tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12798781323159544462024-03-14T10:53:46.570-04:00The Adventures of KarenThe thoughts, activities, and concerns of a homeschooling mom with 7 children.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.comBlogger1089125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-20890998070715067632022-09-06T16:19:00.001-04:002022-09-06T16:19:00.221-04:00September Photo Challenge Day 6 Peeling<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqNA6M6PPFJmrU1CDWC4QnZiY-RXQJamRHrn0QRkWNUsmwUdLMM-9Ck3OB0aAlWv1n97bq0n9qjmsFoTGHQHhviUpq974b__ClMZIgJaOYTw3r4snTnBtuRD8FPPIqaDUnBPIA-SrmjvrZ6joeSxmLL1B9iDVD3l3433z2WjdbzIutMpVrssSXxI/s6000/_DSC0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqNA6M6PPFJmrU1CDWC4QnZiY-RXQJamRHrn0QRkWNUsmwUdLMM-9Ck3OB0aAlWv1n97bq0n9qjmsFoTGHQHhviUpq974b__ClMZIgJaOYTw3r4snTnBtuRD8FPPIqaDUnBPIA-SrmjvrZ6joeSxmLL1B9iDVD3l3433z2WjdbzIutMpVrssSXxI/s320/_DSC0391.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-15411717436003692782022-09-05T16:18:00.003-04:002022-09-05T16:18:55.150-04:00Photo Challenge for September<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> September 1: A Challenge</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbf7x88b9NyKUgGbyaE4kPJD_XpypwT7X9sLao7yDbpa2OieVP7dFH4M5z0QiSviGAphSDUOKpzlIo9-mEGqC23GbPNRSWwXL3Rr8QTWxu0BYHSdnhebIptpwy0CNF5gl8Ff8-6OpL3XZQdd_2DRXnf23eF7sEwNlONnqYYmksn1sO5rIbcpf-XM/s6000/_DSC0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbf7x88b9NyKUgGbyaE4kPJD_XpypwT7X9sLao7yDbpa2OieVP7dFH4M5z0QiSviGAphSDUOKpzlIo9-mEGqC23GbPNRSWwXL3Rr8QTWxu0BYHSdnhebIptpwy0CNF5gl8Ff8-6OpL3XZQdd_2DRXnf23eF7sEwNlONnqYYmksn1sO5rIbcpf-XM/s320/_DSC0430.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">September 2: I love....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBvPnBFmSs0e5JZMqZpizSXBeqRobKcGIE1b2sgkZOSu0GkK2YBbi-dLXSBIdwfnjFZ1IQXTc9DnkfkDRlQXrj0WCgckFQ-MoQaUFLiT2Ti_53hK_-S22ef8Shu6X-6V_XXRbDCFCEAxUMZYsni64Czc-aYZ2z9PiYpqYgroQsEzVKMA3R6JCOos/s6000/_DSC0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBvPnBFmSs0e5JZMqZpizSXBeqRobKcGIE1b2sgkZOSu0GkK2YBbi-dLXSBIdwfnjFZ1IQXTc9DnkfkDRlQXrj0WCgckFQ-MoQaUFLiT2Ti_53hK_-S22ef8Shu6X-6V_XXRbDCFCEAxUMZYsni64Czc-aYZ2z9PiYpqYgroQsEzVKMA3R6JCOos/s320/_DSC0407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">September 3: Wooden</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwZXYgYSoMLyhNkFgdXSdQDKvqzBngAAgToPIwS4qoU9aF3NnmQcXU8SlsUVuHt6a9bpXB5Kh5eUWgRg5t192SyxCFZmQzzB3hiliNXbsIvZ-JXYeQoApcKo-Rgb06wO5o4hnXbuq_r0R-QAqAJlG13ntrFwseTyr-ZXub3thUW0s1Um1EnoD4vI/s6000/_DSC0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwZXYgYSoMLyhNkFgdXSdQDKvqzBngAAgToPIwS4qoU9aF3NnmQcXU8SlsUVuHt6a9bpXB5Kh5eUWgRg5t192SyxCFZmQzzB3hiliNXbsIvZ-JXYeQoApcKo-Rgb06wO5o4hnXbuq_r0R-QAqAJlG13ntrFwseTyr-ZXub3thUW0s1Um1EnoD4vI/s320/_DSC0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">September 4: Wheels</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk4cgazrPyU8wJyxuc2pqz92PSPUp7DflbSgYGMeU7ntdEHwtDZ3051DnJPs0r5ijEpfj0nt8MnEToBtHl8sG2yPLykf_zC2pWqvlmCWDfUnN0-IVzz_pRu8evBmjuq56__ErWtAZ2iD63VNU9fnamaHM1z8fYVq4pHtSYUSPid537nGe6TtdTFo/s6000/_DSC0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk4cgazrPyU8wJyxuc2pqz92PSPUp7DflbSgYGMeU7ntdEHwtDZ3051DnJPs0r5ijEpfj0nt8MnEToBtHl8sG2yPLykf_zC2pWqvlmCWDfUnN0-IVzz_pRu8evBmjuq56__ErWtAZ2iD63VNU9fnamaHM1z8fYVq4pHtSYUSPid537nGe6TtdTFo/s320/_DSC0400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">September 5: Weak</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmupcdZ7Ri-WMjYk4X0hFDuih4Yve4Nx0ehrJiWBLeUrIor_8SVK_YsEtK868DweDjXxqYp_xWl8RJvW_srKNIFTaVo1NQD_0XYNvEc25xPn-Eeyf2ilY3LylO4OUWnQeO4JjZZyLCivM7S0lG0JSXhCqpAG8WlY_B5uZCmBy6GhqP1N84zcgjcs/s6000/_DSC0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmupcdZ7Ri-WMjYk4X0hFDuih4Yve4Nx0ehrJiWBLeUrIor_8SVK_YsEtK868DweDjXxqYp_xWl8RJvW_srKNIFTaVo1NQD_0XYNvEc25xPn-Eeyf2ilY3LylO4OUWnQeO4JjZZyLCivM7S0lG0JSXhCqpAG8WlY_B5uZCmBy6GhqP1N84zcgjcs/s320/_DSC0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-54112506565983632372022-09-03T15:23:00.003-04:002022-09-03T15:23:24.064-04:00Local Photo Shoot<p> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I really love looking at the local barns in our area. Some are decrepit and worn with age and lack of care. Others have unique elements or shapes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qgqe44HlpjA300xiajvRQgS6TRKqFfuPqOvPfSb0Nqq6mmo43Oy1EXr1IDo5SBdVytbiW4_IPoCBgDC0saGn4mr4ZfxeF6-U_z3d1ojRVU0I4CWJ3v_D-w2O7obNcLqUDDijbPBK3YLXEKyR8rpxMHo6Fd7R_qPOMFeub-h7umpH-daCl7bfUAI/s6000/_DSC0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qgqe44HlpjA300xiajvRQgS6TRKqFfuPqOvPfSb0Nqq6mmo43Oy1EXr1IDo5SBdVytbiW4_IPoCBgDC0saGn4mr4ZfxeF6-U_z3d1ojRVU0I4CWJ3v_D-w2O7obNcLqUDDijbPBK3YLXEKyR8rpxMHo6Fd7R_qPOMFeub-h7umpH-daCl7bfUAI/s320/_DSC0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hTzbi0Rm40bDoZ6bXCZu7BAYvDTF5PnN-y_DGREUevnU3VgL9jNweVHatK-OxSLs7MZYnKPzEkSYMnb9JijDYlhw-0InWjbCgdXnlLHd8cnreWPgMJ4i0bVLVtezwgg6hAJI5p7-bnF30zyTt9JrBcin7zyzUdJ5kfrMKkrrBblFNvGzzPi8Mzs/s6000/_DSC0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hTzbi0Rm40bDoZ6bXCZu7BAYvDTF5PnN-y_DGREUevnU3VgL9jNweVHatK-OxSLs7MZYnKPzEkSYMnb9JijDYlhw-0InWjbCgdXnlLHd8cnreWPgMJ4i0bVLVtezwgg6hAJI5p7-bnF30zyTt9JrBcin7zyzUdJ5kfrMKkrrBblFNvGzzPi8Mzs/s320/_DSC0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxW75AKjc6Zy10ym4Q3Li7G4m_q9cAkEQVxfiW_nqT_VS9M9U5_02SZwZINxBIVf6l3Ym8f-LlIMNB_VAvN1QrRz7qjosTSCk-aQFwZtjYKyjYrv5g9sHc3T-Jy38QOxAr0OggKO82yQdK2rkLy1P5-xKqDcrWibNcqdci79l3eW0krEHp9Xz34Q/s6000/_DSC0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxW75AKjc6Zy10ym4Q3Li7G4m_q9cAkEQVxfiW_nqT_VS9M9U5_02SZwZINxBIVf6l3Ym8f-LlIMNB_VAvN1QrRz7qjosTSCk-aQFwZtjYKyjYrv5g9sHc3T-Jy38QOxAr0OggKO82yQdK2rkLy1P5-xKqDcrWibNcqdci79l3eW0krEHp9Xz34Q/s320/_DSC0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rzSRXD0gqPh6C_LcLEGsx9u0vpvPoENdKxp84GT29PcWhSdPVvCd1etMExMRrGzbBroH3MSu-fZgKSDV1ogxyGCb-d0kpVqW3xM-9mG8PXgzXDCOHU4Ed1lmng1t-JjKP6MNNEERsPbp4pCpBIE3YI3wm32NNDfCDCfsd28gtDeMuNvrM2xFBqc/s6000/_DSC0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rzSRXD0gqPh6C_LcLEGsx9u0vpvPoENdKxp84GT29PcWhSdPVvCd1etMExMRrGzbBroH3MSu-fZgKSDV1ogxyGCb-d0kpVqW3xM-9mG8PXgzXDCOHU4Ed1lmng1t-JjKP6MNNEERsPbp4pCpBIE3YI3wm32NNDfCDCfsd28gtDeMuNvrM2xFBqc/s320/_DSC0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-85177989906495308322016-04-24T21:58:00.003-04:002016-04-24T21:58:36.266-04:00Where Have I Been?After a busy and stressful summer, Mike and I reached a decision to send our minor children to the local public schools this school year. I have not been handling the stress in my life well and am at that Peri-menopause time of life. Stress is not something I handle well. Crying frequently on a daily basis was a given for me. I've always been a bit of a crier, but it had gotten bad. Added to that was the lack of enthusiasm to get up in the morning. Migraines took 1-2 weeks out of my life each month. We decided that this was the year for me to take care of myself. <br />
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The girls have adjusted to public school. Some have had social challenges. Others have academic challenges because they freeze up during testing. I did not do a good job of preparing them with test taking skills. Paige has discovered much success academically, musically, and enjoys performing. Allie ran for student council with four weeks into the school year and won. She has developed confidence in groups and has a style all her own. Madelyn has made friends, gained confidence in her academic skills and developed a love of art.<br />
