The new year is always a time when people like to make resolutions and I am no exception, but for once I feel like I am entering the next chapter better than I left the previous. These last few years have undoubtedly been full of trials, sadness, stress and hurdles. I am going to make my #1 resolution for this year to be more comfortable with who I am. I feel like I have somehow lost my identity and have been trying to get it back.
Among all the hard times, there have been some great things this past year.
-We became homeowners again! Even though it is NOT my dream house, it is OUR house. Now if only we could make it a home and not just a house, I would be thrilled.
-Both Brent and I managed to lose a notable amount of weight together. Even though we gained a little back after getting off track for a while, we still came out better than we started the year with.
-I finally found a hobby I enjoy and that brings me joy. My chickens may seem silly to most but I really love them. They come when I call them, they give my family delicious healthy eggs, and they are pretty low maintenance. The fact that the entertainment factor is there and they are living garbage disposals is just an added bonus.
-I finished this past semester with a 95 in each class. I actually enjoyed the classes I took this time and learned a lot from both of them. I only have 2 classes left until I can graduate so there is now a light at the end of the tunnel.
-All three girls got into the charter school nearby. I think they have all grown academically and all three are great students. Despite moving from school to school, they have been able to make friends quite easily and for that I am thankful. I couldn't be more proud of them as all girls are making A's with some B's sprinkled in.
-I learned I love to run. I wish I had learned this a long time ago.
With all that said, here are a few goals Id like to set for the coming year:
-Potty train my last kid. Strange? maybe, but if you have been changing diapers for 11 years straight, you would make this a priority also.
-Make, and stick with a budget.
-Recharge my weight loss plan. These last two are cliche' but popular for a reason no doubt.
-Get my garden up and going.
-Run or walk in a 5K and possibly do the Dirty Dash. I was so injured last time I had to skip it, this year it needs to happen.
-Take a REAL family vacation. We really, really need to do this. I really want to see the ocean again.
-Finally, I would like to make this blog look like a real web page. I am technically challenged but I'd like it to have a little pizzazz. Maybe then I'd make it a point to actually blog more.
I wish you all a great New Year!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
In the Wilderness
Last month, my class went on a field trip to Stanley, ID. This is my environmental literature class so we were out there learning about wilderness, what it really is, how its managed, and the rules and regulations. It was a fun trip! We only have 7 people in the class and only 5 of us plus the instructor went.
The first day we went to the Forest service and he talked to us about Leave no Trace and how to respect the land. I actually learned a lot more than I thought I would. Most importantly, I learned how to poop in the woods should that moment ever arise. Who knew it was such a big deal but believe me, as much as it was talked about, it is a BIG deal. Then we hiked up above Redfish Lake and at lunch. I won't lie, I thought I was going to die. I was getting over a bad chest cold and I haven't been running at all since I hurt my feet, so I felt like an asthmatic must feel. I couldn't breathe and I just kept coughing. Still, as miserable as it was, It was worth it.
Next we went to the Stanley Hatchery where I didn't really learn much since I have been well versed in the workings of fish hatcheries over the last year and a half, but their facility was very, very nice. It was interesting to see that this facility operated so differently from the others. This was my 4th hatchery I have visited and so far they have all been very unique.
That evening, we camped out in tents and had a campfire and good camaraderie. I got to know my classmates better and it was a beautiful night with clear skies and lots of stars. The next morning, the only thing on the agenda was a hike up the Iron Creek Trail. This trail was a 9 mile trail round trip that went up to the Sawtooth Lake. It started out really nice and flat for the first 2 miles.
After this meadow, the trail went up, and up and up. It was a gradual incline but still my lungs still hadn't recovered so it was a little strenuous. Eventually we were on some granite rock trails and on our way to the lakes.
I was having trouble breathing still, the air was thinner and it was quite the hike but I still loved every minute of it. We finally made it to the lakes where we had a quick snack and then turned around and trucked right on out.
This was a fun trip and I learned a lot and got to experience some great wilderness that is literally right out our door. It is a relatively short drive from the Valley to get to the Stanley basin, and it is worth it to hop in the car and go see some amazing wilderness. I hope by next year I am in better shape and we can go explore these mountains a little more.
The first day we went to the Forest service and he talked to us about Leave no Trace and how to respect the land. I actually learned a lot more than I thought I would. Most importantly, I learned how to poop in the woods should that moment ever arise. Who knew it was such a big deal but believe me, as much as it was talked about, it is a BIG deal. Then we hiked up above Redfish Lake and at lunch. I won't lie, I thought I was going to die. I was getting over a bad chest cold and I haven't been running at all since I hurt my feet, so I felt like an asthmatic must feel. I couldn't breathe and I just kept coughing. Still, as miserable as it was, It was worth it.
Next we went to the Stanley Hatchery where I didn't really learn much since I have been well versed in the workings of fish hatcheries over the last year and a half, but their facility was very, very nice. It was interesting to see that this facility operated so differently from the others. This was my 4th hatchery I have visited and so far they have all been very unique.
That evening, we camped out in tents and had a campfire and good camaraderie. I got to know my classmates better and it was a beautiful night with clear skies and lots of stars. The next morning, the only thing on the agenda was a hike up the Iron Creek Trail. This trail was a 9 mile trail round trip that went up to the Sawtooth Lake. It started out really nice and flat for the first 2 miles.
It went through a meadow, and over a creek
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Last week for class we had to do a Lifestyle Analysis project. I know.. what the hell is that? Well, we were asked to choose three areas of our life that could be monitored and where we could potentially consume less. Of the list of choices we were given, I chose electricity, garbage, and eating more efficiently. Being the closet conservationist I am (or wish to be) I was thrilled to do this project. I wish I could say the same for my family but it was a learning lesson. Fact of the matter is, a household of 7 people consume a LOT of crap.. we eat a lot of food, we throw a lot of stuff away and we use a lot of resources. I have researched sustainable living for a while now and am intrigued by it. It's not a new concept.. people were self-sustainable long before I ever set foot on this earth.
I am still working on the write-up report, but I can already see where some of the things we did really made a difference and others would need some more work. Technically water consumption was supposed to be tied into Electricity section but in our case our meter wasn't very accessible so I left that part out. Unfortunately I think it skewed our results. For example, we take a lot of showers, and it takes a good amount of electricity to heat water up. I should have turned the water thermostat down, but I didn't. We could have taken shorter showers but didn't do that either. I did however, limit my dryer use. I only ran the dryer 2 times in the 5 days of reduction (for towels because I do not want scratchy towels) as opposed to 7 times in the first 5 days of observation. I literally had clothes strung all over the house, but it really wasn't that hard of a thing to deal with. It just required a little management. We also were very diligent about turning lights off and not having them on when they weren't needed.
Eating more efficiently. What is that? Well, its reducing waste, reducing how far the food we eat has to travel, reducing packaging material, limiting meat consumption. Locavore is a trendy new word for this, and it is something I have been leaning to for a while now. I am far from doing this like I should but the awareness this little project brought me was good. I found for me that it wasn't the fact that this stuff isn't available, because I have several sources for locally raised meat and vegetables. We had our CSA this past year, Brent hunts and fishes for our own meat. And really price isn't a huge issue either. When you eat less meat you are paying less, and local meat is everywhere. A lot of times price comes into play because you have to buy a lot upfront and in our case we don't always have that to play around with. I would love to buy a pig and a cow to last us a year. If I had the space, I would raise my own meat chickens, but that is just not something that we can do. I didn't feel this portion of the project helped me a whole lot as I am pretty knowledgeable as to where to get the things that would lessen the impact, we just don't do it like we should.
Where I did see a huge change in impact was with our garbage. We monitored everything! I made a makeshift compost bin out of a trash can, My chickens have been eating better than ever! And we double check everything to see if we can recycle it. Just by doing these things we were able to decrease the volume of the trash that went to the landfill by 2/3rds. I keep a bowl by the sink for chicken scraps and one for compost and every day I empty it. I have a recycle bin upstairs now as well so paper trash from up there gets to the right place. Really this was such an easy change, it took very little effort and it made a HUGE difference.
My goal now is to be creative and see if I can reduce the other things that were monitored. I want to use a clothesline, build a real compost pile, monitor the electricity more (if not for conservation, but for the cost!). Can you see if there is anything you can limit? Maybe participate in a Meatless Monday, buy from the farmers market, hang the clothes to dry that dry fast, dry 2 loads at once, turn lights off when not using, reduce your shower by a few minutes. The fact is these things add up and it isn't too difficult to cut these things back some. Our dinner tonight was about 90% local. We had elk meat from a friend, quail that Brent shot, potatoes that came from a few towns over, and apples from an orchard that we picked yesterday. It was all so good and it was the first meal in ages where there were no leftovers and everyone loved it all.
I am still working on the write-up report, but I can already see where some of the things we did really made a difference and others would need some more work. Technically water consumption was supposed to be tied into Electricity section but in our case our meter wasn't very accessible so I left that part out. Unfortunately I think it skewed our results. For example, we take a lot of showers, and it takes a good amount of electricity to heat water up. I should have turned the water thermostat down, but I didn't. We could have taken shorter showers but didn't do that either. I did however, limit my dryer use. I only ran the dryer 2 times in the 5 days of reduction (for towels because I do not want scratchy towels) as opposed to 7 times in the first 5 days of observation. I literally had clothes strung all over the house, but it really wasn't that hard of a thing to deal with. It just required a little management. We also were very diligent about turning lights off and not having them on when they weren't needed.
Eating more efficiently. What is that? Well, its reducing waste, reducing how far the food we eat has to travel, reducing packaging material, limiting meat consumption. Locavore is a trendy new word for this, and it is something I have been leaning to for a while now. I am far from doing this like I should but the awareness this little project brought me was good. I found for me that it wasn't the fact that this stuff isn't available, because I have several sources for locally raised meat and vegetables. We had our CSA this past year, Brent hunts and fishes for our own meat. And really price isn't a huge issue either. When you eat less meat you are paying less, and local meat is everywhere. A lot of times price comes into play because you have to buy a lot upfront and in our case we don't always have that to play around with. I would love to buy a pig and a cow to last us a year. If I had the space, I would raise my own meat chickens, but that is just not something that we can do. I didn't feel this portion of the project helped me a whole lot as I am pretty knowledgeable as to where to get the things that would lessen the impact, we just don't do it like we should.
Where I did see a huge change in impact was with our garbage. We monitored everything! I made a makeshift compost bin out of a trash can, My chickens have been eating better than ever! And we double check everything to see if we can recycle it. Just by doing these things we were able to decrease the volume of the trash that went to the landfill by 2/3rds. I keep a bowl by the sink for chicken scraps and one for compost and every day I empty it. I have a recycle bin upstairs now as well so paper trash from up there gets to the right place. Really this was such an easy change, it took very little effort and it made a HUGE difference.
My goal now is to be creative and see if I can reduce the other things that were monitored. I want to use a clothesline, build a real compost pile, monitor the electricity more (if not for conservation, but for the cost!). Can you see if there is anything you can limit? Maybe participate in a Meatless Monday, buy from the farmers market, hang the clothes to dry that dry fast, dry 2 loads at once, turn lights off when not using, reduce your shower by a few minutes. The fact is these things add up and it isn't too difficult to cut these things back some. Our dinner tonight was about 90% local. We had elk meat from a friend, quail that Brent shot, potatoes that came from a few towns over, and apples from an orchard that we picked yesterday. It was all so good and it was the first meal in ages where there were no leftovers and everyone loved it all.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Decisions
This has been a pretty trying week for me. I am struggling with a lot of different things and felt I needed to make some decisions. This semester I took one more class than I had been taking the past 2 years. Previously I have been taking only two per semester but if I wanted to graduate in the spring, I had to take three. I knew this was going to be hard, but I don't think I knew how hard it would be, especially with all the other things I have going on.
