Down on the homestead - Dec 21 - 27th

**homesteadmamma** · 12-21-2003, 10:58 AM

Morning everyone. Oh I so wanted to go to church today. Our church is in their new building and I wanted to celebrate with them, but not feeling up to par, I won't bring what we all have to others. I'll have to wait now until dh has his next weekend off.

Today is going to be a simple day of rest. Once the kids are up and fed, I'm crawling back into bed. I just need to get some rest. Dd only had one coughing spell last night, so she got to have a good sleep. That helped make the night better. Thankfully, we now have antibiotics to fight off illnesses. I can't imagine having 2 asthmatics back in the pioneer days and then the flu to hit your family like it did ours this past couple weeks. I'm so grateful for medication. How is must have torn families apart to lose their loved ones because there was no medications to treat them.

Later today, I have to finish fixing some deer dh made and needs to take to work tomorrow. Just have to put a couple ribbons on and bells. Not a huge job, but kinda tedious because the deer are pretty small.

Its a wonderful warm day here today. About 35 F which is pretty much unheard of here at this time of the year. Not good for all these illnesses, but sure makes a huge difference in the heating bills. Do you notice when the weather is messed up, everyone seems to be a lot sicker!!

Well thats about all for now. Hope you all have a great day on your homesteads.

**Mom23boys** · 12-21-2003, 11:26 AM

I am glad the meds are working for your daughter CJ. Enjoy your day of rest. I like your idea of crawling back into bed.

I have some laundry to do today. I think the boys just find clothing to throw in the clothes hamper. I don't know where they all come from.

The weather is very nice today. The heat is off and the blinds are open. I am trying to save as much as I can on electricity.

I am officially through with Christmas shopping. I am so glad to be done. I really didn't buy very much. I usually go overboard and this year I kept it very simple. Nothing was expensive and we stayed on a budget.

I think next year I am just going to make movie baskets for each family like Debbie (BushBrigade) mentioned in another post.

I hope you all have a great day on your homestead.

**slowtypinwoman** · 12-21-2003, 07:39 PM

Hi all!
CJ, Glad the meds are working for your family. As an asmatic, I am extreamely thankful for meds.
Today was a beautiful day about 59*. So we cleaned gutters, and picked up dog yuck in the yard.
I went and did all our shopping for a bit and only spent $130. This is alot I know but we will be home for the next 2 weeks and I think we'll be going through a lot more food than normal. So I was pleased.
I think I'm finished with my Christmas shopping. Michael is going tonight or tomorrow morning. Ah men, I toil for months on the perfect gift. He wanders Wal*Mart with 12 other men, All of them pushing an empty cart and having a bewildered look on their faces. And they call them the stronger sex?! LOL

well, I think I'll poke around a bit more here then go read for a bit.See you all.
Marcia

**Heather** · 12-21-2003, 09:35 PM

I've missed you all the last few days. Today we had DH's family here for Christmas. Not as many showed up but we had 14 in total. Lots and lots of food. We did alot of catching up and I had a wonderful time with mom-in-law. I am just exhausted now and could go to bed!!

We had a beautiful sunny day here so it was good for them travelling here.

Something kind of funny/neat happened this weekend. I had ordered a turkey from our local butcher and was to pick it up yesterday afternoon. When we got there it was CLOSED!!! Doug and I just looked at each other and were thinking the same thing "What are we going to do now???" We did some shopping, and came home. We weren't even in the door and a neighbour dropped in with a ....... yup, you guessed it.....a 20 pound TURKEY, they raise turkeys up for the Christmas market. I couldn't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!! It was fresh and ready to go. What a blessing that was, I could have cried! We had it today and it was beautiful. In the meantime the owner of the store called this morning at 7 a.m. and apologized thinking I would be mad (I wasn't), there had been a family emergency. I told him no problem that I would pick it up this week and we'll have it for New Year's. Isn't it something how things work out.

I have a bit of cleaning up to do and then off to

**homesteadmamma** · 12-21-2003, 09:45 PM

Heather, wow that is quite the story. God does provide in wonderful ways. And now you'll have turkey for New Years as well. btw - missed you the last few days.

**guest2** · 12-21-2003, 11:16 PM

I'm so glad people are on the mend at your house CJ and that God provided through your neighbors Heather!

This morning we headed up to Spokane for church and stopped by the hospital to see a friend who had a stint put in his heart on Thursday. We were thrilled to find out that he had been discharged yesterday!!! I think I surprised the receptionist when I said "Praise God!!!!"

We got to church a few minutes late, but that's ok because at least we knew that our friend was doing well. The service was wonderful and our pastor and the choir all sang beautiful Christmas songs that just warmed my heart. The best part though was that someone accepted Jesus as their saviour today!!!

After church we grabbed a quick bite to eat (cheap) and then headed over to Sears to get a replacement belt to fix the vacuum cleaner. DH bought 2 since we seem to go through them so quickly and then fixed the vacuum when we got home. Of course I had to check it all out and was so excited to have the vacuum working again!