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On the negative side, all the kids have had many experiences where their feelings were trampled. I have always felt that some of the meanest people in the world are middle school girls. My feelings have been confirmed. My middle school child hurts for each of her friends when they are unjustly accused, teased or bullied by their peers. It has been a long learning experience. My youngest child heads to the middle school next year and at the end of this year is beginning to have some of the same experiences.<br />
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The year of taking care of myself has had ups and downs as well. Isn't that just what happens? Exercise is happening on a fairly regular basis now. We are all eating better with lots of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, eggs, chicken and beef. There are very few processed foods in our lives and rare restaurant meals. The migraines are simmering below the surface, but I did go to the emergency room and got prescriptions that are helping to keep them in check.<br />
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I've been focusing on growing my online stores and have been seeing steady growth. It's been a long time since there was a way to see success in my life. So much of my time has revolved around caring for children, cleaning, laundry, meals, and teaching. All the activities are worthwhile, but don't provide any feeling of accomplishment. I love seeing progress and success in my life. <br />
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I'm hoping to continue to make progress on my health over the summer. We're still figuring out what we plan to do with the girls next school year. <br />
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Madelyn graduates from high school this summer and will be going to a community college before she transfers to a four year university. Steve is heading off to Wayne State in the fall and Amy is looking for an apartment. Our house will be a lot emptier next school year. It's exciting to watch my children grow and move on with their lives.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-39168423403777249572015-09-04T16:19:00.000-04:002015-09-04T17:55:12.095-04:00Wedding Part !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0ZKZg5BcjG6poIDm_2p6nRXPGODZdC0-zqdnFXvjM8iPE9YyLYBafxJU_HTjtrg2AWSZIdD82yBGsiSaXeILkaPLOSOwCSHssAZwjUKj14SBzjupdaZPYIfLY12krD-EcN-srAXbgdM/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0ZKZg5BcjG6poIDm_2p6nRXPGODZdC0-zqdnFXvjM8iPE9YyLYBafxJU_HTjtrg2AWSZIdD82yBGsiSaXeILkaPLOSOwCSHssAZwjUKj14SBzjupdaZPYIfLY12krD-EcN-srAXbgdM/s640/DSC_0197.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and her bridesmaids</td></tr>
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It was hot the week that Katie and George were married. Humidity was extremely high. My daughters and I were concerned that we would be sweaty and uncomfortable. The church's air conditioning was such a blessing! The air conditioning at the reception place kept us comfortable also.<br />
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The following are pictures of us setting up for the reception.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXcU-6sXvwIq7FdYS_aknuh9PmrLj0Az7J0jLMyPemiWtMGfiE-qdBDN9zwFK1FTwWjNbauSLumGk6iDZslCm3Yv6rK1ut8wo-V-tL5NvmGxxyvn0qLHZsFH5Zv470bKlS6Nm1_ds7Ck/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXcU-6sXvwIq7FdYS_aknuh9PmrLj0Az7J0jLMyPemiWtMGfiE-qdBDN9zwFK1FTwWjNbauSLumGk6iDZslCm3Yv6rK1ut8wo-V-tL5NvmGxxyvn0qLHZsFH5Zv470bKlS6Nm1_ds7Ck/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassie helping to move table, while we try to make decisions about set up before Katie arrived.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWTHTQFLyMzgixgWJF4kvdgvzfBdZWGExifzpgTO6mSvrESwf-sBYeYSIiagY1Uv-jEnnZCx84-heP-J3z7LqfohcBWpuxiF1dkOFGJzjT1klTpkGydq-JvwtJKXWx6_SmN1hQcz9sDM/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWTHTQFLyMzgixgWJF4kvdgvzfBdZWGExifzpgTO6mSvrESwf-sBYeYSIiagY1Uv-jEnnZCx84-heP-J3z7LqfohcBWpuxiF1dkOFGJzjT1klTpkGydq-JvwtJKXWx6_SmN1hQcz9sDM/s320/DSC_0167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George pondering some of the decisions that were made.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCTybeoBFmm51XC1K2GFqQY5uhUp_v7yVSo3iafWobNdcmTQ1FoFloh2U02F81zN_fPGYzauzGaW1asXbUwjav2kxAy0OAEQRdKmCsgcrbpBv5gyQQUhpNswZEVjz02q8Gw7nP0viNKQ/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCTybeoBFmm51XC1K2GFqQY5uhUp_v7yVSo3iafWobNdcmTQ1FoFloh2U02F81zN_fPGYzauzGaW1asXbUwjav2kxAy0OAEQRdKmCsgcrbpBv5gyQQUhpNswZEVjz02q8Gw7nP0viNKQ/s320/DSC_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The groomsmen arrived to help! Where were they when we were hauling the tables?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUkhcjoBtXSgLu6jVTxVNTD05dSCvY550sTaCb8VdyDi8K9PwJ5G9Z7uTtXi3yrs_gS7pnT13oW1JyL2XbR2Qopk1K-dmiwocexnjXfT3x1YzKwb5pAkfOBTAbV4NWEyG0b2ptSt59fY/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUkhcjoBtXSgLu6jVTxVNTD05dSCvY550sTaCb8VdyDi8K9PwJ5G9Z7uTtXi3yrs_gS7pnT13oW1JyL2XbR2Qopk1K-dmiwocexnjXfT3x1YzKwb5pAkfOBTAbV4NWEyG0b2ptSt59fY/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the finishing touches on the head table.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Setting up the reception hall was a bit chaotic. Katie was picking up some items and arrived to the hall late. So decisions needed to be made about where to set things up. George was there, but he doesn't make decisions quickly and we had little time before the rehearsal. We set up all the tables and once Katie arrived, we were able to get the decorations put up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Sidwell giving instructions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing handing off the bouquet and straightening the train.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassie lining up with the Best Man</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor discussing the proper amount of time to wait.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving a few more pointers. Amy listening carefully.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danielle and one of the groomsmen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve with Emily.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nate Mattison playing the processional.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second run through.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite photo of the rehearsal. Kate and George look so happy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madelyn was scheduled to work during the rehearsal, so Paige got to take her place.</td></tr>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-41573359306917001542015-09-03T15:32:00.000-04:002015-09-03T15:32:01.441-04:00Adjustments and More Adjustments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
School begins on Tuesday. My remaining three minor children will be climbing onto the school bus or walking to school then. It was difficult to reach the decision to send them all off to traditional public school. I still believe that homeschooling is the optimal choice for educating children. The problem is that my younger children are lonely. I've tried to look for ways to meet their social needs, but our tiny community just doesn't offer any appropriate solutions to the problem. We have tried enrolling them in various community activities, but almost everything is done through the school system here. The extra curricular things they enjoy and where they excel are all located 35-45 minutes away from where we live. Driving that far everyday and wasting 3-5 hours while they participate in their classes is destroying my health and sanity. <br />
<br />
