Life at the Homeschool Farm

The homeschooling journey...

2012-01-24T15:36:00.002-07:00

"Homeschooling is like entering a lifeboat from a large cruise ship. The cruise ship - like some schools - is pleasant enough, but unfortunately travels in circles, seeming to go nowhere. Some passengers learn to handle of even enjoy the prescribed activities. Others openly rebel by acting out or spacing out.

One day, knowing there must be a better way, you and your family board a lifeboat to chart your own course. your children look to you for direction, and you smile back, a little scared and definitely lost. Uncertain of your destination, you look around the great big ocean from your tiny lifeboat, wave good-bye to the cruise ship, and start rowing.

That is how most families begin homeschooling. they dip their oars into the water and shove off, using the equipment available - their experience, learning materials in their homes, and free community resources. Eventually, they reach an island where they find other homeschooling families and learn about ta world of resources and opportunities. Their children begin to flourish, and they wonder why they ever had any doubts about leaving the ship."

Homeschooling the Teen Years by Cafi Cohen

This is such a good analogy!

The Parable of the Lost Son AKA The Story of the Prodigal Son

2011-12-23T15:50:00.010-07:00

The Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15:11-32New International Version (NIV)

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Some things to remember about this parable:

Prodigal - 1. Characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure 2. Recklessly spendthrift.

The prodigal child lived the way he wanted for a period of time, but he came back to his father. The opportunity for healing didn't occur until the prodigal child realized that he wanted a relationship with his father. A prodigal child will not return without a change of heart and it must be the prodigal child's choice to return. I fear that if the father had actively sought out the prodigal child and tried to make the prodigal child see reason that it would have prolonged the prodigal child's absence.

You don't need to earn a parent's love. You can count on a parent's love; it will always be there. The father had no choice but to continue tending his flocks and fields while the prodigal child was gone. Others were depending on him. He must have been hurt deeply but in his wisdom he knew that God was in control and that all things work together for the glory of God.

Every time I hear this parable I get something else out of it. There's a good book called The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller that talks about the older son in this parable. He talks about why the older son was mad; because he followed all the rules and did everything he was supposed to and the younger son did not. It's a very interesting read, especially to an oldest child.

Winter Storm

2011-12-06T15:04:00.005-07:00

Sunrise this morning. It was 4* at 7am with a few snowflakes in the air. It was 3* at 7:30am and the clouds covered the sun and there was more snow. At 3pm today it is 30*, blue skies not a cloud in sight and no snow falling.
Apparently, the horses thought it was feeding time.
Isn't this the epitome of New Mexico weather? I could have moved the camera slightly to the left and gotten a picture of blue skies and slightly tot he right and severe dark clouds. LOL

A wise ruling

2011-08-20T18:01:00.003-06:00

"16 Now two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 One of them said, “Pardon me, my lord. This woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. 18 The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us.
19 “During the night this woman’s son died because she lay on him. 20 So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I your servant was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast. 21 The next morning, I got up to nurse my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t the son I had borne.”

22 The other woman said, “No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours.”

But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before the king.

23 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,’ while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.’”

24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

26 The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!”

But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!”

27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.”

28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice." 1 Kings 3:16-28 NIV

For the longest time I felt guilty about us not forcing ourselves into Jeremy and Amber's lives. This story explains it. It caused the kids so much heartache and pain to be involved with Bo and I (and Benjaman) because their mother didn't want that. So she made it very hard on the kids. I sat next to both kids, lending comfort, while they were on the phone with their mom explaining that they just wanted to spend some time with their dad. They were saying things like: "Yes, Mom, I still love you" and "Mom, nothing's wrong, he didn't promise me anything. I just want to get to know my dad". Of course, these conversations happened when they were teenagers; they are burned into my brain along with every single mistake Bo and I made that alienated them further. Bo opted to just accept the minimum involvement their mother would allow when they were younger. Now I understand. I held it against him for a long time. I even felt guilty about it for a long time; I thought it had something to do with me or the kids not wanting to be around me. Now, I realize that they were made to pay for all contact with their dad, but especially me. It especially hurts now because we really thought we would have their adult lives to form relationships. Now Jeremy is gone and so is that opportunity. I am so glad that the year before he died he decided to spend time with us anyway. We at least have a few memories to cherish. I still feel cheated though. I know I'll see him in Glory and I know I should be satisfied with that. I know he lives on in my heart. Sometimes that isn't comfort enough. I won't know what kind of husband he would be; what kind of parent he would be, what kind of grand-parent he would be. I regret every bad moment between us; it is lost and I can't make it right. I also know that these thoughts are selfish and serve no purpose other than to harm me.

A plea to all who share custody of their kids:

PLEASE PUT THE KIDS FEELINGS AND NEEDS BEFORE YOUR OWN! There are long-lasting effects. Just because the child turns 18 doesn't mean the games stop. It doesn't mean that you are free of other parent. It also doesn't mean that you will be able to forge that relationship with the child. It is heartbreaking.

For all my loving family and friends: Please don't worry, I am okay. I'm just working through things. Apparently, taking anti-depressants for 2 years after Jeremy's death did not allow me to pass through grief. So, while it may seem belated to some, I am grieving as I should have done almost 3 years ago. There are no shortcuts in life. I hope someone can learn from my experiences.

WHY?

2011-08-16T10:07:00.002-06:00

WHY?! Why did you give us a bath?! We worked very hard to get that smelly and dirty!

BJJ

2011-08-02T13:55:00.008-06:00

Here's Ben after his stripe promotion with Professor Raphael. Ben is now Orange belt 3rd yellow stripe. Ben trains at Gracie Barra in Albuquerque.

Southwest Grapplefest V, Rio Rancho, NM
Benjaman is in the blue Gi in both fights.

From Bo:
Fight #1 The first match was against a girl who was ranked green belt (1 belt above Benjaman). He finished her with an arm bar technique.

Fight #2 The second match was against another green belt. Benjaman finished him with a choke while defending against an arm bar.

Don't worry if you don't know what "arm bar" means, Benjaman will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Both matches were against very strong opponents and we are very proud of him.

Champ!

Sabbatical project

2011-07-26T10:21:00.004-06:00

What's better to do on sabbatical than major household renovation?!

We (Bo) are (is) replacing the flooring in the house, removing the wood stove and (finally) finishing that corner, painting the bathroom and various other areas.

More cool floor for the dogs to lay on!

The laundry room. We are thinking about this color for the guest bath and the kitchen. We know it's dark and it might make the rooms seem smaller but it's so rich. It's really beautiful. If whoever buys our place doesn't like it then they can replace it!

Pictures

2011-07-19T11:18:00.006-06:00

Here are the pictures from this summer so far...
My petunias, thought I killed them, but they came back!

HEY! Who did that?!
Ben and Grandpa Leslie at the Space Museum in Alamogordo.
Benjaman and Grandma Leslie at the Space Museum in Alamogordo.
Benjaman at the Space Museum in Alamogordo.
Kissy face Bo! lol
Ben feeding the bunnies at the Leslie farm.
Ben milking the goat at Leslie farm.
Red sun, the first day of the Las Conchas fire. This picture really doesn't do it justice. The sun looked like Mars.
Isotopes baseball game. No, I was not irritating that poor child! lol And he loved it!
Ben...pensive....
Ben, working....building the new "spot" for the washing machine water so our septic system would quit over flowing and I could do more than 2 loads of laundry a day. Wait a minute...who wants to do more than 2 loads of laundry a day! Oh well, get it all done in one day in my motto. Good thing I'm not God! There would be NO Sabbath! lolMe, freezing my arse at the crest. It was 100 degrees at home!
My morning glory vines. Hopefully they'll start blooming soon.
My spinach, I think. Is it? Is it ready to pick? Did I let it go too long? Why didn't I research this first?
Kawliga's wooden indian maid, from Denver's Museum of Natural History.
My hollyhocks finally hocked!

