PB4UGO

Wednesday

2009-11-11T09:17:00.002-06:00

Last night, my former DIL brought her share of my grandkids to see us. We had a nice visit, even if it was brief. The kids are growing like weeds! I had made "Aunt Jean's Lasagna*" for supper... and they got to eat the 'leftovers'. (It was an impromptu last minute visit... the lasagna a happy accident!) I had got the lasagna a few days ago, stocking up for Thanksgiving week. Dan had asked if we could cook the lasagna last night... and not having any better ideas, we did.

* "Aunt Jean's Lasagna" is Stouffers premade, frozen lasagna. When one of the boys was about five, he asked Aunt Jean if she would teach him to make lasagna as good as hers when he got big enough. She told him he was big enough right then to learn her recipe... and showed him the box in the trash.

It seems funny that the "party size" pan of lasagna has, in the past, barely fed our family. These days, I have leftovers when I make it. But God sent folks to help us eat it up... it was just the right size... and had gone into the oven two hours before I learned anyone was stopping by!
******************

Today, Tom is taking a late lunch, as we have a 'lunchtime' appointment to see two houses. We have actually looked at one before- which sold the same day we saw it, but is on the market again- for more $$ this time! The other, we have done a drive- by on... it is in need of a lot of TLC. (Or is it the "DIY Channel" that does all the home improvement shows?) This will be our first interior visit to this place. Both are close to where we are now, actually on the same road with one another, some 3 miles south of our current location. (We also have 3 places scheduled to see on Friday morning, and two or three more Tom wants to see before making an offer on a place.)

(Breath holding is not taking place.)

*************
The boys are cleaning out their closets, so I can wash stored bedding and linens for Thanksgiving. I have already found a box of pillowcases! HOORAY! Some of this stuff hasn't seen the light of day for 4 years or more, but has absorbed the smells associated with teenaged boys closets... musty, dirty sneakery, doggy smells. I suppose I out to stage at least an annual, if not semi-annual, closet shakedown. As last time, once the bedding is washed and dried, it will go into sealed plastic bags to await use.

LOL, the last two days of "cleaning" is, as usual... Stuff That Doesn't Show. (We have ascertained I don't need "cream of___" Soup... 19 cans on hand. Nor chopped green chiles... 7 cans. Plenty of green beans...29 cans. Enough tomato paste to repair a whole garden full of broken tomatoes, and a mountain of tomato sauce. Funny, I don't use a LOT of tomato sauce!)

Goodness... during the typing of this, I have wandered away so many times... answering the phone, getting dressed, starting laundry, munching on crusty bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar... Guess I better hit "publish" and get the twins in here on their computer based math program!

Have a blessed day!

Logistics, logistics

2009-11-10T08:39:00.002-06:00

I know, I know. I have said MANY times I love logistics.

Right now, I am working on my Thanksgiving logistical problem. How to add 6 to 8 adult bodies and 5 more kids to our house, and still have those who need to sleep, ABLE to sleep. I am figuring that Ben will need his room, since he will still be working. Ditto with Mr C. So, I am intending to add Tommy and Roger to Ben's room. Computer access, smelly guys... works out OK. I am pretty sure I can get two more twin mattresses in there.

Next sticky wicket: Do I toss out Dan and Sam to put Becky and Stephen and the kids in the twins room? I can add a queen air bed in there, once the mattresses are moved to other rooms. It would give Kimber and Ty a nap area... and I can probably nap Nickole in there during the day. It will also corral Becky and Stephen's stuff.

Next, Bill and Glynna. The laundry room on another airbed? My laundry room is the bigger than any of the bedrooms. Glynna doesn't travel lightly, so I have to find a place for her to have her stuff. (Sorry Glynna, but you KNOW it is true. I have never seen anyone need a super sized suitcase for an overnight trip before!) They can let Nickole nap either in my room or the twins room during the days.

I still have Connor and Alana and the twins, plus Mom and Ralph. If Mom and Ralph bring their travel trailer, I will put either Bill and Glynna out there, or the twins, with Mom. Connor and Alana can sleep on the hide-a-bed here in the house. If Mom and Ralph don't bring the trailer... another air bed in the "dining room" is their usual spot. The twins can "camp" in the van- it has a king sized bed, which I have slept comfortably on, on several occasions. The airbeds in the laundry room and dining room will have to be deflated and stored each day, but that is "do-able".

