It's hard to believe, but we are at 2 1/2 weeks left of school. And believe me, it's going to be some crazy days!
E bunny is having her last 2 days of Humpty Dumpty Monday and Wednesday of this week, though she will have TYKE until the last week of regular school.
There's baseball practice twice this week, dance rehearsal and recital, the last session of Pioneer club for this school year, and I start and end this week working.
Next week, there's 3 days of work, more baseball practice, girl scout meeting, fun run, cub scout pack meeting and Kindergarten Graduation!
The last week of school is E's 1st ragball practice, baseball games, our last Wolf meeting for scouts, 2nd grade talent show, and of course, the last day of school is the 17th.
After that, it's 4 days of ball-softball on Monday and Wednesdays and baseball on Tuesday and Thursdays, with a little ragball sprinkled in there until the end of June. June has the girls going to church camp, vacation bible school for our church, pre-fair entries due, and girl scout and boy scout day camps.
July includes church camp for IC, another girl scout day camp, a saltdog game with the girl scouts, and the county fair. The county fair will be a whole week for us this year. We were able to get away with only being there a few hours on about 3 days, but this year, we will spend most of the fair week there. All of IC's animals will be there the whole time and I think since we are doing that, the girls' will also stay there. There will be fair clean days both before and after to participate in, a picnic and animal sale. It will be a learning experience for me and the kids (JJ was in 4-h, so he knows).
Somewhere in there before school starts, we have to do dentist appointments, swim lessons, and hopefully, a weekend away from the farm. As busy as this summer will be, August will be here before we know it!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Husker Baseball Game
After the cleanup, the girls and I hurried home to get changed out of our dirty clothes and me make dinner before it was time to head to Lincoln for the kids' first Husker baseball game. They were pretty excited!
Waiting for the game to start.
Warm up for the players.
In the middle of the game, for a couple of innings, I took the girls over to the playground to work off some of their boredom.
Near the end of the game, IC was starting to get bored, but we won the game in the 11th inning. It was a double header day, since the game had been postponed from the day before, but we elected not to stay, as the kids were getting tired and bored and we had to do chores, yet.
After that, we went next door to watch the girls play softball for a little bit. E and Miss A were interested until someone with their puppy dog distracted them!
The girls were nearly done when we left and were winning, also. They were on their 2nd game of the day, also.
Before we left, JJ encouraged the kids to sit on the huge stone baseballs that are in front of the baseball stadium for a picture shoot. This is what we got:
After that, we headed home, stopping at York for supper at Wendy's, before doing chores and cleaning up kids. It was a big day, but I enjoyed it. And I think the rest of the family did, too.
Waiting for the game to start.
Warm up for the players.
In the middle of the game, for a couple of innings, I took the girls over to the playground to work off some of their boredom.
Near the end of the game, IC was starting to get bored, but we won the game in the 11th inning. It was a double header day, since the game had been postponed from the day before, but we elected not to stay, as the kids were getting tired and bored and we had to do chores, yet.
After that, we went next door to watch the girls play softball for a little bit. E and Miss A were interested until someone with their puppy dog distracted them!
The girls were nearly done when we left and were winning, also. They were on their 2nd game of the day, also.
Before we left, JJ encouraged the kids to sit on the huge stone baseballs that are in front of the baseball stadium for a picture shoot. This is what we got:
After that, we headed home, stopping at York for supper at Wendy's, before doing chores and cleaning up kids. It was a big day, but I enjoyed it. And I think the rest of the family did, too.
Secret Garden Clean Up
Saturday morning dawned a little grey, but the sun peaked out some as the girls and I headed to town in the morning to go to clean up the Secret Garden at the library. Miss A could earn her community service badge for participating, so we went for an hour.
The girls were ready to start at 9 am and set to picking up sticks.
About 20 minutes after we started, 2 more girl scouts came and helped Miss A pick up a HUGE amount of leaves. The girls did a great job!
At 10 am, the girls took a cookie break before we headed home and the other 2 went to do some more work.
The girls were ready to start at 9 am and set to picking up sticks.