It's impossible to keep the house clean, prepare proper meals (if we were ever home to eat them), and enjoy family time together, when we're forever gone. I find messy houses stressful. Sitting on my bum for several hours each day and eating crappy food is wreaking havoc on my health. Not the productive, satisfying homeschool life we used to enjoy.<br />
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It will be a new chapter in our life and I am prepared to be unhappy with the quality of their education. The wasted time will annoy me. But, I can do fun educational things with the younger girls and try to ignore the rest. It's important that the girls have friends throughout the fall, winter and spring. No one in our neighborhood is available to play or hang out once the school year begins. <br />
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My Etsy shops have both enjoyed sales increases of 50% for each of the last three months. Summer is supposed to be the slow season for Etsy sales, so the extra time will allow time for the additional business. I'm enjoying the creativity that my shops have provided. The additional income is also welcome. Who doesn't like extra spending money?<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-60039347996151748012015-08-24T10:31:00.000-04:002015-08-24T10:31:25.485-04:00End of the Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In a few days, we will take our younger son up to Michigan State University for his freshman year of college. Due to the distance,he won't be coming home as often as our daughters and older son. <br />
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Katie was married a little over a week ago. She and George returned from their honeymoon yesterday and dropped by to tell us about their trip. It was lovely to see the so soon. This week, she is planning on getting her former bedroom packed up. We are forcing her to remove all her belongings from the house. Not because we want every memory of her removed, but because other children want her bedroom and we are trying to have no storage in the basement. <br />
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Well, almost no storage. There will be one shelving unit for Christmas and camping items. The house is so large that it would be easy for us to become hoarders without the house getting full of clutter. We will only be here for another 3-5 years and we don't want to have ton of junk to sort through.<br />
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Madelyn is going to the public high school this upcoming school year. She won't be graduating from the high school, because they won't accept homeschool classes without testing for every subject. I'll issue her a diploma in the spring. Our homeschool will be down to two students. It should be an easier year because the younger two girls are only 20 months apart, I'm planning on spending the first week or two taking the girls to various parks and getting our work done in the picnic pavilions, then having a picnic lunch and spending the afternoon hiking and playing on the various playgrounds. <br />
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Mike is changing positions at work. He will still be in sales, but will be a bedding specialist. Due to changes within the company's pay structure, he should make more money with the change. I hope it's a good move for him. He dislikes many of the games that other sales associates play to steal commissions from other sale people.<br />
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My etsy shops are doing well. I'm getting a steady income from them and enjoy the flexibility they provide. I'm planning ahead to create a couple of non-etsy shops after the holidays to increase my exposure on the internet and open other income avenues. Mike has been really supportive throughout all this and is excited to see my hard work pay off.<br />
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Depression has been creeping back again. It seems to be an on-going struggle for me. Part of it may be hormones, but the "winter blahs" are now returning as early as August. I'm working on eating highly nutritious foods and getting exercise each day. I know that anti-depressants are available, but I really want them to be a last resort. <br />
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I'll be adding a ton of photos and updates over the next few weeks and even have a few craft and cooking posts planned. </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-75535252338699725492015-07-14T07:35:00.000-04:002015-07-14T07:35:02.117-04:00Cheer Competition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The three youngest girls had regional cheer competitions in May. Paige and Allie's team placed third and qualified for the state competition in June. <br />
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I didn't take pictures during the routine, because the girls wanted video of their performance. They looked really solid. Our move to the Portage team was such a good decision. Coach Jami has shown my younger girls that cheer is challenging, but it's also fun. The Three Rivers coach was to focused on winning everything (which is great), that she forgets that the girls want to enjoy the classes also. <br />
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Paige and Allie have made a number of friends on their team and look forward to class every week. They leave practice excited to return the following week and practice their skills throughout the week without any reminding on my part.<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-31107108733966044702015-05-22T09:55:00.003-04:002015-05-22T09:55:57.069-04:00Graduation Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night, we attended our youngest son's graduation. He did very well with homeschooling, but wanted to attend the local high school to meet some friends (we had just moved into town) and to do high school sports. Overall, his experience was positive. He used his high school years to experiment with new activities and found his voice when challenging authority. I'm not saying that he was a trouble-maker, because all his teachers loved him. He brought a totally unique perspective to class discussions and the school newspaper. Instead, Joe considered his time and talents as valuable as the adults in the school. When the choir director spent the 80 percent of the class period on the phone, while the students sat waiting for class to actually do something, Joe dropped the class. The director cornered Joe to find out why he dropped and pushed him for a response. Joe gave his reasons in a respectful manner, but didn't sugar-coat that he resented sitting around wasting time, while the teacher was on the phone. He also worked industriously to get a fencing club set up at the high school. Joe didn't succeed with the fencing club, but did make reasoned presentations to the principal and other administrators. <br />