I think what made this so hard to figure out what to do was the fact that I am doing extraordinarily well in my classes. But what is happening is other parts of my life are suffering. My kids are feeling the stress,my job performance is suffering, and my house is feeling pretty neglected as well. So I finally came to the decision to drop my most demanding class. This was a really tough decision and it didn't come lightly. Brent and I had been discussing for a few days what all out options could be. Could I quit my job? Would I be able to spend some time trying to supplement our income by making things to sell? Should I cut back on work even more, only work 16 hours a week? Maybe I would quit school altogether, work full time again. I even considered putting the little ones in daycare for an additional day and I would use that time just for studying. I have learned it is nearly impossible to study with kids around.
So that was it. I figured this would allow me more time at home to get some things done, still work and bring some income in, and still finish my other two classes which I am certain I will do well in. What it means is another whole year of school. Granted I will only need one class each semester so I will be able to focus on it so that will make things easier.
Even though I dropped the class, I am still going to be pretty busy. But I have some things I have been working on in my head that I want to implement. I have a little fairy vision in my head of what I want my life to look like. My life presently does not resemble that at all yet but I am really going to work on it. Hopefully it will all be blogworthy and I still have some entries to make that I haven't gotten around to.
Some of the things on my list are:
I think what made this so hard to figure out what to do was the fact that I am doing extraordinarily well in my classes. But what is happening is other parts of my life are suffering. My kids are feeling the stress,my job performance is suffering, and my house is feeling pretty neglected as well. So I finally came to the decision to drop my most demanding class. This was a really tough decision and it didn't come lightly. Brent and I had been discussing for a few days what all out options could be. Could I quit my job? Would I be able to spend some time trying to supplement our income by making things to sell? Should I cut back on work even more, only work 16 hours a week? Maybe I would quit school altogether, work full time again. I even considered putting the little ones in daycare for an additional day and I would use that time just for studying. I have learned it is nearly impossible to study with kids around.
So that was it. I figured this would allow me more time at home to get some things done, still work and bring some income in, and still finish my other two classes which I am certain I will do well in. What it means is another whole year of school. Granted I will only need one class each semester so I will be able to focus on it so that will make things easier.
Even though I dropped the class, I am still going to be pretty busy. But I have some things I have been working on in my head that I want to implement. I have a little fairy vision in my head of what I want my life to look like. My life presently does not resemble that at all yet but I am really going to work on it. Hopefully it will all be blogworthy and I still have some entries to make that I haven't gotten around to.
Some of the things on my list are:
- Make Halloween costumes. I have all the supplies needed for Taylor's and I can tell it is going to be awesome!
- Make and stick with a weekly meal list. We are wasting so much money each month because of impulse grocery shopping that it is uncalled for. This definitely needs some intervention.
- Clean my freakin house. I will be honest when I say I let it go this last month. Time for a deep clean
- Organize.. I want to be organized everywhere! Kids toys, pantry, crafts, garage.. why is it so difficult. I see so many bloggers that make it look so easy.
- Paint. We are working on Taylor's room now, I am going to make curtains this week and then we need to paint it.
- Schedule time to exercise. Now that I don't have to run out and get to class by a certain time.. Spencer and I are going to make some use of that time to go walking. I am not going to hit my birthday goal but by golly I need to get close.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Just a little note.....
.....Because things are so crazy
-chickens are laying eggs. I'm getting about 5-6 "good" eggs a week, from 2 hens
-kids are in school, Taylor and Bridget seem to like their new school and Gavin loves Kindergarten, Natalie loves being there all day
-I started school. 3 classes, more than I have taken at once since returning to school.. I feel very overwhelmed.
-Brent turned 40! I got him an awesome cake!
-Hunting season resumed. It works out well, I spend my weekends studying, he spends them doing what he enjoys.
-I'm going camping with my class for school next week. I am excited! I love my Ecology class, I am sad, its over Taylor's 11th birthday. BUT we are going to have a great time the next weekend Roller skating! I'm excited to do that too.
-Taylor=11=me getting old. My baby girl is growing up in way too many ways.
-I am maintaining my weight loss. I think by not exercising as much and by still eating well, I'm not losing or gaining and I am 100% OK with that. I am still doing my 5K in 2 weeks, even if I walk the whole damn way I'm doing it.
Now if I can keep the house in order and keep meals cooked, homework on time and maintain my sanity, I would declare it a victory. I've done this before, I can do it again. Thankfully I have a family who helps me through it.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Jess's Pizzaria
I still can't make homemade bread. I have tried and successfully failed many times. But what I have mastered.. is Pizza crust. Our family eats a LOT of pizza. More than we should. Since we quit dining out almost 2 years ago, Pizza was about the only thing we would order out or go to eat somewhere. I tried a few different ones and eventually asked my buddy Scott, if he knew of ANY good easy no-fail pizza crusts. He led me here...Mitch's basic pizza dough . I gave it a whirl and he was right.. it was fool proof. I have made this one over and over many times and its always worked out so I figured I needed to share.
According to the recipe you add the yeast to the water. I never have regular yeast because really, I don't have time for bread to rise twice, I do have a life and sometimes, I just plain don't start on dinner early enough. So, using Rapid Rise, which is what I always have on hand, you add the yeast to 1C of the flour and set the other 2.5 C aside. Then after mixing the water with the honey in my handy dandy KitchenAid mixer until the honey dissolves, I add the 1C of yeast flour to the mixer and let it stir until combined. Then I just follow the rest of the recipe like usual.
The honey is a huge part of this recipe I think. It allows the dough to be stiff enough for it not to get soggy under all the ingredients. It always comes out crispy. The other thing I like is that I can make 2 batches and it is enough to make 2 pizzas and a cheesy bread, or 7 individual pizzas and a cheesy bread. That way I can just let each person put their own toppings on or if time is tight, just make two large ones and a cheesy bread.
The other night My husband asked me to make homemade pizza and I sort of sighed, then he asked me why I wasn't flattered that they all wanted MY pizza instead of ordering out. Needless to say, I got to work.
This is what we ended up with:
According to the recipe you add the yeast to the water. I never have regular yeast because really, I don't have time for bread to rise twice, I do have a life and sometimes, I just plain don't start on dinner early enough. So, using Rapid Rise, which is what I always have on hand, you add the yeast to 1C of the flour and set the other 2.5 C aside. Then after mixing the water with the honey in my handy dandy KitchenAid mixer until the honey dissolves, I add the 1C of yeast flour to the mixer and let it stir until combined. Then I just follow the rest of the recipe like usual.
The honey is a huge part of this recipe I think. It allows the dough to be stiff enough for it not to get soggy under all the ingredients. It always comes out crispy. The other thing I like is that I can make 2 batches and it is enough to make 2 pizzas and a cheesy bread, or 7 individual pizzas and a cheesy bread. That way I can just let each person put their own toppings on or if time is tight, just make two large ones and a cheesy bread.
The other night My husband asked me to make homemade pizza and I sort of sighed, then he asked me why I wasn't flattered that they all wanted MY pizza instead of ordering out. Needless to say, I got to work.
This is what we ended up with:
Olive and cheese before cooking (For Brent and the girls)
After- You just get more pieces in a square pizza.
To make the cheesy bread, I poke holes in the crust just as I do with the pizza to keep it from bubbling up and then put a small layer of butter over it. I mix some garlic bread sprinkle into the cheese mixture which is just mozzarella and cheddar.
Who cares if it isn't round!
Turkey pepperoni for me, cheese for the boys.
A while back, when Brent was out of town with the two older girls, I made homemade pizza for me and the kidlets. Of course I made individual ones and they had a blast creating their own. I love that I was able to calculate what was on my own pizza and it actually came to just a little over 500 calories and I can NEVER finish the whole thing. To me that is way better than any pizzeria.
It was a lot of fun and the kids like being able to make their very own pizza, so if you need a recipe that is easy and pretty fool proof, then this is a great one to try.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
No pain no gain?
So approximately 3 months ago I decided to get off my butt and whip it into shape. I thought this would make me feel better and in many ways it has. I have done videos at home, some strength training and was going to the gym at least 4 times a week. I enjoyed my time at the gym a lot for a few reasons. It felt good to go work out, and I got time away just to myself. I even joined a Summer stay fit challenge and was doing really well logging my time and staying accountable. Then something happened.
I became injured. Technically I think I was already injured to a degree and the exercise aggravated it. I have worked on tile covered concrete floors for over 17 years and it has taken a toll on my feet. I had dealt with things like Plantar fasciitis before, but now It has impaired my day to day life. When I first started exercising it didn't hurt too bad and I figured it was because I had been sedentary for so many years, I expected a few aches and pains and I worked through them. Once I started running it took the pain to a whole different level.
Saturday my feet were feeling ok, so I decided to go for a run. I have even signed up for a 5K which I am so excited about. But immediately after I got home, my feet were hurting very badly. I have been icing them, stretching them.. and nothing helps. Its been 3 days and still I can barely walk without limping. I think now it is time for a visit to the Dr. I didn't want it to come to this but I don't think I have a choice.
I have so many emotions I didn't think I would have since my feet have been hurting. I MISS exercising. I hate not being able to go for a run in the mornings. I can't even enjoy a walk with the family. I am angry that I have made HUGE steps to bettering my health, including losing over 20 lbs, and now this has put a halt on what I feel has been instrumental to the process. I'm worried if I am not moving, I will stop losing. Can I lose on diet alone? I guess time will tell. I am also angry that my personal goal of running the 5K will be nearly impossible now. I went from barely being able to run 2 minutes straight 3 months ago, to running nearly a mile. I have almost 2 months before the 5K and I was sure I would be able to run the whole thing by then and now I don't think it will be possible. I am worried that going to the Dr. will lead to bad news. Do I have to stay off my feet? What about work, they hurt every night after work. Will it ultimately lead to surgery to remove the heel spurs causing so much pain? Is it really heel spurs or is it something worse?
There are so many unanswered questions and what-ifs. School starts in a couple of weeks and my "extra" time is going to be extremely limited. I can't go backwards now, not when I have accomplished so much. All I can do is hope that this isn't too serious and I will be able to stay the path I have started for myself.
I became injured. Technically I think I was already injured to a degree and the exercise aggravated it. I have worked on tile covered concrete floors for over 17 years and it has taken a toll on my feet. I had dealt with things like Plantar fasciitis before, but now It has impaired my day to day life. When I first started exercising it didn't hurt too bad and I figured it was because I had been sedentary for so many years, I expected a few aches and pains and I worked through them. Once I started running it took the pain to a whole different level.
Saturday my feet were feeling ok, so I decided to go for a run. I have even signed up for a 5K which I am so excited about. But immediately after I got home, my feet were hurting very badly. I have been icing them, stretching them.. and nothing helps. Its been 3 days and still I can barely walk without limping. I think now it is time for a visit to the Dr. I didn't want it to come to this but I don't think I have a choice.
I have so many emotions I didn't think I would have since my feet have been hurting. I MISS exercising. I hate not being able to go for a run in the mornings. I can't even enjoy a walk with the family. I am angry that I have made HUGE steps to bettering my health, including losing over 20 lbs, and now this has put a halt on what I feel has been instrumental to the process. I'm worried if I am not moving, I will stop losing. Can I lose on diet alone? I guess time will tell. I am also angry that my personal goal of running the 5K will be nearly impossible now. I went from barely being able to run 2 minutes straight 3 months ago, to running nearly a mile. I have almost 2 months before the 5K and I was sure I would be able to run the whole thing by then and now I don't think it will be possible. I am worried that going to the Dr. will lead to bad news. Do I have to stay off my feet? What about work, they hurt every night after work. Will it ultimately lead to surgery to remove the heel spurs causing so much pain? Is it really heel spurs or is it something worse?
There are so many unanswered questions and what-ifs. School starts in a couple of weeks and my "extra" time is going to be extremely limited. I can't go backwards now, not when I have accomplished so much. All I can do is hope that this isn't too serious and I will be able to stay the path I have started for myself.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Pretty soon...
We will have eggs. I might need to bronze the first one because it will be worth more than an egg should be. For now though, we are just waiting.
In 5 short months... these girls
In 5 short months... these girls
have turned into this...
