iHear the Sounds of Summer

Outside my Window:  Birds singing, geese honking, tadpoles swimming, pigs snoozing, no breeze, perfect temperature, it's a beautiful thing.

What's on my Mind:  Summer plans for the boys and what I hope to accomplish around the property. 

Thankful for: Time.

Creative Endeavors:  Campfire skits.  Our theme this year is "Larger than LIFE" and everything is about games, for the evening skits we're going with "Are You Smarter Than a Counselor?" and "Cabin Feud".  Alex is going to be my coordinating assistant.

Latest Project: Weeding gardens!  So far I've gotten through the Gramma Garden, both Hosta Gardens, and made significant progress on the Perennial Mix Corner in front of the house.  Still have two jungle areas to tackle plus dismantling an entire perennial holding area, shifting all plants to other beds.  Fun times.

My 3 Sons: Fox took the AP World History exam and felt pretty good about it afterwards, unlike many of his classmates, not sure if that's a good sign or not.  He also told me had the highest score on the Psych pre-test and the second highest on the post-test.  Hhhmm.  Still struggling with discomfort in his legs. He opted out of Regionals to give an underclassman the chance to run who had been having a better season.  We've been to the doctor and got x-rays hoping to get things under control soon.  He will run at the last TVC on Wednesday.

Ben has been getting some decent time out on the field, scored a couple times, and assisted a few.  The coach is not always organized about how he rotates players which causes some bad playing at times.  He had fun for the most part though, we'll decide what to do for next year later.  Last game tonight!  Friday his Environmental Science class went on a field trip to Kettering University to participate in the Flint River GREEN Student Summit 2013 which "provides youth the educational opportunities to understand, improve, and sustain the water resources in their communities."  Schools from Lapeer and Genesee county participated, each doing a class presentation in the morning and then attending breakout sessions throughout the day such as Sewer CSI, Meet the Macro-Intertebrates, Being a Bee Keeper, Chevy in the Hole!, Incredible Edible Plants and Paddling the Flint River.

Ethan has some pretty intense coaches for baseball this year.  At first he felt quite humbled, going from playing all the infield positions and doing some pitching last year to basically being put in the outfield.  We talked about it, and knowing that he's playing with a team made up mostly of last year's All-Stars, he needs to look at it as a chance to bring his game up.  No matter where he plays he plays his best and has definately gotten recognized for it.  He's shown some hustle and helped get the out on many plays plus the batting is starting to click in and he's gotten a few out there to get on base.  They brought him in for short once too. One of our NB-JV players helps with the team and has been very encouraging to all the boys, he's given Ethan some tips that really got great results.

The first Born: Making plans to shift to a two-bedroom apartment when their lease is up. Adding a roommate will bring down costs for all, they've been negotiating house rules....

Employment News:  No comment.

Hoping to Improve: Recently I stumbled onto a show called Eco Company.  It's a youth oriented show about environmental activities around the country.  This has brought me back to thinking about reducing our trash.  We do recycle but plastics of many kinds are what challenge our ecological future, make that product packaging overall.

Food for Thought: We are all quite willing to learn the fuel and maintenance requirements of a new car. Why do we resist learning the fuel and maintenance requirements of our own bodies? If your car falls apart from neglect, it can be replaced. Your body can't.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iDk

Outside my Window:  Rain again!  April showers are in full force this year, nearly every day last week it rained, there were a couple days of sun and now wetness once again.  Booo.   Hiss.

What's on my Mind: To many things that are negative and frustrating, working hard to move past, not dwell, and find ways to stay uplifted.  How am I doing with that?  Depends on the day.

Thankful for: Baby bunnies and my doggies.  They're soft and fuzzy and love you no matter what. 

Creative Endeavors: Finished my first read and mark edit of my NaNoWriMo novel.  Now to pull it into Scrivener and really get busy.  I realized there is much detail I'd like to add.  When getting the idea out originally I just worked to get the basic concept down now that it is out, time to go through and embelish.

Latest Project: Still working on the Pig Pen, hoping to pour cement this weekend and got a lead on some used equipment.

My 3 Sons:  Track  -  Baseball  -  Soccer  ....  and away we go!  My spring trifecta is in full swing.  Fox did well in his first track meet. He got a 2:29 on his split in the 4x800 relay, not sure of his times on the Mile and 2-Mile.  Ethan's buddy on the next street is on his baseball team which is fantastic since we can help each other with the driving.  Ben and I went to the Space Camp meeting yesterday and got all the details about the travel and what to expect on the trip.  It all sounds super, I wish I could go with him.