What sign? No beer? Well, we're outside the fence so it doesn't count.
My hollyhocks.

This is to remind you that it will cool off eventually and we'll be complaining then too!

Perspective

2011-07-18T19:48:00.004-06:00

I can be depressed or

I can be thankful for...the roof over my head, electricity that almost never goes out, air conditioning, heating, pantry & freezers full of food, good friends, loving family, a good, loving, kind husband and a moral, upright, teenage boy (and that's the biggest miracle because it's a thing of the distant past)...I could go on, but these are the most important.

I hate....

2011-07-16T09:12:00.003-06:00

I hate that Jeremy died. I hate depression. I hate alienation. I hate what my life has become. I hate the pain of those around me. I don't want to see how God will use for good. I just want to go back.

Flowers

2011-06-23T11:04:00.002-06:00

This is a flowering bush we found along the road going up to Sandia crest last weekend.
My hollyhocks are finally blooming! They were getting wind whipped when Bo took the pictures though. lol
My poker plants are done blooming, but my free irises are still blooming.
One of my hollyhocks up close.

My wonky dream...

2011-06-22T14:38:00.000-06:00

6/22/11

I had a dream…

I looked out the window in the bathroom and noticed a big sink hole in the back yard. It had jagged edges, was very deep and the ground looked moist deeper down. I could see what looked like tunnel with jagged edges going off in different directions. Bo had just left for work then he was in the house telling me to get ready because the city inspectors would be here in a minute.

When I came out of the bedroom my house was filled with people I didn’t know rushing here there and everywhere and the sliding glass door was open. I saw an opening to underground. “Wow, I didn’t realize it came this far over” I said. Then I saw steps going down into the hole. “Did you make these” I asked? “nope” said an unidentifiable worker. Parts of each step were missing, but every step was there so you could descend to the bottom. The steps were made of mosaic tile. The wall in the bottom was mosaic tile with gold. It was beautiful! There were people coming and going from the tunnels and up and down the stairs.

Peggy and the kids came over to see it all. There were a ton of people by this time just visiting to see it all. There were tables for people to sit and rest or eat a packed lunch.

It’s night time and Ben is home so we grab flashlights to show him. The place is deserted, it’s just us 3. I call the dogs and they come from the direction of the opening, then I see other eyes approaching in the dark. It’s 2 black cats, they are friendly. Then there are 2 more. I notice more animals around, but don’t know what they all are. I’m not afraid of the animals though I do remember that ancient Egyptians considered cats to be protectors from the un-dead. We go down the stairs and into the hole. There seems to be light coming from a room and I look in through a French door and see a man lying on his side with his arm stretched out in between stair railings. Apparently I’m looking in at the upstairs. I call the guys back, “Hey, here’s a body.” About the time they get to me the guy sits up on his knees and looks at us. Bo is in front, Ben and I behind. All of a sudden Bo says, “Run!” So we turn tail and run back to the entrance. Bo stops, vomits, tells me and Ben to get the truck. I say, “the 4runner?”. “No the blue truck” he says. Then he disappears back into the hole. Ben and I shoot up the steps and start the diesel. I am absolutely terrified. Bo, my 6’1” 250# husband who doesn’t back down from anything just vomited in fear…something…anyway, if it freaks him and sends him into immediate action you can be sure it’s absolutely terrifying! Ben starts to drive, he goes out on the road and circles back again into the other part of the circle drive. There is traffic now, people are starting to show up for the day. We made it back to the entrance just as Bo comes out and he gets in and drives us away…

Back story…a sinkhole opened up at the end of our house in Jan. 2007. Insurance paid to move the house and then cancelled the “earth cessation” part of our policy. It is now 2011 and we planted grass in the front yard and flower beds along the front of the house. The front porch is moving away from the house, the dirt up against the house in the flower beds is moving away from the house. In the road just outside our front lawn and going the entire length of the lawn the ground is split. It looks like maybe our front yard right up to the house is a small sink hole. It cost $18000 to move the house 4 years ago, the insurance won’t do it again and we can’t afford to do it. If something like the sinkhole happens again we are screwed. The property won’t be worth what we owe on it. There will be no place safe to put another house, we picked the flattest, most stable part of the property when we moved the house 4 years ago. We’ll have a mortgage on a piece of land that won’t hold a house. Good luck selling that! Oh, and I’m reading Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. The Stand by Stephen King also comes to mind as I’m re-telling this dream.

Flowers

2011-05-14T15:37:00.002-06:00

Bo expanded my flower garden this year. Last year it was just from the driveway to the front steps. This year we added from the other side of the front steps to the end of the house. That's a BIG flower garden! So I decided to plant my herbs, spinach and onions in the front as well. Any green is good and flowers are a bonus! LOL My hollyhocks are coming back from last year and there is something else trying to come back, but the rabbits are eating it so I don't know what it is! Stupid rabbits! I planted some petunias, marigolds (yellow and orange), asiatic lillies, foxglove, daisies, lavender, asylum and a wildflower mix. About half of the free irises I got are coming and one even has a bud! Of course, I planted morning glories by the fence outside my bedroom window. I just love morning glories! Bo planted a honeysuckle in the corner of the yard by the driveway. We also got a peach tree this year; it's in the front yard. Jeremy had a bleeding heart that he always wanted to plant so I planted it. I hope it wasn't too old to come up! Most of the grass came back, except for one patch that is grass-resistant! Bo bought seed that's supposed to grow anywhere, but it's not growing there! LOL Oh well. I spread the bark over the flower bed this afternoon, but 5 bags just wasn't enough. It's spread pretty thin; I think I need about 3 more. It looks like it's going to rain. YAY! My new transplants and seeds need some moisture from Heaven! I'll post pictures when I get a camera, hopefully soon! Happy Spring!

Long time...Update

2011-04-27T09:20:00.004-06:00

Wow! It's been a long time since I posted! Our camera quit working so I quit posting. The pictures I took gave me ideas about what to post. Bo told me, "silly wife, you can post without pictures!" So, here you go honey, a post!

Here's the news since I posted last:

Both cats died. Nikki had to be euthanized because her body was just shutting down. Precious just couldn't handle life without Nikki. I'd had those cats for 19 years! They had been a part of my entire adult life! I miss their companionship terribly, but I sure don't miss all the hair and the litter box. They are both buried on top of Dee. They were her cats. Anytime either one cried, but especially Precious, Dee came running to defend.

The Lincoln County rescued puppies are doing well and finally settling down! I brought 3 back from Lincoln County because those dummies were going to euthanize them! The "authorities" found a nursing mother dog and decided to round them all up to euthanize them! Luckily, my mom went and rescued the whole litter, but she couldn't get her hands on the mama. The mama is still running around Lincoln County.