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Academically, the high school was okay. Most of his advanced classes were internet classes that he did on his own. The school seems to be making more and more of their classes for college-bound students into on-line learning. I wasn't impressed with most of the on-line learning. Grades weren't posted in a timely manner. The on-line instructor took months to respond to a question from the student. Basically, Joe was on his own for those classes. It worked to his advantage that he has been an independent learner for years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking into the gym to Pomp and Circumstance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little silliness after getting his diploma.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe (on tiptoe) and Mike</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe with Mads, Paige and Allie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe with Katie and George</td></tr>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-30914218958584342942015-05-18T10:44:00.000-04:002015-05-21T13:33:42.827-04:00Turning a church Into a House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few weeks ago, the woman who converted our house from a church dropped by and asked to see what the inside of the house. She wanted to take photos of the interior to show her family and friends in California, where she had moved. We had an interesting visit and I learned many things about the house. The house was planned to be able to be three separate living spaces: a large family house, a studio apartment over the garage and an apartment in the basement. At the end of our visit, the woman and I exchanged email address and she promised to send me some photos of the house when it was a church.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPIbEMDWdWt2s5kcX8-VE9zajjP2MapkzRmXVmRwWjkQn_bBRXqpHkNXXweyKeYkPaERCJIbqST38R2kmIXlIddPpnk9HTudYcR8FlDi9bbpMHObwGYj34n1lWJH8QLXGz0ztcY7xqtE/s1600/401+n+grant+002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPIbEMDWdWt2s5kcX8-VE9zajjP2MapkzRmXVmRwWjkQn_bBRXqpHkNXXweyKeYkPaERCJIbqST38R2kmIXlIddPpnk9HTudYcR8FlDi9bbpMHObwGYj34n1lWJH8QLXGz0ztcY7xqtE/s640/401+n+grant+002.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This is the first photo. The entry goes into what is now one of our bathrooms. The window that faces the road is now the entry into our laundry room, which was added on. Mike and I have enjoyed many conversations as we tried to figure out how the church was set up. The photos that the woman sent have answered many of our questions.<br />
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We had thought that the church was what is now our family room. We were wrong. I think that the entire main floor was the sanctuary of the church. We installed our fireplace where the altar once stood.<br />
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Our house is the blue and brown one in this photo. The original structure is the brown, while the addition is the blue.<br />
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The woman said that she had to locate some of the other photos that she has packed away. She's going to try to send me more later. I am so happy that she remembered to email me the photos. It's fascinating to see the changes that she made to our home. </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-5717634290376614862015-05-06T07:02:00.002-04:002015-05-06T07:02:24.227-04:00Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The apple trees are in full bloom. Their white flowers bring a welcome feeling that spring has arrived and soon we will be able to grow fresh food in the garden. Last years apple crop was a failure. There were lots of blossoms, but a hard freeze killed the apple crop in May. We're hoping that frost doesn't kill off this years crop. <br />
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Morelle Mushrooms were discovered underneath the apple trees last week. Mike made omelets with them the following morning. We'll probably go mushrooming later this week when the temperatures rise. Paige and Allie love to gather mushrooms. It's the only time of year that they willingly eat mushrooms.<br />
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Mike and the kids have removed all the wood and debris from the trees that were cut down. It was a huge job, but we no longer need to worry about a tree falling on the house anytime soon. We've managed to have 5 bonfires already this year and there is enough wood for several each week this summer and fall. <br />
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The garden has been tilled and raked twice. Saturday, I planted lettuce, spinach and beets. Green beans, sugar snap peas, carrots, radishes, and turnips will be going in sometime in the next week. The plants will need to wait another couple of weeks, because I don't want to need to cover the up at night. Our garden is quite large this year. I'm hoping to get enough food put up to lower our grocery bill next winter. <br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-48891637411643246482015-05-06T06:48:00.002-04:002015-05-06T06:48:20.996-04:00Mom Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My mom has had a terrible year health-wise. At the end of last year, she learned that her cancer is growing at an alarming rate. The original plan was for radiation treatment in January, but it was changed to a more rigorous chemotherapy than she had had previously. She had her first session out of four in January. She became very ill from it and spent most of the month in bed. In February, she caught a bad cold that turned into pneumonia, which pushed her chemotherapy back a month. March brought her chemo, followed by hospitalization from dehydration and another visit to her pulmonary doctor for her COPD. In April, her chemotherapy was cancelled because she has shingles (for the second time.)<br />
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In January, her doctor discovered that the port my mom has in her shoulder to use instead of an IV in the arm wasn't working properly. Surgery was scheduled to service or replace the port, but it has been rescheduled 2 times due to illnesses. <br />
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My was supposed to have the surgery today, but spent the previous 36 hours vomiting. She's not sure if the vomiting is from chemotherapy last week or some illness or nerves. She's also discouraged and struggling with depression. The depression is in large part due to her poor health and the fact that most of her time is spent with doctor appointments, testing, or treatments. <br />
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Now that the warmer weather is here, the 3.3 acre of grass on her property needs to be mowed. She's worried about keeping the yard in good order. Mike had I tried to get out to her house twice this week to do yard work, but it rained both days <br />
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<br />I hate the feeling of helplessness that arises from not being able to help another person feel healthier, or solve their problems, or make them happier. My mind knows that all of those things are impossible, but my heart still wants to wave a magic wand and fix everything.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-36123180491000034152015-04-10T21:14:00.000-04:002015-04-10T21:14:31.415-04:00New Glasses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />Our family purchases vision insurance primarily because so many of us wear glasses and my eyes are so bad that I need to get them checked each year to check for retinal detachment because I'm extremely near-sighted. The last time we all went to the eye doctor, he was extremely condescending to us. We decided to look for another doctor in our net work, but hadn't found one. The year was slipping away, so in December I called and made an appointment with the doctor we don't like just to get my benefits for 2014 before they expired.<br />
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Once I arrived at the doctor's office, a pleasant surprised awaited. The previous doctor had retired and sold his practice to a new doctor. She was thorough and pleasant. After the exam, I spoke with the office manager and explained that I wanted to order either contacts or glasses with my 2014 benefits and would then return in January to purchase the other with my 2015 benefits. She made an appointment for January and said that we would order the contacts then, because the doctor wanted to make sure that they were working properly for me.<br />