Fox and Ben have been working at a vineyard the past few weekends pruning.  Great opportunity and for them, good money.  While they're gone Ethan is working with me around the property.  All three of the boys also spent two and half days working down at the shop with their dad during spring break doing some inventory and organzing of parts. 

The first Born: The second job idea didn't work out but she has been working fill-in manager shifts at various locations.  Fun.  Working on her first grown-up purchase on her own of some new/used tires for her vehicle.  More fun.

Employment News: Due to scheduling issues I am no longer at the greenhouse.  It's a good/bad thing.  I've been picking up substitute teaching jobs again but still looking and hopeful to find something regular.  Found out about a position that I would really love to do but the reality of it is the schedule would not work with my life right now, as it would entail lots of late nights and crazy hours so I decided not to even apply for it.  As much as I want regular work it is really important to me to be available for my boys since the time I have with them is getting shorter and before I know it they will be graduated and off on their own so I want to do as much as I can with and for them now. 

Hoping to Improve:  Ah, my life in general..... and my training schedule, got another 5K race coming up in a couple weeks!

Food for Thought: Being picky about what you eat is a sign of self-respect. Not only is it OK to be picky about what you eat, but it is also essential to the process of becoming naturally slim.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

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

Last Words:

Electric Company

Another school year has ended and we're all glad of it.  I got to go on the 5th grade TREK field trip, a "team building" adventure.  Ethan and I both took a go on the zip line.  The climb up was a bit hairy, but the zip is a blast!  It was fun and all but not my favorite field trip by any means.  The Art & History school day got cancelled due to rain unfortunately.

The boys and I did get out there for the reenactment on Saturday however and had a chance to look around then.  It was pretty quiet in the afternoon, the weather was perfect.  We all had fun wandering around looking for things that looked interesting to us.

Fox finished the year on an up note receiving Rookie of the Year again for Track (he also got it for CC) and this time got a Scholar Athlete certificate as well.  Haven't got his final grades yet but he assures me all will be fine.  This week he started driver's training which will go until the end of the month.  Then I'll have to get the guts to let him drive me around, not sure how I feel about that yet.  :)   He is also shocked and somewhat excited to have a new cross-country coach for next year but expecting the change to be a good one.  Nutrition and diet are a focus for him lately as he continues to run, lift weights, walk, and bike regularly.  Looking forward to seeing all his dedication and hard work pay off.

 

 Ben and Ethan did get their final report cards on the last day of school.  Ben got two As, four A-s, and a B.  Ethan brought in satisfactories in all electives, two Bs, three B+s, and an A-.  Excellent job, although I'm concered that I am seeing less and less of Ethan's completed work come home during the school year.  Ben is pretty good about showing me things regularly.  Ethan, not so much.  I realized how not-so-much when he brought home all his stuff after desk and locker clean-out.  Hmm.

The pigs are doing well.  I take them out for walks around the trail a few times a week now.  This is recommended to help them build up stamina for show day so they don't poop out on you and refuse to do anything.  They know their route now and with a little help from Sunny puppy they move right along.  You can see in the photo what good rototillers they are, the area between the barn and wood fence was all thick grass like in the foreground, now it is all turned over.  Currently they are working on the new field area, and occasionally making their escape to go plunk in the pond! 

New developments include a job change for Rob.  He went back to the company he was working for and is much happier for it.  There have been new business opportunities that have allowed his old boss to bring him back on doing what he used to do and also a few new tasks, some of which will entail commission which could be cool.  Unfortunately the academic enrichment classes I put together did not go due to lack of pre-enrollment.  I did get some but not enough to meet my minimums, sort of a bummer but I can definately use that time to work on other projects around the house.  A never ending work-in-progress.  The gramma garden extension is coming along nicely, need to get another batch of mulch to finish it off.  Enrichment classes will be part of my upcoming future for sure but things are coming together a little differently than I expected, but it will all be fine.  Plus, we got a call from Chatfield.....Ben got in for 7th grade.  Picked up the packet today and his summer reading assignment.  I also spoke with the Director about substitute teaching there and got the forms I need to fill out for that.  He was happy to have me on the "call list."  So, this will completely change the dynamic of our next academic year but I am truely looking forward to the adventure!