I really miss MY HOUSE! (The one we sold five years ago, in Central High). My house had room for everyone, without needing campers and vans. Oh well, guess I ought to get over it already.

Ahhh. I feel better, having come to somewhat of a plan of sleeping arrangements.

Daniel is organizing the lower cupboards today, and Sam the upper ones. I am working on menues, since I expect my company will be here more than just Thanksgiving day. I have to do the menues before I can assess whether or not I have ingredients and supplies on hand. My 'decor' for the holiday will be limited... I have one little plastic "turkey pilgrim", a new tablecloth (Thanks Mom!) and some candles.

Our "traditional" meal for a crowd, served on several Thanksgiving eves, is "Leesa's Enchiladas". After trying Leesa's recipe, I made some adaptations. They are YUMMY and easy. I may do the big crowd cop out for one meal... spaghetti. (Remind me to prep some sauce beforehand!)

Kids, the Thanksgiving menu as it now stands: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied sweet potatoes, fruit salad, green bean casserole, Gma Ruby's hot rolls, and a relish tray.
Oh yeah, pies for dessert. Am I missing anything? I think I need at least one more veggie.

Thanksgiving Eve: Enchiladas, Spanish rice, Salad.

Breakfasts: breakfast burritoes, eggs and sausage, biscuits and gravy, blueberry pancakes. (Not all on the same day.)

Friday- Sunday: leftovers; turkey pot pie, turkey noodle soup.

Guess I better lay in some sandwich makings too. And hit up the Little Debbie outlet for snacks.

Whew... I got a lot accomplished, right here on my blog. And I won't LOSE it like I am prone to do with my paper notes!

Have a great day~

snooze button

2009-11-09T09:25:00.002-06:00

It is overcast and cool today. I didn't sleep well last night, despite trying my usual method of taking an antihistamine after a couple of hours of tossing and turning. Once I finally got to sleep, I sure didn't want to get up.

But here it is, a fresh new day. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! The boys are on their lessons, I have done my computer surfing already. Even if I am still in my jammies.
I haven't gone through and checked on the laundry status... or anything really. I'm sure I have PLENTY to do! I know I have pictures to mail out- I promised people. Some are actually ready to drop in the mail, others still need to be attached to letters and addressed. (Gotta love the proud Granny, right?)

Guess I best get started... I may post later if anything worthwhile occurs to me!

Have a joyful day!

Early Bird.. or the Second Mouse?

2009-11-08T14:49:00.003-06:00

(The early bird gets the worm... but the second mouse gets the cheese!)

Once again, I am off work early. (Becky call me!)
When I left, the store had taken in $500. for the day. The 'justification' for the store to remain open on weekends is $2500. So I go home and the two co-workers wait on... someone surely needs auto parts on a fine Sunday afternoon? Of the $500- my cash deposit was $235.00- not counting credit card sales (which DO count towards the total). So the top salesperson is sent home- go figure.
Really, though, my two co-workers are supporting themselves and/or family. My paycheck "helps" but is not something our family must depend on- so, when someone has to be sent home, I feel better about it being me- rather than someone whose survival is dependent on the paycheck.

And I am always ready to head home, LOL.

Remember my relief when the little neighbor kids moved away?
They are back.

Tension is already mounting at the property line. Their great grandpa, who owns the place, was a good neighbor. But these kids... these poor kids. I told Mr C I felt like I ought to call CPS the first time they are down 'swimming' or 'ice skating' unsupervised on the pond. These poor kids... what kind of a life will they have under their present conditions? I don't mind big families. I truly am pro- family. But most deliberate big families look after their kids. They take care of them. The kids have shoes... the parents WATCH them. Not these kids. They are rude, rowdy, unsupervised... starved for attention... and who knows if they are simply starved?
Poor kids. What am I to do? What would Jesus do? The kids are constantly screaming at our TSD (two stupid dogs)- kicking them and chasing them with sticks. When over on this property- they damage things and steal... they don't know any better.

