I'm sitting at the computer with my chilly fingers around a hot cup of suisse mocha....I need the steam to keep the end of my nose warm.  It's cold and icy outside today.

Yesterday afternoon the temperature was 80 degrees and by 2 hours later it had dropped to 38 degrees. This morning it's 30 degrees and raining.The chill factor is 20 degrees. By noon we're supposed to have lots of snow and ice. Hmmm...There's nothing like Texans driving on black ice to liven up a drive to work...I've got dear hubby in my prayers for the day.

With this weather change it finally feels like winter and Christmas season around here. Hurray!

I've got Christmas music playing..."Angels we have heard on high...Gloria, in excelsis deo..."

Ahhhh!

"Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, good will to men".

After I finish this coffee I've got to bundle up and go outside with Osprey to stake up some of our baby trees. The ice is bending them over. I'm afraid they're going to break.

A tree is a very precious thing around here. I don't plan on losing any if I can help it. We've probably planted 250 or more trees and shrubs on this property and only 50 or so have survived. Some of them died due to extreme heat and some because they don't like solid clay soil.  A few were destroyed by neighbor dogs and or mowed down by accident. A few others froze in late winter ice storms after they had already leafed out for the year. Brings to mind a certain parable about the seed and the sower. I know how important good soil and good conditions are for growing. I have gained new perspective to my life since we moved here 6 years ago.

I recently did a little of my Christmas shopping at the TOS store. Great stuff! And I got a lot of free downloads with my purchases. My kiddoes don't usually read my blog but I won't mention exactly what I purchased just in case. I'm looking forward to printing out some of the free e-books over the next couple weeks. One of the freebies I got was a lap book project about Respected American Women. We've never done any lapbooking so we're looking forward to trying something new. It might be a fun thing for a cold rainy day like today. I think I'll take the ones that are homekeeper ones for me to Office Max and get the covers laminated and get them spiral bound.

Well, I finished my coffee and Osprey and I went out to save the trees. I hope they'll be ok now. My fingers are still a little numb and my thermometer nose is icy! Just  call me Rudolph. Time for one more cup of coffee and a bowl of hot cereal.

Happy winter everyone!

Sunydazy

Yesterday was a hard day here at La Kooka Rancha.

We had to say goodbye to our dear dog Colonel Fitzwilliam. He and our neighbors dog, Bert, decided to go exploring without permission and they ended up on the nearby railroad tracks. My oldest son and I were trying to catch them but they were very far away and not paying attention to anything. We saw the train coming in the distance but were unable to save the dogs.

It was cold and rainy and very windy ...we hugged and cried and wondered a bit about life. 

I don't really care for days like that. I wish I could erase the pain in my children's lives...but I know we can grow so much through the hard times that come our way. If you think of it please say a little prayer for our hurting hearts, especially my oldest son who tends to carry a lot of responsibility on his shoulders at a young age.

Goodbye Fitz...we will surely miss you...

Howdy folks! Hope you're well!

I've been busy, busy, busy. My last couple of weeks have included lovely little adventures.

One of those is me falling down the back stairs of our house. Ouch!

I fell right out the back door and bounced down like a wooden doll. I landed flatly on my bee-hind and sat there dazed and winded.

I had been carrying our bird cage that houses our zebra finches and diamond doves. On my way down, the bird cage slammed against the stairs and broke. It landed in the nearby grass, scattering startled little birds all over the yard. After they sat and blinked at me for about 1 or 2 seconds, they gleefully chirped, flitted and fluttered into the nearby trees. We have no more birds. :-(

I ended up with lots of bruises, a sore lower back and backside, and a seriously painful ankle...but nothing broken, thankfully.

We salvaged the day by spending the next hour or so in that part of the yard. Since I didn't think I could get up yet, the children joined me and I directed them in clean up chores and we enjoyed the relatively cool weather. 

I'm so glad we homeschool! I don't like to think of what I'd done if no one was there with me except the babies.

A few of my other little adventures include my husband realizing yet again, how poorly I handle certain financial matters...we will not talk about that here. (no...I am not a credit card shopping nut...just a bit forgetful about certain things...and perhaps a bit airheaded about some things...) I apologized (again!) and bought my sweetie a token gift and card (no, not expensive ones!) to remind him that I do love him and ask him to love me back and forgive me. :-). 

Right now, the song 'Just As I Am' is humming in my head.  Oh how thankful I am that God knows how weak and foolish we are and yet still loves us!

