Salad - straight from the garden

For dinner tonight I decided upon spaghetti, which turned into Wacky Mac, when opening the cupboard door did not reveal pasta of the long straight variety.

I also decided we should have a green vegetable, and thought I would venture into our jungle of a garden. Having been gone for a week and a half, it's gotten a little out of hand.

I left the house with my basket and Ellie scrambled to follow, with Josh not too far behind. They like going in the garden. Except right now the green beans I thought were bush green beans are growing up my gate, so I haven't tried wrestling it open. And the cucumbers are growing wildly all over the path right inside the gate. So I first just leaned over the fence and cut some lettuce. The kids wanted in, so I looked around for a good stop to enter and climbed over the fence. I helped direct Ellie in pulling some carrots. Out she went and in came Josh. He pulled a carrot. We pulled a few more. Then discovered two large cucumbers on all that vine and pulled them. Snipped a little basil, which I forgot to put in my sauce.

Here are our lovely finished salads. Josh and Ellie like theirs individualized. I make exceptions for that.

I wasn't as impressed with the salad as I hoped I'd be. I haven't met a homegrown carrot sweet enough for me. And the lettuce tasted a bit bitter too. The cucumbers tasted just fine, i just don't care that much for cucumbers, but since we grew them, I put them in the salad. I did however, mostly grow them for Gary to pickle. He much prefers cucumbers pickled.

Vacation

We had a blast. I love my family. Next week, I will be downloading all the photos. So check back for those posts.

Merry Christmas - Adventure Aquarium

My parents gave us tickets to Adventure Aquarium, and we finally went. Check back next week for photos. Some are on our new cell phone and I haven't, nor will I right now, figure out how to get them off before we get to the cabin.

Entrepreneurs

Ellie asked if she could go cut lavender from our front walk. Then she asked me to make a sign for her to sell it. Then she requested two more signs that said "Stop." These were needed because people weren't stopping.

Currently, both Josh and Ellie are sitting out front, shaking a cow bell, asking if people want to buy flowers.




They are quite ecstatic when they have a sale. People are being generous and paying more than 10 cents a bunch.

Being a good mother, I did move them into the shade and provided them with water.

A day without kids is not

My friend was going to watch my cherubs while I got much accomplished today. But since her own little cherub has not been sleeping that well, she has not either. And since she is 7 months pregnant, it's wearing her down. So she requested no more little ones about. Completely I understand. Two wear me out, and I'm not pregnant nor sleep deprived. My new plan is to have Myrtle "babysit" from Indian with Skype, and maybe she or a sibling of hers will read to my children. I just need to ask her first. Hint, hint Myrtle.

So the tasks before me this day: first and foremost take the dog to the kennel. He was suppose to go to a friend's house, but Hunter wasn't playing nicely with his dog, so Hunter goes to a kennel.

Then I have to clean out the car so I can pack it, vacuum up all the dog hair, mop the kitchen, straighten the whole house, go to the library for audio material for the car ride, drop off some bills, and any other last minute stuff I forgot right now.

It should only take me a few hours.

I've filled out the change of address form. I've called to set up trash service. Which by the way is seriously lacking in recycling services, as is there is none. We have to cart it all somewhere. I plan to get a whole bin system going when we get to the cabin.

And the biggest small change is we got a cell phone. It came today. And Gary is a happy camper, because we got to keep our home phone number. So you all don't need to memorize a new number, unless you want the cabin number. We are going from FiOS to DSL, but we will still have internet.

And even more tremendous about the phone is that the charger it came with a plug that has a USB port, so it can be charged using an outlet or a computer. Which means I can now charge my iPod using an outlet too! The little things that float my boat.

An open house?

It's been seven days since it was suggested to have an open house while we were on vacation. Our realtor (who's name is also Gary, so will be referred to as Gary C.) thought that it would be a splended idea. I have been going crazy thinking my house will never be Martha Stewart ready for an open house before we leave for vacation. I doubt it would ever be Martha Stewart ready any time.

Well, I came to my senses and I said enough. No way am I going to break my back scrubbing this house anymore, while trying to pack for vacation. If I have time to do an extra thorough cleaning, and hide all the extra stuff lying around in the attic, and the garage, and the basement, than fine, if not, then people will just see our dust and dirt and our stuff. And I am okay with that.