I want to move.
*sigh*

I just got a call from Matthew's Dad. He was supposed to be back tomorrow. Due to family illness, Matt will be gone at least until next week... then miss Thanksgiving week... and all but the first week of December. So I may only have him two weeks (or less) between now and the end of the year. My boss at O'reilly's has work planned for me... so the income should be better.

May each of you have a blessed day. Welcome to little Diez Zesch... born early this morning! (Her name subject to change, LOL)

Video for Becky and the GGma's

2009-11-05T14:08:00.002-06:00

over at moocrew2 go down under the albums to "Video's". "Moocrew2" is a clickable link.

I had the video on my camera and finally figured out how to upload it. Kimber is just over 24 hours old.

Before and after

2009-11-05T10:56:00.000-06:00

The pictures in the post below are my before and after shots of cleaning from yesterday and this morning. I have several more "before" pictures taken, but they don't get to be here til I have cleaned up the area, so I can have "afters" with them.

2009-11-04

2009-11-05T10:55:00.002-06:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

It's my Mom's fault!

2009-11-04T08:31:00.001-06:00

OK, a person can really only blame themselves for their actions. It is just so hard to resist your heredity sometimes.

I have "clutter piles" nagging me. Stuff just stacks up, waiting to be dealt with, and I ignore it to the point of shame. What do I do when I clean? Do I start with those nagging piles? Noooo... MOM knows where I start cleaning.

Maybe not the exact place- but that it will be someplace that doesn't "show". The bookcase facing the front door is a wreck. So... I organize the canned goods under the kitchen counter. The table is piled with stuff people just sat down and walked away from. So, I run the vacuum under my bed and behind the door. The computer desk is so mounded up, I can scarcely move the mouse... and not only do I sit here and type... I can ignore the pile in favor of picking dead leaves off my houseplants.

I know Mom is laughing.

I best get busy on the stuff that SHOWS. Thanksgiving will be here in no time.

The way God works....

2009-11-03T07:16:00.006-06:00

I can't tell you all the ways God works in our lives. But I see them every day. My oldest son is in a very hard place. He has lost everything he held dear to him. A couple of weeks ago, he wrote me a letter and asked me if THIS was what it took for God to get hold of him. He was depressed and doubting his salvation, and the forgiveness of God.

Mr C had been reading an article (sermon?) by one of his favorite teachers, J.Preston Eby. He said he felt in his heart that I should send that article to DS#1. After reading it, I agreed. We haven't heard whether he actually received the article, and if he had, whether he had read it. Last night, my DD called us. She had a letter from DS#1, and wanted to read it to us. Apparantly the article had reached him... and even more, it REACHED him. God reached his heart when none of us could do so.

Sometimes we are so caught up in our selves, in our daily life, that God cannot reach us. We feel like we are just fine spiritually, not a care upon us. God has to do some serious shaking to make us let loose of complacency and really seek what he wants for us, what direction he wants our lives to take. "Oh yeah, fine God. I'm great today. Thanks for everything. Love you. Bye!"

Many of the authors of the New Testament were put in places where they had nothing to do except pray and listen for the voice of God. There was no busyness of living. No lawns to mow, homework to grade, animals to feed. Just time on their hands, which they filled with prayer. Their time with God gave us many books of the Bible. God knows we cannot all be in enforced idleness- and that many who are STILL don't seek Him.

My prayers are that DS#1 will be completely transformed by his time spent seeking the Lord. A new creation. God has already given him a new heart. Thank you, Lord.

Times Change

2009-11-02T13:27:00.002-06:00

This is the first week of November. Already. Dark gets here at an alarming hour. We looked at two more houses this weekend- neither was worth the effort of looking, much less telling about.
I dressed as a "pioneer" woman for Halloween at Oreilly's- quite by accident. Turns out the local school is the Gentry Pioneers. I thought I was a cowgirl, but didn't have boots. Hannah Montana, a California surfer dude, and a prison inmate completed the crew.