One of Bo's friends from work took 1 of the puppies, a speckled cow dog looking female called Lena. Lena's a weirdo; she licks their house! She's calmed down though and they are enjoying her.
Our speckled cow dog looking female is Benjaman's dog and her name is Trouble. She's a weirdo too! She sucks on her blanket if she's out of sorts or you upset her. She's a good dog. She's very leary of strangers. She has calmed down though. She's really a sweet dog and Ben finally has one of his own that he picked out! Trouble has several nick-names: Boo, Boo-Bear, Loony-Lou, Lou-Bug, Bug. She answers to them all! LOL She is 50#.
Our tri-color male is mine and his name is Rowdy. His weirdest trait is that he pees like a horse; he stretches out long to pee. For awhile he would lift his leg a little, but he's quit that. It's embarrassing to me that my boy dog doesn't lift his leg. Oh well. Rowdy is just dumb. He's a big dumb lug, but he's a sweet boy. He's never once growled or snapped at a person. And while he was a barker when he was a puppy; he doesn't bark much now, unless you are on our road or coming in our gate. He weighs 70#!

I had dreams of walking all 3 dogs every day, a la Ceasar Milan. Well, a 70# dog is hard to handle and even harder to handle with a 50# dog! Maybe I'll try again now that they have calmed down some.

Belle is doing good. She needs an Estradiol shot about once a year to keep her urinary tract working properly. We know she needs it because about every Feb. or March she starts waking up in puddles. Poor girl looks so confused when that happens! So we get her a hormone shot and she goes into heat for a little while (really weird for a fixed dog!). She's not as recovered as we would like from getting run over on the interstate in 2008. She still runs after the horses and chickens and she'll chase whatever you throw, but she gets real sore if you don't watch her close and make her stop. She can't get up from sitting or lying down quickly, actually, now that I think about it, she doesn't sit hardly at all. She had knee surgery and recovered well from that. The vet thinks she's as good as she can be given her injuries. She's starting to play with Rowdy and Trouble. That's good to see!

We still have all 3 horses. Sarah still isn't trained. I haven't even attempted it after my last failure with the saddle. Cinbar is doing well, keeping weight on. Dutchess is fine, but I think she gets restless this time of year. She wants to be out and about. Of course, the wild horses are down all the time. Last summer they got our horses really sick. They passed some kind of virus through the fence. It cost us about $250 in vet and medicine bills and countless hundreds more to put the weight back on them. They are all healthy now though.

The wild horse herd is growing and becoming domesticated. There is a woman who feeds them every day. She has names for them all. While it's a nice sentiment, the herd has become bigger than this area can support. It is neat that you can walk right up to them and pet them though. How many people have walked right up to a wild horse and pet it?

We finally lost our 2 oldest chickens; Brownie and Gimpy. Brownie got left out and the dogs chased her until she got caught in the fencing and died. Bo found Gimpy keeled over in the pen one day. They were 7 or 8 years old! Brownie only quit laying last year and Gimpy quit laying 3 years ago. Gimpy used to consistently lay double yolk eggs and sometimes double eggs (double yolk & double white!). We still have 10 laying hens but have been very disappointed all of them except the Rhode Island Reds. Only 3 Buff Orpingtons went broody 2 years ago; none since then. They quit laying sooner than the Reds and began laying later than the Reds. Maybe we will buy more Reds and then sell the others. We have a beautiful Cochin rooster who is not aggressive. That's good for him because it means that his head gets to stay attached to his neck! LOL

This school year has been good.

Ben participated in Teen Pact in February. Teen Pact is a Christian organization that provides a mock legislature. It lasts 4 days in Santa Fe and they get to meet the governor and many legislators. The do a few prayer walks around the capitol building. This all takes place while our legislature is in session. Ben learned alot about the legislature, but he came home a very firm Christian. He finally got it about Christ's sacrifice for us and how to pray for guidance to live a Godly life! I'm so proud of him!
Ben also competed in Speech and Debate as part of a Christian Homeschool league. He didn't really enjoy the actual competition, but he loved the fellowship at tournaments. Again, very Christian kids trying to live Godly lives.
He decided he was going to Charter school next year and then the minute we said okay and enrolled him, he said nevermind. LOL I guess he just wanted to know if we'd let him. He said he appreciates the flexibility of homeschooling. YAY! Another accomplishment!
Ben took a year off Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He recently went back, but to another school, Gracie Barra. He loves it! Bo and I really like this school. The teachers really enjoy working with the kids. If we had made this switch years ago, he probably wouldn't have taken the year off. Oh well, live and learn.
Ben started his first year of high school this year. This fall was a huge adjustment period. He's taking an Algebra class outside of the home. I also bought high school curriculum. There was a lot more expected of him this year and he really struggled this past fall. Around Christmas time though, he just changed. The concept of greater responsibility comes with greater expectations really hit home for him. He read the book Do Hard Things and he changed. Then he read Crazy Love by Frances Chan. He started working harder on his school work. He argued less. I'm so proud of how he has grown up over the last few months!

Bo has been working and trying not to get bogged down by everything that needs to be done around the property. His second sabbatical is coming up this summer. It is 2 months and he has more projects than sabbatical and definitely more projects than money! He also remembered that his family owns a homestead between Roswell and Tatum. Anyone that knows Bo knows that it's been his lifelong dream to live out in the boonies, off-grid. So, back to Roswell we go. There's work that needs to be done first so it will be a little while yet.

In my attempt to avoid depression I decided to take on volunteer duties at church and to begin working part time. So I'm church treasurer and the Christian Education director. Our church is very small so they aren't big jobs. But then, I work preparing taxes part time, with a few full time weeks in February. Then, Ben has outside classes and activities on top of his regular school work. Long story short, I severely over-committed myself. I ended up in bed sick for 2 weeks and another 2 weeks of going slow to recover. Now I have to make some choices for next spring.

The good news is that I think I've got my depression under control. I think I'm starting to come out of the grief of losing Jeremy. That doesn't mean I've forgotten him or gotten over his death. It just means that I'm starting to see the sun again. I'm coming out of that dark tunnel. I feel like it's spring time for my soul as well as for the Earth. As I look around, I can't believe the state of affairs of my home and my family. I have neglected both. We now live in a house instead of a home. So I'm working to make it a home again.

I think that's the most comprehensive update I can come up with right now. Maybe we'll get a camera soon and I can start chronicling our lives again with pictures. It’s so much nicer to have pictures with the words!

Arthritic cats

2010-11-30T19:45:00.002-07:00

This cold weather combined with our poor finances has our house a wee bit on the cold side lately. Both of my 20 year old cats have arthritis so they have been wandering around the house squawking quite a bit, even after I go to bed and before I get up in the morning. I know they are old and the cold doesn't feel good, but man, I'm tired! Then I thought about the hot water bottle. It last several hours and once they go to sleep they stay asleep even when the water cools. Of course, I'm also keeping a space heater in the bathroom on very low heat.
Don't they look comfy?! I wish I could relax that well!

Tumbleweed path

2010-11-29T13:20:00.003-07:00

We had high winds yesterday. The tumbleweeds blew in.

When I fed this morning I couldn't figure out why the horses wouldn't come from the other end of the lane. They just kept circling in their leg of the maze. I thought Cinbar had finally lost it and couldn't find his way through. So I decided to walk down there. I actually had to move tumbleweeds out of the way and lead the horses through. I tried to get pictures of my path.

Devil's Canyon, UT

2010-11-04T21:23:00.003-06:00

The rock formations and canyons along I70 in southeastern UT are just beautiful! We could have stopped every few miles to take pictures!

Teen angst

2010-11-04T21:16:00.001-06:00

It's not all teenage angst!

Bountiful Harvest

2010-11-04T21:12:00.001-06:00

We got 4 pints of corn and 19 quarts of green beans from the garden. We will enjoy them all year long (well, at least the green beans!).

