Been a Long Time Since I Wrote this Blog



Time really got away from me as I had not realized how long it has been since I updated this blog.   Upon finishing Camp NaNo I became more obsessed with writing and editing novels than blogging.  Lots of things have happened with the boys and their lives which has also pulled me away.  I will provide a few bullet points from spring through summer.

 

We made a trip to Grand Rapids to check out GVSU and see the uncle.

 

 

Walked over to the fishladder and to the GVSU Graduate buildings.  Fox and I also did a tour of the undergraduate campus.  Later in the day we checked out the Gerald Ford Museum.  Seems there was a little dissention amongst the cabinet! 

 

 

Since Ben and Ethan are not going on the school trip to Washington DC we did a trip on our own hitting the Point before the holiday weekend when it really starts to get busy.  This was Ethan's introduction to roller coasters and he did awesome.  We rode 10 coasters in under five hours!  Even got our girl to come along for a day of fun.

 

 

Did a lot of gardening this spring/summer.  Good therapy.

 

 

You never know who or what you'll come across in the garden.

 

 

Ethan did middle school track.  Fox started high school track but dropped out mid-season.  He just wasn't getting the times he wanted and was over it in general.  He worked at Honeyflow in the spring doing pruning and whatever else was needed.  Ben worked his first season as well.  Next year Ethan can be part of the crew too.  In addition to track Ethan also played rec baseball again.  Ben did rec soccer as well.

 

 

 

Ethan took 4th Place at the Middle School State Forensics tournament at Wayne State University.  He also got to go to Exploration Days for the first time on the Michigan State University Campus.

Fox received his ACT scores - he got a 31 overall which is awesome!  He also attended the Northwood University LAB Free-Enterprise Camp.

Benjamin attended the Engineering Camp at Lake Superior State University this summer.  They are still doing an amazing job there and many of the same people are involved.  Fox came with me to pick Ben up and the counselor recognized him!  Of course you don't meet many people named Fox.

Ben had a good time at camp but still isn't sure about what he wants to pursue as a career yet.  He has toured the Ed-Tech building for our district and is possibly interested in computer hardware or small engines.  However the only other interests he dabbles in outside of school and soccer is video games!! 

No one participated in the 4H Fair this summer.  It was nice to have a break and I tackled a major renovation project in the house.

 

That pretty much takes us up until Fall 2014.  Fox is a Senior this year and we've done many college visits and had discussions about early enrollment.  More updates in the next post.  Benjamin is a high school Freshmen and seems to be adjusting well to the new routine, keeping his grades up, and staying out of trouble.  He played soccer for school this year on the JV team.  Ethan ended up going in for seated classes in the middle school for 8th grade but he did try an online class, German IA.

iWasn't Ready for Snow

Outside my Window:  Orange, yellow and brown leaves all over the ground, lots of wind, and today rain expected to turn to snow later in the day.....and now as I finish this post it is officially snowing.  Love Michigan!

What's on my Mind:  Grace.  How to guide teenage boys with authority and love from a mother's perspective.

Thankful for:  Rob having more time to deal with projects around the house due to his unemployment.  One deer in the freezer, hoping for another.  4 new tires on my van.

Creative Endeavors:  Putting together the marking materials for LCCC's December concert.  I think it turned out pretty awesome.  Now I'm working with the typesetter on the program.  Lots of work but always worthwhile in the end.

My Latest Project:  I am TRYING to do National Novel Writing Month  (NaNoWriMo) again but it is not going very well.  My word count is not where it should be but I'm not giving up yet. 

My 3 Sons: The cross country season has come to a close.  It was a rough go for a moment with Fox, he and the coach got into over some things at one point and he actually quit the team in haste and frustration.  After a cooling down period they made ammends, Fox had a week of suspension but then came back and finished with the team with a fabulous new personal record of 20:19.  Our Senior girl and Fox's CC buddy made it to State Competition this year at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI so just about the entire team made the trek to cheer her on.  Now Fox is shifting into Model U.N. mode and is also participating in off season sessions twice a week after school.  Congrats also, he was inducted into the National Honor Society this month.