Let's see...oh yes! We attempted to buy a pretty little piece of property we found while on our trip to Oklahoma. I went to the bank with our application and they approved us with a broad smile and handshake. We had not put down any earnest money or signed any contract because the property wasn't actually listed and we wern't sure if the bank would approve us. We called the seller ready to meet and he said "Oh, I'm sorry! I already sold it."   (sigh)

Oh well, apparently there is something else out there that is better for us. We'll keep looking.

Well, I really must close for now. I have a long list of things to do today, so I'd better get started.

See you soon!

Sunydazy

We're back after a week of rest in the hills.

I feel refreshed...ready to face a mountain of work and another year of homeschooling.

We didn't go far:  just a little north of Texas in the Kiamichi Country of Oklahoma. The Oauchita National Forest is green and shady and smells of wonderful pine. Ahhh!

We stayed in a darling little RV/Cabin Park. I spent as much time as I could sitting in a rocker on the cabin front porch just looking at the mountains, sipping coffee and thinking. I love the feeling of having stepped back from my life. It's like I can see it from a distance, and nothing seems quite so big, no task quite as difficult, no problems so insurmountable.

Our budget for this trip was fairly small so we bought groceries and I did a lot of the cooking. Ever notice how pleasant it is to wash dishes when you're not at home? The cabin was small enough to be easy to keep tidy and keep the babies within easy reach and large enough to provide everyone with their own space (a bedroom for mommy and daddy!).

So, here we are, back home. Experiencing a little of the post vacation let down but refreshed.

I've started us back on our schooltime routines...so I'll probably be back at blogging more now.

See you 'round!

Sunydazy

Yesterday was one of those days that tries my faith and tests my endurance. I was enjoying a normal day at home with the 4 youngest when I received a phone call from my oldest (16 yo son) who was out shopping and going to the library with his friend.

Son (fairly calmly)"Mom, I'm at Wal-Mart and I got battery acid in my eye and I can't see out of it."

Me: "Are you joking with me?"

Son: (sounding more frantic with a small sob in his throat) " No Mom! I'm not kidding! It hurts! I can't see a thing. I don't know what to do!"

By the time our conversation ended he was full throttle describing his terrible pain and I could hear the fear in his voice. Apparently, his friend had helped him to an eye wash station and the mechanics at Wal Mart had already helped him get his eye rinsed.  I directed him to tell his friend to drive him straight to the ER where I would meet them. I was busy wondering how this was best to be accomplished with two infants, one toddler and the 11 year old--who would help watch the kids? I called everyone I could think of at the moment who might be home and available to help with the little ones--no one answered their phones. So, we piled into the van as quickly as possible and I called my dad at work. On my way to the hospital I just prayed out loud. I thanked God for healing and peace. I rebuked the devil from harming my family ( we belong to GOD!) and I tried to drive the speed limit (most of the time).

To get to the end of the story-- My precious boy has a bad acid burn in the mucosa part of his right eye... he got his vision back after an hour or so...there shouldn't be any permanent damage. Thank you Lord! The pain has been controlled and the healing process begun. He has a patch over the eye but should be able to remove it soon. The er doc said he should be good to go by Monday! Hurray!

 The babies did very well at the hospital...no crying! The toddler did well...grandpa came and helped watch everyone and my son's dear friend showed himself true in every way.

More from La Kooka Rancha later,

Sunydazy

The story is:

 A few days ago when I returned home from the Ranch I went to empty my van of excess garbage...you know: Sonic cups and burger wrappers. I walked around the fence and prepared to drop everything into the toter...but it was gone. I looked over my shoulder thinking it must have been moved to the other side of the walk space. No.

I looked around and shrugged, assuming my troops had moved it somewhere else temporarily.

On Tuesday, trash day, I was informed by the same troops that said toter was nowhere to be found. I was baffled. Who wants to steal a trash can half full of dirty diapers with bits of spoiled refrigerator goodies and some old holey shoes? I looked up and down the street and a neighbor or two came to mind, but I decided it was still unlikely.

I called the trash company. 

They responded with calmness...apparently this is not an uncommon conversation.

Me: "Uhmmm, my toter is missing.? What should I do?"

She: "Let me just check your account here"...clickety clickety on the computer keys

Me: " I don't think it was stolen...but..."

She " Everything is in order here...we'll bring you a new one right away"

Well it was nice that she was so accomadating but I was hoping for an explanation like " Oh dear! I'm so sorry! We took it by mistake. Your neighbors switched to a new company and instead of taking theirs it appears we got yours..."

