Busy Weekend

Friday my little brother and his wife came to town. So happy to see them, we haven't seen them since the night they got married. My sister in law, Megan helped me make deviled eggs, and little graduation cap cookies for Amber's party. We were able to have really nice conversations getting to know each other more. I hope they can move here some day.

Amber walking across the stage for her diploma

Saturday my little sister graduated from college, now it's off to law school for her. It was a cold cold day. But, we all went up together in the big van. Afterwards we went back to her apartment and packed up the rest of her stuff, and went to Schlozki's for lunch. Which was irony since my sister said that was the first place they went for lunch when she first started college there. So started off there and ended there. Then we came home and had her party. Tons of good food, good family and good friends.

Sunday we had our Special Talk, it was so good, just what we needed of course isn't it always? We had a packed house, no seats left! They had to bring in folding chairs and squish a few people in. No parking left either. It was a very good and informative talk as always and I really liked our Watchtower study as well. Very nice lesson. After meeting we went to Sam's club for a few essentials and ended up they had a local sauce company there selling BBQ sauces, salad dressings and salsas. Their apple butter BBQ sauce was soooooo good. And their garlic salad dressing tasted just like garlic salad, salad dressing, so now I think I can make our own garlic salad instead of having to buy it premade. Then we got a call that the family was going to Nuway and to meet them there, so went there for lunch and of course had awesome onion rings and burgers, and home made rootbeer. Sunday night grandma and grandpa came over for tacos, and brought old reel movies of Darla and John and the rest of the family. Very fun. Sadly though while we were watching the movies, one of the girls had accidentally left my apartment door open and one of the hunting dogs got in and attacked Willow, our cat, thankfully dad was right behind the dog chasing it and stopped the attack, and Willow is ok. She was pretty scared and shook up since she never has been outside or around dogs, but other then that she is ok. Thank goodness! Before bed I watched a DVD that I really liked! Very different then the usual crud so was happy to finally see a good movie for once.

Nick & Belle

Spent most the day with my sister and the girls, and just had a good day. It was one of our awesomely warm summer days again. And poor Willow has decided to stay the day in my bed, where it's safe and comfy. Checked on and watered the garden and for the most part things are going good out there. I think something is eating the watermelon and strawberries, a few strawberries are for sure dead, along with my lavender but other then that it's going well I think. I really want to invest in a soaker hose next. Oh and I also got my first issue of Mary Jane's Farm Magazine that I sent off for a subscription to. So very happy about that! So far, I've also received two donations for LLL from some sweet Etsy shops! I think I will go have a cup of tea from the tea that one of my Mary Jane Farm friends sent me. Chocolate Hazelnut, sounds divine!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...heat, heat, and more heat.

I am thinking...I am so tired!

I am thankful for...being able to live in the country, my life long dream.

I am remembering...how much stuff I need to go through in the barn.

I am hoping...to have a healthy happy baby.

I am creating...hopefully a fruitful garden.

On my mind...getting all the information I need pulled together.

Noticing that...time is flying by!

From the kitchen...Chicken fried steak, and mashed taters.

One of my favorite things...Vintage embroidery patterns.

What I am reading...Farm Wives canning book.

Picture for thought I am sharing... 

7 Months pregnant with Lela, wish I could get back to that weight again!

Amber Graduated

My sister Amber is graduating this Saturday and next Thursday my brother Ben is graduating High School. I think I found something simple to make for their parties. Cheesy Diplomas. They look cute and easy! I hope I can get time to make them up.

The hair do Lela gave Belle

Lela and Belle are just too hilarious. Lela did Belle's hair and it is so hilarious, Vince took a photo with his phone. Belle hasn't been liking going in the garden too much the last few weeks. But, today we had a nice breeze. And she loves the breeze. So she was happy to be out there, and digging in the dirt.

Some of the zucchini looked better today, others not so much. I fear 3 of my strawberry plants are completely dead. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I think I need to buy a soaker hose, they just seem to need more water, and with all our wind all their water seems to be blown away! Poor babies. I just don't know. I did get to peek at my lavender and it seems to be looking a tad better, it was nearly dead. The leeks seem to be doing ok as well. Not sure about the Kholrabi it had been doing good but not sure it's liking it's transplant. So far the watermelon is doing good, and the yellow zucchini did ok with it's planting. The tomatoes are doing great, beets and onions are doing awesome! I seem to do great with the root veggies! lol And tomatoes. Those are ones I guess I can stick to. I just wish the perennials would do better for me! Oh well. I'm living and learning I guess!