Benjamin's S.T.E.M. class is working on a robotics unit and will be going to Hartland in a couple weeks for a competition.  I am planning to go along and help as a team manager as well as just being there to support the middle school science teacher in this endeavor.

Ethan was awarded "Rookie of the Year" for middle school which I totally wasn't expecting.  Coach also gave all the ms kids an engraved medal for their amazing efforts.  Now Ethan is working on his piece for Forensics.  The kids stay after school as a group on Mondays then come in for individual practice one other day.  He is working on a group of Jack Pruletsky poems about wizards.  Their first tournament will be in a couple weeks in Hartland also.

The First Born:  Working like a dog but loving her two new work families.  She is also going to be helping with the local forensic tournaments as a judge.

Employment News: Nothing to report.  Although Rob has been fielding many calls nothing concrete has developed and it looks like he may be returning to his self-employed status as traveling CNC tech.  My feelings are mixed about this but I'm trying to stay positive.

Hoping to Improve:  My running schedule.  Right now I'm only getting out twice a week, once on my own for a brisk 2-mile then on Saturdays with the small group I run with.  Did 4.4 with them last week, need to add another loop before the New Year's Resolution race since I've set a goal to run the 8K this year.

Food for Thought:  Enjoying the final spoils of the garden, finishing the lettuce that I planted late, and harvesting the herbs (thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and parsley).  Put together a few bottles of herb vinegar to use during the winter.  Got the big garden rototilled, moved the carpet that was preparing a new area, turned that over and extended the plot once more.  Hoping to double my yield next year.

Last Words:

iMade the Tealights

Outside my Window: The days have been overcast lately and the weather cooling.  Perfect yardwork temperatures, love those hoodies days!  Above is a snap from the cross-country course at Brown City High School and Nature Center.  It was a wonderful day for a run.

What's on my Mind: Getting my yoga practice back into the schedule.  Now that the boys will be in school I can get back to my morning routine of practicing while the house is quiet.  It's not the same when everyone is home and I just don't get up early enough to do it before the rest of the household awakes in the summer.

Thankful for: Another fun and educational outing with my choir ladies, this time to Port Huron to see the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse.  There is a 20 year restoration plan for the facility and things are looking wonderful so far.

Creative Endeavors: Still working with my perennials moving plants around and getting the colors and sizes arranged better around the house.  Rob also got the wood chipper going finally so hoping to mulch up all the branches he trimmed over the last few weeks and get a good covering down on the gardens.

Latest Project: Decluttering (an ongoing, neverending project, really) and setting things aside for our massive garage sale next summer.

My 3 Sons: First day back to school could not have come to soon.  The boys were so bored they couldn't wait to get back in the academic routine!  Me, too!  I forgot to explain in the last post that after a couple of regular football practices Fox realized there was too much he did not know about the sport and decided to go back to cross country with a new perspective, refreshed appreciation, and upgraded attitude.  Ben is also going to double sport this season with rec-soccer since he needs to get as much field time in as possible before high school try-outs next year.

The first Born: Loving her two new jobs closer to home, both still in food service but that's fine.  She opens for Tim Hortons and does evenings at Appleby's in different towns.

Employment News: Started this past weekend at the farm, pouring honey, making candles, helping customers.  It was a steady but slow opening but in another week or two when the prime grapes come in things are going to get wild!

Hoping to Improve: Working together on projects with my husband and making the tough choices to let items go that are useless, hold bad chi, or can bring some kind of profit.

Food for Thought: "I have been inspired by seeing folks tackle this challenge [eating fresh] head-on, in unique ways. For instance, the Edible Schoolyard project founded in California by Alice Waters, the head of the buy local, eat fresh movement, has had a tremendous impact on the children involved as well as on the local community in which the project was founded.  I was so impressed by this project that I have worked with Alice and some other folkds in order to bring an edible schoolyard to one of our schools in New Orleans.  As a result, children are eating better, more healthful meals, and have a genuine respect for Mother Earth and the hard work required to put food on the table.  They are learning about nutrition, gardening, and the impact of farming on our environment."  ~Emeril Lagasse - Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh

Last Words:

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!

Last Words: 

Life is 10% what you make it

and 90% how you take it.

~Irving Berlin



iSaw the Signs

Outside my Window:  It's been quite sunny lately with spatterings of rain, temps have been in the 80s all week.