Today I did a little extra while vacuuming upstairs. I decided I would rid the ceilings of the stray spiderwebs and dust. I don't often look up at the ceilings since I mostly give 3 foot people my attention. Do people really look up at open houses, anyway? Martha Stewart probably would.

Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad shopping time

As I told Gary just a bit ago, if I say I'm going on errands in the next few weeks with both of my children please shoot me. Or less harmful, tie me up.

However stressful the morning may have been, I did get most things accomplished.

I also managed to get all my laundry washed and hung to dry before we left for our errands.

We're moving on

Gary and I signed the papers last night. The ones that disclose things about our house. The ones that allow our realtor to start selling our house.

We held each other and cried after the realtor left. I cried as he jammed the sign into the ground out front, that shouted to all who passed by, FOR SALE.

Here is the link to our listing. He took pictures. Although he took pictures, they aren't posted with the listing yet. I cringe to think what they look like, since our house isn't exactly cleaned up yet. We are leaving in four days for the beach for a week, and our house is lived in.



It is hard to sell our house.



But this little group of people is really our home.










Or maybe it's this group of people.

The garden

Thought I'd throw in this photo of our garden. I think it's looking quite green and not from too many weeds.

A car and what to do with the house

First: Gary's mom has offered to loan us money to buy a second car. She has been able to save up a bit for when she replaces her car. She knows we can't pay her back until our house sells. So we've been looking for a Subaru Outback wagon. We've been looking on line, and yesterday and today we went to look at some. Nothing yesterday, but today we found the one. We made a down payment, and Friday we'll go make the final payment and drive it home.

Second: Gary rides the bus to and from work. Today a neighbor that Gary sees now and then was on the bus today. Gary told her he took another job out of the area and would be moving. She inquired about what we would be doing with our house.

Gary thinks now is not the best time to sell. Our realtor suggested renting in case the job doesn't work out. I say sell. We can't save money and clear out some debt if we rent. But if we did rent our house, we would make it a year lease. So should we sell or rent?

Our neighbor has a friend who needs a place for a year. We met with him tonight and he wants to rent our house. Now all we need to decide is if we actually want to rent it. I think we should just sell it. Then we can save for year and have nice down payment.

The problem with renting is that the amount we can charge is less than the mortgage. So we would still have a monthly house payment. That's not saving. We are meeting with our realtor next week to discuss our options in more detail, so we'll see.

Great Dads!

My husband, my father and my brother. These men love their kids and their wives. Sometimes they are goofy beyond words. They are hard working. They are loved.

Happy Father's Day!

Camping again

Camp Swatara is where we were this weekend. We go every Father's Day weekend with our church. We went swimming, boating, played on the playground, had a fire, made s'mores. Josh and Ellie spent some of their money and bought candy. The kids got dirty - on several occasions. It was a great, family weekend.

And on our way out, we stop at the camp store for our going home ice cream treat.

There are no photos of this trip. Which for me is odd. I forgot the camera I ususally use on trips and just decided not to pull out the other one.

Hand of God

Gary didn't go looking for a job and Kiley Engineering didn't go looking for an employee. But Gary has a new job and Kiley has a new employee.

Here's how: God.

Upon returning home (Monday, Memorial Day) from our weekend away, Gary promptly emailed an engineering firm we saw on our drive. He received emails the next morning (Tuesday) asking for his resume. On Friday he had a phone interview. The next Monday he had an in-person interview. On Tuesday he had an offer of employment. Friday he accepted. All this transpired in two weeks.

And here's my take on their side of it. The Friday before Memorial Day, we're sad to see you go employee, but good luck. Memorial Day - what kind of advertisement should we do for an engineer? Tuesday - what's this? and email from someone looking for a job? Let's get his resume. Wow, look at this impressive resume. Gary has many years experience, he has a lot of experience in different areas too. We have to interview this guy. Friday - This guy has great work ethic, he sounds honest. He's easy to talk to. He knows what he's talking about. Let's meet him. The next Monday - Wow, he looks sharp. He is just as impressive in person. He would fit right in. He is honest. He is experienced. He needs to wear jeans, suits are too formal. Let's offer him the job. Tuesday - Here's what we can offer. What do you say? During that week - Well, what do you think he'll say? Friday - Woo hoo, he's coming to work for us!