At least my curiosity would have been satisfied... but no...

So the great mystery goes unsolved but at least it wasn't my fault!

Have a fun Friday!

Hubby and I are at some kind of crossroads in our life...we don't know exactly what it is...though we think we've seen little glimpses. We both feel it and are still walking along mostly blindfolded trying to do the right things while trusting in the Lord. I'm very excited about it though! Right now I feel a little out of control with everything...no, I take that back. I feel a lot out of control. I haven't felt like this in a very long time. But...I have an inner peace about the whole thing.

Something is right in La Kooka Rancha Land--I just can't see it yet. In the meantime, I must keep holding the Lord's hand because when I let go...well it's frightening.

We are doing a lot of work together at the nearby hotel/convention center I mentioned. It's great because we're doing bits of what we do best! And what we love! We'll keep you posted as more things develop in our lives.

I want to remind you all that when you are doing what God made you to do you can be truly content! I feel that inside even though outwardly this is one of the hardest stages of life I've ever endured. Sometimes waves of panic wash over me ...I start looking at the waves of the sea instead of Jesus.

I see both babies crying, the 3 yo little guy not yet potty trained and hollering for me, the 16 yo attempting to take his drivers ed in an actual classroom setting (his first classroom experience), my sweet Rivergirl dealing with pre teen hormones (hurts and joys) and then there's me and hubby...both trying to do the work of 3 grown people each. The house is not even a reasonable consideration at this point...I feel like I'm watching someone else's life on a movie...and I know the resolution will surely come soon!

Well, I 've got to get off the computer and make some phone calls...apparently the trash company has taken our toter away...even though the bill was paid -yes it WAS! So..I'm going to call them and try to sort it out this morning.

Have a Happy Day!

Sunydazy

This morning was one of those strange wake up experiences.

You know...Where you wake up in a house that seems way too quiet...look over at where hubby should be and he is already gone. I hate that. This morning I tried to move and realied that I was stiff in several places...my neck and back were wedged in strange positions all night trying to hold babies. I was angled in a funny position too ...backside nearly hanging off the bed. Only my chest and feet were covered...I looked down at the bed...the babies were both asleep! I was pretty happy when I realized that I had just slept in till 7:45!

But,  I decided I'd better check on the rest of the house since it was way too quiet for my comfort. The 3 year old might be up...The hubby might be having coffee without me...the 16 year old might be playing guitar and not noticing anything important around him...like the 3 year old who might be dismantling something...the 11 year old might be outside visiting with friends...the cat might be on the counter licking a butter dish...

Well, when things are happening around here I like to know about them. I do not like to be left out. After all I'm the mommy. I should be in charge, or at least have a clue. Sooo, all those panicky thoughts got my adrenaline rushing and I jumped up and walked as quickly as I could through the house in spite of being a bit wobbly.

What I found was nothing earthshattering...or maybe it was. The only person awake in this house was the 11 year old! She was sitting at the computer playing solitaire. I peeked in at the other rooms and found the others were still sound asleep. This is a rare occurence here and I wasn't sure what to do with myself after that.  I decided I would make sure that hubby wasn't still home so I went to the window and squashed the side of my face against it trying to see down to where he parks his suburban...it was gone. I always have a feeling of disappointment when that happens, a kind of empty, lonely feeling. I love to share a cup of coffee with him and kiss him goodbye in the mornings. He's been my best friend for nearly 20 years now. (We met in fall of 1986. :-))

Well, that was all. Everyone was quiet because they were actually asleep except for the one staying quiet with a game of solitaire. Now I looked around and wondered what the reason was that I was up? The house was quiet...why couldn't I just enjoy it and sleep a little more? Oh well, it was too late to go back. I commandeered the computer for a little blogging and about 5 minutes later the 3 year old got up, about 5 minutes after that the doodlebug woke up. The hoiuse was beginning to sound normal. :-)

My head is still stuffy, my eyes are watery and my neck is still sore. But it's time to get busy and remember what I should be doing today. I'm still not sure...I have some vague notions...any suggestions? I know I'm supposed to meet with my dad today about some business.... and uhmmmm.... I don't know...oh wait! Today is laundry day! Ok it's coming back to me now... I once read a Garfield comic strip that showed Garfield tearing Monday off of the calendar and everything went blank! :-)That used to make me smile on Mondays when I was a girl in school.  I'm not that tired...but it still makes me smile! :-)

The pleasant rythym in our day has started already. The 11 year old just walked in holding Doodlebug with a pair of sunglasses on...not on the 11 year old...on the Doodlebug! Very funny!