About 20 minutes after we started, 2 more girl scouts came and helped Miss A pick up a HUGE amount of leaves. The girls did a great job!
At 10 am, the girls took a cookie break before we headed home and the other 2 went to do some more work.
Day Off?
After working all day Thursday at school, Friday was a day off for Miss A since it was Kindergarten Roundup. As we were getting pretty low on supplies and Miss A had been begging for awhile to get a haircut, the girls and I headed to York soon after IC got on the bus.
We went to Walmart and got the regular supplies before getting the girls' and my hair cut. We went to the western store then to get new boots for Miss A and of course, she had to have sparkly pink ones. At least, they were actually cheaper than some I've gotten before! Then, we of course, went to eat at McDonald's.
After that, it was back to walmart to get groceries before heading home. I can't say it was the most pleasant experience-the girls were the pitts. I seem to remember IC going through that annoying stage of being naughty in the store, but it definitely got on my nerves.
By the time we were home, all 5 of our caterpillars were into crystallis'-making the girls pretty excited for butterflies!
I was able to get home to empty the bags out of the car before going to pick IC up from school. He was supposed to go to an indoor football game in Grand Island for cub scouts, but right at the time to go, a storm blew in and JJ didn't want to risk driving in hail, tornadoes, etc. Even IC's baseball practice was cancelled-and it takes quite a bit for that to happen!
IC was disappointed, so JJ suggested going to a Husker baseball game. And it so happened that there was one the next day and so we made some plans.
We went to Walmart and got the regular supplies before getting the girls' and my hair cut. We went to the western store then to get new boots for Miss A and of course, she had to have sparkly pink ones. At least, they were actually cheaper than some I've gotten before! Then, we of course, went to eat at McDonald's.
After that, it was back to walmart to get groceries before heading home. I can't say it was the most pleasant experience-the girls were the pitts. I seem to remember IC going through that annoying stage of being naughty in the store, but it definitely got on my nerves.
By the time we were home, all 5 of our caterpillars were into crystallis'-making the girls pretty excited for butterflies!
I was able to get home to empty the bags out of the car before going to pick IC up from school. He was supposed to go to an indoor football game in Grand Island for cub scouts, but right at the time to go, a storm blew in and JJ didn't want to risk driving in hail, tornadoes, etc. Even IC's baseball practice was cancelled-and it takes quite a bit for that to happen!
IC was disappointed, so JJ suggested going to a Husker baseball game. And it so happened that there was one the next day and so we made some plans.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
H. D. Preschool Family Night
After that, the class sang 3 cute songs, received an achievement certificate, and presented their parents with a gift they'd made to thank us. They'd made cinnamon-sugar mix and bath salt mix. It was pretty cute.
And if you are wondering where Miss A was, she was at Girl Scouts at the same time! One of the other moms picked her up from the church and took her to the park for their meeting. They weren't quite done when we were, so the kids played for a little and then there was snack before it was time to finally head home.
After several chilly days, this day decided to be 91 degrees-it was hot outside!
Black Eye
This is what happens when you stand behind the red swing too closely-you get whacked by your sister who was swinging on it and end up with a black eye. This was also done Sunday, while the boys were working on Spike!
It stayed swollen all of Monday and turned a lovely dark purple on Tuesday-hopefully, she'll not do that,again!
Bath Time!
Sunday, the 22nd, the kids and JJ went out after dinner to give Spike a bath. It was his 1st full bath and he tolerated it well. JJ wanted to trim him up, but he needed a clean-up first. IC helped with the bath part and the girls played with the cats and in the yard. It took all afternoon, but he trimmed up pretty nice.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Butterflies!
This was in my mailbox yesterday when we picked up the mail after our long day of funeral stuff-our caterpillers! Yay-the kids were thrilled. All 5 did survive the trip here and we will see how many actually make it to butterfly-hood. Last year we had 3 out of 5 survive.
These are Painted Lady butterflies-and it was kinda something yesterday when we happen to see one of those kind of butterflies at Grandma's burial service. It was sitting on the grass beside her grave. That was special for the kids and I.