Did I mention the job is in Lakeville, PA? If you consult a map you will find it to be two hours from our current location in Lansdale. We will be moving.

Then and Now

Here I am with Ellie, presumably soon after we had haircuts last May. I know I have a photo of us the evening we got the cuts, but sorting through thousands of photos is not on my list today.








Here you see me tonight. Over a year from my last major hair cut. I think my hair grows slowly. I am going to see how long it will be in two years.

Volunteer

I helped Myrtle this weekend. She needed someone to help her make it through the impossible day her boss is making her work through. I took pictures, did tasks, drove, swiped cookies. I even got my own volunteer lanyard. I felt important.

I rented a car so Gary could still have ours. It was cheaper than taking the train. I got to drive a Nissan Cube. They are odd cars. Very open in the front, so if you're claustrophobic, check one out. It also has no pick up. While on the highway, I actually had the petal to the metal and could barely feel the car increase speed.

Through Skype I met Papa Dore and his family, now her new family. I was able to pray Compline with them two nights, and ask some questions and receive some encouragement. We even Skyped with some of the siblings and prayed many Psalms, including Psalm 119, the longest one.

Thanks be to God.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to Myrtle,
Happy Birthday to you!

Our tenth trip

The cabin. (Note the leafless driveway and weedless side yard, we could leave the ferns.)



















Earning our keep weedwacking and leaf blowing.












A factory and foot bridge and City Hall in Honesdale, PA.




















Trying my hand at an up do. I asked my friend to show me how to put my hair up, so I could impress Gary on our trip. I thought it was a good first attempt.

10 Years and counting!

Gary and I have managed to get away for every one of our anniversaries. Most of the time we were able to stay at a bed and breakfast. On the lean years, we go to the Boyles Bed & Breakfast, known as the cabin.

Our ten years backwards.

Cabin - (Indian Rocks, PA)
Honesdale, PA, 2010






Great Smoky Mountain National Park, TN and NC, 2009

Made possible by friends who invited us along on their trip.









Cabin (Indian Rocks, PA)
Honesdale, PA and
Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton, PA, 2008













Ivyland Rail Road
New Hope, PA, 2007


















Baseball Hall of Fame
Cooperstown, NY, 2006











Taking a break from biking in Lehigh Gorge State Park
Jim Thorpe, PA, 2005















I am not sure where any photos are for these four anniversaries. I find it hard to believe that I didn't take any photos.

Philadelphia, PA, 2004
Boyertown, PA, 2003
Grantham (Gettysburg), PA, 2002
Lancaster, PA, 2001

Creamed kale . . . yummy?

I'm undecided about that. Since the kale is growing nicely out there in my garden patch, I decided to make it part of dinner tonight. The kids and I went out with my basket, Ellie had to run in and get a basket for the two of them, to cut some kale leaves. My sister-in-law had emailed me some recipes. I tried the creamed greens(kale) one and the kale chips.

Creamed Greens from The Joy of Cooking
1 clove of garlic
2 tbsp butter
1/2 an onion, diced
1 tbsp flour
2 bunches of greens (spinach, kale chard, turnips greens) destemmed and chopped, with stems cut in 1 inch pieces.
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 tsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste

Boil greens in 2 cups of water, covered for 5-7 minutes. Run through food processor or chop finely. Add butter to skillet, add diced garlic and onions, and cook until shimmery. Add and mix in flour. Slowly stir in broth and sugar. When sauce is hot, add greens and cook for about three minutes.


