.  Also had an interview for another position in a more "professional" setting which would extend past this seasonal work.  A decision needs to be made by April 1st but I checked in with them today and was told I'm still in the running.  Woot!

Hoping to Improve:  My training schedule.  Working such a physically taxing job has totally cut into my running routine.  I still fit in my yoga but have not been getting out for runs as often.  Did a 2-mile today and will meet up with the running group again Saturday morning but that's about all I'll be able to handle this week.  Hope I can still make a decent showing at the Spring Fitness 5K at the end of April.

Food for Thought:  You are not meant to live in fear of your own body. Know that your body, mind, and spirit are always working on your behalf. Even if you are deeply involved in emotional eating, it is not because your body is betraying you; it is because right now you know no other way to comfort yourself.  -from The Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

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iLaughed Like Crazy

Outside my Window:  Evening is upon us now, the ground is still white with snow but the temperatures are again beginning to rise.

What's on my Mind:  How, when and where to process the four roosters I ended up with from the half dozen chicks that were purchased from the FFA tent at last summer's Fair.  Ugh.  All that time and feed only to end up with no eggs.

Thankful for:  A fantastic Recreational Leadership Workshop for 4H that I attended this weekend at the Kettunen Center with our county camp director and a 'seasoned' counselor.  It was very well organized, there was great energy and camaraderie, we sang, played games, did experiments, made crafts, plus gained valuable information and inspiration.  Seeing all the young people that were there to give their time and talents to be volunteer counselors at camps in various counties was extremely touching and motivating, not to mention several retirees that are a huge part of 4H in their areas.  A wonderfully refreshing experience.

Creative Endeavors:  The past couple weeks I went collage crazy and made several flat pieces, started a couple boxes and made a dream house board on a long piece of roll paper.  Basically I cut out all types of furniture, fabrics, tiles, lighting, and flooring that I would love to eventually use in my own home.  It was enjoyable and relaxing.

Latest Project:  We had the first initial meeting of the 4H Feeds Families Committee and officially elected officers.  Fundraisers and Task Forces were discussed as well as a game plan for this year's fair.  Also working on a grant for the community choir.

My 3 Sons:  Soccer sign-up is turned in for Ben, he is now working on his Space Camp application.  Next weekend is baseball sign-up for Ethan and he goes to 6th grade camp this month.  Fox is in the middle of 2nd Trimester exams and track practice starts in a matter of days.  We have had far to many "icy back road" no school days which means our school year will need to be extended although we haven't received any official word yet since winter is not finished.  Boo.

The first Born:  Had an utterly amazing time with her bf at the Rain concert which was a Christmas present from her grandparents and parents.

Employment News:  Tomorrow morning bright and early I begin a full-time position at a local greenhouse and berry farm.  Working outside in an 'active' position is something I am very much looking forward to.

Hoping to Improve:  Cutting out as much processed food as possible.

Food for Thought:  "Day after day we judge ourselves as good or bad based on what we are eating or how we look. If we release ourselves from the tyranny of judgment, guilt, and worry, we can free up enormous amounts of time and energy to be used in more positive ways."  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

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