Tougher Days
It's not been an easy past couple of days. Wednesday was spent taking the kids to after school activities and chores in the midst of getting phone calls from my mom, my aunt and the undertaker concerning details for Grandma's funeral. It was finally decided that I would sing 2 songs-one I picked out and one that was one of Grandma's favorite hymns. In the evening, I also managed to set my strawberry plants in the garden, which had been waiting a couple of days due to icky weather and busy schedules.
Thursday, the kids went to school as usual and I worked on planting my potatoes, half of the onions and half of the carrots, picking up E from school, getting dinner from Subway and dropping JJ's sandwich off (he was in the field), going to Shickley to practice the hymn at the pianist's house, running home to find and run off pictures I had of Grandma, picking kids up from school, doing chores, taking IC to baseball practice and the girls to my MIL's, and running home to get JJ so we could go to the funeral home for family being present at visitation time. We left there later than hoped and was finally home by 8:30. Then, it was get kids to bed because my in-laws had once again not done what I'd asked and the kids were still up before crashing on the couch.
Friday morning, I was up at the usual time to get ready for the funeral. JJ did chores but was late getting to the house, so he had to come later, as I'd gotten the kids and me ready and we then headed to my mom's for breakfast, since she was the host home. After that, it was head to church to practice, listen to the cards on the flowers read, get instructions on what to do and wait until the funeral time. The kids got bored, I can't blame them, I was, too.
At 10:30 was the service. The first song I didn't sing as well as hoped and tried not to break down, then later, the hymn I did fine at. It was a nice service and lasted 45 minutes. It was chilly outside for the burial ceremony and windy (of course). All of us grandkids were given a rose to put on her grave and the great-grandkids were given a balloon to release. After that, was an excellent meal and visiting with several people. I did have several compliments on my singing, so I must have done alright. :)
After that mess was over, we took a few pictures of kids and grandkids before some headed home and 2 of my cousins, 2 of my aunts and 1 uncle met up with me and the kids and my parents at my parents' house. JJ and one of my other cousins' husband went out to the field to plant corn.
We had a nice visit and after supper of leftovers from the funeral, it was time to head home. The kids and I were home by 7:30 pm to feed animals and get cleaned up. It was 9 pm before they were all in bed and JJ had come home by then, at least. It was a long day.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
My Grandma
I got the call this morning that my last living grandmother passed away in the early morning hours. We knew it was coming, but it's still hard to hear.
A New Pen
Yesterday, in between getting home from school and taking IC to baseball practice, we helped Daddy move the girls' lambs to a pen just north of our house that we made. In order to slow down the growth of IC's lamb, we need to cut down his feed and having full feed with 2 other lambs was not working well, so JJ came up with a pen to put the other 2 lambs in. IC will be getting another lamb within another few days or so, so it won't be alone for long. Plus, IC's lamb is in the pen beside Spike (his 4-H steer), so he's not alone.
The girls' lambs will also have more running room once the fencing we ordered comes in (in the next day or so). And this way, I get some of the tall grass around the yard cut, too!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Girl Scout Leaders & Funeral Thoughts
Monday, I worked in TYKE. It was a relatively easy day, actually. I met mom in town, as she had picked up E from Humpty Dumpty and was still in town. Then, we headed to the computer store, as JJ was trying to get our computer fixed that had died Sunday night. It turns out it needed a new power source, which was easy to fix. We had dinner with JJ at Pizza Hut before heading home. E napped at home, then, while I worked on some things before heading to town to pick up the kids.
I had a Girl Scout leader meeting to attend in the evening with Heather, the gal whose going to be co-leading with Christina for Miss A's Girl Scout Troop when the main leader actually quits. She has said she's going to, and doesn't do a lot, but she hasn't quite actually gone through with it yet. Anyway, since Heather is expecting in the fall, I volunteered to help her with the troop so that it doesn't get to be too much for both Heather and Christina in the next fall season. So, I attended the meeting to get a feel for what it's like to be a leader and just in case I end up leading E's Daisy troop when she's old enough to be a Girl Scout.
The three of us discussed some problems that our troop is having and discovered that many of our troop's problems are common. Luckily, we have a great Girl Scout leader who will help us work through these things. It was a helpful meeting, I think.