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When I returned in January, I was told that they had filed the claim from my previous visit without placing the order for contacts and I couldn't use my 2014 benefits any longer. I ordered the contacts with my 2015 benefits, but left without purchasing glasses. Due to my poor vision and need for bifocals, the lenses for my glasses would have cost me a little over $400 plus frames.<br />
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Mike wanted me to replace my glasses because it was difficult for me to read with my old glasses and I get headaches when I wear them for extended periods. He boss at work regularly ordered glasses from an online company called Zinni Optical. The site offers tons of frame choices. The customer uploads a photo of themselves and then enters their measurements and prescription. The site eliminates frames that aren't suitable for the prescription or measurements. The customer clicks on various frames and the site loads the frame onto the uploaded photograph. Mike was thrilled and had a great time picking out two different frames for me. I ordered both pairs with my strong bifocal prescription, anti-glare coating, and ultra-light lenses for $160!!<br />
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It took about two weeks for the glasses to arrive. The plastic frames fit perfectly. A small adjustment was necessary for the wire frames, but it was an easy adjustment for me to do. It's been over three months since they arrived and I will purchase glasses from them in the future. The frames are slightly less heavy-duty than frames from the eye doctor, but they were also less that 15% of the cost. My frames were $12 and $10. <br />
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Amy and Katie ordered glasses from Zinni and recently received their orders. They are pleased with their purchases as well. I highly recommend them.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-29265177750797420892015-03-28T10:27:00.000-04:002015-03-28T10:27:16.621-04:00More Projects at Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mike took 6 days of vacation this week. We did a few fun things, like the Butterfly Garden, but it was a week of work. We had a huge load of stone delivered and got that spread out to expand over parking area. Parking has become a problem. We have a two car garage which currently holds supplies for many projects we are in the middle of completing, so everyone parks in the driveway. There are currently 6 car owners that need spots, plus assorted friends and visiting family members that need occasional spaces. We spread the stone to create a total of 9 parking spaces. It's a relief to have adequate parking in our drive, Parking in the road is frowned upon in our area, except for special events.<br />
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We hauled some of the crushed concrete down the hill and spread it out to create a large seating area outside the lower screened porch. Mike and I purchased and moved stepping stones that were laid to create seating areas for lawn furniture. The stepping stones make the lawn chairs more stable. We made one area around the small fire pit and a larger area for the picnic table. Joe and I are planning on making some padded wooden benches to put up against the retaining walls that form a square corner on one side of the area.<br />
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Mike also decided to take out a couple of trees in the backyard. One maple was rotting from the middle of the tree. I was a little nervous that it would land on the house, but Mike researched the job and pulled it off.<br />
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Joe came home from school early that day. He helped haul branches with some assistance from Madz, Paige and Alison. They got all of the small stuff burnt up and then decided to take down the mulberry tree. We never got any fruit off of the tree and it would drop berries into the pool that Mike also bought this week.<br />
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The mulberry tree took out part of an old privacy fence that we had considered using in another area of the yard, but it wasn't too big of a loss. I am so thankful that both trees are down and there were no major mishaps or injuries.<br />
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We finally found a piano tuner and had him come to the house to tune our piano yesterday. Unfortunately, he had bad news to deliver. The piano has problems that would make it very expensive to tune and the piano is not worth the necessary money. I'm disappointed. We're checking the newspaper and online for another piano to purchase. I'm not going to consider anything that hasn't been tuned in the last two years. We don't need to move and dispose of another bad piano.<br />
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After the disappointment with the piano, Mike suggested that we go to some of the Amish meat shops that we have heard good recommendations. We went to Bullseye in Vandalia where we purchased some ground round, dried fruits, rye flour and other yummy things. Our next stop was Shelton's Farm Market in Niles. We got a good deal on Rib-eye steaks, some ground beef, vegetables, mushrooms, dried fruits, and a lot of apples. <br />
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Mike was sure that there was a meat market in Buchanan about which he had heard great things, so we googled "Buchanan meat market" and discovered Lowery's Meat Market. Wow! It was packed! There were at least 6 people working behind the counter helping customers stockpile meat. The prices were amazing. We bought cheddar brats, jalapeno-cheddar brats, Italian sausage, Polish brats, pork loins, chicken, and breakfast sausage. On average, the prices were about 1/2 of what I pay at Walmart or Meijers on sale. I hope it's good meat, because it would be worth driving there to stock up once a month.<br />
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Today, Mike took Madz to a cheer competition in Lansing, while I take the girls to 3 hours of dance classes. It's been great having him home. Major projects were completed, we had some fun, and he helped with running around during his vacation. Next week when he goes back to work, he can rest a little.<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-78308795323813935962015-03-25T16:17:00.000-04:002015-03-25T16:17:15.269-04:00Meijer Butterfly Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mike took several days of vacation this week and was able to go to the Butterfly Garden and Sculpture Park with us today. The weatherman had given a forecast for temperatures in the 60s. But fell far short of his estimate. It was 39 degrees. Madelyn decided that the temperature was mind over matter and wore shorts. She was a little cold, but we all had fun anyway.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of my goofy family while we wait for the rest of the group to arrive.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the plants.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paige the butterfly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allie the butterfly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the butterflies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking around fro butterflies,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOuAT1o2lwD1K70e3jgundnH5wx0QSlSHKfamPQCMfDHwACOrNXG7BMzRdHrFKAUhvuJjYV_hplE5JY6B6Y2122d6DQKSW2ibOfWndh8CKJpCPFWyJR5u4ZwJMfdn3o4O8XvU135E1MM/s1600/DSC_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOuAT1o2lwD1K70e3jgundnH5wx0QSlSHKfamPQCMfDHwACOrNXG7BMzRdHrFKAUhvuJjYV_hplE5JY6B6Y2122d6DQKSW2ibOfWndh8CKJpCPFWyJR5u4ZwJMfdn3o4O8XvU135E1MM/s1600/DSC_0962.