Still Moving In

Today was another awesomely sunny day, got up to the 90's. I didn't get all the gardening I wanted to get done because Grandma Delores, Grandpa Merle and Uncle Dale came to visit. I only get to visit them once in a while to decided to spend the day with them while they were here. As usual Grandma had great advice, and experiences. And Dale had a lot to talk about as well. They are always nice to talk to. I miss talking to my own grandmothers, and family. Most my blood relation have died. All I have left are a few cousins, my mother and her siblings, and even her youngest brother has already died a few years ago. So not many at all are left. Dad's are all dead now that I knew. A few uncles, and his half brother and half sister are still alive, but they don't have any contact with us.

After that my wonderful little brother Nick called, and I am so happy he and his new bride, Megan, get to come visit at the end of the week! YEAH! Then I called Vince's mother and she is going to look for us a spare key for the china cabinet I hope she finds one, I so want to get the dishes unpacked and put away. Thankfully Vince, Caleb and Ben did all the moving I wanted to get done today, my dresser was brought in the house, and the washers and dryer taken out to the barn. *happy, happy, joy, joy!* Tomorrow Vince will work on dragging his table, pc, and printer into the laundry room. Then I'm hoping on Wednesday the boys can help us get the table Leeland made for us down here. That would be awesome! Then we can finally have people over for dinner. Our current table is too small for company.

One of my mater plants

Any way, I did end up in the garden but again it was late, and got dark fast. I went to Walmart after meeting this morning, and bought yellow zucchini, collard greens, and more Vidallia onions (Georgia Sweets). I was only able to really plant two of the yellow zucchini, then I hurried and spread the new straw around the zucchini, and watermelon. The zucchini I transplanted yesterday was NOT looking good today! I hope they pull through, they were looking awful! But, I just don't know. *sigh* Hoping the straw will help them. I will just plant as much as I can tomorrow. I'm not sure what the heat today did to the strawberries though, I couldn't see them in the dark too well when I went to water them, after doing the zucchini and straw. On a good note though the tomatoes, and watermelon, onions, and beets are looking awesome! The kohlrabi, and leeks are doing well too. Hmmm, I didn't see the lavender today, I know last I looked it wasn't looking good either. I'll keep trying though.

Last night when I couldn't sleep I designed myself a new blog button, I've been needing one for a long time. I was kind of focused on making a new linkie, but just wasn't finding a font that I liked that small. I finally gave up on the linkie idea though, cause really they are outdated, every one uses buttons now. So I created the one on the right side bar to use instead. I may design a few others, but I'm liking this one pretty well. Next, I want a new subscribe button, and some kind of comment graphic. I will have to figure out what it is I want first though. I may just use a premade email button for my subscription graphic.

Love Thrifting

Whoo the sun was shining today, and only a light breeze instead of heavy winds! I got a lot done today but not every thing I had planned.

First Vince brought in my China cabinet and our love seat from the barn. I cleaned them up, and set some photos on the china cabinet. Then I realized I had no idea where the key is packed for it. Hmmm, may have to call grandma and ask her to search around for a spare key till we find out where we packed ours at. Cause I want to get in it and start putting dishes away!

After that we went over to ACE hardware where we proceeded to buy a garden hose. Man are they expensive! Hopefully we actually will get the mail in rebate back! Who knows though really. From there we went to the Feed and Seed store and bought another bale of straw for the watermelon and zucchini plants, and two tomato cages, I will buy two ever pay period till we have enough. I bought the more expensive folding kind, they hold up better and store for winter better too. Then the real fun began!

We went to Goodwill to look for some old dishes for me to put under the flowers/plants in the house, but they wanted WAY too much money for some old plates. None of them were less then a dollar, I was hoping to pick up some for like 10 to 25 cents, no more then 50 cents! The majority of them were 2 to 5 dollars though. The dollar ones were way tiny (like a coaster), or had obscene things on them. But, I did score, even though for most of it I thought it was over priced for Goodwill it was all items I would of bought had it not been Goodwill and I paid less for them had I got them elsewhere. Especially my prize of the day white with gold trim anchor deviled egg tray. I collect all the white milk glass, with gold trim anchor dishes-candy, relish, deviled egg plates, etc. I scored that for 4 dollars. I paid 8 dollars for one 11 years ago at a auction. So I was pretty happy with that score. However, the one I got at the auction did still have the original box it was sold in! (only one I've ever found with a original box!). However, this one was in pristine shape at Goodwill, not one nick, not one bare spot where the gold is, in fact the gold looked pretty thick and lush and as if it had never been touched.........gone are those days in my home, I use them! However a lady in line ahead of me felt the need to let me know, she didn't think she needed a "special" plate for eggs, she just puts them on any old plate. Well, fine and dandy for you. I love presentation though, and just love anchor's milk glass. To each his own, I have simple home type collections and I just adore them.

My other finds were, a "victorian" photo album, it's the kind with all the decor already done for you and you just drop the photos in, and write in the boxes provided for you. That's going to be a gift to my step grandmother Delores, she likes that kind of thing, I think......and she is always getting me, Vince and the girls such nice gifts and I rarely know of anything to give her. I also bought a HUGE glass pot. I have never seen them sold that big before. And I've been needing one to make enough cous cous for the whole family, since they will eat about 3 boxes at one meal, all the liquid and cous cous wasn't fitting in my other pots, so I would have to boil the liquid on the stove in a pot them pour into one of my big bowls to actually cook and serve the cous cous in. Dirtying two dishes instead of one. No more! So yup I bought a pot just for cous cous! haha Then, last but not least I bought a Vera Wang maternity sweater. It's pretty cute and looks good on me. The top part ties into a bow, which is darling, but I left it untied for this photo, so you could see the blouse insert. With out a "real" baby bump under it, when you tie the bow the insert gets hidden under the sweater. It's super cute when tied into the bow though. I also like how the bow is done you just make a square knot instead of actually "tying" this way you get a perfect bow each time, cause the bow is really already formed for you, that's what those two flap things are that you see in the picture. When it's tied into the square knot though then you get the bow affect.  However, who knows could be a Vera Wrong, but the tag did say Vera Wang, probably some exclusive she did for Target or something, who knows. But, it was soft, sweet and cute.

Then we went to kwik shop were I bought some groceries for dinner, came home and made chicken salad, and had some macaroni salad with it that I bought from the kwik shop deli, and rested a bit.

By, then it was getting pretty late, but I still went out to the garden to see what I could get done. I was able to transplant four zucchini plants, the kholrabi, and the lavender. And plant two of the strawberry plants I had bought two weeks ago! While I was digging up the zucchini plants, I noticed lo and behold two more zucchini seeds germinated and were coming up on the third hill of them I had planted! I planted them a month ago and had all but given up on that hills seeds ever germinating. But, they finally finally did! I will transplant them when they get a bit bigger. Meanwhile Vince attached the new hose we bought so it can easily reach ALL of both gardens. Tomorrow I will transplant some of the beets, and put the straw around the watermelon and zucchini, and possibly plant some more beet seeds, and hopefully some marigolds. What I don't get done tomorrow I will finish up on Monday though. Hopefully the wind will stay died down for a few days so I can get all this done! I want to plant some pumpkin, winter squash, and collard greens as well. Hope I can get it all done.

Next week I think I will go back to ACE and check out their canning supplies as well. I want to get some of those BPA free, plastic like lids that you can use over and over again. Not the type that ball sells that are only for AFTER you have opened the can and started using the food, but the kind you actually use for canning and can use for a life time. They even have a life time warranty if they wear out they will replace them. The company has been around for about 25 years so seems trustworthy enough. They are kind of expensive, but I like the idea of not having to buy new lids every year. I want to just buy a couple of sets every year (since they are so expensive) till I get the desired amount I want. Also less waste, since the metal ones you can't reuse after one use. So I like that too. However, the used metal ones, I may use to make garden stakes with. Don't know yet.

After all that we came in, I gave the girls baths for meeting tomorrow, folded a basket of laundry, and came here to post. I think it's time for bed now!

Belle was sick

Had another great Circuit Overseer visit last night. Funny as always. One thing he brought to our attention was, if we are sick we can call in and listen on the phone and our attendance will be counted towards the overall attendance of the congregation. He said our phone system can accept dozens of call ins. So that was a good reminder.

Belle found Lela's worksheets decided she could do it too.

Belle vomited in the middle of the night. It was pretty nasty. A LOT of vomit, and it smelled so bad, like rotten onions, and rotten garlic. Had to change the sheets, blankets, pajamas, etc. She was awake about a hour before that being squirmy and gassy. She went to sleep right after it was all over though. Yet, I was awake another 2 hours. Needless to say I was pretty tired today and then I was feeling sickly. *sigh*

On Vincent's way home from work tonight he was able to stop and get me a Freecycle sewing machine, I'm hoping it's a good one but it's not in the house yet, will have to see in the morning. I was feeling so ill, I called Vince and had him bring home burgers from Nuway. As I just wasn't feeling like nothing. UHG.

After the burgers I got the strength up to go plant some of my plants that have needed planting now for 2 weeks! Four watermelon plants, a big pot of leeks, and 2 tomato plants. My yellow zucchini and crooked neck squash had died though, I guess not enough light, they had been kept wet enough. It's just either been terribly windy or on good days I have meeting, assemblies, CO, events, etc etc. I transplanted a few of the beets, as even though I planted the seeds a good distance apart they came up in clusters. Then I came in and changed the sheets again as Belled peed on the bed earlier in the afternoon. haha I still have more to transplant tomorrow. I think I will plant pumpkins tomorrow. And also transplant more beets, along with lavender, zucchini, and kohlrabi. Then we will go to ACE and buy another hose so I can have enough to get all the garden easily with out having to work too hard to spray it far enough. Another 25 feet would do it! Then we will go to the feed and seed store and get some more hay for the watermelon plants.

I'm hoping we can get a lot done tomorrow. So much to do, so much to do. On a good note though I've been able to keep the house really pretty clean for over a week now. Quite a accomplishment with my crew! I took about a hour today, and went room to room making sure every little thing was in place, had a few toys here and there, and a few books here and there (the kids books) but over all it wasn't that bad. Got it all picked up, then did the dishes, and from there my feeling good went down hill to pretty much feeling very ill. I think I will be feeling better by tomorrow though. I think it was a double whammy of having not much sleep and my blood glucose taking a nose dive.

Circuit Overseer Visit

Had meeting last night with the Circuit Overseer, we were supposed to have the District Overseer too but he and his wife had a chance to take a vacation and took it, they will make it up in July. I am not sure which congregation they will be at then though. The CO had a evil laugh about them getting to make it up in "July". Every one knows it can be hotter then Hades in Kansas in July, can get upwards of 120 degrees in the shade! The CO is really a funny brother though. I kept thinking his voice reminded me of some one else, and sometimes when he is pretending to be some one else when giving a talk, or such it even almost creeps me out! Then I figured it out, it's Phil Hartman! He sounds exactly like Phil Hartman and even has his same style of humor/comedic delivery. He also kind of looks how Phil would probably look if he was still alive (aged another 10 years). Last night on the way home, I said to Vince did you notice that the CO sounds like Phil Hartman and he said yes he has his same humor too. So funny!

It is one windy day today. I could barely water the garden it was so windy. My strawberries are starting to snap out of it I think. The only thing that saved their lives was probably the straw. I am trying to collect soda and milk jugs to put on top of them to replicate a green house effect and keep some of the water in there. Maybe that will help during the convention. At least I am hoping. I think I will set up a sprinkler for the convention though so as not to take any chances. I wanted to plant my veggies and strawberries that have been needing to be planted for nearly two weeks now. But, with the wind as strong as it is today there is just no way. Hopefully Friday will be better.

Last night I redid my blog a little bit, made the readable part a bit bigger so I can post larger pics, and also did the same with the side bar so I can post some of the over sized buttons. Hoping it looks ok and every one can still view it clearly.