2010-11-04T21:08:00.001-06:00

Lovin' that concrete mixer! Now we have drains at the bottom of the rain gutter downspouts! Yay!

Ah, lazy homeschool days!

2010-09-27T16:23:00.004-06:00

I remember hating documentaries when I was in school. Now with the History Channel, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel and the Learning Channel we have many options for great documentaries and educational programming. I try to use this option as much as possible for history. There's just so much to cover and even Benjaman has a limit on his reading.

We are currently studying World History through Weapons and Warfare. I've cleaned out the library of books and videos. Right now the focus is Ancient Civilizations, 2200 - 500 BC. Poor Ben is tired from 3 days of working in the hot sun at the apple orchard, but this video has to be returned tomorrow and can't be renewed.
Poor Ben is tired from 3 days of working in the hot sun at the apple orchard, but this video has to be returned tomorrow and can't be renewed.
When you fall asleep in class at Conklin Academy you get to keep sleeping!
There's always time to finish your lessons.

Apples!

2010-09-27T16:05:00.003-06:00

I bought a bushel of apples.

My wonderful hubby bought me an apple peeler, corer, slicer. I don't know how I would have made it through a bushel without it! Thanks honey!

The dogs love apple peels. If you zoom in you can see the Rowdy has pulled a peel out of the bucket, kind of. LOL All 3 dogs took turns under the table.

Working my stove to it's full capacity. I need something bigger on the homestead honey!

One word: YUM!

Finished product; it doesn't seem like much after 3 days of hard work. Actually, there are about 6 quarts not in the picture.

I guess I need another bushel!

Ben's summer

2010-08-09T11:49:00.006-06:00

Benjaman got to spend some time working on Leslie Farm this summer. He usually spends 1-2 months there.
Working on the latch for the new milk goat pen.
Apparently Benjaman dug many post holes this summer.
Ali (Catahoula dam)-she will be mother to generations as part of the Leslie Catahoula bredding operation. She was very flea & tick infested when we picked her up. Poor girl had to spend a week at the vets. She's doing fine now though.
Chilling with the dogs. Daisy (Doo Doo, the dachshund), Molly (the black mut), Blade ( the Catahoula sire-just call him Abraham!)
Guarding Grandpa from Grandma and Mom.
A break during hiking in Nogal Canyon.

Grandpa teaching Benjaman to cut using a torch.

Bathroom Remodel

2010-08-09T11:36:00.003-06:00

We've been wanting to replace our tiny shower for years and the big garden tub has had a leak for years so was unusable. Thanks to Raymond and Shiral we got a jump start on the project last weekend! The new tub/shower is installed and working. We have new flooring and 2 areas for linen closets. I still need to paint, but I'm taking a little break since I need to nail down our school schedule for the year (school starts Monday!).

Professionals...really? Update

2010-07-17T08:45:00.003-06:00

Well, Allstate's "carpenter" and the 2 movers finally made up to the buyer's house about 2:30 Monday afternoon. Remember, the owner promised to send them first thing? They spent 2 1/2 - 3 hours there and replaced the wood that was absolutely necessary and the ridge cap. They left the ridge cap hanging off the ends of the building and didn't try to bend the mangled tin or replace the torn tin. The building would have leaked. So Bo took Tuesday off work and went up there and fixed it right. We stopped payment on the check for moving the building. Bo replaced the mangled tin and fit the ridge cap. The new owner is now happy and we got paid- YAY! Bo deducted the cost of materials, his lost wages and gas to drive up there. We ended up having to reduce the moving bill by $270. Oh well. I just can't believe how unprofessional this company has been! I'm so glad the situation is now resolved! On with life!

Professionals...really?

2010-07-12T09:57:00.003-06:00

So hired professional building movers to move the office when we sold it. The guys showed up and had to borrow tools and broke the big window right off the bat. Then the owner showed up and told his guys that the building was taller than he thought and they better be careful about the overpasses. We decided to follow them up to San Ildefonso Reservation, where the building was going. We wanted to make sure it made it up there okay and that the guy was satisfied. Of course, he hadn't paid us yet either. So we're driving down the highway behind the office and guys go under the overpass at Santo Domingo (16' 4") and they hit it! Tin comes flying down and we had to run it over. At least we were in the truck and the underneath is protected by skid plates. They took off the whole ridgecap; the building is now open to the sky! So we get the building up to the buyer and the movers level it. Bo talks to the owner of the moving company and that guy told him that they just moved the building, why can't Bo fix it. Bo told him because it had a roof when it left my place! So they owner agreed to send someone out to fix the building Monday. We wrote the movers a post dated check for Tuesday and told them that if the building isn't fixed Monday afternoon that we would cancel the check. The guy we sold the building to did the same to us. So the building is off our property and ruined and we haven't gotten paid yet! I debated posting their name on here, but I always post the name of businesses I am very satisfied with so it's really only fair to post those I'm completely dis-satisfied with. This move just wasn't completed professionally. Then to try to get out of fixing the damage they caused is totally unacceptable. We used Allstate Builders on the corner of 550 & 528 in Rio Rancho. We are dis-satisfied customers, will not use them again and will not recommend them.

Family

2010-06-13T21:01:00.001-06:00

Redneck walk in the country

2010-05-10T15:09:00.001-06:00

What do Rednecks bring home from their walk?

Beer cans, empty buckets...and snakes!

Turkey...mmmmm

2010-04-26T20:12:00.003-06:00

Benjaman killed his first turkey in Capitan, NM! Yay! Well Done! Let's eat!

Great Horned Owl?

2010-04-11T20:10:00.003-06:00

Ben and his friend, Nick, startled a bird out of a nest and it dropped this baby onto the rocks. Being curious boys, of course, they brought it home. Bo called The Santa Fe Raptor Center. The lady came to our house to get it and said it was a Great Horned Owl. She said the boys saved it's life. It's probably only 2 weeks old. They have a full grown male GHO that was imprinted so it can't be released into the wild. She was going to see if he would feed the baby so it's won't get imprinted and can be released into the wild. He was such a soft little ball!

Confirmation

2010-04-08T12:07:00.002-06:00

Benjaman has been Confirmed in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. That means that he spent 1.5 years learning about the faith and the vows that were made at his Baptism. Confirmation is a re-affirming of the baptismal vows. He has now agreed to keep those vows himself. We are so proud of him!

New 'do

2010-03-02T14:20:00.003-07:00

Well, after 4 years, I finally grew my hair long enough to donate to Locks of Love. Locks of Love uses the donations to make children's hair prostethis. These children lose their hair for any number medical reasons. It has to be at least 10 inches long in a pony tail. Jaclene, my hairdresser for 12 years, separated it into 2 pony tails to cut. I haven't made it home to measure the pony tails yet, but will post pics when I do.

Here I am after the cut. My hair has some serious re-training to do! It doesn't want to hold any syle! Poor Jaclene spent 20 minutes just trying to get it to do anything besides lay there! Maybe it was depressed! LOL

On the other hand, my head feels 20 pounds lighter! Now to re-grow it back to a respectable length. lol

2010-02-18T09:27:00.003-07:00

Crazy Friday Homeschool Speech and Debate Tournament
Speech - Benjaman tied with a 4 year competitor for 1st place with his Original Oratory on hunting
Debate - Benjaman filled in for a 4 year debater and his team won 1st place
General - Benjaman won "Most Improved" in his speech and debate club

This is Benjaman's second semester in the Say It With Class speech class, based on the Toastmasters model, and his first season debating. He loves it. I guess that's no surprise to anyone who knows him!