Have a happy day!

Sunydazy

Me:

Oh sweetheart! Your nose is runny! Why? (thinking maybe he had been in some dust or something)

3 yo ds:

 "Uhmm becuz my nose is wunny, becuz my eyes is wunny and my toes is wunny..."

Me: "??? Oh! ???"

Aren't 3 year olds great? :-)

Sunydazy

We've been taking a semi-break from formal school work this week. We usually do school in a light fashion throughout the summer and take off the month of December and one month early in the year like February or April. We plan to get back to more work in a week or two but I think we all need a break right now. I'm running VERY tired and the children are tired too. So, my plan to organize a schedule and post it here is on hold for at least a few more days..

Last night my 3 year old came in to my room at about midnight and asked for a drink. I pulled myself from sleep and staggered into the kitchen...I noticed that he seemed unusually wide awake. He was talking on and on and I remember he said something like "I just need a wiiiitltle tiny dwink..." and he used his fingers to show me how little and tiny he needed it to be. I was too sleepy to figure out why size was important at 12a.m..

I followed him to his room to make sure he got back to bed alright and found out why he had been so perky. I couldn't believe my eyes! He had just ransacked the room he shares with his eleven year old sister! He didn't mean to make a mess...only to play... The trash can had  been emptied into the middle of the floor so he could turn it upside down and use it as a step ladder to reach all kinds of things in the closet because seemingly the step stool he had brought in from the bathroom wasn't tall enough.... I was a bit overwhelmed so I couldn't fully assess the damage. He had gotten his sisters' battery powered camping lantern and hung it on the front of the dresser for light. He had set up "table" on the top of the toybox with 'wittle pwates and food'...(so that was what he needed the wiiiitle tiny dwink for!). He had taken down all of the tote bags and purses and they were in a heap on the floor and it just goes on...

I woke big sister and told her to be careful when getting up and that we would clean up in the morning. Apparently he had been at this game for quite some time and was now ready to go to sleep.

When I told his daddy about it this morning he started to chuckle. He said "That sounds like something I might have done when I was little". :-) I agree wholeheartedly.

Now for the clean up...I think it'll have to be a family effort...but I'm too tired to think about it just yet...maybe just a few more minutes and a cup of coffee will prepare me for the job...

We've just finished up a dinner of homemade pizza and now my oldest is outside mowing and my 3 yo is in the bathtub while his "Chocolate Moose" cd plays

...I am a very handsome moose...I am a very handsome moose...my ears are long and my teeth are loose but I am a very handsome, I am a very handsome, I am a very handsome moose... ...his very favorite music right now. I must admit...I probably like it as much as he does! I love happy sounds and whimsical lyrics make me smile.

I am making a half hearted attempt to potty train him but it's slow going because I stay so busy with the twins. He has very sensitive skin and I've battled diaper rash problems with him all his life. I don't know if it's maybe a body ph problem or something else. If I miss a diaper change (like maybe he poops while taking a nap) he'll end up with a very bad rash.  Anyone have any ideas on this?

The little ones are both in their excer-saucers and big sister is getting ready to watch the old version of the movie "Around the World in 80 Days"...ooops....never mind... the babies are getting very fussy...I guess I need to go nurse them to sleep before I can finish this. Be back later. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ok, I'm  back. The movie is no longer working. I guess since it's an old VHS it's probably time to get it in DVD format. She ended up putting on part one of the BBC Pride and Prejudice.

One of the babies is still awake and she is determined to grab hold of the keyboard. :-).  It has been 2 hours since I started typing this. I hope this doesn't turn out to be a really long night.

My hubby and I stopped at a garage sale today. I love to find bargains at garage sales and thrift shops.  I have gotten a few of my favorite kitchen tools and even decorating items from second hand sources. Today I spent $2.50 and came home with a broiler pan roaster rack, an oval rack, and an ice crusher (looks like it's a late 60's or early 70's model).

Well, little one has finally stopped wrestling for control of the keyboard and seems to be getting sleepy. I think I'll call it a day. Maybe I'll grab a snack before bed...a cookie?...  " I'm a moose  in a treehouse, eatin' cookies...dancin' round the cookie jar..." Good night all! Sweet dreams!

Sunydazy

I haven't posted very much this week so I want to catch you up on our news. On Monday (Memorial Day) our oldest son turned 16! 