Penny
Eleanor
Yoko
I am amazed at how fast they have grown and how their personalities have really come through. There is definately a pecking order and they make sure everyone abides by it. The new little ones have fit in quite well and they have even challenged the older ones some. I cannot believe they have been here a whole month already. Here is their debut..
Martha
Maggie
I really enjoy sitting outside with them in the evenings, having a cup of coffee and watching them interact with each other. Since I work most evenings, I usually only do this on the weekends but I look forward to it each night I am off. Brent and the kids are having fun catching grasshoppers and throwing it to them, they love scraps and greet all of us when we go to their pen. I like to think they are saying hello, when in reality they just want to be fed.
I knew the time would come, but this morning after my run, Brent noticed Willow had roosted on the top of her pen. I know I will need to clip her wings soon. Her breed is a flighty one and one of the better flying chickens and I knew this when I got her. I just hope clipping her wings will deter her from escaping.
Willow
Chestnut
I really had no idea how fun the chicken would be when I got them and they really aren't a whole lot of work. I love all of their personalities and how different they are from each other. It's pretty funny but at night when its time to go roost, they have to go up in a certain order. If any of the 4 little ones try to go inside first, Yoko will go inside and kick them out, then she lets Eleanor and Penny in. Next the middle 2 little ones will go in and lastly the newest 2. The three older ones use the roost at night while the others huddle on the floor. I'm sure there is enough for them all to roost I just don't think they allow the little ones up there. I wish I had room for another roost but the coop isn't large enough.
For now to try and persuade them to lay their eggs in the nest we have put golf balls in the nesting boxes. I check them every day. I feel it will be Penny or Eleanor first since the are the reddest and most mature. I really can't wait for the first egg!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Quick check-in
Today was my weigh in and I wasn't really nervous. In fact it isn't something I dread even when I know I might have water gain or what-not. Anyways, heres the "skinny" I have officially lost 20 lbs! I hit my second goal that I made for myself. I was really excited. Another great thing is a co-worker of mine (actually a support manager) asked me last week if I had lost some weight. It put me on cloud nine! This person had no idea I was attempting to lose weight as it is something I don't really discuss with anyone. When I first began blogging about weight loss I had mentioned how this was my journey and I was going to keep it away from the social media and my work peers. I continue to feel that way and would rather relish in all the compliments that will hopefully start coming my way.
I don't really think I look much thinner. I mean 20 lbs is a lot, but really on my frame and my size, it isnt't going to be as noticible as it would be on a thinner person. BUT, I can say that my clothes are looser. When I bought clothes for our 4th of July vacation, I had bought many shirts a size smaller and my pants that were starting to get snug, now can be yanked down without being unbuttoned. I haven't really lost a pant size yet, but the ones I was wearing before were obviously too tight.
I am very proud of myself. I have been able to make good choices and if I want to have something I have it. I just control my portions. Losing weight is such a hard thing to do but it is such a simple concept really. Eat less, move more and you will lose weight. I think about how losing 20 lbs is only 1/4 th of what I want to lose, and that its taken me 78 days to lose it but I am happy, and I know that it is much more than losing weight, Its about becoming stronger and gaining confidence I didn't have before.
I don't really think I look much thinner. I mean 20 lbs is a lot, but really on my frame and my size, it isnt't going to be as noticible as it would be on a thinner person. BUT, I can say that my clothes are looser. When I bought clothes for our 4th of July vacation, I had bought many shirts a size smaller and my pants that were starting to get snug, now can be yanked down without being unbuttoned. I haven't really lost a pant size yet, but the ones I was wearing before were obviously too tight.
I am very proud of myself. I have been able to make good choices and if I want to have something I have it. I just control my portions. Losing weight is such a hard thing to do but it is such a simple concept really. Eat less, move more and you will lose weight. I think about how losing 20 lbs is only 1/4 th of what I want to lose, and that its taken me 78 days to lose it but I am happy, and I know that it is much more than losing weight, Its about becoming stronger and gaining confidence I didn't have before.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Worth the risk
Last year, after watching Food, Inc. I had blogged about purchasing a CSA from a local farm. Well that didn't really pan out like I had anticipated. It was a new farm, they had just opened up their shares to the public and I was not that impressed. At the time it was hectic, we were moving and the drive to Boise was a little too long and we eventually stopped picking up our share. Unfortunately we had already invested too much money into it, so we suffered a monetary loss.
This spring I approached Brent about buying another CSA share. He was very hesitant and even said it was a bad idea based on the previous years experience. We are approximately 6 weeks into the "season" and I am not regretting the risk we took. I did my research and after reading testimonials and corresponding to some local farmers, I picked Spyglass Gardens as the farm we wanted to purchase from.
In May, they had an open house so the members could go check out exactly where their produce was going to come from. It was a lovely farm and Steve and Wendy were so friendly and inviting as we visited their property. The diversity of produce they were growing and the practices they withheld were impressive and I was convinced we had made the right decision. Since we didn't want to risk too much, we decided to only purchase a half share this time. It was a trial run. Still a sizeable upfront expense, it has proven to be a wise one.
So far we have recieved more than enough produce to feed our family, even at half a share. Among the things we have recieved are: scallions, lettuce, spinach, beets, radishes, carrots, basil, cherries (every week), bok choy, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, apricots, and cabbage. Also we have recieved a basil plant, chive plant, and cilantro plant. And to think, we aren't even a thrid of the way into the season!
When we visited the farm in May, we also bought a rhubarb plant. This has quadrupled in size already and Brent decided he wanted another one. I simply emailed Wendy and asked her to bring us another and sure enough with our delivery she brought us another plant. They also have given us notifications that they work with other farmers that grow spray-free and organic produce so they can provide a more diverse variety of items to their customers. So last week it was announced that raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries would be available by the flat, so I also ordered a flat of Raspberries.
When Wendy brought us our delivery, she informed that our berries were picked that morning so they couldn't be any more fresh. I just don't think you can beat that for service or quality. I now have 2 fully packed gallon bags of frozen raspberries in the freezer to last all year.
I am so happy that we took the risk after a bad experience and purchased a share at Spyglass. I look forward to every Wednesday and the surprises that each bag holds. I never knew my kids love radishes, they ask for salad, and enjoy the fruit we recieve each week. I can forsee this becoming something I will continue to do each and every year and who knows, maybe one day we will splurge on a whole share.
This spring I approached Brent about buying another CSA share. He was very hesitant and even said it was a bad idea based on the previous years experience. We are approximately 6 weeks into the "season" and I am not regretting the risk we took. I did my research and after reading testimonials and corresponding to some local farmers, I picked Spyglass Gardens as the farm we wanted to purchase from.
In May, they had an open house so the members could go check out exactly where their produce was going to come from. It was a lovely farm and Steve and Wendy were so friendly and inviting as we visited their property. The diversity of produce they were growing and the practices they withheld were impressive and I was convinced we had made the right decision. Since we didn't want to risk too much, we decided to only purchase a half share this time. It was a trial run. Still a sizeable upfront expense, it has proven to be a wise one.
So far we have recieved more than enough produce to feed our family, even at half a share. Among the things we have recieved are: scallions, lettuce, spinach, beets, radishes, carrots, basil, cherries (every week), bok choy, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, apricots, and cabbage. Also we have recieved a basil plant, chive plant, and cilantro plant. And to think, we aren't even a thrid of the way into the season!
When we visited the farm in May, we also bought a rhubarb plant. This has quadrupled in size already and Brent decided he wanted another one. I simply emailed Wendy and asked her to bring us another and sure enough with our delivery she brought us another plant. They also have given us notifications that they work with other farmers that grow spray-free and organic produce so they can provide a more diverse variety of items to their customers. So last week it was announced that raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries would be available by the flat, so I also ordered a flat of Raspberries.
When Wendy brought us our delivery, she informed that our berries were picked that morning so they couldn't be any more fresh. I just don't think you can beat that for service or quality. I now have 2 fully packed gallon bags of frozen raspberries in the freezer to last all year.
I am so happy that we took the risk after a bad experience and purchased a share at Spyglass. I look forward to every Wednesday and the surprises that each bag holds. I never knew my kids love radishes, they ask for salad, and enjoy the fruit we recieve each week. I can forsee this becoming something I will continue to do each and every year and who knows, maybe one day we will splurge on a whole share.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A little lesson in Chicken Math
So these little biddies have caused a bit of drama. Theres a thing called chicken math in the poultry world that occurs when one becomes an owner of a chicken.. it goes a little like this..
See a chick, buy 1, but can't have one because they are a flock animal, so grab 3 more. One dies, replace with 2. These were from the straight run bin so 3 of the 5 are roosters. No roosters allowed, so the three go, replace with 2 more per roo. Now we have 8. Coon gets in, kills a chicken. Replace with 2 Bantam (mini) chickens because 2 Bantams=1 standard sized chicken. Coop becomes too small for 9 chickens. Coop addition is 3 times as big so that means.. 3 times the chickens........
See where Im going with this???
Chicken Math at our house goes like this:
He said 3, I said 5, bought 4. Wanted a fancy chicken so bought one more. One chicken was not what it was supposed to be so it was gone, and to replace it I got 2 more. Another turned to be a roo and off the the farm he went as well. Stop in to look at some chicks, and, well we got rid of 2, need 2 more. so now we are at 7 once again (unless anyone asks and then we only have 3..shhhh).
Yep, Lucy the Roo had to go to the farm, he was a little too manly to stay around here. His crow would give him away. Brent has a wonderful bartering technique called.."sure! go ahead and get more!" all with the sinister tone in the background, knowing fully that I cannot say a peep when its his turn to aquire something. It all evens out in the end.
So on the way home from vacation, we stopped and picked up 2 more hens. These are a little smaller and younger than the ones we have already and I knew there might be some problems. And problems there were. After I let the girls out of the coop this morning everyone looked great. Bridget checked on them and came in saying she thought the little one was dead. I rush out there and sure enough.. her head was all bloodied, but she was walking around when I got to her and I could tell it was an ugly situation.
I isolated her and seeked information on the great www and doctored her up quickly. After giving her food and water she perked up a lot and I felt hopeful she would make it. I set up the playpen and brought her friend in to be with her and she was a lot more content and her head was looking so much better by late afternoon. Poor thing had gotten pecked so hard they pulled feathers out and pierced a hole in her head and pecked at her earlobe.
Tonight, after work I moved her and sister to the dog kennel outside as it is so hot and they dont tolerate heat too well. It was much better outside where there was at least a breeze. So I think our chicken little is going to make it. Once she heals up I will integrate them back into the flock. As for now.. a fence is in the planning phase. The girls are going to need more space so more space is what they are going to get. I am at terms with the fact that we have more than enough chickens now. I think the Chicken Math will stop here.
See a chick, buy 1, but can't have one because they are a flock animal, so grab 3 more. One dies, replace with 2. These were from the straight run bin so 3 of the 5 are roosters. No roosters allowed, so the three go, replace with 2 more per roo. Now we have 8. Coon gets in, kills a chicken. Replace with 2 Bantam (mini) chickens because 2 Bantams=1 standard sized chicken. Coop becomes too small for 9 chickens. Coop addition is 3 times as big so that means.. 3 times the chickens........
See where Im going with this???
Chicken Math at our house goes like this:
He said 3, I said 5, bought 4. Wanted a fancy chicken so bought one more. One chicken was not what it was supposed to be so it was gone, and to replace it I got 2 more. Another turned to be a roo and off the the farm he went as well. Stop in to look at some chicks, and, well we got rid of 2, need 2 more. so now we are at 7 once again (unless anyone asks and then we only have 3..shhhh).
Yep, Lucy the Roo had to go to the farm, he was a little too manly to stay around here. His crow would give him away. Brent has a wonderful bartering technique called.."sure! go ahead and get more!" all with the sinister tone in the background, knowing fully that I cannot say a peep when its his turn to aquire something. It all evens out in the end.