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We see this face sometimes during our school day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJEOGRBxCAr-Q0nfFbAh_uHm1agTk9-3ZfReSz9a117TkXav0xTAxEECoe5p4IRiylMCSViLyFaj6hFzI37uQZHMxy8fc7kBRvhD1KIQmORgV13ZLqiVCfD1AwBVg4HfPFsg_fOGkE0o/s1600/DSC_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJEOGRBxCAr-Q0nfFbAh_uHm1agTk9-3ZfReSz9a117TkXav0xTAxEECoe5p4IRiylMCSViLyFaj6hFzI37uQZHMxy8fc7kBRvhD1KIQmORgV13ZLqiVCfD1AwBVg4HfPFsg_fOGkE0o/s1600/DSC_0963.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madz catching up with the Meijers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc4aqSAxNmV2yDmJjwMKLci5fOeiZqueqsseSsqhDJD9Abn9iwgNCLQTv5Z_94I150BWOwYkHXJF4lpCsyhj5_QLQHXuCQsT4UAQ7Vez4klmpNvCpW0YPRjKZh8cF4WJ9_pXwGnLycus/s1600/DSC_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc4aqSAxNmV2yDmJjwMKLci5fOeiZqueqsseSsqhDJD9Abn9iwgNCLQTv5Z_94I150BWOwYkHXJF4lpCsyhj5_QLQHXuCQsT4UAQ7Vez4klmpNvCpW0YPRjKZh8cF4WJ9_pXwGnLycus/s1600/DSC_0975.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge sculpture of nap time. I could use one of these.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4dL1MdectdnF-qkqT2YhBcIWW_3Aszz3-qwG3gQK-5i1zeR2GyVTERkFfrt1yX54sPwWFmBBRHwVMXpjmOIziC-CAoaLds7PriByY4cuqoqt313QXxA2VfHuxWaPqhAN8E2fslnyhEg/s1600/DSC_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4dL1MdectdnF-qkqT2YhBcIWW_3Aszz3-qwG3gQK-5i1zeR2GyVTERkFfrt1yX54sPwWFmBBRHwVMXpjmOIziC-CAoaLds7PriByY4cuqoqt313QXxA2VfHuxWaPqhAN8E2fslnyhEg/s1600/DSC_0977.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />I love this. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDrub3kRojJqj6sS1CYDdtNNuDZNs9qPwJ0tIsZbge1NHQTvjZfvVxky6KTUFMGYwDJtwSUL6vgfZlUk41XKVoTpeRYZQWRER4mTtBdqwt-h9V8fWNwZ6Rwe7teH1w7W2YZWWaUW-QYk/s1600/DSC_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDrub3kRojJqj6sS1CYDdtNNuDZNs9qPwJ0tIsZbge1NHQTvjZfvVxky6KTUFMGYwDJtwSUL6vgfZlUk41XKVoTpeRYZQWRER4mTtBdqwt-h9V8fWNwZ6Rwe7teH1w7W2YZWWaUW-QYk/s1600/DSC_0979.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allie calls this Two-Face.</td></tr>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-7336528661492380622015-03-14T10:36:00.000-04:002015-03-14T10:36:10.733-04:00Maple Syrup Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been several years since we made maple syrup. So long that Paige and Allie don't remember ever making it. In our effort to eat more natural and whole foods, we decided to make it this year. We have about 8 trees that could be tapped, but my schedule is so crazy that we decided to just tap two this year. I'd hate to have the sap go to waste because I don't have time to cook it down.<br />
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Last weekend, Mike and I tapped the trees and began collecting sap.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_pyEYj23T4TxXmFvc-43Qa9-IyH7QMHm6gr06NtQ6CLeeAIvqAY4BycorQPwLb8j8XQxuVsZH2929urMfJcNsfuOQoh5Kw1FEZaUebNfAxgi0255VLU7VBNkoy8VQ3ePm-AH3s4Y4eE/s1600/DSC_0764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_pyEYj23T4TxXmFvc-43Qa9-IyH7QMHm6gr06NtQ6CLeeAIvqAY4BycorQPwLb8j8XQxuVsZH2929urMfJcNsfuOQoh5Kw1FEZaUebNfAxgi0255VLU7VBNkoy8VQ3ePm-AH3s4Y4eE/s1600/DSC_0764.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drill hole about 2-2.5" deep at an angle. Use a sharp drill bit to protect the tree and get better sap production.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW6f0_sjc4tkuvXDQe48GxTqAY8-W5fBv9U9ANMocybCGLJ9wBEhAOWFcEmem9-R6vR4Qnajphqp9AyXIQtJLc4QUqzKM9PYqcng3nuyAyKoRNRAghC-WXbuKM4sREWoNMRnpPUS_tvw/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW6f0_sjc4tkuvXDQe48GxTqAY8-W5fBv9U9ANMocybCGLJ9wBEhAOWFcEmem9-R6vR4Qnajphqp9AyXIQtJLc4QUqzKM9PYqcng3nuyAyKoRNRAghC-WXbuKM4sREWoNMRnpPUS_tvw/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sap began running immediately.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4cou3BmrxGiv3Tq3isZaQU8eWeMg1GieelS0GsNBCF_2SSqkbJ81BAY8DmZEt72zA8FSYfQC0Jhi1m7yAs10eG25sikFgOHghoTbsTfBruHA-7na7jVumDRHf51QPDhQ1nljlTca2VY/s1600/DSC_0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4cou3BmrxGiv3Tq3isZaQU8eWeMg1GieelS0GsNBCF_2SSqkbJ81BAY8DmZEt72zA8FSYfQC0Jhi1m7yAs10eG25sikFgOHghoTbsTfBruHA-7na7jVumDRHf51QPDhQ1nljlTca2VY/s1600/DSC_0771.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We purchased our spile at a local farm store. Some people make their own from piping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH9LYXIehLUhDAzcrYh9rv_ys8mPVZ3A9fZeflQbKjS6FBug-2dNWF-JckUn0RtT1ndHVxeFNsYVvFF3Gue-E93cIl986ZEfCT5SNQwl3XjviRb02NpJ5yC6cUYxIKL2MnWUa9-yFoU4/s1600/DSC_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH9LYXIehLUhDAzcrYh9rv_ys8mPVZ3A9fZeflQbKjS6FBug-2dNWF-JckUn0RtT1ndHVxeFNsYVvFF3Gue-E93cIl986ZEfCT5SNQwl3XjviRb02NpJ5yC6cUYxIKL2MnWUa9-yFoU4/s1600/DSC_0772.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammer into the drilled hole.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPxaMBFxBqMbZdoawnVnh2XHFZxcdrEtgBYZtX3HXva0aNy3iDC7a3NetIz6bGXVX6Ij01YyyhYOvRNUYJunDTCr9JiCudBq7JECLY-bTr1a8UlOzSCEleajDe_CqNXlhW6vmDm5h_mg/s1600/DSC_0776.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPxaMBFxBqMbZdoawnVnh2XHFZxcdrEtgBYZtX3HXva0aNy3iDC7a3NetIz6bGXVX6Ij01YyyhYOvRNUYJunDTCr9JiCudBq7JECLY-bTr1a8UlOzSCEleajDe_CqNXlhW6vmDm5h_mg/s1600/DSC_0776.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sap should begin flowing down the center of the spile.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_pyEYj23T4TxXmFvc-43Qa9-IyH7QMHm6gr06NtQ6CLeeAIvqAY4BycorQPwLb8j8XQxuVsZH2929urMfJcNsfuOQoh5Kw1FEZaUebNfAxgi0255VLU7VBNkoy8VQ3ePm-AH3s4Y4eE/s1600/DSC_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissTGQ7K-ikinF8y5KUJtoG1jaDE-bAWpu7DtmtkYnZ0hc3JVdO9U1G8yYgARxfdPuP5h0p1Jfdzqg2IVohRHpjyIrDfRz5Tx7pgf9x7rHWR6EcSL-l_LTJ84rUbs0wOVUXznBEYGx9QY/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissTGQ7K-ikinF8y5KUJtoG1jaDE-bAWpu7DtmtkYnZ0hc3JVdO9U1G8yYgARxfdPuP5h0p1Jfdzqg2IVohRHpjyIrDfRz5Tx7pgf9x7rHWR6EcSL-l_LTJ84rUbs0wOVUXznBEYGx9QY/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We added clear hose, so the children could watch the sap flow and so we could set the buckets on the ground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ64wAeuSuUtjDLcQh-8Z6jnq3eoylQiQvBkVhYtCeo1mGFJifnF6ZjjhF-3n2A1fStjLkaHvmxWRnOg1OsfyvoK9ttWqNqcADlG69bqSvnEyOFsMgNB0p6bEg_fixQgGBsrwJswcQ6w/s1600/DSC_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ64wAeuSuUtjDLcQh-8Z6jnq3eoylQiQvBkVhYtCeo1mGFJifnF6ZjjhF-3n2A1fStjLkaHvmxWRnOg1OsfyvoK9ttWqNqcADlG69bqSvnEyOFsMgNB0p6bEg_fixQgGBsrwJswcQ6w/s1600/DSC_0779.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We purchased buckets with lids from the Home Depot. Mike drilled a hole in the top for the hose, then we washed and sanitized the buckets,</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgQr9J3TIdUtEgvyBJ7fJ-YsGhxpDM9tIW5JTJ8zgwlASMXQwpfd6Ndq67lfETwQCzwGvcFB3l67jwy2BScJzKfhiqp6Dtk6Kh8sGBK3cxlDI4CO7jo3fBq4Wb6Myeas-VEom3v0ZTdM/s1600/DSC_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgQr9J3TIdUtEgvyBJ7fJ-YsGhxpDM9tIW5JTJ8zgwlASMXQwpfd6Ndq67lfETwQCzwGvcFB3l67jwy2BScJzKfhiqp6Dtk6Kh8sGBK3cxlDI4CO7jo3fBq4Wb6Myeas-VEom3v0ZTdM/s1600/DSC_0780.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sap collecting is underway. It flows best when the daytime temperatures are in the 40s and the night time temperatures are in the 20s. </td></tr>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-16134111001986945362015-02-19T10:13:00.003-05:002015-02-19T10:13:33.087-05:00Paige's Baking Powder Biscuits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Paige made the best biscuits from scratch yesterday for dinner. They were light and fluffy, moist, and delicious. We definitely will be having these again. Here's the recipe.<br />