Kale Chips
1 bunch kale
olive oil
salt
cider vinegar (optional)

Wash and dry kale. Remove leaf from stem and toss in olive oil and vinegar, if desired. Place flat on baking sheet. Add salt to taste. Bake at 325 for 10 minutes until crispy.
~~~~~~
I was very skeptical the entire time I was making the creamed kale. The kids are never going to eat this, played many times. I waited for the smell of the cooked kale to assault my nose. It never quite did. The look of it was not the most appealing.

I put all the food on the table, the kids sat down and eyed the bowl of green stuff. I was ready for the "Ewwww, I'm not eating that. Disgusting!" It never came. Ellie politely as a five year old, said she would like to not have that. I told her it was the kale that we cut from the garden. She said okay. Apparently cutting it herself made it acceptable to eat. She ate it first. No complaints. None from Josh either, even though he ate his last. He asked to have this dinner again, since it was his favorite.

Now I do have to say that when one doesn't know how much is in a bunch, one ought to ration the amount of onions one uses. I over did it on the onions to kale ratio. The three of use picked out the onions, but Josh said he wasn't picking them out, he liked them. And eat them he did.

My children surprised me tonight, that's for sure. They also ate the kale chips. Ellie munched quite happily on one. They had good flavor. Another note: one does not need to be overzealous with the oil or salt on that recipe. Ellie's fingers were fairly dripping when she was done, which was the reason that Josh only got a bite of one. I was not giving that child his own to hold.

I liked the kale chips, but I can't quite get past the texture of creamed greens. I did find it okay to eat once I mixed it in with my noodles. Claire also emailed me a casserole recipe for kale. I might try that one next.

No more seeds for me

About the only thing growing in my garden are the onions, turnips and kale (they were not planted from seed,) all last year's volunteers and the weeds. Everything, well not the carrots, Brussel sprouts and lettuce, decided that they didn't want to grow. Twice. Oh, the peas are doing fine, too. Okay, so more is growing than it seems, but when you plant Lima beans, cucumbers, spinach, sweet peppers, hot peppers, broccoli and cauliflower, twice, and nothing pops out of the ground, not a single solitary seed, (well one lonely little broccoli is giving it a whirl, but so are the insects on it) you feel a little poorly about your gardening skills.

The beans I planted are coming up, but something, the blasted rabbits perhaps, has eaten them to nubs. I got the fence up this week, to curb varmint munching. I was hoping to avoid putting up the fence, but the animals have left me no choice.

Tomorrow, my plan is to go buy me some veggie plants. And some herbs, because did I mention that they didn't come up either?

One more thing

There are crickets chirping tonight. Isn't it a little early for them? I like them as a sign of Summer. It is still Spring.

The Young Housekeeper's Friend

While searching for the small catechism book, I came across another find - The Young Housekeeper's Friend, copyright 1859, by Mrs. Cornelius. I meant to post about it when Gary and I found the old books. But now I remembered, so here you go.

Gary started paging through it and found these instructions.

"To roast a pig:
It should not be more than a month old. It is better a little less, and it should be killed on the morning of the day it is to be cooked. Sprinkle fine salt over it an hour before it is put to the fire. Cut off the feet at the first joint. Make stuffing enough to fill it very full, of bread crumbs moistened with a little milk, a small piece of butter, sweet marjoram, sage, pepper, and salt. When placed on the spit, confine the legs in such a manner as to give it a good shape. Rub it all over with butter or sweet oil, to keep it from blistering. Flour it at first a little. As soon as it begins to brown, dredge on a very thick covering of flour. Turn the spit every three of four minutes. If the flour falls off, instantly renew it. When it has all become of a dark brown color, scrape it off onto a plate and set it aside. Put a piece of butter into the gravy in the roaster, and baste the pig very often, till it is done, which it is when the eyes fall out. The feet and the liver should be boiled an hour or two, and the gravy from the roaster be poured into the water in which they were boiled. The liver should be cut or mashed fine, and the feet cut open and returned to the sauce-pan, the brains taken out and added, and the gravy thickened with the browned flour reserved in the plate. A pig of a month old will roast in two hours and a half."

We think the best part is how to tell when it's done - when the eyes fall out. Matt and Claire, you have some piggies, you should try this.

Luther's Small Catechism

Gary and I have tried, unsuccessfully, to keep to a family devotion time. Tonight we are starting again. This time it is during the kids' bedtime routine. The plan is to read through the Lord's Prayer in Luther's Small Catechism, then read an entry in a devotional book.