What's on my Mind: Oh so many things.  Spoke with a lunch lady from one of our schools and asked if they are allowed to even cook for the kids anymore?  Like if someone donated meat to them that was raised locally to use.  All the food in the schools is "government packaged" to meet all the required "standards" and is basically warmed up and put out.  Wow, how sad is that.

The lack of success in my veggie garden is annoying.  Things are growing nicely then a critter comes in and feasts!  My corn and zucchini still look untouched but the beans, spinach, and peas gots wiped out.  Used to have a kitchen garden up by the house, perhaps I need to work closer in again.

Finding ways to keep my boys on track when it comes to their schooling.  We had some dips in grades and I don't want that to become a habit.  I know they are capable of better and sliding will not go on for long.  There's a fine line between nagging and encouraging.

Thankful for:  Having the time to get things done in my gardens and around the property.  I have a row of beautiful perenniels that got overtaken by grass and trumpet vine that was finally conquered.  Ben and Ethan rescued an area of hollyhocks, helianthus, and rose of sharon and pruned two humungus spirea. Got a great deal on impatient flats and added some color to the shade and gramma garden.  It may seem like a small thing but gardening represents a type of progress to me at this stage in my life.

 

Creative Endeavors:  While Fox was up at grandpa's property helping with the cabin construction I took the opportunity to clear out his room and remodel.  We had changed out the windows a while back but they were never framed in, plus there was some drywall issues to deal with.  I had a great time transforming the room and finally getting it finished.  This room is on its third metamorphesis, it was Alex's bedroom at one point and then my office before it became Fox's lair.  Still working on some finishing touches but the result has received favorable compliments.

Latest Project:  Ethan and I built this cage frame from scraps of wood Rob brought home from the shop.  The rabbits are getting to the age the genders need to be separated.

My 3 Sons:  Fox worked all week and the younger two for a couple days helping grandpa build a cabin on his property.  I hope they were good workers.

My relentlessness on putting the video games away for periods of time has prompted the boys to find other interests one of which is Dungeons and Dragons.  I'm all for it, let the imaginations run wild! 

Ethan did not make the All-Star team but it's fine we're all ready for some down time to putz around at home.  Ben is starting to make sure he has everything in order for Space Camp and has been invited to be in the 4th of July Parade with the other crews.  He said he would do it.  Both of the boys have also helped with the 4H Feeds Families Committee by giving presentations at the Freemasons and Knights of Columbus meetings to raise funds to use at this year's Fair.  Fox is going to present to our orthodontist who like to support 4H each year as well.  We're still waiting to find out about some grant money.

The first Born:  ...just got a letter sent to the house from BK Main Office.  I let Ethan read it to her since we were driving....it was to announce she is getting a raise and to thank her for her hard work and loyalty.  Sweet! 

Employment News:  Summer vacation.  Working for free.  Workin' on me!

Hoping to Improve:  Still contemplating the "Garbage Project".  So many products, so many processes.  I admire Alex's vegan loyalty, it is not easy to change eating habits especially when you live with others beside yourself.

Food for Thought: "Why don't I do things I say I want to do?" The answer is in your subconscious beliefs. Learn how to detect these sabotaging beliefs and how you can change them.  ~Ten Habits of Natually Slim People

Last Words:

iGo the Distance

Outside my Window:  Beautiful sunny day but lots of white fluff flying around still.  Been having itchy eyes and sneeze attacks as I work outside but hasn't been so awful I need to medicate.

What's on my Mind:  Can't believe it's time to register for Fair already!!

Thankful for:  Getting a couple more days in of subbing which means one more check coming next month!  Bringing another academic year to a close.  Making progress on the yard this past weekend.

Creative Endeavors:  Craft Day for 4H Camp is coming up, this is a project test time to make sure the activities work and we know how to modify things if we need to for various age levels.

Lastest Project:  Bringing some Feng Shui concepts into the boys' bedroom arrrangements, starting with Fox who needs the most positive change. First up will be a new paint color, next a change of bed and desk placement, and the finish some select representive items for success in education and general properity.  Ben is already in the correct color palet and doesn't need make rearranging, Ethan I need to do a little more research for his situtation.