I have been completely scoring on Freecycle lately. Yesterday I was able to get a brand new electric blanket for Lela. I have been wanting to get her one but couldn't afford it, was hoping to save enough money before next winter, but now she has one and it was free. Today Vince will go and pick up some windows from one person who is getting all new windows in their house, and I will make cold frames for the garden from them, and another person is going to give us a nice dresser cause they are getting new bedroom furniture. Belle has been needing a new dresser so the new baby can have hers. And then on Friday we will get to pick up a sewing machine from a lady who inherited her mothers but she doesn't sew. She doesn't know the brand or if it's a good one or not, but hey it's free, I'll see what I get.

I have clothes to fold and dinner to be making. Tonight we will have lemon baked chicken, couscous, and cauliflower. So I guess I will get off here and get to it.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...baby plants, soaking in some sun-still not planted.

I am thinking...WOW the apartment actually got clean!

I am thankful for...fds.

I am remembering...funny meeting we had tonight.

I am hoping...that I can keep this apartment clean so bringing home the new baby when he/she arrives will be easier.

I am creating...a baby.

On my mind...a middle name for Ralphael.

Noticing that...the talks we had at the assembly last weekend were so timely.

From the kitchen...spaghetti & garlic bread.

One of my favorite things...little girl smiles.

What I am reading...Doodle Stitches.

Picture for thought I am sharing... 

You can see my dad holding Belle there, I wish I had gotten more pics of him and Belle that day. I need more pics of my daddy!

Two day spring circuit assembly

Saturday and Sunday we had a wonderful circuit assembly, brought out so many timely talks in view of the presidents announcement last night. We were introduced to both our new Circuit Overseer, and District Overseer and their wives. The interview with the DO and his wife was most interesting indeed. Very good and greatly encouraging coming into the truth story from his wife. The DO himself was raised in the truth however. The girls were wonderful for the most part. On Saturday we had a lovely picnic lunch outside by the river, then I took a nap in the sun and sunburned my face. haha There was a young man and woman out there trying to learn some kind of skills of some sort (exercise wise), and taking pictures. Belle decided to pose for them! They thought she was so cute. Reminded me of myself at her age in California, and I modeled for a day, for a real modeling photographer, while my cousins were on a modeling job. I still have photos of that day. Sunday was way too cold to go outside so we sat in our seats for lunch. I was able to see so many friends I hadn't seen in years. I can't wait to have a few over for dinner soon. I was hoping to see Tammy Jenkins and her new baby, but never did seem to find her. I seen her sisters, dad, uncle, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, every one but her! haha Her father gave two talks during the assembly both really good. But, of course Tim has always been a good speaker. I was quite surprised to see her mothers parents were still alive and there. I didn't see her dad's mother though.......I'm not sure if she is still alive or not.

Today I was wiped out from the assembly so got very little done. I was going to plant the plants that dad bought, but when I went out to look for them, I seen he had them already planted. So I watered my own garden. One of my tomato plants is full of blooms, so I will be having maters soon! The strawberries were half dead though from lack of water, I hope they can pull through and come out of that.

The Barn cat had kittens, she has them hidden in a canoe in the garage. They are brand new, still have their little eyes closed, but are oh so cute. I think I want a orange one, but Lela wants a black one with gray spots she said she seen. I guess I will wait till they get bigger and see which one I want. If the black one she wants has gray feet, we may get it and name it Bootsy, if it's just black with gray spots, maybe we could name it Buttons. If I keep a orange one, I am not sure what we will name it, it's a toss up between Pumpkin, and Puddin'.

I got one thing done today, I moved the book case from the east wall to the west wall. Krys, Bennet and Lela helped me. Boy that book case is still HEAVY even empty! But, at least it's done. Thankfully I was able to find my guest book while rearranging all the books for the move. That will come in handy when I have friends over now, I can keep a record of who and when we have come to visit us. Now to get my china cabinet in here and my love seat. And to get those washing machines and dryer out of my laundry room!

I still need to plant some of my own veggies but I have meeting tomorrow, and don't want to get dirt all under my fingernails, so I will wait till Wednesday. I want to get some invitations also though to use to invite people over, so I think we will leave for meeting early tomorrow so I can go look for invitations before meeting, so I don't have to make a special trip to town just for that.