This morning I got a call from Mom that Grandma wasn't doing well, again. It was bad enough that my dad, his brother and sister went to Lincoln to see her. Grandma's on hospice and hasn't eaten or drank anything all weekend.
My aunt called me this morning to ask if I would sing at her funeral when it occurs, to which I said yes. JJ will be a pall bearer. So, things are already being planned for the very near future. I am thinking our weekend will include me practicing a song or 2.
I had a Girl Scout leader meeting to attend in the evening with Heather, the gal whose going to be co-leading with Christina for Miss A's Girl Scout Troop when the main leader actually quits. She has said she's going to, and doesn't do a lot, but she hasn't quite actually gone through with it yet. Anyway, since Heather is expecting in the fall, I volunteered to help her with the troop so that it doesn't get to be too much for both Heather and Christina in the next fall season. So, I attended the meeting to get a feel for what it's like to be a leader and just in case I end up leading E's Daisy troop when she's old enough to be a Girl Scout.
The three of us discussed some problems that our troop is having and discovered that many of our troop's problems are common. Luckily, we have a great Girl Scout leader who will help us work through these things. It was a helpful meeting, I think.
This morning I got a call from Mom that Grandma wasn't doing well, again. It was bad enough that my dad, his brother and sister went to Lincoln to see her. Grandma's on hospice and hasn't eaten or drank anything all weekend.
My aunt called me this morning to ask if I would sing at her funeral when it occurs, to which I said yes. JJ will be a pall bearer. So, things are already being planned for the very near future. I am thinking our weekend will include me practicing a song or 2.
A Busy Sunday
Sunday morning was a busy morning as after S.S. we had Cub Scout Sunday, camping Sunday, and IC's last Sunday for singing in his choir for this year.
After that was a music committee meeting to discuss choir arrangements for next fall. We got in on the end of Camping Sunday's brunch, just barely.
After that, we headed home and let the kids watch a movie for awhile before heading out to work on the lambs' outside pen that the girls' lambs will be in during the summer. The wind was awful for the day and since it was chilly, the girls didn't stay out long, but they did do their chores before they gave up and went back in the house.
After supper, we played a game of Life before bedtime. Not a bad way to spend the day.
After that was a music committee meeting to discuss choir arrangements for next fall. We got in on the end of Camping Sunday's brunch, just barely.
After that, we headed home and let the kids watch a movie for awhile before heading out to work on the lambs' outside pen that the girls' lambs will be in during the summer. The wind was awful for the day and since it was chilly, the girls didn't stay out long, but they did do their chores before they gave up and went back in the house.
After supper, we played a game of Life before bedtime. Not a bad way to spend the day.
A Checkup & Stormy Weather
Friday morning I took E to the dr. for her 4 year check-up and we went for the first time to the new medical clinic at the new hospital. It's a nice facility, a little impersonable, we don't get to see the other receptionist ladies bustling about anymore and there's nothing on the walls at this time, but it's ok, I guess. She checked out fine, which was great.
We were home after school and found out that my grandmother is not doing very well. I don't think it will be long before we'll be dealing with her funeral, but we will see.
Saturday, I elected to stay home from Art Club, and it's ok that I did-the weather was stormy on and off all day and evening. We had a big storm in the afternoon complete with lots of rain and a tornado warning! We were blessed to have any damage and after the 2nd rain storm at night, we had about 1.85 inches of rain.
We were home after school and found out that my grandmother is not doing very well. I don't think it will be long before we'll be dealing with her funeral, but we will see.
Saturday, I elected to stay home from Art Club, and it's ok that I did-the weather was stormy on and off all day and evening. We had a big storm in the afternoon complete with lots of rain and a tornado warning! We were blessed to have any damage and after the 2nd rain storm at night, we had about 1.85 inches of rain.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Wolf Badge
Last night was the Cub Scout Pack meeting with the Arrow of Light ceremony for the Webelos boys. After a day of raining in the morning, the sun was out by late afternoon on and off, so IC still had baseball practice. We picked him up (JJ was able to go with us girls) and had 10 minutes for him to change his clothes while we went around the block to the pack meeting. (It was nice they were so close together.)
After a pretty good supper that was served, the meeting started. Besides the Webelos II boys getting recognition, many of the other boys in the pack also got some awards, including our den. Five of the 7 boys were there to receive their Wolf badge, plus several belt buckles they had earned.
After that was the ceremony and cake. The girls got a little bored, but that's nothing new.
Good job, boys!
After a pretty good supper that was served, the meeting started. Besides the Webelos II boys getting recognition, many of the other boys in the pack also got some awards, including our den. Five of the 7 boys were there to receive their Wolf badge, plus several belt buckles they had earned.
After that was the ceremony and cake. The girls got a little bored, but that's nothing new.
Good job, boys!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Fun Run Time!
It's back to Fun Run time, as the kids gathered after school yesterday to run. E bunny insisted on running, so I went with her 1/2 of the way, as this was her first time to run. She did great, and left me behind in the dust, so I cut through the field halfway so I could take her picture at the finish line. Miss A was dragging behind her with a friend who was slowing her down, so I told her she'd better hurry up or her sister would beat her.
And she did! She ran past her sister and beat her by 30 seconds. It's amazing what you can do if you try! I didn't get IC's picture, he was about the 12th one to finish, so he was WAY ahead.
Of course, the best part of the run was the popsicle at the end!
And she did! She ran past her sister and beat her by 30 seconds. It's amazing what you can do if you try! I didn't get IC's picture, he was about the 12th one to finish, so he was WAY ahead.
Of course, the best part of the run was the popsicle at the end!
It's Baseball Time!
So, Tuesday, was the first time we didn't go to Gymnastics class all year. I received IC's baseball schedule over the weekend and it conflicted with almost every day that we had gymnastics, so I made the decision to drop class for the last 5 weeks. It's a little disappointing, but we just can't be everywhere.
We will be coming to a decision next year whether we are going to just do dance class or gymnastics class. We will not do both. Miss A adamantly prefers gymnastics and E bunny doesn't really know. She first said she prefers dance, then she said gymnastics, so I'll have to wait with her to see.
The dance classes we take in town will have new teachers next year. The one I won't have my girl(s) go to at all-I've been told she yells at her class a lot. The other person, I don't know. It would be ideal if I could have E bunny in a dance class next year at the same time as Miss A's gymnastics class in the same town! My goal is to cut down activities and travel some.
So, back to baseball. IC is on the travel baseball team this year with about 5-6 of his 2nd grade classmates, 1 or 2 first graders and over 10 of the 3rd graders. There's about 20 kids on the team at this time. Not quite enough for 2 teams, but really too many for 1 team. Hopefully, IC will get SOME play time, I am trying not to worry about it.
He has practice twice a week until May 15, when they start having games twice a week until the end of June. It will be busy, as I understand, though I haven't gotten a letter yet, that Miss A's non-travel softball will be practicing Mondays and Wednesdays in May and June. They don't have too many games, but we're are still waiting to see the schedule.
And yes, E bunny is also participating in Ragball. At least, that's much more laid back and they only get together in June to practice-no games. I don't like ragball, but it gives her some practice and she wanted to be in ball, so this is her only option. Hopefully, next year, she can be in non-travel softball if Miss A decides to stick with it.
We will be coming to a decision next year whether we are going to just do dance class or gymnastics class. We will not do both. Miss A adamantly prefers gymnastics and E bunny doesn't really know. She first said she prefers dance, then she said gymnastics, so I'll have to wait with her to see.
The dance classes we take in town will have new teachers next year. The one I won't have my girl(s) go to at all-I've been told she yells at her class a lot. The other person, I don't know. It would be ideal if I could have E bunny in a dance class next year at the same time as Miss A's gymnastics class in the same town! My goal is to cut down activities and travel some.
So, back to baseball. IC is on the travel baseball team this year with about 5-6 of his 2nd grade classmates, 1 or 2 first graders and over 10 of the 3rd graders. There's about 20 kids on the team at this time. Not quite enough for 2 teams, but really too many for 1 team. Hopefully, IC will get SOME play time, I am trying not to worry about it.
He has practice twice a week until May 15, when they start having games twice a week until the end of June. It will be busy, as I understand, though I haven't gotten a letter yet, that Miss A's non-travel softball will be practicing Mondays and Wednesdays in May and June. They don't have too many games, but we're are still waiting to see the schedule.
And yes, E bunny is also participating in Ragball. At least, that's much more laid back and they only get together in June to practice-no games. I don't like ragball, but it gives her some practice and she wanted to be in ball, so this is her only option. Hopefully, next year, she can be in non-travel softball if Miss A decides to stick with it.
Girl Scout Luau
Monday morning seemed to come pretty early as Miss A and I headed to York after picking up her friend, Micah, and going to a Girl Scout Luau at the Community Center. Since the Girl Scouts could invite a friend, Miss A was able to bring Micah along. Also there from our troop was MacKenzie, who brought a friend, and Marissa, who didn't.
We started with making leis.
After a few rounds of BINGO with gummy bears, it was time to go play in the gym. The girls played several games and had a good time.
Miss A did very well when they got out the hula hoops!
After that, it was lunch time and we had all brought our own lunches.
Next, the girls made grass skirts and had a hula dance!
Finally, the girls got to go swimming-the poor gals who were in charge certainly got asked enough times when that was going to happen!
The swimming was a HUGE hit and the girls were in the pool for about 1 1/2 hours.
The girls were ravenous after all that swimming and had a snack provided by the Girl Scouts before watching the movie - Madagascar 2 to finish out the day.
We stopped for ice cream afterward since we had time before heading back to town to dance class. Miss
A got pretty tired by dance time, but she hung in there. While she was in class, I went home to get the other 2. Mom had watched them while we were gone. After E's class, it was time to go home and clean up-it'd been a long day!
We started with making leis.
After a few rounds of BINGO with gummy bears, it was time to go play in the gym. The girls played several games and had a good time.
Miss A did very well when they got out the hula hoops!
After that, it was lunch time and we had all brought our own lunches.
Next, the girls made grass skirts and had a hula dance!
Finally, the girls got to go swimming-the poor gals who were in charge certainly got asked enough times when that was going to happen!
The swimming was a HUGE hit and the girls were in the pool for about 1 1/2 hours.
The girls were ravenous after all that swimming and had a snack provided by the Girl Scouts before watching the movie - Madagascar 2 to finish out the day.
We stopped for ice cream afterward since we had time before heading back to town to dance class. Miss
A got pretty tired by dance time, but she hung in there. While she was in class, I went home to get the other 2. Mom had watched them while we were gone. After E's class, it was time to go home and clean up-it'd been a long day!
Happy Easter!
Here are the kids, bright-eyed and ready for Sunday School! The girls in their newly-made dresses and IC in his store-bought shirt that he picked out, weren't really all that excited to get going in the morning, but they made it anyway!
The Easter Bunny made an appearance while we were in church. Although, IC had decided this year that he didn't believe in the bunny anymore, he didn't say so to the girls! He was still very happy to receive a basket anyway :)
After baskets and changing clothes, we went to my in-laws for dinner. Only my parents were there besides us, so after a couple of hours, we headed home to relax. IC and JJ worked on his rocket for 4-H, before we all headed outside to do chores, practice leading the lambs around (they're aren't halter-broke, yet) and play baseball in the yard. It was a nice way to end a rather big day.
IC's 1st Lamb & Dyeing Easter Eggs
Saturday morning, after a slower start, the kids and I headed to Fairmont to their Home and Garden show to help out for awhile at the Girl Scout cookie booth. It was slow, not much going on, so after 1 1/2 hrs, we left, heading home to get dinner and to greet IC's lamb, which had been delivered.
He's a little bigger than the girls' and we actually own him. He will be sold at the 4-H auction at the end of the fair. IC was very excited to see him!
We also dyed a few eggs of our own at home.
He's a little bigger than the girls' and we actually own him. He will be sold at the 4-H auction at the end of the fair. IC was very excited to see him!
We also dyed a few eggs of our own at home.
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