So on the way home from vacation, we stopped and picked up 2 more hens. These are a little smaller and younger than the ones we have already and I knew there might be some problems. And problems there were. After I let the girls out of the coop this morning everyone looked great. Bridget checked on them and came in saying she thought the little one was dead. I rush out there and sure enough.. her head was all bloodied, but she was walking around when I got to her and I could tell it was an ugly situation.
I isolated her and seeked information on the great www and doctored her up quickly. After giving her food and water she perked up a lot and I felt hopeful she would make it. I set up the playpen and brought her friend in to be with her and she was a lot more content and her head was looking so much better by late afternoon. Poor thing had gotten pecked so hard they pulled feathers out and pierced a hole in her head and pecked at her earlobe.
Tonight, after work I moved her and sister to the dog kennel outside as it is so hot and they dont tolerate heat too well. It was much better outside where there was at least a breeze. So I think our chicken little is going to make it. Once she heals up I will integrate them back into the flock. As for now.. a fence is in the planning phase. The girls are going to need more space so more space is what they are going to get. I am at terms with the fact that we have more than enough chickens now. I think the Chicken Math will stop here.
Thinner Thursday!
Well, it was weigh in time again. I like to weigh on the same scale and since we were out of town I missed my Monday weigh-in so I did it Wednesday morning instead. I would be lying if I said I was excited. In fact, I almost didn't do it til next Monday so I would be more likely to see a loss.
We had been up in Whitebird/Grangeville since Saturday and had eaten our share of Lions burgers, Long Dogs, Rhubarb crisp (homemade by moi), tamales, pizza (twice) and salt water taffy, so I was a bit nervous. On Sunday I decided to go for a walk and ended up doing more like a hike. But it was great. I managed to work in some exercise and get away from the craziness that comes with 5 kids being out of their normal territory for a few days.
So it was the moment of truth and I stepped up on the scale and lo and behold, Miracles do happen. I managed to lose weight on vacation. In fact, I met my goal I had set for myself to be at a certain weight by July 4th. I have officially lost 16.2 lbs. I am lighter now than I have been in 5 years when Gavin was born.
I thought back to how I ate this weekend and really I made some good choices. I passed up a hamburger late one night after the rodeo, and a Soft Pretzel. We passed up the Strawberry Shortcake tent, and when I was hungry, I snacked on almonds or fruit. I drank most of my water each day and have continued to survive on my 2 small cups of coffee also. It would be safe to say that before I was drinking the equalivant of 5-6 cups of coffee, with tons of sugar and cream. So to say its a diet is not true, this is a lifestyle change. Im in it for the long haul and feel like this will be the real deal. I hit 60 days following Myfitnesspal and intend on logging in every day to remind myself to be accountible.
Who said you have to eat tofu and lettuce to lose weight? Its all about moderation.
We had been up in Whitebird/Grangeville since Saturday and had eaten our share of Lions burgers, Long Dogs, Rhubarb crisp (homemade by moi), tamales, pizza (twice) and salt water taffy, so I was a bit nervous. On Sunday I decided to go for a walk and ended up doing more like a hike. But it was great. I managed to work in some exercise and get away from the craziness that comes with 5 kids being out of their normal territory for a few days.
So it was the moment of truth and I stepped up on the scale and lo and behold, Miracles do happen. I managed to lose weight on vacation. In fact, I met my goal I had set for myself to be at a certain weight by July 4th. I have officially lost 16.2 lbs. I am lighter now than I have been in 5 years when Gavin was born.
I thought back to how I ate this weekend and really I made some good choices. I passed up a hamburger late one night after the rodeo, and a Soft Pretzel. We passed up the Strawberry Shortcake tent, and when I was hungry, I snacked on almonds or fruit. I drank most of my water each day and have continued to survive on my 2 small cups of coffee also. It would be safe to say that before I was drinking the equalivant of 5-6 cups of coffee, with tons of sugar and cream. So to say its a diet is not true, this is a lifestyle change. Im in it for the long haul and feel like this will be the real deal. I hit 60 days following Myfitnesspal and intend on logging in every day to remind myself to be accountible.
Who said you have to eat tofu and lettuce to lose weight? Its all about moderation.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
I'm a slacker
I know I keep saying I am going to keep current on this thing so I dont have to keep making catch up posts, I just seem to forget to do it. Which is a shame because I have sooo much to talk about. I don't even know where to start. I suppose I will do a little update for now and try to keep it up to date after this.
Weightloss: I missed Thinner Thursday which is a damn shame because I have big news! On Monday, I hit my first 10 lbs lost! And I did it the right way, in 35 days I lost 10 lbs. This isn't even the greatest thing. I was doing a video that is supposed to take 30 days. I got through day 5 and quit. I didn't quit exercising though and have actually began waking up at 7 at least 2 days a week and going for a jog. I also hit the gym for 45 min- 1 hour 3 days a week. I have been on Myfitnesspal for 40 days now and have stayed within my caloric limits every, single day. I have been able to turn down deserts, chocolate, soda, and even large amounts of carb-laden breads and crackers. I count EVERYTHING. Seriously folks.. this is big.
On another note. When I started this lifestyle change, I had no idea what I wanted to accomplish.. I wanted to love myself, I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin. I wanted to shop from regular racks of clothing and I wanted to feel good. About 2 weeks in, I decided to try jogging. Now you have to understand I was never a very athletic person. When I played softball I pretended to be in decent shape. However this is a girl who used to have her big sister forge notes to school excusing me from PE because I just didn't like to exercise (sorry mom). I don't think I could ever do a pull up or a push up. I remember running in elementary school for Farrar Fun Day and we had to do a mile race and I came in next to last. So when I got on the treadmill and started running, I could barely run for a minute and a half. It was pretty embarassing. About a week and a half later, I made it 5 minutes and literally cried afterwards. I went back to intervals after that and didn't try again, until today. After doing a walking warm up I sped the machine up to a mere 4.4 MPH and began jogging. It felt good so I didn't stop...until 13.5 minutes later, when I completed a whole mile. It was exhilirating. When people talk about a runners high, now I know what that means. I can't wait to try it again.
Cooking: I haven't tried a lot of new things lately, but I am working on a new weekly menu for the upcoming weeks and plan on including some new (and healthy) meals. Brent loves Rhubarb, so I bought a couple stalks and made some rhubarb muffins and they were actually really good. They apparently needed a little more rhubarb, but for the most part, everyone loved them. This week was also the first of out CSA deliveries. I am 100% impressed. Included in out basket, was a sweet and spicy salad mix, pak choy, romaine lettuce, radishes, scallions, a basil plant, asparagus and a bag of cherries. I didn't expect that much since we only have half a share, but I am not complaining. I need to learn how to cook pak choy, and finish up the asparagus and salad mix. I can't wait to see what this weeks basket will include.
Chickens: They are really growing. I am almost positive Lucy, is a rooster. This makes me sad, because I loved the breed and she was supposed to be a brown egg layer. If she were a girl, I would have 3 brown egg layers, 2 small white egg layers, and one "easter-egger" whose egg would be blue or green. Now I will likely be losing a brown egg layer, which happen to be the larger eggs. They are also turning into pooping brats. They poop..a lot. I only let them out for a few hours a day but am having to clean out their coop pretty regularly. As it gets warmer I have to keep it really clean in there. They also managed to destroy 2 of my raspberry plants. This weekend I am going to rig something around the remaining 2 before they decide to eat them too. I also had to move one of my pansies since they plucked all the flowers off the first one and were starting on that one. Brats...
Kids: Last weekend we visited the camp where Taylor and Bridget will be going in July for a week. I really think they will enjoy it. This weekend they are with their dad up at his dads doing their annual June fishing trip. Update from today is that they have already racked up a lot of fish and they just got there this morning. So for the weekend its me and the three little kidlets. Today we went to see "Rio" which was wonderful! It was a darling movie and I recommend it to any and all, old and young. After that we came home, took a nap and then went to dinner at Ihop (still managing to stay under my goal). On the way home, Gavin proclaimed that "this has been a fun day". Success. I have plans for the next couple of days but I am pretty worn out from today.
Thats most of the big news. I have so much to keep me busy but thankfully exercising has given me more energy than before so I do accomplish more than when I was sitting on my butt all the time. I will make an honest attempt to keep this up to date a little more.
Weightloss: I missed Thinner Thursday which is a damn shame because I have big news! On Monday, I hit my first 10 lbs lost! And I did it the right way, in 35 days I lost 10 lbs. This isn't even the greatest thing. I was doing a video that is supposed to take 30 days. I got through day 5 and quit. I didn't quit exercising though and have actually began waking up at 7 at least 2 days a week and going for a jog. I also hit the gym for 45 min- 1 hour 3 days a week. I have been on Myfitnesspal for 40 days now and have stayed within my caloric limits every, single day. I have been able to turn down deserts, chocolate, soda, and even large amounts of carb-laden breads and crackers. I count EVERYTHING. Seriously folks.. this is big.
On another note. When I started this lifestyle change, I had no idea what I wanted to accomplish.. I wanted to love myself, I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin. I wanted to shop from regular racks of clothing and I wanted to feel good. About 2 weeks in, I decided to try jogging. Now you have to understand I was never a very athletic person. When I played softball I pretended to be in decent shape. However this is a girl who used to have her big sister forge notes to school excusing me from PE because I just didn't like to exercise (sorry mom). I don't think I could ever do a pull up or a push up. I remember running in elementary school for Farrar Fun Day and we had to do a mile race and I came in next to last. So when I got on the treadmill and started running, I could barely run for a minute and a half. It was pretty embarassing. About a week and a half later, I made it 5 minutes and literally cried afterwards. I went back to intervals after that and didn't try again, until today. After doing a walking warm up I sped the machine up to a mere 4.4 MPH and began jogging. It felt good so I didn't stop...until 13.5 minutes later, when I completed a whole mile. It was exhilirating. When people talk about a runners high, now I know what that means. I can't wait to try it again.
Cooking: I haven't tried a lot of new things lately, but I am working on a new weekly menu for the upcoming weeks and plan on including some new (and healthy) meals. Brent loves Rhubarb, so I bought a couple stalks and made some rhubarb muffins and they were actually really good. They apparently needed a little more rhubarb, but for the most part, everyone loved them. This week was also the first of out CSA deliveries. I am 100% impressed. Included in out basket, was a sweet and spicy salad mix, pak choy, romaine lettuce, radishes, scallions, a basil plant, asparagus and a bag of cherries. I didn't expect that much since we only have half a share, but I am not complaining. I need to learn how to cook pak choy, and finish up the asparagus and salad mix. I can't wait to see what this weeks basket will include.
Chickens: They are really growing. I am almost positive Lucy, is a rooster. This makes me sad, because I loved the breed and she was supposed to be a brown egg layer. If she were a girl, I would have 3 brown egg layers, 2 small white egg layers, and one "easter-egger" whose egg would be blue or green. Now I will likely be losing a brown egg layer, which happen to be the larger eggs. They are also turning into pooping brats. They poop..a lot. I only let them out for a few hours a day but am having to clean out their coop pretty regularly. As it gets warmer I have to keep it really clean in there. They also managed to destroy 2 of my raspberry plants. This weekend I am going to rig something around the remaining 2 before they decide to eat them too. I also had to move one of my pansies since they plucked all the flowers off the first one and were starting on that one. Brats...
Kids: Last weekend we visited the camp where Taylor and Bridget will be going in July for a week. I really think they will enjoy it. This weekend they are with their dad up at his dads doing their annual June fishing trip. Update from today is that they have already racked up a lot of fish and they just got there this morning. So for the weekend its me and the three little kidlets. Today we went to see "Rio" which was wonderful! It was a darling movie and I recommend it to any and all, old and young. After that we came home, took a nap and then went to dinner at Ihop (still managing to stay under my goal). On the way home, Gavin proclaimed that "this has been a fun day". Success. I have plans for the next couple of days but I am pretty worn out from today.
Thats most of the big news. I have so much to keep me busy but thankfully exercising has given me more energy than before so I do accomplish more than when I was sitting on my butt all the time. I will make an honest attempt to keep this up to date a little more.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The Joy of Home-ownership
The weather finally warned up this weekend. It was FREEZING all last week and felt more like April than the first week of June. But yesterday and today have been great, in fact its hard to not complain about the heat when it was barely 55 two days before and today its 80. With the good weather though we have been able to get a few things done around the house.
When we moved into the house it had three rosebushes in the front landscaping surrounded by the ever-growing creeping myrtle and a "border" of large River rock. I knew this stuff had to go. Brent immediately cut down the unkept roses and I began to pull out the myrtle. This is a before pic, but after the roses.
Yep, instead of a border, this rock was covering the entire flower bed. It was pretty brutal. It took me a few sessions to actually get it all out and cleared. After generously donating the rock to the first person willing to come haul it away, I had a clear bed.
Finally I have the creative freedom to do what I like with a space. Speaking of, we have made a few additions to the backyard. Brent has his Rhubarb plant we picked up at our CSA Farm, Spyglass Gardens , and a neighbor was thinning out her Raspberry bushes so I took 4.
Now if we can only keep these crazy girls out of them!
I know, they look so innocent, but they are sneaky. They like my pansies and sneak into the rhubarb and I have caught them pecking at the raspberries. I have so many other projects, and not enough time but slowly we are getting it done. Tackling the minor problems is nice, but thinking about the major ones is daunting. For example, installing the microwave, repairing the drywall, needing some concrete poured and some miscellaneous handyman work done too, not to mention having a new kitchen faucet installed. It seems the list is never ending. The lawn sprinklers need work, a garden bed built for next year, weeding to be done, always trimming on the willow tree (blasted thing), knocking down bee hives, mowing the lawn. And this is just the things I can think of off the top of my head not even counting all the cleaning to be done and laundry. I find it is hard to do the indoor things when It is nice outside. Id much rather be out doing yard work. Maybe someday we will get around to finishing unpacking too.
When we moved into the house it had three rosebushes in the front landscaping surrounded by the ever-growing creeping myrtle and a "border" of large River rock. I knew this stuff had to go. Brent immediately cut down the unkept roses and I began to pull out the myrtle. This is a before pic, but after the roses.
Once I got digging, this is what I found under all the myrtle.
Yep, instead of a border, this rock was covering the entire flower bed. It was pretty brutal. It took me a few sessions to actually get it all out and cleared. After generously donating the rock to the first person willing to come haul it away, I had a clear bed.
Finally I have the creative freedom to do what I like with a space. Speaking of, we have made a few additions to the backyard. Brent has his Rhubarb plant we picked up at our CSA Farm, Spyglass Gardens , and a neighbor was thinning out her Raspberry bushes so I took 4.
Now if we can only keep these crazy girls out of them!
I know, they look so innocent, but they are sneaky. They like my pansies and sneak into the rhubarb and I have caught them pecking at the raspberries. I have so many other projects, and not enough time but slowly we are getting it done. Tackling the minor problems is nice, but thinking about the major ones is daunting. For example, installing the microwave, repairing the drywall, needing some concrete poured and some miscellaneous handyman work done too, not to mention having a new kitchen faucet installed. It seems the list is never ending. The lawn sprinklers need work, a garden bed built for next year, weeding to be done, always trimming on the willow tree (blasted thing), knocking down bee hives, mowing the lawn. And this is just the things I can think of off the top of my head not even counting all the cleaning to be done and laundry. I find it is hard to do the indoor things when It is nice outside. Id much rather be out doing yard work. Maybe someday we will get around to finishing unpacking too.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thinner Thursday!
I had a different post planned for today but wanted to do a quick update. I decided to change my weigh in day back to Mondays. I joined a group in a forum and we report on Monday so I changed it.
So, since I had to report in this week I re-weighed with great results. I'm officially down another 2.2 for a total of 6.2 in 21 days. I am completely thrilled. It is the most I have been able to do in a long time.
Another great moment is I have been able to jog a little. Granted not far or for long but I am able to do something I've always had avoided and, I enjoy it!
Well I'll have another post for tomorrow but for now, ta-ta.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thinner Thursdays or Fitter Fridays
Well this will be a regular post on either Thursdays or Fridays, depending on when I can get it posted. Thursday is my official weigh in day now. I picked it with no scientific method, but only that it seemed like a good day.
So I am officially on week three of follwing Myfitnesspal and tracking my calories and exercise. I have done some sort of exercise almost every day and stayed below my calorie intake. I have lost about 4 lbs now but I feel better overall. The last time I did cardio at the gym, my heart rate stayed fairly normal. Before, it was sky-high! I thought my heart would fail me and I'd die a preamature death of heart explosion. I am a lot more motivated to go out and do some things that before seemed so hard. Lately I started trying to jog. I have made a tiny bit of progress but boy it is difficult.
As for eating, I am so much aware of what goes in my mouth. I have been doing really well with portions and making better decisions. It is all such a learning lesson, and not a diet, but a lifestyle change. I am in this for the long haul.
So the results for todays weigh in.. well I was apparently up 0.2 lbs. I've already beat myself up over this today and think I have discovered why it is up instead of down. I am doing everything right so far and this is just a hurdle. I am OK with it now. And will just keep on truckin. I am sure it won't be the last time my weight goes the wrong way. So forward ...march and off we go for another week full of temptations, and victories.
So I am officially on week three of follwing Myfitnesspal and tracking my calories and exercise. I have done some sort of exercise almost every day and stayed below my calorie intake. I have lost about 4 lbs now but I feel better overall. The last time I did cardio at the gym, my heart rate stayed fairly normal. Before, it was sky-high! I thought my heart would fail me and I'd die a preamature death of heart explosion. I am a lot more motivated to go out and do some things that before seemed so hard. Lately I started trying to jog. I have made a tiny bit of progress but boy it is difficult.
As for eating, I am so much aware of what goes in my mouth. I have been doing really well with portions and making better decisions. It is all such a learning lesson, and not a diet, but a lifestyle change. I am in this for the long haul.
So the results for todays weigh in.. well I was apparently up 0.2 lbs. I've already beat myself up over this today and think I have discovered why it is up instead of down. I am doing everything right so far and this is just a hurdle. I am OK with it now. And will just keep on truckin. I am sure it won't be the last time my weight goes the wrong way. So forward ...march and off we go for another week full of temptations, and victories.
Friday, May 20, 2011
So far so good, even with hurdles and road-blocks
Well I am officially on day 12 of logging my food and exercising. I also found out my brother is doing the same plan and actually joined just 2 days after I did so its pretty cool to have my brother, my husband and my best friend all doing this with me. When I weigned in last week, I was down 2 pounds. I knew I would see some results early on, you always do when you are this overweight and drastically change. It takes a while to even out. I sort of peeked in between weigh-ins and saw I was up a little so I was a little worried about Thursday. Amazingly enough, I was down just shy of 2 more, so in 12 days I've managed to lose nearly 4 lbs. This is a big accomplishment because I have been juggling between the same two, 2 pounds for a long time. However, it isnt really amazing considering the effort I have put in so far.
I have stayed within my calorie limits every...single...day. No cheating, no fudging the food diary.. I have written down every single morsel that hits mouth from a pat of butter, to a dum-dum sucker, and even the 500 calorie cup of granola that I ate before knowing the content (which I am now going to try really hard not to do again). I also have managed to exercise more than usual. I have gone to the gym a few times, used my Xbox kinect game once, take a walk with the kids. My goal is to move a little every single day even if its just a walk.
Today I have hit my first major hurdle. Its the first day I literally have no motivation. I want to eat poorly, I dont fel like exercising and I am tired. I managed to curb my craving for junk food today. I really wanted pizza. you know of the frozen variety. I like the DiGiorno's 200 calorie pizzas, even if you eat 2 its still 400 cal., but our teeny tiny grocery store doesn't have them so I looked at the other options and realized I wasn't wasting 420 calories on a lean pocket.. yes I said lean pocket.. What idiot decided that was lean? That was just for one pocket too and I could easily eat 2. No wonder I'm overweight. With a chip serving being 1 oz, and everything else so filled with sodium. I just can't believe how unhealthy some of the food we eat is and how small the portions are. When it takes me 35 min to burn 300 calories, that is just barely what I eat for breakfast. It is what I would consume previously in a snack. To me it just isn't worth it.
I managed to creep past lunch without makeing a bad decision. I settled on a baked potato instead of a pizza and then to cure my sweet-tooth I had a Kelllogs Fiber plus bar. Seriously folks.. the chocolate fudge, caramel, coconut.. tastes JUST like a Girl Scout Samoa cookie. I actually am more of a salt person, so resisting the cheezits is a lot harder than the candy. But I did it and am already trying to figure out dinner for myself. Gavin has T-ball practice and I will have to likely eat on the go, so I need to be smart.
I didn't get fat overnight and it isnt going to come off that fast either. I also didn't lose 4 lbs in less than 2 weeks by continuing my previous habits. I know this is just the first bump in my long journey but I feel more empowered than ever. Now to catch up on my water intake for the day and get my butt off this computer!
I have stayed within my calorie limits every...single...day. No cheating, no fudging the food diary.. I have written down every single morsel that hits mouth from a pat of butter, to a dum-dum sucker, and even the 500 calorie cup of granola that I ate before knowing the content (which I am now going to try really hard not to do again). I also have managed to exercise more than usual. I have gone to the gym a few times, used my Xbox kinect game once, take a walk with the kids. My goal is to move a little every single day even if its just a walk.
Today I have hit my first major hurdle. Its the first day I literally have no motivation. I want to eat poorly, I dont fel like exercising and I am tired. I managed to curb my craving for junk food today. I really wanted pizza. you know of the frozen variety. I like the DiGiorno's 200 calorie pizzas, even if you eat 2 its still 400 cal., but our teeny tiny grocery store doesn't have them so I looked at the other options and realized I wasn't wasting 420 calories on a lean pocket.. yes I said lean pocket.. What idiot decided that was lean? That was just for one pocket too and I could easily eat 2. No wonder I'm overweight. With a chip serving being 1 oz, and everything else so filled with sodium. I just can't believe how unhealthy some of the food we eat is and how small the portions are. When it takes me 35 min to burn 300 calories, that is just barely what I eat for breakfast. It is what I would consume previously in a snack. To me it just isn't worth it.
I managed to creep past lunch without makeing a bad decision. I settled on a baked potato instead of a pizza and then to cure my sweet-tooth I had a Kelllogs Fiber plus bar. Seriously folks.. the chocolate fudge, caramel, coconut.. tastes JUST like a Girl Scout Samoa cookie. I actually am more of a salt person, so resisting the cheezits is a lot harder than the candy. But I did it and am already trying to figure out dinner for myself. Gavin has T-ball practice and I will have to likely eat on the go, so I need to be smart.
I didn't get fat overnight and it isnt going to come off that fast either. I also didn't lose 4 lbs in less than 2 weeks by continuing my previous habits. I know this is just the first bump in my long journey but I feel more empowered than ever. Now to catch up on my water intake for the day and get my butt off this computer!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Giving always gives back
Ever since I took my Master Naturalist class last year, I have learned the fun of volunteering. I had never really volunteered for any sort of cause previously but have since been offering up some of my rare free time to help out.
Saturday was a very busy day in Boise. The Great Potato Marathon was going on (which I plan on running the 3K portion of next year), The Green Expo along with the Boise City Farmers Market that just kicked off a few weeks ago, and at the MK Nature center, the annual representation of International Migratory Bird Day. This is one of the few events I was able to volunteer for last year as well. Taylor and Bridget joined me as they had a good time last year and wanted to go again.
This year I was in charge of the Greenbelt entrance and greeting people as they came off the Greenbelt. Since we were there early we got a good glimpse of the marathoners starting out...and there were a LOT of them. The Nature Center is right in the heart of Boise and backs up to the Boise river. It is astounding the amount of wildlife that passes through there. In the first hour, I saw a mink, a young whitetail stag, a great blue heron, and a fox pass through near my booth. The deer hung out all morning and the heron was fishing the pond most of the time.