My 3 Sons:

7th Grade - Honor Roll and Academic Honors (3.75 or above)

6th Grade - Honor Roll, Outstanding Attendance, Class Voted: Friendliest



Ethan and Fox just finished a week of Cross Country Camp
and got these awesome shirts!

The first Born:  Moving to a 2-bedroom apartment is not happening, renewing lease for the same unit.  Rumblings of wanting to get back in school.....but not sure where or to do what.

Employment News: Summer Vacation!!

Hoping to Improve:  Still on trash reduction and not buying as much processed foods.

Food for Thought: Allow yourself to get distracted by living. There is a lot to be learned when your weight stops being the focus of your life.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iGot my Mojo Back

Outside my Window:  It is just about dusk after a very busy day working outside in the gardens.  Although it was sunny and clear until afternoon, the clouds are moving in just in time to hopefully give my new seeds a nice rain during the night.

What's on my Mind: End of the school year activities: Spring Sports Banquet, 6th Grade Graduation, Middle School Honors NIght, wondering if Ethan will make All-Stars, and booking a variety of appointments for all.

Thankful for:  A fun day at the Feast of Ste Clair with the boys and my good friend and avid history buff.  It was a beautiful day and we learned a lot as we made our way through the encampments and amid the traders.  Ethan tried weaving on a small loom.  I was impressed by the officer's quarters.  Ben blew some of his hard earned money on some homemake cream soda that was yummy.  I sprung for the refill so we could try the homemade rootbeer.  It was also scrumptious, we brought it home and made floats!  There was great music: drum and fife core, Native American, string ensembles, a men's acapella group, and more but the highlight of the day was the battle reenactment.  Very well done with the British, French and Colonists.  I took tons of photos but I'll only share a few here.

 

 

Creative Endeavors:  ???

Lastest Project:  Still working on gardens.  Fox helped today and we cleared out the Herb Garden, I severely divided back the Tarragon, rediscovered the Garlic Chives and plain Chives, planted French Thyme, and some Dill.  Putting a salsa bed in by the herbs, planted tomato plants and seeded in peppers that we propagated ourselves.  Alex stopped by with some girlfriends and they helped me get the Veggie Garden in: two rows of Davers Carrot, three rows of Blue Lake Bush Beans, a row of beets, a thick row of Swiss Chard, a row of Edamame, four rows of Super Sweet Corn, and five mounds of Tricolor Zucchini.  Need to find a place for some pie pumpkins and watermelons also.

My 3 Sons:  Fox got the results from his x-rays and there is no tearing on the tibia, fibia or anywhere at the knees.  Recommendation is better shoes and a script for Ibuprophen 600.  He is running very little right now, taking the meds, and icing his legs to recover before our school's Cross Country Camp.  He has different shoes and some really good insoles which have been helping.  Theory is that the problem stemmed from him trying out 0 lift shoes during his winter training....not a good thing for his pronating feet.  Hopefully he's on the mend and back on track.

Ben will be going on his class trip to Lansing this week.  I am not chaperoning this one but will be subbing that day.  Soccer is done and we're lightly discussing how we should proceed for next year but no decisions have been made yet. 

Ethan has a few more baseball games left and on Sunday we will be going to a Loon's game in Midland.  Grades are looking good, all As except for Math which is at a B but he's thinking with these last few grades he can make it an A.  He just learned how to do showmanship at rabbit club and is supposed to be working with his bunnies.  Bugsy is a real poser as you can see.

The first Born:  Alex has gone complete vegan and her boyfriend is now vegetarian.  It is extremely restrictive, I don't totally get it but wish her good luck.

Employment News:  I've been subbing a lot lately and have resigned myself to the idea that this is the best work situation for me right now.  It is nice to be able to bring the boys up to school or home after with me and also to stay in the loop with what's going on in their schools and classes.  The only bummer is no pay in the summer but I can always supplement with things as I've always done.  Still open to a new situation should it present itself.

Hoping to Improve:  Not being so crazy throughout the summer, having just the right amount of down time and busyness.

Food for Thought:  When nutritious food feels satisfying and exercise feels like play, there will be no soldiers left in the battle of the bulge.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

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: