Library, gardening, and good news
23 Jan 2010 2 Comments
in books, family, fieldtrips, gardening, Lord's blessings
Had good news about a friend of hubby’s. He has been going through a whole lot of stuff at home and with extended family and ex-wife. Hubby listens when this guy needs an ear, yet he won’t let this other guy off if something happened due to an untimely word or action. Hubby has been inviting him to church on and off. This guy told hubby that he will be coming to church with us tomorrow. 
I am praying that the Lord will work in this man’s heart and that he will find many at church that he can talk to. To find more friends. Good apples, so to speak, instead of the bad apples he’s exposed to daily.
I have been doing lots of reading up on herbs to grow this summer. I’ve also been studying up on Stevia and how to grow/harvest it. I’ve also been trying to pick the kinds of tomatoes, beans, etc to grow in the garden this year. So many varieties to choose from. It’s hard not to pick too many. Or to become overwhelmed. I definitely have found that I need more garden space/beds.
I cleaned up the back yard from when the boys played in the snow a few weeks back. I also took a look around the yard looking at the raspberry canes (looks like we’ll have some raspberries this year!!!) and the blackberries. They aren’t doing as well or growing as fast as the raspberries, but they are healthy-looking. I would really like to plant another cherry tree and some dwarf apple trees. I’m still looking into dwarf as opposed to regular-sized apple trees. I am looking forward to the bush cherries doing well this summer.
Through reading a book about herbs, I have learned that chives and carrots are companions in the garden. If grown in close appoximity, the carrots grow larger. And they do overwinter inside in pots, so I’ll be growing some in pots and placed near the carrots in the raised beds.
I found an offer for a set of shelves with a greenhouse cover with $25 off. I would really like to get this (hubby is all for it) and set it up on the southern part of the patio. This way I could start tomato seeds early and anything else for the summer.
Went to the library with the kids last week and we came home with an armload of books. The twins picked out a movie and a book about steam locomotives. I picked out books about Indians, early American history, slow cooker cookbook, gardening books, early Indiana history, and oldest son picked out a book about space travel. We have all been enjoying the books and movies. Found some books to read to all the boys about George Washington, American Indians, and pioneer Indiana. The twins love anything about George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. I am planning on going to Mounds State Park in the spring as a school trip.
lean, mean, corn-shucking machine
24 Aug 2009 2 Comments
in family
This past weekend, we received sweet corn from my hubby’s parents. #3 son was so excited to help shuck it. He’s helped me in the past and loves to help, anyway. But his favorite is shucking corn. As he told his other brother, “It’s like opening a present!”. Too cute! This time, however, after every ear was shucked, he would dance around in a circle, singing his own song about how good of a helper he is! Makes my heart glad to see one of the boys loving to help and work.
On Sunday morning, #3 son was holding the door open for a lady. She looked at him and told him thankyou and called him by his name. He looked up at her and said, “Thank you for calling me by my name”. I know that they do get tired of being called by each other’s names, and by other generalized names.
This has been (and hasn’t been) #3 son’s weekend. Sunday afternoon, while I was telling hubby goodbye for the week (he had to leave early), I guess there was catastophre erupting in the house. Lady (our not-so-lady-like dog) had jumped up to the table and grabbed the pan of brownies and was devouring up what she could. #3 son went down to save the brownies (his words) when Lady growled and got mean (his words again). She nipped him on the face. When I came in and heard the story, I grabbed a paddle and whacked Lady on the rear end, then sent her out on the chain in the front yard. Then the kids were concerned that I was going to kill Lady, at which time I told them that she was being punished and, no, I was NOT going to kill Lady. Later, that evening, #3 son and Lady was running and playing with each other. I believe that #3 son will not try to “save” any other food from Lady, no matter what it is, from now on! Poor guy. By the way, his face is fine, though if Lady had got his eye or nose or mouth or ear, we would have to start looking for another dog, for Lady would be “pushing up daisies” in the back yard! There is definitely seldom a dull moment in this family. But I wouldn’t trade my family for any other family!
Catching up with friends and family
22 Jun 2009 1 Comment
in family, homeschool
This past weekend was a nice long one since hubby came home on Thursday evening, instead of Friday evening. He had to leave early on Sunday evening, though, to drive to NJ. He sure goes places with this job (pun intended). Friday, the boys and I went up to church to mow. I enjoy mowing, but this is for the church, so appearance is important. This is a little nerve-wracking, but I’m okay. #1 son mows the back and enjoys it. Then we ate a quick bite with the food I brought, and then off to my in-laws. #1 son got to mow there too and he was loving it. I helped weed her strawberry patch and gave her 24 new little plants. I sure hope they do something for her next year. Then we went home and did laundry, etc. Hubby had gone to a friend’s house to help get their truck and tractor going.
Saturday was the Fairland Fish Fry. #1 son was in the parade on the 4-H float. It was neat to see all the people out and in the parade. The local church was giving out free bottles of water and, when the parade was going through, we loaded up with candy. Afterwards, the boys got to ride rides and see a helicopter land. We all enjoyed a hot dog or a fish sandwich. (Prices were outragious though!) It was a nice day, though we were all tired and very hot by early evening. Later that evening, an old friend of hubby’s stopped by with his wife and kids. We hadn’t seen him for awhile and it was nice “catching up”.
Sunday, after a good sermon, we headed home and then went to hubby’s parents’ house for Father’s Day. Nice to see the family and all the cousins played in the water. We had a great time laughing and teasing each other. Missed my dad though and spending time with my side of the family. 
Had a friend from childhood days over on Monday, along with her two children. She was picking up some jewelry I made for her and her mom. Had a nice time catching up with her.
I have been trying to get my children’s homeschool curriculum, etc., for cheap prices. It’s so easy to be swayed into getting more than one really needs. I’m thinking “simpler” this year than last.
4-H and fish fry
18 Jun 2009 Leave a Comment
in family
These next few weeks are going to be busy. This weekend is the Fairland Fish Fry and our 4-H club has a booth, a float in the parade and help feed the firemen the eve before this big event. THis all means that the moms of the kids in 4-H are busy cooking. And baking for the 4-H candy booth that helps raise money for our club for the year. The kids are also busy in the parade and, later, wiping down tables in the fish fry tent. All part of their community service to achieve their pins. This fish fry is naturally a big event around here. This is the time when you see people you may not see the rest of the year, or probably not since the last big event, such as voting. Or you may see some neighbors whom you always wave to, but rarely speak to during the year due to busy-ness or whatever. It’s not that you’re not on speaking terms, just don’t get the chance to talk to each other. Also, a time to see each other’s kids and comment on how big they’ve grown, etc. You meet new people, finally put a face to a name you’ve heard others speak of, or introduce someone to your family (I really like to do this, since this is a rare event for me.) It’s a time when everyone puts aside their differences and has a good time together. We all look forward to the fellowship and the good food.
Besides the fish fry this weekend, next weekend is the time when the kids are to turn in all their projects. #1 son had 3 this year. A lego creation, a recycling project (make a new use out of a plastic or glass bottle) and a rock collection for geology. The first two are done, but the third project is taking more time. The rocks are collected and classified, but the board and poster board is not done. Still looking for little plastic boxes to use on the board to hold the rocks.
After that is the Shelby County Fair. The projects done and turned in, hot dogs ate, ribbons and pins given, and rides to be ridden (correct english?). I look forward to this weekend. Of course, it’s also 4th of July that weekend. I love this holiday. All the patrioticness (such a word?)!
I am thinking of entering some jewelry into the open show at the fair. I’ll have to wait and see.
Saw baby chicks/new plants
12 Jun 2009 Leave a Comment
in family, fieldtrips, gardening
Yesterday evening, the kids and I loaded up in the truck and headed over to my “little” brother’s place to his baby chicks. He had called and said that the chicks would soon gain all their feathers, thus growing out of their cute stage. One hen has 9 chicks, another has one that is only a few days old. Very cute! #2 son kept trying to either stick his fingers through the wire (which is NOT a good idea, because momma hen is very protective! My brother had the scars to show for that.) or trying to catch the rooster or the other hen. He loves chickens and are not afraid of them. He reminds me so much of my brother (who was always a chicken…I mean, chicken-man). Anyway, the kids enjoyed seeing them, though #3 son was scared of them and was content just to look from about 3 feet away. Isn’t it something to see the difference in your kids?!? They are all so different. Amazing!
We also saw all his home improvements. When he sets out to do something, he sure does it right or makes sure it’s done right. His place looks so nice.
Met his neighbors, though I have met the man before, but this time I also met his wife and their son, who went to school with my hubby. Nice people! They ended up giving me some plants, which they were digging out of their yard. Passion Flower (which is a vine), Moon Flower, Monkey Flower, and something else that I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll find out. That was so sweet of them!
Mother’s Day, result of party, plants
12 May 2009 Leave a Comment
in books, Countrylane Beads and Things, family, landscaping, Lord's blessings
What a wonderful weekend, what a wonderful family, what wonderful blessings the Lord gives to me daily! It truly was a blessed weekend and the time spent with family was wonderful! After a good Sunday school lesson and a blessed morning sermon, we spent the early afternoon with hubby’s family. Then the late afternoon was spent with my family. The day before, my mom, brother, 3 boys and I went to a cousin’s 30th birthday party. The boys had a great time getting to know their cousins, a goat, 3 horses and a pond out back. Us adults had a great time talking and mostly laughing with family and new friends.