Fantasy Island

Baseball opener I did not bring my camera.  Ethan was relieved.  This is from game 4 I believe, at bat, playing first, and pitching!!  He is very excited about it, so far, so good.  Fox has completed his last track meet, got his best 2-mile time at Regionals, with an 11:38 and that was coming in dead last.  Not sure what his best 1-mile was since he didn't always run it.  I think it was 5:08 at the last invitational.  Got his letter of acceptance for the biodiesel program at MSU with summer. Woot!

Finally having a chance to get out and gussy up the gardens, felt inspired to begin a gramma garden expansion project.  I have four areas around a tree I'm developing, this one was started but never measured out fully to match the other squares.  I have many perenniels in another area that are from the garden at the house I grew up in.  When mother sold the house I grabbed several varieties but I wish I would have procured more knowing that the guy that bought the house let it all go and eventually made the area a patio!  All the plants that are in there now are from the Grosse Pointe house, and again I wish I would have pulled more because the current owners pulled all the flowers in the backyard, made one part a deck, and put in Arbor Vitea bushes as a fence, exactly like what mother pullled out originally! Ugh.

The little guys and I rode the rails into Lansing for a family adventure with Granpa Q.  Fox "teened" me and didn't end up making the trip although I had purchased a ticket for him!  When I say "check with your teachers and find out what's going on that day," I mean it.  Due to academic commitments it was not a good day to 'skip.'

But the rest of us had a great day in the capitol.......

.....details to follow soon.

CHiPs

Last weekend was counselor training out at Camp Lael and camper Open House.  It was a little soggy but stopped raining enough to take people on tours without much discomfort.  Ethan is signed up as a camper but Benjamin has chosen to sit this one out.  He could still change his mind, but he really wasn't into the cabin sleeping situation, although he enjoyed all the activities.  Fox will most likely be a counselor for the day camp but final placements haven't been made yet.

The goose couple has returned with four goslings again.  They are making themselves quite at home venturing up very near the house and settling in on the backyard grass during the day while it's quiet.  When the boys are all back home they hit the pond for a while then chill out "on the far end."  I don't mind having them other than the goose poop everywhere!  They'll move on soon enough.

The boys helped out Mother's Day to get up fencing for another field area the pigs can root about in.  They've pretty much demolished  it up near the barn.  I may even plant some late crops there once they head off to fair.  Next year I'll plant the whole area with veggies again.  I've taken about four years off from major gardening but it's time to get back into it and have some fresh foods more readily available plus extras to store for the cold months.  I'm starting to feel a resurge in my Earth connections.

Both Ben and Ethan have been good about getting out and taking care of the pigs although I do have to remind them.  There is a lot going on right now with school wrapping up, sports going on, and everyone having to be in different places almost every night.  Once school lets out in a couple weeks they will be spending more time "hanging out" with the hogs and training them more so they can handle them during showmanship.  Oddly the pigs are all very personable and I swear they even know their names.... 

Fox has seemed to hit a freshman plateau in his running.  He's holding on to the times he improved to but hasn't been able to break under into ther under 12 minute 2-mile.  Since the team is so young overall Fox has been invited to all the invitational meets, is at regionals as I type this, and has enough points for his track letter.  I doubt if he'll go to states, but there's one more invitational at Birch Run next week then he's done.

We've talked about him working with a trainer in the off season and he is definately interested. One of the girls that runs for North Branch knows a college runner on team at her school that is willing to work out with them during the summer.  The boys from cross country have also talked about getting together to run the water tower park or through Oakdale ponds and prairies during the summer too.  Found a couple cross country camps too, one at Grand Valley and another at Central but I'm not sure if we can work that in this summer with driver's training and the 4H Discovery Camp already in play.

Still didn't meet his goal of an under 12 minute 2-mile, close (12:03) but not quite there, maybe tonight at Regionals. Pictures got a little crazy once the sun went down a bit and the exposures started going weird on me but I thought effects were kinda fun.  So, no, it's not your eyes going bad... lol

Benjamin came with me to the Bad Axe meet and was curious about the different events and how it all worked since he is going to be running middle school track.  We've had many heated discussions about next school year.  Although it has yet to be put in print and signed by the both of us, the way it looks now is I'm going to let him continue on into NBMS but if a spot opens at Chatfield he'll shift immediately.  He is adament about not being in band again and is willing to DO ANYTHING if I let him not be in band!  Over this I am completely torn.  He's very good at it and it comes easily to him. On this point I've remained uncommitted until I see what other electives are being offered.  We also had a choice to make about soccer for next year.  Thankfully I've been asked to teach some classes at a local theater however, the days I need to teach will greatly conflict with the U14 game schedule, plus all games are an hour East, on the same days where cross country meets are an hour North. At little too much divide to conquer.  Ethan is not interested in playing next year and is going to concentrate on baseball and golf.  At this point it's agreed to let soccer go for the fall and all the boys will concentrate on cross country.  Depending on where things are at with track we'll look at doing a late add-in for spring.

