Quick update

Well, a few weeks ago we thought one of the guinea hens had gone on to that big field in the sky. We even found what we'd thought was a guinea hen skeleton and some feathers, so we WERE pretty sure! When we got home from church on Sunday we were surprised to see all 6 of the hens back out in the yard! We wondered what in the world had happened! Jim went over to investigate and that's when things got interesting. They started screeching to beat all. One charged at him and chased him around for a minute. Then he saw a line of "keets", baby guinea hens, running along one of the buildings! So, turns out that one wasn't killed, but was "brooding" or nesting for the past few weeks. So now we have all 6 guinea fowl (they're obviously not all hens!) and a pile of baby keets. What on earth have we gotten ourselves into???

Cute Kid Quote:
Toby (2) was chatting with a dinner guest and told him that there was a cricket over there by the wall. "What's he doing?" "He's cricket-ing" was Toby's definition of the noise of the cricket!

We Have A Winner

I wanted to wait until I had contacted my winner for the little shoes. Ashley from MA has won the handmade shoes! Congratulations on your little bundle, Ashley! Enjoy!

Blogland giveaway!

Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer is hosting a blogland giveaway! Literally hundreds of generous online bloggers are giving away TONS of stuff. Head on over there and sign up to win any of a number of items! I was struggling with what to offer. This morning, inspiration hit! I will be selecting one VERY lucky winner to receive these adorable shoes I just made last night! They are very comfy looking and soft cotton and suede. The main body has little purple flowers and the inside is a small pink floral print. The sole is a faux suede material. I would keep them for my daughter, but she's too skinny for them and they keep falling off her little feet! Hence, they are SLIGHTLY used, she had them on for about a total of 4 hours during which I put them back on about 4 times! So, if you are interested in signing up to win these beauties, please leave a comment. I'll randomly select a winner sometime on Friday. All you have to do is leave a comment, one per customer please and, sorry, but US addresses only. I do have to be able to contact you via email or your blog and you have my word that I won't share your information with anyone. Thanks and good luck!

***The contest is now over and we have a winner! Congratulations going out to Ashley from MA!***

Woo Hoo for Me!

I made a pair of shoes for Avery! :) Here they are! They were really quite easy, just took one short evening. Love them and am excited to make some more. I can take orders if anyone is interested in having a pair made. All reasonable offers will be accepted! :) They're like those little Robeez shoes, very soft and comfy!

And a bonus cute baby picture! :) Don't you just want to eat her up with a spoon?

Pass the overalls, please.

This is me. Tonight. Driving a tractor. Our tractor on our farm. It is actually moving and I am driving it. Whoa. Who'd a thunk???

Farm stuff

Yesterday Jim and Evan took a trip to the Minnesota/Iowa border to go farm stuff-shopping. Their first stop was the home of 78-year-0ld Ron Haugland, grandfather of some of Jim's students. Ron took them around and showed them a few farm stuffs and his methods for modifying and improving old farm stuff. As they were about to leave, Ron said, "Yeah, Roger's a real good son-in-law. 'Course, our politics don't agree. See, I'm a Democrat."

As Jim and Evan drove away, Evan said, "Wow, he's a Democrat." There was contemplative pause, and then he continued. "And we spent all that time with him."

Pictures to come! :)

Works For Me Wednesday

Today's works for me Wednesday is an idea I borrowed from a more seasoned mother. I've made a rotating chore chart for my three boys. There are two circles, one smaller than the other. The outer circle has a job listed and the inner circle lists the names of the kids. Each boy has a different job to do each day. Some people might change the jobs every week or month, but by keeping it a daily change I keep them intersted and excited about the different jobs! Here's a picture of the chart. The mail man has to run out to the mailbox and get the mail (or put outgoing mail into the box). The "Laundry Man" brings laundry down from our upstairs and sorts it into the laundry sorter. The "Odd Jobs Man" does those little jobs that come up and need doing like setting the table or stocking the diaper drawers. All of the jobs are adjustable according to the age of the "Man". Every night after kids go to bed I rotate the name circle one job clockwise. Each morning the kids run down and find out what their job is for the day! Works For ME! Check out Shannon's blog at Rocks in My Dryer for other great ideas!

What I've Learned Today

I'm not sure if I agree or not, but it's fun! I much prefer a double raspberry white mocha, but hey, this is what the computer thought of me. :)

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Bad blogger

Oops. Been a while. We're busy here making some changes here and there. The lady who lived here left a TON of paint in the basement and barn. Jim opened one gallon and it sprung a leak. Since we liked the color he painted our bedroom with it. Yesterday morning. Starting at around 9:00 am. When we had guests coming for his birthday lunch at 11. And of course our house being what it is, I ended up vacuuming a box of cheerios off the floor. Then a half a cup of beta fish food off that same spot on the floor. Maybe I should watch Toby a little better...

We're also discovering a little about asthetics. That gallon of paint that Jim found and used on our bedroom made a world of difference to both of us! It prompted us to figure out a way to get our queen box spring up the stairs. It only resulted in a little demolition of the house, nothing that we can't repair. :)

And, since I don't have a before and after picture of the bedroom, I'll post one of my first home decorating project. The kitchen was in sad shape (which I knew before we bought it, really a step, no, a leap down from my old kitchen). Here is a shot of it:

Pretty bad, huh?

Now here's an after shot:

I added a coat of paint on just the cabinet fronts, some knobs and curtains. you can't see it, but there is also a mason jar of miniature daisies in the windowsill. Pretty darn cute if you ask me! :)

Hummm, cute kid quote for the day??? I know there is one, but I just can't think of what it is. Darn darn darn!