My wonderful family gave me a very nice digital camera and a book written by Dr. Laura titled, “In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms”. I’ve started reading this book and have already been blessed by it. For those of you who don’t know who Dr. Laura is, she’s the 3rd top listened-to radio talk show host. She is also a psychiatrist and marriage counselor. But she was first, a stay-at-home mom and highly recommends homeschooling. Hubby loves to listen to her show while he is on the road. He says that it reminds him how good he has it at home and reminds him to treat his family kindly and love deeply.
I haven’t told about the results of the jewelry party. Many clothes were gathered for the shelter. The sales were down, but there were many conflicts of people’s schedules and I know that the economy has a lot to do with it. But I still had orders to fill and someone brought me a necklace to redo. This encourages me, that I am gaining a reputation that one can trust me with their jewelry. I do my best and if someone is not satisfied, I will do it over until they are satisfied or just give it back to them the way they gave it to me. Two people have scheduled a home party with me, for later in the year. Another person who couldn’t be there has said she would like to host a home party with me and a cousin said the same thing. This will help get my name and work out there. A good friend has promised me a brochure as soon as I get some pictures to her. Ain’t that sweet?
It’s spring and that means that I’m planting things. The spinach and lettuce are coming up nicely and I have already enjoyed eating on the spinach. #2 son loves eating “leaves”, #3 son tolerates it, and #1 son turns his nose up at it, if eaten plain. But he will eat it and loves it, if it is cheese, or the like. I am planning on making some spinach tortillas. The turnips are sprouting and so are the carrots. Still looking for the green onions to make their appearance. I am planning on planting the pole beans as soon as I get the pole bean teepees built and put up. These “teepees” are made out of long sticks/branches that have fallen out of our trees over the winter, then tied together at the top with twine, and set in the ground to look like teepees. I also made another hog-panel trellis and will be planting something viney on that as well. I ”dug out” two large planting containers out of the shed that will be what I plant potatoes in. These can be placed anywhere in the yard. 6 tomato plants were given to us two weeks ago and have been put into the ground. They are doing well, so they must like where they are. For their beds, I have been digging a trench and burying kitchen scraps. The scraps will rot and compost the ground while the tomatoes will be drawing on those nutrients.
Yesterday, the boys and I went to the local Feed and Seed and bought mulch, Tickseed (Coreopsis Grandiflora) and 2 Shasta Daisies. These were bought using a gift certificate that was given from my brother for my birthday (in Feb.). I have planted the Tickseed close to some Coneflower, Bee Balm and a flower that I call Mexican sunflower. These are off of the south side of the patio. Earlier this spring I put in a dry river bed to conceal a tile that runs out from behind the wall. THis is still in progress, though I hope to be done by Memorial Day weekend. We are planning on having people out for that weekend. (Talking about all of this has made me want to go out right now and work in the dirt!)
Telling the twins apart
21 Apr 2009 3 Comments
in family
Many folks, both young and old, have asked me the same question: how do you tell the twins apart? Well, I am their mother, so I should, and can, tell them apart. Only once did I get the two confused. They were babies and it was a little dark in the room and I could have sworn I was holding one until I went to change him in a brighter light and that’s when it hit me that the little one I was changing wasn’t who I thought he was! Talk about a surprise! But, I was extremely tired then and it WAS dark.
People from church, their little friends, even extended family members have a hard time telling them apart. I used to dress one in red things, because to me he was my “red” baby. (He was born with too many red blood cells which caused him to be extremely red, almost purple.) But as they have developed into their own individuals and have their own likes/dislikes, my “red” boy, who is no longer reddish in appearance, does not like to always wear red. Now they dress themselves, though I do pick out what they will wear to church. Sometimes, I like to really mess people up and dress them all the same. Only their shoes are different, but people really can’t go by that either, as one wears the other’s hand-me-down shoes, because the other has huge feet. (confused yet?)
The pastor usually calls them “Mr. Miller” and lets it go at that, but one fine Sunday, he asked one of them what his name was, and he promptly told them the pet name that Grandma has for him: “Goofy”! So, pastor asks what the other one’s name is and “Goofy” tells him that his brother’s name is “Silly”. Again, no corralation to their names.