My post wasn't the most glamourous of jobs but I still really enjoyed it. After the threat of rain went away, it turned out to be a nice morning. I was able to relax, visit with fellow citizens, educate some youngsters and out-of-towners, watch some bird banding, and witness some of the great wildlife diversity Idaho has to offer.
Saturday was a very busy day in Boise. The Great Potato Marathon was going on (which I plan on running the 3K portion of next year), The Green Expo along with the Boise City Farmers Market that just kicked off a few weeks ago, and at the MK Nature center, the annual representation of International Migratory Bird Day. This is one of the few events I was able to volunteer for last year as well. Taylor and Bridget joined me as they had a good time last year and wanted to go again.
This year I was in charge of the Greenbelt entrance and greeting people as they came off the Greenbelt. Since we were there early we got a good glimpse of the marathoners starting out...and there were a LOT of them. The Nature Center is right in the heart of Boise and backs up to the Boise river. It is astounding the amount of wildlife that passes through there. In the first hour, I saw a mink, a young whitetail stag, a great blue heron, and a fox pass through near my booth. The deer hung out all morning and the heron was fishing the pond most of the time.
My post wasn't the most glamourous of jobs but I still really enjoyed it. After the threat of rain went away, it turned out to be a nice morning. I was able to relax, visit with fellow citizens, educate some youngsters and out-of-towners, watch some bird banding, and witness some of the great wildlife diversity Idaho has to offer.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Starting over again
I am going to be pretty honest that it wasnt until AFTER I had kids that Ieven cared about my weight as an adult. There was a period of time when I was young and kids were mean that I was a little insecure, but I never felt as a teenager that I was overweight. When I started having kids and being comfortable in a relationship with someone who didn't tease me about my weight (as previous boyfriends had before), is when I would remember feeling uncomfortable with my body. I joined Weight Watchers many, many times and to this day feel it is a solid, good plan, but to be honest to myself and everyone else, I usually only did it half-ass. I mean I followed the diet well and even lost 20 lbs once. But as soon as I was pregnant again, the pounds would pile back on and then some.
I'm at a time in my life where I am the heaviest I have ever been. I actually dread clothes shopping, and having to actually need more clothes, it makes for a poor combination. I feel more tired than ever, and I just dont like the way I look or feel. Last week I woke up with an attitude I have not felt before. I had the desire to do this and began it immediately. It isn't the same ol..."Oh my, I'm going to diet again, I have to watch what I eat. Ill go to the gym once a week.. maybe." This time I want to do it and feel mentally prepared for the long journey ahead of me. I have nearly 70 lbs to lose now but I don't feel it is impossible anymore.
One reason I feel I am able to do this is because I found a tool that is easy and so fun to use! And it gives me the moral support I desperately need at this point in my life. If you or anyone you know is trying to lose some weight, please go to or tell them to go to http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ and sign up! Its 100% free, no gimmicks, no underlying fees. It is free. It helps you to devolop a plan and calorie count. The datbase makes it so easy to enter in your food, water and exercise for the day. It is highly cusomizable and can fit to any individuals need. It also is host to the most amazong support group I have ever seen on any online forum. The people in the community on the site have been there, some have conquered but they all agree that this website is the greatest tool ever. It even has an application for my Droid phone to allow me to add stuff on the go.
Another reason I feel so confident is that I have the best support by my side. For the first time in many many years.. Brent and I are ready to tackle this beast together. The only time we were both on board the last time is when I lost the 20lbs, so I feel us doing this as a team will make it even more attainable. I had him take some eye-opening before photos and I promise you, I will never go that way again.
I don't really want to announce to all about this journey although if you are reading it then you know. Thankfully for me its only my closest friends and family that read this, but I am choosing not to post this anywhere else like Facebook. This is my journey and I plan on completing it for real this time. As a testiment, so far I have excercised three times this week and I have stayed within my limits each day. I really feel like this is going to be it. So please join me in this as I know it will not be easy but I know I can do it this time.
I'm at a time in my life where I am the heaviest I have ever been. I actually dread clothes shopping, and having to actually need more clothes, it makes for a poor combination. I feel more tired than ever, and I just dont like the way I look or feel. Last week I woke up with an attitude I have not felt before. I had the desire to do this and began it immediately. It isn't the same ol..."Oh my, I'm going to diet again, I have to watch what I eat. Ill go to the gym once a week.. maybe." This time I want to do it and feel mentally prepared for the long journey ahead of me. I have nearly 70 lbs to lose now but I don't feel it is impossible anymore.
One reason I feel I am able to do this is because I found a tool that is easy and so fun to use! And it gives me the moral support I desperately need at this point in my life. If you or anyone you know is trying to lose some weight, please go to or tell them to go to http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ and sign up! Its 100% free, no gimmicks, no underlying fees. It is free. It helps you to devolop a plan and calorie count. The datbase makes it so easy to enter in your food, water and exercise for the day. It is highly cusomizable and can fit to any individuals need. It also is host to the most amazong support group I have ever seen on any online forum. The people in the community on the site have been there, some have conquered but they all agree that this website is the greatest tool ever. It even has an application for my Droid phone to allow me to add stuff on the go.
Another reason I feel so confident is that I have the best support by my side. For the first time in many many years.. Brent and I are ready to tackle this beast together. The only time we were both on board the last time is when I lost the 20lbs, so I feel us doing this as a team will make it even more attainable. I had him take some eye-opening before photos and I promise you, I will never go that way again.
I don't really want to announce to all about this journey although if you are reading it then you know. Thankfully for me its only my closest friends and family that read this, but I am choosing not to post this anywhere else like Facebook. This is my journey and I plan on completing it for real this time. As a testiment, so far I have excercised three times this week and I have stayed within my limits each day. I really feel like this is going to be it. So please join me in this as I know it will not be easy but I know I can do it this time.
Change of seasons once again
It finally feels like spring here in Idaho. Its officially been spring for a while, but still felt a little like winter.
I have been so busy!! School is over, I passed my finals and the kids are almost out for the summer!
I have so much I want to blog about I just have been so tremendously busy but I will attempt to play catch up. I hope I have not let my 6 followers down by being scarce but I aim to improve!
I have some topics I want to touch on here soon so I will try to address them in a timely manner. I have weight loss, volunteering, decisions, and busy days on my mind so stay tuned!
I have been so busy!! School is over, I passed my finals and the kids are almost out for the summer!
I have so much I want to blog about I just have been so tremendously busy but I will attempt to play catch up. I hope I have not let my 6 followers down by being scarce but I aim to improve!
I have some topics I want to touch on here soon so I will try to address them in a timely manner. I have weight loss, volunteering, decisions, and busy days on my mind so stay tuned!
Monday, April 25, 2011
It's almost over
I'm pretty sure I have SAD. For those of you not knowing.. SAD=Seasonal Affective Disorder. Now I'm not trying to make excuses but man I think this stuff is for real! Sun=happiness, clouds=gloominess. My whole persona depends on the weather a lot of times and darn it, I'm ready for spring! We have been teased relentlessly on Springs' arrival and I am just ready for it.
I have been cooking a bit more lately so my kids aren't living off cold cereal and waffles lately. No real ambition to try anything new as of yet. Hopefully when our CSA from Spyglass Gardens starts up we will have more fresh goods to add in our diet. We get to visit the farm in May and I think that is pretty neat. I mean it doesn't get much closer to home than driving to the next town and seeing where your fruits and veggies are going to come from. Now if only the meat situation were a little more convenient.
The Chickies are getting HUGE! Its amazing how fast they grow. I added 2 more little ones to the flock so now I have 7. Reasoning behind this? I wanted 5 chickens. We were suspecting 2 were roosters so Brent's co-worker agreed to take them a little later when they were a bit bigger but before they start to crow. So in order to add the new "replacements" in when they are too old, I got 2 more babies. Now I think one of the "boys" is still a girl.. sooo we are going to have to figure out who is going and who is staying.
I have been cooking a bit more lately so my kids aren't living off cold cereal and waffles lately. No real ambition to try anything new as of yet. Hopefully when our CSA from Spyglass Gardens starts up we will have more fresh goods to add in our diet. We get to visit the farm in May and I think that is pretty neat. I mean it doesn't get much closer to home than driving to the next town and seeing where your fruits and veggies are going to come from. Now if only the meat situation were a little more convenient.
The Chickies are getting HUGE! Its amazing how fast they grow. I added 2 more little ones to the flock so now I have 7. Reasoning behind this? I wanted 5 chickens. We were suspecting 2 were roosters so Brent's co-worker agreed to take them a little later when they were a bit bigger but before they start to crow. So in order to add the new "replacements" in when they are too old, I got 2 more babies. Now I think one of the "boys" is still a girl.. sooo we are going to have to figure out who is going and who is staying.
These were taken about a week ago so they are actually a bit bigger now. Yesterday Brent went and picked up the coop, and today he spent most of the afternoon getting the space ready and started putting it together. He worked so hard out there while I finished up my homework assignments. I know its been horrible with my homework taking up my weekends.. but its almost over. Only 2 more weeks and I regain my weekends to do with as I please. just PLEASE let me make it out alive. I don't care if I ever see another equation, logarithm or quadratic in my life after this. I'm actually thinking of taking some general education courses next semester, even though I don't need them just to give myself a little break before finishing up the rest of my degree. I have been going pretty hard for the last couple years and I'm feeling burned out.
So now, I have to figure out what color to paint the coop. I have been trying to tackle little projects here and there and am hoping when classes are out I can get more accomplished. As soon as its done, pics will be posted. Oh..and I am an aunt again!!!! Congrats to my sister and her beautiful addition to the family.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Busy Days
Seems like I have no time anymore. School always get so tough around the last 6 weeks of the semester and this year I am struggling. Now that the house is ours, we have so much to do to it and keep it up and going. I felt fairly productive today. I finally went grocery shopping for the first time in a month. We switched out the beer fridge that came with the house with our real one that was in the garage. I delved into the front flower bed that is a horrible mess of creeping Myrtle and River Rock. That will take a little time to clear out and an ad on Craigslist to get rid of the rock, then I can landscape out there finally. We cut out the rose bushes also. I hated those blasted things and the aphids they brought each spring. The chicksters went out to play for a little while and you could tell they loved it. I cleaned up the poo from the side yard, Brent cut down a couple small trees, the kids rode their bikes. All in all it was a good day.
Tomorrow will be just as busy. I will have to somehow find time to do laundry, do homework, clean out the chick brooder, finish taking down a partial wire fence in the yard, the grass needs mowed and trimmed, the house picked up and the kids requested I make Tamales for dinner. The meat is slow cookin now but the Masa for the tamales take a while to make as well and I have to make salsa. I love my salsa, and I love tamales. I like being busy though. It keeps my mind busy and I feel so much better at the end of the day when I have accomplished something. I'm so thankful the weather wasnt as wet and almost snowy as was predicted, but instead the sun shone and the wind blew, and I was able to go outside and that is what matters.
Tomorrow will be just as busy. I will have to somehow find time to do laundry, do homework, clean out the chick brooder, finish taking down a partial wire fence in the yard, the grass needs mowed and trimmed, the house picked up and the kids requested I make Tamales for dinner. The meat is slow cookin now but the Masa for the tamales take a while to make as well and I have to make salsa. I love my salsa, and I love tamales. I like being busy though. It keeps my mind busy and I feel so much better at the end of the day when I have accomplished something. I'm so thankful the weather wasnt as wet and almost snowy as was predicted, but instead the sun shone and the wind blew, and I was able to go outside and that is what matters.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Mama Hen
So as I mentioned, I became the owner of 5 baby chicks this last week. I had been wanting some for a while, as you may know, "Backyard Chickens" are sort of chic (haha) now. I actually became interested before the big boom hit about 2 years ago when Natalies' preschool teacher had some hens in her backyard in our subdivision and we would buy eggs from them for $2.00 a dozen. These were the MOST fantastic eggs I had ever had and I was in love with the novel idea of having a bunch of chickens running around.