This spring he will be competing in Los Alamos, Farmington, Albuquerque and San Diego.

ps. Go here for a comparison on how much Benjaman has grown since February 2008. He's growing up!

Sleep...naughty puppies...smoke detector

2010-02-11T11:06:00.003-07:00

Picture this....

I am finally sleeping peacefully, having a dream about working with the horses. All of a sudden there is this loud beeping noise. I know Bo has left for work, besides this beeping doesn't sound like our alarm clocks. I listen for a second...then it hits me... THE SMOKE DETECTOR! Oh my God! I've been fearing this day since we moved into a mobile home! My dad, a volunteer firefighter, always warned me to never live in a trailer because a whole trailer will go up in flames so quickly that it will be gone before the fire department can get there. Flash back to reality, I don't hear anything but the smoke detector. I bolt out of bed, forget to check if the door is hot, blast out of the bedroom to a smoke filled room. Both puppies are standing there, wondering why I'm in such an uproar. Then I see smoke wafting from my cast iron skillet on the stove. The burner is on! I see debris on the living room floor... the spatula, the butter dish, other plastic. WHEW...what a relief! I turn off the burner, turn on the exhaust fan, open the kitchen window and back door. But I wonder why Benjaman is still in bed. The smoke detector is still blaring. I go to his door, knock and open it. He is gathering his books! I ask him if he knows what that sound is. "Yeah, it's the smoke alarm." he says. I say, "what are you doing?!" "Mom, I have very valuable books!" Okay, so I have to explain to him about insurance and that the books can be replaced, but we need to focus on the people and the animals that depend on us in case of a fire! What a start to the day! It can only get better from here!

Belle's home with a new knee

2010-02-04T16:01:00.004-07:00

Remember Christmas 2008 when Belle got hit on the interstate? A side-effect of that accident was a weakened knee. Summer 2009 she came inside after being out all day with the horses holding her leg up. She never quite got better. The vet warned us that she might blow out that knee. So, here it is, bonus and tax return time, and Belle gets a new knee. She came through her surgery well, but will have to be confined to the laundry room for 1 month to rehabilitate her knee properly. I don't think she'll be very happy about that! The vet also said that her other knee was pretty loose and might blow out due to her activity level after this knee heals! So I guess we know where next year's tax refund will go! She's a really great dog and we all love her, but she better live a very long time and be very active for the rest of her life!
Here she is after her ride home from the vet ~ she hates that stupid cone. It's so embarrassing!
Here's her incision. It is huge!
She's now resting in her crate in the bedroom, behind a closed door, as far away from those stupid puppies as she can be! Poor baby girl!

2010-01-22T09:26:00.002-07:00

Lincoln County, NM January deer hunt

Algodones, NM - This morning, during a break in the clouds. I wish we had some snow, but it's too warm so we just got rain.

Snow

2010-01-01T14:46:00.002-07:00

Snow for the new year. I love the way snow looks on tumbleweeds! I also love to watch it snow at night during a full moon. I was up until almost midnight sewing and watching it snow. It's so peaceful!

My First Christmas in Heaven

2009-12-22T10:09:00.003-07:00

I saw this and thought of Jeremy. Of course, it's his 2nd Christmas in Heaven, but I think we were all in too much shock last year to acknowledge it. I think it's important to remember that Jeremy made it; he's with Christ. I miss him, but I am so happy for him! His dear and tender heart belongs in heaven, he was really too good for this earth. He is still alive in all of us that loved him. Let us honor Jeremy by giving a little more love, caring and understanding to those around us.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
This sight is so spectacular; please wipe away the tears,
For I am spending Christmas with JESUS CHRIST this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angel's sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with JESUS CHRIST this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above,
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is the gift more precious than gold,
It was always the most important in the stories JESUS told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do,
For I can't count the blessings of love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away the tears,
Remember, I'm spending Christmas with JESUS CHRIST this year.

Based on poem by Wanda Bencke

New Day

2009-12-08T07:07:00.003-07:00

Maybe the key to happiness is to realize that each day starts anew. It's usually not a gentle beginning or ending.Unless you know the difference from these pictures of sunrise and sunset you can't tell the difference. The day begins and ends in fire.
Getting through each day is like this. If you can just remember that the "fire" is temporary you can get through it. That might be the difference between people that get depressed and stay depressed and those who just experience life's highs and lows and get on with it. All pain and unhappiness is fleeting. If we don't let it rule our world then we can also experience the happy moments, which, of course, are fleeing also. Only one thing in life is constant and never-changing....God's love for us. If we could only focus more on that this life would be a breeze!

I found this awesome website. There's a new picture from the Hubble Telescope every day until Christmas. These pictures are so great!

Jeremy

2009-10-15T09:18:00.004-06:00

This is the anniversary of the day our lives changed forever. I don't know that we'll ever heal. I still miss Jeremy so much. I think back to all the mistakes I made as a step-parent and wish I could erase them. I know Jeremy would not want me to be sad. I am so glad that Jeremy found the Lord before he died. Now I know he's waiting for me in heaven. I just wish the good Lord would see fit to take me sooner rather than later. I guess I must still have work to complete here. I want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers. I am grateful to have so many caring friends and family members.

I remember so clearly how beautiful October 15, 2008 was. It was a coolish/warm day with no wind. We been back from the Kentucky family reunion for a week or so. My grandparents, aunt and cousin had just went home from visiting. It was an Indian summer day. I decided to walk Belle on the reservation. I did not completely freak out when a snake almost slithered over my foot. I came upon a pack of wild dogs and scared them off so they didn't attack me and Belle. It was a good day. Then Sheila called in tears, "Can you go to the hospital? Jeremy's been in an accident and they are air-lifting to him UNMH and I want someone to be there for him." I immediately started shaking and my stomach sunk to my knees. I called Bo and Benjaman in from hunting down the wild dogs. We all rushed to the hospital, where they had no information about Jeremy coming. So we started the flurry of phone calls trying to figure out what was going on, where was Jeremy, how badly was he hurt, etc. Sheila said all she knew was that he was hurt badly and was on life support. It was all so surreal. Jeremy was so careful on his motocyle, he always wore his helmet, he was young and strong. So, Bo, Benjaman and I waited around the hospital. I kept thinking, Jeremy will be fine; he'll get through this; he's strong. I prayed for God's will, but please help Jeremy. Finally, the hospital staff said we could go back. But they didn't take us to Jeremy, they took us to a little room. They came for insurance information. They said he had landed in Albuquerque and he was en route to the hospital. Finally, after what seemed like forever, a doctor came into the room. We all stood. He told us that Jeremy's heart had stopped beating on the plane ride from Roswell. I waited for him to tell me that Jeremy was okay. But he said that they had done all they could, they tried to revive him for 45 minutes and they used every means possible. He told us that they worked longer on Jeremy than they usually do. Jeremy just had too much head trauma for his body to keep going. Jeremy's helmet had not saved his live. I just couldn't believe it. Jeremy was so young, so strong; he had his whole life in front of him and was finally, going down the right road. He had made peace with his childhood, his father and me. How could ths happen?! We were just beginning!

So then we had to make all the arrangments. At least this family, that had been fueding for 18 years, was able to come together. Everyone got along and comforted each other. I prayed Jeremy didn't have to die just so that we could all get along. I started looking for the meaning in his death. I still haven't found it. They said there is meaning in everything. I was touched by all the people that came to pay their respects. It amazed me how many lives Jeremy touched and that he had truly become a man right under my nose! I was saddened by all I did not know about his life.