In preparing for our time, I went searching for my two copies of the small catechism. On my dear friend Myrtle gave me and one I found while reorganizing the attic: a 1893 copy, used but yet still in good condition.

It is different than the current version I have. It gives more information.

I have been praying the Lord's Prayer with the kids and want them to know what it means, why they should pray it. Ellie is beginning to memorize it.

Our time tonight went mostly well. Josh and Ellie are not always the most still children, but I think something made it in their little brains.

Dress up

I'm told this is Gary and me.


















Here's "Aunt Snootie" from the book Rainy Day Rescue.











And here is the entire cast. Otherwise known as Ellie's kindergarten class.

Staying up late

It is my downfall, this habit of staying up late. There always seems to be a good reason when I am doing it, but the next morning, I kick myself.

Let's take tonight for instance. The kids are in bed, Gary's working at a side job, I have the house to myself. I listened to the Phillies win, watched the end of Medium, then got sucked into the internet. And what do I find myself doing? Reading into the lives of people all over the world. Nashville, Australia, Utah, Finland, Sweden, Colorado, Malaysia, and more. I must have read parts of over 10 blogs. If you sweep your eyes upwords to the top of the blog page, there is a little link on the top left that says next blog. If you click on that little jewel, it takes you all sorts of places. And into many different lives. Very interesting.

I read about the lives of several mothers with young children, the journey of a family who's son (my age) is waiting for lung transplants, but passes away when his body rejects them, a young woman just talking about her life, a woman dealing with infertility. And so much more.

Having a sleep over

Josh and Ellie slept in the tents that dear Auntie Claire and Uncle Matt sent. The kids and I had a fun evening. We went to the playground and played kick ball. We came home and watched some Little House on the Prairie, then they snuggled in their tents. As you can see, they didn't quite fit. And ironically, Ellie chose the smaller tee pee, and Josh chose the bigger tent.

Gary was working at his side job.

Sticking her finger where it doesn't belong

Tonight Ellie and Josh received a water bottle on their last night of Faith Weaver Friends. On the way home Ellie apparently thought it a good idea to stick her finger in the mouth hole. It got stuck. I couldn't simply pull it off. When we got home we tried soap and water, olive oil, but nothing worked. Ellie was crying and very upset. It was cutting her finger, and I made the mistake of saying so. She hollered to call the police. I got some wire cutters, which were too big to get in there and cut the plastic. We thought we'd have to take Ellie to the emergency room. I went and scoured Gary's tool box and found a smaller pair of wire cutters. They fit in nicely, I snipped and used needle nose pliers to peel back the plastic, and it finally came off. Gary bandaged her finger and all was well.


Tools used in the operation.










The boo-boo. I had to take the photo after she fell asleep to avoid further trauma.

Potty progress

A full day with all four of us in underpants. That might be too much information about the adult population in this household, but so be it. NO ONE HAD TO CHANGE A DIAPER IN THIS FAMILY TODAY!!!

Josh ran to the potty hollering "I have to poop!" instead of dropping to the floor and assuming his other position, which anyone would tell you is not the best way he could do things.

He didn't actually accomplish much in production the at least 8 times he tried, but he did accomplish a whole lot in the "I can do it" department.

Our goal is for Josh to be out of diapers by July 3rd, the day we start our vacation at Ocean Isle.

Cutting costs

I find myself more conscience of not wasting. Electricity, water, something we could use again. Using freecycle.org even more.

Gary called all the people to whom we owe money yesterday. The only places that really were willing to work with us were the borough for our electric and sewer bills and the water authority. The mortgage company can't help us until we miss a payment. That makes sense (said very sarcastically.) And even then, I don't think they can help us anyway, because with unemployment, Gary will be making too much. He did manage to get a better deal on phone and internet with Verizon.

After much searching, it appears that our main two options are, OK maybe three options, are 1. We go for it and open a spice store and forget about Gary getting another civil engineering job, 2. We relocate to where there are civil engineering jobs (most likely out of state,) 3. Gary continues working every other week at his current job, and we both get part time jobs and try to make it until he can work full time again at his current job.

Lost

Gary lost his job today. Or half of his job? He is laid off every other week. His co-worker will be working the other weeks. Instead of laying off just one of them, they both will be in a state of financial insecurity. Fortunately, they are still paying health insurance.