I knew I wanted some someday at that point. But with all things, "someday" was the day we became home owners again and could do what we wanted. When that day finally arrived, on Friday March 18th, we took the weekend to think about what it meant to be homeowners.. to me it meant freedom! So Monday I went chicken shopping and when I found out the hatchery was going to have all 4...that I wanted in stock the next day as day-old chicks, I made arrangements to pick them up, set up the brooder, and on Tuesday I brought them home.
Here are my babies :)
Penny Lane today at 1 week old. She is a Buff Orpington.
Eleanor Rigby is a Light Brahma. Check out her feathered feet!
Lucy (in the sky with Diamonds) is the largest, she is a Silver Laced Wyandotte.
And Dear Prudence is a supposed Araucana, she will hopefully lay be some beautiful eggs with either green, bright blue, or pink shells.
I know I said I have 5 babies.. well #5 is a Buff Laced Crested Polish. Now this.. will be a funny looking bird. I needed a wow factor in my flock and this is it. Her name will be... *drumroll*... Yoko Ono!
I learned a bit about myself since I got these guys. I mean why would I want chickens? It isnt proving to be economical. I mean the coop we bought, the brooder to set up.. feeding them for 4+ months before eggs appear. Everyone loves babies but for me its more than that. I loved when my kids were so tiny and depended on me 100%. I liked the feeling of being needed. And where my kids still definately "need" me, its different now. I do NOT want more human babies, nor can we have any but having these babies sort of fulfills my need to nurture a brand new baby. Even when they are grown the will need me to care for them. I also really really wanted the kids to have them to help learn some responsibility on pet care.
After I get my new chick, I will post updated pics.. but for now.. night night-4 little chickies all in a row.
I knew I wanted some someday at that point. But with all things, "someday" was the day we became home owners again and could do what we wanted. When that day finally arrived, on Friday March 18th, we took the weekend to think about what it meant to be homeowners.. to me it meant freedom! So Monday I went chicken shopping and when I found out the hatchery was going to have all 4...that I wanted in stock the next day as day-old chicks, I made arrangements to pick them up, set up the brooder, and on Tuesday I brought them home.
Here are my babies :)
Penny Lane today at 1 week old. She is a Buff Orpington.
Eleanor Rigby is a Light Brahma. Check out her feathered feet!
Lucy (in the sky with Diamonds) is the largest, she is a Silver Laced Wyandotte.
And Dear Prudence is a supposed Araucana, she will hopefully lay be some beautiful eggs with either green, bright blue, or pink shells.
I know I said I have 5 babies.. well #5 is a Buff Laced Crested Polish. Now this.. will be a funny looking bird. I needed a wow factor in my flock and this is it. Her name will be... *drumroll*... Yoko Ono!
I learned a bit about myself since I got these guys. I mean why would I want chickens? It isnt proving to be economical. I mean the coop we bought, the brooder to set up.. feeding them for 4+ months before eggs appear. Everyone loves babies but for me its more than that. I loved when my kids were so tiny and depended on me 100%. I liked the feeling of being needed. And where my kids still definately "need" me, its different now. I do NOT want more human babies, nor can we have any but having these babies sort of fulfills my need to nurture a brand new baby. Even when they are grown the will need me to care for them. I also really really wanted the kids to have them to help learn some responsibility on pet care.
After I get my new chick, I will post updated pics.. but for now.. night night-4 little chickies all in a row.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring has Sprung
Wow, are things ever changing around here. It seems like we are creeping out of winter from hibernation and stretching out our legs and breathing in the fresh smell of spring. I love spring. Fall is my favorite season but with spring, it's like a new beginning, a new start. Everything is new and growing and changing. Waking up from a deep slumber. While here in Idaho, we are still sloshing around in the massive spring rains, the hint of spring is in the air. The trees are budding, the Red-winged blackbird and Robins have returned from their wintering area. This year, Spring is symbolic of my life. It truly represents what we have been through.
I honestly feel like we were hibernating for years. Hiding away grumbling under the snow cover. Things felt dead, cold, stark, for so very long that this fresh breath of air is so welcome. Our housing dilemma has finally come to a close. We decided to purchase out home we were renting here in Middleton and plant our roots for a while. It is not my dream home, but to have a home that is ours is a dream come true. No worries of someone telling us to leave, the feeling of betrayal that our landlords were pocketing our rent money for their own use. Now its ours, our responsibility.
With the joy of homeownership comes the task of making what was a house, a home. We can decorate now, actually unpack from the latest move, plant a garden, paint, do as we wish. Now we all know this does not come without its own share of headaches, but something about it being your own, makes it a little more bareable.
So now we have some projects to tend to and I am excited about them all. I want a real garden this year, so we get to till up the land and plant what we want. There is some minor landscaping to do, plants to remove, areas to organize. But it isn't just the physical things that are changing. We hope to take a vacation this year, a real one. We were notified today that Taylor was accepted into a great charter school and the others are on a waiting list so hopefully eventually they get in soon too. I brought home 4 additions to the family today. We are now the owners of 4 baby chicks, that will soon become egg layers over the summer. We have 4 and I am picking up another one tomorrow. They are adorable and I am really enjoying them! Who knew they cold be so entertaining. Right now they are living in the garage and their coop will arrive at the end of April. Shortly after that they will be moved outside.
I have lots to blog about like usual. the kids are on spring break, but the weather is nasty. I was hoping for some sunshine but we probably won't see any til Thursday.
I honestly feel like we were hibernating for years. Hiding away grumbling under the snow cover. Things felt dead, cold, stark, for so very long that this fresh breath of air is so welcome. Our housing dilemma has finally come to a close. We decided to purchase out home we were renting here in Middleton and plant our roots for a while. It is not my dream home, but to have a home that is ours is a dream come true. No worries of someone telling us to leave, the feeling of betrayal that our landlords were pocketing our rent money for their own use. Now its ours, our responsibility.
With the joy of homeownership comes the task of making what was a house, a home. We can decorate now, actually unpack from the latest move, plant a garden, paint, do as we wish. Now we all know this does not come without its own share of headaches, but something about it being your own, makes it a little more bareable.
So now we have some projects to tend to and I am excited about them all. I want a real garden this year, so we get to till up the land and plant what we want. There is some minor landscaping to do, plants to remove, areas to organize. But it isn't just the physical things that are changing. We hope to take a vacation this year, a real one. We were notified today that Taylor was accepted into a great charter school and the others are on a waiting list so hopefully eventually they get in soon too. I brought home 4 additions to the family today. We are now the owners of 4 baby chicks, that will soon become egg layers over the summer. We have 4 and I am picking up another one tomorrow. They are adorable and I am really enjoying them! Who knew they cold be so entertaining. Right now they are living in the garage and their coop will arrive at the end of April. Shortly after that they will be moved outside.
I have lots to blog about like usual. the kids are on spring break, but the weather is nasty. I was hoping for some sunshine but we probably won't see any til Thursday.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Lets do it...
Ok, I feel like a total slacker, but I also feel like I had a legitimate reason for being so. I still have yet to go to the YMCA since joining. The first week I was tied up with school and tests, then, the sickness emerged. First it was Gavin and Spencer, then I got it, then Bridget and finally Natalie. It was horrible and I got the worst end of it. I am still hacking up a lung which is why I have not gone this week yet but my goal.. is to go Wednesday (or Friday). Ok, so I'm back to making an attainable goal because honestly, my first attempt was not very heartfelt. The positive to being sick was I lost a couple pounds and I will be OK if I do not ever find them again.
Up until now I have been spending all my non-extra time perusing for a house. House hunting is honestly the most stressful thing I have done in a while. Now that this activity is possibly not necessary anymore, I really need to kick it into high gear and start playing my roles and performing my duties again. Since we have been sick going on 2 weeks now, I hate to admit that I cannot remember the last time I cooked a real meal. My kids and husband are so sick of cereal and oatmeal that I think we all need a break from it. So tomorrow Im going to make a hearty pot of Beef stew. I figure it is a safe meal for a group of recovering sickos, plus it just sounds good.
I want chickens. I don't know why but I want some and have wanted them for a while. I also want to plant my garden. I need some more patience because if I jump the gun I could be setting myself up for disappointment again and I don't think I can handle it. So I am just trying to get in the pre-planning stage. That way if things for whatever reason don't turn out with the house then I won't have too much invested besides my emotions and they are pretty used to getting worn down so I can handle that.
I am ready for spring. I am tired of being cooped up, of cold weather, and gray skies. I think that if things work themselves out in the next few weeks, we will be on ouw way to a more enjoyable and joyous time in our lives. We have been in the dark ages for far too long and I'm ready for some rays of sunshine.
Up until now I have been spending all my non-extra time perusing for a house. House hunting is honestly the most stressful thing I have done in a while. Now that this activity is possibly not necessary anymore, I really need to kick it into high gear and start playing my roles and performing my duties again. Since we have been sick going on 2 weeks now, I hate to admit that I cannot remember the last time I cooked a real meal. My kids and husband are so sick of cereal and oatmeal that I think we all need a break from it. So tomorrow Im going to make a hearty pot of Beef stew. I figure it is a safe meal for a group of recovering sickos, plus it just sounds good.
I want chickens. I don't know why but I want some and have wanted them for a while. I also want to plant my garden. I need some more patience because if I jump the gun I could be setting myself up for disappointment again and I don't think I can handle it. So I am just trying to get in the pre-planning stage. That way if things for whatever reason don't turn out with the house then I won't have too much invested besides my emotions and they are pretty used to getting worn down so I can handle that.
I am ready for spring. I am tired of being cooped up, of cold weather, and gray skies. I think that if things work themselves out in the next few weeks, we will be on ouw way to a more enjoyable and joyous time in our lives. We have been in the dark ages for far too long and I'm ready for some rays of sunshine.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Do you ever really feel grown-up?
I often try and think back to when I was a kid and how I percieved my parents as "grown-ups". I mean my mother was 27 when I was born. I always thought it was nice having a "young" mom. We did a lot of active things together and I knew a lot of people that had older parents that just weren't as involved in their kids lives. I never really thought my parents were old, or not understanding because they came from a different time. We played kick-ball, I listened to 50's, 60's and 70's music with my dad while he worked on cars in the garage. I used to skate it out to Xanadu. Anyways, I have been trying to figure out when exactly I started feeling like a grown up.
I'll admit, I don't really like the responsibilities of it all the time, and I wonder why the hell we hurried life up when we were kids always saying "I can't wait to grow up." Now I'm singing "If I Could Turn Back Time". Kids today are in even more of a hurry to grow up and it makes me really sad. Doing things that I didn't even know about until I was a teenager, having cell phones, exposure to some pretty mature content on regular TV. Hell even the news is pretty horrible anymore.
I've caught myself really hating the decisions we have been faced with, the realities of things that are going on. I honestly think that we have done more growing up in the last 2 years due to life experiences. Just these last 2 weeks we were faced with some pretty hard decisions. I will honestly say they were some of the hardest I have had to make. It was a turning point for me and how I percieve my own maturity. I know how I may have reacted in the past and this time it was a different outcome. I won't lie.. I screamed, I cried, I resisted, I revisited option after option and the ending result is not my ideal situation.. BUT it is the right decision for my family. I know this all seems a little vague, but it is a little pre-mature to discuss details but I will reveal when its all over.
My whole point is, do we ever like having to accept the responsibility of having to make decisions? They say you are only as old as you feel. Mentally I don't feel old, and a lot of times I don't feel like I should have to make big decisions, that they should be left up to more mature people. Maybe because I know that in the past I have made poor decisions. I fear of making the wrong ones and try to avoid the hard things in life. I have learned that only makes it worse. I feel good with the decision we came to and know it was the right one with no doubt. It was like the moment we decided what we should do, a huge weight was lifted off of me. I want to thank my friends that have supported me as we have gone through this, I know I have driven some crazy, but I am so thankful for them being there when I need to vent.
As for all my other stuff going on.. kids are out of school for 2 days, and I wanted to take them swimming but the boys are sick, Gavin with a fever and Spencer is coughing so I imagine we will just be homebound. I still havn't weighed. I need to paint my toenails (maybe tomorrow?) so I can take a picture for Sara's super awesome fitness challenge :) (we have to take a pic of us on the scale each week and I think I still have polish left over from summer on). I am totally unmotivated in the kitchen however I have an itch to get organized. Im sure I know where that energy is coming from. I got a cricut Expression machine super-de-duper cheap and have been trying to get my crafty on. Uh oh.. I just said "super-de-duper" Waaayyy too much Barney goin on up in here. Might have to lay off the purple dino for a while. Until next time peeps.. I love you, you love me.. oh crap.. shoot me.!
I'll admit, I don't really like the responsibilities of it all the time, and I wonder why the hell we hurried life up when we were kids always saying "I can't wait to grow up." Now I'm singing "If I Could Turn Back Time". Kids today are in even more of a hurry to grow up and it makes me really sad. Doing things that I didn't even know about until I was a teenager, having cell phones, exposure to some pretty mature content on regular TV. Hell even the news is pretty horrible anymore.
I've caught myself really hating the decisions we have been faced with, the realities of things that are going on. I honestly think that we have done more growing up in the last 2 years due to life experiences. Just these last 2 weeks we were faced with some pretty hard decisions. I will honestly say they were some of the hardest I have had to make. It was a turning point for me and how I percieve my own maturity. I know how I may have reacted in the past and this time it was a different outcome. I won't lie.. I screamed, I cried, I resisted, I revisited option after option and the ending result is not my ideal situation.. BUT it is the right decision for my family. I know this all seems a little vague, but it is a little pre-mature to discuss details but I will reveal when its all over.
My whole point is, do we ever like having to accept the responsibility of having to make decisions? They say you are only as old as you feel. Mentally I don't feel old, and a lot of times I don't feel like I should have to make big decisions, that they should be left up to more mature people. Maybe because I know that in the past I have made poor decisions. I fear of making the wrong ones and try to avoid the hard things in life. I have learned that only makes it worse. I feel good with the decision we came to and know it was the right one with no doubt. It was like the moment we decided what we should do, a huge weight was lifted off of me. I want to thank my friends that have supported me as we have gone through this, I know I have driven some crazy, but I am so thankful for them being there when I need to vent.
As for all my other stuff going on.. kids are out of school for 2 days, and I wanted to take them swimming but the boys are sick, Gavin with a fever and Spencer is coughing so I imagine we will just be homebound. I still havn't weighed. I need to paint my toenails (maybe tomorrow?) so I can take a picture for Sara's super awesome fitness challenge :) (we have to take a pic of us on the scale each week and I think I still have polish left over from summer on). I am totally unmotivated in the kitchen however I have an itch to get organized. Im sure I know where that energy is coming from. I got a cricut Expression machine super-de-duper cheap and have been trying to get my crafty on. Uh oh.. I just said "super-de-duper" Waaayyy too much Barney goin on up in here. Might have to lay off the purple dino for a while. Until next time peeps.. I love you, you love me.. oh crap.. shoot me.!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
I fell off the cable car
Most of you are probably thinking.. huh? I shall explain. First off I want to state that I am a complete believer that stress is interfering with any and all cooking skills I might have acquired recently. I actually have no desire to cook much of anything right now. I'm doing everything in my power to keep my sanity and somehow provide for the fam at the same time. I haven't worked out once since rejoining the Y. Granted its only been a week but still. It was a looong and hectic week. Im still trying to watch my eating habits but haven't weighed in in a while. I think Saturday will be my start day. I MUST get motivated.
So this week, instead of falling off the wagon, it was a cable car. Since I have been opting for cheap easy meals, I put Rice-a-roni on the menu this week. Its probably the one quick meal in a box that I actually enjoy. I have not made it recently because the last several times I tried it turned out horrible. How do you ruin Rice-a-roni? Is that even humanly possible? It must be, because I did it again. Gluten and I do not get along. Where there is gluten, it finds me and messes up all my meals. Since vermicelli is a pasta (gluten) for whatever unknown reason, instead of it being fluffy rice that were seperate entities, it was a big glob og gluteny goo. Granted it tasted ok, but the texture was not right, it was horrible. I really feel like a kitchen failure.
I totally feel like an unorganized mess lately. I have heard that buying a house is one of the most stressful things you will do and I am believing it. It is effecting me emotionally, physically, mentally. All I want is a home for my family, and to know we are making the right decision. I thought once we were able to buy our house that shopping for one would be fun and exciting. However I'm finding it the opposite. I find myself questioning things and rethinking things I thought I already had figured out. I only want to do what is right. House hunting is exhausting.
I really want to keep up on this blog. I have so much material to post about, I just need to make it a priority. I want to send a shout out to my husband. I know I nag him all the time and sometimes I have a point and sometimes not, however, I forget to thank him when he does some pretty amazing things. Thank you, Brent for having the dishes done most of the nights I come home after midnight, and having the laundry all switched out. I know I have been neglecting my duties since this house stuff has consumed me. And thank you for being a great dad to our kids. Not too many dads take on the duties you do and have done for 10 years in sharing the parenting responsibilities while I work at night so we don't have to use childcare. And thank you for my Valentines Lilies. I prefer unconventional flowers to roses and you did a great job. It was the perfect ending to a very long night. I am pretty lucky, we make a good team.
and PS.. Mom what did I do wrong to mess up the San Fransiscan treat? I don't recall you ever making it gooey.
So this week, instead of falling off the wagon, it was a cable car. Since I have been opting for cheap easy meals, I put Rice-a-roni on the menu this week. Its probably the one quick meal in a box that I actually enjoy. I have not made it recently because the last several times I tried it turned out horrible. How do you ruin Rice-a-roni? Is that even humanly possible? It must be, because I did it again. Gluten and I do not get along. Where there is gluten, it finds me and messes up all my meals. Since vermicelli is a pasta (gluten) for whatever unknown reason, instead of it being fluffy rice that were seperate entities, it was a big glob og gluteny goo. Granted it tasted ok, but the texture was not right, it was horrible. I really feel like a kitchen failure.
I totally feel like an unorganized mess lately. I have heard that buying a house is one of the most stressful things you will do and I am believing it. It is effecting me emotionally, physically, mentally. All I want is a home for my family, and to know we are making the right decision. I thought once we were able to buy our house that shopping for one would be fun and exciting. However I'm finding it the opposite. I find myself questioning things and rethinking things I thought I already had figured out. I only want to do what is right. House hunting is exhausting.
I really want to keep up on this blog. I have so much material to post about, I just need to make it a priority. I want to send a shout out to my husband. I know I nag him all the time and sometimes I have a point and sometimes not, however, I forget to thank him when he does some pretty amazing things. Thank you, Brent for having the dishes done most of the nights I come home after midnight, and having the laundry all switched out. I know I have been neglecting my duties since this house stuff has consumed me. And thank you for being a great dad to our kids. Not too many dads take on the duties you do and have done for 10 years in sharing the parenting responsibilities while I work at night so we don't have to use childcare. And thank you for my Valentines Lilies. I prefer unconventional flowers to roses and you did a great job. It was the perfect ending to a very long night. I am pretty lucky, we make a good team.
and PS.. Mom what did I do wrong to mess up the San Fransiscan treat? I don't recall you ever making it gooey.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Cha-cha-cha changes
It seems like just when I think life is settling down a bit, it takes me by surprise and twirls me around. It's actually like a big ol' slap in the face. I get somewhat comfortable and POW.. things change. The house drama is usually at the forefront of these little awakenings, and until recently I didn't think there was anything we could do about it. Luckily the one thing that really upsets me about the house being on the market hasn't been happening all that often. I HATE dealing with realtors. I don't like making sure my underwear is put out of view ot my bras aren't hanging around so people can triapse through the house and take a peek. I refuse to leave most of the time and I don't pick up every tiny toy that is laying around. I know this would be a lot different if it were my own home, but the fact that it isn't makes me a little more bitter towards the intruders. But, like I said, thankfully, since it has been on the market we are only averaging about one viewing a week, and that is tolerable.
We have been working towards buying our own house for a while now. We weren't actively looking until this last foreclosure and we realized we don't want to go through it again. One of the things I like to do in my spare time (Ha!) is look at the real estate listings... daily. I joke that it isn't really free time and honestly think I waste too much time doing it at times. Well this was definately disproved today. Yesterday I stumbled on a property that both Brent and I liked. It had a creek (NOT a canal), lots of trees, a nice covered patio, and most importantly (to me and the kids anyways) a two stall barn and some pasture. This was at an amazing price. Of all the properties I had looked at I had not found one like this for a price like that. So I called our realtor to find out what we needed to do.
First off we needed to get approved. Second, we scheduled an appt to go look at it the following day (today). Today while working with a mortgage lender and realizing what we can and cannot afford, we were ready to go look at this amazing bargain. Now this house you see, was only listed for 1 day. I managed to stumble upon it the day it was listed. So when I looked it up prior to going there, I could not find the site. That worried me a little but still we set out. When we pulled up and there was a truck there and NO for sale sign, I really got worried. Well sure enough, someone (actually several someones) were trying to snatch it up already. Offers had already been made and it was pending. We weren't even allowed to go look.
This bothered me on a few levels. One is now knowing that we aren't the only ones out there looking. Knowing that if you find something and its a good deal, you better be ready with a letter in hand and ready to jump on it. Also it re-affirmed the fact that I need to continue looking on a daily basis for houses and that I need to make sure all our pre-qualifying stuff was in order.
It's OUR time to buy, I am 100% positive that we are ready we just have to find the right place. The market couldn't be better, the houses can't get much cheaper, and we couldn't be more eager. Maybe that house wasn't the one for us. But It did light a fire under me to get things moving so we will be prepared when something else comes along. This house we are in now is scheduled for auction in less than a month. I know we still have time even after that but still, it makes me feel like the clock is ticking and we need to be proactive. All I want is a home, a place for my kids to grow up and for us to be stable. 10 houses in 10 years is too much.. we need something concrete.
We have been working towards buying our own house for a while now. We weren't actively looking until this last foreclosure and we realized we don't want to go through it again. One of the things I like to do in my spare time (Ha!) is look at the real estate listings... daily. I joke that it isn't really free time and honestly think I waste too much time doing it at times. Well this was definately disproved today. Yesterday I stumbled on a property that both Brent and I liked. It had a creek (NOT a canal), lots of trees, a nice covered patio, and most importantly (to me and the kids anyways) a two stall barn and some pasture. This was at an amazing price. Of all the properties I had looked at I had not found one like this for a price like that. So I called our realtor to find out what we needed to do.
First off we needed to get approved. Second, we scheduled an appt to go look at it the following day (today). Today while working with a mortgage lender and realizing what we can and cannot afford, we were ready to go look at this amazing bargain. Now this house you see, was only listed for 1 day. I managed to stumble upon it the day it was listed. So when I looked it up prior to going there, I could not find the site. That worried me a little but still we set out. When we pulled up and there was a truck there and NO for sale sign, I really got worried. Well sure enough, someone (actually several someones) were trying to snatch it up already. Offers had already been made and it was pending. We weren't even allowed to go look.
This bothered me on a few levels. One is now knowing that we aren't the only ones out there looking. Knowing that if you find something and its a good deal, you better be ready with a letter in hand and ready to jump on it. Also it re-affirmed the fact that I need to continue looking on a daily basis for houses and that I need to make sure all our pre-qualifying stuff was in order.
It's OUR time to buy, I am 100% positive that we are ready we just have to find the right place. The market couldn't be better, the houses can't get much cheaper, and we couldn't be more eager. Maybe that house wasn't the one for us. But It did light a fire under me to get things moving so we will be prepared when something else comes along. This house we are in now is scheduled for auction in less than a month. I know we still have time even after that but still, it makes me feel like the clock is ticking and we need to be proactive. All I want is a home, a place for my kids to grow up and for us to be stable. 10 houses in 10 years is too much.. we need something concrete.
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