Our family still has a huge whole. We will never be the same. Some days I do not want to go on living. I can't begin to imagine how Bo and Sheila feel. I pray for them often, as well as the rest of us that Jeremy meant so much to. How do you move on from the loss of a child? Every smile feels like a betrayal. What right do I have to be happy now? But then, I know Jeremy would want us all to live our lives to the fullest. So then I think, what right do I have to mope around? I just miss him. I grieve for the time I won't get to spend watching him grow as a man, become a husband and father. He would have been such a wonderful husband and father. He was so thoughtful and cared so much for other's feelings, even to his detriment. I just don't know where to go from here. How do we move on? How do we keep Jeremy's death from completely destroying us?

Summer projects

2009-09-27T21:05:00.003-06:00

Quilted Raw-edge Applique Hot Pad - I drew and cut out the flower free-hand. I still have work to do. LOL!
Quilted Nine-patch Pillow
I added the zipper-it's my first zipper!
I re-covered the dining room chairs-finally! They have needed it for about 10 years! Once I figured out where the staples came out and what size staples I needed it went pretty quickly!

I didn't make it, but I found a great deal. I got this used leather love seat for $70. It has some scratches, but no major damage.

Bo installed a counter in my laundry room. Yay! Thanks honey!

2nd Annual SW Grapplefest, Rio Rancho, NM

2009-09-12T18:03:00.006-06:00

The 2nd Annual SW Grapplefest in Rio Rancho, NM is put on by New Mexico Combat Sports.

New Mexico No-gi Youth division, 125# 4th place.

New Mexico youth division, 125# 4th place

Proud Mama!

Butterfly Afghan

2009-09-12T17:53:00.005-06:00

This was a free pattern from Wal-mart. While I'm happy with the results, I don't know that I'd make another one. The butterflies are made separately and sewn on. It was hard to get them placed correctly!

Elk Camp 2009, Gila National Forest

2009-09-12T17:34:00.004-06:00

Wordless Wednesday - 2 puppies, 2 much time!

2009-09-02T06:13:00.003-06:00

What's for dinner tonight?

2009-08-25T20:04:00.003-06:00

Well, in 6 months anyway! Yum, yum!

Front porch and sidewalk

2009-08-24T11:18:00.003-06:00

The project for the last few weekends has been a front porch and sidewalk. Bo found a good deal on a cement mixer so he was able to pour the sidewalk this weekend. He mixed the concrete for the front porch by hand-not fun! Benjaman was able to help with the porch. Isn't it nice?! Bo also put some gravel just outside the gate so that won't turn into a puddle when it rains.

Puppies

2009-08-24T11:09:00.004-06:00

The puppies sure are getting big! Trouble got spayed a few weeks ago and Rowdy gets neutered this week. They have finally quit fighting! Which is a good thing because they are getting so big! I think Rowdy weighs more than Belle! We'll see if Trouble sticks by Rowdy when he's in the cage!

Unexpected (and unwanted) visitor

2009-08-24T10:41:00.003-06:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am absolutely terrified of snakes. It doesn't matter how small or big,poisonous or not, aggressive or not. I will walk through the hands-on room at the Natural History Museum, but if the snake is out, I stand in the doorway. I took Benjaman to the Rattlesnake Museum downtown and had nightmares for days. I hate snakes. Well, I was walking, with Cinbar, to the feed shed to get his food and there is this snake all stretched out and sunning himself by the chicken coop. I heard the echo of my scream before I even realized I had screamed. Of course, then I was embarrassed because I try not to scream when I see a snake. Bo comes out with the gun because he knows just by the scream it's a snake. Here he comes to save the day; my knight in shining armor! I watched, amazed, as he catches the snake and holds it up to look at it! Then he starts walking towards me! He didn't realize he was, really, but he wanted Benjaman to get something to put the snake in. We put it in a box and then in the well house. I don't care if it can't get out of the box, no snakes in my house! We quickly get on the internet to identify the snake, just as we always do for any unknown pest, and determine it's a Blackneck Garter Snake. It's big for it's size and has exceptional markings; it also gives birth, in August, to up to 20 live babies! Great... The next day Amber and David are out for a visit. Bo sends Benjaman to give the snake some water. Well, David's running the water and Benjaman's watching the snake, with the lid partially open. I look outside and see them poking around in the weeds. That's right; they lost the stupid snake! Apparently, Benjaman watched while the snake went from corner to corner tasting the air and he just jetted out of the box! At least there's been absolutely no sign of the snake or babies! Bo had called the Natural History Museum to see if they wanted the snake and just as he got off the phone Amber had to tell him that the snake got away! Oh darn. The Museum didn't have room for another snake anyway. I have to admit that this snake was beautiful and not aggressive at all, but just looking at the picture and typing the story makes my skin crawl! Bo says it's all in my head, but try as I might, I really can't control it! It's so involuntary! Anyway, here's a pic of the snake for all who are interested.

Trouble got fixed

2009-08-04T14:54:00.001-06:00

Trouble has been spayed. Rowdy gets to wait another 2 months. Poor Trouble doesn't know what to think about that stupid collar!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T10:40:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T08:15:00.004-06:00

Ben eats a fish...almost

2009-07-07T08:34:00.004-06:00

Rough Day

2009-07-06T07:49:00.002-06:00

Enough said!

The Great Flood of June 2009

2009-06-14T18:02:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T07:22:00.001-06:00

Boys & their toys...

2009-05-22T16:57:00.003-06:00

Awhile back Bo found this tractor for a few hundred bucks. He's been working on it, outside in the rain and wind and heat and dirt. He finally has it running and operational. So many projects around here depend on this little tractor.

Here's Bo and Wes working on our road. I think they just really wanted to have a tractor war!

The quilt is finished!

2009-05-22T16:51:00.003-06:00

It took me many months to complete this project, but it actually only took about 10 hours of work. This is my first quilt; there's plenty of mistakes, but didn't turn out too bad.

Mitered corner in the binding.

The backing looks like suede.
It's so soft and comfortable! I don't get to keep it though. I'm giving it to a very special friend who shall remain un-named...for now.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-12T21:15:00.002-06:00

Not so wordless, but oh well...enjoy.
Newest batch of baby chicks.
Trouble on her back in the schoolroom closet, Rowdy chewing on the roll of paper.
Rowdy doesn't stray far from the shoes
Betsy, our tame Rhode Island Red

You might be a redneck if...

2009-05-07T15:48:00.005-06:00

Hey Mom! It's hot and you just filled the horse tank. Since it's clean can I cool off in there?
Wow, it's cold!
Let's see if Trouble can swim. She hates it, cried the whole 2 seconds she was in the water!
Rowdy wasn't as upset, but was ready to get out. Aussies & Border Collies are not really water dogs.
Ahhhh...
Rowdy & Trouble after their swim. They are sleeping soundly as I type!

2009-05-07T10:32:00.002-06:00

2009-05-06T19:57:00.001-06:00

Babies on the farm

2009-05-05T06:21:00.003-06:00

Trouble is a back sleeper.
Rowdy doesn't get too far from the food bowl.
Apparently chewing on my shoes wore them out.
Mama and chicks.
Chicks.

Puppies

2009-04-22T19:19:00.003-06:00

My puppy...
Benjaman's puppy...

