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:

iSee the Sun

Outside my Window:  A fantastic sun shiny day!  Perfect temps. Just lovely.

Pig pick-up and tagging went well this weekend. 

Above: Ben & Fox  greet their gilts and settle them into the Piggie Palace. 

Below: Sunny Girl getting to know the new arrivals.

What's on my Mind: Getting in the groove with all the outside projects and duties.  Rob has been working to get the push mower and tractor ready and running.  Fox did some push mowing this weekend.  The peas and spinach are just starting, need to get a plan for the rest of the garden.  List of tasks is to long to post, just need to take it one day at a time.

Thankful for: My awesome neighbor who has been there to help us out so many times in so many ways.

Creative Endeavors: Kind of creative....I framed out an opening in the back barn, extended the wall, and made a new door, turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Latest Project: Getting my mojo on for 4H Camp and coming up with some fun stuff to make campfire time more memorable.

My 3 Sons: Fox is taking the AP Psychology exam today and doing some grade clean-up before it's too late.  Can not stress the importance of GPA to him when it comes to applying for college and scholarships.  The last track meet he only ran the 1-mile and was dealing with some shin splints still.  Meeting with the doctor later this week to see what we can do to help him through these training pains.

Ben is having a great time playing soccer with his school buddies and the team does really well together.  They have two strings that take turns playing and both are very strong.  This is the best passing team I've watched play in a long time.  So far they've won one and lost one.  Ben had several goal shots this past weekend but none went it.  Doh!  Hopefully today's game he'll put some in the net!

Ethan did a great job getting sponsorships for the Swine Department again, not sure if he'll win the prize this year but he was glad to help out and generate some funds to go toward all the expenses at Fair.  His first baseball game will be on Wednesday, he's not a huge fan of his coach right now but I'm hoping things will turn around.  When it comes to rec sports and volunteers it's like a box of chocolates....you never know what you're going to get. 

The first Born: Not much on her lately, she's just looking forward to having a week long PAID VACATION in July....going camping with the Grandparents.  It's tradition!  Nice to see her and the bf at the LCCC "Cinema Sinfonia" concert yesterday.

Employment News: Nothing new on my end, have been getting a decent amount of sub jobs, was in the high school three days last week.  Fox and Ben are going to get two more weekends in at the Vineyard which is great because that means they can totally fund their swine project themselves and keep all profits after auction.  Ethan is already thinking about where he would like to work when he is a bit older, while he was out procuring sponsorships for the Swine Department he kept in mind that these would be good contacts for references and possible employment.  That kind of mindset makes me smile.

Hoping to Improve: My leadership and delegation skills now that, by default, I have become the President of the Lapeer County Concert Choir board.

Food for Thought: Every time you eat according to your natural instincts, it is an act of love and respect.  When you begin to recognize your body's needs and take the utmost care in satisfying them, the feelings of self-connectedness can be awesome.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iAm What I Am

Outside my Window:  Bright skies but rain forecasted for later.  Ponds are the highest we've ever seen them since moving in, swamp pond has drifted halfway up the back lawn and the swimming pond edge is nearly 3 feet higher than normal.  Sun has been making more regular appearances lately though and it is supposed to be nice for most of the week.

What's on my Mind:  Just getting through all the end of the school year activities and our sports commitments.  Contemplating how different it is dealing with teenage boys than teenage girls (sons vs. daughter).  We had an emotional weekend, many tears, surprisingly not from me but from my men.  They too have their breaking point emotionally, it just seems to take more to crack them than it does women.  Fear not, all is well, life is unfolding as it should.

Thankful for: A wonderful day out with friends this past week.  First stop was the Flint Crepe Company for brunch, everything on their menu is organic and locally grown, made right there while you wait and tastes fantastic.  Love, love, love this concept - wish there were more establishments like it.  Next we popped into the Flint Public Library then over to the Flint Institute of Arts.  Unfortunately I can not post photos from the gallery since I signed an agreement but we all enjoyed the eclectic mix of exhibits, met a featured artist [David Maxim] that was on sight that day, and got a private tour of the ceramics area, from classrooms to kilm room, which was very cool.