Since the meet was taking so long, Ben and I, took a breather and went exploring the old cemetary across from the school.  One of the oldest stones we found was Born 1877- died 1906.

Ethan has been a real go-getter with his trophy, pen, and arena sponsorships, raising close to $800 with a few businesses still to confirm by early next week. Many people commented about his sales skills and presentation.  When I would take him to meet people he would wear a dress shirt and tie and most times his suit coat as well.  He's learned to open and close the conversation with a hand shake, explain his mission clearly, offer to leave the material for them and check back, ask who he should talk to when he comes back, follow up with people in person or by phone, stop back in to personally thank those that contributed if something was left for him.  It would be cool if next year he remember enough to keep track of the routine himself, he's seems to be understanding the concept and has no problem talking with people.  Plus he's still got that young boy cute factor working for him!  I should have took a picture with him in his suit, out selling.  Oh well, can't snap everything.

Last soccer game Saturday, with a team we're playing for the third time and already creamed the first two.....seriously? Who made the schedule?  Next week is the Lapeer Virtual Learning Center Open House which I've agreed to help with in some capacity although I'm not sure yet exactly what I'll be doing when I get there.  I have no idea what to expect as far as turnout.  I've been doing more subbing the last few months as well, just don't blog about it so much, mostly I've been in special ed rooms and some regular high school.  Next Thursday the boys are I will be heading out on the 6:45a Blue Water to Lansing for a capitol adventure with Grandpa Q.  We're going to do a capitol tour, check out Impressions Five Hands-On Museum, and peruse the Potter Park Zoo! After a yummy dinner we'll hop back on the 9:35p Blue Water back to Lapeer.  Then we'll all chill with a 4-day weekend!



Willow's Way

Many good things happening, I'll begin with Fox first, this past Friday was a very cold Lapeer County Meet in which I made my debut as a timer.  The photos are the set up for the 2-mile and all the runners were freezing and jumping around to keep warm so the snaps are sort of blurry, you can see the spectators all bundled up in the background.  Needless to say the kids got some great times because they REALLY wanted to be done, go home, and get warm!  In addition to running and school work, my oldest boy is now an official stock trader.  Opened his custodial account at Scottrade and he made his first official purchases, four different dividend stocks which he intends to leave in long term.  Also, got him signed up for driver's training which will begin in June.  Little bit of yikes there!  Plus we just completed and sent in his application for a 4H Discovery Camp at MSU in July which focuses on biofuels, biodiesel, research and development.  They get to tour the labs and power plant and learn about the technology. 

Ben and Ethan have been having a stellar soccer season so far, they are undefeated with one tie game.  Last Tuesday's game Ethan got two goals in and the game before that earned a point on a sweet goal kick.  Benny has gotten a goal a game, except for this one last Saturday which was against their best matched team.  Both sides played fairly and fiercely ending in a 6-6 tie.  Although neither Parton brother scored they did their part in getting the ball away from the opposing team who all stood at least a head taller then themselves.  Below are the Parton brothers in motion, a snap of the Tuesday game fan club, Mr. Jake so happy to be taking our soccer practice walks again and a beautiful pine in bloom.

Spent four days helping at the Ruth Fox 5th Grade field trip to the Willows and had a blast!  The collage below starting top left and going clockwise is Ethan using a native wood and stone tool to break up the garden, final notes from Mr. McCreedy in the ampitheater, spear throwing (Ethan has his Red Wings jacket on in the center), Ethan and his buddy Preston working on starting a fire, and a bunch of the boys up in the treehouse during break.  It's hard to see in the group picture but in the background is a wind turbine they install last year, thanks to a generous grant, that supplies power to the ecology center and the Chatfield School.

Making all natural ice cream with ingredients you can pronounce: milk, cream, sugar, and REAL vanilla, put in curner, add ice and rock salt, then crank, crank, crank, til YUMMY!