The pastor’s wife recently asked their older brother the difference between the two, and he (now, consider the source!) tells her that that’s easy. One picks his nose with his forefinger and the other picks his nose with his pinky! Hmmm… She thought that maybe this was a family joke, in which I told her I had never noticed. But you can’t go by that either, because now that I have watched them, they both pick their noses with their forefingers. Hmmm.
So, I am sorry to have to tell all you folks, that there is no tried and true method of telling them apart, except to ask their mother or their father. Don’t even ask their older brother. Please!
Party and books
15 Apr 2009 2 Comments
in books, cooking/preserving, family, gardening
Been doing inventory of the stuff I’ve made. I have to write it all down, then number them, and attach numbers to the items for the show. When I see things other people have made, they don’t mark them with generic numbers, they name their pieces! I’m not that imaginative for that. I am hoping to have a big turnout, even though it’s a bit late for invitations I sent out. I’m also thinking about making out a card to advertise that I will do home parties. THe hosts, of course, will get to pick something out at the beginning of the party that will be theirs free! Maybe that will help get things rolling…
I truly can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt again and get beds ready for little seeds and seedlings! Mom brought over two bee balms that I had ordered. They are “raspberry” bee balm. I have two outside already from last year. I’ve been planning on an herb garden off the south end of the patio. I have already started a dry “river” bed there (hiding a drain pipe) and would love to have a garden there, though I can already foresee that I need to put in another path to cut through there. The dog, boys, and hubby don’t want to “go all the way around” there! 
Anyway, I am also planning a new bed out front. Actually it’s combining two beds into one large one. Last week I planted 3 cherry bushes along the road, except they are only about one and 1/2 feet high.
School with the twins is quite interesting. But, I am learning to accept what we do do as learning time. They are not the kind to sit down and do workbooks, at least not yet. So we do workbooks orally and with me sitting with them on the couch. They take turns and point out the right answers. We also go through the Highlights magazine that big brother gets. They point out the silly things in the pictures or the hidden things. Makes them think and decifer what’s right and not. We’ve been talking about seasons and I read them stories that pertain to the seasons. One book that I read to them yesterday was “Wake me in Spring” by James Preller. This is such a sweet story about a friendship between a bear and a mouse. Another book that I started reading to them and spurred much conversation today is “Owl At Home” byArnold Lobel. The first chapter was how Winter does not make a nice house guest. Another book that I will start reading to everyone in the afternoon is “Ollie’s Cabin in the Woods” by Robert and Katheryn Hessong. THis will go great with what #1 son is learning in school. He’s studying Indiana history and this is a true story about one of the earliest pioneer families in Indiana! It has illustrations. Good book!
new party/mowing
14 Apr 2009 2 Comments
in Countrylane Beads and Things, family
It has been a wonderful week (last week). Hubby was home most of the week. Factories, and trucking to those factories, shut down for Christmas and Easter. I think it’s ironic that they shut down for days acknowledging the birth of Christ and His Resurrection, yet to talk to them they would deny this. But they shut down days ahead of the actual celebration and then it takes about a week to get everything up and running 100% again after. Hubby was able to get a load out of Chicago going to PA. While at home, he worked on the mower at home, worked up at church cleaning up brush, etc. I was able to do my first mowing at church with the new mower. I grew up with mowers with steering wheels and the one at home is one you steer with a wheel. But, the one at church is a O-turn and is guided with two handles. Took me half the back yard to figure out steering this thing. But once I got the hang of it, it was a lot of fun.
Mowed at home last week, too, the first time this year. Found a bunny nest. I shooed away 3 bunnies to tall grass I don’t mow or into flower beds. Thought I had them all but the mower found another and, well, we have tiny bits of bunny all over the corner of our yard. The boys were raking up the really tall grass that I had mowed and had raked up all the grass from that corner, until I pointed out the itty-bitty bits of bunny, which I then promply dumped that grass into the fence and shooed the boys up the hill to other clumps of cut grass. (Yuck! Gives me the “icks” when I think about them raking and picking up that stuff!)
Friday, my brother, mom and I drove to Lewisburg, KY, to a viewing. One of my dad’s brother, Jim, died last week to leukemia. My mom and her sis-in-law drove down there the first part of the week to visit him and his wife before he died. Mom was astonished at how fast he went downhill. But he is in Heaven now and has joined my dad at Jesus’ feet! We had a nice drive down and saw all the ruin caused by the ice storm and tornado that ripped through KY last winter. Wow! Trees with their tops ripped off, some houses with blue tarps on them, some buildings completely demolished. And so widespread, too. Mom drove down and brother drove home. I was on the edge of my seat all the way home! I even dreamt about it that night. My brother drives a lot, everywhere, and he’s a very good driver. But he doesn’t brake or slow down, he just weaves out of traffic, no matter if it’s raining or dry, during the day or night. Mom admitted she was a bit nervous, so she just looked out the window. I tried hard not to show I was nervous, but towards the end of the drive, he asked my if I was old! Guess I’m old enough to have a family at home who depends on me. Hope I didn’t make him mad. He’s a good guy and I love him to death, which will happen if I keep riding with him! I will up my praying for safety for him daily!