The boys are back on their lessons- doubling up on several today. Since our bodies are still on "daylight savings" time, we were busy bright and early. Laundry is pretty well caught up, and the boys cleaned their rooms over the weekend. We were going to go to the library, but I seem to be the only one who actually 'needed' to go- so we blew that off the list. Why go out when I can stay home?

The bed is stripped and bedding in the dryer- otherwise, I'd sure vote for a nap about now! (Maybe I will just have to sleep on a "nekkid" bed.) *yawn* *again*

Nothing much going on in my neck of the woods today. Just the way I like it. Drama free.

There are MORE new pictures up at : http://www.moocrew2shutterfly.com

New header...

2009-10-29T11:04:00.002-05:00

This is my Dad's driveway in east Texas. I took this picture (or maybe Daniel did) when we went to visit back in September.

It is a quiet, rainy morning. We are getting back on track with life. Trying to anyway. The boy's washed the STINKING TSD this morning. Didn't help much... now they smell like WET stinking dogs.
I am looking forwards to Thanksgiving and the end of the year. I am apprehensive about what the future holds for our family, but I know we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

This afternoon, I am supposed to go see my grandchildren, Connor and Alana. I want fresh pictures of them for a photo book I am working on, of my grandkids. (Seneca, pretty please can I have some of Gavin, and the girls?) (Glynna, I need clearer shots of Nickole.)

Tomorrow is the annual O'reilly customer appreciation day at our store. Free food to all comers from 11:00 until we run out of BBQ. (Last year that was before 1:00). I have to go in early. Which makes for an extra long day. Fridays always seem to drag, since I don't get off until 7:00.

Julie Z, are you hanging in there with the 31st as a delivery date? I will be praying for you!
Hugs to all... and this is how you do it if no one is around: Place your right hand on your left shoulder, and your left hand on your right shoulder. Then squeeze. That is a cyber-hug... just like my Mommy showed me!

Wednesday

2009-10-28T09:21:00.002-05:00

Gosh How the flies are timing.
Here it is the 28th already. I will get to go see Connor and Alana tomorrow, if I don't come down sick. Jammers is home sick today. So far, most of the kids are more like me when sick... just leave me alone in my misery. Sam was a tiny bit like Tom. He laid on the couch moaning while he was sick. At least he moaned quietly. He may be saving the horrific moans and groans for when he is married.
I wasn't feeling too well when I went to bed last night. It wasn't even 8pm. But I feel much better this morning. I suppose I should get the shopping out of the way, I do have a whole list now. Knowing me, I will put it off until I HAVE TO go. I am just not much of a "go" person.

Actually, I just discovered I DO have to go this morning. We are on the last roll of necessary paper. That is a must go, before someone "must go".

I had a "Becky Moment" yesterday. I was trying and trying to log into my email. I was bounced back, at least six times, to the "error in your name or password" page. I made sure I didn't have the Caps lock on. I typed the password slowly, watching every keystroke. I made sure I had used "dot com" instead of "comma com". Finally, I caught my mistake, just before I accused someone of messing with me and changing my password. I had tried logging in to my email at "." (dot) hotmail.com instead of "@" hotmail.com.
Duh!

Things here have been quiet... I can do without the drama. We do have two houses to look at this week, one Friday and another Saturday. Not holding my breath on either of them. I'm about to the place I would just as soon NOT look.

That's it for today, Hope your day is blessed and happy.

Economic Musings and other stuff

2009-10-27T10:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I was driving to town, and happened to be thinking (along the strange and convoluted lines my brain takes) about the economy. About this time last year, Tom and I were stocking up on canned goods and filling the freezer and such. We were sure the economy was headed for a big crash. So far, the crash hasn't come, but that doesn't mean that it won't come, soon.

My mind came up with the image of the mean older sibling (government) holding down the younger sibling (the US Citizens) while drooling a line of saliva over the younger ones face. Just as we are sure the spit is going to fall into our face, the big brother sucks it up... only to continue the torment. You are powerless and struggling as they laugh and hang their spit over your face, time and again. You just know, sooner or later, they are going to allow the spit to splat you right in the face. Then run away laughing.