My oldest son had to do something very difficult today, but he did it and I'm so proud of him. He had to tell a friend that he could no longer hang out iwth him due to the friend's mean, rude and abusive behavior towards others. Jaysn held his ground when the kid tried to justify his bad behaviors and let him know that trying to justify everything was one of the reasons he could not hang out with him any longer. Jaysn was as kind as he could be given the circumstances and will continue to pray for this boys and love him, but he can no longer hang out with him. BTW, this was Jaysn's decision and he seemed so relieved to have it done with. There has been a long history with this kid and his bad behavior (we think he needs professional help and have told his parents this). Please keep Jaysn and his friend in prayer.

Another one of the boys' friends came over this afternoon and is spending the night tonight. They all watched "Holes" with Jeff after they came in from playing. Jeff and I had just finished watching "The Court Jester" when it got too dark for them to be outside anymore. We borrowed both videos from friends.

Well ladies, I'm going to get off this thing and go spend some time with hubby before heading to bed. Have a blessed evening!!!!

**simplemom** · 12-22-2003, 08:56 AM

Hi everyone! I'm dropping by on your homesteads!

It's been a long time since I posted here...sorry about that...

CJ, I am really happy your dd is starting to feel better and that you got to sleep and rest. You really needed it. Now I pray that no one will be sick again for the whole winter in your home!

Michelle and Marcia, I wish I could say the same...I still have a few things to finalize for Christmas...I guess being short on money, has not taken me to want to shop for Christmas, but there are a few little things I need to get...

Heather, I missed you these passed few days.

I noticed you were less in the village and was worried...I'm so happy you had a very nice day with your dh's family. Your incident with your turkey is such a touching story...Everyday, I see how God provides for people...I'm starting to let go my fears of insecurity every time I hear something like this happen...I hope you got lots of good rest, Heather.

Debbie, you must be so proud of your son.

I really admire his strength of character to have done this. It's not an easy thing to do...And he really did for the best. My son Daniel was friends with a boy, I always wanted him not to play with, because of his violent words and attitude, but for years, he was in Daniel's life...We had pity for him and still do, since he definately lacks of love since he is as small as 2...but last year, the friendship ended...it was just destroying Daniel...I regret *I* didn't stop it when he was little...but I was so sad for this little boy, who's mom is severly ill and in hospital...so I did so much for this boy, but I couldn't change anything and I think it didn't do Daniel good to spend so much time with him...*sigh* life is complicated, hun? Debbie...

Well for me...

I am babysitting Patrick's little friend until Christmas eve, noon. I got a call from his mom--she was desperate. Sh ehad no one to care for him and was about to leave him with his 11 yr. old sister...she was worried sick about that...she has to go to work...she cleans homes--with Christmas around the corner, she couldn't refuse the work, so my plans changed for the next two days...I was supposed to go shopping this morning to buy boots for my boys, (they really need some!) but looks like we will postpone unless Pierre feels he can go with them....But Pierre said yesterday---What we are doing to help this mom, IS what christmas is all about--Sharing and Helping others.

Isn't that beautiful and true?....

Wishing you all a beautiful day, my friends!

**homesteadmamma** · 12-22-2003, 09:58 AM

Good morning everyone. Welcome Lucie, glad your posting here again. I love when more members post to this thread. Always adds more spice.

Well dd slept through the night, YAHOO!! I slept most of yesterday and then was in bed by 10 last night and got a good night's sleep. I'm feeling much better this morning.

Today is laundry day. I plan on getting it all done today, as I don't want to be doing laundry during the week this week. My plan has been working fairly well since I've been working at laundry day on Mondays and finishing it off Tues. Its nice not to have to do laundry during the week.

I need to finish wrapping gifts tonight and put them under the tree. I may need to take the kids into Souris yet as they want to get their dad another gift. Will see how I'm feeling by the time dh gets home from work.

I plan on walking to pick up the mail. I have a parcel that also needs to be put in the mail.

Thats about it for now. Hope you all have a great day.

**Mom23boys** · 12-22-2003, 02:27 PM

Good afternoon. It is a very nice day, but very windy. No need for the heat to be on today.

It's good to hear that everyone is recovering at your house CJ.

Heather, what a wonderful neighbor you have.

Lucie, Pierre is right. What you are doing for the parent of the child you are watching is the reason for the season.

Marcia, isn't it wonderful to be done Christmas shopping? I am relieved.

Debbie, you have a wonderful son. You have raised your children so well.

I have laundry going and want to get it done like CJ. The floors are swept and mopped.

I have supper in the slowcooker. I love to cook this way. Makes life simplier.

DH has been working 12 hours days these few days. I know he will be exhausted when he comes home.