Well, new jewelry party is coming up. And with a new twist. Talking to other women, mostly from church, I got the idea to have those who attend, bring their unwanted clothes to the party. Then all the women can sift through all the clothes and pick out some “new” outfits. Then they can pick out some jewelry to go with their outfits or order some made. They’ll get a free outfit and only pay for the jewelry! All unwanted clothes will be donated to a battered-woman’s shelter.
Hubby would like it (and I would too) if I could start scheduling home parties. Have someone host a party at their house, I come with my “wares” to sell or to take orders, and those hosting the party can invite whomever they want. It would broaden my “base” of customers and get my stuff out there.
I recently did a mom’s bracelet with her children’s names. She was thrilled with the outcome and so was I. It had their birthstones and was both silver and gold. I would like to do more, though these are more expensive to do and therefore I would have to ask for more to make them. Another woman would like for me to do hatpins/lapel pins. And I would still love to do watches with interchangeable bands.
Heritage Trails, cowboys and realizations
03 Mar 2009 4 Comments
in books, Countrylane Beads and Things, family, fieldtrips
This past weekend, I attended a Lia Sophia jewelry party that my sis-in-law was hosting. I went with the intention of getting some ideas on what’s new this season, and on how to do a party. I realized that I have nothing wonderful to offer if seen in the same light as this company. Except that each piece I make is a one-of-a-kind and it’s a way to express myself. I can’t offer same-week delivery on a show, or trips, or $100 worth of free jewelry for hosting a party. But I can offer something made just for the person who ordered and the promise that no one else will have something just like their’s. In a way, I was a bit depressed but I am glad that I went, because I have seen what seems to be all-the-rage this spring.
On to other things, my hubby lost an uncle to a heart attack this past month. Now all the brothers are getting their hearts checked out. One uncle already had his stress-test and complained of pains. Dad-in-law said that he was calling today to make an appointment for a heart check-up. Heart trouble and diabetes runs through the Miller family, both male and female. And just last week, a boy, that was a year older than hubby in school, died due to unknown causes, though some believe it was his heart. He wasn’t the picture of someone who took care of his body, being a drinker and smoker. You just never know when “the appointed time” for you will come.
A few years ago, I went to the Indianapolis Library Sale and came home with a book about “Checking your Grammar”, written for children to read (yeah, right!). Anyway, I started using it for #1 son’s English. I am planning to purchase a book on diagramming sentences. I have heard from another homeschooling family, that by diagramming, a child gets a better grasp on the parts of a sentence. This is turn helps them to curb the desire to write run-on sentences and incomplete sentences. #1 son is a concrete-random learner and needs to “see” certain things to understand them. By the way, the book is from Scholastic and I highly recommend it. It’s a reference book for anything to do with grammar. Good for adults, also.
#3 son is interested in cowboys. I have been looking for picture/reading books with cowboys being the “stars”. I have a few, like an ABC book about the terms and tack that are used by and with cowboys. I would be interested in any recommendations.
Heritage Trails is a group that my mom and I get together with on the first Monday of every month. Last night was our March meeting. We talked about “Chatauqua” meetings and it proved to be very interesting. Someone always brings in something(s) of interest, whether antique or otherwise. Last night, a lady brought in a plate that celebrated the 150 years of Shelbyville. On the center of the plate is a picture of the official Shelby County flag! I didn’t know that each county had a flag?! That was news to me. We also talked about going to the Flat Rock cave in May, if it can be arranged. Bet you didn’t know that Shelby County had a cave!!! We tried a few years ago to get into it, but it’s on private land and you must gain permission to enter it. It’s not a huge cave, but it is a cave, nonetheless. I am looking forward to that. Next month will be a “show and tell” meeting, where everyone will get to bring something in that they want. We have had things brought in that the owner didn’t know what it was. That always spurs conversations and disputes! We also are looking into putting together a flyer to pass out and post at various local businesses about our group. We used to have about 15 people, but now are down to about 9. I can’t believe it, but I realized last night that we have been meeting now for over 7 years. WOW! We need some younger blood and more people coming in. Our small group is full of neat people, but most are elderly. Sometimes, I bring #1 son as a field trip and when we do field trips, all the kids come too.