It's hard to believe that it's been 16 years since I laid down to get some sleep at about 9 pm (all the books said to rest as much as possible in the early stages of labor) only to jump up 5 minutes later and say "No, no, no, this is not going to work. I can't sleep when I feel like this."

My hubby said "So, should we go to the hospital?"

I answered "Probably so".

Hubby-"Well, I don't have any clean clothes...I guess I should wash some." Me- "OK".

I went and sat on the couch and tried to relax but my eyes were watering...

We eventually got out the door and had quite a night. Our sweet baby arrived at 12:40 am via emergency c-section (another story), weighing 9 lb. 10 oz..

When I woke up my wonderful husband was holding my hand with tears on his cheeks. I'll never forget that moment as long as I live. I really love that man!

I didn't get to see my little boy until later that day because he was in intensive care.

The nurse brought him to me and laid him on my chest while my husband was gone picking my mom up at the airport. We stared into each others eyes for 45 minutes. He didn't cry or anything!

And thus began the journey of parenthood. The most joyful, scary, painful, blissful journey I could ever imagine. What more can I say? If you are a parent you know what I'm talking about.

We celebrated his birthday on Saturday. He had asked to go to one of his favorite restaurants...a Chinese buffet. We had most of our family there and some dear friends, as well. Our group numbered 34 in all. His surprise gift was a new electric guitar. We couldn't afford to do this on our own so we contacted relatives and asked if they would like to contribute to it instead of getting a gift.

Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone! He is so excited! The guitar was ordered last week and should arrive soon.

We are some very proud parents and want everyone to know how great our children are. Our son is very responsible (most of the time ;-) ), and he loves God.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!

Birthday boy with the fishing vest his little sister sewed for him. He is surrounded by little brother, cousins and friends.

Right at this moment I'm having one of those happy mommy moments. My oldest son (16yo next Monday) is a musician and right now I'm listening to him play his guitar. Absolutely lovely! He plays so well. Many of his pieces are self composed. His style is beginning to blossom. My 11yo dd is also a budding musician and loves to compose little pieces on the piano. While I was typing this she went to the piano and started playing. The two babies are quiet and content for the time being and the 3 yo is playing happy games. This is what it's all about for me! Ahhh! The house is alive with music and joy today.

I plan to spend some time today entering data into my Edu-Track software and also to organize my desk and pay some bills and do some filing. We'll see if I can accomplish that much or not!

If I get any opportunity I would love to post a little about our schedule here at La Kooka Rancha. I always enjoy reading other people's schedules. It gives me good ideas. I thought some of you might be like me. Also, it's just fun to be nosy about what others do with their days! I'll try to make it easy for you.:-)

Well, it's 6:30 am on a Saturday morning. I would love to still be in bed asleep but I was awakened by what sounded like a knock on the back door at about 6 this morning. Being the mommy that I am I had a quick adrenaline rush and jumped out of bed thinking that Alex had somehow gotten locked outside. I was halfway there before I even knew what day it was. Alex often gets up very early and greets her neighborhood friends as they make their way to the schoolbus. She usually walks them to the bus stop and will usually be there waiting for them when they get home. In my sleepy state I forgot that there is no school today. The noise I heard turned out to be the neighbor loading something on his flatbed trailer that he keeps parked on the edge of his yard...close to our yard. Don't ask me why I thought it sounded like knocking  I guess I'm just easily confused. I have something in my head that thinks that every little noise is somehow a call for me. I went towards the bedroom and realized that during the wee hours of the morning I had brought both babies into bed with me. Getting into bed now would only risk waking them. So here I am. My thoughts aren't really very gelled this morning...I would love to wow you with my deep and profound knowledge of something...anything really. But that is not to be.

Words keep running through my head for brief little visits. Words like spiritual insight, commitment to tasks, mothers hearts, fathers hearts, and even childlike hearts. The reality of the matter is that the only thoughts I have that I can string together into something sensible include a long line of thoughts on how I despise hayfever (which I have right now) and realizing that this desk is in terrible order. There is a pile of papers that I have no clue what it contains and on top of that a coin sorter kit that we use for counting the savings fron our vacation jar. There are open books and catalogs, and piles of all the new school curriculum I have yet to enter into my new Edu Track computer program, etc, etc. Sigh, the restful Saturday feeling is leaving quickly. I guess I'd better close for now. Babies are calling! Later I'll tell you all about the airshow to be held near us this weekend.