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Paige's Baking Powder Biscuits<br />
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2 cups flour<br />
2 tablespoons sugar<br />
3 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 cup shortening<br />
1 egg<br />
2/3 cup milk<br />
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Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in bowl. Cut in shortening. Beat egg and milk, stir into dry ingredients, until moistened.<br />
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Roll out on lightly floured surface and roll out to 1/2" thickness. Cut into circles. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degree for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-39877068526879831422015-02-18T07:27:00.000-05:002015-02-17T07:27:35.033-05:00Cheer Competitions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Alison, Paige and Madelyn had cheer competitions in January. Regional competition went very well and all three girls made it to the state competition. Between regionals and states there were several changes that happened to both teams. Paige and Allie's team had two girls not show up for the state event. One of the missing girls was a flier and the other was a front spot. Allie was thrilled when she was given the opportunity to fly for state. There were a few stunts that she wasn't able to perform because of the missing front spot, but it was a good experience for her. Although she had a good experience, the team didn't place at state.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paige and Allie are on the far left. Paige in the middle;Allie second in the front. Madelyn helps coach the team and is wearing the green shirt in the back right.</td></tr>
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Madelyn's team had two girls quit 4 weeks before competition to do high school cheer. One of the girls was kicked off the high school team and wanted to come back 2 weeks before competition. (She wasn't allowed to return until next semester.) Mads team came in third at state and qualified for national competition in July, which takes place in Grand Rapids. </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-24142838840729413552015-02-17T07:16:00.001-05:002015-02-17T07:16:35.180-05:00Sky Zone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We recently had a Sky Zone open in the large town nearby. Due to the cold, snowy weather, the homeschool girls have enjoyed a few afternoons there getting in a little homeschool PE. The girls come home exhausted and they all get to work on some of their tumbling skills without crashing into furniture at home. It's been so cold that they haven't wanted to tumble down in the basement on the gymnastic mats, so trips to Sky Zone have helped to keep their skills.<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-65700255943062940662015-01-20T09:25:00.000-05:002015-01-20T09:25:53.969-05:00Music Throughout our Day.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We've been listening to Vivaldi's Winter as part of our homeschool day the last few weeks. I love listening to great music as part of our day Today while searching for the Vivaldi music on youtube, I ran across this combination of Winter and Disney's Frozen. It was fabulous! Enjoy!<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-53057458300112903982015-01-14T21:51:00.000-05:002015-01-14T21:51:53.612-05:00Michigan Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After an unusually warm December when we almost had a green Christmas, the cold temperatures have returned with a vengeance. Joseph has had more days off than days in the classroom, since classes resumed this month. Most of the children's activities have been cancelled due to winter storms or -20 wind chills, but this morning classes were held. It was -12 when we left the house at 8:30 the morning. Roads were slick on the country roads we take to co-op on Wednesdays, but the slippery roads were worth enduring because of the beauty of the scenery.<br />
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A thick, glittery, white frost covered all the trees and bushes. Steam was rising out of the creeks and rivers. I love seeing the frost and snow contrasting with the dark bark of the bare trees. The girls finished their classes around 10:30 and we headed back home. The sun hadn't burned the frost off most of the trees yet, so when we reached home, everyone grabbed their cameras for an hour of photography. I decided to call it photography class/art in my planner. We drove around town and walked short distances to get photos, because it was too cold to walk for very long. Here are a few of my photographs.<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-47272461480708574212015-01-11T15:51:00.000-05:002015-01-11T15:51:11.597-05:00Whole 30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mike and I have managed to stick with the whole 30 plan so far this month. The kids are eating better, but no longer following the plan. We're allowing them to have occasional whole grain bread, milk, peanut butter and some condiments. The kids were really struggling with the loss of milk and bread, and we decided that nutritionally it would be good for them to have some of those foods. I'm not keeping milk or bread in the house all the time like I did in the past. They are enjoying them about three times a week.<br />
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Mike has lost 15 pounds so far this year and is really loving the food plan. His energy is through the roof and his enthusiasm is boundless for Whole 30. I've lost 18.5 pounds and feel better. The lethargy is gone and I am calmer and more interested in doing things. Unfortunately, I miss my International House Caramel Vanilla coffee each afternoon. Tea is lovely, but doesn't provide me with the same feeling of comfort and relaxation that the daily cup of coffee used to give me.<br />
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I'm exercising almost every other day and can feel myself regaining stamina that I had lost over the summer. The plan is to now exercise two days in a row, then take a day off and repeat the pattern. By the end of the month, I'll be working out 6 days each week. <br />
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My blood pressure is in the normal range, so our health insurance premiums should go down this year. The penalty for not being in the healthy range was quite expensive. Maybe we should put the money we're saving in premiums aside each week and then take a wonderful trip next summer. Hmmmm.<br />
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We started writing down some of the recipes that we're developing that were well received by the masses. My crock-pot chuck roast with tomatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, onions, and parsley was delicious. My prepared a paprika chicken breast that was full of flavor, but not spicy. I enjoyed it so much that he's going to make it again this week. Tonight's main course is turkey-beef meatloaf prepared with ground chuck, ground turkey, eggs, grated carrots, diced onions, parsley, and thyme. <br />
Mike prepared a vegetable-chicken soup using spaghetti squash, bok choy, carrots, and onions that was a good replacement for chicken noodle soup.<br />
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The kids are enjoying the wide variety of vegetables that we're eating throughout the day. We've always enjoyed roasted asparagus in the spring, but now we're getting it in January. Acorn squash is being prepared in a variety of ways and NOW the kids like them. Mike tried to serve cranberry sauce, but it was simply to sour without any form of sweetener. Kale has received mixed reviews. Some of the kids thought that it was okay, others really disliked it.<br />
