Parton my Dust: iHave no Expectations

Outside my Window: We have been having the most wonderful weather lately, warm but not miserable, mixed with some cooler days that start you off with sweatshirts in the morning but by 11a it's t-shirt and shorts all the way. The activity around the Buddliea bushes in the Gramma Garden has been crazy, very hard to capture these busy creatures on film.

What's on my Mind: Mental health, forgiveness, family. I just finished reading the book "Silver Linings Playbook" for our next book club meeting. I had seen the movie in theaters but it had been enough time that I could forget what I saw and really get into the characters as written. It really made me think more about the influence of family and relationships; when you need to forgive, let go and keep connection; and when you need to completely release any contact for the sake of your mental well-being. It's a very fine line and a tricky road to cross.

Thankful for: A great first cross country meet at Croswell-Lexington High School this morning. The weather was perfect, we had the biggest team since my boys have been involved, and Fox had his old mojo back, having fun with his running buddies and taking it all in stride. Coach wasn't pushing anybody, this was an invitational meet and the goal was just to get a baseline time set to work off of for the rest of the season.

Creative Endeavors: Putting together a Fundraising Packet for the Lapeer County Concert Choir 2013-14 campaign. Rearranging perennials from various garden areas.

Latest Project: Getting the donations to the 4H Feeds Families Committe delivered and/or stored until the organizations can use it. Since there was so much meat donated I had to get resourceful and got a freezer donated from the Habitat for Humanity Restore. We gave some to House of Hope which prepares hot meals weekly at various locations, some to North Branch Emergency Aid which distributes weekly food boxes, and some to the United Methodist Women for their shut-in meals that they prepare and deliver to the elderly in the community.

My 3 Sons: Getting put to work around the property quite a bit, luggin tree limbs, raking grass clipping, push mowing, cleaning out and rearranging the back of the garage. Still to come, closing down the piggie pen and making modifications for next time. Went to Junior orientation with Fox this week and got his schedule. These his classes for the entire year:
AP Prep English, Pre-Calc, AP US Government, Economics, Physics, Drafting, 3D Design, Intro Stats, Current Events, You and the Law

Middle School open house is coming up this week for Ben and Ethan although they've already gone online and peeked at their classes. E wanted to find out if he made it into PreAlgebra....he did! He's also got Drama class for first trimester and Ben will be in the S.T.E.M. class again which he loved.

I've also asked all the boys to find a non-sport actvity or club to do during the winter months. Ethan is going to try Forensics, Fox is thinking about Model U.N. and/or Legislative Debate, Ben is not sure what he'll do yet. We talked about maybe trying F.F.A. (Future Farmer of America) but he's not that convinced.

The first Born: Putting in applications EVERYWHERE, finally started getting calls for interviews. Had a job offer today to start training next week. Has another 2nd interview tomorrow and is hoping to be able to work at both places since they've been talking to her about different shifts. Both are far closer to home so gas expenses will be extremely less plus no more BK drama. You go girl!

Employment News: Did my renewal tutorials for subbing but have also been putting in online applications looking for a regular secretarial or administrative assistant job in the area. Also going to be working weekends at Honeyflow.

Hoping to Improve: I've begun reading a very disconcerting book "Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal" by Melanie Warner. My crusade to cut out processed food began awhile back, this information will certainly propel me to stay on track. These food scientists are so proud of their preserving accomplishments but what has transpired in the meantime is not even close to real food any more, it's really just food representation.

Food for Thought: Since our employment change we have been blessed with donations from neighbors' gardens and freezers plus our garden is coming in nicely. It has been a joy to cook for my men regularly again with locally grown/raised produce/livestock. I've also been working on freezing zucchini, swiss chard, and apples. From garden to bowl....quick and easy coleslaw!