Creative Endeavors:  Zippo.

Latest Project:  The pig pen is almost complete, just a few last things to secure.  We got a great deal on some used items (feeder, fencing, gate, water nipplers) which means the project will come in well under budget.   Working to get some press going for the spring choir concert but not having much success.....sent out press releases but some of the papers did not use them which is a drag.  Posters are going up all around town thanks to choir members, hoping we'll have a decent turnout this weekend.

My 3 Sons: Ethan ran the North Branch Area Schools Spring Fitness 5K with me yesterday. He and his buddy came through the shoot together, first in their age group with a time of 28:21 on a very challenging and extremely cross-country route.  I finished as well, running the whole squishy course in 39:18.  Baseball is going well, opener will be next weekend.  He also got out to collect sponsors for the Swine Department again visiting those that gave last year, nearly everyone gave again.  It would be cool if he won the incentive for a second year but he expressed he's just happy to help and it's not about winning so much this time.  First prize is $100 cash, second is a $50 gift certificate to Tractor Supply Company.

Benjamin is really enjoying being on a soccer team with all his school buddies.  At first he was giving me grief about not doing AYSO again but it all worked out for the best.  I like that he will have a couple years of rec play with the kids that he will eventually end up on the high school team with, first game will be this week.  Coach was very excited to have him and commented that he had some great skills and is a real 'team' player.  Cool.  Pigs have been saved at the breeders and will be picked up this coming weekend.

Fox is experiencing a definite sophomore slump.  Track season has not gone the way he hoped, for all his hard work he is not getting the results he aims for and it has him a bit discouraged.  I know it will all click in for him if he doesn't let it mess with him mentally, each meet, each race, is a fresh start and as long as he can not dwell on his 'bad' runs and keep a positive attitude for the next run he'll be fine.  Next month he will take the AP Psych and AP World History exam, here's hoping for a 3 or 4 score!  We've also been discussing the idea of him going to Cross Country camp at Grand Valley State University this summer to get another campus experience and some new running influences.

The first Born:  Car is all better, tires and brake line dealt with.  Haven't seen her much lately but we keep in text....miss her!

Employment News: Nothing new to report at this time just doing some substitute teaching when I can.  May be helping Rob with some administrative things for his company as they get the machine selling aspect in place.  Open House went well and they had a nibble on a machine purchase.  A fellow employee is out of the picture due to some personal issues so Rob is going to be doing quadruple duty .... praying all will work out for the best but it may be a bumpy go for a bit.

Hoping to Improve: Food sources.  Our brunch at Flint Crepe Company sparked my desire to scale down my grocery purchases at big chain stores and begin to focus again on growing my own and buying locally.  We are fortunate to live in a farming area so it is readily available, just have to purpose to buy that way and not just run to Meijer when we need things.  In this grabable, eat-on-the-go, world it can be very challenging but it is possible.  Planted some spinach and peas this week, looking forward to getting the rest of the garden planted soon.

Food for Thought: Savoring is an art that can enhance your entire life. The practice of slowing down, appreciating small things, and immersing yourself in the present increases your ability to derive satisfaction from every life experience, including the experience of eating.  ~Ten Habit 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:

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

Last Words:

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

Last Words:

iRan it All

The Hot Chocolate 5K event was an overall success.  It was my first race ever, the goal was to try and not walk at all.  I didn't and finished in 39:39.  This was also Benjamin's first 5K race since middle school cross-country is usually 1.5 - 2.1 miles, however he struggled with a cramp and had been fighting some upper respiratory discomfort all week.  He still came in ahead of me.  Ethan came in 4th in his age group for his second 5K attempt with a time of 27:18 and Fox took first in his age group but had a hard time accepting congratulations since his time was 22:19 and he has been trying to get under 20 minutes.  Since running in the cold is no easy task I'd say everyone did well.  Those putting the race together did a fine job and thankfully the blizzard held off until just after the race ended as we drove home in a near white-out!  Fun times. 

Outside my Window:  A covering of fresh snow has made the world crisply white again and the sun is making an occasional appearance.