Along with the ice cream they made pizzas and cooked them in the mud oven, they ground the flour, rolled out the dough, grated the cheese, the sauce was canned but organic, put it all together to bake in a mud oven, and then partake.  While that was going on they also worked together to add to the wood pile using a furrow tool and hand saws.  I helped keep things organized and moving along in the kitchen while Mr. McCreedy worked on the outside projects.  I loved how he directed the discussion at the end of this class asking for their thoughts and comments about what they worked on, made, or felt.  Every group thought it was awesome that they worked together to create their "snack" and believed it tasted better than anything they could buy at the store.  Mr. M always complimented their teamwork stating that he never had to tell anyone to be doing something because they all got right to work and kept at it.  Although our pizzas were vegetarian, he made a comment that it would be great to have some locally grown bacon to put on them.  So I'm going to mention it to our Project Clover group to donate some to the ecology center for next year.  I think another cool add on would be fresh grown basil or mushrooms (which could be grown in boxes at the center).

The other two days I assisted with the mud hut mostly keeping kids focused on the task and helping them get their feet washed up afterwards.  They mix the compound of 2 parts sand, one part clay, a little water, then some straw, with their feet, stomping across until it is of the correct consistency. Next they take it over to the structure and add it to the wall that is in progress.  Prior to working outside they learn about the Kahokian structure found in Pennsylvania that led them to understand this building technology.  This was another fun class although many of the kids always want to try and slide across the mud which we quickly put a stop to.  It will be cool to see the structure once it's finally finished.  This is the same technique used to make the mud oven.

Project Clover, by the way, is from our educational focus for the North Branch Finish Line Swine Club.  They are learning about entrepreneurship and borrowing from the Armanda 4H we've started Project Clover a non-profit company that is raising funds to purchase a lower priced pig at the 4H auction to have processed and then donated to charitable organizations in the area such as a food bank or soup kitchen.  Ethan has also been working on getting trophy sponser for fair as well in the hopes of winning his own Kindle Fire or iPod for selling the most.

In other news Alexandra will be taking her Winter semester exams this week and then waiting to have transcripts sent the the colleges she applied to for Fall.  She also needs to have her ACT results sent in.  There's been a few bumps in her assistant manager duties and pay status but she seems to be working things out.  Having an older teen continues to be a learning process for me, you have to know when to push and when to back off.  No matter what you hope they'll do or think they should do, ultimately they do what they're gonna do and you just have to live with it.  Disconcerting does not even begin to describe it.

Lastly, I found out our numbers in the Chatfield School "lottery" and they are not as encouraging as I had hoped.  Ethan is #11 out of 18 for 6th grade and Benjamin is #5 out of 8 on the list for 7th grade.  The secretary couldn't tell me how many openings there would be if any, or when she would know more.  It is a very vague process.  So the boys and I have been under negotiations as to how to proceed next year.  Although my heart's desire is to have the chance to educate them at home again they are not so inclined to the idea.  Plus part of me feels like I've gotten some good things started in the district with the running club and choir and such so maybe the fates are telling me my work is not done here.  However I did plan to keep things happening here even if they do get into Chatfield but in all honesty it would be quite challenging.  Both boys agreed though that if a spot opened up once school did start they would be fine to make the transfer.  I'll let you know how the debate on other topics such as classes, sports, etc. pans out, in a future post.

Looks like we're in for some April showers as we begin our Michigan May...so be sure to run between the raindrops! 

Small Wonder

Our babies are finally here! Sunday we picked up our three piglets from a breeder in Columbiaville. Benjamin and I went and made the selections while Ethan was at baseball practice. We ended up going with the Duracks, which are a light brown color and don't show marks as easily as the traditional pink ones. Chose two girls and one boy. They weighed in a little lighter than I was hoping for but they have good composition over all. Ben's pig is the boy, Rocky, starting out at 45#, Ethan picked the 47 pounder and named her Chewbacca, or Chewy for short because she's nibbler, and mine is 50 Cent (say it street) who hit the scale at 50# on the dot. She is the friendliest of the trio, always the first to come up to you when you enter the pen. They have all adjusted well, eating good, drinking regularly, playing around in the pen, grunting happily, and frolicking about. Today we even started to work with them a bit on getting them to walk next to us using a stick to direct them....long way to go but the earlier you start the better. B & E have been very good about getting up and taking care them before they get on the bus, I go out and do a second check, then they do afterschool duty and nighttime lock up. They seem bigger already and it's only been four days!