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I've realized that my children are less fussy about foods than I am. It's something that I'm going to need to work on, but try as I might, I just don't think squash and I will ever be best buddies.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-74801383002149878702015-01-04T20:25:00.001-05:002015-01-04T20:25:47.915-05:00New Beginnings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the last several months, it's become apparent that my kids are eating too much crap. Not intentionally, because I do plan healthy meals. The problem is that the schedule keeps us from eating together or even at home several meals each week. Fast food three days a week during a quick break from scheduled activities out of town, ordering pizza when I'm exhausted at the end of the week, and picking up a quick snack has created children (and parents) who no longer crave real, fresh food. <br />
This especially became obvious when I realized that my normally healthy grazer only wants carbs. Not good things like fruit or whole grains. She wants refined sugars,white bread, junk. <br />
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I've been mulling over the situation during December, hoping to find a solution to our meal problem. The goal was to break everyone's junk food desire and get us back to better nutrition. A pin on pinterest helped me with an idea. Whole 30 is a thirty day plan where participants eat no grains, dairy, legumes or processed food. When I mentioned it to Mike, he thought that it was a great idea.<br />
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We began the program as a family on January 1. The kids have had a few complaints. The main one is that they want more variety, especially for breakfast. After the first day, they loved the fresh fruits and vegetables that are always available. My huge sweet eater is thrilled to eat pears and apples in the afternoon and for breakfast The first day, I let the kids eat up a ton of yogurt that was in the refrigerator. The second day, one of my children (not naming them to protect the guilty) went to Taco Bell. Other than those events, we've done very well with the plan. <br />
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Yesterday, the youngest girls were playing at a friends house and the mother offered them a snack. My girls explained that "they could only eat fruit, vegetables or meat". I was proud that they were trying to stick with the guidelines. We do realize that the minor children have special dietary needs with additional calcuim and we don't want them to lose any weight. With that in mind, we will probably pick up some yogurt and some whole grains for them during the 30 day period.<br />
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Overall, it's been working out fairly well for us and we're eating much more variety in our diet. </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-81430034007537610372015-01-03T11:01:00.003-05:002015-01-03T11:01:46.526-05:00Lots Happening in 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our family had a great 2014. I spent some time the last few days, looking over some of the things we achieved individually or as a family and was surprised at how busy we were. As I worked my way through my new planner, I realized that 2015 will be another year of changes.<br />
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Katie changed her wedding date (again) and is now planning an August wedding. I'm happy for her, but was a little surprised at the change. She and George are busy trying to get facilities and other things organized for their big day.<br />
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Joe will be graduating in the spring. He's been ready to graduate for the last year, due to boredom at the public school. The race to get paperwork in to all the colleges is a challenge. Joe isn't the most organized person when it comes to meeting deadlines and I'm forcing him to handle this alone. Hopefully, the experience will help him with his organizational skills before he leaves in August for college. He doesn't want an open house for graduation, but instead, requested a hiking trip to the U.P. He's making plans on places he wants us to go, so it should be an adventure.<br />
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Joe tried out for a part in the school musical, The Adams Family. He won the part of Mal, who is Wednesday's future father-in-law. He has some solos to sing and is really enjoying acting. It's hard to believe that he is the same shy young man from 5 years ago. It does my mommy heart good to have watched him grow and develop more confidence in himself.<br />
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Paige and Allie have been taking cheer classes and dance classes. The spring cheer competition is the same day as the dance recital. When offered the choice of one, they decided to do the cheer competition this spring. Next year, the dance studio will be putting on a full ballet, so they are planning on doing the ballet recital next year. <br />
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Madelyn, Paige and Alison will all be heading to the state competition in a few weeks. Madelyn is also looking forward to participating in the national competition in July. The competition will be in our state, so Mike and I are thrilled with the lower expenses this year.<br />
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My etsy shop is doing fairly well. My sales are consistently growing and a steady pace. Mike doesn't need to worry about retiring on my income any time soon, but it's nice to be earning a little extra doing things that I enjoy<br />
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Now that the siding is finished and the holidays are past, we've started more projects on the house. The goal is to have it completed before Katie's wedding in August. Mike is currently installing more insulation in the attic of the house and I'm stripping the varnish and glue from the large curving staircase in the center of the house. He's going to put in a new ceiling over this staircase next. We plan to carpet the hallway next to the staircase, but have been waiting until the mess of mudding the walls and staining the wooden stairs is finished first. <br />
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After that, the tub/shower needs to be installed in the upstairs bathroom and the master bathroom needs to be completed. I also want to get the flooring in the entry dining room and kitchen redone. The entry is currently tile, the dining room is wood block and the kitchen/laundry room is laminate. I'd like to make them the same flooring to have better flow from room to room.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279878132315954446.post-20456246199002117692014-12-18T15:16:00.000-05:002014-12-18T15:16:04.119-05:00Beginner Sewing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Paige and Allie and a friend are learning to sew this fall. We get together about twice a month and work on some beginner projects. So far they've made a fall wall hanging and an apron. The aprons went fairly quickly, but as usual I underestimated the amount of time it takes a beginner to sew. Paige finished her apron first and was able to use it today when we were making Chex Mix. Allie's will get completed tomorrow when we have a little time without any running around to do.<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171063087193671797noreply@blogger.com0