Apparently in a small town in NM they automatically euthanize stray puppies. Theses puppies are only 5.5 weeks old and were still nursing the day my mom took them from under an abandoned trailer's steps. The mama didn't defend her pups or come to my mom. The neighbor's had been putting out food for the mama. All puppies are healthy and doing fine. We have them all weaned. They are still pretty wobbly and their eyes are a little milky still. So Ben's been begging for a puppy for years so now he has his and I fell in love with one too, so now we have 2 puppies. That's 3 dogs total. good thing we live in the country. I think we're a little nuts! But aren't they cute! They are Border Collie/Australian sheep dog mix.

Chicks

2009-04-12T19:21:00.003-06:00

We had 5 chicks hatch and survive out of 7. I think that's good. Here are the chicks outside today. It's still below freezing at night so they spend most of the day and night locked up with their mama. Aren't they cute!

More babies

2009-04-10T12:32:00.002-06:00

This is an Auracana chick.
This is a Rhode Island Red and a Buff Orpington.

We lost a Silver Laced Wyandotte. All the chicks are part Buff Orpington.

So the total count so far is: 1 Rhode Island Red, 3 Buff Orpingtons, 1 Auracana
We've lost 1 baby and have 1 egg left to hatch!

New Life

2009-04-09T14:07:00.002-06:00

We have 1 new chick and 1 pipped, that means it's started breaking through it's shell and should be out in 24 hours. The other 5 should be born Saturday. Yay!!!!

Growing boy

2009-03-30T23:18:00.002-06:00

By my calculations he's grown 5 inches in 13 months! No wonder he's been eating like a horse! Isn't he too young to be growing up so fast?!

BJJ Tournament

2009-03-29T18:54:00.002-06:00

Benjaman took 3rd place in his tournament this week. He fought some good fights and learned a lot. He's already looking forward to the next tournment, September 12.

New Mexico snow

2009-03-27T10:44:00.000-06:00

Teenage Angst

2009-03-25T21:18:00.002-06:00

And here he is in all his teenagerdom! He can't believe that I actually want a pic of him and he refuses to hug me. When will it end?! He's 5'3"! He's growing so fast!

Quilt Top - Done

2009-03-24T17:52:00.002-06:00

Here's my finished quilt top with borders. I just need to piece my backing, put it together and quilt it.

Toxic Teen

2009-03-23T14:00:00.002-06:00

This is a sign Ben put on his door today. He is NOT a teen yet! Of course, he's acting like it. I can't do or say anything right! How long does this phase last again?

St. Patrick's Day dinner

2009-03-17T22:38:00.002-06:00

Part of Benjaman's assignment for his St. Patrick's day lapbook was to make a traditional Irish dinner. So we found a recipe on the internet for Beef and Guinness, what could be more Irish than that, right? So Benjaman made the Beef & Guinness and I made St. Brigid's Oaten Bread and cupcake with green frosting.

St. Patrick's Day lapbook

2009-03-17T10:54:00.005-06:00

We've successfully joined the ranks of lapbookers! Here is Benjaman's first lapbook. He's been working on it for 2 weeks.
This is an experiment in wax resist. We used a crayon on construction paper and then painted over it with tempera paint. The paint coats the wax and shows the design from the green crayon even though you can hardly see the green crayon on the green paper before the paint.

2009-03-14T14:25:00.003-06:00

The clouds this morning. We didn't get any snow as predicted, but had 2 days of drizzle. Any moisture is nice!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T10:33:00.001-06:00

Bye Amber

2009-03-04T21:56:00.002-07:00

Well, our hearts are breaking...Amber's leaving. She's going all the way to Hawaii...Maui...some small town that starts with a "K". We will miss her so much! Amber is so strong and determined. I have no doubt that she will accomplish all she wants. She is truly, unapologetically true to her vision of herself. I have to admire that. That said, there is a dark cloud following me now. Just when she started talking to us again and the relationship was blooming she's gone. I don't know how we'll ever be able to afford to visit her. She's planning to stay at least 2 years and then go to a writer's college in Ohio. I am envious of the adventures she'll have. There have just been too many changes and too much turmoil the last few years. I need a break.

Quilt Top

2009-03-02T10:00:00.002-07:00

I finally have the quilt top completed. I've been sick. I'm so sick of being sick! Anyway, I've purchased my batting, found my backing. I just need to put it all together now. It should be done this week. I'm so excited!

Quilt progress

2009-02-20T09:45:00.001-07:00

The lessons I've learned:
1. check my seam allowances (which I did)
2. DO NOT adjust the machine after starting the project
3. have more fabric than needed to allow for error!
4. be diligent in every phase of the project!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T09:13:00.001-07:00

Hearts & Hands quilt

2009-02-17T15:51:00.002-07:00

I'm sewing my first quilt. It's going to be a baby quilt. I've been working on it all day. I'm excited to see how it turns out!

Hearts & Hands design by Ursula Reikes from "More Quilts for Baby Easy as ABC"
My first strip set.
The first 2 blocks as they will be arranged in the quilt. Good thing I still like my colors!

Today's Headline...Kitty displaced by Wii

2009-02-13T08:36:00.003-07:00

Poor kitty, she can't get on top of the entertainment system anymore. At least now we don't have to worry about her hair clogging it and her puking into it! But still....poor kitty. She looks so miserable!

2009-02-10T11:22:00.001-07:00

Duches
Sara
Cinbar
All 3 horses
Hitler rooster

Snow...look quick! Too late, it's gone!

2009-02-10T10:56:00.003-07:00

Jeremy, angel

2009-02-08T18:56:00.003-07:00

Jeremy, I miss him so much. Due to the circumstances of his childhood I spent many years alternately trying to enforce the discipline I thought he needed and force my way into his heart. That, mixed with other factors beyond my control, damaged our relationship, beyond repair I thought. I finally realized, after he moved out the last time, that I was just the step-mother. I wanted to be his mother so fiercely…he was such a great person and I loved his dad so much. Once I realized that Jeremy needed to come first and my feelings later I decided to back off and let him form a bond with his dad hoping that some of it would trickle to me. I still found myself trying to impress Jeremy and prove my love to him. Although, I realized that when I quit trying to force myself into his heart, it opened to me. The last time I saw time I finally asked him for a hug and instead of sighing and begrudging it to me (like I would have if I were him) he not only hugged me, he hugged me to him. I was still only the step-mother, but finally, he didn’t hate me. I am grieving our future relationship. I know that Jeremy is with our Lord and has received the answers to all his questions and can see into all of our hearts. He knows how I feel for him and that, most of the time, the mistakes I made were innocent or because of ignorance. I miss the feeling of safety I had when I was with him. He seemed to glow; I think he was an angel here on earth. I knew no one could hurt me, except him, when I was with him. I’d been feeling that for the last few years he lived with us. Of course, then when he made a simple teenage mistake I took it personally. I’m feeling that safety again. I know Jeremy is with me; he’s in my heart along with all my other loved ones. This means, that he’s forgiven me for my mistakes and loves me. The love he couldn’t show in life for fear of hurting his mother he can now show me; at least in my heart. I grieve for me, it’s selfish, I know. Jeremy has attained the ultimate and Heaven is a far better place with him there. Since I blew his childhood I only had his adulthood to look forward to. I will miss seeing him be a Marine, fall in love and get married, have children. These are the things I’m grieving and it’s purely selfish, I know. I’m jealous because I didn’t get to spend more time with Jeremy during his last year and a half. At his funeral I heard so many things about him and I read about what a good friend he was. He touched so many people. That was what I always wanted for him. I just wish I could have seen it daily. Of course, I am thankful for the time I had with him. The last few visits were great and we really connected. I just miss him. I know that in Heaven we will be able to be together and none of Jeremy’s loved ones will have to worry about being jealous of each other or trying to keep him to ourselves. In Heaven, we will all understand and will all be able to co-exist peacefully. All sides of the family got along so well at his funeral that for awhile I was worried that the purpose of Jeremy’s death was to get us all to get along. I kept thinking that was too high of a price. Well, it’s back to fighting as usual. Which is really too bad. There’s no reason for all the bad feelings and it grieves me. I know it bothered Jeremy when he was alive that none of his parents could get along with the other side. He had such a good and pure heart. I had a dream about Jeremy a few weeks ago. I only remember that we talked, that he loved me and that I felt peace. I woke up with a feeling of great peace. I’ve experienced this with my dad since he died. I love those dreams. I wrap them around me and take comfort in them. They seem to come periodically when I feeling the worst. Another thing that told me Jeremy had attained the manhood I dreamed for his is that his last words in this life were of concern for those around him. Apparently he worried that he’d caused someone else suffering and didn’t want that. He’s always tended to think of others before himself. Again, a good and pure heart. I think the best way for me to honor Jeremy is to be the best mother, wife and person I can. To not let fear get in the way of doing what I want or of doing what is right. I think that would be a great tribute to Jeremy. I just felt that I needed to get this all off my chest. I might delete this post later, but for now, I think it’s best to post it and make my declaration.
Me teaching Jeremy to lick the icing off birthday cake candles.
Me and my boys, looking forward to VA and UT.
Me schooling Jeremy.
Jeremy schooling me.
HE hugged ME and he's smiling. This was such a gift. The whole visit was such a gift.