Fox has been off to a great start for his Freshman track season. His training has been very consistent, he even runs on the weekends to keep up his endurance. The Shaklee vitamins, Physique Shakes, and Performance Drink really make a difference, he hasn't been as sore or fatigued. He has improved his times at every meet, the best so far being a 5:39 in the 1-mile and a 12:04 in the 2-mile. He's also been invited to the first two TVC (Tri-Valley Conference) Meets which is pretty awesome as a freshman because each school can only bring the top 2 or 3 runners in each event. The picture on the right is the start of the 1-mile at the Brown City Invitational last week, the runner from Cass City is blind, the guy in the gray shirt is his tether. It is always amazing to see athletics with physical challenges perservere, everyone always claps and cheers them through the finish line, very heart-warming.

Ben and Ethan had a whirlwind start to soccer. First practice was canceled due to sleet, second practice was at an earlier time and several players didn't make it, then they had their first game last Saturday and skunked 'em 8-0. After getting 5 goals in the first quarter coach pulled back her best players for the second and third, Benny put another goal in during the third. For the fourth quarter she put a couple back in their regular spots and two more goals went in. A parent from the other team started getting beligerent and made all the kids feel bad from both teams. Our kids weren't playing aggressive at all, but if the ball is there and the other team ain't bringin' it, goals get made. There are a couple team that skunk us, that's just how it goes. Ethan had his first baseball practice on Sunday too but had to miss Tuesday's because of soccer practice. We'll have a couple weeks of overlap but the schedule should work out fine overall.

Little bit of backtracking now. I rushed off to Chicago the day after the drama production and never did post pictures or an update. It went really well, the one actress I was concerned about with memorizing came prepared and presented lines strongly, they were a couple line jumps with the older group but they moved right along and got themselves back on track easily. The younger group did well too, "Tea Party in Wonderland" had a minor line skip and I had to give them a feed to put them back on track because it really threw them for a loop but other than that they did awesome. Top left picture is from "Tea Party in Wonderland," top right is "Fish School," lower photos are from "While Shakespeare Slept," then the group shot to the left is me with the older crew. Last is a quick collage of some photos Rob took in Germany, they weren't the greatest because one, he was using his iPhone, and two he's just not that great a photog (sorry honey, but you can fix anything, I know :). Bottom left is the little town they stayed in, above that some street artists in Cologne, middle is at the Cologne Cathedral with street actors behind him in the white outfits, lower left bulk Legos (sadly no purchase was made).

What else is new? I have become involved with the committee for Wild Lapeer, an annual event that takes place at the Chatfield School and Mott CC-Lapeer Campus, to highlight organic processes and businesses. This year there will be a woman demonstrating how to process wild rice, a falconer, a presentation from the Cranbrook Science Center (OBC) on bats, bluebird house making, hikes through the Oakland Cemetary, alpacas, and more! This week I am helping with some field trips at the Willows, update in my next post. Keep it real people.

Fame

It has been a jam-packed, fun-filled, spiritually-challenging few weeks. Rob, myself, the boys, Alex, plus main squeeze, and Ethan's buddy got to see the Mythbusters Live show a couple weeks ago. It was a well done production, (sorry about the picture from my phone) and just like concerts, there's nothing like a Detroit audience! The focus of the show was to promote scientific thinking, share some behind-the-scenes stories, and give people a chance to come up on stage to try out concepts while giving Adam and Jamie an opportunity to "mess with them." Adam is a naturally hilarious fellow and could totally work the stand-up circuit if the show doesn't work out. :) Thanks Dad and June for the tickets! Definite "Like"

After a fantastic show Friday night, the next day was a full day of rehearsals for the Flint Festival of Choirs with guest conductor Dr. Paul Rardin from Temple University. He worked with the Lapeer County Concert Choir, the U of M-Flint Chorale and Chamber Singers, plus the Carolyn Mawby Chorale on five songs. The groups were so well prepared he focused mainly on stylizing and musical nuances, even fitting in time to teach us two South African melodies by rote WITH harmonies. Wow. Arriving for warm-up and final practice on Sunday the "ticket lady" was a little concerned that there were so many unsold tickets still. No need to worry because the place was SOLD OUT with standing room only. Ms. Mawby was over-the-moon delighted with the whole event and it was a joy to see her face from the platform as she enjoyed everyone's performances. More info is on the LCCC website, just click.

Ben, Ethan and I have also started getting the piggie pen prepared for our arrivals, trimming back trees, clearing brush, and resetting part of the fencing. Still need to create a couple gate doors then get the waterers and feeders. The aspect is getting a little daunting as we close in on our pick up date and I begin to calculate feed costs. Hoping for the best with the entire situation. Benjamin has decided he does not want to do 4H Camp this year which will be good since then he can stay at the homestead and make sure piggies are taken care of while Ethan and I are at camp.

Fox has been participating in the 4H counselor meetings to be a junior counselor for the day camp this year. The theme picked is Zoo Animals which should be pretty fun. He also just turned in his paperwork to take the AP US History Exam next month and is in full track training mode. Yesterday was their first meet at Cheasaning, Broncos got creamed but the competition was so fierce it pushed him to get his best times yet in the 1-mile he finished with 5:52 and in the 2-mile a 12:35. Next meet will be at Alma after spring break.

We are very proud of Ethan who was selected as student of the week. I've written out his interview questions because they are a bit difficult to see in the photo.

1. Why do you think you were nominated? "I haven't gotten in trouble and I have good grades."

2.How does it feel to do Student of the Week? "It feels nice but scary; I hope no one uses me or something!"

3.Do you like coming to school? "Yes I do."

4. What sports do you play? "Baseball, soccer, cross-country running,, football, basketball."

5. What is you favorite subject in school? "Math"

6. Do you participate in any after school activities? "Choir."

7. What is one thing you would do to change the school? "I would like to have a safety patrol here, because bullying happens a lot more in Ruth Fox than in the elementary."

The school counselor asked to meet with him regarding his answer to #7 but they have not connected as of yet. He believes it is to talk about starting a safety patrol which I hope it is that and not to questions him about bullying. They recently hosted the Rachel's Challenge program in our schools and I've had mixed reaction to it. None of my kids seemed very moved or motivated by it.

Last weekend was the opening of the Hunger Games movie. Rob took the boys to the Saturday 12:15p show as a guys outing, they've all read the book except Ethan. I went later in the evening with my Rollicking Readers group. I had literally just finished the book that morning so the whole ordeal was extremely fresh in my head which was a different type of movie-going experience for me. It was a good production overall but some of their choices confused and disappointed me, as with most literature/screen adaptions, the book is always best. Glad I staved off my resistance and finally read the book. Our next selection is Vanity Fair by William Thackery. I'll have to look for the audiobook because I know I will never get it read by the meeting date.

Yesterday was the program for the after school choirs I've been working with. We had a great turn out and my dear friend and several parents assured me it was a wonderful presentation. I'm trying to accept that however I was very frustrated by the technical challenges of the space. Although things did get changed around (the sound equipment used to be behind the stage with no way to see to the stage!) no one who uses the facility for performance was consulted and the company contracted to do the switch channeled things in a totally inappropriate manner, hence the opportunity for spiritual growth.

Academic Enrichment Company is off and running with 17 classes slated to run June 18-21 and 25-28. Marketing materials are in the works and the initial response to the endeavor has been very encouraging. Gotta love it when an area principal says "I'm so glad you're doing that, there really is a need. I have parents already asking me about things to do with their kids this summer. You will have no problem filling the classes." I've had several meetings over the past couple weeks with new contacts in various areas and will soon be putting out classifieds to recruit more. Plus class ideas keep coming to me in my own mind and through other people's suggestions which is really awesome. I'm also still involved, as a volunteer, with the efforts to launch the Lapeer Virtual Learning Center, helping to coordinate an open house and present another public presentation beyond the homeschool realm. Being involved with these people in upper management of a school district makes me realize what a challenging task they have to "keep everyone happy," and make me look at my efforts with a new perspective.

Tech/dress rehearsal for my Drama classes is tomorrow with performances on Saturday. Break a leg!

What's up for April? Ethan and I go to Chicago this Sunday for 4 days, getting out PR for the LCCC concert and AEC summer program, track meets, soccer practices, assisting with the Ruth Fox 5th Graders' field trip to the Willows, helping with Wild Lapeer planning, Lapeer River Clean-Up, final rehearsals for the LCCC spring concert getting John Rutter's Requiem perfected, and maybe throw in a few sub jobs here and there. Yee Haw! Happy Spring Everyone.....keep smiling (it makes people wonder what you're up to!)