Not that I would know anything about being the older sibling and being mean or anything.
Ahem.
**************
Since the twins have had the flu, my best laid plans of getting all caught up on schoolwork in one day has flown out the window. OK, so that wasn't a feasible plan anyway. They really are still recovering, so any schoolwork at all is an accomplishment. And I didn't manage to get the entire house completely cleaned yesterday either. I don't suppose that comes as a huge surprise to anyone, does it?
I did get the 'dining room' area of the front room cleaned up. I got the plants all watered, trimmed, and situated. (Yeah, the house is in chaos and I spent two hours trimming plant leaves.) I also got Mt. Washmore down to a mere molehill. And laundry detergent made. Errands ran. And supper cooked. And my expenses entered into the checkbook.

It looks like I got things accomplished, on paper. If only they were more visible to the eye accomplishments. I can thank Tommy for my early start this morning. Instead of sleeping in, I got a call at a bit past six am. Since I had to get up to answer the phone anyway- I was "up and at em" for the day.
May your day be blessed! I have more pictures up at http://www.moocrew2.shutterfly.com if you want to have a look!

Back on track, text

2009-10-26T09:19:00.003-05:00

I had written a post through Shutterfly with the pictures. However, it didn't post the text. As for getting back on track- the twins have had the flu. They were in Ohio while I was in Texas. We have a lot of schoolwork to catch up on. And the house... sheesh. Four guys have been here alone for almost a week, and one guy alone for a week prior to that. This places reeks of dogs, has so much dust my Mommy would gasp, and is so cluttered I am on visual overload.

I need to go to town and deposit my check from the 15th, stop by and see Jennifer and the kids this afternoon, and try to prepare a real meal that doesn't involve pizza boxes or sandwich meat.

I am hoping Mom and Ralph can bring up the travel trailer for people to sleep in at Thanksgiving.
I am coming up with 16 people being here, though several of those are under the age of 8. Becky and Glynna, let me know what you would like to bring, so I don't double buy for the dinner. Or I can do dinner and maybe you can take turns on breakfasts? Just trying to sort this out early.

Have a blessed day, I really have to get busy!

Trying to get back on track...

2009-10-26T09:16:00.001-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

more pictures of Kimber

2009-10-21T10:25:00.007-05:00

Mommy and daughter

Uncle Tommy prepares to be the favorite Uncle... again!

My favorite of the pictures!

Kimber Ann!

Sunday.... NOT laboring!

Stephen and Kimber

Tyrel loves his sister!

I got my present!

2009-10-21T08:04:00.002-05:00

By the skin of my teeth! This is Kimber Ann, weighing into the world October 20, 2009, at 11:48pm. She weighed a modest 7 lbs. 1/2 oz., and a tall 19 3/4".

Mother and baby are doing beautifully.

Daddy had a load of critters to haul, and missed being at the birth. Nola (Becky's MIL) and the midwife and I were there for labor support, but Becky did so well on her own.

From the time Becky awakened from her nap yesterday, the contractions were a steady 2 minutes apart. The midwife arrived and checked B. (around 6:00pm), then went back off to see another patient. Labor just geared right up, and I called the midwife to return. Labor went from second gear into overdrive in short order. At 11:00 pm, Becky was dilated to 8cm, with a "lip". I didn't expect Baby to arrive before midnight, but she did. It was amazing.

Kimber was wide awake and looked at everyone. (As we got to the push phase, Becky's sister in laws came in to witness the birth). Becky's brothers Tommy and Bill Joe had arrived on the scene moments as the push phase started, but they decided to remain outside until we had a clean and "presentable" mother and child.

Happy birthday to Me! Happy Birthday, Kimber!

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-10-20T07:14:00.003-05:00

But so far I don't know if I will be a Grandmoo or a grumpaw today. Becky went to bed at 10 with strong contractions. I told her to wake me and call the midwife if they became strong enough to waken her, or if her water broke. She was still sleeping when I came over to make my reports. So I don't know if contractions are still happening. When I was having Becky, my water broke at 9:00 pm without so much as a twinge of contractions until I got up the next morning. Then labor started and Becky was born within five hours. So... we will see. I will keep folks updated!

We have....