We're still here...really!

2009-01-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been so long since I posted! The holidays were insane, then my computer was acting up, now we've been sick.

We spent Christmas with our families. It was nice to be around family, but everyone missed Jeremy. We had friends visit us for New year's. We had a great visit! It was just what we needed!

Amber's moving to Kahoolawe, Hawaii this summer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahoolawe We will all miss her so much, especially since we are all just starting to spend time together again! I think Bo and I are jealous though. She's at the perfect age and stage in her life to pick up and move half way around the world. What an adventure!

Besides that, we have no new news. All the animals are fine, the family is fine. I hope you all are fine and the holidays were nice time!

The Holidays

2008-12-29T20:06:00.002-07:00

Belle playing with Ben and Nikko (Ben's cousin) in the snow.

Carrizozo snow the day after Christmas. About 20 miles outside of town the snow just disappeared. That was nice for our drive home!

Amber and Benjaman. It was so good to see you!

Here we are this Christmas.

Ben's snowman 12-16-08 with the neighbor boys.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-10T11:14:00.002-07:00

Belle

2008-12-08T11:55:00.002-07:00

Well, after Belle's stint in the county jail Bo put pieces of busted up concrete in the holes in the fence. He thought he had it all done, then we found one spot that needed more concrete. Belle snuck out before we could fill that hole. She got hit on the interstate and amazingly she survived! She's got a dislocated hip and an air pocket beneath her lungs and heart. She also has a few scrapes and lacerations that received a few staples. We just can't beleive she survived! She spent the night on the side of the interstate before we found her. The vet put her hip back in place, but is worried that it might not stay because it was out for so long that the tendons might have stretched too much to hold it in the proper place. So her leg is tied up and she's not supposed to walk unassisted for 7-10 days. How in the world are we supposed to keep this border collie down for that amount of time?! We are borrowing a cage from a friend and that will have to be her new home. She's already trying to hobble around on 3 legs. I took her outside this morning and laid her by the horse so she could eat with him. We are thankful that she's alive and are praying for a speedy, uneventful recovery!

Afghan

2008-12-08T11:52:00.003-07:00

I finished another afghan. This is a shell stitch and is super easy even with all the color changes. It took me about 3 months.

Chickens

2008-12-08T11:45:00.002-07:00

We're finally getting eggs! Right now I'm getting between 8 and 11 eggs a day. I have 16 new layers, but I don't know if they will all start laying this fall. Usually production drops in the winter because the number of hours of daylight tell a chicken what time of year to lay and when to go broody so she can raise chicks. A chicken lays an egg about every 25 hours unless something upsets her or she's sick. Chickens are born with all the eggs they will lay for their entire life. Once a chicken starts to lay there are always eggs in various stages of growth inside her!

I haven't posted pictures or the chickens in so long! The one standing tall is my rooster. The jury is still out about whether he gets to live or not. He attacks Ben every chance he gets and he attacked the neighbor boy. I'm trying really hard to tame him because I want the chickens to be able to hatch eggs this fall and raise chicks themselves. The chickens spend hours everyday on the back porch huddled up against the glass door. Sometimes they even peck at the door! I sure enjoy watching them run around the yard!

Wordless Wednesday 11-19-2008

2008-11-18T19:31:00.003-07:00

2008-11-13T10:34:00.001-07:00

These are all my plants. I spent half the day Saturday re-potting them all!
Cactus - ?

Croton

Boston Fern

Dieffenbachia

2008-11-13T10:02:00.003-07:00

Dracaena

Kalanchoe

Ivy - English, I think

Spearhead vine - ?

Parlour palm

2008-11-13T09:31:00.002-07:00

Peace Lily

Golden Pothos

Rubber Plant
Snake Plant or Mother-in-laws tongue

Spider Plant

She's home!

2008-11-11T13:13:00.002-07:00

One of our neighbor's flagged us down as we were coming home from searching and putting out flyers. Apparently, the dog catcher followed Belle home and took her from our driveway. Our neighbor was telling him that she belongs at our house and has a pet door. The dc took her anyway. I guess she wouldn't let anyone get close enough to her to scan her micro chip so we weren't contacted. So she spent the night in doggy jail and was covered in poop. I had to shampoo her 3 times and let her soak. I got it all off, but she still has an aroma. Oh well, we're just glad she's home safe.
Here she is after her bath.

Lost

2008-11-11T07:52:00.003-07:00

Okay, I'm starting feel beat down now. Belle disappeared. She was gone when we got home from Jiu Jitsu last night. Now, she does like to roam a bit, but she's usually not gone more than 2 hours. Bo and I drove all over last night looking for her. I've posted an add on Craigs list and emailed the local volunteer lost/found pet guy. Ben and I will go put up posters today. I'm glad she's micro-chipped. I just hope she shows up somewhere.

Jeremy's death was so senseless and now Belle's gone. It seems senseless too. I'm not trying to compare Belle to Jeremy. It's just one more knock down. Our family is hurting so badly already. Belle loved Jeremy, she would jump right up into his arms. She'd sleep on his bed and he let her. Something has to look up soon.

Wordless Wednesday 11-5-08

2008-11-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory

2008-10-16T14:00:00.006-06:00

In Loving Memory

href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rDzr_Z9HP3E/SPedmhAxToI/AAAAAAAAAd0/uTohhtNMtms/s1600-h/Jeremy+BJJ+tourney+2-2007.JPG">style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>height=246 id="_x0000_i1025"
src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rDzr_Z9HP3E/SPedmhAxToI/AAAAAAAAAd0/uTohhtNMtms/s320/Jeremy+BJJ+tourney+2-2007.JPG">

Jeremy Conklin, May 26,
1991 to October 15, 2008

WE
LOVE YOU JEREMY!

href="http://lagronefuneralchapels.com/services.asp?locid=11&page=odetail&id=6612">LaGrone
Funeral Chapel