Gary has started looking in earnest for another job. He filed for unemployment. I am looking of a part time job. We need to contact those to whom we owe money.

God tells us to ask him for our daily bread. He is faithful to provide for all our needs.

An idea

I eventually want to make scrapbooks for the kids. But the fact that I have kids, is reason enough to not begin that endeavor right now. I know there are plenty of moms making scrapbooks in the throws of young children years, but I am not one of them. I can't even manage to print the photos (though money is a factor for this one also,) let alone start scrapbooking.

So instead, I came up with another idea. Since I can blog, I started two new blogs today. One for Ellie and one for Josh. I will journal on each one about my thoughts as they grow.

I just remembered that I already have started journals for them. But they are actual journals. I haven't written in them for a long time. I think blogging will help me keep up with it. I will still keep and write in the written journals so they have something tangible.

The crown

I had my first of two appointments for putting a crown on my tooth. It was an early appointment, since my dentist likes to do crown appointments early when he's fresh. I won't argue with that.

I now have a goofy feeling fake tooth and sore gums. I get my new tooth in two weeks. Then I get to deal with sore gums again.

Do spiders poop?

This is the question Ellie just posed to me. She is having her private moment and wondered about the spider currently living in our bathroom (she would very much like me to relocate said spider, NOW!)

I thought I would share her question. I told her yes, they do.

Underwear

Today Josh decided he would wear underwear (Disney's Cars specifically requested - Thanks Simon!) I am all for it. I am expecting the long haul as with Ellie and potty training but hoping for the trip across town.

In prepar (just had a trip to the potty, a false alarm, but that is better than an accident) ation for our outing today, I have an extra pair of underwear and shorts, a pull-up, and a plastic bag.

After 5 years, 9 months, 6 days, 1 hour, and minutes, I am quite ready to be finished with diapers.

Josh had an accident in Ellie's room before we even left. I put him in underwear again. And an accident at the park. Put him in a pull-up. Now, after nap, he is currently back in underwear. Although he has had some accidents, he has used the potty several times.

Two days ago he said that in two days, he would wear underwear. Well, he is. Let's all hope he keeps at it.

T-ball in action

Josh, an unwilling spectator, who wants to play on the playground.












Who's up to bat now?















We're ready, hit that ball!











Gary helping Ellie to get suited up to catch.













Huddle up!













Ellie fielding a ball.















Still fielding.











Ellie at bat.

Ellie and T-ball

We signed Ellie up for T-ball, and tonight is her first game. Here you see her practicing out back, a few weeks ago.

We tried explaining what T-ball was, to no avail. She just wasn't too thrilled with the game, although she loves her pink glove. After her first practice, which she went to with hesitation, she discovered that it was great fun, especially hitting the ball.

I think it also helps that Gary is an assistant coach.

Check back for fun footage of 5 year olds enjoying the game of T-ball.

Camping . . . out back and Sissy time

We went camping in our backyard. The kids don't rightly care where the camper is, they just like being in it. Although that isn't entirely true, since Gary told Josh we would be going camping with people from church, Josh keeps asking when we are hitching up the camper and camping at church. We had borrowed our neighbor's patio fire pit thing, roasted marshmallows for s'mores, and slept in the camper Friday night.

Jess came out to the 'burbs this weekend, since she needed some relaxation from school. We watched movies, got pedicures, painted our fingernails, (Ellie and Josh wanted in on that action), and just lazed around. Jess enjoyed the camper each night.

Josh and Ellie greatly enjoyed having their aunt here for the weekend. There was much snuggling time. And she pulled out the kiddie pool and swim suits and pool toys.

Yesterday we went to the library to borrow some movies and I forgot my wallet was empty (except for some change) and Jess left hers in the car. The movies are $1.50. You are only allowed to have out 12 items at a time. The kids picked out an assortment of books and one movie each (the kids movies are free.) We had too many items and discovered no money. We checked out what we could and went out to the car to get money for the two movies we picked out. Jess game me a dollar bill and four quarters, thinking the movies were only a $1.00 each. We manged to scrounged up $2.00 in change. I went back in, but came right back out since we had 11 items checked out, because I forgot I had a book at home. I took one book we had just checked out back in and checked out the two movies, leaving behind my handful of change. I imagine we gave someone a good laugh.