What's on my Mind:  Making a tough choice about how to handle after school choir.  I am going to be starting a new job in a couple weeks and may need to cancel choir due to a less flexible schedule.  Very torn.

Thankful for: Grace, Inspiration, and Namaste Yoga.  I recently took the plunge and purchased Season One of Kate Potter's series which I love, unfortunately I lost access to it when we changed television providers.  Now I have it any time I want and practice 4 to 5 days a week depending on my schedule.  It has such an organic flow to it and is very well constructed and instructed.  I highly recommended it, great for all levels.

Creative Endeavors: Started working on a new box collage which is sort of a Zen activity for me and I haven't indulged for some time.  The top photo is one I made years ago and the lower is from a Fair project a short time back.  Perhaps I'll post the new one if it's ever finish....

Latest Project: Saturday Drama class!  Amount of students keep changing and hence so do our script selections.  Hoping to get things finalized this week and pray everything sticks!

My 3 Sons: Fox completed what he needed to for his next year's schedule AP English Prep 11, Pre-Calc, Physics, AP Chemistry, AP US Government, Economics, Drafting and 3D Design are his preferred classes.  Hopefully they won't use any of his alternates.  Track season will begin in a couple weeks.

Benjamin and Ethan are gearing up for their spring sports.  Just got the sign up information for baseball (travel this year) and soccer.  The plan was to return to North Branch Rec Soccer but Ben keeps whining to me he wants to go back to AYSO.  It just not going to be feasible with me working more.  I need to keep everything as local as possible.

The first Born:  Ecstatic over the amount she is getting back in taxes!  I was floored to see her even text the word 'Savings' when I sent her the news.  Use it wisely grasshopper.

Employment News:  Just so as not to jinx it, no official announcement yet but here's a hint.

Hoping to Improve:  General office organization and house declutter.  The declutter has been a work in progress for quite some time and has been greatly improving, so much so my son even made a comment about it recently to the effect, "it's definitely lookin' a lot better around here."  But for some reason I can never keep my office together and end up with piles.  I get caught up moving from one project to another and never close things down properly, mind you I know what is in every pile if I need to retrieve something.  Little by slowly I shall make amends.

Food for Thought: Love is the most powerful resource we have. We were all born with an unlimited supply of unconditional self-love within us. Yet many people spend their entire lives searching for that love somewhere else.  From Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iMade it

Outside my Window:

What's on my Mind: Keeping it all together. Staying on an even keel but being ready to ride out the waves when life brings about rough waters.

Thankful for:  A fine youth production and decent audiences.  It's always a challenge in our Michigan winters to have a performance Jan. to March.  We got a nice write up in the newspaper as well.  Click HERE to view.

Creative Endeavors:  Trying out new healthy recipies.

Avocado/smashed white beans/cucumber/sprouts on multigrain bread.

Payaya/Mango/Banana/fresh Orange Juice smoothies

Kale/Garlic/Mushroom/Wheatberry Soup

Latest Project:  Getting things ready for the first 4H Feeds Families meeting at the end of the month.  Being in the Radio Western Show at the Pix.

My 3 Sons:  Fox is currently working on getting signatures and getting his schedule ready for next year.  He's decided against Ed-Tech and Dual Enrollment, instead concentrating on taking as many AP classes as he can possibly cram in.

Benjamin needs a change of environment and a new activity to get his energies into.

Ethan was part of the Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. cast and did a wonderful job as 'Bill' for his solo plus a great part of the ensemble pieces as well.  He may do a part in the Radio Westerns also.  Cast list isn't out yet.  Below is a photo that appeared on the front page of our local paper.

The first Born:  Had a rude awakening.  Electric bill - over $300 for a one-bedroom apt.  Investigation showed it to be a meter reader error.  Whew.

Employment News: Pending.

Hoping to Improve:  Yes.  One way is my first 5K this weekend!

Food for Thought: When you step out of the process of dieting and into the process of health, the number of pounds you weigh takes a backseat to making moment-by-moment choices in favor of life.  ~from The Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

Peace be with you.