The boys are enjoying Christmas break. They have been enjoying the outdoors too. I am glad we have beautiful weather that allows them to be outside.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

**guest2** · 12-22-2003, 06:29 PM

Hi All! I'm so glad everyone's family members are starting to feel well and that the Christmas spirit is alive and well!

Today started out with 2 of the boys and their friend going to take care of some friend's dogs and horses. The dogs ran off somewhere and the neighbor said "Give them an hour and they'll be back". The kids and I searched for them frantically, but I had to run into town to ge the brakes on the van fixed, so I left instructions with the boys to go back in an hour and put the dogs in the kennel if they came back. Luckily they did, but not before another neighbor called here all upset about the dogs running loose. UGH!!!! Anyway, I got into town in time and even ran into an old friend that had moved away from the area 3 years ago and was on her wya to Montana when she got a flat tire and had to bring it in to get fixed at the same place I was getting the brakes done. God works in mysterious ways and it was so good to see her again and get caught up!

God then blessed us again by moving in the heart of the man who was fixing our van and he reduced our bill for me after seeing the look on my face when he quoted an estimate of over $500 and I had him talk to my hubby who did authorize the work.
After I left the mechanic's I ran and did some shopping and got some terrific deals, checked with Community Action and was told that we were getting a grant of a little over $400 to help with our heating bills this winter and was also given 5 loaves of bread.

I then ran into hubby and told him the good news. He has Chris with him at work today since he is the only one on his crew that is working this week. Chris is thrilled to be having some one on one time with Daddy and Jeff said he is doing a great job! They are roofing a house today and Chris lives for this kind of stuff!

Each of the boys will be taking turns this week working with their Dad and are even getting paid for it (but they don't know that yet). Jef f's boss/best friend said he'd pay the boys to work when we asked him if it would be okay if they went with Jeff. He has hired them in the past to help with demolition and clean up and knows that the boys will work hard.
My mom emailed me pictures of the quilt she made me. She wanted me to see it because she just finished it and it will not be here in time for Christmas. She sent it out this morning, so hopefully it will be here at the end of the week. It's so beautiful and I will treasure it always!
Tonight should be a quiet one here and I don't know if we'll be having friends spend the night or not yet.

We'll just have to wait and see!!!!
Love to you all!!!!

**guest2** · 12-22-2003, 06:37 PM

UGH!!! Where did that ugly graphic come from that is popping up in my post above??? I tried going in a deleating it, but it keeps coming back!!!

**Heather** · 12-22-2003, 06:47 PM

It was on one of Karen's posts awhile back too, not sure Debbie how to get rid of it!

**Mom23boys** · 12-22-2003, 08:45 PM

Originally posted by hmsclmom
UGH!!! Where did that ugly graphic come from that is popping up in my post above??? I tried going in a deleating it, but it keeps coming back!!!

How weird. Wonder where it came from??

**homesteadmamma** · 12-23-2003, 12:09 PM

Debbie, I fixed it. Sometimes that guy pops up in the darndest places.

Good morning everyone. Its a bright, sunny day here with nice warm temperatures, so I've turned the heat down and opened up all the blinds. I love when the sun warms the house and not the furnace. The sun also makes me feel good.

I just finished the last load of laundry leftover from yesterday, so no laundry now until next Monday. This is one of the really neat time savers for me. It frees up the rest of the week to do what I want and to get other things done, rather than always worrying about laundry piling up. I still need to pick up another clothes rack and a couple extra towels, but other than that I've got it down pat now.

Later today, I'll finish wrapping the gifts. I didn't get that done yesterday.

I've been looking at some decorating books as well. I want to start doing that in full force beginning in the new year. Also it will have to be done on a very strict budget, I still want to get it started.

Hope everyone has a great day.

**Mom23boys** · 12-23-2003, 12:30 PM

Good morning. It is very windy here today. Things are flying across the yard, and guess who will have to go pick it up when the wind finally dies down? Me of course.

I love your idea of only doing laundry on Monday's and finishing it up on Tuesday's CJ. I wish I could do that, but with working outside of the home, it seems like I would never be able to accomplish that. I usually end up doing a load every day.

I am enjoying being home with the boys this week. I have been using the search engine alot. One day I want to be able to stay home full-time.

I found a present in the trunk of my car that still needs to be wrapped. I am just glad the boys haven't found it first. It is for Chris....a new pair of Nike's. They all ended up with new shoes as one of their gifts.

I plan on staying home today and making sure everything is ready for Christmas. I need to sort out the presents by family. I need to find my dad and stepmom's. We will go to their house on Christmas day. I need to find all of Rick's family. We will go to their house on Christmas Eve. We have already had Christmas with my mom, stepdad, sister and family. We have decided to make a new tradition. Starting this year we will open presents on Christmas morning here instead of Christmas Eve. Now that all the boys know that Santa is actually mom and dad there is no reason to put ous Santa gifts to open on Christmas day.

I hope you all have a wonderful day on your homestead.