2009-10-19T13:51:00.002-05:00

Regular contractions! it is three days past the due date. The contractions are mild but regular. I am hoping this is it! (But if baby waits til after midnight... all the happier of birthday for Cowgranny!) Of course, it might be a false alarm. Keep Becky in your prayers! Safe, easy delivery of a healthy baby!

Impatient tapping of foot...

2009-10-15T18:15:00.002-05:00

Still no baby. Becky had a few regular contractions last night... enough for us to start timing them. But they fizzled out. Today, she has had a few irregular contractions. We wandered around Snanjlo for awhile, got a few wantcessities.
I'm all for a nap, but it is getting a bit late for that... already after 6 and we still have to think of fixing supper.
I hope everyone is having a blesed day!

No baby yet....

2009-10-14T15:55:00.002-05:00

But Becky and I are having a nice visit and Tyrel is reminding me of certain two year olds I knew in the past!
Mr C is having a good time in Ohio.
The surface of the ground is finally drying enough here that I don't clump in gobs of mud every step I take away from the house. But the roads... heh heh. THAT is another matter. Nola took her camera with her to get pictures of her truck that TOMMY was driving this morning. It is the most thoroughly stuck vehicle Nola says she has seen to date. She rescued him on her way to the hiway this morning, where she was headed to pick up her other grandson Kyle. Nola graciously lent Tommy yet another of her trucks so that he could get on to work.

Guess that is all for now, I don't want to hog up a borrowed computer!

Details, details...

2009-10-11T12:49:00.002-05:00

I have a few last minute things to do before heading out... like find a road atlas and some change... just in case, LOL. Yes, I know the route, I have traveled it many times. Even by myself. No, I am not nervous or afraid of driving so far alone. But I still like to have a map along... just in case. And change for the turnpikes... in case the booth is closed. again.

I think I have all my stuff gathered/ packed/ put in the car. hmm.. maybe take off the Oreilly's shirt and put on something warmer?
Anyway, Mom, it may be a bit after 9:00+ when I arrive. Call my cell if you want! Or if Becky starts laboring, I may changes directions entirely. (Hence the map).

Sooo... off here and on to the tripping.

Not Yet

2009-10-11T08:37:00.002-05:00

Becky was pretty sure she was in labor last night. But I didn't rush into a 10 hour drive with no sleep. I laid down, having taken a prescribed headache medication that usually makes me sleep. Instead, it made my heart race and my head buzz. My thoughts were all over the chart. I wasn't sleeping!
About 4, I woke up( last time I had looked at the clock was shortly after 2 am). I thought about hitting the road, but decided to wait til 6 or so. I forced myself to go back to sleep. Becky called about 6:00... the contractions had stopped somewhere in the night.
So I am headed out to work. Sundays are notoriously slow, so I may head on out once I get off work today. To Ft Worth and stay the night at mom's if I haven't heard from Becky. (if I do hear she is contracting again, I would skip FW and go right on to her house.)
Anyway, please be praying for a safe delivery, an easy birth, and a healthy baby!
~Tammy~
PS I will try to post again before I take off

Beautiful Day

2009-10-10T13:42:00.003-05:00

The sun is shining, it is a crisp 64* outside, blue skies... and I was let out of work early! What could be better?
Well, having the home phone working for one. I am at the library... the phone has been down more than 24 hours now.
I have a tupperware party I was invited to... and for once, I will be on time instead of 2+ hours late!
Ahhh, I am so enjoying the afternoon!

What would we do without friends...

2009-10-08T15:02:00.004-05:00

Especially friends who look at your haircut and say- "Uhh... I can fix that!"

and then they do!

PB4UGO

Wednesday

Logistics, logistics

*snooze button*

Early Bird.. or the Second Mouse?

Video for Becky and the GGma's

Before and after

2009-11-04

It's my Mom's fault!

The way God works....

Times Change

New header...

Wednesday

Economic Musings and other stuff

Back on track, text

Trying to get back on track...

more pictures of Kimber

I got my present!

Happy Birthday to me!

We have....

Impatient tapping of foot...

No baby yet....

Details, details...

Not Yet

Beautiful Day

What would we do without friends...

snooze button